Patent ID: 8025184
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: B67D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising an integrated module for monitoring fluidic flow, said beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a manifold in fluid communication with at least one inlet port for fluid input and at least one outlet port for fluid output; a first connector assembly comprising an o-ring and configured to fit inside said inlet port for sealingly receiving an upstream conduit; a second connector assembly comprising an o-ring and configured to fit inside said outlet port for sealingly receiving a downstream conduit; a flowmeter integrated in said manifold and situated downstream to said inlet port and upstream to said outlet port, said flowmeter responsive to a fluid flow by generating an output indicative of a rate of said fluid flow; an adapter adjacent to said flowmeter configured to accommodate a sensor for sensing and relaying said output generated by said flowmeter; a gate-keeping valve fastened to said manifold and situated downstream to said flowmeter and upstream to said outlet port, said gate-keeping valve configured to control said fluid flow; a refrigeration system in fluid communication upstream of said first connector assembly; a pressure regulator in fluid communication upstream of said refrigeration system; a mixing and dispensing system in fluid communication downstream of said second connector assembly; and a pressure-compensated flow-control valve integrated in said manifold upstream to said flowmeter configured to regulate fluid flow into said flowmeter.