CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/593,698 filed October 5, 1990, which in turn was a continuation- in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/534,467 filed June 6, 1990.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing liquid drinks and the like, wherein a base liquid such as water or carbonated water is to be mixed with numerous liquid-like substances for adding flavor and color thereto and thus providing a suitable beverage. 2. Background Of The Invention

There have been numerous and varied types of liquid dispensing systems for filling beverage containers which, for the most part, employ relatively complex operating arrangements and control elements, but to my knowledge, none of them meet the need for a relatively simple, positive acting and highly efficient system for meeting a long standing problem in the art. This problem has arisen in connection with a so-called bag supplied ingredient system wherein water, as such, carbonated water or salt free water is supplied by a pressurized line to a dispensing station, and liquid ingredients are separately supplied from individual, chemically inert container bags. Each bag usually has a capacity of about two or five gallons of liquid. At the dispensing station, the water and the other two liquid ingredients are mixed by adjustable regulators in proportioned amounts in accordance with a desired formula, and then the mixture is

fed into a drinking cup or container for the customer's use.

In addition to bag-type systems, the liquid ingredients (such as syrup and a sweetener such as asparatame) may be stored in reusable tanks. Asparatame must be kept separate from the syrup. The asparatame will break down if stored with the syrup, thus causing an unacceptable dispensed beverage. Separate tanks of asparatame and syrup or a single tank with separate com- partments for holding the syrup and asparatame must be provided.

After a period of use, although the owner of the dispensing unit may try to provide a content of each of the liquid ingredient containing bags or tanks or co part- ments of one tank roughly corresponding to the proportions of the desired mix, one bag or tank or compartment of a tank may become exhausted before another with the result that one or more ingredients will be lost from the dispensing content. There is, thus, an important need for, in some way, immediately fully stopping the mixing and dispensing operation to enable a replacement bag or tank to be installed or a compartment to be filled before any further dispensing occurs. In other words, the entire operation should positively and immediately be stopped in order that the customer will not be disappointed with a deficient drink content and thus become a candidate for a competitor's product.

The need has also been to accomplish such a type of operational control in such a manner as to avoid an increase in dispensing unit apparatus size or space requirements, and also, in such a manner as to avoid the need for and the expense of replacing presently available

or installed dispensing equipment or its operating elements.

Heretofore, the approach has been to, in some way, redesign the apparatus elements, thereby necessi- tating discarding and replacing or enlarging a present equipment set-up in such a manner as to not only become highly complex and expensive, but also as to contravene installation limited space requirements.

In this connection, one approach was to provide extra bag or container units ^" and then when one bag is emptied, to switch connections from the empty unit to a full unit. This not only takes up additional space, but requires a more complex system of operating elements, and especially when two or more types of liquids are required for the mixing operation. See the Hansen United States Patent No. 3,140,012 and the Johnson United States Patent No. 3,055,551. Also, there has been single ingredient or premixing mixed drink dispensing equipment that shuts off when, for example, there is not a sufficient, full cup or serving, See the Gust, et al. United States Patent No. 3,981,414. The problem solved by my invention is repre¬ sented by the space wasting equipment devised for only independently controlling each of a series of liquid dis¬ pensing units. See United States Patent of Diebel, et al. No. 3,537,616. The Harde United States Patent No. 3,465,915 is also representative of a system involving the same problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The automatic control system for accurately dispensing beverages containing multiple components has solved the problems in the art. The beverage system for mixing at least two liquid ingredients with a base liquid such as water to assure a desired proportioning of the

same comprises tubes for separately delivering each liquid ingredient and the base liquid to a dispensing outlet, a pressure switch associated with each tube and a valve associated with each tube for controlling the flow of the liquid ingredients and the base liquid to the dispensing outlet. The pressure switches are activated when fluid pressure in the respective tubes falls below a prede¬ termined level and the pressure switches are all electri¬ cally connected in series. The valves shut off the respective liquid ingredient and base liquid fluid flows when any of the pressure switches are activated. An associated method is also disclosed.

The invention also includes a device for easily converting a present "one bag" system to a "two bag" sys- tern. In this device, the two liquid ingredients from each separate respective bag are dispensed into a blending cup remote from the dispensing head. After this, the blended component is mixed with water and then is dispensed to the user. An alternative involves premixing all of the fluid ingredients with water into the blending cup for subse¬ quent dispensing to the user. An associated method is also disclosed.

The invention also includes a unique pacifier device which controls the flow of the liquid ingredients through the tubes.

