The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 07, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 13, 1999
Charles E. Bennett, Sacramento, CA (US);
Antonio J. Jepson, Dixon, CA (US);
Automatic Bar Controls, Inc., Vacaville, CA (US);
Abstract
This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the beverage concentrate supply bag. The system automatically controls the flow of mixed beverage out of the mixing device in response to the detected flow of beverage concentrate. In a specific embodiment, a pressure switch is provided to monitor the pressure of the flow of beverage concentrate into the mixing device. When the pressure sensed by the pressure switch falls below a preset minimum pressure, the pressure switch activates a flow regulating device coupled to the outlet of the mixing device to shut off the flow of beverage from the mixing device. This prevents or minimizes the dispensing of beverages of improper mix ratios from the mixing device. After the beverage concentrate supply bag is replaced, the pressure in the flow of concentrate will build. When the pressure switch senses a pressure that rises to or above the preset minimum pressure, it automatically opens the flow regulating device to the flow of beverage out of the mixing device.