Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT/US99/17481
MULTIPLE FLAVOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING AIR-MIX NOZZLE
BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage dispensing nozzles and, more
particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a beverage dispensing nozzle
for dispensing
multiple flavored drinks, including flavor additives, from a single nozzle
without
intermingling drink flavors.
2. Description of Related Art
Due to increases in both the number of customers served and the volume of
1o drinks dispensed by the food and drink service industry and counter space
being at a
premium, standard drink dispensing nozzles fail to meet customer demand. In
order to
reduce space requirements, and also for aesthetic reasons, it is desirable to
dispense
multiple flavors of drinks, including flavor additives, from a single nozzle.
In dispensing drinks from a nozzle, it is essential that the flavored syrup,
and, if
1 s desired, flavor additive, be intimately mixed with a mixing fluid, such as
carbonated or
plain water, so that the resulting drink is of uniform consistency. When the
mixing fluid
is carbonated water, it is essential that the carbonated water and syrup, and,
if desired,
flavor additive, be mixed in such a manner that the carbon dioxide does not
excessively
escape and produce undesirable foaming.
2o One major problem encountered with multiple flavor nozzles is syrup
carryover.
It is very difficult to completely remove the residual syrup from a previously
dispensed
drink to avoid carryover into a subsequent, different flavored drink. This
carryover
causes problems with the flavor, the color, and the smell of dispensed drinks.
Even small
amounts of carryover syrup which cause only minor problems with odor and taste
have a
2s significant effect on the color of clear drinks, which is undesirable.
Another problem that must be addressed is proper mixing of the mixing fluid,
such as carbonated or plain water, and syrup, and, if desired, flavor
additives. To insure
proper mixing, it is necessary to expose the maximum surface area of the
syrup, and, if
desired, flavor additive, to the mixing fluid. If the mixing is to occur
outside the nozzle,
3o it is important that the momentum of the syrup stream, and, if desired,
flavor additive
stream, be substantially equal to or less than the momentum of the mixing
fluid stream.
Excessive foaming is another problem when the mixing fluid is carbonated
water.
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT/US99/17481
2
To prevent excessive foaming, the carbonated water, which enters the nozzle at
a high
pressure, must be gently reduced to atmospheric pressure so that a minimum of
carbon
dioxide will escape solution. At high flow rates, out-gassing of carbon
dioxide is
particularly troublesome. Consequently, as the carbonated water releases
carbon dioxide
in both the nozzle and the cup, the released carbon dioxide escaping solution
causes
excessive foaming of the dispensed beverage. That excessive foaming creates a
poor
product because the drink is generally "flat".
Prior attempts to solve the aforementioned problems with multiple flavor
nozzles
have not been successful. In most instances, as in U.S. Patent 4,928,854,
which issued on
May 29, 1990, to McCann, the syrup is delivered to the nozzle exit through a
separate
tubular conduit for each flavor. The syrup flows through a plurality of
separate conduits
to a discharge opening into a water channel for delivery to the exit end of
the nozzle. The
total surface area of syrup presented for contact with the mixing fluid is
relatively small;
thus proper mixing is difficult. The configuration also makes it difficult to
eliminate
syrup carryover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the beverage dispensing nozzle is
utilized with a counter top or similar beverage dispenser. Upon the activation
of a
standard dispensing valve, a mixing fluid, such as carbonated or plain water,
is delivered
2o to the discharge end of the beverage dispensing nozzle through an annular
channel. Thus,
the beverage dispensing nozzle discharges the mixing fluid in a circular path
around its
exit end. A selected beverage syrup is delivered to the discharge end of the
beverage
dispensing nozzle through a concentric annular channel. In the preferred
embodiments,
the annular channel may be partially closed at its discharge end to restrict
the beverage
35 syrup flow, thereby insuring adequate momentum to propel the beverage syrup
from the
beverage dispensing nozzle into intimate contact with the mixing fluid.
Furthermore, if
desired, a selected flavor additive is delivered to the discharge end of the
beverage
dispensing nozzle through a flavor additive conduit.
