HK1143797B - Multiple brand ice beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Multi-brand iced beverage vending machine

The present application is a divisional application entitled "multi-brand iced beverage dispenser" filed on 2/10/2003 under the application number 200380102203.1.

Technical Field

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to the flavour allocation of beverage dispensers.

Description of the Related Art

In the beverage dispensing industry, vending machines are typically considered as a means for large beverage companies to increase sales. Beverage dispensers on the market typically dispense beverages on a volume basis. This procedure helps to enclose the beverage company and its beverage ingredients. All major beverage companies have products or major brands that include several high volume products and several low volume products or minor brands. These different major and minor brands, often having the same size brand because vending machines commonly have product valve assemblies. In this product valve arrangement, the dispenser width is typically distributed evenly by the number of valves and their associated trademarks. For example, major brands typically have the same size brand location as minor brands unless the vending machine is labeled with the same flavor. This approach does not really enhance the consumer's visual perception of the major brand. This is usually done by marquis or other trademark, which is usually highlighted in one taste.

Moreover, most vending machines are typically mechanically driven and typically cannot be changed in brand number without changing hardware devices. Therefore, an easily configurable vending machine would be advantageous, thus allowing the consumer to solely participate in primary versus secondary brand sales and visibility.

Brief description of the invention

According to the present invention, a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, a removable assembly in a carbonator, and a carbonator pump assembly that is removable from the front of the dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for reflecting light from the user interface and provides visual appearance to the vending machine. The touch panel assembly further includes a controller, and an electrode plate with an electrode track capable of generating an electrode area. The interruption of the electrode area can be recognized by the controller and is considered as input by the user for dispensing the beverage.

The recognition of the interruptions in the electrode area is configurable, as two connected electrodes are interrupted to indicate a single taste is selected. In this arrangement, the major brand may accept the addition of a front display and activation area on the control panel device. The configuration of the control panel apparatus may be accomplished manually and automatically through the use of a controller. The detachable means in the carbonic acid generator each comprise an aperture through which the water to be carbonated will enter the carbonator vessel. The removability of the device may allow cleaning operations and carbonic acid generator adjustment operations to be performed in situ.

The invention further includes a method for replacing or repairing the removable device. The carbonator pump assembly is integral with respect to the vending machine. The carbonator pump assembly is mounted at the front of the beverage dispenser and can be removed from the front of the beverage dispenser for servicing. A method of assembling and disassembling the carbonator pump is also disclosed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispenser with a light reflecting touch panel assembly for providing a visual portion of the dispenser. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispenser with a touch panel assembly with configurable electrode tracks and an interrupt controller for recognizing the generation of electrode tracks in the electrode area, such as user input. .

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a carbonator with removable devices, each comprising an orifice through which the water to be carbonated must pass.

It is a further object of the present invention to also provide a beverage dispenser with an integral carbonator pump assembly, proximate to the front portion of the beverage dispenser.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a vending machine.

Fig. 1a is a cross-sectional view of the vending machine.

Fig. 1b is a front view of the vending machine.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the cold plate apparatus.

Figure 2a is an isometric view of the carbonated water conduit.

Figure 2b is an isometric view of the rear of the cold plate in the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of the orifice housing in the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 2d is a cross-sectional view of the cold plate device.

Fig. 2e is a detail of the bore housing.

Fig. 2f is a flow chart of a method of removing a carbonator orifice.

Fig. 2g is a detailed view of a detachable device according to a second embodiment.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a single detector in a preferred embodiment.

Figure 3a is a detailed view of a single detector.

Figure 3b is a detailed view of the probe tip.

Fig. 3c is a flow chart of a method of operation of a single detector in a preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a carbonation air pump assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4a is a flow chart illustrating a method for removing the carbonation air pump apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel and associated connections.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel device.

Fig. 6a is an unlit touch panel embodiment.

Fig. 6b is an overview of a different frame configuration.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a switched mode solenoid and power supply.

Fig. 8 is an overview of the touch panel position.

Fig. 8a illustrates the relationship of the motor and the induction zone.

Fig. 8b is a plan of user contact areas on the touch panel device.

Fig. 8c is a schematic diagram of the taste profile in the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 9 is another possible touch panel configuration.

Figure 9a is a flow chart of a method of dispensing a beverage.

Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of a touch panel device.

FIG. 10a is a flow chart of a method for providing a passive mode of a touch panel device using a menu structure.

FIGS. 10b1 and 10b2 provide a flowchart of a method for using a manually selected passive mode for a touch panel device.

FIG. 10c is a flow chart of a method of sensing an active mode of a valve.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a multi-panel/single controller control scheme.

Detailed description of the invention

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. It will be further understood that the profiles are not necessarily to scale, and that some elements are exaggerated to show details of particular elements and particular steps.

The present invention is a vending machine design that addresses service issues including carbonator pump maintenance and configuration of major or minor brands of soft drinks and flavors. The new design provides access to the carbonator motor and pump assembly from the front of the dispenser and can be easily switched between major and minor brands and flavors. The system also provides for the reflection of light by the user interface panel by means of light emitting diodes. The user interface panel and valve hardware are configured to provide a modular panel to each other, thereby further providing flexibility in vending machine setup.

As shown in fig. 1, the vending machine 100 is processor controlled beverage vending machine so that the consumer is allowed access to the machine and can select from through the user interface panel. In this preferred embodiment, the user may dispense ice, water, beverages, sauces, and the like. The vending machine 100 includes a housing 150, a plurality of touch panel assemblies 200, a dispenser 151, a splash plate 152, and a wrapper 164. The touch panel assembly 200 is mounted on the front 105 of the vending machine 100 for easy access by the consumer. The seller 151 is installed above the touch panel device for visual recognition. The splash plate 152 further stops at the front 105 of the vending machine 100. The remaining surface stops after removal of the package 164. The cover 106 stops at the top portion of the vending machine 100.

The housing 105 includes a cold plate assembly 153, a carbonator pump assembly 154, an ice storage chamber 155, an ice paddle 156, a paddle cover 157, and a foam material 158. The ice bin 155 has an interior chamber 165 that rests on the cold plate assembly 153. The ice bin 155 and cold plate device 153 are mounted inside the dispensing housing 150 where there is a space between the device and the housing 150. The space is filled with foam 158 to function as an insulator. The inner chamber 165 of the ice storage compartment 155 is used to store ice for dispensing. As shown in fig. 1a-1b, the ice paddle 156 is mounted in the interior chamber 165 and is connected to the motor 106 that drives the paddle 156. The lower portion of ice paddle 156 is surrounded by a cover 157 where pressure is applied to the ice against paddle 156 for dispensing. The paddle wheel 156 rotates to move ice to the dispensing opening 108 through the transfer line 155 and the dispensing housing 150. This operation is accomplished by depressing an ice dispensing lever 174 mounted on the front 105 of the vending machine 100.

The cold plate assembly 153 includes a plurality of concentrator tubes 160, an uncarbonated gas line 162 and a carbonated gas line 163, all of which are mounted on the cold plate 159 for cooling the product prior to dispensing. The cold plate assembly 153 further includes a cast carbonator tank 161 as disclosed in U.S. patent 6,574,981, entitled dispensing cold carbonated beverages, filed 24/9/2001, which is incorporated by reference herein. The concentrator tube 160 has an inlet 180 and an outlet 181 that are connected to a source of concentrate by a barb fitting 182. The barb fitting 182 is accessible from the vending machine front panel 105 for ease of servicing and attachment. The concentrator tubes 160 extend upward and curve into the front plate 175 of the cold plate 159. The concentrator tube 160 in turn forms a plurality of channels within the cold plate 159 to provide sufficient cooling length for a set flow rate. The concentrator tubes 160 then exit the cold plate 159 and turn up in the vertical plane until they reach the touch panel assembly 200 where they extend horizontally. The concentrator tube outlet 181 is in turn connected to a flow passage 191 at the back section 176. Back section 176 includes flow passages 191 connecting concentrate tube 160 to dispense pump 177 for mixing water or other substances.

The non-aerated water conduit 162 is used to deliver water from a water source to two innermost dispensing valves 178 for dispensing. The uninflated water conduit 162 in this preferred embodiment includes a white water conduit 179 with a white water conduit inlet 183 and an outlet 184. The uninflated tubes inside the cold plate 159 include complex serpentine bends, both of which are shown in this preferred embodiment, leading to two riser tubes 186. Risers 186 extend to the cold plate 159 and are coupled to the spaces 176, which spaces 176 are in turn connected to the common water distribution valves 178. The conventional water inlet 183 includes a barb arrangement 190 and is coupled to a water source. The barb assembly 190 is mounted near the front of the vending machine for ease of maintenance and connection.

Carbonated water line 163 begins outside of cold plate 159 near front 105 of vending machine 100, and aerated water line 163 includes inlet line 173, carbonator pump assembly 154, carbonator pump outlet line 194, check valve 195, extension line 196, and cold plate inlet line 197. The inlet tube 173 includes an inlet 198 and an outlet 199. The inlet 198 contains a barb fitting 172 for connecting to a water source. The barb arrangement 172 is positioned proximate the front 105 of the vending machine 100 to facilitate servicing and attachment. The outlet 199 of the inlet tube 173 is connected to the carbonator pump assembly 154.

The carbonator pump assembly 154 includes a pump 170 coupled to a motor 171 and a mounting bracket 167. The pump 170 includes an inlet 168 and an outlet 169. The outlet 199 of the inlet pipe 173 is connected to the inlet 168 of the pump. The outlet 169 of the pump 179 may be connected to the first end 251 of the pump's outlet tube 194. The second end 252 of the pump outlet tube 194 is connected to the inlet 107 of the check valve 195. The outlet 253 of the check valve 195 may be connected to the inlet 254 of the extension pipe 196. The outlet 255 of the extension pipe 196 is in turn connected to the cold plate device 153 via a cold plate input pipe 197. The cold plate input pipe 197 extends downward and curves into the front plate 175 of the cold plate 159.

The cold plate inlet pipe 197 is divided into a plurality of curved tubes 109, 4 in this preferred embodiment, inside the cold plate 159, thus creating a plurality of channels inside the cold plate to ensure that sufficient length can be used for heat exchange and set flow rate. The bent tubes 109 are then collected on a rear manifold 111. The rear manifold 111 is in turn connected to a pair of orifice supply tubes 112 which are connected to an orifice housing 258 and a cold plate 159, respectively, mounted on the carbonator vessel 161.

