Patent · US Expired

Self-fill system

US4728005A · kind A · utility

72Cited by
11References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 20, 1986
Grant dateMar 1, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 20, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/7306
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In connection with a beverage dispensing machine, an automatic self-fill control apparatus for the machine for controlling the filling of the liquid tank, which liquid tank is fed with a combination of water and a concentrate syrup adapted to be mixed with the water within the tank. A sensor member is disposed in the tank in a position so as to be responsive to the rise and fall of liquid in the tank. Pump means are provided adapted to pump the syrup to the tank. Control of water flow to the tank is also carried out. The sensor member has a low probe for detecting a low predetermined level of liquid in the tank and a high probe for detecting a high predetermined level of liquid in the tank and adapted to respectively generate low and high probe signals. Control circuit means is provided receiving and responsive to these low and high probe signals for controlling the pump to operate when the low probe is uncovered and terminating the pumping action when the liquid level reaches the high probe position so that the liquid level in the tank is always maintained at a level between the low and high probes. Also provided is a third sensor for determining an unsafe condition referred to he…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.