The mixing fluid is delivered to the exit end of the nozzle through an annular
3o channel that is concentric to the beverage syrup annular channels. The
mixing fluid
surrounds an exiting beverage syrup stream and flavor additive stream and is
directed
inwardly for maximum surface contact with the beverage syrup and flavor
additive. On
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00!07928
3
PCT/US99/17481
its travel from the nozzle to a container in the preferred embodiments, the
mixing fluid
travels at substantially equal or higher momentum than the beverage syrup and
flavor
additive to insure proper mixing. In a second embodiment, a second stream of
mixing
fluid exits through a center conduit in the beverage dispensing nozzle. This
is
particularly the case for single flavor nozzles and for large volume nozzles.
The most significant feature of the invention is the distribution of beverage
syrup
in a circumferential pattern around the exit end of the beverage dispensing
nozzle, thus
presenting the greatest surface area for contact with the mixing fluid. In the
preferred
embodiments, the momentum of the syrup as it exits the nozzle is controlled so
that it is
1 o substantially equal to or less than the momentum of the mixing fluid to
insure intimate
mixing, while avoiding carbon dioxide breakout when the mixing fluid is
carbonated
water.
In a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispensing nozzle includes a first
annulus, a second annulus, and a third annulus that form three annular
beverage syrup
15 channels along with an inner housing. Furthermore, the third or innermost
annulus
includes a flavor additive conduit therethrough to permit the inclusion of a
flavor
additive in the dispensed drink.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a beverage
dispensing nozzle that dispenses a beverage syrup and mixing fluid at a high
volume
20 flow to form a dispensed beverage drink.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing
nozzle that eliminates stratification between the beverage syrup and mixing
fluid.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing
nozzle that is capable of dispensing multiple flavors while preventing
carryover between
25 different flavored syrups.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage
dispensing
nozzle with a flavor additive conduit therethrough to permit the inclusion of
a flavor
additive in the dispensed drink.
Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will
become
3o evident to those skilled in the art in light of the following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is perspective view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage dispensing
air-
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
PCT/US99/17481
- WO 00/07928
4
mix nozzle according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is perspective view illustrating the multiple flavor beverage
dispensing
air-mix nozzle according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the multiple flavor beverage
s dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the multiple flavor beverage dispensing
air-
mix nozzle according to the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5,5 of Fig. 3 illustrating
the
multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the first
preferred
1 o embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view illustrating the multiple flavor beverage
dispensing
air-mix nozzle according to the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7,7 of Fig. 4 illustrating
the
multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the first
preferred
1 s embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8,8 of Fig. 4 illustrating
the
multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the first
preferred
embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9,9 of Fig. 4 illustrating
the
2o multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the first
preferred
embodiment.
FIG. I 0 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7,7 of Fig. 4
illustrating a
multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a second
embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8,8 of Fig. 4 illustrating
the
2s multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the second
embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9,9 of Fig. 4 illustrating
the
multiple flavor beverage dispensing air-mix nozzle according to the second
embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a third embodiment.
3o FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928
PCT/US99/17481
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
s dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a eighth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a ninth embodiment.
1o FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multiple flavor beverage
dispensing air-mix nozzle according to a tenth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFEREED EMBODIMENT
As illustrated in Figs. 1-9, a beverage dispensing nozzle 10 includes a cap
member 1 l, an o-ring 12, gaskets 13-15, an inner housing 16, a first or outer
annulus 17,
~ 5 a second or intermediate annulus 18, a third or inner annulus 19, and an
outer housing
20. The inner housing 16 defines a chamber 40 and includes an opening 44 into
chamber
40. The inner housing 16 includes cavities 41-44 that communicate with the
chamber 40
through conduits 45-47, respectively (refer to Figs. 1 and 2). Even though the
conduits
45-47 connect to separate cavities 41-43, they are concentrically spaced
apart; namely,
2o the conduit 47 is innermost, the conduit 45 is intermediate, and the
conduit 46 is
outermost (refer to Figs. 7-9). The conduits 45-47 are concentrically spaced
apart so that
beverage syrup may enter the chamber 40 at three separate points. The interior
wall of
the inner housing 16 defining the chamber 40 includes stair-steps 48-51.
The first or outer annulus 17 includes an upper member 52 and a discharge
25 member 53 (refer to Figs. 1 and 2). The first or outer annulus 17 fits
within the chamber
40 of the inner housing 16 such that a portion of the upper member 52 engages
the stair
step 49. That portion of the upper member 52 may press fit with the stair step
49 or, as in
this first embodiment, an adhesive may be used to secure that portion of the
upper
member 52 with the stair step 49. The first or outer annulus 17 and the
interior wall of
30 the inner housing 16 defining the stair. step 48 form an annular channel 54
that connects
with the conduit 46 of the inner housing 16. The annular channel 54 insures a
large
volume of beverage syrup flows uniformly about the first or outer annulus 17
during
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
W O 00/07928
6
PCT/US99/17481
discharge (refer to Figs 7-9). The discharge member 53 includes discharge
channels 55
to aid the annular channel 54 in discharging the beverage syrup because the
discharge
member 53 is sized to substantially reside within the lower portion of the
interior wall for
the inner housing 16 (refer to Fig. 6). The discharge member 53 operates to
discharge the
beverage syrup in a restricted annular flow to insure uniform distribution of
the beverage
syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, thereby providing a
maximum
surface area for contact with mixing fluid also exiting from the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10.
The second or intermediate annulus 18 includes an upper member 56 and a
l0 discharge member 57 (refer to Figs. 1 and 2). The second or intermediate
annulus 18 fits
within the first or outer annulus 17 such that a portion of the upper member
56 engages
the stair step 50. That portion of the upper member 56 may press fit with the
stair step 50
or, as in this first embodiment, an adhesive may be used to secure that
portion of the
upper member 56 with the stair step 50. The second or intermediate annulus 17
and the
15 interior wall of the first or outer annulus 17 form an annular channel 58
that connects
with the conduit 45 of the inner housing 16. The annular channel 58 insures a
large
volume of beverage syrup flows uniformly about the second or intermediate
annulus 18
during discharge (refer to Figs 7-9). The discharge member 57 includes
discharge
channels 59 to aid the annular channel 58 in discharging the beverage syrup
because the
20 discharge member 57 is sized to substantially reside within the lower
portion of the
interior wall for the first or interior annulus 17. The discharge member 57
operates to
discharge the beverage syrup in a restricted annular flow to insure uniform
distribution of
the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, thereby
providing
a maximum surface area for contact with mixing fluid also exiting from the
beverage
25 dispensing nozzle 10.
The third or inner annulus 19 includes a securing member 60, an intermediate
member 61 and a discharge member 62 (refer to Figs. 1 and 2). The third or
inner
annulus 19 fits within the second or intermediate annulus 18 such that the
securing
member 60 protrudes through the opening 44 of the inner housing and engages
the
3o interior wall of the inner housing 16 defining the opening 44. The securing
member 60
may press fit with the interior wall of the inner housing 16 defining the
opening 44 or, as
in this first embodiment, an adhesive may be used to secure the securing
member 60 with
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
_ PCTNS99/17481
WO 00/07928
7
the interior wall of the inner housing 16 defining the opening 44. The third
or inner
annulus 19 and the stair step 51 and the interior wall of the second or
intermediate
annulus 18 form an annular channel 64 that connects with the conduit 47 of the
inner
housing 16. The annular channel 64 insures a large volume of beverage syrup
flows
uniformly about the third or interior annulus 19 during discharge (refer to
Figs 7-9). The
discharge member 62 includes discharge channels 63 to aid the annular channel
64 in
discharging the beverage syrup because the discharge member 62 is sized to
substantially
reside within the lower portion of the interior wall for the second or
intermediate annulus
18. The discharge member 62 operates to discharge the beverage syrup in a
restricted
t o annular flow to insure uniform distribution of the beverage syrup as it
exits from the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10, thereby providing a maximum surface area for
contact
with mixing fluid also exiting from the beverage dispensing nozzle 10.
Although the
preferred embodiment discloses annuluses 17-19, one of ordinary skill in the
art will
recognize that alternative shapes, such as elliptical or polygonal, may be
utilized.
t 5 The cap member 11 includes beverage syrup inlet ports 21-23 that
communicate
with a respective beverage syrup outlet port 24-26 via a respective connecting
conduit
37-39 through the cap member 11 (refer to Figs. 1,2, and 7-9). The cap member
11
includes protrusion 35 to aid in the securing of the inner housing 16 to the
cap member
11. The beverage syrup outlet ports 24-26 snap fit within a respective cavity
41-42 of the
2o inner housing 16 to secure the inner housing 16 to the cap member 11. The
gaskets 13-15
fit around a respective beverage syrup outlet port 24-26 to provide a fluid
seal and to
assist in the securing of the inner housing 16 to the cap member 11. In
addition, the
securing member 60 of the third or inner annulus 19 extending through the
opening 44 of
the inner housing 16 snap fits around the protrusion 35 of the cap member 11
to aid in
25 the securing of the inner housing 16 to the cap member 11. With the inner
housing 16
secured to the cap member 1 l, a beverage syrup path involving the beverage
syrup inlet
port 21; the conduit 37; the beverage syrup outlet port 24; the cavity 41; the
conduit 45;
and the annular channel 58, which includes the discharge channels 59 is
created. A
beverage syrup path involving the beverage syrup inlet port 22; the conduit
38; the
3o beverage syrup outlet port 25; the cavity 42; the conduit 46; the annular
channel 54,
which includes the discharge channels 55; and one involving the beverage syrup
inlet
port 23; the conduit 39; the beverage syrup outlet port 26; the cavity 43; the
conduit 47;
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
_ PCTIU S99/17481
WO 00/07928
8
the annular channel 64, which includes the discharge channels 63; are also
created.
The cap member 11 includes a mixing fluid inlet port 27 that communicates with
mixing fluid outlet channels 66-71 via a connecting conduit 28 through the cap
member
1 I (refer to Figs. 1-3 and 6). The mixing fluid outlet channels 66-71 in this
first
embodiment are uniformly spaced within the cap member 11 and communicate with
an
annular cavity 36 defined by a portion of the cap member 11 to deliver mixing
fluid
along the entire circumference of the annular cavity 36. W this first
embodiment, the
preferred mixing fluid is carbonated water, which forms a carbonated beverage
drink
when combined with a beverage syrup. Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in
the art will
recognize that other mixing fluids, such as plain water may be used.
Furthermore,
although the preferred embodiment discloses the formation of a beverage from a
beverage syrup and a mixing fluid, such as carbonated or plain water, one of
ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that a mixing fluid, such as carbonated or
plain water, may
be dispensed individually from a beverage path as described above instead of a
beverage
syrup.
'The cap member 20 includes dog ears 29 and 30 that permit the connection of
the
cap member 1 I to a standard dispensing valve using suitable and well known
means.
Each of the beverage syrup inlet ports 21-23 receives a beverage syrup conduit
to supply
the beverage dispensing nozzle 10 with a beverage syrup. Similarly, the mixing
fluid
2o inlet port 27 receives a mixing fluid conduit to supply the beverage
dispensing nozzle 10
with a mixing fluid. A fastening clip secured to each of bosses 31-33,
utilizing a screw or
other suitable means, maintains the beverage syrup conduits coupled with a
respective
beverage syrup inlet port 21-23 and the mixing fluid conduit coupled with the
mixing
fluid inlet port 27. The cap member 11 includes a groove 34 for receiving the
o-ring 12
therein.
The outer housing 20 snap fits over the cap member 11, including the o-ring 12
which provides a fluid seal and assists in the securing of the outer housing
16 to the cap
member 11. The outer housing 20 includes flanges 74 and 75 and tabs ?6 and 77
to
mount the outer housing 20 to a standard dispensing valve in well known
manner. The
outer housing 20 further includes an inwardly extending lip portion 73 at its
exit end.
