RS20190325A1 - Touchless tap handle for beverage dispensing - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-contact handle of the tap for dispensing drinks is provided, which contains a non-return valve with a spring and a ball in the tap housing. The faucet housing is a male end with a thread for connecting to the beverage dispensing line. Between the beverage connection and the non-return valve is a flow control valve that has a detachable control mechanism. The system operator can use a control mechanism to calibrate the fluid flow. The control mechanism is additionally fastened or equipped with a key to enable its removal after changing the system flow parameters. An extension of the faucet handle is also provided, which can be attached to the faucet housing by means of a thread. The tap lever extension does not specifically control the operating parameters that are intended to be initiated by the control button, the tapping control system.

Description

NON-CONTACT HANDLE FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an improved operation of a beverage dispenser for dispensing beer or wine in an automated manner and, more specifically, to an improved faucet handle for use with such devices.

2. State of the art

[0002] In the automation of beverage dispensing systems, measurement, monitoring, control and continuous dispensing of specific volumes can be achieved in a manner that attempts to maximize throughput and optimize beverage dispensing reproducibility. Achieving these improvements is valuable in many situations, especially at larger events where faster and more accurate delivery of concessions improves financial results and also minimizes interruptions in enjoyment related to the main entertainment event. In the application of such vending machines for the distribution of drinks, various problems have been identified that would otherwise not be noticeable. In particular, the use of conventional faucet handles has been proven to create operational problems that can lead to inefficiencies.

[0003] Traditional "beer taps" are valves or faucets for controlling the flow of beer, a carbonated beverage held under pressure. Faucets generally include hand-operated ball valves with a standardized connection, where a threaded male connector is placed on the beer line and the valve mechanism is operated by a vertically mounted faucet handle. Typical faucet handles are between 9-13" tall and provide a base for placement of the trademark to recognize the beverage brand. Therefore, dispensing is typically manually activated by service personnel, causing portion sizes to be determined manually.

[0004] In the application of dispensers that are not intended for pouring beer but for wine, mixed cocktails or the like, taps that are usually used for pouring beer were initially used and it was observed that they have certain disadvantages. Issues included interference with cycle automation due to manual activation or attempted manual activation during an automated dispensing cycle. In addition, conventional beer faucets do not include a check valve feature to prevent drips between pours or oxidation of the beverage in line. Next, a need was identified to allow system control personnel to perform calibration, and to prevent system settings from being changed, either accidentally or intentionally, by service personnel, waiters, and other personnel.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved dispensing faucet with a dispensing valve for use with improved beverage dispensing systems and methods of operation having metered, monitored, controlled and continuous dispensing volumes.

THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing faucet with a dispensing valve for use with an automated beverage dispensing system method.

[0007] The broader objective of the present invention is to provide a broadly or equivalently improved contactless faucet that provides optimal system performance of automated beverage dispensing, with dosing and monitoring systems.

[0008] Briefly according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-contact beverage dispensing faucet comprising a spring-loaded ball check valve in the faucet housing. A check valve may be adjustable to provide a difference between opening and closing pressures. The faucet body is a male threaded end to connect to the beverage dispensing line. Between the drink connection and the non-return valve is a flow control valve with a detachable control mechanism. The system operator can use the control mechanism to calibrate the fluid. the control mechanism can thus be keyed and can be removed after installation in the field to prevent accidental or intentional change of the system flow parameters by the bartender. A faucet handle extension is provided that can be screwed into place behind the faucet body. The faucet handle extension does not specifically control the operating parameters, which are intended to be activated by the control button of the pour control system. easily the faucet handle extension can provide an overall form factor that is otherwise similar to a conventional faucet and can be used to attach a branded or designed handle, the faucet handle extension cannot initiate manual opening or closing of the valve.

[0009] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, the flow control valve may be provided in the form of an electromagnetic control valve, or a pneumatic control valve.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a variant of the pneumatic control valve can provide an additional benefit due to the use of the same pneumatic pressure source that generally serves to provide the force to push the drinks, for automated control systems for dispensing drinks.

[0011] the control valve, which is provided in each aspect, may be placed inside said spout instead of the spring-activated check valve, or may be placed in the faucet housing in the fluid connection line before the check valve mechanism.

[0012] An advantage of this invention is that it prevents the bartender from influencing the beverage flow operation during the automated cycle.

[0013] Another advantage of this invention is that it provides a control valve built into the faucet. This advantage can prevent drips at the end of the pour cycle, and prevent air from contacting the beverage within the device line.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a control valve that can be removed so that it is accessible only during service or otherwise accessible only to authorized persons.

[0015] The next advantage of the control valve in question is that it ensures complete closure of the beverage flow when servicing the system.

[0016] Further advantages of the present invention provide better accuracy and repeatability and reduce the variability of dispensed beverage volumes during operation of automated pour control systems.

