ES2315045A1 - Universal device for the dispensation of beverages. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for the universal dispensing of beverages and the consequent registration of sales. This system, governed by a microcontroller, is configurable for various operating modes (calibration, sales readjustment, report generation, dispensing, pulsed or continuous action, flow or time) and actuator devices. It has a power failure management policy avoiding the loss of data, possibility of cancellation or paused in the expedition, disablement of options by lock depending on charge and identification of the device through a bank of switches. It includes a serial output that allows, according to the selected configuration, to generate reports in a serial printer or a personal computer, reproduce the reading of a bar code or follow a serial protocol of existing pos terminals. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Universal low cost device for beverage dispensing

Technical sector

Devices or devices for dispensing drinks.

Introduction

Experience and studies have demonstrated that the lack of control in dispensing drinks the service sector causes occur (either way voluntary or not) sales not recorded by any system with consequent decrease in profits for companies. For another side, although there are several devices on the market dispensers, these are the difficulty of dealing with different types of drinks to be dispensed (bottled drinks, soft drinks, beer) as well as different devices actuators, for example solenoid valves with different performance and consumption

State of the art

A series of patent documents that, by title, seem to affect the novelty of the present invention, but as indicated After their description they correspond to different concepts:

The US4979639 "Beverage dispenser patent control valve and ratio control method therefor "is a mixer of liquids with control of the diluted to concentrated ratio of the final mix It is based on stepper motors that control the flow rate of each of the components. The microcontroller issues variable setpoint signals to avoid overshoots not desirable, in addition to adjusting the flow rates between drinks for preserve the quality of the mixture. The device differs from the detailed invention in this document in which there is no timing to When serving drinks. No automatic registration of Served drinks or accounting functions. Use stepper motors a step for controlling the flow to serve.

US4917155 "Ultrasound level detector and container counter "is an ultrasonic detector which controls the dispensing of soft drinks, measuring the level of liquid and carrying the signal to the microcontroller, which proceeds to the opening or closing of the dispenser, monitoring also the amount of foam resulting (stopping and restarting the liquid dispensing), even in the presence of ice in the glass. The device differs from the invention described in this document. that there is no delay when serving drinks, but a sensory system for measuring the volume of liquid poured. Do not there is automatic registration of the drinks served or functions of accounting. Your goal is not to foam drinks carbonated

US4907417 "Refrigeration control system for cold drink dispenser "is a control system of the cold from a low temperature beverage dispenser. He microcontroller processes the amount of refrigerant circulating towards a warehouse, through a control algorithm that allows get the liquid always at the same temperature. It's about a Cold control system of the drinks to be served. Nothing to see With our invention.

US4890774 patent "Beverage dispensing system "is a microcontroller based dispenser which uses the timer to control the amount of time which is pouring liquid in the container. It consists of a cycle primary dispensation and several subsequent cycles in which Finish filling the drink. The device differs from the detailed invention in this document in which there is no record automatic drinks served or functions of accounting.

US4821925 patent "Narrow, multiflavor beverage dispenser valve assembly and tower "is about a tower multi-drink dispenser with valve control corresponding. Instead of using a valve for each dispenser (6), 2 valves and one rear element are used (and controlled) leading liquid flow to the dispenser that requires it. He device differs from the invention detailed in this document in that there is no automatic registration of drinks served or functions Accounting

US4252253 "Drink dispenser having central control of plural dispensing stations "consists of a central dispensing element that communicates with several terminals They are serving drinks. A single central microcontroller is communicates with various dispensing devices (stations), and centralizes requests beverage dispensing. This patent speak automatic registration of drinks served, emission price invoice, accounting functions. The claim of this apparatus focuses on the communication between the element Central control and dispensing stations. It is not about a patent in which solenoid valve control is concerned, the Dispensing method, product accounting management served. His motivation lies in the communication between the central microcontroller and the dispensers it connects to, which are based on a different patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3991911 *). Said apparatus also supplies the air flow necessary for the air valves of the stations. Manage also records of drinks dispensed by season. Our invention claims instead an autonomous device, versatile and with appropriate software to control the dispensing of different drinks, as well as the registration of products served. Neither this patent reflects the possibility inclusion of adapters for different types of devices and of different consumption

