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:
Feb. 10, 2015
Filed:
Apr. 18, 2011
Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, St. Gallen, CH;
Ralph Kugler, Herisau, CH;
Yann Epars, Penthalaz, CH;
Hanspeter Pleisch, Corseaux, CH;
Vincent Martin, Crissier, CH;
Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, St. Gallen, CH;
Ralph Kugler, Herisau, CH;
Yann Epars, Penthalaz, CH;
HansPeter Pleisch, Corseaux, CH;
Vincent Martin, Crissier, CH;
Nestec S.A., Vevey, CH;
Abstract
The present invention discloses a beverage machine () comprising a tank (), which holds a liquid for preparing a beverage, and a dispenser (), to which the tank is connectable, wherein the tank () comprises a valve (); the dispenser comprises an opening () for receiving the valve in connection of the tank on the dispenser; at least one ultrasonic transceiver () is disposed in the dispenser () or tank (), the ultrasonic transceiver being designed to emit and receive ultrasonic waves () in the liquid, in order to determine the distance (d) from the transceiver to the liquid level (), wherein it further comprises a control unit (), which is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver () which is adapted to determine the distance (d) changing with time and as a result the volume (V) of the liquid flowing out of the tank.