EP1178008A1

EP1178008A1 - Modular tapping system

Info

Publication number: EP1178008A1
Application number: EP01202911A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Harm Lukas Hogen Esch
Original assignee: Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV
Current assignee: Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP NV
Priority date: 2000-07-31
Filing date: 2001-07-31
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Also published as: NL1015843C2

Abstract

A modular tapping system, in which a tapping plug is used, with which the tapping volume can be determined both on the basis of the tapping time and on the basis of the tapping volume. This tapping plug is provided with a contactless identification label, with which it is possible to identify, besides the price category, also the beverage type, and in which, if required, other logistic information can also be stored. The tapping plugs can be sealed to the bottles by means of thermoseals and can be fastened to the bottle both by means of a flexible stopper and with a screw cap. When tapping, the identity of the operating staff member is recorded in order that a check on result and sales can be carried out. For the aeration of the tapping system and the bottle nitrogen is used to protect the beverage against oxidation and decay. The beverage container of the tapping system is symmetric in shape, so that a slightly inclined position has no influence on the tapping accuracy.

Description

The invention relates to a modular tapping system for tapping beverages, comprising a tapping plug, which is arranged to be fastened to a bottle, which tapping plug is provided with an inflow opening, a first outflow opening, a liquid flow path, which extends between the inflow opening and the first outflow opening, and a first valve for closing and releasing the liquid flow path, which tapping plug is further provided with a first aeration channel provided with a first aeration inflow opening for aerating the bottle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tapping plug and a beverage container of such a system. Such a system is known from EP 0 726 225.
In such tapping systems, which are in use at present, so-called tapping plugs are generally used, which are provided with an electromagnetically operable valve. These tapping plugs are previously fixed to the bottles with alcoholic beverages and sealed by means of a thermoseal. This thermoseal is a kind of shrink sleeve, which is arranged over the neck of the bottle and the tapping plug, after which it is fixed thereto by shrinking by means of hot air. If, afterwards, the bottle should still be tampered with, this can be seen from the thermoseal, which is easily damaged during malversations. By means of a separate electromagnetic coil the valve is operated for a predetermined time when tapping, so that the proper amount of beverage can be tapped into the glass. In order to determine which beverage is tapped, the tapping plugs are generally provided with one or more metal rings, which are scanned by an assembly of coils, in combination with the coil for operating the electromagnetic valve. These metal rings change the self-induction of the coil system, which has the result that a number of codes become available. Besides the position and the number of the metal rings, the dimensions of these rings may also vary, so that a substantial number of codes become available.
The drawback of the above-described tapping systems is that the number of available codes is still rather limited, so that the beverages are not classed according to type but according to price category. The caterer, however, is anxious to class according to beverage type, so that an insight into the sales can be obtained and a linking to storage and order systems can be made. To this end, however, it is known to provide the tapping plug with a transponder, which is arranged to wirelessly generate an identification code.
A drawback of the known system is that tapping on the basis of the tapping time is less accurate than tapping on the basis of tapping volume. In some countries, tapping on the basis of tapping time is therefore not permitted, because the viscosity of the liquid, and hence also the ambient temperature, has an influence thereon. Moreover, a problem involved in the existing tapping systems is that some beverages are sold to a lesser degree and therefore remain in a non-full bottle for a relatively long time, as a result of which oxidation occurs and the taste of the beverage changes or the beverage even decays. Moreover, the caterer is anxious to know the identity of the operating staff in relation to the tapping of beverages, because the work is often done with casual workers, who are paid in whole or in part on a commission basis.
The modular tapping system according to the invention has for its object to provide solutions for at least a number of the described problems. To this end, the modular tapping system according to the invention is characterized in that the tapping system is further provided with a beverage container, which is detachably connected with the tapping plug, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir with a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path, which discharges into the buffer reservoir, in which system, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel with a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above a bottom of the buffer reservoir, and which, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, is in fluid communication, via the second aeration channel, with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel, during which, with the tapping plug in a condition uncoupled from the beverage container, a determined amount of beverage can be dispensed from the bottle by opening the first valve for a determined time, so that the beverage is dispensed via the first outflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the first aeration inflow opening and the first aeration channel is aerated, and during which, with the tapping plug and the beverage container, when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage can be dispensed by opening the first valve, so that, via the first and the second liquid flow path, the buffer reservoir is filled from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or the second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve for dispensing the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir. The system according to the invention is therefore suitable for dispensing beverage both on the basis of tapping time and on the basis of tapping volume. The tapping plug is therefore suitable for use without the beverage container for tapping beverage on the basis of tapping time. The same tapping plug, however, is suitable for connection with the beverage container for dispensing the beverage from the bottle on the basis of tapping volume.
In particular, it holds that the second valve is arranged to close the second liquid flow path when the second valve releases the second outflow opening and is arranged to release the second fluid connection when the second valve closes the second outflow opening. In this manner, it is realized that it is not possible to release the second outflow opening and the second liquid flow path simultaneously. If this were done, tapping could in fact take place again by means of the beverage container on the basis of tapping time.
In particular, it further holds that the first valve is arranged to be controlled by means of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field. Thus, a tapping plug, when used separately, can be operated by means of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field to dispense beverage on the basis of time.
In particular, it further holds that the beverage container is provided with a permanent magnet for keeping the first valve permanently open when the tapping plug is connected with the beverage container. When the tapping plug is thus placed in the beverage container, the first valve is permanently opened. The operation for dispensing a determined amount of liquid on the basis of tapping volume can then be carried out by closing and releasing the second outflow opening and releasing and closing the second liquid flow path, as discussed above. In particular when in that case the second valve is arranged to close the second liquid flow path when the second valve releases the second outflow opening, and vice versa, the first valve can be permanently opened because direct emptying of the bottle via the second outflow opening by opening the second valve is prevented The bottle will only empty into the buffer reservoir until the moment that the buffer reservoir is filled up to the height of the second aeration inflow opening.
Furthermore, it preferably holds that the second valve is arranged to be controlled by means of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field. Control of the second valve can then take place in a contactless and wireless manner.
In particular, it holds that the tapping plug is provided with a contactless magnetic identification label. The number of available codes, which can be received in such a known per se identification label, is so large that a classification according to beverage type can take place. Moreover, all kinds of other information can be included, such as cost price, selling price, etc.
Preferably, it further holds that the tapping plug is arranged to be provided with at least one metal identification ring, which is compatible with existing tapping systems, and with which in a coded manner, for instance, a price category can be offered. In this manner, the tapping plug can also be used in existing systems independently of the beverage container.
Preferably, it further holds that the tapping plug is arranged to be connected with the bottle by means of thermoseals. This reliably ensures that the tapping plug is fastened to the bottle without enabling inconspicuous tampering therewith, for instance, by improperly removing beverage from the bottle.
It further holds that the tapping plug is particularly arranged to enable fastening to the bottle both by means of a flexible rubber or plastic stopper and by means of a screw cap. In this manner, the tapping plug can be universally fastened to the bottle.
According to a very advanced embodiment of the system, it holds that the beverage container is provided with a gas inlet for feeding a protective (for instance inert) gas, such as nitrogen, to the buffer reservoir. This ensures that the beverage contained in the buffer reservoir is not affected by oxygen and therefore does not lose quality through oxidation. Because the protective gas is contained in the buffer reservoir and the aeration of the bottle takes place from the buffer reservoir, this means that the protective gas is also contained in the bottle. The beverage contained in the bottle is hence also protected against loss of quality on the basis of oxidation.
To this end, the system may be particularly provided with means for feeding the protective gas to the gas inlet. These means may then be installed stationarily, for instance in the form of a vessel filled with the protective gas at high pressure, at a counter in which the system is also located.
