RU2336223C2 - Device for discharging beverage made out of liquid concentrate/extract with replaceable cartridge with concentrate/extract - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food products.

SUBSTANCE: device comprises housing with discharge zone. Pump and control valve are connected to the source of diluent subject to discharging in discharge zone. The housing comprises cartridge intake zone and discharging executive mechanism. Cartridge with concentrate/extract is remotely placed into the cartridge intake zone in the position to be actuated by the discharging executive mechanism. Cartridge with concentrate/extract is designed for retaining the concentrate/extract and is fitted with outlet for discharging it to the discharge zone after cartridge with concentrate/extract is placed to the cartridge intake zone. The housing is fitted with a controller to regulate the executive mechanism for discharging concentrate/extract out of the cartridge. Method of discharging the chosen beverage made out of concentrate/extract and diluent is proposed as well.

EFFECT: invention ensures easy-to-use and simple method of mixing and discharging beverages from single device.

47 cl, 24 dwg

Description

This invention relates to a beverage dispensing device that dispenses a beverage prepared from a diluent such as water and a liquid concentrate or beverage extract.

Known devices for dispensing drinks for preparing drinks from a liquid concentrate or extract. In one prior art solution, a pressurized can of liquid beverage concentrate / extract is located inside a pitcher-shaped device having a mechanism for discharging a predetermined amount of liquid concentrate / extract from a pressurized can in a beverage mixing chamber. The heated liquid reservoir is located at the bottom of the boiler, and the heated liquid is forcibly directed upward into the mixing chamber, in which a mixed drink is formed in the device before bottling. This device has several disadvantages due to the complexity of the dispensing mechanism and the need to clean the mixing chamber in the device after each use. It is also known to supply the coffee machine with shelf-stable liquid coffee concentrate / extract. The liquid coffee concentrate / extract is poured into the reservoir of the coffee brewing apparatus, and a predetermined amount of the concentrate / extract is transferred from the reservoir to the brewing chamber, in which it is mixed with heated water before being dispensed into a drinking container or jug. Although this device eliminates the need for coffee filters and coffee grinding, and also ensures the use of a liquid concentrate / extract suitable for long-term storage, the entire machine must be cleaned after use, because the concentrate / extract is poured into the coffee machine before being dispensed into the brewing chamber in the car. In addition to this, one cannot switch the type of dispensed beverage in a simple and convenient manner.

Also known is a system for preparing beverages from dry beverage material and hot water from a pressurized source. The beverage material is provided in an airtight cartridge, and the device punctures the airtight cartridge and injects hot pressurized water into the cartridge to infuse the beverage from the beverage material. A carousel device may be provided that allows the user to select one of several different beverage cartridges. However, the disadvantage of this device is that the remainder of the previous drink remains in the hot water injection zone under pressure, as well as in the funnel located behind it, which directs the drink into the user's cup.

It is desirable to create a more convenient and simple way of mixing and dispensing drinks of various types from a single device for dispensing drinks in a convenient and pleasant way for the user, as well as without the need to clean the dispensing device when the user wants to replace the type of dispensed beverage. It is also desirable to provide an opportunity for a user to select a beverage strength from several choices so as to satisfy a user's preferences. It is also desirable to provide a beverage dispenser that does not cause excessive loss of concentrate / extract and allows the user to choose from several types of drinks and choose from several sizes of beverage containers, such as a coffee mug or disposable cups having different sizes, while providing the desired fortress drink.

Essentially, in a first embodiment, the invention provides a device for dispensing a beverage into a container. This device includes a housing having a delivery zone. The pump and control valve are connected to a source of diluent to be dispensed in the dispensing zone. The cartridge receiving area and the dispensing actuator are located in the housing. The cartridge with the concentrate / extract is made with the possibility of reintroducing the cartridge into the receiving zone in the position to be actuated by the dispensing actuator, while the cartridge with the concentrate / extract is adapted to hold the concentrate / extract of the drink and includes an opening for dispensing the concentrate / extract of the drink into the dispensing zone after placing the cartridge with the concentrate / extract in the area of receipt of the cartridge. A controller is located in the housing for controlling the actuator for dispensing the concentrate / extract from the cartridge and controlling the pump or control valve for dispensing the diluent so that the concentrate / extract and diluent are dispensed into the dispensing zone. A method for dispensing a selected beverage prepared from a concentrate / extract and diluent is also provided.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a concentrate / extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate / extract and diluent. The cartridge includes a hollow housing for holding the liquid concentrate / extract and an opening for dispensing the liquid concentrate / extract. The pump device is connected to the hollow body to dispense liquid concentrate / extract from the hollow body through the specified hole. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate / extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate / extract cartridge is also provided.

For a better understanding of the above essence of the invention below is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view on the right of the device for dispensing drinks according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 is a left side perspective view of the device for dispensing the drinks of figure 1, in the charging position of the cartridge;

figa is a side view in partial section of a device for dispensing drinks according to figure 1;

figv - front view in partial cross section of the device for dispensing drinks according to Fig.1;

figure 3 is a front view of the mechanism for issuing the concentrate in figure 1;

figa - cross section of the mechanism for issuing a concentrate;

figure 4 is a side view of a cartridge with a concentrate / extract according to the invention, for use in the beverage device of figure 1;

5 is a top view of the cartridge with the concentrate / extract of figure 2-4;

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the concentrate / extract cartridge of FIG. 4, including a removable lower cap;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the concentrate / extract cartridge of FIG. 4, including a removable lower cap;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG.

Fig.9 is a cross section of a device for dispensing drinks of Fig.8, 9-9 in Fig.8;

figure 10 is a cross section of the device for dispensing drinks of Fig.8, 10-10 in Fig.9;

11 is a side view of a cartridge with a concentrate / extract for use in the beverage device of FIGS. 8-10;

12 is a sectional view of the cartridge of 12-12 in FIG. 11;

Fig.13 is a cartridge with the concentrate / extract of Fig.1, when viewed from the bottom in section 13-13 in Fig.11;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of Fig. 8, with a removable cartridge with concentrate / extract in the installed position;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG.

FIG. 16 is a left perspective view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 15, with a diluent reservoir;

FIG. 17 is a detail perspective view of the cartridge with the concentrate / extract and the dispensing actuator of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 15;

Fig. 18 is a cartridge with a concentrate / extract and a dispensing actuator for the beverage dispenser of Fig. 15, in a connected position, in an isometric view;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly of the cartridge with the concentrate / extract of Fig. 15;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 19 and 20, 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a valve piston assembly of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 19 and 20.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting. Words such as “front”, “rear”, “upper” and “lower” indicate directions in the referenced drawings. This terminology includes words specifically mentioned above, as well as derivatives from them and words of similar content. In addition to this, the concept of “one” includes one or more of the indicated objects, unless expressly agreed otherwise.

The following is a description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements.

1 shows a beverage device 10 adapted to dispense a beverage containing a liquid concentrate / extract (indicated by arrow 12) and diluent 14 (in the reservoir 22 and indicated by arrows in the dispensing zone 30). The device 10 includes a housing 20 with a reservoir 22 for diluent disposed therein. The housing 20 is preferably a housing molded from a polymer material. However, one of skill in the art will understand that other materials can be used to form the housing 20. In addition, the diluent reservoir 22 is preferably also made by casting a polymeric, hydrolysis-resistant material, such as high density polyethylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE). However, another material suitable for use in food can also be used. At the top of the housing 20 of the dispenser is preferably a removable lid 24 covering the diluent reservoir 22. Alternatively, a wire mesh can be provided so that the lid 24 does not have to be removable, and liquid diluent 14, such as water, can be poured directly through the lid 24 into the reservoir 22. The lid 24 is also preferably made of a suitable cast resin material. However, other types of materials can also be used if desired.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing zone 30 is located in front of the dispenser housing 20. The dispensing zone 30 is adapted to accommodate a beverage container, such as a cup, underneath. The housing 20 is preferably shaped and dimensioned so that various beverage containers of various sizes, such as glasses, coffee cups or mugs or various other beverage containers, can be placed under the dispensing zone 30, which is preferably located in front of the housing 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the diluent reservoir 22 is heated by the heating element 34, which is shown in detail in FIG. 2A. It is preferably installed with a seal 35 in the opening located at the bottom of the diluent tank 22 and is controlled thermostatically through a thermostat 36, which determines when the set temperature has been reached. Although the use of the heating element 34 is optional, it is possible to dispense cold or room temperature drinks as well as hot drinks using the dispenser 10, however, in a particularly preferred embodiment, in which the device 10 is used as the dispenser for hot drinks such as hot coffee, hot tea and / or hot chocolate, a heating element 34 is required.

Although in the shown preferred embodiment, the heating element 34 is located under the diluent reservoir 22, a high-speed heater located between the reservoir 22 and the dispensing zone 30 can also be used to heat the diluent before dispensing. Electric high-speed heaters are known and may require a longer path for diluent 14 to reach the correct temperature before dispensing.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3A, a feed line 16 is preferably connected to the reservoir 22, which supplies diluent to the dispensing zone 30. The feed line 16 is preferably connected to a pump 18, which can supply water from the reservoir to the dispensing zone at a variable speed. Alternatively, the supply line 16 may be connected to a control valve, the description of which will be described below in connection with the second preferred embodiment shown in Figs.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3A, the cartridge receiving zone 31 is located in the housing 20. The cartridge receiving zone 31 is preferably in the form of a recess located in the housing 20 with dimensions allowing the cartridge 50 of the concentrate / extract to be received, a detailed description of which will be given below. The loading door 32 is rotated to the open position to charge the cartridge 50 to the cartridge holder 33, preferably located on the door 32, and rotated to the closed position to position the cartridge 50 in the cartridge receiving area 31 under the cartridge dispensing actuator 38, a detailed description of which will be described below. An alignment pin 45 is preferably provided on the cylinder 51 of the cartridge 50, which engages in a corresponding hole in the cartridge holder 33 to position and prevent rotation of the cartridge 50.

4-7, a cartridge 50 of a concentrate / extract is shown in detail, which is adapted to hold a beverage concentrate / extract 12. In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate / extract cartridge 50 comprises a hollow body, preferably in the form of a cylinder 51 with a bottom wall 52 and an open top 53. A piston 57 is located in the open top 53. The inner surface 59 of the cylinder 51 and the piston 57 define a chamber 58 containing the concentrate / extract.

The cylinder 51 and the piston 53 of the cartridge are preferably made of a suitable polymeric material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which do not contaminate the beverage concentrate / extract 12 and keep it in a sterile and / or aseptic state. Alternatively, any other food grade material for cylinder 51 and cartridge piston 53 may be used. In addition, the cylinder 51 is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material to enable the user to determine the volume of concentrate / extract 12 remaining in the cartridge 50. In addition, the cylinder 51 and piston 53 must have a sufficient wall thickness to withstand the pressure generated during the reduction process into action, the description of which will be given below, without significant deformation.

The cylinder 51 is provided with a dispensing tube 54 for passing the concentrate / extract from the chamber 58 containing the concentrate / extract to the dispensing zone 30. Preferably, a plug 72 is connected to the dispensing tube 54 having a flow passage 73 for regulating the flow of the concentrate / extract 12. The plug 72 is preferably provided with a thread with a varying diameter and is connected to the corresponding thread on the inner surface of the dispensing tube 54. Blind holes 74 are provided for a tightening nut a wrench or similar tool to install or remove the plug 72. As an alternative solution, any suitable structure on the plug 72 may be provided or as a unit with plug 72 for ease of installation and removal. Since the plug 72 is modular, holes of various sizes can be selected to match the different viscosity of the concentrate / extract. Alternatively, the plug 72 can be discarded and the flow hole 73 can be integrated into the dispensing tube 54.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a preferred embodiment, a foil liner 66 and a lower cap 68 are located above one end of the dispensing tube 54 during storage and before installing the cartridge 50 inside the housing 20. The foil liner 66 preferably has an adhesive surface and is located above the hole 73 on the plug 72 to form a seal creating an effective air barrier. The lower cap 68 includes a base 69 and a connecting body 70 attached to the base 69, preferably having an internal thread that is mated to an external thread on the dispensing tube 54. The lower flange 71 extends from the periphery of the base 69 and contacts the bottom wall 52 of the cylinder 51. Gasket 66 of foil in cooperation with the lower cap 68 helps to keep the contents 12 of the cartridge 50 in a sterile and / or aseptic state until the cartridge 50 is installed.

