Patent ID: 8610536
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: B67D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method performed by data processing apparatus, the method comprising: obtaining, by a data processing apparatus and from a data store, configuration data specifying a multi-tier activation scheme that must be met for a beverage dispensing node to be enabled to dispense beverages, the multi-tier activation scheme specifying that activation data requesting activation of the beverage dispensing node by a first entity authorized to activate the node will enable the beverage dispensing node only when received subsequent to receipt of authorization data from a second entity; receiving, by a data processing apparatus and from an enabled user, activation data that requests activation of the node from the first entity, wherein the activation of the beverage dispensing node causes a valve located between a beverage source and a beverage dispenser to be opened independent of a request to dispense a beverage at the beverage dispenser, wherein the beverage dispenser is a device that controls dispensing of a beverage when the valve is open; determining, by a data processing apparatus, whether authorization data was received from the second entity prior to receiving the activation data from the first entity; selecting, by a data processing apparatus, an activation state for the beverage dispensing node based on the determination and the obtained configuration data, an activation state of activated being selected in response to determining that the authorization data was received prior to the activation data, and an activation state of de-activated being selected in response to determining that the authorization data was not received prior to the activation data, wherein the de-activated state corresponds to the valve being closed; and opening the valve located between the beverage source and the beverage dispenser when the activated state is selected.