NZ603244B - Beverage Trade-Out System and Method - Google Patents

Abstract

603244 Disclosed is a beverage trade out system. The system includes one or more containers (16) each holding a beverage. Pressurised beverage lines (14) are associated with the containers (16) and have a scheduled cleaning time, the dispensing devices (18) are associated with each pressurised beverage line (14). Actuation of the dispensing devices (18) enables flow of the beverage from the container (16) through the beverage lines (14) and out of the dispensing devices (18). A gas supply valve (28) is associated with each of the beverage lines (14) for supplying gas pressure greater than the line pressure to the beverage lines (14) and thereby preventing flow of liquid from the container (16) downstream of the gas supply valve (28) when the dispensing devices (14) are actuated. A control device (26) controllably actuates each gas supply valve (28) individually at a predetermined trade out time prior to the scheduled cleaning time. everage line (14). Actuation of the dispensing devices (18) enables flow of the beverage from the container (16) through the beverage lines (14) and out of the dispensing devices (18). A gas supply valve (28) is associated with each of the beverage lines (14) for supplying gas pressure greater than the line pressure to the beverage lines (14) and thereby preventing flow of liquid from the container (16) downstream of the gas supply valve (28) when the dispensing devices (14) are actuated. A control device (26) controllably actuates each gas supply valve (28) individually at a predetermined trade out time prior to the scheduled cleaning time.

Description

Beverage Trade-Out System and Method The present invention relates to a beverage trade-out system and method and, in particular, to a system and method for trading out beverages such as beer present in a pressurised line between a container and a dispensing device, which would otherwise be flushed out and wasted prior to cleaning out the beverage line. The system further provides for a plurality of different beverage lines to begin trade out at different times prior to a cleanout in accordance with various parameters, including the popularity of the beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Drink supply systems involving one or more liquid containers such as kegs, a conduit means or line to supply drinks from the liquid container to a dispensing device, and a source of driving fluid to pressurise the line to expel drinks from the container into the conduit means, are well known. These types of drink supply systems are used in most premises which serve beverages to patrons, and primarily used to serve beer from one or more beer kegs located away from a service area, such as in a cellar.

For health and hygiene reasons, it is necessary for the lines to be cleaned at regular intervals, for example, once a week or fortnight. The reason is that a drink such as beer in these lines can be biologically active causing deposits, such as bacterial deposits, to build up in the lines. Consequently, it is necessary for these lines to be frequently flushed with cleaning solution or other cleaning means, to control this build-up.

Each liquid line can hold a fair amount of liquid depending on their length, and when the line is cleaned, there is the disadvantage that all of the liquid in the line will be flushed out and lost. In a hotel or pub and the like, there will be a number of liquid lines for the dispensing of a considerable variety of types and brands of drink so that the total drinks loss for the overall cleaning operation of the lines can be substantial. It is estimated that in some venues, up to 4.5 kegs of beverage can be lost per line cleanout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides a beverage trade out system including, one or more pressurised beverage lines each having a scheduled cleaning time, a gas supply value associated with each beverage line for supplying gas pressure greater than the lines pressure to the beverage line and thereby preventing flow of liquid downstream of the gas supply valve, and a control device for actuating each gas supply valve individually at a predetermined trade out time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

Thus, what is provided is a beverage trade-out system which is operable to avoid drinks loss in an efficient and convenient manner.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a beverage trade out system including, one or more containers each holding a beverage, a pressurised beverage line associated with said one or more containers, each beverage line having a scheduled cleaning time, a dispensing device associated with each pressurised beverage line wherein actuation of said dispensing device enables flow of said beverage from the container through the beverage line and out of said dispensing device, a gas supply valve associated with said beverage line for supplying gas pressure greater than the line pressure to the beverage line and thereby preventing flow of liquid from the container downstream of the gas supply valve when the dispensing device is actuated, a control device for controllably actuating each gas supply valve individually at a predetermined trade out time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

Thus, what is provided is a beverage trade-out system suitable for use in a multiple beverage line environment, the system being operable to commence trade out of each beverage line individually prior to a cleanout in accordance with predetermined trade out times.

In an embodiment, said predetermined trade out time is received as data into the control device.

In an alternative embodiment, the control device: calculates the trade out time for a particular beverage in accordance with input parameter data; actuates said gas supply valve according to said calculated trade out time.

In an embodiment, said input parameter data includes data relating to an estimated usage of beverage through said line.

In an embodiment, said input parameter data includes dimensional data relating to the line.

In an embodiment, said input parameter data includes data relating to a volume of liquid in the line downstream of the valve.

