GB2278340A

GB2278340A - Liquid dispensing system

Info

Publication number: GB2278340A
Application number: GB9410125A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Idle; Terrance Eadon
Original assignee: ELECTRO MARKETING SERVICES LIM
Current assignee: ELECTRO MARKETING SERVICES LIM
Priority date: 1993-05-27
Filing date: 1994-05-20
Publication date: 1994-11-30
Also published as: GB9410125D0; GB9310983D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a liquid dispensing system comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing units each connected by pump means to a reservoir of liquid to be dispensed, a switch at each dispensing unit operable to actuate the pump associated with that unit, electronic means which repeatedly scans through a common line, the state of each of said switches in turn and which actuates the associated pump means whenever an operated switch is detected.

Description

LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM This invention concerns a liquid dispensing system, particularly, though by no means exclusively, suitable for dispensing beer.

Generally, in public houses and other establishments where beer is sold, there are a plurality of dispensing heads at the bar, each connected with a pump in the cellar which is adapted to supply a measured volume of beer to the dispensing head whenever a switch at the dispensing head is closed. Generally, also, each dispensing head includes an electrically operated valve which is controlled from the cellar to open when beer is to be dispensed. There are thus four electrical conductors extending between each dispensing head and the cellar. These are costly to install and replace particularly when there are a large number of dispensing heads.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system, which overcomes, at least to some extent, the disadvantage aforesaid.

According to the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing units each connected by pump means to a reservoir of liquid to be dispensed, a switch at each dispensing unit operable to actuate the pump associated with that unit, electronic means which repeatedly scans through a common line, the state of each of said switches in turn and which actuates the associated pump means whenever an operated switch is detected.

Each pump may, when actuated, deliver a measured volume of liquid.

Each dispensing unit may include a valve which is opened when liquid is to be dispensed and closed thereafter.

The valves may be electrically identified operated and controlled through a common line by said electronic means.

The liquid may be one or more varieties of beer, soft drink or other liquid beverage.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description, with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawing, which shows, in diagrammatic form, and by way of example only, one form of liquid dispensing system embodying same.

Referring now to the drawing, it will be seen that a plurality of beer dispensing heads 10 are provided. Each head 10 is connected by a pipe 11 with a pump 12 for the supply of a measured quantity of beer to the head 10 from a barrel, tank or other reservoir 13, whenever a switch 14 at the head 10 is closed. In some instances, a single reservoir 13 may supply more than one dispensing head 10. The switches 14 are connected with electronic units 15 at the dispensing heads 10.

The pumps 12 and reservoirs 13 are located in a cellar remote from the dispensing heads 10.

An electronic control 16 is located in the cellar and continuously and repeatedly scans the units 15 in turn through a common line 17 to ascertain the states of the switches 14. Whenever a closed switch 14 is detected, the control 16 causes actuation of the pump 12 associated with the head 10 whose switch 14 has been operated to deliver a measured quantity of beer to that head.

Each head 10 may include an electrically operated valve 18 to close the pipe 11 except when beer is to be dispensed. The valves 18 are controlled by the units 15 in response to commands generated by the control 16 and transmitted through the common line 17.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing system comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing units each connected by pump means to a reservoir of liquid to be dispensed, a switch at each dispensing unit operable to actuate the pump associated with that unit, electronic means which repeatedly scans through a common line, the state of each of said switches in turn and which actuates the associated pump means whenever an operated switch is detected.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein each pump, when actuated, delivers a measured volume of liquid.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each dispensing unit includes a valve which is opened when liquid is to be dispensed and closed thereafter.

4. A system according to claim 4 wherein the valves are operated and controlled through the common line by said electronic means.

5. A system according to any preceding claim which disperses one or more varieties of beer, soft drink or other liquid beverage.