Systems and methods for wirelessly detecting a sold-out state for beverage dispensers

A method for detecting that a source is sold-out for a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser dispensing from the source via a valve controlled by a solenoid, the method comprising:

• coupling a detector to a circuit board, wherein the solenoid creates a magnetic field when dispensing from the valve, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the magnetic field created by the solenoid and to produce an electrical output when the magnetic field is detected;
• providing threshold data accessible relating to the electrical output of the detector when detecting the magnetic field from the solenoid;
• coupling the control system to the circuit board in communication with the detector, wherein the control system is configured to access the threshold data, and wherein the control system is configured to compare the electrical output of the detector to the threshold data;
• and
• positioning the circuit board on the valve proximal to the solenoid, wherein the control system indicates whether the source is sold-out based upon the comparison of the electrical output to the threshold data.

A detection device for detecting that a source is sold-out for a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser dispensing from the source via a valve controlled by a solenoid that axially translates an armature through a top of a frame containing the solenoid, the detection device comprising:

• a circuit board configured to be positioned on top of the valve proximal to the solenoid, wherein the circuit board is electrically and fluidly isolated from the solenoid, and wherein an opening is defined in the circuit board such that the armature extends therethrough;
• a detector coupled to the circuit board, wherein the solenoid creates a magnetic field when dispensing from the valve, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the magnetic field created by the solenoid and to produce an electrical output when the magnetic field is detected;
• and
• a control system coupled to the circuit board in communication with the detector, wherein the control system is configured to access threshold data, wherein the threshold data includes both a magnitude threshold and a time threshold, wherein the magnitude threshold includes a lower magnitude threshold and an upper magnitude threshold, wherein a first time crossing occurs when the electrical output of the detector first exceeds the lower magnitude threshold, wherein a second time crossing occurs when the electrical output of the detector first decreases below the upper magnitude threshold after the first time crossing, and wherein the time threshold corresponds to an elapsed time between the electrical output of the detector crossing the magnitude value, and wherein the control system is configured to compare the electrical output of the detector to the threshold data;
• wherein the control system indicates that the source is sold-out based upon the comparison of the electrical output to the threshold data.