Patent Description:
Although the following description refers almost exclusively to dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage such as beer therefrom, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the dispensing apparatus of the present invention could be used to dispense any liquid beverage.

Conventional apparatus for dispensing beer in a bar typically comprises a beer keg located remotely from the bar, such as in a cellar, a beer dispensing tap located in the bar for dispensing beer into appropriate glassware, and a beer line or conduit located between the beer keg and the beer tap. A cooling device may be provided in the beer line or conduit to allow the beer to be cooled during passage of the beer from the keg to the tap.

In one known example of beer dispensing apparatus, a calibrated metering pump can be provided which allows a pre-determined measured volume of beer to be dispensed via the beer dispensing tap in use per actuation of the tap. This type of system is known as a metered line system. Problems associated with this type of system is the metering pumps are expensive to provide and they do not allow for a beverage to be "topped up" in the event of spillage or as a result of a beer head being formed during dispensing that spills over the top of the glassware being filled.

In an alternative known example of beer dispensing apparatus, the user manually controls the volume of beer being dispensed from the beer dispensing tap. This type of system is known as a free flow line system and overcomes the abovementioned problems. However, a problem with this type of system is that when the keg becomes empty and requires changing, if the dispensing tap is left open, the system becomes depressurised and the beer line fills up with gas and beer foam, known as fobbing. A fob detector is typically provided in association with the keg. An example of a conventional fob detector is a mechanical device that is located at the keg to prevent gas from entering the product line from the keg end of the system when the keg becomes empty. The fob detector includes a float or ball that sits above the keg in a chamber. With the keg full of beer, the float sits at the top of the chamber and beer is able to flow out of a side outlet, along the beer line and through to the dispensing tap. As the keg becomes empty, the float level drops as the beer is replaced with gas in the chamber. When the float reaches the bottom of the chamber it closes the side outlet to prevent excess fob from entering the beer line. Once a bar worker realises the beer keg is empty, they have to physically go where the empty keg is located, connect a new keg to the beer line, drain off any excess fob/gas in the beer line and re-pressurise the beer line. This is time consuming for the bar worker, particularly if the beer line is relatively long. In addition, despite a fob detector being present, depressurisation of the beer line still takes place due to the dispensing tap being open for a period of time prior to the bar worker realising the keg is empty. As such, there is still a requirement for draining of the beer line of excess fob/gas which can cause significant beer wastage. This can result in a significant loss of earnings for the bar.

<CIT> discloses a beverage dispense system wherein a single dispense tap is provided remote from a liquid source. A flow line is provided between the liquid source and the dispense tap. A control valve is positioned at or adjacent the dispense tap to control the flow of liquid to the tap. Means are provided for detecting when the liquid source contains insufficient liquid for dispensing and closes the control valve to maintain liquid in the flow line. The above system is only for a single dispense tap and the system therefore has limited use only. Communication between the components of the system is via wired means and therefore setting up of the system is time consuming and requires adaptations to the building in which the system is located to allow accommodation of the wired system. The system does not allow a user to determine that the liquid source has run out or is off in different locations and does not allow a user to easily determine liquid volume consumption.

<CIT> discloses a beverage metering system including a beer keg, a meter coupled between the beer keg and two dispensing outlets. A control unit is provided and includes inhibiting means arranged to inhibit the meter such that only one dispensing outlet can be used at any one time.

<CIT> discloses a liquid supply changeover system. The system allows automatic switching of a liquid output line between a number of input lines connected to beer kegs. A control system automatically detects when it is necessary to switch from one keg to another keg for the liquid output line.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using beverage dispensing apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided free-flow beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing one or more beverage items therefrom in use according to claim <NUM>.

Thus, the present invention has the advantage that a single control unit can control multiple dispensing outlet means, thereby allowing the apparatus to be scaled up and/or down quickly, easily and without significant cost. Additional dispensing outlet means can be added to or removed from the apparatus as and when required without significant duplication or removal of components respectively.

Preferably individual valve means are provided on or associated with each of the dispensing outlet means.

Preferably the control unit controls and/or communicates with a central valve control unit that communicates with all the valve means.

The advantage of the present invention is that the valve means provided with or associated with the dispensing outlet means can be moved to a closed position as soon as the detection means detects the reservoir is empty or detects there is insufficient or no items to be dispensed, thereby preventing depressurisation of the system. In beverage dispensing apparatus, this can prevent the formation of fob within the apparatus in a simple and effective manner, thereby saving on beverage wastage and associated loss of earnings.

In one embodiment the control unit communicates with the dispensing outlet means, the valve means and/or the detection means via wired and/or wireless means or methods. In one example, the control unit is arranged to communicate via both or either of the wired means and the wireless means and, depending on the setting in which the apparatus is located, a user is able to select the preferred form or forms of communication used via the system. This makes the system very adaptable to a large range of applications. For example, the apparatus can be set up in a permanent setting, such as a bar or pub, using wired and/or wireless means, or can be set up in temporary setting such as a pop up bar where wireless means may be appropriate. The apparatus of the present invention can be used in bars where dispensing outlet means are provided at multiple locations within a setting, such as on different floors of a building, in different rooms or locations within a building and/or the like. A central control unit can be provided to communicate and control two or more, or all, the dispensing outlet means at the different locations.

Preferably the wireless means or methods includes or consists of any or any combination of wireless mechanism, WIFI, Bluetooth, one or more radio frequency signals and/or the like. The use of wireless communication is advantageous in that it can be used in "pop-up" bars, in outside bars and/or in any environment where the use of wiring is not possible, it too time consuming to fit, is unsafe to use and/or the like.

Preferably the wired means includes any or any combination of one or more wires, cables, conduits, fibres and/or the like.

Preferably the dispensing outlet means, the control unit, the valve means and/or the detection means communicate via one or more data and/or digital signals that are transmitted and/or received from or with the same.

In one embodiment the dispensing outlet means, the control unit, the valve means and/or the detection means includes one or more transmitter means or device, receiving means or device and/or transceiver means or device for transmitting and/or receiving one or more data and/or digital signals in use.

In one embodiment the control unit is located remotely from the valve means, the dispensing outlet means, the at least one reservoir and/or the detection means.

Preferably the control unit includes micro-processing means or a micro-processor for processing one or more data and/or digital signals being received and/or transmitted therefrom.

Preferably the control unit includes memory means or device or a data storage device for storing data thereon in use.

Preferably the data to be stored can include software, collected data, one or more reports and/or the like.

Preferably the control unit includes user actuation means or member to allow a user to actuate one or more functions of the dispensing apparatus and/or control unit in use.

Preferably the user actuation means or member includes one or more buttons, switches, dials, joystick, keys, touch screen and/or the like.

Preferably display means or a display is provided on or associated with the control unit for displaying one or more data items and/or functions in use.

In one embodiment the detection means includes any means, device or mechanism which can detect the at least one reservoir is empty and/or there is an insufficiency or none of said one or more items to be dispensed from said at least one reservoir in use. For example, the detection means could include weight detection means which can detect a change in weight of the one or more reservoirs, sonic level detection means, ultrasonic level detection means, fob detection means, pressure detection means that can detect a change in pressure and/or the like.

Preferably the fob detection means is an electronic fob detection means and/or an electronic metered fob detection means.

Preferably the detection means includes at least one reed switch that is actuated when the at least one reservoir becomes empty and/or insufficient items are available in the at least one reservoir for dispensing.

Preferably the at least one reed switch is a continuity switch that sends a data and/or power signal to the control unit. This in turn preferably moves the valve means from the open position to the closed position in one example.

Preferably the detection means is provided on or associated with the at least one reservoir.

Preferably the valve means is any type of valve arrangement or valve member that can be moved between open and closed positions automatically and/or remotely.

Preferably the valve means is movable between the open and closed positions independently of actuation of the dispensing outlet means.

In one embodiment the valve means is electronically controlled.

In one embodiment the valve means is in the form of one or more solenoid valves. Preferably the valve means is normally in an open position in use.