Finally, the invention also includes providing separate tanks or one tank with separate compartments for holding separate liquid ingredients. A liquid level control indicates when liquid ingredient is exhausted in the tanks. The liquid level control is electrically con¬ nected in series with valves to dispense the liquid ingredients so that the valves shut off liquid ingredient flow when the liquid level control is activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view in elevation illustrating a unitized, compact dispensing station of a relatively simple apparatus arrangement of my invention that may be employed for supplying, propor¬ tioning and mixing two or more ingredients with water, which includes, salt-free water or carbonated water at a drink dispensing station.

Figure 2 is a schematic of an operating system layout of my invention which is shown as employing elec¬ trical energy for its main functioning parts and gas pressure for operating its fluid pressure pumps.

Figure 3 is a slightly enlarged side view in elevation showing equipment units in an operating layout employed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 3A is a further enlarged vertical side view and Figure 3B is a top plan view on the same scale, particularly illustrating a solenoid valve assembly and switches mounted in the dispensing assembly instead of elsewhere in the system as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 4 is a top plan view on the scale of and showing the same representative equipment units as Figure 3 that may be adapted for use in my system.

Figure 5 is a slightly enlarged view in vertical elevation of the pacifying unit of the invention.

Figure 6 is a partially schematic, partially broken away side elevation of another embodiment of the invention which can be retrofitted onto existing one bag dispensing systems. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the system of Figure 7.

Figure 7 is an exploded side elevational view of the blending unit of the invention.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the blending unit shown in Figure 7 with one of the adjustment means removed.

Figure 9 is a partially exploded rear elevation view of the blending unit at Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a partially schematic view of yet another "retrofit" embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the system of Figure 10. Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of invention showing the use of tanks of liquid ingredients.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the system of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a single tank having two separate compartments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In carrying out my invention, I have been able to make use of on-the-market units, for example, "Shurflo" fluid-operated pumps P-*_ and P ₂ in the system of Figures

1-4 for separately supplying fluid ingredients to a unitized dispensing assembly 30 (Figure 1) that employs regulators R--_, R ₂ and R3 (Figure 2) for adjusting the proportioning of each liquid, and individual valves V**_, V ₂ and V ₃ that are respectively operated by their individual solenoids SO-*_, S0 ₂ and SO3 for supplying proportioned liquids to a suitable mixing and dispensing nozzle 31.

Each valve is spring-biased to close and is opened by its own electric solenoid. As indicated, I have been able to adapt commercially available apparatus in such a manner as to carry out my invention, see for example, a so-called dispensing valve, manufactured and sold by the Cornelius

Company of One Cornelius Place, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-

1592, as its "Gemini" unit. I have also been able to make use of "Shurflo" so-called "sold-out" switches S**_, S ₂ and S ₃ (Figure 2 ) . "Shurflo" equipment is manufactured by Shurflo, 1400 Cerritos Avenue East, Anaheim, California 92805. The ingredient containers are strengthened, plastic bags 15a, 15b that are used with any conventional quick-connect and disconnect, joint sealing coupling 16a, 16b for ready replacement of each bag when its respective contents have been used-up or exhausted. Such bags are commercially available and may be of an inert, flexible plastic material of suitable size, for example, 2 to 5 or 10 gallons of ingredient content.

In carrying out my invention, I determined that in a compacted unit such as shown in Figure 1, where tubing from fluid pumps, P**_ and P ₂ are employed to move liquid ingredients from bags such as 15a and 15b along relatively short length (as in a compact unit), that there is a tendency to cause a jerky, hammer type of opera¬ tion. This ripple or wave-like fluid pressure action becomes more acute the shorter the fluid supply lines are. I have been able to assure a smooth and positive operation of regulators R**_, R ₂ by devising and installing a pacifying units 25a and 25b in the fluid pressure lines 19a and 19b, respectively, between each fluid supplying pump P*-_ and P ₂ and an associated pressure-operated electric switch S**_ and S ₂ . Although I have not shown the use of such a unit in water supply line 27, one may be used if conditions so warrant.

The pacifying or stabilizing units 25a and 25b are similar so only unit 25a will be shown in Figure 5. Pacifying unit 25a has an upright positioned, enclosed hollow cylinder whose upper chamber portion is filled with a cushioning fluid, such as air "A", and whose lower

chamber portion is filled with the liquid ingredient "S" that is being supplied. A lowermost inlet fitting 21 is connected to introduce liquid from an associated bag, such a 15a or 15b, and a slightly upwardly offset outlet fitting 22 is adapted to apply the liquid to a pressure switch S*-_ and S ₂ that, if utilized, is connected to it (Figures 1 and 3). A vertically, centrally extending outlet pipe 23 is shown extending centrally along the inner chamber of the cylindrical-shaped unit 25a and out through its upper end. Pipe 23 has a threaded fitting 24 connecting it through line 26a to an associated regulator R- _j _ of a dispensing assembly (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 3B) . The stabilizing unit 25a assures a smoothed-out, positive application of positive to negative fluid pressure transi- tion of actuating force as applied to an associated negative pressure-sensitive and opened switch S*-_ and S ₂ .

