CA2113481C - Dispensed liquid volume control system - Google Patents
Dispensed liquid volume control systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2113481C CA2113481C CA002113481A CA2113481A CA2113481C CA 2113481 C CA2113481 C CA 2113481C CA 002113481 A CA002113481 A CA 002113481A CA 2113481 A CA2113481 A CA 2113481A CA 2113481 C CA2113481 C CA 2113481C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- volume
- faucet
- liquid
- beer
- dispensed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/08—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
- B67D7/30—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred
- B67D7/302—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred using electrical or electro-mechanical means
- B67D7/303—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred using electrical or electro-mechanical means involving digital counting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
- B67D1/1204—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed for ratio control purposes
- B67D1/1211—Flow rate sensor
- B67D1/1213—Flow rate sensor combined with a timer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
- B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
- B67D1/1405—Control taps
- B67D1/145—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat
- B67D1/1466—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat the valve shutter being opened in a direction opposite to the liquid flow
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
- B67D2001/1488—Reducing valves or control taps pneumatically operated
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method is provided for accurately dispensing a preselected volume of liquid. A flowmeter is provided to generate signals proportional to the flow of liquid through a faucet. A programmed microcomputer receives the flowmeter signals and controls the faucet. The residual volume of liquid (spill), which was dispensed after the faucet was last commanded to close, is stored and averaged with additional previously stored spill amounts by the microcomputer. The average spill volume is used to anticipate the spill for the forthcoming pour. When the cumulative volume of liquid dispensed is equal to the preselected volume less the anticipated spill volume, the microcomputer signals the faucet to close, resulting in an accurate pour. In a another aspect, an improved beer dispensing head is provided. A spring-loaded conventional tap handle activates a sensor means in the head. A remote microcomputer receives a signal from the sensor and produces a controlling signal to activate a remote electro-pneumatic valve. The valve actuates a double-acting cylinder located in the head which in turn actuates the faucet, dispensing beer.
Description
2113~81 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
2 The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for accurately 3 dispensing a preselected volume of liquid using a microprocessor controlled faucet 4 means responsive to flowmeter measurements and calculations comparing a cumulative dispensed volume against the preselected volume desired less an anticipated spill 6 volume which will be dispensed after the faucet means is commanded to close. In 7 another aspect an improved beer dispensing head is provided using a conventional tap 8 handle and electronic sensor means coupled wibh a microprocessor to an electro-9 pneumabc faucet actuating means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
11 There are a number of liquid dispensing systems on bhe market. Beer taps 12 are a co""non applicAtion of such dispensing systems which alte,npt to accurately 13 dispense predetermined quai,lit;es of beer. The di3pens;ng of a predete",lined quantity 14 of beer is referred to as a pour. Generally these systems co",p,ise the following 1 5 characteristics:
16 - a user i/~te, tace means which is used to preselE~t a quantity of beer 17 as desir~d;
18 - a user activated means which i"iliates the pour;
19 - a faucet means which conbols the flow of beer from a pressurized source;
2113~8~
- an actuator which is connected to the faucet means for opening and 2 closing of the faucet means;
3 - a flowmeter which is located in-line between the faucet means and 4 the beer source to provide a measure indicative of the quantity of beer which passes through the faucet means; and 6 - a programmable cor,Ooller means which calcu'~tes the cumulative 7 volume of beer dispensed and produces a signal for closing of the 8 faucet means when a quantity of beer equal to the preselected 9 quantitv has been d;spensed.
In U.S. Patent 5 022 557 issued to Turner a typical programmable 11 cont,oller ele~;t-u,,,ecl,anc~' beer dispensing system is ~;sclosed. In Tumers system 12 conventional mechanically activated handle and faucet have been repl~ced with cle~t,onic 13 switch means to achieve preci-~e control of the dispensi"g action. The quantity of beer 14 is cumulatively calculated during a pour using a flow metering means. The quantity of 15 beer is continually compared against a look-up table of desired dispensed quantities by 16 a proy.arr,..,able controller and a signal is generated to te""inate the flow of beer when 17 the desired quantity has been d;spensed. A solenoid :~Ssoci~t9d with the faucet receives 18 the signal and acts to close off the flow of beer.
19 Tumer does not ,-ecessAiily achieve an accurately dispensed quantity of 20 beer. There are physical and pr~cess ~spects of the dispensing system which introduce 21 variability in the quantities ulti",ately dispensed. Physical lirllitdtions of the faucet and the 22 actu~ting means result in a delay in their response. After having received a command to close, the faucet permits a residual spilled quantity of beer to be discharged as it 2 closes. An alle",pt to offset the look-up table value by the amount of the spill fails to 3 compensate reliably. Changes in the physical condition and response of the faucet, and 4 process variability, such as the pressure of the beer source, dynamically affect the quantity of the spill.
6 In another aspect, Turner does not permit an operator to repeatedly interrupt 7 and re-start the flow of liquid without losing track of the cumulative quantity of beer 8 dispensed. Beer dispensed prior to an interruption is designated as waste. Particularly 9 with respect to dispensing beer, foaming can occur which can be cont,clled somewhat by temporarily interrupting the flow. The apparatus of Turner cG~ Jrises an actuating 1 1 electrical solenQ d ~ssoc~ted with the faucet which tends to warm the exiting beer, further 12 e)~acerbdting foaming.
13 When the liquid being d;spe"sed, such as beer, has a significant commercial 14 value, and is dispensed frequently in small quantities, the effect of the re6idu~l spill quantity can be econ~nically sigr,ifi~l It and detrimental.