The interior wall of the outer housing 20 in combination with the portion of
the cap
member 11 defining the annular cavity 36 and the exterior wall of the inner
housing
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
_ PCT/US99/17481
' WO 00/07928
9
define an annular channel 72. With the outer housing 20 secured to the cap
member 1 l, a
mixing fluid path involving the mixing fluid inlet port 27, the conduit 28,
the mixing
fluid outlet channels 66-71, and the annular channel 72 is created. Although
the preferred
embodiment contemplates the dispensing of a mixing fluid, such as carbonated
or plain
s water, in combination with a beverage syrup, one of ordinary skill in the
art will
recognize that the mixing fluid may be dispensed separately to provide the
mixing fluid
by itself.
In operation, mixing fluid enters the beverage dispensing nozzle 10 through
the
mixing fluid inlet port 27 and travels through the conduit 28 to the mixing
fluid outlet
1o channels 66-71 for delivery into the annular cavity 36 (refer to Figs. 7-
9). The annular
cavity 36 receives a large volume of mixing fluid to insure the annular
channel 72
remains full for uniform flow around the annular channel 72 as the mixing
fluid flows
downwardly through the annular channel 72 to the discharge end of the annular
channel
72. In the preferred embodiments, the discharge end of the annular channel 72
may be
15 partially closed to increase the momentum of the mixing fluid exiting the
annular
channel 72 to maintain a uniform distribution of mixing fluid exiting around
the entire
circumference of the annular channel 72. The inwardly extending lip portion 73
of the
outer housing 20 directs the mixing fluid inwardly toward a beverage syrup
stream
exiting from one of discharge members 53, 57, and 62. The inward directing of
the
2o mixing fluid provides for intimate mixing as well as a means for washing
the discharge
end of the annular channel 72 to prevent syrup carryover.
The beverage syrup inlet ports 21-23 each receive a different flavor of
beverage
syrup, which is delivered through a conduit by a beverage syrup source (not
shown).
Each beverage syrup travels through its particular flow path for discharge
from the
2s beverage dispensing nozzle 10 as previously described (refer to Figs. 7-9).
Illustratively,
a beverage syrup delivered to the beverage syrup inlet port 21 flows through
the conduit
37, the beverage syrup outlet port 24, the cavity 41, the conduit 45, the
annular channel
58, and the discharge channels 59 prior to discharge from the beverage
dispensing nozzle
10. The annular channels 54, 58, and 64 provide a large volume of beverage
syrup
3o around each of a respective first or outer, second or intermediate, and
third or inner
annulus for discharge through one of the discharge members 53, 57, and 62. The
discharge members 53, 57, and 62 restrict the flow of beverage syrup to insure
uniform
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
W O 00/07928
PCT/US99/17481
distribution of the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing
nozzle 10,
thus insuring a maximum surface area for contact with the mixing fluid exiting
from the
annular channel 72. Although only one beverage syrup is typically dispensed at
a time, it
should be understood that more than one beverage syrup may be discharged from
the
5 beverage dispensing nozzle 10 at a time to provide a mix of flavors.
An important feature of the beverage dispensing nozzle 10 is the annular
discharge of a beverage syrup, whereby the annularIy discharged mixing fluid
contacts
the beverage syrup in mid-air below the dispensing nozzle 10. The annular
discharge
shape of the beverage syrup and the mixing fluid significantly increases the
contact
t o surface area between the two streams, resulting in more effective mixing.
Furthermore,
the mixture of the beverage syrup and the mixing fluid outside the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 eliminates the sanitary considerations that occur with a mixing
chamber
interior to the nozzle; namely, the unsanitary build up of bacteria on the
interior of the
mixing chamber, which is exacerbated due to the stickiness of the beverage
syrup.
~ 5 Although three separate beverage syrup sources with thxee annuluses have
been
described, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any number of
beverage
syrup sources and annuluses could be provided, including a single beverage
syrup source
and annulus. In addition, the single stream of mixing fluid exiting from the
annular
channel 72 may be separated into two or more streams.
