Reed switch pump

Abstract

A beverage syrup pump system is disclosed that includes a pump housing (12) having an internal pumping chamber (18), a pump motor (22), and a pumping mechanism (24) driven by the motor within the pumping chamber. The pumping mechanism receives the syrup fluid at a first pressure and discharges the fluid at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. A cylindrical space (20) having a spring (39) and a plunger (36) with a magnet (37) is connected to the pumping chamber. The plunger is in contact with an amount of fluid at a second pressure and moves along the cylindrical space against the biasing force of the spring. Once the second pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure, the corresponding fluid pressure in the cylindrical space applies a sufficient force to the plunger to move it beyond a predetermined point within the cylindrical space such that the magnet causes the reed switch (41) in the first position to switch movement to the second position and send a signal to the controller (42). The controller will immediately stop the pump motor if the controller receives a signal from the reed switch, or if the timer sends a signal indicating that the pump has operated for a predetermined maximum operation time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fluid pumps. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a pump and associated controller system for a post-mixing beverage dispenser system utilizing a reed switch. Background Technology

[0002] Post-mixing beverage dispensers combine carbonated water with concentrated beverage syrup to provide the final beverage for dispensing and consumption. Beverage syrup is typically a thick and / or viscous fluid and is usually supplied from a bagged syrup container in a box. A syrup pump can be used to move the syrup from the syrup container to the dispensing nozzle.

[0003] There are numerous complex but sophisticated syrup pump designs that utilize programmable circuit boards, processors, sensors, transducers, data transmitters, and more. These designs may perform well and provide extensive data to end users, but they typically result in higher unit costs and, while customizable, prove to be more complex than expected.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is an improved syrup pump for beverage dispensers that is low in cost and operates using an intuitive and mechanically simple yet effective design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The syrup pump and controller system prepared according to this disclosure meets the above and other requirements.

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a pump and controller system. In one embodiment, the pump and controller system includes a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port, and an outlet port, each port being in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber also includes a cylindrical space having an orifice, which is also in fluid communication with the pumping chamber.

[0007] The pump and controller system also includes a pump motor and a circuit board with a controller for starting and stopping the pump motor, as well as a pumping mechanism driven by the pump motor. The pumping mechanism is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, and is capable of receiving fluid into the pumping chamber through an inlet port at a first pressure and discharging fluid from the pumping chamber through an outlet port at a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

[0008] The plunger has a plunger head and a magnet attached to the plunger, and is movably disposed within a cylindrical space. The plunger head comes into contact with a certain amount of fluid under a second pressure, causing the fluid to exert a force that pushes the plunger into the cylindrical space.

[0009] A spring is positioned within a cylindrical space, adjacent to the plunger. The spring applies a biasing force, pushing the plunger away from the cylindrical space, causing the plunger and magnet to move back and forth along a predetermined path within the cylindrical space as the second pressure increases or decreases.

[0010] A reed switch movable between a first position and a second position is positioned along the path of the adjacent plunger magnet along a cylindrical space. In some cases, the first position may be an open position and the second position a closed position. Alternatively, the first position may be a closed position and the second position an open position. When the magnet plunger moves beyond a predetermined point corresponding to a second pressure greater than a predetermined pressure limit, the reed switch moves to the second position. Moving the reed switch to the second position causes the controller to stop the pump motor, while moving the reed switch to the first position causes the controller to start the pump motor.

[0011] In some embodiments of the pump and controller system, the pump is a gear pump. In these embodiments, the pumping mechanism preferably includes a drive gear having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is arranged in the pumping chamber and rotatably driven by a pump motor. The pumping mechanism also preferably includes an idler wheel having a plurality of idler wheel teeth that mesh with the drive gear teeth, the idler wheel being disposed in the pumping chamber and attached to an idler wheel shaft disposed in the pumping chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments of the pump and controller system, the circuit board preferably also includes a timer for measuring the operating time of the pump motor, wherein if the continuous operating time of the pump motor exceeds a predetermined maximum operating time, the timer sends a signal to the controller to stop the pump motor.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the pump and controller system, the circuit board preferably includes a first indicator light to indicate when the pump is running.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the pump and controller system, the circuit board preferably includes a second indicator light to indicate a fault condition.

[0015] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a post-mixing beverage dispenser. In one embodiment, the post-mixing beverage dispenser includes a beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle and a carbonated water supply in fluid communication with the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle. The post-mixing beverage dispenser also includes a beverage syrup supply, a beverage syrup pump, and a control system.

[0016] The beverage syrup pump and controller system further includes a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port, and an outlet port, each port being in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber also includes a cylindrical space with an orifice, which is also in fluid communication with the pumping chamber.