Preferably, it also holds that the buffer reservoir, for at least a vertically directed part extending above and below the aeration opening around a vertical axis extending through the second aeration inflow opening, is substantially rotation-symmetric, so that a slightly inclined position of the buffer reservoir, in which the liquid level is contained in the above part, has no influence on the determined amount. This ensures that, even if the beverage container, and hence the buffer reservoir, is not quite vertically aligned, this has no influence on the accuracy with which a determined amount of beverage is tapped.
In particular, it holds that the distance between the bottom of the buffer reservoir and the second aeration opening is adjustable for the adjustment of the determined amount of beverage. This ensures that the determined amount of beverage dispensed by means of the tapping plug and the beverage container can be adjusted. For the adjustment a measuring division may be arranged.
The system may further be provided with a device for operating the second valve. This device may comprise, for instance, a coil for generating a magnetic field. This coil may be connected with a power source and a push button for generating the magnetic field with the coil when the switch is energized. The system may further be provided with a device for reading out the identification label of the tapping plug. Also, the system may further be provided with a device for reading out a contactless identification label of a person tapping beverage by means of the system. In particular, the system is provided here with at least one coil for reading out the identification label of the tapping plug and the identification label of the person tapping the beverage by means of the system. In this manner, the system can automatically update who taps which beverage, and which amounts. The time at which, by whom, and which beverage is tapped can then be recorded as well.
In particular, it also holds that the tapping plug is further provided with a position sensor for checking whether the tapping plug is held in the proper position. The tapping plug preferably has standard outside dimensions corresponding to existing tapping plugs. This enables universal use of the tapping plug as such. Furthermore, it preferably holds that downstream of the first valve the tapping plug is provided with an anti-dripping means. This prevents dripping. Also the beverage container may be provided with an anti-dripping means downstream of the second valve.
The tapping plug according to the invention is characterized in that the tapping plug is further arranged to be detachably connected with a beverage container, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir having a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path, which discharges into the buffer reservoir, which tapping plug is arranged so that the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, so that the buffer reservoir can be filled with beverage flowing from the bottle via the first and second liquid flow path to the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel having a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above a bottom of the buffer reservoir, which tapping plug is arranged such that via the second aeration channel the buffer reservoir is in fluid communication with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, which tapping plug, in a condition uncoupled from the beverage container, is arranged to dispense a determined amount of beverage from the bottle by opening the first valve for a determined time, so that the beverage is dispensed via the first outflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the first aeration inflow opening and the first aeration channel, and which tapping plug is arranged to dispense with the beverage container, when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage by opening the first valve, so that, via the first and second liquid flow path, the buffer reservoir is filled from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve for dispensing the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir.
The beverage container according to the invention is arranged to be detachably connected with a tapping plug for tapping beverages, which tapping plug is arranged to be fastened to a bottle, which tapping plug is provided with a first inflow opening, a first outflow opening, a first liquid flow path extending between the first inflow opening and the first outflow opening, and a first valve for closing and releasing the liquid flow path, which tapping plug is further provided with a first aeration channel provided with a first aeration inflow opening for aerating the bottle, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir having a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path discharging into the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is arranged such that, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel having a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above the bottom of the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is arranged so that, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the second aeration inflow opening is in fluid communication, via the second aeration channel, with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel, during which, with the tapping plug and the beverage container when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage can be dispensed by opening the first valve, so that, via the first and second liquid flow path, the buffer reservoir is filled from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve to dispense the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir. The invention will now be specified with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a tapping plug (1) according to the invention, comprising a flexible rubber or plastic stopper (2), which holds and closes the tapping plug (1) on a bottle (4). The tapping plug (1) is provided with a base part (6) with a valve part (8) glued or pressed into this base part, into which an anti-dripping part (10) is glued. The tapping plug is further provided with a first inflow opening (12), a first outflow opening (14), and a first liquid flow path (16), which extends between the first inflow opening (12) and the first outflow opening (14). The tapping plug (1) is further provided with a first valve, in this example, a ball valve (18) with an armature (20) and a spring (22). The magnetic armature (20) is hollow in this example, through which armature (20) the liquid flow path (16) extends. The spring (22) pushes the valve (18) into a closed position, in which the liquid flow path (16) is closed.
The-tapping plug (1) is further provided with a first aeration channel in the form of a pipe (24) provided with a first aeration inflow opening (26) at an outer side of the tapping plug for aerating the bottle (4). The aeration inflow opening is located in a substantially cylindrical outer wall of the tapping plug, which facilitates the coupling with a beverage container to be specified below. The pipe is further provided with a check valve (not shown), which closes when the pressure in the bottle (4) is higher than the pressure in the surroundings of the bottle (4). The relevant check valve is glued or pressed into the base part (6). Furthermore, in an opening intended for that is provided a contactless electromagnetic identification label (28) of a known per se type, for instance surrounded by a glass capsule, which protects this identification label (28) against ambient influences. This identification label (28) is provided with an identification chip, to which can be written a relatively large amount of information. This information can be read out by means of a known per se device (30), which generates an electromagnetic interrogation field. The device (30) comprises, for instance, a coil or coil combination (32), which can be placed, for instance, around the neck of the bottle (4) for emitting the electromagnetic interrogation field. Furthermore, the device comprises a known per se identification system (34), which is connected with the coil or coil combination.
The procedure when tapping with the tapping plug (1) of Fig. 1, which can also here be sealed by means of a thermoseal, is as follows. Disposed around the tapping plug (1) is the coil (32) or coil combination, and this coil is connected with the known per se identification system (34), by means of which, firstly, the identification label (28) in the tapping plug (1) is read, so that it can be determined which beverage is involved. Subsequently, after a known per se position sensor of the tapping plug (not shown) has determined that the bottle (4) is held in the tapping position, the first valve (18) is electronically opened for a predetermined time. The opening of the first valve (18) may be carried out, for instance, by generating a magnetic field by means of a coil (34) in the armature (20). Consequently, the valve (18) is lifted against the spring pressure of the spring (22), thereby releasing the first outflow opening (14). In this example, the coil (34) is connected with the identification device (34). The identification device (34) therefore generates the above magnetic field only after the identification label (28) of the bottle (4) has been read. In particular, it holds that the coil (32) and (34) is replaced by one and the same coil or coil combination, which, for instance during use, is disposed around the tapping plug (1). By means of this one coil or coil combination both the identification label can be read out and the valve is energized.
This procedure may further be extended by the reading out of an identification card of a staff member who operates the tapping system in order that a better check on result and sales can thus be carried out. This identification card can be read out by means of the same coil or coil combination (32) and identification system (32) connected therewith, prior to the tapping of the beverage. All the information collected, including, for instance, the time at which the beverage is tapped, is stored in a computer (36) connected with the identification system and can be used for later processing. Besides the prevention of dripping, the anti-dripping part (10) also prevents fraudulent operations of the ball valve (18) being carried out by means of a pen.
The outside dimensions of the tapping plug of the tapping system according to the invention correspond to the outside dimensions of existing tapping plugs.
Fig. 2 shows a similar tapping plug as in Fig. 1, with parts corresponding to each other being provided with the same reference numerals. Here the valve part (8) and the anti-dripping part (10) are slightly adapted so that, besides the contactless electromagnetic identification label (28), one or more metal rings (38) can be provided, which are separated by one or more plastic rings (40). This embodiment of the tapping plug (1) can also be used in existing tapping systems in which only the price category of the beverage is determined. The detection of the rings for determining the price code can be carried out in a known per se manner. As an example, this tapping plug (1) is equipped, instead of with a stopper (2), with a screw cap (2'), with which this tapping plug (1) can be fastened to the bottle (4).
The tapping system of Fig. 3 is provided with a tapping plug (1) of Fig. 1. The tapping system of Fig. 3, however, is further provided with a beverage container (40), which is detachably connected with the tapping plug (1). The beverage container (40) is provided with a buffer reservoir (42). The beverage container (40) is fastened by means of a pin (44) to a cover (46) and to a suspension bracket (48). In this embodiment, the bottle (4) with tapping plug (1) is put into the cover (46), and by means of two O-rings (48) both the first liquid outflow opening (14) and the first aeration inflow opening (26) are closed to the surroundings. A permanent magnet (50) fixed in the cover (46) ensures that the first ball valve (18) in the tapping plug (1), when placing the bottle (4), is continuously opened and is closed when the bottle (4) with tapping plug (1) is uncoupled again from the beverage container (40). The opening of this valve (18) occurs only in a position in which the openings (14), (26) for respectively the liquid and the aeration are already closed to the surroundings by the O-rings (50). This prevents the bottle from emptying when the valve (18) is opened. Located around the tapping plug is a detection coil (52) of the beverage container with the identification system (34) connected thereto, with which the contactless identification label (28) provided in the tapping plug (1) can be read out, as discussed for Fig. 1.
The buffer reservoir is provided with a second outflow opening (54) and a second valve part (56) provided with a second valve (58), which is identical to the first ball valve (18). The valve part (56) is further provided with a hollow armature (60) and a spring (62), quite analogously as described in relation to Fig. 1 for the tapping plug (1). The second valve (58) is arranged to close and release the second outflow opening (54). The beverage container (40) is further provided with a second inflow opening (59) and a second liquid flow path (66), which extends from the second inflow opening (59) via the hollow armature (60) to the buffer reservoir. When the tapping plug (1) and the beverage container (40) are connected together, the first outflow opening (14) is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening (59). It further holds that the first outflow opening is no longer in open communication with the surroundings. When the spring (62) presses down the second valve (58) so that the second outflow opening (54) is closed, this implies that, via the second liquid flow path (66), in this example formed by a pipe (64) and the hollow armature (60), the first outflow opening (14) is in fluid communication with the buffer reservoir (42). When the second valve (58) is controlled by means of a magnetic field, which, in this example, is generated by a coil (68), the first and second liquid flow path is closed because the second valve (58) seals the hollow armature. Simultaneously, the second outflow opening (54) is released. When the coil (68) is no longer energized, the first and second liquid flow path from the bottle to the buffer reservoir is released again, and the second outflow opening is closed.
The beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel (70) with a second aeration inflow opening (72), which is located above a bottom (74) of the buffer reservoir, and which, via the second aeration channel, is in fluid communication with the first aeration opening (26) of the tapping plug (1) of the first aeration channel (24) when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together. As discussed, in that case the first aeration inflow opening is no longer directly connected with the surroundings. When the tapping plug (1) with bottle (4), as shown in Fig. 3, is placed in the beverage container, this has the result that the first valve (18) is opened. By means of the identification device (34) the identification label (28) is read out. In this example, the identification device (34) also controls the coil (68). Until this moment, however, no current flows through the coil (68) so that the second outflow opening (54) is closed and the second fluid path (66) is released. This has the result that, via the first liquid flow path (12), that is to say via the tapping plug (1), and the second fluid path (66), that is to say via pipe (64) and the second hollow armature (60), beverage begins to flow to the buffer reservoir (42). The buffer reservoir thus begins to fill. The bottle is then aerated via the second aeration inflow opening (72), the second aeration channel (70), the first aeration inflow opening (26), and the first aeration channel. When the buffer reservoir, however, is filled up to the second aeration inflow opening (72), which filling level is indicated in the drawing by (74), the filling stops. Some time after the filling has stopped, the coil (68) can be energized by means of the device (34). The second valve (58) is then pressed against the armature (60) so that the first and second fluid paths are closed. Simultaneously, the second outflow opening (54) is released so that the buffer reservoir with the predetermined amount, which is determined by the position of the air inflow opening (72), is released. No beverage is released from the bottle because the second valve closes the second liquid flow path (66). After all the liquid has flown from the buffer reservoir (42) into a glass, which is placed below the second outflow opening (54), the flow through the coil (68) is interrupted, which has the result that the ball valve (58) closes the second outflow opening (54) again, and after which the buffer reservoir begins to fill again from the bottle (4) with the predetermined amount of beverage up to the level (74). The time for opening the second valve (58) is so generous that the beverage container has emptied whatever the circumstances.