2o As illustrated in Figs. 10-12, a second embodiment of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 100 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of
the beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing nozzle 100 of like configuration and operation to components of the
beverage
dispensing nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage
dispensing
25 nozzle 100 is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10,
except the
beverage dispensing nozzle 100 includes a conduit 101 coupled to the conduit
28 to
communicate mixing fluid into a center conduit 102 of the third or inner
annulus 19. In
addition, the third or inner annulus 18 includes an outlet 103 for discharging
the mixing
fluid interior to a discharged beverage syrup stream. The conduit 28 therefore
not only
3o delivers mixing fluid to the mixing fluid outlet channels 66-71 but also to
the conduit
101 for delivery to the center conduit 102. The center conduit 102 delivers
the mixing
fluid through the center of the beverage dispensing nozzle 100, where it exits
inside a
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928
11
PCT/US99/17481
beverage syrup stream to enhance mixing of the mixing fluid and beverage
syrup. The
beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is particularly desirable for use in dispensing
single
flavor beverage drinks and for use with large volume beverage dispensing
nozzles. A
diffuser 104 may be positioned within the conduit 101 to direct the mixing
fluid onto the
s sides of the center conduit 102 to prevent a single stream exiting the
outlet 103, thereby
improving surface contact between the mixing fluid and beverage syrup.
As illustrated in Fig. 13, a third embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
200 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
t o nozzle 200 of like configuration and operation to components of the
beverage dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 200
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle I 0, except, in
the beverage
dispensing nozzle 200, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a conical
cut-out portion 201, the outlet end of the second or intermediate annulus 18
includes a
t s conical cut-out portion 202, and the outlet end of the third or inner
annulus 19 includes a
conical cut-out portion 203. When the first or outer annulus 17, the second or
intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured within
the inner
housing 16, the conical cut-out portions 201, 202, and 203 define a reverse
conical
beverage syrup outlet 204 that aids in preventing beverage syrup carryover by
facilitating
2o the formation of a low pressure region at the beverage syrup outlet 204.
During the
dispensing of a beverage syrup and a mixing fluid to form a beverage, the low
pressure
region permits the flow of mixing fluid over the beverage syrup outlet 204,
thereby
washing the beverage syrup outlet 204 to remove any carryover beverage syrup.
As illustrated in Fig. 14, a fourth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
2s 300 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 300 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 300
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
3o dispensing nozzle 300, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a concave
cut-out portion 301, the outlet end of the second or intermediate annulus 18
includes a
concave cut-out portion 302, and the outlet end of the third or inner annulus
19 includes
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT/US99/17481
12
a concave cut-out portion 303. When the first or outer annulus 17, the second
or
intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured within
the inner
housing 16, the concave cut-out portions 301, 302, and 303 define a concave
beverage
syrup nozzle outlet 304 that aids in preventing beverage syrup carryover by
facilitating
the formation of a low pressure region at the beverage syrup outlet 304.
During the
dispensing of a beverage syrup and a mixing fluid to form a beverage, the low
pressure
region permits the flow of mixing fluid over the beverage syrup outlet 304,
thereby
washing the beverage syrup outlet 304 to remove any carryover beverage syrup.
As illustrated in Fig. 15, a fifth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
400 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 400 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 400
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
dispensing nozzle 400, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a convex
protrusion 402, the outlet end of the second or intermediate annulus 18
includes a convex
protrusion 403, and the outlet end of the third or inner annulus 19 includes a
convex
protrusion 404. When the first or outer annulus 17, the second or intermediate
annulus
18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured within the inner housing 16,
the convex
2o protrusions 402, 403, and 404 define a convex beverage syrup nozzle outlet
405 that aids
in preventing beverage syrup carryover because the rounded convex shape
permits
dispensed beverage syrup to flow to the lower portion of the beverage syrup
nozzle
outlet 405 where it is rinsed off by the flow of the dispensed mixing fluid.