In an embodiment, said trade out time is an amount of time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

In an embodiment, an interval between cleaning times is constant, and said trade out time is an amount of time after a prior clean.

In an embodiment, said valve is a 3-port solenoid valve including an exhaust port.

In an embodiment, the system further includes: a first check valve associated with each beverage line and disposed between the corresponding container and valve, the first check valve being normally open but configured to close when the valve is opened.

In an embodiment, the system further includes: a second check valve disposed between the beverage line and the valve, the second check valve being normally closed but configured to open when the valve is opened.

In an embodiment, said control device is configured to automatically activate each gas supply valve prior to the scheduled cleaning time for each beverage line.

In an embodiment, the control device is further configured to record and store details of each line clean.

In an embodiment, the system further includes a means of introducing cleaning liquid into the beverage line for cleaning the line when gas is pushed or pulsed there through.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a beverage trade out method including, receiving data relating to a scheduled cleaning time at which said beverage line will be cleaned, receiving data relating to an approximate trade out time period for the beverage line, and operating a gas supply valve associated with said beverage line to effect trade out of the beverage prior to the scheduled cleaning time in accordance with the approximate trade out period.

In an embodiment, the beverage trade out method further includes receiving data relating to popularity of the beverage being traded through the beverage line, and determining, using a computer processor, an approximate trade out time period for said beverage based at least on said popularity of the beverage.

In an embodiment, the beverage trade out method further includes receiving dimensional data relating to the beverage line, and determining, using the computer processor, an approximate trade out time period for said beverage based on popularity of the beverage and the line dimensional data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a beverage trade-out system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when applied to a beverage line between a single keg and a single dispensing device; Figure 2 illustrates a beverage trade-out system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when applied to a beverage line between a single keg and a plurality of dispensing devices; Figure 3 illustrates a beverage trade-out system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when applied to beverage lines between a plurality of kegs carrying beverages for which trade out commences at the same time, and a plurality of associated dispensing devices; Figure 4 illustrates a beverage trade-out system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when applied to beverage lines between a plurality of kegs carrying beverages for which trade out may need to be commenced at different times, and a plurality of associated dispensing devices; and Figure 5 illustrates a beverage trade-out system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when applied to beverage lines between a single keg and a plurality of dispensing devices through which trade out of the same beverage may need to be commenced at different times.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings.

Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

The present invention, according to one aspect, relates to a system 10 for trading out liquid in a beverage line 14 so as to minimise waste and maximise profits in an environment where patrons purchase beverages stored in a container or keg 16 and dispensed through a handheld device 18 in a patron service area. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of trading out liquid in a beverage line 14. Due to reasons set forth in the preamble of the invention, the line or hose 14 between a container 16 and a dispensing device 18 needs to be periodically cleaned. When the present invention is applied in such an environment, liquid in the beverage line which would otherwise be flushed out and wasted just prior to a clean can be traded out.

It is to be understood that even though the container embodied herein is a keg for carrying beer, the present invention is not intended to be limited to these types of containers, nor the liquid necessarily limited to beer. The system 10 could be applied in any environment involving a pressurised line through which liquid is transported and which requires periodic cleaning.

Figure 1 illustrates the system 10 according to an embodiment, when applied in a single beverage line environment involving a single beer keg 16 and a single dispensing line 14 between the keg 16 and a dispensing device 18. The length of the line or hose 14 can be of any length dependant upon the distance between where the keg 16 is located in the environment and where the dispensing device 18 is located. For example, in a bar environment, the keg 16 could be located just under the bar and so the line 14 may only be a few metres in length.

Alternatively, the keg 16 could be located in a cellar away from the service area, in which case the length of the hose 14 would be longer.

The system 10 includes a solenoid valve 20 to be fitted to the beverage line 14 as shown in the drawings, an associated container 22 filled with pressurised gas, and a control device 26 for controlling operation of the valve 20 in accordance with preset data or data that is input into the control device 26. The solenoid valve 20 is either open, in which case gas from the container 22 is allowed to enter the line 14 at a pressure greater than the line pressure, or closed in which case liquid flows through the line 14 as normal. In the embodiment shown, gas from the container 22 enters the line at T-piece 28, however, other line configurations and variations are possible.

In an embodiment, the system 10 further includes check valves to allow for the introduction of gas without the need for additional solenoids. The first check valve 29 in the embodiment shown is located between the keg 16 and the T-piece 28 and is normally open but is forced closed by the gas pressure when the solenoid valve 20 is opened. The solenoid valve 20 is typically a 3-port valve including an exhaust port such that the gas line between the solenoid and T-piece is vented when the solenoid is closed. The purpose of the second check valve 31 is to prevent liquid from exiting out of the gas supply line via the solenoid exhaust port when the solenoid 20 is closed. As will become apparent, systems incorporating more than one beverage line may require the use of more valves.

