GB2466319A

GB2466319A - A font for faster dispensing of beverages

Info

Publication number: GB2466319A
Application number: GB0906537A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Sleddon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-16
Filing date: 2009-04-16
Publication date: 2010-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-16
Also published as: GB0906537D0; GB0822819D0; GB2466319B

Abstract

A font for dispensing draught beverage comprises a manifold 8 supported so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel (not shown) positioned beneath it. The manifold 8 has two separate fluid flow paths 16 extending therethrough, each fluid flow path being connectable to a separate beverage delivery pipe at fluid inlets (13, fig 5). A valve assembly comprises lever (7, fig. 1) which rotates sleeve 6 and actuating discs 23 to open or close the flow paths of the beverage from the inlets 13 to the outlets 19 at each end of the font. The provision of two flow paths controlled by a single valve and leading to a single dispense point allows faster flow of beverage without too high a pressure in the product line, which may lead to excessive foaming. An alternative embodiment may have four inlet product pipes (203 a-d, fig. 8). A flow meter (454 fig. 12) may be included comprising a detection device arranged to sense the pressure of an impinging fluid as it changes direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a fount for dispensing draught beverage.

A fount is used in bars and pubs for dispensing beverage such as draught beer or lager. It is mounted on a bar counter and typically comprises a port for receiving a product pipe, a valve to actuate the dispensing of a beverage and a nozzle for directing the flow of beverage into a glass.

For consumers to enjoy draught beverage it is important that the fount dispenses the beverage swiftly, retains carbon dioxide in beverages such as beer and cools the beverage prior to dispensing.

Founts currently in use only receive one product pipe per tap, hence the rate of dispensing is limited to the pressure in the product pipe and so consumers may experience slow serving and/or decarbonated beverage. To improve the rate of dispensing the pressure can be increased, however this is not suitable for carbonated beverage such as beer, as elevated dispensing pressure causes turbulence of the beer as it is dispensed into the glass, resulting in excessive foaming and further decarbonation.

To provide beverage at the optimum temperature, cooling systems are implemented on the product pipes close to the point of dispense. Typically, the cooling systems involve cold water circulating in a plastic pipe in contact with the product pipe.

However, these systems do not provide efficient cooling which is particularly important for products served as extra cold', which have more recently become popular.

Founts also hold some form of identification of the brand and/or advertisement which is typically provided on the fount visual to the customers. Beverage producers and suppliers are continuously trying to differentiate their products in an overcrowded competitive market so to entice the pub/bar manager to sell their beverage and also to attract customers to purchase it. Consequently, branding such as promotional material and engaging functions on the fount, are seemingly more desired to distinguish products.

The present invention seeks to provide a fount that substantially overcomes or alleviates one or more of the aforementioned problems.

There is also a physical limit in the number of founts which can be mounted to a bar counter due to their accompanying drip trays. Conventional drip trays are mounted onto the side of the bar counter positioned below the tap of the fount so to collect any overflowing beverage or spillage. They are of a relatively large volume so that they can accumulate a significant amount of spillage before needing to be emptied. A reduction in size of the drip trays whilst improving their efficiency would provide more space on and around the bar counter which can be used for mounting additional founts.

The present invention seeks to provide a drip tray for a fount that overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems mentioned above.

A fount may also be configured to dispense a predetermined volume of beverage.

This is typically achieved by implementing a solenoid to control the valve of the fount integrated with the tap head. This configuration does not measure the volume of liquid, but employs a calibrated timer to activate the solenoid to dispense beverage and then to disrupt the product flow after a predetermined time interval. It would be advantageous to measure the actual volume of liquid flowing through the product pipes so as to obtain a more accurate measurement when dispensing beverage as there may be inconsistencies in the pressure between a full and a half barrel or vessel holding beverage, resulting in different amount of beverage being dispensed during the predetermined time intervals.

The present invention seeks to provide a flow meter for a fount that overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems mentioned above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fount for dispensing draught beverage including a manifold supported so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it, the manifold having two separate fluid flow paths extending therethrough, each fluid flow path being connectable to a separate beverage delivery pipe attached to said manifold, and a valve assembly operable to control the flow of draught beverage through the manifold from said delivery pipes via said fluid flow paths.

Preferably, the manifold is generally cylindrical in shape and has a longitudinal axis, the fluid flow paths being integrally formed within said manifold.

Conveniently, each fluid flow path comprises a first portion that initially extends radially inward from the wall of the manifold towards the longitudinal axis of the manifold and then in an axial direction, coaxial with said longitudinal axis of the manifold, the first portion of each fluid flow path terminating in the centre of a respective end face of the manifold.

Preferably, each fluid flow path comprises a second portion that initially extends in an axial direction from said end face of the manifold offset from the axis of the manifold, and then in a radial direction terminating in the wall of the manifold, angularly offset from the location where the first portion extends inward from said wall.

