UA151473U - Tap handle configuration for use with a dosing and dispensing control system for a controlled beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

A faucet handle configuration for use with a dispensing and pouring control system for a regulated beverage comprises a control valve body having a fluid line connection opposite the outlet, said control valve body further comprising a threaded connection to allow connection to a beverage dispensing system; a check valve mechanism in fluid communication with the outlet portion; a flow control adjustment mechanism; and a tap handle extension threadedly attached to the outlet portion, wherein the flow operation through said tap handle configuration is controlled by a push button control of the dispensing and pouring control system.

Description

The utility model relates to an improved operation of a beverage dispensing system for dispensing beer or wine in an automated manner and, in particular, to an improved tap handle for use therewith.

By automating beverage dispensing systems, measurement, tracking, control and continuous dispensing of volumes can be achieved in a manner that maximizes productivity and optimizes beverage dispensing repeatability. In particular, these automated beverage dispensing systems described in patent application filed as PCT/О52016/27175 show a particular automated dispensing device for dispensing a beverage into a drinking vessel. This automated dispensing device may include a user interface for operating the metering mechanism. The measuring mechanism can have the ability to measure the exact amount of liquid to be dispensed, record information on a permanent (magnetic) medium, sensor(s) to measure the pressure of the drink in the delivery line, a timer and a communication system for information exchange between the measuring mechanism and the user interface . The communication system can include a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, a "mouse" manipulator, or even an interactive end-to-end sequence of flashing lights and buttons. The beverage dispenser may additionally be wirelessly capable to communicate with a standard PC or smartphone using a wireless protocol (such as

Viiseiyuoi, MU/i-Ri, Ipiegpei, etc.). Beverages to be stored in containers, from some sources, can be metered on demand as they are fed through the metering chamber of a defined volume using one system pressure from the fluid connection to the beverage container to be stored in containers. In addition to eliminating the need to provide an exact (rather than an estimated) volume dispensed, the various beverages can be dispensed at a temperature correlated to that appropriate for the various beverages dispensed.

In this way and with such a system, qualitative and quantitative management can be easily achieved, monitored and communicated. Achieving such improvements is valuable in many situations, particularly in large-scale venues where more rapid and accurate delivery of concessions improves the bottom line as well as minimizes disruption to the enjoyment of the main entertainment event. During the implementation of such automation for the distribution of drinks, various problems were identified, which otherwise would not have been noticeable. In particular, the use

Conventional faucet handles have been found to present operational problems that can lead to inefficiencies.

Conventional "beer taps" are valves or control taps for controlling the release of beer, a carbonated beverage stored under pressure. Typically, faucets contain manually activated standardized connection ball valves in which an externally threaded connection is attached to the beer line and the valve mechanism is operated by a vertically extending faucet handle. Common faucet handles are 9 to 13 inches (approximately 23 to 33 cm) tall and support the design that identifies the brand. Thus, conventional bottling is done manually by service personnel, resulting in manual portion control.

When selling non-beer dispensers for wine, mixed cocktails, etc. at first, ordinary tap handles of the type used for dispensing beer were used, which were found to have drawbacks. Issues included tampering with the automated cycle through manual activation or attempted manual activation during the automated bottling cycle.

In addition, conventional beer taps do not contain any kind of check valve feature to prevent dripping between pours or oxidation of the beverage in the line. In addition, it was found necessary to consider the implementation of calibration by system management personnel, while at the same time preventing interference with system settings, inadvertently or intentionally, by service personnel, waiters or others.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved dispensing faucet valve system for use with improved beverage dispensing systems and methods of operation having metered, monitored, controlled and continuous dispensing volumes.

The object of the utility model is to provide an improved dispensing faucet valve system for use with a method of an automated beverage dispensing system.

The overall objective of the utility model is to provide a broad or equivalent offering of an improved contactless dispensing faucet that provides optimal system performance through automated beverage dispensing, metering and tracking systems.

