Device and method for measuring ratios of dispensed liquids

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C Sec. 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/539,099 filed Jan. 27, 2004.

This invention is related generally to measuring the ratios of dispensed liquids, such as the syrup to water ratio of liquids used to make a blended beverage. More particularly, this invention is related to a system and method for measuring the syrup to water ratios of the syrups and water used to make different beverages when the ratio of these liquids are different for individual beverages.

A fountain-dispensed beverage is a blend of two or more liquids; water and one or more syrups or concentrates. To ensure that a beverage having the desirable taste is dispensed, it is necessary to periodically monitor the ratio of the volume of syrup dispensed to the volume of dispensed water. This ratio is referred to as the Brix ratio.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,251, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an assembly for determining liquid ratio. This assembly, known as a ratio cup, consists of a cup with a vertical center wall that divides the space inside the cup into two chambers. The wall is positioned so that the chambers have cross sectional areas that have a ratio substantially equal to the ideal syrup to water ratio of the beverage to be dispensed.

The ratio cup is used by placing a device known as a diverter tube under the fountain head to flow the individual syrup and water streams into the individual cup chambers. By side-by-side comparison of the liquid levels in the chambers, the technician can determine if the appropriate volume of syrup is discharged per unit volume of discharged water. Based on this determination, the technician, if necessary, adjusts to the dispensing system.

The above system works reasonably well if, for all beverages dispensed from a dispenser, the syrup to water discharge ratios are to be identical. In practice, these ratios frequently vary, even between two beverages discharged from adjacent heads from the same dispenser. To compensate for this difference, it is necessary to provide the technician with a chart that converts a volume measurement of liquid in one chamber to a virtual volume value equal to the amount of liquid that should be in the second chamber. Thus, the technician is required to visually determine the volume of liquid in one chamber, determine the virtual volume of liquid that should be present based on reference to the look up tables, and determine if the actual volume of fluid is present.

Requiring the technician to perform these steps adds to the overall amount of time it takes to determine whether or not a beverage has a desired Brix ratio. Moreover, in order for this method to work properly, the technician must, based on a visual determination of fluid volume, determine the appropriate virtual volume. Requiring these steps introduces the possibility that, due to human error, the Brix ratio will be inaccurately determined.

The '251 patent also provides a second embodiment with a slider element provided on one of the two chambers. The slider element has a horizontal calibration mark thereon to be aligned with one liquid level (i.e., the liquid level of the syrup) and a horizontal tolerance range also marked thereon. In that embodiment, the tube which receives the water from the fountain dispenser must be filled to a minimum fill line marked on the tube. The horizontal calibration mark on the slider is then aligned with the syrup level and when the level of the water falls within the horizontal tolerance range, an acceptable ratio of water to syrup is indicated.

The present invention provides a new and useful system and method for determining the ratio of water to syrup discharged from a fountain to form a blended beverage.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a measuring assembly is provided for determining whether a beverage dispenser is dispensing an acceptable water to syrup ratio. The measuring assembly includes a primary cup member and a secondary cup member. The secondary cup member is releasably or removably secured or securable to the primary cup. A slider element is mounted for vertical sliding movement along at least a portion of the length of one of the primary and secondary cups, the slider member having a horizontal calibration mark to be aligned with the liquid level of one cup member and the slider element having at least a second horizontal calibration mark displaced vertically from the first calibration mark, with the distance between the first and second calibration marks defining a vertically disposed tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio.

The measuring assembly may further include a plurality of secondary cups of different cross-sectional area from each other with each secondary cup being removably securable to the primary cup and each secondary cup having a slider member mounted for vertical sliding movement along at least a portion of the height of one of the primary and secondary cups, the slider member having a horizontal calibration mark to be aligned with the liquid level of the secondary cup member and the slider element having at least a second horizontal calibration mark displaced vertically from the first calibration mark, with a distance between the first and second calibration marks defining a vertically disposed tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio. Thus, the liquid level in the primary cup should be within the second horizontal calibration mark if the beverage dispenser is functioning within the desired tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio.

