Beverage dispensing system
AssigneeSestra Systems, Inc
InventorLev Volftsun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for the automated dispensing of bulk keg wine is provide having, in combination: integrated temperature control; pressure monitoring; automated purging; and integrated point of sale data acquisition for determining inventory usage statistics for each keg of wine dispensed. The system provides for precise measurement of each portion. An error alarm system warns an operator about beverage tank low level. A system for forcing the flashing of poor quality beverage. Recording of all delivery process events allows for operator or management review and control.
Claims24
An apparatus for dispensing a pour of a beverage comprising:
- a generally cylindrical metering chamber having a first access at a first end opposite a second access at a second end;
- a first input flow control mechanism for controlling a fluid communication between a bulk beverage volume and said first access;
- a second input flow control mechanism for controlling a fluid communication between said bulk beverage volume and said second access;
- a first output flow control mechanism for controlling a fluid communication between said first access and a dispenser;
- a second output flow control mechanism for controlling a fluid communication between said second access and said dispenser;
- a reciprocating piston retained within said cylindrical metering chamber for sliding between said first access and said second access in a manner such that said first access and said second access are continuously hydrodynamically coupled and wherein movement toward said first access allows fluid access to said metering chamber through said second access and movement toward said second access allows fluid access to said metering chamber through said first access;
- wherein an uninterrupted continuous output flow of said beverage fluid is provided by selectively operating said input control mechanisms and output control mechanisms in a sequentially overlapping manner to create a smooth, continuous fluid flow to a dispenser.
A beverage metering and control apparatus comprising:
- a generally elongated metering chamber forming a hydraulically continuous volume;
- a laterally movable piston contained within said metering chamber for reciprocating with a direction of a controlled fluid flow within said volume;
- a series of piston position sensors along linearly along said metering chamber;
- a position detector for detecting said series of piston position sensors;
- a control mechanism for controlling input to and output from each end of said metering chamber in a manner that allows the piston to change direction prior to contacting a terminus of said metering chamber;
- and
- a microprocessor for receiving said input and for initiating said output in a manner that is adapted to control a movement of said piston in a manner so as to provide a continuous fluid flow to a dispensing spigot.
A beverage metering and control system comprising:
- a metering chamber of a fixed, selected volume, said metering chamber forming a first access in continuous fluid communication with a second access;
- a movable piston contained within said metering chamber in a manner that maintains hydrodynamic continuity within said volume;
- a series of piston position sensors aligned linearly along an said metering chamber;
- a position sensor detector for each said series of piston position sensors;
- at least one control valve for controlling input to said first access and said second access;
- at least one control valve for controlling output from said first access and said second access;
- and
- a microprocessor for receiving input from said position sensor detectors and for initiating a control signal to said control valves to actuate said control valves to provide a non-discontinuous fluid flow to a dispensing spigot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.