Abstract:
A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.
Abstract:
A fluid dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism, a housing and a container having an interior. The container is removably coupled to the housing for dispensing fluid from the container by the dispensing mechanism.
Abstract:
An automatic cocktail maker, including a frame, multiple can bodies, a multi-channel switching device including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a measuring pump including an inlet hole and an outlet hole, a pipe system, and a programmable control unit. The can body is disposed on the frame, the pipe system operates to connect the can body with a liquor outlet, the can body is connected to the liquid inlet of the multi-channel switching device via a first honeycomb duct, the liquid outlet of the multi-channel switching device is connected to the inlet hole of the measuring pump via a second honeycomb duct, the outlet hole of the measuring pump is connected to a liquor outlet, and a drive portion of the multi-channel switching device and the measuring pump is electrically connected to the programmable control unit.
Abstract:
A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for dispensing a discrete volume of fluid. The apparatus includes a pump operable in discrete cycles, a power source connected to the pump, and a controller connected to at least one of the pump and the power source. The controller is configured to vary the power provided from the power source to the pump during at least a portion of each discrete cycle based on characteristics of the pump and the fluid. For example, the controller may vary power by controlling the duration of the provision of power, or by controlling the amplitude of the power. Varying the power is intended to improve the accuracy of the discrete volume of fluid dispensed. Correspondingly, the method of dispensing a discrete volume of fluid includes receiving information pertaining to the fluid to be dispensed, and adjusting a provision of power to a pump based on the information. The method may include adjusting the duration of the provision of power, or adjusting the amplitude of the provision of power.
Abstract:
In a post-mix beverage dispenser system including beverage concentrate containers and a storage tank for the supply of diluent through an electromagnetically actuated valve, the beverage concentrate is provided to the mixing station in a series of individual pulsed portions by a reciprocating piston pump coupled to the containers for the beverage concentrate. An electromechanical control circuit is also provided for rhythmically opening and closing the electromagnetic valve for a pulsed supply of diluent in synchronism with the pulsed delivery of the beverage concentrate for providing a mixture of precise proportions.
Abstract:
A dosing system has a vessel for holding a fluid and a dosing device for dispensing a measured quantity of fluid from the vessel. The dosing device hermetically seals the vessel and has a valve with a fluid passage, a piston surrounding the valve and a cylinder housing surrounding the piston. The valve is positioned in a first position wherein fluid is gravity fed from the vessel to a chamber formed between a drive face of the piston and the cylinder housing. The valve can be reciprocated from the first position to a second position whereat the valve closes the inlet from the vessel to the chamber. The piston closes the passage within the valve when the valve is in the first position and opens the passage when the valve is moved to the second position to permit discharge of fluid from the chamber. When the valve moves to a third position, the drive face of the piston moves toward a shoulder of the cylinder housing to thereby pump the fluid from the chamber. The valve can be moved between these three positions to repeatedly discharge fluid. When the valve returns from the third through the second to the first position, the drive face of the piston will move away from the shoulder of the cylinder creating suction in the chamber. This suction will assist in the gravity feed of fluid from the vessel to the chamber. The dosing system is particularly useful in a dispenser for a beverage and the vessel can be a bag-in-box container. A pliable funnel portion is provided between the vessel and the dosing device whereby the dosing device may be pushed into or pulled from the vessel.
Abstract:
A construction for preparing mixed drinks including a plurality of separate compartments holding a variety of liquid ingredients. Dispensing apparatus associated with each compartment can be individually operated for removing portions of the ingredients from outlet means positioned at a common location. A selector means is associated with the construction, and actuating means for the dispensing apparatus are moved to operating position in response to movement of the selector means. Drive means are provided for automatically achieving dispensing of the desired ingredients. A mixing station is provided for alternative use with the mixing means being driven from the same source as the drive means used for achieving dispensing action.