This disclosure relates generally to a method and modular system for dispensing freeflowing
food products, e.g., for restaurants (including fast food restaurants), theatres,
convenience stores, gas stations, and other entertainment and/or food service venues.
BACKGROUND
[02] Various beverage dispensers, such as those at restaurants, theatres and other
entertainment and/or food service venues, typically have either a “drop in” dispenser
apparatus or a counter top type dispenser apparatus. In a drop in dispenser apparatus, the
dispenser apparatus is self-contained and may be dropped into an aperture of a counter
top. In a counter top type dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is placed on a
counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, a dispensing head is coupled to a
particular drink syrup supply source via a single pipe dedicated to supply the particular
drink syrup to that dispensing head.
[03] A user will typically place a cup under the signage of the selected beverage and either
press a button or press the cup against a dispensing lever to activate the dispenser so that
the selected beverage is delivered from the dispensing head corresponding to the selected
beverage and into the cup until pressure is withdrawn from the button or lever.
[04] Free-flowing food products comprise a range of product formats. Some free-flowing
food products or beverages are formed from powders, and other free-flowing food
products or beverages are formed from concentrates. Some free-flowing food products
are non-carbonated beverages (NCBs), and other free-flowing food products are
carbonated soft drinks (CSDs). Some free-flowing food products need to be dispensed as
cold ready-to-drink (RTD) products, and other free-flowing food products need to be
dispensed as hot or warm ready-to-drink (RTD) products. Conventional dispensers are
3
not configured to dispense a full range of free-flowing food products of the above product
formats.
[05] What is needed is a free-flowing food product dispensing system that does not have the
limitations and disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers and methods.
SUMMARY
[06] Accordingly, in an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a modular dispensing
system comprising a cold engine assembly and a hot engine assembly. In an aspect, the
cold engine assembly comprises a cold bath configured to cool a liquid from an initial
temperature to a desired lower temperature, a carbonator configured to dissolve carbon
dioxide in water to form carbonated water, and a cold liquid mixer. In an aspect, the cold
engine assembly comprises a concentrate line configured to convey a concentrate through
the cold bath and to the cold liquid mixer, and a cold water line configured to convey
water through the cold bath to the cold liquid mixer. The cold liquid mixer is configured
to mix the concentrate and carbonated water that had been cooled in the cold bath to form
a cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid.
[07] In an aspect, the hot engine assembly comprises a hot tank configured to heat water from
an initial temperature to a desired elevated temperature, a hot liquid mixer, the hot engine
assembly comprising a powder line configured to convey a powder to the hot liquid
mixer, the hot liquid mixer configured to mix the powder and the water from the hot tank
having the desired elevated temperature to form a hot non-carbonated powder based
ready-to-drink liquid.
[08] In an aspect, the modular dispensing system comprises a cold liquid dispensing nozzle
configured to dispense the cold ready-to-drink liquid, and a hot liquid dispensing outlet
configured to dispense the hot ready-to-drink liquid. In an aspect, the cold engine
4
assembly and the hot engine assembly form a single dispensing unit having a single
dispensing station, the single dispensing station comprising the cold liquid dispensing
nozzle and the hot liquid dispensing outlet.
[09] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a hot engine retrofit assembly is provided.
The hot engine retrofit assembly comprises a hot tank and a hot liquid mixer. The hot
engine retrofit assembly is configured to heat water to a desired temperature, for
example, in the range of about 80 to 95 degrees Centigrade. The hot engine retrofit
assembly is configured to convey hot water from the hot tank to the hot liquid mixer.
The hot engine retrofit assembly is configured to convey a powder to the hot liquid
mixer. The hot liquid mixer is configured to mix the hot water from the hot tank and the
powder to form a hot ready-to-drink liquid. The hot engine retrofit assembly is
configured to be located on top of a cold drink dispensing assembly comprising a cold
drink dispensing nozzle, wherein the cold drink dispensing assembly is located at or on
top of a counter. The hot engine retrofit assembly comprises a hot liquid dispensing
outlet. The hot liquid dispensing outlet is configured to dispense the hot ready-to-drink
liquid, wherein the hot liquid dispensing outlet is at substantially the same height as the
cold drink dispensing nozzle.
[10] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments thereof
which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a modular dispensing system according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
[12] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a hot engine assembly according to various aspects
of the disclosure.
5
[13] FIG’s. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 collectively illustrate the combining of a dispensing system having
a cold engine assembly with the hot engine assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[14] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, with a door of the hot engine
assembly in the open position.
[15] FIG. 9 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, with a cover over mixers according to
various aspects of the disclosure.
[16] FIG. 10 illustrates a user interface according to various aspects of the disclosure.
[17] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective exploded view showing components of assembly 200
shown in FIG’s. 8 and 9 according to various aspects of the disclosure.
[18] FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 after assembly.
[19] FIG’s. 13 through 20 illustrate the assembly or assemblies according to various aspects of
the disclosure.
[20] FIG. 21 illustrates a flow scheme for forming finished free flowing food products
according to various aspects of the disclosure.
[21] FIG. 22 illustrates a dispensing system providing dispensing locations at which a cup or
container can be placed and receive one of a hot beverage, a cold beverage, or a beverage
having a temperature that is between the temperature of the hot beverage and the cold
beverage in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[22] The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety of beverages,
including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, and including but not limited to
beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.
