Beverage dispenser tap cover with position sensing switch
US5750905A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/00031
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Existing beverage dispensing taps may be retrofitted with a mechanism that provides an electrical signal which indicates when the tap is open. That mechanism includes a housing with an open bottom for placement over the tap with a lever of the tap projecting upward through an aperture in the housing. The housing is held in place over the tap by a compression bonnet the holds the operating lever on a conventional beverage tap. A switch assembly within the housing is engaged and operated by a component of the beverage tap to provide the electrical signal. The switch assembly has a unique double action actuator that tolerates different amounts of movement of the tap component. The actuator has a ring that is engaged by the tap component to operate the switch assembly and an annular flange secured to the housing. A first flexible web connects the ring to the annular flange and a button with a surface with a conductive surface is coupled to the ring by a second flexible web. When the switch is closed the conductive surface abuts a pair of contacts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.