16 It is ll,ereford an object of the invention to provide means for accurately 17 clispensing a prvselect~l quantity of liquid in spite of repeAt~J interruption and re-starting 18 of the liquid flow, having accounted for variable spill quantity.
19 It is a further object of the invention to provide a beer dispensing system which uses a t~Jitional beer tap handle to activate the system and yet still achieve an 21 accurate pour.
211~481 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
2 The invention reiates to a micro-computer controlled system to accurately 3 dispense a preselected volume of liquid.
4 In one aspect of the invention, an improved dispensing system is provided.
A flowmeter is located between a liquid source and a faucet. The flowmeter produces 6 signals proportional to the flow of liquid therethrough. A microcomputer receives and 7 processes the flowmeter signals to c~lcu'~te the cumulative volume of liquid which is 8 dispensed while the faucet is open. Additionally, the computer processes the flowmeter 9 signals to calculate values indicative of a residual spilled volume of liquid which is dispensed after the computer signals the faucet to close. The computer stores an array 11 of values, each being indicative of the spill volume which occurred after previous closures 12 of the faucet. The computer calculates an average spill volume from the array of values, 13 accurately a"licip~ng the spill volume of the next faucet closure despi~e it being affected 14 by variables such as the physical condition of the faucet and the pressure of the liquid source. When the accumulated volume is equal to the presele_t~ volume less the 16 average spill volume then the computer signals the faucet to close.
17 In anotl,ar aspect, an improved beer dispens;"g tap is provided. The 18 operdlion and load-resisting ~feel~ of a manual beer tap handle, desirable to the user, is 19 combined wi~ a micro~"puter controlled faucet means. Accuracy of the dispensed beer quantity is improved over conve, Itio"al beer taps.
A conventional beer tap handie and lever assembly is provided comprising 2 a spring-loaded lever mounted atop the dispensing tap. The lever assembly activates an 3 electronic switch when manipulated. The switch produces signals which are processed 4 by the microcomputer which in turn opens and closes a faucet to dispense a preselected volume of beer. The user preselects the desired portion from a multi-switch faceplate 6 mounted to the head which is interfaced with the microcomputer. The faucet is comprised 7 of a conventional valve body and a custom tap shaft adapted to control the flow of beer 8 - through the valve body. Preferably the tap shaft is teflon coated to prevent sticking.
9 When the microcomputer deterrnines that the appropriate volume of beer has been dispensed it produces a signal to activate the closing of the faucet. The signal 1 1 activates a electro-pneumatic valve which directs air to ActuAte a double acting pneumatic 12 cylinder located at the dispensing head. The pneumatic cylinder ~r~At~s a lever 13 asse"~bly which opens or closes the faucet as directed by the computer. When open 14 beer flows from a pressurized source out of the faucet and into a suitable container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
16 Figure 1 is a scl,e",atic of the beer portion control system;
17 Figure 2 is a cross section of the asse",bled ~;spensing head;
18 hgure 3 is an perspecti~/e exploded view of the dirpe,~s;ng head;
19 hgure 4 is a perspecti~e view of the control center; and Figure 5 is a simplified flow diagram of the CPU progra"""ing.
2113~81 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
2 Having reference to Figure 1, a dispensed liquid volume control system is 3 provided. Specifically, as applied to the dispensing of beer, the system comprises a 4 dispensing head 1 and a control system 2.
The dispensing head 1 comprises user-activated switch means 3 and portion 6 preselecting means 4, and a control system ~ctu~ted faucet assembly 5.
7 The dispensing head 1 is supported from a pedestal 6 which is preferably 8 - cooled. The pedestal 6 harbors a beer supply line 7, and cable 8 and pneumatic lines 9 9, 10 which transmit signals between the dispensing head.1 and the control system 2.
The control system 2 comprises a pneumatic switching assembly 11, a 11 flowmeter 12, a power supply 13, and a microprocessor based control center 14. The 12 control center 14 ev~ tes infommation from the dispensing head 1 and the flowmeter 12 13 and accordingly ~ctu~tes the pneumatic switch assei,lbly 11. The pneumatic switch 14 assembly 11 appropriately directs the faucet asseillbly 5 to dispense, or not to dispense beer into a suitable container 16. The container 16 is positioned over a drain 17 to direct 16 excess beer to waste 18.
17 Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the dispensing head 1 is descril,ed in 18 greater detail. The switch means 3 is mounted within a main block portion 19 of the head 19 1 and is :~ctu:~te~ with a user-activated lever assembly 20.
The lever assembly 20 comprises a conventional beer tap handle 21 2 screwed to an actuating lever 22. The actuating lever 22 is rotatively mounted to the 3 main block 19 and is slidably engaged to a cylindrical sensor shaft 23. The sensor shaft 4 23 is axially moveable within a cylindrical cavity 24 in the main block 19. A port 25 in the sensor shaft 23 cooperates with an electronic sensor 26 to produce signals indicative of 6 the posilion of the sensor shaft 23 lever 22 and tap handle 21. A suitable sensor is a 7 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) mounted optical sensor available from Motorola and 8 c~esiy"ated as model # H21A1. The sensor 26 is secured to the top of the main block 9 19. Signals produced from the sensor 26 are trans,nitled through cable 27 to a tap PCB
28 and a multi-conductor connector 29 (DB-25 D-type) projecting from the rear face of 11 the main block 19.
