A product case for receiving a fluid bag used in gravity based fluid dispensing systems. The product case has a floor and sidewalls that form a rectangular enclosure for the fluid bag, and a bag supporter in contact with the fluid bag. The bag supporter includes a notch formed in a top edge of one sidewall to facilitate receipt of material of the fluid bag, a slot in the one sidewall extending from a bottom of the triangular shaped notch and configured to receive and retain the material of the fluid bag, and a removable retaining wall held by support structures on a pair of the sidewalls opposing each other to divide the rectangular enclosure into a smaller enclosure. The sidewalls and the removable retaining wall constrain the fluid bag within the smaller enclosure, while the triangular shaped notch and the slot minimizes fluid bag material from covering the outlet nozzle as the fluid bag empties and provides for repeatable flow characteristics for portion control applications.
B65D 3/00 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
B67D 3/00 - Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
A product case for receiving a fluid bag used in gravity based fluid dispensing systems. The product case has a floor and sidewalls that form a rectangular enclosure for the fluid bag, and a bag supporter in contact with the fluid bag. The bag supporter includes a notch formed in a top edge of one sidewall to facilitate receipt of material of the fluid bag, a slot in the one sidewall extending from a bottom of the triangular shaped notch and configured to receive and retain the material of the fluid bag, and a removable retaining wall held by support structures on a pair of the sidewalls opposing each other to divide the rectangular enclosure into a smaller enclosure. The sidewalls and the removable retaining wall constrain the fluid bag within the smaller enclosure, while the triangular shaped notch and the slot minimizes fluid bag material from covering the outlet nozzle as the fluid bag empties and provides for repeatable flow characteristics for portion control applications.
B67D 3/00 - Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
B65D 77/06 - Liquids or semiliquids enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
B65D 85/80 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for milk
3.
OPTICAL LIQUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING APPARATUS
An optical liquid height determination system of the present embodiments includes light sensors capturing different amounts of light, based on level of liquid in the tank that blocks or limits light to particular sensors. The tank is enclosed in a container with a light source and the light sensors are installed on walls of the container. Light emitted by the light source is transmitted to the light sensors by passing through the liquid product, scattered, diffused, diffracted or reflected by the dairy product, through the tank walls which may be transparent or translucent, or from other surfaces in the container within which the tank is enclosed by. The set of electrical signals received from all the light sensors are compared against sets of calibrated signals corresponding to known liquid levels in the tank. The known height corresponding to the nearest set of calibrated signals is determined as the measured liquid height in the tank.
Described herein is an apparatus and method for dispensing a granular material. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the granular material and a feeder for delivering the granular material through a hopper outlet to a dispensing tube that is configured to guide the granular material towards a dispensing outlet. The valve assembly is actuatable to pinch and unpinch the dispensing tube, thereby blocking and unblocking the passage of material. The valve assembly is configured to receive a resilient portion of the dispensing tube, and is actuatable to pinch the resilient portion of the dispensing tube to inhibit passage of the granular material to the dispensing port, and to unpinch said resilient portion of the dispensing tube to enable passage of the granular material through the dispensing port. The dispensing tube may be sloped between the hopper outlet and the valve assembly. Sloping of the dispensing tube promotes sliding of the granular material along an inner surface of the dispensing tube. This focuses the flow profile of the granular material, and reduces the scattering of granular material outside the vessel.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 83/06 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material
F16K 7/06 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
A pinch valve for a liquid-dispensing unit or machine has a pinch valve body to which is connected a pinch bar assembly. The pinch bar assembly has two axes of rotation and can easily be moved by a user from a pinch position, where the pinch bar is the displacement path of a plunger, to an open position where it is not in the displacement path. A liquid-dispensing tube can be installed in the pinch valve between the pinch bar and the plunger.
