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US3756464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for automatically terminating dispensing of beverage when supply is empty
Assignee: Cornelius Co
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Filing: 1972-02-28
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Granted: 1973-09-04
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Expires: 1992-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A beverage dispensing system includes a supply of beverage or beverage ingredient which is subjected to gas pressure and which is conducted through a dispensing line through various components that cause a pressure drop and thence to a dispensing valve. When the supply of beverage is exhausted, pressurized gas in place of beverage passes through the line and raises the pressure upstream of the dispensing valve and also downstream of the dispensing valve where a subseqauent flow restrictor is provided. The increase in pressure is sensed by a pressure switch that disables the dispensing valve and activates ''''sold-out'''' indicating means.
Inventors
- 👤 N Fuqua
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:46
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F13/00; G07F13/06; G07F13/065; B; B67; B67D; B67D1/00; B67D1/08; B67D1/12; B67D1/1247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
In a method for automatically dispensing a beverage in a system, the steps comprising: a. applying gas to a supply of the beverage at a predetermined pressure; b. from time to time, withdrawing servings of beverage from said supply in response to said pressure; c. during normal dispensing, sensing the normal pressure at a point in the system which then has a pressure less than that upon said supply; and d. automatically shutting down the system in response to increase in said normal pressure during dispensing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
In a method for automatically dispensing a beverage in a system, the steps comprising: a. applying gas to a supply of the beverage at a predetermined pressure; b. from time to time, withdrawing servings of beverage from said supply in response to said pressure; c. during normal dispensing, sensing the normal pressure at a point in the system which then has a pressure less than that upon said supply; and d. automatically shutting down the system in response to increase in said normal pressure during dispensing.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for automatically dispensing a beverage, comprising: a. a tank for storing a supply of the beverage, and arranged to be connected to a supply of pressurized gas; b. a line for conducting beverage from said supply; c. a dispensing valve connected to said line; d. controls connected to said valve for operating it; and e. pressure responsive means connected to a point in said line for sensing the normal pressure at such point during dispensing, and responsive to an increase in such normal pressure to disable said controls and to close said dispensing valve.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for automatically dispensing a beverage, comprising: a. a tank for storing a supply of the beverage, and arranged to be connected to a supply of pressurized gas; b. a line for conducting beverage from said supply; c. a dispensing valve connected to said line; d. controls connected to said valve for operating it; and e. pressure responsive means connected to a point in said line for sensing the normal pressure at such point during dispensing, and responsive to an increase in such normal pressure to disable said controls and to close said dispensing valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 2 including a constant flow -rate control valve for regulating the flow rate of beverage in said line, said point being downstream of said flow-rate control valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 2 including a cooling coil in said line and having a pressure-drop thereacross during dispensing, said point being downstream of said cooling coil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 2 including a beverage flow restrictor in said line, said point being upstream of said flow restrictor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 2 including a constant flow-rate control valve and a cooling coil in series with said dispensing valve, and a beverage flow restrictor downstream of said dispensing valve, said point being between said dispensing valve and said flow restrictor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a method for automatically dispensing a beverage in a system according to claim 1, the step of regulating the flow rate of beverage withdrawn from the supply.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 2 in which said pressure responsive means is of the latching manual reset type to maintain the disablement of said controls.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a method for automatically dispensing a beverage in a system according to claim 1, the step of cooling the beverage upstream of said point subsequently to withdrawing it from the supply.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a method for automatically dispensing a beverage in a system according to claim 1, the step of restricting the flow of beverage downstream of said point whereby said increase is enhanced.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 5 in which said flow restrictor is an orifice vented to atmosphere downstream of said point.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 2 including means in said line causing a pressure drop during beverage flow, and a gas flow restrictor downstream thereof, said point being therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2880910A
Cited
US3420282A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-03 | 1977-03-05 | 1977-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-03 | 1981-03-05 | 1981-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-03 | 1985-03-05 | 1985-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |