Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Patent
1996-01-24
1998-06-23
Shaver, Kevin P.
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
222 2, 222 63, 222504, 222641, B67D 510
Patent
active
057692718
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a method of, and to an apparatus for, monitoring a drinks dispenser, in particular in the form of a draught-dispensing installation.
A method of a generic type, and an associated apparatus, for monitoring the drinks dispenser in bars or the like has been disclosed, for example, by EP 0 442 375 A1. As is customary, an authorized individual has to identify himself by a code when drawing off a drink. In order that the drink types and quantities dispensed are assigned to the correct code without the draught-dispensing operation being obstructed, it has been proposed that the drinks dispenser is permanently kept open, an alarm signal being emitted when a drink is drawn off without a code being entered, and that the alarm signal is terminated only when identification has been carried out. The liquid which has been removed is then assigned to the code used for turning off the alarm.
Nevertheless, a method of this type has disadvantages. The situation where an authorized individual completes a drawing-off operation and leaves the drinks-dispensing station without having entered his code cannot be ruled out. If there is to be no interruption to the further drawing-off operation, then another authorized individual would then have to enter his code, in order to stop the emitted alarm signal, and draw off the drinks and/or drinks required by him. In this case, however, the preceding drawing-off operation, which may have been carried out by another authorized individual, would be assigned to the succeeding authorized individual, as regards the number of drinks drawn off and the selected drinks, and his code would be debited accordingly.
In the Patent Applications P 43 07 415.4-23 and P 43 17 946.0-23, there is proposed another method. In order to avoid the drawn-off quantity being assigned incorrectly to a certain code, it is provided that, after a presettable metered quantity has been reached, the metering operation is automatically terminated by closure of the automatic valve, which is connected in series with the hand valve. In conjunction with the preset electronics, this also provides the advantage that optionally as often as required or, in accordance with the proposal of P 43 17 946.0-23, only in the case of a permissible subsequent interrogation, a corresponding interruption can be carried out and then, nevertheless, the drawing-off operation can be terminated completely. The automatic valve preferably opens only once the staff identification has been entered, in order that an unambiguous assignment is achieved.
Although the last-mentioned draught-dispensing installations have proved favorable as far as their functioning is concerned, there may, in some circumstances, be a problem with certain drinks, for example with beer, that, once the automatic valve has been closed, the subsequent line section between the automatic valve and the hand valve is not under pressure, and this may result in a certain decarbonization, i.e. foaming, of the drink, which may not always be desired.
The object of the present invention is thus to provide a further improved method and an improved draught-dispensing installation, in which, in particular, decarbonization remains restricted only to those cases of actual incorrect operation when a drink is drawn off without a code being entered beforehand.
The invention makes it possible to remove completely the incentive for improper usage. Even if staff attempt, for example, to draw off the drink in small portions without identification (and thus without billing), this lasts over a relatively long period of time, so that it is questionable as to whether the drink can still be sold at all. In addition, the individual trying to use the installation improperly has to put up with the secondary effect of a loud signal, which constantly draws attention to the incorrect behavior.
The quantities which can be drawn off without waiter identification are basically comparatively small and may additionally be registered in the billing, and thus monitored.
There is no possibili
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Shaver Kevin P.
Wilhelm Handke GmbH
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