In the preferred embodiment, the orifice housing 258 has a first side 259 and a second side 286, and is permanently mounted to the carbonator vessel 161 such that the second side 286 mates with the water inlet 287 of the carbonator vessel 161. The aperture housing 258 includes a first aperture 260 passing from a first side 259 to a second side 286. The first aperture 260 is connected to an inlet 287 of the carbonator vessel 161. The first bore 260 has two different diameters, a plug radius 261 and a bore radius 262, both of which are patterned. The orifice housing 258 has a second orifice 263 for receiving the orifice supply tube 112. The second aperture 263 passes through the first aperture 260 by passing through the outer surface 288.

Removable device 264, with a bore 265, having a major diameter 267 and a minor diameter 266, fits between 260 the first bore of bore housing 258, wherein the outer pattern of smaller diameter 266 engages the inner pattern of bore diameter 262 to secure removable device 264 within bore housing 258. The aperture 265 connects the inlet 287 and the first slot 260 of the aperture housing 258 therein. At the top of the mobile device 264 is a slot 268 for installation and removal for use of a screwdriver. Plug 269, including tread 271 and flange 272, is used to seal carbonated water conduit 163 in cooperation with the external tread of tread 271 and the internal tread of plug diameter 261 of first bore 260 of bore housing 258. The flow path is sealed with an O-ring 270 and an O-ring groove 273 in flange 272 of plug 269.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations of this embodiment are possible, including embodiments in which the device 264 may be removably placed over the inlet 287 of the carbonator vessel 161. In the simplest embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2g, carbonator tank 161 includes inlet 287 with internal threads, device 264 with first end 113 and second end 114, and aperture supply 112. The first end 113 of the device includes an external pattern adapted to mate with an internal pattern of the inlet 287. The second end 114 of the fitting 264 includes a protruding 115 flare connection for mating with the orifice supply tube. The seal may be attached by using O-rings 116 or a spark. Various mechanical restraining means known to those skilled in the art may be used to secure the orifice supply tube 112 to the device 264, such as a cone nut, or the like. This arrangement allows water to be carbonated into carbonator vessel 161 while passing through bore supply tube 112 and through bore 265 of fitting 264.

In this preferred embodiment, the device 264 is removable and replaceable. Disassembly of the fitting 264 is necessary in the adjustment position of the carbonator vessel 161, as in high-altitude environments, abnormally above or below ambient water temperature or obstructions of the orifice 265. Changing the size of the aperture 265 can produce a dynamic result of in-line carbonation and, ultimately, carbonation in the cup. The removable unit 264 is important in replacing the carbonator vessel 161 with a solid casting, as a mistake in the carbonator vessel 161 in a single unit can result in a significant error in the vending machine 100.

The moving means 264 for adjustment and maintenance are performed from the rear of the vending machine 100. The migration sequence begins with the depressurization of the carbon dioxide line at step 26 as shown in figure 2 f. Next, step 27, the water conduit is depressurized. Step 28 is that the package 164 must be removed from the vending machine 100 to access the plug 269. The next step of moving is to remove the textured plug 269 from the bore housing 258 using a wrench or other standard tool, step 29. When the plug 269 is removed, the device 264 can be removed from the orifice housing 258 by rotating the orifice housing counterclockwise through the slot 268 using a screwdriver, step 30. The device will be replaced or cleaned, step 31. After cleaning or replacement, the device is mounted on the bore housing, step 32. The next step, step 33, is that plug 269 is installed. Installation of plug 269 should include sealing with teflon (teflon) tape or wire to ensure that there are no leaks in the pressure tube. The service person can now reinstall the package 164, step 34. The water conduit can then be pressurized after installation of the package 164, step 35. The final step, step 36, includes pressurizing the carbon dioxide line.

Water to be carbonated from the port housing 258 passes through the removable device 264 into the carbonator vessel 161. Carbonator vessel 161 is mounted on cold plate 159. Carbonator vessel 161 includes a top tube 274, a bottom tube 275 and two side tubes 276, all of which are empty. The ends of tubes 274, 275 and 276 are joined together to form a hollow rectangular structure. The carbonated water conduit 163 further includes a pair of carbonated water outlets 277, a quench line with serpentine coils 285, a quench manifold 278 and carbonated water risers 279 corresponding to each of the distribution distributors 177. After carbonation, the carbonated water exits carbonator vessel 161 through two carbonated water outlets 277 and enters quick cooling manifold 278. From the rapid cooling manifold 278, the carbonated water enters a carbonated water riser 279. A riser tube 279 extends upwardly to connect to the space 176

Space 176 is connected to dispensing valve 177 where carbonated water line 163 is completed.

Carbonator vessel 161 further includes a gas inlet tube 280, a guide tube 363, a detection device 281, and a detection device 282, a first end 283 of gas inlet tube 280 and a carbon dioxide supply tube. A second end 284 of the gas inlet pipe 280 is connected to the top pipe 274 of the carbonator vessel 161 for providing carbon dioxide gas to the top pipe 274 of the carbonator vessel 161. The gas side of the carbonator system is pressurized to approximately seventy to eighty pounds per square inch. Guide tube 363 is rigidly mounted within carbonator vessel 161 and is coaxial with probe 281, where probe 282 is provided a location into the interior of carbonator vessel 161 and can perform resistance measurements within carbonator vessel 161. Both ends of the guide tube 363 are open to allow water and carbon dioxide to flow in either direction. Guide tube 363 further includes multiple discharge fill ports 370 to reduce unequal discharge between discharge tube 363 and carbonator vessel 161. A detection device 281. With a first internal diameter 341 and a second internal diameter 342 is audited to receive the probe 282.

