WO2015035369A1

WO2015035369A1 - Dispensing system, including for dispensing flavored coffee syrups

Info

Publication number: WO2015035369A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/054739
Authority: WO
Inventors: David L. Phillips; Robert W. King; David S. WEBBER
Original assignee: Flow Control LLC
Current assignee: Flow Control LLC
Priority date: 2013-09-09
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-09

Abstract

A dispensing system for dispensing flavored liquids, e.g., flavored coffee syrups, featuring a signal processor in combination with a flavored liquid dispenser system. The signal processor is configured to receive signaling containing information about a flavored liquid selected from a plurality of flavors and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected. The flavored liquid dispenser system is configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected.

Description

DISPENSING SYSTEM, INCLUDING

FOR DISPENSING FLAVORED COFFEE SYRUPS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims benefit to provisional patent application serial no.

61 /875,316 (91 1 -005.073-1 //F-FLJ-X0007), filed 9 September 2013, which is incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing system; and more particularly to a dispensing system for dispensing flavored coffee syrups.

2. Description of Related Art

Currently, flavored syrups, including those for flavored coffee, are dispensed via hand pumps. By way of example, Figure 1 A show such a known pump handle.

As an example, currently vendors selling flavored coffees use these pump handles that are installed onto the syrup bottles and then pumped by hand. These items are typically stored back on the counter to allow for more room in the front for working, or suspended from a tray in the front of a machine. In either case, they are either in the way or out of easy reach. See Figure 1 B for such a placement. Drink quality is also arbitrary and based upon the user's ability to accurately repeat each "plunge" of the pump handle.

In view of this, there is a need in the industry for a better way to dispenser flavored syrups. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, apparatus, such as a dispensing system for dispensing flavored liquids, e.g., flavored coffee syrups, featuring a signal processor in combination with a flavored liquid dispenser system. The signal processor, including one forming part of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), is configured to receive signaling containing information about a flavored liquid selected from a plurality of flavors and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected. The flavored liquid dispenser system is configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected.

By way of example, the dispensing system may include one or more of the following features:

The corresponding signaling may contain information to turn on one or more pumps for one or more corresponding set periods of time for providing the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected from a container having the flavored liquid selected to a dispenser head for dispensing.

The flavored liquid dispenser system may include a dispenser head configured to receive user selection inputs containing information about some combination of the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected, and provide the signaling received by the signal processor.

The dispenser head may include a corresponding dispense signal processor configured to receive the user selection inputs and provide the signaling received by the signal processor. The dispenser head may include flavor indicators for providing visual information about the flavored liquid to be selected, and corresponding quantity selectors, each flavor indicator corresponding a respective plurality of quantity selectors.

The signal processor may be configured as, or form part of, a printed circuit board assembly for implementing pump control functionality associated with some combination of pump load sensing or visual indicator alerts for a user.

The pump control functionality may include turning one or more pumps on/off and/or providing a visual indicator alert if no pump load is sensed so that a user can replace the flavored liquid in a container and prime or reset a pump associated with the container.

The apparatus may include a vendor interface system configured to receive vendor input signaling from a vendor's ordering system containing information about some combination of a customer order no., the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected, and provide the signaling received by the signal processor.

The vendor interface system may include a user interface touch screen terminal configured to receive the vendor input signaling and display graphical user information containing information about the customer order number, the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected.

The touch screen terminal may be configured to respond to the graphical user information being touched, and provide the corresponding signaling received by the flavored liquid dispenser system.

The signal processor may be configured to determine the corresponding signaling based at least partly on running algorithms containing pre-programmed recipes. The pre-programmed recipes may include recipes for more than one pump to be activated at the same time or in a specific order in order to provide more than one flavor or a combined flavor. In effect, some flavors may include a combination of syrups pumped from a combination of containers.

The flavored liquid dispenser system may include a dispenser head having buttons to receive user selection inputs, including touch sensitive buttons.

The flavor dispenser system may include a dispenser head having a visual display for providing the fl.avored liquid selected and quantity selected.

The signal processor may be configured to sense current in relation to the pump, run a dry run protection algorithm and provide associated alert signaling when the coffee flavored liquid selected has been exhausted in the container.

The signal processor may be configured to sense when the coffee flavored liquid selected has been replenished, and run a priming algorithm to add a priming time to a dispense cycle.