[0017] The pump and controller system also includes a pump motor and a circuit board with a controller for starting and stopping the pump motor, as well as a pumping mechanism driven by the pump motor. The pumping mechanism is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, and is capable of receiving fluid into the pumping chamber through an inlet port at a first pressure and discharging fluid from the pumping chamber through an outlet port at a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

[0018] The plunger has a plunger head and a magnet attached to the plunger, and is movably disposed within a cylindrical space. The plunger head comes into contact with a certain amount of fluid under a second pressure, causing the fluid to exert a force that pushes the plunger into the cylindrical space.

[0019] A spring is positioned within a cylindrical space, adjacent to the plunger. The spring applies a biasing force, pushing the plunger away from the cylindrical space, causing the plunger and magnet to move back and forth along a predetermined path within the cylindrical space as the second pressure increases or decreases.

[0020] A reed switch, movable between a first position and a second position, is positioned along the path of the adjacent plunger magnet along a cylindrical space. When the magnet plunger moves beyond a predetermined point corresponding to a second pressure greater than a predetermined pressure limit, the reed switch moves to the second position. Moving the reed switch to the second position causes the controller to stop the pump motor; moving the reed switch to the off position causes the controller to start the pump motor.

[0021] In some embodiments of the beverage dispensing machine, the pump is a gear pump. In these embodiments, the pumping mechanism preferably includes a drive gear having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is arranged in the pumping chamber and rotatably driven by a pump motor. The pumping mechanism also preferably includes an idler wheel having a plurality of idler wheel teeth that mesh with the drive gear teeth, the idler wheel being disposed in the pumping chamber and attached to an idler wheel shaft disposed in the pumping chamber.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the beverage dispenser, the circuit board preferably also includes a timer for measuring the running time of the pump motor, wherein if the continuous running time of the pump motor exceeds a predetermined maximum running time, the timer sends a signal to the controller to stop the pump motor.

[0023] In some embodiments of the beverage dispenser, the circuit board preferably includes a first indicator light to indicate when the pump is running.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the beverage dispenser, the circuit board preferably includes a second indicator light to indicate a malfunction. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Further advantages of this disclosure will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description. The drawings are not drawn to scale in order to show details more clearly, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements in multiple views, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a pump and controller system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a pump and controller system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of a portion of a pump and controller system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the configuration when the reed switch is in a first position;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of a portion of a pump and controller system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the configuration when the reed switch is in the second position;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a post-mixing beverage dispenser system is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connections of a pump controller system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure relates to pumps and related pump control systems. The pumps and control systems are particularly suitable for pumping beverage syrups in post-mixing beverage dispensers.

[0033] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the pump and controller system 10 according to this disclosure includes a pump housing 12, which is typically formed of a high-strength material, such as brass, stainless steel, or other metals or alloys. Alternatively, the pump housing 12 may be molded from a polymer material, preferably a polymer material embedded with fiber reinforcement materials (e.g., carbon fiber or glass fiber filaments). The pump housing 12 may be further protected by a cover 72. Similar to the pump housing 12, the cover 72 may be formed of a high-strength material, such as brass, stainless steel, or other metals or alloys. Alternatively, the cover 72 may be molded from a polymer material, preferably a polymer material embedded with fiber reinforcement materials (e.g., carbon fiber or glass fiber filaments).

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, the pump housing 12 includes an inlet port 14 and an outlet port 16, both in fluid communication with an internal pumping chamber 18 disposed within the pump housing 12. The inlet and outlet ports may also detachably receive other components, such as fittings 76 and hose hooks 74. In some embodiments, the inlet port 14 and outlet port 16 may each detachably receive a threaded fitting 76, which detachably receives the hose hook 74. A one-way valve 78 may be disposed between the fitting 76 and the inlet port 14, secured in place by a retaining clip 79. Furthermore, the pump housing 12 includes a cylindrical space 20 with an orifice 21 that facilitates fluid communication between the cylindrical space 20 and the internal pumping chamber 18. Preferably, the orifice 21 is positioned adjacent to the outlet port 16.

[0035] The fluid pump includes an electric motor 22. The pump motor 22 is preferably an electric motor; however, it may alternatively be powered by other means (e.g., by fuel combustion). A seal 27 disposed between the pump motor 22 and the pump housing 12 prevents contact between the fluid flowing through the pump housing 12 and the pump motor 22. A pump drive shaft 26 is typically attached to and driven by the pump motor 22. The pump drive shaft 26 is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel).

[0036] The pump also includes a pumping mechanism 24, which is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber 18. As described in more detail below, the pumping mechanism 24 is capable of receiving fluid into the pumping chamber 18 at a first pressure through the inlet port 14 and discharging fluid from the pumping chamber 18 at a second pressure greater than the first pressure through the outlet port 16. The pumping mechanism 24 is covered and sealed by a cover 70, which can be fastened or otherwise secured to the pump housing 12.

[0037] The pumping mechanism 24 is driven by the pump motor 22 via the drive shaft 26. In some cases, the drive shaft 26 may be directly coupled to the pumping mechanism 24. In this case, the pump housing 12 also includes a drive shaft opening and a seal through which the drive shaft 26 extends into the pump housing 12, and the seal prevents fluid leakage through the drive shaft opening. In other cases, the drive shaft 26 may be magnetically coupled to the pumping mechanism 24, thus eliminating the need for an additional seal.

[0038] In different embodiments of this disclosure, the nature of the pumping mechanism 24 may differ. In some cases, the pumping mechanism 24 may be a centrifugal pumping mechanism 24. In other cases, the pumping mechanism 24 may be a positive displacement pumping mechanism 24. For example, in one embodiment, the pump may be configured as a positive displacement rotary vane pump, and the pumping mechanism 24 may include a pump bushing disposed within the pumping chamber 18, as well as other moving and static pump components such as a rear cover, end plate, O-ring, bearing, seal, rotor, vanes, locating pin, retaining ring, shaft, pressure relief valve, port insert, gasket, inlet filter, etc.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the pump can be provided as a positive displacement gear pump. According to this embodiment, the pump housing 12 is preferably elliptical and, as described above, includes an internal pumping chamber 18, an inlet port 14, and an outlet port 16. The pump housing 12 also includes a drive shaft opening through which the drive shaft 26 extends into the pump housing 12. The pumping mechanism 24 includes a drive gear 28 and an idler wheel 30. The drive gear 28 includes a plurality of drive gear teeth 32 and is disposed within the pumping chamber 18 and rotatably driven by the drive shaft 26. The idler wheel 30 includes a plurality of idler gear teeth 34 that mesh with the drive gear teeth 32, such that the idler wheel 30 is rotatable when the drive gear 28 is driven by the drive shaft 26. The idler wheel 30 is also disposed within the pumping chamber 18 and attached to an idler shaft disposed within the pumping chamber 18.

[0040] In the operation of the positive displacement gear pump embodiment, fluid is received into the pumping chamber 18 from the inlet port 14 at a first pressure or initial pressure. The drive shaft 26 rotates the drive gear 28, which in turn rotates the idler gear 30 due to the meshing gear teeth 32, 34 of the two gears 28, 30. As the two gears rotate, the fluid is trapped by the gear teeth. The fluid then flows around the inner periphery of the pumping chamber 18 until it is forced to exit through the outlet port 16 at a second pressure greater than the first pressure or initial pressure.

[0041] As described above, the pump housing 12 also includes a cylindrical space 20 in fluid communication with the pumping chamber 18 via an orifice 21. In a preferred embodiment, the orifice 21 is located within the pump housing 12, adjacent to the outlet port 16 on the discharge side of the pumping mechanism 24, where fluid is forced out of the pumping mechanism at a second pressure greater than the first pressure at which fluid is received into the pumping chamber 18. For illustration, in a positive displacement gear pump embodiment of the pumping mechanism 24, the location of the orifice 21 generally corresponds to a point within the pump housing 12 such that it is adjacent to a portion of the syrup or other fluid that has already passed through the drive gear 28 and idler wheel 30 under a greater second pressure.

[0042] The pump and controller system 10 also includes a circuit board 40. In some embodiments, the circuit board may be an analog or digital printed circuit board. The circuit board 40 may have various components such as: a pump motor 22 for starting and stopping the pump motor 22; a controller 42 for controlling the signals for starting and stopping the pump motor 22; a reed switch 41 for sensing the operating status within the pumping chamber 18; indicator lights 45, 46, and 47 for providing visual feedback on the status within the pumping chamber 18; a timer for controlling the length of time the pump motor is allowed to run; and numerous other components not mentioned in this disclosure.

[0043] The reed switch 41 includes a ferromagnetic "reed" that can move between an open position (where the reed is not in contact) and a closed position (where the reed is in contact), depending on the proximity of the reed to a magnetic field. In the presence of a sufficiently strong magnetic field, the reed moves to either the open or closed position (depending on whether the reed switch is normally open or normally closed), thus connecting or disconnecting the circuit. Because this disclosure contemplates the use of either type of reed switch, the reed switch is referred to as moving from a first position to a second position. In some cases, the first position may be the open position and the second position the closed position. Alternatively, the first position may be the closed position and the second position the open position. Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the pump and controller system 10 is shown, wherein a reed switch 41 is connected to a circuit board 40 at a point near a cylindrical space 20 at a predetermined distance from the orifice 21.

