US4827426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data acquisition and processing system for post-mix beverage dispensers
Assignee: Coca-Cola Co
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Filing: 1987-05-18
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Granted: 1989-05-02
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Expires: 2007-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A data acquisition and processing system for a post-mix drink dispenser which automatically determines and correlates the number, size and flavor of drinks poured from a plurality of valve assemblies to specific periods of time within a given day or week of a period of interest, and correlates the actual volume of syrup and water dispensed for the same period.
Inventors
- 👤 Melissa F. Patton
- 👤 Kenneth G. Smazik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:24
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F9/00; G07F9/08; B; B67; B67D; B67D1/00; B67D1/0041; G07F13/00; G07F13/06; G07F13/065; G07F13/10; B67D2210/00; B67D2210/00028; B67D2210/00081; B67D2210/00083; B67D2210/00091
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
In a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages in containers of different sizes, said beverages including mixtures of syrup and water in predetermined proportions, a data logging system for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising: (a) means for periodically counting at regular intervals the number of containers and determining the size of the containers filled with beverage for each respective valve assembly, a filled container being defined as a drink; (b) means for periodically determining at said regular intervals the volume of syrup and water dispensed by each respective valve assembly; (c) clock means for continuously generating time of day signals; and (d) means for correlating said time of day signals to said regular intervals; whereby the number and size of drinks and the volume of syrup and the volume of water dispensed for each respective valve assembly may be determined for selected times of day.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
In a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages in containers of different sizes, said beverages including mixtures of syrup and water in predetermined proportions, a data logging system for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising: (a) means for periodically counting at regular intervals the number of containers and determining the size of the containers filled with beverage for each respective valve assembly, a filled container being defined as a drink; (b) means for periodically determining at said regular intervals the volume of syrup and water dispensed by each respective valve assembly; (c) clock means for continuously generating time of day signals; and (d) means for correlating said time of day signals to said regular intervals; whereby the number and size of drinks and the volume of syrup and the volume of water dispensed for each respective valve assembly may be determined for selected times of day.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 further including means for computing the number of drinks per gallon of syrup dispensed by each respective valve assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 further including means for determining the temperature of the syrup dispensed by each respective valve assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 further including means for transmitting data acquired via a telephone line to remote locations.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for use in a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages into containers of different sizes, said beverages including mixtures of syrup and water in predetermined proportions, a data logging method for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising the steps of: (a) periodically counting at regular intervals the number of containers and determining the size of the containers filled with beverage for each respective valve assembly, a filled container being defined as a drink; (b) periodically determining at said regular intervals the volume of syrup and water dispensed by each respective valve assembly; (c) continuously generating time of day signals; and (d) correlating said time of day signals to said regular intervals; whereby the number and size of drinks and the volume of syrup and the volume of water dispensed for each respective valve assembly may be determined for selected times of day.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for use in a beverage dispenser apparatus having a plurality of valve assemblies for dispensing respective flavors of beverages into containers of different sizes, said beverages including mixtures of syrup and water in predetermined proportions, a data logging method for sensing and storing information with respect to beverages dispensed from each respective valve assembly, the improvement comprising the steps of: (a) periodically counting at regular intervals the number of containers and determining the size of the containers filled with beverage for each respective valve assembly, a filled container being defined as a drink; (b) periodically determining at said regular intervals the volume of syrup and water dispensed by each respective valve assembly; (c) continuously generating time of day signals; and (d) correlating said time of day signals to said regular intervals; whereby the number and size of drinks and the volume of syrup and the volume of water dispensed for each respective valve assembly may be determined for selected times of day.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of computing the number of drinks per gallon of syrup dispensed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of determining the temperature of the syrup dispensed by each respective valve assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of transmitting data acquired via a telephone line to a remote location.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-01 | 1992-10-31 | 1993-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-01 | 1996-10-31 | 1997-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-10-31 | 2001-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |