Hot beverage dispensing machine

摘要

A hot beverage dispensing machine is disclosed for dispensing a beverage from a concentrate. The dispensing machine includes a beverage concentrate container disposed in an inverted orientation within a refrigerated compartment. A first valve is associated with the container, the first valve permitting the flow of the concentrate from the container when the container is located within the refrigerated compartment in an inverted position. A receptacle having a receptacle output removably receives the inverted container. A first electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of the concentrate via the receptacle output to a mixer wherein the concentrate is mixed with hot water from a hot water tank. A second electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of hot water from the water tank to the mixer. A dispenser spout is disposed in fluid communication with the mixer with the spout being disposed remote from the hot water inlet. A thermoelectric heat pump is located in thermal contact with the refrigerated compartment to maintain the compartment below ambient temperature. A combination of thermistors and water level sensors disposed within the water tank generate electrical signals to control flow of cold water into the tank and the hot water from the tank. A novel electrical circuit is also incorporated into the invention for controlling the various functions in the machine.