* This patent (US3991911) moves away from our invention, since it is an automatic dispensing control but it is not based on microcontroller but it has a control circuitry and self-regulated pneumatic circuits. It has an electronic involved for the management of dispensations made (through some counters). Is for therefore, based on wired logic and not programmed logic. The WO 00/72178 Al Patent "A beverage dispenser Including an improved electronic system "is monitoring a beverage dispenser with electronic control system. The components are a microcontroller, a user interface, a valve (or several), an interface for the valve, electronic control system, communication interface (directly RS-232 or with modem for remote devices), power system, power system batteries, control system cooling and carbonating. The claims of this patent revolve around the control system electronic that manages the operation of the invention. What claimed is the creation of a flexible, modular system, and portable. The electronic control system is based on a state machine architecture. This architecture is organized. on three levels: low-level drivers, scheduling firm for management tasks dispensing and programming firm of supervised control. In general, what is claimed is that the system is able to adapt to different dispensing systems simply by modifying firm programming (usually only it is necessary to low level). The differences regarding the invention object of this patent are summarized in the following points. The mechanism analyzed allows adapting to different devices, but it has always been to change the system code of control. The invention object of patent supports different types valve mode dispensing beer without Change the code The subject invention generates reports of sales. The analyzed patent stores sales information, but it does not generate reports it speaks nothing about report generation. The invention object of the patent has the calibration function dispensing both flow mode and time. The patent analyzed speech calibration ratio (ratio of diluent and syrup) in soda. This calibration has to be done modifying the code. The invention object of the patent is adaptable to different user interfaces: gun mode barcode reader and interaction protocol bidirectional with existing point of sale terminals. This does not It is possible in the analyzed patent. Different modes of and disabling operation: mode and head waiter mode. This feature does not exist in the analyzed patent. Cancellation and pause dosage does not exist in the patent analyzed. Device ID does not exist in the patent analyzed. Beer tap adapter with 4 independent taps: Does not exist in patent analyzed. Nor contemplates dispensing by dispensed liquid flow / dispensing time or with the distinction of high or low consumption actuators.

US6312589 "Apparatus arranged to provide controllable water treatment customized to the conditions of water supplied to a beverage dispenser "focuses on the water treatment provided in the preparation of soft drinks by mixing. It consists, as an actuator, of a pump and with sensors pressure and flow, in addition to a filter and exchange chamber of ions. The microcontrollers control the pump to generate the right pressure There alarms: if not dirty filter reaches the pressure due, exhausted ion exchange when it has a certain amount of water passed through it, depending on the life cycle preprogrammed They claim, mainly, that it is the first microcontroller based system that makes a presentation Prioritized alarms on a display. Also that uses 2 microcontrollers, one of which can be carried by hand along with a keyboard and display. This patent differs highly of the invention presented. First, the device presented controls the valves and not the pump. On the other hand no liquid treatment is done, filters are not available no type. The invention has no display and only It presents basic alarms. In his system the name is not named at all dispensing control system, there is no sales record.

US5192000 "Beverage dispenser with automatic ratio control "is a system that dispenses a certain amount of soda or sometimes mixed with water, has flow meters, temperature sensors and control over the liquid flow so that if it goes outside the desired range It is automatically adjusted with values within the desired range. Be it is a beverage dosing system where a control over the flow, there are flow meters, in addition to measuring the temperature, and there is little interaction with respect to the User configuration. However, it does not include any accounting function or changes by the user so Easy quantities are served.

Patent CA2033099 "Multiflavor beverage dispenser control valve assembly and ratio control system therefor ". A multiflavor beverage dispenser by microcontroller allows to control the ratio of diluent and Concentrated on the drink. This is achieved because the system It includes flow control modules. A flow control module It is composed of a stepper motor connected to a valve Rotary, which allows to control the flow of the drink. Available of one or more dispensers. The microcontroller controls proportions of diluent and concentrate and a control strategy guarantees that there are no surpasses over Flow rate references established for a type of beverage. Without However, it does not contain any posting or change functions by the user in a simple way of the quantities that are they serve and the goal in completely different to our device.

US5129434 patent "Beverage dispensing valve with flow control lever arm "is a device to mix two substances (water and syrup syrup) but really  the ratio control is done by controlling a moving part of the dispensers There is no automatic registration of drinks served no accounting functions, and the goal is completely Different to our device.

Patents US5072859 "Beverage dispensing system with clear drink purge and method "and WO9117949 "Beverage dispensing system with clear drink purge" try a dispenser is capable of dispensing various drinks such so that when switching is able to detect that a new drink through the color and take action so it doesn't mix with the previous one. There is no automatic registration of drinks served or accounting functions. The objective is different from ours, given  that the object of this patent is based on the idea that Mix drinks and try to avoid it.

Patents EP0270923, EP0144988 "Apparatus and methods for filling a container Automatically with a liquid " and CAl234900 "Ultrasound level detector" consist of a liquid level detector system based on ultrasound and multiprocessor control dosing a drink of type "postmix". The ultrasound system is based on the measurement of the rebound time of the acoustic wave. This measure makes the microcontroller. By placing a container will be dispensed the Drink automatically until a level is reached predetermined. It allows you to temporarily interrupt dosing to prevent spilled carbonated drinks. Allows to measure the initial ice level in the glass. Detects operator error when placing another container of the initially planned. How can appreciate the objective is different from that of our device since for example there is no automatic registration of drinks served or accounting functions

GB2258216 patent. "Programmable portion Control for drink dispenser "describes a computer that handles of solenoid control to program a liquid dispenser in order to prepare combined according preprogrammed sequences. The team presented here is not responsible of combined but in each glass or jar just pour a single liquid.

WO9208671 "Liquid dispensers" describes a compound of a network of dispensers that can be remotely controlled, forming a network between the different dispensers existing communication between them and a central microcontroller The team presented here only has A single microcontroller.

The patent EP0530858 "Flow rate control valve assembly "describes a team that is primarily responsible for Beverage supply with flow control. This team to Unlike the object of the patent, it does not register drinks served and has therefore functions that help account The number of drinks supplied. It also does not allow connection Adapters with different consumer devices, nor disabling functions using keys or function calibration.

Short description

The present invention relates to a low cost device for universal beverage dispensing and the subsequent record of how many times each type has been served and quantity of liquid (hereinafter "sales"). This system, governed by a microcontroller, it is easily configurable to various operating modes and actuator devices. Other features of the invention consist of a policy of power failure management avoiding data loss, possibility of cancellation or paused in the expedition, disabling options by lock according to charge and the identification of the device through a bank of switches. a serial output used include, depending on the configuration selected, generate reports on a serial printer or a personal computer, reproduce the reading of a barcode or follow a serial protocol of point of sale terminals (in forward "POS") existing.

Description of the figures

Figure 1: This is the elements of the plate base (1) on which a series of devices are located necessary for the operation of the invention. The motherboard is is governed by software stored in a microcontroller (13). The motherboard consists of two blocks: power (2) and logic (12), each with a series of elements that relate to each other through a series of lines circuit transmitting a series of signals. I also know show the interaction signals of these elements with the elements external to the plate (7) (14) (15) (19) (22) (23) (24). The Figure 1 consists of the following elements:

1.- Printed circuit board

2.- Power block

3.- Fault management system feeding

4.- Main power signal for the power failure management system circuit

5.- Power circuit

6.- Actuator MOSFETs

7.- Activation signal to the devices which enable the output of the selected liquid.

8.- Power signal for the components logic block assets, except the microcontroller

9.- Warning signal of failure of device power

10. Signal Supply for microcontroller

11.- MOSFETs activation signal

12.- Logic block

13.- Microcontroller

14.- Group of sampling output signals of keyboard

15.- Group of input signals sampling of keyboard

16.- Anti-turrets system

17.- Signals without input bounces keyboard

18.- Power configuration switches device

19.- Entries flowmeters

20.- Bank of switches ID

21.- RS232 serial interface system

22.- Group of input / output signals of the RS232 serial

23.- Signal group of mode selectors of operation

24.- Key signal group disabling

25.- Battery

26.- Voltage regulator.

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Figure 2: Represents the plate integration printed circuit board (1) with various devices forming the invention, through a series of connectors: serial connector RS232 (32) for communication with a printer device, PC or POS terminal (POS) (36), connector referred to interaction and feeding signals with the elements of actuation (31) (including keyboard set (38)) and connector feed means (33). All these connectors are inserted into a box container of the printed circuit board (30), together with a series of interaction switches on the device (disabling (35) or mode selection switches operation (34)). Figure 2 consists of the following elements:

30.- Circuit board container box printed (1)

31.- Connector referring to signals (7), (14), (15) and (19)

32.- RS232 serial connector

33.- power connector device

34.- Switch for mode selection functioning

35.- Two position switches for disabling options

36.- printer, PC or POS Terminal (POS)

37.- flowmeters

38.- Selection keyboard

39.- Devices that allow the flow of dispensed liquid (solenoid valves, soda machines, relays actuators)

40.- Transformer

41.- Fuses

42.- Set of indicator lights of feeding and activation of the microcontroller.