In one embodiment, the valve assembly comprises an actuating element located at each end face of the manifold, each actuating element having its longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the manifold and each having a first face located against a respective end face of the manifold.

Preferably, each actuating element comprises a radially extending fluid flow recess in its first face that is aligned with the first portion of the fluid path located in the centre of the end face of the manifold, said recess being positionable, on rotation of the actuating element about its axis relative to the manifold, so that it aligns with the second portion of the fluid flow path offset from the first portion, thereby communicating the first and second portions of the fluid flow paths.

Conveniently, the first portion provides a fluid inlet and the second portion provides a fluid outlet so that as the actuating element is rotated such that the recess is further aligned with the second portion of the fluid flow path, fluid is enabled to flow from the fluid inlet, via said recess from the first to the second portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.

Preferably, the second portion provides a fluid inlet and the first portion provides a fluid outlet so that as the actuating element is rotated such that the recess is further aligned with the second portion of the fluid flow path, fluid is enabled to flow from the fluid inlet, via said recess from the second to the first portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.

In one embodiment, the manifold comprises a plurality of second portions provided with fluid inlets, whereby rotating the actuating element by different degrees causes the recess to align with the different second portions, enabling fluid to flow from the aligned second portion to the first portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.

Each actuating element may also be positionable, on rotation of the actuating element about its axis relative to the manifold, so that its recess is no longer in alignment with the second portion of the fluid flow path, thereby preventing fluid to flow via the recess out of the manifold.

In one embodiment, each actuating element is mounted within respective ends of a sleeve extending over the manifold, the sleeve being mounted for rotation about the axis of the manifold such that the actuating elements are rotatable between said positions in response to rotation of the sleeve.

Preferably, both actuating elements are mounted to a single sleeve so that they rotate simultaneously in response to rotation of the sleeve.

A lever may extend from the sleeve to enable a user to control rotation of the sleeve about the manifold.

In one embodiment, the fount comprises a motor to electrically operate said fount, the sleeve is formed with a track which engages with a screw worm connected to said motor, so that as the motor is actuated by a user, rotational motion is transferred to the screw worm causing the sleeve to rotate.

In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve comprises two separate sleeve portions, each portion extending over part of the manifold and being rotatable independently of the other portion about of the axis of the manifold to rotate an associated actuating element between said positions independently to the other actuating element.

Conveniently, a lever extends from each sleeve portion to enable a user to independently control rotation of each actuating element relative to the manifold.

In an alternative embodiment, the fount comprises two motors to electrically operate said fount, the sleeve portions are formed with a track, each engages with a screw worm connected to respective motor, so that as a user independently actuate respective motor rotational motion is transferred to the connected screw worm causing the respective sleeve portion to rotate.

Preferably, the manifold comprises bearing surfaces to rotatably mount the sleeve or sleeve portions.

The fount may comprise a cap attached to each end of the manifold and extending over the actuating element, wherein biasing means are disposed between each cap and its associated actuating element to urge the actuating element in a direction towards the end face of the manifold.

Preferably, each actuating element is slideable in an axial direction within the sleeve in which it is mounted in response to pressure from said biasing means.

The fount may comprise a light source in the lever, the actuating element including a conductive member on its second surface connected to the sleeve such that current supplied through the conductive member via the biasing means is supplied to the lever to illuminate the light.

Conveniently, the manifold includes a recess at each end and a bearing element, having a bearing face, immovably received in and protruding from each recess such that the first face of the actuating element engages the bearing face of the bearing element.

In one embodiment, at least one of the actuating element and bearing element are formed from a ceramic material.

The fount may comprise a support member for supporting the manifold in a position so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it.

Preferably, two separate fluid supply pipes extend through the support member and communicate with each of the fluid flow inlets.

In one embodiment, the support member comprises two leg portions and each fluid supply pipe extends through a respective leg portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also a fount for dispensing draught beverage that includes a manifold having two spaced fluid outlets, the nozzle being configured to receive fluid from said outlets and direct it into a vessel positioned beneath the manifold, wherein the nozzle is arcuate in shape in a direction extending at right-angles to the direction in which fluid flows through the nozzle such that it conforms more closely to an arcuately-shaped wall of a vessel into which fluid is dispensed.

Preferably, the nozzle includes a dividing wall to form a separate fluid flow channel through the nozzle from each fluid outlet in the manifold.

The present invention also provides a fount and a nozzle according to the inventions referred to above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a fount for dispensing draught beverage including a manifold supported so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it, the fount including a drip tray located under the manifold and spaced therefrom such that a vessel is positionable between the manifold and the tray, the tray including a conduit extending therefrom so that fluid flows under gravity into a separate receptacle beneath the drip tray.

Preferably, the drip tray is configured so as to stand on the surface of a bar or counter and the receptacle is configured to be positioned beneath the counter below the drip tray, wherein said conduit extends over the edge of the bar so that fluid can flow from the drip tray into the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the conduit comprises a tube.