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The advantages and features of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and patent claims, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like symbols, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a non-contact faucet handle for use with beverage dispensers and dispensing control systems according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of its cross-section;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the faucet according to the preferred solution of the subject invention with the handle 24 in place; and

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 3 shown without the handle 24 which has been removed. DESCRIPTION

DESIRABLE REALIZATIONS

[0023] The best way to implement the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, which is shown here in the Figures.

1. Detailed Description of the Picture

[0024] Before explaining the subject invention in detail, it is important to understand that the application of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated construction details and steps described herein.

The proposed systems and methods, in the embodiment of the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended to provide precise volume control using an automated beverage dispensing system, particularly those automated beverage dispensing systems previously described in patent application PCT/US2016/27175, or equivalents thereof. As will be shown and described further in the text, such an improved and precise beverage dispensing control operation can be achieved by anticipatory control of the alternating reciprocating movements of the pusher piston, to allow repeatability and control at different pressures and in case of operational anomalies that always occur in different real-world circumstances. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description, not limitation, and should be construed broadly for the purpose for which they are intended.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tap system is provided that enables the achievement of efficiency and repeatability of operations when using an automated beverage dispensing system. Referring to FIG. 1-3, a non-contact beverage dispensing faucet handle is provided, which is generally designated 10. The non-contact faucet handle 10 includes a faucet body 20, a check valve mechanism 30, a spout 40, and a flow regulating mechanism 50.

[0026] The faucet housing 20 can have any shape that imitates existing faucets; However, while such a form may be desirable it should be apparent that the form factor should not limit the functions or operations of the subject invention. The housing 20 should include a threaded coupling 22 to enable connection to both conventional beverage dispensing systems and automated beverage dispensing systems of the type described, which are considered to be within or encompassed by the scope of filed patent application PCT/US2016/27175 or their equivalents. Faucet handle extension 24 is then threaded 26 so that it can be screwably attached to faucet body 20. Faucet handle extension 24 does not specifically control operating parameters intended to be initiated by a dispensing control system control button (not shown). easily the faucet handle extension 24 can provide an overall form factor similar to other conventional faucets that can be used to place a brand trademark or designed handle, with the faucet handle extension 24 no manual opening or closing can be initiated.

[0027] The check valve mechanism 30 is positioned between the flow regulating mechanism 50 and the spout 40. According to one aspect of the present invention, the check valve mechanism 30 may include a spring 32 and ball 34 construction to provide opening or closing at a desired system pressure. According to another aspect of the present invention, the check valve mechanism 30 can be adjusted to provide a differential opening or closing pressure. One such mechanism for adjusting these operating pressures of the check valve 30 is to provide replaceable springs 32 with desired spring constants that can be installed in the valve body 36 .

[0028] Between the beverage supply connector 22 and the check valve housing 36 is a flow control mechanism 50. The flow control mechanism 50 may include a valve mechanism 52 with a detachable control mechanism 54. The flow control valve 52 can be used as a control mechanism to calibrate fluid flow through the spout 40. The detachable control mechanism 54 can be keyed or bolted so that after field installation can be taken off. Since the handle 54 is detachable, bartenders or other personnel are prevented from accidentally or intentionally changing the system flow parameters.

[0029] According to a functionally equivalent aspect of the present invention, the flow control valve 52 may be provided in the form of an electromagnetic control valve, or a pneumatic control valve. The use of a solenoid control valve was found not to be operationally compatible with an automated control system for dispensing carbonated beverages, such as beer or champagne, as the configuration of such valves appears to result in turbulence that renders such dispensing commercially unacceptable. Therefore, it is intended that the use of magnetic control valves be limited to non-carbonated beverages, such as still wines, mixed alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, flavored water, energy drinks, and similar or equivalent beverages.

[0030] Alternatively, the use of a variant of the pneumatic control valve appears acceptable for automated dispensing of most beverages. It has been determined that the use of pneumatic control valves in such an operation would provide an additional benefit due to the use of the same source of pneumatic pressure that is generally provided to provide force to push the beverage in automated beverage dispensing control systems.

[0031] In each variant, the control valve may be positioned within said spout instead of the spring-activated check valve, or may be positioned in the connection housing 20 on the fluid line before the check valve mechanism 30.

2. Functioning of the desired realization

[0032] The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with an automated beverage dispensing system. More specifically, it is believed that the present invention can be used in combination with an improved operation of a Beverage Dispensing System of the type described, which is believed to be or is covered by the scope of the filed application PCT/US2016/27175 or its equivalent. The use of such an improved faucet handle may allow for the optimal operation of such a beverage dispensing system without affecting the previous improvements achieved with such beverage dispensing systems, namely, such as maximized flow and optimized efficiency in non-beer beverage dispenser applications such as wine dispensers, mixed cocktails, or the like. When attached to the spout of such a system, the flow control mechanism 50 is positioned to provide the desired fluid flow. Similarly, the check valve mechanism 30 can be adjusted to provide the desired closing pressure. At this point the Beverage Control System can thus be used in accordance with its intended functionality without the problems and drawbacks identified when using conventionally available faucet mechanisms.