As illustrated in Fig. 16, a sixth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
500 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 500 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 500
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
3o dispensing nozzle 500, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a
downward sloping edge 502, the outlet end of the second or intermediate
annulus 18
includes a downward sloping edge 503, and the outlet end of the third or inner
annulus
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT/US99/17481
13
19 includes a conical edge 504. When the first or outer annulus 17, the second
or
intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured within
the inner
housing 16, the downward sloping edges 502 and 503 and the conical edge 504
define a
conical beverage syrup nozzle outlet 505 that aids in preventing beverage
syrup
carryover because the conical shape permits dispensed beverage syrup to flow
to the
lower portion of the beverage syrup nozzle outlet 505 where it is rinsed off
by the flow
of the dispensed mixing fluid.
As illustrated in Fig. 17, a seventh embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
600 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 600 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 600
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
dispensing nozzle 600, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a
downward sloping edge 602, the outlet end of the second or intermediate
annulus 18
includes a downward sloping edge 603, and the outlet end of the third or inner
annulus
19 includes a truncated conical edge 604. When the first or outer annulus 17,
the second
or intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured
within the inner
housing 16, the downward sloping edges 602 and 603 and the truncated conical
edge 604
2o define a truncated conical beverage syrup nozzle outlet 605 that aids in
preventing
beverage syrup carryover because the truncated conical shape permits dispensed
beverage syrup to flow to the lower portion of the beverage syrup nozzle
outlet 605
where it is rinsed off by the flow of the dispensed mixing fluid. Furthermore,
the
flattened portion 606 of the truncated conical beverage syrup nozzle outlet
605 creates a
low pressure region that prevents the formation of a beverage syrup bubble as
well as
aids in the washing of the outlet by the mixing fluid.
As illustrated in Fig. 18, an eighth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
700 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 700 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 700
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT/US99/17481
14
dispensing nozzle 700, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a
downward cascading edge 702, the outlet end of the second or intermediate
annulus 18
includes a downward cascading edge 703, and the outlet end of the third or
inner annulus
19 includes a cascading conical edge 704. When the first or outer annulus 17,
the second
or intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are secured
within the inner
housing 16, the downward cascading edges 702 and 703 and the cascading conical
edge
704 define a cascading conical beverage syrup nozzle outlet 705 that aids in
preventing
beverage syrup carryover because the cascading conical shape permits dispensed
beverage syrup to flow to the lower portion of the beverage syrup nozzle
outlet 705
where it is rinsed off by the flow of the dispensed mixing fluid. Furthermore,
the
downward cascading edges 702 and 703 and the cascading conical edge 704 create
crevices that function as collection points for excess beverage syrup so that,
upon
subsequent dispenses, the dispensed beverage syrup flows over the collected
beverage
syrup and does not mix, thereby eliminating beverage syrup carryover.
As illustrated in Fig. 19, a ninth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
800 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 800 of like configuration and operation to components of the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 800
2o is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, in
the beverage
dispensing nozzle 800, the outlet end of the first or outer annulus 17
includes a
downward cascading edge 802, the outlet end of the second or intermediate
annulus 18
includes a downward cascading edge 803, and the outlet end of the third or
inner annulus
19 includes a cascading truncated conical edge 804. When the first or outer
annulus 17,
the second or intermediate annulus 18, and the third or inner annulus 19 are
secured
within the inner housing 16, the downward cascading edges 802 and 803 and the
cascading truncated conical edge 804 define a cascading truncated conical
beverage
syrup nozzle outlet 805 that aids in preventing beverage syrup carryover
because the
cascading truncated conical shape permits dispensed beverage syrup to flow to
the lower
3o portion of the beverage syrup nozzle outlet 805 where it is rinsed off by
the flow of the
dispensed mixing fluid. Furthermore, the downward cascading edges 802 and 803
and
the cascading conical edge 804 create crevices that function as collection
points for
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 PCT1US99/17481
excess beverage syrup so that, upon subsequent dispenses, the dispensed
beverage syrup
flows over the collected beverage syrup and does not mix, thereby eliminating
beverage
syrup carryover. In addition, the flattened portion 806 of the cascading
truncated conical
beverage syrup nozzle outlet 805 creates a low pressure region that prevents
the
5 formation of a beverage syrup bubble as well as aids in the washing of the
outlet by the
mixing fluid.
