GB739029A - Improvements in apparatus for dispensing beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

739,029. Dispensing liquids; delivering measured quantities of powder. HARMON, F. Oct. 19, 1953, No. 28765/53. Classes 106 (5) and 116. Apparatus for dispensing beverages by introducing a charge of powdered beverage base into a liquid and having one or more containers for storage of the beverage base is characterized by means for tumbling the contents of the container or containers combined with means for dispensing a charge of beverage base from a container. The charges of beverage bases are contained in a series of containers 30 removably mounted in a yoke 31 mounted in bearings and rotated by a motor 33. Beneath the containers is a compartmented mixing chamber 38 with a top opening and outlet' spouts 39a. A hot water storage chamber 40 has a control valve 41 having delivery outlet 42 and nozzle 43 for each compartment. The motor is operated to rotate the containers 30 when a coin is placed in the machine and clockcontrolled mechanism may also operate the motor to tumble the contents periodically. The containers have each a valve 46 fitted on the yoke 31, the valve having a butterfly 45 which is opened by a solenoid operated member 45 which contacts a member 49 on the axis of the butterfly. A solenoid magnet is energized when a person presses a button to select the required drink and so moves the required member 45 into position to engage and rotate the member 49 and open the valve. Simultaneously the hot water and a cup are dispensed. To provide a weak or strong beverage a vane 47 is pivotally mounted on a shaft in the valve. The shaft carries two cranks with pins engaging in slots in two spaced levers pivotally mounted, the lower end of one of which may be arranged to be engaged by the member 45 as it is moved to engage the member 49 by pressing a strong or weak liquid button. This energizes one of two solenoids to move one of two levers whereby the lever 45 is made to contact one or other spaced lever, to rotate the vane to the more open or closed position. If neither button is pressed the vane is not moved. To disable the apparatus should the supply of beverage base run out a weighing pan 71 is also attached to the container 30 so that some of the base is retained on the pan during the tumbling. If there is sufficient in the container contacts 76 to 78 remain open, if not they close and a warning lamp lights up. In an alternative form for use for dispensing liquid of only one strength the valves are hinged to the containers and butterfly valves with four leaves are used. The follower 49 has four projections and the member 45 is a corresponding shape. The member 45 is moved radially by the solenoid into engagement instead of axially. The valve is turned through 90 degrees instead of 120 degrees and the supply for next delivery is retained in the valve.