GB2264551A

GB2264551A - Free flow tap lever position sensor.

Info

Publication number: GB2264551A
Application number: GB9201349A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Gordon Potts
Original assignee: CELLAR SERVICES TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: CELLAR SERVICES TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 1992-01-22
Filing date: 1992-01-22
Publication date: 1993-09-01
Also published as: GB9201349D0

Abstract

A manually operated free-flow beverage tap has a sensor incorporated in order to generate an electrical signal when the tap is being used, without intrusion into the beverage flow path and without mechanical linkage to the tap handle. The sensor may comprise a magnet 7 on the tap lever and a magnetically operated switch 8 on the tap body. The signal may initiate pumping, flow regulation or data logging. Closure of the tap may be prevented until an enabling signal is generated. <IMAGE>

Description

FREE FLOW TAP SENSOR This invention relates to a means of sensing/controlling the flow of fluids when dispensing beverages.

Known methods of beverage dispense can be categorised as either having an electrically operated means of controlling flow at the tap or as having a purely mechanical means of controlling flow at the tap.

In many instances the demand for flow from the tap is used to trigger an electrical response (for example the provision of motive force, the regulation of flow or data logging) in the area where the bulk beverage is stored.

According to the present invention there is provided a means of monitoring any attempt to initiate flow through a purely mechanical tap and the means of generating a corresponding electrical signal. The said means of monitoring is achieved without intrusion into, or interference with, the fluid handling pipework or pathways and without mechanical linkage to the operating lever of the tap.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a typical tap before embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a typical tap after embodiment of one form of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a part section view of the tap indicating movements during operation.

Referring to the drawing the standard tap comprises a slip plane 1 upon which the cam form 2 on the base of the operating lever 3 bears. As the lever is operated the cam action of 2 on the plane 1 results in the raising of pivot pin 4 with respect of the body 5 of the tap. Relative motion of the pivot pin with respect to the body results in movement of the shaft 6 within the body, thus activating the valve arrangement.

Tne invention incorporates into the standard configuration a magnet 7 which is fixed relative to the operating lever and a magnetically operated witch 8 which is fixed relative to the tap body. Thus movement of the lever relative to the tap body alters the relationship of magnet to switch and results in activation of the switch. A suitable arrangement 9 is made for the routing of electrical connections.

The electrical connections may be used for a variety of purposes, for example to energise relays controlling the supply of electrical power to a pump which generates motive force for the beverage.

Claims

1. A means of sensing that the operating lever of a purely mechanical beverage tap is being moved, without intrusion into or interference with the fluid handling pipework or pathways and without mechanical linkage to the operating lever.

2. The application of the electrical signal generated by the sensing means in claim 1 to the control or monitoring of beverage dispense.

3. The application of the electrical signal generated in claims 1 and 2 to a system which prevents closure of said tap until an additional part of the system generates an enabling signal.