The piston 57 effectively prevents the concentrate / extract 12 from leaking from its chamber 58 through the open top 53 of the cylinder 51. The piston 57 preferably includes a compliant diaphragm 75 that surrounds the seat 63 for the drive shaft 56, which is described below. On the periphery of the diaphragm 75, there is a sealing lip 76 having an upwardly extending cuff 77 and a downwardly extending cuff 78, which together retain the increased pressure in the chamber 58 when a force is applied to the seat 63 by the drive shaft 56. The diaphragm 75 is preferably configured to slightly elastically deflect when applying force to the saddle 63.

Upper cap 81 is preferably mounted on top of cylinder 51 to conceal piston 57. Upper cap 81 preferably includes a flange 82 that slides snugly along recessed arm 49 integrally with cylinder 51. Upper cap 81 can be glued to cylinder 51 using a suitable glue or otherwise. Alternatively, the upper flange 82 and the recessed arm 49 may include threaded portions for releasably connecting the upper cap 81 to the cylinder 51. The upper cap 81 further includes an opening 83 through which the drive shaft 56, which will be described below, continues to be brought into action of the piston 57. A recess 84 is preferably provided for accommodating an identification label or cover that can be pulled together or punched by a dispensing actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the cartridge dispensing actuator 38 includes a drive motor 64 connected to several gears 60 meshed, which in turn drive a female gear 65 and a corresponding drive shaft 56. Drive shaft 56 and gears 60, 65 are preferably molded from a polymer material. The drive shaft 56 preferably has a thread, for example a trapezoidal screw thread, and engages with a corresponding axially aligned portion of the internal thread of the gear 65 with the internal thread. The motor preferably rotates one of the meshed gears 60 through the drive shaft 67 of the electric motor, which rotates the meshed gears 60 and the internally threaded gear 65. The rotation of the gear 65 with internal thread causes the drive shaft 56 to move in the direction of its axis. The drive shaft 56 moves through an opening 83 in the upper cap 81, which helps guide the shaft 56, and engages with a seat 63 in the piston 57 of the cartridge 50. As a result, the piston 57 moves / moves, resulting in the delivery of the concentrate / extract 12 through the integral dispensing the tube 54 into the dispensing zone 30. The piston 57 is arranged to move from the initial position shown in FIG. 3 to the second position, shown in broken lines and indicated by 57 ′ in FIG. 3, to reduce the size of the chamber 58, 58 ′.

One feature of the present invention is that the cartridge 50 is protected against leakage of the concentrate / extract 12 from the opening inoperative. As indicated above, the diaphragm 75 is configured to slightly elastically deflect when a force is applied to the seat 63. When the force is removed from the seat 63 of the piston 57, the diaphragm 75 returns to its original non-deflected shape, causing at least partial retraction of the concentrate / extract 12 inside the integrated delivery tube 54 back into the cylinder 51. This is partially the result of the elasticity of the diaphragm 75. upwardly extending cuffs 77 and extending downwardly cuffs 78. After dispensing the desired amount of concentrate / extract 12 from the cartridge 50, the controller 80 gives a signal for a short-term reversal of the motor 64, which leads to the output of the drive shaft 56 from the piston 57. This allows the piston 57 to return to its original shape and create a vacuum inside the chamber 58. This helps prevent the concentrate / extract 12 inside the tube 54 from leaking into the dispensing zone 30.

In a first preferred embodiment, the concentrate / extract cartridge 50 is disposable, for example, when the cartridge 50 is emptied from a particular beverage concentrate / extract, or the user decides to replace the cartridges for dispensing another type of beverage from the dispenser 10.

Before installing the cartridge 50, the user unscrews the bottom cap 68 from the end of the cartridge 50 and removes the spacer 66 from the foil, so that the dispensing tube 54 opens. However, due to the small diameter, preferably of the order of 1 mm or less, of the hole 73 through the plug 72, the concentrate / extract does not exit due to the viscosity and / or surface tension of the concentrate / extract due to the length of the hole 73. The concentrate / extract leaves only under the action of the pressure of the drive shaft 56 to the piston 57, extruding the concentrate / extract through the dispensing tube 54 into the dispensing zone 30.

Due to the plug 72 having an opening 73, which has a self-closing property due to the diameter of the opening, the length of the plug 72 and the viscosity and / or surface tension of the concentrate / extract 12, additional sealing of the dispensing tube 54 is not required after installing the cartridge 50 in the device 10. The specialist in this area it is clear that the length and diameter of the hole 73 through the plug 72 can be changed depending on the viscosity and the surface tension of the dispensed liquid concentrate / extract 12 to maintain the property of self-closing.

The controller 80 is preferably located in the housing 20 and controls the motor 64 to dispense the concentrate / extract 12 from the cartridge 50 when the diluent 14 is dispensed so that the concentrate / extract 12 and the diluent 14 are poured into the container in the dispensing zone 30. The controller 80 is preferably located in a sealed electronic module to protect against inadvertent moisture damage. The controller is preferably a programmable logic controller or other suitable electronic control device.

As shown in FIGS. 2-2B, a power switch 86 is also connected to the controller for turning on and off the power supplied through the power line 86. An electric motor switch 87 for turning on the electric motor 64 for dispensing concentrate / extract 12 from the cartridge 50 is installed inside the housing 20 near the trigger extension 44, so when the trigger 46 is pressed inward by the beverage container, the controller 80 receives a signal to turn on the electric motor 64 to start the concentrate dispensing / extract 12 from the cartridge 50 simultaneously with the issuance of the pump 18, shown in figure 1, the diluent 14 from the tank. An input control device is provided in the form of a touch pad for changing the strength of the drink, allowing the user to select the desired strength of the drink. It is used by the controller 80 to determine the amount of concentrate / extract 12 to be mixed with diluent 14. This can be done by changing the speed at which the diluent is dispensed, or by changing the speed of the motor 64 to control the amount of concentrate / extract dispensed. The diluent 14 is preferably pumped from the reservoir 22 at a constant speed, and the concentrate / extract 12 is discharged from the cartridge 50 at a variable speed. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, four different beverage fortresses are shown. A visual indicator such as light emitting diode 92 is lit to indicate the selected beverage strength. One skilled in the art will recognize that a different number of predetermined beverage fortresses can be used and that the four fortresses are shown by way of example only. In addition, the strength of the drink can be changed continuously based on user control with selected ranges shown as preferred for different types of drinks. Alternatively, a switch may be provided that allows the user to signal to the controller 80 which type of beverage is installed, so that the controller 80 can accordingly control the amount of concentrate / extract dispensed. An identifier 61 is preferably provided on the cartridge 50 to indicate the type of concentrate / extract 12 contained in the cartridge 50. The identifier is preferably automatically recognized by the controller 80 due to the different shapes or different indices located on the cartridge 50, which are read by the sensor 37 located in zone 31 when installing the cartridge 50. The identifier 61 on the cartridge may also include a radio frequency identification tag, which is associated with a radio frequency identification reader, which The swarm is located in or near the cartridge receiving area 31. Alternatively, the identifier 61 on the cartridge may include a barcode or computer readable characters read by a barcode reader or other visual type reader located in zone 31. Alignment pin 45 may also act as an identifier to actuate one or more switches to inform controller 80 about the type of drink installed.

For heated beverages, the controller 80 is connected to a thermostat 36, as shown in FIG. 2A, and controls the temperature of the diluent 14 in the reservoir 22. A user control device, such as a button 98, is connected to the controller 80 to allow the user to manually adjust the temperature of the diluent. Alternatively, the desired temperature may be programmed in the controller 80. A light and / or sound indicator may be provided to indicate that the diluent in the device has warmed to the desired temperature so that the user knows that a hot beverage can be dispensed. Alternatively, if a high-speed heater is used, the thermostat 36 can control the temperature of the diluent 14 heated by the high-speed heater so that it heats up to the desired temperature. Preferably, a limit switch 88 is provided to signal the controller 80 when it detects a low level of diluent 14 in the reservoir 22. When the controller 80 receives a signal from the limit switch 88 about the low level of diluent, the controller 80 cuts off the power to the heating element.

To dispense a beverage, a container, such as a beverage container 19, is pressed against the trigger 46, and the motor 64 receives a rotation signal at a variable speed depending on the selected beverage strength. At the same time, diluent 14 is dispensed at a constant speed, regardless of the strength of the drink. This allows you to fill the container for a drink of any size with a drink having the desired strength. For example, if a six-ounce cup is used, then the concentrate / extract 12 is dispensed at a constant selected speed controlled by the controller 80, and the diluent 14 is dispensed at a constant speed determined by the speed of the pump 18 until a total of five to six ounces of liquid concentrate is dispensed / extract 12 and diluent 14. If a glass of twelve ounces is used, then based on the same dispensing speeds when filling the container, the desired strength of the drink is always provided.

By using a cartridge 50 having its own dispensing tube 54, this invention provides that diluent 14, which in most cases is water or sparkling water, is the only one that comes into contact with reservoir 22, pump 18, and the supply line 16 of the device’s reservoir for issuance. This prevents the components of the dispenser 10 from becoming contaminated with any beverage concentrate / extract 12 and provides easy cleaning as well as longer periods between cleanings of the dispenser 10, since it is not contaminated with any type of material or beverage residues. Additionally, the mixing of the concentrate / extract 12 and the diluent 14 takes place outside the dispenser 10 in the beverage container 19, so that various types of drinks can be dispensed by simply replacing the cartridge 50 with another cartridge having a different type of beverage concentrate / extract 12 therein.

Additional features of the invention include a diluent inspection window 91 located on the front of the dispenser 10, as shown in FIG. 1, which allows the user to see the level of diluent in the reservoir 22.

According to the invention, it may be possible to replace the beverage cartridges 50 to provide dispensing various types of beverages. Although in a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 50 includes a cylinder 51 with a dispensing tube 54 provided thereon, connected to a concentrate / extract chamber 58, with a movable piston 57 located in the cylinder 51, one skilled in the art will recognize that other types of actuators can be used . For example, a pneumatic actuator system in which air is pumped into the space behind the piston to force the beverage to dispense.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 58 formed by the cartridge cylinder 51 is generally cylindrical, and the piston 57, which defines the movable wall of the concentrate / extract chamber 58, also has a substantially circular cross section. However, other cross-sectional shapes may be used.

After describing the dispensing device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for dispensing a selected beverage prepared from a concentrate / extract and diluent 14 is described below. The method includes introducing a replaceable cartridge 50 with a selected concentrate / extract 12 into the beverage device 10. The cartridge 50 includes a dispensing tube 54, which extends into the dispensing zone 30 of the dispensing device 10. A diluent, such as water, is supplied to the device 10. It can be located in the reservoir 22 or can be dispensed using the pressurized diluent feed line from the outside source. The device 10 is driven to dispense the concentrate / extract 12 from the cartridge 50 and to dispense the diluent 14 into the beverage container of the user located in the dispensing zone 30. The concentrate / extract 12 and diluent 14 are mixed in the container 19 due to turbulence of the dispensed liquids or due to additional mixing.

To change the type of dispensed beverage or after emptying the cartridge 50 for a given type of beverage, the concentrate / extract cartridge 50 is removed and another concentrate / extract cartridge 50 is introduced with the same or different beverage concentrate / extract. This may be based on the user's preferences for the desired beverage. According to the invention, device 10 can be used to dispense another beverage without having to clean the dispenser 10, since a new dispensing tube 54 is provided with the beverage concentrate / extract cartridge 50.

The device 10 according to the invention preferably allows you to select the desired concentration of the drink, for example, by pressing the sensor pads 90 to select a stronger or weaker drink, which is indicated by the light-emitting diodes 92. After selecting the desired strength of the drink, the user presses the beverage container to the trigger 46, which sends a signal to the controller 80 to turn on the power of the motor 64, so that it rotates at a given speed. An electric motor rotates several gears 60 through an electric motor shaft 67. The threaded portion of the gear wheel 65 with internal thread engages with the threaded drive shaft 56 and drives the shaft in the first direction to the piston 57, which defines the movable wall of the inner space 58 of the cartridge 50 with a decrease in the volume of the inner space 58 and causing the delivery of concentrate / extract 12 drink in a beverage container. Diluent 14 is dispensed at the desired predetermined rate depending on the selected beverage strength at the same time as the concentrate / extract 12 is dispensed, so that any volume of the beverage with the desired beverage strength can be dispensed.

