Data logger for a post-mix beverage dispensing system
AssigneeThe Coca-Cola Company
InventorsDonald A. Johnson, Dave Conklin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A data logger for a post-mix beverage dispensing system in a fast food restaurant includes a data logger control box and drink counting software for operating a microprocessor coupled to the logger control box. The microprocessor can determine the number and size of drinks sold in the restaurant for selected periods during a day or days.
Claims12
In a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages into containers of different sizes, a data logging system for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising:
- (a) means for sensing the opening and closing of each valve assembly, a beverage dispensing cycle beng initiated when a valve assembly is opened and terminated when a valve assembly is closed, said means for sensing generating data signals indicating the opening and closing of each valve assembly;
- (b) controller means including,
- 1. clock means for continuously generating time of day signals, and
- 2. means for receiving and storing said data signals and said time of day signals;
- and
- (c) processor means for determining from the stored data and time of day signals, the volume of beverage dispensed for each respective valve assembly for a selected period during a day or days.
For use in a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages into containers of different sizes, a data logging method for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising the steps of:
- (a) sensing the opening and closing of each valve assembly, a beverage dispensing cycle being initiated when a valve assembly is opened and terminated when a valve assembly is closed, said sensing generating data signals indicating the opening and closing of each valve assembly;
- (b) continuously generating time of day signals;
- (c) receiving and storing said data signals and said time of day signals;
- and
- (d) determining from the stored data and time of day signals, the volume of beverage dispensed for each respective valve assembly for a selected period during a day or days.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.