43.- Power to the flowmeters (37).

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Figure 3: This is an adapter that distributes the signals output connector (31) to an interface Up to a maximum of 4 dispenser taps. This adapter It consists of a circuit printed circuit board that acts as adapter (47) with several connectors that allow connection with a subset of signals (48) of the signal set (31). From this connector connect the keyboard selection set of measures-tap beer dispenser (49). The figure 3 consists of the following elements:

47.- Adapter printed circuit board

48.- Signal connectors from the connector (31) from which the referring to those of a set (49)

49.- Beer tap set - keyboard selection of measures.

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Figure 4: Block diagram representing the behavior of the invention in beer dispensing mode. The operation is as follows: after a start block of the program (52) and initialization (53) (responsible for registering the switch bank configuration (20) and check Run by flow / time and pulsed / continuous signal), the system enters into a cyclic behavior of reading the components of user interaction (operating mode: calibration, resetting counters sales, dispensing and report generation; and product selection and measurement liquid dispensed to serve, disabling options, etc.) and its corresponding action (send the report to the serial interface printer, POS or computer enabled devices dispensing, dispensing slow and cancellation, etc.).

Figure 5: Block diagram representing the behavior of the invention in beverage dispensing mode bottled, analogous to the scheme shown in Figure 4. This figure is analogous to Figure 4, adapting it to this mode of operation, suppressing the blocks that are part of the specific operation of the beer dispensing mode, such as They are dispensed by volume / time and signal selection Pressed / continuous.

Figure 6: Behavior block diagram of the system in dispensing mode soda machines. He behavior is analogous to that shown in Figures 4 and 5, but a series of blocks have been included, deleted or modified reflecting peculiarities of operation mode dispensing machine soda, since in this case the Product selection button / must be maintained to serve as activated throughout the liquid dispensing. This implies the inclusion of some blocks and the elimination / modification of others. This includes actions such as the condition of not having detected for three seconds the switch press corresponding to a product after the selection of a measurement, etc .. The elements of Figure 6 incorporates respect to Figures 4 and 5 are:

100.- Block of the detection algorithm of external keyboard (38) for the selection of the measure to be used by the Products selected below for dispensing.

101.- Block of change of the measure to serve as the products selected below for dispensing to the measurement selected using the external keyboard (38).

102.- Product selection block (s) to be dispensed according to the measurement selected according to the external keyboard (38).

105.- Selection condition using the keyboard external (38) of product (s) to be served simultaneous.

106.- Selection condition using the keyboard external (38) of the measure to be used for the selected products to continued for dispensing.

108.- Condition of not having detected during a three seconds time the switch press corresponding to a product after the selection of a measure according to the condition (106).

109.- Condition of detecting that the switch of the keyboard corresponding to a product detected in the condition (105) has been released.

110.- Condition of not having detected during a five seconds time the switch press corresponding to a leisurely product.

111.- Condition to detect that the switch corresponding to a product key is pressed.

112.- Condition to detect that the switch of the keyboard corresponding to the product detected in the condition (111) has been released.

113.- Block entered in calibration mode. It includes the possibility to select using the external keyboard (38) the measure to be calibrated. If not select any, are calibrates the default measure of the product dispensed in the calibration.

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Figure 7: Represents the power amplifier for actuators guzzling. In the mode intended for beer dispensing, in case the MOSFET model (6) placed on the printed circuit board (1) is missing ready for a continuous action signal (11), that is, that overheating occurs in it, our device allows connection via a conversion adapter plate signal (7) in continuous mode pulsed mode. This plate consists of a printed circuit with power amplification elements (122) that connect connectors (123) (124) devices that allow the flow of liquid to be dispensed with Printed circuit board. Figure 7 consists of the following elements:

122. Plate amplifier printed circuit power

123.- Connector of devices that allow liquid flow (39) with the printed circuit board (122).

124.- Flowmeter device connector (37) with the printed circuit board (122).

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Detailed description of the invention

The device consists of the following features:

1. The system is governed by a microcontroller (13) located on a printed circuit board (1) whose operation is easily configurable through various switches (18) and by means of the program introduced in the microcontroller (13). Through these changes it is able to treat with different beverage dispensing devices.

2. In said printed circuit board (1), hereinafter referred to as "motherboard", two are distinguished blocks:

2.1. A block (12) that contains the logic of device control (hereinafter "logic block") consisting of a microcontroller (13), a system debouncing (16) of the group of signals (15) coming from the keyboard, a bank of identification switches (20), switches configuration (18) and an RS232 serial interface system (21) that group treated with the communication signal (22).

