Sold out detection using a level sensor for a beverage dispenser

A method of dispensing beverages from a beverage dispenser, the method comprising:

• pumping a fluid ingredient from a fluid container via a fluid path toward a nozzle to dispense a beverage inclusive of the fluid ingredient;
• sensing an electrical conductivity of the fluid ingredient in a conduit of the fluid path by an electrical conductivity sensor;
• and
• generating an electrical conductivity sense signal by the electrical conductivity sensor along the fluid path based on the electrical conductivity of the fluid ingredient within the conduit, the electrical conductivity sensor generating a first signal in response to sensing that an air bubble is contained in the fluid ingredient within the conduit or a second signal in response to not sensing an air bubble.

A beverage dispenser, comprising:

• a fluid container containing a fluid ingredient;
• a conduit fluidly connected to the fluid container;
• an electrical conductivity sensor fluidly connected to the conduit and configured to sense an electrical conductivity of the fluid ingredient flowing through the conduit, the electrical conductivity sensor configured to output (i) a first electrical signal in response to sensing an air bubble and (ii) a second electrical signal in response to not sensing an air bubble;
• a pump configured to pump the fluid ingredient from the conduit back into the fluid container based on the first electrical signal;
• and
• a nozzle fluidly connected to the conduit, and configured to dispense a beverage inclusive of the fluid ingredient.