Beverage dispensing system

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to beverage dispensing systems and more particularly to a beverage dispenser for providing a wide variety of beverage alternatives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Co-owned US Patent No. 4,753,370 relates to a "Tri-Mix Sugar-Based Dispensing System". This patent describes a beverage dispensing system that separates the highly concentrated flavors from the sweetener and diluent. This separation allows for numerous beverage options, using several flavor modules and one universal sweetener. One object of the patent is to allow a beverage dispenser to provide as many beverages as are commercially available in prepackaged bottles or cans.

[0003] These separation techniques have been refined and improved. As seen in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 276,553 (Publication No. US 2007/0212468) entitled "Methods and Apparatuses for Making Compositions Comprising an Acid and an Acid Degradable Component and / or Compositions Comrpising a Plurality of Selectable Components", the acid and non-acid components of the unsweetened concentrate may also be separated. This separation allows for an extended shelf life and also allows a higher concentration of the flavor components.

[0004] Beverage dispensers have historically operated by connecting a diluent (such as water) to a beverage base. These beverage bases typically have a reconstitution ratio of around 3: 1 to 6: 1. The beverage bases come in large containers that require large amounts of storage space and may require refrigeration. These requirements often necessitate the need to store these containers away from the actual dispenser and to run long lines from the containers to the dispenser.

[0005] With the shelf life and concentration improvements described, there is a need for a beverage dispenser that can produce more and different types of beverages while occupying less space. This can be done by breaking down traditional beverage bases into component parts with much higher concentration factors. These parts can be stored in much smaller packages and stored closer to, adjacent to, or within the beverage dispenser itself. The beverage dispenser may advantageously provide the customer with multiple beverage options such that the customer is able to personalize his / her own beverage as desired.

[0006] US 6,173,862 B1 describes a multi-flavored dispensing head including a nozzle that directs a plurality of concentrates and a diluent together for mixing. The sources of concentrate and thinner are away from the nozzle.

[0007] US 5,154,586 describes a beverage dispenser system with secondary mixing containing a plurality of concentrates that are supplied to the mixing nozzle in measured amounts. The concentrate delivery unit is disposable and is isolated from the rest of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a beverage dispensing system according to claim 1.

[0009] The user interface may include a control device. The controller instructs a series of pumps or metering devices to dispense macro components, micro components and a diluent, of a predetermined type and rate, to the metering valve at a predetermined flow rate.

[0010] The macro ingredient source may comprise sugar syrups, HFCS (High Fructose Com Syrup) and juice concentrates. The micro-component source contains a micro-component with a reconstitution ratio of about 10: 1 or greater. The micro-ingredient source may include natural or artificial flavorings, natural or artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and acidic or non-acid flavor components.

[0011] Both the source of the diluent and the source of the micronutrient may be communicated with one of the pumps. The source of the micro-component may be communicated with one of the metering devices. Pumps or metering devices may include a positive displacement pump.

[0012] The dispensing valve may include a multi-flavored valve. The dosing valve may include a flow director communicated with the macro ingredient source and the source of the diluent. The dosing valve may include a tertiary flow device in communication with the source of the micro-ingredient.

The user interface can include multiple product selections, multiple additive selections, multiple intensity adjustments, nutrient information, and a consumer data system. The consumer data system may include one or more biometric sensors.

[0014] The beverage dispenser system preferably comprises a plurality of micronutrient sources located adjacent to the dispenser; each includes a micro-component with a reconstitution ratio greater than about ten to one.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015]

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a beverage dispenser as described.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dispensing nozzle assembly that may be used with the beverage dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a user interface for use with the beverage dispenser of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Now with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, in all of the several views, Fig. 1 shows a beverage dispenser 100 as described. The user interface 110 may control all functional aspects of the beverage dispenser 100. The customer may select and / or create multiple types of beverages, mixtures and additives using the user interface 110. The control device 120 may support the user interface 110. The controller 120 may be a conventional microcomputer or a similar type of device. The control device 120 may be internal or remote from the beverage dispenser 100.