2.2. A block (2) intended for food of the device and actuation (hereinafter "block of power ") comprising the power circuit (5) of the active components of the logic block (12), except microcontroller (13), by generating the signal (8), the power failure management system (3) (based on a battery (25) and a voltage regulator (26)) and devices MOSFET (6) that attack the devices that enable the output of the liquid selected by the signal group (7).

3. The motherboard (1) is in a box container (30) of plastic material whose surface is are three connectors:

3.1. A connector (32) RS232 serial inteface with external devices (36) for the signal group (22).

3.2. A connector (31) that allows to connect the interacting devices with the motherboard (1): keyboards selection (referred to the group of output sampling signals (14) and input (15)), flowmeters (referring to the signal group (19)) and various compatible devices that allow the flow of liquid to be dispensed (referred to the group of signals (7)). Everybody These interaction devices are modular. According to configuration of the motherboard (1) through the switches (18) and the program in the microcontroller (13), one physical connector line can play a role different.

3.3. A power connector (33) by the transformer (16).

4. On the surface said box is arranged a switch (34) for selecting mode of operation (described in point (6)) and two key switches (35) described in the point 13.

5. For all types of drink (hereinafter "product") different quantities can be selected (in forward "measure") of liquid to be served using the keyboard external. The keyboard (38) is sampled repeatedly using the group of output signals (14) and input (15) to microcontroller (13).

6. Switch four positions (34) with which can be selected, through the signals (23) between the following modes:

6.1. Calibration: the quantity is calibrated to used by dispensing liquid to the desired value of the selected product using the keyboard (38). Mode calibration for each type of device is described in the Figure 4 (blocks (58), (59), (60) and (61) and conditions (76), (78), (79), (82) and (83)), Figure 5 (blocks (58), (59), (60) and (61) and conditions (76), (78), (79), (82) and (83)) and Figure 6 (blocks (58), (60), (61) and (113) and conditions (76), (78), (82), (111) and (112)) respectively for the dispensing of beer, beverages bottled and soda machines. The user selects the product and as calibrated. The microcontroller (13) provides the TTL signal (11) corresponding activation device acts on one of the MOSFETs (6), which acts in turn by the group of signals (7) over the devices (39) that enable the output of the selected liquid. Once the desired amount any button on the keyboard is selected external (38) to deactivate the corresponding actuator (6), with what the flow of liquid dispensed by the device (39) ceases In the case of the operating mode for machines soft drinks, the calibration time is determined by the time that the corresponding switch is pressed to each product. In that mode, calibration refers to the measurement by defect of the selected product, unless another is selected measurement on the external keyboard (38).

6.2. Resetting counters: Counters The sales of the different products are set to zero. The mode Counter reset for each type of device comes described by blocks (62) and (63) and conditions (80) and (84) of Figures 4, 5 and 6.

6.3. Report generation: Information on The amount of sales made of each product are sent by the serial port to a device (36) by managing the system (21) that deals with the signal group (22). Mode Report generation for each type of device is described by blocks (64) and (65) and conditions (85) and (86) of the Figures 4, 5 and 6.

6.4. Dispensing: The microcontroller (13) wait for the desired product to be selected by keyboard (38) serve and then arrange the TTL signal (11) to activate the device corresponding to the selected product according to the calibration performed previously, updating the counters of sales of drinks served. In case the product and Selected measure would not have been previously calibrated, the device ignores keyboard input (38). The device allows simultaneous arrangement of drinks. In this mode, according to various selections on the keyboard (38), you can cancel the dispensing (dispensing is terminated) or pause said dispensing (when a product is selected again and measure paused the remaining liquid will be dispensed). In the mode of dispensing for soda machines is dispensed during the time the product switch remains pressed correspondent. The act of releasing said switch implies Slowly dispensing. The measure dispensed corresponds to the default measure, unless another measure has been selected by pressing the corresponding button immediately before of activating the switch of the product to be dispensed. Mode dispensing for each type of device is described in the Figure 4 (blocks (67), (68), (69), (70), (71), (72) and (73) and conditions (89), (90), (91), (92), (93), (94), (95) and (96)), Figure 5 (blocks (68), (69), (70) and (71) and conditions (88), (89), (92), (93) and (94)) and Figure 6 (blocks (67), (69), (70), (71), (72), (73), (100), (101) and (102) and conditions (88), (89), (91), (92), (93), (94), (96), (105), (106), (108), (109) and (110)) respectively for the dispensing of beer, beverages bottled and soda machines.