6
[23] Accordingly, in an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a modular dispensing
system comprising a cold engine assembly and a hot engine assembly. In an aspect, the
modular dispensing system may comprise a carbonator configured to dissolve carbon
dioxide in water to form carbonated water. The carbonator may comprise a carbonation
tank. The cold engine assembly may comprise a cold bath. The cold bath may be
configured to cool liquids to a desired temperature. The cold engine assembly may
comprise a first concentrate line configured to receive a first concentrate and convey the
first concentrate through the cold bath. The first concentrate line may be configured to
convey the first concentrate from the first concentrate inlet, through the ice bath, and to a
first concentrate valve. The first concentrate valve may be configured to convey the first
concentrate to a cold liquid mixer. The cold engine assembly may comprise a carbonated
water line that is configured to convey carbonated water from the carbonation tank,
through the cold bath, and through a carbonated water valve. The carbonated water valve
may be configured to convey the carbonated water to the cold liquid mixer. The cold
water mixer may be configured to mix the first concentrate and the carbonated water to
form a first cold ready-to-drink liquid. The modular dispensing system may comprise a
dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle may be configured to receive the first cold
ready-to-drink liquid from the cold water mixer, and dispense the first cold ready-todrink
liquid from the modular dispensing system through the dispensing nozzle.
[24] The hot engine assembly of the modular dispensing system comprises a hot tank. The hot
tank may be configured to heat water to a desired temperature, for example, in the range
of about 80 to 95 degrees Centigrade. The hot engine assembly may be configured to
convey hot water from the hot tank to a hot liquid mixer. The hot engine assembly may
be configured to convey a powder to the hot liquid mixer. The hot liquid mixer may be
configured to mix the hot water from the hot tank and the powder to form a first hot
ready-to-drink liquid. The modular dispensing system may be configured to dispense the
first hot ready-to-drink liquid from the hot liquid mixer through a hot drink outlet. In an
aspect, the modular dispensing system is suitable for placement at or on top of a counter.
7
In an aspect, the hot liquid dispensing outlet is configured to dispense the first hot readyto-
drink liquid, wherein the hot liquid dispensing outlet is at substantially the same height
as the cold drink dispensing nozzle. In an aspect, the cold engine assembly and the hot
engine assembly comprise a single dispensing unit. The single dispensing unit may
comprise a single dispensing station. The single dispensing station may comprise a cold
drink dispensing outlet, and at least one hot liquid dispensing outlet.
[25] Referring to FIG. 1, the description of one embodiment of the modular dispensing system
of the present disclosure will be described. In an aspect, the modular dispensing system
is suitable for placement at or on top of a counter. As shown in FIG. 1, modular
dispensing system 100 may be provided comprising first module 102 comprising cold
engine assembly 104, and second module 106 comprising hot engine assembly 108.
Modular dispensing system 100 comprises carbonation tank 110. Carbonation tank 110
may be configured to dissolve carbon dioxide in water to form carbonated water.
Carbonation tank 110 may be configured to receive carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide
source 112, for example a pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder. Cold engine assembly
104 may comprise cold bath 114. Cold bath may be configured to cool liquids to a
temperature in the range of about 2 to 4 degrees Centigrade. First module 102 may
comprise first concentrate inlet 116. First concentrate inlet 116 may be configured to
receive first concentrate 118. First concentrate 118 may be pumped from first
concentrate source 120 through first concentrate inlet 116 by pump 122. First
concentrate source 120 may be any suitable source, including but not limited to a “bagin-
box” container. First concentrate 118 may be conveyed through coil 124 and cooled
by cold bath 114. After cooling, first concentrate 118 may conveyed through valve 126
to cold liquid mixer 128.
[26] Carbonated water 130 formed in carbonation tank 110 may be conveyed through coil 132
and cooled by cold bath 114. After cooling, carbonated water 130 may be conveyed
through valve 134 to cold liquid mixer 128. Cold liquid mixer 128 may be a dispensing
8
nozzle. Cold liquid mixer l28 may be configured to mix a concentrate (for example, first
concentrate 118), and water (for example, carbonated water 130) to form a ready-to-drink
liquid 136. Carbonated water 130 may be conveyed through line 175 to line 191. Line
175 may comprise valve 177. Line 175 may comprise a coil (not shown) in cold bath
114, which may be similar to coil 132.
[27] Other concentrates may be conveyed to cold liquid mixer 128. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, second concentrate 138 may be pumped from second concentrate source 140
through second concentrate inlet 146 by pump 142. Second concentrate source 140 may
be any suitable source, including but not limited to a “bag-in-box” container. Second
concentrate 138 may be conveyed through coil 144 and cooled by cold bath 114. After
cooling, second concentrate 138 may conveyed through valve 148 to cold liquid mixer
128.
[28] Third concentrate 150 may be pumped from third concentrate source 152 through second
concentrate inlet 154 by pump 156. Third concentrate source 150 may be any suitable
source, including but not limited to a “bag-in-box” container. Third concentrate 150 may
be conveyed through coil 158 and cooled by cold bath 114. After cooling, third
concentrate 150 may conveyed through valve 160 to cold liquid mixer 128. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, addition concentrates may
be conveyed to cold liquid mixer 128.
[29] First concentrate 118, second concentrate 138, and third concentrate 150 may be any
suitable concentrate, e.g., a syrup concentrate corresponding to a soft drink. Water may
be conveyed through line 162 by pump 164 and through coil 166 in cold engine assembly
104. Upon exiting coil 166, the water may be conveyed into carbonation tank 110.
Water may be supplied to line 162 from any suitable source, for example, a municipality
water source.
9
[30] Module 102 may comprise condenser fan 168, compressor 170 and stirrer motor 172 for
providing cooling medium 174 and stirring of cooling medium 174 in cold engine
assembly 104. Cooling medium 174 may be any suitable cooling medium, e.g., chilled
water or ice. Drain outlet 176 may be provided to allow for draining of cooling medium
174 when desired, e.g., to access and/or service the components in cold engine assembly
104.
[31] Fourth concentrate 178 may be pumped from fourth concentrate source 180 through
fourth concentrate inlet 182 by pump 184. Fourth concentrate 178 may be any suitable
source, including but not limited to a “bag-in-box” container. Fourth concentrate 178
may be any suitable concentrate, e.g., a syrup concentrate corresponding to a soft drink
Fourth concentrate 178 may be conveyed through coil 186 and cooled by cold bath 114.
After cooling, fourth concentrate 178 may conveyed through valve 188 to mixer 190.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, addition
concentrates may be conveyed to mixer 190.
[32] As shown in FIG. 1, water may be supplied through line 161 through solenoid valve 163
and through coil 165 in cold engine assembly 104. Upon exiting coil 165, cooled or cold
water 155 may be conveyed to juncture 167, through line 191, and to mixer 190. Line
191 may comprise solenoid valve 169. Water may be supplied to line 161 from any
suitable source, for example, a municipality water source. Mixer l90 may be configured
to mix a concentrate (for example, fourth concentrate 178), and cooled or cold water 155
to form a ready-to-drink liquid 193.
[33] Hot engine assembly 108 of second module 106 may comprise hot tank 109. Hot tank
109 may be configured to raise the temperature of water, e.g., water supplied from line
161 through solenoid valve 111 to a desired temperature, e.g., about 90 to 95 degrees
Centigrade. Hot engine assembly 108 may comprise heater 113. Heater 113 may be
configured to heat the water in hot tank 109 to a desired temperature. After being heated
to a desired temperature, the heated or hot water 125 may exit hot tank 109 through lines
10
115, 117, and 119. Line 115 may split into two lines, with one line comprising solenoid
valve 121, and the other line comprising solenoid valve 171. Line 115 may convey
heated or hot water 125 from hot tank 109 to mixer 123. Mixer 123 may be powered by a
mixing motor.
[34] Cooled or cold water 155 that exits coil 165 may be conveyed through juncture 167 and
line 195 to mixer 123. Line 195 may comprise solenoid valve 197. First powder 127
may be conveyed from powder source 129 to mixer 123. Powder 127 may be conveyed
by a meter 131, which may be powered by a metering motor.
[35] Second powder 133 may be conveyed from powder source 135 to mixer 123. Second
powder 133 may be conveyed by a meter 137, which may be powered by a metering
motor. The motor that powers meter 131 and meter 137 may be the same motor. The
motor that powers mixer 123 may be the same motor that powers meter 131 and/or meter
137.
[36] First powder 127 and second powder 133 may be any suitable powder, e.g., a powder
corresponding to a soft drink, such as a non-carbonated beverage. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, various ready-to-drink liquids may
be prepared in mixer 123, including liquids prepared using either first powder 127 or
second powder 133, or combinations thereof, and including drinks prepared using heated
or hot water 125 or cooled or cold water 155 from coil 165. Thus, a variety of drinks
may be prepared having a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be about 2
to 4 degrees Centigrade, e.g., by using cooled or cold water exiting coil 132, or may be
about 80 to 95 degrees Centigrade, e.g., by using heated or hot water 125, or may be a
temperature in between, such as about 6 to 12 degrees Centigrade, e.g., by using water
155 exiting coil 165, or may be some other temperature in between 2 degrees Centigrade
and 95 degrees Centigrade, e.g., by using a combination of water 125, and water 155
exiting coil 165, and/or cold water exiting coil 132.
11
[37] Third powder 139 may be conveyed from powder source 141 to mixer 143. Third
powder 139 may be conveyed by a meter 145, which may be powered by a metering
motor. Fourth powder 147 may be conveyed from powder source 149 to mixer 143.
Fourth powder 147 may be conveyed by a meter 151, which may be powered by a
metering motor. The motor that powers meter 145 and meter 151 may be the same motor.
Motor 153 may power mixer 143. Motor 153 that powers mixer 143 may be the same
motor and powers meter 145 and/or meter 151.
[38] Line 117 may comprise solenoid valve 157. When heated or hot water is conveyed
through line 117 to outlet 159, the water may be a desired temperature, e.g., about 90 to
95 degrees Centigrade. Line 119 may comprise solenoid valve 105. When heated or hot
water is conveyed through line 119 and mixed with a powder, e.g., third powder 139
and/or fourth powder 147, in mixer 143 to form mixture 101, mixture 101 may have a
desired temperature of about 80 to 85 degrees Centigrade. Mixture 101 may be conveyed
through line 103 to outlet 159.
