Method and apparatus to control a beverage or dessert dispenser

• US 6,990,391 B1
• Filed: 06/12/2003
• Issued: 01/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kan-Pak LLC (Golden State Foods Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kan-Pak LLC (Golden State Foods Corporation)
• Inventors: Hockenbury, Joel D., Steinbacher, James A., Cunha, James P., Cohlmia, Dennis J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran, Khoi H.
• Application Number:
  US10/460,463
• Time in Patent Office: 957 Days
• Field of Search: 700/237, 700/225, 222/52
• US Class Current: 700/237
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 9/045 of slush-ice, e.g. semi-frozen beverage
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 9/228 Arrangement and mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2001/0811 provided with coded information

Abstract

A liquid or semi-frozen liquid beverage or dispenser apparatus which includes a storage compartment for a bulk storage container and which includes a controller to control operations of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a transceiver module on the dispenser, wherein transceiver module includes a memory and a RF transceiver. A replaceable bulk storage container includes a box transponder whereby a wireless communication link is established between the box transponder and the transceiver module when the bulk storage container is within the storage compartment.

Claims

1. A liquid or semi-frozen liquid beverage or dessert dispenser apparatus having a storage compartment for a liquid bulk storage container and having a controller to control operations of said apparatus, which apparatus comprises:

a. a transceiver module having a memory and a RF transceiver, said module located on said dispenser; and

b. at least one replaceable bulk storage container having a box transponder, whereby a wireless communication link is established between said box transponder and said transceiver module when said bulk storage container is within said storage compartment, wherein said storage compartment receives two said bulk storage containers and said transceiver module is located therebetween.

2. A liquid or semi-frozen liquid beverage or dessert dispenser apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bulk storage containers each include a flexible membrane bag including a fluid connection nipple within a rigid package and including a communication and control mechanism providing communication between said controller and said transceiver module to set and control multiple fluid media parameters of fluid media.