In an alternative embodiment, the conduit comprises an open channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a flow meter for recording flow of fluid in a product pipe connected to a fount, said flow meter comprising a housing formed with a fluid flow path which changes direction as it extends through said housing, a detection device located at point of change in direction of the fluid flow path such that as fluid flows through the fluid flow path it impinges on said detection device.

Preferably, the detection device comprises a piezoelectric component sensing the pressure of the impinging fluid and converts the pressure to electrical signals.

Conveniently, the flow meter comprises a processor unit receiving said electrical signals.

The fluid flow path may extend from an inlet to an outlet formed on the housing, said inlet and outlet are connected to a product pipe such that the flow meter is integral with said product pipe.

Preferably, the cross-sectional dimension of the fluid flow path is similar to inner cross-sectional dimensions of the product pipe.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fount according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tap of the fount of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a central component of the tap having a nozzle; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the tap of Figure 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the central component of Figure 3 holding a bearing disc; Figure 6 shows a first face of an actuating disc having an elongate recess; Figure 7 shows a planar view from beneath of the nozzle of Figure 3; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a tap according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the tap of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a motorised tap according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a motorised tap according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows a flow meter connected to a product pipe; Figure 113 shows a perspective view of cooling components for use on product pipes of a fount; and Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a fount with a drip tray.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 a fount I according to the present invention comprising a tap 2 receiving two product pipes 3a, 3b and having an arcuately-shaped nozzle 4 through which fluid such as beer or larger is dispensed into a vessel such as a glass.

The tap 2 comprises a partially cylindrical wall or sleeve 6 and a lever 7 attached thereto. The sleeve 6 rotates (about an axis A-A in Figure 4) around an assembly of internal valve components in response to pulling of the lever 7 to switch the tap 2 on and off, as will become apparent from the following description.

The internal components include a stationary central hub or manifold 8 as illustrated in Figure 3, 4 and 5, having a cylindrical bearing surface 9 on which the sleeve 6 is rotatably mounted. At either end 10 of the hub 8 is a circular recess 11 with three guide ridges 12 extending radially inward and down along the wall of the recesses 11, as seen in Figure 3. The central hub 8 also comprises an external portion 5 not enclosed by the sleeve 6 as can be appreciated from Figure 2. The external portion 5 of the central hub 8 has two fluid inlets or ports 13 for attaching two product pipes or beverage delivery pipes 3a,3b and two fastening portions 14 to which end caps 15 are attached. The ports 13 provide fluid access to two first portion of fluid flow path or entry ducts 16 each of which initially extend radially through the central hub 8 and then axially in opposite directions towards the ends 10. Each duct terminates in an opening 17 located at the axial centre of respective recesses 11. The central hub 8 also has two second portions of a fluid flow path or exit ducts 19 which have an inlet opening 18 in the recess 11 offset from the axis A-A and from the opening 17 of the entry ducts. The exit duct initially extends in an axial direction back into the hub 8 before turning in a radial direction to form fluid outlets 1 8a in the wall of the hub 8. The nozzle 4 extends from the fluid outlets I 8a.

The internal components further include bearing discs or elements 20 received and held in the circular recess 11 in each end 10 as seen in Figures 4 and 5. The bearing discs 20 are preferably formed out of ceramic and have two holes 21, 22. The first hole 21 is formed in the centre of the disc 20 and so is axial with the opening 17 of the entry duct 16. The second hole 22 is offset from the centre of the disc 20 by the -10 -same distance as the exit opening 18 of the exit duct 19. Each bearing disc 20 further comprises three grooves extending along their length and which correspond in size and position to the ridges 12 forged on the wall of the recesses 11 so that as the bearing discs 20 are disposed in respective recess 11 the engagement of the ridges 12 and grooves prevents the bearing discs 20 from rotating. It will be noted that the axial length of each disc 20 is slightly greater than the depth of the recess 11 so that the disc 20 protrudes from the end of the hub 8.

A cylindrical actuating disc or element 23 having opposing first and second flat faces 24a,24b is secured to an inner surface of each end of the sleeve 6 such that the actuating discs 23 rotate in conjunction with the sleeve 6. The first face 24a of each of the actuating discs comprises an elongate recess 25 as most clearly seen in Figure 6. The recess 25 has arcuate ends 26 which extend from the axial centre of the actuating disc 23 outwardly by the same distance that the exit opening 18 is positioned away from the central axis of the hub 8 so that, when the actuating discs 23 are in position, as shown in Figure 4, in which they each lie against the bearing disc 20, the actuating disc 23 can be rotated, by moving the lever 7, so that the elongate recess 25 fluidly communicates first hole 21 with second hole 22 and so allows fluid to flow from entry ducts 16, via opening 17 and holes 21 into the recess 25 and from the recess 25 back through the second hole 22 of the bearing discs 20 and into the exit duct 19 such that two fluid flow channels are formed through the central hub allowing for beverage to flow from the ports 13 to the nozzle 4.

When the actuating discs 23 are rotated in response to the movement of the sleeve 6, the recess 25 is moved out of alignment with the second hole 22 and so the entry and exit ducts 16, 19 are disconnected from each other.

A close interface is maintained between the bearing discs 20 and the central hub 8, and between the actuating discs 23 and the bearing discs 20 by biasing means or springs 27 located between the end cap 15 and the face 24b of the actuating disc 23 and which urges these components towards each other.

Operation of the tap 2 will now be described in reference to Figure 2 to 5. The tap 2 is switched off when the lever 7 is positioned in a vertical manner whereby the actuating discs 23 are in their second position disconnecting the entry and exit ducts 16, 19. To dispense beverage the lever 7 is pulled downwards causing the sleeve 6 to rotate about a longitudinal axis A-A against the cylindrical bearing surface 9 of the central component 8. By doing so, the actuating discs 23 assume their first position whereby their elongate recess 25 engages with both holes 21, 22 of the bearing discs allowing for the respective entry and exit ducts 17,19 to communicate, so that beverage can flow from the beverage delivery pipes or product pipes through the two sets of flow path channels and be dispensed through the nozzle 4.

The tap 2 according to the present invention enables two product pipes to be connected to the beer fount such that dispensing of the beverage is quicker than a traditional beer fount only relying on one product pipe. Alternatively, different products may be provided by the two product pipes, so that two beverages can be dispensed from the tap at a predetermined ratio and mix in the glass. It should also be realised that the sleeve could be divided or split into two parts and each part provided with a lever such that two different products could be dispensed from the same fount independently of each other.

The configuration of the fount according to the present invention enables the tap to be electrically connected by feeding electrical power to the springs which are formed out of metal which transmits electricity to a conductive member such as a metal plate mounted on the outside or second face of the actuating discs. By connecting the metal plate to a bulb the tap itself can be illuminated as well as the lever.

The tap according to the present invention is advantageous over conventional taps for dispensing beverage in that it comprises a comparatively small number of components and so provides low maintenance. Furthermore, the actuating discs and bearing discs are formed out of ceramics enhancing the longevity of the tap over traditional taps relying on rubber washers for sealing the flow of beverage which are continuously subjected to wear and so frequently need replacing.

-12 -The nozzle 4 is illustrated in Figure 3 and 7 and it is secured onto the external portion 5 of the hub 8 of the tap described in the aforementioned embodiments.

The nozzle comprises an outer and an inner concentric arcuate face 30, 31, wherein the outer face 30 is intended to have a radius similar to the inner surface of a glass such as a pint glass. Both faces 30, 31 are arcuately joined at either end such that a defined space is formed between the faces which is further divided into two channels 32 by a dividing wall 33. Each channel is in communication with the respective fluid outlet 1 8a of the hub 8 so the fluid continues to flow through separate fluid flow channels throughout its entire path through the fount and only mixes when it exits the nozzle i.e. in the glass.

The nozzle 4 described according to the present invention provides a greater surface area for dispensing beverage compared to traditional circular apertures, thereby causing less turbulence in the glass as the beverage is poured. This allows for a faster rate of dispensing beverage by using two product pipes and/or increasing the pressure in the product pipes without causing frothing or decarbonation of a carbonated beverage.

It should be realised that the dividing wall 33 of the nozzle 4 may not extend throughout the length of the nozzle so that it gives the appearance that the no2zle comprises one channel or flow path. In which case, some mixing of the twin fluid will occur in the nozzle prior to entry into the glass.

The twin product pipes 3a, 3b attached to the ports 13 of the tap 2 as previously described are formed out of stainless steel and are co-moulded with an expanded polymer insulation 40 as seen in Figure 1. For the purpose of illustration, only one product pipe is shown with insulation, however it is envisaged that both product pipes 3a, 3b are insulated. The insulation 40 extends along the product pipes 3a, 3b and comprises two upper and two lower ridges 41, 42 to prevent it from coming into contact with an outer fount casing.

-13 -In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fount 201 is configured to receive four product pipes 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d as seen in Figure 8. This is achieved by an alternative configuration of the central hub 208 and the bearing disc 220 as will become apparent from the following description.