The signal processor may be configured, or form part of, a pump controller.

The flavored dispensing system may include pumps, each configured to respond to the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected from a respective container to a dispensing head.

The flavored liquid selected may be coffee syrup, as well as other flavored beverage syrups.

The Method

According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a method for dispensing liquids, including flavored coffee syrups, featuring steps for providing a dispense head that has selectors associated with liquids, including flavored coffee syrups, and that has liquid lines coupled to output ports of pumps which have input ports coupled to draw tubes arranged in containers filled with the flavored coffee syrups; and dispensing a selected flavored coffee syrup from the dispense head by pressing a selector associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup.

The method may include manual dispensing by a user of the selected flavored coffee syrup from the dispense head by pressing the selector associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup in order to open a flavored coffee syrup line and pump the selected flavored coffee syrup as long as the flavored coffee syrup line is open, and by releasing the selector in order to close the flavored coffee syrup line so the flow will stop.

The method may include utilizing a printed circuit board assembly to sense current and provide a run-dry condition in the pumps to alert the user that a flavored coffee syrup has been exhausted in a container and also to shut down a pump associated with the container.

The method may include selected dispensing by a user utilizing a printed circuit board assembly in the dispense head to allow a user to select a quantity of the selected flavored coffee syrup to be dispensed, based at least partly on preset values entered at a setup

The method may include sending from the printed circuit board assembly in the dispense head signaling to a pump controller printed circuit board assembly to turn a pump associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup ON for a set period of time. The method may include automatic dispensing utilizing an interface having a printed circuit board assembly that receives signaling containing an order number and information related to what will be dispensed from a vendor's order input system.

The method may include displaying on a touch screen the order number and information related to what will be dispensed for selecting by the user, so that the user can place a cup under the dispense head that automatically dispenses based on pre-programmed recipes associated with the flavored coffee syrups.

Apparatus for Dispensing Liquids

According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of apparatus for dispensing liquids featuring a signal processor configured to receive signaling containing information about a liquid selected from a plurality of liquids and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the liquid selected in the quantity selected; and a liquid dispenser system configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the liquid selected in the quantity selected. The corresponding signaling may contain information to turn on a pump for a set period of time for providing the liquid selected in the quantity selected from a container having the liquid selected to a dispenser head for dispensing. The apparatus may also be configured to inbclude one or more of the other features set forth herein.

Brief Summary

In summary, the present invention addresses some of the shortcomings in the prior art device in Figures 1 A and 1 B on several fronts, productivity, ergonomics and drink quality. By using pump technology and dispensing technology to accurately and easily dispense the liquids, the user does not have to lean, stretch or reach to dispense the flavors. The unit can be placed back on the counter and away from the work surface and the dispenser would be near the edge and the user can pick the dispenser and select the flavor needed and dispense it.

BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawing includes Figures 1 -7, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, which are briefly described as follows:

Figure 1 A is a photograph of a current pump handle for providing a flavored coffee syrup, e.g., having a pump head attached to a container having the flavored coffee syrup, according to that which is known in the art.

Figure 1 B is a photograph of a current setup showing current pump handles, like that shown in Figure 1 A, arranged on a counter with a coffee machine and gallons of milk, etc., according to that which is known in the art.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system configured to implement functionality according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 includes Figures 3A and 3B, where Figure 3A shows a dispenser for providing flavored coffee syrup, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and where Figure 3B a block diagram of a system based upon a manual dispensing of the flavored coffee syrup using the dispenser in Figure 3A, e.g., by a user manually holding down a flavor selector on the dispenser for a period of time, also according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 includes Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, where Figure 4A shows a dispenser for providing a flavored coffee syrup, according to some embodiments of the present invention; where Figure 4B a block diagram of a system based upon a user selected dispensing of the flavored coffee syrup using the dispenser in Figure 4A, e.g., by a user selecting a quantity selector under a flavor to be selected on the dispenser, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and where Figure 4C is a block diagram of a flowchart of a method having steps for implementing the system in Figure 4B, also according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5 includes Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, where Figure 5A shows a dispenser for providing a flavored coffee syrup, according to some embodiments of the present invention; where Figure 5B a block diagram of a system based upon an automatic dispensing of a flavored coffee syrup using the dispenser in Figure 5A, e.g., by a user reviewing an order on a touch screen, selecting the order and placing a cup under the dispenser in Figure 5A, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and where Figure 5C is a block diagram of a flowchart of a method having steps for implementing the system in Figure 5B, also according to some

embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram of a prototype unit having pumps, containers with flavored coffee syrup, and a dispenser, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a signal processor configured to implement the signal processing functionality according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Not every element in every Figure is labeled with a lead line and reference numeral, so as to reduce clutter in the drawing. DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

