U.S. patent application number 13/421412 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for combination concentrate mix and fresh brewed beverage dispensing device.
Invention is credited to TERESA BRADLEY, WILLIAM EDWARDS, A. A. JUD SCHROEDER.
Application Number | 20120234183 13/421412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46827406 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EDWARDS; WILLIAM ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
COMBINATION CONCENTRATE MIX AND FRESH BREWED BEVERAGE DISPENSING
DEVICE
Abstract
A hot tea dispensing machine is disclosed. The hot tea
dispensing machine has a tea brew basket with an urn situated
below. Housing is provided for supporting the urn and the brew
basket above the urn. Flow control circuits are provided that
deposit hot water above the brew basket and makeup water and a
concentrate directly into the urn. The makeup water and concentrate
is pressurized and the flow directed from nozzles will direct a
stream of the concentrate and the makeup water so they intersect
within the interior of the urn.
Inventors: |
EDWARDS; WILLIAM; (Selma,
TX) ; BRADLEY; TERESA; (Cibolo, TX) ;
SCHROEDER; A. A. JUD; (SAN ANTONIO, TX) |
Family ID: |
46827406 |
Appl. No.: |
13/421412 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61452813 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
|
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|
61528846 |
Aug 30, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/291 ;
99/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/41 20130101;
F16K 7/063 20130101; A47J 31/467 20130101; F16K 31/602
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/291 ;
99/300 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/46 20060101
A47J031/46 |
Claims
1. A tea dispensing machine for engaging at least one pressurized
concentrate source and a pressurized water source, the tea
dispensing machine comprising: at least one urn having side walls,
an urn interior, a floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim at least
one of tea brew basket; a housing having a base and an upper
section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section
configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over
an urn; a hot water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water
service, the hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg,
including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end
situated above a brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the
pressurized water source and upstream of the removed end; and a
makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water
leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the
removed end proximate the urn, and also at least one concentrate
leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the
removed end proximate the urn; wherein the removed ends of the
makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed to a
convergence point within the urn interior.
2. The tea dispensing machine of claim 1, wherein the removed ends
of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise injectors,
said injectors positioned above the urn and directed downward
toward the urn.
3. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said injectors
comprise one for makeup water and one for concentrate.
4. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said injectors
comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate; and wherein
said makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit has two concentrate
legs.
5. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said urn includes
a lid with an opening therein, said injectors configured to direct
fluid emitted therefrom through the opening of the lid.
6. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein the at least one
urn and at least one brew basket are multiple urns and multiple
brew baskets, and comprising multiple hot water and
makeup/concentrate multiple fluid circuits.
7. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the removed ends
of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise injectors,
said injectors positioned above the urn and directed downward
toward the urn.
8. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said injectors
comprise one for makeup water and one for concentrate; and wherein
said makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit has two concentrate
legs.
9. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said injectors
comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate.
10. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said urn
includes a lid with an opening therein, said injectors configured
to direct fluid emitted therefrom through the opening of the
lid.
11. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, further including user
microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves to initiate and
terminate flow of fluid through the legs of the circuits.
12. The tea dispensing machine of claim 11, wherein user
microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves engaged with the
concentrate legs are configured to provide a pulsed flow of
concentrate while the makeup water is flowing.
13. The tea dispensing machine of claim 11, wherein the flow
control of the fluid circuit is adjustable to control the volume of
flow of fluid therethrough.
14. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the brew baskets
include a floor with ridges.
15. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the urn has a
floor located above the lower rim.
16. A tea dispensing machine for engaging at least one pressurized
concentrate source and a pressurized water source, the tea
dispensing machine comprising: at least one urn having side walls,
an urn interior, a floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim at least
one of tea brew basket; a housing having a base and an upper
section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section
configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over
an urn; a hot water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water
service, the hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg,
including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end
situated above a brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the
pressurized water source and upstream of the removed end; and a
makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water
leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the
removed end proximate the urn, and also at least one concentrate
leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the
removed end proximate the urn; wherein the removed ends of the
makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed to a
convergence point within the urn interior; wherein the at least one
urn and at least one brew basket are multiple urns and multiple
brew baskets, and comprising multiple hot water and
makeup/concentrate multiple fluid circuits; wherein the removed
ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise
injectors, said injectors positioned above the urn and directed
downward toward the urn; and further including user microprocessor
and solenoid controlled valves to initiate and terminate flow of
fluid through the legs of the circuits.
17. The tea dispensing machine of claim 16, wherein said injectors
comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate.
18. The tea dispensing machine of claim 17, wherein user
microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves engaged with the
concentrate legs are configured to provide a pulsed flow of
concentrate while the makeup water is flowing.
19. A tea dispensing machine for engaging one pressurized tea
concentrate source, a second concentrate source compatible with
tea, and a pressurized water source, the tea dispensing machine
comprising: at least one urn having side walls, an urn interior, a
floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim at least one of tea brew
basket; a housing having a base and an upper section, the base
configured to engage the urn, the upper section configured to
engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over an urn; a hot
water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water service, the
hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg, including a
flow control valve, with at least one removed end situated above a
brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the pressurized
water source and upstream of the removed end; and a makeup
water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water leg,
including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end
proximate the urn, and also two concentrate legs, each including a
flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate
the urn, the one of the two concentrate legs for engaging one of
the first or second concentrate, the other of the concentrate legs
for engaging the other of the first or second concentrate; wherein
the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg
are directed to a convergence point within the urn interior.
Description
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/452,813, filed
Mar. 15, 2011; and Ser. No. 61/528,846, filed Aug. 30, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Beverage dispensing machines, namely, a beverage dispensing
machine that is capable of dispensing fresh brewed and concentrate
tea through flow control circuits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typically, tea dispensers provide for either dispensing of a
tea made from a combination of a concentrate and diluent, such as
water, or fresh brewed tea. Fluid flow circuits are typically
provided with pumps for metering the flow of a concentrate and a
diluent in a controlled ratio so the tea from the concentrate is
not too strong and not too weak. Fresh brewed tea mix dispensers
typically provide for a combination of hot water with either loose
tea leaves or tea leaves in a bag, which tea leaves will steep in
the water for a period of time, then deliver to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0004] A hot tea dispensing machine is disclosed. The hot tea
dispensing machine has a tea brew basket with an urn situated
below. Housing is provided for supporting the urn and the brew
basket above the urn. Flow control circuits are provided that
deposit hot water above the brew basket and makeup water and a
concentrate directly into the urn. The makeup water and concentrate
is pressurized and the flow directed from nozzles will direct a
stream of the concentrate and the makeup water so they intersect
within the interior of the urn, typically above a fluid high level
and below an upper rim of the urn
[0005] A multi-station dispensing unit for dispensing fresh brewed
tea or other drink is provided. At least one station of the
multi-station unit has an urn adapted to receive fluids from a
nozzle assembly located above the urn and also to receive strong,
hot fresh brewed tea from a brew basket above the urn for providing
the strong, hot fresh brewed tea to the urn. A nozzle assembly is
provided so as to provide both makeup water and a concentrate, the
makeup water for diluting the strong, hot fresh brewed tea from the
brew basket and the concentrate being one or more of a sweetener
and/or a flavor.
[0006] A tea dispensing machine is provided for engaging at least
one pressurized concentrate source and a pressurized water source.
The tea dispensing machine typically has at least one urn having
side walls, an urn interior, a floor, and an upper rim, at least
one of tea brew basket, a housing having a base and an upper
section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section
configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over
an urn; a hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg,
including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end
situated above a brew basket; a makeup water/concentrate fluid
circuit comprising a makeup water leg, including a flow control
valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, and
also at least one concentrate leg, including a flow control valve,
with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn; wherein the
removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are
directed such that a pressurized flow controlled fluid emitted from
each simultaneously at least partly converges within the urn
interior.
[0007] A beverage dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage from a
container is disclosed. The beverage dispensing valve includes a
downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein.
The downspout assembly has a channel, an upper opening and a lower
opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower
openings. The downspout assembly includes a lateral member
typically extending laterally from the downspout assembly and
engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member is designed to
be party enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move
partially through the slot. A handle typically engaging the removed
end of the lateral member and the pinch member moves the pinch
member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may be provided for
engaging the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm
at least partially through the slot of the body. A pliable,
flexible silicon-based, elastomer sleeve or insert or other
suitable member is dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of
the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open
bottom. The pinch member is engaged to the wall of the slot and
when the pinch member moves through the slot into the interior of
the channel of the body, the pinch member shuts off and closes any
fluid flow therethrough. When the pinch member is moved, via the
handle so that it is at least partially out of the slot, fluid is
allowed to flow, under the impetus of gravity between the upper
opening of the insert and the lower opening of the insert.
[0008] A beverage dispensing valve is disclosed for engaging a
beverage container. The valve typically includes a downspout
assembly having a substantially vertical body and having walls
defining a generally vertical channel therethrough and having a
slot in the walls, the walls defining an upper opening and a lower
opening; the body with a lateral member extending laterally from
the slot.
[0009] The valve may include a flexible, resilient sleeve-like
insert having a channel with an upper and lower opening, the insert
dimensioned to snuggly engage the walls of the channel, at least
adjacent the slot.
[0010] The valve may include a pinch member dimensioned to move at
least partly through the slot and, at least partly into the channel
and against the insert and a handle, adapted to engage the pinch
member to move the pinch member between a pinched position wherein
the channel of the pinch member is substantially closed and an open
position wherein the channel is at least partially open. The handle
may include a generally vertical portion adapted to be grasped by
the hand. The vertical portion may extend generally vertically
upward.
[0011] The valve may include a biasing member engaging the pinch
member and the body to urge the pinch member to the closed
portion.
[0012] The valve may include including a pin for engaging the
handle to the pinch member.
[0013] The insert may at least partially extend between the ends of
the channel of the body and the insert may be adapted to seal
fluidly against the walls of the downspout assembly.
[0014] The insert may have a handle extending at least partly
upward from the walls defining the upper opening.
[0015] The insert may be comprised of a silicon-based elastomer
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of the exterior of
the combination unit with a front panel removed, and a brew
basket/urn set at a first of four stations.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the combination
unit.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a rear left side perspective view of the unit
with the rear and side housing panels removed.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a rear top side perspective view of the unit with
the rear and side housing panels removed.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a bottom front and left side perspective view of
the combination unit.
[0021] FIG. 2D is a rear right side perspective view of the
combination unit with the rear housing panels removed and showing
the interior of the hot water tank.
[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the urn.
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the brew basket
(without a tea bag).
[0024] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate in schematic, the urn fluid
circuit and the fresh brew circuit of Applicants' combination
unit.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevational view of Applicants'
combination unit.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a block at one of the stations.
The block shows the manner in which injectors of the block are
directed towards one another.
[0027] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side elevational and front views of a
brew basket, including some representative dimensions therefor.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing a housing with the
urn and the injectors positioned above and within the upper rim of
the urn. Dimensions given are approximate.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a top elevational view showing the injectors
directed towards one another and over an urn. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C,
and 10D illustrate top elevational, front cross-sectional, front
elevational, and side cross-sectional views of Applicants'
nozzle.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the
urn through the valve engaged therewith.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a closeup cross-sectional view of a valve for use
with an urn for use with a tea dispensing machine, with the pinch
member pinched or closed.
[0032] FIG. 12A is a view as in FIG. 12, with the pinch member in
an open or flow condition; FIG. 12B is an exploded view of an urn
and valve assembly.
[0033] FIGS. 13 and 14 are external perspective and side
elevational views of a valve for use with Applicants' tea
dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is seen that Applicants provide
a combination unit 10 which, as will be seen, is at any one of a
multiple of stations capable of dispensing at the user's choice,
either a fresh brewed tea or a concentrate mix tea prepared from a
bag in box (BIB) concentrate and a diluent, such as water.
Applicants' device is a combination unit in several senses of the
term. In one instance, it provides that, having multiple stations,
one station may be programmed to provide an urn full of fresh brew
tea and a second station, structurally substantially to the first,
may be programmed to deliver an urn full of concentrate mix tea.
Therefore, Applicants' unit combines in a single device the
capability of providing either a concentrate mix beverage or a
fresh brewed beverage. However, Applicants' device is also a
combination unit in the sense that a single station of the
typically multiple stations combines the ability to adapt and
serve, at the user's control, either a fresh brew or a concentrate
mixed beverage urn.
[0035] As set forth herein, there are multiple stations in a
dispensing unit. Each station is plumbed for either or both of a
fresh brewed circuit or a tea concentrate, a makeup water circuit
(every station), and a concentrate circuit as set forth in more
detail below. Moreover, the concentrate circuit may be one or more
of a concentrate tea, a sweetener or a flavor for the tea.
[0036] We will first examine the hardware comprising the
combination unit 10. Following this examination of the hardware, we
will examine the fluid flow circuits, and lastly look at the
electronic control of the fluid flow circuits, and their engagement
with the flow control of the fluid flow circuits to provide precise
metered delivery of a diluent, a concentrate or a fresh brewed
product to the consumer.
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a housing 12, typically fabricated
from sheet steel or other suitable material. Housing 12 is seen to
provide support for at least one tea urn 14 and at least one brew
basket 16. Attention is called to the position and size of the urns
14 and brew baskets 16. One urn 14 is disposed below one tea basket
16 to create one dispensing station. Four dispensing stations are
illustrated, A-D as seen in FIG. 6. Urn 14 is significantly larger
than the brew basket, typically about 3 gallons in capacity, and
has an opening 31a in top or lid 31 for receipt of a strong fresh
brewed tea from the smaller brew basket 16, which may be about 96
ounces in capacity and is located above the urn. Moreover, there
are seen to be four sets of urns and tea baskets (that is to say,
four dispensing stations), though only one is illustrated in FIG.
1. The urns slide into the housing 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and
the tea baskets 16 slide into the rails 20c as seen in FIG. 1. That
is, one of the functions of housing 12 is to support both tea urn
(from below) and a brew basket, so that the brew basket is above
the urn.
[0038] Turning to housing 12 is seen to comprise a base 18 and a
spaced apart upper housing 20 with an upper housing support 22
between the base and the upper housing. Upper housing 20 is seen to
comprise a top cover 20a and a front face 20b. Upper housing
support 22 is seen to include a front wall 22a. Housing 12 may also
include a splash plate 24 across the front of base 18, which splash
plate 24 is typically located below dispensing valve assembly 36 of
urn 14. Base 18 may also be provided with a drip tray 26 for
spillover and draining in ways known in the art. Legs 28, such as
the four illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be provided on a bottom
perimeter (see FIGS. 2a and 2b) for supporting the unit on a
support surface.
[0039] Turning to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 9, and 10, views of tea urn 14 are
illustrated. Tea urn 14 is seen to comprise an urn base 32 and an
urn body 34 having an upper perimeter or rim 14a. Urn base 32 may
have a lower perimeter lip 32a that may be a rubber or soft grommet
or border or that is simply the lower perimeter of the side walls
and is designed to engage rails 18b of base a top surface 18a of 34
as seen in FIG. 1. This will provide lateral positioning of the
urns as they lay adjacent aligned one with another as seen in FIG.
6. Urn body 34 is intended to hold the mixed (ready to serve)
beverage and valve assembly 36 is provided to dispense, by gravity,
the beverage contained in the body to a handheld drink container
(not shown).
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 8A, and 8B, it is seen that
brew basket 16 comprises a brew basket body 38 for containing a tea
bag 17 dimensioned to conform to the interior of brew basket body
38 and for receiving a fluid, such as hot water, as more
specifically set forth below. Tea bag 17 is typically kept off the
floor of the brew basket by ribs, ridges or standoffs 16a. Brew
basket 16 is seen to have a handle 40 dimensioned for receipt of a
hand to grasp and manipulate, such as when changing out tea bag 17.
Brew basket 16 is also seen to have an upper rim 42, which upper
rim is designed to engage rails 20c of upper housing 20 as seen in
FIG. 1 to support the weight of the brew basket as it is suspended
over the urn. Extending below base 38a of brew basket body 38 is a
pair of legs 44 which, combined with the dimensions of the feed
spout 46, allows the brew basket to sit level on a horizontal
surface. Feed spout 46 is seen to depend below base 38a and has a
small feed opening 48, such as a feed opening of approximately
0.082'' diameter, will provide for steeped, hot tea fluid into urn
14. Feed opening 48 is engaged with a mesh filter 50 to provide for
a clean, filtered steeped fluid passing through feed opening 48. As
seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, Applicants' combination unit 10 typically
will include a hot water tank 51 as set froth in more detail
below.
[0041] It may be helpful to view an embodiment of Applicants'
device as having a number of fluid flow circuits. With reference to
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 5A, and 5B, and these specifications, these
circuits will be described. A first circuit illustrated
schematically in FIG. 5A and in FIGS. 2A and 2B, may be considered
a circuit adapted to direct at least one (and typically more) flow
controlled fluid directly into the urn. In the first circuit, at
least one concentrate leg, engaged to a bag in the box or a "BIB"
pressurized source (typically outside the housing), is represented
by letters C and D, designating either one of tea concentrate,
sweetener or flavor concentrate (or other suitable concentrate).
That is to say, pressurized concentrate source C and D may be a tea
concentrate and flavor concentrate mix use as set forth below or a
tea flavor or sweetener concentrate for use as set forth below, or
any other suitable concentrate.
[0042] One of the first circuits is illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 2a,
and 2b. The first circuit may have at least one concentrate leg
(beginning at C and/or D) and a makeup water leg (see FIG. 5a).
Turning to FIG. 5a, with reference to the concentrate leg, it is
seen that concentrate C and/or D may be a bag and box pressurized
concentrate known in the art. Here, C and D is designated numeral
52, which may be used to designate a bag in box pressurized
concentrate source. A line 56b will carry the concentrate to a flow
control 58a, such as Schroeder American Part No. 6390030 (which may
be used in some or all flow controls used in unit 10), which may
provide controlled output downstream flow, even when upstream
pressure in line 56b may vary. These flow controls are known in the
art of bar gun dispensers and typically comprise a spring, sleeve,
and piston, etc. Downstream of flow control 58a, the concentrate is
carried in line 56b to a solenoid 60a, which is controlled by a
control circuit as set forth in more detail below, to a block 62
having an injector 64c thereon.
[0043] The first circuit (FIG. 5a) typically includes a water leg
comprising, typically, city water. City water 54 is typically
pressurized and carried in line 66 to, optionally, a manifold 68.
Manifold 68 (see FIG. 2a) may have a number of output lines, here,
four (one for each station), and one line 70a will carry
pressurized city water to flow control 58b. Downstream of flow
control 58b is line 70b, which carries water, in a volume
controlled flow, to solenoid 60b. All solenoids are normally closed
and are controlled by a control board 88 and microprocessor as set
forth in more detail below. When solenoids 60a/60b are opened,
pressurized flow will pass through block 62 to injector 64a/64c
(concentrate) and 64b (makeup water) for injection into the urn.
Injectors 64a/64b are directed such that their fluid streams will
intersect (converge) in the interior of the urn, typically above a
high fluid level F.sub.LH (see FIGS. 7 and 9).
[0044] Flow controls 58a/58b may be adjusted for flow volume in
ways known in the art for the proper ratio or brix between amount
of concentrate C and/or D and amount of makeup water. For example,
there may be a 5 to 1 ratio between water and a tea
concentrate.
[0045] Typically, but not necessarily, there are four first
circuits (concentrate and makeup water legs) each similar to that
illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 2A, and 2B, they may have the same or
different bag in box sources A/B/C/D, and each able to, through
manual adjustment of flow controls and the timed circuits from the
control board provide a proper mix ratio of concentrate to makeup
water and, if used, steeped fluid, each providing for dispensing
into an urn placed adjacent or below block 62.
[0046] FIG. 5B illustrates a second circuit or fresh brew hot water
circuit. The fresh brew hot water circuit is provided for allowing
the option of providing a fresh brew tea rather than a bag in box
concentrate tea (flavored or unflavored, sweetened or unsweetened).
The fresh brew circuit provides water heated in hot water tank 51
to an injector 86 placed above each of the four brew baskets 16.
The brew baskets, if the fresh brew circuit is selected, will
contain a tea bag 17 (see FIG. 4A) selected for the appropriate
volume of fresh brew tea, a maximum given by the size of the urn
beneath the brew basket. Hot water tank may include drain 51b with
stop clip 51c engaged therewith and plug 51e at the end.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D, 5A and 5B, it is seen
that fresh brew hot water circuit typically receives pressurized
water 54 through line 74a (which may or may not bypass manifold
68--here it is shown bypassing manifold 68). Water is provided to
flow control 76 through line 74a. Downstream of flow control 76,
line 74b takes flow controlled water to a hot water tank fill
solenoid 80, then to hot water tank 51 at inlet 51a for heating as
set forth in more detail below. Inlet water tube 51d (FIG. 2D) will
release the water near the bottom of the tank and adjacent the
heating element 92 as seen in FIG. 2D. Engaged with an output line
82 of the gravity fed water from hot water tank 51 is solenoids
81a/81b/81c/81d (see FIG. 2b). Downstream of solenoid 81a, line 82
carries heated water by gravity feed, to plate 84. Each of the four
solenoids controlling hot water tank flow to injectors 86 has a
line 82 downstream to engage solenoids 81a/81b/81c/81d.
[0048] Plate 84 has an injector 86 mounted above the brew basket as
seen, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2b. Injector 86 allows hot water
to flow, under gravity, to the brew basket 16. Solenoid 81a, in the
manner set forth below, allows the controlled flow of gravity fed
hot water, to be received in the brew basket 16 (which may contain
leaf tea or a tea bag) for a controlled amount of time (cycling
open normally closed solenoid 81a). Knowing the accurate gravity
feed flow rate (given head of tank water level above injector 86),
the control board is programmed to provide a time cycled to the
normally closed solenoid 80 to allow it to be opened for a precise
period of time, which will allow a precise volume of hot water
delivered to the brew basket 16. This controlled volume of hot
water is the steep water (creating a strong tea mix) and will only
be a fraction of the water provided to the urn. Indeed, unheated
"makeup water" is provided from the makeup water leg illustrated in
FIG. 5A above. For example, if 96 oz. of steep water (for creating
hot, strong tea in the brew basket) is provided through fresh brew
circuit illustrated in FIG. 5b to brew basket 16, makeup water may
be, for example, 3 gallons less the 96 oz. This makeup water is
provided through injector 64b by the timed cycling of solenoid 60b;
if the fresh brew circuit is selected, to provide a total of 3
gallons of fresh brewed tea in the urn 14 as situated below the
brew basket chosen for the fresh brew circuit.
[0049] If the fresh brewed circuit of FIG. 5a is selected, not only
is makeup water at ambient temperature be provided from the water
leg of the first circuit of FIG. 5A, but a flavor (for the fresh
brew) may be provided at bag in box C/D2, for example, a sweetener
for the hot brewed tea. The first circuit carrying the bag in box
tea concentrate may carry at C/D instead or in addition a
sweetener, in pressurized bag in box form for use with a fresh
brewed circuit. In such a manner, both makeup water, through
injector 64b and flavor through injector 64a or 64c may be provided
when a fresh brew circuit is chosen as set forth in more detail
below and the sweetener option in bag in box form, placed at C/D as
illustrated in FIG. 5A.
[0050] There may be a plurality of electronic control circuits
whose functionality is set forth in more detail below. These
electronic control circuits are controlled generally from a control
board 88 containing a microprocessor (not shown). First, there is a
station/choice control circuit. This control circuit includes the
manual input and display boards 41a/41b/41c/41d (for example, via
touch screen), typically one for each station or a single input and
display, which can manually output signals to control board 88.
