Component mixing method, apparatus and system

A mixing device for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient, the device comprising:

• a body having at least one wall defining a cavity;
• at least one first inlet communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one first ingredient to the cavity;
• at least one second inlet for communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one second ingredient;
• a chamber defined in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the second inlet and receiving ingredients from the inlets;
• an outlet generally positioned spaced from the first and second inlets and communicating with the cavity for receiving the first and second ingredients mixed in the cavity;
• a dispensing end of the second inlet positioned in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the outlet;
• and
• wherein flow from the first inlet is moved by the flow from the second inlet into the chamber for mixing in the chamber.

A beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage, the beverage dispensing apparatus including a mixing device for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient, the mixing device being attachable to multiple ingredient sources for mixing the ingredients in the mixing device, the mixing device comprising:

• a body having at least one wall defining a cavity;
• at least one first inlet coupleable to a corresponding first ingredient source and communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one first ingredient to the cavity;
• at least one second inlet coupleable to a corresponding second ingredient source for communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one second ingredient;
• a chamber defined in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the second inlet and receiving ingredients from the inlets;
• an outlet generally positioned spaced from the first and second inlets and the chamber and communicating with the cavity for receiving the first and second ingredients mixed in the cavity;
• and
• a dispensing end of the second inlet positioned in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the outlet.

A kit for use with a beverage dispenser, the kit providing a mixing device for installation in the beverage dispenser, the kit comprising:

• at least one mixing device for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient, each mixing device having a body having at least one wall defining a cavity;
• at least one first inlet communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one first ingredient to the cavity;
• at least one second inlet for communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one second ingredient;
• and at least one outlet communicating with the cavity for receiving the first ingredient and second ingredient mixed in the cavity.

A first ingredient source for supplying at least one ingredient to make a product, the ingredient source including a mixing device for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient, the mixing device being attachable to multiple ingredient sources for mixing the ingredients in the mixing device, the mixing device comprising:

• a body having at least one wall defining a cavity;
• at least one first inlet connected to the first ingredient source and communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one first ingredient to the cavity;
• at least one second inlet coupleable to a corresponding second ingredient source for communicating with the cavity for introducing at least one second ingredient;
• a chamber defined in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the second inlet and receiving ingredients from the inlets;
• an outlet generally positioned spaced from the first and second inlets and the chamber and communicating with the cavity for receiving the first and second ingredients mixed in the cavity;
• and
• a dispensing end of the second inlet positioned in the cavity generally between the first inlet and the outlet.