12 The sensor shaft 23 is loaded with a spring 30 to provide a desirable load-13 resisting ,llechanic~' feedback or ~feel~ at the tap handle 21 when activated with a pull 14 forwards. The spring 30 returns the lever asse"lbly 20 from the halt positiG" to an upright neutral position (Figure 2) when rele~ced. A spring-loaded detent means 31 is 16 engaged at the neutral position. .
17 The portion preselecting means 4 is cGI"p,ised of a custom membrane 18 switch f~cepî -t~ 32 having a plurality of function switches 33 and status indicators 34.
19 The fAcepl '~ 32 is a~t~ched to the front face of the main block 19. Each function switch 33 pr~uces an individual electrical signal uniquely identifying the switch selecled by the 21 user. A ribbon cable 35 cGnnecls each function switch 33 to the tap PCB 28 and to the 22 electrical connect~r 29. Each function switch 33 enabl~s the user to select one of several pour volumes or portions, such as a glass, mug, pony, pitcher or other special volume, 2 or to select a stop request.
3 The faucet assembly 5 comprises a conventional valve body 36 as supplied 4 by the Perlick CO., Millwaukee, Wl, shown as model 307 SER Flo-Control. The valve body 36 is secured to a lower block 100. The valve body 36 has a passageway 37 which 6 is fitted with a custom stainless steel tap shaft 38. Actuation of the tap shaft 38 controls 7 the flow of beer through the p~-ssAgeway 37. Preferably a teflon coating 101 is applied 8 to the surface of the tap shaft 38 to prevent sticky operation due to the seepage of beer, 9 inherent to the valve body 37 and tap shaft 38 design.
A tap shaft actuating lever 39 is rotatively mounted to the lower block 100 11 for actuation of the tap shaft 38. A double acting pneumatic actuator 40 is also secured 12 to the lower block 100 for bidirectional actuation of the tap ~ctuAtirlg lever 39. A suitable 13 pneumatic ~c~tor is that supplied by SMC Pneu."a~cs Inc, of Inclianapolis, IN., cylinder 14 kit model number CQ2B20-10D. A custom rod end 41 pivotally connects the pneumatic ~ctu~tor 40 and the tap ~ctu~ting lever 39. The pneumatic ~ctu~tor 40 produces 16 sufficient force on the tap actuating lever, to ensure either opening of closing actuation 17 of the tap shaft, regardless of the condition of the faucet asse,-lbly.
18 The lower block 100 is secured by screws to the main block 19 and is 19 covered wi~ a protective wrapper 42.
2113~81 Having reference to Figures 1 and 4 the control center 14 comprises a 2 power conditioning board 43 which conditions power from the power supply 13 and 3 distributes it to a central microprocessing unit (CPU) 44 a user display console board 45 4 and one or more tap interface boards 46. The CPU 44 is capable of directing multiple 5 tap interface boards 46 that are provided for each dispensing head 1 of a multi-tap 6 installation. Each dispensing head 1 requires a separate pneumatic switch assembly 11 7 and flowmeter 12. Many ways for implementing the CPU 44 are known and are generally 8 understood to comprise processing and timing circuits and volatile (RAM) and read-only 9 memory (ROM) storage means.
The control center 14 has a CPU keypad interface 47 a electronic display 11 48 (such as an LCD display) and on/off and programming ~ccess key-switches 49 50.
12 A IR port 51 provides an inte,race to an optiGnal printing device (not shown).
13 Referring again to Figure 1 line 7 directs beer through the flowmeter 12 14 from a pressurized beer supply 52 to the faucet assembly S.
The flowmeter 12 generdtes clect~ical signals proportional to the rate of flow 16 of the beer passing ll,eretl ,rough. A cable 53 from the flowmeter 12 enables ~ansmission 17 of the generated signals to the control center 14. A suitable turbine style flowmeter is 18 that supplied by I ledl~~cl, model #502-128.
19 Both the flowmeter and the d;spensing head cable 53 8 are connected 20 through the pneumatic switching assel"~ly 11 at a convenient connec~i"-a junction 54.
21 The control center 14 is co""ectecl to the junction 54 with cable 55 to 22 receive signals and to llanslllit controlling signals to the faucet assenlbly S.
2113~81 The pneumatic switching assembly 11 is comprised of an electro-pneumatic 2 valve 56. A suitable solenoid actuated pneumatic valve is supplied by SMC Pneumatics, 3 Inc, model number NVJ31 40-5LZ. An air supply 57, at about 45 psig, provides powering 4 air to the pneumatic valve 56. Control signals from the control center 14 activate the electro-pneumatic valve 56 to direct air to lines 9, 10 for closing and opening of the faucet 6 assembly 5 respectively. The electro-pneumabc valve 56 is purposefully remote from the 7 faucet assembly to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the exothermic nature of 8 electrical solenoids on the foaming of beer.
9 In operation, the control system 2 and the dispensing head 1 cooperate to dispense an accurate volume of beer to the container 16. A significant impediment to 11 accurate determination of the volume dispensed is the variability of the residlJ~I volume 12 of beer, or spill, which is dispensed during a delay interval in time betwcen receipt of a 13 control center 14 closing signal and the actual physical closing of the faucet assembly 5.
14 The volume of the spill, and ulti,nately the total volume of beer which issues from the faucet assembly 5 is a function of many variables such as: user adju~;b"ent of an optional 16 p~ssAge restriction valve 58 in th~ valve body 36; the pressure of the beer supply 52; the 17 r~s.~nce of the tap shaft 38 to movel"enl, and the pneumatic air pressure.
18 The spill whkh is dispensed during the delay interval, is measured using the 19 flol:."et~r 12. This spill amount, as recorded and stored for multiple previous closures of the faucet asse" Ibly 5, is used to anticipAte the spill for the next successive pour. The 21 control center 14 accumulates the volume of beer dispensed, and by antic;pAflng the 211 3~81 amount that will spill after initiating the closure of the faucet assembly, achieves a more 2 accurate pour.
3 More particularly, having reference to Figures 1 and the simplified flow chart 4 of Figure 5, the following steps are performed during a pour.
The user preselects a desired pour volume (VpO,) by activating the 6 appropriate switch 33 on the faceplate 32, l,ans",ilting the signal to the CPU 44. The 7 user then manipulates the tap handle 21, signalling to start the pour.
8 The spill volume (V,p,[O~) from the previous closure of the faucet assembly 9 is retrieved from the CPU. The spill Vsp~[O] is averaged with several earlier stored spill 10 amounts (V, p,[i], usually for i=1 through 3) to calculate an average spill volume (V~p,). The 11 average spill volume is the anticip~ted dispensed volume which will occur at the 12 conclusion of the current pour.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
11 There are a number of liquid dispensing systems on bhe market. Beer taps 12 are a co""non applicAtion of such dispensing systems which alte,npt to accurately 13 dispense predetermined quai,lit;es of beer. The di3pens;ng of a predete",lined quantity 14 of beer is referred to as a pour. Generally these systems co",p,ise the following 1 5 characteristics:
16 - a user i/~te, tace means which is used to preselE~t a quantity of beer 17 as desir~d;
18 - a user activated means which i"iliates the pour;
19 - a faucet means which conbols the flow of beer from a pressurized source;
2113~8~
- an actuator which is connected to the faucet means for opening and 2 closing of the faucet means;
3 - a flowmeter which is located in-line between the faucet means and 4 the beer source to provide a measure indicative of the quantity of beer which passes through the faucet means; and 6 - a programmable cor,Ooller means which calcu'~tes the cumulative 7 volume of beer dispensed and produces a signal for closing of the 8 faucet means when a quantity of beer equal to the preselected 9 quantitv has been d;spensed.
In U.S. Patent 5 022 557 issued to Turner a typical programmable 11 cont,oller ele~;t-u,,,ecl,anc~' beer dispensing system is ~;sclosed. In Tumers system 12 conventional mechanically activated handle and faucet have been repl~ced with cle~t,onic 13 switch means to achieve preci-~e control of the dispensi"g action. The quantity of beer 14 is cumulatively calculated during a pour using a flow metering means. The quantity of 15 beer is continually compared against a look-up table of desired dispensed quantities by 16 a proy.arr,..,able controller and a signal is generated to te""inate the flow of beer when 17 the desired quantity has been d;spensed. A solenoid :~Ssoci~t9d with the faucet receives 18 the signal and acts to close off the flow of beer.
19 Tumer does not ,-ecessAiily achieve an accurately dispensed quantity of 20 beer. There are physical and pr~cess ~spects of the dispensing system which introduce 21 variability in the quantities ulti",ately dispensed. Physical lirllitdtions of the faucet and the 22 actu~ting means result in a delay in their response. After having received a command to close, the faucet permits a residual spilled quantity of beer to be discharged as it 2 closes. An alle",pt to offset the look-up table value by the amount of the spill fails to 3 compensate reliably. Changes in the physical condition and response of the faucet, and 4 process variability, such as the pressure of the beer source, dynamically affect the quantity of the spill.
6 In another aspect, Turner does not permit an operator to repeatedly interrupt 7 and re-start the flow of liquid without losing track of the cumulative quantity of beer 8 dispensed. Beer dispensed prior to an interruption is designated as waste. Particularly 9 with respect to dispensing beer, foaming can occur which can be cont,clled somewhat by temporarily interrupting the flow. The apparatus of Turner cG~ Jrises an actuating 1 1 electrical solenQ d ~ssoc~ted with the faucet which tends to warm the exiting beer, further 12 e)~acerbdting foaming.
13 When the liquid being d;spe"sed, such as beer, has a significant commercial 14 value, and is dispensed frequently in small quantities, the effect of the re6idu~l spill quantity can be econ~nically sigr,ifi~l It and detrimental.
16 It is ll,ereford an object of the invention to provide means for accurately 17 clispensing a prvselect~l quantity of liquid in spite of repeAt~J interruption and re-starting 18 of the liquid flow, having accounted for variable spill quantity.
19 It is a further object of the invention to provide a beer dispensing system which uses a t~Jitional beer tap handle to activate the system and yet still achieve an 21 accurate pour.
211~481 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
2 The invention reiates to a micro-computer controlled system to accurately 3 dispense a preselected volume of liquid.
4 In one aspect of the invention, an improved dispensing system is provided.
A flowmeter is located between a liquid source and a faucet. The flowmeter produces 6 signals proportional to the flow of liquid therethrough. A microcomputer receives and 7 processes the flowmeter signals to c~lcu'~te the cumulative volume of liquid which is 8 dispensed while the faucet is open. Additionally, the computer processes the flowmeter 9 signals to calculate values indicative of a residual spilled volume of liquid which is dispensed after the computer signals the faucet to close. The computer stores an array 11 of values, each being indicative of the spill volume which occurred after previous closures 12 of the faucet. The computer calculates an average spill volume from the array of values, 13 accurately a"licip~ng the spill volume of the next faucet closure despi~e it being affected 14 by variables such as the physical condition of the faucet and the pressure of the liquid source. When the accumulated volume is equal to the presele_t~ volume less the 16 average spill volume then the computer signals the faucet to close.
17 In anotl,ar aspect, an improved beer dispens;"g tap is provided. The 18 operdlion and load-resisting ~feel~ of a manual beer tap handle, desirable to the user, is 19 combined wi~ a micro~"puter controlled faucet means. Accuracy of the dispensed beer quantity is improved over conve, Itio"al beer taps.
A conventional beer tap handie and lever assembly is provided comprising 2 a spring-loaded lever mounted atop the dispensing tap. The lever assembly activates an 3 electronic switch when manipulated. The switch produces signals which are processed 4 by the microcomputer which in turn opens and closes a faucet to dispense a preselected volume of beer. The user preselects the desired portion from a multi-switch faceplate 6 mounted to the head which is interfaced with the microcomputer. The faucet is comprised 7 of a conventional valve body and a custom tap shaft adapted to control the flow of beer 8 - through the valve body. Preferably the tap shaft is teflon coated to prevent sticking.
9 When the microcomputer deterrnines that the appropriate volume of beer has been dispensed it produces a signal to activate the closing of the faucet. The signal 1 1 activates a electro-pneumatic valve which directs air to ActuAte a double acting pneumatic 12 cylinder located at the dispensing head. The pneumatic cylinder ~r~At~s a lever 13 asse"~bly which opens or closes the faucet as directed by the computer. When open 14 beer flows from a pressurized source out of the faucet and into a suitable container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
16 Figure 1 is a scl,e",atic of the beer portion control system;
17 Figure 2 is a cross section of the asse",bled ~;spensing head;
18 hgure 3 is an perspecti~/e exploded view of the dirpe,~s;ng head;
19 hgure 4 is a perspecti~e view of the control center; and Figure 5 is a simplified flow diagram of the CPU progra"""ing.
2113~81 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
2 Having reference to Figure 1, a dispensed liquid volume control system is 3 provided. Specifically, as applied to the dispensing of beer, the system comprises a 4 dispensing head 1 and a control system 2.
The dispensing head 1 comprises user-activated switch means 3 and portion 6 preselecting means 4, and a control system ~ctu~ted faucet assembly 5.
7 The dispensing head 1 is supported from a pedestal 6 which is preferably 8 - cooled. The pedestal 6 harbors a beer supply line 7, and cable 8 and pneumatic lines 9 9, 10 which transmit signals between the dispensing head.1 and the control system 2.
The control system 2 comprises a pneumatic switching assembly 11, a 11 flowmeter 12, a power supply 13, and a microprocessor based control center 14. The 12 control center 14 ev~ tes infommation from the dispensing head 1 and the flowmeter 12 13 and accordingly ~ctu~tes the pneumatic switch assei,lbly 11. The pneumatic switch 14 assembly 11 appropriately directs the faucet asseillbly 5 to dispense, or not to dispense beer into a suitable container 16. The container 16 is positioned over a drain 17 to direct 16 excess beer to waste 18.
17 Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the dispensing head 1 is descril,ed in 18 greater detail. The switch means 3 is mounted within a main block portion 19 of the head 19 1 and is :~ctu:~te~ with a user-activated lever assembly 20.
The lever assembly 20 comprises a conventional beer tap handle 21 2 screwed to an actuating lever 22. The actuating lever 22 is rotatively mounted to the 3 main block 19 and is slidably engaged to a cylindrical sensor shaft 23. The sensor shaft 4 23 is axially moveable within a cylindrical cavity 24 in the main block 19. A port 25 in the sensor shaft 23 cooperates with an electronic sensor 26 to produce signals indicative of 6 the posilion of the sensor shaft 23 lever 22 and tap handle 21. A suitable sensor is a 7 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) mounted optical sensor available from Motorola and 8 c~esiy"ated as model # H21A1. The sensor 26 is secured to the top of the main block 9 19. Signals produced from the sensor 26 are trans,nitled through cable 27 to a tap PCB
28 and a multi-conductor connector 29 (DB-25 D-type) projecting from the rear face of 11 the main block 19.
12 The sensor shaft 23 is loaded with a spring 30 to provide a desirable load-13 resisting ,llechanic~' feedback or ~feel~ at the tap handle 21 when activated with a pull 14 forwards. The spring 30 returns the lever asse"lbly 20 from the halt positiG" to an upright neutral position (Figure 2) when rele~ced. A spring-loaded detent means 31 is 16 engaged at the neutral position. .
17 The portion preselecting means 4 is cGI"p,ised of a custom membrane 18 switch f~cepî -t~ 32 having a plurality of function switches 33 and status indicators 34.
19 The fAcepl '~ 32 is a~t~ched to the front face of the main block 19. Each function switch 33 pr~uces an individual electrical signal uniquely identifying the switch selecled by the 21 user. A ribbon cable 35 cGnnecls each function switch 33 to the tap PCB 28 and to the 22 electrical connect~r 29. Each function switch 33 enabl~s the user to select one of several pour volumes or portions, such as a glass, mug, pony, pitcher or other special volume, 2 or to select a stop request.
3 The faucet assembly 5 comprises a conventional valve body 36 as supplied 4 by the Perlick CO., Millwaukee, Wl, shown as model 307 SER Flo-Control. The valve body 36 is secured to a lower block 100. The valve body 36 has a passageway 37 which 6 is fitted with a custom stainless steel tap shaft 38. Actuation of the tap shaft 38 controls 7 the flow of beer through the p~-ssAgeway 37. Preferably a teflon coating 101 is applied 8 to the surface of the tap shaft 38 to prevent sticky operation due to the seepage of beer, 9 inherent to the valve body 37 and tap shaft 38 design.
A tap shaft actuating lever 39 is rotatively mounted to the lower block 100 11 for actuation of the tap shaft 38. A double acting pneumatic actuator 40 is also secured 12 to the lower block 100 for bidirectional actuation of the tap ~ctuAtirlg lever 39. A suitable 13 pneumatic ~c~tor is that supplied by SMC Pneu."a~cs Inc, of Inclianapolis, IN., cylinder 14 kit model number CQ2B20-10D. A custom rod end 41 pivotally connects the pneumatic ~ctu~tor 40 and the tap ~ctu~ting lever 39. The pneumatic ~ctu~tor 40 produces 16 sufficient force on the tap actuating lever, to ensure either opening of closing actuation 17 of the tap shaft, regardless of the condition of the faucet asse,-lbly.
18 The lower block 100 is secured by screws to the main block 19 and is 19 covered wi~ a protective wrapper 42.
2113~81 Having reference to Figures 1 and 4 the control center 14 comprises a 2 power conditioning board 43 which conditions power from the power supply 13 and 3 distributes it to a central microprocessing unit (CPU) 44 a user display console board 45 4 and one or more tap interface boards 46. The CPU 44 is capable of directing multiple 5 tap interface boards 46 that are provided for each dispensing head 1 of a multi-tap 6 installation. Each dispensing head 1 requires a separate pneumatic switch assembly 11 7 and flowmeter 12. Many ways for implementing the CPU 44 are known and are generally 8 understood to comprise processing and timing circuits and volatile (RAM) and read-only 9 memory (ROM) storage means.
The control center 14 has a CPU keypad interface 47 a electronic display 11 48 (such as an LCD display) and on/off and programming ~ccess key-switches 49 50.
12 A IR port 51 provides an inte,race to an optiGnal printing device (not shown).
13 Referring again to Figure 1 line 7 directs beer through the flowmeter 12 14 from a pressurized beer supply 52 to the faucet assembly S.
The flowmeter 12 generdtes clect~ical signals proportional to the rate of flow 16 of the beer passing ll,eretl ,rough. A cable 53 from the flowmeter 12 enables ~ansmission 17 of the generated signals to the control center 14. A suitable turbine style flowmeter is 18 that supplied by I ledl~~cl, model #502-128.
19 Both the flowmeter and the d;spensing head cable 53 8 are connected 20 through the pneumatic switching assel"~ly 11 at a convenient connec~i"-a junction 54.
21 The control center 14 is co""ectecl to the junction 54 with cable 55 to 22 receive signals and to llanslllit controlling signals to the faucet assenlbly S.
2113~81 The pneumatic switching assembly 11 is comprised of an electro-pneumatic 2 valve 56. A suitable solenoid actuated pneumatic valve is supplied by SMC Pneumatics, 3 Inc, model number NVJ31 40-5LZ. An air supply 57, at about 45 psig, provides powering 4 air to the pneumatic valve 56. Control signals from the control center 14 activate the electro-pneumatic valve 56 to direct air to lines 9, 10 for closing and opening of the faucet 6 assembly 5 respectively. The electro-pneumabc valve 56 is purposefully remote from the 7 faucet assembly to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the exothermic nature of 8 electrical solenoids on the foaming of beer.
9 In operation, the control system 2 and the dispensing head 1 cooperate to dispense an accurate volume of beer to the container 16. A significant impediment to 11 accurate determination of the volume dispensed is the variability of the residlJ~I volume 12 of beer, or spill, which is dispensed during a delay interval in time betwcen receipt of a 13 control center 14 closing signal and the actual physical closing of the faucet assembly 5.
14 The volume of the spill, and ulti,nately the total volume of beer which issues from the faucet assembly 5 is a function of many variables such as: user adju~;b"ent of an optional 16 p~ssAge restriction valve 58 in th~ valve body 36; the pressure of the beer supply 52; the 17 r~s.~nce of the tap shaft 38 to movel"enl, and the pneumatic air pressure.
18 The spill whkh is dispensed during the delay interval, is measured using the 19 flol:."et~r 12. This spill amount, as recorded and stored for multiple previous closures of the faucet asse" Ibly 5, is used to anticipAte the spill for the next successive pour. The 21 control center 14 accumulates the volume of beer dispensed, and by antic;pAflng the 211 3~81 amount that will spill after initiating the closure of the faucet assembly, achieves a more 2 accurate pour.
3 More particularly, having reference to Figures 1 and the simplified flow chart 4 of Figure 5, the following steps are performed during a pour.
The user preselects a desired pour volume (VpO,) by activating the 6 appropriate switch 33 on the faceplate 32, l,ans",ilting the signal to the CPU 44. The 7 user then manipulates the tap handle 21, signalling to start the pour.
8 The spill volume (V,p,[O~) from the previous closure of the faucet assembly 9 is retrieved from the CPU. The spill Vsp~[O] is averaged with several earlier stored spill 10 amounts (V, p,[i], usually for i=1 through 3) to calculate an average spill volume (V~p,). The 11 average spill volume is the anticip~ted dispensed volume which will occur at the 12 conclusion of the current pour.
13 The user re~uested volume of the pour (VpO,) is retrieved from CPU storage.
14 A threshold volume (V""), represerlting the desired dispensed volume less the spill 15 volume, is calculated as VpO,-V~p,.