Manual input and display boards 41a/41b/41c/41d are typically
located just above the brew baskets/urn combination at that station
that it is intended to control. In an alternate embodiment, a
single manual input and display board 41 is used (see FIG. 1). In
the station/choice control circuit, the user may input at a
selected one of four stations, make a selection of a fresh brew or
concentrate circuit, go to the second, go to the third, and finally
to the fourth station, choosing at each station whether or not the
beverage choice will be fresh brewed tea (which may be with or
without flavor concentrate) or concentrate made tea (bag in box).
Optionally, the system may have a beverage strength option (strong,
regular, mild) for beverage strength control. Optionally, also, a
beverage volume control may be input (small volume, medium volume,
and full urn of beverage volume). This uses less makeup water for
different volumes or stronger/weaker mixes. A microprocessor in
control board 88 is programmed in ways known in the art for the
control circuit input to receive input from the input and display
board 41, 41a/41b/41c/41d and to output selections to the timed
solenoid cycles as more specifically set forth herein.
[0051] By way of example, station A (leftmost in FIGS. 1-2d) is
selected by the user and a choice of fresh brew tea is made. The
microprocessor will respond to a start cycle (start/stop button 59)
by opening normally closed solenoid 80 for a period of time
sufficient to deposit a first volume of hot water in the brew
basket at station A. The microprocessor will measure a delayed time
sufficient for the hot water to steep in the bagged tea in the
basket and, typically for at least one of the steeped tea, to drain
through feed opening 48 into the urn below.
[0052] Following the opening and then closing of solenoid 80 and
typically following the time delay sufficient for some of the hot
water to have steeped and drained into the urn below, normally
closed solenoid 60b will open for a period of time sufficient to
deposit a second volume of unheated or "makeup" water into the urn
to mix with the first volume of steeped water. The first volume of
steeped, hot fluid plus the second volume of unheated makeup water
will substantially equal the desired beverage volume.
[0053] If chosen via user (input), the optional flavor and/or
sweetener circuit may be opened for a time period sufficient to
sweeten or flavor the beverage volume, such time period to
preferably be within the time period that solenoid 60b (makeup
water) is opened--ensuring simultaneous flow of the flavor or
sweetener and makeup water and proper mixing thereof.
[0054] Turning now back to station A, in the next example, instead
of a choice of fresh brew being made, the user has placed a bag in
the box tea concentrate at C/D and has input the "concentrate
choice" (rather than fresh brew) mode at station A.
[0055] The microprocessor thereafter responds to the start cycle
(via user input) by opening solenoid 60b for a period of time to
deposit a first flow controlled volume of water through the
injector into the urn (not into the brew basket). This period of
time may also be responsive to beverage volume control (for a
strong, regular or mild beverage strength). Typically, while
solenoid 60b is opened, solenoid 60a will also be open for a period
of time (usually less) to deliver sufficient tea concentrate to the
beverage volume. This period may also be responsive to either the
optional beverage strength or beverage volume control.
Additionally, a flavor and/or sweetener circuit may provide flavor
and/or sweetener to the urn.
[0056] A temperature control circuit operates through the
microprocessor and control board 88. Its function is to maintain
temperature in a hot water tank 51 between a preset high and a
preset low temperature limit (for example, 195.degree.-205.degree.
F.). The temperature control circuit includes a heating element 92,
a temperature sensor 94 on heat tank 51 (see FIG. 2d). Periodic
monitoring of sensor (temperature probe) 94 input will allow the
control board 88 to control current to heating element 92.
[0057] Flow control as set forth herein is typically adjustable to
control the ratio of the mix; that is, concentrate to water on the
first circuit. However, controlling the ratio of the mix may also
be achieved by varying the solenoid open time periods. For example,
if a 5 to 1 mix is required, between water and concentrate, a flow
control of water at five times the rate of the flow control of a
concentrate will achieve such a mix, so long as the time period of
the solenoids in their open condition is the same for both the
water and the concentrate. On the other hand, if the flow control
were adjusted so that the rate of flow of the concentrate and the
water were the same, then to achieve the 5 to 1 ratio, the solenoid
for the water would be open for five times the period of the
solenoid opening for the concentrate. Variations between these
extremes may be provided. Typically, however, the period of time is
controlled such that the flow of the concentrate is within the time
period of the flow of the water. Moreover, as can be seen with FIG.
7, it is seen how the two injectors 64a/64b or three injectors
64a/64b/64c are directed toward one another so that the stream of
the makeup water and the concentrate(s) mix at a mid-point mp,
which mid-point is typically above the highest level of fluid
intended to be deposited in the urn and below the upper rim 14a of
the urn. This mid-stream mixing is designed to achieve a more
thorough co-mingling of the two or three fluids as the case may
be.
[0058] The control board may also be programmed for a water only
circuit. That is to say, the water leg may be opened while all the
other solenoids are shut down to provide ambient water only through
injector 64b to the urn.
[0059] While tea is a beverage that may be fresh brewed, other
beverages are also possible, such as, for example, bagged coffee or
loose ground coffee using a filter and a drip mode. Moreover, there
is also, in one embodiment, a single station wherein the
combination is the ability to either fresh brew, with makeup water
and optionally flavor, or to concentrate mix the dispensed
beverage.
[0060] A tank fluid level control circuit is also provided to
maintain proper fluid level in hot water tank 51 (water level above
the four outlets and substantially covering the heating element).
At this point, it is noted that the four outlets of the tank 51 are
also above the injectors 86, to allow gravity flow of the hot water
into the brew basket. Voltage is measured at the control board to
the water level sensor 90 mounted on top and depending into the hot
water tank (FIG. 2d). Microprocessor and control board 88 is set to
detect the presence of fluid or lack of fluid (the resistance
change affecting voltage). The microprocessor will keep the water
above the water outlets of hot water tank 51 covered and also
substantially covering the heating element 92 immersed therein. If
the fluid level drops below a minimum water fill, solenoid 80 is
open for a period of time sufficient to deposit water to just below
the maximum fluid level, as detected by the sensors.
[0061] There may be three injectors just above the urn, typically
above the upper rim. That is to say, while some embodiments use two
injectors for injecting fluid into the urn, three may be provided.
For example, the first circuit, besides having makeup water leg,
may include a concentrate leg having a flavor (such as lemon or
raspberry) and a concentrate leg having a sweetener as seen in FIG.
5a. In such a circuit, only fresh brewed tea is available, with the
makeup water being provided as set forth hereinabove, and both a
flavor and a sweetener through the second and third injectors--the
makeup water, flavor, and sweetener for injecting directly into the
urn.
[0062] On the other hand, in a first circuit, there may again be
three legs, again a makeup water leg, but a second (concentrate)
leg being bag in box tea (leg), and a third (concentrate) injector
along with a third circuit having a concentrate sweetener.
[0063] In addition, there may be level sensors 96 for indicating
the level of fluid in urn 14. It may be an optical level sensor or
an ultrasound level detector, and positioned over an at least
partly open urn. One such level sensor is Part No. QS180PA, 12-30
VDC, available from Banner Engineering, Pennsylvania, an ultrasound
level detector. This level sensor is a "one position" sensor and is
typically engaged to the control circuit and microprocessor. A one
position level sensor will continuously monitor the level of fluid
in the urn and, when it hits a preset low position, will signal an
action, such as "re-brew." This will generate solenoid commands as
programmed--usually to begin a fresh brew or concentrate cycle.
[0064] There may be multi-position sensor and microprocessor
combinations, which sensors monitor the fluid level and which
microprocessors include algorithms for certain flow control actions
to occur at specified levels. For example, there may be a detection
of a "no container" position, in which the algorithm will generate
a "no flow" (also solenoid closed) or "no fluid" position.
[0065] Applicants' unit is multi-functional in that it may be
adapted to brew fresh brewed, concentrate tea or a combination,
with all circuits at least providing makeup water separately in an
urn. Makeup water as set forth herein means water added to either a
steeped fluid in the hot brew circuit or a concentrate bag in box
tea for a concentrate brew circuit.
[0066] When the unit is configured for only fresh brewed tea, then
only the fresh brewed circuit and the water leg of the first
circuit need be provided. Optionally, a concentrate leg may also be
provided in the first circuit to add a flavor and/or sweetener.
[0067] If the unit is to be configured as a concentrate beverage
only, then no fresh brewed circuit is required and only the first
circuit, with at least a water leg and a concentrate leg for the
bag in box tea concentrate, and, optionally, an additional
concentrate leg for a flavor or a sweetener, may be provided.
Typically, Applicants' unit will be configured to provide both
fresh brewed and concentrate and may have two or more stations as
necessary.
[0068] There is a safety circuit operating with the temperature
control circuit in which a fluid level drop to below a minimum
fluid level on the tank will automatically shut off energy to the
heating element 92.
[0069] It may be noted that there is no mixing nozzles or no mixing
at all of water with any concentrate where such mixing occurs
anywhere but in the urn interior or brew basket. That is, the
machine has no point within it, not in the nozzles or upstream of
the nozzles, where there are concentrates (whether tea concentrate
or a flavor or a sweetener concentrate) and water mixing. Other
than non-electrical flow control devices and the solenoids, there
are typically no electrical elements, such as electrical valves or
pumps. All mixing is done downstream of the machine, in the urn or
above the fluid level in the urn.
[0070] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side and front views of a brew
basket for use with Applicants' tea dispenser. A sloped floor is
shown with upstanding elements provided to allow drainage to feed
opening 48.
