Gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system preventing unintended environmental discharge
US8757437B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7723
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.