US4550858A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Timed-dispensing method and apparatus
Assignee: Douwe Egberts Koninklijke Tabaksfabriek Koffiebranderijen Theehandel NV
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Filing: 1982-12-23
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Granted: 1985-11-05
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Expires: 2002-12-23
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for dispensing a consumption unit of beverage concentrate having a pre-determined volume, in particular a beverage concentrate of high and variable viscosity, in a beverage dispensing machine. A system is described in which for each quantity dispensed a valve is opened for a specific period of time and the concentrate issues from a reservoir into a cup or the like under a constant static pressure. The invention aims to improve uniformity in quantities dispensed, which is accomplished by dispensing each consumption unit in a pulsating manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Pieter J. Noomen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:42
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D1/00; B67D1/08; B67D1/12; B67D1/1277; B67D1/1279; A; A47; A47J; A47J31/00; A47J31/40; A47J31/402; B67D1/0042; B67D1/0081; G; G01; G01F; G01F13/00; G01F13/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of dispensing a consumption unit of liquid beverage concentrate of high and variable viscosity and having a pre-determined volume in a beverage dispensing machine, in which, for each quantity dispensed, a valve is opened for a specific period of time and the beverage concentrate issues under a constant static pressure, characterized in that each consumption unit is dispensed in a pulsating manner at a frequency of at least five pulsations per second by opening and closing said valve a pre-determined number of times to dispense a volume of liquid which is substantially independent of variations in viscosity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of dispensing a consumption unit of liquid beverage concentrate of high and variable viscosity and having a pre-determined volume in a beverage dispensing machine, in which, for each quantity dispensed, a valve is opened for a specific period of time and the beverage concentrate issues under a constant static pressure, characterized in that each consumption unit is dispensed in a pulsating manner at a frequency of at least five pulsations per second by opening and closing said valve a pre-determined number of times to dispense a volume of liquid which is substantially independent of variations in viscosity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve is opened by magnetic means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve is opened and closed by magnetic means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of dispensing a consumption unit of liquid beverage concentrate of high and variable viscosity and having a pre-determined volume in a beverage dispensing machine, in which, for each quantity dispensed, a valve is opened for a specific period of time and the beverage concentrate issues under a constant static pressure, characterized in that each consumption unit is dispensed in a pulsating manner by opening and closing said valve at least five times to dispense a volume of liquid which is substantially independent of variations in viscosity.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of dispensing a consumption unit of liquid beverage concentrate of high and variable viscosity and having a pre-determined volume in a beverage dispensing machine, in which, for each quantity dispensed, a valve is opened for a specific period of time and the beverage concentrate issues under a constant static pressure, characterized in that each consumption unit is dispensed in a pulsating manner by opening and closing said valve at least five times to dispense a volume of liquid which is substantially independent of variations in viscosity.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-04 | 1989-05-06 | 1989-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-04 | 1993-05-06 | 1993-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-04 | 1997-05-06 | 1997-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |