IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
공개
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0677854
(2003-10-02)
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공개번호 |
US-0118872
(2004-06-24)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Romanyszyn, Adrian M.
- Sudolcan, Paul S.
- Schroeder, Alfred A.
- Rosales, Roberto
|
대리인 / 주소 |
LAW OFFICES OF CHRISTOPHER L. MAKAY
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
0 인용 특허 :
0 |
초록
▼
A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface a
A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.
대표청구항
▼
1 . A touch panel assembly for a beverage dispenser, comprising:a back panel defining an interior chamber;a valve board disposed in the interior chamber, the valve board including a light source;an electrode board disposed in the interior chamber in front of the valve board; anda front panel mounted
1 . A touch panel assembly for a beverage dispenser, comprising:a back panel defining an interior chamber;a valve board disposed in the interior chamber, the valve board including a light source;an electrode board disposed in the interior chamber in front of the valve board; anda front panel mounted to the back panel, wherein light from the light source is visible through the electrode board and the front panel, thereby providing a visual effect to the beverage dispenser. 2 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrode board is translucent. 3 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve board further comprises a controller that controls the light source in the performance of lighting routines. 4 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a light separator/reflector disposed in the interior chamber of the back panel between the electrode board and the valve board to separate the lighting into distinct lighting areas. 5 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 4, wherein the light separator/reflector diffuses the light source to display a more uniform lighting scheme. 6 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs). 7 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:a proximity sensor that activates lighting routines when a field of the proximity sensor is penetrated. 8 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 7, wherein the proximity sensor field is penetrated by a person. 9 . A touch panel assembly for a beverage dispenser, comprising:a back panel defining an interior chamber;a valve board disposed in the interior chamber, the valve board including a controller; andan electrode board disposed in the interior chamber in front of the valve board, the electrode board including a first electrode trace electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the first electrode trace develops an electrode field, further wherein the controller interprets an interruption in the electrode field as a selection of a drink flavor for dispensing. 10 . The touch panel according to claim 9, further comprising:a front panel mounted to the back panel, such that the front panel is in close proximity to the electrode board, wherein interruptions in the electrode field are discernable through the front panel. 11 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the electrode board further comprises a second electrode trace to create a second electrode field. 12 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 1 1 , wherein the controller interprets the interruptions in the electrode fields of the first electrode trace and the second electrode trace as separate and distinct flavor selections. 13 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 11, wherein the two electrode traces are used for a same flavor selection. 14 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 13, wherein the controller interprets the electrode field of the first electrode trace and the electrode field of the second electrode trace as the same selection, thereby providing a major bran d with an increased presence on a front of the beverage dispenser. 15 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first electrode trace and the second electrode trace overlap. 16 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the controller interprets the overlapped portion of the electrode traces as a third user input location. 17 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 13, wherein the configuration of the touch panel assembly may be changed from a dual flavor touch area to a single flavor touch area, as well as from a single flavor touch area to a dual flavor touch area. 18 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the configuration of the touch panel assembly may be changed from a dual flavor touch area to a single flavor touch area, as well as from a single flavor touch area to a dual flavor touch area. 19 . The touch panel assembly according to claim 17, wherein the touch panel assembly may be configured on the dispenser. 20 . The touch panel assembly of claim 9, wherein the user input is a touch on the front panel. 21 . The touch panel assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller activates the beverage dispenser responsive to the interruption in the electrode field, to dispense a beverage drink. 22 . A beverage dispenser, comprising:a housing;a touch panel assembly mountable to the housing, the touch panel assembly including a controller, a flow activator, and an electrode board, wherein the electrode board includes electrode traces that sense a user input; anda beverage dispensing nozzle mounted on the housing, the beverage dispensing nozzle communicating with a beverage source, wherein responsive to a user input received by the electrode traces, the controller energizes the flow activator, thereby facilitating the delivery of a prescribed amount of beverage through the beverage dispensing nozzle. 23 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 22, wherein the flow activator comprises a field effect transistor. 24 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 22, wherein the beverage is a syrup concentrate. 25 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 24, further comprising a diluent used to dilute the beverage syrup concentrate. 26 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 22, further comprising a bonus flavor for adding to dispensed beverages. 27 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 22, further comprising multiple beverage dispensing nozzles mounted to the housing. 28 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the controller regulates the flow activators for the beverage dispensing nozzles. 29 . A beverage dispenser, comprising:a housing;multiple dispensing valves disposed on the housing;multiple touch panel assemblies disposed on the housing, wherein the touch panel assemblies regulate the flow of beverages through the dispensing valves; anda controller disposed within the housing, wherein the controller monitors and oversees the functions of the multiple touch panel assemblies. 30 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the controller optimizes dispensing operations of the beverage dispenser . 31 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the controller uses the touch panel assembly to conduct a dispenser wide lighting routine. 32 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the controller conducts ice management operations. 33 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the controller oversees carbonator probe operations. 34 . A method of increasing a user interface, comprising:a. assigning two electrode traces of a touch panel assembly to a same flavor; andb. interpreting interruptions in the electrode fields of the electrode traces as a single activation area to provide the particular flavor with an increased presence. 35 . The method of claim 34, wherein the frontal display area is also combined to provide an increased presence. 36 . A method of configuring a touch panel assembly, comprising:a. prompting an operator to select a site on the touch panel assembly for a product assignment;b. sensing an interruption in an electrode field of the touch panel assembly; andc. assigning the interrupted field to a specific flavor of a beverage. 37 . The method of claim 36, further comprising:d. installing a bezel appropriate for the new configuration. 38 . A method of configuring a touch panel assembly, comprisinga. sending a signal to a touch panel assembly;b. determining the number of signals obtained; andc. configuring the touch panel assembly as a major brand if a single signal is obtained or as a minor brand if two signals are obtained. 39 . The method of claim 38, further comprising:d. installing a bezel appropriate for the new configuration. 40 . A carbonator, comprising:a carbonator tank, wherein the carbonator tank includes an entry port;an orifice housing mated to the entry port of the carbonator tank, the orifice housing including a first aperture having a first end and a second end, and a second aperture leading to the first aperture for delivering water to be carbonated to the first aperture;a fitting, including an orifice, wherein the fitting is removably installed in the first aperture at the second end thereof such that water to be carbonated passes from the second aperture into the first aperture, and through the orifice thereby entering the carbonator tank; anda plug in the first aperture at a first end thereof to close out the carbonator tank. 41 . The carbonator of claim 40, wherein the fitting is removable for cleaning. 42 . The carbonator of claim 40, wherein the fitting is removable to allow for increasing or decreasing the orifice size in carbonator tuning situations. 43 . The carbonator of claim 40, wherein the fitting is removable for replacement. 44 . A carbonator, comprising:a carbonator tank, wherein the carbonator tank includes an entry port;an orifice housing mated in alignment with the entry port, the orifice housing including a first aperture having a first end and a second end, and a second aperture leading to the first aperture for delivering water to be carbonated to the first aperture;a fitting, including an orifice, wherein the fitting is disposed at the second end of the first aperture and removably installed in the entry port of the carbonator tank such that water to be carbonated passes from the second aperture into the first aperture, and through the orifice thereby entering the carbonator tank; anda plug in the first aperture at a first end thereof to close out the carbonator tank. 45 . The carbonator of claim 44, wherein the fitting is removable for cleaning. 46 . The carbonator of claim 44, wherein the fitting is removable to allow for increasing or decreasing the orifice size in carbonator tuning situations. 47 . The carbonator of claim 44, wherein the fitting is removable for replacement. 