US20010006176A1 - Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010006176A1 US20010006176A1 US09/731,050 US73105000A US2001006176A1 US 20010006176 A1 US20010006176 A1 US 20010006176A1 US 73105000 A US73105000 A US 73105000A US 2001006176 A1 US2001006176 A1 US 2001006176A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- syrup
- recovery tank
- depalletizer
- tank
- containers
- Prior art date
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- Granted
Links
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 232
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 232
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 96
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 18
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 16
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 11
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003908 quality control method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000012174 carbonated soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002440 industrial waste Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019223 lemon-lime Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004065 wastewater treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 210000004556 brain Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009924 canning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011344 liquid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015205 orange juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
Definitions
- beverage companies To produce soft drinks and other beverages, many beverage companies have beverage production systems that spread across thousands of square feet of plant space. Simply put, in many existing systems for producing carbonated soft drinks, concentrated, pre-mixed beverage syrups are first channeled from syrup supply tanks through pipes to blend tanks where they are mixed with appropriate levels of drinking water. Carbon dioxide is bubbled through the diluted syrups and the soft drink then flows through lines to a filler system. At the filler, bottles or cans on an automated line are filled with exact amounts of the soft drink.
- the syrup recovery system of the present invention does allow the conservation of a certain amount of concentrated syrup during the production process.
- the recovered syrup is sanitary because it is captured at the outset within the production system.
- This recovered syrup can be made into soft drinks, which decreases product costs. It also reduces a beverage company's wastewater treatment costs, and in turn helps in a small way to protect the environment.
- the amount of syrup recovered by the present syrup recovery system and method is ordinarily only a few gallons per bottling run, total savings over a one year period can be significant.
- the syrup recovery system of the present invention also enhances quality control by allowing a plant operator to more precisely control syrup measurements during the production process.
- the present invention is an apparatus and method for automatically gauging container and syrup requirements for beverage production.
- This syrup recovery method for gauging container and syrup inventories during beverage production comprises the following steps: (a) transferring remaining syrup in a syrup supply tank into a syrup recovery tank in a beverage production system through at least one distribution line; (b) pushing the remaining syrup in the distribution line into the syrup recovery tank; (c) dropping the level in the syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level; (d) loading and measuring the number of containers between a filler and a depalletizer on the conveyor belt system; and (e) allowing the containers to proceed into the filler.
- the syrup recovery method herein comprises the steps of: (a) dropping the level in a syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level and maintaining it at that level; (b) loading remaining containers onto a conveyor belt system, which leads to a filler; (c) receiving input from a depalletizer confirming that the remaining containers have been loaded to the conveyor system; (d) stopping the flow of syrup from a syrup supply tank to a syrup recovery tank; and (e) pushing remaining syrup in at least one distribution line, which leads from the syrup supply tank, into the syrup recovery tank.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a syrup recovery system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a syrup recovery system according to the present invention within a beverage production system.
- a syrup recovery system 10 is shown in a preferred embodiment.
- An important element of the present syrup recovery system 10 is a closed syrup recovery tank 11 , which is connected by means of inlet distribution lines 12 to one or more syrup supply tanks 13 for storing beverage syrup. Concentrated, pre-mixed syrup (liquor) is stored in the syrup supply tanks. Normally, the syrup supply tank 13 stores several thousand gallons of syrup, while the syrup recovery tank 11 preferably accommodates about 100 to 200, most preferably about 140 to 150, gallons of syrup. The recovery tank 11 is thus an intermediate sized tank.
- the syrup supply tank 13 is ordinarily located in the plant facility some distance away from the syrup recovery tank 11 and the rest of the beverage production system.
- a large beverage production plant may have a number of remote syrup supply tanks, each holding a syrup for a different soft drink.
- Those supply tanks 13 are connected to the production system by varying lengths of lines (usually pipes), and are often several hundred feet long. Those varying lengths make it even more difficult in a beverage production system without a syrup recovery system to gauge the remaining amount of syrup needed for a production run.
- beverage syrup is transported from the syrup supply tank 13 through the inlet distribution lines 12 into the syrup recovery tank 11 .
- Syrup flow to the recovery tank 11 is automatically controlled by a level control valve 14 .
- the level control valve 14 is located along the distribution lines 12 between the syrup recovery tank 11 and the supply tank 13 , preferably close to the recovery tank 11 as shown in FIG. 1.
- syrup flows into the syrup recovery tank 11 to maintain the pre-programmed level of syrup in the tank 11 .
- the level control valve is adapted to be automatically opened and closed by the microprocessor 22 .
- the valve 14 is automatically opened and closed by the system 10 . This valve opening and closing serves to control the inventory of syrup in the recovery tank 11 .
- a sightglass 15 is preferably located along distribution line 12 to allow an operator to view the syrup as it passes through the line.
- an optional but preferred divert valve 16 is positioned along the inlet distribution line 12 after the sightglass 15 .
- lines and tanks are cleaned.
- water instead of syrup is channeled through the lines.
- the divert valve 16 is opened so that the water can flow through a “cleaning line” 17 down from the top of the syrup recovery tank 11 into the tank.
- the water preferably sprays down into the syrup recovery tank from a spray nozzle or ball 18 at the end of the cleaning line 17 .
- the effluent is flushed out through a drain at the bottom of the syrup recovery tank 11 , where it is caught and channeled to a wastewater treatment facility.
