Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE WITH ADAPTIVE INSECT PREVENTION MECHANISM”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensing machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanism designed to effectively prevent insect ingress into the dispensing nozzles of such machines, while simultaneously ensuring reliable operation and long-standing hygiene with fluid delivery for various types of beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A wide variety of beverage dispensing machines are ubiquitous in various environments, providing convenient access to a range of hot and cold beverages. A persistent challenge in the operation of these machines, particularly concerning hygiene and contamination, is the susceptibility of dispensing nozzles to insect ingress. Insects, attracted to residual sugars and moisture, can enter the nozzles when the machines are idle, powered off, or between dispensing cycles. During these idle states, the nozzle openings provide unobstructed entry points for insects, which may crawl or fly into the dispensing path, lay eggs inside or near the nozzle, cause contamination of the next dispensed drink, spread bacteria or pathogens, and lead to potential contamination of the dispensed fluid. The challenge is more complex when handling sticky fluids like coffee, where traditional mesh barriers can cause clogging.

[0003] Existing solutions often employ passive barriers like static mesh filters or caps at nozzle exits. However, these traditional methods present significant limitations, especially when dealing with viscous fluids such as coffee decoction. Fine mesh barriers, while effective against insects, are prone to clogging by sticky residues, which leads to hindrance in fluid flow, affecting dispensing speed, and requiring frequent manual cleaning, thereby compromising operational reliability and hygiene. Conversely, larger mesh sizes may permit smaller insects to enter. For free-flowing fluids like hot water or steam, simple barriers might be sufficient, but a unified solution for all fluid types often compromises on efficiency or hygiene for one or the other. Therefore, a single passive barrier system is not suitable for all nozzle types.

[0004] Thus, there is an unmet need to develop a differentiated and robust insect prevention mechanism that can effectively secure dispensing nozzles against insect entry into dispensing machine nozzles during idle, powered-off, or non-dispensing conditions without impeding fluid delivery, especially for varied fluid viscosities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The principal object of the present invention is to address the above limitations of existing beverage dispensing machines, namely, coffee dispensing machines. The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing an adaptive and reliable solution tailored to the specific characteristics of the dispensed fluid.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing machine with an improved insect prevention mechanism for dispensing nozzles.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to prevent insect ingress into dispensing nozzles of beverage dispensing machines when the machine is idle, powered off, or in non-dispensing conditions.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to ensure hygienic fluid delivery by effectively sealing dispensing nozzles from external contaminants.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to prevent clogging in dispensing nozzles, especially when handling viscous fluids like coffee, thereby avoiding the use of mesh barriers for such fluids.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a reliable and efficient dispensing operation without compromising fluid flow or dispensing speed.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a differentiated insect-proofing solution based on the fluid type dispensed by each nozzle.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure the mechanism is robust, durable, and capable of withstanding the operating conditions of a dispensing machine, including high temperatures for hot fluids.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following overview and description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of the full scope of all its features.

[0015] The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine comprising at least one dispensing nozzle configured with an insect-proofing mechanism, wherein the insect-proofing mechanism is adapted based on the nature of the fluid dispensed, specifically including an actuated mechanical closure for viscous fluids and a fixed fine wire mesh for free-flowing fluids.

[0016] According to an embodiment, an insect prevention mechanism for a beverage dispensing machine is provided. Said mechanism includes one or more fluid dispensing nozzles for dispensing different fluids from the beverage dispensing machine. The mechanism includes a mechanically actuated linear actuator comprising an angular profile having a cross section that matches the outer circumference of one or more fluid dispensing nozzles. The mechanism further includes a linear actuator operatively coupled with the angular profile. The mechanism furthermore includes, a mounting bracket which is adapted to hold the mechanically actuated linear actuator parallel to one or more fluid dispensing nozzles in such a manner which enables the linear actuator to move the angular profile into a closed position to cover the opening of the fluid dispensing nozzle when the beverage dispensing machine is in an ideal state, and retracts the angular profile into an open position to allow the flow of liquid from the fluid dispensing nozzle when the beverage dispensing machine is ready to dispense a fluid.

