WO2004096694A9

WO2004096694A9 - Pressurised drink dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2004096694A9
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Vok; George Vok
Original assignee: AT GROUP INTERNATIONAL Ltd; AT GROUP INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: AT GROUP INTERNATIONAL Ltd; AT GROUP INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2003-04-30
Filing date: 2004-04-30
Publication date: 2005-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2005-10-30
Also published as: WO2004096694A1

Abstract

A drink (eg beer) dispensing system has pressurising means (gas supply (11)) to force drink from supply (12) along line (17) to dispensing tap (16). Computer (3) controls the dispenser using inputs from gas pressure sensor (25), sensors (26-27) for oxalate ions and bacteria in pipe (17), coolant sensor (28) for sensing the temperature in coolant line (19), and flow meter (30). A user inputs a volume to be dispensed via pushing a respective button (32) which, via computer control of solenoid-actuated piston-type valve (31), ensures the correct volume is delivered to tap (16). The system can produce warning signals or even prevent supply if sensors, indicate undue delay in cleaning procedures for the drink line (17), problems with the cooling system, etc.

Description

DISPENSER

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates broadly to fluid dispensing systems and in particular to a fluid dispenser for supplying a chilled drink under pressure, as well as a valve for controlling dispensation of a fluid dispenser. The invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a beer dispenser.

Background of the invention

Drinks such as beer are typically served on tap using a pressurised drink receptacle which in the case of beer is typically a barrel or keg. A beer barrel is usually connected to a tap via a beer line. Due to the pressure of the beer inside the barrel beer is dispensed by opening the tap. Drinks which are served on tap usually require a pressurisation system to maintain the pressure within the receptacle as the drink is consumed. These drinks also typically include a cooling system. Cooling systems of tap beer are typically designed to cool the beer as it flows along the beer line, thereby ensuring that the drink is served at a desired chilled temperature.

An operator, such as a barmarv is typically required to operate the beer tap and control the dispensation of beer from it The beer tap is typically operated by turning it between closed and open positions. This is a time consuming task, and can result in long waiting times in bars, or the like, during busy periods.

Drink systems which serve drinks "on tap" typically experience faults with their pressurisation or cooling systems. These faults can result in the drink being under pressurised, or under chilled- This will generally result in a lower quality drink.

While the faults may be identified by trained bar persons, this is often not until after a number of drinks have been served. Because the depressurised or unchilled drinks are typically replaced, these faults are wasteful and can result in increased overheads.

Furthermore, if the faults are not rectified quickly they result in unsatisfied customers. These aults are not only of concern to proprietors of establishments that serve drinks on tap, but also to ike drink suppliers, for example, breweries. Additionally, it is important that the drink receptacle and drink line, as well as the drink "tap" are kept clean to prevent contamination of the drink. Cleanliness is particularly important for beer. Yeast cultures such as calcium oxalate tend to accumulate in the beer lines and can therefore contaminate beer as it is fed to the beer tap. A number of recent studies, such as a. report by Dr Herbert Knauer shown at www.knauer.net, have shown that calcium oxalate and other such contaminants can have a serious effect on health. Iα particular, studies have shown links to conditions such as breast cancer, and kidney stones.

Yeast culture begin to build up in a beer line almost immediately after beer first flows through it. Regular cleaning of the beer line is therefore required. In general, the frequency of cleaning is controlled by the establishments that serve tap beer. Breweries have little

Opportunity to monitor cleaning and it is therefore difficult for them to control the quality of beer which is served.

Summary øf the Invention

ϊn a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drink dispensing system comprising; pressurisation means for pressurising a drink supply; a drink line for dispensing the drink supply; and a line sensor for sensing the presence of a contaminant in the drink line and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant.

The drink dispensing system of the first aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises a drink selection input for receiving a drink request. Suitably, the drink selecting input is arranged to receive data corresponding to the type and quantity of the requested drink,

In another preferred form of the irst aspect of the present invention, the drink dispensing system comprises dispensation control means for controlling the quantity of drink dispensed. The dispensation control means preferably comprises dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed. The dispensation control means preferably also comprises the drink selection input Suitably, the dispensed volume measuring means is operatively arranged with respect to the drink selection input to control dispensation of the requested drink.

The drink dispensing system of the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise one or more of: a supply; and cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a drink dispensing system for dispensing a drink, the dispensing system comprising: a supply of the drink; pressurisation means for pressurising the drink supply; a drink line for dispensing the drink; cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line; dispensed] volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed; a drink selection input for receiving a drink request indicating the type and quantity of at least one drink to be dispensed; and dispensation control means arranged operatively with respect to the dispensed volume measuring means and drink selection input to control dispensation of the requested drink.

Suitably, the drink selection input of the first and second aspects of the present invention is arranged to send predetermined dispensation control signals to the dispensation control means upon receipt of corresponding predetermined inputs.

The dispensation control means of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise the dispensed volume measuring means. The dispensation control means of the second aspect of the present invention may also comprise the drinkselection input, The dispensation control means of the first and second aspects of the present invention is preferably operatively coupled to said drink line or said, outlet and arranged to control dispensation of the requested drink

the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprise dispensed volume processing means which is arranged to detect; instantaneous measurements of the dispensed volume measuring means to determine the quantity of drink dispensed during dispensation of a requested drink, compare the quantity of the drink dispensed with the quantity of the requested drink, and respectively close or open said drink line when the quantity of the drink dispensed is equal to or greater than the quantity of the requested drink, or less than or equal to the quantity of the requested drink. Suitably, the dispensed volume measuring means is arranged to produce a dispensed volume signal during dispensation of a requested drink which indicates the instantaneous quantity of the dispensed drink. The dispensed volume processing means is also preferably arranged to detect the dispensed volume signal and determine the quantity of drink that has been dispensed.

The dispensed volume signal may be a set quantity signal which indicates when a predetermined quantity of a requested drink has been dispensed. Alternatively, said signal comprises a cumulative signal which indicates the total amount of a requested drink mat has been dispensed. The cumulative signal may be derived from the set quantity signal. The set quantity and cumulative signals may represent the measured drink quantity, in which case the dispensed volume processing means is arranged to determine the quantity of drink that has been dispensed by reference to corresponding dispensed volume reference measurements. Alternatively, the set quantity and cumulative signals comprise measurement values which equal the measured quantity.

The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprises a control valve which is arranged to close or open the drink line or outlet and respectively prevent or allow continued dispensation of the drink. The control valve is preferably positioned proximal the outlet. Suitably, said drink dispensing system of the first and second aspect of the present invention further comprises control valve processing means operatively coupled to the control valve to open or close it

The dispensed volume measuring means is preferably arranged to measure volume. . The drink dispensing system of the second aspect of the present invention may further comprise a line sensor for sensing the presence in the drink line of and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant.

The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise line sensor processing means arranged to detect and indicate the line sensor signal. -

The line sensor processing means is preferably arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal indicates the presence or, does not indicate the absence, of a αonta inant.

In one preferred form of the first and second aspects of the present invention the line sensor is signal is arranged to indicate the presence or absence of a contaminant if the concentrations of the contaminant corresponds to a predetermined range of contaminant reference concentrations.

In another preferred form the line sensor signal comprises one or more line sensor operating values corresponding to contaminant concentrations or range of contaminant concentrations over a predetermined period of time, and the line sensor operating values indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant if the contaminant concentrations correspond to a predeter ined range of contaminant reference concentrations.

Suitably, the line sensor processing means is arranged to compare the line sensor operating values with corresponding line sensor reference operating values to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant

The line sensor of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged to sense the presence of bacteria or oxalate or both bacteria and oxalate.