- the syrup recovery system 10 is ordinarily flushed out several times. Cleaning chemicals/detergents can be mixed in with the water for cleaning.
- the syrup flows along distribution line 12 (in the direction of the arrows) next to the syrup recovery tank 11 to an inlet port 19 .
- the inlet port 19 is located on a lower portion, preferably along the bottom quarter, of the syrup recovery tank 11 .
- the inlet port 19 leads into the syrup recovery tank 11 .
- the syrup flows into the syrup recovery tank through the inlet port.
- a level indicator 20 preferably extends down along the outside of the syrup recovery tank 11 . It is preferably connected at one (top) end to the cleaning line 17 and at an opposite, bottom end to an outlet at the bottom of the syrup recovery tank.
- the level indicator 20 is a simple, back-up device for the operator to visually check the level of syrup in the tank from outside the tank.
- a control mechanism 21 On the outside of the tank is a control mechanism 21 , ordinarily within a control panel. With the present system, the controls are centrally located in a convenient location. The control panel may alternatively be remoted to anywhere in the plant to allow easy access by the plant operator. The element that allows this accessibility is a microprocessor 22 , which is in communication with the syrup recovery tank. The control mechanism 21 is connected with the microprocessor 22 for enabling a user to input information to the microprocessor, and to receive information (preferably by visual messages) from the microprocessor. Normally, a user inputs to the microprocessor using knobs, dials, buttons or a touch screen on the front of the control panel.
- this system 10 includes a mechanical switch, or electrical component within the control mechanism for enabling the microprocessor.
- the control mechanism 21 preferably includes a screen for visually displaying information received from the microprocessor.
- the control mechanism, microprocessor, etc. are powered by electricity.
- This system 10 includes a source of electrical power 23 within, on, or connected to the control mechanism, preferably a cord with a plug for insertion into an electricity outlet.
- the control mechanism may also include extended memory devices, such as EEPROM, in communication with the microprocessor.
- the microprocessor controls, for example, the opening and closing of the divert valve.
- a personal computer, or other remote mechanism for allowing a user to program the microprocessor, or visually indicating to a user what is being programmed, may also be included herein.
- the microprocessor 22 is connected with, and receives information from, a level transmitter 24 within the syrup recovery tank 11 , preferably by wiring.
- the level transmitter 24 is adapted for measuring syrup levels within the syrup recovery tank, and transmitting such information to the microprocessor.
- the level transmitter 24 preferably comprises a probe 25 , which extends down into the recovery tank 11 , and a movable float 26 at the bottom portion of the probe. In use, the float 26 floats on top of the syrup in the recovery tank, and the probe 25 sends back information concerning changing syrup levels electronically to the microprocessor 22 .
- a transmitter within the level transmitter mechanism measures voltage across the probe according to the height of the float along the probe, which varies with the level of syrup in the recovery tank.
- the transmitter converts voltage readings to the number of gallons of syrup in the recovery tank. Necessary information has been pre-programmed into the microprocessor, such as the amount of syrup needed for each container (e.g., bottles, cans), which varies with the different types of syrups (e.g., cola soft drink syrup requirements are different than lemon-lime soft drink syrup requirements).
- the syrup recovery system 10 can thus respond automatically by, for example, closing the level control valve 14 .
- the syrup recovery tank is also connected to outlet distribution lines 27 , which conduct the syrup away from the syrup recovery tank.
- Inlet distribution lines 12 run into the syrup recovery tank 11 and are called “inlet” here simply to distinguish them from lines running from the recovery tank 11 , called here “outlet” distribution lines 27 . Both distribution lines are most commonly systems of pipes.
- Syrup exits the syrup recovery system through an outlet port 28 .
- the outlet port is located on a lower portion of the syrup recovery tank, preferably directly at the bottom center of the tank.
- the syrup is transportable from the syrup recovery tank through the outlet port 28 and through the outlet distribution lines 27 .
- a tank drain valve 29 is preferably located along the outlet distribution line just after the outlet port 28 for draining the tank 11 during cleaning.
- a conductivity sensor 30 on the outlet distribution line 27 preferably follows the tank drain valve 29 .
- the conductivity sensor is adapted to input to the microprocessor when the syrup recovery tank 11 has emptied.
- the conductivity sensor 30 is preferably wired to and feeds data back to the microprocessor 22 to notify the microprocessor the point in time when the syrup recovery tank is empty.
- a pump 31 such as a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, or a diaphragm pump, is connected to the outlet distribution lines adjacent to the syrup recovery tank for pumping the syrup from the syrup recovery tank 11 through the outlet distribution lines 27 .
- a centrifugal pump pulls the thick syrup through the outlet distribution line from the syrup recovery tank 11 .
- the pump 31 preferably includes a pump drain valve 32 .
- a shut-off valve 33 is preferably located along the outlet distribution line 27 . This valve 33 is for closing off the line 27 .
- a carbon dioxide blow valve 34 is preferably located along the outlet distribution line after the shut-off valve 33 .
- This valve 34 is for emitting carbon dioxide from the line 27 .
- Carbon dioxide is preferably used to push the last syrup in a production run along the line and thus clear the line.
- the syrup recovery tank 11 is not pressurized, and head pressure from carbon dioxide is not needed to push the viscous syrup out through the distribution lines.
- This syrup recovery system 10 can be incorporated into a soft drink production system initially, or it can be inserted into an existing soft drink production system for long term cost savings and improved efficiency.
- This syrup recovery system 10 is preferably for use in beverage production systems with nonpressurized mix tanks, but it can be adapted for use in systems with pressurized tanks. Although it is preferred for incorporation into carbonated or noncarbonated soft drink production systems, this syrup recovery system could be used in beer-making systems or in any liquid material production system. The system is energy efficient.
- the syrup recovery system of the present invention is particularly helpful in two different situations: syrup cut-off, and container cut off.
- a pre-programmed amount of beverage syrup is loaded into the recovery system 10 and the canning/bottling process is initiated.
- the level control valve 14 is closed.
- the amount of syrup and the number of containers on the conveyor are measured in this fashion.
- the syrup is purged from the inlet distribution line 12 into the system 10 .
- the syrup level then falls to the pre-programmed syrup level and shuts a container stop gate.
- the conveyor is then loaded to a container loading point.
- the amount of syrup and the containers have been measured using the present system 10 . Containers and ingredient have not been wasted.
- the present syrup recovery system (apparatus) 10 is shown in place in a beverage production system.
- Syrup supply tanks 13 supply syrup, which is transported through distribution lines to the present system 10 .
- a syrup supply valve 35 opens to allow the syrup to flow through the line 12 , or closes to halt the flow of syrup through the line 12 .
- a syrup supply pump 36 pumps the viscous syrup through the distribution lines 12 .
- the syrup then enters the syrup recovery system through the inlet distribution line(s) as described above.
- the syrup is preferably transported through a blender 37 and optionally a carbon dioxide cooler, where it is blended with water and carbon dioxide is bubbled through it to make the soft drink.
- the recovery system is preferred for use in carbonated soft drink production systems, it can as easily be used for producing any noncarbonated drinks in which a syrup must be blended with other ingredient(s), such as orange juice.
- the drink is then preferably transported through distribution lines to a filler 38 , where containers are filled with predetermined amounts of the drink.
- a filler stop gate 39 or similar automated mechanism is preferably used to halt the procession of containers 40 on a conveyor belt or the like into the filler 38 .
- the microprocessor 22 is adapted to automatically open or close the stop gate on a filler.
- a depalletizer 41 or the like in the beverage production system automatically removes bottles from pallets. From the depalletizer, the containers 40 are fed to the conveyor belt.
- this system 10 networks with the depalletizer, the bottling area of the plant, and the syrup supply room.
- the syrup recovery system is like the brain which connects all three areas together. Previous to this invention, plant personnel were often reduced to scurrying around the plant to keep track of information from all three areas.
- This method automatically gauges container and syrup inventories, when syrup inventory is limited and container inventory is not limited at the end of a production run. It preferably further comprising the steps of: (d 2 ) lighting a depalletizer alarm to notify an operator, between steps (d) and (e); and (f 2 ) pushing a depalletizer input button 42 , between steps (f) and (g).
- Also included herein is a method for substantially eliminating waste of syrup and containers during beverage production, comprising the steps of:
- the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized and achieves many advantages for the beverage company.
- This syrup recovery system can also automatically provide a precise number for how many bottles, cans, etc. will be needed for a particular production run.
- the operator can automatically monitor syrup and container inventories during a beverage production run, and end the production run with substantially no wasted syrup or containers. This reduces syrup loss, wasted containers, and precious downtime due to miscalculations in the number of containers needed.
- This system also decreases syrup wasted during switch-overs between different types of soft drinks, e.g., cola to lemon-lime soda, which require different ratios of syrup:water. It saves containers, product and man-hours at the end of production (during run-out). It addresses quality control problems and eliminates downtime due to tank changes. It decreases problems associated with air being mixed into the syrup during tank change-over.
- One of the quality control tests normally performed on sugared soft drinks during production is a Color test, which is also called a BRIX test, which is performed to assure that the color of the soft drink, e.g., cola, stays the same.
- the present system can minimize fluctuating BRIX results, or syrup pressure problems within production lines.
- the present system minimizes these problems by creating a void in the syrup line, allowing the air to purge from the syrup before it reaches the blender (proportioner). This means lower downtime due to BRIX problems, and less product placed on hold or discarded due to questionable quality.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for automatically gauging container and syrup requirements for beverage production includes: (a) dropping the level in a syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level and maintaining it at that level; (b) loading remaining containers onto a conveyor belt system, which leads to a filler; (c) receiving input from a depalletizer confirming that the remaining containers have been loaded to the conveyor system; (d) stopping the flow of syrup from a syrup supply tank to a syrup recovery tank; and (e) pushing remaining syrup in at least one distribution line, which leads from the syrup supply tank, into the syrup recovery tank. This apparatus and method allow conservation of syrup and containers at the end of a production run.
Description
- This is a continuation/divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/405,569, filed Sep. 25, 1999.
- 1. Technical Field
- This is an apparatus and method for monitoring syrup and container inventories during a beverage production run, and ending the production run with substantially no wasted syrup or containers, more particularly a syrup recovery system for insertion into a beverage production system.