A suitable coupling element is provided and attached to the primary cup for removably attaching one of the secondary cups. In one embodiment, the coupling element permits simultaneous attachment of two secondary cups to the primary cup and the attachment may occur on opposed sides of the primary cup.

In another aspect the present invention includes a primary cup removably mountable to one or more of a set of plural secondary cups. Each cup defines a void space for receiving a separate beverage-forming liquid. The cross-sectional areas of the void spaces of the secondary cups are different. A locking assembly integral with the cups selectively and releasably mates each secondary cup so it can be in a fixed side-by-side relationship with the primary cup.

When it is necessary to determine the syrup-to-water discharge ratio for a particular beverage, a specific secondary cup is paired with the primary cup. The specific secondary cup that is attached to the primary cup is one that has a cross sectional area such that the cross sectional area ratio of the pair of cups is substantially identical to desired Brix ratio for the beverage. A slider member attached to one of the cups is used to make a determination if, based on the volume of liquid in both cups, the discharged beverage has the appropriate Brix ratio.

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the claims. The above and further features and benefits of the invention are discussed in the detailed description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is front elevational view of a liquid ratio measuring assembly of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cup assembly taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom of one of the syrup cups of the assembly of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of how the assembly of this invention is used to determine the ratio between two discharged liquids.

A liquid ratio measuring assembly 10 of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 . Assembly 10 includes a primary cup 12 and a plurality of secondary cups, cups 14 and 16 in the Figures. At least one of the secondary cups 14 or 16 is temporarily locked to the primary cup 12 so that two cups are in a side-by-side relationship. In the Figures, both secondary cups 14 and 16 are shown locked to the primary cup 12 . It should be appreciated that this feature is optional, not mandatory.

Each of cups 12 , 14 , 16 is shaped to define a cylindrical, constant diameter void space, spaces 13 , 15 and 17 , respectively, that extends upwardly from the base of the cup. Secondary cups 14 and 16 are shaped so that the cross sectional areas of their void spaces 15 and 17 , respectively, are different. Thus, the void space cross sectional area ratios of each secondary cup 14 and 16 , when paired with primary cup 12 , are different. For example, the ratio of the cross sectional area of primary cup void space 13 to that of the cross sectional area of the void space 15 of secondary cup 14 may be 4:1. Void space 17 of cup 16 in the Figures has a smaller diameter than void space 15 . The cross sectional area of primary cup void space 13 to that of void space 17 of secondary cup 16 may be 5:1.

Each cup 12 , 14 , and 16 is formed to have along the outer surface of the cup a longitudinally extending calibration surface, surfaces 18 , 20 and 22 , respectively. In the depicted version of the invention, calibration surfaces 18 , 20 and 22 have planar profiles. Surfaces 18 , 20 and 22 extend the length of the cups 12 , 14 and 16 , respectively. Molded, printed or otherwise presented along the calibration surfaces 18 , 20 and 22 are lines and legends that indicate volume levels within the associated cup void spaces 13 , 15 , and 17 , respectively.

A locking assembly integral with the cups 12 , 14 and 16 releasably hold each of the secondary cups 14 and 16 to the primary cup 12 . The locking assembly includes a flange 24 that is molded to and extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the primary cup 12 . In the depicted version of the invention, each flange 24 has a cross-shaped cross sectional shape. The locking assembly also has a U-shaped rail 26 that is integrally attached to and extends longitudinally along the length of the secondary cups 14 and 16 . Each rail 26 forms an open face channel 28 along the outer surface of cup 14 or 16 . More particularly, rails 26 are dimensioned so that the complementary flange 24 can be inserted in a close sliding fit within the associated channel 28 . Channel 28 extends along the entire length of flange 24 , except at bottoms 30 thereof wherein the opening terminates short of the extreme bottom so that the channel is effectively closed, at 32 , as seen in FIG. 4 . This structure ensures proper alignment of the indicia on each of the cups with the indicia on cup 12 . The tops of flanges 24 have a large configuration, at 34 , which frictionally engages the interior surfaces of rails 26 when cups 14 , 16 are fully engaged with cup 12 to prevent accidental removal or movement of cups 14 , 16 relative to cup 12 . This is also shown partially in dotted lines in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 depicts the bottom, base plate 29 of secondary cup 14 . Primarily, the base plate 29 has a circular shape. This shape reflects the circular cross-sectional profile of void space 15 . Base plate 29 is further shaped to have a tab 32 that extends outwardly from the circular section. Tab 32 extends under flange 24 to close cup channel 28 . The closing of the channel 28 limits the extent to which the associated primary cup flange 24 can move downwardly relative to secondary cup 14 . This arrangement ensures the accurate vertical alignment of the primary and secondary cups 12 and 14 , respectively.