The problem is solved by a faucet handle configuration for use with a dispensing and pouring control system 60 for a regulated beverage comprising:

a control valve body having a connection to the fluid supply line, opposite to the outlet, and said control valve body additionally contains a threaded connection to enable connection to a beverage dispensing system; the mechanism of the non-return valve, which is in communication behind the fluid medium with the outlet pipe; flow control adjustment mechanism; and a faucet handle extension threadedly attached to the nozzle body, wherein the operating parameters of the flow through said faucet handle configuration are controlled by push button control of the dispensing and pouring control system.

According to the utility model, a non-contact faucet handle for dispensing drinks is proposed, which includes a spring and ball check valve in the body of the control faucet.

Said non-return valve can be made with the possibility of adjustment to provide pressure differences of opening or closing. The body of the control valve has an external threaded end for connection to the line for dispensing drinks. A flow control valve with a removable control mechanism is located between the connection to the beverage supply line and the non-return valve. The system operator can use this control mechanism to calibrate the fluid flow. Thus, the control mechanism can be provided with a key and can be removed after installation in place to avoid inadvertent or other modification by bartenders of the flow parameters of the system. Additionally, a faucet handle extension is offered, which can be threaded to the control faucet body. The faucet handle extension does not specifically control operating parameters that must be initiated by push button control of the spill control system. Although the faucet handle extension can provide an overall form factor similar to another conventional control faucet and can be used to attach branded or designer handles, this faucet handle extension cannot be used to initiate manual opening or closing of the valve.

According to the utility model, the flow control valve can be made as a solenoid control valve or a pneumatic control valve.

According to the utility model, the pneumatic control valve option may further benefit from the use of the same pneumatic pressure source that is typically provided to provide the beverage forcing force for automated beverage control systems.

In any proposed aspect, said control valve may be located in said outlet port instead of a spring-activated check valve or may be located in a control valve body in the fluid supply line to the check valve mechanism.

The advantage of the useful model is to prevent the bartender from interfering with the flow of the drink during the automated dispensing cycle.

Another advantage of this useful model is the provision of a non-return valve built into the control valve. This advantage can prevent drips at the end of the dispensing cycle, as well as prevent air from coming into contact with any beverage in the line.

Another advantage of the utility model is the provision of a flow control valve that is designed to be removable, making it accessible only during service or other operations by authorized personnel.

Another advantage of this flow control valve is to ensure a complete shutdown of the beverage flow when servicing the system.

Other benefits of the utility model include improved accuracy and repeatability, as well as reduced volume variability for dispensed beverages during operation of automated bottling control systems.

Other tasks, features and advantages of this useful model will become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION DRAWING

The advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent with reference to the more detailed description and formula of the utility model when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like symbols, and in which:

In fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a beverage dispensing and bottling control system 10 for use with a metering system 20 in accordance with an example of a preferred embodiment of the present utility model;

Figure 2 shows a detailed perspective view of a metering system 20 for use in a beverage dispensing and bottling control system 10 in accordance with this utility model;

In fig. C shows a top view of the measuring system 20 shown in Fig. 2;

In fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the IM-IM line, shown in fig. WITH;

In fig. 5 shows a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of a non-contact tap handle 20 for use with beverage dispensing and dispensing control systems 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this utility model;

In fig. 6 shows its side view in a vertical section;

In fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a faucet handle according to a preferred embodiment of this utility model, shown with handle 124 attached; and

In fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the faucet handle shown in fig. 9, with remote handle 24;

In fig. 9 shows a hydraulic diagram of a first example of a typical operation of a beverage dispensing station 10 for use in accordance with the present utility model illustrating a first dispensing cycle;

In fig. 10 shows a hydraulic diagram of a first example of a typical operation of a beverage dispensing station 10 for use in accordance with the present utility model illustrating a second dispensing cycle; and

In fig. 11 shows a control diagram of a beverage dispensing and bottling control system 10 for use with a metering system 20 in accordance with an example of a preferred embodiment of the utility model.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A USEFUL MODEL

The best mode of implementation of the utility model is presented based on its preferred embodiment presented herein in the drawings. 1. Detailed description of drawings

Before explaining this utility model in detail, it is important to understand that this utility model is not limited in its application to the details of the construction shown and the steps described in this document. Proposed systems and methods in this implementation

In a preferred embodiment, designed to provide accurate volumetric control of an automated beverage dispensing system and, in particular, those automated beverage dispensing systems previously described in patent application filed as PCT/O52016/27175 or broad equivalents thereof, the full the content of which is incorporated into this document by reference. As will be shown and described hereinbelow, such an improved and precise beverage dispensing control operation can be accomplished by proactively controlling the reversing actions of the alternating dispensing piston to provide repeatability and control under varying pressures and conditions. operational anomalies that invariably occur in various places of action in the real world. It should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description, not limitation, and should be interpreted broadly as intended.

According to the preferred embodiment of this useful model, a control valve system is proposed, which helps to ensure efficiency and repeatability of work when using an automated system for dispensing drinks. As shown in fig. 1, a schematic perspective view of a beverage dispensing and dispensing control system 45 or "system" is described herein, generally designated 10. The system 10 may include a metering mechanism 20; faucet or regulating faucet 22; and system 30 for dispensing and storing beverages in containers. In general, the measuring mechanism 20 is in fluid communication with the beverage supply line 32, which is functionally connected to the system for distributing and storing beverages in containers. The metering mechanism 20 also provides a metered outlet 34 in fluid communication with the tap or control valve 22 in such a manner as to enable a specific controlled metered dispensing of beverages into the beverage container 36, as will be described in more detail below.

Then in fig. 2-3 shows in more detail a preferred embodiment of a metering mechanism 20 for use with a beverage dispensing and pour control system 10 in accordance with the present utility model. The measuring mechanism 20 contains a measuring chamber 40, which functions as a bidirectional dispensing device, actuated by the pressure in the line, by redirecting the specified pressure from one end of the chamber to the other end. Such a chamber 40 provides the possibility of accurate repeatable measured, used and stored pressure in the line without the addition of an additional pumping (516) device.

The metering mechanism 20 further includes a user interface 24 that provides operational control of the metering mechanism 20, which includes delivery of a measured volume of liquid to the faucet 20. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, such a user interface may include many types of communication systems for system management 10. They may contain a visual (video) display, a keyboard, a "mouse" manipulator, etc. As now shown, the approximate user interface 24 is depicted simply as a series of operator-operated buttons with interaction visually confirmed by flashing light indicators. The measuring mechanism 20 may additionally have a wireless communication capability to communicate with a standard PC or smartphone using a wireless protocol (such as Visefooii, UMI-Ri, Iptegpay, etc.).

Containerized beverages from multiple sources may be metered on demand as an identified volume is fed through the metering chamber 40 using a single system pressure created from fluid communication with the containerized beverage container 30 . In addition to eliminating the need to provide accurate (rather than estimated) dispensed volume of various beverages, this useful model can also provide dispensed output at a temperature correlated to that appropriate for the various dispensed beverages (as described in more detail lower). With these performance characteristics, this system 10 can provide unique qualitative and quantitative management that can be easily implemented, monitored and reported.

Now in more detail with reference to fig. 4, a chamber 40 is provided in the form of a container having a selected, predetermined internal volume 42. The chamber 40 is shown in the form of a cylindrical container; however, it should be understood that such shape and configuration are not intended to limit this useful model. As will be described in more detail below, according to an aspect of this utility model, the set volume 42 may be equal to the pour volume of the desired beverage. In addition, according to another aspect of this utility model, the set volume 42 may be equal to a fractional component of the pour volume of the desired beverage, thereby facilitating its use with mixed or composite beverages. Additionally, in accordance with yet another aspect of this utility model, the given volume 42 may be equal to multiple pour volumes of the desired beverage, thereby providing the possibility of multiple dispenses of each reverse-

From the progressive cycle.

The inner volume 42 accommodates and contains a piston 50, made to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the chamber 40. The piston 50 freely moves in a lateral direction, upon impact, in a reciprocating manner behind the inner volume 42. The freely movable piston 50, includes a pair of parallel planar face surfaces 52 and a peripheral sealing surface 54. The sealing surface 54 may include a surface sealing mechanism such as an elastomeric ring seal (not shown).