Referring now to Figure 8 and 9, the central hub or manifold 208 comprises four fluid inlets or ports 213 for attaching four product pipes or beverage delivery pipes 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d. The ports 213 provide fluid access to two pairs of second portions of fluid flow paths or entry ducts, an upper pair of entry ducts 216a extends through the top of the central hub 208 and the other lower pair 216b extends through the bottom of the central hub 208. Thereafter the entry ducts of each pair 216a, 216b extend axially along the circumference of the hub 208 in opposite directions towards the ends 210 of the central hub 208. Each duct terminates in an opening 217 located on respective recess 211 offset from a central axis A'-A'. The central hub 208 also has two first portions of fluid flow paths or exit ducts 219 which have an inlet opening 218 located at the axial centre of the recesses 211. The exit ducts 219 initially extends in an axial direction back into the hub 208 before turning in an outwardly radial direction to form fluid outlets 218a in the wall of the hub 208.

The internal components further include bearing discs 220 which are received and held in the circular recesses 211 and actuating discs 223 having an elongate recess 225 located at either end of the central hub 208. The internal components are held in place by biasing means 227 and end caps 215. The bearing discs 220, as seen in Figure 8, are formed with three holes 221, 222a, 222b. The first hole 221 is formed in the centre of the discs 220 and so is axial with the inlet opening 218 of the exit duct 219. The second holes 222a, 222b are offset from the centre of the discs 220 by the same distance as the entry openings 217 of the entry ducts 216a, 216b.

The components of the fount 201 function in a similar manner to the components of the embodiment of the fount I discussed in reference to Figures 1 to 7 and so for the sake of clarity, remaining components such as the sleeve 206 will not be discussed in any detail. However, the different configuration of the central hub 208 -14-and the bearing discs results in a different function of the overall fount 201 and so the operation of the tap 202 will now be described in reference to Figure 8 and 9.

The tap 202 is switched off when the lever 207 is in a first position whereby the actuating discs 223 disconnect the entry and exit ducts 216a, 216b, 219 by part of the elongate recess 225 lying against a surface of the bearing discs 220, between the second holes 222a, 222b. To dispense beverage from a first pair of product pipes 203a, 203b connected to the first pair of entry ducts 216a of the central hub 208, the lever 207 is pulled downwards causing the sleeve 206 to rotate about the longitudinal axis A'-A' against the cylindrical bearing surface 209 of the central hub 208. By doing so, the elongate recess 225 of the actuating discs 220 engages with the hole 221 of the bearing discs 220 aligned with the inlet opening 218 of the exit duct 219 and the second hole 222a of the bearing discs 220 aligned with the entry opening 217 of the upper pair of entry ducts 216a. This allows for the upper pair of entry ducts 216a to communicate with the exit ducts 219 so that beverage can flow from the two beverage delivery pipes or product pipes 203a, 203b through the two sets of flow path channels and be dispensed through a nozzle 204 attached to the fluid outlets 21 8a in the wall of the hub 208.

By pushing the lever 207 from its first position in the opposite direction as described above, beverage is dispensed from a second pair of product pipes 203c, 203d connected to the second pair of entry ducts 216b of the central hub 208. In this position the elongate recess 225 of the actuating discs 220 engages with the hole 221 of the bearing disc 220 aligned with the inlet opening 218 of the exit duct 219 and the second hole 222b of the bearing discs 220 aligned with the entry opening 217 of the lower pair of entry ducts 216b. This allows for the lower pair of entry ducts 216b to communicate with the exit ducts 219 so that beverage can flow from the two beverage delivery pipes or product pipes 203c, 203d through the two sets of flow path channels and be dispensed through the nozzle 204.

The tap 202 according to this embodiment enables four product pipes to be connected to the fount 201 such that two different products can be independently dispensed from the same tap 202 by pulling the lever forward 207 or pushing the lever back 207. The fount 201 enables beverage to be dispensed quicker than a -15 -traditional beer fount only relying on one product pipe and it reduces the number of founts needed on the bar counter.

It should also be realised that the sleeve 206 could be divided or split into two parts, each part being provided with a lever such that four different products could be dispensed from the same fount independently of each other. In this un-illustrated alternative embodiment, each product pipe supplies a different product which is dispensed by moving either of the two levers in a forward or backward direction.

The different embodiments of the fount 1, 201 can be further implemented with a motor such that the fount is electrically operated by pressing a button or the like instead of pulling a lever. An electrical configuration is shown in Figure 10 in which a fount 301 having two connected product pipes is provided with a motor 302 located at the back of the tap adjacent to the product pipes 303a, 303b. The motor 302 communicates with the sleeve 304 via a gearbox 305 connected to a screw worm 306 which engages with a track 307 formed on the sleeve 304. To operate the electrical fount 301, the user pushes a button (not shown) that is conveniently located on the fount 301 so that a rotating motion is transferred from the motor to the screw worm 306. As the screw worm 306 rotates, its screw thread cooperates with the track 307 of the sleeve 304 so that the sleeve 304 rotates about its central axis resulting in the tap opening and thereby dispensing beverage.

