WO2002070396A1 - Systeme de controle de pompe - Google Patents

Systeme de controle de pompe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002070396A1
WO2002070396A1 PCT/AU2002/000220 AU0200220W WO02070396A1 WO 2002070396 A1 WO2002070396 A1 WO 2002070396A1 AU 0200220 W AU0200220 W AU 0200220W WO 02070396 A1 WO02070396 A1 WO 02070396A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
monitoring
monitoring system
fluid delivery
gas operated
delivery pumps
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2002/000220
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Allan Hall
Paul Phillip Brown
Original Assignee
H.J.P. Patents Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPR3489A external-priority patent/AUPR348901A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPR4880A external-priority patent/AUPR488001A0/en
Application filed by H.J.P. Patents Pty Ltd filed Critical H.J.P. Patents Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2002070396A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002070396A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B67D1/10—Pump mechanism
    • 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
    • B67D1/0041—Fully automated cocktail bars, i.e. apparatuses combining the use of packaged beverages, pre-mix and post-mix dispensers
    • 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
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00081—Constructional details related to bartenders
    • B67D2210/00089—Remote control means, e.g. by electromagnetic signals

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the monitoring of fluid operated devices in particular but not limited to a system for monitoring the activity of a pneumatically operated delivery pump for dispensing syrup concentrates in a beverage post-mix system and system of monitoring stock levels.
  • the invention resides in a monitoring system for
  • monitoring gas operated fluid delivery pumps including in combination a flow and/or
  • the signalling means adapted to respond to a
  • the signalling means to produce a signal such that the total volume and flow rate of
  • fluid delivered by the pump can be determined from the number and frequency of the
  • the signalling means is an airflow or pressure sensitive electrical
  • switch device adapted to complete an electrical circuit when exposed to a flow of gas
  • the signalling means can be a mechanical marking means
  • the gas flow and/or pressure is from the exhaust outlet of the
  • outlets of the pumps are vented to the atmosphere through one outlet.
  • the gas flow and/or pressure is of the gas supply to the inlet of the pump.
  • the recording means is adapted to record the number of times the signalling means is activated by the gas flow.
  • the recording means is a microprocessor recording means.
  • the recording means is coupled to indicating means adapted to indicate when a predetermined number of signals has been recorded.
  • the indicating means is a visual indicating means such as a flashing light or light emitting diode (LED).
  • the indicating means can be audible indicating means such as beeper that issues a beeping noise.
  • the signalling means and/or the recording means can be remotely monitored by either a cable connection or alternatively a wireless system.
  • the fluid delivered by the pump is syrup concentrate for use in a beverage post-mix system.
  • the monitoring system described hereinabove is connected to a computer system wherein signals from the signalling means or information from the microprocessor recording means is used in combination with other information communicated to the computer by a user via a user interface means, the other information inclusive of pump volume size, bag-in-box (BIB) size, use by date, usage amount, reorder amount, reorder tolerance, time and date, pump interval time, wherein in operation, the information and other information can be processed by the computer to provide stock control information and provide instructions concerning the monitoring system to the user via the user interface means.
  • the user interface means includes interactive display means
  • display screens includes informing the user of any fault in any part of the monitoring
  • Preferably stock control information processed by the computer can be used
  • the computer system is connected to a supplier's computerised
  • depleted stock can be reordered automatically when reorder
  • computerised supply system is via the Internet or a localised telecommunications
  • LAN local area network
  • Figure 1 is a scheme of a preferred embodiment of the invention according to Example 1 ;
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing of a preferred signalling means according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective drawing of the invention according to Example 1 ;
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b show exploded detail of exhaust and inlet gas operated
  • Figure 5 shows a scheme of a preferable improvement to the invention according to Example 2.
  • Example 1 shows a scheme of the invention according to Example 1.
  • a post mix dispensing system In most outlets, for example, hotels, restaurants, etc, it is usual practice to dispense concentrated soft drink beverages from a unit referred to as a post mix dispensing system.
  • Such systems are usually composed of a tubular metal frame or stand.
  • the stand is preferably designed with a series of shelves, enabling syrup stock to be stored in syrup containers 10 which are referred to as B.I.B. (bag in box) containers and usually contain 15 litres of syrup each in assorted flavours or brands, e.g. CokeTM, FantaTM, SpriteTM, orange juice etc.
  • the stand has provision to support a refrigerated carbonating unit 12 preferably above the B.I.B. containers.
  • Standard beverage pumps used in this application include the FlojetTM N5000 series manufactured by Flojet Corporation of 20 Icon, Foothill Collins, CA 92610, United States of America and imported and distributed in Australia by Lancer Pacific Pty Ltd of 5 Toogood Avenue, Beverley, 5009, South Australia. There may, however, be the need to apply a different FlojetTM series type pump or other manufacturer's pump occasionally.
  • a refrigerated unit 12 is attached to a water line 12a and 240V power source (not shown).
  • the unit has an internal water reservoir, which fills and cools the water.
  • the unit also has a carbonating system, which modifies standard water to carbonated water and then sends the chilled carbonated water 12b to the point of service usually at the bar via a dispensing tower 16 or Pluto.
  • the pneumatic pumps are coupled to the syrup containers and on demand, deliver the syrup 15 to the point of service.
  • the pumps are preferably connected to an air compressor 18 or to a food grade gas cylinder to provide a pump-operating pressure of between 20 to 80 psi.
  • the serving tower or Pluto 16 receiving chilled carbonated water and concentrated syrup is preset to mix the correct volume of water and syrup to comply with the requirements of the relevant industry standards. It is important to note that as the syrup is dispensed, the pump is only supplying the required amount. The pump normally delivers approximately 30ml per operational cycle. The pumps will continue to supply syrup until the B.I.B. container empties and the pump stalls as a result of a vacuum created by the empty container bag. Delivery of the syrup then ceases. Once the empty B.I.B. container has been replaced with a full one, the pump resumes its operation. Every time the piston of the pump is activated by the gas flow it dispenses approximately 30ml of syrup and the exhaust port 17 of the pump disperses unspent air or gas.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show detail of a preferred signalling means and a perspective view of the invention, respectively.
  • the invention preferably comprises a molded block of insulating material 20 with six (6) holes 22 drilled through corresponding to the six pumps. At one end of each of the six (6) holes, there is a set of electrical contacts 24 positioned centrally over the hole. Each of the holes has a metal ball 26 of a diameter as to allow free movement of the ball along the bore of the hole. At the other end of the hole 28 opposite to the contacts is an attachment for a tube 29, enabling a connection to the exhaust of each pump. Each time the piston of the pump is operated, the exhaust pressure and/or flow will move the metal ball along the bore of the hole until the metal ball makes contact with the electrical contacts.
  • One side of the contacts is always electrically active and the other side inputs the power to recording means in the form of a microprocessor 30 when the two contacts touch.
  • the microprocessor 30 counts each time the ball activates the contacts as a pulse.
  • Approximately 15 litres of syrup is pumped by about 500 piston actions or excursions. Therefore, to pump 14 litres of syrup which is approximately 465 piston actions, the microprocessor can be set to send an alarm off at 465 pulses. This would leave approximately 1 litre of syrup in the B.I.B. container.
  • the alarm will preferably also include a flashing lamp 32 or light emitting diode (LED).
  • the alarm can be either in wireless 31 or cable 33 connection with the microprocessor.
  • An operator notified by the alarm of the usage status can address the situation by replacing the empty B.I.B. container. Once the B.I.B. container has been changed over, a reset button is pushed to restart the counting of pulses by the microprocessor.
  • Figure 4a shows an exploded view of an exhaust flow and/or pressure signalling means assembly.
  • exhaust gas from a pump enters block section 20b via hole 21 under pressure, it propels ball 26 to make contact with electrical contacts 24.
  • electrical contacts 24 As the gas dissipates through the hole 23 in block section 20a, the ball drops to its original position away from the contacts under gravity. The closing and opening of the electrical contacts creates a single pulse for recordal by the microprocessor (not shown).
  • Figure 4b shows an exploded view of another signalling means assembly which works off the supply pressure to the pump and not the exhaust gas.
  • the ball 26 is pushed against the contacts 24 by the soft hollow rubber section 27 under supply pressure. The contacts remain closed while there is enough pressure to expand the hollow rubber section. When the pressure drops as a result of the gas supply failing or running out, the reverse occurs and the ball no longer pushes against the contacts which then open signalling the alarm (not shown).
  • Figure 5 shows a scheme of the invention of Example 1 improved by connection with a computer system.
  • a user interface means comprising a number of interactive display screens
  • information relating to pump volume, B.I.B. size, use by dates, amounts used, reorder amounts, reorder tolerances, time and date, pump interval time, etc can be entered by a user to be processed by the central processing unit (C.P.U.) of the computer.
  • Signals from the signalling means and/or information from the microprocessor recording means (not shown) can be processed by the C.P.U. to display on the display screens, information and instructions to the user.
  • Instructions shown on the representations of the display screens include "REORDER", "CHANGE BIB", "USE BY DATE UP".
  • Information concerning faults with any part of the monitoring system are shown on the display screens with messages such as "LEAK DETECTED" and "NO GAS”.
  • the top left screen (40) is where all data needed by the C.P.U. is entered.
  • various display screens there are shown various display screens:-
  • Alarm Screen 1 This screen is displayed when the C.P.U. registers a pulse or signal (44) from the signalling means wherein the amount set in pump size (millilitres) is added to a previous amount and is output as an alarm when the calculated amount reaches the usage amount. The user is then prompted to change the relevant a BIB (not shown), reenter new use by date and to reset the monitoring system.
  • Alarm Screen 2 (46) - This screen is displayed when the calculated amount reaches a reorder amount, the C.P.U. (48) will inform the user if any other BIBS on the system are within the reorder tolerances (set in %) and displayed on a screen.
  • Alarm Screen 3 (50) - This screen is displayed when the real time clock reaches the day, month, year set at the use by date setting.
  • Alarm Screen 4 This screen is displayed if the C.P.U. detects a rapid interval between pulses wherein it will be interpreted as a warning that the line is not able to maintain pressure. A threshold setting of one second will result in setting off the alarm if the interval is less than one second.
  • Alarm Screen 5 This screen is displayed when one input on the system is always allocated to monitor the pump supply gas. If this input is not on an alarm is set off and the screen prompts that there is no gas.
  • the alarm can be in wireless communication with the microprocessor monitor or can be hard wired. Radio communication for retrofitting to existing sites is preferred as the system can plug into a 240V electric supply and is ready to use.
  • the remote flashing alarm can be a great advertising feature. It can be a light, which is permanently on and flashes only when in the alarmed mode. A reason for the light being on permanently is that the user is informed that the lamp is functioning.
  • the flashing light will be in public view and could easily be used in other forms of advertising according to the client's wishes.
  • the present invention also dispenses with the need for automatic change over valves. Although changeover valves are not expensive, they require constant servicing. The present invention is also very cost effective compared to other systems.
  • This system not only sends an alarm to attract attention but is also totally flexible, it tells the user what is wrong and what to do, and when connected to the appropriate network, order stock at reorder amount.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de contrôle permettant de contrôler des pompes (14) de distribution de liquides actionnées par gaz (18) servant à distribuer un concentré (15) de sirop destiné à un système de distribution de boissons à post-mélange. Ce système de contrôle comprend des moyens (32) de signalisation activés par le débit ou la pression, conçus pour réagir à la différence de pression ou de débit d'un flux entrant ou sortant d'une pompe de distribution actionnée par gaz. Pendant le fonctionnement, la pression ou le débit associés à chaque cycle de pompage active les moyens de signalisation de telle manière que le volume et le débit de fluide total distribués par la pompe peuvent être déterminés à partir du nombre et de la fréquence des signaux. Dans une version améliorée, ce système de contrôle peut être connecté avec un système informatique afin de permettre un contrôle des stocks et l'envoi d'instructions à une interface utilisateur par l'intermédiaire d'Internet ou d'un réseau de télécommunication localisé.
PCT/AU2002/000220 2001-03-02 2002-03-01 Systeme de controle de pompe WO2002070396A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR3489 2001-03-02
AUPR3489A AUPR348901A0 (en) 2001-03-02 2001-03-02 Fluid operated pump monitor
AUPR4880A AUPR488001A0 (en) 2001-05-09 2001-05-09 Improved fluid operated pump monitor
AUPR4880 2001-05-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002070396A1 true WO2002070396A1 (fr) 2002-09-12

Family

ID=25646602

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2002/000220 WO2002070396A1 (fr) 2001-03-02 2002-03-01 Systeme de controle de pompe

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2002070396A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004030435A2 (fr) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-15 Automated Beverage Technologies Ltd Distributeur
GB2443407A (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-07 Nazar N Shasha A drinks mixing system with remote monitoring means
ITMC20090056A1 (it) * 2009-03-20 2010-09-21 Marco Cecconi Dispositivo per la riconversione degli impianti di erogazione di bevande fredde alla spina.
US20190185311A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-20 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
US10634134B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2020-04-28 Standex International Corporation Beverage dispenser system with removable pumps

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2055208A (en) * 1979-07-18 1981-02-25 Nicolai Walter Method and apparatus for indicating losses of stored material
GB2122574A (en) * 1982-07-01 1984-01-18 Castrol Ltd Liquid dispensing system
EP0266202A1 (fr) * 1986-10-29 1988-05-04 The Coca-Cola Company Système pour distribuer du jus
US5056017A (en) * 1989-07-31 1991-10-08 Lrs, Inc. System to monitor fuel level in a tank, and fuel dispensed from the tank, to determine fuel leakage and theft losses
US5511694A (en) * 1994-01-19 1996-04-30 Rohm; Edward J. Apparatus and article for determining and indicating liquid content of kegs or barrels
US5636763A (en) * 1993-11-04 1997-06-10 Furness; Geoffrey M. Gas pressurized liquid delivery system
US5757667A (en) * 1996-05-10 1998-05-26 Imi Wilshire Inc. Solid state pressure detector for beverage dispensers
US6053361A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-04-25 Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.) Out-of-fluid detector for reciprocating pumps
US6094142A (en) * 1998-05-16 2000-07-25 United Microelectronics Corp. Spin-on glass dispensing monitor

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2055208A (en) * 1979-07-18 1981-02-25 Nicolai Walter Method and apparatus for indicating losses of stored material
GB2122574A (en) * 1982-07-01 1984-01-18 Castrol Ltd Liquid dispensing system
EP0266202A1 (fr) * 1986-10-29 1988-05-04 The Coca-Cola Company Système pour distribuer du jus
US5056017A (en) * 1989-07-31 1991-10-08 Lrs, Inc. System to monitor fuel level in a tank, and fuel dispensed from the tank, to determine fuel leakage and theft losses
US5636763A (en) * 1993-11-04 1997-06-10 Furness; Geoffrey M. Gas pressurized liquid delivery system
US5511694A (en) * 1994-01-19 1996-04-30 Rohm; Edward J. Apparatus and article for determining and indicating liquid content of kegs or barrels
US5757667A (en) * 1996-05-10 1998-05-26 Imi Wilshire Inc. Solid state pressure detector for beverage dispensers
US6094142A (en) * 1998-05-16 2000-07-25 United Microelectronics Corp. Spin-on glass dispensing monitor
US6053361A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-04-25 Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.) Out-of-fluid detector for reciprocating pumps

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004030435A2 (fr) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-15 Automated Beverage Technologies Ltd Distributeur
WO2004030435A3 (fr) * 2002-10-02 2004-06-03 Automated Beverage Technologie Distributeur
GB2443407A (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-07 Nazar N Shasha A drinks mixing system with remote monitoring means
GB2443407B (en) * 2006-10-31 2010-10-27 Nazar N Shasha Drink mixing system
ITMC20090056A1 (it) * 2009-03-20 2010-09-21 Marco Cecconi Dispositivo per la riconversione degli impianti di erogazione di bevande fredde alla spina.
WO2019126102A1 (fr) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-27 Pepsico, Inc. Système de distribution de boisson
US20190185311A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-20 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
US10676339B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2020-06-09 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
CN111491887A (zh) * 2017-12-18 2020-08-04 百事可乐公司 饮料分配***
JP2021506690A (ja) * 2017-12-18 2021-02-22 ペプシコ・インク 飲料分配システム
AU2018392328B2 (en) * 2017-12-18 2023-02-09 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
JP7301837B2 (ja) 2017-12-18 2023-07-03 ペプシコ・インク 飲料分配システム
US10634134B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2020-04-28 Standex International Corporation Beverage dispenser system with removable pumps
US10731644B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2020-08-04 Arbel Agencies Limited Beverage dispenser system with controlled pump system

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