NZ618220B2 - Modular dispensing system - Google Patents
Modular dispensing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ618220B2 NZ618220B2 NZ618220A NZ61822012A NZ618220B2 NZ 618220 B2 NZ618220 B2 NZ 618220B2 NZ 618220 A NZ618220 A NZ 618220A NZ 61822012 A NZ61822012 A NZ 61822012A NZ 618220 B2 NZ618220 B2 NZ 618220B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- beverage
- counter
- ice
- water
- water treatment
- Prior art date
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 138
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 112
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 87
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000020639 clam Nutrition 0.000 claims 1
- 235000003599 food sweetener Nutrition 0.000 description 16
- 239000003765 sweetening agent Substances 0.000 description 16
- 235000013615 non-nutritive sweetener Nutrition 0.000 description 15
- 235000019533 nutritive sweetener Nutrition 0.000 description 15
- 235000016795 Cola Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 241001634499 Cola Species 0.000 description 6
- 235000011824 Cola pachycarpa Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 235000011829 Ow cola Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 description 6
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 5
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 4
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000005979 Citrus limon Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 240000002268 Citrus limon Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000012171 hot beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000008733 Citrus aurantifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000015450 Tilia cordata Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000011941 Tilia x europaea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000020965 cold beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000004571 lime Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000144730 Amygdalus persica Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 Milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 240000002799 Prunus avium Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006040 Prunus persica var persica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011034 Rubus glaucus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000003497 Rubus idaeus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009122 Rubus idaeus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006909 Tilia x europaea Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000290333 Vanilla fragrans Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009499 Vanilla fragrans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012036 Vanilla tahitensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019693 cherries Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007958 cherry flavor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000017168 chlorine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000001309 chloro group Chemical class Cl* 0.000 description 1
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000005911 diet Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000037213 diet Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021271 drinking Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013410 fast food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004634 feeding behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015270 fruit-flavoured drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019223 lemon-lime Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015122 lemonade Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000051 modifying Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000050 nutritive Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015205 orange juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000001223 reverse osmosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
- B67D1/0016—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the beverage being stored in an intermediate container before dispensing, i.e. pre-mix dispensers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
- B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
- B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
- B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
- B67D1/0034—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component
- B67D1/0035—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics
- B67D1/0037—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics based on volumetric dosing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0041—Fully automated cocktail bars, i.e. apparatuses combining the use of packaged beverages, pre-mix and post-mix dispensers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
- B67D1/0081—Dispensing valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00047—Piping
- B67D2210/00049—Pipes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
- F25C5/20—Distributing ice
Abstract
modular dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes at least one dispensing head (12) at a counter (14). A transfer unit (16) is located remotely from the counter with piping (18) extending from the transfer unit (16) to the counter (14). The transfer unit comprises a centralized ingredient system (20) having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources and configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping (18) for dispensing a beverage at the counter (14). The piping comprises a main micro bundle (see Fig. 3) with at least two separate beverage ingredient lines. An ice supply line is centred in the micro bundle pipe at the dispensing end. nt system (20) having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources and configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping (18) for dispensing a beverage at the counter (14). The piping comprises a main micro bundle (see Fig. 3) with at least two separate beverage ingredient lines. An ice supply line is centred in the micro bundle pipe at the dispensing end.
Description
MODULAR DISPENSING SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 13/116,247, filed May
26, 2011, and entitled “Modular Dispensing System,” the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates generally to a method and modular beverage dispensing system
for the dispensing of beverages, e.g., for restaurants (including fast food restaurants),
theatres, convenience stores, gas stations, and other entertainment and/or food service
venues.
BACKGROUND
Various beverage dispensers, such as those at restaurants, theatres and other
entertainment and/or food service venues, typically have either a “drop in” dispenser
apparatus or a counter top type dispenser apparatus. In a drop in dispenser apparatus, the
dispenser apparatus is self-contained and may be dropped into an aperture of a counter
top. In a counter top type dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is placed on a
counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, a dispensing head is coupled to a
particular drink syrup supply source via a single pipe dedicated to supply the particular
drink syrup to that dispensing head, wherein the particular drink syrup supply source is
typically located near the counter top, i.e., directly under the counter top, or directly over
the counter top.
