Benjamin Michael Miller

US Patent:

50728598, Dec 17, 1991

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/525518

Inventors:

Ronald L. Wiley - Marietta GA
Benjamin D. Miller - Chicago IL
Phillip B. Groover - Woodstock GA

Assignee:

The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B67D 108

US Classification:

222148

Abstract:

An automatic beverage dispenser having a multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including means for preventing color and flavor carryover from one drink to the next. The automatic dispenser includes an electronic control system with an on-board computer with a microprocessor which, when a drink vend signal is received by the electronic control system, first checks to determine whether a dark or light colored drink was requested, then checks the last vend to determine if it was a light or dark drink. If the drink ordered was a light drink and the previous drink was a dark drink, then the controller looks to see if the cup dispenser position is occupied. If it is occupied, the flush is delayed until it is free when the soda water will flush to cleanse the nozzle. After flushing, the vend is processed.

US Patent:

51411300, Aug 25, 1992

Filed:

Sep 14, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/583254

Inventors:

Ronald L. Wiley - Marietta GA
Benjamin D. Miller - Chicago IL

Assignee:

The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B67B 700

US Classification:

222 1

Abstract:

An automatic beverage dispenser having a single flavor or a multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including a system for preventing the dispensing of a warm casual drink. The automatic dispenser includes an on-board computer having a timer circuit to purge the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line between the cooling apparatus and the dispensing valve whenever a drink is requested and no drink has been dispensed for a particular period of time. The warm water is purged or drained out for a period of time needed to purge the warm water from the uncooled portion of the water line. In another embodiment, a temperature sensor is included in the water line and the warm water purging terminates when the temperature falls to a predetermined value.

US Patent:

49679325, Nov 6, 1990

Filed:

Feb 27, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/316364

Inventors:

Ronald L. Wiley - Marietta GA
Benjamin D. Miller - Chicago IL

Assignee:

The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B67D 562
B67D 508

US Classification:

222 1

Abstract:

An automatic postmix beverage dispenser having a single or multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including means for preventing the dispensing of a warm casual drink. The automatic dispenser includes an on-board computer having a timer circuit to purge the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line between the cooling means and the automatic beverage dispensing valve whenever a drink is requested and no drink has been dispensed for a particular period of time. The warm water is drained out for a period of time needed to drain the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line. In another embodiment, a thermometer is used and the water is purged when a drink is requested and the water temperature is above a certain value, and until it is reduced to a desired temperature.

US Patent:

50586300, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/525932

Inventors:

Ronald L. Wiley - Marietta GA
Benjamin D. Miller - Chicago IL
Phillip B. Groover - Woodstock GA

Assignee:

The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B65B 304
B65B 5700

US Classification:

141 1

Abstract:

An automatic beverage dispensing system including a conveyor, a multiflavor valve, and a programmable cup drop system which includes means for searching through a plurality of separate cup supply tubes for a cup of the selected size.

US Patent:

49517198, Aug 28, 1990

Filed:

Feb 27, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/316010

Inventors:

Ronald L. Wiley - Marietta GA
Benjamin D. Miller - Chicago IL

Assignee:

The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B65B 304
B65B 5700

US Classification:

141 1

Abstract:

An automatic postmix beverage dispensing system including a conveyor, a multiflavor valve, and a stationary flavor indicator adjacent to each cup pick-up station to inform the operator what beverage is in each cup. Each time the conveyor advances the cups one station, the flavor indicator scrolls forward to continue to correctly identify the beverage in each cup. The flavor indicator can also include order indicia identifying the order number of each cup.