- 2. Background Information
- To produce soft drinks and other beverages, many beverage companies have beverage production systems that spread across thousands of square feet of plant space. Simply put, in many existing systems for producing carbonated soft drinks, concentrated, pre-mixed beverage syrups are first channeled from syrup supply tanks through pipes to blend tanks where they are mixed with appropriate levels of drinking water. Carbon dioxide is bubbled through the diluted syrups and the soft drink then flows through lines to a filler system. At the filler, bottles or cans on an automated line are filled with exact amounts of the soft drink.
- There are certain requirements during this soft drink production process. To maintain product quality, measurements throughout this production process must be exact. Secondly, product tanks and lines which hold product must be absolutely sanitary so the drinks do not become contaminated with dirt, bacteria or the like. Third, unused syrup or soft drink, some of which is diluted syrup washed out by periodic cleanings of the system, must be carefully disposed of to protect the environment. Though it sounds innocuous to a layman, high doses of sugar from waste soft drink can upset the ecological balance in, for example, a stream to which undertreated industrial waste effluent empties. Syrup increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in a discharge stream, which upsets the balance of animals and plants indigenous to the stream. Since many bottlers must pay by the gallon to treat their industrial waste, it is to their benefit to keep wasted soft drink syrup to a minimum.
- If beverage production can be made more exact and controlled, a small amount of syrup can be conserved with each production run. The syrup recovery system of the present invention does allow the conservation of a certain amount of concentrated syrup during the production process. The recovered syrup is sanitary because it is captured at the outset within the production system. This recovered syrup can be made into soft drinks, which decreases product costs. It also reduces a beverage company's wastewater treatment costs, and in turn helps in a small way to protect the environment. Although the amount of syrup recovered by the present syrup recovery system and method is ordinarily only a few gallons per bottling run, total savings over a one year period can be significant. The syrup recovery system of the present invention also enhances quality control by allowing a plant operator to more precisely control syrup measurements during the production process.
- With this syrup recovery system, a plant operator can more precisely forecast the number of containers that will be needed for ending a production run. Also, a plant operator desiring to fill a known number of containers can automatically drain from a syrup supply tank only the exact amount of syrup needed for that particular run. This decreases or eliminates wasted containers and reduces labor costs. This syrup recovery system can be inserted into an existing beverage production system, or it can be incorporated into a new beverage production system being designed or constructed.
- The present invention is an apparatus and method for automatically gauging container and syrup requirements for beverage production. This syrup recovery method for gauging container and syrup inventories during beverage production, when syrup inventory is limited and container inventory is not limited, comprises the following steps: (a) transferring remaining syrup in a syrup supply tank into a syrup recovery tank in a beverage production system through at least one distribution line; (b) pushing the remaining syrup in the distribution line into the syrup recovery tank; (c) dropping the level in the syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level; (d) loading and measuring the number of containers between a filler and a depalletizer on the conveyor belt system; and (e) allowing the containers to proceed into the filler.
- When container inventory is limited and syrup inventory is not limited, the syrup recovery method herein comprises the steps of: (a) dropping the level in a syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level and maintaining it at that level; (b) loading remaining containers onto a conveyor belt system, which leads to a filler; (c) receiving input from a depalletizer confirming that the remaining containers have been loaded to the conveyor system; (d) stopping the flow of syrup from a syrup supply tank to a syrup recovery tank; and (e) pushing remaining syrup in at least one distribution line, which leads from the syrup supply tank, into the syrup recovery tank.
- A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein:
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a syrup recovery system according to the present invention; and
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a syrup recovery system according to the present invention within a beverage production system.
- In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “upper,” “lower,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a
syrup recovery system 10 is shown in a preferred embodiment. An important element of the presentsyrup recovery system 10 is a closedsyrup recovery tank 11, which is connected by means ofinlet distribution lines 12 to one or moresyrup supply tanks 13 for storing beverage syrup. Concentrated, pre-mixed syrup (liquor) is stored in the syrup supply tanks. Normally, thesyrup supply tank 13 stores several thousand gallons of syrup, while thesyrup recovery tank 11 preferably accommodates about 100 to 200, most preferably about 140 to 150, gallons of syrup. Therecovery tank 11 is thus an intermediate sized tank. - The
syrup supply tank 13 is ordinarily located in the plant facility some distance away from thesyrup recovery tank 11 and the rest of the beverage production system. A large beverage production plant may have a number of remote syrup supply tanks, each holding a syrup for a different soft drink. Thosesupply tanks 13 are connected to the production system by varying lengths of lines (usually pipes), and are often several hundred feet long. Those varying lengths make it even more difficult in a beverage production system without a syrup recovery system to gauge the remaining amount of syrup needed for a production run. - As shown in FIG. 1, beverage syrup is transported from the