7. Anti-turrets system (16) for the group of signals (15) of inputs from the keyboard (38). Of this so no spurious pulses slip (the group of signals (17) input to the microcontroller (13)) that may indicate commands wrong, for example, new sales. The reset mode of counters for each type of device is described by the blocks (62) and (63) and conditions (80) and (84) of Figures 4, 5 and 6

8. Separate fuses (41) for power supply the power of the actuator devices included in the plates elements and block (12).

9. Compatibility, according to the switches of configuration (18) of the logic board (12), with three types of actuators (39) different: solenoid valves for dispensing beer (up to four faucets with four measures), dispensers soft drinks (six products, four sizes) and dispensing strips of bottled beverages / spirits (five products, two measures).

10. Identifying identification of a device relative to other copies by a bank of four switches (20), allowing distinguishing dispensations up to sixteen different devices.

11. In the mode intended for dispensing beer, can be selected, according to a plate switch base (1) of the set (18), an operation according to calibration by dispensing time or by flow of dispensed liquid. In this last case, for the correct operation, the flow meters (37) they must generate a pulsed signal (belonging to the signal group (19)) TTL level, such that the number of pulses generated is proportional to the amount of liquid detected.

12. In the mode intended for dispensing beer, can be added to the base device (1), a plate of adapter printed circuit (47) of a single beer tap Up to a maximum of four beer taps. Adapter plate (47) separate the signals from each of the assemblies (49) tap beer-keyboard selection using connectors (48).

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13. Options disabling systems by means of two switches (35) key type (referred to the group of signals (24)). The first switch corresponds to the mode of waiter (if it is deactivated the dispensing of beverages, calibration, reporting and adjustment counters) and supervisor mode (if disabled, there is the impossibility of calibration, reporting and counter reset).

14. Fault management system (3) of power supply based on a battery (25) and a voltage regulator (26). This system warns the microcontroller (13) that it has been a power failure occurred by means of a signal (9). Before the reception of this signal, and if said signal is active for more than a predetermined threshold time, microcontroller (13) interrupts the logical flow of the program and stores the critical data for the correct progress of the device. This allows no calibration data is lost and the accounting of dispensations made of each product and extent that these positions are stored in a memory type EEPROM contained in the microcontroller (13). When it occurs said fault, the signals (11) and the indicator light inside the set (42) referred to the Proper system initialization is turned off.

15. In the mode intended for dispensing beer, can be selected as a switch assembly switches (18) of the base plate (1), for operation solenoid valves (39) of high or low consumption, corresponding to a continuous or pulsed action of the signals (7). This way I don't know unnecessarily increases device consumption and lengthens the useful life of the components involved.

16. The system is powered by a transformer (40) supplier between 14 and 50 volts AC and whose Nominal power required is determined by the devices (39) permit liquid flow. When power produced of the device, indicated by a light inside the assembly (42) wherein said feeding is carried out of a right way. After a few seconds of initialization, it is indicated by another indicator light inside the assembly (42) that the microcontroller (13) is ready to monitor the device operation.

17. RS232 serial output (32) that allows, according to the selected configuration, generate reports on a printer serial or on a personal computer (36), play the serial output of a barcode reader gun or follow a protocol serial of existing POS terminals (36). The circuit (21) is responsible for manage the signal group (22).

18. In the mode intended for dispensing beer and liquid flow calibration operation dispensed, the sale is canceled last three seconds without the device of the patent received pulses as described in point 11. This prevents the continued flow of liquid dispensed before possible corn flakes of a flowmeter (37) or use malicious device.

19. In the mode intended for dispensing soda machines, the sale is canceled after five seconds without the device object of the patent detects that the selector of selected product on the external keyboard (38) is pressed.

20. System behavior with a microcontroller (13) programmed in the dispensing mode of beer and with the switches (18) in the configuration for said mode, is described in figure 4.

21. System behavior with a microcontroller (13) programmed in the dispensing mode of bottled drinks and with the switches (18) on the configuration for said mode, is described in figure 5.

22. System behavior with a microcontroller (13) programmed in the dispensing mode of soda machines and switches (18) in the configuration for said mode, is described in figure 6.

23. The times indicated in the points previous ones can be modified by changing the program introduced into the microcontroller (13).