Instead of by means of the device (34), the coil (68) may also be operated by means of a power source provided with a switch.
During the tapping, the aeration of the buffer reservoir (42) takes place via an opening (76). This opening forms a gas inlet for feeding a protective gas, such as, for instance, nitrogen, to the buffer reservoir. Also other gases, such as inert gases, can be fed. By connecting this opening (76) at a slight excess pressure to the protective gas (for instance, an inert gas), such as, for instance, nitrogen gas, it can be ensured that both the beverage container, that is to say the buffer reservoir (42), and the bottle is filled with the protective nitrogen gas, which has the result that the beverage contained therein cannot oxide.
The protective gas may be contained, for instance, in the schematically indicated bottle (78), and be stored therein at high pressure. Disposed between the bottle (78) and the opening (76) is a pressure regulating valve, which ensures that the relevant gas is delivered to buffer reservoir (42) at a relatively low pressure.
In this example, the buffer reservoir, for at least a vertically directed part (80) above and below the aeration inflow opening (72), around a vertical axis (82) extending through the second aeration inflow opening (72), is substantially rotation-symmetric so that a slightly inclined position of the buffer reservoir, in which the liquid level (74) located in the above part has no influence on the determined amount with which the buffer reservoir (42) is filled. In particular, it further holds that the distance between the bottom (74) of the buffer reservoir (42) and the second aeration opening is adjustable for adjusting the determined amount. This can be reached by varying the length of the pipe (70). Also the contents of the beverage container (40) can be adapted for this purpose by means of the dimensions for the connections.
Characteristic of the system of Fig. 3 is therefore that the tapping plug (1) can be used apart from the beverage container (40) for tapping a determined amount of liquid on the basis of tapping time. This can be carried out as discussed in relation to Fig. 1. The same tapping plug (1), however, may also be used in combination with the beverage container (40) for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid on the basis of volume.
The system may further be provided with a device for operating the first valve.
The system may also be provided with a device for operating a second valve.
Furthermore, the system may be provided with a device for reading out the identification label and the tapping plug.
The system may further be provided with a device for reading out a contactless identification label of a person who taps beverage by means of the system.
The above devices may also be combined in a single device. In particular, the system may then be provided with at least one coil (52) for reading out the identification label of the tapping plug and for reading out the identification label of the operating person. The tapping plug may further be provided with a position sensor for checking whether the tapping plug is held in the proper position. The outside dimensions of the tapping plug (1) may correspond to standard outside dimensions of existing tapping plugs so that the tapping plug can be universally used. When the coil (68), however, is operated by means of a switch separated from the identification device (34), a power source included between the switch and the coil (68), which power source is activated by the switch, may further be provided with means which effect that the coil (68) is energized for a time long enough to fully empty the buffer reservoir at any time.
If the second valve is not suitable for closing the second liquid flow path during the release of the second outflow opening, the first liquid flow path may be closed, instead, by means of the first valve. The permanent magnet (52) will then be replaced by a coil for opening and closing the first valve when the tapping plug is connected with the beverage container.
Such variants are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention.
The modular tapping system according to the invention consists of a small number of often identical components, which can be easily cleaned. Instead of with a flexible rubber or plastic stopper, the tapping plugs may also be provided with a screw cap connection on the bottle, depending on the construction of the bottle in which the beverage to be tapped is contained. When using an identification system, which can read out several identification labels by means of one, coil, both the identity of the bottle and the identity of the operating staff member can be determined with the same coil.
Of course, the tapping plug may also be provided with a data carrier, which, besides an identification number, may contain more data, for instance, for logistic information about the supplier, the delivery date, and the date at which the first beverage was tapped from the bottle. Also, the data carrier may be programmable so that the stored information can be changed.

