Beverage dispensing apparatus
First Claim
1. Beverage dispensing apparatus of the kind comprising a water tank, heating means for heating water contained therein, means for storing concentrated beverage product, and means for dispensing said product in controlled, predetermined quantities, characterized by pump means for supplying a liquid ingredient for the beverage from a storage, duct means extending through said water tank to a duct outlet and connected at a duct inlet to said pump means for feeding said liquid ingredient through the water tank for indirect heat exchange therewith, temperature sensor means located adjacent the duct outlet from said water tank, temperature control means responsive to said sensor means for controlling said heating means of the water tank to adjust the water temperature and hence the outlet temperature of said liquid ingredient at the duct outlet, valve means connected to the duct outlet, and timing control means associated with said pump means for initiating flow of said liquid ingredient through said duct means and dispensing same in controlled, pre-determined quantities into a mixing chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to beverage dispensing apparatus of the kind comprising a tank, heater for heating a liquid contained therein, and container for storing concentrated beverage and dispensing it to a mixing chamber. An object of the present invention is to provide such dispensing apparatus, in which provision is made for dispensing beverages with an alternative ingredient to water, or an additional liquid ingredient, such as milk. The invention is characterized in that a pump is provided for feeding a liquid ingredient (e.g. milk or other dairy product), through the water tank for indirect heat exchange therewith, in that a temperature controlled mechanism is provided for controlling the outlet temperature of the liquid ingredient from the tank, and in that the liquid ingredient is fed in controlled, pre-determined quantities as required, to the mixing chamber. Normally, the liquid within the tank would be water and, where this water is to be used for beverage making as well as the liquid ingredient, the water tank would be provided with an outlet for feeding predetermined quantities of hot water via controlled valve system to the mixing chamber.
84 Citations
8 Claims
- 1. Beverage dispensing apparatus of the kind comprising a water tank, heating means for heating water contained therein, means for storing concentrated beverage product, and means for dispensing said product in controlled, predetermined quantities, characterized by pump means for supplying a liquid ingredient for the beverage from a storage, duct means extending through said water tank to a duct outlet and connected at a duct inlet to said pump means for feeding said liquid ingredient through the water tank for indirect heat exchange therewith, temperature sensor means located adjacent the duct outlet from said water tank, temperature control means responsive to said sensor means for controlling said heating means of the water tank to adjust the water temperature and hence the outlet temperature of said liquid ingredient at the duct outlet, valve means connected to the duct outlet, and timing control means associated with said pump means for initiating flow of said liquid ingredient through said duct means and dispensing same in controlled, pre-determined quantities into a mixing chamber.
Specification