Dispensing – Plural sources – compartment – containers and/or spaced jacket – Cabinet-type dispenser for single mixed drinks
Patent
1995-05-01
1997-03-04
Huson, Gregory L.
Dispensing
Plural sources, compartment, containers and/or spaced jacket
Cabinet-type dispenser for single mixed drinks
B67D 556
Patent
active
056070837
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to beverage dispensing valves and, in particular, to post-mix beverage dispensing valves.
2. Background
Post-mix beverage dispensing valves are well known in the prior art and provide, in the nozzle structure thereof, for the simultaneous mixing of a water and syrup component for the production of a beverage. Standard flow rates for such valves are typically 1 1/2 to 3 ounces per second; however, flow rates of 41/2 to 6 ounces are now also becoming desirable. However, the higher flow rates present a challenge as there exists a greater possibility for foam production, improper brix and loss of carbonation. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide for a post-mix nozzle that accommodates such higher flow rates and does so with a structure that is relatively simple in design and that easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
In addition, as post-mix valves are required to provide an accurate brix at a desired flow rate, and to maintain such precision it is well understood in the industry that such valves periodically need cleaning, adjusting and other maintenance. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a post-mix valve wherein the internal components are quickly and easily accessible, adjustable and repairable. And in particular, it would be desirable to provide for such easy access in an electronic portion controlled valve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A nozzle for a post-mix beverage dispensing valve is shown for optimizing flow at flow rates above 3.5 oz./sec. The nozzle includes a first diffuser plate followed by a central flow piece having a frusto-conical outer water flow surface and an interior syrup flow channel. Second and third diffuser plates follow the frusto-conical portion. The three diffuser plates have perimeter edges that contact the inner surface of a nozzle housing so that the carbonated water must flow through holes in the diffusers. In this manner the gradual reduction of pressure of the carbonated water to atmospheric can be controlled in part by increasing the surface area of the holes in each successive diffuser.
The present invention further includes a valve housing including a main valve housing portion, a valve base and a front access cover. The main housing portion is first slideably engageable with the valve base, after which the front cover is slideably engageable with the main housing portion in a direction substantially transverse to the sliding engagement of the housing portion with the valve base. In addition, when the access cover is slideably engaged with the valve base, the access cover prevents the main housing portion from disengaging from the valve base. In this manner, the housing covering the internal working components of the present beverage valve can be removed quickly and easily to provide for access thereto. In the present invention, the interior components are arranged to provide space for an electronic control/switch module. The access cover is modified to accommodate the module wherein the two are not physically connected. Thus, the interior of the valve can be more easily accessed as compared to prior art electronic pour controlled valves wherein the control switches are secured to the access cover and wired to interior valve components. The valve body of the invention herein also includes a number of snap-fitting parts. Thus, in combination with a snap together housing, the present valve can be assembled by hand with a minimum need for any tools.
The present invention also uses banjo valves having valve seats that have been improved for better flow characteristics. In this manner carbon dioxide gas retention is increased.
A quick disconnect is shown that provides for sure retention of the valve to a dispenser, yet is easily operated to allow for quick removal of the valve therefrom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the structure and the objects and advantages of the present invention can be had by reference to the following detailed
REFERENCES:
patent: 4928854 (1990-05-01), McCann et al.
patent: 4986447 (1991-01-01), McCann et al.
patent: 5033648 (1991-07-01), Nakayama et al.
patent: 5048726 (1991-09-01), McCann et al.
patent: 5269442 (1993-12-01), Vogel
Henry Paul J.
Mertes William G.
Vogel James D.
Hakanson Sten Erik
Huson Gregory L.
IMI Cornelius Inc.
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