Patent ID: 8424719

Claim:
A method for making an integrated module that monitors fluidic flow rate in a beverage dispensing apparatus, said method comprising: providing a pressure-compensated flow control valve, a flowmeter for measuring the rate of fluid flow therethrough and generating an output signal indicative of the rate of fluid flow, and a one-way valve; providing an integral housing defining a bore from an inlet port to an outlet port, said integral housing fabricated through injection molding using an NSF-listed food-grade thermoplastic; assembling inside said integral housing said pressure-compensated flow control valve, said flowmeter and said one-way valve, wherein said pressure-compensated flow control valve, said flowmeter and said one-way valve are arranged sequentially down a fluid flow along said bore; providing a flowmeter sensor in association with said integral housing for sensing the output signal generated by the flowmeter; and situating a gate-keeping valve downstream of said flowmeter and upstream of the of the outlet port and fastening said gate-keeping valve to said integral housing.