In a preferred embodiment, the resistance measurement made by the detection device 282 is used by a miniature detector to identify the presence of liquid or gas at the same point. The probe 282 includes a device tip 294 and a probe head 295. The device tip 294 includes a probe 296, a pair of O-rings 297, an insulator 343, a reference line 344, a probe line 345, and a probe 353. Probe 296 is a conductive material. In this embodiment, probe 296 is made of stainless steel. Probe body 296, complementary in shape to probe 281, includes a pair of O-ring grooves 347 on the outside diameter 348 for receiving O-rings 297. Probe 296 further includes a small space 348 for receiving reference line 344, wherein reference line 344 is connected to perimeter 350 directly with small space 349. The detector 296 further includes a chamfer 352 having a full depth diameter 351 formed between a first inner diameter 341 and a second inner diameter of the detecting means 281. The detector 353 extends through the detector 296 along the mounting location axis. The insulator 343 is mounted around the detector 353 of the detector 296 to electrically isolate the detector 353 from the detector 296. The probe 353 is further covered by an insulator 354, extending to the probe end 295, but the probe end 355 is exposed. The probe tip 295 includes a probe tip 355 in a guide tube 363.

On the device, the probe tip 295 of the probe 282 is inserted into the guide tube 363 of the probe 281, the outer structural diameter 348 of the probe 296, next slid into the first inner diameter 341 of the probe 281, and next slid into the second inner diameter 342 of the probe 281 to a sufficient depth that the diameter 351 mates with the ramp 352 between the first inner diameter 341 and the second inner diameter 342. The first inner diameter 341 further includes internal threads 357 for mating with external threads 358 carried by the probe retaining nut 298.

Once the vending machine 100 is assembled, the cold plate assembly 153 and carbonator tank 161 are tilted at a 10 angle from horizontal, in which position the horizontal plane presents a low plane fill line 359 at the probe tip 355. The high level fill line 360 is reached after the carbonator pump 170 is activated for a predetermined time, which in this preferred embodiment is 5.4 seconds, after the water level reaches the probe tip 355. The amount of carbonated water is well known reserve volume 361 below low level fill line 359. The high level fill line 360 indicates a maximum fill amount. The volume between the high level line 360 and the low level line 359 is the primary displaced volume 365. Reference to the total volume 362 being above the high level fill line 360. The total volume 362 is filled with carbon dioxide gas.

Figure 3c provides the working of the detector under normal conditions. The microcontroller samples the resistance measurement between the ground 344 and the probe head 355 over a predetermined period of time, in this preferred embodiment, on average every 10 milliseconds, as shown in step 445. The microcontroller with the resistive recording device is associated with a gas reading (carbon dioxide) and a liquid reading (carbonated water). Once a gas reading is obtained, the microcontroller proceeds to step 446 where the next sample is analyzed to determine if it is also a gas reading. If the sample is also a gas reading, the microcontroller will proceed to step 447 where the counter will be incremented by 1.

The microcontroller proceeds to step 448 where the count is analyzed to determine if three consecutive gas samples have been received, if all three samples are gas readings, and then the microcontroller proceeds to step 449 where the microcontroller provides power to the relay which activates the carbonator pump motor 1715.4 seconds. The microcontroller next clears the count at step 450 and returns to step 445 where the microcontroller continues to monitor the resistance measurement specimen. If there is no liquid reading at step 446, then the microcontroller reaches step 450 to clear the count, and next to step 445 where the microcontroller continues to monitor the resistance measurement sample. Using this procedure, unstable readings due to splashing or trapped air can be minimized.

In general, carbonated water line 163 begins with non-carbonated water coming out of the water source. The water enters the inlet tube 173 and moves into the inlet 168 of the carbonator pump 170 where the water is pressurized to 120 pounds per square inch. The water is then discharged from the discharge 169 of carbonator pump 170 into pump outlet tube 194 and into the inlet of check valve 195. When it passes through the check valve 195, the water cannot be returned to the source of decontaminated water.

The water is then discharged from the check valve outlet 253, through the extension tube 196 and into the cold plate inlet tube 197 mounted on the cold plate device 153. When the water is in the cold plate 159, the water is split into 4 portions into the tubes 109, carried back into the two tubes 110 and into the rear manifold 111. While in the rear manifold 111, water is forced into the bore supply tube 112 and into the bore housing 258 where it is pressurized with carbon dioxide gas by pressure through the movable assembly 264 and into the carbonator tank 161. The water is then carbonated and settles to the bottom of carbonator tank 161. Carbonated water is drawn into outlet tube 277 into the serpentine channel 285 of the rapid cooling channel as needed. The carbonated water next enters the fast cooling main tube 278 and next enters the carbonated water riser 279 to the dispense valve 177. From the riser 279, the carbonated water is sold through the space 176 to the dispensing valve 177.

In the preferred embodiment, the carbonator pump assembly 154 is mounted within the dispenser 100 in a previously unrecoverable cooling volume. The mounting location is proximate to the front 105 of the vending machine 100. The carbonator pump assembly 154 includes a pump 170, a motor 171, and a bracket 167. The bracket 167 includes a plurality of pattern studs 289 and is connected to the engine mounting bracket and secured by a washer 290 and a jam nut 291. The bracket 167 is attached to the vending machine housing 150 with a set of 4 screws 166. The carbonator pump assembly 154 must be mounted perpendicular to the dispenser within the dispenser 100 to minimize the volume of a certain number of hoses. Only one water line is required for the carbonated water line 163, as opposed to an integral carbonator pump assembly 154. Further advantages include eliminating the need to find an additional power source for the remote carbonator or having to provide a power connection from the power source to the remote carbonator. In the complete carbonator 161 assembly, the carbonator pump assembly 154 is powered directly by the dispenser 100.