Thus, normal beverage flow is from the keg 16, through a first check valve 29, through the T-piece 28 and out through the dispensing device 18 (which is a valve itself) when opened.

When the trade out gas is introduced via the solenoid 20, it enters the T-piece 28 via the second check valve 31 and then flows out through the dispensing device 18 pushing the liquid ahead of it. Thus, gas 24 which enters the line 14 from container 22 flushes out any liquid remaining between the T-piece 28 and the dispensing device 18.

The skilled addressee would realise that it is preferable for such a process to commence (valve 20 actuated) at the estimated time taken for a particular beverage to be traded out. This can be calculated based upon the drink’s popularity (i.e. usage), and the volume of beverage present in the line 14, which is dependent on the line length and cross sectional area. The diameter of beverage line hoses is generally standard and therefore constant, in which case, only the length of the line 14 need be taken into account. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any one parameter for calculating a suitable trade out time.

Thus, it is to be understood that the trade out time could be calculated based upon a variety of parameters, not necessarily just the estimated trade out time reflective of a drink’s popularity (usage). For example, the volume of one beverage line may be greater than the volume of another, particularly in say a venue which has multiple bars at different distances from a cellar area in which kegs and the like are stored. Thus, regardless of the popularity of the drink, it may take longer for one drink to be traded out when the system is activated compared to another. This would need to be taken into account when calculating the trade out time for a drink and programming the control device 26.

The control device 26 can be basic, that is, be configured to actuate valve 20 and commence trade out at a predetermined time which has been programmed into the control device 26. In an embodiment, all variable parameters including the beverage line length(s), cross sectional area(s) or diameters, usage or estimated trade out time of a particular drink (reflective of its popularity), and any other relevant parameter, can be input into the control device 26 which can be programmed to calculate a suitable trade out commencement time prior to a scheduled cleaning. In allowing for these different parameters to be input, the system 10 is more flexible and can be applied to many different environments.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein the environment involves three dispensing devices 18 being fed from a single keg 16 carrying a single beverage. When entering data into the control device 26 in this environment, one may factor in the total length of beverage line 14 being a sum of the lengths of each line to each dispensing device 18.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein the environment involves three kegs 16 which may each be carrying the same drink or drinks of equivalent popularity, and which supply three respective dispensing devices. The skilled addressee would realise that the one system can be applied to all three lines 14 to trigger valves 20 to commence trade out at the same time (assuming the lengths of each line are the same). For the purpose of brevity, each separate valve 20 and line 14 has been numbered using the same reference numeral.

The system 10 further allows for different beverages from different containers or kegs to commence trade out at different times in accordance with preset or input data. This embodiment would be most common in most licensed venues which serve for example a variety of different beers. Figure 4 illustrates three kegs 30, 32 and 34 each holding different beers and supplying respective dispensing devices 36, 38 and 40. The control device 26 is in communication with three separate valves 42, 44 and 46 associated with the beverage line 14 from each of the kegs , 32 and 34 respectively. Figure 4 also shows the beverage 48, 50 and 52 in each line being traded out, and it can be appreciated that whilst each one has commenced trade out at different times, each of the lines downstream of the check valves 29 should be close to empty by the time cleaning of the lines is to commence.

It may be that beverage 50 from keg 32 is more popular than the other two beverages 48 and 52 and hence trade out (opening of valve 44) has commenced later, with liquid in that line being traded out faster than the other two lines. Provided data which has been input or preset into the control device is accurate, then at the scheduled cleaning time all three beverage lines downstream of the respective valves should have been emptied or near emptied by approximately the same time. Of course, there may be times where a less popular drink is traded out faster than expected. The result may be that there is a short period of time between trade out of the drink and the schedule cleaning time within which that drink will be unavailable for purchase. However, this is not envisaged to be a problem given that most dispended beverages are also available for purchase in refrigerated bottles or cans.

Figure 5 illustrates a yet further embodiment, in particular, a system which enables the trade out of one beverage from one keg through three different lines whereby trade out through each line can be controlled independently of the other. Once again, the control device 26 is in communication with three separate valves 54, 56 and 58 associated with each line from the one keg 16. It is envisaged that up to 8 or more solenoids could be used to control up to 8 or more beverage lines from the one source.

Those skilled in the art would realise that the system 10 provides that for a beverage X in a beverage line Y, trade out will commence Z hours prior to a scheduled cleaning.