syrup supply tank 13 through theinlet distribution lines 12 into thesyrup recovery tank 11. Syrup flow to therecovery tank 11 is automatically controlled by alevel control valve 14. Thelevel control valve 14 is located along thedistribution lines 12 between thesyrup recovery tank 11 and thesupply tank 13, preferably close to therecovery tank 11 as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, when thelevel control valve 14 is open, syrup flows into thesyrup recovery tank 11 to maintain the pre-programmed level of syrup in thetank 11. When thevalve 14 is closed, the level of syrup in thetank 11 drops to the pre-programmed point. The level control valve is adapted to be automatically opened and closed by themicroprocessor 22. Thevalve 14 is automatically opened and closed by thesystem 10. This valve opening and closing serves to control the inventory of syrup in therecovery tank 11. Asightglass 15 is preferably located alongdistribution line 12 to allow an operator to view the syrup as it passes through the line. - For cleaning, an optional but preferred
divert valve 16 is positioned along theinlet distribution line 12 after thesightglass 15. After a production run, lines and tanks are cleaned. For cleaning, water instead of syrup is channeled through the lines. For cleaning, thedivert valve 16 is opened so that the water can flow through a “cleaning line” 17 down from the top of thesyrup recovery tank 11 into the tank. The water preferably sprays down into the syrup recovery tank from a spray nozzle orball 18 at the end of thecleaning line 17. The effluent is flushed out through a drain at the bottom of thesyrup recovery tank 11, where it is caught and channeled to a wastewater treatment facility. Thesyrup recovery system 10 is ordinarily flushed out several times. Cleaning chemicals/detergents can be mixed in with the water for cleaning. - When the system is not being cleaned, the syrup flows along distribution line12 (in the direction of the arrows) next to the
syrup recovery tank 11 to aninlet port 19. Referring to FIG. 1, theinlet port 19 is located on a lower portion, preferably along the bottom quarter, of thesyrup recovery tank 11. Theinlet port 19 leads into thesyrup recovery tank 11. The syrup flows into the syrup recovery tank through the inlet port. - A
level indicator 20 preferably extends down along the outside of thesyrup recovery tank 11. It is preferably connected at one (top) end to thecleaning line 17 and at an opposite, bottom end to an outlet at the bottom of the syrup recovery tank. Thelevel indicator 20 is a simple, back-up device for the operator to visually check the level of syrup in the tank from outside the tank. - On the outside of the tank is a
control mechanism 21, ordinarily within a control panel. With the present system, the controls are centrally located in a convenient location. The control panel may alternatively be remoted to anywhere in the plant to allow easy access by the plant operator. The element that allows this accessibility is amicroprocessor 22, which is in communication with the syrup recovery tank. Thecontrol mechanism 21 is connected with themicroprocessor 22 for enabling a user to input information to the microprocessor, and to receive information (preferably by visual messages) from the microprocessor. Normally, a user inputs to the microprocessor using knobs, dials, buttons or a touch screen on the front of the control panel. Preferably, thissystem 10 includes a mechanical switch, or electrical component within the control mechanism for enabling the microprocessor. Thecontrol mechanism 21 preferably includes a screen for visually displaying information received from the microprocessor. The control mechanism, microprocessor, etc. are powered by electricity. Thissystem 10 includes a source ofelectrical power 23 within, on, or connected to the control mechanism, preferably a cord with a plug for insertion into an electricity outlet. The control mechanism may also include extended memory devices, such as EEPROM, in communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor controls, for example, the opening and closing of the divert valve. A personal computer, or other remote mechanism for allowing a user to program the microprocessor, or visually indicating to a user what is being programmed, may also be included herein. - Importantly, the
microprocessor 22 is connected with, and receives information from, alevel transmitter 24 within thesyrup recovery tank 11, preferably by wiring. Thelevel transmitter 24 is adapted for measuring syrup levels within the syrup recovery tank, and transmitting such information to the microprocessor. Thelevel transmitter 24 preferably comprises aprobe 25, which extends down into therecovery tank 11, and amovable float 26 at the bottom portion of the probe. In use, thefloat 26 floats on top of the syrup in the recovery tank, and theprobe 25 sends back information concerning changing syrup levels electronically to themicroprocessor 22. Preferably, a transmitter within the level transmitter mechanism measures voltage across the probe according to the height of the float along the probe, which varies with the level of syrup in the recovery tank. The transmitter converts voltage readings to the number of gallons of syrup in the recovery tank. Necessary information has been pre-programmed into the microprocessor, such as the amount of syrup needed for each container (e.g., bottles, cans), which varies with the different types of syrups (e.g., cola soft drink syrup requirements are different than lemon-lime soft drink syrup requirements). Thesyrup recovery system 10 can thus respond automatically by, for example, closing thelevel control valve 14. - The syrup recovery tank is also connected to
outlet distribution lines 27, which conduct the syrup away from the syrup recovery tank.Inlet distribution lines 12 run into thesyrup recovery tank 11 and are called “inlet” here simply to distinguish them from lines running from therecovery tank 11, called here “outlet” distribution lines 27. Both distribution lines are most commonly systems of pipes. Syrup exits the syrup recovery system through anoutlet port 28. The outlet port is located on a lower portion of the syrup recovery tank, preferably directly at the bottom center of the tank. The syrup is transportable from the syrup recovery tank through theoutlet port 28 and through the outlet distribution lines 27. Atank drain valve 29 is preferably located along the outlet distribution line just after theoutlet port 28 for draining thetank 11 during cleaning. - A
conductivity sensor 30 on theoutlet distribution line 27 preferably follows thetank drain valve 29. The conductivity sensor is adapted to input to the microprocessor when thesyrup recovery tank 11 has emptied. Theconductivity sensor 30 is preferably wired to and feeds data back to themicroprocessor 22 to notify the microprocessor the point in time when the syrup recovery tank is empty. - As shown in FIG. 1, a
pump 31, such as a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, or a diaphragm pump, is connected to the outlet distribution lines adjacent to the syrup recovery tank for pumping the syrup from thesyrup recovery tank 11 through the outlet distribution lines 27. Preferably, a centrifugal pump pulls the thick syrup through the outlet distribution line from thesyrup recovery tank 11. Thepump 31 preferably includes apump drain valve 32. After thepump 31, a shut-offvalve 33 is preferably located along theoutlet distribution line 27. Thisvalve 33 is for closing off theline 27. A carbondioxide blow valve 34 is preferably located along the outlet distribution line after the shut-offvalve 33. Thisvalve 34 is for emitting carbon dioxide from theline 27. Carbon dioxide is preferably used to push the last syrup in a production run along the line and thus clear the line. Thesyrup recovery tank 11 is not pressurized, and head pressure from carbon dioxide is not needed to push the viscous syrup out through the distribution lines. Thissyrup recovery system 10 can be incorporated into a soft drink production system initially, or it can be inserted into an existing soft drink production system for long term cost savings and improved efficiency. - This
syrup recovery system 10 is preferably for use in beverage production systems with nonpressurized mix tanks, but it can be adapted for use in systems with pressurized tanks. Although it is preferred for incorporation into carbonated or noncarbonated soft drink production systems, this syrup recovery system could be used in beer-making systems or in any liquid material production system. The system is energy efficient. - In use, the syrup recovery system of the present invention is particularly helpful in two different situations: syrup cut-off, and container cut off. In the former case, a pre-programmed amount of beverage syrup, is loaded into the
recovery system 10 and the canning/bottling process is initiated. When the last container is loaded onto a container conveyor, thelevel control valve 14 is closed. The amount of syrup and the number of containers on the conveyor are measured in this fashion. With the present recovery system, the number of containers and the syrup in the system will run out at the same time. In the latter case, the syrup is purged from theinlet distribution line 12 into thesystem 10. The syrup level then falls to the pre-programmed syrup level and shuts a container stop gate. The conveyor is then loaded to a container loading point. The amount of syrup and the containers have been measured using thepresent system 10. Containers and ingredient have not been wasted. - Referring to FIG. 2, the present syrup recovery system (apparatus)10 is shown in place in a beverage production system.
Syrup supply tanks 13 supply syrup, which is transported through distribution lines to thepresent system 10. Asyrup supply valve 35 opens to allow the syrup to flow through theline 12, or closes to halt the flow of syrup through theline 12. Asyrup supply pump 36 pumps the viscous syrup through the distribution lines 12. The syrup then enters the syrup recovery system through the inlet distribution line(s) as described above. From the syrup recovery system, the syrup is preferably transported through ablender 37 and optionally a carbon dioxide cooler, where it is blended with water and carbon dioxide is bubbled through it to make the soft drink. Although the recovery system is preferred for use in carbonated soft drink production systems, it can as easily be used for producing any noncarbonated drinks in which a syrup must be blended with other ingredient(s), such as orange juice. - The drink is then preferably transported through distribution lines to a
filler 38, where containers are filled with predetermined amounts of the drink. Afiller stop gate 39 or similar automated mechanism is preferably used to halt the procession ofcontainers 40 on a conveyor belt or the like into thefiller 38. Themicroprocessor 22 is adapted to automatically open or close the stop gate on a filler. Adepalletizer 41 or the like in the beverage production system automatically removes bottles from pallets. From the depalletizer, thecontainers 40 are fed to the conveyor belt. - The
microprocessor 22 receives feedback from, and/or outputs to, many sources within thesystem 10. These are either wired to the microprocessor, connected to the microprocessor by air lines activated by electric solenoids within the control mechanism, or connected by other means. The microprocessor is connected to: thelevel control valve 14, the divertvalve 16, thelevel transmitter 24, thetank drain valve 29, theconductivity sensor 30, and thepump drain valve 32. The microprocessor also inputs to a depalletizer alarm andinput button 42, which is adjacent to thedepalletizer 41, and a syrup cut-offalarm 43, which is adjacent to thesyrup supply tanks 13. These are all essential or optional parts of the syrup recovery apparatus of the present invention. - There are two production situations in which the present syrup recovery system proves particularly useful. In the first, there is a limited, known amount of syrup and an unlimited number of containers available to be used for that production run. In that case, the syrup in the
syrup supply tank 13 is depleted, then all of the syrup in thedistribution lines 12 is pushed into thesyrup recovery system 11. The syrup recovery tank level drops down to a pre-programmed set-point. Thefiller stop gate 39 closes automatically and thedepalletizer alarm 42 will light. Thecontainers 40 between thefiller stop gate 39 and thedepalletizer 41 are then measured. The depalletizer operator then loads the conveyor belt with containers and then pushes thedepalletizer input button 42, which opens the filler stop gate. There will then be a measured amount of syrup and a measured number of containers to complete the run-out (end of production) process. - In the second situation, there is an unlimited amount of syrup and a limited number of containers available to be used for that production run. The operator pushes a button on the control panel, which inputs to the
microprocessor 22. The amount of syrup in thesyrup recovery tank 11 then falls to the pre-programmed cut-off point, which turns on thedepalletizer alarm 42 light. The depalletizer operator then loads all the containers available onto the conveyor belt and then presses the depalletizer alarm andinput button 42. Thesyrup supply valve 35 is then manually or automatically activated. There will then be a measured amount of syrup and a measured number of containers to complete the run-out process. - It can be seen that this