16 A timing loop is i,lili;~ted to process the flowmeter signals. The total volume 17 of beer dispensed thus far is iniffalized to zero Vb,=O and a logical timing loop is started 18 For each cycle of the timing loop, the CPU cumulatively sums the i"cre"~6"t~1 volume of 19 beer dispensed (Vh, ) through the flowmeter.
If the switch means 3 remains activated, then dispensing head (beer tap) 2 is still open. The CPU calculateS the total volume dispensed thus far VtC,=V~o,+Vj"~ and 3 compares this against the threshold volume V,h,. If the threshold volume is achieved 4 V,o,2V~, then the CPU 44 signals the pneumatic valve 56 to close the faucet assembly 5.
After a delay interval, the faucet assembly physically closes, having added a spill volume 6 of beer Vsp,[0] to the threshold volume V"" already dispensed. If actual spill volume 7 dispensed Vsp~[0] was s~bstAntially equal to the anticipated volume Vsp~ then the total 8 volume dispensed V,0, is now substantially equal to the requested pour size VpO,. In other 9 words, beer is dispensed into the container, equal to the threshold volume less the anticipated spill volume. After the spill volume is included, an accurately dispensed 11 volume of beer is achieved and the pour is concluded.
12 The volume of beer that is dispensed after the signal to close the valve is 13 transmilled is stored as the newest spill volume V~p,[0] for the next succes.sive pour.
14 The CPU performs adcJilional logical testing which permits the tap handle to be ~played~ by the user to control foaming and the like. If the switch means 3 should 16 indicate that the tap is closed, ~en the CPU asce,~ins if enough beer has been 17 dispensed or if this is simply an interruption. The CPU ~pdAtes the spill amount V~[0~, 18 and the total accumulated volume V,0,. The accumulated volume V,0, is compared against 19 V~,. If insufficient volume is dispensed thus far, then the loop waits for the user to again open the tap or to cancel the pour with a stop request.
2113~81 The CPU is programmed to provide accounting and maintenance features 2 The CPU will recognize a separate cleaning operation, permitting the passage of 3 unrestricted volumes of cleaning fluids. Reports can be generated including: the total 4 volume and number of pours for each of multiple taps; the value of beer sales at each of several price levels; and the time and date of the last cleaning operation.
6 In summary, the invention is characterised by the following advantages:
7 - on-going compensation for variability in residual spill volumes, 8 resulting in more accurate liquid volumes dispensed;
9 - capability to account for repeated interruption and re-starting of liquid 1 0 flow;
11 - provide the user-desirable ~feel~ of a ~,adilional mechanical beer tap, 12 yet continue to provide the dispensed volume accuracy of a 13 microcG~Iputer controlled system.
14 - using pneumatic faucet ~ctu~ng means, thereby avoiding exacelbdti,1g the foaming of beer as is the case with exothermic 16 solenoid ~ct~ting means.
If the switch means 3 remains activated, then dispensing head (beer tap) 2 is still open. The CPU calculateS the total volume dispensed thus far VtC,=V~o,+Vj"~ and 3 compares this against the threshold volume V,h,. If the threshold volume is achieved 4 V,o,2V~, then the CPU 44 signals the pneumatic valve 56 to close the faucet assembly 5.
After a delay interval, the faucet assembly physically closes, having added a spill volume 6 of beer Vsp,[0] to the threshold volume V"" already dispensed. If actual spill volume 7 dispensed Vsp~[0] was s~bstAntially equal to the anticipated volume Vsp~ then the total 8 volume dispensed V,0, is now substantially equal to the requested pour size VpO,. In other 9 words, beer is dispensed into the container, equal to the threshold volume less the anticipated spill volume. After the spill volume is included, an accurately dispensed 11 volume of beer is achieved and the pour is concluded.
12 The volume of beer that is dispensed after the signal to close the valve is 13 transmilled is stored as the newest spill volume V~p,[0] for the next succes.sive pour.
14 The CPU performs adcJilional logical testing which permits the tap handle to be ~played~ by the user to control foaming and the like. If the switch means 3 should 16 indicate that the tap is closed, ~en the CPU asce,~ins if enough beer has been 17 dispensed or if this is simply an interruption. The CPU ~pdAtes the spill amount V~[0~, 18 and the total accumulated volume V,0,. The accumulated volume V,0, is compared against 19 V~,. If insufficient volume is dispensed thus far, then the loop waits for the user to again open the tap or to cancel the pour with a stop request.
2113~81 The CPU is programmed to provide accounting and maintenance features 2 The CPU will recognize a separate cleaning operation, permitting the passage of 3 unrestricted volumes of cleaning fluids. Reports can be generated including: the total 4 volume and number of pours for each of multiple taps; the value of beer sales at each of several price levels; and the time and date of the last cleaning operation.
6 In summary, the invention is characterised by the following advantages:
7 - on-going compensation for variability in residual spill volumes, 8 resulting in more accurate liquid volumes dispensed;
9 - capability to account for repeated interruption and re-starting of liquid 1 0 flow;
11 - provide the user-desirable ~feel~ of a ~,adilional mechanical beer tap, 12 yet continue to provide the dispensed volume accuracy of a 13 microcG~Iputer controlled system.
14 - using pneumatic faucet ~ctu~ng means, thereby avoiding exacelbdti,1g the foaming of beer as is the case with exothermic 16 solenoid ~ct~ting means.
Claims (5)
1. A liquid volume control system for the accurate dispensing of an preselected volume of liquid comprising:
a pressurized source of liquid;
a faucet means connected to the liquid source for controlling dispensing of the liquid therethrough;
a flowmeter means connected between the liquid source and the faucet means for producing signals proportional to the flow of liquid dispensed from the faucet means;
an actuating means for opening and closing the faucet means;
switch means for producing signals to initiate dispensing of the liquid;
a programmable controller means being connected to the switch means and the flowmeter means for receiving the signals produced therefrom and continuously establishing from said signals first values indicative of the cumulative volume of liquid dispensed and second values substantially indicative of the average spill volume and for comparing the first and second calculated volume values with the preselected volume and sending a signal to the actuating means to close the faucet means when the calculated cumulative volume of liquid dispensed is equal to the preselected volume less the average spill volume whereby the total of the cumulative volume and an actual spill volume dispensed is substantially equal to the preselected volume.
a pressurized source of liquid;
a faucet means connected to the liquid source for controlling dispensing of the liquid therethrough;
a flowmeter means connected between the liquid source and the faucet means for producing signals proportional to the flow of liquid dispensed from the faucet means;
an actuating means for opening and closing the faucet means;
switch means for producing signals to initiate dispensing of the liquid;
a programmable controller means being connected to the switch means and the flowmeter means for receiving the signals produced therefrom and continuously establishing from said signals first values indicative of the cumulative volume of liquid dispensed and second values substantially indicative of the average spill volume and for comparing the first and second calculated volume values with the preselected volume and sending a signal to the actuating means to close the faucet means when the calculated cumulative volume of liquid dispensed is equal to the preselected volume less the average spill volume whereby the total of the cumulative volume and an actual spill volume dispensed is substantially equal to the preselected volume.
2. The control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the dispensed liquid is beer.
3. A method for the accurate dispensing of a preselected volume of liquid through a faucet means comprising:
storing an array of values, in computer memory, each being indicative of the spill volume of liquid which had been dispensed after a previous closing of the faucet means;
averaging the array of values to calculate a value indicative of the average spill volume;
opening the faucet means to initiate the dispensing of the liquid therefrom;
continuously sensing the volume of liquid being dispensed and producing signals proportional thereto;
continuously calculating values indicative of the cumulative volume of liquid dispensed; and comparing the values for the accumulated volume against the preselected volume and the average spill volume and producing a signal to close the faucet means when the accumulated volume is equal to the preselected volume less the average spill volume.
storing an array of values, in computer memory, each being indicative of the spill volume of liquid which had been dispensed after a previous closing of the faucet means;
averaging the array of values to calculate a value indicative of the average spill volume;
opening the faucet means to initiate the dispensing of the liquid therefrom;
continuously sensing the volume of liquid being dispensed and producing signals proportional thereto;
continuously calculating values indicative of the cumulative volume of liquid dispensed; and comparing the values for the accumulated volume against the preselected volume and the average spill volume and producing a signal to close the faucet means when the accumulated volume is equal to the preselected volume less the average spill volume.
4. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein the liquid is beer.
5. In a computerized beer dispensing system for the dispensing of a preselected quantity of beer, having a faucet means connected with a pressurized source of beer, said faucet means having a flowmeter means connected thereto to produce signals indicative of the volume of beer flowing therethrough, the improvement comprising:
a conventional beer tap handle for user activation of the dispensing system;
a electronic switch means for producing signals indicative of the beer tap handle position;
a lever means for activating the switch means, being connected to the beer tap handle, and having spring return and detent means to provide a user-desirable mechanical feedback;
actuating means for opening and closing the faucet means;
a programmed computer means for receiving the handle position signal to produce controlling signals for activating the faucet means to open the faucet means when the lever is pulled forward and to close the faucet means when the handle is returned, and also to receive flowmeter signals to calculate values indicative of the cumulatively dispensed quantity of beer, compare them with stored values indicative of the preselected quantities and to produce signals to activate the actuating means to close the faucet means, causing the faucet means to dispense the preselected quantity of beer.
a conventional beer tap handle for user activation of the dispensing system;
a electronic switch means for producing signals indicative of the beer tap handle position;
a lever means for activating the switch means, being connected to the beer tap handle, and having spring return and detent means to provide a user-desirable mechanical feedback;
actuating means for opening and closing the faucet means;
a programmed computer means for receiving the handle position signal to produce controlling signals for activating the faucet means to open the faucet means when the lever is pulled forward and to close the faucet means when the handle is returned, and also to receive flowmeter signals to calculate values indicative of the cumulatively dispensed quantity of beer, compare them with stored values indicative of the preselected quantities and to produce signals to activate the actuating means to close the faucet means, causing the faucet means to dispense the preselected quantity of beer.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/165,726 US5431302A (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1993-12-13 | Dispensed liquid volume control system |
| CA002113481A CA2113481C (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1994-01-14 | Dispensed liquid volume control system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/165,726 US5431302A (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1993-12-13 | Dispensed liquid volume control system |
| CA002113481A CA2113481C (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1994-01-14 | Dispensed liquid volume control system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2113481A1 CA2113481A1 (en) | 1995-07-15 |
| CA2113481C true CA2113481C (en) | 1997-12-09 |
Family
ID=25676929
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002113481A Expired - Fee Related CA2113481C (en) | 1993-12-13 | 1994-01-14 | Dispensed liquid volume control system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5431302A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2113481C (en) |
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- 1994-01-14 CA CA002113481A patent/CA2113481C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2113481A1 (en) | 1995-07-15 |
| US5431302A (en) | 1995-07-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |