Empty keg detection for carbonated beverages
A system and method detection of an empty keg is provided. Carbonated beverages from a keg communicates a carbonated alcoholic beverage to a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector. The FOB forms a reservoir and containing a float. Level detection sensors in operative communication with the float identifies the position and movement of the float. An keg's status can thereby be anticipated by float level and speed changes. A the FOB status can thereby operate a touchless tap including a control valve via a tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve. A controller in operative communication with the TCB communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the level sensor.
1. A system for dispensing carbonated beverages from a bulk keg comprising:
a keg containing a carbonated alcoholic beverage that is pressurized by a pressurized tank of gas;
a first delivery line for communicating the carbonated alcoholic beverage to a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector;
said FOB forming a reservoir or chamber into which the liquid is dispensed and containing a float;
a level detector in operative communication with said float and adapted to identify a level of said float;
a second delivery line for communicates the carbonated alcoholic beverage from a tap for dispensed a pour directly to a serving container;
said tap further comprising:
a control valve;
a tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve; and
an actuation button for initiating the dispensing of the pour; and
a controller in operative communication with the TCB via a Controller Area Network (CAN bus), said controller in operational communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the level detector.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said tap comprises:
an integrated pneumatic actuator casing forming a dispensing shaft that is opened or closed via said control valve comprising a pneumatic valve, said shaft and said pneumatic valve having a connected or contiguous form factor.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the shaft is adapted to facilitates venting of beer from a spout independent of spout orientation.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
said tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve and is operatively controlled by the controller;
the actuation button for initiating the dispensing of a pour; and
the controller in operative communication with the TCB via a Controller Area Network (CAN bus).
5. A method for dispensing carbonated beverages from a bulk keg utilizing a system of claims 1 comprising:
a. detection of an empty keg; and
b. closing valve of the tap upon empty keg detection in a manner that preserve pressure in a dispensing line.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said detection of an empty keg comprises identifying a float level within the FOB, wherein detection of up and down movements of the float is communicated to the controller via cable and wherein:
downward movement of the float indicates when the keg is emptying; and
upward movement of the float indicates when a new keg is implemented.
7. The system of claim 2 , further comprising:
the tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve and is operatively controlled by the controller;
the actuation button for initiating the dispensing of a pour; and
the controller in operative communication with the TCB via a Controller Area Network (CAN bus).
8. A method for dispensing carbonated beverages from a bulk keg utilizing a system of claims 7 comprising:
a. detection of an empty keg; and
b. closing valve of the tap upon empty keg detection in a manner that preserve pressure in a dispensing line.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein said detection of an empty keg comprises identifying a float level within the FOB, wherein detection of up and down movements of the float is communicated to the controller via cable and wherein:
downward movement of the float indicates when the keg is emptying; and
upward movement of the float indicates when a new keg is implemented.
10. The system of claim 3 , further comprising:
the tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve and is operatively controlled by the controller;
the actuation button for initiating the dispensing of a pour; and
the controller in operative communication with the TCB via a Controller Area Network (CAN bus).
11. A method for dispensing carbonated beverages from a bulk keg utilizing a system of claims 10 comprising:
a. detection of an empty keg; and
b. closing valve of the tap upon empty keg detection in a manner that preserve pressure in a dispensing line.
12. The method of claim 11 , werein said detection of an empty keg comprises identifying a float level within the FOB, wherein detection of up and down movements of float is communicated to the controller via cable and wherein:
downward movement of the float indicates when the keg is emptying; and
upward movement of the float indicates when a new keg is implemented.