It will be appreciated that the fount having four product pipes based on the central hub shown in Figures 8 and 9 according to the present invention can be electrically operated by having two buttons; one for actuating the motor to rotate the screw worm in one direction to allow flow of beverage from one pair of product pipes and another button for rotating the screw worm in the opposite direction to dispense beverage from another pair of product pipes. It should also be realised that a single button can be used having two predetermined setting so that pushing the button down to the first predetermined point the sleeve rotates in one direction to dispense one product and by pushing the button all the way down the sleeve rotates in the opposite direction dispensing another product. By releasing the button the sleeve rotates to its original position causing the tap to close.

-16 -It is also envisaged that the fount connected to two product pipes according to the present invention comprising a split sleeve is electrically operated as seen in Figure 11 so that beverage supplied in the two product pipes 413a, 413b can be independently dispensed by pushing either of two buttons (not shown). In this configuration the sleeve is split into two portions 414a, 414b, each of which is formed with a track 417 which engages with a screw worm 416. Each screw worm 416 is connected to a gearbox 415 and a motor 412 so that as either of the motors 412 is activated by pushing a button (not shown) only the sleeve portion 414a,414b connected to that motor 412 will rotate to dispense beverage.

In an alternative embodiment of the fount having a split sleeve and four connected product pipes based on the central hub shown in Figures 8 and 9, said fount is electrically configured in a similar manner to the aforementioned electrically operated embodiments. Each portion of the sleeve is operable to rotate in either direction by pressing a button so that beverage from one of the four product pipes is independently dispensed. In this configuration, each portion of the sleeve is formed with a track which engages with a screw worm connected to a gearbox and a motor. It should be realised that the fount may be provided with four buttons, each controlling the dispensing of beverage, such that two products supplied from different halves of the tap can be dispensed simultaneously by pushing down two buttons. Alternatively, the fount can be provided with two buttons having two predetermined settings to dispense beverage from the different products pipes.

It is envisaged that in the aforementioned electrically operated embodiments, beverage is dispensed throughout the duration of the button being pushed and that the flow is disconnected upon release of the button by the motor and gearbox rotating the screw worm in the opposite direction so that the sleeve returns to its original position. Alternatively, the motors can be configured so that by pushing the button once a predetermined quantity is dispensed enabling the user to leave the glass unattended as it is being filled.

Dispensing predetermined quantities of beverage using motorised founts as -17 -previously described can be achieved by implementing a flow meter in the product pipes connected to the fount. Figure 12 shows a flow meter 450 according to the present invention comprising a fluid flow path 451 extending through a housing 452, either ends of the fluid flow path 451 being attached to a product pipe 453.

The fluid flow path 451 changes direction within the housing 452 and located at the point of change in direction is a piezoelectric plate 454. Due to the fact that the piezoelectric plate 454 is positioned in the bend of the fluid flow path, flowing beverage will impinge on the plate to a greater extent compared to static beverage as the tap is closed. The change in pressure, force or impact is sensed by the piezoelectric plate 454 which converts the impact to electrical signals and sends the information to a processor unit (not shown). This enables the flow meter 450 to estimate the amount of fluid passing through the product pipe and so when a predetermined amount has been dispensed the processor unit sends a signal to the motor to close the tap.

To control the temperature of the beverage prior to dispensing, the fount according to the presentinvention further comprises a peltier cooling unit 50 as shown in Figure 8. The peltier cooling unit 50 includes a thermally conductive plate assembly 51 and a peltier unit 52 secured to either product pipe 3a, 3b and for clarity the following description will only refer to the configuration of the peltier cooling unit implemented on one product pipe.

The conductive plate assembly 51 comprises a pair of plates 53 contacting the product pipe 3a in an area relieved of insulation. Each plate 53 is provided with a vertical groove having a curvature corresponding to half of the outer surface of the tubular product pipe 3a so that when the plates 53 are paired they enclose and contact a portion of the product pipe 3a. Attached to one of the plates 53 is the peltier unit 52. The peltier unit 52 is of a conventional configuration (not shown), having a central layer formed out of a semiconductor such as bismuth or iron disposed inbetween two outer layers of a different material, for example copper, such that a copper layer of the peltier unit 52 is in contact with one of the plates 53 of the conductive plates assembly 51. A current is applied to the peltier unit 52 so that one junction of the copper layer and the semiconductor turns cold whereas the opposing junction heats up. By providing a current in a direction such that the copper layer in contact with the plate 53 of the conductive plate assembly 51 turns cold the thermally conductive plate assembly 51 cools the product pipe 3a and subsequently the flowing beverage.

It should be realised that the peltier cooling unit 50 is applied to both product pipes, however it is envisaged that it can also be implemented on a single product pipe beer dispenser.

This system provides a more efficient cooling of the beverage than the traditional plastic product pipes relying on circulated cold water through a pipe attached thereto.

The fount described in the previous embodiments may further comprise a drip tray 60 according to the present invention as seen in Figure 9. The drip tray 60 comprises a collection component 61, conduit 62 and a receptacle 63.

