GB2172577A

GB2172577A - Controlling and monitoring liquid dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2172577A
Application number: GB08605815A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Desmond Mcquoid
Original assignee: TECBAR SERVICES
Current assignee: TECBAR SERVICES
Priority date: 1985-03-08
Filing date: 1986-03-10
Publication date: 1986-09-24
Also published as: GB8605815D0

Abstract

A system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of liquid at a bar, comprising a plurality of Optics (RTM), each being automatically operable in response to a respective control signal, and a signal source for monitoring and indicating the status of the system and being adapted to generate said control signal in response to a signal from a feedback interlock. The Optics, signal source and feedback interlock communicate with each other via a main console for checking that the feedback path is complete for each Optic. Each Optic 10 may be automatically operated by means of an electro-mechanical device, comprising an arm 26 connected to a mounting bracket 28 and movable by means of a solenoid 30 triggered through a switching circuit. When a drink is ordered, the bar steward presses buttons at the signal source corresponding to the drink required; pressure pad 13 detects the presence of a glass so that the feedback interlock enables the solenoid 30 via the control console, which may have counters for stock control. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Automatic drinks dispenser The present invention relates to a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of spirits or wines at a bar.

Generally, present methods of dispensing drink do not prohibit the bar steward from serving over measures or topping up. Consequently, close stock control is difficult to achieve since there is no accurate record of the number of measures sold at a bar.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages.

The present invention accordingly provides a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of liquid at a bar, comprising a plurality of optics (RTM), each being automatically operable in response to a respective control signal, and a signal source for monitoring and indicating the status of the system and being adapted to generate said control signals in response to a signal from a feedback interlock, said optics, signal source and feedback interlock communicating with each other via a main console for checking that the feedback path is complete for each optic.

Preferably, each optic is automatically operated by means of an electro-mechanical device, comprising an arm connected to a mounting bracket and movable by means of a solenoid triggered through a switching circuit.

Alternatively, said optic is automatically operated using a photoelectric signal source, hydraulic, ultrasonic or pneumatic means or any combination thereof.

Preferably also, a cabinet is provided for housing three cells, each cell comprising an optic, bracketing for supporting a bottle of spirits and said electro mechanical device.

Preferably also, said feedback interlock comprises a pressure pad adapted to generate said signal if a glass is in position.

Preferably, said main console is provided with cumulative preset counters corresponding to each optic for indicating the total number of measures dispensed. The counters are sealed in order to facilitate close stock control and prevent any tam pering.

Alternatively, said preset counters may be instal led in a compartment located below said cells in said cabinet.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the automatic drinks dispenser of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of 3 cells supported in the cabinet; Figure 3 is an end view of a cell supported in the cabinet; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electro mechanical device of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a perspective of an alternative electro mechanical device.

With reference to Figure 1, the present invention provides a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of spirits comprising a plurality of optics 10, a signal source 12 for monitoring and indicating the status of the system, and a feedback interlock 14 which generates a signal to the signal source 12 if a glass is placed on its pressure pad 13 (Figure 4). A main console 16 communicates with the optics 10, the signal source 12 and the feedback interlock 14 and checks that the feedback path is complete.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a cabinet 18 is provided for housing 3 cells 1-3. Each cell comprises an optic 20, a supporting bracket 22 and an electromechanical device 24. The supporting bracket 22 is capable of supporting a 3 litre bottle of spirits which reduces non-productive change over times. The electro-mechanical device 24 (Figure 4) comprises an arm 26 pivotally connected to a mounting bracket 28. The arm is movable by means of a solenoid 30 which is triggered through a switching circuit (not shown).

In operation, the solenoid 30 pulls the arm 26 downwards at one end against a spring 32. The arm 26 pivots about a pivot pin 34 which causes the opposite end to move in an upward direction and releas a measure of spirits from the optic 10. The arm 26 is held in the position for a preset time period sufficient to release a full measure of spirits.

In the alternative device of Figure 5 the arm 26 is carried by a channel member 35 located between pairs of rollers 36 carried on pins 37 extending from support member 38 and a pin 39 which locates in a slot 40.

In use, the signal source 12 is located at an accessible position under the bar counter. The signal source 10 indicates whether the optics are ready for operation.

The customer orders his drinks and the bar steward presses the appropriate buttons (not shown) on the signal source 10. The bar steward can proceed and fetch any relevant mixers, e.g. cola and lemonade, while the optics 10 automatically deliver the spirits. The bar steward then removes the full glasses from the pressure pads 13 and replaces them with empty glasses pending the next order.

An override button (not shown) is also available if double measures are required.

It is also envisaged that the system could be linked to a computer via an interface for accurate stock control.

