초록 ▼

The apparatus of the present invention pertains to a post mix multi-station dispensing apparatus which is isolated from the fluctuations experienced in using outside supplies of water. The apparatus is provided with a single reservoir of water and, associated with each serving station, a hopper stor

The apparatus of the present invention pertains to a post mix multi-station dispensing apparatus which is isolated from the fluctuations experienced in using outside supplies of water. The apparatus is provided with a single reservoir of water and, associated with each serving station, a hopper storing powder flavorant, a metering device for metering the flavorant, a holding tank for holding a beverage to be dispensed at a predetermined rate at the associated serving station, and a water delivery system. While a beverage is being dispensed from the holding tank, the water delivery system delivers water from said reservoir at a rate essentially the same as the predetermined rate to a mixing area where the water and powder flavorant is mixed in a predetermined ration of powder flavorant-to-water ratio. This newly mixed beverage is added to the holding tank at the same rate as the beverage is being dispensed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus having a plurality of beverage serving stations for the selective preparation of a plurality of beverages and dispensing said beverages at respective serving stations comprising(a) a reservoir for water and an outlet, said reservoir establishing a predetermined water p

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus having a plurality of beverage serving stations for the selective preparation of a plurality of beverages and dispensing said beverages at respective serving stations comprising(a) a reservoir for water and an outlet, said reservoir establishing a predetermined water pressure at said outlet;(b) beverage preparation and holding components associated with each serving station including(i) a hopper associated with each serving station for the storing of powder flavorant,(ii) a metering component associated with each serving station for the metering of said powder flavorant,(iii) a mixing area associated with each serving station for receiving said powder flavorant from said metering component and mixing powder flavorant with water delivered from said reservoir to form a beverage for said associated serving station,(iv) a water delivery system associated with each serving station for the delivery of water from said reservoir to said mixing chamber at a predetermined rate, said metered powder flavorant and said delivered water being in proportion to form a beverage having a predetermined ratio of said powder flavorant to said delivered water,(v) a holding tank associated with each serving station communication with said mixing chamber for holding said beverage,(vi) a dispensing mechanism associated with each serving station for selective dispensing said beverage from said holding tank at essentially said predetermined rate, and(vii) a first sensing element associated with each holding tank for generating a signal when said beverage recedes below a predetermined level; and(c) a controller responsive to said signal for activating said water delivery system and said metering component until said beverage returns to said predetermined level in said holding tank.