While the preferred embodiment incorporates a carbonation conduit 163 and an integral carbonator pump assembly 154, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the dispenser 100 may be equipped to dispense non-carbonated beverages or carbonated and non-carbonated beverage mixes. The vending machine will be fitted with a propulsion pump in the case of non-carbonated gas. Integrating the boost pump with the vending machine will save costs and installation costs. In the case where both carbonated and still beverages are available, the dispenser is fitted with a boost pump and a carbonation pump. In the case of abnormally low or unstable water pressures, the vending machine may be more demanding on the propel pump and/or the accelerator.

Removal of the carbonator pump assembly 154 is accomplished at the front 105 of the vending machine 100, where servicing of the vending machine 100 may be simplified. As shown in FIG. 4a, removal of the carbonator pump assembly 154 begins with step 421, and the vending machine 100 is powered off. Next, step 422 includes removing the splash plate 152. The service personnel must then depressurize the carbon dioxide line as shown in step 423. Next, at step 424, carbonated water line 163 will also be depressurized. Power will also be cut off at step 425. The pump inlet tube 194 may be removed from the pump inlet 169 as shown in step 426. In step 427, the four bolts 166 holding the carbonator pump assembly 154 to the dispenser housing 150 are removed, where the carbonator pump assembly 154 is removed from the dispenser 100.

At 428, either the engine 170 or the pump 171 may be serviced. To remove the engine 170, the service person will proceed to step 429 and remove the jam nut 291 and washer 290 from the carbonator pump assembly 154. The service person must then release the safety collar 293 as shown in step 430, where the motor 170 is removed from the carbonator pump assembly 154 as shown in step 431. If the service person desires to reinstall the removed pump 171 after removing the carbonator pump assembly from the vending machine 100 in step 427, the service person will next proceed to step 441 and release the safety collar 293, where the step of removing the pump from the assembly is shown in step 442.

The repaired part and the newly replaced device must be mated to the original equipment, step 432, and safety collar 293 secured as shown in step 433. Step 434 includes using the four bolts 166 to secure the serviced carbonator assembly 154 to the vending machine 100. The pump inlet pipe 173 and the pump outlet pipe 194 are installed in step 435. The power source is reconnected to the carbonator 154 at step 436. The carbonated water line is re-pressurized in step 437 and the carbon dioxide line is also pressurized in step 438. Finally, steps 439 and 440 provide for reinstalling the splash plate 152 and for powering up the vending machine 100, respectively.

The vending machine 100, in the preferred embodiment, has a corresponding touch panel assembly 200 for each valve. In this preferred embodiment, there are 4 multi-flavor nozzles and four touch panel devices 200. The touch panel assembly 200 is removable and is connected to the vending machine 100 by two wires 210. Wires 210 and connectors 215 connect the touch panel assembly 200 to a touch panel 220 located below the dispenser 221. The touch panel assembly 200 is positioned by four fasteners and the working area of the touch panel assembly 200 is determined by block 205.

Touch panel assembly 200 includes back panel 301, valve plate 311, light separator/reflector 340, electrode plate 321, front plate 331 and pattern 334 as shown in FIG. 6. The back plate 301 is an injection molded part with a bottom surface 302, a snap-in portion 305, a bolt-on portion 304 and four sides 303 forming a framed valve plate 311. The valve plate 311 is a printed circuit board 319 that is equipped with a microcontroller 312, sensing portion 313, light emitting diodes 314 and wire connectors 315. Light separator/reflector 340 is an injection molded plate that is mounted between valve plate 311 and circuit board 321. Light separator and reflector 340 is designed to separate the light beams of the various groups of leds 314 and provide a boundary between illuminated and non-illuminated areas in user interface 333. According to the installation, the valve plate 311 is installed inside the rear panel 301 through the installation holes 317 by four bolts 316. The wire connections 315 of the connectors 215 are configured such that they pass through the lower surface 302 of the rear panel 301.

Electrode plate 321 is a thin fiberglass plate that covers electrode trace 323 of touch panel assembly 200. The front plate 331 is an injection molded part with a touch panel 333 and snap means on the outer edge 335. The electrode plate 321 is mounted on the rear inner surface 332 of the front plate 331 to ensure close contact with the user interface 333. The electrode plate 321 has a power connection 322 to the valve plate connector 318 for converting signals. According to these devices, the front plate 331 and the electrode plate 321 are one complete unit. The power connection 322 must be connected to the valve plate connector 318 to mate with the front half of the unit and be mounted on the valve plate 311. Once the connection front panel 331 is established, snap elements 305 and 335 can be used to be mounted to the open portion of the back panel 301 to form a touch panel assembly 200. The pattern 334 must be installed on the touch panel assembly 200 before the frame 205 is installed. In the touch panel assembly 200, the LEDs 314 are mounted on a valve plate 311 that is mounted behind an electrode plate 321. In this position, the light emitting diodes 314 may be partially visible through the user interface 333 of the touch panel assembly 200 upon power-up.