The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise one or more of:

(a) a pressure sensor for determining the pressure of the drink supply and producing a pressure sensor signal indicating the pressure; and (b) one or more cooling sensors for sensing one or more of the following and producing a temperature sensor signal indicating temperature or operation or both temperature and operation:

(i) the temperature of the cooling means; (ii) the temperature of the drink and

(iii) operation of the cooling means.

In another preferred form of the first and second aspect of the present invention the dispensing system further comprises pressure and temperature processing means arranged ti? detect said signal of the pressure sensor or one or more of the cooling sensors, or both the pressure sensor and cooling sensors. The pressure and temperature processing means is arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal(β) indicates that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is not in a. desirable range, or does not indicate that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is in a desirable range.

Suitably, the pressure and cooling sensors are arranged to produce a pressure and cooling sensor signal indicating that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is or is not operating in a desirable range if the sensed pressure or temperature value corresponds to a predetermined range of pressure and cooling sensor reference values. Alternatively, the pressure and cooling sensor signal comprises one or more coπesponding pressure and cooling sensor operating values representative of the sensed pressure or temperature value or range of sensed pressure or temperature values over a predetermined period of time, and the pressure and cooling sensor operating values indicate that the pressure or temperature is or is not in a desirable range if the sensed pressure or temperature value corresponds to a predetermined range of pressure and cooling sensor reference values.

Suitably, the pressure and temperature processing means is arranged to compare the pressure and cooling sensor operating values with corresponding pressure and cooling sensor reference operating values to determine if the pressure or temperature is or is not in a desirable range. The desirable range of line sensor and pressure and temperature operating values may correspond to a range of concentrations, pressures and temperatures that will not adversely affect the drink quality or operation of the drink dispensing system. For example, the desirable range may include a range of cooling means temperatures which will not damage the cooling means. The desirable range of line sensor and pressure and temperature operating values may also include a range of concentrations, pressures and temperatures which are unlikely to adversely affect the quality of the drink. However, the desirable range preferably corresponds to a range of cooling means temperatures that ensure efficient and effective operation of the cooling means, and a range of pressures and temperatures that ensure that the dispensed drink will meet predeteπnined criteria.

The one or more cooling sensors of the first and second broad forms of the present invention may include first and second cooling sensors for sensing of the temperature of the cooling means and drink, ;and operation of the cooling system.

The pressure sensor preferably comprises a pressure gauge and the cooling sensors for sensing the temperature of the cooling means and drink preferably comprises corresponding temperature gauges.

The dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may comprise overall processing means which comprises the dispensed volume, control valve and line sensor processing! means. Suitably, each of the processing means comprises a processor.

The dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be further arranged to produce and store drink dispensation data representing dispensed drinks corresponding to drink requests. The dispensation control means of the first and second broad forms of the present invention may be arranged to store the drink dispensation data.

Suitably, said drink supply comprises a barrel and the pressurisation means comprises a pressurisation system which is arranged to pressurise the barrel. Suitably, the barrel is a barrel of beer and the drink line comprises a beer line.

The cooling means preferably comprises a cooling system. The drink δdectio input may, for example, comprise a touch sensitive pad or a voice activated device. The touch sensitive pad may comprise keys arranged for activation upon depression. Alternatively, the touch sensitive pad may comprise images on a display which may or may not require depression for activation.

The drink line of the dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged for coupling to a drink outlet.

The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may further comprise a remote processing station which is arranged for communication with the dispensation control means for one or more of: (a) modification of operation of the dispensation control means; and

(b) monitoring of the dispensed drinks.

Suitably, the drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention i$ arranged to periodically download drink dispensation data to the remote processing station r monitoring of dispensed drinks.

The remote processing station may be arranged for use by one or more drink suppliers who supply said drink' supply and arranged to enable said drink supplier to compare the quantity of drink supplied for use in relation to said drink dispensing system with said drink dispensation dataiand drink stores data which have been supplied by said drink supplier and are available for use in relation to the drink dispensing system, to determine if alternative drink supplies are being substituted for those being supplied by said drink supplier. However, this functionality of the remote processing station may also be provided in a non remote form.

The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention may comprise two or more drink supplies for supplying two or more corresponding drink components, the two or more supplies being coupled to sai outlet for dispensation of a drink comprising one or more of the drink components.

The remote processing station may be arranged to calculate, from drink dispensation data, ah operating drink ratio value of each drink component of a drink comprising two or more The drink selection input of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be arranged to receive a user identifier which is representative of a corresponding user. The drink dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention arranged to:

(a) compare the user identifier with corresponding reference user identifiers; and

(b) allow the drink line or outlet to open if a corresponding reference user identifier exists.

Suitably, steps (a) and (b) including the user identifier are controlled by the dispensation control means.

With the exception of the remote processing station, the drink dispensing syste of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be a drink dispensing apparatus wherein features of the system are components of an apparatus. However, the drink selection input, dispensation control means and transaction means are preferably separate features of the drink dispensing system arranged for operative communication with corresponding features of the system.

The dispensing system of the first and second aspects of the present invention preferably further comprises storage means for storage of reference measurements, concentrations or values of the dispensed volume processing means, line sensor processing means, and pressure and temperature processing means respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the storage means may be arranged for storage of operating values or reference operating values of the line sensor or pressure and temperature processing means respectively. The storage means may comprise part of the dispensed volume processing means or pressure and temperature processing means, or part of each of these processing means. The storage means may also be arranged to store cost reference storage data, drink dispensation data, drink stores data, and reference user identifiers. Suitably, the storage means is an electronic memory.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a control valve for mounting to an existing drink dispensing system comprising a drink line which connects a drink supply with a corresponding drink tap, the control valve comprising: a housing defining a cavity and having a valve seat; an inlet for coupling the cavity to the drink line; an outlet for coupling the cavity to the drink tap; a piston positioned in the cavity, the piston being adapted to move between: a sealing position in which the piston is in sealing engagement with the valve seat to thereby prevent flow of drink through said housing; and a flow position in which the piston is positioned remote of the valve seat, thereby allowing the flow of drink through said housing; and a piston actuator for moving the piston between the sealing and flow positions.

The control valve preferably further comprises: cooling sensor for sensing the temperature of the drink and producing a signal indicating the temperature; and /or dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed.

The inlet of the control valve may be arranged for coupling to a font which is arranged to receive the drink line.

The piston actuator may include at least one solenoid coil for moving the piston from the sealing to the flow position. The actuator may include at least another solenoid coil for moving the piston from the flow to the sealing position.

The control valve may be arranged for use in the drink dispensing systems of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a beer dispensing system;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the processing system used in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second example of a beer dispensing system;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a control valve for use in the system of Figure 3; Figures 5A - 5D are examples of pistons for use in the control valve of Figure 4;

Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the control valve of Figure 4 mounted to the dispensing system of Figure 3;

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of an alternative control valve to that of Figure 4 mounted to the dispensing system of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an ID tag and tag reader suitable for use in drinks dispensing systems;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection of the processing system of Figure 1 to a communications network;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of a base station processing system; and

Figure 10 is an example of the integration of a number of different drink dispensing systems.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Examples of a system for dispensing chilled fluids, such as drinks, will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. These examples are described with reference to the dispensation of beer, but it will be appreciated that the techniques may be applied to any chilled, pressurised drink.

As shown in Figure 1, the system includes a gas supply llcoupled to a drink supply in the form of beer supply 12 which is typically in the form of a beer barrel or keg, via a gas pressure line 13 and an appropriate barrel connector 14. The connector is in turn coupled to an outlet which in this example is a dispensing unit 15 having a beer tap 16, via a drink line in the form of beer line 17. Cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line is in this example coolant supply 18 which is provided to cool the beer in the beer line. The dispensing system is designed to pump the supply of coolant, for example, glycol through a coolant line 19, which is positioned in thermal contact with the beer line 17, to thereby cool the beer contained therein. In particular, the beer line 17 and the coolant line 19 are typically contained in a python, which is an insulated pipe covering, between the coolant supply 18 and the dispensing unit 15. The dispensing unitl5 includes a chiller plate to ensure the beer is sufficiently cooled prior to being dispensed, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. In use, the beer tap typically includes a handle 16A, which allows an operator to open the beer tap and thereby dispense a beer into a drinks receptacle, such as a glass 2, in the normal way. Thus, opening the tap will cause beer under pressure to flow along the beer line 17 into the glass 2.