Claims

A modular tapping system for tapping beverages, comprising a tapping plug, which is arranged to be fastened to a bottle, which tapping plug is provided with a first inflow opening, a first outflow opening, a first liquid flow path, which extends between the first inflow opening and the first outflow opening, and a first valve for closing and releasing the liquid flow path, which tapping plug is further provided with a first aeration channel provided with a first aeration inflow opening for aerating the bottle, characterized in that the tapping system is further provided with a beverage container, which is detachably connected with the tapping plug, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir with a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path, which discharges into the buffer reservoir, in which system, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel with a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above a bottom of the buffer reservoir, and which, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, is in fluid communication, via the second aeration channel, with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel, during which, with the tapping plug in a condition uncoupled from the beverage container, a determined amount of beverage can be dispensed from the bottle by opening the first valve for a determined time, so that the beverage is dispensed via the first outflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the first aeration inflow opening and the first aeration channel is aerated, and during which, with the tapping plug and the beverage container, when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage can be dispensed by opening the first valve, so that the buffer reservoir is filled, via the first and the second liquid flow path, from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or the second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve for dispensing the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir.
A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second valve is arranged to close the second liquid flow path when the second valve releases the second outflow opening, and to release the second liquid flow path when the second valve closes the second outflow opening.
A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first valve is arranged to be controlled by means of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field.
A system according to claim 3, characterized in that the beverage container is provided with a permanent magnet for keeping the first valve permanently open when the tapping plug is connected with the beverage container.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second valve is arranged to be controlled by means of a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping plug is provided with a contactless electromagnetic identification label.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping plug is arranged to be provided with at least one metal identification ring, which is compatible with existing tapping systems, and with which in a coded manner, for instance, a price category can be offered.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping plug is arranged to be connected with the bottle by means of thermoseals.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping plug is arranged to enable fastening to the bottle both by means of a flexible rubber or plastic stopper and by means of a screw cap.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage container is provided with a gas inlet for feeding a protective gas, such as nitrogen, to the buffer reservoir.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is provided with means for feeding the protective gas to the gas inlet.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the buffer reservoir, for at least a vertically directed part extending above and below the aeration opening around a vertical axis extending through the second aeration inflow opening, is substantially rotation-symmetric, so that a slightly inclined position of the buffer reservoir, in which the liquid level is contained in the above part, has no influence on the determined amount.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the bottom of the buffer reservoir and the second aeration opening is adjustable for the adjustment of the determined amount.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is further provided with a device for operating the first valve.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is further provided with a device for operating the second valve.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is further provided with a device for reading out the identification label in the tapping plug.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is further provided with a device for reading out a contactless identification label of a person tapping beverage by means of the system.
A system according to claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the system is provided with at least one coil for reading out the identification label of the tapping plug and the identification label of the person.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping plug is further provided with a position sensor for checking whether the tapping plug is held in the proper position.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside dimensions of the tapping plug correspond to standard outside dimensions of existing tapping plugs.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that downstream of the first valve the tapping plug is provided with an anti-dripping means.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that downstream of the second valve the beverage container is provided with an anti-dripping means.
A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outflow opening and the first aeration inflow opening of the tapping plug are closed to the surroundings when the tapping plug is connected with the beverage container.
A tapping plug of the system according to any one of the preceding claims.
A beverage container of the system according to any one of the preceding claims.
A tapping plug for tapping beverages, which tapping plug is arranged to be fastened to a bottle, which tapping plug is provided with a first inflow opening, a first outflow opening, a first liquid flow path extending between the first inflow opening and the first outflow opening, and a first valve for closing and releasing the liquid flow path, which tapping plug is further provided with a first aeration channel provided with a first aeration inflow opening for aerating the bottle, characterized in that the tapping plug is further arranged to be detachably connected with a beverage container, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir having a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path, which discharges into the buffer reservoir, which tapping plug is arranged so that the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, so that the buffer reservoir can be filled with beverage flowing from the bottle via the first and second liquid flow path to the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel having a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above a bottom of the buffer reservoir, which tapping plug is arranged such that via the second aeration channel the buffer reservoir is in fluid communication with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, which tapping plug, in a condition uncoupled from the beverage container, is arranged to dispense a determined amount of beverage from the bottle by opening the first valve for a determined time, so that the beverage is dispensed via the first outflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the first aeration inflow opening and the first aeration channel, and which tapping plug is arranged to dispense with the beverage container, when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage by opening the first valve; so that, via the first and second liquid flow path, the buffer reservoir is filled from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve for dispensing the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir.