In Figure 1, I have shown a complete drink dispensing unit or assembly a which is fully compact and requires electrical power supply and an outside line 27 for receiving water, salt free or carbonated water under normal pressures of, for example, a minimum of about 30 pounds per square inch to a maximum of about 100 pounds per square inch or any industry standard pressure. In this assembly, 15a and 15b represent filled conventional liquid ingredient source bags ("bags"), for example, one bag 15a may contain a drink syrup and the other bag 15b a mixture of a drink syrup and a liquid sweetener. These ingredients are separately contained because they do not mix properly when contained in one bag. Pumps P**_ and P are connected to draw liquids from the bags 15a and 15b when they are in dispensing positions, with their mouth ends 16a and 16b connected through quick-change, thumb pressure release, seal-mounted, couplings 17 to hose or

piping lines 18a and 18b. The respective liquids are moved under negative pressure by pumps P-*_ and P ₂ from their containers 15a and 15b and then under positive fluid pressure to pacifying units 25a and 25b (See also Figure 2 ) . Next, they are moved under positive fluid pressure through lines 26a and 26b to a dispensing unit assembly 30, wherein the mixing liquids supplied by the lines 26a and 26b and water supplied by line 27 are each propor¬ tioned or regulated by regulators R-^, R ₂ and R ₃ , and moved through their individual valves V*-_, V ₂ and V ₃ which are controlled by their respective solenoids SO**_, S0 ₂ and SO ₃ (Figure 2 ) . Finally, the proportioned ingredients are fed into a mixing chamber and dispensing spout assembly 31 for discharge into a cup or container "B". As noted, the cup "B" may be placed on shelf 13 in alignment to receive the mixed drink as it emerges.

I have thus been able to incorporate all the operating elements of my system in a compact operating dispensing assembly unit illustrated in Figure 1, by, for the most part, using conventional equipment parts. However, the parts are employed, for the first time, in such a manner in my system, that the problem heretofore outlined has been solved, and in a connected operating relation as to assure a positive, instantaneous stoppage of all liquid ingredient supply to mixing chambers of the dispensing unit assembly 30 when one of the liquid ingre¬ dient sources is exhausted or disrupted in any manner. This assures that there will be no "bad" or one or more ingredient missing drink mixed and dispensed. With reference to the schematic of Figure 2, electric direct current is shown applied from a suitable source to lines 10 and 11 at a voltage suitable for ener¬ gizing solenoids SO-*^ S0 ₂ and SO3. The line 11 is

connected in series as shown through the terminals of fluid pressure sensitive switches S*-_, S ₂ and S3. The pumps P-^ and P ₂ that control the supply of liquids from container bags 15a and 15b are connected through piping or hose 19a, 19b to the switches S*-_ and S ₂ . The pumps P-*_ and P ₂ , as shown, are preferably gas-operated through lines 32a and 32b from a suitable pressurized tank, such as of carbon dioxide (C0 ₂ ) gas or a compressed air source, and are employed to normally draw the liquid contents of bags 15a and 15b along lines 18a and 18b, and advance the liquids under pressure along lines 26a and 26b, through regulators R-*_ and R ₂ and valves V-* _^ and V ₂ into the mixing and dispensing spout 31 (Figure 1).

Water, as plain water, salt-free or carbonated water may be supplied from a suitable source through line 27 to a fluid pressure-sensitive switch S3 and regulator R and valve V3 to the head for mixing with the liquid ingredients supplied by the bags 15a and 15b.

In operation, when one bag 15a or 15b becomes exhausted or if, for some reason, the water being supplied is shut off, this will cause fluid pressure to decrease as applied to such a switch as S*-_ (for the bag 15a), or S ₂ (for the bag 15b), or as S3 (for the water supply) and thus to open. Since the switches, as shown, are all connected in series in one electric supply line 11, this will automatically cause all the switch-controlled, valve operating solenoids SO--_, S0 ₂ and S0 ₃ to be immediately and simultaneously de-energized, to thus cause their respec¬ tive valves V*-_, V ₂ and V3 to close under spring pressure. The entire electrical system is thus de-ener¬ gized by the opening of any one of the pressure-sensitive switches S*^, S ₂ or S3.

Further, in carrying out the invention and referring particularly to Figure 2 of the drawings, it will be noted that bags 15a and 15b may be of much larger size for supplying the mixing ingredients and can thus be located in a separately positioned somewhat remote loca¬ tion, for example, in a cupboard or rack in a separate room with, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, their out-supply¬ ing lines 18a and 18b. The pumps P--_ and P ₂ should be located in close proximity to the containers 15a and 15b for best results. Typical bags 15a and 15b are made of a suitable inert material and tend to collapse as they are emptied. I utilize the tendency for negative pressure build-up when a bag is emptied to cause the associated pressure-sensitive switch S*-_, S ₂ to open. The same result follows if the water pressure drops due to its shut-off, thus causing pressure-sensitive switch S ₃ to open.

Again referring to Figure 2, the liquid content of each bag 15a, 15b is drawn out through hose or piping 18a, 18b by pressure pumps P*-_ and P ₂ which are shown as gas-operated through pipe or hose 32a and 32b that is con¬ nected to a suitable source of pressurized gas such as a carbon dioxide, C0 ₂ tank. There are also electric pumps on the market may serve the same purpose. The liquid content supplied to the pumps P* _j _ and P ₂ is then shown as passed along lines 19a, 19b through its associated stabilizing unit or cylinder 25a or 25b to an associated pressure-sensitive electric switch S*-_ or S ₂ . The liquid ingredients enter each stabilizing unit 25a, 25b, for example unit 25a (Figure 5) through its inlet connection 21 and out through centrally extending "down" pipe or hose member 23 and outlet connection 24, and through piping 26a and 26b (Figure 2) to an associated regulator R*-_ and R ₂ which has means for adjusting the proportioning of each

ingredient. Each ingredient is then supplied to the mixing chamber of the dispensing unit 30 through indi¬ vidual solenoid-controlled ingredient valves V-*_ and V ₂ while water or carbonated water is supplied from a suit- able conventional source, such as a municipal system, as regulated by a conventional flow meter, and as shown in Figure 2, is passed through line 27, regulator R solenoid-controlled dispensing valve V3 to the same mixing chamber. The regulators R*-_, R ₂ and R3, the dispensing valves V* _j _, V ₂ and V3 as controlled by electric solenoids SO _j , S0 ₂ and SO3, the mixing chamber, etc. are all available in a typical commercial unit 30, 31, such as a Cornelius Gemini unit. I have found it preferable to provide a smaller pass-through hole in a conventional regulator in order to enable a suitable "down" adjustment of the percentage of each liquid ingredient as individu¬ ally supplied to a regulator as a blended liquid ingre¬ dient. I am now able to, in accordance with my invention, provide a better mixed drink product, since we can blend whatever ratio is required by the manufacturer by changing the regulator pass through hole diameter. This will be explained further hereinbelow with respect to Figures 7-9.

The pressure switches S**_ and S ₂ are set to remain closed when fluid pressure is normal during the withdrawing of liquid from each bag 15a and 15b, but are opened when vacuum or negative pressure increases due to a failure or exhaustion of the liquid content of a given bag. The switch S3 is set to remain closed when water is being supplied at normal pressure and to open when, for example, its supply is shut off. If desired, the switch S3 may be eliminated, since the exhaustion of the bags 15a and 15b is a more normal occurrence. It will be noted that if any one of the switches S* _j _, S ₂ or S3 is thus

opened (Figure 2), then the in-series electrical lines 11 and 14 are opened and all the solenoids S0**_, S0 ₂ and S0 ₃ are simultaneously de-energized to thus simultaneously close their associated liquid supply valves V*-_, V ₂ and V ₃ , such that no liquid at all will be fed into the mixing chamber of unit 31 and thus, none will thereafter be fed to the container "B". I have found that in addition to their pressure sensitive switches, "Shurflo" so-called high performance gas operated demand pumps work satisfac- torily in my system.

In Figures 3A and 3B, I have shown the switches SI and S ₂ as directly connected by fluid lines 35a and 35b to the inlet side of regulators R*^_ and R ₂ as may occur if the fluid lines 26a and 26b, that are connected to the switches, are of an extended length, such that the stabilizing units 25a and 25b may be omitted. Switches will be used even if the stabilizers are not. Also, the switches, as an alternative, can be mounted in the dispensing unit assembly or head 30 for providing further compactness.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of my invention which can be retrofitted to many existing beverage dispensing systems with very little expense or effort. Many currently existing beverage dispensing systems can only handle one bag of syrup in combination with a base liquid such as water. In order to accommodate a two or more bag system (as disclosed in Figures 1-4) it would be necessary to run another delivery line tube from the second bag to the dispensing outlet. This would involve not only running the line itself but would also involve modifying the cold plate arrangement if such a system is used. Another problem would arise if there were only two valves in the dispensing head. This two valve

head would have to be replaced by a three valve head necessitating extra equipment and installation charges.

