Inserts and nozzle assemblies for beverage dispensers

A nozzle assembly for use with a beverage dispenser having a base fluid module configured to dispense a first base fluid and a second base fluid and an additive manifold configured to dispense an additive fluid, the nozzle assembly comprising:

• an insert including:
• a stem having a first end configured to receive the second base fluid from the base fluid module and a second end configured to dispense the second base fluid;
• and
• a diffuser having an upstream end configured to receive the first base fluid from the base fluid module and an downstream end configured to dispense the first base fluid;
• and
• a nozzle configured to receive the first base fluid from the diffuser, the second base fluid from the stem, and the additive fluid from the additive fluid manifold, wherein the first base fluid, the second base fluid, and the additive fluid mix in the nozzle to form a mixed beverage;
• wherein the downstream end of the diffuser is upstream of the second end of the stem such that the additive fluid dispensed from the additive module mixes with the first base fluid before mixing with the second base fluid;
• wherein the stem is configured to maintain separation of the second base fluid from the first base fluid and the additive fluid until the second base fluid is dispensed from the second end of the stem;
• wherein the diffuser extends along an axis and includes a shoulder member between the upstream end and the downstream end of the diffuser, the shoulder member having an inner perimeter and a plurality of channels along the inner perimeter that extend through the shoulder member;
• wherein the shoulder member is further configured to radially inwardly direct the first fluid such that the first fluid flows through the plurality of channels;
• and
• wherein the diffuser has a center bore in which the stem is positioned, and wherein the first fluid that flows through the plurality of channels flows along an outer surface of the stem.

A nozzle assembly for use with a beverage dispenser having a base fluid module configured to dispense a first base fluid and a second base fluid and an additive manifold configured to dispense an additive fluid, the nozzle assembly comprising:

• an insert including:
• a stem having a first end configured to receive the second base fluid from the base fluid module and a second end configured to dispense the second base fluid;
• and
• a diffuser having an upstream end configured to receive the first base fluid from the base fluid module and an downstream end configured to dispense the first base fluid;
• and
• a nozzle configured to receive the first base fluid from the diffuser, the second base fluid from the stem, and the additive fluid from the additive fluid manifold, wherein the first base fluid, the second base fluid, and the additive fluid mix in the nozzle to form a mixed beverage;
• wherein the downstream end of the diffuser is upstream of the second end of the stem such that the additive fluid dispensed from the additive module mixes with the first base fluid before mixing with the second base fluid;
• wherein the stem is configured to maintain separation of the second base fluid from the first base fluid and the additive fluid until the second base fluid is dispensed from the second end of the stem;
• and
• wherein the nozzle has an interior surface along which the first base fluid, the second base fluid, and the additive fluid flow and a plurality of fins configured to further mix the first base fluid, the second base fluid, and the additive fluid.