[39] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various free flowing food products, such as
ready-to-drink liquids, may be formed using modular dispensing system 100 described
above and as shown in FIG. 1. The products formed using modular dispensing system
100 may be selected from the group consisting of (1) a carbonated beverage formed by
mixing first concentrate 118 and carbonated water 130, (2) a carbonated beverage formed
by mixing second concentrate 138 and carbonated water 130, (3) a carbonated beverage
formed by mixing third concentrate 150 and carbonated water 130, (4) a non-carbonated
ready-to-drink liquid 193 formed by mixing fourth concentrate 178 and water 155, (5) a
beverage formed by mixing first powder 127 and water 155 and/or water 125, (6) a
beverage formed by mixing second powder 133 and water 155 and/or water 125, (7) a
beverage, e.g., coffee, formed by mixing third powder 139 and water 125, (8) a beverage,
e.g., tea, formed by mixing fourth powder 147 and water 125, and (9) heated or hot water
125 alone from line 117.
12
[40] In an aspect, the three (3) carbonated beverages identified in the preceding paragraph
may be one of three different carbonated soft drinks, e.g., a cola, a carbonated lemonlime
drink, or some other carbonated soft drink, e.g., a carbonated fruit flavored soft
drink. In an aspect, non-carbonated ready-to-drink liquid 193 may comprise a noncarbonated
fruit flavored drink, such as an orange, lemon, or mixed fruit flavored drink.
[41] In an aspect, the beverage formed by mixing first powder 127 and water 155 and/or water
125 may comprise a non-carbonated fruit flavored drink, such as an orange, lemon, or
mixed fruit flavored drink, and/or a drink comprising glucose or other sweetener. The
drink comprising glucose or other sweetener may further comprise a mineral salt and/or
iron.
[42] In an aspect, the beverage formed by mixing second powder 133 and water 155 and/or
water 125 may comprise a non-carbonated tea (e.g., a cold or chilled tea) or a fruit
flavored drink (e.g., an orange, lemon, or a mixed fruit flavored drink), and/or a drink
comprising glucose or other sweetener. The drink comprising glucose or other sweetener
may further comprise a mineral salt and/or iron.
[43] While FIG. 1 depicts module 106 and module 102 in a horizontal side-by-side
configuration, those skilled in the art will recognize that these modules may be
configured with module 106 being placed on top of module 102, or module 102 being
placed on top of module 106.
[44] In an embodiment, hot water 125 generated in hot tank 109 may be used to sanitize of
any fluid line and other equipment components in the system. For example, hot water
125 may be used to sanitize one or more lines configured to convey concentrates (118,
138, 150, and 178) and lines configured to convey mixtures of concentrates and water
through the system. Hot water 125 may be used to sanitize lines from respective sources
(120, 140, 152, and 180), one or more respective pumps (122, 142, 156, and 184), one or
more respective inlets (116, 146, 154, and 182), one or more respective coils (124, 144,
13
158, and 186), one or more mixers (128, 190), one or more valves (126, 148, 160, and
188), and one or more dispensing nozzles (e.g., 128 and 190, when mixers 128 and 190
are dispensing nozzles). Hot water 125 may be conveyed from at least one of valves 105,
121,157, or 171 through a sanitizing line to any of the above equipment components of
the system. For example, but not by limitation, hot water 125 from hot tank 109 maybe
conveyed through valve 171 through exemplary sanitizing line 173 to mixer 128. By
providing hot water 125 from hot tank 109 through a sanitizing line (such as exemplary
sanitizing line 173), equipment components of cold engine assembly 104 may be easily
sanitized without the need for manual cleaning of equipment components, or otherwise
obtaining hot water from outside modular dispensing system 100 for cleaning of
components as in conventional dispensing systems.
[45] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a module 200 according to various aspects of the
disclosure. Module 200 may be the same or similar to module 106 shown in FIG. 1.
Module 200 may comprise a hot engine assembly similar to hot engine assembly 108 in
FIG. 1. Module 200 may comprise a housing 202. Housing 202 may comprise door 204.
Module 200 may comprise user interface 206. Module 200 may comprise cover 208.
[46] FIG’s. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 collectively illustrate the combining of a module comprising a
cold engine assembly with a module comprising a hot engine assembly to form modular
dispensing system 700, shown in FIG. 7. Modular dispensing system 700 may be the
same as or similar to modular dispensing system 100 described above and as shown in
FIG. 1. Shown in FIG. 3 is a dispensing system 300 that is configured to dispense cold
carbonated beverages. Dispensing system 300 may configured to dispense only cold
beverages, such as cold carbonated soft drinks. Dispensing system 300 may comprise
upper front portion 302, lower front portion 304, and back portion 308. Upper front
portion 302 may comprise a user interface 306. User interface 306 may be configured to
allow a user to push a button or use a touch screen to select a beverage to be dispensed by
dispensing system 300. As shown in FIG. 3, dispensing system 300 may comprise
14
dispensing nozzle 310. Dispensing nozzle 310 may be the same as or similar to cold
liquid mixer 128 described above and shown in FIG. 1.
[47] As shown in FIG. 4, upper front portion 302 may be removed from lower front portion
304 and back portion 308, resulting in module 500, shown in FIG. 5. Module 500 may
be similar to module 102 described above and shown in FIG. 1. Module 500 is shown
having lines 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510. Line 502 may be configured to a receive a first
carbonated beverage formed by mixing a concentrate with carbonated water in mixer
512. Line 504 may be configured to a receive a second carbonated beverage formed by
mixing a concentrate with carbonated water in mixer 514. Line 506 may be configured to
a receive a third carbonated beverage formed by mixing a concentrate with carbonated
water in mixer 516. Line 508 may be configured to a receive a fourth carbonated
beverage formed by mixing a concentrate with carbonated water in mixer 518. Line 510
may be configured to a receive a fifth carbonated beverage formed by mixing a
concentrate with carbonated water in mixer 520. In an alternative embodiment, line 508
may be configured to receive a cold non-carbonated beverage formed by mixing a
concentrate with non-carbonated water in mixer 518. In an alternative embodiment, line
510 may be configured to receive only cold non-carbonated water from mixer 520.
[48] FIG. 6 shows module 200 of FIG. 2 being combined with module 500 of FIG. 5, resulting
in modular dispensing system 700 shown in FIG. 7. Modular dispensing system 700 may
be the same as or similar to modular dispensing system 100 shown in FIG. 1.
[49] FIG. 8 shows modular dispensing system 700 with door 204 of module 200 in an open
position. Powder source or container 802 may be configured to convey a first powder to
mixer 806. Powder source or container 804 may be configured to convey a second
powder to mixer 806. Mixer 806 may be similar to mixer 123 shown in FIG. 1. Mixer
806 may be configured to mix a powder with heated or hot water form a finished product
for consumption by a consumer. Line 808 may be configured to convey a finished
product from mixer 806 to outlet 810.
15
[50] Powder source or container 812 may be configured to convey a third powder to mixer
816. Powder source or container 814 may be configured to convey a fourth powder to
mixer 816. Mixer 816 may be similar to mixer 143 shown in FIG. 1. Mixer 816 may be
configured to mix a powder with heated or hot water form a finished product for
consumption by a consumer. Line 818 may be configured to convey a finished product
from mixer 816 to outlet 820.
[51] FIG. 9 shows cover 900 placed over mixers 512, 514, 516, 518, and 520, shown in FIG’s.
5, 6, and 8.
[52] FIG. 10 shows further detail of user interface 206 shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 7, along
with a legend below. User interface 206 may comprise a keyboard 1002. Keyboard 1002
may comprise buttons 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and display screen 4. Button 1 may
correspond to a first hot beverage, button 2 may correspond to a second hot beverage, and
button 3 may correspond to hot water. Button 8 may correspond to a first cold beverage,
button 9 may correspond to a second cold beverage, and button 10 may correspond to a
third cold beverage. Button 5 may correspond to a first beverage comprising a syrup or
concentrate, button 6 may correspond to a second beverage comprising a syrup or
concentrate, and button 7 may correspond to a third beverage comprising a syrup or
concentrate.
[53] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective exploded view showing components of module 200
shown in FIG’s. 8 and 9 according to various aspects of the disclosure.
[54] FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 after assembly.
[55] FIG’s. 13 through 20 illustrate the assembly of module 500 shown in FIG. 5 according to
various aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 13 shows condenser fan 1302, compressor 1304,
and cooling elements 1306. Also depicted is stirrer motor 1308, and cooling elements
1306. Cooling elements 1306 are configured to be placed into cold bath housing 1310.
16
[56] FIG. 14 depicts carbonation tank 1312, inlet water coil 1314 and outlet water coil 1316.
Also shown is cooling element 1318. Inlet water coil 1314 is configured to convey water
to carbonation tank 1312. Outlet water coil 1316 is configured to receive carbonated
water formed in carbonation tank 1312, and convey the carbonated water to cold water
mixer (not shown). Carbonation tank 1312, inlet water coil 1314 and outlet water coil
1316 are configured to be placed into cold bath housing 1310.
[57] FIG. 15 shows cooling coils 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, and 1510, each of which may be
configured to convey a corresponding syrup or concentrate through the cold bath housing
1310 and to a corresponding mixer (not shown in FIG. 15).
[58] FIG. 16 shows a mixer bracket 1600 before it is placed onto cold bath housing 1310.
FIG. 17 shows lines 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 and 1710 from corresponding cooling coils
1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, and 1510 shown in FIG. 15. Cooling coils 1502, 1504, 1506,
1508, and 1510 correspond to mixers 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520, respectively. FIG. 18
shows mixers 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 after being placed in fluid communication with
outlets 1522, 1524, 1526, 1528, and 1530 of lines 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 and 1710 from
corresponding cooling coils 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, and 1510, as shown in FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, after a top cover 1900 is placed over
cold bath housing 1310. FIG. 20 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 after a back
cover 2000 is placed over condenser fan 1302, compressor 1304, and stirrer motor 1308
shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of module 500 shown in FIG. 5.
[59] FIG. 21 illustrates a flow scheme 2100 for forming finished free flowing food products
according to various aspects of the disclosure. Flow scheme 2100 may carried out using
the same as or similar dispensing system 100 or dispensing system 700 described above.
As shown in FIG. 21, input water 2102 may be conveyed through line 2104 to chilling or
cold engine assembly 2106. Cold engine assembly 2106 may be the same as or similar to
cold engine assembly 104 described above. Line 2108 may convey cold water from cold
engine 2106 may to a carbonator 2110, such as a carbonation tank. Line 2112 may
17
convey carbonated water formed by carbonator 2110 to mixers (not shown) for mixing
with a powder or a concentrate to form a carbonated liquid. Line 2114 may convey cold
water from cold engine 2106 to mixers (not shown) for mixing with a powder or a
concentrate to form a non-carbonated liquid.
[60] Input water 2102 may be conveyed through line 2116 to hot engine assembly 2118. Hot
engine assembly 2118 may be the same as or similar to hot engine assembly 108
described above. Line 2120 may convey hot water 2130 to mixers (not shown) for
mixing with a powder or a concentrate to form a liquid. Hot water 2130 may be the same
as or similar to hot water 125 described above.
[61] As shown in FIG. 21, various ready-to-drink liquid products may be formed in
accordance with flow scheme 2100, including hot non-carbonated, concentrate based
product 2121, hot non-carbonated powder based product 2122, hot carbonated soft drink
concentrate based product 2123, hot carbonated soft drink powder based product 2124,
cold carbonated soft drink concentrate based product 2125, cold carbonated soft drink
powder based product 2126, cold non-carbonated concentrate based product 2127, and
cold non-carbonated powder based product 2128.
[62] In an aspect, hot non-carbonated concentrate based product 2121 may be formed by
mixing a concentrate, e.g., one of concentrates 118, 138, 150, or 178, with hot water from
hot tank 190. In an aspect, a concentrate line may be configured to convey a concentrate
to mixer 123 or mixer 143, wherein the concentrate is mixed with hot water from hot tank
190. In an alternative embodiment, a concentrate line may be configured to convey a
concentrate to mixer 128 or mixer 190, and a hot water line may be configured to convey
hot water from tank 190 to mixer 128 or mixer 190, wherein the concentrate is mixed
with hot water from hot tank 190 to form hot non-carbonated concentrate based product
2121.
18
[63] In an aspect, hot carbonated soft drink concentrate based product 2123 may be formed in
a similar manner as hot non-carbonated concentrate based product 2121, except that the
hot water is carbonated before being mixed with a concentrate, e.g., one of concentrates
118, 138, 150, or 178. The hot water may be carbonated using carbon dioxide source
112, in either carbonator 110 or carbonating the hot water in hot tank 109.
[64] In an aspect, hot carbonated soft drink powder based product 2124 may be formed in a
similar manner as hot non-carbonated concentrate based product 2121, except that the hot
water is carbonated before being mixed with a powder, e.g., one of powders 127, 133,
139 or 147. The hot water may be carbonated using carbon dioxide source 112, in either
carbonator 110 or carbonating the hot water in hot tank 109.
[65] In an aspect, cold carbonated soft drink powder based product 2126 may be formed in a
similar manner as cold non-carbonated soft drink powder based product 2125, except that
carbonated water is used to mix with a powder, e.g., one of powders 127, 133, 139 or
147. In an aspect, cold carbonated water may be conveyed from valve 134 to mixer 123
or mixer 143 and mixed with the powder.
[66] Conventional dispensing systems are typically not configured to provide from a single
dispensing unit or single dispensing station all of these various ready-to-drink liquid
products. For example, conventional dispensing systems are typically not configured
provide from a single dispensing unit or single dispensing station at least hot noncarbonated
concentrate based product 2121, hot carbonated soft drink concentrate based
product 2123, hot carbonated soft drink powder based product 2124, and cold carbonated
soft drink powder based product 2126.
[67] As also shown in FIG. 21, hot engine assembly 2118 may be configured to provide hot
water 2130 that may be conveyed via line 2132 to a cup or container wherein the hot
water is mixed with a food product, e.g., dried oatmeal or soup. Hot water 2130 may be
used to sanitize equipment components similar to hot water 125 described above.
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[68] Due to the flexibility of the dispensing system described above, a multitude of ready-todrink
beverages may be provided by the dispensing system, including beverages having a
desired temperature in the range of about 2 degrees Centigrade to about 95 degrees
Centigrade, beverages having a desired amount of carbonation (e.g., lowering the amount
of carbonation from a typical carbonated beverage by combining streams described above
at the mixers described above or combining effluent streams from the mixers combined
above. The dispensing system described about may be configured to convey a multitude
of ready-to-drink beverages to a cup or container placed below the outlets of the mixers
or nozzles described above.