A user will typically place a cup under the signage of the selected beverage and either
press a button or press the cup against a dispensing lever to activate the dispenser so that
the selected beverage is delivered from the dispensing head corresponding to the selected
beverage and into the cup until pressure is withdrawn from the button or lever.
Conventional beverage dispensers are typically limited to dispensing drinks having
flavoring supply sources located at their respective counters. Thus, a limited number of
drinks are typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser. For example, drinks
typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser are a regular cola beverage, a
diet cola beverage, perhaps one or several non-cola carbonated beverages, such as a
lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage or some other fruit-flavored drink (e.g., orange
flavored carbonated beverage, and/or root beer), and perhaps one more non-carbonated
beverage(s), such as a tea and/or a lemonade.
Conventional dispensers are not typically configured to permit a user generate or receive
from a single dispensing head a custom-ordered beverage that a consumer may wish to
purchase, e.g., a cola flavored with cherry, vanilla, lemon, or lime, etc., or a tea flavored
with lemon, orange, peach, raspberry, etc., or a tea having one or more teaspoons of
sweetener (sugar, or some other nutritive sweetener or non-nutritive sweetener).
Conventional dispensers typically require servicing and resupply of flavoring sources at
the counter.
Conventional dispensers typically require a dedicated dispensing head for each particular
beverage.
What is needed is a beverage dispensing system that does not have the limitations and
disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers and methods.
SUMMARY
[10a] Aspects of the present invention are described herein and in New Zealand specification
716681, which is divided from the present specification. Reference may be made in the
description to subject matter which is not in the scope of the appended claims but relates
to subject matter claimed in the divisional specification. That subject matter should be
readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist putting into practice the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
[10b] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular
dispensing system comprising: at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit
located in a back room remote from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit
to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a
plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to
supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the
counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle pipe, and a doser unit corresponding
to the dispensing head, the doser unit configured to receive from the transfer unit a first
beverage ingredient through the main micro bundle pipe, the doser unit located at the
counter, wherein the doser unit supplies an appropriate amount of each beverage
ingredient through a tower micro bundle, the tower micro bundle comprising an ice line
centered in the tower micro bundle configured to convey ice to the dispensing head and a
plurality of separate lines bundled around the ice line, with each line corresponding to a
particular beverage ingredient.
[10c] Described herein is a modular dispensing system comprising at least one dispensing head
at a counter, and a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending
from the transfer unit to the counter.
As described herein the transfer unit may comprise comprises a centralized flavor
ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping
comprises a main micro bundle.
As described herein the main mirco may comprise a plurality of separate lines with each
line corresponding to a particular flavor ingredient source of the centralized ingredient
system.
As described herein the at least one dispensing head may have a corresponding doser
unit. The doser unit may be configured to dose an appropriate amount of each flavor
ingredient to the dispensing head.
As described herein the doser unit may supply an appropriate amount of each flavor
ingredient to a dispensing head through a tower micro bundle, the tower micro bundle
comprising a plurality of separate lines with each line corresponding to a particular
flavor ingredient.
Described herein is a modular dispensing system comprising at least one dispensing head
at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the
transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a central reconstitution factory
system, the central reconstitution factory system comprising at least one mixing chamber
corresponding to a predetermined beverage, the central reconstitution factory configured
to combine water with at least one highly concentrated beverage ingredient in the mixing
chamber to form a reconstituted mixture.
Described herein is a modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing
head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the
counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. The transfer unit
may comprise a central reconstitution factory system, the central reconstitution factory
system comprising at least a first mixing chamber corresponding to a first predetermined
beverage, and at least a second mixing chamber corresponding to a second
predetermined beverage. The central reconstitution factory may be configured to
combine water with at least a first highly concentrated beverage ingredient in the first
mixing chamber to form a first reconstituted mixture, the central reconstitution factory
further configured to combine water with at least a second highly concentrated beverage
ingredient in the second mixing chamber to form a second reconstituted mixture.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments thereof
which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
is schematic view of an embodiment of a modular dispensing system according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates an embodiment of a central linked ingredient system according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates is a perspective of an embodiment of a main micro bundle according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates an embodiment of a doser unit according to various aspects of the
disclosure.
illustrates an embodiment of a tower micro bundle according to various aspects of
the disclosure.
illustrates an alternative embodiment of a modular dispensing system according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates an embodiment of centralized ingredient system according to various
aspects of the disclosure.
FIGs. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a cartridge for a beverage ingredient
according to various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates the embodiment of with the addition of additional dispensing
heads at a single counter according to various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates the embodiment of with the addition of an additional counter
having an additional dispensing head according to various aspects of the disclosure.
illustrates the embodiment of FIG 10, with the addition of additional dispensing
heads at each counter according to various aspects of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety of beverages,
including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, and including but not limited to
beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.
Referring to the description of one embodiment of the modular dispensing
system of the present disclosure will be described.
Referring to a modular dispensing system 10 may be provided comprising a
plurality of dispensing heads 12 at a counter location 14, and a transfer unit 16 located
remotely from the counter location 14. Piping 18 may extend from the transfer unit 16 to
the counter location 14.
Referring to and the transfer unit 16 may comprise a centralized
ingredient system 20 having a plurality of sources 22 of beverage ingredients 24, 26, 28,
, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76,
78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, and 94. FIGs. 1 and 2 show that beverage ingredient 94
may be placed next to beverage ingredient 92, and beverage ingredient 94 may flow into
an opening 96 of pipe 98. As described in greater detail below, pipe 98 may be one of
the pipes that comprise piping 18. The centralized ingredient system 20 may supply
beverage ingredients 24 through 94 to a dispensing head 12 for more than one beverage.
illustrates the embodiment of with the addition of additional dispensing
heads 912A and 912B at a single counter 14. illustrates the embodiment of with the addition of an additional counter 114 having an additional dispensing head
1012A, and an additional counter 214 having an additional dispensing head 1024A. At
least one of the dispensing heads may be a dispensing head for a drive-through pick up
window. While the counters in depicts the counters in series, those of skill in
the art will recognize that the counters may also be configured in parallel, e.g., with a
separate micro bundle leaving transfer unit 16 for each counter. illustrates a
variation of embodiments shown in and , showing dispensing heads 12,
912A, and 912B at counter 14 (which may be supplied with beverage ingredients via
main micro bundle 18), dispensing heads 1012A, 1012B and 1012C at counter 114
(which may be supplied with beverage ingredients via main micro bundle 18A), and
dispensing heads 1024A, 1024B and 1024 at counter 214 (which may be supplied with
beverage ingredients via main micro bundle 18B). While the counters in depicts
the counters in parallel, those of skill in the art will recognize that the counters may also
be configured in series, e.g., with a single main micro bundle 18 leaving transfer unit 16
and supplying beverage ingredients to each counter 14, 114, and 124 in series. At least
one counter may have a dispensing head dedicated supplying beverages for a drive
through window. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the system may have the
same or different beverage ingredients supplied to different dispensing heads located at
different dispensing towers 13, 913, 915, 1013, 1015, 1017, 1113, 1115 and 1117.
Centralized ingredient system 20 may supply beverage ingredients 24 through 94 for a
greater number of beverages than the number of dispensing heads 12 that are located at
one counter location 14. As shown in , the centralized ingredient system 20 may
supply beverages to dispensing heads located at counter locations 14, 114, 214 that are
remote from one another, including but not limited to a counter location 214 for a drive-
through window. The centralized ingredient system 20 may be placed at a remote
location 100 from counter locations 14, 114, 214, e.g., a back room 102, which
preferably is not viewable from at least one counter location. In a preferred embodiment,
the centralized ingredient system is not viewable by patrons or customers using a
dispenser and/or purchasing a beverage at a counter location.