The valve means is moved to a closed position upon detection by the detection means of insufficient items to be dispensed from the reservoir.

Preferably the valve means requires no power or a reduced power supply to maintain the valve means in an open position in use, thereby ensuring the apparatus requires no or minimal power supply to operate the same in use.

The valve means is a free flow type in that it allows any, a manually controlled and/or an arbitrary volume or quantity of the one or more items to pass through the same in use when the valve means is in an open position.

Preferably the dispensing outlet means is any device that allows one or more items to flow from or through an outlet aperture in use, when in an open position in use, to allow dispensing of said items through said outlet aperture.

The dispensing outlet means is an electronically actuated dispensing means. Preferably the dispensing outlet means includes or consists of a tap, font dispenser and/or the like.

The dispensing outlet means can be moved between a closed position, wherein dispensing of one or more items therefrom is prevented, and an open position, wherein one or more items can be dispensed therefrom in use.

Preferably both the dispense outlet means and the valve means need to be in an open position before one or more items can be dispensed from the dispense outlet means in use.

Preferably the valve means are connected to the dispensing outlet means and/or are provided upstream of the dispensing outlet means (i.e. between the dispensing outlet means and the at least one reservoir).

Preferably the valve means are provided in, are integral with and/or form part of the dispensing outlet means.

Thus, in one example, the dispensing outlet means includes a solenoid valve provided therein.

Preferably the one or more beverage items for dispensing can include any or any combination of one or more beer, larger, spirits, wine and/or the like.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes power supply means or a power supply for providing electrical power to the control unit, the dispensing outlet means, the valve means, the detection means and/or the like.

The power supply means can include any power supply, mains power supply, a generator, one or more batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar power, wind generated power and/or the like.

Preferably the power supply provides a 24V power supply.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes indication means or an indication device to allow the status of the dispensing outlet means, the valve means, the flow conduit and/or flow line and/or the detection means to be indicated to a user in use. Preferably the indication means includes any or any combination of visual indication means or device, audio indication means or device, or kinaesthetic indication means or device.

Preferably the visual indication means or device can include one or more lights, light emitting means, data signs and/or the like. For example, one or more lights could be illuminated when the valve means is in a closed position, when the detection means has detected there is insufficient items to be dispensed from the reservoir and/or the like.

Preferably the audio indication means or device include one or more alarms, sounds and/or the like.

Preferably the kinaesthetic indication means or device include one or more vibration means and/or the like.

Preferably the indication means are provided on, associated with, or in the locality or vicinity of the dispensing outlet means.

Preferably temperature control means or mechanism are provided in or associated with the apparatus for controlling a temperature of one or more parts of the apparatus in use.

Preferably the temperature control means includes one or more heaters or heating devices for heating one or more parts of the apparatus in use.

Preferably the temperature control means includes one or more cooling devices for cooling one or more parts of the apparatus in use.

Preferably the temperature control means, the one or more heating and/or cooling devices are provided one or associated with the at least one flow conduit or flow line in use.

Preferably the one or more reservoirs includes one or more containers, kegs, barrels, bottles, drums and/or the like.

Preferably the control unit and/or valve means can have valve control means associated with the same. Preferably this allows a user to control the valve means irrespective of or independently of the status of the detection means. For example, if a user requires cleaning of one or more parts of the dispensing apparatus, the user can move the valve means from the open position to the closed position during the cleaning process. Once the cleaning process has been completed, the user can move the valve means from the closed position to the open position. The control unit controls the dispensing outlet means directly. For example, this can be used to prevent the dispense outlet means being left in an open position when the valve means is being moved from a closed position to an open position following the changing of a reservoir and/or the like.

Preferably one or more parts of the dispensing apparatus of the present invention can be retrofitted to existing dispensing apparatus.

Preferably the detection means can communicate directly with the valve means to move the same between the open and closed positions in use.

Preferably once the valve means has been moved from the open position to the closed position as a result of one or more signals being transmitted from the detection means about the status of the at least one reservoir, the valve means remains in a closed position until the at least one reservoir has been changed and/or refilled such that the detection means detects there is sufficiency of the one or more items to be dispensed therefrom.