24. In the mode intended for dispensing beer, in case the MOSFET model (6) placed in the printed circuit board (1) are not prepared for a continuous actuation signal (11), in the heating direction excessive, the patent device allows its connection, by means of an adapter plate (whose scheme is described in the Figure 7) signal (7) pressed continuously. This allows the joint integration of high and low devices (39) consumption.

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A greater degree of descriptive detail is it follows from the interpretation of Figures 4 and 5 respectively.

Specifically, Figure 4 shows the following elements:

52.- Program start block

53.- System initialization block. Within this block the bank configuration of 4 is registered switches (20), which determines the identification of the device.

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54.- Switch check block within the group of switches (18) distinguishing between mode of Calibration operation by time or by flow. Comparison with the previous behavior recorded in the memory of the microcontroller (13).

55.- Block for deletion of stored data in the EEPROM memory of the microcontroller (13) referred to the Calibration of dispensations.

56.- Switch check block within the group of switches (18) distinguishing between mode of operation by sending a pulsed or continuous signal.

57.- Check block of whether the switch 4-position (34) indicates activation of calibration mode.

58.- Indication block through the serial connector (32) that the calibration mode has been entered. In case of connection to a point of sale terminal this message is not sent.

59.- Input block in the mode of calibration.

60.- Block in which the microcontroller (13) sends the activation signal of the MOSFET (6) corresponding to the product and measure selected in the condition (79).

61.- Data storage block concerning the calibrations of the products and measurements.

62.- Check block of whether the switch four-position (34) indicates activation of the reset mode of counters

63.- Indication block through the serial connector (32) that the meter reset mode has been entered. In connection case with a point of sale terminal this message does not Is sent. We proceed to the sales counters of the Different products are set to zero.

64.- Check block of whether the switch four position (34) indicates activation of the generation mode from reports.

65.- Block sent by the serial connector (32) the report of how many times each product has been dispensed and measurements. In case of connection with a point of sale terminal this Report is not sent.

66.- Block for checking the status of the key, inside the key switch assembly (24), relative to the waiter mode of operation.

67.- Dispensation cancellation block Current corresponding. A serial connector (32) is sent message indicating said cancellation. In case of connection with a POS terminal This report is not sent.

68.- Keyboard sampling algorithm block external (38) of product selection and measurement.

69.- External keyboard treatment block (38) of product selection and measure. Checking if it has dispensed the liquid according to the calibration value of any of active dispensing processes.

70.- New dispensing block. It updates the product and measure sales counter selected by the keystroke registered from the external keyboard (38). The activation signal by the microcontroller (13) corresponding to the selected product. It is indicated by the connector serial (32) that proceeds to the dispensing of the Product-measure selected by pressing registered from the external keyboard (38). In case of connection with a point of sale terminal this message is not sent.

71.- Deactivation block by the microcontroller (13) of the product activation signal of the which has been detected that its liquid dispensing has reached the value corresponding to the value recorded in the calibration of the corresponding product and measure.

72.- Deactivation block by the microcontroller (13) of the product activation signal of the which has been detected, according to condition (95), that a External keyboard button (38). This action is called hereafter  "paused" of the dispensation.

73.- Activation block by the microcontroller (13) of the product activation signal of the which has been detected, according to condition (96), that a External keyboard button (38). The amount of liquid remaining at the time of the previous pause, so that the total amount of liquid dispensed will correspond to the value calibration of the corresponding product-measure.

74.- Change condition in the switch, within the set of switches (18), of distinction between mode of calibration operation by time or by flow.

75.- Change condition in the switch, within the set of switches (18), of distinction between mode operating time or flow calibration and also switch, within the switch assembly (35), so active supervisor

76.- Four switch condition positions (34) indicating activation of calibration mode, switch, within the assembly (35), so active supervisor and it is also verified that in the previous test it was not in the calibration operation mode.

77.- Condition of no change in the switch, within the set (18), of distinction between mode of Calibration operation by time or by flow.

78.- Four switch condition positions (34) indicating activation of calibration mode, switch, within the assembly (35), so active supervisor and It is also verified that in the previous test it was in the calibration operation mode.

79.- Condition that has been selected by external keyboard (38) a specific product and measure for calibration.

80.- Four switch condition positions (34) indicating activation of the reset mode of counters, switch, inside the assembly (35), so active supervisor and it is also verified that in the previous test was not in the reset operation mode of counters

81.- Four switch condition positions (34) not indicating activation of the calibration.

82.- Condition that has not been selected no product-measure by external keyboard (38) to carry out its calibration.

83.- Condition that has been selected by keyboard a product and any measure to stop the calibration.