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
A pinch valve for a liquid-dispensing unit or machine has a pinch valve body to which is pivotally secured a closure in a clamshell arrangement. The valve body and the closure define a passageway that can hold a liquid-dispensing tube when the pinch valve is in a closed configuration. The axis about which the closure pivots is perpendicular to the passageway.
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
A pinch valve that includes a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The pinch valve receives a dispensing tube for liquids and controls the flow of liquid in the dispensing valve. The insert defines an inner wall portion against which a plunger assembly pushes the dispensing tube to stop liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. The insert and the holder define a throttle portion that throttles the flow of liquid when the plunger assembly is moved from the pinch position, where is pushed the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position.
F16K 7/02 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught Details
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
8.
DISPENSER FOR GRANULAR MATERIAL WITH A VALVE ASSEMBLY
Described herein is an apparatus and method for dispensing a granular material. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the granular material and a feeder for delivering the granular material through a hopper outlet to a dispensing tube that is configured to guide the granular material towards a dispensing outlet. The valve assembly is actuatable to pinch and unpinch the dispensing tube, thereby blocking and unblocking the passage of material. The valve assembly is configured to receive a resilient portion of the dispensing tube, and is actuatable to pinch the resilient portion of the dispensing tube to inhibit passage of the granular material to the dispensing port, and to unpinch said resilient potion of the dispensing tube to enable passage of the granular material through the dispensing port. The dispensing tube may be sloped between the hopper outlet and the valve assembly. Sloping of the dispensing tube promotes sliding of the granular material along an inner surface of the dispensing tube. This focusses the flow profile of the granular material, and reduces the scattering of granular material outside the vessel.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47G 19/34 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the likeFood containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 7/02 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
A pinch valve that includes a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The pinch valve receives a dispensing tube for liquids and controls the flow of liquid in the dispensing valve. The insert defines an inner wall portion against which a plunger assembly pushes the dispensing tube to stop liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. The insert and the holder define a throttle portion that throttles the flow of liquid when the plunger assembly is moved from the pinch position, where is pushed the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position.
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
B67D 7/36 - Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
B65D 83/00 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
A pinch valve has an insert housed in a holder. The insert and the holder are shaped to receive a dispensing tube and the insert can rotate within the holder and around the dispensing tube. The insert can be rotated to have the pinch valve in a release configuration where the insert can be moved downward and out of the holder to allow for cleaning of the insert and holder.
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
The present disclosure is directed to a user input system and method for receiving and processing touch input. The system may cooperate with an interchangeable graphic module that may be received in an overlapping relationship to a touch sensor panel of the system. The interchangeable graphic module may have a graphical layout having one or more graphical elements visually marked on the interchangeable graphic module. A user may view the graphical elements and provide touch input to the touch sensor panel. The user input system may be configured by obtaining a graphic code associated with the interchangeable graphic module identifying the particular graphical layout. The system may configure soft-keys for the touch sensor panel corresponding to the graphical elements. Therefore embodiments of the user input system may provide a configurable touch input system presenting graphical elements without requiring an electronic display.
A pinch valve has an insert housed in a holder. The insert and the holder are shaped to receive a dispensing tube and the insert can rotate within the holder and around the dispensing tube. The insert can be rotated to have the pinch valve in a release configuration where the insert can be moved downward and out of the holder to allow for cleaning of the insert and holder.
A pinch valve for a liquid-dispensing unit or machine has a pinch valve body to which is pivotally secured a closure in a clamshell arrangement. The valve body and the closure define a passageway that can hold a liquid-dispensing tube when the pinch valve is in a closed configuration. The axis about which the closure pivots is perpendicular to the passageway.
F16K 7/06 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 7/02 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm
A pinch valve for a liquid-dispensing unit or machine has a pinch valve body to which is connected a pinch bar assembly. The pinch bar assembly has two axes of rotation and can easily be moved by a user from a pinch position, where the pinch bar is the displacement path of a plunger, to an open position where it is not in the displacement path. A liquid-dispensing tube can be installed in the pinch valve between the pinch bar and the plunger.
F16K 7/06 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 7/02 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm
Beverage and food dispensing machines, featuring both manual and portion control, for dispensing flavors, flavor enhancers, syrups, sugar, sweetener, milk, cream, non-dairy cream, whipped topping, condiments, and oils, particularly for use in the food and beverage industries Retail and wholesale store services in the field of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
35 - Advertising and business services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Beverage and food dispensing machines, both manual and portion control, for flavours, flavour enhancers, syrups, sugar, sweetener, milk, cream, non-dairy cream, whipped topping, condiments, and oils, particularly for use in the food and beverage industries (1) Design and custom manufacturing of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment; wholesale and retail sale of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries
In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a measurement device providing at least one signal indicative of the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the measurement device and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and at least one signal from the measurement device, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the measurement device for at least one previous dispense.
B67D 7/14 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred responsive to input of recorded programmed information, e.g. on punched cards
B67D 7/30 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred
B67D 7/36 - Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
G01G 17/06 - Apparatus for, or methods of, weighing material of special form or property for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes having means for controlling the supply or discharge
G01F 22/00 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for
G01F 13/00 - Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups
G01F 23/20 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
G01G 13/24 - Weighing mechanism control arrangements for automatic feed or discharge
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
B67D 3/00 - Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a measurement device providing at least one signal indicative of the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the measurement device and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and at least one signal from the measurement device, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the measurement device for at least one previous dispense.
In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a load cell supporting at least a partial weight of the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the load cell and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and an output from the load cell, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the load cell for at least one previous dispense.
B67D 7/08 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
B67D 7/30 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
B65B 3/34 - Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by timing of filling operations
A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
F04B 9/02 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
21.
DISPENSER FOR GRANULAR MATERIAL WITH A VALVE ASSEMBLY
Described herein is an apparatus and method for dispensing a granular material. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the granular material and a feeder for delivering the granular material through a hopper outlet to a dispensing tube that is configured to guide the granular material towards a dispensing outlet. The valve assembly is actuatable to pinch and unpinch the dispensing tube, thereby blocking and unblocking the passage of material. The valve assembly is configured to receive a resilient portion of the dispensing tube, and is actuatable to pinch the resilient portion of the dispensing tube to inhibit passage of the granular material to the dispensing port, and to unpinch said resilient potion of the dispensing tube to enable passage of the granular material through the dispensing port. The dispensing tube may be sloped between the hopper outlet and the valve assembly. Sloping of the dispensing tube promotes sliding of the granular material along an inner surface of the dispensing tube. This focusses the flow profile of the granular material, and reduces the scattering of granular material outside the vessel.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47G 19/34 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the likeFood containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 7/02 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a load cell supporting at least a partial weight of the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the load cell and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and an output from the load cell, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the load cell for at least one previous dispense.
B67D 7/14 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred responsive to input of recorded programmed information, e.g. on punched cards
B67D 7/30 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred
B67D 7/36 - Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
G01G 17/06 - Apparatus for, or methods of, weighing material of special form or property for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes having means for controlling the supply or discharge
G01F 22/00 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for
G01G 13/24 - Weighing mechanism control arrangements for automatic feed or discharge
B67D 3/04 - Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping-holes of casks, e.g. for beer
B67D 3/00 - Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
A pinch valve that includes a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The pinch valve receives a dispensing tube for liquids and controls the flow of liquid in the dispensing valve. The insert defines an inner wall portion against which a plunger assembly pushes the dispensing tube to stop liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. The insert and the holder define a throttle portion that throttles the flow of liquid when the plunger assembly is moved from the pinch position, where is pushed the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position.
F16K 7/06 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
A47J 31/46 - Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
F16K 7/00 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage
A beverage whitening composition for whitening coffee, tea or hot chocolate, is described. The composition replaces a selected fluid, such as partially skimmed milk or half-and-half cream, in a reduced volume while providing the same or a very similar whitening ability and taste as the selected fluid to be replaced, so as to be indiscernible to the consumer. The target volume for reduction is 45% to 95%. The composition is useful for replacing skim, 1%, 2%, whole milk, light cream, half-and-half cream or coffee cream in dispensers containing bags, to reduce frequency of bag replacement. The composition may be steamed and used to whiten a steamed milk beverage, such as a latte.
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
07 - Machines and machine tools
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Custom manufacturing of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries Beverage and food dispensing machines, featuring both manual and portion control, for dispensing flavors, flavor enhancers, syrups, sugar, sweetener, milk, cream, non-dairy cream, whipped topping, condiments, and oils, particularly for use in the food and beverage industries [ Retail and wholesale store services in the field of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries ] Design of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
35 - Advertising and business services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Beverage and food dispensing machines, both manual and portion control, for flavours, flavour enhancers, syrups, sugar, sweetener, milk, cream, non-dairy cream, whipped topping, condiments, and oils, particularly for use in the food and beverage industries. (1) Design and custom manufacturing of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment; wholesale and retail sale of food, beverage and liquid dispensing equipment for the food and beverage industries.
An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/20 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates
A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B65G 33/24 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors Details
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B65G 33/24 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors Details
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a millilitre and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realisably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
F04B 9/02 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
A23F 5/46 - Coffee flavourCoffee oilFlavouring of coffee or coffee extract
An expandable plunger top of resilient material is deformable to an expanded state when the plunger is pushed by a piston, such that the expandable plunger top returns to a relaxed state when the piston is withdrawn from the plunger. As a result, a negative pressure in the cartridge is created when the piston is withdrawn from the plunger after a dispense operation, thereby drawing dispensing fluid product back into the fluid cartridge.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
B67D 7/08 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
F04B 9/02 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a millilitre and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realisably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
B67D 7/08 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
F04B 9/02 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being mechanical
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a millilitre and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realisably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
A47J 31/41 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea of liquid ingredients
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
A beverage whitening composition for replacing cream or milk in a reduced volume comprising: cream having a higher butter fat content than the cream or milk to be replaced; milk having a lower butter fat content than the cream or milk to be replaced; and serum solids, such as skim milk powder. The composition has the beverage whitening ability of the cream or milk to be replaced in a target volume of from 30% to 95% of the volume of cream or milk to be replaced. The composition is formulated so that from 300 mL to 950 mL of the composition has the whitening ability of 1 litre of the cream or milk to be replaced. The composition is useful for replacing conventional coffee cream in dispensers containing bags of cream so as to reduce frequency of bag replacement.
A beverage whitening composition for replacing cream or milk in a reduced volume comprising: cream having a higher butter fat content than the cream or milk to be replaced; milk having a lower butter fat content than the cream or milk to be replaced; and serum solids, such as skim milk powder. The composition has the beverage whitening ability of the cream or milk to be replaced in a target volume of from 30% to 95% of the volume of cream or milk to be replaced. The composition is formulated so that from 300 mL to 950 mL of the composition has the whitening ability of 1 liter of the cream or milk to be replaced. The composition is useful for replacing conventional coffee cream in dispensers containing bags of cream so as to reduce frequency of bag replacement.
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid. The microprocessor tracks the amount of fluid dispensed from each storage tank and alerts users and/or prevents further operation when reservoirs are close to empty to avoid null dispenses to customers. Various maintenance routines can be executed through the user interface, and dispense volumes and combination dispenses can be re-programmed manually or automatically.
B67D 3/00 - Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
F04B 49/00 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid. The microprocessor tracks the amount of fluid dispensed from each storage tank and alerts users and/or prevents further operation when resevoirs are close to empty to avoid null dispenses to customers. Various maintenance routines can be executed through the user interface, and dispense volumes and combination dispenses can be re-programmed manually or automatically.
