초록 ▼

A hot beverage dispensing machine is disclosed for dispensing a beverage from a concentrate. The dispensing machine includes a beverage concentrate container disposed in an inverted orientation within a refrigerated compartment. A first valve is associated with the container, the first valve permitt

A hot beverage dispensing machine is disclosed for dispensing a beverage from a concentrate. The dispensing machine includes a beverage concentrate container disposed in an inverted orientation within a refrigerated compartment. A first valve is associated with the container, the first valve permitting the flow of the concentrate from the container when the container is located within the refrigerated compartment in an inverted position. A receptacle having a receptacle output removably receives the inverted container. A first electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of the concentrate via the receptacle output to a mixer wherein the concentrate is mixed with hot water from a hot water tank. A second electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of hot water from the water tank to the mixer. A dispenser spout is disposed in fluid communication with the mixer with the spout being disposed remote from the hot water inlet. A thermoelectric heat pump is located in thermal contact with the refrigerated compartment to maintain the compartment below ambient temperature. A combination of thermistors and water level sensors disposed within the water tank generate electrical signals to control flow of cold water into the tank and the hot water from the tank. A novel electrical circuit is also incorporated into the invention for controlling the various functions in the machine.

대표청구항 ▼

A beverage dispensing machine comprising in combination: a beverage concentrate container; a refrigerated compartment for the reception of said concentrate container; a first valve associated with said container, said first valve permitting the flow of said concentrate from said container when said

A beverage dispensing machine comprising in combination: a beverage concentrate container; a refrigerated compartment for the reception of said concentrate container; a first valve associated with said container, said first valve permitting the flow of said concentrate from said container when said container is located within said refrigerated compartment; said first valve including a cap which cooperates with an opening defined by said container; a passageway defined by said cap; a valve seat disposed adjacent a first end of said passageway; a flexible perforate diaphragm secured adjacent the periphery thereof between said container and said cap; a closure disposed integrally with said diaphragm, said closure cooperating with said valve seat; and a valve actuator extending through said passageway enabling said closure to be lifted from said valve seat upon axial movement of said first valve actuator to permit flow of concentrate from said container to said passageway; a receptacle removably receiving said first valve; a receptacle output disposed adjacent said receptacle; a first electrically controlled valve for controlling the flow of said concentrate from said receptacle output; a water tank for containing water; a water inlet in fluid communication with said tank and said mixer; a second electrically controlled valve for controlling the flow of water to said mixer to effect mixing of said concentrate and said water within said mixer; and a dispenser spout disposed in fluid communication with said mixer, said spout being disposed remote from said inlet and said receptacle output.