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(11) | EP 4 385 941 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A BEVERAGE DISPENSE SYSTEM |
| (57) A beverage dispense system comprising a beverage line connectable between a beverage
supply container and a beverage dispenser, a sensor configured to detect whether a
beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted
of beverage, and a valve operatively connected to the sensor. The valve is moveable
between an open position and a closed position. In the open position beverage is able
to flow along the beverage line. In the closed position, flow of beverage along the
beverage line is prevented by the valve. The valve is configured to move to the closed
position in response to detection by the sensor that a beverage supply container connected
to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage. The beverage dispense
system further comprises a processor configured to determine an elapsed time between
an opening event indicative of movement of the valve to the open position and a closure
event indicative of movement of the valve to the closed position in response to detection
that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted of beverage.
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Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispense system of the type including a beverage supply container connected to a beverage dispenser by a beverage line.
Background
[0002] Beverage dispense systems are known in which a beverage line fluidly connects a beverage supply container (such as a keg) to a beverage dispenser (e.g. a tap). Typically, such systems are used in commercial venues such as pubs or bars. In such systems, the beverage supply container and a substantial portion of the beverage line are often located in a cellar, and the beverage line extends from the cellar to the beverage dispenser located in a public area of the venue.
[0003] In use, when the beverage dispenser is opened, beverage passes from the beverage supply container along the beverage line and is discharged from the beverage dispenser. When the beverage is carbonated, it will typically be moved along the beverage line by way of pressurised gas (such as CO2 or a mixed gas) supplied to the beverage supply container.
[0004] When the beverage supply container is depleted or nearly depleted, it must be disconnected from the beverage line and replaced with a full container. Sensors are known that are configured to detect whether a beverage supply container is empty or nearly empty and shut off the beverage line. In the case of carbonated beverages, this can prevent gas propellant from entering the beer line when the beverage supply container is depleted, which can causes foam. An example of such a sensor is a "foam on beer" (fob) detector that detects the presence of foam (i.e. bubbles) in the beverage line.
[0005] Once the beverage line is shut off, an operator can replace the depleted beverage supply container with a full beverage supply container and then reopen the beverage line to allow beverage to pass to the beverage dispenser without any (or with minimal) foam.
[0006] Operators of such systems must perform continuous maintenance to ensure that the quality of the beverage dispensed by the beverage dispenser is maintained. Quality of the dispensed beverage can be affected, for example, by microorganism growth in the beverage system, or simply by deterioration of the beverage over time. Quality can also be affected by the length of time a beverage supply container is connected to a beverage dispense system (for example, is can be undesirable for a beverage supply container to be connected to a system for longer than 3 to 4 days). Often, when a beverage supply container is connected to a system the pressurised gas is constantly applied to the keg (i.e. for the duration of its connection). This can result in over-carbonation of the beverage, which can affect the quality of the dispensed beverage. Over-carbonation can also be detrimental to operation of the fob sensor of a system because it can increase the quantity of bubbles in the beverage (above that experienced in normal operation).
Summary
[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a beverage dispense system comprising:
a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser;
a sensor configured to detect whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
a valve operatively connected to the sensor, the valve moveable between:
an open position in which beverage is able to flow along the beverage line; and
a closed position in which flow of beverage along the beverage line is prevented by the valve, the valve configured to move to the closed position in response to detection by the sensor that a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage; and
a processor configured to determine an elapsed time between an opening event indicative of movement of the valve to the open position and a closure event indicative of movement of the valve to the closed position in response to detection that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted of beverage.
[0009] As may be appreciated, in normal use of the beverage system the valve is reopened (i.e. the system is "primed") after a full beverage supply container is attached to the beverage line to allow beverage flow from the beverage supply container to the beverage dispenser. Thus, an opening event of the valve may be indicative of such a new beverage supply container being attached. Likewise, the valve closes when the beverage supply is substantially depleted, such that the closure event is indicative of the beverage supply container being depleted.
[0010] Determining time differences between closure events and opening events can thus be beneficial in understanding a state of the beverage dispense system for improved operation and maintenance of the beverage dispense system. For example, the time elapsed between attachment of a new beverage supply container and depletion of the beverage supply container can be used to determine whether a beverage supply container is over-carbonated, or whether there is increased risk of micro-organism growth (e.g. due to a prolonged time to depletion) Likewise, the time elapsed between depletion of beverage supply container and attachment of a new beverage supply container can be used to determine whether beverage has remained static within the beverage line for a sustained period of time (which can result in microorganism growth and other quality issues).
[0011] Optional features of the first aspect will now be described. These features can be provided in combination with any aspect disclosed herein.
[0012] In some embodiments, the opening event may be a reopening event that is subsequent to the closure event. Thus, the elapsed time may be representative of the time between depletion of the beverage supply container and priming of the system after replacement of the depleted beverage supply container with a full beverage supply container. As set forth above, slow replacement of a beverage supply container can result in beverage sitting static within a beverage line and this can be detrimental to quality. Thus, understanding this elapsed time can be useful in identifying potential beverage quality issues.
[0013] In other embodiments, the opening event may precede the closure event. In this case, the elapsed time may be representative of the length of time it took for a beverage supply container to be fully dispensed. As set forth above, slow depletion of a beverage supply container (e.g. over a period of more than 3 to 4 days) can result in over-carbonation and/or microorganism growth. Thus, understanding how long a beverage supply container has taken to deplete can be useful in managing beverage quality.
[0014] The beverage dispense system may comprise a reset actuator operatively connected to the valve to cause the valve to move from the closed position to the open position when actuated (i.e. reopening the valve after being closed in response to the detection by the sensor that the beverage supply container is depleted).
[0015] The reset actuator may be manually actuatable by an operator. For example, the reset actuator may comprise a button, pressable by a user to cause the valve to reopen. In such embodiments, a user may actuate the reset actuator (e.g. press the button) after a full beverage supply container has been connected to the beverage line.
[0016] Alternatively, the reset actuator may be configured to actuate in an automatic manner when a beverage supply container is connected to the beverage line. That is, the reset actuator may cause the valve to reopen automatically when a (e.g. full) beverage supply container is connected to the beverage dispense system.
[0017] As may be appreciated, in normal operation of the system there are several events that could be representative of the valve opening (i.e. that could be the "opening event"). For example, the opening event (used by the processor to determine the elapsed time) may be the opening of the valve itself. Thus, the processor may be operatively connected to the valve (e.g. by wired or wireless connection) and may be configured to receive a signal from the valve indicating movement of the valve from the closed position to the open position.
[0018] In another example, the opening event may be actuation of the reset actuator (which directly causes opening of the valve). That is, the processor may determine the elapsed time based on the point in time at which the reset actuator is actuated. Thus, the processor may be operatively connected to the reset actuator and may be configured to receive a signal from the reset actuator when actuated (i.e. the reset actuator may be configured to provide such a signal when actuated). For example, a wired or wireless connection may be provided between the process and the reset actuator.
[0019] Similarly, the closure event (used by the processor to determine the elapsed time) may be movement of the valve from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the processor may be operatively connected to the valve (e.g. by wired or wireless connection) and may be configured to receive a signal from the valve indicating movement of the valve from the open position to the closed position.
[0020] Alternatively, the closure event may be the sensor detecting that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted. Thus, the processor may be operatively connected to the sensor and may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor when the sensor detects that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted (i.e. the sensor may be configured to provide such a signal to the processor when it detects that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted).
[0021] One benefit of making use of signalling by the sensor (rather than the valve itself) is that the valve may close in response to events other than depletion of the beverage supply container. For example, the valve may be closed manually by an operator for the purposes of disconnecting the beverage supply container for cleaning of the beverage line. In this case, the closure of the valve would not be indicative of the beverage supply container being depleted (and so the determined elapsed time would not e.g. be indicative of the time taken for the beverage supply container to be fully depleted). On the other hand, identifying a closure event based on a signal from the sensor ensures that the closure event is representative of the beverage supply container being depleted.
[0022] The processor may be configured to generate an alert based on the determined elapsed time. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to compare the elapsed time to a predetermined time threshold. The processor may be configured to generate an alert when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time threshold. The alert, may for example, be displayed to a user via a user interface. The alert may be in the form of a "soft" alert that doesn't necessarily necessitate action by a technician.
[0023] In some embodiments, the system may comprise a cleaning actuator (e.g. a push button). The system may be configured such that, when the cleaning actuator is actuated, the system enters a cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode cleaning fluid may be moved through the beverage line to clean the beverage line. In the cleaning mode, the valve may be opened to discharge cleaning fluid from the beverage line.
[0024] The cleaning mode may be terminated by connecting a beverage supply container to the beverage line and actuating the reset actuator.
[0025] The processor may be configured to determine an elapsed time between an actuation of the cleaning actuator and a subsequent actuation of the reset actuator. This elapsed time may be representative of the time spent in cleaning mode. As may be appreciated, such information may be useful in understanding the state of the system.
[0026] The sensor may be a "foam on beer" (fob) sensor. The sensor may be a bubble sensor. Thus, the sensor may be configured to detect bubbles in the beverage line (and may be mounted to the beverage line). Such bubbles may be indicative of the beverage supply container being substantially depleted.
[0027] The sensor may be e.g. an optical sensor (e.g. relying on deflection of light across the beverage line to detect bubbles) or may be e.g. an electrical sensor comprising probes to measure an electrical parameter (e.g. conductivity) of the beverage in the beverage line to detect the presence of bubbles.
[0028] The beverage line may comprise a releasable connector (e.g. comprising a keg coupler) for releasably connecting the beverage line to the beverage supply container. The sensor may be mounted to or within the connector. Likewise, the reset actuator may be mounted to the connector.
[0029] In some embodiments the beverage dispense system may comprise a user interface operatively connected to the processor. The user interface maybe configured to indicate information communicated by the processor to a user. The user interface may be configured to indicate the determined elapsed time to a user. The user interface may comprise, for example, one or more of a display, lights (LEDs), speakers and haptic feedback mechanism.
[0030] As may be appreciated, the elapsed time may be determined using one of several methods. As an example, the elapsed time may be determined by calculating a time difference between a first time stamp representing the time of a closure or opening event and a second time stamp representing the time of the other of the closure and opening event. Alternatively, the time difference may be calculated by commencing a timer upon identifying a closure or opening event and ending the timer upon identifying the other of the closure and opening event.
[0031] The processor may be local to, or remote from, the beverage dispense system. For example, the processor may be provided by a remote server, personal computer or handheld device.
[0032] The processor may be operatively connected to a memory for storing data indicative of the or each determined elapsed time.
[0033] In a second aspect, there is provided a beverage dispense system comprising:
a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser;
a sensor configured to detect whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
a valve operatively connected to the sensor, the valve moveable between:
an open position in which beverage is able to flow along the beverage line; and
a closed position in which flow of beverage along the beverage line is prevented by the valve, the valve configured to move to the closed position in response to detection by the sensor that a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
a reset actuator operatively connected to the valve to cause the valve to move from the closed position to the open position when actuated;
a cleaning actuator configured to switch the system to a cleaning mode when actuated; and
a processor configured to determine an elapsed time between an actuation of the cleaning actuator and actuation of the reset actuator.
[0034] The beverage dispense system of the second aspect may be as otherwise described with respect to the first aspect (i.e. may include one or more features of the beverage system of the first aspect).
[0035] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating a beverage dispense system (e.g. the beverage system of the first and/or second aspect), the beverage dispense system comprising a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser, and the method comprising:
opening the beverage line so as to allow flow of beverage along the beverage line;
detecting whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
closing the beverage line in response to detection of the beverage supply container being substantially depleted of beverage;
determining an elapsed time between an opening event indicative of the beverage line being opened and a closure event indicative of the beverage line being closed.
[0036] Optional features of the third aspect will now be described. These features can be provided in combination with any aspect disclosed herein.
[0037] The method may comprise connecting the beverage line to a beverage supply container (e.g. before opening the beverage line).