Preferably the valve means is arranged downstream from the detection means. Preferably the valve means is arranged upstream of the dispensing outlet means. Preferably each of the multiple dispensing outlet means can be used independently of each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using free-flow beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing one or more beverage items therefrom in use according to claim <NUM>.

According to one embodiment of the present invention indication means are provided for indicating the status or operational status of the at least one reservoir, the dispensing outlet means, the valve means and/or the detection means in use. Preferably the indication means are provided on, associated with or in the locality or vicinity of the dispensing outlet means.

Preferably the indication means include any or any combination of visual, audio and/or kinaesthetic indication means.

According to one embodiment the detection means includes one or more sonic flow detection devices or ultrasonic flow detection devices.

Preferably said dispensing outlet means are arranged such that the valve means can be controlled to move between the open and closed positions via a remote control unit and/or following detection of one or more pre-determined conditions.

Preferably the valve means is a solenoid valve.

The one or more pre-determined conditions is the detection of a reservoir connected to or associated with the dispensing outlet means being empty or containing insufficient items to dispense.

It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the abovementioned embodiments could be provided in the free-flow beverage dispensing apparatus of the present application.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, there is illustrated dispensing apparatus in the form of beer dispensing apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of reservoirs in the form of beer kegs <NUM> for the containment of the beer, a plurality of dispensing outlet means in the form of free flow beer taps <NUM> located remotely from the beer kegs <NUM>, and beer flow lines or conduits 8a-8c located between the beer kegs <NUM> and the beer taps <NUM> for allowing beer to flow from the beer kegs <NUM> to the beer taps <NUM> in use. Each beer tap <NUM> is movable from an open position, wherein beer can be dispensed from an outlet aperture in the same, to a closed position, wherein beer is prevented from being dispensed from the outlet aperture.

A cooler <NUM> is provided through which each beer flow line 8a-8c flows in order to cool the beer contained in the flow lines to a required temperature.

In accordance with the present invention detection means in the form of electronic fob detectors <NUM> are associated with each beer keg <NUM> to detect when the keg is empty or when there is insufficient beer contained in the keg <NUM> to dispense. In the illustration, each fob detector <NUM> includes a chamber through which beer from the keg flows before entering the flow line 8a-8c in use. The chamber includes a float that is located above a side outlet <NUM> of the chamber when there is beer contained in the keg. As the beer is dispensed from the side outlet <NUM> (or a bottom outlet (not shown)) and the keg becomes empty, the float becomes lower in the chamber and shuts off the side outlet <NUM> and actuates a reed switch or continuity connection contained in a base of the chamber. Actuation of the reed switch or continuity connection sends a data signal to a control unit <NUM> via a communication line <NUM> provided between each fob detector <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> to signal whether a particular keg <NUM> is empty.

Micro-processing means provided in the control unit <NUM> processes the data signal from the fob detectors <NUM> and signals to a solenoid valve <NUM> provided in the flow line 8a-8c in association with each beer tap <NUM> via communication lines <NUM>. The solenoid valve is normally in an open position wherein it allows beer to flow through the same to beer tap <NUM>. When the solenoid valve <NUM> receives a data signal from the control unit <NUM> that a keg <NUM> is empty, it moves the solenoid valve <NUM> associated with that particular beer flow line 8a-8c from the open position to a closed position. With the solenoid valve <NUM> in a closed position, this closes the beer flow line 8a-8c irrespective of whether the beer tap <NUM> is an open or closed position. This prevents the beer flow lines 8a-8c from being depressurised when an associated keg <NUM> becomes empty, thereby preventing fob being formed in the beer lines 8a-8c.