The light from led 314 passes through light separator/reflector 340 and thin yellow fiberglass electrode plate 321 and is clearly visible to the consumer. Other electrode plate materials may also be used, including clear or transparent mylar, and/or indium-tin-oxide (ITO). The led 314 provides low-cost, easy-to-implement valve specific lighting. In operation, the LED's 314 can provide visual indication that the valve or vending machine is being pulled by flashing or turning on or off during a predetermined sequence. Illustratively, the microcontroller 312 may include instructions to activate the light emitting diodes at set times and at set steps to attract consumers to the vending machine 100. Further deviations from this quality may include proximity sensor to light triggering instructions or displays when a portion of a proximity sensor is penetrated.

Although the preferred embodiment is shown as an illuminated vending machine 100, a non-illuminated embodiment may be implemented without the light emitting diodes 314, or with the circuit board 335 mounted using an alternative method. As shown in fig. 6a, the coil plate 335 may be mounted on a transparent cast plastic housing 336 with a label 334. This alternative arrangement provides a way to reduce the component count and manufacturing costs for a lighted vending machine.

The mounted touch panel assembly 200 can be mounted to a frame 205. The additions of block 205 further define the working area of the user panel 333. The box 205 configuration may be changed by changing the product and additives such as flavorings. Fig. 6b provides a sample of the frame 205 for the touch panel assembly 200 configuration of the vending machine 100. These examples can support 2, 3 or 4 brands with 3 other additives.

The touch panel assembly 200 is a stand-alone assembly that can be used to control solenoids separately or simultaneously. All of the drive field effect sensors (FET's) are part of the touch panel device 200; the touch panel device 200 thus controls the solenoid. Fig. 7 provides a diagram showing the touch panel assembly 200 with the a-frame 205 and the power source 420 and the electric solenoid 410 power source 420, in this preferred embodiment, providing 24 volts dc to drive the electric solenoid 410 and also, if desired, a 16 volt dc power source may be used to drive the light emitting diodes 314. The ability of the multiple touch panel 200 to be operated by the power source 420 will be disclosed in later paragraphs only if no other controls are required at the touch panel 200, synchronizing the illumination as such, and/or limiting the number of valves operating simultaneously.

The 9 solenoids 410 that can be controlled by the touch panel device 200 installed on the vending machine 100 are: brand 4, 3 flavors, 1 suda water (sparkling water) solenoid 410, and 1 white water (soft water) solenoid 410. The touch panel 200 is capable of simultaneously controlling 6 solenoids 410, including 1 brand, 3 flavors, and two solenoids 410, soda and white, to produce a "moderately carbonated" beverage. In most cases, however, only one or two flavor solenoids 410 can be used with one or more hydroelectric solenoids 410. Using this system provides a very simple one or two nozzle beverage dispensing unit, comprising 8 brands and 6 flavors, all powered by the power source 420. The additional cost and complexity associated with multiple nozzle controllers is avoided.

The vending machine 100 uses the touch panel assembly 200 to sense a touch on the panel and then activate the product valve solenoids 410 for soft drink dispensing. The touch panel assembly 200 is approximately 5 "x 5" in size and has nine different touch zones 501 to allow separate activation as shown in fig. 8. Contact area 501 is defined by 7 tracks 502 that fit over electrode plate 321. In the preferred embodiment, there is one sense die per trace; thus, the chip can be used to control multiple traces 502. When activated, trace 502 forms an electrode "sense" area 505 as shown in FIG. 8 a. Sensing region 505 may provide a more flexible configuration for user interface 333 due to the overlapping electrode "sensing" regions beyond 7, as shown in fig. 8a, which may establish 8 and 9 electrode "sensing" regions 506 and 507.

The 9 different contact areas 505, 506 and 507 have the flexibility to control 2, 3 or 4 different suda flavours, and 3 special or additional flavours, such as the vanilla, lemon or cherry flavour shown in figure 8 b. A larger contact area is typically used as the suda brand button 508 and a smaller oval area is typically used as the special or otherwise flavored and water button 509. A variety of configurations can be achieved by activating different contact plates.

Figure 8c shows the user interface with the device fully installed for 2, 3 or 4 flavour profiles in this preferred embodiment. The touch panel configuration in this disclosure is not limited to these identifications, as the design is flexible and can provide different touch sensitive areas and includes those touch panels depicted in FIG. 9.

In operation, a consumer can dispense multiple types of beverages from the same touch panel 200. As in the method flowchart shown in fig. 9 a. In step 2 the beverage that the consumer wishes to dispense from the vending machine 100 must place a cup under the drip trajectory of the requested nozzle. In step 3, the consumer has the choice as his next step. If the consumer desires a suda flavor, he proceeds to step 6 where he presses the continue desired flavor button 508. The microcontroller senses a touch on the touch panel and activates the suda/water and corresponding flavor solenoids at step 7. When the consumer is satisfied with the amount of beverage dispensed, he stops the pressure on the flavor contact plate, step 9, and the microcontroller also stops the activation of the solenoid 410, as shown in step 10. At which time the consumer will retrieve his beverage at step 11. If the consumer desires a beverage with a particular flavor, he depresses and releases 3 of the desired flavor buttons 509 as described in step 4. The microcontroller senses these touch steps 5 and waits until the consumer depresses the flavor button on the touch panel device 200. The consumer next touches and holds the desired flavor button 508 carrying the touch panel 200, step 6, where the microcontroller senses the touch, step 7, and activates the appropriate special flavor, syrup, and suda/water solenoid, step 8.