The chamber 40 is sealed on each opposing ring, shown here by a sealing nut 70. Each nut 70 engages and seals a respective end of the chamber 40 and further forms an outlet channel 72. One of ordinary skill in the art, in light of these ideas, will understand that this configuration for camera 40 is only approximate and a variety of configurations that provide equivalent elemental functionality may be used.

As described above, the metering mechanism 20 provides an inlet fluid connection from the beverage supply line 32 and an outlet fluid connection to the metered outlet 34. According to a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the inlet 42 is connected to the beverage supply line 32 and additionally includes a flow divider 43 that directs a flow conduit to each outlet channel 72. Similarly, outlet 44 is connected to a metered outlet 34 and additionally includes a similar flow divider 43 that directs a flow conduit from each outlet channel 72. The three-way diverter valve 45 is functionally connected between inlet 42, outlet 44, and metering cylinder 40 to provide alternating and symmetrical flow paths through metering cylinder 40. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, the specific arrangement of valves and flow dividers may be adapted to the set of config radios as long as the existing line pressure is maintained, while the flow is alternately redirected between opposite sides of the chamber 40 without changing or adding to the pressure established in the line. By way of example, but not limitation, alternating configurations for a single chamber design may be accomplished with four two-way valves; two three-way valves; one four-way valve; or equivalent piping configuration containing other means of pressure diversion.

Next, with reference to fig. 5-8, the non-contact faucet handle 22 includes a control valve body 120, a check valve mechanism 130 and an outlet nozzle 140, as well as a flow control adjustment mechanism 150.

Control valve body 120 can provide any form factor that mimics existing control valves; however, while such a form factor may be preferred, it should be understood that the general form factor should not limit the features or operation of a given utility model.

The housing 120 should include a threaded connection 122 to provide the ability to connect to both conventional beverage dispensing systems and automated beverage dispensing systems 10 or equivalents. An extension 124 of the faucet handle is additionally proposed, which can be attached 126 in a threaded manner to the body 120 of the regulating faucet.

Faucet handle extension 124 does not specifically control operating parameters that must be initiated by a push button control of the spill control system (not shown).

Although the faucet handle extension 124 may provide an overall form factor similar to another conventional control faucet and may be used to attach branded or designer handles, the faucet handle extension 124 cannot initiate manual opening or closing.

A check valve mechanism 130 is provided between the flow control mechanism 150 and the outlet nozzle 140. According to one aspect of this utility model, the check valve mechanism 130 may include a spring 132 and a ball 134 assembly to provide opening or closing at a desired system pressure. According to another aspect of this utility model, the check valve mechanism 130 can be made adjustable to provide opening or closing pressure differences. One such mechanism for adjusting such operating pressures of check valve 130 is to provide replacement springs 132 with the desired spring characteristics that can be installed in check valve housing 136 .

A flow control mechanism 150 is located between the beverage line connection 122 and the check valve body 136. The flow control mechanism 150 may include a valve mechanism 152 having a removable control mechanism 154 . The flow control valve 152 can be used as a control

From the mechanism for calibrating the fluid flow through the outlet nozzle 140.

The removable control mechanism 154 can be provided with a fixed key or fixed in such a way as to be removable after installation in place. By making the handle 154 removable, the possibility of inadvertent or other modification by bartenders or other personnel of the flow parameters of the system is prevented.

According to a functionally equivalent aspect of this utility model, the flow control valve 152 can be made as a solenoid control valve or a pneumatic control valve. It has been found that the use of a solenoid control valve is not functionally compatible when used in conjunction with an automated beverage control system for dispensing carbonated beverages such as beer or sparkling wine, as the configuration of such valves promotes turbulence that makes dispensing the dispensed beverage commercially unacceptable As such, it is intended to restrict the use of solenoid control valves for use in the dispensing of non-carbonated beverages such as non-sparkling wines, mixed alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, flavored waters, energy drinks or similar or equivalent beverages.

Alternatively, the use of a pneumatic control valve is acceptable for automated dispensing of most types of beverages. It has been determined that the use of pneumatic control valves in such an operation will have the additional advantage of utilizing the same pneumatic pressure source that is normally provided to provide the beverage forcing force for automated beverage control systems.

In either embodiment, the control valve may be located in said discharge port instead of a spring-activated check valve, or may be located in the control valve body 120 in the fluid supply line to the check valve mechanism 130 2. Operation of the preferred embodiment of the utility model

This utility model is intended for use in conjunction with an automated beverage dispensing system. In particular, it is believed that the present utility model may be used in conjunction with an improved beverage dispensing system of the type described, claimed, or contemplated by patent application filed as PCT/O52016/27175, or its equivalents. With reference to fig. 9 and 10, a hydraulic diagram of a first example of a typical operation of a beverage dispensing and bottling control system 10 for use in accordance with the present utility model is shown. As shown in fig. 9, the first portion is metered from inlet 32 under line pressure and directed to the first chamber inlet by opening one valve 46ba and closing the other valve 46b. Closing the valve 46c exerts a force on the fluid in the chamber 40 and causes the piston 50 to move from the first position to the second position. The opening of the valve 46a causes the distribution of the fluid initially in the chamber 40 from the outlet 34. As shown in Fig. 10, subsequent metered volumes may be released by reversing the positions of valves 4ba, 4665, 4bs and 460. It is assumed that valves 46 may be controlled by a dedicated associated or remote microcontroller. Although such a system will maintain volume at the outlet 34 through the tap or control valve 22, an additional valve mechanism 47 may be included between the metering chamber 40 and the control valve 22 in order to maintain system pressure throughout the length of the system 10. This is accomplished by maintaining the valve mechanism 47 open during the entire duration of distribution of one or more portions of the net volume until the entire required volume is distributed; then, at the end of closing all other valves 46 by closing the valve mechanism 47 before initiating the next cycle, i.e. reversing the positions of valves 4ba-i, the entire system is under pressure and ready for the next dispensing cycle. In addition, it is assumed that additional shut-off valves can be used to isolate the liquid contents of the system from the external environment, which can cause spoilage or degradation; or otherwise interfere with the dispensing of foamy beverage for carbonated beverages. The use of such an improved faucet handle may allow such a beverage dispensing system to operate optimally without interfering with the improvements achieved by such a beverage dispensing system, namely, such maximum performance and optimized efficiency when implementing non-beer dispensing devices for wine, mixed cocktails, or etc. After attachment to the outlet pipeline of such a system, the flow control mechanism 150 is positioned to provide the required fluid flow rates. Likewise, the check valve mechanism 130 can be adjusted to provide the desired shut-off pressure. At this point, the beverage management system 10 can thus be used

Zo in accordance with its expected functional capabilities without problems and shortcomings found when using other traditionally available mechanisms with a regulating valve.

Additionally, in fig. 11 shows an electrical control circuit of a beverage dispensing and filling control system 10 for use with a metering system 20 in accordance with an example of a first alternative embodiment of the present utility model in which two beverage dispensing lines are located. Although the features and operation of this embodiment are similar to those described above, the form factor and location and number of check valves are shown interchangeably for equivalent functionality in the indicated system, and those skilled in the art in light of these ideas can employ a wide range of modifications within the equivalent range comprising among other things, variations in the number and configurations of electronic elements (ie, boards, wires, etc.) or the like.

The above descriptions of specific embodiments of this utility model have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present useful model to the precise disclosed forms, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the utility model and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the utility model and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific intended use. It is assumed that the volume of this useful model is determined by the applied formula of the useful model and its equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this utility model should be limited only by the following utility model formula.