system 10 networks with the depalletizer, the bottling area of the plant, and the syrup supply room. The syrup recovery system is like the brain which connects all three areas together. Previous to this invention, plant personnel were often reduced to scurrying around the plant to keep track of information from all three areas. - Also included herein is a method for substantially eliminating waste of syrup and containers during beverage production, comprising the steps of:
- (a) transferring remaining syrup in a
syrup supply tank 13 into asyrup recovery tank 11 in a beverage production system throughdistribution lines 12; - (b) pushing the remaining syrup in the
distribution lines 12 into thesyrup recovery tank 11; - (c) automatically dropping the level in the
syrup recovery tank 11 down to a pre-programmed level or set-point; - (d) automatically closing a
gate 39 on afiller 38 in the beverage production system; - (e) measuring the number of
containers 40 between thefiller gate 39 and adepalletizer 41, which feeds containers to the filler on a conveyor belt; - (f) loading the conveyor belt with containers; and
- (g) opening the
filler gate 39 and allowing thecontainers 40 to proceed into thefiller 38. This method automatically gauges container and syrup inventories, when syrup inventory is limited and container inventory is not limited at the end of a production run. It preferably further comprising the steps of: (d2) lighting a depalletizer alarm to notify an operator, between steps (d) and (e); and (f2) pushing adepalletizer input button 42, between steps (f) and (g). - Also included herein is a method for substantially eliminating waste of syrup and containers during beverage production, comprising the steps of:
- (a) automatically dropping the level in a
syrup recovery tank 11 down to a pre-programmed level or set-point; - (b) automatically lighting a
depalletizer alarm 42 to notify an operator; - (c)
loading remaining containers 40 onto a conveyor belt, which leads to afiller 38; - (d) pushing a
depalletizer input button 42 adapted to input to amicroprocessor 22; - (e) closing a
syrup supply valve 35 from asyrup supply tank 13; and - (f) pushing remaining syrup in
distribution lines 12, which lead from thesyrup supply tank 13, into thesyrup recovery tank 11. This method automatically gauges container and syrup inventories, when container inventory is limited and syrup inventory is not limited. - From the foregoing it can be realized that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized and achieves many advantages for the beverage company. With this syrup recovery system, a plant operator can monitor how much syrup has been used and how much remains at any point during the production process. This syrup recovery system can also automatically provide a precise number for how many bottles, cans, etc. will be needed for a particular production run. The operator can automatically monitor syrup and container inventories during a beverage production run, and end the production run with substantially no wasted syrup or containers. This reduces syrup loss, wasted containers, and precious downtime due to miscalculations in the number of containers needed.
- This system also decreases syrup wasted during switch-overs between different types of soft drinks, e.g., cola to lemon-lime soda, which require different ratios of syrup:water. It saves containers, product and man-hours at the end of production (during run-out). It addresses quality control problems and eliminates downtime due to tank changes. It decreases problems associated with air being mixed into the syrup during tank change-over. One of the quality control tests normally performed on sugared soft drinks during production is a Color test, which is also called a BRIX test, which is performed to assure that the color of the soft drink, e.g., cola, stays the same. The present system can minimize fluctuating BRIX results, or syrup pressure problems within production lines. The present system minimizes these problems by creating a void in the syrup line, allowing the air to purge from the syrup before it reaches the blender (proportioner). This means lower downtime due to BRIX problems, and less product placed on hold or discarded due to questionable quality.
- The syrup recovery system of the present invention is also advantageous in that waste disposal problems are turned into profits by converting what was formerly waste syrup into production run material. Syrup loss and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) waste treatment surcharges are in this way decreased.
- While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person's product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention.
- Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
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Claims (10)
13. A method for gauging beverage container and syrup inventories during beverage production, when syrup inventory is limited and container inventory is not limited, comprising the steps of:
(a) transferring remaining syrup in a syrup supply tank into a syrup recovery tank in a beverage production system through at least one distribution line;
(b) pushing the remaining syrup in the distribution line into the syrup recovery tank;
(c) dropping the level in the syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level;
(d) loading and measuring the number of containers between a filler and a depalletizer on the conveyor belt system; and
(e) allowing the containers to proceed into the filler.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein step (d) further comprises activating a depalletizer alarm to notify an operator.
15. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of (d 2) receiving input from a depalletizer input button to open a gate on the filler, between steps (d) and (e).
16. A method for gauging container and syrup inventories during beverage production, when container inventory is limited and syrup inventory is not limited, comprising the steps of:
(a) dropping the level in a syrup recovery tank down to a pre-set level and maintaining it at that level;
(b) loading remaining containers onto a conveyor belt system, which leads to a filler;
(c) receiving input from a depalletizer confirming that the remaining containers have been loaded to the conveyor system;
(d) stopping the flow of syrup from a syrup supply tank to a syrup recovery tank; and
(e) pushing remaining syrup in at least one distribution line, which leads from the syrup supply tank, into the syrup recovery tank.
17. A method according to claim 13, wherein one or more steps are conducted automatically under the control of a microprocessor connected to the beverage production system.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein step (d) further comprises automatically closing a gate on the filler by operation of the microprocessor.
