Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~` ~06'7461
This invention is an automatic container washing
and beverage dispensing machine. More particularly, this
invention is an automatic container washing and beverage
dispensing machine for use in dispensing gas containing beverages
such as draft beer, and the like, wherein one or more ccntainers
are washed automatically and the beverage is di;spensed automati-
cally into one or more of the containers as required without the
necessity of a person having to handle the containers while the
containers are being washed and the beverage is being dispensed.
: :
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In known methods of dispensing a beverage that is
customarily stored under pressure and contains dissolved gas
which comes out of solution when the pressure is released,
thereby creating foam, for example, the dispensing of draft beer,
it is customary to have an experienced skilled tap man control
the dispensing of the beverage so that the quantity of foam
~ generated is minimized and a proper amount of beverage is dispensed
; ~ into the beverage container. This necessitates that the tap
man must handle each of the containers ànd the beverage dispensing
control while the beverage is being dispensed. Moreover, when
the demand for the beverage is hlgh during peak beverage con-
sumption periods of the day, only an experienced skilled tap
man is capable of dispensing at a rapid rate the large number
of oontainers of the beverage that are required. Experienced
~ skilled tap men are in short supply and command high salaries.
; In dispensing beverages that are stored under pressure
and contain a dissolved gas, for example draft beer, cond1tions
such as temperature and pressure should be;within controlled
limits while the beverage is being dispensed, otherwise~excessive
foaming occurs. Excessive foaming makes it difficult to dispense
the prescribed amount of beverage in the container without having
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~ 106746~
the foam overflow the lip of the container. When foam is
permitted to overflow, a certain amount of the beverage is
irrecoverably lost. Lost beverage means lost profits and
consequently, it is always desirable to minimize the amount
. .
of beverage that i5 lost due to exce.ssive foaming.
In view of the foregoing difficulties, particularly
in the draft beer dispensing business, it has been a constant
objective of long standing to develop the dispensing of draft
beer into more of a sciencel than an art, thereby increasing
the efficiency and the profitability of the husiness. This
can be done only by ensuring that constant and uniform high
standard results are obtained.
Traditionally, gas charged beverages such as draft
beer are packaged by the brewery in kegs under pressure. These
kegs are constructed to withstand normal pressures plus a
certain amount of excess pressure for purposes of safety. The
beverage is drawn from the kegs by tapping the~kegs with a
.
discharge tap through standard discharge ports that are bullt ;
into the keg, usually at the top of the keg. The discharge
~: - .
~tap is inserted through the discharge port ~into the keg in a
;~ manner that is known. Once the discharge~tap has been installed,
a certain amount of air pressure~ usually by means of a pump, is
applied to the keg. This pressure forces t~e draft beer out
of the keg 1nto the discharge tap and then~into a line that is
normally connected to the discharge tap. ~This~line usually
leads to an on-off valve which is handled by the tap man. The
tap man draws the draft beer by opening the valve for an
observed length of time until the container, usually a glass,
is filled to a specified level determined by sight, after
which the tap man closes the valve, thereby preventing any
further beer being dispensed into the glass. This process is
.
" ~a06~6~
repeated for successive glasses until the contents of the keg
are exhausted. Once the keg has exhausted of draft beer~ a
new keg must be tapped and hooked up.
Usually, when a fresh keg is tapped, a substantial
amount of foaming occurs. This may be because the equilibrium
existing in the keg before it is tapped is disturbed. When
a new keg is tapped, it is frequently necessary to draw off
three or more glasses of draft beer, which contain an excessive
amount of foam, before the draft beer drawing process settles
down to provide draft beer having a proper amount of foam
above the liquid beer (commonly called the "head"). Because
of excessive foaming the first few glasses of draft beer
obtained from a fresh keg must be thrown away, because the
excessive foaming if allowed to subside causes the beer to
have a flat taste, which is unacceptable to a draft beer
drinking customer. An inexperienced tap man can contribute
to excessive foaming by inexpertly tapping a fresh keg~thereby ~'
increasing the number of glasses of beer that must be drawn
before a proper head is obtained. He can also cause undue
foaming by improperly controlllng the dlspensing tap.
Another problem associated with having a tap man ;
dispense the draft beer is that he will not always fill the
glass with the proper amount of draft beer. This occurs
particularly during peak hours. By following this practice
of underfilling, the tap man can increase the number of
glasses of beer he obtains from a ke~ and put the extra profits
into his own pocket because normally the tap man must account
to the management only for a predetermined number of glasses
of draft beer for each keg that is tapped. ~owever, customers
who are sold underfilled glasses will frequent,ly,make complaints
to the management, which is a constant nuisance for the
management.
~067~6~
Moreover, there are usually legal authorities that
govern and manage the dispensing of alcoholic beverages such
as draft beer, and they continually without warning send
around inspectors who note any underfilling practices. They
then lodge objections with the management, wh:ich is trouble-
some, and sometimes go so far as to compel the management to
close down the beverage room for a specified number of days
as a penalty for the offences committed.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that there are
` 10 many problems associated with the dispensing of beverages
such as draft beer and it is desirable to minimize the problems
as much as possible. One way to do this lS to remove the role
of the tap man, which as has been demonstrated is a major problem
source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
We have invented an automatic/ computer controlled
glass washing and beverage dispensing machine, wh1ch can fill
up to six glasses at one time, repeating for larger orders,
without using a tap~man. The only person required is a waiter
to serve the customers. The waiter merely obtains orders
from the customers and enters the orders on a selection panel
located in the area of the dispensing machine. The machine
then automatically dispenses the appropriate number of glasses
; of beverage as ordered. The waiter then delivers the glass~s
to the person or persons who ordered the glasses of beverage.
The automatic machine also tabulates throughout the
day the number of glasses of beverage thàt have been ordered
by any particular waiter. The machine can accommodate more
than one waiter, and count the number of glasses of beverage
ordered by each respective waiter, by having the respective
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~0~i7461
waiters carry control cards that are coded to the respective
waiters. The control card is inserted by the waiter in the
selection panel at the time an order is placed. That order
is then automatically assigned by the machine to that particular
waiter. Once the order has been placed on the selection panel,
the waiter withdraws the control card, so that the next waiter
will be able to insert his coded control card into the
selection panel when he places his order. The order of the
second waiter is then automatically recorded by the machine
and assigned to the second waiter. The machine can accommodate
any number of waiters, each having a differently coded control
card.
The selection panel consists of nine selection
buttons which may be punched in any combination to add up
to the number of glasses desired. The buttons are numbered
from 1 to 9. The selection panel can be operated only when
a control card has been inserted into it by a waiterj to whom
the control card is issued. Each waiter carries a separate
coded control card.
~20 When the card is inserted in the selectlon panel,
and an order placed upon the selection panel, it is recorded
on a computerized counter which totals the number of orders
entered by the waiter during the shift that the waiter works.
At the end of the shift, the total number of orders sold by
the waiter during the shift is automatically provided. This
system eliminates the need to have a cashier for handliny
the exchange of money, which slows down the efficiency of the
waiter, particularly duriny peak demand.
The automatic glass washing and draEt beer dispensing
machine is designed to wash used glasses and dispense draft
beer automatically in the one machine. In the glass washing
portion of the machine, the glasses are subjected to a three
~0674~;~
stage washing procedure consisting of (1) a detergent-hot
water rinse, (2) a hot water rinse, and t3) a sterilization
rinse. The used glasses are placed at one end of the machine
on a conveyor chain in an inverted positlon. In a typical
construction, the used glasses can be placed in an inverted
position on any one of six parallel tracks located on the
conveyor chain. The six parallel tracks extend in the direction
of the machine and the soiled glasses are carried as required
by the chain along any one of the six tracks into the glass
washing portion of the machine. The glasses are then washed
by the machine.
When a waiter has inserted the coded control card
into the selection panel and has entered the order on the
selection panel, the machine acts according to the order placed
and automatically picks up one to six glasses at a time from
the six tracks of glasses on the chain, after the glasses
have been washed, and lifts the glasses up to one or more of
six draEt beer dispensing taps that are positioned adjacent to
one another laterally across the width of the machine. The
six dispensing taps are positioned so that they are each above
the respective lines of travel of the six tracks of glasses.
The one to six glasses after being raised to the dispensing
taps are filled with a predetermined amount of draft beer.
After being filled, the glasses are returned to the chain, at
which time they are carried forward a short distance to a point
where they may be picked up by the waiter for delivery to the
table where the people who ordered the glasses of draft beer
are seated.
The machine is constructed to dispense from one to six
glasses of beverage at a time. If more than six glasses of beverage
are required, for example, fifteen glasses of beer, then the machine
once an order for fifteen glasses of beer has been placed on the
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67a~
selection control panel by the waiter, automatically dispenses
six glasses of beer, a further six glasses of beer, and then
finally three glasses of beer thereby making up the order of
fifteen glasses of beer.
When an order has been placed on the selection panel,
the overall dispensing of the selected number of glasses of
beer is controlled by a master electronic timing system which
controls in turn a combination o~ electrical, mechani~al, and
pneumatic means.