[0017] In another embodiment, one or more fluid dispensing nozzles are adapted to dispense liquid viscous in nature.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the viscous liquid is selected from coffee-type beverages, tea-type beverages, or milk-based beverages.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cross section of the angular profile is selected from a square, a rectangle, or a circular geometry.

[0020] In another embodiment, the angular profile includes a circular sealing profile with a waterproof seal for tight closure.

[0021] In another embodiment, a mechanical closure mechanism includes a mounting hole which is adapted to be secured with a mounting option.

[0022] In another embodiment, the mounting hole is at an extreme end of a substantially cylindrical body of the mechanical closure mechanism.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket is mounted at a right angle to the front fascia of the beverage dispensing machine.

[0024] In another embodiment, the linear actuator is controlled by a control unit of the beverage dispensing machine.

[0025] In a further embodiment, one or more nozzles include a free-flowing fluid dispensing nozzle with a fine wire mesh structure to prevent insect ingress.

[0026] In another embodiment, the fine wire mesh is made with corrosion-resistant and food-grade material to withstand the high temperatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be more fully understood, and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing machine having a plurality of dispensing nozzles equipped with linear actuator mounting bracket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective top view of the actuated mechanical closure mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2B illustrates a side view of the actuated mechanical closure mechanism of Figure 2A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of a non-viscous fluid dispensing nozzle of Figure 1 that includes a fixed fine wire mesh, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein may be employed.

[0033] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition that persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms used in the application, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

[0034] The articles “a” and “an” as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used. The adjective “any” means one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity.

[0035] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0036] As used herein, the term "or" includes "and/or" and the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0038] The present invention relates to an improved beverage dispensing machine featuring a differentiated and highly effective insect prevention mechanism for its dispensing nozzles. The machine is configured to dispense various beverages, typically including, but not limited to, coffee, hot water, and steam, each through a dedicated dispensing nozzle.

[0039] The beverage dispensing machine includes a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles, each configured to dispense a specific fluid. The beverage dispensing machine includes an insect-proofing mechanism associated with each dispensing nozzle. The insect-proofing mechanism includes a fixed fine wire mesh for free-flowing and non-viscous liquids, while for viscous fluids, an actuated angular profile with mechanical closure is provided. Said actuated angular profile is operatively coupled with a linear actuator, which is configured to move the actuated angular profile between a closed position and an open position.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing machine, having a plurality of nozzles equipped with nozzle covers, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing machine 100 includes a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles 101, 103, each configured to dispense a specific fluid. Said dispensing nozzles 101, 103 are in close proximity to the front fascia 105 of the machine 100. Nozzle 101 of the machine 100 is a free-flowing fluid dispensing nozzle for dispensing non-viscous fluids, such as water or steam. Said nozzle 101 includes a fixed fine wire mesh (not shown here). The fixed fine wire mesh is removably attached to the nozzle 101 and includes a mesh size suitable to prevent insect ingress while allowing free flow of non-viscous liquid.

[0041] Nozzle 103 of machine 100 is adapted to dispense viscous fluids, such as, but not limited to, coffee, tea, milk, coffee-type beverages, tea-type beverages, milk-based beverages and the like. Nozzle 103 is covered by a mechanically actuated linear actuator mounting bracket 102 that includes an actuated angular profile 104 operatively coupled with a linear actuator 108, which moves the actuated angular profile 104 between a closed position 104a and an open position 104b by making the linear actuator to move from one stationary position 108b which is closer to secondary mounting option 107 to another stationary position 108a which is closer to front facia 105. The linear actuator 108 of the linear actuator mounting bracket 102 is adapted to retract the angular profile 104 into an open position 104b (that is, close to the front fascia 105) when the machine 100 is ready to dispense the viscous fluid. The linear actuator 108, at an idle or power-off state, pushes the angular profile 104 away from the front fascia 105 into a closed position 104a, thereby sealing the nozzle 103 from insect ingress or nozzle contamination.

