Abstract:
A device according to the present invention is of the post-mix type for dispensing beverages on a user's premises and mixing at least a first component (10) and a second component (20) to obtain a beverage. The device comprises a flow measuring means (100) configured to produce measurement information relating to the flow of the first component; a flow rate adjustment means (250) configured to vary the flow rate of the second component; a control means (300) configured to receive the measurement information (32) and to control the flow rate adjustment means (250) on the basis of the measurement information and a predetermined parameter; and a mixing means (400) disposed downstream of the flow rate adjustment means and configured to mix the first (12) and second (22) components.
Abstract:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Tankauslass-Anschlussvorrichtung (2) zum Anschluss an einen Tankauslass eines Flüssigkeitstanks einer Getränkezubereitungsvorrichtung, die einen, durch die Tankauslass-Anschlussvorrichtung (2) hindurchführenden Strömungspfad (4) aufweist. In die Tankauslass-Anschlussvorrichtung (2) ist eine Sensoranordnung (14) integriert, die zumindest einen Füllstandssensor (18) und einen Durchflusssensor (16) aufweist und derart ausgebildet ist, dass durch diese ein Füllstand innerhalb eines, an der Tankauslass-Anschlussvorrichtung (2) angeschlossenen Flüssigkeitstanks sowie ein Durchfluss von Flüssigkeit durch die Tankauslass-Anschlussvorrichtung (2) messbar ist.
Abstract:
A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle comprises a first housing and a beverage cooler including a second housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides defining an interior volume, a first circuit disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forming a first set of fluid flow paths, a second circuit disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forming a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths, and a third circuit disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forming a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths, wherein, the first, second, and third circuits each define an inlet and an outlet.
Abstract:
A flow meter and method for determining the corrected flow rate of a liquid falling into a predetermined class of liquids based on its viscosity and density is disclosed. The flow meter comprises a flow sensor for measuring an uncorrected flow rate of the liquid, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid, and a microprocessor for calculating the corrected flow rate based on the liquids predetermined class and the measured temperature. The flow sensor can include a restriction in the fluid flow path, first and second pressure sensors positioned one on each side of the restriction and a temperature sensor. The first and second pressure sensors measure the drop in fluid pressure created by the restriction and the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the liquid. By basing the corrected flow rate calculation on the predetermined class of the liquid, the calculation becomes a closed form solution that is deterministic providing for quick and accurate corrected flow rate calculation. A flow meter according to the present invention can be used in many applications such as, among others, liquid beverage dispensers and variable speed pumps.
Abstract:
A system for dispensing mixed beverages has a processor (6) to control the liquid dispensed at an outlet (2) in dependence upon the demand of a user as input to a keypad (8). Carbonated water is fed to the outlet (2) by way of tubing (12) and a syrup concentrate is also fed thereto by way of a tubing (20). The water and syrup is mixed in the correct quantities by way of respective proportional valves (14) which adjust the quantity or flow rate of the two constituents fed through a mixing chamber (16) in accordance with flow rate readings provided to the processor (6) by respective flow transducers (22). The flow transducers (22) measure the speed of flow ultrasonically and are able to provide flow rate readings at a rate of 50 per second. The proportional valves (14) are able to adjust the quantities fed to the mixing chamber (16) at a similar rate such that the mix can be reliably determined even if there are transitory pressure drops or viscosity changes in the system.
Abstract:
A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.
Abstract:
A flow rate controller for compensation of flow in a fluid dispensing system comprises a body portion, first and second sets of flow restricting nodes formed in the body portion, a first channel formed in the body portion and configured to receive and partially surround a portion of a first fluid conduit such that the first fluid conduit is in contact with the first set of flow restricting nodes, and a second channel formed in the body portion and configured to receive and partially surround a portion of a second fluid conduit such the second fluid conduit is in contact with the second set of flow restricting nodes, wherein flow through the first and second conduits is compensated by adjusting the contact between the first set of flow restricting nodes and the first fluid conduit, and between the second set of flow restricting nodes and the second fluid conduit, respectively.
Abstract:
A device for dispensing liquids in a desired ratio comprises conduits (52-57) extending from containers (50, 51) of the liquids to a mixing chamber (60) wherein the liquids are mixed and from which the mixture is dispensed. Located in each of the conduits is a valve means (60, 61), and the dispenser comprises flow sensing means (27, 33) comprising a flow meter for each liquid which is operative to produce an output signal proportional to the quantity of liquid flowing through the conduit. The flow sensing means comprises a flow control member (27) rotatable by flow of liquid through the conduit at a rate proportional to the rate of flow of liquid, and detection means (12, 13) is provided which is operative to detect the rate of rotation of the flow member. In this way the relative proportions of the two liquids flowing into the mixing chamber (60) may be measured, so that the appropriate valve means may be operated to terminate flow of that liquid which is in excess.
Abstract:
A system for dispensing mixed beverages has a processor (6) to control the liquid dispensed at an outlet (2) in dependence upon the demand of a user as input to a keypad (8). Carbonated water is fed to the outlet (2) by way of tubing (12) and a syrup concentrate is also fed thereto by way of a tubing (20). The water and syrup is mixed in the correct quantities by way of respective proportional valves (14) which adjust the quantity or flow rate of the two constituents fed through a mixing chamber (16) in accordance with flow rate readings provided to the processor (6) by respective flow transducers (22). The flow transducers (22) measure the speed of flow ultrasonically and are able to provide flow rate readings at a rate of 50 per second. The proportional valves (14) are able to adjust the quantities fed to the mixing chamber (16) at a similar rate such that the mix can be reliably determined even if there are transitory pressure drops or viscosity changes in the system.
Abstract:
A system and method for the automated dispensing of bulk keg wine is provide having, in combination: integrated temperature control; pressure monitoring; automated purging; and integrated point of sale data acquisition for determining inventory usage statistics for each keg of wine dispensed. The system provides for precise measurement of each portion. An error alarm system warns an operator about beverage tank low level. A system for forcing the flashing of poor quality beverage. Recording of all delivery process events allows for operator or management review and control.