Beverage dispenser tray assembly
US5490614A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D1/16
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A beverage dispenser has a tray assembly for holding at least three containers, each having a plurality of electrodes. An electrical system provides a voltage to one electrode in each container, and detects when the syrup is below a certain level. The tray assembly has a first tray for supporting a first container and a second tray for supporting a second container, where the first and second trays are electrically insulated from each other. Each tray is coupled to a lead which carries a signal, and each tray is coupled to an electrode of the respective container. The first tray includes a vertical member which contacts an electrode of the second containers. The tray assembly can accommodate three or more containers and uses signals through the electrodes and leads to provide an out-of-strup indication separately for each container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.