Figure 2: The Basic system

By way of example, Figure 2 shows a basic diagram of four main components that may be configured according to some embodiment of the present invention, including a dispenser 12, one or more pumps 14, a liquid enclosure or container 16 and a control 1 8, briefly described as follows:

Dispenser 1 2: The dispenser or dispense method may include, or be based on, using an existing dispenser technology such as Wunderbar's Bargun

(http ://www. wu nderbar. co m/) or Schroeder's Bargun

(http://schroederamerica.com/products.htmi), as well as using a handheld dispenser having a new and unique printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), consistent with that set forth herein. For example, handheld dispensers like that shown in Figure 3A for dispensing liquids are known, e.g., for dispensing soda, seltzer, water, etc.

Alternatively, handheld dispenser like that shown in Figures 4A and 5A for dispensing liquids, e.g., using such a PCBA, like that developed and disclosed herein, may also be used, consistent with that set forth herein.

Pump 14: The pump 14 can be air operated or electrical in nature. The pump 14 can be any type of pump from known positive displacement to centrifugal, as well as to future pump technologies. Pumps for dispensing liquids are known in the art, including pumps for doing so in response to control signaling; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

Liquid Enclosure 16: - The liquid to be dispensed may be contained in the liquid enclosure/containers 1 6. Liquid enclosures for dispensing liquids are known in the art, including via pumping; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

Control 1 8: The control may be implemented using one or more signal processors, including one forming part of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), e.g., to control the pumps and/or a PCBA related to the dispenser, which may be either a touchpad or other touch sensitive technique/means including that now known or later developed in the future. The pump controller PCBA, like elements 45 and 55 below, may be configured to utilize current sensing to monitor the flow of the pump, timing to determine the dispense time and other circuitry as needed. The manual unit disclosed in relation to Figure 3 below does not utilize this feature PCBA-related functionality.

By way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, at least three variations, consistent with that set forth below: Figure 3: Manual Dispense

In summary, Figure 3 shows an example of an embodiment that may include pumps, a dispense apparatus and a set up for containers, where Figure 3A shows a manual dispenser 38, and Figure 3B shows a basic manual dispense configuration or system 30. Fluid containers may be constrained in the overall unit with draw tubes arranged in the containers.

By way of example, and consistent with that shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the manual dispense configuration or system 30 may include the dispenser 38 having selectors 38a, including 38a1 , 38a2, 38a3, 38a8, e.g. corresponding to different flavors of the liquid to be dispensed, e.g., including a flavored coffee syrup, as shown in Figure 3A. The dispenser 38 may be configured in relation to, or form part of the system 30, shown in Figure 3B, including one or more pumps 32a, 32b, 32c; a power supply 34 for providing power or air to the one or more pumps as required; and container 36a, 36b, 36c having the liquid therein.

In operation, in response to a user pressing a selector, one or more of the pumps 32a, 32b, 32c may draw liquid from one or more of the containers 36a, 36b, 36c via liquid lines 36a', 36b', 36c', and pump drawn liquid from one or more of the pumps 32a, 32b, 32c as an output pumped to the dispenser 38 via liquid lines 32a', 32b', 32c'. Air may be returned to the one or more of the containers 36a, 36b, 36c as indicated by reference numeral 36a".

In effect, the user would pick the dispenser up from its location and then select on the dispenser the flavor that is to be dispensed. The user then would push the appropriate button, this would open the flavor line and the pump would begin to pump the flavor as long as the line was open. Upon releasing the button, the line will close and the flow will stop. The user will be able to visually see when the container is empty, then replace the container with a full unit, and then use the dispenser to prime the system. The user would be able to better control the flow of the syrup and this would improve the consistency and quality of the output of the syrup selected.