Indication means in the form of a visual light <NUM> is associated with each beer tap <NUM>. Each light <NUM> is in communication with the control unit <NUM> via the communication lines <NUM>. In one example, each light <NUM> can be lit green when the solenoid valve <NUM> is in an open position to provide a visual indication to a bar worker that the beer flow line is in an operable position and there is beer contained in keg <NUM>. Once the solenoid valve <NUM> has been moved to a closed position, the light <NUM> can be lit red to provide a visual indication to the bar worker that the beer flow line has been closed and a keg <NUM> needs to be changed.

A bar worker can replace the empty keg <NUM> with a full keg. For example, the bar worker typically bleeds the fob detection chamber, this is turn raises the float inside the detection chamber, releasing the electrical contact of the float with the reed switch, thereby signalling to the control unit that the keg is now full. The control unit signals to the solenoid valve associated with the particular keg that the keg is full, thereby moving the solenoid valve from the closed position to an open position. With the solenoid valve open, the tap <NUM> can then be moved from a closed position to an open position to allow beer to once again dispensed from tap <NUM>.

The control unit can detect which data signal has been emitted or generated from which fob detector, thereby allowing the corresponding beer tap in the same beer line as the keg that needs to be replaced to be moved from the open position to the closed position in use.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus could be provided with any number of kegs and/or any number of beer taps as required.

In <FIG>, beer dispensing apparatus <NUM> is shown which does not form part of the present invention. The three beer dispensing taps <NUM> are provided in fluid flow communication with a single beer reservoir or keg <NUM>. Once the keg <NUM> becomes empty, the fob detector <NUM> associated with keg <NUM> communicates this to the control unit <NUM>, which in turn signals to all three solenoid valves <NUM> associated with the beer taps <NUM> to move from an open position to a closed position. The visual indication lights <NUM> can be used to signal to a bar worker that the keg <NUM> needs to be changed. The flow lines 8a-8c are combined into a single flow line 8d between the cooler <NUM> and the keg <NUM>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a wired or hard wired system, the communication lines <NUM> and/or <NUM> could represent wireless communication lines or include wireless communication if required. This has the advantage that the present invention can be set up in any building, environment, outside and/or the like. Suitable transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver devices can be provided on each component that is to communicate with the control unit <NUM> in use.

Referring to <FIG>, wireless dispensing apparatus <NUM> is illustrated which does not form part of the present invention. This apparatus works in a similar manner to the apparatus described above but the control unit <NUM> communicates wirelessly with the solenoid valves <NUM> via a transceiver device <NUM> provided in or associated with control unit <NUM>. More particularly, transceiver device <NUM> communicates wirelessly with a transceiver device <NUM> provided with or associated with the three taps <NUM>, the solenoid valves <NUM> and the indication lights <NUM>, as shown by arrows <NUM>. Once the keg <NUM> becomes empty, the fob detector <NUM> associated with keg <NUM> communicates this to the control unit <NUM>, which in turn signals to all three solenoid valves <NUM> via the WIFI connection <NUM> between the two transceivers <NUM>, <NUM> to move the solenoid valves <NUM> associated with each beer tap <NUM> from an open position to a closed position. A signal is also transmitted to the indicator lights to change the light condition and visually indicate that the keg <NUM> is empty.

The control unit <NUM> is used to communicate with the taps <NUM> directly or via transceiver <NUM> to control whether the taps are in the open or closed positions and/or with cooler <NUM> to control the temperature of the beer in the flow lines 8a-8d and/or the like.

The solenoid valve <NUM> is of a free flow type wherein any volume of beer can be dispensed through the same.

The control unit <NUM> can have user actuation means associated with the same to allow a user to operate the solenoid valve <NUM>, the tap <NUM>, the cooler <NUM> and/or the fob detector <NUM> irrespective and/or independently to any other component of the apparatus. For example, a user can move the solenoid valve <NUM> from the open position to the closed position if they wish to clean the apparatus, irrespective of whether the keg <NUM> is full or not. This can be performed, for example, by actuating a cleaning over-ride switch on the control unit <NUM>. Once the apparatus has been cleaned, the user can then re-open the solenoid valve to allow normal operation of the dispensing apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated dispensing outlet means in the form of a dispensing font or beer tap <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. The beer tap <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a tap handle <NUM>, an inlet aperture <NUM> and an outlet aperture <NUM>. A channel <NUM> is defined through housing <NUM> between the inlet aperture <NUM> and the outlet aperture <NUM> through which one or more items, such as for example beer, can flow in use. A plunger element <NUM> is movably connected to tap handle <NUM> via connection means <NUM>, such that actuation of the tap handle <NUM> can move the plunger <NUM> between an open position, wherein the plunger element <NUM> is moved clear of outlet aperture <NUM> and beer contained within channel <NUM> can flow out of said outlet aperture <NUM>, and a closed position, wherein the plunger element <NUM> closes outlet aperture <NUM> and beer contained within channel <NUM> is prevented from flowing out of outlet aperture <NUM>.

The tap handle <NUM> is electrically operated.

A feed line <NUM> is connected to inlet aperture <NUM> to allow beer to flow from a reservoir into channel <NUM> of housing <NUM>. The feed line <NUM> can be connected via any suitable connection means.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, valve means in the form of a solenoid valve <NUM> is provided in housing <NUM> between inlet aperture <NUM> and outlet aperture <NUM> (and preferably upstream of plunger element <NUM>). Thus, in contrast with the embodiments shown in <FIG> wherein the solenoid valves are provided in the flow line 8a-8c upstream of beer tap <NUM>, the solenoid valve <NUM> in this example is provided as an integral part of tap <NUM>. The solenoid valve <NUM> allows the tap <NUM> to be remotely controlled in a similar manner to that described in the earlier embodiments.

An electrical cable <NUM> can be connected to solenoid valve <NUM> to allow one or more control signals from control unit to be sent directly or indirectly to move the valve <NUM> between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, the solenoid valve <NUM> can be controlled via wireless means.

An indicator light <NUM> can be provided on tap <NUM> to indicate to a user whether the solenoid valve <NUM> is in an open or closed position as previously described. However, the indicator light <NUM> could be provided separate to tap <NUM> if required.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated a further embodiment of dispensing apparatus <NUM> which does not form part of the present invention. This apparatus is capable of both wireless communication and wired communication. The two forms of communication can take place simultaneously to each other or independently of and/or separately of each other. A user can also select which form of communication is used at any particular time. This makes this embodiment of the present invention very flexible in terms of how it can be used. The same reference numerals have been used to describe the same features and components as mentioned in earlier embodiments.

Claim 1:
Free-flow beverage dispensing apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for dispensing one or more beverage items therefrom in use; said apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of reservoirs for containment of the one or more beverage items to be dispensed; and a plurality of dispensing outlet means; the dispensing outlet means configured to be moved between a closed position, wherein dispensing of the one or more beverage items therefrom is prevented, and an open position, wherein the one or more beverage items can be dispensed therefrom for dispensing the one or more beverage items from said apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each of the dispensing outlet means in fluid communication with a single one of the reservoirs; and a single free-flow conduit or free-flow line (8a-8c) located between each reservoir and the dispensing outlet means, and wherein free-flow valve means are provided with or associated with said dispensing outlet means to control dispensing of the one or more beverage items from said dispensing outlet means in use, said free-flow valve means movable between an open position, wherein the one or more beverage items can be dispensed from the dispensing outlet means, and a closed position, wherein the one or more beverage items are prevented from being dispensed from said dispensing outlet means, the apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including detection means for detecting when each of the plurality of reservoirs contain an insufficiency of said beverage items to be dispensed; whereby the dispensing outlet means are electronically actuated dispensing outlet means, and said beverage dispensing apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes a control unit (<NUM>) that is arranged to communicate with and/or control at least two, or all, of said multiple dispensing outlet means simultaneously and/or each dispensing outlet means independently of one or more other dispensing outlet means directly and via the free-flow valve means (<NUM>, <NUM>); and the detection means are arranged to communicate with the control unit (<NUM>) and, on detection of insufficient beverage items to be dispensed from the reservoir, this is communicated to the control unit (<NUM>) which is arranged to signal to the valve means to move from the open position to the closed position.