Beverage Dispensing Systems and Methods of Dispensing Beverages From Beverage Dispensing Systems
AssigneeCornelius, Inc.
InventorsThaddeus M. Jablonski, Richard Schultz, David K. Njaastad
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Abstract
Systems and methods of beverage dispensing include a dispensing unit, at least one diluent source, and at least one flavoring source. An amount of beverage product to dispense is calculated and a beverage product including at least one diluent and at least one flavoring is dispensed. An actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio is calculated based upon at least one value from the sensing unit during the dispense of the beverage product.
Claims20
A beverage dispensing system for dispensing a beverage into a container, the system comprising:
- a diluent source comprising a diluent;
- a flavoring source comprising a flavoring;
- a dispenser nozzle that is configured to dispense into the container a beverage comprising a mixture of the diluent and the flavoring in an actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio;
- a sensing unit that is configured to measure a load impressed upon the sensing unit by the container, any ice in the container, and any beverage in the container;
- and
- a controller that calculates the actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio based upon the load.
A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispenser comprising at least one diluent source and at least one flavoring source, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a controller of the beverage dispenser, an order of a beverage product;
- sensing an amount of ice in a container with a sensing unit;
- calculating an amount of beverage to dispense to fill the container, the beverage comprising at least a diluent from the at least one diluent source and a flavoring from the at least one flavoring source;
- dispensing the calculated amount of beverage from the at least one diluent source and at least one flavoring source;
- calculating, with the controller, a quality of the dispensed beverage by calculating an actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio;
- comparing, with the controller, the actual diluent-to-flavoring ratio to a predetermined optimal diluent-to-flavoring ratio for the beverage product;
- and
- producing an indication of the comparison on a graphical display of the beverage dispenser.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.