The present inventors are not aware (which has been confirmed by an independent patentability search) of a dispensing of flavored coffee syrups using such a dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 3, e.g., instead of the system set forth in Figures 1 A and 1 B, which is very inefficient. In view of this, it is believed that the dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 3 provides an important contribution to the state of the art. Figure 4: User Selected Dispense

In summary, Figure 4 shows an example of an embodiment for a user selected dispenser, where Figure 4A shows an example of a disperser 48, Figure 4B shows an example of a block diagram of a user selected dispense system 40, and Figure 4C shows an example of a flow chart 49 of a method having steps 49a, 49b, 49c, 49j for implementing the user selected dispense system 40.

By way of example, and consistent with that shown in Figures 4, 4A, 4B and 4C, the user selected dispense configuration or system 40 may include the dispenser 48 having flavor indicators 48a1 , 48a2, 48a3, 48a8, e.g. corresponding to different flavors of the liquid to be dispensed, including a flavored coffee syrup, as shown in Figure 4A. The dispenser 48 may include quantity selectors, generally indicated as 48b, which is shown to include four (4) different quantities associated with each flavor indicator 48b1 , 48b2, 48b3, 48b4. By way of example, the four (4) different quantities may include 25% (x), 50% (2x), 75% (3x) and 100% (4x), although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular number of different quantities associated with each flavor indicator 48a1 , 48a2, 48a3, 48a8, or any particular amount or quantity dispensed. For example, embodiments are envisioned having the five (5) different quantities that may include 20% (χ'), 40% (2χ'), 60% (3χ'), 80% (4χ') and 1 00% (5χ').

The dispenser 48 also may be configured with a PCBA 48c, e.g., configured to respond to user selection inputs containing information about the flavor and quantity selected, and provide associated signaling containing information about the same, e.g., including in order to implement the functionality set forth in Figure 4C.

The dispenser 48 may be configured in relation to, or form part of the system 40, shown in Figure 4B, including one or more pumps 42a, 42b, 42c; a power supply 44 for providing power (e.g., electrical) or air to the one or more pumps as required; a PCBA 45 may also be configured for controlling the pumping, as well as for pump sensing and providing a visual indicator; and one or more containers 46a, 46b, 46c having the liquid therein. The PCBA 45 may be in the form of, or form part of, the control 1 8 shown in Figure 2, consistent with that set forth herein.

In operation, in response to a user pressing a quantity selector associated with one of the flavors, one or more of the pumps 42a, 42b, 42c may draw liquid from one or more of the containers 46a, 46b, 34c via liquid lines 46a', 46b', 46c', and pump drawn liquid from one or more of the pumps 42a, 42b, 42c as an output to the dispenser 48 via liquid lines 42a', 42b', 42c'. Air may be returned to the one or more of the containers 46a, 46b, 46c as indicated by reference numeral 46a".

By way of example, the user selected dispense system 40 in Figure 4 is the similar to that set forth in relation to Figure 3 with the following differences.

In effect, the user selected dispense system 40 may utilize the PCBA 45 to sense current and provide a run-dry condition detection to alert the user that the liquid has been exhausted and also to shut one or more pumps 42a, 42b, 42c down in the event of the liquid therein has been exhausted. The dispense head 48 has the dispense PCBA 48c (see step 49e in Figure 4C) configured to allow the user to select the quantity of the liquid to be dispensed, e.g., based on preset values entered at the setup of the system. See Figure 4A and 5A. The dispense PCBA may send associated signaling with information about a user selection to a pump controller PCBA (see step 49f in Figure 4C) to turn the pumps on for a set period of time. Then the system will shut the associated pump 42a, 42b, 42c off. The system may alert the user when the liquid has been exhausted, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 49h, 49h1 , 49h2, etc. in Figure 4C. When the liquid has been replenished in the one or more containers 46a, 46b, 46c, the user may depress an appropriate quantity to be dispensed and then add (or factor in) a priming time to the dispense cycle, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 49h3, 49h4, etc. in Figure 4C.

When the PCBA 45 senses the load the pump is ran a predetermined period to allow the line to fill then the dispense time is completed and the pump is turned off, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 49h7, 49i, 49j, etc. in Figure 4C.

The present inventors are not aware (which has also been confirmed by the independent patentability search) of a dispensing of flavored coffee syrups using such a dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 4, e.g., instead of the system set forth in Figures 1 A and 1 B, which is very inefficient. In view of this, it is believed that the dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 4 provides an important contribution to the state of the art.