The dispensed volume, control valve and line sensor processing means in this example includes a processing system 3. The processing system 3 is connected to a gas pressure sensor 25 provided in the pressure line 13, an oxalate sensor 26 and a bacteria sensor 27 positioned in the beer line 17, and a coolant temperature sensor 28 provided in the coolant line 19. The processing system 3 may be coupled to the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 via a network, shown generally at 5, or via other appropriate means. These connections may be wired, for example through the use of an Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network) shown generally at 5, or through wireless connections, for example via use of Bluetooth connections, or the like.

In any event, in use the processing system 3 operates to monitor information provided by the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 in order to determine if the beer dispensing system is functioning correctly. An example of a suitable processing system is shown in more detail in Figure 2. As shown the dispensation control means which in this example also comprises the processing system 3 includes a processor 20, storage means in the form of memory 21, drink selection input which in this example is input/ output (I/O) device 22, such as a keypad and display, and an external interface 23 which for example includes the cost display means of the transaction means. The processor 20, memory 21, input/ output (1/ O) device 22, and external interface 23 are coupled together via a bus 24.

In an alternative embodiment the I/O device 22 includes a portable device. In one embodiment, the portable device is a PDA. In another example it is a mobile phone or a mobile phone having some PDA functionality. The portable device is designed for communication with a customer as described below in relation to the 1/ O device 22. The portable device is designed for communication via any suitable means including wired and wireless forms of communication.

In another alternative embodiment the portable device also effects payment as described below. After a drink is ordered or dispensed a corresponding invoice is communicated, or in this example, wirelessly transmitted to the portable device. The corresponding customer can then effect payment electronically.

The interface 33 is designed to allow the processing system to communicate via the communications network 5, and optionally with other processing systems, and accordingly the type of the interface 33 will depend on the nature of the communications network. Thus for example, if the communications network is an Ethernet LAN, the interface may be an Ethernet card, or the like. Alternatively, direct connections may be provided to the processing system 3, in which case the network will be replaced with simple connections, which may be wired or wireless.

It will therefore be appreciated that the processing system may be any form of suitable processing system 3, such as a suitably programmed computer, lap-top, palm-top, mobile phone with suitable processing capabilities, predetermined hardware, or the like.

In any event, in use the processor 20 obtains signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28, and uses these to assess the operation of the system. In particular, the operation of each of the sensors is as follows:

• Gas pressure sensor 25:

• The Beer gas has 2 functions, first to mix the beer with the gas and second to provide 10 bar of pressure needed to push the beer through-to the beer tap. If the gas bottle has 90% of its content used the pressure will drop slightly. This pressure drop is noticeable in the quality of the beer.

• Oxalate sensor 26:

• This is typically formed from an ION inline probe which detects the build-up of calcium oxalate inside the beer line. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable sensor for detecting calcium oxalate may be used. If the establishment does not clean the beer line on regular intervals or too long intervals the processing system 3 will detect this and shut the system down. Since 1990 several organisations have statistics of people getting sick fro calcium oxalate.

• Bacteria sensor 27:

• This operates to detect the build-up of bacteria in the system, and again will be used by the processing system 3 in shutting the system down if the bacteria levels are too high. The sensor may be any standard form of bacteria sensor, and may be adapted to detect one specific type of bacteria, or a number of different types. It will also be appreciated that the bacteria sensor 27 may include a number of sensor elements each of which is adapted to detect a different type of bacteria. This allows the system to distinguish between types of bacteria as required.

• Coolant temperature sensor 28: • This measures the temperature of the coolant after it has passed through the chiller plate on the return part of the coolant line 19, and may be formed from a thermistor or any other suitable temperature sensor. Any problems on the chiller plate or the coolant line 19 can be quick detected due to an increase in coolant temperature.

In use, the processing system 3 will periodically sample signals obtained from the gas pressure sensor 25, to determine an indication of the current pressure in the pressure line 13. The processor 20 will then compare this value to pressure reference values which in this example is a predetermined gas pressure range stored in the memory 21, which defines an acceptable range of gas pressures representing normal operating conditions. The processor will determine if the gas pressure is within this acceptable range, and if not generates an alert to inform the user that there is a problem with the gas supply. The alert may be generated on the I/O device 22, or may alternatively displayed on a separate display, as shown for example at 34.

Similarly, the processor 30 will alert the user if there is a build up of oxalate ions or bacteria in the beer line 17, or problems with the coolant system by comparing signals sampled from the oxalate sensor 26, the bacteria sensor 27 and the temperature sensor 28 to respective reference concentrations or values which in this example are predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21.

These thresholds may be set by the drink supplier and encoded in the memory 21, to thereby prevent the thresholds being altered by the operator of the system. This allows the drink supplier, such as the brewery or the like, to ensure that the product is served under optimum conditions, to maintain product quality standards. Alternatively, the thresholds may be set by the user of the system, for example using the I/O device 22.

In the case, of the oxalate and bacteria sensors 26, 27, this is important to ensure that the beer lines are being cleaned sufficiently frequently. If this does not occur, the levels of the signals generated by the oxalate and bacteria sensors 26, 27 will rise above the predetermined thresholds, thereby indicating that levels in the beer line are undesirable and that the beer lines needs cleaning.

In addition to this, the processing system 3 can also determine how frequently the beer lines 17 are being cleaned. In particular, the cleaning process, if performed correctly, will result in a decrease in the levels of oxalate and bacteria within the beer lines. Accordingly, by monitoring for such a decrease, this allows the processing system 3 to determine how long it is since the beer lines were last cleaned. Again, this can be compared to a predetermined threshold stored in the memory 21 indicating how often the beer lines should be cleaned. In the event that this threshold is exceeded, the processing system 3 can again generate an alarm to alert the operator to this fact using the I/O device 22, or may alternatively displayed on a separate display, as shown for example at 34.

In addition to the functionality outlined above, it is also possible for the processing system to be coupled to a cooling system operation sensor 29, which operates to determine if the coolant supply 18 is functioning correctly.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the processing system 3 can determined problems with any part of the cooling system by detecting increases in temperature solely within the coolant lines 19. However, there will usually be temperature variations in the coolant temperature depending on factors such as the volume of beer being dispensed. In particular, if a high volume of beer is dispensed, this increases load on the coolant system and may lead to an increase in coolant temperatures within acceptable limits. This can be accounted for by monitoring the temperature at periodic time intervals and comparing rates and /or magnitudes of temperature change to predetermined thresholds, it is generally possible to determine if the coolant system is not functioning sufficiently well to cool the beer.

However, any such temperature increase may be due to a fault with the chiller plate, the coolant line 19, or the coolant supply 18 itself. Accordingly, providing the separate operation sensor 29 allows the processing system to determine if the coolant supply 18 is functioning correctly, which in turn allows the source of the problem to be located. For example, if the coolant supply 18 is functioning correctly, but the coolant temperature has increased, this suggests a problem may have occurred with the chiller plate or the coolant line 19.

In addition to this, the presence of the operation sensor 29 can allow any problems with the coolant system to be detected before there is an increase in the temperature of the coolant lines 19, and hence the beer lines 17. It will be appreciated that this will help prevent stock wastage through the dispensation of warm drinks.

