WO2004096694A1 - Systeme de distribution de boisson a la pression - Google Patents

Systeme de distribution de boisson a la pression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004096694A1
WO2004096694A1 PCT/AU2004/000558 AU2004000558W WO2004096694A1 WO 2004096694 A1 WO2004096694 A1 WO 2004096694A1 AU 2004000558 W AU2004000558 W AU 2004000558W WO 2004096694 A1 WO2004096694 A1 WO 2004096694A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drink
dispensed
dispensing system
line
beer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000558
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004096694A9 (fr
Inventor
Peter Vok
George Vok
Original Assignee
At Group International Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2003902051A external-priority patent/AU2003902051A0/en
Priority claimed from AU2003902052A external-priority patent/AU2003902052A0/en
Application filed by At Group International Limited filed Critical At Group International Limited
Publication of WO2004096694A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004096694A1/fr
Publication of WO2004096694A9 publication Critical patent/WO2004096694A9/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
    • G07F13/025—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume wherein the volume is determined during delivery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D1/0406—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers with means for carbonating the beverage, or for maintaining its carbonation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/07—Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858—Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B67D1/0861—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means
    • B67D1/0862—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means in the form of a cold plate or a cooling block
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858—Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B67D1/0861—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means
    • B67D1/0865—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means by circulating a cooling fluid along beverage supply lines, e.g. pythons
    • B67D1/0867—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means by circulating a cooling fluid along beverage supply lines, e.g. pythons the cooling fluid being a liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • B67D1/0882—Devices for controlling the dispensing conditions
    • B67D1/0884—Means for controlling the parameters of the state of the liquid to be dispensed, e.g. temperature, pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
    • B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
    • B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
    • B67D1/1236—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount comprising means for detecting the size of vessels to be filled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/125—Safety means, e.g. over-pressure valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1252—Gas pressure control means, e.g. for maintaining proper carbonation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
    • B67D1/1405—Control taps
    • B67D1/145—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat
    • B67D1/1466—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat the valve shutter being opened in a direction opposite to the liquid flow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00081—Constructional details related to bartenders
    • B67D2210/00083—Access code recognition means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00081—Constructional details related to bartenders
    • B67D2210/00089—Remote control means, e.g. by electromagnetic signals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00081—Constructional details related to bartenders
    • B67D2210/00091—Bar management means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00099—Temperature control
    • B67D2210/00104—Cooling only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates broadly to fluid dispensing systems and in particular to a fluid dispenser for supplying a chilled drink under pressure, as well as a valve for controlling dispensation of a fluid dispenser.
  • the invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a beer dispenser.
  • Drinks such as beer are typically served on tap using a pressurised drink receptacle which in the case of beer is typically a barrel or keg.
  • a beer barrel is usually connected to a tap via a beer line. Due to the pressure of the beer inside the barrel beer is dispensed by opening the tap.
  • Drinks which are served on tap usually require a pressurisation system to maintain the pressure within the receptacle as the drink is consumed.
  • These drinks also typically include a cooling system. Cooling systems of tap beer are typically designed to cool the beer as it flows along the beer line, thereby ensuring that the drink is served at a desired chilled temperature.
  • An operator such as a barman, is typically required to operate the beer tap and control the dispensation of beer from it.
  • the beer tap is typically operated by turning it between dosed and open positions. This is a time consuming task, and can result in long waiting times in bars, or the like, during busy periods.
  • Drink systems which serve drinks "on tap” typically experience faults with their pressurisation or cooling systems. These faults can result in the drink being under pressurised, or under chilled- This will generally result in a lower quality drink.
  • Yeast culture begin to build up in a beer line almost immediately after beer first flows through it Regular cleaning of the beer line is therefore required.
  • the frequency of cleaning is controlled by the establishments that serve tap beer. Breweries have little opportunity to monitor cleaning and it is therefore difficult for them to control the quality of beer which is served.
  • a drink dispensing system comprising'.
  • pressurisation means for pressurising a drink supply
  • a line sensor for sensing the presence of a contaminant in the drink line and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises a drink selection input for receiving a drink request
  • the drink selecting input is arranged to receive data corresponding to the type and quantity of the requested drink
  • the drink dispensing system comprises dispensation control means for controlling the quantity of drink dispensed.
  • the dispensation control means preferably comprises dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed.
  • the dispensation control means preferably also comprises the drink selection input- Suitably, the dispensed volume measuring means is operatively arranged with respect to the drink selection input to control dispensation of the requested drink.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise one or more of:
  • cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line.
  • a drink dispensing system for dispensing a drink, the dispensing system comprising;
  • pressurisation means for pressurising the drink supply
  • cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line
  • volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed
  • a drink selection input for receiving a drink request indicating the type and quantity of at least one drink to be dispensed
  • dispensation control means arranged peratively with respect to the dispensed volume measuring means and drink selection input to control dispensation of the requested drink.
  • the drink selection input of the first and second aspects of the present invention is arranged to send predetermined dispensation control signals to the dispensation control means upon receipt of corresponding predetermined inputs.
  • the dispensation control means of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise the dispensed volume measuring means.
  • the dispensation control means of the second aspect of the present invention may also comprise the drink selection input,
  • the dispensation control means of the first and second aspects of the present invention is preferably operatively coupled to said drink line or said outlet and arranged to control dispensation of the requested drink.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprise dispensed volume processing means which is arranged to detect: instantaneous measurements of the dispensed volume measuring means to determine the quantity of drink dispensed during dispensation of a requested drink, compare the quantity of the drink dispensed with the quantity of the requested drink, and respectively dose or open said drink line when the quantity of the drink dispensed is equal to or greater than the quantity of the requested drink, or less than or equal to the quantity of the requested drink.
  • the dispensed volume measuring means is arranged to produce a dispensed volume signal during dispensation of a requested drink which indicates the instantaneous quantity of the dispensed drink.
  • the dispensed volume processing means is also preferably arranged to detect the dispensed volume signal and determine the quantity of drink that has been dispensed.
  • the dispensed volume signal may be a set quantity signal which indicates when a predetermined quantity of a requested drink has been dispensed.
  • said signal comprises a cumulative signal which indicates the total amount of a requested drink that has been dispensed.
  • the cumulative signal may be derived from the set quantity signal.
  • the set quantity and ⁇ unulative signals may represent the measured drink quantity, in which case the dispensed volume processing means is arranged to determine the quantity of drink that has been dispensed by reference to corresponding dispensed volume reference measurements.
  • the set quantity and cumulative signals comprise measurement values which equal the measured quantity.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprises a control valve which is arranged to dose or open the drink line or outlet and respectively prevent or allow continued dispensation of the drink.
  • the control valve is preferably positioned proximal the outlet.
  • said drink dispensing system of the first and second aspect of the present invention further comprises control valve processing means operatively coupled to the control valve to open or dose it.
  • the dispensed volume measuring means is preferably arranged to measure volume.
  • the drink dispensing system of the second aspect of the present invention may further comprise a line sensor for sensing the presence in the drink line of and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise line sensor processing means arranged to detect and indicate the line sensor signal.
  • the line sensor processing means is preferably arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal indicates the presence or, does not indicate the absence, of a ⁇ ontaminant.
  • the line sensor is signal is arranged to indicate the presence or absence of a contaminant if the concentrations of the contaminant corresponds to a predetermined range of contaminant reference concentrations.
  • the line sensor signal comprises one or more line sensor operating values corresponding to contaminant concentrations or range of contarninant concentrations over a predetermined period of time, and the line sensor operating values indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant if the contaminant concentrations correspond to a predetermined range of contaminant reference concentrations.
  • the line sensor processing means is arranged to compare the line sensor operating values with corresponding line sensor reference operating values to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant
  • the line sensor of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged to sense the presence of bacteria or oxalate or both bacteria and oxalate.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise one or more of:
  • a pressure sensor for determining the pressure of the drink supply and producing a pressure sensor signal indicating the pressure
  • one or more cooling sensors for sensing one or more of the following and producing a temperature sensor signal indicating temperature or operation or both temperature and operation:
  • the dispensing system further comprises pressure and temperature processing means arranged t detect said signal of the pressure sensor or one or more of the cooling sensors, or both the pressure sensor and cooling sensors.
  • the pressure and temperature processing means is arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal(s) indicates that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is not in a desirable range, or does not indicate that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is in a desirable range.
  • the pressure and cooling sensors are arranged to produce a pressure and cooling sensor signal indicating that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is or is not operating in a desirable range if the sensed pressure or temperature value corresponds to a predetermined range of pressure and cooling sensor reference values.
  • the pressure and cooling sensor signal comprises one or more corresponding pressure and cooling sensor operating values representative of the sensed pressure or temperature value or range of sensed pressure or temperature values over a predetermined period of time, and the pressure and cooling sensor operating values indicate that the pressure or temperature is or is not in a desirable range if the sensed pressure or temperature value corresponds to a predetermined range of pressure and cooling sensor reference values.
  • the pressure and temperature processing means is arranged to compare the pressure and cooling sensor operating values with corresponding pressure and cooling sensor reference operating values to detem ⁇ ne if the pressure or temperature is or is not in a desirable range.
  • the desirable range of line sensor and pressure and temperature operating values may correspond to a range of concentrations, pressures and temperatures that will not adversely affect the drink quality or operation of the drink dispensing system.
  • the desirable range may include a range of cooling means temperatures which will not damage the cooling means.
  • the desirable range of line sensor and pressure and temperature operating values may also indude a range of concentrations, pressures and temperatures which are unlikely to adversely affect the quality of the drink.
  • the desirable range preferably corresponds to a range of cooling means temperatures that ensure effident and effective operation of the cooling means, and a range of pressures and temperatures that ensure that the dispensed drink will meet predetermined criteria.
  • the one or more cooling sensors of the first and second broad forms of the present invention may include first and second cooling sensors for sensing of the temperature of the cooling means and drink, ! and operation of the cooling system.
  • the pressure sensor preferably comprises a pressure gauge and the cooling sensors for sensing the temperature of the cooling means and drink pre erably comprises corresponding temperature gauges.
  • the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may comprise overall processing means which comprises the dispensed volume, control valve and line sensor processing! means.
  • each of the processing means comprises a processor.
  • the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be further arranged to produce and store drink dispensation data representing dispensed drinks corresponding to drink requests.
  • the dispensation control means of the first and second broad forms of the present invention may be arranged to store the drink dispensation data.
  • said drink supply comprises a barrel and the pressurisation means comprises a pressurisation system which is arranged to pressurise the barrel.
  • the barrel is a barrel of beer and the drink line comprises a beer line.
  • the cooling means preferably comprises a cooling system.
  • the drink selection input may, for example, comprise a touch sensitive pad or a voice activated device.
  • the touch sensitive pad may comprise keys arranged for activation upon depression.
  • the touch sensitive pad may comprise images on a display which may or may not require depression for activation.
  • the drink line of the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged for coupling to a drink outlet.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise a remote processing station which is arranged for communication with the dispensation control means for one or more of:
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention is arranged to periodically download drink dispensation data to the remote processing station for monitoring of dispensed drinks.
  • the remote processing station may be arranged for use by one or more drink suppliers who s ⁇ pply said drink' supply and arranged to enable said drink supplier to compare the quantity of drink supplied for use in relation to said drink dispensing system with said drink dispensation data! and drink stores data which have been supplied by said drink supplier and are available for use in relation to the drink dispensing system, to determine if alternative drink supplies are being substituted for those being supplied by said drink supplier.
  • this functionality of the remote processing station may also be provided in a non remote form.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may comprise two or more drink supplies for supplying two or more corresponding drink components, the two or more supplies being coupled to said outlet for dispensation of a drink comprising one or more of the drink components.
  • the remote processing station may be arranged to calculate, from drink dispensation data, ah operating drink ratio value of each drink component of a drink comprising two or more drink components and compare the operating drink ratio value with a corresponding reference drink ratio value, and prevent further operation of the dispensing system if the difference betweejn the operating drink ratio value and reference drink ratio value is greater than a predetermined amount.
  • the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise an outlet sensor for sensing the presence of a drinking receptade arranged for receipt of a drink corresponding to said drink request.
  • the dispensation control means is preferably arranged to either dose or not open said drink line or outlet if the outlet sensor either does not indicate the presence of a drinking receptacle, or indicates that a drinking receptacle is not pjresent
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise transaction means, said transaction means comprising:
  • the drink selection input of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged to receive a user identifier which is representative of a corresponding user.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention arranged to:
  • steps (a) and 0?) induding the user identifier are controlled by the dispensation control means.
  • the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be a drink dispensing apparatus wherein features of the system are components of an apparatus.
  • the drink selection input, dispensation control means and transaction means are preferably separate features of the drink dispensing system arranged for operative communication with corresponding features of the system.
  • the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprises' storage means for storage of reference measurements, concentrations or values of the dispensed volume processing means, line sensor processing means, and pressure and temperature processing means respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the storage means may be arranged for storage of operating values or reference operating values of the line sensor or pressure and temperature processing means respectively. The storage means may comprise part of the dispensed volume processing means or pressure and temperature processing means, or part of each of these processing means. The storage means may also be arranged to store cost reference storage data, drink dispensation data, drink stores data, and reference user identifiers. Suitably, the storage means is an electronic memory.
  • a control valve for mounting to an existing drink dispensing system comprising a drink line which connects a drink supply with a corresponding drink tap, the control valve comprising:
  • a housing defining a cavity and having a valve seat
  • a piston actuator for moving the piston between the sealing and flow positions.
  • the control valve preferably further comprises:
  • cooling sensor for sensing the temperature of the drink and producing a signal indicating the temperature
  • dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed
  • the inlet of the control valve may be arranged for coupling to a font which is arranged to receive the drink line.
  • the piston actuator may indude at least one solenoid coil for moving the piston from the sealing to the flow position.
  • the actuator may include at least another solenoid coil for moving the piston from the flow to the sealing position.
  • the control valve may be arranged for use in the drink dispensing systems of the first and second aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a beer dispensing system
  • FIG 2 is a schematic diagram of the processing system used in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second example of a beer dispensing system
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a control valve for use in the system of Figure 3;
  • Figures 5 A - 5D are examples of pistons for use in the control valve of Figure 4;
  • Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the control valve of Figure 4 mounted to the dispensing system of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of an alternative control valve to that of Figure 4 mounted to the dispensing system of Figure 3;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an ID tag and tag reader suitable for use in drinks dispensing systems
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection of the processing system of Figure 1 to a communications network
  • Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of a base station processing system.
  • Figure 10 is an example of the integration of a number of different drink dispensing; systems.
  • the system indudes a gas supply llcoupled to a drink supply in the form of beer supply 12 which is typically in the form of a beer barrel or keg, via a gas pressure line 13 and an appropriate barrel connector 14.
  • the connector is in turn coupled to an outlet which in this example is a dispensing unit 15 having a beer tap 16, via a drink line in the form of beer line 17.
  • Cooling means for cooling the clrink in the drink line is in this example coolant supply 18 which is provided to cool the beer in the beer line.
  • the dispensing system is designed to pump the supply of coolant, for example, glycol through a coolant line 19, which is positioned in thermal contact with the beer line 17, to thereby cool the beer contained therein.
  • coolant line 19 is typically contained in a python, which is an insulated pipe covering, between the coolant supply 18 and the dispensing unit 15.
  • the dispensing unitl5 includes a chiller plate to ensure the beer is sufficiently cooled prior to being dispensed, as will be appredated by a person skilled in the art.
  • the beer tap typically indudes a handle 16A, which allows an operator to open the beer tap and thereby dispense a beer into a drinks receptade, such as a glass 2, in the normal way.
  • a drinks receptade such as a glass 2
  • opening the tap will cause beer under pressure to flow along the beer line 17 into the glass 2.
  • the dispensed volume, control valve and line sensor processing means in this example indudes a processing system 3.
  • the processing system 3 is connected to a gas pressure sensor 25 provided in the pressure line 13, an oxalate sensor 26 and a bacteria sensor 27 positioned in the beer line 17, and a coolant temperature sensor 28 provided in the coolant line 19.
  • the processing system 3 may be coupled to the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 via a network, shown generally at 5, or via other appropriate means. These connections may be wired, for example through the use of an Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network) shown generally at 5, or through wireless connections, for example via use of Bluetooth connections, or the like.
  • Ethernet LAN Local Area Network
  • the processing system 3 operates to monitor iivformation provided by the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 in order to determine if the beer dispensing system is functioning correctly.
  • An example of a suitable processing system is shown in more detail in Figure 2.
  • the dispensation control means which in this example also comprises the processing system 3 indudes; a processor 20, storage means in the form of memory 21, drink selection input which in this example is input/output (I/O) device 22, such as a keypad and display, and an external interface 23 which for example indudes the cost display means of the transaction means.
  • the processor 20, memory 21, input/output (I/O) device 22, and external interface 23 are coupled together via a bus 24.
  • the I/O device 22 indudes a portable device.
  • the portable device is a PDA.
  • it is a mobile phone or a mobile phone having some PDA functionality.
  • the portable device is designed for communication with a customer a3 described below in relation to the I/O device 22.
  • the portable device is designed for communication via any suitable means induding wired and wireless forms of communication.
  • the portable device also effects payment as described below. After a drink is ordered or dispensed a corresponding invoice is communicated, or in this example, wirelessly transmitted to the portable device. The corresponding customer can then effect payment electronically.
  • the interface 33 is designed to allow the processing system to communicate via the communications network 5, and optionally with other processing systems, and accordingly the type of the interface 33 will depend on the nature of the communications network. Thus for example, if the communications network is an Ethernet LAN, the interface may be an Ethernet card, or the like. Alternatively, direct connections may be provided to the processing system 3, in which case the network will be replaced with simple connections, hich may be wired or wireless.
  • processing system may be any form of suitable processing system 3, such as a suitably programmed computer, lap-top, palm-top, mobile phone with suitable processing capabilities, predetermined hardware, or the like.
  • the processor 20 obtains signals from the sensors 25, 6, 7, 28, and uses these to assess the operation of the system.
  • the operation of each of the sensors is as follows:
  • the Beer gas has 2 functions, first to mix the beer with the gas and second to provide 10 bar of pressure needed to push the beer through-to the beer tap. If the gas bottle has 90% of its content used the pressure will drop slightly. This pressure drop is noticeable in the quality of the beer.
  • the sensor maybe any standard form of bacteria sensor, and may be adapted to detect one specific type of bacteria, or a number of different types. It will also be appredated that the bacteria sensor 27 may include a number of sensor elements each of which is adapted to detect a different type of bacteria. This allows the system to distinguish between types of bacteria as required.
  • Coolant temperature sensor 28
  • ⁇ This measures the temperature of the coolant after it has assed through the chiller plate on the return part of the coolant line 19, and may be formed from a thermistor or any other suitable temperature sensor. Any problems on the chiller plate or the coolant line 19 can be quick detected due to an increase in coolant temperature.
  • the processing system 3 will periodically sample signals obtained from the gas pressure sensor 25, to determine an indication of the current pressure in the pressure line 13.
  • the processor 20 ill then compare this value to pressure reference values which in this example is a predetermined gas pressure range stored in the memory 21, which defines an acceptable range of gas pressures representing normal operating conditions.
  • the processor will determine if the gas pressure is within this acceptable range, and if not generates an alert to inform the user that there is a problem with the gas supply.
  • the alert may be generated on the I/O device 22, or may altemativdy displayed on a separate display, as shown for example at 34.
  • the processor 30 will alert the user if there is a build up of oxalate ions or bacteria in the beer line 17, or problems with the coolant system by comparing signals sampled from the oxalate sensor 26, the bacteria sensor 27 and the temperature sensor 28 to respective reference concentrations or values which in this example are predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21.
  • These thresholds may be set by the drink supplier and encoded in the memory 21, to thereby prevent the thresholds being altered by the operator of the system. This allows the drink supplier, such as the brewery or the like, to ensure that the product is served under optimum conditions, to maintain product quality standards. Alternativdy, the thresholds may be set by the user of the system, for example using the 1/ O device 22.
  • the processing system 3 can also determine how frequently the beer lines 17 are being deaned. In particular, the deaning process, if performed correctly, will result in a decrease in the levels of oxalate and bacteria within the beer lines. Accordingly, by monitoring for such a decrease, this allows the processing system 3 to determine how long it is since the beer lines were last cleaned. Again, this can be compared to a predetermined threshold stored in the memory 21 indicating how often the beer lines should be deaned. In the event that this threshold is exceeded, the processing system 3 can again generate an alarm to alert the operator to this fact using the I/O device 22, or may alternatively displayed on a separate display, as shown for example at 34.
  • the processing system may be coupled to a cooling system operation sensor 29, which operates to determine if the coolant supply 18 is functioning correctly.
  • the processing system 3 can determined problems with any part of the cooling system by detecting increases in temperature solely within the coolant lines 19.
  • temperature variations in the coolant temperature depending on factors such as the volume of beer being dispensed.
  • this increases load on the coolant system and may lead to an increase in coolant temperatures within acceptable limits. This can be accounted for by monitoring the temperature at periodic time intervals and comparing rates and/or magnitudes of temperature change to predetermined thresholds, it is generally possible to determine if the coolant system is not functioning suffidently well to cool the beer.
  • any such temperature increase may be due to a fault with the chiller plate, the coolant line 19, or the coolant supply 18 itself. Accordingly, providing the separate operation sensor 29 allows the processing system to determine if the coolant supply 18 is functioning correctly, which in turn allows the source of the problem to be located. For example, if the coolant supply 18
  • the processing system 3 can also be adapted to store signal data representing the values of
  • I the signals sampled from the sensors 25, 26, 7, 28 and 29, in the memory 21, or a remote database 6 of a remote processing station. This allows the values to be reviewed at a later date, allowing the operation of the machine to be checked. This check may be performed by the operator, and /or by an independent third party for the purpose of ensuring product standards.
  • the drink supplier may require that the signal data is periodically reviewed by a representative, to thereby ensure that the beer lines are being deaned as required, as well as to ensure that the beer is being served at correct conditions.
  • the beer line 17 further indudes dispensed volume measuring means in the form of a flow meter 30, and a control valve which in this example is control valve 31.
  • the flow meter 30 and control value 31 of this example are one example of the dispensation control means.
  • the processing capability of the dispensation control means is in this example also provided by the processing system 3.
  • the processing system uses the flow meter 30 and the control valve 31 to control the dispensing of drinks. This allows user's of the system to select a desired size of drink, using the I/O device 22.
  • the input of the I/O device indudes, in this example, a separate set of buttons, shown generally at 32, and then have this drink automatically dispensed by the processing system 3.
  • buttons32 the user, such as a barman or the like will place an appropriate sized receptade 2 under the beer tap 16, and selects one of the input buttons32 administrat 32 ⁇ , 32 32 ⁇ .
  • each button 32 administrat 32 ⁇ 32 ⁇ , S ⁇ rres onds to a respective size of drink, and this therefore allows the user to select a drink size at the touch of a button.
  • the user may also need to insert a user identifier in the form of an ID tag into a tag reader 33 as will be described in more detail bdow.
  • the processing system 3 will detect the button 32 radiation 32j, 3 ⁇ 32 sele ted by the; user and use this information to access a look-up table (LUT) stored in the memory 21.
  • LUT look-up table
  • the LUT will indicate for specific buttons, the size of the drink that is to be dispensed, and inj particular, the drink volume. It will be appredated that this information may be stored and optionally encoded or encrypted in the memory 21 by a machine supplier, thereby 10 preventing its alteration by the user. Alternatively the volume information may be input by an owner of the system.
  • control signal a signal which is applied to the control valve 31, thereby causing it to open and shut as requiiied (this will hereinafter be referred to as the "control signal").
  • flow signals generated by the flow meter 30 (hereinafter referred to as "flow signals") are monitored by the processing system 3 to determine the volume of drink that has been dispensed. Once the required drink volume is dispensed, the processing system 3 will cause the control valve to close, thereby ending the dispensing process.
  • the flow, meters will be turbines, in which case the dispensed volume measuring means comprises a set quantity signal which in this example comprises pulsed flow signals, with each pulse representing a predetermined volume of drink dispensed.
  • the processor 20 will therefore count the number of pulses generated by the turbine, and compare this to a predetermined number of pulses stored in the LUT, which therefore defines the volume of the selected drink When the predetermined number of pulses are reached, this indicates to the processor that the desired volume of drink has been dispensed, and that the control valve can therefore be shut.
  • Other types of flow meters may however be used, in which case, the method will be adapted accordingly. I any event, thisjensures that the drinks are dispensed automatically in accordance with the predetermined volumes stored in the LUT in the memory 21.
  • the processing system 3 can be adapted to prevent further drinks being dispensed until the problem is rectified.
  • the processing system 3 will monitor signals from the sjensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and compare these to the predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21. In the event that the signals fall outside acceptable ranges defined by these thresholds, the processing system 3 will not generate the control signal, and as a result will not dispense the beer. In this case, dispensing can only be resumed once the' problem is overcome.
  • a similar course of action can be taken with regard to the deaning of the beer lines.
  • the processing system 3 determines that the time since the beer lines 17 were last deaned has exceeded a predetermined threshold stored in the memory 21, then the processing system 3 will again not generate control signals in response to the selection of a respective drink to be dispensed. Accordingly, it will not be possible to dispense further beers, until the be
  • the processing system 3 may also generate an alert in order to ensure that the operator is aware of the problem.
  • a first set of thresholds could be set to cause the processing system 3 to generate an alert warning that the levels of oxalate or bacteria are high, or that deaning is soon to be performed. This provide the operator with prior warning, so that the system does not stop dispensing drinks without warning during a busy period. If the beer lines are not cleaned for a predetermined amount of time after the warning is generated, or if the oxalate or bacteria levels rise by more than a predetermined amount then the processing system 3 will operate to prevent further drinks being dispensed. It will be appreciated that this allows the drinks supplier, such as the brewery to set the predetermined thresholds in the memory 21, thereby allowing the brewery to ensure that the beer lines are being cleaned as required -
  • the dispensing unit 15 indudes a manual beer tap 16. It will be appredated that this provides the u ⁇ er with additional manual control of the dispensing of the beer, thereby allowing the user to control the size of the beer
  • the system can also incorporate additional flow rate control mechanisms, such as adjustment screws.
  • additional flow rate control mechanisms such as adjustment screws.
  • alteration of the flow rate will not effect the operation of the system, and in particular, the drink ratio, as this is determined by the volume of drink component dispensed, which jis not dependent on the flow rate.
  • control valve 31 can be positioned at any location in the beer line. However, to obtain exact control of the flow of fluid out of the beer line, it is preferable for the control valve 31 to be positioned as dose to the outlet or tap as possible.
  • the valve indudes a housing in the form of housing 40-
  • the housing 40 indudes an inlet and outlet for coupling respectively to a drink line and drink tap.
  • the inlet and outlet comprise first and second portions 41 and 42 respectively (the first portion being shown in dashed lines for darity purposes) which are coupled together via an appropriate fixing 43, such as a screw fitting, or the like.
  • the first housing portion 41 includes a font fitting 44 for coupling to the font or beer dispensing unit 15, whereas the second housing portion 42 includes a tap fitting ' 45, for coupling to the beer tap 16.
  • the housing 40 defines a cavity which in this example is cavity 46.
  • the cavity 46 indudes a valve seat in the form of valve seat 47 (shown cross hatched for darity), and a piston which in this example is piston 48 which is mounted within the cavity 46.
  • the piston 48 is adapted to move along the cavity 46 as shown by the arrow 49.
  • the piston includes a shaped seal 48A, such that when the piston 48 is in the position shown in Figure 4, the seal 48A cooperates with the valve seat 47, to seal the cavity 46 from the beer tap 16.
  • Figures 5A to 5D Examples of suitable pistons are shown in Figures 5A to 5D.
  • Figure 5A shows a cross sectional view of the piston shown in Hgure 5B, along the line A-A,
  • the piston indudes a number of channels 48B, which are adapted to allow beer to flow through the cavity 46 from the dispensing unit 15 to the beer tap 16 and past the piston 48, as shown by the arrow 50.
  • An alternative piston design is shown in Figures 5C and 5D, and it will be appredated that this design piston is adapted to cooperate with a respective design of valve seat 47.
  • valve designs could be used.
  • the piston could be replaced by a shuttle valve, or the like, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art
  • a solenoid coil for moving the piston to a flow position is in this example solenoid coil 51.
  • Solenoid coil 51 is mounted to the housing portion 41.
  • the piston is magnetic to allow movement to a sealing position via another solenoid coil which in this example is solenoid coil 52.
  • the valve is coupled to the dispensing unit 15 so that the cavity 46 is coupled to the beer line 17and will be filled with beer under pressure.
  • the piston 48 is therefore urged against the valve seat 47, causing the cavity 46 to be sealed.
  • the control valve 31 can be fitted to an existing beer dispensing system by removing the beer tap 16 from the dispensing unit 15 or font, and coupling a font fitting 44 to the font, and the beer tap 16 to a tap fitting 45.
  • Examples of constructed systems are shown in Figures 6A and 6B.
  • Like reference numerals of the control valve which features in Figures 4 and 6A are used to reference corresponding features of the alternative control valve of Figure 60.
  • the solenoid coils will be connected with the processing system 3, via an appropriate interface, such as a driver drcuit and a flow meter 30 will be fitted as required.
  • the processor 20 When beer is to bje dispensed, the processor 20 will cause a current to be applied to the solenoid coil 51, thereby attracting the piston in the direction of the arrow 49. This in turn releases the seal, allowing beer to flow from the cavity 46 through the channels 48B into the beer tap 16, allowing the beer to be dispensed.
  • the processing system 3 monitors signals from the flow meter 30 and determines when the required quantity of drink has been dispensed, as described above.
  • the processing system 3 can then simply deactivate the current supphed to the solenoid coil 51, which allows the flow of the beer through the cavity, to urge the piston 48 into sealing engagement into With the valve seat 47, thereby deactivating the dispensation of the beer.
  • a second coil 52 may be provided to attract the piston in the direction of the arrow 52, thereby urging the piston 41 back into sealing engagement with the valve seat 47 to obtain a more rapid and reliable shut-off.
  • the housing 40 may incorporate the flow meter 30.
  • a temperature sensor may be provided to monitor the temperature of the dispensed beer and /or the temperature of the solenoid coils, to thereby prevent overheating. This may be used in addition to, or instead of the temperature sensor coupled to the coolant lines 19.
  • the beer temperature may also be useful to provide an indication of a fault in the cooling system, with a comparison between the beer temperature sensor 28 and the cooling system operation sensor 29 helping to provide an indication of the cause of the faul .
  • an outlet sensor can be provided to detect the receptade positioned under the beer tap 16.
  • the processing system 3 can use signals from the outlet sensor to determine if a receptacle is present before the drink is dispensed. If no receptacle is present the drink dispensing is prevented, and an optional alarm can be activated. The processing system 3 will automatically recommence the drink dispensing operation, when a glass or the like is provided in the correct position.
  • the outlet sensor can be adapted to allow the processing system 3 to determine the size of the glass, and hence the size of drink that can be dispensed. This may be achieved for example by having a weight sensor adapted to detect the weight of the empty glass, or an optical sensor or the like for determining the glass size. As different shapes and designs of glasses are used in different locations, this may necessitate configuring the system, for example, by prograrnming the processing system 3 with required information regarding the glasses. This may be performed by a training process.
  • the indication of the size of the glass can be used instead of the manual input provided via the input buttons 32.
  • placing a glass under the beer tap 16 would automatically result in the correct size of beer being dispensed.
  • the system it is also possible to use the system to control a number of respective beer pumps.
  • the set of input buttons may be expanded to allow the selection of dif erent beers automatically, with each beer being supplied to a respective beer tap in the manner described above.
  • the techniques apply to systems for dispensing one or more different types of beer.
  • the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 can also be adapted to provide selected ones of additional functions including: • Monitoririg;
  • the processing system 3 monitors the volume of beer dispensed using the signals obtained from the flow meter valve 30 and uses this to determine a number of pieces of information.
  • the processing system 3 will be able to determine problems with the beer supply. For example, if the processing system 3 opens a the control valve 31, but does not detect any pulses from the flow meter 30 this indicates that the drink is not being supplied. This could be caused for example by a block in the beer line, the beer tap 16 is dosed, or that the barrel is empty.
  • the processing system 3 can determine that drink cannot be dispensed and may halt the dispensinlg process.
  • An alert can also be generated, which can be displayed to the user on the 1/0 device 22, or on a separate alert unit such as that shown at 34. In this case, this may inform the user of the respective drink component that cannot be supplied.
  • the processing system 3 may generate an alert indicating that the beer cannot be supplied. The user can then check the barrel, and either replace it or go on to check the control valve 31 or beer line 17, to check these are functioning correctly, if required.
  • the processing! system 3 monitors the volume of drink being dispensed, this can be compared to information stored in the memory 21 regarding the barrel size and to determine when a barrel is shortly to run ou Thus, when the volume of fluid left in a respective barrel falls below a predetermined threshold, an alert can be generated to warn the user that the barrd will shortly need refilling.
  • the user can also use the processing system 3 to determine the current volume of beer contained in the barrel at any time, by making an appropriate input selection via the I/O device 22. This can allow the user to ensure that the barrels are sufficiently full before a shift commences, to reduce the amount of time wasted in refilling barrels during busy periods.
  • the processing system 3 can also be adapted to monitor the flow meter 30 after a respective control valve 31 has been dosed, to ensure the flow is terminated. If for some reasons this does not happen, :for example if there is a fault with the valve, the user can be alerted to this fact in a similar fashion.
  • the system operates to monitor signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and either generate an alert, or prevent further beer being dispensed, in the event that the signals fall outside a predetermined operating range.
  • the processing syjstem 3 can also be adapted to prevent drinks being dispensed unless a user identifier in the form of an ID tag has been inserted into the tag reader 33- In this event if the set of buttons 32 are activated nothing will happen.
  • the user when a user wishes to order a respective drink the user will first be required to present their ID tag, which is typically a radio frequency ID (RFTD) tag, to the tag reader 33.
  • the tag reader 33 will then transfer an indication of an identifier associated with the tag to the processor 20.
  • the processor 20 will access an LUT stored in the memory 21 that lists an identifier for each user assodated with each tag. Assuming that the tag is a valid tag assodated with the system the processor 20 will then allow a selected drink to be dispensed in the manner described above.
  • RFTD radio frequency ID
  • Each user may haye an assodated access control level, which defines operations the user is able to perform.
  • some staff members can be authorised to provide promotional free drinks to patrons.
  • Other operators in addition to their normal duties, may be authorised to correct mistakes or errors of other staff members.
  • the level of authorisation can be very diverse. For example other staff operator can only dispense non alcoholic beverages etc, allowing different types of staff to use the-machine for dispensing alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as may be required in some jurisdictions.
  • the processing system 3 will determine the access level of the user.
  • the processing system 3 When the user selects an action to be performed, such as selecting a drink to be dispensed using one of the input bu tons 32,
  • rhe processing system 3 will determine if the user is authorised to perform this function in accordance with the defined access level. If the user can perform the requested function, the processing system will proceed as required, for example by dispensing an appropriate drink. i This allows the dispensing system to be locked to prevent use by selected users. In addition to this, the syster ⁇ can be locked to all user using an appropriate input command. This i provides security; for the drinks during times when the system is not in use, or if a fault has occurred. In general, this function would only be accessible to the bar manager, or other supervisors. i
  • this technique may be used to allow the processing system 3 to lock the system iri the event of a fault as detected by the sensors 25, 6, 7, 28 and 29, to thereby prevent fjirther drinks being dispensed.
  • the processing system 3 may be adapted to provide the user with certain information when the user inserts their ID tag into the reader 33.
  • the processing system 3 can indicate features, jsuch as if the system is locked, if the user is authorised to perform the respective function, or if the user is not authorised to perform the requested function. This can be achieved using the I/O device 22, or by the alert unit 34, or a separate indication device incorporated in the tag reader 33.
  • the tag reader 33 indudes an aperture 33A for receiving the ID tag, shown generally at 35.
  • the alert unit 34 is formed from an indicator positioned around the aperture 33A, which is adapted to change colour depending: on the status of the system. Thus for example, red could be used to indicate that the system is locked or unable to function due to-an error, green that the user is authorised to perform the respective function, or yellow if the user is not authorised. It will be appredated that this allows the user to easily determined any problems.
  • the processing system 3 will determine if the user is authorised to use the system, and if so, then cause the alert unit to provide a green indication. If the user subsequently makes an unauthorised selection, such asjthe selection of an alcoholic drink when the user is only allowed to dispense non-alcoholic drinks, the processing system 3 will cause the alert unit 34 to provide a yellow indication, and the drink will not be dispensed-
  • the alert unit 34 will provide a red indication.
  • the processing system 3 may be adapted to provide additional details! of the fault on the 1/ 0 device 22.
  • the form of the ID tag may vary from that shown, so that the ID tag is in the form of a wearable ring or band, such as a wrist band.
  • the tag reader 33 may not need an aperture, but rather will simply be adapted to detect when a respective ID tag is placed near or in contact with the tag reader.
  • Other forms of physical arrangement of the ID tag may be used.
  • the ID tags may also work on systems other than RFID systems, such as through the use of electrical contacts between the ID tag and the tag reader 33, which are used to transfer data from the tag merriory, through wireless data transfer protocols, such as Bluetooth or the like. This increases the number of different types of identifier that can be used.
  • the tag reader 33 may be adapted to interrogate any remote device, such as a mobile phone or the like, to download an identifier therefrom, allowing this to be used to identify the user.
  • Physical devices such as keys may be provided to open an associated lock, with this action indicating to the processing system 3 that the user is an authorised user.
  • each usejr may have a unique identifier that is input into the system in some fashion.
  • This ay'be for example similar to a PIN (personal identification number) or password and may be supplied to the processing system 3 via an appropriate keypad, such as the I/O device 22, or a separate keypad provided instead of the tag reader.
  • the tag reader could be replaced with a device for determining biometric information from the users, such as a thumb-print finger-print, iris scan or the like.
  • a device for determining biometric information from the users such as a thumb-print finger-print, iris scan or the like.
  • any Itechnique may be used as long as this allows the user of the system to uniquely identify] themselves to the processing system 3.
  • the dispensing system can also indude transaction means which in this example is designed to monitor the cost of drinks dispensed, and display the cost of dispensed drinks via cost j display means "which in this example involves generation of an appropriate invoice.
  • the transaction mean of this example is also incorporated into the processing system 3.
  • the processing system 3 will monitor the drinks supplied, either from the input buttons 'selected, or the volume of drink dispensed, as measured by the flow meter 30. The processing system 3 then access an indication of the cost of the drink from a cost reference storage which in this example is a cost LUT stored in the memory 21, allowing the cost of each drinkjto be determined.
  • a cost reference storage which in this example is a cost LUT stored in the memory 21, allowing the cost of each drinkjto be determined.
  • this allows the processing system 3 to total any drinks served to a respective individual, and use this to generate the invoice.
  • This cost LUT can also be time dependent allowing drinks to be charged at different costs during different time periods. This allows the processing system 3 to automatically determine the invoice taking into account promotional offers, price changes, 'happy hours", or the like, automatically.
  • the drinks dispensed will be assodated with a respective user using the ID tag.
  • the processing system 3 will record an indication of this in the memory 21. All subsequent drinks dispensed on the system before another ID tag is provided to the card reader will then be added to a drink list associated with thje respective user's ID tag.
  • an indication of this is provided to the processing system, for example by using the I/O device 22, or by presenting the ID tag to a respective tag reader assodated with the processing system 3.
  • the processing system 3 examines the drinks list associated with the respective ID tag and uses this to determine the invoice as described above.
  • the drinks list can be assodated with the ID tag 35 in a number of manners.
  • the procjessing system 3 could determine the identifier assodated with the ID tag and store this in the memory 21 together with the respective drinks list.
  • the drinks list can be stored in a memory in the ID tag. This is preferably achieved using ar .
  • RFTD tag 35 having a memory 3SA mounted therein. In any event, in this case, when the user presents their ID tag to the processing system 3, this will cause the processing system 3 to access the drink list stored in the tag memory 35A, and generate an invoice as described above.
  • the processing system 3 can be adapted to store drink dispensation data representing dispensed drinks corresponding to drink requests.
  • the drink dispensation data is also storedin memory 21. This will typically be in the form of a database and indude an indication of oijie or more of: Each drink served;
  • the cost ol the drink
  • transaction data can be used to provide data for analysis allowing a variety of useful information to be determined.
  • the processing system may be adapted to implement or cooperate with a stock control syst ⁇ m. Monitoring the sales of a particular product and comparing this to information regarding stock of the product allows the processing system 3 to determine when additional stock needs to be ordered.
  • an establishment such as a pub may monitor the sales of the drink and target marketing to improve sales.
  • promotional offers could be targeted during times when sales are low. This 1 could be done by examining the sales of the product over a long time period, and determining times during the day or week when sales are low. Alternatively, this could be done substantially instantaneously.
  • the operator of the system can define sales thresholds for a predetermined time interval which are stored in the memory 21.
  • the processor 20 will compare actual sales recorded when drinks are dispensed, to the thresholds, and can be adapted t ⁇ generate an indication when the sales are below the threshold. It will be appredated that diff rent thresholds can be set for different time periods. Thus a Friday night may have a higher threshold than a Monday lunchtime for respective types of drink.
  • the processing system 3 can be coupled to a separate display unit 6 and! a database 7, as shown in Figure 1. As these are optional, they are shown in dotted lines. The manner in which these are implemented are not important, and the database 7 could for example be provided in the memory 21. i In this case, when 1 the processor 20 determines that the current sales are below the threshold, the processor canlsdect an appropriate promotion stored in the database 7, and cause appropriate advertising, or other promotional images to be presented to users of the establishment on! the display unit 6, which may be a television screen, or the like. i
  • the cost LUT stored in the memory 21 will reflect this, thereby ensuring that the processing system 3 determines the correct price for the i drinks served.
  • a further feature which can implemented in the present invention is to allow the processing system 3 to communicate with a remote processing station which in this example is a base station operated by the drink supplier. This allows the d nk supplier to obtain details of the transaction data allowing the drink dispenser provider to determine when drinks were served at each establishment This can be used for a number of purposes as will be described in more detail below.
  • a number of the processing systems 3 can be coupled to base station 1 via jthe Internet 2, or additionally, or alternatively via one or more LANs (Local Area Networks) 4. It will be appreci ted that the processing systems 3 may be provided at a number of different locations, and will typically form part of a respective dispenser system similar to that des ribed above.
  • LANs Local Area Networks
  • the base station 1 typically includes a processing system 8 coupled to a database 9, as shown.
  • a processing system 8 includes a processor 60, a memory 61, an input/output (I/P) device 62, and an external interface 63, which are coupled together via a bus 64.
  • the interface 63 is designed to allow the processing system 8 to connect to the communications network 2, or a LAN 4, and accordingly the type of the interface 63 will depend on die na xtre of the communications network- It will be appreciated from this that the processing sys tern may be any form of processing device, such as a network server, a web server, personal computer, a lap-top or the like.
  • data can periodically be transferred from the processing system 3, or the database 7,
  • eadbj processing system 3 can be adapted to periodically download the transaction data. This may be done at a specific time each day, or week, or may be performed at regular intervals, such as every hour, depending on the need of the drink supplier.
  • the transaction infor ⁇ jiation allows the supplier to determine statistics regarding sales for all the different establishments.
  • the base station 1 may also be adapted to receive data from jthe sensors 25, 26, 27, 28and 29, allowing the drink supplier to ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly, and that the beer lines are being deaned as required.
  • a decrease in the levels of caldum oxalate, or bacteria will indicate that the beer lines have been cleaned. This allows the drink supplier to monitor deaning, and impose rules regarding h w often this must be performed. By taking action against operators failing to properly dean the lines, this helps ensure product standards are maintained.
  • a brewery may specify that the beer lines must be deaned at least every 14 days, and more often if the oxalate or bacteria levels exceed predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21. Accordingly, in this case, the base station 1 will monitor the signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, and check that the beer lines are being deaned as required, and that, the beer is served at the correct temperature and pressure. This information can also be used to detect problems with the drink dispenser, as outlined above. Accordingly the base station 1 can determine if problems occur, and if these are subsequently corrected by the operator, and if not arrange for the machine to be repaired by a service person.
  • the system also allows the drink supplier to compare the amounts of drinks being dispensed with those ordered by the user. This can be used to determine if the operator of the dispensing system is obtaining drinks from alternative sources, as well as to automatically order additional sjtock from the supplier.
  • the processing system can be adapted to automatically generate an order (typically for a predetermined quantity of stock spedfied by the operator of thfc dispensing system), allowing this stock to be supplied automatically by the base station 1.;
  • the base station 1 can also be used to modify the operation of the dispensation control means which in this exar iple indudes the processing system 3, and hence the drink dispenser,
  • the base station 1 can operate to modify the settings stored in the memory 21 of the processing system 3, such as the respective volumes of drink to be supplied. This may be done for a number of reasons, such as a the fact that drinks are often sold in different sized containers i ⁇ different jurisdictions or countries. This often occurs to reflect different standards or laws
  • the base station 1 can also be adapted to prevent further drinks be dispensed by locking the system. This can also be performed in the event that the beer lines the memory 21, tQ thereby ensure that the processing system 3 is comparing the signals from the oxalate and bacteria sensors 26, 27 to thresholds representing the maximum desirable levels of oxalate and bacteria. It will be appredated that this prevents the operator of the dispensing system from adjusting the thresholds stored in the memory 21, which would allow the beer lin ⁇ s to be deaned at less regular intervals.
  • the drink supplier can also modify user access levels, or the like.
  • the jirink supplier can arrange to trigger the presentation of adverts or promotions at respective establishments. This can be done in accordance with the transaction data, in a manner
  • the system outlined in the examples above allows chilled pressurised drinks to be dispensed automatically, with the system being able to record information regarding the drinks dispensed, ⁇ allowing this to be used for invoidng, advertising, marketing, or the like.
  • the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the
  • I processing syster ⁇ 3 responds to input commands to perform one or more of the following j tasks, simultaneously, or in sequence:
  • the techniques can also be applied to multiple drink component drinks, such as coke, which are formed from sbda water and syrup. This is described in more details in the copending application PCT/IB03/04345.
  • the system can aljso be integrated with other drink dispensing systems, which are also controlled in a similar manner. This may indude other dispensing systems, such as coffee machines, soft drink dispensers, general drink dispensers, or the like.
  • the dispensation control means 5 which in this exar r ⁇ le comprises the processing system 3 is coupled to a mixed drink dispenser designed to dispense a drink having one or more drink components.
  • the mixed drink dispenser is in this example dispenser 70 such as that described in PCT/ D303/ 04344.
  • the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 is also coupled to a coffee machine 71 similar to that described in the copending application 0 PCT/ IB03/ 04345, a beer dispenser 72, and a separate spirits dispenser 73. Additionally the system can be ad. pted to be coupled to the dispenser system described in the copending patent application WO 2003/066511, as shown generally at 74, which allows a wide range of drinks to be served. Other cooperating systems can also be connected.
  • the dispensation . ntrol means which in this example comprises the
  • L5 processing systerr 3 is optionally being coupled to the base station 1, as described above.
  • each dispensing system typically indudes a respective tag reader 75, 6, 77, 78, 79.
  • the processing system 3 will determine if the user has appropriate access rights, before controlling the drink dispensing operation in a manner similar to that described above. This !0 allows the user to commence the pouring of other drinks, whilst the first drink is poured. As described above, tin indication of the drink can be stored in a drinks list assodated with the respective user's ID tag.
  • the ID tag can be either left in the respective tag reader, reinserted into the tag reader, or may not be 5 required if no other tags have been used in that particular dispenser system in the meantime. If the second drink is to be dispensed from a different dispenser system, the ED tag will be inserted into the tag reader 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 assodated with the respective dispenser system 70, 71, 72, 73, 74. This allows the di Ispensation of drinks from different dispensing systems to be monitored via i a single processing system 3. When all the required drinks are dispensed, the user instructs the system to generate an invoice. This may be achieved by inserting the ID tag into a respective tag re der 80 assodated with the processing syste 3, or by selecting an appropriate optio ti using the 1/ O device 22. j
  • processing system 3 will access the drink list associated with the respective
  • ID tag either by downloading this from the ID tag, as described above, or by accessing a i drinks list stored in the memory 21, using the identifier associated with the respective ID tag. i During this process, the user may also input additional charges, such as cover charges, food charges, or the lik ⁇ , allowing these to be induded on the same invoice.
  • a respective alert unit may be provided for each system 70, 1, 72, 3, 74, or may indude a single display such as the I/O device 22 adapted to indicate the location of the fault.
  • a single housing would be ⁇ provided to contain the outlet 12, the inputs 12, as well as the processing system 3. This can obviate the need for the communications network 4.
  • the housing may also indude a cash register system, typically at least partially implemented by the processor
  • the jsystem may be formed from a number of components. Additionally, any number of dispensing systems may utilise a single processing system, or vice versa.
  • the system may be used for purposes other than drink dispensing.
  • the system can be used to dispense any fluids which need to be mixed together to provide a final product.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de distribution de boisson telle que de la bière. Il comporte un organe de pressurisation, normalement une alimentation en gaz (11) forçant la boisson à progresser par un tuyau (17) d'une alimentation (12) à un robinet de distribution (16). Un ordinateur (3) commande le distributeur. Il utilise à cet effet des entrées d'un manomètre de pression de gaz (25), des sondes (26-27) pour ions oxalate et bactéries dans le tuyau (17), un détecteur de réfrigérant (28) pour sonder la température dans le tuyau de réfrigérant, et un débitmètre (30). Pour spécifier un volume à distribuer, l'utilisateur appuie sur un bouton approprié (32) qui, via la commande par ordinateur d'une électrovanne à piston (31) garantit que le volume approprié est apporté au robinet (16). Le système peut produire des signaux d'alarme, ou même empêcher la distribution du produit si des capteurs indiquent une durée anormale de nettoyage du tuyau d'alimentation en boisson (17), des problèmes concernant le système de refroidissement, etc.
PCT/AU2004/000558 2003-04-30 2004-04-30 Systeme de distribution de boisson a la pression WO2004096694A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003902051A AU2003902051A0 (en) 2003-04-30 2003-04-30 Dispenser
AU2003902051 2003-04-30
AU2003902052A AU2003902052A0 (en) 2003-04-30 2003-04-30 Dispenser
AU2003902052 2003-04-30

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WO2004096694A1 true WO2004096694A1 (fr) 2004-11-11
WO2004096694A9 WO2004096694A9 (fr) 2005-03-10

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Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011137502A1 (fr) * 2010-05-04 2011-11-10 Antonio Benoaldo Amorim Dos Santos Silva Circuit et procédé de contrôle d'équipements de distribution, et capteur magnétique pour manomètres
CN103919466A (zh) * 2014-04-29 2014-07-16 戴迪渭 一种具有细菌检测功能的饮水装置
EP2928809A1 (fr) * 2012-11-19 2015-10-14 Enomatic S.R.L. Distributeur automatique de boissons au verre équipé d'interface utilisateur à distance
EP2773251A4 (fr) * 2011-11-04 2015-11-25 Op Hygiene Ip Gmbh Distributeur et capteur d'agents de contamination
WO2016024097A1 (fr) * 2014-08-14 2016-02-18 Heineken Uk Limited Systèmes de distribution de boissons et appareils réfrigérants pour boissons
CN105741426A (zh) * 2016-03-04 2016-07-06 四川长虹技佳精工有限公司 一种液体售卖机的计量系统及控制方法
ES2579105A1 (es) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-04 Carlos Santaolalla Milla Equipo automatizado para instalaciones de dispense de cerveza
ES2609960A1 (es) * 2015-10-21 2017-04-25 José Antonio SÁNCHEZ ANDRADE Sistema no portable de regulación de presión por temperatura para la dispensación de cerveza en estándares de calidad óptimos
US9708170B2 (en) 2009-02-11 2017-07-18 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
EP3242277A1 (fr) * 2007-09-06 2017-11-08 The Coca-Cola Company Procédé et appareils permettant d'obtenir une boisson sélectionnable
WO2019129898A1 (fr) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Tubing Food S.L. Équipement électronique de commande multiple de distributeurs de bière, boissons gazeuses et produits similaires
WO2019158562A1 (fr) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-22 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Système de distribution de boisson comprenant des fûts pliables à usage unique
WO2020030829A1 (fr) * 2018-08-06 2020-02-13 Tubing Food S.L Système de surveillance et de commande d'installations distributrices de boissons
US11208315B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2021-12-28 Pepsico, Inc. Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods
WO2022136595A1 (fr) * 2020-12-22 2022-06-30 Wayout International Ab Prévention de distribution de boisson
US11961373B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-04-16 Pepsico, Inc. Method and system of touch-free vending
EP4168351A4 (fr) * 2020-06-18 2024-06-19 The Coca-Cola Company Distributeur de boissons à commande de portions avancée et intégration en point de vente

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2221209A (en) * 1988-07-28 1990-01-31 Lyonair Ltd Liquid monitoring system for beer dispenser

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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GB2221209A (en) * 1988-07-28 1990-01-31 Lyonair Ltd Liquid monitoring system for beer dispenser

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3242277A1 (fr) * 2007-09-06 2017-11-08 The Coca-Cola Company Procédé et appareils permettant d'obtenir une boisson sélectionnable
US10315907B2 (en) 2009-02-11 2019-06-11 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
US9708170B2 (en) 2009-02-11 2017-07-18 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
WO2011137502A1 (fr) * 2010-05-04 2011-11-10 Antonio Benoaldo Amorim Dos Santos Silva Circuit et procédé de contrôle d'équipements de distribution, et capteur magnétique pour manomètres
US9437103B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2016-09-06 Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh Dispenser and contaminant sensor
US10524621B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2020-01-07 Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh Dispenser with contaminant sensor
EP2773251A4 (fr) * 2011-11-04 2015-11-25 Op Hygiene Ip Gmbh Distributeur et capteur d'agents de contamination
EP3231339A1 (fr) * 2011-11-04 2017-10-18 OP-Hygiene IP GmbH Distributeur avec capteur de contaminants
US11172791B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2021-11-16 Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh Dispenser with contaminant sensor
EP2928809A1 (fr) * 2012-11-19 2015-10-14 Enomatic S.R.L. Distributeur automatique de boissons au verre équipé d'interface utilisateur à distance
CN103919466B (zh) * 2014-04-29 2016-04-06 戴迪渭 一种具有细菌检测功能的饮水装置
CN103919466A (zh) * 2014-04-29 2014-07-16 戴迪渭 一种具有细菌检测功能的饮水装置
WO2016024097A1 (fr) * 2014-08-14 2016-02-18 Heineken Uk Limited Systèmes de distribution de boissons et appareils réfrigérants pour boissons
US11225406B2 (en) 2014-08-14 2022-01-18 Heineken Uk Limited Beverage dispense systems and beverage coolers
ES2579105A1 (es) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-04 Carlos Santaolalla Milla Equipo automatizado para instalaciones de dispense de cerveza
ES2609960A1 (es) * 2015-10-21 2017-04-25 José Antonio SÁNCHEZ ANDRADE Sistema no portable de regulación de presión por temperatura para la dispensación de cerveza en estándares de calidad óptimos
CN105741426A (zh) * 2016-03-04 2016-07-06 四川长虹技佳精工有限公司 一种液体售卖机的计量系统及控制方法
WO2019129898A1 (fr) * 2017-12-29 2019-07-04 Tubing Food S.L. Équipement électronique de commande multiple de distributeurs de bière, boissons gazeuses et produits similaires
CN111727166A (zh) * 2018-02-13 2020-09-29 嘉士伯酿酒有限公司 包括一次性使用的可收缩桶的饮料分配系统
US11091360B2 (en) 2018-02-13 2021-08-17 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Beverage dispensing system including single use collapsible kegs
WO2019158562A1 (fr) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-22 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Système de distribution de boisson comprenant des fûts pliables à usage unique
US11208315B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2021-12-28 Pepsico, Inc. Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods
WO2020030829A1 (fr) * 2018-08-06 2020-02-13 Tubing Food S.L Système de surveillance et de commande d'installations distributrices de boissons
EP4168351A4 (fr) * 2020-06-18 2024-06-19 The Coca-Cola Company Distributeur de boissons à commande de portions avancée et intégration en point de vente
US11961373B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-04-16 Pepsico, Inc. Method and system of touch-free vending
WO2022136595A1 (fr) * 2020-12-22 2022-06-30 Wayout International Ab Prévention de distribution de boisson

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