초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based be

The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A dispensing machine comprising: (a) a conduit for transporting beverage enhancing component attached to a storage device comprising beverage enhancing component; and (b) a pre-pump conduit attached to a storage compartment comprising beverage precursor wherein the beverage e

What is claimed is: 1. A dispensing machine comprising: (a) a conduit for transporting beverage enhancing component attached to a storage device comprising beverage enhancing component; and (b) a pre-pump conduit attached to a storage compartment comprising beverage precursor wherein the beverage enhancing component and beverage precursor are pumped within the dispensing machine with and through a single food grade pump to a post-pump conduit and the beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component mix prior to the food grade pump in the pre-pump conduit, the food grade pump creating negative pressure to draw beverage enhancing component out of the storage device. 2. The dispensing machine according to claim 1 wherein the post-pump conduit comprises a pre-beverage mixture having a beverage enhancing component and beverage precursor. 3. The dispensing machine according to claim 1 wherein the beverage enhancing component is a flavor-, aroma-or color-generating component, or a mixture thereof. 4. The dispensing machine according to claim 1 wherein the beverage enhancing component enhances the flavor and aroma of tea. 5. The dispensing machine according to claim 1 wherein the beverage precursor is a concentrate for making tea. 6. The dispensing machine according to claim 2 wherein the dispensing machine comprises a supply for diluent to be mixed with pre-beverage mixture. 7. The dispensing machine according to claim 5 wherein the dispensing machine dispenses ready-to-drink tea or coffee. 8. The dispensing machine according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing machine dispenses lemonade. 9. The dispensing pump according to claim 1 wherein the single food grade pump comprises a pre-beverage mixture of beverage enhancing component beverage enhancing component.