Electronic level gauge
AssigneeBunn-O-Matic Corporation
InventorsBrendan Doorhy, Michael Pelland, Corey Pelland, Jon Alling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a fluid level gauge for sensing the level of fluid in a dispenser. The level gauge includes an inlet port communicating with the fluid and a check valve in communication with the inlet port. The check valve includes a membrane which allows air to pass. The level gauge further includes a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the check valve. The fluid level gauge may be used in connection with a beverage dispenser.
Claims25
A fluid level gauge for sensing the level of fluid in a dispenser, comprising:
- an inlet port in communication with the fluid;
- a check valve communication with the inlet port said check valve including a membrane, the membrane allowing air to pass;
- a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the check valve.
A fluid level gauge for a beverage dispenser including:
- a first tube in communication with the beverage dispenser at a first end, and in communication with a check valve at a second end;
- a second tube in communication with the check valve at a first end, and in communication with a pressure sensor at a second end;
- the check valve including a membrane positioned to limit communication
- between the first tube and the second tube;
- and
- a display for indicating the level of fluid in the beverage dispenser, the display electrically connected to the sensor.
An apparatus for displaying the level of fluid in a beverage dispenser, including:
- a battery;
- a voltage regulator electrically connected to the battery;
- a microcontroller electrically connected to draw power from the voltage regulator;
- a display electrically connected to the microcontroller;
- an oscillator electrically connected to the microcontroller;
- a pressure sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller, the sensor providing a signal related to the pressure sensed by the sensor;
- a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage to be dispensed, the pressure sensor operably connected to the conduit so as to sense the pressure therein;
- and
- a membrane located in the conduit, and positioned to limit the communication of beverage within the conduit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.