The mechanical system is driven by two electric motors,~
which are activated by electronically triggered electric clutches.
One motor, by means of a reduction unit, together with a drive
chain system including sprockets, chains, and the like, causes
the chain t~ move t~e glasses ~orward as required. The second
motor drives a lift plate, glass holder and glass holder lift
bar. These devices work in combination to pick up the pre-
determined number of washed glasses as ordered on the selection
panel, turn the glasses over, and lift them up to one or more
of the six beer dispensing taps as required. The glasses are
;~ 20 ~ then filled with a predetermined quantity of the draft beer, after
which, the glasses are lowered to the conveyor chain.
The pneumatic control system is used to move the
number of glasses selected into the pick up mechanism, and to
regulate the quantity of beer that is dispensed into the selected
number of glasses. Air cylinders are triggered eleatronically
by the entry of the order on the selection panel. The time that
the dispensing taps are open is variable and can be controlled
within fine limits. The time that the taps are opened is
controlled by a variable electronic timer.
The draft beer is stored in a refrigeration~system
consisting of a cold room and a beer cooling system that cools
lines which deliver the beer to the respective six beer
~067~
dispensing taps. The draft beer is maintained within a
temperature that can be controlled and adjusted to any type
of beer by a refrigeration unit control. Ideally, the beer
should be kept at a temperature between 36 and 40F. To
assist in maintaining the beer within the foregoing
temperature range, the beer lines delivering the beer to the
six beer dispensing taps are grouped together in a bundle
and enclosed in a bundle cover in the form of a larger tube.
A refrigerated water-antifreeze solution i5 circulated inside
the bundle cover. The refrigerated water-antifreeze solution
is circulated by means of a pump.
As explained previously, the machine will dispense
one to six glasses of draft beer simultaneously, and is
constructed to automatically repeat the cycle until the
number of glasses ordered have been dispensed. Each
dispensing cycle takes approximately eight seconds. At this
rate, it is possible to dispense a typical keg of~beer holdlng
12.9 Imperial gallons in about seven minutes. This is
comparable to the production of three tap men.
Since the typical draft beer tavern is open for
business about fourteen hours each day, representing two `
working shifts, the draft beer dispensing machine can eliminate
at least two tap men. During peak hours, two and sometim~s
three tap men are usually required. Accordingly, the salary
for two to four tap men can be eliminated, thereby reducing
operating expenses, as well as removing the function of a tap
man, which function is a major source of headaches for the
owners of the tavern.
Further, since the amount of draft beer dispensed
in each glass is electronically controlled, human judgement
and error are eliminated, and hence the possibility of wastage
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~06746~
and theft by employees, is minimized. It is estimated in
the typical case that a saving of $2.00 per keg of draft beer
can be realized due to reduced wastage.
Since the draft beer dispensing machine can dispense
up to six glasses of beer at a time, it is not difficult to
meet the demand that occurs during peak business hours in the
tavern.
The draft beer dispensing machine is constructed so
that waiters can enter orders on the selection panel from
either side of the machine, deposit the used glasses on the
conveyor chain from either side of the machine, and receive
dispensed glasses of draft beer from either side of the
machine. Double access to the machine eliminates the number
of steps that the waiter must walk during each shift, thereby
reducing fa~igue in the waiter. As a result, the waiter is
more alert throughout the shift, and fewer accidents occur.
The dual access to the draft beer dispensing machine also
reduces the number of waiters at any one station and hence
interference caused by having a number of waiters check into
one station.
~ s an option, the automatic draft beer dispensing
machine can also be equipped with a second glass washing
machine located at the end of the draft beer dispensing machine.
The advantage of the second glass washlng machine is that it
can be used to wash cocktail glasses, that are used in taverns
that dispense both draft beer and liquor drinks to their
customers. The cocktail glasses are usually of a different
size and shape than the glasses used for the draft beer.
The cocktail glass washing machine is located at the
end of the draft beer dispensing machine and is constructed
using two cocktail glass conveyor chains, one running in each
direction laterally to the direction of travel of the conveyor
~1~)67461 `
chain of the draft beer dispensing machine. The waiter
deposits the used cocktail glasses on one track that moves
into a glass washing area, and picks up clean washed glasses
that emerge on the second conveyor chain travelling out of
the glass washing area.
The invention includes a method of automatically
dispensing a beverage into a glass by automatically gripping
the glass with a holder, and automatically dispensing a
predetermined quantity of beverage into the glass while the
glass is being held by the holder. The holder automatically
lifts or tilts the glass before the beverage is dispensed
into the glass. The holder also turns the glass over before
the beverage is dispensed into the glass, and automatically
returns the glass to an upright position and sets the glass
down after the beverage has been dispensed into the glass.
The glass is automatically washed before it is gripped by
the holder.
According to the invention, the glass is set in
an inverted position on a conveyor which moves automatically
as required in the direction of the holder, the glass is then
automatically washed before being gripped by the holder, the
glass is then automatically filled with the beverage, and the
glass is then moved away from the holdPr by the chain. The
beverage dispensed includes draft beer,
The invention also includes a method of automatically
dispensing a beverage into a container by actuating an automatic
control means which sends a signal to one or more means that
causes the container to be moved into position for filling
with a predetermined quantity of beverage, and then sends a
second signal to one or more means that causes the container
to be moved away from the beverage filling position.
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~067~
The automatic beverage dispensing method includes
a control means which upon actuation sends in sequence, a
first signal that causes a kicker to move a gLass to a glass
holder, a second signal that causes the glass holder to turn
the glass over, a third signal that causes the glass holder
to raise the glass to a dispensing tap, a fourth signal that
causes the dispensing tap to open for a predetermined length
of time and dispense beverage into the glass, and a fifth
signal that causes t~e glass holder to lower the glass.
Included in the scope of the invention is a method
of automatically cleaning one or more glasses and dispensing
a beverage into one or more of the glasses by washing one or
more of the glasses while they are in an inverted position,
turning one or more of the glasses over as required, and
filling one or more of the thus turned over glasses with an
automatically controlled quantity of a beverage.
A variant method includes a method of automatically
cleaning and filling a glass with a predetermined quantity
of a beverage without the glass being handled by a human
during the cleaning and filling steps. This method involves
automatically cleaning the glass, turning the glass over, and
filling the glass automatically with a predetermined quantity
of beverage.
A further variant method includes automatically
filling a container with a beverage without the necesslty of
a person having to handle the container by gripping the
container automatically with a holder and filling the container
automatically with a predetermined quantity of beverage while
the container is being held by the holder.
The invention includes a method of dispensing one
to six containers of beverage by having as separate units, a
74~
single beverage dispensing device, a pair of beverage dis-
pensing devices, and a trio of beverage dispensing devices.
When one container of beverage is required, the
container is filled using the single dispensing device. When
two containers of beverage are required at one time, two con-
tainers are ~illed at one time using the pair of dispensing
devices. When three containers of beverage are required at one
time, three containers are filled at one time using the trio
of dispensing devices. When four containers of beverage are
required at one time, four containers are filled at one time
using the single and trio of dispensing devices. When five
containers of beverage are required at one time, five containers
are filled at one time using the pair and trio of dispensing
devices. Finally, when six containers of beverage are required
at one time, six containers are filled at one time using the
single, pair and trio of dispensing devices.
; The invention further includes a method of connecting
together two or more containers of beverage by linking the
containers in series so that when connected the beverage in each
container flows into the next successive container in the series
and is drawn from the last container in the series. This method
includes having an on-off valve on the pumping line between the
last and penultimate containers, an auxiliary beverage pumping
means connected to the last container, an on-off valve located
in the auxiliary beverage pumping means, and a pressure relief valve.
The invention includes an automatic beverage
; dispensing machine consisting of a moveable conveyor upon
which a beverage container can be set in an inverted position,
a beverage container washer which automatically washes the
beverage container as required, a beverage container holder
which automatically grips the container as required and turns
the container over! and a beverage dispenser which as required
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automatically dispenses a predetermined quantity oE beverage
into the container. A holder lifts the container to a beverage
dispensing device for filling with the predetermined quantity
of beverage, after which the holder lowers the container to
the conveyor, whereupon the conveyor carries the container
away from the holder. The beverage is dispensed automatically
from a dispensing tap, and the beverage is carried to the
dispensing tap through a cooled hose.
The dispensing machine incorporates a container
~washer which comprises (1) a detergent-hot water washer,
(2) a hot water washer, and (3) an iodine-cold water washer~ ¦
In the dispensing machine, the beverage is dispensed using
compressed air, and the movement of the holder and the
opening and closing of the beverage dispenser are also powered
by compressed air. The movement of the holder is controlled
by a timer disc and a photosensitive eye, and one or more
containers of beverage can be obtained by entering an appropriate
order on a selector panel.