The primary cup flanges 24 are further shaped to have, at their top ends, large cross sectional areas. This ensures that the flanges frictionally engage the complementary interior surfaces of the rails 26 . This engagement prevents accidental removal or movement of the primary cup 12 and secondary cup 14 relative to each other.

A slide ring 36 is fitted around the outer surface of each secondary cup 14 and 16 . Each slide ring 36 is shaped to fit snugly and extend partially circumferentially around the associated cup 14 or 16 . In the depicted version of the invention, each slide ring 36 extends at least 50% around the circumference of the associated secondary cup 14 or 16 . Slide rings 36 are dimensioned to move vertically along the length of the cups 14 and 16 .

Each slide ring 36 has a planar face 38 that overlies the calibration surface 18 or 20 of the cup 14 or 16 , respectively, to which the ring is mounted. The planar face 38 is formed with a cut-out that exposes the underlying calibration surface 18 or 20 , (cut-out not identified). The cut-out is formed in the slide ring face 38 to define opposed, arrow-like pointers 40 .

Slide rings 36 are further formed to each have at one end a vertically extending planar flange 42 . The slide rings 36 are formed so that each flange 42 abuts a side surface of the associated cup rail 26 . Each flange 42 is formed to define a notch 44 that is directed to the open end of the rail 26 , towards the adjacent primary cup 12 . Each notch 44 is positioned relative to the associated cup pointers 40 to define a vertically disposed tolerance ratio.

FIG. 5 depicts how assembly 10 of this invention may be used to measure the syrup-to-water ratio of a fountain head-dispensed beverage. First, appropriate secondary cup 14 or 16 is attached to the primary cup 12 . Both may be attached as illustrated. By “appropriate” it is meant a secondary cup, that when paired with the primary cup 12 , results in a cup-to-cup cross sectional area ratio of void spaces that corresponds to the ratio of the volume of syrup that should be dispensed per unit volume water. The cups are placed under a fountain head 50 . A known in the art syrup diverter tube 52 is placed under fountain head 50 . A volume of beverage is flowed, “poured,” from fountain head 50 . Diverter tube 52 includes separate conduits through which the water and syrup individually flow. The water is dispensed into primary cup 12 . The syrup is dispensed through diverter tube 52 and into secondary cup 14 in FIG. 5 . Typically, the pour is performed until the volume of water in the primary cup is between 400 and 500 cc.

Once the pour is completed, assembly 10 is placed so that cups 12 and 16 are level. Slide ring 36 fitted to cup 16 is positioned so that the pointers 40 are aligned with the top of the syrup in secondary cup 16 . Then, the technician visually checks to determine whether or not the top level line of the water, represented by ∇ 46 in FIG. 1 , is within the area of the associated slide ring notch 44 . If the water level line falls within this area, the Brix ratio is correct for the beverage. If the level line is outside of this area, the technician knows, without calculation, that the ratio of dispensed syrup to water should be adjusted.