When the consumer is satisfied with the amount of beverage in the cup, he stops depressing the brand button 508, step 9. Step 10, where the microcontroller senses no contact and stops the activation of the solenoid. The consumer now obtains the beverage from the cup, step 11. The controlled beverage portion can also be dispensed using special flavor buttons 509, such as cup size indicators (one button for "small" size beverages, another for "medium" size beverages, and a third for "large" size beverages), or a button can be used as a fixed standard (not partially controlled, as described in the preceding paragraph), small, medium and large dispensing modes. The advantage of the rear structure will be the ability to achieve that different modes with up to two flavors added to a part of the controllable beverage (one to be used as part of the control switch) can be displayed with a special light sequence, as an example: not shown represents a standard dispense program, a "fast" flash (once every 0.25 seconds) can represent a small dispense program, a medium speed flash (once every half second) can represent a medium dispense, and a slow flash program (once every second) can represent a large dispense. This program can control each mode so that sufficient subsequent fixes return to the initial program

The vending machine 100 may operate using two different methods, referred to as being in "active" and "passive" modes. In the "active" mode, the software can determine which electrical solenoid is required for a particular flavor setting. In this scenario, there is no need to change software to change flavors, as the software will be able to automatically change configurations. In the "passive" mode, the user is able to define the configuration of the touch panel device 200 using software that manually distinguishes between the primary and secondary keys.

The touch panel 200 has an "a" side 701 and a "B" side 702 as shown in front view in fig. 10. Depending on installation or maintenance, the touch panel assembly 200 must be configured to define whether the "a" side 701 or the "B" side 702 will be used as a primary or secondary dispensing area, if reconfiguration is required. In the former configuration, the operator may prompt the vending machine 100 to display all of the vending machine 100 configurations currently in full blinking, such as primary or in order, such as two non-primary flavors. This feature may be embedded in the menu structure.

In the "passive" configuration mode, reconfiguration is accomplished by a software program as described in the method flow diagrams of fig. 10a and 10 b. An interactive step is provided as in 7a, including using a menu structure to manually configure the vending machine 100. In this step, the display and controller board is used to prompt the operator to select through the menu display. The operator selection menu is the "nozzle configuration" microcontroller which next prompts the operator to code by selecting a nozzle in step 16, as shown in step 15. The operator selects the nozzle number at step 17. The microcontroller next prompts the operator to select either the "A" or "B" side in step 18. In step 19, the "a" or "B" surface is then selected for configuration, and in step 20, the microcontroller next prompts the operator to select the contact areas 505, 506, 507 for configuration. The operator then configures the selected contact areas 505, 506, 507, step 21, and prompts the operator to configure for additional contact areas 505, 506, 507, step 23. If additional contact areas 505, 506, 507 are on the same contact pad then configuration is required and the microcontroller returns to step 20. If no further touch panel replacement is required, the microcontroller will move to step 24 and prompt the operator for additional nozzle configuration changes. If additional nozzle changes are required, the operator will next indicate "yes" and the microcontroller will return to step 16. If no other nozzles need to be configured, the microcontroller will next move to step 25 and push out the settings menu.

FIG. 10b provides a second method of primary or secondary brand configuration. The method begins with the special "A" surface 701 or "B" surface 702 being displayed as in step 52 for user selection of the microcontroller prompt for the side being configured. The user next selects one face of the touch panel apparatus 200 for configuration by touching one of the touch panels on the user interface at step 53. Once a face is selected, the microcontroller will display the primary (1) or secondary (2) brand configuration in step 54. The operator must now select "1" as the most important brand or "2" as the secondary brand in step 55.

If the operator selects the major brand, the microcontroller will go to step 56 and prompt the user for the location of the major brand. The operator will be required to touch the desired touch panel in step 57. At this point, the microcontroller will wait for a touch signal on the touch plate as shown in step 58. Or there is such a sign in the menu. The main brand will be assigned, steps 59 and 62, as soon as the touch pad 1 is touched or selected, and then assigned as soon as the touch pad 2 is touched in step 60, in accordance with the activation transmitted by the touch pad 1, in accordance with the activation on the touch pad 2. Finally, if the operator touches contact plate 1 and contact plate 2, as shown in steps 61 and 62, then the major brand will be assigned due to activation of contact plates 1 and 2.

Similarly, if the operator selects Secondary Brand 2 in step 55, the microcontroller will prompt the operator for the location of the Secondary Brand in step 63. The operator will touch a panel at step 64 and the microcontroller will look for a touch signal from the touch panel assembly 200 at step 65. As soon as the contact plate 1 is touched as shown in step 66, the vending machine will subsequently assign the secondary brand according to the activation transmitted from the contact plate 1 in step 69. As soon as touch panel 2 is touched in step 68, the secondary brand is assigned in accordance with the activation transmitted by touch panel 2 in step 71. Finally, if both contact pads, contact pad 1 and contact pad 2, are touched, the vending machine will not dispense anything as shown in steps 67 and 70.

Further operation requires that the vending machine configuration include a tread 334 disposed on the front of the frames s 205 of the major and minor brands. The placement of the pattern 334 generally occurs after the construction of the contact plate device 200 as shown in steps 52-71 and 15-25. In step 72 in fig. 10B, front pattern 205 must be moved to detach existing pattern 334 in step 73. If the touch panel assembly 200 is being reset, then the now pattern 334 must be moved. Step 74 provides for installation of a new pattern 334 with the appropriate primary or secondary brand pattern 205 installed. For secondary branding, the pattern 334 is set following the procedure described in steps 76-79. In the valve configuration, the front frame 205 must be moved to access the patterned installation area in step 76. If the operator is rebuilding, the existing tread 334 must be removed as shown in step 77. With either pattern 334 removed, the operator can now install a secondary brand of pattern 334 as described in step 78. Finally the operator will be asked to install a "dual mirror brand" box 205.

Fig. 10C provides a flow chart of a method of the device in active mode. Once the microcontroller is powered in step 80, a low voltage "sense" signal is displayed as either brand 1 or brand 2 on the A-side (FIG. 10) as shown in step 81. The low voltage induction signal will not activate the solenoid 410; they are dedicated to monitoring and construction purposes. In step 82, the microprocessor next determines how many sense signals can be accepted.

If no return sense is received from side A, the microprocessor continues to transmit a sense signal to (side B) brands 3 and 4, step 85. If a sensing is accepted, the touch pad is configured as the major brand step 83, and the microprocessor will next proceed to step 85 where it transmits a sensing signal to (B-side) brands 3 and 4. If the microprocessor receives two sensing signals as shown in step 84, the touch panel will be configured according to the secondary brand and the microprocessor will next proceed to step 85 where the microprocessor will begin communicating sensing signals to (B-side) brands 3 and 4. In step 86, the microprocessor evaluates the sensing signal to determine how to configure the touch panel device 200.

If only one sense signal is received, plane B is configured to the major brand as described in step 87 and then proceeds to step 89. If two sensing signals are received, the microprocessor configures side B as a secondary brand in step 88 and then proceeds to step 89. If no sense signal is received in step 86, the microprocessor moves to step 89 where it determines if brands 1 and 2 (side A) and brands 3 and 4 (side B) receive a zero reading corresponding to a sense signal output. If neither brand 1 or 2 (side A) nor brand 3 or 4 (side B) received a reading, the valve will be configured to be uninstalled in step 90 and will be followed to the next valve in step 92. If at least one signal is received in step 89, is the "no" answer "neither received? The microprocessor proceeds to step 91. If one of the two signals is not received in step 91, then there must be an electrical solenoid severed, or one wire broken, with the result that a "solenoid failure" message will be displayed in step 93. The microprocessor will next go to step 92 and next to another valve.

Regardless of the method used in the configuration, the operator will be required to provide the vending machine 100 with a pattern after the contact area is set. This setup procedure is the same as for the passive setup vending machine 100. At step 40 in fig. 10b, the front frame 205 must be removed to facilitate removal of the existing motif 334 as shown at step 41. If the touch panel assembly 200 is being reassembled, then the existing pattern 334 must be removed. Step 42 provides for next installing the appropriate primary or secondary deck frame 205 for installing the new pattern 334 as shown in step 43. For secondary branding, a motif 334 is established following that shown in steps 44 to 47.

With the valve assembly completed, the front frame 205 must be removed to access the tread mounting area as in step 44. If the operator is reassembling, the existing motif 334 must be removed as shown in step 45. With either pattern removed, the operator can now install the secondary brand pattern 334 as shown in step 46. Finally the operator will be required to install the "Dual mirror Brand" box 205 as described in step 47.

Another embodiment of the invention may include multiple touch panels-the establishment of individual controls 800 as shown in fig. 11. In this case, the multi-panel controller 801 is connected to the energy supply 420 and the various touch panel devices 200. The touch panel assembly 200, in turn, is connected to a plurality of solenoids 410 to provide a uniform distribution arrangement. According to this form of arrangement, the multi-panel controller 801 is capable of monitoring and controlling the operation of the touch panel to optimize dispensing functions or other operations including valve details or a wide lighting program for the vending machine 100. The multi-panel controller 801, typically, limits the number of simultaneous occurrences of two beverages in order to confirm adequate cold plate performance. The multi-panel controller 801 may also control the vending machine 100 for detailed operations including ice control, carbonator probe and ice agitation.

Due to the modularity of the foregoing system, the vending machine 100 may be simplified to an energy source 420 and touch panel assembly 200 cooperating therewith to control an individual nozzle tower vending machine. When utilizing the multiple touch panel-to-individual controller 800 approach, the electronic arrangement allows the same multiple panel controller 801 to be used here as if the same touch panel assembly 200 were in varying numbers, four for 16 flavor dispensers, five for 20 flavor dispensers, and so on. Advantages of further modules include simplifying the hardware associated with the dispensing head nozzle. In the modular mechanism, the same components can be reused, thus reducing overhead and inventory in a production environment.

While the invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, such description is for illustrative purposes only. Many modifications, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is therefore not to be limited by any of the foregoing detailed description, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (2)

1. A method for promoting a selection area of a brand user interface, comprising:

a. providing a touch panel device comprising a first brand area comprising a first electrode track forming a first electrode area and a second brand area comprising a second electrode track forming a second electrode area;

b. assigning a first brand area to the brand, wherein identifying the discontinuity in the first electrode area of the first electrode track is a selection of the brand for distribution; and

c. assigning a second brand area to the brand, wherein identifying the discontinuity in the second electrode area of the second electrode track is a selection of the brand for distribution, thereby increasing the selection area for the brand.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame is mounted on the touch panel assembly over the first brand area and the second brand area to display the brand.