84.- Four switch condition positions (34) not indicating activation of the reset mode of counters

85.- Four switch condition positions (34) indicating activation of the generation mode of report, switch, inside set (35), supervisor mode active and it is also verified that in the previous test it is not was in the operating mode of generating report.

86.- Four switch condition positions (34) not indicating activation of the generation mode of reports.

87.- Key condition, within the set (35), which disables the waiter mode of operation.

88.- Key condition, within the set (35), which enables the waiter mode of operation.

89.- Condition that the dispensing of a product-measure and also not Find no active dispensing process.

90.- Condition of not having detected pulses from the flow meters (37) of a dispensing active product-measure for a time of three seconds, when working in calibration dispensing mode by flow.

91.- Condition of having detected that they have pressed simultaneously from the external keyboard (38) the buttons corresponding to two measures of the same product as any of the product-measure dispensations active.

92.- Condition that the dispensing of a product-measure and also Find some active dispensing process.

93.- Condition of having detected that it has been pressed from the external keyboard 38 a button corresponding to a product different from all product-measure dispensations active.

94.- Condition of detecting that a dispensation of active liquid has reached the value corresponding to the value recorded in product calibration and measurement corresponding.

95.- Condition of having detected that it has been pressed from the external keyboard (38) a button corresponding to the same product of some of the product-measure dispensations active.

96.- Condition of having detected that it has been pressed from the external keyboard (38) a button corresponding to the same product of some of the product-measure dispensations paused

Embodiments of the invention

The present invention is further illustrated. by the following example on the embodiment of the invention, which is not intended to be limiting of its scope.

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Example 1

System governed by a microcontroller (13) from the 40-pin ATMEL manufacturer, in which the program that complies with the schemes defined in Figures 4, 5 and 6, according to its purpose.

The base plate (1), implemented by milling on metal plate, it has a series of integrated commercial packages, connected according to the indicated provision in Figures 1-3, with the functions of regulator 5V voltage, 15 amp MOSFETs, 6 turrets system inputs, 16 configuration switch bank, indicators operating lights (red and green colors), battery 4.5 V, 4MHz microcontroller oscillator crystal, 3 fuses amps, complemented by passive elements (resistors, capacitors, diode bridges) and necessary connectors according to the specifications of the elements with which the controller device

Claims (2)

1. Low cost device for dispensing beverages characterized by

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Motherboard containing a Printed circuit board.

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Microcontroller that contains a microprocessor and the electronic components necessary for your operation, inserted into a motherboard that monitors, by the software loaded in it, the overall operation of the invention.

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Power block that Contains a power circuit of the components Of the device.

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Configuration switches which contains a switch and electronic components necessary for its operation inserted in the circuit board printed that determines whether the liquid dispensing control it is done by dispensing time or by liquid flow dispensed and by a switch and electronic components necessary for its operation, inserted in the plate printed circuit that determines if the actuation signal is continuous in time or by signal pulses.

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Selection keyboard that It contains a series of buttons associated with the selection of the concrete product and the amount of liquid to be dispensed, as well as to the momentary (pause) or definitive (cancellation) interruption of the dispensing of the selected liquid.

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Disabling System options corresponding to the "supervisor mode" that contains a two position switch, which determines the lock or unlocking the operating mode selector.

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Disabling System options corresponding to the "waiter mode" that contains a two position switch that activates or deactivates the liquid dispensing

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Serial interface system that It contains an RS232 serial connector.

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Mode selector operation containing a switch whose position determines the mode of operation of the invention associated with the type of liquid to be dispensed (beer, soda, bottled beverage, etc...)

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Mode select switch actuator that contains a multi-position switch whose position determines the function to be performed by the invention: set to zero of counters, calibration of the amount of liquid a dispense, sending status report counters, dispensing of liquid, etc.

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Mechanisms of action that contain electronic, mechanical or any other devices nature that allow the flow of the liquid such as: solenoid valves, relays, soda dispensing machines, etc. and that may come associated with dispensed liquid meters such as flow meters

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Interface input-output that contains a connector to which connect the selection keyboard and the mechanisms of performance.

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Switch Bank identification, which contains a set of switches and the electronic components necessary for its operation, inserted into the printed circuit board whose positions They determine an identification code.

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Feeding system data safeguard, which contains a set of batteries and a voltage regulator with the necessary electronic components for operation, inserted in the circuit board printed.

2. Device low cost for dispensing beverages characterized according to claim 1, wherein the input-output interface is modified by a bus adapter cable of up to four independent buses.