[0071] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the manner in which block 62,
having multiple injectors thereon, is positioned, typically above
an upper rim 14a of an urn. It is also sent hat a removed end 36a
(from which fluid is dispensed) of valve assembly 36 is recessed
both back from front wall 14c of the urn and up from the portion of
lower lip or perimeter 32a that engages base 18.
[0072] If there is a lid or top 31 on the urn, typically the
injectors are positioned above the opening 31a of the lid and
having the direction set so the flow is through the opening in the
top of the lid of the urn. It is seen with reference to the Figures
that, with respect to a principal axis Pa, which is seen in the
view of FIG. 9, to be horizontal and straight, and in FIG. 10 to
split the block bilaterally so that there are injectors on either
side equidistant from the center. It is seen in FIG. 9 that the
injectors typically direct the pressurized fluid flow downward at
an angle C with respect to the principal axis.
[0073] In FIG. 10, it is seen that the injectors that are on either
side of the principal axis direct the fluid flow toward the
principal axis in the view set forth in FIG. 10. Angles with
respect to angle C and angle B may be in the range of about 15'' to
70''; angle C (FIG. 9) about 15.degree. to 90.degree. (straight
down) or any other suitable angle such that the 2 or 3 streams are
directed at a conveyance point Cp within the urn interior.
Preferably, the point is within the interior, below the urn upper
rim (for example, about an inch below), but in an alternate
embodiment, the nozzles may be directed to a point above the urn
upper rim 14a. Typically, the nozzle directs the flow toward a
convergence point that is above F.sub.LH and below the rim and
within the interior. In an alternate embodiment, the nozzles
64a/64b or 64a/64b/64c are directed to convergence point Cp.
[0074] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate further details of
Applicants' nozzle 62. It is seen to include walls defining a
directed channel 65a, for each of the injectors 64a/64b/64c, which
are directed to a convergence point Cp as set forth herein. It is
also seen to include walls defining an engagement port 65b for
engagement with the removed ends of the makeup water legs and the
one or two concentrate legs as set forth herein.
[0075] Dimensions for urn 14 are given and are approximate; the
maximum dimension is typically up to about 15 inches or less. FIGS.
11 and 12 illustrate urn 14 with an upper rim 14a and a floor 14b.
Urn 14 has valve 36 typically engaged to the floor thereof.
[0076] In FIGS. 11, 12, 12A, 12B, 13, and 14, it is seen that valve
assembly 36 may include a down spout assembly 100, typically
projecting generally vertically downward from the floor 14b of the
urn, close to the front side wall thereof. Moreover, it is seen
that down spout assembly 100 may include a floor engagement member
102 fluidly sealed to the floor. A body 104 extending downward
thereof is coupled to the removed end of the floor engagement
member 102 with a coupling member 106. An O-ring or other sealing
means 108 may be used between the removed end of floor engagement
member 102 and the upper end of body 104. Threaded engagement may
be provided to pull the two members tightly together in fluid
sealing relation. It is seen that body 104 is vertically situated
and has walls defining an inner channel and walls defining a slot
109 therein between a near and removed end of the body. A lateral
member 112 having a channel open to the body extends laterally or
horizontally outward from the body and substantially encloses slot
109. Lateral member 112 is seen to be configured to engage handle
116 in the manner set forth below. Moreover handle 116 is seen to
be substantially outside of floor spaced apart from the front side
wall of the urn as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, so as to provide easy
access thereto. Handle 116 is seen to have an upstanding member
116a and a cammed pin engaging member 116b.
[0077] Pinch member 110 has pinch arm 110a is dimensioned to extend
therefrom and adapted to extend at least partially into a channel
defined by body 104. Pinch member 110 may also include a slot 110b
for engaging a pin 118, the pin extending through to spaced apart
portions of pin engagement member 116b.
[0078] Turning now to FIGS. 12, 12A, and 12B, an additional element
of Applicant's valve assembly 36 is illustrated. Insert 120 is a
pliable, flexible member dimensioned to couple with down spout
assembly 100. Insert 120 may include a handle 122 engaged with a
body 124. Handle 122 and body 124 may be integrated and form a
flexible fluid tight element. Ring extensions 126 may project
outward from the outer walls of body 124 to resiliently grip the
inner walls of body 104. Body 124 has walls defining an inlet 128
and an outlet 130, and a channel therebetween. The walls defining
body 124 are dimensioned to couple closely and adjacent to the
inner walls of body 104. Pinch arm 110a engages the outer walls of
body 124 that lay adjacent slot 110b. Pin engagement member 116b
may be cammed or configured to allow handle 116, in a first
position to urge, under the impetus of coil spring 114 against the
insert as seen in FIG. 12. Pinch arm 110a to the pinched position
as seen in FIG. 12 or, in a second position, retract pin arm 110a
at least partially so as to allow the flow of fluid through the
channel of insert 120, as seen in FIG. 12A.
[0079] Although the invention has been described in connection with
the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the
invention's particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is
intended to cover such alterations, modifications, and equivalences
that may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *