Ultrasound level detector and container counter
US4917155A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S367/908
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing automatically begins as a container is inserted under the ultrasonic transducer into a proper position beneath a post-mix beverage dispenser nozzle. The transducer continuously measures the distance between the top or lip of the container and a liquid/foam interface of a carbonated beverage being dispensed into the container. Dispensing stops when the transducer senses a predetermined level of carbonated beverage within the container. In addition, dispensing is initially stopped before the liquid level reaches the top of the container to allow for dissipation of foam on the top of a carbonated beverage and dispensing is reinitiated to to…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.