The processing system 3 can also be adapted to store signal data representing the values of the signals sampled from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, in the memory 21, or a remote database 6 of a remote processing station. This allows the values to be reviewed at a later date, allowing the operation of the machine to be checked. This check may be performed by the operator, and /or by an independent third party for the purpose of ensuring product standards. Thus, for example, the drink supplier may require that the signal data is periodically reviewed by a representative, to thereby ensure that the beer lines are being cleaned as required, as well as to ensure that the beer is being served at correct conditions.

In addition to the functionality outlined above, a number of additional features can be provided, as will now be described in more detail below with respect to Figure 3.

In particular, in Figure 3, the beer line 17 further includes dispensed volume measuring means in the form of a flow meter 30, and a control valve which in this example is control valve 31. The flow meter 30 and control value 31 of this example are one example of the dispensation control means. The processing capability of the dispensation control means is in this example also provided by the processing system 3. The processing system uses the flow meter 30 and the control valve 31 to control the dispensing of drinks. This allows user's of the system to select a desired size of drink, using the I/O device 22. The input of the I/O device includes, in this example, a separate set of buttons, shown generally at 32, and then have this drink automatically dispensed by the processing system 3.

Thus, the user, such as a barman or the like will place an appropriate sized receptacle 2 under the beer tap 16, and selects one of the input buttons32₁, 32^ 32₃, 32₄. . In use, each button 32α, 32^ 32₃, 32₄corresponds to a respective size of drink, and this therefore allows the user to select a drink size at the touch of a button. Prior to doing this the user may also need to insert a user identifier in the form of an ID tag into a tag reader 33 as will be described in more detail below. In any event, the processing system 3 will detect the button 32ι, 32^ 32₃, 32₄selected by the user and use this information to access a look-up table (LUT) stored in the memory 21. The LUT will indicate for specific buttons, the size of the drink that is to be dispensed, and in particular, the drink volume. It will be appreciated that this information may be stored and optionally encoded or encrypted in the memory 21 by a machine supplier, thereby 10 preventing its alteration by the user. Alternatively the volume information may be input by an owner of the system. In any event, this will cause the processing system 3 to selectively activate the control valve 31, to dispense the required volume of beer. This is achieved by having the processing system 3 generate a signal which is applied to the control valve 31, thereby causing it to open and shut as required (this will hereinafter be referred to as the "control signal").

Signals generated by the flow meter 30 (hereinafter referred to as "flow signals") are monitored by the processing system 3 to determine the volume of drink that has been dispensed. Once the required drink volume is dispensed, the processing system 3 will cause the control valve to close, thereby ending the dispensing process.

Typically the flow meters will be turbines, in which case the dispensed volume measuring means comprises a set quantity signal which in this example comprises pulsed flow signals, with each pulse representing a predetermined volume of drink dispensed. The processor 20 will therefore count the number of pulses generated by the turbine, and compare this to a predetermined number of pulses stored in the LUT, which therefore defines the volume of the selected drink. When the predetermined number of pulses are reached, this indicates to the processor that the desired volume of drink has been dispensed, and that the control valve can therefore be shut. Other types of flow meters may however be used, in which case, the method will be adapted accordingly.

In any event, this ensures that the drinks are dispensed automatically in accordance with the predetermined volumes stored in the LUT in the memory 21.

It will therefore be appreciated that when combined with the functionality outlined in Figure 1, this allows drinks to be automatically dispensed, with the system automatically operating to detect faults with the equipment.

In the event that a fault occurs, such as the levels of oxalate or bacteria in the beer lines exceeds the predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21, the processing system 3 can be adapted to prevent further drinks being dispensed until the problem is rectified.

Thus, in order to achieve this, before dispensing a beer, the processing system 3 will monitor signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and compare these to the predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21. In the event that the signals fall outside acceptable ranges defined by these thresholds, the processing system 3 will not generate the control signal, and as a result will not dispense the beer. In this case, dispensing can only be resumed once the problem is overcome. A similar course of action can be taken with regard to the cleaning of the beer lines. In particular, if the processing system 3 determines that the time since the beer lines 17 were last cleaned has exceeded a predetermined threshold stored in the memory 21, then the processing system 3 will again not generate control signals in response to the selection of a respective drink to be dispensed. Accordingly, it will not be possible to dispense further beers, until the beer lines are cleaned. As mentioned above, the processing system 3 may also generate an alert in order to ensure that the operator is aware of the problem.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that multiple levels of thresholds can be set. In particular, a first set of thresholds could be set to cause the processing system 3 to generate an alert warning that the levels of oxalate or bacteria are high, or that cleaning is soon to be performed. This provide the operator with prior warning, so that the system does not stop dispensing drinks without warning during a busy period. If the beer lines are not cleaned for a predetermined amount of time after the warning is generated, or if the oxalate or bacteria levels rise by more than a predetermined amount, then the processing system 3 will operate to prevent further drinks being dispensed. It will be appreciated that this allows the drinks supplier, such as the brewery to set the predetermined thresholds in the memory 21, thereby allowing the brewery to ensure that the beer lines are being cleaned as required.

This is also the case for the pressure sensor 25 and the cooling sensor 28, in that the processing system 3 can be adapted to prevent beer being dispensed if the temperatures and pressures fall outside a predetermined operating range.

In the example shown above with respect to Figure 3, the dispensing unit 15 includes a manual beer tap 16. It will be appreciated that this provides the user with additional manual control of the dispensing of the beer, thereby allowing the user to control the size of the beer head, or the like. In any event, this is not essential to the invention, as the system can provide sufficient automated control, and the beer tap 16 can therefore be replaced with a simple outlet, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

The system can also incorporate additional flow rate control mechanisms, such as adjustment screws. However, alteration of the flow rate will not effect the operation of the system, and in particular, the drink ratio, as this is determined by the volume of drink component dispensed, which is not dependent on the flow rate.

In the example described above, the control valve 31 can be positioned at any location in the beer line. However, to obtain exact control of the flow of fluid out of the beer line, it is preferable for the control valve 31 to be positioned as close to the outlet or tap as possible. It will therefore be appreciated that this may make the control valve 31 difficult to fit to existing systems in some circumstances. In particular, in many pubs and clubs, drinks such as beer are supplied via a font including the beer tap 16 and chiller plate. These systems cannot easily be modified to allow for incorporation of a control valve 31 under normal circumstances.

Accordingly, an example of the control valve 31 adapted for use in such an arrangement is shown in Figure 4. In particular, as shown, the valve includes a housing in the form of housing 40. The housing 40 includes an inlet and outlet for coupling respectively to a drink line and drink tap. In this example, the inlet and outlet comprise first and second portions 41 and 42 respectively (the first portion being shown in dashed lines for clarity purposes) which are coupled together via an appropriate fixing 43, such as a screw fitting, or the like. The first housing portion 41 includes a font fitting 44 for coupling to the font or beer dispensing unit 15, whereas the second housing portion 42 includes a tap fitting 45, for coupling to the beer tap 16.

The housing 40 defines a cavity which in this example is cavity 46. The cavity 46 includes a valve seat in the form of valve seat 47 (shown cross hatched for clarity), and a piston which in this example is piston 48 which is mounted within the cavity 46. The piston 48, is adapted to move along the cavity 46 as shown by the arrow 49. The piston includes a shaped seal 48A, such that when the piston 48 is in the position shown in Figure 4, the seal 48A cooperates with the valve seat 47, to seal the cavity 46 from the beer tap 16.

Examples of suitable pistons are shown in Figures 5A to 5D. In particular, Figure 5A shows a cross sectional view of the piston shown in Figure 5B, along the line A- A. In this example, the piston includes a number of channels 48B, which are adapted to allow beer to flow through the cavity 46 from the dispensing unit 15 to the beer tap 16 and past the piston 48, as shown by the arrow 50. An alternative piston design is shown in Figures 5C and 5D, and it will be appreciated that this design piston is adapted to cooperate with a respective design of valve seat 47.

It will therefore be appreciated that a number of different valve designs could be used. Thus for example, the piston could be replaced by a shuttle valve, or the like, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

A solenoid coil for moving the piston to a flow position is in this example solenoid coil 51. Solenoid coil 51 is mounted to the housing portion 41. The piston is magnetic to allow movement to a sealing position via another solenoid coil which in this example is solenoid coil 52. In particular, in use the valve is coupled to the dispensing unit 15 so that the cavity 46 is coupled to the beer line 17and will be filled with beer under pressure. The piston 48 is therefore urged against the valve seat 47, causing the cavity 46 to be sealed.

Referring to Figure 4, in use, the control valve 31 can be fitted to an existing beer dispensing system by removing the beer tap 16 from the dispensing unit 15 or font, and coupling a font fitting 44 to the font, and the beer tap 16 to a tap fitting 45. Examples of constructed systems are shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Like reference numerals of the control valve which features in Figures 4 and 6A are used to reference corresponding features of the alternative control valve of Figure 6B. Once this has been completed, the solenoid coils will be connected with the processing system 3, via an appropriate interface, such as a driver circuit, and a flow meter 30 will be fitted as required.

When beer is to be dispensed, the processor 20 will cause a current to be applied to the solenoid coil 51, thereby attracting the piston in the direction of the arrow 49. This in turn releases the seal, allowing beer to flow from the cavity 46 through the channels 48B into the beer tap 16, allowing the beer to be dispensed. The processing system 3 monitors signals from the flow meter 30 and determines when the required quantity of drink has been dispensed, as described above.

The processing system 3 can then simply deactivate the current supplied to the solenoid coil 51, which allows the flow of the beer through the cavity, to urge the piston 48 into sealing engagement into with the valve seat 47, thereby deactivating the dispensation of the beer.

Whilst resealing of the cavity may be performed solely by the action of the beer flow, it is 25 preferable to ensure a fast on and off action to the control valve 31. Accordingly, a second coil 52 may be provided to attract the piston in the direction of the arrow 52, thereby urging the piston 41 back into sealing engagement with the valve seat 47 to obtain a more rapid and reliable shut-off.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement aids the fitting of the control valve 31 to existing systems, thereby allowing the functionality described above to be implemented in the existing systems. In order to further aid with this, the housing 40 may incorporate the flow meter 30.

Additionally, or alternatively, a temperature sensor may be provided to monitor the temperature of the dispensed beer and/ or the temperature of the solenoid coils, to thereby prevent overheating. This may be used in addition to, or instead of the temperature sensor coupled to the coolant lines 19. Thus, the beer temperature may also be useful to provide an indication of a fault in the cooling system, with a comparison between the beer temperature sensor 28 and the cooling system operation sensor 29 helping to provide an indication of the cause of the fault.

Variations

It will be appreciated that a number of variations on the above mentioned implementation are also possible.

For example, an outlet sensor can be provided to detect the receptacle positioned under the beer tap 16. In this case the processing system 3can use signals from the outlet sensor to determine if a receptacle is present before the drink is dispensed. If no receptacle is present the drink dispensing is prevented, and an optional alarm can be activated. The processing system 3 will automatically recommence the drink dispensing operation, when a glass or the like is provided in the correct position.

In addition to this, the outlet sensor can be adapted to allow the processing system 3 to determine the size of the glass, and hence the size of drink that can be dispensed. This may be achieved for example by having a weight sensor adapted to detect the weight of the empty glass, or an optical sensor or the like for determining the glass size. As different shapes and designs of glasses are used in different locations, this may necessitate configuring the system, for example, by programming the processing system 3 with required information regarding the glasses. This may be performed by a training process.

In any event, the indication of the size of the glass can be used instead of the manual input provided via the input buttons 32. Thus, in this case, placing a glass under the beer tap 16 would automatically result in the correct size of beer being dispensed.

It is also possible for the system to dispense drinks other than beer.

It is also possible to use the system to control a number of respective beer pumps. Thus, the set of input buttons may be expanded to allow the selection of different beers automatically, with each beer being supplied to a respective beer tap in the manner described above. For the purpose of the remaining description, it will be appreciated that the techniques apply to systems for dispensing one or more different types of beer. In addition to providing control of the operation of the beer dispenser, the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 can also be adapted to provide selected ones of additional functions including:

Monitoring;

Security;

Point of sales;

Information collection;

Remote Control.

Monitoring

In this case, the processing system 3 monitors the volume of beer dispensed using the signals obtained from the flow meter valve 30 and uses this to determine a number of pieces of information.

Firstly, the processing system 3 will be able to determine problems with the beer supply. For example, if the processing system 3 opens a the control valve 31, but does not detect any pulses from the flow meter 30 this indicates that the drink is not being supplied. This could be caused for example by a block in the beer line, the beer tap 16 is closed, or that the barrel is empty.

In this event, the processing system 3 can determine that drink cannot be dispensed and may halt the dispensing process. An alert can also be generated, which can be displayed to the user on the 1/0 device 22, or on a separate alert unit, such as that shown at 34. In this case, this may inform the user of the respective drink component that cannot be supplied.

Thus, for example, the processing system 3 may generate an alert indicating that the beer cannot be supplied. The user can then check the barrel, and either replace it, or go on to check the control valve 31 or beer line 17, to check these are functioning correctly, if required.

As the processing system 3 monitors the volume of drink being dispensed, this can be compared to information stored in the memory 21 regarding the barrel size and to determine when a barrel is shortly to run out. Thus, when the volume of fluid left in a respective barrel falls below a predetermined threshold, an alert can be generated to warn the user that the barrel will shortly need refilling. The user can also use the processing system 3 to determine the current volume of beer contained in the barrel at any time, by making an appropriate input selection via the I/O device 22. This can allow the user to ensure that the barrels are sufficiently full before a shift commences, to reduce the amount of time wasted in refilling barrels during busy periods.

The processing system 3 can also be adapted to monitor the flow meter 30 after a respective control valve 31 has been closed, to ensure the flow is terminated. If for some reasons this does not happen, for example if there is a fault with the valve, the user can be alerted to this fact in a similar fashion.

In addition to this, the system operates to monitor signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and either generate an alert, or prevent further beer being dispensed, in the event that the signals fall outside a predetermined operating range.

Security

The processing system 3 can also be adapted to prevent drinks being dispensed unless a user identifier in the form of an ID tag has been inserted into the tag reader 33. In this event if the set of buttons 32 are activated nothing will happen.

Accordingly, in this example when a user wishes to order a respective drink the user will first be required to present their ID tag, which is typically a radio frequency ID (RFID) tag, to the tag reader 33. The tag reader 33 will then transfer an indication of an identifier associated with the tag to the processor 20. The processor 20 will access an LUT stored in the memory 21 that lists an identifier for each user associated with each tag. Assuming that the tag is a valid tag associated with the system the processor 20 will then allow a selected drink to be dispensed in the manner described above.

Each user may have an associated access control level, which defines operations the user is able to perform. Thus, for example some staff members can be authorised to provide promotional free drinks to patrons. Other operators, in addition to their normal duties, may be authorised to correct mistakes or errors of other staff members. The level of authorisation can be very diverse. For example other staff operator can only dispense non alcoholic beverages etc, allowing different types of staff to use the-machine for dispensing alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as may be required in some jurisdictions.

Thus, the processing system 3 will determine the access level of the user. When the user selects an action to be performed, such as selecting a drink to be dispensed using one of the input buttons 32, the processing system 3 will determine if the user is authorised to perform this function in accordance with the defined access level. If the user can perform the requested function, the processing system will proceed as required, for example by dispensing an appropriate drink.

This allows the dispensing system to be locked to prevent use by selected users. In addition to this, the system can be locked to all user using an appropriate input command. This provides security, for the drinks during times when the system is not in use, or if a fault has occurred. In general, this function would only be accessible to the bar manager, or other supervisors.

It will be appreciated that this technique may be used to allow the processing system 3 to lock the system in the event of a fault, as detected by the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, to thereby prevent further drinks being dispensed.

The processing system 3 may be adapted to provide the user with certain information when the user inserts their ID tag into the reader 33. In particular, the processing system 3 can indicate features, such as if the system is locked, if the user is authorised to perform the respective function, or if the user is not authorised to perform the requested function. This can be achieved using the I/O device 22, or by the alert unit 34, or a separate indication device incorporated in the tag reader 33.

An example of this is shown in Figure 7. In this example, the tag reader 33 includes an aperture 33A for receiving the ID tag, shown generally at 35. In this case, the alert unit 34 is formed from an indicator positioned around the aperture 33A, which is adapted to change colour depending on the status of the system. Thus for example, red could be used to indicate that the system is locked or unable to function due to-an error, green that the user is authorised to perform the respective function, or yellow if the user is not authorised. It will be appreciated that this allows the user to easily determined any problems.

Thus, for example, if a user inserts their ID tag 35 into the tag reader 33, the processing system 3 will determine if the user is authorised to use the system, and if so, then cause the alert unit to provide a green indication. If the user subsequently makes an unauthorised selection, such as the selection of an alcoholic drink when the user is only allowed to dispense non-alcoholic drinks, the processing system 3 will cause the alert unit 34 to provide a yellow indication, and the drink will not be dispensed. Finally, if the system is locked, or a fault occurs, such as an empty barrel, or signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27,28and 29, fall outside the predetermined operating range, the alert unit 34 will provide a red indication. In this case, the processing system 3 may be adapted to provide additional details of the fault on the 1/0 device 22.

It will be appreciated that a number of variations on the above described ID tag 35 may be implemented. Thus, for example, the form of the ID tag may vary from that shown, so that the ID tag is in the form of a wearable ring or band, such as a wrist band. In this case, the tag reader 33 may not need an aperture, but rather will simply be adapted to detect when a respective ID tag is placed near or in contact with the tag reader. Other forms of physical arrangement of the ID tag may be used.

The FD tags may also work on systems other than RFFD systems, such as through the use of electrical contacts between the ID tag and the tag reader 33, which are used to transfer data from the tag memory, through wireless data transfer protocols, such as Bluetooth or the like. This increases the number of different types of identifier that can be used. Thus, for example, the tag reader 33 may be adapted to interrogate any remote device, such as a mobile phone or the like, to download an identifier therefrom, allowing this to be used to identify the user.

Physical devices such as keys may be provided to open an associated lock, with this action indicating to the processing system 3 that the user is an authorised user.

Finally, alternative systems can be used for identifying users, other than ID tags. Thus, for example, each user may have a unique identifier that is input into the system in some fashion. This may be for example similar to a PIN (personal identification number) or password and may be supplied to the processing system 3 via an appropriate keypad, such as the I/O device 22, or a separate keypad provided instead of the tag reader.

Similarly, the tag reader could be replaced with a device for determining biometric information from the users, such as a thumb-print, finger-print, iris scan or the like.

In any event, any technique may be used as long as this allows the user of the system to uniquely identify themselves to the processing system 3.

Point of Sales Terminal

The dispensing system can also include transaction means which in this example is designed to monitor the cost of drinks dispensed, and display the cost of dispensed drinks via cost display means which in this example involves generation of an appropriate invoice. The transaction means of this example is also incorporated into the processing system 3.

In order to achieve this the processing system 3 will monitor the drinks supplied, either from the input buttons selected, or the volume of drink dispensed, as measured by the flow meter 30. The processing system 3 then access an indication of the cost of the drink from a cost reference storage which in this example is a cost LUT stored in the memory 21, allowing the cost of each drink to be determined.

In general, this allows the processing system 3 to total any drinks served to a respective individual, and use this to generate the invoice. This cost LUT can also be time dependent, allowing drinks to be charged at different costs during different time periods. This allows the processing system 3 to automatically determine the invoice taking into account promotional offers, price changes, "happy hours", or the like, automatically.

To aid with this, the drinks dispensed will be associated with a respective user using the ID tag. Thus, when a user inserts their tag 35 into the tag reader 33, the processing system 3 will record an indication of this in the memory 21. All subsequent drinks dispensed on the system before another ID tag is provided to the card reader will then be added to a drink list associated with the respective user's ID tag.

This allows a number of drinks can be dispensed in sequence, with each drink being added to the drink list. When the user wishes to generate an invoice, an indication of this is provided to the processing system, for example by using the I/O device 22, or by presenting the ID tag to a respective tag reader associated with the processing system 3. The processing system 3 examines the drinks list associated with the respective ID tag and uses this to determine the invoice as described above. This can then automatically be printed and presented to the customer as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In this case, each time an invoice is generated, or in accordance with other input commands, the drink list can be cleared, so that when the next drinks are dispensed by the user these will be provided on a new drinks list. This ensures that each customer is correctly billed for the drinks served. This also obviates the need for bar staff to remember drink costs, and manual calculate an invoice, which can be difficult during busy times.

Furthermore, by associating the cost of each drink with the identifier of the respective tag and hence the user, this allows many different users to use the system simultaneously whilst each user is presented with a respected list of the drinks they have dispensed. The drinks list can be associated with the ID tag 35 in a number of manners. Thus for example, the processing system 3 could determine the identifier associated with the TD tag and store this in the memory 21 together with the respective drinks list.

Alternatively, the drinks list can be stored in a memory in the ID tag. This is preferably achieved using an RFID tag 35 having a memory 35A mounted therein. In any event, in this case, when the user presents their ID tag to the processing system 3, this will cause the processing system 3 to access the drink list stored in the tag memory 35A, and generate an invoice as described above.

It will be appreciated that this allows the barman to dispense measured drinks at the touch of a button and then generate an invoice or bill generated by presented their associated ED tag to the tag reader 33, or by making an appropriate selection using the 1/0 device 22. It will be appreciated that this can significantly reduce the time taken for a barman to dispense drinks and generate the associated bill. This therefore leads to an improvement in bar efficiency, thereby in turn leading to cost savings.

It will be appreciated that the invoice can be generated for a number of different types of beer.

Information Collection

The processing system 3 can be adapted to store drink dispensation data representing dispensed drinks corresponding to drink requests. In this example, the drink dispensation data is also stored in memory 21. This will typically be in the form of a database and include an indication of one or more of:

Each drink served;

The time and date the drink was served;

The user who served the drink;

• The cost of the drink;

Whether any promotions were in force when the drink was served; and

Any problems encountered It will be appreciated that the transaction data can be used to provide data for analysis allowing a variety of useful information to be determined.

Thus, for example, the processing system may be adapted to implement, or cooperate with a stock control system. Monitoring the sales of a particular product, and comparing this to information regarding stock of the product allows the processing system 3 to determine when additional stock needs to be ordered.

Furthermore, an establishment, such as a pub may monitor the sales of the drink and target marketing to improve sales. Thus promotional offers could be targeted during times when sales are low. This could be done by examining the sales of the product over a long time period, and determining times during the day or week when sales are low. Alternatively, this could be done substantially instantaneously.

In order to achieve this, the operator of the system can define sales thresholds for a predetermined time interval which are stored in the memory 21. The processor 20 will compare actual sales recorded when drinks are dispensed, to the thresholds, and can be adapted to generate an indication when the sales are below the threshold. It will be appreciated that different thresholds can be set for different time periods. Thus a Friday night may have a higher threshold than a Monday lunchtime for respective types of drink.

The operator can use the indications generated to either track sales over time, or to immediately offer a promotion in response to low sales. This could also be triggered automatically. In order to achieve this, the processing system 3 can be coupled to a separate display unit 6 and a database 7, as shown in Figure 1. As these are optional, they are shown in dotted lines. The manner in which these are implemented are not important, and the database 7 could for example be provided in the memory 21.

In this case, when the processor 20 determines that the current sales are below the threshold, the processor can select an appropriate promotion stored in the database 7, and cause appropriate advertising, or other promotional images to be presented to users of the establishment, on the display unit 6, which may be a television screen, or the like.

It will be appreciated that in the event in which the promotion is associated with a price reduction, or other special offer on the drink, the cost LUT stored in the memory 21 will reflect this, thereby ensuring that the processing system 3 determines the correct price for the drinks served. However, this transaction data is useful not only to the user of the system but also to the drink supplier, such as a brewery. Accordingly, a further feature which can implemented in the present invention is to allow the processing system 3 to communicate with a remote processing station which in this example is a base station operated by the drink supplier. This allows the drink supplier to obtain details of the transaction data allowing the drink dispenser provider to determine when drinks were served at each establishment. This can be used for a number of purposes as will be described in more detail below.

An example of the system for achieving this will now be described with reference to Figure 8.

In particular, as shown in Figure 8 a number of the processing systems 3 can be coupled to base station 1 via the Internet 2, or additionally, or alternatively via one or more LANs (Local Area Networks) 4. It will be appreciated that the processing systems 3 may be provided at a number of different locations, and will typically form part of a respective dispenser system similar to that described above.

The base station 1 typically includes a processing system 8 coupled to a database 9, as shown. An example of a suitable processing system is shown in more detail in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the processing system 8 includes a processor 60, a memory 61, an input/ output (I/O) device 62, and an external interface 63, which are coupled together via a bus 64.

The interface 63 is designed to allow the processing system 8 to connect to the communications network 2, or a LAN 4, and accordingly the type of the interface 63 will depend on the nature of the communications network. It will be appreciated from this that the processing system may be any form of processing device, such as a network server, a web server, personal computer, a lap-top or the like.

In use, data can periodically be transferred from the processing system 3, or the database 7, to the base station 1, via the Internet. This may be achieved using an ASDL modem connection, or the like, between the processing system 3 and the base station 1, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

In any event, each processing system 3 can be adapted to periodically download the transaction data. This may be done at a specific time each day, or week, or may be performed at regular intervals, such as every hour, depending on the need of the drink supplier. The transaction information allows the supplier to determine statistics regarding sales for all the different establishments.

This can provide useful marketing information, and may be combined with other information, such as establishment patronage, geographical location, drink costs, to allow studies to be performed on the sales of the product in different establishments. This can help the drink supplier in targeting advertising or the like to help increase product sales.

In addition to receiving transaction information, the base station 1 may also be adapted to receive data from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28and 29, allowing the drink supplier to ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly, and that the beer lines are being cleaned as required. In particular, a decrease in the levels of calcium oxalate, or bacteria, will indicate that the beer lines have been cleaned. This allows the drink supplier to monitor cleaning, and impose rules regarding how often this must be performed. By taking action against operators failing to properly clean the lines, this helps ensure product standards are maintained.

Thus, for example, a brewery may specify that the beer lines must be cleaned at least every 14 days, and more often if the oxalate or bacteria levels exceed predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21. Accordingly, in this case, the base station 1 will monitor the signals from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, and check that the beer lines are being cleaned as required, and that the beer is served at the correct temperature and pressure.

This information can also be used to detect problems with the drink dispenser, as outlined above. Accordingly the base station 1 can determine if problems occur, and if these are subsequently corrected by the operator, and if not, arrange for the machine to be repaired by a service person.

The system also allows the drink supplier to compare the amounts of drinks being dispensed with those ordered by the user. This can be used to determine if the operator of the dispensing system is obtaining drinks from alternative sources, as well as to automatically order additional stock from the supplier. Thus, on comparing stock levels to predetermined thresholds and determining that stocks are low, the processing system can be adapted to automatically generate an order (typically for a predetermined quantity of stock specified by the operator of the dispensing system), allowing this stock to be supplied automatically by the base station 1. Remote Control

The base station 1 can also be used to modify the operation of the dispensation control means which in this example includes the processing system 3, and hence the drink dispenser.

Thus, for example, the base station 1 can operate to modify the settings stored in the memory 21 of the processing system 3, such as the respective volumes of drink to be supplied. This may be done for a number of reasons, such as a the fact that drinks are often sold in different sized containers in different jurisdictions or countries. This often occurs to reflect different standards or laws within different countries.

This allows identical machines to be installed any location throughout the world, with the settings being adjusted to reflect local laws, or policies. This can be local for the country, or the particular establishment, allowing the system to be deployed globally. The drink supplier is therefore able to ensure that the relevant volumes of drink dispensed for each machine by allowing the drink volumes to be set and monitored by the base station 1, thereby ensuring product standards through the world.

In the event that a ault develops with the machine, such as the beer is not being served at the correct temperature, the base station 1 can also be adapted to prevent further drinks be dispensed by locking the system. This can also be performed in the event that the beer lines are not being cleaned sufficiently often, or if the levels of bacteria or oxalate in the beer lines exceed predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21, or in the database 9.

Thus, for example, if the brewery has determined that the beer lines must be cleaned every 14 days, and the base station 1 detects from the sensors 25, 26, 27, 28and 29, that this has not been done, then the base station 1 can transfer a signal to the processing system 3, causing the processing system 3 to be locked, thereby preventing further beer being dispensed until the line has been cleaned.

It will be appreciated that the base station 1 may also cause the processing system 3 to provide an indication of why the system has been locked on the I/O device 22.

In addition to this, the base station 1 can also update the predetermined thresholds stored in the memory 21, to thereby ensure that the processing system 3 is comparing the signals from the oxalate and bacteria sensors 26, 27 to thresholds representing the maximum desirable levels of oxalate and bacteria. It will be appreciated that this prevents the operator of the dispensing system from adjusting the thresholds stored in the memory 21, which would allow the beer lines to be cleaned at less regular intervals. In addition to this, the drink supplier can also modify user access levels, or the like.

Furthermore, the drink supplier can arrange to trigger the presentation of adverts or promotions at respective establishments. This can be done in accordance with the transaction data, in a manner similar to that described above.

For example, if sales of one variety of drink are low in a particular establishment or region, the base station 1 can communicate with respective one or more of the processing systems 3. The processing systems 3 can then alert the operator of the drinks dispenser, or the cause adverts or promotions to be displayed automatically from the database 7 on the display 6.

Thus, it will be seen that this allows the base station to utilise transaction data from a range of different establishments to provide a coordinated response to current sales, thereby making this process of more use to the drink supplier, than the use of promotions on an establishment by establishment basis.

Additional Capabilities

Thus, the system outlined in the examples above allows chilled pressurised drinks to be dispensed automatically, with the system being able to record information regarding the drinks dispensed, allowing this to be used for invoicing, advertising, marketing, or the like. n order to achieve this the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 responds to input commands to perform one or more of the following :asks, simultaneously, or in sequence:

Commence delivery of one or more drinks;

Records sales of drink (as ordered); 30

Displays totals for each order;

Prints customer's cash sale dockets;

Adjust stock levels;

Stores information for further processing on site or remotely; • Monitors and controls technical parameters of drinks stored in containers, of drinks being dispensed and held in lines, such as temperatures, pressures, condition and cleanliness of lines;

• Reports and raises alarms on parameters operating outside the set limits;

• Activates promotion and advertising; and

• Sends relevant data to the base station.

A number of variations on the above described examples may also be implemented.

The techniques can also be applied to multiple drink component drinks, such as coke, which are formed from soda water and syrup. This is described in more details in the copending application PCT /IB03/ 04345.

The system can also be integrated with other drink dispensing systems, which are also controlled in a similar manner. This may include other dispensing systems, such as coffee machines, soft drink dispensers, general drink dispensers, or the like.

An example of this is shown in Figure 10. In this example, the dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 is coupled to a mixed drink dispenser designed to dispense a drink having one or more drink components. The mixed drink dispenser is in this example dispenser 70 such as that described in PCT /IB03/ 04344. The dispensation control means which in this example comprises the processing system 3 is also coupled to a coffee machine 71 similar to that described in the copending application PCT/ IB03/ 04345, a beer dispenser 72, and a separate spirits dispenser 73. Additionally the system can be adapted to be coupled to the dispenser system described in the copending patent application WO 2003/066511, as shown generally at 74, which allows a wide range of drinks to be served. Other cooperating systems can also be connected.

The dispensation control means which in this example comprises the

processing system 3, is optionally being coupled to the base station 1, as described above.

In this case, each dispensing system typically includes a respective tag reader 75, 76, 77, 78, 79. In use, when a user of the system wishes to dispense a drink from a respective system, the processing system 3 will determine if the user has appropriate access rights, before controlling the drink dispensing operation in a manner similar to that described above. This allows the user to commence the pouring of other drinks, whilst the first drink is poured. As described above, an indication of the drink can be stored in a drinks list associated with the respective user's ED tag.

If the user wishes to dispense a second drink from the same dispenser system, the ID tag can be either left in the respective tag reader, reinserted into the tag reader, or may not be required if no other tags have been used in that particular dispenser system in the meantime. If the second drink is to be dispensed from a different dispenser system, the ID tag will be inserted into the tag reader 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 associated with the respective dispenser system 70, 71, 72, 73, 74.

This allows the dispensation of drinks from different dispensing systems to be monitored via a single processing system 3. When all the required drinks are dispensed, the user instructs the system to generate an invoice. This may be achieved by inserting the ID tag into a respective tag reader 80 associated with the processing system 3, or by selecting an appropriate option using the I/O device 22.

In any event, the processing system 3 will access the drink list associated with the respective ID tag, either by downloading this from the ID tag, as described above, or by accessing a drinks list stored in the memory 21, using the identifier associated with the respective ID tag.

During this process, the user may also input additional charges, such as cover charges, food charges, or the like, allowing these to be included on the same invoice.

If during this process a fault occurs with any of the dispensing operations, an indication of this will be presented to the user, either on the 1/0 device 22, or on a separate alert unit. A respective alert unit may be provided for each system 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or may include a single display such as the I/O device 22 adapted to indicate the location of the fault.

It is also possible to implement the system within a single housing. In this case, a single housing would be provided to contain the outlet 12, the inputs 12, as well as the processing system 3. This can obviate the need for the communications network 4. The housing may also include a cash register system, typically at least partially implemented by the processor 20.

Alternatively, the system may be formed from a number of components. Additionally, any number of dispensing systems may utilise a single processing system, or vice versa. Finally, the system may be used for purposes other than drink dispensing. Thus, the system can be used to dispense any fluids which need to be mixed together to provide a final product.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims

1. A drink dispensing system comprising: pressurisation means for pressurising a drink supply; a drink line for dispensing the drink supply; and a line sensor for sensing the presence of a contaminant in the drink line and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant.

2. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a drink selection input for receiving a drink request.

3. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising dispensation control means for controlling the quantity of drink dispensed.

4. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the dispensation control means comprises dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed.

5. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more of: a supply; and cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line

6. A drink dispensing system for dispensing a drink, the dispensing system comprising: a supply of the drink; pressurisation means for pressurising the drink supply; a drink line for dispensing the drink; cooling means for cooling the drink in the drink line; dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed; a drink selection input for receiving a drink request indicating the type and quantity of at least one drink to be dispensed; and dispensation control means arranged operatively with respect to the dispensed volume measuring means and drink selection input to control dispensation of the . requested drink.

7. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the dispensation control means comprises the dispensed volume measuring means.

8. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 further comprising dispensed volume processing means which is arranged to detect: instantaneous measurements of the dispensed volume measuring means to determine the quantity of drink dispensed during dispensation of a requested drink, compare the quantity of the drink dispensed with the quantity of the requested drink, and respectively close or open said drink line when the quantity of the drink dispensed is equal to or greater than the quantity of the requested drink, or less than or equal to the quantity of the requested drink.

9. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the dispensed volume measuring means is arranged to produce a dispensed volume signal during dispensation of a requested drink which indicates the instantaneous quantity of the dispensed drink.

10. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the dispensed volume signal is a set quantity signal which indicates when a predetermined quantity of a requested drink has been dispensed.

11. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the signal comprises a cumulative signal which indicates the total amount of a requested drink that has been dispensed.

12. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a control valve which is arranged to close or open the drink line or outlet and respectively prevent or allow continued dispensation of the drink.

13. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12 comprising a line sensor for sensing the presence in the drink line of and producing a line sensor signal indicating the presence or absence of the contaminant.

14. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and claim 13 wherein further comprising line sensor processing means arranged to detect and indicate the line sensor signal.

15. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the line sensor processing means is arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal indicates the presence or, does not indicate the absence, of a contaminant.

16. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the line sensor is arranged to sense the presence of bacteria or oxalate or both bacteria and oxalate.

17. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more of:

(a) a pressure sensor for determining the pressure of the drink supply and producing a pressure sensor signal indicating the pressure; and

(b) one or more cooling sensors for sensing one or more of the following and producing a temperature sensor signal indicating temperature or operation or both temperature and operation:

(i) the temperature of the cooling means;

(ii) the temperature of the drink; and

(iii) operation of the cooling means.

18. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 17 further comprising pressure and temperature processing means arranged to detect said signal of the pressure sensor or one or more of the cooling sensors, or both the pressure sensor and cooling sensors.

19. A drink dispensing system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the pressure and temperature processing means is arranged to indicate a fault or prevent a drink being dispensed if the signal(s) indicates that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is not in a desirable range, or does not indicate that the corresponding characteristic of the dispensing system is in a desirable range.

20. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims arranged to produce and store drink dispensation data representing dispensed drinks corresponding to drink requests.

21. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a remote processing station which is arranged for communication with the dispensation control means for one or more of: modification of operation of the dispensation control means; and monitoring of the dispensed drinks.

22. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising transaction means, said transaction means comprising:

(a) cost reference storage for storing the cost of a drink which is available for request via said drink selection input;

(b) cost display means; and

(c) transaction processing means arranged to: (i) determine the cost of a drink request which has been dispensed by the drink dispensing system by reference to the said cost reference storage; and

(ii) display via said cost display means the cost of the requested and dispensed drink.

23. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims arranged to receive a user identifier which is representative of a corresponding user

24. A drink dispensing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims the dispensation control means is arranged to:

25. A control valve for mounting to an existing drink dispensing system comprising a drink line which connects a drink supply with a corresponding drink tap, the control valve comprising: a housing defining a cavity and having a valve seat; an inlet for coupling the cavity to the drink line; an outlet for coupling the cavity to the drink tap; a piston positioned in the cavity, the piston being adapted to move between: a sealing position in which the piston is in sealing engagement with the valve seat to thereby prevent flow of drink through said housing; and a flow position in which the piston is positioned remote of the valve seat, thereby allowing the flow of drink through said housing; and a piston actuator for moving the piston between the sealing and flow positions.

26. A control valve as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: cooling sensor for sensing the temperature of the drink and producing a signal indicating the temperature; and /or dispensed volume measuring means for measuring the quantity of drink dispensed.

27. A control valve as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the inlet of the control valve is arranged for coupling to a font which is arranged to receive the drink line.

28. A control valve as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the piston actuator includes at least one solenoid coil for moving the piston from the sealing to the flow position.

29. A control valve as claimed in claim 28 wherein the actuator includes at least another solenoid coil for moving the piston from the flow to the sealing position.

30. A control valve as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein the control valve is arranged for use in the drink dispensing systems of claims 1 to 24.