Any number of different ingredients may be used in the beverage dispenser 100. In this example, several different types of ingredients can be used: water (still and / or carbonated) from a water source; macro components from a variety of macro component sources 140; and micronutrients from a variety of micronutrient sources 150. Any number or combination of sources 140, 150 may be used herein. For example, it may not be necessary to use a macro-component source, e.g. HFCS which is difficult to pump at high recovery rates and may not be applicable. Therefore, only a diluent and a source of the micro-ingredient may be required.

[0018] The water from the water source may or may not be cooled. Other types of dispensers may be used here. A conventional saturator or a similar type of device may be used to produce carbonated water as desired. The amount of saturation may vary.

[0019] As generally described, the macro-components may have recovery ratios ranging from about 3: 1 to about 6: 1. The viscosities of the macro components are typically in the range of about 100 centipoise or greater. Macronutrients may include sugar syrup, HFCS (High Fructose Com Syrup) and juice concentrates and similar types of liquids. The macro-component base product may include a sweetener, acid, and other common ingredients. Syrups, sweeteners and base products may generally be stored in a conventional bag-in-box container away from the dispenser 100. The macro-ingredients may also be placed within the beverage dispenser 100 itself. any type of container used. The macro ingredients may or may not require refrigeration.

[0020] The micro-components may have a reconstitution ratio ranging from about ten to one (10: 1), twenty to one (20: 1), thirty to one (30: 1), or greater. More particularly, the plurality of micro-components may be in the range of fifty to one (50: 1) to three hundred to one (300: 1). The viscosities of the micro-components typically range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise. Examples of the micro-ingredients include natural or artificial flavors; flavorings, natural or artificial colors; artificial sweeteners (high potency or otherwise); additives to control astringency, e.g. citric acid,

Potassium -4citrate; functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts; nutraceuticals; and over-the-counter (or other) drugs such as acetaminophen or a similar type. As described above, the acidic and non-acidic components of the unsweetened concentrate can also be separated and stored separately. The micro-components may or may not require refrigeration. Various types of alcohols can be used as micro or macro ingredients. The micro-ingredients and micro-ingredient sources 150 may be located within or adjacent to the beverage dispenser 100 itself, as opposed to being remotely placed in a conventional bag in boxed containers or elsewhere. Being adjacent to the dispenser means that the micro-ingredient sources 150 are placed in the immediate vicinity of the dispenser 100 such that they are adjacent to, below it, or at other nearby locations. Any other type of storage arrangement can be used. Any type of container can be used here.

Each water source, macro ingredient source 140, and micro ingredient source 150 may be communicated with a pump 160 or metering device 170. The controller 120 may control the pumps 160 and the metering devices 170. As generally described, each water source and source is macro component 140 may be communicated with one of the pumps 160. Pump 160 may be a conventional solenoid pump or a similar type of device.

[0022] Each source of the micro-component 150 may be communicated with one of the metering devices 170. The metering device 170 may be a positive displacement pump or a similar type of device. Positive displacement pump provides batch control for even more concentrated micro-ingredients. An example of a positive displacement pump operation is shown in co-owned US Patent Application Serial Number 11 / 276,548 (Publication No. US2007 / 0207040) entitled "Pump System with Calibration Curve."

The displacement pump may be, for example, a coil pump, gear pump, ring pump, peristaltic pump, syringe pump, piezoelectric pump, or any other type of positive displacement pump that is designed to pump a constant displacement for each pumping cycle.

Pumps 160 and metering devices 170 may be communicated with a dispensing nozzle 180. The dispensing nozzle 180 may preferably be a multi-flavored dispensing valve capable of simultaneously mixing a plurality of fluids. Examples of dispensing nozzles that may be used herein are set forth in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 233,867 (U.S. Publication No. 2004/0040983 A1) in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. "Dispensing Nozzle" and co-owned application US Patent No. 11 / 276,551 (Publication No. US2007 / 0205219) entitled "Dispensing Nozzle Assembly."

Fig. 2 shows an example of a dispensing nozzle 180. As generally described, the dispensing nozzle includes a flow directing device 190 with a plurality of conduits extending therethrough. In this example, the flow directing device 190 may be continuous

Through the first conduit 200 and the second conduit 210. The first conduit 200 may be used for water, other types of diluents, or other fluids. The second line 210 may be used for a macro ingredient such as a sweetened concentrate, sugar syrup, HFCS syrup, juice concentrate, or other type of fluid. Target 220 may be located downstream of the flow directing device 190. Target 220 may include a series of vertically extending ribs 230 that define a series of U- or V-shaped channels 240. Water and macro components or other fluids may exit the flow directing device 190 and downstream along channels 240 of target 220 to begin mixing.

[0026] A tertiary flow assembly 250 may be disposed adjacent the flow directing device 190. The tertiary flow assembly 250 may include a plurality of modules 260. Modules 260 may have a plurality of conduits 270 extending therethrough. the nature of their intended flow. Modules 260 may be interchangeable and interchangeable. Each of modules 260 and lines 270 may be communicated with one of the sources of micro-components 150 or other types of fluids. Lines 270 may be directed towards target 220 to mix the micro-components or other liquid with water, macro-components, or other fluid. Any number of micro-components or other types of fluids may be used simultaneously.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the user interface 110, interface 300. Interface 300 may include a set of predetermined product buttons 310. Each product button 310 may be a different product base or component of a product. Each product button 310 may have an application indicator 320 that may signal to a customer that a specific product or ingredient has been selected. Run / Cancel button 330 may also be provided to activate the beverage dispenser 100 for the selected beverage.

[0028] Interface 300 may further include a plurality of additive buttons 340. In addition to predefined products defined by product buttons 310, additive buttons 340 provide for the addition of additives such as flavorings, colorings, functional additives, and the like as described above. Additives will typically not be added until about eighty percent (80%) of the minimum beverage size has been poured to ensure that there is no overdose effect if the beverage is prematurely stopped. Extras cannot generally be added as finishes as a known beverage size will not be guaranteed. In the event that the user presses the "cancel" button 330, no additions will be dispensed. The application indicator 320 may flash as soon as an additive is provided. Therefore, the user interface 300 provides visible feedback to the customer.

[0029] Interface 300 can also include gob buttons 350. Gob buttons 350 can be conventional "small", "medium", "large", "extra large" and the like corresponding to predetermined beverage sizes.

The interface 300 may also include intensity indicators 360. The intensity indicators 360 may include LEDs (light emitting diodes) or a similar type of visual interface that represents the relative strength of the drink. For example, different types of juices may be preferred to mix to provide an individually blended drink. The intensity indicator 360 can also be used to vary the amount of additives or even the nature and amount of the concentrate, sweetener or other types of ingredients.

[0031] In addition to the above-described interfaces, additional graphical interfaces can be provided. For example, nutrient information may be provided. As long as the serving button 350 or intensity button 360 is selected, nutritional information reflecting the characteristics of the selected beverage may be displayed. For example, the amount of calories in a drink mixed by the customer can be displayed. The customer may then have the option to alter the nutritional value of the drink as desired. The computer user interface 300 may also limit and / or allow which and how many components may be used.

[0032] The computer user interface 300 may provide secure access by password, smart card, biometric identification, credit card, RFID, or otherwise to a single customer. The user interface 300 may provide the customer with pre-selected recipes, promotions, and other types of information. The user interface 300 may limit and / or allow which and how many components can be used by the customer. Customer preferences can be maintained or used for new product development.

[0033] In addition to the graphical interface, the beverage dispenser 100 as a whole may provide dispenser statistics and information on problems to be solved. For example, a delay time for starting the pumps 160 or metering devices 170, time for venting and / or rinsing cycles, batch cycles, etc. may be accessed through the user interface 110,300. The interface 110, 300 may be password protected or otherwise. The user interface 110,300 may communicate and / or be accessed as needed via a network or other source for troubleshooting or repair and for alert notification of, for example, potentially incorrect component dosages.

[0034] In use, the customer can select a preferred beverage from the user interface 110. The beverage dispenser 100 can thereby provide the customer with the possibility of creating and mixing multiple types of beverages as desired. The customer can change the ingredients and the intensity of the drink to try. Therefore, the customer can submit the entire "recipe" for an individualized drink. Alternatively, the customer may request a "branded" drink. For example, "Cherry Coke®" marketed by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia is more than just "Coca-Cola®" with the addition of a dose of cherry flavor. Rather, it is a definite brand name drink with a consistent flavor. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 100 can provide as many "branded" beverages as can be commercially available in bottles, cans, or otherwise.

[0035] The interface 110 with the controls 120 then instructs individual pumps 160 and / or metering devices 170 to dispense the respective ingredients in appropriate proportions to the dispensing nozzle 180. The mixed drink then flows into the customer's cup in predetermined proportions at a predetermined flow rate. Pumps 160 and metering devices 170 can be switched on and off as needed to vary the flow rate. Such pulsing may, for example, provide for the mixing of the micro-components and may provide a variable level of saturation. The drink may be mixed at the dispensing nozzle 180 or elsewhere downstream from one or more sources 140, 150 (e.g. back office, hooked line, etc.). Different flow rates and flow times may be used, e.g. specific fluid streams may be added earlier or later, specific fluid streams may be pulsed, etc.

[0036] The use of single pumps 160 and / or metering devices 170 for the water source, macro component sources 140 and micro component sources 150 provides the ability to dispense the appropriate components in the correct proportions at a defined flow rate during continuous pouring. In other words, unlike conventional batch operation where a predetermined amount of ingredients is combined, the beverage dispenser 100 provides continuous mixing and the correct flow rates for any volume poured. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 100 is applicable to conventional land based equipment, vending machines, and various types of bottling and filling equipment. Although the invention has been described in the field of a beverage dispenser 100, the invention is applicable to any type of combination of ingredients. Co-owned United States Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 276,549 (Publication No. US2007 / 0205220) entitled "Juice Dispensing System" specifically addresses the application of the concepts described herein in the field of juices.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, beverage dispenser 100 may also include a customer data system 400 in communication with the user interface 110 and control device 120. Customer data system 400 may include a communication device 410. The communication device 410 may include a touch screen. video, video screen and keyboard or any other type of conventional input / output device. The communications device 410 may be part of the user interface 110 or a separate component.

[0038] The communication device 410 may ask the client to enter various types of biometric, health and / or other types of information. Based on the customer's input, the controller 120 may analyze the data and may suggest a beverage or beverage ingredients that may be enhancing, beneficial, or simply astonishing the customer in view of the data input.

[0039] Health parameters may include height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, insulin levels, cholesterol levels, bone density, heart rate, other types of metabolic information, weight percentages, body temperatures, smoking history, pregnancy information, etc. medical history etc. Lifestyle questions may include mood, exercise intensity etc. Other types of categories may include time of day, temperature

-8 external, current events, team bindings, etc. Any kind of data can be requested.

[0040] Based on the data entered, the communication device 410 of the customer data system 400 may suggest a drink with various types of vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, over-the-counter drugs, dyes, etc. A drink with a specific amount of calories may be suggested. For example, a drink with a "bone" packet, eg, vitamin D and calcium, may be suggested; An "antioxidant package" such as vitamins C and E and zinc; "Heart pack", e.g. plant sterols and vitamin B; and many other additives or mixtures. When another drink and / or additives are selected, the respective micro-ingredients 150 or other elements may be dispensed via pumps 160 and metering devices 160 as described above. Customer data can also be stored and compared with existing data.

[0041] In addition to the communication device 410 as described above, customer data system 400 may also include one or more biometric sensors 420. The biometric sensors may include automated devices to collect favorable health data or other information. The 420 biometric sensors may include a scale, blood pressure sleeve, breath analyzer, blood analyzer, ECG hair analyzer, etc. Any type of monitoring device can be used here. Any number of biometric sensors 420 may be jointly used. The biometric sensors 420 may be communicated with the controller 120 as described above.

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