[0042] The alignment and stability of the linear actuator 108 during operation are ensured by a specially designed mounting hole 204 which is adapted to be secured with the mounting option 107. The linear actuator 108 is preferably aligned at a right angle to the front fascia 105 of the machine 100 and mounted on the inside of the machine 100. The linear actuator 108 converts electrical energy into mechanical motion, enabling precise and repeatable closing and retracting actions. Further, the specially designed mounting hole 204 which is adapted to be secured with the mounting option 107 provides a rigid support structure to maintain the correct positioning of the actuated angular profile 104 during the actuation cycle. The movement of the angular profile 104 via the linear actuator 108 is controlled by a control unit of the beverage machine, which is configured to sense the dispensing of the liquid, and based on which, the linear actuator 108 is activated.

[0043] Figure 2A & 2B illustrate a perspective top view and a side view of the mechanical closure mechanism 200 that includes the angular profile 203, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mechanical closure mechanism 200 has a substantially cylindrical body 201 in nature with an extended flat front end 202 and a mounting hole 204 which is adapted to be secured with the mounting option 107. The angular profile 203 is shaped to match the outlet geometry of the viscous fluid dispensing nozzle 103.

[0044] The mechanical closure mechanism 200 is actuated by a linear actuator (not shown here) that extends the mechanical closure mechanism 200 towards the nozzle 103 to seal the outlet completely during the ideal state to prevent insect entry. The actuator pulls the mechanical closure mechanism 200 away from the nozzle 103. Additionally, the modular design of the closure mechanism 200 simplifies assembly and disassembly, thereby simplifying routine maintenance. The simplified assembly also allows for quick replacement by the operator, thus enhancing both operational efficiency and user convenience.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of a non-viscous fluid dispensing nozzle of Figure 1 that includes a fixed fine wire mesh, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fixed fine wire mesh 302 is removably attached to the outer rim of the non-viscous dispensing nozzle 301. This integrated mesh 302 ensures a consistent and unobstructed flow of non-viscous liquids such as cold or hot water, steam, and the like, thus preventing hindrance in the flow of the liquid.

[0046] The fine wire mesh 302 is fabricated from a corrosion-resistant, food-grade metal, specifically selected for its ability to withstand high temperatures and prolonged exposure to moisture without degrading. This makes it both durable and safe for use in environments involving direct contact with consumable fluids. The size of the mesh 302 is suitably selected and is based on the diameter of the nozzle 301 so that the mesh 302 acts as a passive barrier against the intrusion of insects or other contaminants, ensuring hygiene and safety, even when the machine is powered off or inactive for extended periods.

[0047] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within understood that the phraseology or the terminology employed herein is for description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0048] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0049] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might fall there within.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. An insect prevention mechanism for a beverage dispensing machine, comprising:
one or more fluid dispensing nozzles of the beverage dispensing machine;
a mechanically actuated linear actuator comprising:
an angular profile having a cross section matching the outer circumference of one or more fluid dispensing nozzles, and
a linear actuator operatively coupled with the angular profile;
a mounting bracket adapted to hold the mechanically actuated linear actuator parallel to one or more fluid dispensing nozzles;
wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the angular profile into a closed position to cover the opening of the fluid dispensing nozzle when the beverage dispensing machine is in an ideal state, and
retract the angular profile into an open position to allow the flow of liquid from the fluid dispensing nozzle when the beverage dispensing machine is ready to dispense a fluid.

2. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more fluid dispensing nozzles are adapted to dispense a liquid viscous in nature.

3. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the viscous liquid is selected from coffee-type beverages, tea-type beverages, or milk-based beverages.

4. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross section of the angular profile is selected from a square, a rectangle, or a circular geometry.

5. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angular profile includes a circular sealing profile with a waterproof seal for tight closure.

6. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mechanical closure mechanism includes a mounting hole which is adapted to be secured with a mounting option.

7. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mounting hole is at end opposite to the angular profile end of the mechanical closure mechanism

8. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is mounted at a right angle to the front fascia of the beverage dispensing machine.

9. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is controlled by a control unit of the beverage dispensing machine.

10. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more nozzles include a free-flowing fluid dispensing nozzle with a fine wire mesh structure to prevent insect ingress.

11. The insect prevention mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fine wire mesh is made with corrosion-resistant and food-grade material to withstand the high temperatures.