Material detection system for a beverage dispenser
US6761284B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D1/0871
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system, method and apparatus for detecting the presence or absence as well as the level of material in a beverage dispenser. The system includes a sensor assembly including a light source and a light detector. The source and detector are in close proximity to one another with the detector detecting a beam emitted from the source and the beam is reflected from material retained in the container. A controller is provided and receives a signal from the sensor assembly for controllably operating functions of the beverage dispenser based on the detection signal from the sensor assembly relating to material in the container. The apparatus for detecting a level of material in the container includes a comparator coupled to the sensor assembly for receiving a signal from the detector, the output from the comparator coupled to the controller. A variable gain amplifier is coupled to the detector for receiving an output signal from the detector. The variable gain amplifier provides an input signal to the comparator. The method of operation of the system and apparatus compensates for tolerances and environmental variables.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.