초록 ▼

This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the bever

This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the beverage concentrate supply bag. The system automatically controls the flow of mixed beverage out of the mixing device in response to the detected flow of beverage concentrate. In a specific embodiment, a pressure switch is provided to monitor the pressure of the flow of beverage concentrate into the mixing device. When the pressure sensed by the pressure switch falls below a preset minimum pressure, the pressure switch activates a flow regulating device coupled to the outlet of the mixing device to shut off the flow of beverage from the mixing device. This prevents or minimizes the dispensing of beverages of improper mix ratios from the mixing device. After the beverage concentrate supply bag is replaced, the pressure in the flow of concentrate will build. When the pressure switch senses a pressure that rises to or above the preset minimum pressure, it automatically opens the flow regulating device to the flow of beverage out of the mixing device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for preparing a beverage from a beverage concentrate, the system comprising:a mixing device having a beverage concentrate inlet coupled with a beverage concentrate line for receiving a beverage concentrate, a water inlet coupled with a water line for receiving

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for preparing a beverage from a beverage concentrate, the system comprising:a mixing device having a beverage concentrate inlet coupled with a beverage concentrate line for receiving a beverage concentrate, a water inlet coupled with a water line for receiving water, and an outlet, the mixing device mixing the beverage concentrate and the water to produce a beverage for dispensing through the outlet;a flow regulating device coupled to and disposed downstream of the outlet of the mixing device to regulate the flow of the beverage from the mixing device; anda pressure switch coupled to the beverage concentrate line for sensing a pressure in the beverage concentrate line, the pressure switch being coupled with the flow regulating device downstream of the mixing device for closing the flow regulating device to the flow of beverage from the mixing device when the sensed pressure in the beverage concentrate line falls below a preset minimum pressure.