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US 6,554,165 B2Granted
Beverage dispenser
AssigneeCactrus Drink Systems Inc.
InventorCameron A. Cote
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dispenser for delivering water and/or juice has been invented. The dispenser feeds liquids by gravity and provides for a system flush at the end of each use. The dispenser can, if desired, handle more than one type of juice through a common mixing chamber and spout.
Claims26
A beverage dispenser for dispensing liquids, the dispenser comprising:
- a liquid mixing chamber;
- a nozzle for dispensing fluids from the mixing chamber;
- a first connector for connection to a source of a first liquid;
- a second connector for connection to a source of a second liquid;
- a first tube extending between the first connector and the mixing chamber and including a first valve therein to control the flow of the first liquid through the first tube;
- a second tube extending between the second connector and the mixing chamber and including a second valve therein to control the flow of the second liquid through the second tube;
- and an actuator including a plunger extending through the mixing chamber, the plunger being moveable between a first position preventing flow of any liquids, a second position causing the first valve to open to permit flow of the first liquid into the mixing chamber and a third position causing the first valve and the second valve to open to permit a flow of the first and the second fluids into the mixing chamber.
4 more elements
A beverage dispenser comprising:
- a liquid mixing chamber;
- a nozzle for dispensing fluids from the mixing chamber;
- a first tube for conveying a first liquid from a source of the first liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber;
- a second tube for conveying a second liquid from a source of the second liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber, a valve positioned in the opening, the valve being openable to permit a flow of the second liquid into the mixing chamber, the first tube emptying the first liquid into the mixing chamber above the opening of the second tube and the mixing chamber formed such that the first liquid from the first tube flows over the valve of the second tube on its way to the nozzle;
- and an actuator to control the flow of liquids into the mixing chamber, the actuator being selected to permit the flow of the first liquid into the mixing chamber a period of time prior to permitting flow through the second opening.
2 more elements
A beverage dispenser comprising:
- a liquid mixing chamber;
- a nozzle for dispensing fluids from the mixing chamber;
- a first tube for conveying a first liquid from a source of the first liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber;
- a second tube for conveying a second liquid from a source of the second liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber, a valve positioned in the opening, the valve being openable to permit a flow of the second liquid into the mixing chamber, the first tube emptying the first liquid into the mixing chamber above the opening of the second tube and the mixing chamber formed such that the first liquid from the first tube flows over the valve of the second tube on its way to the nozzle;
- and an actuator to control the flow of liquids into the mixing chamber, the actuator being selected to maintain the flow of the first liquid into the mixing chamber for a period of time after the flow of the second liquid is stopped.
2 more elements
A beverage dispenser comprising:
- a liquid mixing chamber;
- a nozzle for dispensing fluids from the mixing chamber;
- a first tube for conveying a first liquid from a source of the first liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber;
- a second tube for conveying a second liquid from a source of the second liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber, the first tube emptying the first liquid into the mixing chamber above the opening of the second tube and the mixing chamber formed such that the first liquid from the first tube flows past the opening of the second tube on its way to the nozzle;
- and an actuator to control the flow of liquids into the mixing chamber, the actuator including a plunger having ribs for funneling the first liquid over the opening of the second tube.
2 more elements
A beverage dispenser comprising:
- a liquid mixing chamber;
- a nozzle for dispensing fluids from the mixing chamber;
- a first tube for conveying a first liquid from a source of the first liquid through an opening into the mixing chamber;
- a second tube for conveying a second liquid from a source of the second liquid through an opening into the mixing a valve positioned in the opening, the valve being openable to permit a flow of the second liquid into the mixing chamber, the first tube emptying the first liquid into the mixing chamber above the opening of the second tube and the mixing chamber formed such that the first liquid from the first tube flows over the valve of the second tube on its way to the nozzle;
- and tubes for conveying further fluids into the mixing chamber and the openings for those tubes being positioned below the opening of the first tube such that the first liquid will flow past the openings of the further tubes on its way to the nozzle.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.