In a preferred application, the cartridges 50 are provided with a liquid concentrate / extract of coffee, tea or chocolate, so that the device 10 can be used to dispense hot coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. Alternatively, device 10 can be used to dispense any other type of beverage, for example, soda water or punch, using a soda or punch concentrate / extract, and, for example, providing a cooled diluent in tank 22 or connecting a cooled diluent source directly to pump 18.

Although in a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 50 is adapted for use in connection with dispensing drinks and more preferably hot drinks, the present invention can also be used in connection with a device for dispensing any type of liquid mixed from a concentrate / extract and diluent. The concentrate / extract cartridge 50 can be used to dispense liquid drugs, liquid food products such as baby food, liquid seasonings, and an infinite number of other food and non-food products. In addition, the cartridge 50 can, if desired, be used to dispense only viscous liquids per container without a diluent, in the case of viscous liquids not requiring a diluent.

FIGS. 8-14 show a beverage device 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, each component identical or similar to the component shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 is denoted by a similar digital position. Each such numerical position is obtained by adding to the 100 position an identical or similar component shown in any of FIGS. 1-7. For example, the reservoir 122 of the dispenser 110 of beverages according to the second preferred embodiment is similar to the reservoir 22 of the dispenser 10.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the reservoir power line 116 is preferably connected to the reservoir 122 and supplies diluent 114 to the control valve 118. The control valve 118 is connected to the reservoir 122 to allow the diluent 114 to be dispensed into the dispensing zone 130. In a preferred embodiment, the control valve 118 includes a movable closing element 142, which is usually pushed into the closed position by a spring 143. The closing element 142 is preferably connected via a mechanical connector 144 to a trigger 146 that protrudes from the housing 120 below the dispensing area 130, where it can come into contact with the side wall of the beverage container 119 for opening.

As shown in Figs. . The cartridge receiving area 131 preferably includes a key feature such as a bulge or protrusion 152 shown in FIG. 10 located on the cartridge 150 and serving as complementary alignment means for the cartridge 150 in the cartridge receiving area 131. As an alternative implementation of the complementary alignment means, the outer shape of the cartridge itself may be asymmetric to provide said alignment. As another alternative, since the cartridge 150 includes a cartridge dispenser tube 154, it can also serve as a complementary means of aligning the cartridge when inserted by the user.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10, the concentrate / extract cartridge 150 is removably introduced into the cartridge receiving area 131. The concentrate / extract cartridge 150 is provided for holding the concentrate / extract and includes an actuator 155 for dispensing the concentrate / extract 112 from the cartridge 150. The concentrate / extract delivery tube 154 continues into the dispensing zone 130 after the concentrate / extract cartridge 150 is placed in the reception zone 131 .

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 155 comprises a drive shaft 156 with a piston 157 located in the concentrate / extract cartridge 150. The piston 157 is movable from the starting position shown in Fig. 9, in which the piston 157 and the inner wall of the cartridge form the inner storage space 158, to the second position, shown by dashed lines and indicated by 157 'in Fig. 9, in which the inner the space 158 has a reduced volume, which leads to the extrusion of the concentrate / extract 112 through the dispensing tube 154.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 156 is threaded, such as a trapezoidal screw thread, and is engaged with the complementary thread inside the piston 157. The drive gear 160 is located outside the cartridge 150 and connected to the drive shaft 156. A matching gear 162 is located in the housing 120 devices for issuing. In a preferred embodiment, the drive gear 160 is a spur gear and the matching gear 162 is a worm gear that engages with the spur gear after inserting the cartridge 150 into the receiving area 131 of the cartridge of the dispenser housing 120. The matching gear 162 in the housing 120 of the dispenser is connected to a drive motor 164, which is controlled by a controller 180, which will be described below. The electric motor 164 preferably drives the matching gear 162 through the drive shaft 167 of the electric motor, as shown in FIG. 10. When the matching gear 162 is rotated by the electric motor 164, the drive gear 160 located on the cartridge 150 rotates the drive shaft 156, and the threads on the drive shaft 156 mesh with the corresponding thread in the center of the piston 157, pushing the piston down with extrusion of the concentrate / extract 112 through a dispensing tube 154 and into a dispensing area 130.

The concentrate / extract cartridge 150 preferably includes a housing or cylinder 151, as shown in detail in FIG. 11, and includes a concentrate / extract inspection window 148 located on its front side, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, to allow the user to determine the volume of concentrate / extract 112 remaining in the cartridge 150.

The device 110 according to the invention, preferably allows you to select the desired concentration of the drink, for example, by pressing the touch pad 190 to select a stronger or weaker concentration of the drink, which is indicated by the light-emitting diodes 192. After selecting the desired strength of the drink, the user presses the container 119 for drink a trigger 146, which opens the control valve 118 while supplying a signal to the controller 80 to supply power to the electric motor 164, so that it rotates with the desired second speed. The electric motor rotates the worm wheel 162 using the shaft 167 of the electric motor. The worm gear is engaged with a spur gear 160 located on the concentrate / extract cartridge 150 and rotates the drive shaft 156 so that the piston 157, which defines the movable wall of the inner storage space 158 of the cartridge 150, moves in the first direction, reducing the amount of internal spaces 158 and causing dispensing of the beverage concentrate / extract 112 at the desired rate to the beverage container 119. Diluent 114 is preferably dispensed at a predetermined rate, as indicated above, simultaneously with the concentrate / extract 112, so that any volume of beverage with the desired strength of the beverage can be dispensed.

15-21 show a beverage device 210 according to another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, each component identical or similar to the component shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 is denoted by a similar digital position. Each such numerical position is obtained by adding to the 200 position an identical or similar component shown in any of FIGS. 1-7. For example, the case 220 of the device for dispensing 210 drinks according to the third embodiment is similar to the case 20 of the device for dispensing 10.

As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the beverage device 210 includes a diluent reservoir 222 connected to an outlet valve 218 controlled by the controller 280 to dispense the diluent 214 to the dispensing zone 230. Alternatively, instead of the outlet valve 218, a pump may be provided to remove the diluent 214 from the reservoir 222. Preferably, an outlet tube 288 is provided to determine the level of diluent 214 in the reservoir 222. The outlet tube 288 preferably includes a metal float and several spaced coils 296 to signal the float position controller 280 to the controller 280. The diluent level information is used by the controller 280 to determine the level of diluent 214 in the reservoir re 222. Since the hydrostatic pressure of diluent 214 in the tank is proportional to the output rate of diluent 214, the hydrostatic pressure information is preferably used by controller 280 to control the speed of the dispensing actuator 238, which will be described below, to provide the desired amount of concentrate / extract 212 relative to the amount dispensed diluent 214. As an alternative, based on the received diluent level information, the controller 280 may control an outlet valve 218 or, as an alternative solution, a diluent dispensing pump, to ensure that the correct amount of diluent 214 is dispensed with respect to the amount of concentrate / extract 212 dispensed. Information relating to the diluent level can also be used by the controller 280 to turn the heating element 234 on and off to heat diluent 214. One skilled in the art will recognize that other diluent level detectors, such as a photocell or electrical cut detectors, can be used. true type to determine the level of diluent in tank 222.

The device 210 further includes a housing 220 having a loading door 232 that opens the cartridge receiving area 231. The cartridge receiving area 231 is preferably in the form of a recess in the housing 220 and is sized to accommodate the concentrate / extract cartridge 250, which will be described below. The loading door 232 is pivoted to open the cartridge 250 into the cartridge receiving area 231 near the dispensing actuator 238. A viewing window is preferably provided on the loading door 232 for inspecting the cartridge 250.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the cartridge 250 includes a hollow body 251 for holding the concentrate / extract 212. The hollow body 251 is preferably compressible and made of a flexible laminate sheet comprising one or more layers of a polyethylene, polyester film and metal foil. Alternatively, other suitable materials may be used to create a flexible laminate sheet. Preferably, a nozzle assembly 241 having a matching member 252 is sealed to the hollow body. The inner layer of the hollow body 251 preferably includes members, such as sealing rods, that come into contact and align with corresponding elements on the matching member 252. During assembly, during for a given period of time, heat and pressure are applied to the area where the hollow body 251 and the matching element 252 are in contact, hermetically connecting the hollow body 251 with the matching element 252 The inner layer of the hollow body 251 and the matching element 252 are preferably made of the same material, for example polyethylene, or made of compatible materials, so that when heat and pressure are applied, the hollow body 251 and the matching element 252 are connected to the seal. Alternatively, the matching element 252 can be glued to the hollow body 251 using a suitable adhesive and / or gluing method.

As shown in FIGS. 19-21, the nozzle assembly 241 preferably includes a dispensing tube 254 having an outlet 273 connected to a matching element 252, and pumping means 272 located inside the dispensing pipe 254. The matching element 252 and the dispensing pipe 254 are preferably separate components. Thus, the matching element 252 can be glued to the hollow body 251, so that the hollow body 251 can be filled with liquid concentrate / extract through the hole in the matching element 252, and then the dispensing tube can be connected to the matching element 252, closing the hole and ensuring the retention of the concentrate / extract pumping means 272. As an alternative solution, the dispensing tube 254 and the matching element 252 can be made as a single unit. In addition, in an alternative preferred embodiment, a sealing membrane may be provided in the dispensing pipe 354 or matching element 252 to provide a tight seal between the contents of the hollow body 251 and the surrounding space before use. The seal is preferably located upstream of the pumping device 272 to prevent the concentrate / extract from contacting the pumping device 272. The user can pierce the seal before inserting the cartridge 250 into the housing 220, preferably using a piercing device provided on the dispensing tube 254 or on the matching element 252.

The pump device 272 includes a valve seat 267 connected to the dispensing tube 254 within the space defined by the inner surface of the dispensing tube. The valve seat 267 is preferably fixed by a fixed fit on the inner surface of the dispensing tube 254. As an alternative, the valve seat 267 and the dispensing tube 254 may be connected using glue or mechanical fasteners. The valve seat 267 has an opening 283 for the passage of liquid concentrate / extract 212 through the delivery tube 254. The valve stem 263 is connected and preferably integrally formed with the valve body 264 to form a valve 260 for alternately closing and opening the opening 283 in the valve seat 267. The piston 257 is connected to the valve stem 263, opposite the valve body 264, in contact with the possibility of sliding or with a small gap relative to the inner surface of the dispensing tube 254 for forced supply of concentrate / extract through the opening 283. The piston 257 includes through holes 256 for passing the flow of liquid concentrate / extract 212 and blind holes 274 to ensure assembly with the valve stem 263. The through holes 256 preferably have a depth that is equal to at least their double width to provide resistance to flow at high piston speeds. Between the piston 257 and the valve seat 267, a spring 265 is located to hold the valve body 264 in contact with the valve seat 267 and prevent fluid from flowing through the valve opening 283. The piston 257 is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel or iron, to enable actuation by an actuator 238. The valve seat 267 is preferably also made of a ferromagnetic material. Valve 260 and spring 265 are preferably made of non-ferromagnetic materials, for example, polymeric material or stainless steel.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the dispensing actuator 238 is fixed within the cartridge receiving area 231. The dispensing actuator 238 includes an electromagnet 276, which preferably comprises a coil. Electromagnet 276 receives current, such as alternating current or direct current, from controller 280. In a preferred embodiment, the controller intermittently supplies a half-rectified voltage of 120 V / 60 Hz to the coil to generate currents that induce an intermittent magnetic field. The dispensing actuator 238 includes an opening 240 for receiving the dispensing tube 254 of the cartridge 250 therein. When the cartridge 250 is in the installed position in zone 231, the piston 257 of the pump device 272 is located near the electromagnetic center of the electromagnet 276, for example, in the center of the coil.

Cartridge 250 delivers the concentrate / extract 212 as follows. In the coil, the applied voltage, preferably a half-rectified voltage of 120 V / 60 Hz, supplied by the controller 280 to the electromagnet 276, causes a current to attract the piston 257 towards the electromagnetic center of the electromagnet 276 and to the valve seat 267. As an alternative, controller 280 may provide other suitable voltages to provide alternating or direct current. The valve body 264, which is attached to the piston 257, makes a downward movement with the piston 257 and is displaced from the hole 283 in the valve seat 267. During the downward movement of the piston 257, the liquid concentrate / extract 212 located between the piston 257 and the valve seat 267 is squeezed out through the hole 283, since it is not covered by the valve body 264, and through the opening 273 of the dispensing tube 254, while at the same time the liquid concentrate / the extract from the hollow body 251 is drawn in an area above the piston 257 into the delivery tube 254. The hollow body 251 is preferably compressible and folds to facilitate the extraction of the liquid concentrate / extract 212 from the hollow body. Then, the controller 280 turns off the voltage on the actuator 238, causing the piston 257 to move upward from the seat of the valve 267 under the action of the spring 265. During the upward movement of the piston 257, liquid concentrate / extract flows from the area above the piston 257 through the openings 256 into the area between the piston 257 and the seat valve 267. A voltage, such as, preferably, a half-rectified voltage of 120 V / 60 Hz or other suitable voltage, generating alternating or direct current, is cyclically turned on and off to create an intermittent current for continuous ovtoreniya above process until a given desired amount of liquid concentrate / extract 212.

A trigger 246 is provided, which, when pressed, sends a signal to the controller 280 to generate an intermittent current in the electromagnet 276 to initiate the delivery of liquid concentrate / extract 212 from the cartridge 250 to the dispensing zone 230. At the same time, the controller 280 opens the diluent dispensing valve 218 to transfer the liquid diluent 214 from the reservoir 222 to the dispensing zone via the diluent supply line 216. The feed line 216 and the dispensing tube are preferably arranged such that, during dispensing, the stream of effluent concentrate / extract 212 enters the stream of effluent diluent 214 for mixing. An input control device 290 is provided in the form of a sensor pad for changing the strength of the drink, allowing the user to select the desired strength of the drink. Visual indicators, such as light emitting diodes 292, indicate the selected strength of the drink. The user input from the input control device 290 is used in the controller 280 to determine the amount of concentrate / extract 212 to be mixed with the diluent 214. This can be done by changing the speed at which the diluent 214 is dispensed by the dispensing valve 218, and / or by controlling the electromagnet 276 to change the speed at which pumping device 272 pumps. Diluent 214 is preferably discharged from reservoir 222 by gravity, and liquid concentrate / extract 212 is dispensed from the cartridge 250 at a rate which depends on the selected beverage strength. The controller 280 preferably compensates for the decreasing diluent level in the tank by adjusting the speed at which the pump device 272 is pumped. The pump speed of the pump device 272 can be regulated several times, for example, 8-10 times, during the delivery of the concentrate / extract 212 and diluent 214 in one container for a drink. As an alternative, the decreasing diluent level in the reservoir 222 can be compensated during dispensing by opening the dispensing valve 218 wider or by using a pump, and the liquid concentrate / extract 212 can be dispensed from the cartridge 250 at a constant speed, which depends only on the selected beverage strength. .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concentrate / extract cartridge 250 can be adapted to hold and dispense a variety of other viscous fluids for various applications. The liquid delivery cartridge 250 can be used to dispense liquid medicine, liquid food products such as baby food, liquid seasonings, and many other food and non-food products. In addition, the cartridge 250 may, if desired, only dispense viscous liquids into a container without a diluent, in the case of viscous liquids not requiring a diluent.

Although the foregoing is a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, which should be considered as an example only. Other modifications and improvements of the present invention are possible, which should be considered as falling within the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims (49)

1. A device for dispensing drinks containing a housing including a dispensing zone for dispensing a beverage into a container; at least one pump and a control valve connected to a source of diluent to be dispensed in the dispensing zone; cartridge receiving area in the housing; dispensing actuator located in the housing; a cartridge with a concentrate / extract, with the possibility of removal being introduced into the receiving zone of the cartridge in the position for actuation by the dispensing actuator, the cartridge being adapted to hold the liquid concentrate / extract of the drink and includes an opening for dispensing the specified concentrate / extract of the drink to the dispensing zone after placement cartridge into the cartridge receiving area; and a controller located in the housing for controlling the actuator for dispensing the concentrate / extract from the cartridge and controlling at least one pump or control valve for dispensing the diluent so as to dispense the concentrate / extract and diluent into the dispensing zone, at the same time, a pumping device externally actuated is connected to the hollow body for dispensing said concentrate / extract from the hollow body through said opening. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to change the speed of the dispensing actuator to change the speed at which the concentrate / extract is dispensed from the cartridge. 3. The device according to claim 1, in which the cartridge with the concentrate / extract further comprises a compressible hollow body for holding said concentrate / extract. 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the actuator includes a coil for creating a magnetic field for actuating the pumping device. 5. The device according to claim 4, in which the controller is able to change the voltage across the coil to create a changing magnetic field. 6. The device according to claim 1, additionally containing a heating element located in the housing for heating the diluent. 7. The device according to claim 1, additionally containing a reservoir for storing and storing a diluent connected to at least one pump or control valve. 8. The device according to claim 7, additionally containing a filling sensor located in the housing, for determining the level of diluent in the tank and supplying to the controller a signal about the level of diluent filling. 9. The device according to claim 7, additionally containing at least one inspection window for diluent on the housing for checking the level of diluent in the tank. 10. The device according to claim 1, additionally containing at least one inspection window for the concentrate / extract in the housing for checking the cartridge with the concentrate / extract, when the cartridge is installed in the receiving area of the cartridge. 11. The device according to claim 1, in which the cartridge receiving area includes an alignment element, and the cartridge includes complementary cartridge alignment means in the cartridge receiving area. 12. The device according to claim 1, in which the cartridge includes a removable seal connected to the hole. 13. The device according to claim 1, additionally containing control buttons for the user located on the housing in connection with the controller, for the user to select one of several predetermined delivery rates of the concentrate / extract for preparing the beverage of the desired strength. 14. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a switch located on the housing for actuating the controller to dispense the concentrate / extract and diluent when a container is present. 15. The device according to claim 1, in which the path of the flow of the concentrate / extract and the path of the flow of the diluent are separate, so that the mixing of the concentrate / extract occurs outside the device for delivery. 16. The device according to claim 1, in which the dispensing hole includes a hole with a size that allows self-closing due to the size of the hole and the surface tension of the liquid concentrate / extract. 17. The device according to claim 1, in which the cartridge with the concentrate / extract includes an identifier for identifying the contents of the cartridge with the concentrate / extract, the device further comprising a sensor connected to the controller, for reading the identifier and transmitting information related to the identifier to the controller. 18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an openable loading door for loading the cartridge with the concentrate / extract into the housing, wherein the loading door is movable from a first position in which the cartridge with the concentrate / extract is open and accessible to a second position, in which the cartridge with the concentrate / extract is unavailable and is contained within the reception area of the cartridge in the housing. 19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a diluent supply tube that extends from at least one of said pump and control valve, in the direction of the dispensing zone, for supplying diluent to the dispensing zone. 20. A method of dispensing a selected beverage prepared from a concentrate / extract and diluent, comprising introducing a replaceable cartridge with the selected beverage concentrate / extract into the beverage dispensing device, the cartridge having an externally actuated pumping device and a dispensing tube that extends toward the dispensing zone of the beverage dispensing device; providing a diluent in the beverage dispenser; actuating a device for dispensing the concentrate / extract from the cartridge into a container located in the dispensing zone, and dispensing the diluent to a container located in the dispensing zone; and mixing the concentrate / extract and diluent in a container. 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising removing the cartridge with the concentrate / extract and introducing another cartridge with the concentrate / extract. 22. The method according to claim 20, further providing for the selection of the desired concentration of the drink and the issuance on its basis of the concentrate / extract from one of several provided speeds. 23. The method according to item 22, further providing for the issuance of diluent at a given speed essentially simultaneously with the issuance of the concentrate / extract. 24. The method according to claim 20, in which the step of providing a diluent includes pouring the diluent into the diluent reservoir located in the device. 25. The method according to claim 20, further comprising heating the diluent to dispense a hot drink. 26. The method according A.25, further comprising providing in the cartridge one of: a liquid concentrate / extract of coffee, tea or chocolate, for issuing, respectively, hot coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. 27. Cartridge with a concentrate / extract for a device for dispensing drinks, adapted for dispensing a liquid concentrate / extract and diluent, containing: hollow housing for holding liquid concentrate / extract; an opening formed in a hollow body; and an externally actuated pumping device connected to the hollow body for dispensing liquid concentrate / extract from the hollow body through an opening. 28. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein the hollow body is a compressible bag. 29. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein the hollow body is made of a film material. 30. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein the pumping device includes at least one ferromagnetic component driven by an external solenoid drive. 31. The cartridge according to item 27, in which the hollow body further comprises a dispensing tube and in which the pumping device is located inside the dispensing tube. 32. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein the hollow body further comprises a dispensing tube forming an inner surface, the pump device comprising: a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube and fixed within the space defined by the inner surface of the dispensing tube, wherein the valve seat includes an opening for the flow of concentrate / extract through the dispensing tube; a tube, wherein the valve seat includes an opening for the passage of the concentrate / extract stream through the dispensing tube; the valve body in detachable contact with the valve seat, which alternately closes and opens the hole; and a piston connected to the valve body in a movable contact inside the dispensing tube to expel the concentrate / extract through the hole. 33. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein at least one of the valve seat or piston is ferromagnetic. 34. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein the pump device further comprises a spring located between the valve seat and the valve body to engage the valve body in contact with the valve seat so that the opening closes. 35. The cartridge according to p, in which the piston includes at least one through hole for the passage of the concentrate / extract. 36. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein the piston includes at least one through hole having a depth of at least two times its width for passing the concentrate / extract. 37. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein the piston and valve body are connected through a valve stem that extends through the hole. 38. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein the pump device comprises a movable piston located in the hollow body in contact with the inner surface of the hollow body to create a concentrate / extract chamber between the piston and the inner surface. 39. The cartridge of claim 27, wherein said hole in the hollow body is formed by a dispensing tube. 40. The cartridge of claim 27, further comprising a removable gasket glued to the hollow body to seal said opening to prevent contamination of the concentrate / extract. 41. The cartridge of claim 27, further comprising an identifier recognized by the controller to provide information for the controller connected to the beverage dispenser, to enable the controller to dispense the correct amount of liquid concentrate / extract relative to the amount of diluent dispensed. 42. The cartridge of claim 27, further comprising a radio frequency identifier recognizable by the controller to provide information for the controller connected to the beverage dispenser, to enable the controller to dispense the correct amount of liquid concentrate / extract relative to the amount of diluent dispensed. 43. The cartridge of claim 27, further comprising a bar code recognized by the controller to provide information for the controller connected to the beverage dispenser, to enable the controller to dispense the correct amount of liquid concentrate / extract relative to the amount of diluent dispensed. 44. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate / extract from a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate / extract and diluent, the method comprising: providing a replaceable cartridge with a concentrate / extract, including a compressible bag for holding a liquid concentrate / extract; a dispensing portion connected to a compressible bag including an opening; and a pumping device connected to at least one of the compressible bag and the dispensing part for dispensing liquid concentrate / extract from the bag through the hole; insertion of the cartridge into the beverage dispenser; and actuating the pumping device to create a concentrate / extract stream through the opening of the dispensing part directly into the beverage container. 45. The method according to item 44, in which the pumping device is equipped with at least one ferromagnetic component, and the actuation of the pumping device includes creating a magnetic field near the pumping device. 46. The method according to item 44, in which the pumping device is equipped with at least one ferromagnetic component, and the actuation of the pumping device includes creating an intermittent magnetic field near the pumping device. 47. The method according to item 44, in which the dispensing part is provided with a dispensing tube forming an inner surface, while the pumping device is provided a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube within the space defined by the inner surface of the dispensing tube, wherein the valve seat includes an opening for the flow of concentrate / extract through the dispensing tube; the valve body in detachable contact with the valve seat for alternately closing and opening the hole; and a piston connected to the valve body, which can be moved inside the inner surface of the dispensing tube to push the concentrate / extract through the hole; wherein the actuation of the pumping device includes applying a magnetic field near the valve seat and piston to actuate the piston. Priority on points: 02/13/2004 according to claims 1-14 and 16-47; 10/19/2004 p. 15.

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