Claims (6)

USEFUL MODEL FORMULA 1. A faucet handle configuration for use with a dispensing and pouring control system for a regulated beverage, comprising: a faucet body having a connection to a fluid supply line opposite the outlet, said faucet body further comprising a threaded connection to ensure the possibility of connection with the system for dispensing drinks; (with; the mechanism of the non-return valve, which is in communication behind the fluid medium with the outlet pipe; flow control adjustment mechanism; and a faucet handle extension threadedly attached to the nozzle body, wherein the operating parameters of the flow through said faucet handle configuration are controlled by push button control of the dispensing and pouring control system. 2. The faucet handle configuration of claim 1, wherein said check valve mechanism is provided between the flow control adjustment mechanism and the discharge nozzle. 3. The faucet handle configuration of claim 1 or 2, wherein said check valve mechanism includes a spring and ball design to provide opening or closing at the desired system pressure. 4. A faucet handle configuration according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said check valve mechanism further comprises replaceable springs with desired spring characteristics that can be installed in the check valve body. 5. The faucet handle configuration of claim 1, wherein the flow control adjustment mechanism further comprises: a flow control valve mechanism used to adjust the flow rate of the fluid through the outlet; and a removable control mechanism. 6. The faucet handle configuration of claim 5, wherein said removable control mechanism includes a handle in operative connection with the flow control valve mechanism, which is keyed or otherwise secured in such a manner as to be removable from said flow control valve mechanism to prevent fluid flow rate regulation. iE ra 24 i y -k "p sh i She i i v o sha JI I Zh Me scher ry that pu This - dit nn, Sho -z ko i m Sho What S kan She mayya i o y I zh i " about markets 7 eq singular 0. " 7 i ko ih mch Sheri Fig. 1 I 7 Ko, | ee with "I Io eM I I - Me | I am, you are her; 3 A i SYA i | What are the facts and what? yun Yi sh and pike and mch - su) Fig. 2 in K, Gaia s- and 40 re - ss le t u k I! ! Shock I A t shi "She t ge KANAV | | BACH" - KE shchi Y 43 yav u N you y K- : what - Fig. 3 t Va i a 45 tv E B 45 ki dn pi sht --- 2 5 6 |: 2223 ZE 5 (- zh l A - "X t kn te | 72 52 Fig. 4 EX Y 124 - 1K : | 122 A. V boga S h vo oipo "U 4 depo h she i what Ge i se 128- ab Y ih 5 u zh ich. "y y oo la KK Her SAME em y I SO "v s: ME chu Mya po, m pr she py: ne u re t, Bach es SCHI to o 7" shchi 1395 5 15" I Lla6 emo Fig. 5 ri a i sho K i Y i i ! SHCI cache PE 126 more : I | with NK: IT. IC GU Vat SCHE sk ny ku 150 pa) SK KE i 140 Fig. 6 x 124 and x sho. cat vra "5! u ee and dak AH shshshsh y i gy ie Go sh shchi i i rshe xx VU I yo de v U kh - y kh u o -y No i "her yah Kyy 150 y i 7 ih t Ei N ! and N shi 22 Kt 1 st Fig. 7 kri 122 x ke still p, so, SO oh i V MNN KU "eokhh chi ya ya che ah KAK U VOOYA -- I ho NN ya a all ya r au CI, h she U tyu EE yi ; I Kononnia i 1 with I i? pu Y i / nene shk, Fi ig. 8 y A y7 y - ves nya hvla X z Y pvyetei 2 zhle m 4 g M YE Ty y y M «lo, 48 I oyu shk t eE-At A grrenes 1 SooDe ED Ra lo and pazy Klatazhvya Y in viduetyh A khazhpctnya 7 is married and eats s es and I, 4vba Y ev Fig. 9 and ih - KoZhlaleetya ii sho 7 shiny - Sh Mt / chan Z M en Ask u pashan Her Klima yu vadhika u yi kdd / Shine your Y ben Fig. 10 Sensors Shlyaashnti loka same E and how! In A-k --Hk, s-y tuye Zy- Z-scho6 TSI ih i Tsi Kanalov'yaaku and Y us NNI i ih pothyusnetyatato, TSI B t son U zY r i m. paptodnyakh z - i g U I: cantata 4 Hontuyeateyu palovnoi shchas - deENEHul'KOi Ye- sew p: boxes Respodilna box. m", Bvedehnya output 1 rennia Kodnat vyazku full of pruyutrah so pp ke Gerya yi Ka khkh yi iv) r EI chn Ko CHI mi kpazhnnya Ann: clan Fig. 11"