The collection component 61 comprises an elongate body 64 having a rectangular cross-section with radiused short sides 65. A lower side 66 of the body 64 contacts a bar counter 67 and the upper side 68 comprises an annular recess 69 with a central aperture 70 which is positioned underneath a tap 71 so that any spillage will be directed by the annular recess 69 towards and subsequently through the aperture 70.

The conduit 62 is disposed in the collection component 61 and directs the excess liquid towards the receptacle 63 located beneath the bar counter 67. The receptacle 63 has an opening 72 for receiving the excess liquid and it is of a significant volume such that it does not need to be emptied repeatedly.

It will be appreciated that the collection component 61 does not have to enclose a portion of the conduit 62 as it may merely sit on top of the conduit 62. The aperture 70 of the collection component 61 may also assume different configurations such as a plurality of small apertures, a grid or a mesh allowing for liquid to flow through as it also provides a stable sufficient surface for placing a glass. It should also be understood that the conduit 62 may comprise tubes, ramps -19 -or any other means for directing the flow of excess liquid to the receptacle 63.

Furthermore, the receptacle 63 may be made out of a clear material so that it can visually be determined when the receptacle 63 is full or the receptacle 63 may comprise a visual communicator indicating when the receptacle 63 needs emptying.

All of the above embodiments of the drip tray provide more space about the bar counter as the drip tray is positioned on top of the bar counter rather than extending from the side of the bar counter in a direction towards a person pouring a beverage as for conventional drip trays. Further space is also provided by the receptacle as it enables the drip tray to be reduced in size in comparison to conventional drip trays which are of a significantly larger volume so that they can hold the accumulated excess liquid.

Although not illustrated, it is envisaged that the drip tray according to the present invention can be employed with the fount previously described as well as conventional founts.

It is also envisaged that LCD screens can be incorporated in the fount according to the present invention. The LCD screens will provide advanced visual branding as the promotional material displayed on the screens can easily be changed and it also enables active and interactive features to be employed.

Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to the above exemplary embodiments that lie within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

-20 -Claims I. A fount for dispensing draught beverage including a manifold supported so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it, the manifold having two separate fluid flow paths extending therethrough, each fluid flow path being connectable to a separate beverage delivery pipe attached to said manifold, and a valve assembly operable to control the flow of draught beverage through the manifold from said delivery pipes via said fluid flow paths.
2. A fount according to claim I, wherein the manifold is generally cylindrical in shape and has a longitudinal axis, the fluid flow paths being integrally formed within said manifold.
3. A fount according to claim 2, wherein each fluid flow path comprises a first portion that initially extends radially inward from the wall of the manifold towards the longitudinal axis of the manifold and then in an axial direction, coaxial with said longitudinal axis of the manifold, the first portion of each fluid flow path terminating in the centre of a respective end face of the manifold.
4. A fount according to claim 3, wherein each fluid flow path comprises a second portion that initially extends in an axial direction from said end face of the manifold, offset from the axis of the manifold, and then in a radial direction terminating in the wall of the manifold, angularly offset from the location where the first portion extends inward from said wall.
5. A fount according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the valve assembly comprises an actuating element located at each end face of the manifold, each actuating element having its longitudinal axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the manifold and each having a first face located against a respective end face of the manifold.
6. A fount according to claim 5, wherein each actuating element comprises a radially extending fluid flow recess in its first face that is aligned with the first -21 -portion of the fluid path located in the centre of the end face of the manifold, said recess being positionable, on rotation of the actuating element about its axis relative to the manifold, so that it aligns with the second portion of the fluid flow path offset from the first portion, thereby communicating the first and second portions of the fluid flow paths.
7. A fount according to claim 6, wherein the first portion provides a fluid inlet and the second portion provides a fluid outlet so that as the actuating element is rotated such that the recess is further aligned with the second portion of the fluid flow path, fluid is enabled to flow from the fluid inlet via said recess from the first to the second portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.
8. A fount according to claim 6, wherein the second portion provides a fluid inlet and the first portion provides a fluid outlet so that as the actuating element is rotated such that the recess is further aligned with the second portion of the fluid flow path, fluid is enabled to flow from the fluid inlet via said recess from the second to the first portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.
9. A fount according to claim 8, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of second portions provided with fluid inlets, whereby rotating the actuating element by different degrees causes the recess to align with the different second portions, enabling fluid to flow from the aligned second portion to the first portion and then out of the manifold via said outlet.
10. A fount according to claims 6 to 9, wherein each actuating element is also positionable, on rotation of the actuating element about its axis relative to the manifold, so that its recess is no longer in alignment with the second portion of the fluid flow path, thereby preventing fluid to flow via the recess out of the manifold.
11. A fount according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein each actuating element is mounted within respective ends of a sleeve extending over the manifold, the sleeve being mounted for rotation about the axis of the manifold such that the actuating elements are rotatable between said positions in response to rotation of the sleeve.
12. A fount according to claim 11, wherein both actuating elements are mounted to a single sleeve so that they rotate simultaneously in response to rotation of the sleeve.
13. A fount according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a lever extends from the sleeve to enable a user to control rotation of the sleeve about the manifold.
14. A fount according to claim 11 or 12, comprising motor to electrically operate said fount, the sleeve is formed with a track which engages with a screw worm connected to said motor, so that as the motor is actuated by a user rotational motion is transferred to the screw worm causing the sleeve to rotate.
15. A fount according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve comprises two separate sleeve portions, each portion extending over part of the manifold and being rotatable independently of the other portion about of the axis of the manifold to rotate an associated actuating element between said positions independently to the other actuating element.
16. A fount according to claim 15, wherein a lever extends from each sleeve portion to enable a user to independently control rotation of each actuating element relative to the manifold.
17. A fount according to claim 15, comprising two motors to electrically operate said fount, the sleeve portions are formed with a track, each engages with a screw worm connected to respective motor, so that as a user independently actuate respective motor rotational motion is transferred to the connected screw worm causing the respective sleeve portion to rotate.
18. A fount according to any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the manifold comprises bearing surfaces to rotatably mount the sleeve or sleeve portions.