Figure 6 discloses a retrofit system for converting a one bag system into a two or more bag system. The two bags 98 and 99 are shown as component "A" and component "B". A tube 100 having quick disconnect 102 is attached to the connect head 104 of bag 98 (similar arrangement in Figure 1). As above, component "A" is delivered to the tube 100 by applying negative pressure from a pump 106 that is powered by C0 ₂ from tank 109 delivered through tube 107. Similarly, tube 110 having a quick disconnect 112 is attached to the connect head 114 of bag 99. Component "B" is delivered to the tube 110 by applying negative pressure from a pump 116 that is powered by C0 ₂ from tank 109 delivered through tube 117.

Each separate component is than transported through respective pacifier means 120 and 122 as was dis¬ closed above. Pacifier means 120 and 122 have associated pressure switches 124 and 126. Component "A" is then transported through tube 127 and component "B" is trans¬ ported through tube 128 to a mounting block 129 to which blending unit 130 is connected. The blending unit 130 is a modified dispensing head such as one made by the Cornelius Company which receives component "A" and component "B" and dispenses the mixed component "A" and component "B" into a blending cup 132. The blending unit 130 will be discussed in detail below with reference to Figures 7-9.

The blended component "A" and component "B" is then transported in tube 140 past pressure switch 142 by pump 144. Pump 144 increases pressure in tube 146. Pump 144 is powered by C0 ₂ gas from tank 109. A pacifying unit, such as that disclosed in Figure 5 above, can be

placed on tube 140 between blending cup 132 and pump 144, if desired. The blended component "A" and component "B" is then transported by tube 146 to one of several dispens¬ ing heads such as dispensing head 147 where it is mixed with water from tube 148 (either carbonated or non- carbonated) for dispensing into a container 149. This dispensing head is a standard solenoid controlled valve model such as Model No. SF 1 manufactured by the Cornelius Company. Figure 6A shows a schematic diagram of the system of Figure 6. Electric current is shown applied from a suitable source at lines L-*_ and L ₂ - Pressure switch 142 is connected onto line L*-_. Line L ₂ from the source is connected to pressure switch 124 and pressure switch 126. The line L ₃ then is connected to the solenoid operated valves S0 ₅ and V ₅ and SOg and Vg in the blending unit 130. Line L ₄ leads out from the solenoid valve regu¬ lators. It will be appreciated that the solenoid valves have associated regulators R ₅ and Rg. (These will be described with different reference characters and in more detail hereinbelow with respect to Figures 7-9.) The pressure switches 142 and 124 and 126 are thus electri¬ cally connected in series. The operation of the system will be explained below after description of the blending unit and cup shown in Figures 7-9.

Referring more particularly to Figures 7-9, the blending unit 130 and associated blending cup 132 will be described. This blending unit 130 is a modified version of the Gemini unit manufactured by the Cornelius Company. The blending unit 130 is capable of receiving three different components. For purposes of the system of Figure 6, the blending unit 132 will only receive two com¬ ponents, components "A" and "B". As will be explained

below, a third component can be received by the blending unit 132. This component can be another fluid ingredient or can be water. For purposes of explanation of Figure 6, only a two component mixture will be described. As is best seen in Figure 9, there are provided three component receiving inlets 150, 151 and 152. Com¬ ponent "A" will be received from mounting block 129 (Figure 6) into inlet 150 and component "B" will be received from mounting block 129 into inlet 151. A third component, such as water, can be received by inlet 152. This will be explained hereinbelow with respect to the embodiment of Figure 10. Inlets 150 and 151 have a closed end wall 154 and 155 having a smaller diameter opening 156 and 157 opening through which the components flow. Prong 158 is used to mount blending unit 130 onto mounting block 129.

Once the components flow through the openings 156 and 157, the flow is then regulated by separate regulator means 160 and 161. Regulator 162 is also provided to receive a third component. Regulator 160 controls component "A" flow; regulator 161 controls component "B" flow; and regulator 162 controls the third component flow if a third component is introduced into blending unit 130. These regulators are similar in design so only one will be described.

Regulator 161 is shown on Figure 7 in exploded and partially cross-sectional form. The regulator 161 consists of a regulator housing 170, a regulator sleeve 171 which surrounds a regulator piston 172 and an adjust- ment means 173. The adjustment means 173 consists of a spring 174 which fits inside the piston 172 and which is biased against the bottom portion 175 of the adjustment screw 178. The top portion 175 has a base section 176 and

a cap section 177. The cap section 177 and base section 176 receives the adjustment screw 178. The base section 176 has an associated O-ring 179.

The piston 172 is bevelled at its lower section 180 and also has an orifice 181 in its lower base wall 182. The piston 172 also has an annular groove 183. The sleeve 171 has a series of holes 184 around its upper section 185. The bottom section 186 of the housing 170 includes an O-ring 187 (Figure 8). It will be appreciated that the flow of liquid ingredient through the regulator 161 will be as follows. Liquid ingredient flows through inlet 151 and through opening 157 into housing 170 and up through orifice 181 of piston 172 and then through holes 184 of sleeve 171. The liquid ingredient then flows out of the regulator 161 through passage 197.

The regulator means 161 controls the flow of component "B" by two separate methods. The first method is by the size of orifice 181. The larger the orifice 181, the more component "B" flowing through the blending cup 132. The second method is by adjusting the adjustment screw 178 to force the spring 174 against the piston 172. This adjusts the position of the piston 172 within the sleeve 171, so as to also control flow of component "B". Thus, it will be appreciated that by controlling the flow of the components, any mixture of component "A"/component "B"/water can be achieved.

The flow of component "B" through the entire blending unit 130 is as follows. The component "B" flows through tube 27 to the inlet 151 and then through opening 157. It flows through section 196 of the housing 171. Depending on the size of the orifice 181 and the position of the piston, a desired amount of component "B" is

allowed to flow past the regulator 161 into passage 197 of the blending unit 130.

Once the components flow past the regulators, they then flow to the solenoid-controlled valves 200, 201 and 202. These valves are the same as were described above. The valves 200, 201 and 202 are either opened or closed to allow fluid flow or to stop fluid flow, respectively. Once the components are past the valves 200, 201 and 202, they are directed through section 211 for valve 201 (Figure 7) and into a baffle and check valve means 220. Referring particularly to Figure 9, this baffle and check valve means 220 is adapted to fit inside the blending cup 132. The baffle and check valve means 220 has two prongs 221 and 222 which receive the respec- tive components "A" and "B" and which are adapted to fit into holes 221a and 221b in the lower section of the frame 224 of the blending unit 130. The prongs 221 and 222 have associated O-rings 225 and 226. The prongs 221 and 222 connect to dispensing fittings 230 and 231 respectively. These fittings have contained therein duck bill check valves 232 and 233. If desired, the duck bill check valves can be replaced with ball type check valves. It will be further appreciated that the duck bill or ball type check valves can be built into the baffle and check valve means 220.

The components then flow from tubes 230 and 231 into the blending cup 132. The blending cup 132 has an associated fitting 240 which connects the blending cup 132 with tube 140. Referring more particularly to Figure 6, in operation, component "A" and component "B" are drawn from bags 98 and 99 into the blending unit 130. The regulators 160 and 161 control the amount of the two components. It

will be appreciated that any mixture ratio can be obtained by varying the size of the orifices in the pistons and/or adjusting the adjustment means as was discussed above. The blended component "A" and component "B" emerge from the blending unit 130, blending cup 132, into tube 140 through pressure switch 142. The blended component flows through tube 140 through pump 144 and then to tube 146 and dispensing head 147 to be mixed with water from hose 148 to provide a suitable beverage into container 149. When a container 149 is placed under the dispensing head 147 for receiving product, the user presses against a dispense lever (not shown). This will drop pressure in line 146 which will turn on pump 144 which will decrease pressure in switch 142. As can be seen in Figure 6A, this switch 142 is designed so that it is normally open and closes only when there is a demand for a drink at the dispensing head 147. The closing of switch 142 provides power to switches 124 and 126. This in turn energizes the solenoids 200 and 201 in the blending unit 130 which opens the valves allowing component "A" and component "B" to flow into and through blending unit 130.

In operation, as with the system in Figures 1-4, it may be that one component becomes exhausted. If, for example, component "A" is exhausted, switch 124 will open. This in turn will de-energize both solenoids 200 and 201 in blending unit 130, thus closing the valves and preventing the flow of component "A" and component "B" into the blending cup 132. In this way, all flow is stopped once any of component "A" or "B" is exhausted. This will prevent the dispensing of a beverage that is missing any one or more of the particular components used to make a suitable beverage.

It will be appreciated that a pressure switch can also be used on the water line 148 which, when the water is shut off, will open thus de-energizing the solenoid-controlled valves for the blended component "A" and "B" and the water in dispensing head 147 to prevent beverages from being dispensed through dispensing, head 147 when the water is shut off.

Dotted line 195 indicates the part of the existing one bag beverage system that would have to be modified in order to retrofit the two bag beverage system of the invention. A board or other cabinet can be used to mount the two pumps 106 and 116 pacifier/switch assembly and blending unit/switch assembly. The existing system would already have pump 144. Thus, all that would be necessary would be to provide those items in a back room in order to blend component "A" and "B" before reaching the dispensing head. This would save the problems mentioned with a total conversion system and could be done quickly and economically. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the invention where the like parts to those of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 are given like reference characters. In the embodiment of Figure 10 components "A" and "B" as well as water are premixed in the blending unit. This system can be used when non-carbonated water is used as it is not recommended to flow carbonated water through the pump 144.

In this embodiment, the water enters the blending unit through tube 300 from a suitable source (not shown) . The tube 300 will connect to mounting block 129 to inlet 152 (Figure 9) and will pass through regulator 162 and valve 202 to the blending cup 132. Tube 300 has an associated pressure switch 302, whose operation will be explained below. The fitting 220 must be modified to

contain three, as opposed to two prongs to receive not only component "A" and component "B", but also water. In addition, an extra tube, in addition to tube 230 and 231, having a duck bill or ball type check valves like check valves 232 and 233 must be provided. The three components are then deposited in the blending cup 132.

Referring to Figure 10A, a schematic diagram of the system is shown. As with the embodiment in Figure 6A, a suitable electric current is applied through lines L-*_ and L ₂ . Line L ₂ leads to pressure switches 124, 126 and 302, which are connected in series with the solenoid activated (S0 ₇ , SOg, SOg) valves (V ₇ , Vg, V ₉ ) with their associated regulators Ry, R _g and Rg by line L3. Line L*-_ is connected to pressure switch 142. Thus, all of the pressure switches are in series with all of the solenoid controlled valves.

As with the embodiment in Figure 6, when a container 149 is placed under the dispensing head 147 for receiving product, the user presses against a dispense lever. This will drop pressure in line 146 which will turn on pump 144 which will decrease pressure in switch 142. As can be seen in Figure 6A, this switch 142 is designed so that it is normally open and closes only when there is a demand for a drink at the dispensing head 147. The closing of switch 142 provides power to switches 124, 126 and 302. This in turn energizes the solenoids 200, 201 and 202 in the blending unit 130 which opens the valves allowing component "A", component "B" and water to flow into and through blending unit 130. The operation of the embodiment in Figure 10 is similar to that of the embodiment in Figure 6. If, for example, component "A" is exhausted, switch 124 will open. This in turn will de-energize solenoids 200, 201

and thus closing the valves and preventing the flow of component "A", component "B" and water into the blending cup 132. In this way, all flow is stopped once any of component "A", component "B" or water is exhausted. This will prevent the dispensing of a beverage that is missing any one or more of the particular components used to make a suitable beverage.

Referring now to Figures 11-13, another embodiment of the invention will be described. In this embodiment, the liquid ingredients are supplied from reusable and refillable tanks, as opposed to the disposable bags used in the embodiments discussed above. This embodiment, as does the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 6A describes how to convert an existing one liquid ingredient system into an at least two liquid ingredient system.

Referring particularly to Figure 11, two tanks 401 and 402 are shown as containing liquid ingredients component "A" and component "B", respectively. Component "A" can be a syrup and component "B" can be a sweetener, such as asparatame.

A C0 ₂ tank 404 delivers carbon dioxide pressure to the tanks 401 and 402 through lines 405 and 406, via inlet disconnects 407 and 408, respectively. The tanks 401 and 402 also have removable caps 409 and 410 which allow for refilling thereof.

Each tank 401 and 402 has a siphon tube 419 and 420. The siphon tubes 419 and 420 have openings 423 and 424 positioned on their lower ends through which the liquid ingredients are conveyed out of the tanks 401 and 402. Check valves 425 and 426 are provided at the lower end of the tube to resist flow of the liquid ingredients from the siphon tubes 419 and 420 back into the tanks 401

and 402. The bottom of the siphon tubes 419 and 420 are positioned about 1/8 to 1/2 inches from the bottom of the tanks 401 and 402 with about 1/4 inch being preferred.

The siphon tubes 419 and 420 are connected to component quick disconnects 429 and 430. An insulator 431 and 432 is positioned between the disconnects 429 and 430 and the top of the tanks 401 and 402. The purpose of these insulators 431 and 432 will be discussed below with respect to Figure 12. Connected to the disconnects 429 and 430 are tubes 435 and 436. Check valves 437 and 438 are placed in the tubes 435 and 436 to prevent flow of liquid ingredient back into tanks 401 and 402. These tubes convey the liquid ingredients into the blending unit 530. Blending unit 530 is similar in all respects to blending unit 130 described in Figures 6-9 above. The blended product flows into blending cup 532 and is delivered through line 540 past pressure switch 542 and to the dispensing head 547. The blended product is then mixed with a base liquid such as water (carbonated or non-carbonated) from a water source (not shown) transported through line 548 from the source to the dispensing head 547. Both components are then mixed in the proper ratio and dispensed into container 549.

Referring to Figure 12, the electrical schematic diagram of the system of Figure 11 is shown. Power at a desired voltage from an electrical power source is carried through lines 601 and 602 into a liquid level control 603. A liquid level control 603 is a standard item which senses the level of liquid in a tank. Such a liquid level control is made by SSAC Inc. of Baldwinsville, New York and is sold under the trade designation LLC1 Series.

Lead lines 605 and 606 are connected between terminals on the liquid level control 603 and the tank

401. Similarly, lead lines 607 and 608 are connected between terminals on the liquid level control 603 and tank

402. Lead line 605 is connected to quick disconnect 429 on tank 401 and lead line 606 can be connected to any other part of the tank 401. Lead line 607 is connected to quick disconnect 430 on tank 402 and lead line 608 can be connected to any part of the tank 402.

The liquid level control 603 operates as follows. As long as liquid remains in contact with the siphon tubes 419 and 420, an electrical circuit is completed which closes the relay of the liquid level control. The electrical circuit is completed by current flowing through the lead lines 605 and 607, through siphon tubes 419 and 420 and out into the liquid ingredient in the tank. Because lead lines 606 and 608 are in contact with the tanks, 401 and 402 respectively, the current will flow into the tank walls of tanks 401 and 402 and eventually to lead line 606 and 608 and back to the liquid level control 603 to complete the circuit. The quick disconnects 429 and 430 are insulated from the tank by insulators 431 and 432 so that a circuit can only be completed by flowing through the siphon tubes 419 and 420 and the liquid ingredient in the tank and then through lead lines 606 and 608, respectively. As will be appreciated, if the liquid ingredient level in either tank 401 or 402 drops below the opening 423 or 424 in the siphon tubes 419 or 420, current can no longer flow through the liquid ingredient in the tank 401, thus breaking the completed circuit. At this point, the relay on the liquid level control 603 is energized and the circuit will be opened so that no power can flow from the power source to the solenoids SOg and S0 ₅ which control valves ₅ and Vg. This will close the valves V ₅ and Vg

and thus no liquid ingredients will be dispensed from these valves V ₅ and Vg.

Thus, the system operates as follows. When it is desired to dispense a beverage, a user activates a dispense lever (not shown) in dispensing head 547. This will drop pressure in line 540 which will decrease pressure in switch 542. The pressure switch 542 is designed so that it is normally open and closes only when there is a demand for a drink at the dispensing head 547. The closing of switch 542 provides power to the solenoids through line L ₄ which opens the valves Vg and V thus allowing liquid ingredients from tanks 401 and 402 to flow into and through the blending unit 530 and eventually into container 549. If the liquid ingredient in one or both of the tanks falls below the siphon tube opening, the relay on the liquid level control 603 will break the circuit supplying current to the solenoids SOg and SOg. Solenoids S0 ₅ and SOg are connected in series so that both solenoids are de-energized when current is stopped. Thus, both valves Vg and V are closed so that the liquid ingredients from the tanks 401 and 402 are unable to flow to the blending unit 530 and thus to the container 549. This will prevent dispensing a beverage having one or both liquid ingredients missing therefrom.

Referring to Figure 13, instead of having two tanks 401 and 402, a split tank 700 having a divider wall 701 can be used. This tank 700 has two separate siphon tubes 702 and 703 with associated quick disconnects 704 and 705 which sandwich insulators 706 and 707. The tank 700 has two separate removable fill caps 710 and 711 as well as two C0 ₂ disconnects 712 and 713. If desired, instead of providing two separate C0 ₂ lines to service

disconnects 712 and 713, a manifold can be provided having dual connections for connecting both disconnects 712 and 713 yet having only one inlet for a C0 ₂ line.

The siphon tubes 702 and 703 have associated respective check valves 714 and 715. It will be appreci¬ ated that in this embodiment, lead lines from the liquid level control 603 are connected to disconnects 704 and 705 and only one other return lead line is needed (as opposed to a return lead line for each tank in the embodiment of Figure 11) as only one tank is used.

If desired, only one C0 ₂ disconnect can be provided. In this embodiment, a check valve is positioned at the top of the tank 700 between the two compartments formed by the divider wall 701. The check valve can be a duck bill or ball type check valve. The check valve will equalize pressure between the two compartments.

The liquid level control system for use with tanks of liquid ingredients can also be used with "premix" type system as was disclosed in Figures 10 and 10A. In the premix type system, the only modification would be to have the water line 548 go right into the blending unit 530 as opposed to being dispensed at the dispensing head.

In addition, the liquid level control system can be used independent of the blending cup 530. That is, the liquid ingredients can be directly transported from the tanks to a dispensing head including a dispensing valve therein, as was shown in Figures 1-5.

Whereas a particular embodiment of the invention has been described above, for purposes of illustration, it

will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.