Refrigeration – Withdrawable liquid – e.g. – dispenser – With plural liquid outlets or sources – e.g. – distributing...
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-18
2003-11-04
Jones, Melvin (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Withdrawable liquid, e.g., dispenser
With plural liquid outlets or sources, e.g., distributing...
C222S146100, C222S146600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06640577
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a dispensing station and more particularly to a self-contained dispensing station which is utilized to prepare a liquid/ice drink.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The sale of ice blended fruit drinks, often referred to as “smoothies” has proved to be a popular drink. While popular with the consumers, such drinks have created problems for the retailer. This is especially true if the sale of the smoothies is not the major purpose of the retailer. That is, a smoothie requires ice, a juice concentrate, and a mixer. Having all of these components at a single location has proven to be difficult. Further, it has been difficult to size these units to a countertop size.
The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art devices and provides for a self-container liquid/ice blending station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the invention is a self-contained juice dispensing station for use with a mixer. The station includes a liner having a cavity. The liner is adapted and configured to hold a plurality of containers having a liquid. The liner has an open front. A mixer housing is operatively connected to the liner. The housing is proximate the front of the liner and the mixer housing has a cavity for positioning the mixer. An ice bin is removably connected to the station. A plurality of pumps are positioned in the station for pumping liquid from the containers, thereby forming a self-contained ice cube/juice/mixer station.
In another embodiment, the invention is a self-contained juice dispensing station for use with a mixer. The station includes a liner having a cavity. The liner is adapted and configured to hold a plurality of containers having a liquid. The liner has an open front. A mixer locator is operatively connected to the liner. The locator is adapted and configured to properly locate a mixer. A plurality of quick connect/disconnect valves are adapted and configured to be connected to the containers. The pumps are downstream of the quick connect/disconnect valves. Gas supply lines are operatively connected to the pumps to power the pumps and solenoids are operatively connected downstream to the pumps to control flow of the liquids from the containers. A mixer housing is operatively connected to the liner. The housing is proximate the front of the liner and the mixer housing has a cavity for positioning the mixer. An ice bin is removably connected to the station. A plurality of pumps are positioned in the station for pumping liquid from the containers, thereby forming a self-contained ice cube/juice/mixer station.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4193522 (1980-03-01), Edelbach
patent: 4842166 (1989-06-01), Van Zijverden
patent: 5159818 (1992-11-01), Etou et al.
patent: 5797519 (1998-08-01), Schroeder et al.
patent: 5992685 (1999-11-01), Credle, Jr.
patent: 6546843 (2003-04-01), Ugolini
Bauer Roger J.
Manders Mark T.
Saathoff Dennis E.
IPLM Group, P.A.
Jones Melvin
Nor-Lake Incorporated
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