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19. A fount according to any of claims 5 to 18, comprising a cap attached to each end of the manifold and extending over the actuating element, wherein biasing means are disposed between each cap and its associated actuating element to urge the actuating element in a direction towards the end face of the manifold.
20. A fount according to claim 19, wherein each actuating element is slideable in an axial direction within the sleeve in which it is mounted in response to pressure from said biasing means.
21. A fount according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a light source in the lever, the actuating element including a conductive member on its second surface connected to the sleeve such that current supplied through the conductive member via the biasing means is supplied to the lever to illuminate the light.
22. A fount according to any of claims 5 to 21, wherein the manifold includes a recess at each end and a bearing element, having a bearing face, immovably received in and protruding from each recess such that the first face of the actuating element engages the bearing face of the bearing element.
23. A fount according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the actuating element and bearing element are formed from a ceramic material.
24. A fount according to any preceding claim comprising a support member for supporting the manifold in a position so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it.
25. A fount according to claim 24, wherein two separate fluid supply pipes extend through the support member and communicate with each of the fluid flow inlets.
26. A fount according to claim 25, wherein the support member comprises two leg portions and each fluid supply pipe extends through a respective leg portion.

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27. A nozzle for a fount for dispensing draught beverage that includes a manifold having two spaced fluid outlets, the nozzle being configured to receive fluid from said outlets and direct it into a vessel positioned beneath the manifold, wherein the nozzle is arcuate in shape in a direction extending at right-angles to the direction in which fluid flows through the nozzle such that it conforms more closely to an arcuately-shaped wall of a vessel into which fluid is dispensed.
28. A nozzle according to claim 27, including a dividing wall to form a separate fluid flow channel through the nozzle from each fluid outlet in the manifold.
29. A fount according to any of claims I to 26 comprising a nozzle according to claims 27 or 28.
30. A fount for dispensing draught beverage including a manifold supported so as to enable draught beverage to be dispensed from the manifold into a vessel positioned beneath it, the fount including a drip tray located under the manifold and spaced therefrom such that a vessel is positionable between the manifold and the tray, the tray including a conduit extending therefrom so that fluid flows under gravity into a separate receptacle beneath the drip tray.
31. A fount according to claim 30, wherein the drip tray is configured so as to stand on the surface of a bar or counter and the receptacle is configured to be positioned beneath the counter below the drip tray, wherein said conduit extends over the edge of the bar so that fluid can flow from the drip tray into the receptacle.
32. A fount according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the conduit comprises a tube.
33. A fount according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the conduit comprises an open channel.
34. A fount substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to accompanying Figures 1 to 11, 13 and 14.

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35. A flow meter for recording flow of fluid in a product pipe connected to a fount, said flow meter comprising a housing formed with a fluid flow path which changes direction as it extends through said housing, a detection device located at point of change in direction of the fluid flow path such that as fluid flows through the fluid flow path it impinges on said detection device.
36. A flow meter according to claim 35, wherein the detection device comprises a piezoelectric component sensing the pressure of the impinging fluid and converts the pressure to electrical signals.
37. A flow meter according to claim 36, wherein the flow meter comprises a processor unit receiving said electrical signals.
38. A flow meter according to claims 35 to 37, wherein the fluid flow path extends from an inlet to an outlet formed on the housing, said inlet and outlet are connected to a product pipe such that the flow meter is integral with said product pipe.
39. A flow meter according to claims 35 to 38, wherein cross-sectional dimension of the fluid flow path is similar to inner cross-sectional dimensions of the product pipe.
40. A flow meter substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to accompanying Figure 12.