The centralized ingredient system 20 may comprise a plurality of highly concentrated
ingredients for micro dosing in the preparation of a wide variety of beverages. For
example, but not by way of limitation, FIGs. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate thirty-six beverage
ingredients 24 through 94. Each beverage ingredient 24 through 94 may be stored in a
cartridge or storage container 112. As shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B, cartridge 112 may
comprise a bag 116 filled with a beverage ingredient. Each cartridge 112 may store an
ingredient that is different from the ingredient stored in every other cartridge 112 that
comprise a grouping of plurality of sources 22.
The centralized ingredient system 20 may comprise a plurality of sweeteners 118 and
120. Sweetener 118 may be a nutritive sweetener, and sweetener 120 may be a non-
nutritive sweetener.
Transfer unit 16 comprises nutritive sweetener cartridge or container 122, which contains
nutritive sweetener 118, and corresponding nutritive sweetener in pump line 124,
nutritive sweetener pump 126, and nutritive sweetener out pump line 302.
Transfer unit 16 may comprise non-nutritive sweetener cartridge or container 128, which
may contain non-nutritive sweetener 120, and corresponding non-nutritive sweetener in
pump line 130, non-nutritive pump 132, and non-nutritive sweetener out pump line 304.
Pump 126 may pump nutritive sweetener 118, and pump 132 may pump non-nutritive
sweetener 120 from the transfer unit 16 through piping 18 to dispensing head 12.
Other pumps (not shown) may be used to pump beverage ingredients 24 through 94 from
the transfer unit 16 through piping 18 to dispensing head 12.
Another pump or pumps (not shown) may be used to pump water from transfer unit 16
through piping 18 to dispensing head 12. The transfer unit 16 may comprise a water
treatment system 134. Water treatment system 134 may be used to treat water. For
example, water treatment system 134 may be used to cool water to a desired temperature
for a cold beverage. A second water treatment (not shown) may be used to heat water to
desired temperature for hot beverages. Water temperature ranges provided by water
treatment system(s) used in connection with water treatment systems may be just below
about freezing (e.g., to create or prepare a slurry or slush product) through about 180
degrees Fahrenheit (e.g. to create or prepare a hot beverage, such as a coffee or tea). The
water treatment system may be any suitable water treatment system that improves taste,
reduces odors, and/or reduces chlorines. The water treatment system may be any
suitable water treatment system that may improve water quality to near pure water
through systems, including but not limited to reverse osmosis (RO).As discussed in
greater detail below, treated water is from water treatment system, and a least one
beverage ingredient from the centralized ingredient system may be provided to counter
location 14. The ratio of water from water treatment system 134 to beverage ingredients
provided from centralized ingredient system 20 for a beverage may be about 200 to 1 by
weight. In one embodiment, the minimum ingredient may be about 200:1, or about 75:1,
or about 40:1 (e.g., in the form of a flavor or acid), through about 40:1 for non-nutritive
sweeteners, and about 6:1 for non-nutritive sweeteners. A base beverage may be
prepared with about four streams, e.g., water, a sweetener, flavor, and acid. Additional
streams may be added to provide top notes, e.g., cherry flavor, or sweetener blends to
reduce calories, such as disclosed in U.S. Serial No. 12/703,048, filed February 9, 2010,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Another pump or pumps (not shown) may be used to pump ice from transfer unit 16
through piping 18 to dispensing head 12. In one preferred embodiment, the transfer unit
16 may comprise an ice machine 136.
As shown in piping or main micro bundle 18 comprises an outer pipe 138, and
bundle of smaller inner pipes 140. Inner pipes 140 may comprise beverage ingredient
flavor lines 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350, 352,
354, 356, and 358, Inner pipes 140 may comprise beverage ingredient acid lines 360,
362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, and 394.
Beverage ingredient flavor line 324 corresponds to beverage ingredient 24, beverage
ingredient flavor line 326 corresponds to beverage ingredient 26, etc. The following
Table I identifies the correspondence between beverage ingredients and lines.