Figure 5: Automatic Dispenser System

In summary, Figure 5 shows an example of an embodiment for an automatic dispenser system, where Figure 5A shows an example of an automatic disperser 58, Figure 5B shows an example of a block diagram of the automatic dispenser system 50, and Figure 5C shows an example of a flow chart 59 of a method having steps 59a, 59b, 59c, 59j for implementing the automatic dispenser system 50.

By way of example, and consistent with that shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the automatic dispenser system 50 may include the dispenser 58 having flavor selectors/indicators generally indicated as 58a, e.g. corresponding to different flavors of the liquid to be selected and/or dispensed, including a flavored coffee syrup, as shown in Figure 5A. The dispenser 58 may include quantity selectors/indicators 58b1 , 58b2, 58b3, 58b4, e.g., which are shown to include four (4) different quantities associated with a flavor selected. By way of example, the four (4) different quantities may include 25% (x), 50% (2x), 75% (3x) and 100% (4x), although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular number of different quantities associated with the flavor indicator 58a selected, or any particular amount or quantity dispensed. For example, embodiments are envisioned having the five (5) different quantity indicators that may include 20% (x), 40% (2x), 60% (3x) , 80% (4x) and 100% (5x). The dispenser 58 also may be configured with a PCBA 58c, e.g., configured to respond to associated signaling containing information about the flavor and quantities selected, and provide associated signaling containing information about the same, e.g., including in order to implement the functionality set forth in Figure 5C. By way of example, the flavor selector/indicator 58a may indicate the flavor of the liquid being selected and/or dispensed, including the flavored coffee syrup, and the quantity selectors/indicators 58b1 , 58b2, 58b3, 58ab4 may indicate the quantity of the liquid being selected and/or dispensed. When the system 50 operates automatically, the flavor selectors/indicators 58a and quantity

selectors/indicators 58b1 , 58b2, 58b3, 58b4 may simply light to indicate the flavor and quantity of the liquid being dispensed, e.g., based on respective signaling received from the PCBA 58c. However, alternative embodiments are also envisioned, wherein the automatic dispensing system 50 may be configured with the dispenser 58 being used in a user selected dispenser mode, such as the dispenser 48, where the user selects the flavor and quantity to be dispensed, e.g., based on the ordering information displayed on the user interface display 57b.

The dispenser 58 may be configured in relation to, or form part of the system 50, shown in Figure 5B, including one or more pumps 52a, 52b, 52c; a power supply 54 for providing power or air to the one or more pumps as required; a PCBA 55 configured for pump sensing ; and one or more containers 56a, 56b, 56c having the liquid therein. The system 50 may also be configured to receive a data input 57 from a vendor order processing computer 57a via a line 57a' to a user interface display 57b via a line 57'. Associated signaling containing information about the data input module 57 and related user interface display data may be provided to the PCBA 55 via a line 57b'.

By way of example, the automatic system 50 in Figure 5 is the similar to that set forth in relation to Figure 4 with the following differences.

The automatic system or unit 50 may utilize the PCBA 55 to sense current and provide a run-dry condition detection to alert the user that the liquid has been exhausted and also to shut the one or more pumps 52a, 52b, 52c down in the event of the liquid being exhausted. The unit 50 may be configured with the interface 57b that is in communication with the vendor's order input system, like the computer 57a (see also step 59d2 in Figure 5C), and will take the order number and order information and relay or provide that to the user to let them know what will be dispensed. The order number and order info may be displayed on a touch screen and the user then may select the order number and places a cup under the dispense head 58 and the unit 50 can automatically dispense the liquid selected in the quantity selected based on pre-programmed recipes. When the unit 50 completes the dispensing of the order the system will shut the one or more pumps 52a, 52b, 52c off. The system 50 may be configured to alert the user when the liquid has been exhausted, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 59h, 59h1 , etc. in Figure 5C. When the user resets the unit 50 on the user interface 57b (see steps 59h2, 59h3, 59h4 in Figure 5C), e.g., one or more times, the unit 50 will prime the pump and then shut off, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 59i, 59j, etc. in Figure 5C. Then the user can start the process over as required, e.g., consistent with that set forth in steps 59d5, 59d6, etc. in Figure 5C.

By way of further example, alternative embodiments are envisioned wherein the automatic dispensing system 50 may be configured with a user selected dispenser, such as the dispenser 48, where the user selects the flavor and quantity, e.g., based on the ordering information displayed on the user interface display 57b.

