Apparatus for producing a beverage

• US 20060169148A1
• Filed: 06/06/2005
• Published: 08/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emil Shultis
• Original Assignee: Emil Shultis
• Inventors: Shultis, Emil
• Granted Patent: US 7,555,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/279
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/402 Liquid dosing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/467 for the infusion
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0012 provided with mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0022 provided with heating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0038 the liquid being stored in an intermediate container prior to dispensing
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 27/0263 multiple way valves

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for producing a beverage from concentrate. A mixing chamber is included. A water tank and a concentrate container provide water and concentrate. A water conduit is horizontally oriented and is connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity. A concentrate conduit extends from the concentrate container and at an acute angle to the water conduit and then extends generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit. The mixing chamber is connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit. Both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end. Each outlet end is remote from the water tank and the concentrate container. The outlet end of the concentrate conduit is adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the mixing chamber. A strength valve is located in the concentrate conduit adjacent to the mixing chamber to control the flow of concentrate. An electrical circuit is provided including a means for adjusting the temperature of the water.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing a beverage from concentrate comprising:

a water tank;

a concentrate tank;

a mixing chamber;

a water conduit for supplying water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity;

a concentrate conduit for supplying concentrate from the concentrate container to the mixing tank by gravity;

a electric circuit including means for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the water in the water tank; and

a dispenser assembly for releasing water from the water conduit and concentrate from the concentrate conduit.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the water tank has a filler port for supplying water to the tank.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the water tank has a vent.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the water conduit is substantially horizontal.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a part of the concentrate conduit is at an acute angle to the horizontal.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the concentrate container is a flexible bag.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end, both outlet ends being remote from the water tank and the concentrate container, the outlet end of the concentrate conduit being above and adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a strength valve for adjusting the flow of concentrate in the concentrate conduit.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the concentrate conduit has an outlet end remote from the concentrate container; and

further including

a strength valve to adjust the flow of concentrate.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein

both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end, both outlet ends being remote from the water tank and the concentrate container, the outlet end of the concentrate conduit being above and adjacent the outlet end of the water conduit;

and

a strength valve to adjust the flow of concentrate located in the concentrate conduit adjacent the outlet end of the concentrate conduit.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the water conduit is substantially horizontal.

11. An apparatus for producing a beverage from concentrate comprising:

a mixing chamber;

a water tank;

a concentrate container;

a water conduit connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity;

a concentrate conduit extending from the concentrate container and extending generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit, the mixing chamber being connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit, both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit having an outlet end, each outlet end being remote from the water tank and the concentrate container, the outlet end of the concentrate conduit being adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit;

a dispenser assembly mounted on the mixing chamber; and

an electrical circuit including a means for adjusting the temperature of the water.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the water tank has a filler port for supplying water to the tank.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the water tank has a vent.

15. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the concentrate container is a flexible bag.

16. An apparatus according to claim 11 including a strength valve for adjusting the flow of concentrate in the concentrate conduit.

17. An apparatus for producing a beverage from concentrate comprising:

a mixing chamber;

a water tank;

a concentrate container;

a water conduit horizontally oriented and connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity;

a concentrate conduit extending from the concentrate container and extending at an acute angle to the water conduit and then generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit, the mixing chamber being connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit, both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit having an outlet end, each outlet end being remote from the water tank and the concentrate container, the outlet end of the concentrate conduit being adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit;

a dispenser assembly mounted on the mixing chamber; and

an electrical circuit including a means for adjusting the temperature of the water.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the mixing chamber has a dispenser housing and a spout, both the dispenser housing and the spout being hollow cylinders and being generally located at right angles to one another.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the dispenser assembly includes a stopper which presses against the water conduit and the concentrate conduit.

20. An apparatus according to claim 17 including a strength valve for adjusting the flow of concentrate in the concentrate conduit.