Dispensing Nozzle Assembly

Abstract

A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.

1 . A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a plurality of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream, comprising:
 a micro-ingredient mixing chamber;   a plurality of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the plurality of micro-ingredients mix therein; and   a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of micro-ingredients comprises an acid component and a non-acid component. 
     
     
         3 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of micro-ingredients comprises a plurality of beverage components. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of beverage components comprises beverage bases, flavors, additives, and/or nonnutritive ingredients. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of micro-ingredient mixing chambers. 
     
     
         6 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of micro-ingredient mixing chambers is positioned within an injector ring. 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing nozzle of  claim 6 , wherein the injector ring comprises a plurality of removable parts. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the injector ring comprises a plurality of injector ports in communication with the plurality of micro-ingredient mixing chambers. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of injector ports are in communication with the plurality of micro-ingredient lines via a plurality of tube assemblies. 
     
     
         10 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of tube assemblies comprises a plurality of quad tube assemblies. 
     
     
         11 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein one or more of the plurality of micro-ingredients lines comprise substantially clear micro-ingredients therein and wherein the substantially clear micro-ingredients are positioned about a rear of the injector ring. 
     
     
         12 . The dispensing nozzle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein one or more of the plurality of micro-ingredients lines comprise substantially dark micro-ingredients therein and wherein the substantially dark micro-ingredients are positioned about a front of the injector ring. 
     
     
         13 . The dispensing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the micro-ingredient mixing chamber comprises a top channel in communication with the plurality of micro-ingredient lines and a mixing area. 
     
     
         14 . The dispensing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the micro-ingredient mixing chamber comprises a gasket therein. 
     
     
         15 - 33 . (canceled)