[69] As shown in FIG. 22, a dispensing system 2200 may be provided having dispensing
locations. Dispensing system 2200 may be the same as or similar dispensing system 100
or dispensing system 700 described above. Dispensing system 2200 may be configured
to provide dispensing locations 2201, 2202, and 2203. A cup or container (not shown)
may be placed at any of the dispensing locations. In an aspect, location 2201 may be a
location at which a cup or container can be placed to receive a hot beverage. In an aspect,
location 2202 may be a location at which a cup or container can be placed to receive a
cold beverage. In an aspect, location 2203 may be a location at which a cup or container
can be placed to receive a beverage having a temperature that is between the temperature
of the hot beverage and the cold beverage. Locations 2201, 2202 and/or 2203 may
comprise a stand or platform. Each stand or platform may have a top that has a different
vertical height from the top of at least one of the other stands or platforms. As shown in
FIG. 22, location 2201 comprises stand 2204, location 2202 comprises platform 2205,
and location 2203 comprises stand 2206. In an aspect, location 2201 may be directly
below outlet 159 described above. In an aspect, location 2202 may be directly below
cold liquid mixer 128 described above. In an aspect, location 2203 may be directly
below mixer 123 and/or mixer 190 described above.
20
[70] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a modular dispensing system is provided
that is configured to form a wide variety of desired ready-to-drink food products,
including beverages, including carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, including hot
and cold beverages at desired temperatures. The disclosed modular dispensing system
may be placed at or on top of a counter to efficiently dispense products without involving
multiple, separate systems that would require additional real estate or countertop space
and higher operating expenses. The disclosed modular dispensing system may be used to
efficiently provide desired ready-to-drink food products to meet seasonal or other
changing desires of consumers.
[71] The invention herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the
embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of the invention
are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or substitution without departing
significantly from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimensions, number, size
and shape of the various components may be altered to fit specific applications.
Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative
purposes only and the invention is not limited except by the following claims and their
equivalents.
21
We claim:
1. A modular dispensing system comprising:
a cold engine assembly; and
a hot engine assembly;
the cold engine assembly comprising a cold bath configured to cool a liquid from an
initial temperature to a desired lower temperature, a carbonator configured to dissolve carbon
dioxide in water to form carbonated water, and a cold liquid mixer, the cold engine assembly
comprising a concentrate line configured to convey a concentrate through the cold bath and to
the cold liquid mixer, a cold water line configured to convey water through the cold bath to the
cold liquid mixer, the cold liquid mixer configured to mix the concentrate and carbonated water
that has been cooled in the cold bath to form a cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink
liquid;
the hot engine assembly comprising a hot tank configured to heat water from an initial
temperature to a desired elevated temperature, a hot liquid mixer, the hot engine assembly
comprising a powder line configured to convey a powder to the hot liquid mixer, the hot liquid
mixer configured to mix the powder and the water from the hot tank having the desired elevated
temperature to form a hot non-carbonated powder based ready-to-drink liquid;
the modular dispensing system comprising a cold liquid dispensing nozzle configured to
dispense the cold ready-to-drink liquid, and a hot liquid dispensing outlet configured to dispense
the hot ready-to-drink liquid, wherein the cold engine assembly and the hot engine assembly
form a single dispensing unit having a single dispensing station, the single dispensing station
comprising the cold liquid dispensing nozzle and the hot liquid dispensing outlet.
2. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cold bath is configured to
cool a liquid to a temperature in the range of about 2 to 4 degrees Centigrade.
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3. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot tank is configured to
heat water to a temperature in the range of about 80 to 95 degrees Centigrade.
4. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot liquid dispensing
outlet is at substantially the same height as the cold drink dispensing nozzle.
5. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the concentrate comprises at
least a first concentrate and a second concentrate, wherein the concentrate line comprises a first
concentrate line and second concentrate line, the first concentrate line configured to convey the
first concentrate through the cold bath and to the cold liquid mixer, the second concentrate line
configured to convey the second concentrate through the cold bath and to the cold liquid mixer,
the cold liquid mixer configured to mix the first concentrate and carbonated water that has been
cooled in the cold bath to form a first cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid,
the cold liquid mixer configured to mix the second concentrate and carbonated water that has
been cooled in the cold bath to form a second cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink
liquid.
6. The modular dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the cold liquid mixer
comprises a first cold liquid mixer and a second cold liquid mixer;
wherein the first cold liquid mixer is configured to either mix the first concentrate and the
carbonated water to form the first cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid, or
mix the second concentrate and the carbonated water to form the second cold carbonated
concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid;
wherein the concentrate comprises a third concentrate, wherein the concentrate line
comprises a third concentrate line, the third concentrate line configured to convey the third
concentrate through the cold bath and to the second cold liquid mixer, the second cold liquid
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mixer configured to mix the third concentrate and water that has been cooled in the cold bath, but
is not carbonated, to form a cold non-carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid.
7. The modular dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the powder comprises at least
a first powder and a second powder, wherein the powder line comprises a first powder line and
second powder line, the first powder line configured to convey the first powder to the hot liquid
mixer, the second powder line configured to convey the second powder to the hot liquid mixer;
wherein the hot liquid mixer is configured to either mix the first powder and the hot water
to form the first hot powder based ready-to-drink liquid, or mix the second powder and the hot
water to form the second hot powder based ready-to-drink liquid.
8. The modular dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the powder further comprises
at least a third powder, wherein the powder line comprises at least a third powder line, wherein
the third powder line is configured to convey the third powder to a multi-temperature mixer, the
multi-temperature mixer configured to either mix hot water from the hot tank and the third
powder to form a third hot powder based ready-to-drink liquid, or to mix cold water from the
cold bath and the third powder to form a first cold powder based ready-to-drink liquid.