[0033] The above descriptions of specific embodiments of the subject invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They were not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precisely described forms, and obviously many modifications and variations exist in light of the foregoing disclosure. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to make the best use of the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular applications contemplated. It is intended that the scope of this invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be limited only by the following claims.

Claims (22)

PATENT REQUESTS 1. A faucet configuration for use with an automated beverage control system comprising: a faucet housing fluidly in-line connected opposite the faucet spout, said fluid in-line connection enabling connection to a beverage dispensing system; a flow control mechanism in fluid communication between said fluid line connector and said spout, said fluid control mechanism being in operative communication with an automated beverage dispensing control system; and a faucet handle extension detachably attached to the faucet body, wherein said faucet handle extension does not specifically control the operating parameters of the flow through said faucet handle configuration. 2. Faucet configuration according to claim 1, characterized in that said flow regulation mechanism further comprises: a control valve mechanism used to regulate fluid flow through the faucet spout; and detachable control mechanism. 3. A faucet configuration according to claim 2, characterized in that the detachable control mechanism has a keyed handle or is otherwise secured to prevent control of fluid flow. 4. Faucet configuration according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said flow regulation mechanism contains a control valve selected from the group consisting of: pneumatic control valve; and a solenoid control valve. 5. The faucet configuration of claim 4, wherein said control valve is positioned within said spout. 6. A faucet configuration according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said pneumatic control valve is operatively actuated by a pneumatic drive force that also functionally acts on the automated beverage dispensing control system. 7. A faucet configuration for use with an automated beverage dispensing control system comprising: a faucet housing that is in-line fluidly connected opposite to the spout of the faucet, said in-line fluid connection enabling connection to the beverage dispensing system; a non-return valve mechanism that is in fluid communication with said outlet; and a flow control mechanism being in fluid communication between said fluid line connection and said faucet spout, said fluid flow control mechanism being further in operative communication with an automated beverage dispensing control system. 8. Faucet configuration according to claim 7, characterized in that said non-return valve mechanism is placed between the flow control mechanism and the spout of the faucet. 9. A valve configuration according to claim 8, characterized in that said non-return valve mechanism comprises a spring and ball assembly to ensure opening or closing at a desired pressure in the system. 10. Faucet configuration according to claim 9, characterized in that said check valve mechanism further comprises replaceable springs with desired spring constants, which can be incorporated into the check valve housing. 11. The faucet configuration of claim 7, wherein said flow control mechanism further comprises: a flow control valve mechanism used to regulate the flow of fluid through the faucet spout; and detachable control mechanism. 12. The faucet configuration of claim 11, wherein said detachable control mechanism comprises a keyed handle or is otherwise attached so as to be removable upon adjustment of fluid flow. 13. The faucet configuration of claim 11, wherein said flow control valve mechanism comprises a pneumatic control valve. 14. The faucet configuration of claim 13, wherein said pneumatic control valve is positioned between said fluid line connector and said check valve mechanism. 15. The faucet configuration of claim 13, characterized in that said pneumatic control valve is operatively actuated by a pneumatic thrust force that also functionally acts on the automated beverage dispensing control system. 16. The faucet configuration of claim 15, characterized in that said pneumatic control valve is operatively actuated by a pneumatic thrust force that also functionally acts on the automated beverage dispensing control system. 17. A faucet handle configuration for use with an automated beverage dispensing control system comprising: a faucet housing that is fluidly in-line connected opposite the faucet spout, said faucet housing further including a threaded connector that enables connection to a beverage dispensing system; the mechanism of the non-return valve in fluid communication with the specified spout of the faucet; flow regulation mechanism; and a faucet handle extension that is threadedly attached to the faucet housing, said faucet handle extension not specifically controlling flow operating parameters through said faucet handle configuration. 18. The faucet handle configuration of claim 17, wherein said non-return valve mechanism is positioned between the flow control mechanism and the faucet spout. 19. The faucet handle configuration of claim 17 or 18, wherein said check valve mechanism includes a spring and ball assembly to provide opening or closing at a desired system pressure. 20. A faucet handle configuration according to claims 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that said check valve mechanism further includes replaceable springs with desired spring constants that can be incorporated into the check valve housing. 21. The faucet handle configuration of claim 17, wherein said flow control mechanism further comprises: a control valve mechanism used to regulate fluid flow through the faucet spout; and detachable control mechanism. 22. The faucet handle configuration of claim 21, wherein said detachable control mechanism includes a handle operatively connected to the flow control control valve mechanism, keyed or otherwise secured so as to be removable from said control valve mechanism to disable fluid flow rate adjustment.