A beverage container, which is arranged to be detachably connected with a tapping plug for tapping beverages, which tapping plug is arranged to be fastened to a bottle, which tapping plug is provided with a first inflow opening, a first outflow opening, a first liquid flow path extending between the first inflow opening and the first outflow opening, and a first valve for closing and releasing the liquid flow path, which tapping plug is further provided with a first aeration channel provided with a first aeration inflow opening for aerating the bottle, which beverage container is provided with a buffer reservoir having a second outflow opening and a second valve for closing and releasing the second outflow opening, a second inflow opening with a second liquid flow path discharging into the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is arranged such that, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the first outflow opening of the tapping plug is in fluid communication with the second inflow opening of the beverage container, which beverage container is further provided with a second aeration channel having a second aeration inflow opening, which is located above a bottom of the buffer reservoir, which beverage container is arranged such that, when the tapping plug and the beverage container are connected together, the second aeration inflow opening is in fluid communication, via the second aeration channel, with the first aeration inflow opening of the first aeration channel, during which, with the tapping plug and the beverage container when connected together, a predetermined amount of beverage can be dispensed by opening the first valve, so that, via the first and second liquid flow path, the buffer reservoir is filled from the bottle with the determined amount of beverage up to the second aeration inflow opening, while the bottle is aerated via the second aeration inflow opening, the second aeration channel, the first aeration inflow opening, and the first aeration channel, and is then not filled further, by subsequently closing the first and/or second liquid flow path and by opening the second valve to dispense the predetermined amount of liquid from the buffer reservoir.
A modular tapping system, for instance for tapping beverages in the catering industry, characterized in that on the bottle in which the beverage to be tapped is contained, a tapping plug is used, which is provided with an (electro)magnetically operable valve, in which the aeration of the bottle takes place via the tapping plug in such a controlled and closable manner that this tapping plug can be used both in a tapping system in which the tapping volume is determined because in a beverage container, via the liquid level, an aeration pipe for aerating the bottle is closed.
A modular tapping system according to claim 28, characterized in that the tapping plugs used are provided with a contactless electromagnetic identification label, with which it is possible to identify, besides the price category, also the beverage type, and in which, if required, other logistic information can also be stored.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28 or 29, characterized in that the tapping plugs are of such design that, besides the contactless electromagnetic identification label, one or more identification rings of metal can also be provided, which are compatible with existing tapping systems, and with which, for instance, a price category can be indicated in a coded manner.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28-30, characterized in that the tapping plugs used have such dimensions and are of such design that they can be sealed to the bottles by means of thermoseals.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28-31, characterized in that the tapping plugs used are of such design that they can be fastened to the bottle both by means of a flexible rubber or plastic stopper and by means of a screw cap.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28-32, characterized in that when tapping, besides the identity of the beverage type, the identity of the operating staff member is also recorded in order that a better check on result and sales can thus be carried out.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28-33, characterized in that for the aeration of the tapping system and the bottle a protective gas, such as, for instance, nitrogen, is used to protect the beverage to be tapped against oxidation and thus against decay and loss of taste.
A modular tapping system according to any one of the preceding claims 28-34, characterized in that the beverage container of the tapping system in the design in which metering takes place according to tapping volume is symmetric in shape around the aeration opening in the beverage container, which is connected with the aeration of the bottle, so that a slightly inclined position of the beverage container has no influence on the tapping accuracy.