Table I
Beverage ingredient Line
24 324
26 326
28 328
330
32 332
34 334
36 336
38 338
40 340
42 342
44 344
46 346
48 348
50 350
52 352
54 354
56 356
58 358
60 360
62 362
64 364
66 366
68 368
70 370
72 372
74 374
76 376
78 378
80 380
82 382
84 384
86 386
88 388
90 390
92 392
94 394
Fig. 3 illustrates a water out line 396, water return line 398, ice line 306, nutritive
sweetener out pump line 302, and non-nutritive sweetener out pump line 304. Water
return line 398 may allow for the circulating of water that is not dispensed from a
dispensing head 12 to be returned to transfer unit 16 to makeup cold water to be supplied
from transfer unit 16 to doser unit 400. This helps conserve energy since the water in
water return line 398 will be closer to the desired temperature than water that has not
been previously cooled. A hot water out line and a hot water return line may also be
provided. A hot water return line (not show) may be used to allow for the circulating of
water that is not dispensed from a dispensing head 12 to be returned to transfer unit 16 to
makeup hot water to be supplied from transfer unit to doser unit 64. This helps conserve
energy since the water in a hot water return line be will closer to the desired temperature
than water that has not been previously heated. The ice line 306 may be the largest of
the lines in the bundle. Water out line 396 and water return line 398 may be about equal
diameter, e.g., about 3/8” diameter lines. The nutritive sweetener out pump line 302 may
have about equal diameter or slightly larger diameter as the non-nutritive sweetener out
pump line 304. For example, the nutritive sweetener line may have a diameter of about
3/8” inches, and the non-nutritive sweetener may have a diameter of about ¼” inches.
The sweetener lines may comprise any desired number, e.g. four different sweetener
lines.
As shown in doser unit 400 may comprise dispenser tower 402, which may
comprise dispenser head 12 at counter location 14. Doser unit 400 may comprise an ice
hopper 404. Doser unit 404 may receive liquid under pressure and dose appropriately to
provide a desired beverage. The dosing of a beverage ingredient may be between about
0.1 cc up to about 0.1 cc to about 17cc. In one embodiment, dosing may be about 0.5 cc
to 17 cc for nutritive sweetener. . Dosing may be performed by a sliding vane pump as
shown in or other suitable positive displacement pump, gear pump piston pump,
oscillating pump, or diaphragm pump (not shown). The pump may be controlled
through, pulse width modulation, stroked or stepped to deliver the appropriate volume of
an ingredient to form a beverage. Those of skill in the art will recognize that control of
delivery may be achieved through use of an intelligent device, such as a computer or
purpose embedded electronics.
As shown in dispenser tower 402 may comprise a tower micro bundle 406. In
the embodiment depicted, tower micro bundle 406 comprises an ice line 500, nine
carbonated water lines 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518 , nine non-carbonated
water lines 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536 (including one that may be re-
circulated or created on demand, e.g., from the cold water circuit, eighteen flavor lines
538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555,
eighteen acid lines 556, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570,
571, 572, 573, 574, a nutritive sweetener line 576, and a non-nutritive sweetener line
578. Tower micro bundle 406 may comprise any suitable cladding, including slots and
piping.
A beverage ingredient, such as a sweetener, may be sent through a micro bundle to get
better mixing. Instead of using a traditional 3/8” ID or 1/4” ID pipe wherein a sweetener
may be dropped to the bottom of a cup and a consumer may not taste the sweetener when
drinking a top portion of the beverage in a cup, the present disclosure allows for the use
of smaller microtubes to get better mixing and have multiple dispense points (jet it in at a
similar rate compared ingredients), and allow for greater dispersion throughout the
beverage.
The modular dispensing system may comprise not only a central acid and flavor system,
but also a local dairy and/or juice system. Thus, a beverage may be prepared with a shot
of juice, e.g., a cola with a shot of lemon juice and/or lime juice. A beverage, such as a
cool frappuccino or hot coffee, may be prepared with a shot of a dairy product, e.g., milk
or cream.
The modular dispensing system allows for the adding of additional dispenser heads to
existing towers for dispensing additional beverages while still using the centralized
ingredient system or transfer unit. Such existing towers may be present at drive up
systems or in-store systems.
The modular dispensing system may comprise a fast fill system for drive-up applications.
The modular dispensing system may comprise replacement bags for use in ingredient
cartridges.
The modular dispensing system may comprise auto sanitizing systems, e.g., auto
sanitizing of buttons at dispenser towers 66. The sanitizing system may include a
sanitizer cartridge, e.g., a sanitizer cartridge replacing an ingredient cartridge. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that locking of a portion of the system may be used so
that a sanitizing cycle may be run. For example, a lock out feature with cartridge
recognition of the sanitizer may be provided to prevent unintentional beverage
dispensing. The lock out feature with cartridge recognition of the sanitizer may have
mechanical and electrical safety redundancy.
The modular dispensing system may comprise interlocks on sweetener types.
The modular dispensing system may comprise and/or communicate with a social media
system or application. For example, when a mobile device of a consumer is within a
predetermined distance from a sensor linked to the modular dispensing system, a
message may be sent to the consumer’s mobile device that queries the consumer whether
the consumer would like to purchase a beverage. Alternatively, or at the same time, a
message may appear at a counter location that queries the consumer whether the
consumer would like to purchase a beverage. The social media system or application
may download to the modular dispensing system the preference or preferences of a
consumer based on the consumer’s past purchases and/or identified preferences. Thus,
the modular dispensing system and/or the social media system or application may query
a particular consumer when a mobile device of a consumer is within a predetermined
distance from a sensor of the modular dispensing system.
The modular dispenser system may also receive a beverage order from a consumer via a
social media system or application, including but not limited to the social media system
or application of a seller of beverages, including but not limited to restaurants, theaters,
other entertainment venues, and manufacturers and/or distributors of beverages. A
consumer may order a beverage prior to arriving at counter so that the drink may be
prepared and placed in a cup by the time or close to the time the consumer arrives at the
counter. Alternatively, a cup bearing and RFID identifier may be prepared and made
available to the consumer for filling by the time or close to the time the consumer arrives
at the counter. For example, see U.S. Serial No. 12/704,217, filed February 11, 2010,
published on August 12, 2010 as U.S Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0200110,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This system saves time for both
consumers and beverage sellers by cutting down on wait time, ordering time, and
beverage preparation time.
Thus, the system may recognize an individual and make certain decisions regarding what
beverage(s) or type of beverage(s) to offer the individual. The system may change what
the system traditionally offers, e.g., a shot of orange juice in a cola beverage, if such a
beverage has been ordered by the individual in the past, or the individual has identified
the beverage as a preference on social media system or application.
In addition, the system may handle gifts or promotions given from one entity to another.
By way of example, but not limitation, the system may recognize an individual,
determine whether that individual has received a gift or is eligible for a promotion, and
send a query to the individual as to whether the individual will accept the gift or
promotion, such as a free beverage or a beverage at a reduced price.
The system may provide a gesture interface so that a user may order a beverage at sensor
without touching the sensor.
The system may also provide a sanitizing screen display, including but not limited to, a
puff of steam, a wiping motion display, and ultraviolet LED.
The system may provide a user with variable pricing based on brands being sold, e.g., the
system may determine what products a user may receive based on cup size.
The system may allow for a user to pull into a drive up location and through the user’s
mobile device (e.g., a personal digital assistant, cell phone, or smart phone), via
telephone or Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other suitable communication system, know where the
user is located and shows the user a menu, and may also provide the user with a special
drive up line to pick up an order.
The system may allow for geolocation for advertising due to restricted street sign usage.
The system may provide designs for various fluid flow paths for micro dosing, e.g.,
controlling drip, and monitoring an effluent side of the pump.
Fast fill may include systems that allow for fast fill from the bottom of a cup.
On-demand carbonation may be provided using the dosing unit.
FIGs. 6 and 7 illustrate other aspects of the present disclosure. A transfer unit 600 may
be similar to transfer unit 16 previously described. Transfer unit 600 may comprise a
water treatment system 134. Transfer unit 600 may optionally comprise an ice system
(not shown), like the ice machine 136 previously described.
Transfer unit 600 may comprise a central ingredient system or central reconstitution
factory 602, which may be similar to central ingredient system 20 previously described.
Central reconstitution factory system 602 may be linked to one or more conventional or
legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and 604C using a bundle 606. The linking or connection
between central reconstitution factory system 602 and legacy dispensers may be
achieved in a backroom at the bundle pump inlet connection. As shown in
central reconstitution factory system 602 may comprise a plurality of beverage
ingredients. In central reconstitution factory 602 comprises twenty beverage
ingredients 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 636,
638, 640, 642, 644, 646. These beverage ingredients may be selected from the group
consisting of a beverage flavor ingredient and an acid. Transfer unit 600 may comprise
one or more mixing chambers. In transfer unit 600 comprises mixing chambers
648, 650, 652, 654 and 656, and additional mixing chambers if desired. Mixing chamber
648 may correspond to nozzle dispensers 658 and 660 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B,
and/or 604C, mixing chamber 650 may correspond to nozzle dispenser 662 at legacy
dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C, mixing chamber 652 may correspond to nozzle
dispenser 664 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C, mixing chamber 654 may
correspond to nozzle dispenser 666 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C, and
mixing chamber 656 may correspond to nozzle dispenser 658 at legacy dispensers 604A,
604B, and/or 604C. Additional mixing chambers (not shown) may be provided at
transfer unit 600 to correspond to nozzle dispensers 670, 672, 674, and 678 at legacy
dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C.
Beverage ingredients may be supplied to mixing chambers from cartridges 112
previously described, or bag-in-box type containers, which prior to the present disclosure
were typically placed at a beverage dispensing counter.
Syrups and other beverage ingredients may include any of those provided by PepsiCo
Inc. to form beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.
Syrup and other beverage ingredients may be pumped from cartridges 112 or other
supply containers by pumps (not shown) to mixing chambers as desired. These pumps
may be driven by CO from a tank 671 or 673 and supplied through a CO gas branch
line 675. These pumps may comprise conventional syrup pumps, e.g., BIP pumps.
Each mixing chamber may correspond to a particular beverage to be provided to a nozzle
of legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C. In the embodiment shown in a
beverage, e.g., a beverage of regular Pepsi-Cola®, may be formed in mixing chamber
648. Inlets to mixing chamber 648 may comprise a water supply line 680, a sweetener
supply line 682, an acid supply line 684, and a flavor supply line 686. Mixing chamber
648 may comprise a beverage out line 688. The sweetener, acid, and flavor ingredients
supplied to mixing chamber 648 may be highly concentrated amounts of those
ingredients mixed with water prior to being supplied to mixing chamber 648, e.g., a ratio
of beverage ingredient to water of about 200 to 1 by weight. After being mixed with
water from water supply line 680, the mixture exiting mixing chamber 648 in beverage
out line 688 may have a ratio of beverage ingredient to water of about 5 to 1 by weight.
Water may be supplied to a mixing chamber from water treatment system 679.
Sweetener line 682 may supply to a mixing chamber a nutritive sweetener and/or a non-
nutritive sweetener. Sweetener line 682 may be either a nutritive sweetener pump line
302 or a non-nutritive sweetener pump out line 304 as previously described.
The invention herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the
embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of the invention
are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or substitution without departing
significantly from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimensions, number, size
and shape of the various components may be altered to fit specific applications.
Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for
illustrative purposes only and the invention is not limited except by the following claims
and their equivalents.
The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least
in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include
the term "comprising", other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each
statement can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to
be interpreted in a similar manner.