As illustrated in Fig. 20, a tenth embodiment of the beverage dispensing
nozzle
900 is virtually identical in configuration and operation to the first
embodiment of the
beverage dispensing nozzle 10. Consequently, components for the beverage
dispensing
1 o nozzle 900 of like configuration and operation to components of the
beverage dispensing
nozzle 10 have been referenced with like numerals. The beverage dispensing
nozzle 900
is configured and operates as the beverage dispensing nozzle 10, except, the
third or
inner annulus 919 and the cap member 911 include modifications to permit the
delivery
of flavor additives from the beverage dispensing nozzle 900 along with
beverage syrup
15 and mixing fluid. Examples of flavor additives in this tenth embodiment
include, but are
not limited to, cherry or vanilla, which are utilized to form new drink
combinations such
as cherry cola.
The third or inner annulus 919 includes a securing member 960, an intermediate
member 961, and a discharge member 962. The third or inner annulus 919 mounts
within
2o the second or intermediate annulus 18, protrudes through the opening of the
inner
housing, and engages the interior wall of the inner housing 16 defining the
opening
identically as previously described with reference to the beverage dispensing
nozzle 10.
The third or inner annulus 919, however, includes passageways 907 and 908
therethrough, which are utilized to deliver flavor additives from the third or
inner
annulus 919. The intermediate member 961 and the discharge member 962 are
identical
to the intermediate member 61 and the discharge member 62 of the third or
inner annulus
19, except, the intermediate member 961 and the discharge member 962 define a
portion
of the passageways 907 and 908. The securing member 960 is identical to the
securing
member 60 of the third or inner annulus 919, except, the securing member 60
defines a
3o cavity 909 as well as a portion of the passageways 907 and 908.
The cap member 91 I is configured and operates as the cap member I l, except,
the cap member 911 further includes flavor additive inlet ports 901 and 902
that
CA 02339361 2001-02-02
WO 00/07928 ' 6 PCT/US99/17481
communicate with a respective flavor additive outlet port 903 and 904 via a
respective
connecting passageway 905 and 906 through the cap member 911. Identical to the
cap
member 1 l, beverage syrup outlet ports of the cap member 911 snap fit within
a
respective cavity of the inner housing 16 to secure the inner housing 16 to
the cap
member 91 1. Gaskets fit around a respective beverage syrup outlet port to
provide a fluid
seal and to assist in the securing of the inner housing 16 to the cap member
911. In
addition, the securing member 960 of the third or inner annulus 919 extending
through
the opening of the inner housing 16 snap fits around the protrusion 35 of the
cap member
911 to aid in the securing of the inner housing 16 to the cap member 911. With
the inner
1o housing 16 secured to the cap member 911, a flavor additive conduit
involving the flavor
additive inlet port 901; the passageway 905; the flavor additive outlet port
903; and the
passageway 907 is created. Similarly, a flavor additive conduit involving the
flavor
additive inlet pon 902; the passageway 906; the flavor additive outlet port
904; and the
passageway 908 is created.
The operation of the beverage dispensing nozzle 900 in delivering a mixing
fluid
for combination with a beverage syrup to produce a desired drink is identical
to the
operation of the beverage dispensing nozzle 10. However, the beverage
dispensing
nozzle 900 provides a user the option of altering drink flavor through the
addition of
flavor additives, such as cherry or vanilla, delivered from flavor additive
sources. When
2o the user has selected a flavor additive, the flavor additive enters a
respective flavor
additive inlet port 901 or 902 and travels to a respective passageway 907 or
908 via a
respective passageway 905 or 906 and flavor additive outlet port 903 and 904.
The
selected additive flavor traverses a respective passageway 907 or 908 and
exits the third
or inner annulus 919, where the flavor additive combines with the flowing
beverage
syrup and mixing fluid to produce an alternatively flavored drink, such as
cherry or
vanilla cola.
Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing
embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will
be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents,
and variations
of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That
scope,
accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description,
rather, it is
defined only by the claims that follow.