This invention provides a means to quickly and easily determine the Brix ratio of different beverages that have different Brix ratios. By the pairing of the appropriate secondary cup 14 or 16 for the specific beverage to the primary cup 12 , the technician quickly, by simple movement of slide ring 36 and visual inspection of liquid levels, determines if the Brix ratio is appropriate. There is no need to perform any calculations or rely on data derived from look-up charts or tables to determine if the Brix ratio is correct. Both the time it takes to perform these steps and the potential error they introduce into the evaluation is eliminated.

The foregoing description is directed to a specific version of the invention. It should be appreciated that other versions of the invention may have features different from what has been described. For example, there may be times when practicing the invention that it is desirable to simultaneously attach two or more secondary cups to a single primary cup and direct the separate beverage-forming liquids into each cup. This method may be practiced for determining if the Brix ratios are appropriate for a beverage that is formed from water, a primary syrup and one or more secondary syrups. Such a beverage may be for example, a cola beverage that has a supplemental cherry or vanilla flavoring. In order to determine if the appropriate ratio of beverage forming liquids are being discharged, the water is flowed to the primary cup, the cola syrup to a first secondary cup and the supplemental flavor syrup to a second secondary cup. Once the pour is complete, the measurements are made as before.

Moreover, in some versions of the invention, secondary cups that have identical cross-sectional areas may be provided. In these versions of the invention, the identical cups would have different slide rings 36 . These slide rings 36 would differ in the length of the notches 44 formed in the rings. Thus, if there is a beverage that, for taste reasons, needs a very precise Brix ratio, the secondary cup used for measurement of this beverage would have a slide ring 36 with a short notch 44 . Measurements for a beverage that does not require a very precise Brix ratio are made using the secondary cup that has a slide ring 36 with a longer notch 44 .

Also, the physical structure of the invention may vary from what has been described. For example, there is no requirement that, in all versions of the invention, the indicia formed on the slide rings 36 to indicate levels be cut-out spaces defined by the rings. The slide rings may be transparent. Markers printed or otherwise applied to the rings indicate where each is to be set based on fluid level and the level of acceptable water in the associated primary cup. A slide bar, formed of less material than a ring, may be slidably attached to the cups.

Also, in some versions of the invention, the primary cup may be the only cup provided with a slide ring or slide bar. In these versions of the invention, once the pour is complete, the primary cup slide ring/bar is set based on the water level in the cup. A visual marker on the ring/bar indicates the acceptable volume range of syrup for the pour. The technician determines if the syrup level in the secondary cup is within the range indicated by the marker to evaluate whether or not the beverage has an appropriate Brix ratio. An advantage of this assembly is that it eliminates the expense of mounting a slide ring/bar to each secondary cup.

Similarly, other assemblies may be used to releasably lock the secondary cups to the primary cup. For example, the cups may be provided with complementary interlocking fingers. An advantage of this type of assembly is that the cups, when locked together, are inherently held in the proper vertical alignment. However, it is anticipated that in many versions of the invention, it would be preferable to allow the cups to have some degree of vertical movement relative to each other. This would allow the technician to more easily hold both cups during the pour. After the pour, the cups are placed in a fixed vertical and side-by-side relationship to allow the Brix evaluation to be completed.

It should further be understood that it may not always be necessary to physically mate the cups together prior to actually performing the pour. After the pour is completed, the cups are placed in the side-by-side fixed vertical relationship to complete the evaluation.

Also, the illustrated circular cross sectional shapes of the cups should similarly be considered exemplary, not limiting. For space saving reasons and/or to take advantage of alternate locking assemblies, cups may be provided with a desired cross-sectional configuration, such as a polygonal cross sectional profile, for example.

Furthermore, while the invention is generally described for use in measuring Brix ratios of fountain-dispensed beverages, it should be understood that this is likewise, exemplary, not limiting. The assembly of this invention may be used in other processes to quickly determine if liquid discharge ratios are appropriate. For example, the assembly may be used in a bottling plant or chemical processing facility to determine if two or more liquids that are simultaneously discharged to form a product, or intermediate product, are discharged in the appropriate ratio.

Therefore, it is an object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications that come within the true spirit and scope of this invention.