Claims (27)
1. A modular dispensing system comprising: at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located in a back room remote from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle pipe, and a doser unit corresponding to the dispensing head, the doser unit configured to receive from the transfer unit a first beverage ingredient through the main micro bundle pipe, the doser unit located at the counter, wherein the doser unit supplies an appropriate amount of each beverage ingredient through a tower micro bundle, the tower micro bundle comprising an ice line centered in the tower micro bundle configured to convey ice to the dispensing head and a plurality of separate lines bundled around the ice line, with each line corresponding to a particular beverage ingredient.
2. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the doser unit is located below the counter.
3. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the transfer unit comprises a water treatment system, the water treatment system configured to treat water entering the water treatment system so that it has at least one predetermined characteristic upon exiting the water treatment system.
4. The modular dispensing system of claim 3, wherein the at least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting the water treatment system is a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the water entering the water treatment system.
5. The modular dispensing system of claim 3, wherein the at least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting the water treatment system is a temperature that is higher than the temperature of the water entering the water treatment system.
6. The modular dispensing system of clam 3, wherein the main micro bundle pipe comprises a line from the water treatment system to the dispensing head.
7. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the transfer unit comprises an ice machine.
8. The modular dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the main micro bundle pipe comprises a line from the ice machine to the dispensing head.
9. The modular dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the dispensing head is configured to dispense ice from the main micro bundle pipe.
10. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing head is configured to receive ice from an ice hopper and dispense the ice in a predetermined amount along with the other beverage ingredients.
11. The modular dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the ice hopper is located at the counter.
12. The modular dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the ice hopper is located below the counter.
13. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing head is configured to receive at least one carbonated water line and dispense carbonated water in a predetermined amount along with the other beverage ingredients.
14. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the main micro bundle pipe comprises at least a first beverage ingredient line corresponding to a first beverage ingredient and a second beverage ingredient line corresponding to a second beverage ingredient, the first beverage ingredient line separate from the second beverage ingredient line, and wherein the doser unit is configured to receive from the transfer unit the first beverage ingredient through the first beverage ingredient line and the second beverage ingredient through the second beverage ingredient line, and dose a predetermined amount of the first beverage ingredient to the dispensing head and a predetermined amount of the second beverage ingredient to the dispensing head.
15. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the doser unit is located below the counter.
16. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the transfer unit comprises a water treatment system, the water treatment system configured to treat water entering the water treatment system so that it has at least one predetermined characteristic upon exiting the water treatment system.
17. The modular dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the at least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting the water treatment system is a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the water entering the water treatment system.
18. The modular dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the at least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting the water treatment system is a temperature that is higher than the temperature of the water entering the water treatment system.
19. The modular dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the main micro bundle pipe comprises a line from the water treatment system to the dispensing head.
20. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the transfer unit comprises an ice machine.
21. The modular dispensing system of claim 20, wherein the main micro bundle pipe comprises a line from the ice machine to the dispensing head.
22. The modular dispensing system of claim 21, wherein the dispensing head is configured to dispense ice from the main micro bundle pipe.
23. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the dispensing head is configured to receive ice from an ice hopper and dispense the ice in a predetermined amount along with the other beverage ingredients.
24. The modular dispensing system of claim 23, wherein the ice hopper is located at the counter.
25. The modular dispensing system of claim 24, wherein the ice hopper is located below the counter.
26. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the dispensing head is configured to receive at least one carbonated water line and dispense carbonated water in a predetermined amount along with the other beverage ingredients.
27. The modular dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the dispensing head is configured to receive at least at least two beverage ingredients, the at least two beverage ingredients selected from the group consisting of a flavor ingredient and an acid.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ716681A NZ716681B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2012-05-02 | Modular dispensing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/116,247 | 2011-05-26 | ||
US13/116,247 US8985396B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2011-05-26 | Modular dispensing system |
PCT/US2012/036116 WO2012161935A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2012-05-02 | Modular dispensing system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ618220A NZ618220A (en) | 2016-04-29 |
NZ618220B2 true NZ618220B2 (en) | 2016-08-02 |
Family
ID=
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