The present inventors are not aware (which has also been confirmed by the independent patentability search) of a dispensing of flavored coffee syrups using such a dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 5, e.g., instead of the system set forth in Figures 1 A and 1 B, which is very inefficient. In view of this, it is believed that the dispensing system as that set forth in Figure 4 provides an important contribution to the state of the art.

Figure 7: The Basic Invention

By way of example, Figure 7 shows the present invention in the form of apparatus 100, e.g., having a signal processor or signal processing control module 102 in combination with a liquid dispensing system 104.

The signal processor or signal processing control module 1 02 may be configured at least to receive signaling containing information about a flavored liquid selected from a plurality of flavors and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected, consistent with that set forth herein. The signal processor or signal processing control module 102 may include, or form part of, the control 1 8, e.g., shown in Figure 2. The signal processor or signal processing control module 102 may include, or form part of, e.g., the PCBA 45 (Figure 4B) or 55 (Figure 5B), although embodiments are envisioned and the scope of the invention is intended to include the PCBA 48c and 45 in Figures 4A and 4B, as well as the PCBA 58c and 55 in Figures 5A and 5B, forming one integrated PBCA for either embodiment.

The flavored liquid dispenser system 104 may be configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected, consistent with that set forth herein. The flavored liquid dispenser system 104 may include, or form part of, the dispenser 1 2, e.g., shown in Figure 2. The flavored liquid dispenser system 104 may include the pumps 42a, 42b, 42c; 52a, 52b, 52c and/or dispensers 48 or 58 and/or the user interface display 57b, etc.

The scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor or signal processing control module 102 as a stand alone module or processor, as well as signal processor or signal processing control module 1 02 forming part of a PCBA, or as part of some other signal processing module, etc.

Signal Processor 102

By way of example, and consistent with that described herein, the functionality of the signal processor, device or module 102 may be implemented to receive the signaling, process the signaling therein and/or provide the corresponding signaling, e.g., using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof. In a typical software implementation, the signal processor, device or module 102, may include, or take the form of, one or more microprocessor-based

architectures having a microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), input/output devices and control, data and address busing architecture connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation to perform the functionality set forth herein, as well as other functionality described herein without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include a signal processor as either part of the aforementioned apparatus, as a stand alone module, or in the combination with other components and/or circuitry for implementing another module.

By way of example, techniques for receiving signaling in such a signal processor, device, module 102 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand and be able to implement and/or adapt the signal processor, device, module 102 without undue experimentation so as to receive the signaling containing information about a flavored liquid selected from a plurality of flavors and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, consistent with that set forth herein.

Techniques for determining one type of signaling based upon, or from, another type signaling received are also known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand and be able to implement and/or adapt the signal processor, device, module 102 without undue experimentation so as to determine corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected, e.g., based upon the signaling received, consistent with that set forth herein.

Techniques for providing signaling from a signal processor such as module 102 are also known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future. Based on this understanding, a person skilled in the art would appreciate, understand and be able to implement and/or adapt the signal processor, device, module 102 without undue experimentation so as to provide the corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected, consistent with that set forth herein.

It is also understood that the apparatus 1 00 may include one or more other modules, components, processing circuits, or circuitry 104 for implementing other functionality associated with the underlying apparatus that does not form part of the underlying invention, and thus is not described in detail herein. By way of example, the one or more other modules, components, processing circuits, or circuitry may include random access memory, read only memory, input/output circuitry and data and address buses for use in relation to implementing the signal processing functionality of the signal processor, or devices or components, etc. List of Possible Applications:

Possible applications may include using the present invention in conjunction with any dispensing of liquids, not limited per se to flavored syrups or flavored coffee syrups. For example, this could include using the present invention in conjunction with dispensing oils, e.g., at an automotive parts store, etc. The Scope of the Invention

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, may modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . Apparatus for dispensing liquids, including flavored coffee syrups, comprising:

a signal processor configured to receive signaling containing information about a flavored liquid selected from a plurality of flavors and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected; and a flavored liquid dispenser system configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the corresponding signaling contains information to turn on one or more pumps for one or more corresponding set periods period of time for providing the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected from a container having the flavored liquid selected to a dispenser head for dispensing.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flavored liquid dispenser system comprises a dispenser head configured to receive user selection inputs containing information about some combination of the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected, and provide the signaling received by the signal processor.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the dispenser head comprises ; corresponding dispense signal processor configured to receive the user selection inputs and provide the signaling received by the signal processor.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the dispenser head comprises flavor indicators for providing visual information about the flavored liquid to be selected, and corresponding quantity selectors, each flavor indicator corresponding a respective plurality of quantity selectors.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured as, or forms part of, a printed circuit board assembly for implementing pump control functionality associated with some combination of pumping flavored liquid, or pump load sensing, or visual indicator alerts for a user.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pump control functionality includes turning one or more pumps on/off and/or providing a visual indicator alert if no pump load is sensed so that a user can replace the flavored liquid in a container and prime or reset a pump associated with the container.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a vendor interface system configured to receive vendor input signaling from a vendor's ordering system containing information about some combination of a customer order no., the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected, and provide the signaling received by the signal processor.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the vendor interface system comprises a user interface touch screen terminal configured to receive the vendor input signaling and display graphical user information containing information about the customer order number, the flavored liquid selected or the quantity selected.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the touch screen terminal is configured to respond to the graphical user information being touched, and provide the corresponding signaling received by the flavored liquid dispenser system.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured to determine the corresponding signaling based at least partly on running algorithms containing pre-programmed recipes.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the pre-programmed recipes include recipes for more than one pump to be activated at the same time or in a specific order in order to provide more than one flavor or a combined flavor.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flavored liquid dispenser system comprises a dispenser head having buttons to receive user selection inputs, including touch sensitive buttons.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flavor dispenser system comprises a dispenser head having a visual display for providing the flavored liquid selected and quantity selected.

15. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the signal processor is configured to sense current in relation to the pump, run a dry run protection algorithm and provide associated alert signaling when the coffee flavored liquid selected has been exhausted.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured to sense when the coffee flavored liquid selected has been replenished, and run a priming algorithm to add a priming time to a dispense cycle.

17. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured, or forms part of, a pump controller.

18. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flavored dispensing system comprises pumps, each configured to respond to the corresponding signaling and provide the flavored liquid selected in the quantity selected to a dispensing head.

19. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flavored liquid selected is coffee syrup.

20. A method for dispensing liquids, including flavored coffee syrups, comprising:

providing a dispense head that has selectors associated with liquids, including flavored coffee syrups, and that has liquid lines coupled to output ports of pumps which have input ports coupled to draw tubes arranged in containers filled with the flavored coffee syrups; and

dispensing a selected flavored coffee syrup from the dispense head by pressing a selector associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup.

21 . A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises manual dispensing by a user of the selected flavored coffee syrup from the dispense head by pressing the selector associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup in order to open a flavored coffee syrup line and pump the selected flavored coffee syrup as long as the flavored coffee syrup line is open, and by releasing the selector in order to close the flavored coffee syrup line so the flow will stop.

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises utilizing a printed circuit board assembly to sense current and provide a run-dry condition in the pumps to alert the user that a flavored coffee syrup has been exhausted in a container and also to shut down a pump associated with the container.

23. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises selected dispensing by a user utilizing a printed circuit board assembly in the dispense head to allow a user to select a quantity of the selected flavored coffee syrup to be dispensed, based at least partly on preset values entered at a setup

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the method comprises sending from the printed circuit board assembly in the dispense head signaling to a pump controller printed circuit board assembly to turn a pump associated with the selected flavored coffee syrup ON for a set period of time.

25. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises automatic dispensing utilizing an interface having a printed circuit board assembly that receives signaling containing an order number and information related to what will be dispensed from a vendor's order input system.

26. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises displaying on a touch screen the order number and information related to what will be dispensed for selecting by the user, so that the user can place a cup under the dispense head that automatically dispenses based on pre-programmed recipes associated with the flavored coffee syrups.

27. Apparatus for dispensing liquids comprising:

a signal processor configured to receive signaling containing information about a liquid selected from a plurality of liquids and a quantity selected from a plurality of quantities, and provide corresponding signaling containing information to dispense the liquid selected in the quantity selected; and

a liquid dispenser system configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide the liquid selected in the quantity selected.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the corresponding signaling contains information to turn on a pump for a set period of time for providing the liquid selected in the quantity selected from a container having the liquid selected to a dispenser head for dispensing.