GB2458929A - Self-service beer dispensing apparatus - Google Patents
Self-service beer dispensing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2458929A GB2458929A GB0805982A GB0805982A GB2458929A GB 2458929 A GB2458929 A GB 2458929A GB 0805982 A GB0805982 A GB 0805982A GB 0805982 A GB0805982 A GB 0805982A GB 2458929 A GB2458929 A GB 2458929A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- self
- housing
- beer
- dispensing apparatus
- dispensing valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
- G07F13/025—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume wherein the volume is determined during delivery
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Self-service beer dispensing apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 for a beer line 46, and a user operable dispensing valve 14 which extends from the housing 12 and which is connectable to the beer line 46. A spillage tray 16 is provided below an outlet 18 of the valve 14. A control unit 20 controls a supply of liquid to the dispensing valve 14. The control unit 20 includes an electronic payment module 28 for accepting electronic user payment, and an 10 electronic flow control device 30 inline with the dispensing valve 14. A controller processes payment and controls the electronic flow control device 30 to supply beer to the dispensing valve 14 following payment. The housing 12 is preferably a tower which is rotatable through at least 180{ to change the direction of the dispensing valve.
Description
SELF-SERVICE BEER DISPENSING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to self-service beer dispensing apparatus, particularly for commercial premises.
Beer dispensing apparatus is known and widely used in pubs, clubs and restaurants.
However, in all cases, the apparatus requires an employee or member of staff to dispense the beverage for the customer, and to then take payment. This leads to delays, especially when short-staffed, or requires the employment of more staff than might otherwise be necessary.
The present invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.
According to the present invention, there is provided self-service beer dispensing apparatus comprising a housing for a beer line, a user-operable dispensing valve which extends from the housing and which is connectable to the beer line, a spillage tray provided below an outlet of the valve, and a control unit which controls a supply of liquid to the dispensing valve, the control unit including an electronic payment module for accepting electronic user payment, an electronic flow control device inline with the dispensing valve, and a controller for processing payment and for controlling the electronic flow control device to supply beer to the dispensing valve following payment.
Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 9, inclusive.
The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a self-service beer dispensing apparatus, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows the interior of the beer dispensing apparatus.
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a self-service beer dispensing apparatus 10 which comprises a tower-shaped housing 12, a dispensing valve 14 or tap which extends from a side of the housing 12 partway thereup, a spillage tray 16 at the base of the tower housing 12 and below an outlet of the dispensing valve 14, and an electronic control unit 20 for customer payment and for controlling a supply of liquid to the dispensing valve 14.
The housing 12 itself is rotatable, and as such has a body 22 mounted on a swivelable base 24. Preferably, the housing 12 is rotatable through at least 180 degrees. However, the housing 12 may be rotatable further, for example, through 360 degrees.
The dispensing valve 14 has a discharge nozzle or outlet 18 which overhangs the spillage tray 16, and a user-operable lever 26 which projects upwardly. The spillage tray 16 is, typically releasably, fixed to the housing 12, and as such will rotate with the housing 12.
The spillage tray 16 may be connected to a drain. However, for ease of installation of the apparatus 10, the spillage tray 16 is unconnected to a drain and is manually emptied.
The control unit 20 includes an electronic payment module 28 attached to a side of the housing body 22, offset to one side of the dispensing valve 14, a flow control device 30 inline with the dispensing valve 14, a receipt printer 32, a display 34, and control circuitry 36. The flow control device 30, printer 32, display 34 and control circuitry 36 are all housed within the housing body 22, and the display 34 is viewable from an aperture 38 in a wall of the housing body 22, typically above the dispensing valve 14.
The payment module 28 is a standard unit for accepting a payment card, such as a credit or debit card, and includes a slot 40 for the card, a reader for reading data from the card, a user interface 42 for accepting card-specific identification, and a secure connection 44 to the credit or debit card service provider, such as Visa RTM or MasterCard RTM. Since this type of payment module 28 is well known, further detailed description is omitted.
A beer line 46 is provided from a beer supply, such as a keg, and is positioned in the housing body 22. The outlet 48 of the beer line 46 is connected to an inlet of the flow control device 30, which includes a volume flow meter 52 and shut off valve 54, both of which are also housed in the housing body 22. An outlet 56 of the flow control device 30 is in liquid communication with the dispensing valve 14.
The printer 32, which is optional, is a standard device for providing a receipt to the customer once a payment transaction has been completed. Further specific details are again omitted. The printer 32 is housed in the housing body 22, and the body 22 is provided with a slot 58 through which the receipt can be fed.
The control circuitry 36 controls the functions of the dispensing apparatus 10. As such, the payment module 28, flow control device 30, printer 32 and display 34 are all electronically connected to the control circuitry 36. A controller, provided as part of the control circuitry 36, processes the payment-card and controls the flow control device 30 once it is confirmed that payment has cleared.
The control circuitry 36 also allows bar or serving staff to override the payment module 28, allowing the dispensing apparatus to be utilised as a traditional beer dispenser. The override may be activated manually by, for example, a key held by the staff, a code typed into the payment module 28, or even a biometric scanner which recognises biometric data of certain staff. Once activated, the shut off valve 54 is permanently opened, allowing sole flow control via the lever 26.
In use, the display 34, and preferably also a screen on the payment module 28, prompts a customer to insert their payment-card into the slot 40 of the payment module 28, and input their identification, for example, a pin number. Once the controller confirms from the payment module 28 or service provider that payment has cleared, the controller opens the shut off valve 54 of the flow control device 30, allowing beer to flow to the dispensing valve 14. The control circuitry 36 outputs a message to the display 34 prompting the customer to place their glass on the spillage tray 16 beneath the outlet 18 of the dispensing valve 14, and then to operate the lever 26 of the dispensing valve 14.
Preferably, during dispensing, and based on the flow rate monitored by the flow meter 52, the control circuitry 36 outputs information to the display 34 which indicates to the customer the remaining time and/or the percentage of the dispensing operation that is complete or remains.
Once the flow meter 52 determines that a total volume of beer or beverage dispensed matches the volume purchased, which is pre-stored in a data table provided on data storage device provided in the controller, the controller operates the shut off valve 54, preventing further discharge from the dispensing valve 14.
As a modification, since the housing is rotatable, the payment module and the valve dispenser may be independently positionable or rotatable relative to each other. This conveniently allows an operator or customer to position both the payment module and valve dispenser at preferred locations.
Although the payment module is described as accepting a card, it may be a swipe or smart card payment module, such as for use with Oyster RTM, Suica RTM and Pasmo RTM.
Although the above apparatus is shown with only one beer dispensing valve, a plurality of dispensing valves and/or payment modules can be provided on one housing.
A tower housing is preferable, but the housing can be any shape.
Although a lever operated dispensing valve is suggested, the dispensing valve may be automatically operable upon registering the presence of a glass or container.
The housing may have support means for support a beer label or sign in projecting fashion thereon, but also the housing body may be formed integrally with the beer or beverage name, logo or design.
It is thus possible to provide self-service beer dispensing apparatus which can be used solely by a paying customer without the need for a member of staff necessarily being present. This allows a reduction in staff, or allows existing staff to undertake other duties.
The beer dispensing apparatus can also be selectively positioned without disconnection of the beer line to enable use in different orientations or directions.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
- CLAIMS1. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus comprising a housing for a beer line, a user-operable dispensing valve which extends from the housing and which is connectable to the beer line, a spillage tray provided below an outlet of the valve, and a control unit which controls a supply of liquid to the dispensing valve, the control unit including an electronic payment module for accepting electronic user payment, an electronic flow control device inline with the dispensing valve, and a controller for processing payment and for controlling the electronic flow control device to supply beer to the dispensing valve following payment.
- 2. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is a tower, and the dispensing valve is provided partway thereup.
- 3. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a body of the housing is rotatable to change the direction of orientation of at least the dispensing valve.
- 4. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spillage tray is rotatable with the dispensing valve.
- 5. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the housing is rotatable through at least 180 degrees.
- 6. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the payment module extends from the housing.
- 7. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the positions of the dispensing valve and the payment module are independently positionable.
- 8. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device further includes a receipt printer in the housing.
- 9. Self service beer dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an override which bypasses the payment module.
- 10. Self-service beer dispensing apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0805982.6A GB2458929B (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Self-service beer dispensing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0805982.6A GB2458929B (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Self-service beer dispensing apparatus |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0805982D0 GB0805982D0 (en) | 2008-05-07 |
GB2458929A true GB2458929A (en) | 2009-10-07 |
GB2458929B GB2458929B (en) | 2012-05-30 |
Family
ID=39409940
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0805982.6A Active GB2458929B (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Self-service beer dispensing apparatus |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2458929B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITVI20100025A1 (en) * | 2010-02-09 | 2011-08-10 | Df Italia S R L | AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID CASH SUBSTANCES |
US10214408B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2019-02-26 | Ndmac Systems | Drink-dispensing device, control system, and drink-dispensing method |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5133480A (en) * | 1987-04-03 | 1992-07-28 | Seicho Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Liquid dispensing apparatus |
US5913454A (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-06-22 | Mchale; Jay T. | Drink dispensing machine |
JP2000033999A (en) * | 1998-07-21 | 2000-02-02 | Kirin Brewery Co Ltd | Dispenser for beverage, capable of selling based on metering |
GB2441995A (en) * | 2006-09-23 | 2008-03-26 | Jeffrey Slee | A self-service drinks dispenser with a public side and a bartender's side |
-
2008
- 2008-04-03 GB GB0805982.6A patent/GB2458929B/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5133480A (en) * | 1987-04-03 | 1992-07-28 | Seicho Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Liquid dispensing apparatus |
US5913454A (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-06-22 | Mchale; Jay T. | Drink dispensing machine |
JP2000033999A (en) * | 1998-07-21 | 2000-02-02 | Kirin Brewery Co Ltd | Dispenser for beverage, capable of selling based on metering |
GB2441995A (en) * | 2006-09-23 | 2008-03-26 | Jeffrey Slee | A self-service drinks dispenser with a public side and a bartender's side |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITVI20100025A1 (en) * | 2010-02-09 | 2011-08-10 | Df Italia S R L | AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID CASH SUBSTANCES |
WO2011099045A1 (en) * | 2010-02-09 | 2011-08-18 | Df Italia S.R.L. Unipersonale | Automatic vending machine for the distribution of loose liquids |
US10214408B2 (en) | 2014-03-14 | 2019-02-26 | Ndmac Systems | Drink-dispensing device, control system, and drink-dispensing method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2458929B (en) | 2012-05-30 |
GB0805982D0 (en) | 2008-05-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1984705B1 (en) | Method and appratus for liquid dispensing head and system | |
EP2999659B1 (en) | A beverage service system | |
US6931984B2 (en) | Feature disablement controlled brewer | |
US4962866A (en) | Non-attended, self-service cup vender | |
US5913454A (en) | Drink dispensing machine | |
US20100084426A1 (en) | Portable self-serve beer vending station | |
EP1017614B1 (en) | A forecourt ordering system for fuel and services at a filling station | |
US20140372233A1 (en) | Point of sale interface for an automatic beverage dispenser | |
US9146054B2 (en) | Refrigerator door wine dispenser | |
JP2013518005A (en) | Method and apparatus for beverage supply | |
US10679456B2 (en) | Fuel dispenser having integrated control electronics | |
US20130240084A1 (en) | Vending machine for refilling a container with liquid | |
CN116829492A (en) | Scalable modular system and method for storing, preserving, managing and selectively dispensing beverages | |
GB2458929A (en) | Self-service beer dispensing apparatus | |
US11354758B2 (en) | Online system for retail gas sales | |
DK3049364T3 (en) | Combination of dispenser and container with system for correct placement and identification of the container | |
AU2014100753A4 (en) | Water dispensing system | |
GB2441995A (en) | A self-service drinks dispenser with a public side and a bartender's side | |
JP4595244B2 (en) | Vending machine product sales system and portable terminal device used in this system | |
SK832005A3 (en) | Self-service beverage bar or desk | |
US20230322540A1 (en) | Cocktail Dispensing Assembly | |
KR20190042474A (en) | Draft beet dispensing system | |
JP4770081B2 (en) | Vending machine, management device, vending machine product sales system | |
US11878904B2 (en) | Windshield washer fluid dispensing self service station | |
US11993504B2 (en) | Beverage dispensing unit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20160403 |
|
S28 | Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977) |
Free format text: APPLICATION FILED |
|
S28 | Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977) |
Free format text: RESTORATION ALLOWED Effective date: 20170202 |