1. A system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of liquid at a bar, comprising a plurality of optics, each being automatically operable in response to a respective control signal, and a signal source for monitoring and indicating the status of the system and being adapted to generate said control signal in response to a signal from a feedback interlock, said optics, signal source and feedback interlock communicating with each other via a main console for checking that the feedback path is complete for each optic.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Automatic drinks dispenser The present invention relates to a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of spirits or wines at a bar. Generally, present methods of dispensing drink do not prohibit the bar steward from serving over measures or topping up. Consequently, close stock control is difficult to achieve since there is no accurate record of the number of measures sold at a bar. It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages. The present invention accordingly provides a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of liquid at a bar, comprising a plurality of optics (RTM), each being automatically operable in response to a respective control signal, and a signal source for monitoring and indicating the status of the system and being adapted to generate said control signals in response to a signal from a feedback interlock, said optics, signal source and feedback interlock communicating with each other via a main console for checking that the feedback path is complete for each optic. Preferably, each optic is automatically operated by means of an electro-mechanical device, comprising an arm connected to a mounting bracket and movable by means of a solenoid triggered through a switching circuit. Alternatively, said optic is automatically operated using a photoelectric signal source, hydraulic, ultrasonic or pneumatic means or any combination thereof. Preferably also, a cabinet is provided for housing three cells, each cell comprising an optic, bracketing for supporting a bottle of spirits and said electro mechanical device. Preferably also, said feedback interlock comprises a pressure pad adapted to generate said signal if a glass is in position. Preferably, said main console is provided with cumulative preset counters corresponding to each optic for indicating the total number of measures dispensed. The counters are sealed in order to facilitate close stock control and prevent any tam pering. Alternatively, said preset counters may be instal led in a compartment located below said cells in said cabinet. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the automatic drinks dispenser of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of 3 cells supported in the cabinet; Figure 3 is an end view of a cell supported in the cabinet; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electro mechanical device of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a perspective of an alternative electro mechanical device. With reference to Figure 1, the present invention provides a system for automatically dispensing a predetermined measure of spirits comprising a plurality of optics 10, a signal source 12 for monitoring and indicating the status of the system, and a feedback interlock 14 which generates a signal to the signal source 12 if a glass is placed on its pressure pad 13 (Figure 4). A main console 16 communicates with the optics 10, the signal source 12 and the feedback interlock 14 and checks that the feedback path is complete. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a cabinet 18 is provided for housing 3 cells 1-3. Each cell comprises an optic 20, a supporting bracket 22 and an electromechanical device 24. The supporting bracket 22 is capable of supporting a 3 litre bottle of spirits which reduces non-productive change over times. The electro-mechanical device 24 (Figure 4) comprises an arm 26 pivotally connected to a mounting bracket 28. The arm is movable by means of a solenoid 30 which is triggered through a switching circuit (not shown). In operation, the solenoid 30 pulls the arm 26 downwards at one end against a spring 32. The arm 26 pivots about a pivot pin 34 which causes the opposite end to move in an upward direction and releas a measure of spirits from the optic 10. The arm 26 is held in the position for a preset time period sufficient to release a full measure of spirits. In the alternative device of Figure 5 the arm 26 is carried by a channel member 35 located between pairs of rollers 36 carried on pins 37 extending from support member 38 and a pin 39 which locates in a slot 40. In use, the signal source 12 is located at an accessible position under the bar counter. The signal source 10 indicates whether the optics are ready for operation. The customer orders his drinks and the bar steward presses the appropriate buttons (not shown) on the signal source 10. The bar steward can proceed and fetch any relevant mixers, e.g. cola and lemonade, while the optics 10 automatically deliver the spirits. The bar steward then removes the full glasses from the pressure pads 13 and replaces them with empty glasses pending the next order. An override button (not shown) is also available if double measures are required. It is also envisaged that the system could be linked to a computer via an interface for accurate stock control. CLAIMS

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each optic is automatically operated by means of an electro-mechanical device, comprising an arm connected to a mounting bracket and movable by means of a solenoid triggered through a switching circuit.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said arm is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket.

4. Asystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein said optic is automatically operated using a photoelectric signal source, hydraulic, ultrasonic or pneumatic means or any combination thereof.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a cabinet is provided for housing three cells, each cell comprising an optic, bracketing for supporting a bottle of spirits and said electromechanical device.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said feedback interlock comprises a pressure pad adapted to generate said signal if a glass is in position.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main console is provided with cumulative preset counters corresponding to each optic for indicating the total number of measures dispensed.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the counters are sealed.

9. A system as claimed in claims 5 and 7 wherein the preset counters are installed in a compartment located below the cells in the cabinet.

10. Asystem substantially as hereinbeforedescribed with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1,2 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.