9. The modular dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the powder further comprises
a fourth powder, wherein the powder line comprises a fourth powder line, wherein the fourth
powder line is configured to convey the fourth powder to the multi-temperature mixer, the multitemperature
mixer configured to either mix hot water from the hot tank and the fourth powder to
form a fourth hot powder based ready-to-drink liquid, or to mix cold water from the cold bath
and the fourth powder to form a second cold powder based ready-to-drink liquid.
10. The modular dispensing system of claim 9, wherein the concentrate further
comprises a fourth concentrate, wherein the concentrate line comprises a fourth concentrate line,
the fourth concentrate line configured to convey the fourth concentrate through the cold bath and
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to the first cold liquid mixer, the first cold liquid mixer configured to mix the fourth concentrate
and water that has been cooled in the cold bath and has been carbonated, to form a cold
carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid that based on the fourth concentrate.
11. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot engine assembly is
configured to convey hot water from the hot tank through the hot liquid dispensing outlet without
being mixed with a concentrate or powder.
12. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold non-carbonated beverage that is concentrate based.
13. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold non-carbonated beverage that is powder based.
14. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold carbonated beverage that is powder based.
15. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot engine assembly is
configured to form a hot non-carbonated beverage that is concentrate based.
16. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot engine assembly is
configured to form a hot carbonated beverage that is concentrate based.
17. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the hot engine assembly is
configured to form a hot carbonated beverage that is powder based.
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18. The modular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the modular dispensing
system is located at a counter.
19. A modular dispensing system comprising:
a cold engine assembly;
the cold engine assembly comprising a cold bath configured to cool a liquid from an
initial temperature to a desired lower temperature, a carbonator configured to dissolve carbon
dioxide in water to form carbonated water, a first cold liquid mixer, and a second cold liquid
mixer;
the cold engine assembly comprising a cold water line configured to convey water
through the cold bath to the first cold liquid mixer and the second cold liquid mixer;
the cold engine assembly comprising a concentrate line configured to convey a
concentrate through the cold bath and to the first cold liquid mixer, the first cold liquid mixer
configured to mix the concentrate and carbonated water that has been cooled in the cold bath to
form a cold carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid;
the cold engine assembly comprising a powder line configured to convey a powder to the
second cold liquid mixer, the second cold liquid mixer configured to mix the powder and
carbonated water that has been cooled in the cold bath to form a cold carbonated powder based
ready-to-drink liquid.
20. The modular dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold non-carbonated concentrated based ready-to-drink liquid.
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21. The modular dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold non-carbonated powder based ready-to-drink liquid.
22. The modular dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the cold engine assembly is
configured to form a cold non-carbonated concentrated based ready-to-drink liquid and a cold
non-carbonated powder based ready-to-drink liquid.
23. A modular dispensing system comprising:
a hot engine assembly;
the hot engine assembly comprising a hot tank configured to heat water from an initial
temperature to a desired elevated temperature, a first hot liquid mixer, and a second hot liquid
mixer;
the hot engine assembly comprising a hot water line configured to convey water through
the hot tank to the first hot liquid mixer and the second hot liquid mixer;
the hot engine assembly comprising a first powder line configured to convey a first
powder to the first hot liquid mixer and water from the hot tank having the desired elevated
temperature to form a hot non-carbonated powder based ready-to-drink liquid;
the modular dispensing system comprising a concentrate line configured to convey a
concentrate and water from the hot tank that has also been carbonated to the second hot liquid
mixer, the second hot liquid mixer configured to mix the concentrate and carbonated water to
form a hot carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid;
the modular dispensing system comprising a second powder line configured to convey a
second powder to either the first hot liquid mixer or the second hot liquid mixer, the first hot
liquid mixer or the second hot liquid mixer configured to mix the second powder and water from
the hot tank that has also been carbonated to form a hot carbonated powder based ready-to-drink
liquid.
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24. The modular dispensing system of claim 23, further comprising a second
concentrate line configured to convey a second concentrate and water from hot tank water to
either the first hot liquid mixer or the second hot liquid mixer, the first hot liquid mixer or the
second hot liquid mixer configured to mix the second concentrate and water from the hot tank to
form a hot non-carbonated concentrate based ready-to-drink liquid.
25. A hot engine retrofit assembly comprising:
a hot tank and a hot liquid mixer;
the hot tank configured to heat water to a desired temperature in the range of about 80 to
95 degrees Centigrade to produce a hot water;
a hot water line configured to convey the hot water from the hot tank to a hot liquid
mixer;
a powder line configured to convey a powder to the hot liquid mixer;
the hot liquid mixer configured to mix the hot water from the hot tank and the powder to
form a hot powder based ready-to-drink liquid;
the hot engine retrofit assembly configured to be located on top of a cold drink
dispensing assembly comprising a cold drink dispensing nozzle;
the hot engine retrofit assembly comprising a hot liquid dispensing outlet;
the hot liquid dispensing outlet configured to dispense the hot powder based ready-todrink
liquid, wherein the hot liquid dispensing outlet is at substantially the same height as the
cold drink dispensing nozzle.