Alternatively, where the cleaning intervals are fixed, the trade out time could be calculated as Z hours after the last clean. Thus, in the case of a very slow selling beverage, trade out could even commence directly after the line fills up with beverage following the last clean, and in the case of a very popular beverage, trade out could commence say a few hours prior to the next scheduled clean.

As mentioned earlier, some lines may still have a small amount of beverage remaining, and others may be traded out too quickly, all of which provides useful information for when entering data the next time. In a further embodiment, each beverage line could include an individual flow meter (not shown) which measures the flow rate of beverage through each line, to provide for even more accurate data to be input into the system 10. In an embodiment, data from each flow meter could be fed back into the control device 26 directly in a closed loop system.

Cleaning of the lines can be undertaken using any known method and, if necessary, gas from container 22 can continue to be pushed through the lines, or pulsed there through, in combination with a cleaning liquid to facilitate the cleaning action. Typically, the main pressurised line will be unplugged from the keg and placed into a cleaning liquid after the line has been purged with water. It is to be understood that data, such as date and time data associated with the last clean, and data relating to the cleaning method, could be stored amongst other data and could also be viewable on a display associated with the control device 26 for example.

Any reference herein to the popularity of a drink relates directly to its usage. This data could be obtained from flow rate data or by other suitable means, and input into the control device for a particular drink. It is envisaged that such data will also be obtained through experimentation and, for example, the collection of statistical data from within the industry.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A beverage trade out system including: one or more pressurised beverage lines each having a scheduled cleaning time; a gas supply value associated with each beverage lines for supplying gas pressure 5 greater than the line pressure to the beverage line and thereby preventing flow of liquid downstream of the gas supply valve; and a control device for actuating each gas supply valve individually at a predetermined trade out time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

2. A beverage trade out system including: 10 one or more containers each holding a beverage; a pressurised beverage line associated with said one or more containers, each beverage line having a scheduled cleaning time; a dispensing device associated with each pressurised beverage line wherein actuation of said dispensing device enables flow of said beverage from the container through the beverage line 15 and out of said dispensing device; a gas supply valve associated with said beverage line for supplying gas pressure greater than the line pressure to the beverage line and thereby preventing flow of liquid from the container downstream of the gas supply valve when the dispensing device is actuated; a control device for controllably actuating each gas supply valve individually at a predetermined 20 trade out time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

3. A beverage trade out system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said predetermined trade out time is received as data into the control device.

4. A beverage trade out system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control device: 25 calculates the trade out time for a particular beverage in accordance with input parameter data; actuates said gas supply valve according to said calculated trade out time.

5. A beverage trade out system according to claim 4 wherein said input parameter data includes data relating to an estimated usage of beverage through said line.

6. A beverage trade out system according to either claim 4 or claim 5 wherein said input parameter data includes dimensional data relating to the line.

7. A beverage trade out system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein said input parameter data includes data relating to a volume of liquid in the line downstream of the valve. 5

8. A beverage trade out system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said trade out time is an amount of time prior to said scheduled cleaning time.

9. A beverage trade out system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein an interval between cleaning times is constant, and said trade out time is an amount of time after a prior clean.

10 10. A beverage trade out system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said gas supply valve is a 3-port solenoid valve including an exhaust port.

11. A beverage trade out system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the system further includes: a first check valve associated with each beverage line and disposed between the corresponding 15 container and valve, the first check valve being normally open but configured to close when the valve is opened.

12. A beverage trade out system according to claim 11, further including: a second check valve associated with the beverage line and disposed between the beverage line and the valve, the second check valve being normally closed and configured to open when 20 the valve is opened.

13. A beverage trade out system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control device is configured to automatically actuate each gas supply valve prior to the scheduled cleaning time for each beverage line.

14. A beverage trade out system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 25 control device is further configured to record and store details of each line clean.

15. A beverage trade out according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a means of introducing cleaning liquid into the beverage line for cleaning the line when gas is pushed or pulsed there through.

16. A beverage trade out method including: receiving data relating to a scheduled cleaning time at which said beverage line will be cleaned; receiving data relating to an approximate trade out time period for the beverage line; and operating a gas supply valve associated with said beverage line to effect trade out of the 5 beverage prior to the scheduled cleaning time in accordance with the approximate trade out period.

17. A beverage trade method according to claim 16, further including: receiving data relating to popularity of the beverage being traded through the beverage line; and determining, using a computer processor, an approximate trade out time period for said 10 beverage based at least on said popularity of the beverage.

18. A beverage trade out method according to claim 17, further including: receiving dimensional data relating to the beverage line; and determining, using the computer processor, an approximate trade out time period for said beverage based on popularity of the beverage and the line dimensional data.