19. A method according to claim 16, wherein one or more steps are conducted automatically under the control of a microprocessor connected to the beverage production system.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the syrup dropping to the pre-set level in step (a) automatically causes the microprocessor to activate a depalletizer alarm.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein step (c) is carried out by a depalletizer input button inputting to the microprocessor.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein step (d) occurs when the microprocessor receives the input from the depalletizer input button and operates to close a syrup supply valve on the syrup supply tank, the valve closure stopping the flow of syrup to the syrup recovery tank.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/731,050 US6367656B2 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 2000-12-06 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/405,569 US6293430B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 1999-09-25 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
US09/731,050 US6367656B2 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 2000-12-06 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/405,569 Continuation US6293430B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 1999-09-25 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
US09/405,569 Division US6293430B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 1999-09-25 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010006176A1 true US20010006176A1 (en) | 2001-07-05 |
US6367656B2 US6367656B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 |
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US09/405,569 Expired - Fee Related US6293430B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 1999-09-25 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
US09/692,284 Expired - Fee Related US6367655B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 2000-10-19 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
US09/731,050 Expired - Fee Related US6367656B2 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 2000-12-06 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
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US09/405,569 Expired - Fee Related US6293430B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 1999-09-25 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
US09/692,284 Expired - Fee Related US6367655B1 (en) | 1999-09-25 | 2000-10-19 | Apparatus and method for recovering beverage syrup |
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US (3) | US6293430B1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030200870A1 (en) * | 2002-04-24 | 2003-10-30 | Ali S.P.A Divisione Gbg | Autofill device applicable to the mixing bowl of a granita or chilled beverages dispenser |
US20140121802A1 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2014-05-01 | The Coca-Cola Company | System for optimizing drink blends |
WO2018064451A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispensing systems |
US20220135389A1 (en) * | 2019-02-21 | 2022-05-05 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispensing systems with remote micro-ingredient storage systems |
Families Citing this family (6)
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US6474505B1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2002-11-05 | Spartanburg Stainless Products, Inc. | Modular liquid container and dispensing system |
US6922943B1 (en) | 2002-03-22 | 2005-08-02 | Michel G. Paille | Vegetable and plant growing cage |
US20040140812A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2004-07-22 | Ademir Scallante | Arrangements containing electrical assemblies and methods of cleaning such electrical assemblies |
US7124792B2 (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2006-10-24 | Safety Pumping Systems, Llc | Manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system |
US11926518B1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2024-03-12 | Cleland Sales Corporation | Shutoff valve system for dispensing a beverage |
US10899597B2 (en) | 2018-02-16 | 2021-01-26 | Cleland Sales Corporation | Fluid control shutoff and pump assembly for a beverage dispensing machine |
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US3626970A (en) | 1970-01-02 | 1971-12-14 | Aqua Mec Inc | Air volume control for hydropneumatic tanks |
AR205368A1 (en) * | 1975-01-24 | 1976-04-30 | Lofrah Sa | MACHINE DEIFYING AND MIXING A PLURALITY OF LIQUIDS |
US4669496A (en) | 1984-03-12 | 1987-06-02 | Figgie International Inc. | Liquid proportioner |
US4683921A (en) * | 1986-05-05 | 1987-08-04 | Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. | Carbonated beverage storage and dispensing system and method |
US4941593A (en) | 1989-01-11 | 1990-07-17 | Hicks Robert C | Cleaning system for beverage delivery conduits |
JP2614338B2 (en) | 1990-01-11 | 1997-05-28 | 株式会社東芝 | Liquid source container |
US5215128A (en) * | 1991-06-06 | 1993-06-01 | Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. | Syrup delivery system for carbonated beverages |
DE4123047A1 (en) * | 1991-07-12 | 1993-01-14 | Kronseder Maschf Krones | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MIXING BEVERAGE COMPONENTS |
US5316180A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1994-05-31 | Cleland Robert K | Beverage dispensing machine with pressurized water and syrup supplies |
US5174323A (en) | 1992-03-02 | 1992-12-29 | Kent Haselden | Liquid material reservoir |
US5641006A (en) * | 1995-07-13 | 1997-06-24 | Chiron Diagnostics Corporation | Liquid supply apparatus and method of operation |
US5730324A (en) * | 1996-05-10 | 1998-03-24 | Imi Wilshire Inc. | Syrup dispensing method and system for a beverage dispenser |
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1999
- 1999-09-25 US US09/405,569 patent/US6293430B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-10-19 US US09/692,284 patent/US6367655B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-12-06 US US09/731,050 patent/US6367656B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030200870A1 (en) * | 2002-04-24 | 2003-10-30 | Ali S.P.A Divisione Gbg | Autofill device applicable to the mixing bowl of a granita or chilled beverages dispenser |
US20140121802A1 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2014-05-01 | The Coca-Cola Company | System for optimizing drink blends |
US10261501B2 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2019-04-16 | The Coca-Cola Company | System for optimizing drink blends |
US11048237B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2021-06-29 | The Coca-Cola Company | System for optimizing drink blends |
US12019427B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2024-06-25 | The Coca-Cola Company | System for optimizing drink blends |
WO2018064451A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispensing systems |
US11713232B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2023-08-01 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispensing systems |
US20220135389A1 (en) * | 2019-02-21 | 2022-05-05 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispensing systems with remote micro-ingredient storage systems |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6367656B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 |
US6367655B1 (en) | 2002-04-09 |
US6293430B1 (en) | 2001-09-25 |
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