[0038] In some embodiments, the opening event may be a reopening event that is subsequent to the closure event. Thus, the elapsed time may be representative of the time between depletion of the beverage supply container and priming of the system after replacement of the depleted beverage supply container with a full beverage supply container.
[0039] In other embodiments, the opening event may precede the closure event. In this case, the elapsed time may be representative of the length of time it took for a beverage supply container to be fully dispensed.
[0040] The opening and closing of the beverage line may comprise moving a valve between an open position (to open the beverage line) and a closed position (to close the beverage line). The valve may be as described in the first aspect. The opening event may comprise movement of the valve to the open position. The closing event may comprise movement of the valve to the closed position.
[0041] Opening the beverage line may comprise opening the valve. Opening the beverage line may comprise operating (i.e. actuating) a reset actuator operatively connected to the valve, such actuation causing the beverage line to be opened (for example causing the valve to move to the open position). As an example, upon actuation, the reset actuator may transmit a signal to the valve directly or indirectly e.g. via a processor. The opening event may comprise actuation of the actuator.
[0042] Actuation of the actuator may be performed manually by an operator or may be performed automatically (e.g. in response to the beverage supply container being connected to the beverage line).
[0043] Detecting whether the beverage supply container is substantially depleted may comprise detecting bubbles in the beverage line. Such detection may be performed by a sensor. The sensor may be as described in the first aspect.
[0044] The closing event may comprise detection of depletion of the beverage supply container (e.g. by the sensor).
[0045] Closing the beverage line may comprise closing the valve. Closing the beverage line may comprise transmitting a signal from the sensor to the valve (directly or indirectly, e.g. via a processor) upon detection of the beverage supply container being substantially depleted.
[0046] The method may comprise taking action in response to the determined elapsed time (i.e. between the opening and closing events).
[0047] For example, the method may comprise generating an alert based on the elapsed time. For example, an alert may be generated if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[0049] The method may comprise disconnecting a beverage supply container from the beverage line in response to the determined elapsed time. The beverage supply container may be a depleted beverage supply container. For example, when the elapsed time begins with the closing event and ends with the opening event, and if the elapsed time extends beyond a predetermined threshold, this may be indicative that a depleted beverage supply container has been connected to the beverage line for too long (e.g. the operator has taken too long to swap the depleted container with a full container). In such circumstances, the method may comprise connecting a full (i.e. non-depleted) beverage supply container to the beverage line.
[0050] In some embodiments, the method may comprise cleaning the beverage line based on the determined elapsed time. For example, when the elapsed time begins with the opening event and ends with the closing event, if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may be indicative of (overly) slow depletion of a beverage supply container. When a beverage supply container is connected to a beverage line for too long the beverage line may require additional cleaning. In some cases, the level of cleaning (e.g. duration of the cleaning operation) may be based on the determined elapsed time.
[0051] In some embodiments, the method may comprise initiating a cleaning operation (e.g. comprising moving a cleaning fluid through the beverage line). For example, initiating a cleaning operation may comprise actuating a cleaning actuator. Such actuation may be performed manually by an operator or e.g. automatically.
[0052] The method may comprise determining an elapsed time between initiation of the cleaning operation and the opening event. Thus, the elapsed time may be between actuation of the cleaning actuator and actuation of the reset actuator. This may be indicative of a length of time of a cleaning operation.
[0053] The beverage system of the third aspect may include on or more features of the beverage dispense system of the first aspect and/or the second aspect.
[0054] The method of the third aspect may be performed using the beverage dispense system of the first and/or second aspect (e.g. may be a method of operating the beverage dispense system of the first and/or second aspect).
Brief Summary of the Figures
[0055] Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a beverage dispense system;
Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first operation of a processor of the beverage dispense system of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a second operation of a processor of the beverage dispense system of Figure 1.
Detailed Description
[0056] Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a beverage dispense system 100 that includes three beverage supply containers 101 (in the form of kegs) that are connected to three beverage dispensers 102 in the form of taps (only one of which is shown). The beverage supply containers 101 are connected to the beverage dispenser 102 by three corresponding beverages lines 103. In particular, each beverage line 103 is provided with a connector 104 (comprising a keg coupler) for releasable connection to a corresponding beverage supply container 101.
[0058] For brevity, only one beverage line 103 (and its associated components) will be discussed below. It should be appreciated, however, that each beverage line 103 is substantially the same.
[0059] The beverage line 103 is also provided with a sensor 105 that forms part of the connector 104 and is configured to detect whether the beverage supply container 101 connected to the beverage line 103 is substantially depleted of beverage (i.e. is empty or is close to be empty). The sensor 105 is in the form of a fob sensor and is configured to detect the presence of bubbles in the beverage line 103.
[0060] A solenoid valve 106 (disposed in a wall-mounted enclosure 122) is provided downstream of the sensor 105 and operatively connected to the sensor 105 (in this case via a wired connection 107). The valve 106 is moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an obstructing member of the valve 106 is retracted so that the beverage line 103 remains open and beverage is able to flow along the beverage line 103 (from the beverage supply container 101 to the beverage dispenser 102). In the closed position, the valve (i.e. the obstructing member) obstructs the beverage line 103, such that flow of beverage along the beverage line 103 is prevented.
[0061] The valve 106 is configured such that, upon receipt of a signal from the sensor 105, the valve 106 moves from the open position to the closed position. The signal is generated by the sensor 105 when it detects that the beverage supply container 101 is substantially depleted of beverage. Specifically, the sensor 105 generates a signal in response to a change in the quantity of bubbles in the beverage within the beverage line 103 adjacent to the sensor 105 (i.e. the bubbles being indicative of the beverage supply container 101 being depleted).
[0062] In other words, the valve 106 closes the beverage line 103 once the beverage supply container 101 is depleted of beverage. This prevents foam from flowing along the beverage line 103 to the beverage dispenser 102 (more specifically, the foam is stopped at or before the solenoid valve 106).
[0063] Once the beverage line 103 is closed, an operator is alerted to the fact that the beverage supply container 101 requires replacing (with a full container). The operator may simply be alerted because beverage will no longer flow from the beverage dispenser 102, or may be alerted in some other way (such as by an LED in the vicinity of the beverage dispenser 102 and/or the connector 104). This instructs the operator to replace the beverage supply container 101, which is performed by detaching the depleted beverage supply container 101 from the connector 104 and then subsequently connecting a new (full) beverage supply container 101 to the connector 104.
[0064] At this point, the beverage line 103 may be cleared of gas (and/or foam) prior to re-opening. To perform this, the beverage line is opened to a purge line (not shown), such that gas/foam upstream of the solenoid valve 106 is discharged from the beverage line 103. This diversion of the flow of fluid can be provided by the solenoid valve 106 (i.e. the solenoid valve 106 may divert fluid in the beverage line 103 to the drain line) or by another valve forming part of the system 100.
[0065] Once the beverage line 103 has been purged of gas/foam, the beverage line 103 must be reopened to allow beverage to flow along the beverage line 103 from the beverage supply container 101 to the beverage dispenser 102. Thus, the valve 106 must be instructed to reopen to allow such beverage flow to occur. In the illustrated beverage dispense system 100, this is provided by way of a reset actuator 108 that includes a button on the connector 105. When the reset actuator 108 is actuated (when the button is pressed by an operator) a signal is sent to the valve 106, via the wired connection 107, to cause the valve 106 to move from the closed position to the open position.
[0066] Accordingly, in normal use, an operator will actuate the reset actuator 108 (to reopen the valve 106) immediately after connecting a full beverage supply container 101 to the beverage line 103.
[0067] The system 100 further comprises a processor 109. In the presently described system 100, the processor 109 is local to the beverage line 103 (is located in the same cellar as the beverage line 103). In operation, data is transmitted from the sensor 105 and the reset actuator 108 to the processor 109 via a wired connection 110 (this connection could be wireless in other embodiments).
[0068] In particular, when the reset actuator 108 is actuated, the reset actuator 108 provides a signal to the processor 109 (i.e. at the same time the reset actuator 108 transmits a signal to the valve 106 to reopen), indicating that the reset actuator 108 has been actuated. Likewise, when the sensor 105 detects that the beverage supply container 103 is substantially depleted, the sensor 105 provides a signal to the processor 109 (i.e. at the same time the sensor 106 sends a signal to the valve 106), indicating that it has made such a detection.
[0069] As will now be described, the processor 109 uses this data, received from the reset actuator 108 and sensor 105, to determine how long a given beverage supply container 101 has taken to be fully depleted (i.e. by dispensing through the beverage dispenser 102). This operation of the processor 109 is best described with reference to Figure 2.
[0070] At block 211 the reset actuator 108 is actuated by a user and transmits a signal to the processor 109. The processor 109 receives this signal at block 212, identifies this is an opening event and at block 213 generates and stores a first time stamp for the opening event (indicative of the time at which the reset actuator 108 was actuated).
[0071] At some point later, the beverage in the beverage supply container 101 will be substantially depleted (by dispensing through the beverage dispenser 102). When this occurs, the sensor 105 will detect bubbles in the beverage line 103 and will generate a signal (at block 214) that is transmitted to the processor 109. The processor 109, at block 215, receives this signal from the sensor 105 and then (at block 216) identifies a closure event, and generates and stores a second time stamp associated with this closure event (and indicative of the time at which the sensor 105 detected that the beverage supply container 101 was depleted).
[0072] At block 217 the processor 109 calculates the difference between the first and second stored time stamps in order to determine the time that elapsed between actuation of the reset actuator 108 and detection of bubbles by the sensor 105. As should be appreciated, this elapsed time is indicative of the time it took for the beverage supply container 101 to be substantially depleted.
[0073] As a final step, at block 218, the processor 109 communicates the calculated elapsed time to an operator.
[0074] As should be appreciated, although the process illustrated in Figure 2 has been described for a single beverage line 103, the same process would be applied to each of the three beverage lines 103 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.
[0075] Returning to Figure 1, in the presently illustrated embodiment the calculated elapsed time is communicated to an operator via the display of a mobile device 119 (but could alternatively, or additionally, be communicated via other means such as personal computer). In particular, the processor 109 is configured to transmit the determined elapsed time to a remote server 120 via a network (such as a cellular network and/or the internet). The mobile device 119 is configured to access the remote server 120 to download and display the elapsed time to an operator.
[0076] In addition to the normal dispensing operation described above, the system 100 is also configured to enter a cleaning mode in which one or more of the beverage lines 103 are cleaned. This cleaning mode is activated by actuation of one of three cleaning actuators 121 (each associated with a beverage line 103), in the form of push buttons mounted to the enclosures 122 and each operatively connected to a respective solenoid valve 106. As may be appreciated, this operative connection may be direct as illustrated, or may be indirect e.g. via a controller (not shown). In addition to cleaning mode being activated on a per-line basis, the system 100 may be configured such that all the beverage lines 103 enter cleaning mode concurrently (e.g. via actuation of one of the cleaning actuators 121 or a further actuator not shown).
[0077] Cleaning mode is optionally initiated by a user when replacing a beverage supply container 101. In particular, an operator will replace a depleted beverage supply container 101 with a cleaning fluid container. The operator then actuates the cleaning actuator 121 (associated with the respective beverage line 103) and the system 100 will enter cleaning mode on that beverage line 103. In cleaning mode, cleaning fluid (and water) is moved through the beverage line 103 to clean the interior of the beverage line 103. To deactivate cleaning mode, the operator disconnects the cleaning fluid from the beverage line 103, reconnects a new beverage supply container 101 and actuates the corresponding reset actuator 108 (which reopens the solenoid valve 106).
[0078] Figure 3 illustrates an additional function of the processor 109, associated with the above-described cleaning mode. In particular, the processor 109 is configured to determine an elapsed time that is representative of the length of time the system 100 is in cleaning mode. As may be appreciated, this information can be useful in understanding whether the system 100 is being adequately maintained (and thus may also be indicative of a state of the system 100).
[0079] At block 311 the cleaning actuator 121 is actuated by a user and transmits a signal to the processor 109. The processor 109 receives this signal at block 312 and stores a first time stamp (at block 313) associated with the actuation of the cleaning actuator 121.
[0080] At some subsequent point in time, after cleaning has been performed as described above, the operator will actuate the reset actuator 108. When this occurs, a signal is generated by the reset actuator 108 (at block 314) that is transmitted to the processor 109. The processor 109, at block 315, receives this signal from the reset actuator and then (at block 316) generates and stores a second time stamp associated with actuation of the reset actuator 108.
[0081] At block 317 the processor 109 calculates the difference between the first and second stored time stamps in order to determine the time that elapsed between actuation of the cleaning actuator 121 and actuation of the reset actuator 108. As should be appreciated, this elapsed time is indicative of the time the system 100 spent in cleaning mode.
[0082] As a final step, at block 318, the processor 109 communicates the calculated elapsed time to an operator.
[0083] As should be appreciated, the process illustrated in Figure 3 may run concurrently with the process illustrated in Figure 2 (in which case, the second stamp of the process of Figure 3, may be the same as the first time stamp of the process Figure 2). The exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0084] For example, in the illustrated embodiment the processor is local to the beverage line, but in other embodiments the processor may be remote from the beverage line. For example, communication between the sensor/reset actuator and the processor may be via a local (to the beverage line) communication module that transmits data to the processor via e.g. a cellular network and/or the internet.
[0085] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.
[0086] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
[0087] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
[0088] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/- 10%.
1. A beverage dispense system comprising:
a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser;
a sensor configured to detect whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
a valve operatively connected to the sensor, the valve moveable between:
an open position in which beverage is able to flow along the beverage line; and
a closed position in which flow of beverage along the beverage line is prevented by the valve, the valve configured to move to the closed position in response to detection by the sensor that a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage; and
a processor configured to determine an elapsed time between an opening event indicative of movement of the valve to the open position and a closure event indicative of movement of the valve to the closed position in response to detection that the beverage supply container is substantially depleted of beverage.
2. A beverage dispense system according to claim 1 wherein the opening event is a reopening
event that is subsequent to the closure event.
3. A beverage system according to claim 1 wherein the opening event precedes the closure
event.
4. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a reset
actuator operatively connected to the valve to cause the valve to move from the closed
position to the open position when actuated, and optionally wherein the reset actuator
is manually actuatable by an operator.
5. A beverage system according to claim 4 wherein the processor is operatively connected
to the sensor and the opening event is actuation of the sensor.
6. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor
is operatively connected to the sensor and the closure event is detection, by the
sensor, of the beverage supply container being substantially depleted of beverage.
7. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor
is configured to compare the elapsed time to a predetermined time threshold and generate
an alert when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time threshold.
8. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor
is a bubble sensor configured to detect bubbles in the beverage line.
9. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the beverage
line comprises a releasable connector for releasable connection to the beverage supply
container, and optionally wherein the sensor is mounted to the connector.
10. A beverage system according to claim 9, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the reset
actuator is mounted to the connector.
11. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a cleaning
actuator, the system configured to enter a cleaning mode when the cleaning actuator
is actuated.
12. A beverage system according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the processor
is configured to determine an elapsed time between an actuation of the cleaning actuator
and a subsequent actuation of the reset actuator.
13. A beverage system according to any one of the preceding claims comprises a user interface
operative connected to the processor for displaying the determined elapsed time to
a user.
14. A method of operating a beverage dispense system, the beverage dispense system comprising
a beverage line connectable between a beverage supply container and a beverage dispenser,
and the method comprising:
opening the beverage line so as to allow flow of beverage along the beverage line;
detecting whether a beverage supply container connected to the beverage line is substantially depleted of beverage;
closing the beverage line in response to detection of the beverage supply container being substantially depleted of beverage;
determining an elapsed time between an opening event indicative of the beverage line being opened and a closure event indicative of the beverage line being closed.
15. A method according to claim 14 further comprising one or more of:
generating an alert based on the determined elapsed time;
disconnecting a beverage supply container from the beverage line based on the determined elapsed time; and
cleaning the beverage line based on the determined elapsed time.