Automatic control system for filling beverage containers
Patent 4780861 Issued on October 25, 1988. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 9, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 9, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 07/012758 filed on 02/09/1987US Classes:367/150, With modifying lens141/95, Level or pressure in receiver181/124, Altitude or depth detection367/162, With resonant or damping structure367/165, Specific support structure367/176, Transducer with resonant or damping structure367/908, MATERIAL LEVEL DETECTION, E.G., LIQUID LEVEL73/290V, Vibratory type73/624Having separate sonic transmitter and receiverExaminersPrimary: Kyle, Deborah L.Assistant: Steinberger, Brian S. International ClassesB67D 1/12 (20060101)B67D 1/00 (20060101) G01F 23/296 (20060101) AbstractAn automatic, ultrasonic system for controlling the filling of different sizes of beverage containers which may or may not contain various quantities of ice. The system includes a transducer assembly and a control module, both preferably connected to a beverage dispenser valve assembly. The transducer assembly includes a pair of piezo-electric crystals for separately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave energy from the grate, the cup lip, the top of any ice in the cup, and the rising liquid level. The control module includes a microcomputer and associated circuitry. | |