~ The three beverage dispenslng units referred to
previously are selectively controlled to simultaneously dispense
a beverage through one to six beverage dispensing devices, one
of the units having a single beverage dispensing device,
another of the units having a pair of beverage dispensing
devices, and a further of the units having a trio of beverage
dispensing devices. The unit having a trio of beverage dis-
pensing devices is controlled whenever the beverage is to be
dispensed through three of the beverage dispensing devices.
The automatic beverage dispensing machine can be
adapted to handle various sizes and shapes of glasses and
containers, for example, mugs, pitchers and pedestal type
glasses, by making design changes in the shape of the glass
holder so that it will pick up the particular shape of glass
or container.
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~067~6~
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE l represents a three dimensional view of
the beverage dispensing portion automatic glass washer and
beverage dispenser.
FIGURE 2 represents a side view of the automatic
glass washer and beverage dispenser with the side cover
removed.
FIGURE 3 represents a view of the opposite side of
the automatic glass washer and beverage dispenser, also with
the side cover removed.
FIGURE 4 represents a top view of the automatic
glass washer and beverage dispenser with the washer and~
dispenser housing removed.
FIGURE 5 represents a top view of the glass
selecting and beverage dispensing mechanism of the automatic
glass washer and beverage dispenser,
FIGURE 6 represents a top view of the lift plate
of the automatic glass washer and beverage dispenser.
FIGURE 7 represents a side view, partially cut
away, of the glass selecting and beverage dispensing mechanism
.
in the automatic glass washer and beverage dispenser.
FIGURE 8 represents a detailed sequential view of
the glass handling and beverage dispensing sequence of the
automatic glass washer and beverage dispenser.
FIGURE 9 represents a stylized view of the
beverage keg dispensing hook up and the cooling mechanism for
the cooling water, of the automatic glass washer and beverage
dispenser.
FIGURE lO represents a top view of an optional
glass washing system that can be located at the end of the
automatic glass washer and beverage dispenser.
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` ` ~067461
FIGURE 11 represents a side view of the optional
glass washing system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the computerized auto-
matic beverage dispenser consists fundamenta:Lly of a housing 1
which includes therein a tank 2. Mounted in this tank 2 is a
chain 3, which is mounted on a chain whael 4 and a chain drive
wheel 5 to form a conveyor system. The lower part of the chain
3 rides on two horizontal rails (not shown) which hold the lower
part of the chain 3 above the bottom surface of the tank 2. The
upper~part of the chain 3 also rides on two horizontal rails
(not shown).
All necessary components of the dispenser unit are
constructed of stainless steel or aluminum so that the unit
is basically corrosion resistant.
The chain 3 is constructed in a more or less
conventional manner. A large number of links formed~of a
corrosion resistant material such~as nylon, or the 11ke, are
held together by means of a series of stainless steel cross
bars, the ends of which ride on the horizontal rails. The
~ construction of the chain 3 is such that there are a substan-
.
tial number o~ openings in the chain 3. This permits washing
water and beverage to pass through the chain 3.
Mounted above the housing 1 is a washer~and
dispenser housing 7. This housing 7 covers a substantial
length of the chain 3. The purpose of the chain is to carry
used glasses 8 placed in an lnverted position on the chain 3
at the open end of the dispenser (See two glasses 8 at left
in Figure 2) toward and under the washer and dispenser
housing 7. Located within the washer and dispenser housing 7
is a glass washing system. The used glasses 8 as they are
carried forward by the chain 3 are first exposed to the
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~0679~
washing action provided by a lower hot water detergent spray
washer 9 and above it at a height above the chain 3 sufficient
to allow glasses 8 to pass underneath, an upper hot water
detergent spray washer 10. As can be seen in Figure 4, these
two hot water detergent spray washers consist of three
perforated tubes which extend laterally across the width of
chain 3. The lower washers 9 spray a hot water detergent
mixture upwardly into the interlor of the glasses 8, which
are mounted in an inverted manner on the chain 3. The upper
washers 10 spray a hot water detergent mixture downwardly
onto the exterior surfaces of the glasses 8.
Following the hat water detergent spray washing
step, the glasses 8 are exposed to a simple hot water washing
step. As can be seen in Figure 2, this hot water washing
step consists of a lower hot water spray washer 11 mounted
underneath the chain 3, and an upper hot water spray washer
12, located in the upper part of the housing 7 above the
uppermost height of the glasses 8. As can be seen in Figure ~,
the hot water washers 11 also extend laterally across the.
width of chain 3.
Finally, as can be seen in Figure 2, the glasses 8
are subjected to a sterilizing rinse step consisting of a
lower cold water spray iodine rinse 13, and an upper cold
water spray iodine rinse 14. As can be seen in Figure 4,
the lower cold water spray icdine rinse 13 consists of two
perforated tubes which extend laterally across the width of
chain 3. The upper cold water spray iodine rinse 14 consists
of a single perforated tube mounted in the upper regions of
the housing 7 and extending laterally across the width of
chain 3.
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~06746~
It has been found that this sequence of washing
steps cleans the used glasses 8 to a high degree sufficient
to meet hygenic standards set by health authorities.
As can be seen in Figure 2, lower and upper hot
water detergent spray washers 9 and 10 obtain the detergent
hot water mixture by means of detergent hot water line 15.
Lower and upper hot water spray washers 11 and 12 are supplied
by hot watex line 16. Lower and upper cold water spray iodine
rinsers 13 and 14 are supplied by cold water line 17.
The detergent for the hot water detergent mixture
is drawn from a d,etergent container 18 by means of a one-way
aspirator valve 19 that is connected to hot water line 15.
The hot water for detergent hot water line 15
and hot water line 16 is drawn from a common hot water supply
system and is separated into two parts by means of a hot water
T-connection 20.
The iodine for the lower and upper cold water spray
iodine rinsers 13 and 14 is drawn from an iodine container 21
by means of a one-way aspirator valve 22 that is connected to
the cold water line 17.
; Referring to Figure 4, it will be seen that the
glasses 8 are moved towards the washing apparatus 10, 11 and
13 along six parallel tracks formed by a glass steering rack 23.
This rack 23 consists of seven elongated metal bars that run
parallel with one another in the direction of travel of the
chain 3O This rack 23 can be of a welded construction. The
six parallel rows of glasses 8 ensure that each of the glasses
will receive a full washing in the washing unit, and as will
be explained later, direct glasses to the six beverage dispensing
taps.
Referring to Figure 3, chain drive wheel 5 is
driven by a chain wheel drive sprocket 24. This sprocket 24
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~067461
is connected by means of a sprocket drive chain 25 to drive
sprocket 26. Drive sprocket 26 is driven by means of a
reduction box 27 and slip clutch 28 by means of a chain drive
motor 30 operating through pulley 31. The shaft for the
clutch 28 and pulley 31 is mounted on two pillow block sel~-
aligning bearings 29. Motor 30 runs continuously. When it
is intended to move chain 3 forward, an appropriate electrical
signal engages clutch 28, thereby delivering rotational move-
ment to drive sprocket 26 and chain wheel sprocket 24. Thus,
the chain 3 travels forward until another electrical signal
disengages clutch 2a, ~ whereupon~the chain 3 stops moving
forward. It has been found that there is sufficient inertia
present in the chain driving system and the chain that no
brake is required to quickly stop the chain 3 from moving
forward. Chain 3 stops moving forward almost immediately ;
that clutch 28 is disengaged.
The tank 2 is connected to a tank drain 32 so
that all washing and rlnsing water,~together with any beverage
that overflows, is drained away.
~20 The computerized automatic beverage dispenser
utilizes a compressed air system ln addition to the electrical
system that is used to drive the electr.ical motors, and other
electrical equipment. Referring to Figure 2, compressed air
is drawn from a compressed air generating system via compressed
.
air line 33. Compressed air line pressure gauge 34 lndicates
the pressure in the compressed air line 33. The compressed
air is passed through an electronic air cleaner bowl 35, and
an air line lubricating oil bowl 36 before being delivered
to any components that are operated by the compressed air.
It is important to ensure efficient and proper operation that
-18-
~0~746~ .
the air be clean and lubricated. This air cleaning and
lubricating system is conventional.
Once the air has been cleaned and lubricated, it
is delivered through air line 37 to an air intake manifold 38.
At this location, the air is split by means of seven air
manifold connectors 39 into seven separate lines 40. These
lines 40 deliver compressed air to seven four-way air valves
41.
The seven four-way air valves 41 exhaust respectively
through seven separate exhaust lines into air exhaust manifold
42. Air exhaust manifold 42 exhausts to the atmosphere.
Mounted below the series of seven four-way air
valves 41, is an electrical wiring and component panel 43.
This panel holds electrical devices such as solenoids, and
the like, that are required to operate any designated four-
way air valYe 41 upon receipt of an appropriate electrical
signal.
Referring to Figure 5, the main components of the
glass selection and beverage dispensing system are a single
kicker 44, a double kicker 45, or a triple kicker 46. The
function of these kickers, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 7, Z
is to kick forward a selected number of glasses 8 that are
positioned in the six tracks that are formed by the glass
steering rack 23. If only one glass 8 of beverage is to be
dispensed, then an appropriate order is entered by a waiter on
selection panel 95 (which will be explained in more detail
later in this disclosure). The panel 95 in turn delivers an
electrical signal to the computer (not shown). The computer
then delivers an electrical signal to the electrical components
that operate the four-way air valve 41 that indirectly operates
single kicker 44. The four-way air valve 41 by means of a
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067463L
solenoid and accompanying electrical mechanisms.operates on
electrical command and permits a charge of compressed air to
be delivered to the single kicker air piston and cylinder
47 whereupon the single kicker 44 is driven :Eorward in the
same direction as the direction of movement of the chain 3.
Single kicker 44 by moving forward moves a single glass 8
Eorward. Once single kicker 44 has moved forward the pres-
cribed distance, a second electrical command is issued which
sets up a chain of actions whereby a second charge of compressed
air is delivered through four-way air valve 41 which is connected
to the piston and cylinder 47. The second charge of air is
delivered to the side of the piston opposite to the side on
which the first charge is delivered. This acts to move single
kicker 44 back to its original position.
If two glasses of beverage are ordered, the ..
appropriate order is entered by the waiter on the selection
panel 95, and the four-way air valve 41 that directly controls~ :
the operation of piston and cylinder 48 causes:double kicker 45
to kick forward the two glasses 8 that are located adjacent
to one another in the second and third tracks of rack 23. In
this way two glasses. 8 are moved forward simultaneously rather
than having s.ingle kicker 44 operate twice in succession to
kick forward two glasses 8, one after the other.
A similar process is followed when three glasses
of bevera~e are ordered. In that case, triple kicker 46 is
operated to kick forward three glasses 8 that are located
ad~acent to one another in the fourth, fifth and sixth tracks
of rack 23.
If four glasses of beverage are ordered, then upon
entry by the waiter of an order for four glasses upon the
selection panel 95, the computer assimilates this information
- 20 -
`- ~06746~
and sends appropriate electrical signals to operate single
kicker 44 and triple kicker 46 simultaneously. These two
kickers 44 and 46 then kick forward respectively one glass in
the first track and three glasses in the fourth, fifth and
sixth tracks of rack 43.
If five glasses of beverage are ordered, double
kicker 45 and triple kicker 46 operate to kick forward five
glasses 8.
Finallyl if six glasses of beverage are ordered,
all three kickers, namely, single kicker 44, double klcker 45,
and triple kicker 46 all operate at the SaMe time ~o kick
forward 5iX glasses each located at the front of each of ~he
six rows of rack 23.
The automatic beverage dispenser is set up to
accommodate orders for more than six glasses of beverage,
without having to enter multiple orders on the selection
panel 95. For example, if ten glasses of beverage are ordered,
then once an order for ten glasses has been placed on the
selection panel 95, all three kickers 44, 45 and 46 operate
to kick forward six adjacent glasses for filling with beverage.
Once those glasses have been filled, single kicker 44 and
triple kicker 46 then by means of appropriate signals from
the computer automatically operate a second time to kick
forward four glasses for filling, thus making up the order
of ten glasses of beverage.
The computer and dispenser can be set up to handle
and fill any beverage order up to the limits of the selection
panel that is provided. However, if higher number~ than the
limit are required, the order can be accommodated simply by
entering successive orders on the selection panel 95.
Referring to Figure 5 further~ single kicker 44,
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1067~6~
double kicker 45, and triple kicker 46 are operated
respectively by air piston and cylinders 47, 48 and 49.
Each of these air piston and cylinders, 47, 4~ and 49 is
connected directly by means of single kicker air lines 50
and 51, double kicker air lines 52 and 53, and triple kicker
air lines 54 and 55, to the respective four-way air valves 41
located in a horizontal row inside housing 1 as shown in
Figure 2.
Each of kickers 44, 45 and 46, is connected to the
respective piston and cylinders 47, 48 and 49 by means of
kicker connectors 56, 57 and 58 respectively. ~ -
Single, double and triple kicker air piston and
cylinders 47, 48 and 49, at the ends opposite the respective
kickers, are mounted by means of three hinges 59 to a
horizontal laterally extending bar 60.. The two ends of bar
60 are joined to two height adjustments 61. Details of a
hinge 59, bar 60, and a kicker bar helght adjustment 61 can
be seen in Figure 7. In Figure 7, it can be seen that the
: height of the kicker air piston and cylinder 49 can be
adjusted by means of a slot 62 that is located in the heisht
adjustment 61. The selected height is then secured by
tightening adjustment nut 63. This secures height adjustment
61 to horizontal kicker support bar 64, of which there are
two, one running along each side of the dispenser parallel
to the direction of travel of the glasses 8 (See Figure 4
for a top view of the two support bars 64). As can be seen
in Figure 7, the kicker ~triple kicker 46 in this case) rests
on a kicker height adjustment bar 65 which extends laterally
across the dispenser between the two kicker support bars 64.
Kicker 46 slides back and forth on bar 65, and the angle at
- 22 -
~06746~
which the kicker 46 str.ikes the glasses 8 can be adjusted
by raising or lowering kicker bar height adjustment 61.
Referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that located
in line respectively with single, double and triple kicker
air piston and cylinders 47, 48 and 49 are a~second set of
three air piston and cylinders, 66, 67 and 68 respectively.
Air piston and cylinder 66 operates in combination
with single kicker 44 and air piston and cylinder 47 and by
means of a single dispenser connection 75, single dispenser:
tap linkage 7~ and dispenser tap 80 working together in
:combination, a predetermined amount of beverage can be dis-
pensed into the glass 8 that was kicked forward by kicker 44.
Similarly, double dispenser air piston and cylinder
67 operates in combination with double kicker 45 and air
piston and cylinder 48 to work two dispenser taps (not shown)
which fill respectively the two glasses 8 that were kicked
forward by double kicker 45.
Triple dispenser air piston and cylinder 68 works
in association with triple kicker 46 to dispense beverage
: :20 into three glasses 8 after being kicked forward by triple
kicker 46.
Single dispenser piston and cylinder 66 is driven
by compressed air that is delivered to it through two air
lines 69 and 7~ respectively. These air lines are connected
directly to another of the four-way air valves 41 ~See Figure 2).
: On receipt of an electrical signal from the computer, the
: electrical components that control the four-way air valve 41
that directly controls piston and cylinder 66 causes valve 41
to deliver a charge of compressed air through line 69 which
forces the piston in the cylinder 66 forward, thereby opening
dispenser tap 80 by means of the connecting linkage. When the
- 23
~L~)6746~
desired amount of beverage has been dispensed from beverage
tap 80 into the glass 8, a second signal from the computer
causes a second charge of compressed air to be delivered
through line 7Q, which in turn drives the pist:on in cylinder
66 back to its original position. This closes dispensing
tap 80.
In similar fashion to the single dispenser air
piston and cylinder 66, separate charges of compressed air
are delivered by a separate four-way air valve 41 to operate
double dispenser air piston and cylinder 67 which in turn works
double dispenser connector bar 76 and two separate dispensing
taps ~not shown) to fill two glasses at one time.
Also, triple dispenser air piston and cylinder 68,
is directly attached by means of air line 73 and 74 to another
separate four-way air valve 41, and upon the transmission of
appropriate signals from the computer, and respective charges
of air from a separate four-way air valve, triple dispenser
connector bar 77 operates three dispensing taps ~not shown) to
fill three glasses at one time.
It will be recogniæed from an examination of Figure
5, that the placement in the computerized automatic beverage
dispenser of single, double and triple dispensing taps permits
any combination of one to six glasses to be filled at one time.
Beverage orders from one to six glasses can be filled by
operating in various combinations the appropriate tap dispensers
80. For example, if an order for two glasses of beverage is
placed on the selection panel 95, the computer will deliver an
eIectrical signal to the electrical system controlling double
kicker 45 and the four-way air valve 41 that operates double
piston and cylinder 67, which thereby moves connector bar 76
so that two beverage taps are opened and two glasses are filled.
- 24 - -
~674~
Likewise, if an order for five glasses of beverage is placed,
the computer will deliver appropriate electrical signals to
the electrical systems controlling double and triple kickers
45 and 46 and the two four-way air valves that directly control
double and triple piston and cylinders 67 and 68, thereby
causing five glasses to be simultaneously filled from the five
dispenser taps 80 that are operated by means of double and
triple dispenser connector bars 76 and 77.
The foregoing system of single, double and triple
dispensers, permits any number of glasses of beverage to be
dispensed up to the limit provided for by the selection panel 95.
Accordingly, if fifteen glasses of beverage are to be dispensed,
then all six dispenser taps 80 are used to fill six glasses
initially, then the same six dispenser taps are used to dispense
a second set of six glasses, and finally, the triple dispenser
system is used to dispense the remaining three glasses of
beverage. This brings the number of glasses of beverage
dispensed up to the designated total of fifteen.
Referring to Figure 5, the single, double and triple
dispenser air piston and cylinders 66, 67 and 68 respectively
are connected to cooling water tank 82 by means of three
respective hinges 81. These hinges 81 are similar in construction
to the three hinges 59 that are used to connect the three
piston and air cylinders 47, 48 and 49 to bar 60. The purpose
of these hinges 81 is to permit a certain amount of "play" to
exist in the system so that minor differences in component
sizes can be easily accommodated in assembling the automatic
beverage dispenser.
Cooling water tank 82, as can be seen in Figure 5,
holds six separate tubes 86 and lines 83, 84 and 85 that are
used to deliver beverage to the respective six dispensing taps 80.
- 25 -
~0~i~7~63~
Single dispenser beverage line 83 is constructed o a suitable
corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel, and delivers
beverage to the single dispensing tap 80.` Two dispenser beverage
lines 84, deliver beverage respectively to the double dispensing
taps that are operated by double dispenser connector bar 75.
Similarly, three dispenser beverage lines 85 deliver beverage
to the triple dispensing taps that are operated by triple
dispenser connecting bar 77.
The six beverage lines 84, 85 and 86 are connected
to six separate beverage delivery hoses 86. These hoses 86
are flexible and are made of a material that is suitably
resistant to the beverage which they transport, as well as
the cooling water 91 that is circulated in the cooling water
tank 82. The material used ~o construct hoses 86 also must
not impart any taste to the beverage. The six flexible hoses
86 are connected to the six respective beverage lines by six
suitable hose clamps 87. The six hoses 86 are collected into
a bundle 88 and passed under hose bundle cover 90 (See ~igure 5).
As can be seen in Figure 7, cooling water tank 82
20 holds cooling water 91, which cools line 85, tube 86, and the
beverage contained therein, as the`beverage is delivered to
the dispensing tap 80. The cooling water 91 is kept at
temperatures close to the freezing point of water, and accordingly,
it is frequently advantageous to mix a suitable anti-freeze
agent, such as ethylene glycol, into the cooling water 91. As
can be seen in Figure 5, a cooling water delivery hose 89 is
used to deliver cooling water 91 to the cooling tank 82 to
: ensure steady circulation of the cooling water 91. As can be
seen in Figure 7, the beverage lines 83, 84 and 85 connect into
suitable beverage line fittings 92, which lead into dispenser
taps 80.
- 26 -
~)6746~
The cooling water constantly circu].ates in the
cooling tank 82, and overflows through the opening which receives
the hose bundle 88. To ensure that the beverage contained in
the individual delivery hoses making up delivery hose bundle 88
remains cold, bundle 88 is enclosed in a~ insulation tube 93
(See Figure 3). The insulation tube 93 is connected to the
underside of hose bundle cover 90 by means of an insulation
tube clamp 94. Insulation tube 93, together with the hose
bundle 88 and overflow cooling water 91, which it encloses,
extends uninterrupted from the machine to the refrigerator
room in which thebeverage kegs are located. The cooling
water 91 system, the insulation tube 93, and cooling room used
for holding the beverage kegs, together ensure that the
beverage is kept cold within a temperature range that can be
carefully controlled. Ideally! if the beverage is draft beer,
the temperature should be about 38F.~
As can be seen i.n Figure 3, a selection panel 95
is positioned on top of housing 7. This selection panel 95
includes a digital readout window 97. A slot is located in
the top su.rface, into which a suitable control card 96 can
be inserted~ If more than one waiter or waitress is on duty
at the same time, each can be issued with a coded control
card 96, which, when inserted into the slot at the top of the
selection panel 95, automatically feeds to the computer the
identity of the person placing the order. The digital readout
window 97 confirms the waiter's coded control card 96, and
also displays in numerical form the quantity of the order that
has been entered on the selection panel. In this way the
waiter can check to ensure that he has entered the order correctly.
~ 27 ~
~74~1
Once the order has been placed in the selection panel, the
order is fed to the computer which then sends out the
appropriate electrical signals to the dispensing machine so
that the required number of ~lasses of beverage are filled
with beverage. The computer automatically counts throughout
the day the total number of orders that are placed by each
respective waiter. Therefore, at the end of the day, an
accounting of the orders handled by each waiter can be made.
The control card 96 is of the optical type, which is known in
the computer field.
Referring to Figure 3, it will be seen that the
automatic dispensing machine has a glass holder 98. A top view
of this glass holder 98, which resembles a comb somewhat, can
be seen in Figure 4. This glass holder 98 is mounted on two
glass holder lift bars 99, one of which is shown in Flgure 2,
one of which is shown in Figure 3, and both of which are
shown in Figure 4. The glass holder 98 is rigid and can be
coated with a substance, such as rubber, that facilitates its
ability to grip the glasses 8, when they are kicked into the
respective slots of the glass holder 98 by the kickers 4~, 45
and 46, upon appropriate commands sent~out by the computer.
The two glass holder lift bars 99 are mounted on
a lift plate 100 (See Figure 3). Located under the lift plate
100 is a lift plate air piston and cylinder lOlo This piston
and cylinder 101 is controlled via two air tubes by a four-
way air valve 41. On an appropriate electrical command from
the computer the four-way air valve 41 releases a charge of
compressed air to piston and cylinder 101, which in turn through
connector 109 raises lift plate 100 a predetermined distance.
The distance that piston and cylinder 101 raises lift bar 100
can be adjusted as required.
- 28 -
~06746~
As can be seen in Figure 2, glass holder 98 is
driven by glass holder drive chain 102 by means o~ glass
holder drive sprocket 103. Drive chain 102 in turn is driven
by glass holder chain sprocket 10~. Chain sprocket 104 is
indirectly driven by timer drive sprocket 105. Timer drive
sprocket 105 is driven by timer drive chain sprocket 107 through
timer drive chain 106. A motor (not shown) drives chain
sprocket 107 through reduction box 108. The motor runs con-
tinuously and is connected by means of a clutch (not shown) to
10 reduction box 108. Upon receipt of an appropriate electrical l
command from the computer, the clutch (not shown) engages and
the motor drives the series of chains and sprockets described,
thereby rotating glass holder 98 in a clockwise manner (as seen
in Figure 2). A brake is used to ensure that the system driving
the glass holder 98 stops promptly, when the clutch is disengaged~
It has been found necessary that glass holder 98 stop in precise
positions during its rotation through 360, in order to ensure
that the automatic beverage dispenser operates smoothly.
As can be seen in Figure 3, a timer disc 110 and a
photo-eye sensor 111 are located on the lift plate 100 on the
opposite side to the timer drive sprocket 105. The timer disc
110 rotates in unison with the timer drive sprocket 105. The
timer disc 110 is transparent. The circumference of the timer
disc 110 passes through the photo-eye sensor 111. Two black
markers 110a are positioned on the circumference of the
transparent timer disc 110 at predetermined locations. As
the transparent timer disc 110 rotates in unison with the
timer drive sprocket 105, the markers 110a pass successively
through the photo-eye sensor 111. The photo-eye sensor 111
senses these markers 110a when they pass through the photo-
eye sensor 111 and delivers appropriate signals to the computer.
One of the markers 110a is located on the timer disc 110 at a
- 29 -
~0674~
position that corresponds with the glass holder 98 when it is
in a horizontal position, as it is shown in Figure 3. The
second marker 110a is positioned on the timer disc 110 to
coincide with the glass holder 98 when it is in the position
shown in Figure 1 (position D as shown in Figure 8).
As can be seen in Figure 3, the upper end of lift
bar 99 runs on lift bar roller 112. The lift bar 99 is bent
at a predetermined angle and at a predetermined point so that
; when lift bar 99 is raised by lift plate 100, lift bar 99 is
caused to travel along a predetermined curved path by means
of its bent shape and the critical positioning of rollers 112
on each side of the dispensing machine (See Figure 2 for other
roller 112). The horizontal positions o~ rollers 112 can be
adjusted by means of lift bar roller adjustments 113, which
can be moved backward or forward as required.
The lift plate 100:and lift bar 99 assembly is
: supported and held in a specified position by means of two
vertically extending lift plate support bars 114.~ One lift
bar 114 is shown in Figure 3. The other lift bar 114 is
located on the opposite side of the dispenser but has not been
shown in Figure 2. These bars 114 are rigidly connected to
the frame of the dispensing machine.
~s can be seen in greater detail in Figure 6, timer~
disc 110 is connected to timer drive shaft 119 by means of
a nut 115. Timer drive shaft 119 connects timer drive chain
`:
106 and timer drive sprocket 105 (hidden from view in Figure 6)
directly to timer disc 110.
Located on lift plate 100 is a second shat 118
which is connected to glass holder drive chain 102. Timer drive
shaft 119 and chain sprocket shaft 118 are connected together
by means of linking chain 120 and appropriate underlying
- 30 -
~067~6~
sprockets mounted on each of these two shafts. The two sprockets
are of the same diameter and the drive ratio is one to one.
Therefore, when the motor, by means of clutch engagement, is
caused to drive timer drive chain 106, it turns shaft 119.
This causes linking chain 120 to rotate shaft 118, which in
turn drives glass holder drive chain 102. As a result glass
holder 98 is rotated as required.
As can be seen in Figure 6, shaft 118 is secured to
lift plate 100 by means of two chain sprocket shaft bearings 121.
These two bearings are of the pillow block self-aligning type.
Shaft 119 is connected to lift plate 100 by means of two
timer drive shaft bearings 122. These two bearings are also
of the pillow block self-alignment type.
Located between bearing 122 and drive chain 106
on the one side, and bearing 122 and timer disc 110 on the
; other side, are two further pillow block self-aligning
bearings 123. These two bearings 123 secure shaft 119 to
the two rigid lift plate support bars 114, which as explained
previously are connected to the frame of the dispenser machine.
Shaft 119 is therefore firmly secured.
Similarly, located on shaft 118, to the exterior
side of the two bearings 121, are two lift bar bearings 117.
; These bearings 117 also are of the pillow block self-aligning
type and connect shaft 118 to the two lif`t bars 99 located
; on each side of the lift plate 100.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the two lift bars 99
have at their upper extremities two further bearings 116.
These two bearings 116, which also are of the pillow block
self-aligning type, connect the two lift bars 99 to the two
ends of the glass holder 98 and permit glass holder 98 to
rotate as required.
- 31 -
~067461
To provide clearance for linking chain 120 (See
Figure 6) and prevent it from rubbing against lift plate 100,
three clearance plates 124 are provided. These clearance
plates 124 have the effect of raising shafts 118 and 119 a
reasonable distance off lift plate 100, thereby providing
room for linking chain 120 to move.
A detailed sequential illustration of the manner
in which the glasses 8 are handled by glass holder 98 is
provided in Figure 8. The appropriate number of glasses 8
from one to six are kicked into place in the glass holder 98
by means of the single, double, or triple kickers 44, 45 and
46, as discussed previously. For the purpose of this discussion,
the path of travel of only one glass 8 will be discussed.
Once glass 8 has been kicked into position in glass holder 98,
glass holder 98 proceeds to rotate in a clockwise direction
to position B. At this point glass holder 98 engages the
rim located around the base of qlass 8. Glass holder 98
continues to rotate in a clockwise direction until-it reaches
position C. At this point, the glass 8 is more or less
horizontal. Glass holder 98 continues to rotate until it
reaches position D. Glass 8 then slides downwardly until
glass holder 98 grips the fuller upper portion of the glass 8.
Up to this point,,the rotation of glass holder 98 from position A
through position D has been steady and uninterrupted.
When position D has been reached, the rotation of
glass holder 98 stops. At this point, the two lift bars 99
connected to the ends of glass holder 98 ~lift bars 99 are not
shown in Figure 8) come into operatlon and raise glass holder 98
through the path shown by the broken double headed arrow to
position E. The two lift bars 99 hold glass holder 99 at
position E for a few seconds during which tap dispenser 80 is
- 32 -
i74~1 ~
opened by the appropriate equipment, and a predetermined
amount of beverage is dispensed into glass 8.
Once glass 8 has been filled to the predetermined
level, then the two lift bars 99 again come into operation
and return glass holder 98 :Erom position E to its former
position D. At this point, glass holder 98 begins to rotate
again in a clockwise direction. The timing OL rotation and
the lowering of glass holder 98 is carefully co-ordinated so
that when glass holder 98 reaches position F, glass 8 is in
a vertical positîon and its base touches chain 3. At the point
chain 3 moves forward a predetermined distance and carries
glass 8 to position G, at the same time glass holder 98
continues to rotate in a clockwise direction until it returns
to position A.
By being returned to position A, glass.holder 98
.. .
is in position to receive further glasses that might be
, , ~, . . .
;~; kicked forward by the respective kickers. Then another cycle
in the process commences.
Figure 9 shows the system~that is used to cool
cooling water 91. The bulk of the cooIing water 91 is con~ained
: -.
.~ in cooling water reservoir 129. Insulation tube 93 is connected
to the cooling water reservoir 129 by means of a second tube
clamp 125. The cooling water 91 that over~lows from cooling
water tank 82~ as explained previously, is conducted along
insulation tube 93 and spills out the end of insula.lo~tube 93
into cooling water reservoir 129 as shown at 91a. The cooling
water in the reservoir 129 is circulated by means of submerged
pump 128 which pumps the cooling water 91 throush a cooling
radiator 126. As the cooling water 91 is being pum~eG through
the cooling radiator 126, cold air (which is kept cold ~y the
cold room in which the reservoir 129 and radiator 126 are housed)
~ 33 -
1067461
is blown across the cooling fins of radiator 126, thereby
cooling the cooling water 91 as it is being pumped through the
radiator 126. After the cooling water 91 passes through
radiator 126, it is transported by means of cooling water
delivery hose 89 back through the insulation tube 93 to the
beverage line cooling water tank 82, as shown in Figure 5.
As can be seen in Figure 9, the beverage is
contained in a number of beverage kegs 130, which are connected
in series. While only three beverage kegs 130 are shown in
Figure 9, more or fewer beverage kegs can be attached in
series in order to provide a sufficient quantity of beverage
to meet the requirements of the establishment. Usually,
sufficient kegs 130 are connected in series to provide sufficient
beverage for one day's consumption.
Beverage keg dispensers 131 are inserted into
appropriate openings provlded in beverage kegs 130 in a manner
that is well known in the beverage keg 130 dispensing
business. The dispenser 131 usually operates on the principle
of providing pressure (normally air pressure) to the interior
of the keg 130 so ~hat beverage in the keg 130 is forced up
the tube inserted to the base of the beverage keg 130 and out
the dispenser 131. As can be seen in Figure 9, these beverage
kegs 130 and dispensers 131 are linked in series, the dispensing
outlet of each dispenser 131 being connected to the pressure
inlet of the next dispenser 131 in the series.
Compressed air is then introduced to the system
through adjustable beverage line pressure control valve 132.
As beverage is dispensed throughout the day, the air pressure
causes the beverage in the first keg 130 in the series to be
gradually emptied, the beverage from the first keg passing
- 34 -
~(Ni74~1
into the second keg. Eventually, the beverage in the first
keg 130 is emptied and, in effect, air then passes directly
through the first keg 130 into the second keg 130. Eventually,
the second keg 130 becomes empty, and air passes directly into
the third keg 130. The beverage dispensed from these kegs 130
passes directly into beverage delivery hose 86, by traveling
through insulation tube 93, communicates directly with one
of the beverage dispenser taps 80, as discussed previously.
Control valve 132 has been included in the system
so that the air pressure ~xerted on the beverage in the beverage
kegs 130 can be controlled to very close limits. The air
pressure at control valve 132 should be kept at about 20 to
25 p.s.i.
Beverage kegs 130 are usually enclosed in a cold
room, the temperature of which is carefully controlled. The
temperature of the beverage in the beverage kegs 130 can be
controlled very accurately by controlling the temperature of
the cold room, and the temperature of cooling water 91.
Usually, the beverage kegs 130 store draft beer,
and ideally, the temperature of the draft beer should be kept
at about 38F. to 40F. Beer drinkers prefer their beer cold
and experience has shown that 38 to 40F. is an acceptable
temperature. Moreover, if the beer is colder than about
38F., ice crystals tend to form and clog the valves and
dispensing taps. If the temperature of the beer is higher
than 38F. to 40F., it tends to foam more than desired when
it is dispensed from beveraye tap 80 into glass 8. Too much
; foam makes it difficult to fill the glasses 8 to the limits
prescribed by the local laws, and tends to result in excessive
losses of beer due to foam overflowing the lip of the glasses 8.
- ~ ;
~06746~
Overflow beer is lost because it drains through chain 3 into
tank 2 and down tank drain 32.
Excessive foaming also occurs if the air pressure
at valve 132 is too high On the other hand, if the air
pressure at valve 132 is too low, then beer is dispensed too
slowly from dispensing tap 80 to permit an efficient dispensing
system.
The dispensing taps 80, available on the market
include an adjustment to help control the amount of foam that
is generated in dispensing the draft beer. A suitable beer
tap 80 can be obtained from Perlick Company, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
Figure 9 shows only one series of beverage kegs
130. However, for the six dispensing taps 80 described
previously, it is necessary to connect in series six separate
rows of beverage kegs 130. Each of these series of kegs is
connected to one of the respective hoses 86 that are shown
in Figure 9. These hoses 86 are grouped into a bundle 88,
enclosed in insulation tube 93, and respectively connected
directly to the six beverage taps 80.
~ In most localities, the laws prohibit the dispensing
of draft beer on a Sunday. It has been found that in the
dispensing system described, the draft beer stored in beverage
kegs 130, and parts of the overall dispensing machine, tends
to "cook", thereby generating a certain amount of extra
pressure in the system. By Monday morning, for example,
after being shut down after close of business on Saturday
night, or early Sunday morning, the pressure at control
valve 132 may be as high as 40 p.s.i. Accordingly, on Monday
mornings, before opening for business, it is necessary to
bleed the air pressure system at each of the six control
- 36 -
106746~
valves 132, connected to the six separate series of beverage
kegs 130, in order to permit the overall pressure to drop to
about 25 p.s.i.
In the method of connecting the various beverage
kegs 130 in series, as described previously and shown in
Figure 9, when the beverage is almost used Upt it is normally
necessary to shut down that train of beverage kegs 130, in
order toinstall full kegs in place of the empty kegs. Shutting
down one or more of the trains of kegs 130 can be troublesome,
particularly during peak beverage dispensing hours. Accoxdingly,
to avoid shut down, an auxiliary alr pressure line 134 lS
installed on the last keg 130 of the series. Air pressure
line 134 is connected to the same source of air as the main
air system operating at about 20 to 25 p.s.i. in order to
mlnimize the effect of changeover to the au~iliary line 134.
:
This air line 134 has an auxiliary air line valve 135. Similarly,
the last beverage keg dispenser 131 has a béverage line valve 133.
When the first two kegs 130 in the series of three kegs 130
shown in Figure 9 become empty, but beverage still remains
in~the third keg 130, valve 133 is closed and valve 135 is
opened. This permits compressed air to be applled directly
to the last keg 130 in the series, and consequently beverage
in the last keg 130 continues to~be dispensed through~
dlspenser 131 into line 86, as required. Meanwhilej the first
two kegs 130 in the series, are disconnected and fresh kegs 130
full of beverage are connected into the system. Once the full
kegs are fully connected into the system, valve 133 is
.:
reopened and valve 135 is closed. Normally, a pocket of
compressed air above the beer would remain in the last keg
in the series, except that a second auxiliary valve 135a is
opened so that the pocket of compressed air can be gradually
.
- 37 -
; ~ . :
~0674t;~
relieved back into the compressed air system. In this way,
the pocket of air is removed from the last keg 130 in the
series, and the level of beverage in the last keg 130 returns
to the full position. If the pocket of compressed air in
the last keg 130 in the series could not be bled off, then
each time the auxiliary air pressure system was used, the
pocket of compressed air would increase in size, as beverage
continued to be taken out of the last keg 130. Eventually,
all the useful beverage in the last keg 130 would be removed,
~10 and compressed air would enter directly into line 86, with the
result that dispenser tap 80 connected at the end of line 86
would dispense only compressed alr. To prevent thisj it is
necessary to have the second auxiliary valve 135a so that the
extra quantity of compressed air can be bled back into the
system, and a full supply of beverage can be restored in the
flrst beverage tank 130.
It has been found that wlth the single, double,
~: :
and triple dispensing system of the~lnvention, the amount
of beverage dispensed from each of the series of kegs l30
tends to even out throughout the day. It seems that this
:
evening out process occurs because, for example, one order
might be received for two glasses of beverage, the next order
might be for six glasses of beverage, and the next order might
be for four glasses of beverage. As can be appreciated,
filling each of these orders will use alI six of the dis-
pensing taps 80 the same number of times. The single dispensing
tap 80 will be used twice for the orders of four and SlX
glasses respectively, the double dlspensing taps 80 will
be used twice for the orders for two and six glasses
; 30 respectively, and the triple dispensing taps 80 will be used
twice for the orders of four and six glasses respectively.
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ti746~L
However, if it is found that one or more of the-series of kegs 130
are being used more heavily than the others, then the problem
is easily solved by merely adding one or two more kegs 130 to
that particular series of kegs 130 as required.
Lines 86 can be constructed of a suitable reinforced
transparent tubing so that the presence or absence of beverage
in the lines 86 can be readily observed. This is helpful in
determining whether any kegs in any of the series are empty and
require replacement.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an auxiliary glass
washing apparatus that can be optionally installed at the end
of the main beverage dispensing system. Chain cover plate 139,
located at the end of the beverage dispensing system, mounted
on housing 1 (See Figure 4), can be removed so that the drain
and underlying chain can easily be cleaned. In order to insta~
the auxiliary glass washing unit, chain cover plate 139 is
replaced with a cover plate 139a that is curved so that it
blends smoothly into auxiliary glass washer 140 (See Figure 10).
The auxiliary glass washing unlt 140 includes two
glass washer chains 141, and 141a. These two chains txavel
in opposite directions. The movement of these two washer
chains 141 and 141a are manually controlled by the waiter that
is operating the beverage dispensing machine. The purpose of
the auxlliary glass washing unit 140 is to provide glass
washing facilities for glasses that are used to sell various
beverages, such as soft drinks, mixed drinks, liquor, and the
like, to people in the beverage dispensing establishment that
are not drinking the beverage that is being dispensed by the
main computeriæed beverage dispensing unit.
As can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, spray washer
pipes 142 are installed above and below the two washer chains 141
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106746~
and 141a. These spray washer pipes 142 spray detergent-hot
water washing solution and rinsing solution on the beverage
glasses as they pass under auxiliary washe~ housing 144.
Chains 141 and 141a are mounted on auxiliary chain
wheels 143, which are driven by drive chains, reduction boxes,
and a motor system that is separate from the main dispensing
machine and is controlled manually.
It will be noted in viewing Figure 10, that chain 141
travels in one direction, while chain 141a travels in the
opposite direction. This arrangement provides a simple system
whereby used glasses can be placed on the end of the chain
travelling in the direction of the dishwasher, while glasses
cleaned by the spray washers 142 are received on the adjacent
chain that has passed through the spray washers 142. The
same arrangement exists at the other end of the auxiliary
glass washer 140, except that used and clean glasses are
placed on the two chains 141 and 141a in reverse order.
~;It will be seen~ in examining Figure 4, that it is
possible for the waiter(s) handling the beverage dispensed by
the main beverage dispenser to accept the filled glasses from
either side of housing 1. This arrangement allows the various
waiters assigned to serving the various areas of the tavern
to savè steps by using the respective side of the main dis-
pensing machine that is closest to their area of responslbility.
This dual access theme is continued in the design
; of the auxiliary glass washer 140 as installed at the end of
the main housing 1. By means of the double chains 141 and
141a of the auxiliary glass washer 140, the waiter(s) is able
to dispose of used glasses and receive clean glasses from
either side of the housing 1. If the auxiliary washer 140
had only one chain that travelled in one direction, then the
- 40 ~
.
1~674~1
waiter(s) would have to place the used glasses on one end of
the chain and walk to the other end of the chain in order to
receive clean glasses, This would add many steps to the
number of steps that the waiter~s) must take during a working
day Minimizing the number of steps minimizes fatigue and
permits the waiter(s) to be more alert throughout the shift.
To assist the waiter(s) in knowing the direction
of travel of chains 141 and 141a, direction indicators 149
in the form of arrows can be located at the ends of each of
1~ these respective chains.
For the convenience of the waiter(s), two auxiliary
sinks 145 and 145a and hot and cold water faucets 146 and 146a
are positioned at the end of respective chains 141 and 141a.
These sinks and faucets can be used by the waiter(s) to wash
their hands during the working day to increase the level of
hygiene.
Auxiliary sinks 145 and 145a are positioned
respectively in covers 147 and 147a, and can be readily lifted
to permit the underlying chains 141 and 141a and chain wheels
143 to be cleaned.
A tank 148 is located under auxiliary spray washers
142 and chains 141 and 141a to collect the glass washing fluids
that are dispensed by the spray washers 142. This tank 148 is
connected to a drain 150 so that the used washing and rinsing
fluids can be drained away.
Many jurisdictions require that beverage dispensing
facilities (particularly when the beverage dispensed is alcoholic
in nature) be cleared of used glasses each night after~close
of business. This is for purposes of hygiene. The computerized
beverage dispensing machine has been set up so that at the end
of each business day it is possible to run the glasses 8 that
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`` ~ol>'7461
remain on the chain 3 through the machine without dispensing
beverage from each of the respective six dispensing taps 80.
To do this, a special switch (not shown) is thrown whereby the
washing facilities and the glass holder 98 continue to operate,
all used glasses are washed in the washing area and clean
glasses are dispensed after being turned over by glass holder 98,
but no beverage is dispensed. This system permits all the used
glasses on the chain 3 to be cleaned at the end of the working
day~ -
It has been found that a small amount of air enters
the beverage lines 83 during the night while the beer dispensing
machine is shut down. Accordingly, in the morning, before
opening for business, it is advisable to dispense one or two
sets of six glasses of beverage with the machine. In the case
of a foamy beverage, such as draft beer, it will be found that
this simple preparatory operation bleeds the intruding air and
full glasses containing a prescribed amount of the dispensed
beverage are thereafter obtained durlng the day's operations.
Various available glass washing detergents can be
~20 used in the glass washing system. Trial and error will establish
which detergents are most suitable. It has been found that a
jet rinse detergent available from Wyandotte Chemicals under
the trade mark l'ROTATE" is satisfactory, Similarly, various
iodine rinses available on the market can be tested for
suitability by giving them a trial run in the dispensing machine.
An iodine cold water rinse available from Economics Laboratories,
(Canada) Limited under the trade mark "MIKROKLEANE" has been
found to be satisfactory.
The air compressor that provides compressed air to
drive the various pneumatic components of the dispensing machine,
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~06746~ `
and supplies air to the beverage kegs 130 can be of a type
that is capable o~ supplying compressed air at a pressure of
about 125 p.s.i. This provides ample reserve. Normally,
however, the air pressure delivered to the air pistons and
cylinders ~7, 48, 49, 66, 67 and 68, and 101 is at a pressure
of about 25 p.s.i. This air pressure is sufficient to enable
the piston and cylinder combinations to move smartly, but not
so quickly that undue wear or mechanical damage might occur to
the various components. While air pressures lower than~20 -
25 p.s.i. can be used, it has been Eound that the varlous air
;~ piston machlnes move too slowly and the rate of dispensing
beverage from taps 80 is too slow to be efficient.
For purposes of hygiene, all components of the
overall dispensing machine that come into contact with the
beverage, or the human body, can be constructed of stainless
steel. Stainless steel reslsts corroslon, is easy to keep
clean, and is attractive to~the eye.
In some establishments, customers of the beverage
dispensing establishment prefer to receive their beverage
ln a bottle, rather than in a glass dispensed by the dispensing
machine. This means that the waiter(s) from time to time, must
remove empty bottles from the tables occupied by the beverage
consuming customers. To assist the waiter(s) in handling
bottles, handy holders 136 ~See Figures 3 and 4) can be installed
on each side of housing 1. These holders 136 can be constructed
of sufficient dimensions to hold cartons, which in turn can
hold empty bottles that are placed in the cartons, as the
waiter(s) pass by the holders 137 on their way to entering
orders on selection panel 95.
Although it is not shown, several holders 136, one
above the other, can be located on the two sides of housing 1.
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~0674~
These holders 136 can be constructed so that they tip outwardly
rom the housing 1 at the top thereby exposing the cartons
inside the holders 136. The holders can then be tipped inwardly
into housing l to provide a smooth uniform p:Lane with the
housing l Finally, the holders 136 can be ~onstructed so
that they can be readily removed from housing l, for cleaning
purposes, and to gain entry to the interior of housing 1.
Various suitable four-way valves 41 available on
the market can be used in the beverage dispensing machine.
I0 Four-way valves available under the trade mark "SPEED KING"
from Bellows-Valveair, a division of IBEC, Akron, Ohio, have
been found ~o be satisfactory. Similarly, various regulators
and air piston and cylinder devices available on the market-
place can be used. Regulators and alr piston and cylinder
devices manufactured by Bellows-Valveair have been found to be
satisfactory.
Any suitable solenoid~can be used in the electrical
system. A solenoid available from Asco Electric Limited has
been found to give satisfactory service. The electrical power
` 20 used in the electrical system is standard 110 volt AC service,
reduced to 24 volt service by means o standard transformers.
The reduction boxes 27 can be any suitable reduction
~ box available on the market. Reduction boxes available under
; the trade mark l'SHIMKO 50'l have been found suitable.
The computer that counts the number of orders
entered by the respective waiter(s) during the day and provides
a total at the end of the day, or the end of the shift, is set
up to register only when the dispensing tap 80 is opened.
Accordingly, the computer only keeps count of glasses of beverage
that are actually dispensed. Thus, if glasses are only being
washed by the dispensing machine, and no actual beverage is
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~674~
being dispensed, then the computer will not count the glasses
washed.
The computer which receives and delivers the various
signals required for each step of the beverage dispensing
operation should be programmed to operate in the following manner,
When the waiter(s~ places the order on selection panel 95, an
electrical signal is sent to the control unit of the computer.
The control unit then sends an electrical signal to the
electrical panel 43, whereby a solenoid is activated and one of
the seven four-way valves 41 is operated so that the appropriate
kicker, 44, 45, or 46, kicks the required number of glasses
into position at the glass holder 98,
A bumper 150 extends lateraIly across the chain 3
immediately ahead of the glass holder 98 (See Figures 1, 2 and 4).
This bumper 150 acts as a glass retaining means that prevents
the glasses 8 on cbain 3 from being pushed against glass holder
~8 when chain 3 moves forward. However, bumper 150 is constructed
so that it does not;prevent the glasses 8 from being moved forward
when they are kicked forward by any of the kickers 44, 45 and 46.
~ A second electrical signal from the controL unit is
then delivered to the motor that rotates glass holder 98.
Glass holder 98 then commences to turn whereupon the glasses 8
previously kicked into position by the appropriate kicker(s~
are picked up by the glass holder and are rotated to the
position where the first opaque tape llOa located on timer
disc 110 is rotated into a position where it is sensed by
photo-eye sensor 111. The photo~eye sensor 111 then sends an
electrical signal to the control unit, which by means of a
return signal to the motor, causes the rotation of glass
holder 98 to stop. Another electrical signal is then sent by
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~0~7~
the control unit to the electric panel 43, whereby the
appropriate four-way valve 4I causes piston and cylinder 101
to raise lift plàte 100. This causes glass holder 98 to raise
the prescribed number of glasses 8 up to the dispensing taps 80.
Another signal is then deliv~red by the control unit
causing the appropriate four-way valves 41 to open, which in
turn deliver air to the appropriate air piston and cylinders
66, 67 or 68, whereupon the respective beverage taps 80 are
opened. The beverage taps 80 then stay open for a prèdetermined
length of time. This predetermined length of time is carefully
selected 50 that the proper amount of beverage is dispensed into
the glass 8. The programmed signal receiving and transmitting
cycle of the control unit is interrupted to accommodate the
timed beverage dispensing period.
Once the timed dispensing period has elapsed, the
cycle resumes. An electric signal is delivered by the control
unit to the electrical panel, which in turn fires the four-way
valve 41 that controls air piston and cylinder 101. This
causes lift plate 100 to be lowered to its original rest
position which in turn lowers lift bars 99 so that glass
holder 98 is returned to the lowe~ position.
At a predetermined time in the programmed cycle, a
further electrical signal delivered to the motor starts to turn
glass holder 98 through the remaining portion of its 360
rotation. The rotation of glass holder 98 through this remaining
portion continues until the second opaque tape 110a on disc 110
rotates to the position where it is sensed by photo-eye sensor 111.
When the second opaque tape 110a is sensed by sensor 111, a
further electrical signal is sent to the control unit, which in
turn sends out a signal that causes the rotation of the glass
holder 98 to stop. At that point, the glass holder 98 has
; - 46 -
106~46~L
returned to a position where it is ready to receive more empty
glasses 8 kicked into position by the appropriate kickers 44,
45 and 46 as selected by means of the selection panel 95.
A further electrical signal issued by the control
unit during the 360 rotation of the glass holder 98 occurs
at a time that is commensurate with the instant the glasses 8
are set down on chain 3 by rotating glass holder 98. At that
instant, chain drive motor 30 commences to operate, which in
turn moves chain 3 forward a predetermined distancef thereby
carrying the filled glasses 8 away from the rotating glass
holder 8. A further electrical signal issued by the control
unit to motor 30 causes motor 30 to stop after chain 3 has
been moved forward the predetermined distance.
Since the foregoing sequence of electrical signals
issued during one cycle in the beverage dispensing operation,
is carefully timed, it is important that the compressed air
in the system operating the various pneumatic devices be at
a pressure that ensures that the speed of operation of the
various pneumatic devices is in step with the electronic cycle.
This can be done by means of experimentation. Normally, an
air pressure in the range 20 to 25 p.s.i., together with an
electronic cycle programmed to operate in association with
this pressure, is suitable.
At the time that chain 3 is being driven forward to
carry the filled glasses 8 away from glass holder 98, the various
washers and rinsers 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 spray washing and
rinsing liquids onto glasses 8 as are travelling on chain 3
under housing 7. Because the glasses 8 in each of the 9iX
rows formed by glass steering rack 23 move forward only when
the glass 8 at the front of the row is kicked forward by the
kicker, and picked up by the glass holder 98 to fill an order
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~0674~
placed on the selection panel 95, the glasses 8 in one row may
not advance at the same rate as the glasses 8 in another row.
Consequently, some glasses 8 may receive more washes and rinses
than other glasses 8 before they reach glass holder 98. There
is no disadvantage in this, however, and indeed, repeated
washings ensure that the glasses will be completely clean.
It should be noted that the foregoing detailed
description of the invention describes only one embodiment of
the computerized beer dispensing machine. It is to be under-
stood that one or more of the many features of the beerdispensing machine can be modified according to technlcal
requirements, and consequently, the invention is not to be
construed as being restricted to the detailed description
provided. Any other constructions of the computerized beer
dispensing machine that come within the spirit of the invention
are to be considered to be included in the scope~of the claims
ehat follow this disclosure.
:
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