Machine for dispensing a predetermined quantity of coffee

• US 6,223,938 B1
• Filed: 05/07/1999
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sylvain Pare, Yvon Pare
• Original Assignee: Sylvain Pare, Yvon Pare
• Inventors: Pare, Yvon, Pare, Sylvain
• Primary Examiner(s): Kaufman, Joseph A.
• Application Number:
  US09/306,834
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 222/63, 222/640, 222/641, 222/642, 222/146.5, 222/156, 222/157, 222/383.1
• US Class Current: 222/63
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0007 based on volumetric dosing
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/108 of the peristaltic type
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/1231 Metering pumps
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00102 Heating only
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 11/125 of the peristaltic pump type peristaltic pumps per se F04B43/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 13/006 measuring volume in function of time

Abstract

A machine for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid upon actuation of a start switch is described herein. The machine includes a timer and at least one peristaltic pump connected to the timer. Upon actuation of the start switch, the timer energizes the peristaltic pump for a predetermined period of time to therefore transfer a predetermined quantity of liquid from a main reservoir to a cup.

Claims

1. A machine for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid comprising:

a spout;

a reservoir having a fluid outlet provided with a Y-junction;

first and second peristaltic pumps having respective fluid inlets connected to respective branches of said Y-junction of said reservoir;

said first and second peristaltic pumps having respective fluid outlets connected to said spout;

a timer connected to said first and second peristaltic pump; and

a start switch connected to said timer;

wherein, upon activation of said start switch, said timer energizes said first and second peristaltic pumps for a predetermined period of time, thereby dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid from said reservoir.

2. A machine as recited in claim 1, where said liquid is coffee.

3. A machine as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second Y-junction connected to said spout;

said second Y-junction having a first branch connected to said fluid outlet of said first peristaltic pump and a second branch connected to said fluid outlet of said second peristaltic pump.

4. A machine as recited in claim 1, wherein said predetermined period of time is adjustable.

5. A machine as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a thermostat having a temperature sensor associated with said reservoir;

a first heating element connected to said thermostat;

a second heating element connected to said thermostat;

wherein said thermostat is so programmed as to continuously energize said first heating element and to energize said second heating element when said temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the reservoir is within a predetermined range.

6. A module for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir of a conventional hot liquid machine provided with a fluid outlet;

said module comprising;

a spout

a Y-junction connected to the fluid outlet of the hot liquid machine;

first and second peristaltic pumps having respective fluid inlets connected to respective branches of said Y-junction;

said first and second peristaltic pumps respective fluid outlets connected to said spout;

a timer connected to said at least one pump; and

a start switch connected to said timer;

wherein, upon activation of said start switch, said timer energizes said first and second peristaltic pumps for a predetermined period of time, thereby dispensing a predetermined quantity of hot liquid from said reservoir of said conventional hot liquid machine.

7. A module as recited in claim 6,where said hot liquid is coffee.

8. A module as recited in claim 6, further comprising a second Y-junction connected to said spout;

said second Y-junction having a first branch connected to said fluid outlet of said first peristaltic pump and a second branch connected to said fluid outlet of said second peristaltic pump.

9. A module as recited in claim 6, wherein said predetermined period of time is adjustable.