The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 06, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 24, 1996
David F Ford, Springfield, IL (US);
Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, Springfield, IL (US);
Abstract
A powdered beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus which combines a powdered beverage substance and water to produce a desired beverage, for example cappuccino, hot chocolate, as well as other beverages which may be provided in powdered form. The apparatus includes at least one hopper having a powdered beverage stirring and dispensing mechanism which stirs the powder to further prevent caking and to controllably dispense a desired quantity of powder from the hopper. A water dispensing system is provided with the apparatus to controllably dispense a quantity of water for mixing with a quantity of powder dispensed from the hopper. A mixing assembly communicates with the hopper and with the water dispensing system to combine powder and water. The mixing assembly includes a frothing mechanism extending into a whipping chamber which communicates with a mixing chamber to mechanically agitate the powder and water combined in the mixing chamber. A vapor removal assembly is provided between the mixing chamber and the hopper to remove moist air from the mixing assembly to prevent intrusion of such moist air into the hopper and absorption by the beverage powder. A vent tube is provided in the heated water dispensing system to promote draining of a dispensing line communicating with the mixing chamber and to prevent the accumulation of gas bubbles in the dispensing line. A by-pass water system is provided in the apparatus which communicates with a water dispensing line to controllably introduce unheated water into the water dispensing system. Additionally, an illuminated display is provided on a front portion of the apparatus.