48 . A carbonator, comprising:a carbonator tank, wherein the carbonator tank includes an entry port; anda fitting including an orifice, wherein a first end of the fitting removably installs in the entry port, and a second end of the fitting receives a first end of an orifice supply pipe such that water to be carbonated is delivered from the orifice supply pipe through the orifice in the fitting thereby entering the carbonator tank. 49 . The carbonator of claim 48, wherein the fitting is removable for cleaning. 50 . The carbonator of claim 48, wherein the fitting is removable to allow for increasing or decreasing the orifice size in carbonator tuning situations. 51 . The carbonator of claim 48, wherein the fitting is removable for replacement. 52 . A cast in place carbonator, comprising:a cold plate,a carbonator disposed within the cold plate, such that an entry port on the carbonator protrudes from the cold plate,an orifice housing mated to the entry port of the carbonator, the orifice housing including a first aperture having a first end and a second end, second aperture leading to the first aperture, for delivering water to be carbonated to the first aperture;a fitting including an orifice removably installed in the first aperture at the second end thereof, such that water to be carbonated passes from the second aperture into the first aperture, and through the orifice in the fitting to enter the carbonator; anda plug in the first aperture, at a first end thereof to close out the carbonator. 53 . A method for servicing orifices in a carbonator, comprising:a. depressurizing a carbon dioxide gas circuit of a beverage dispenser;b. depressurizing a water circuit of the beverage dispenser;c. removing a plug to access a fitting;d. removing the fitting with a standard tool;e. servicing or substituting the fitting;f. installing the fitting into the fitting aperture of the orifice housing;g. reinstalling the plug into the plug aperture;h. pressurizing the water circuit; andi. pressurizing the carbon dioxide gas circuit. 54 . A beverage dispenser, comprising:a housing;a cold plate disposed within the housing;a carbonator disposed within the cold plate, such that an entry port on the carbonator protrudes from the cold plate,an orifice housing mated to the entry port of the carbonator, the orifice housing including a first aperture having a first end and a second end, second aperture leading to the first aperture, for delivering water to be carbonated to the first aperture;a fitting including an orifice removably installed in the first aperture at the second end thereof, such that water to be carbonated passes from the second aperture into the first aperture, and through the orifice in the fitting to enter the carbonator; anda plug in the first aperture, at a first end thereof to close out the carbonator. 55 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 54, wherein the fitting is removable for service. 56 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 55, wherein service may include changing the orifice size to tune the dispenser performance. 57 . A carbonator, comprising:a carbonator tank;a probe assembly, the probe assembly including a probe and a probe body; anda controller in communication with the probe body and the probe, wherein the controller takes resistive measurements between the probe and the probe body at predetermined intervals, and further wherein the controller refills the carbonator tank responsive to a predetermined sequence. 58 . The carbonator of claim 57, wherein the time required to refill the carbonator tank is five point four seconds. 59 . The probe of claim 57, wherein the probe assembly further includes a guide tube to locate the probe during use. 60 . The carbonator of claim 59, wherein the guide tube includes drain/fill ports to minimize uneven draining when submerged. 61 . The carbonator according to claim 57, wherein the predetermined sequence includes three successive readings indicative of a gas in the carbonator tank. 62 . A method for controlling a water level in a carbonator, comprising:a. sampling a resistive measurement between a probe and a probe body at a predetermined interval;b. determining whether the sample is representative of a gas reading or a liquid reading; andc. powering a pump motor for a predetermined interval to refill the carbonator when a sample is representative of a gas reading. 63 . The method of claim 62, further comprising:d. repeating steps a.-c. 64 . The method of claim 62, wherein the samples are compared to a registry of values. 65 . The method of claim 62, wherein the carbonator refills after three successive gas readings, and resets the count after a liquid reading. 66 . A beverage dispenser, comprising:a housing; anda carbonator pump assembly disposed within a front portion of the housing, wherein the carbonator pump assembly is accessible from a front of the housing. 67 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 66, wherein the carbonator pump assembly includes a carbonator pump. 68 . The beverage dispenser according to claim 66, wherein the carbonator pump assembly includes a pump motor. 69 . A method of servicing a carbonator pump and motor located in a front portion of a beverage dispenser, comprising:a. removing a front wall portion located on the front of the dispenser;b. depressurizing a carbon-dioxide gas circuit;c. depressurizing a carbonated water circuit;d. removing the carbonator/pump assembly;e. servicing or replacing the carbonator pump, the pump motor, or both;f. installing the carbonator pump assembly;g. pressurizing the carbonated water circuit;h. pressurizing the carbon-dioxide gas circuit; andi. reinstalling the front wall portion.
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