[0044] When the pump and controller system 10 is operating under acceptable conditions or has been reset, the reed switch 41 is in the first position, such as... Figure 3As shown. A plunger 36 and a threaded fastener 35 are disposed within the cylindrical space 20, the fastener 35 being detachably secured within the cylindrical cavity and contacting or housing a spring 39 adjacent to the plunger 36. In some embodiments, the plunger 36 includes several components, such as a plunger magnet 37 and a plunger head 38. The spring 39 applies a biasing force to one end of the plunger 36, pushing the plunger 36 toward an orifice 21, which, as described above, in some embodiments, is located on the discharge side of the pumping mechanism 24, adjacent to the outlet port 16. When the pump and controller system 10 is operating and fluid is being pumped through the pumping mechanism 24, fluid at a higher second pressure is forced through the orifice 21 and into the cylindrical space 20. The fluid contacts the plunger head 38 (which forms a seal within the cylindrical space 20 to prevent fluid from flowing through the plunger head 38), applying a force to the plunger 36 opposite to the biasing force applied by the spring 39. As the pressure within the cylindrical space 20 increases (thus exerting a greater force on the plunger 36), the plunger 36 moves away from the orifice 21 along the length of the cylindrical space 20, compressing the spring 39. Therefore, in this embodiment, the greater stroke of the plunger 36 away from the orifice 21 along the length of the cylindrical space 20 corresponds to a higher second fluid pressure.

[0045] As long as the pump and controller system 10 operates within the acceptable second pressure range, the plunger 36 (which may include a plunger magnet 37) will never move far enough along the cylindrical space 20 for the magnetic field of the plunger magnet 37 to cause the reed switch 41 to move from the first position to the second position. When operating within the acceptable second pressure range, the controller 42 signals the first indicator light 45 to indicate normal pump operation and signals the power indicator light 47 to indicate that the pump is on. However, once the second pressure exceeds the acceptable range, the corresponding fluid pressure within the cylindrical space 20 applies sufficient force to cause the plunger 36 to move along the cylindrical space 20 beyond a predetermined point corresponding to the second pressure limit, away from the orifice 21. Figure 4 As shown. At this point, because the plunger magnet 37 reaches a predetermined proximity to the reed switch 41, the reed switch 41 moves to the second position caused by the plunger magnet 37. The reed switch 41 moving to the second position causes the controller 42 to stop the pump motor 22. The controller 42 also turns off the first indicator light 45 to indicate that the pump motor 22 is not running. In order to restart the pump motor 22, the plunger 36 must move back to the predetermined point along the cylindrical space 20 corresponding to the second pressure limit, so that the reed switch 41 is no longer affected by the magnetic field of the plunger magnet 37 and moves to the first position.

[0046] like Figure 6As schematically shown, the pump and controller system 10 also includes a controller 42. The controller 42 receives electrical signals from the reed switch 41 and also receives electrical signals from a timer (if present). The controller 42 is also electrically connected to the pump motor 22 to enable starting and stopping the pump motor 22. The controller 42 may preferably be located as part of the pump housing 12 or attached to the housing of the pump housing 12.

[0047] The controller 42 is programmed to stop the pump motor 22 under certain specific conditions, as described above. The power supply to the pump can also be controlled by a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 44 (MOSFET). For example, the controller 42 is programmed to immediately stop the pump motor 22 if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure limit sensed by the reed switch 41. This second pressure limit can be adjusted in various ways, including but not limited to changing the position of the reed switch on the circuit board 40 along the cylindrical space 20, changing the strength of the plunger magnet 37, the position of the plunger magnet 37 on the plunger 36, the spring constant of the spring 39, the size of the orifice 21, the length of the spring 39, the cylindrical space 20, the plunger 36, and many other variables, depending on the specific environment in which the pump and controller system 10 are being used. In a typical post-mix beverage dispenser application, this second pressure limit can be set from approximately 40 psig to approximately 80 psig.

[0048] The controller 42 can also be programmed to stop the pump motor 22 if it has run for a predetermined time interval measured by a timer. This prevents the pump from running for extended periods under low pressure (i.e., vacuum) conditions. This time interval can be factory-selectable, but is preferably set to 60 seconds. Once the controller 42 stops the pump motor 22 due to a signal indicating a fault condition sent from the timer, the pump and controller system 10 must be manually reset to restart the pump motor 22. The pump motor 22 can also stop due to a high current condition, such as one caused by excessive viscosity or density of the pumped fluid. A high current condition also indicates a fault condition, and the pump and controller system 10 must be manually reset to restart the pump motor 22. In both the timing and high current fault conditions described above, the controller 42 signals a second indicator light 46 to indicate the fault condition within the pump and controller system 10.

[0049] In some cases, controller 42 can also be programmed to restart pump motor 22 after it has stopped. For example, if the second pressure drops below the predetermined pressure limit for the trigger reed switch 41 to move from the first position to the first position after a predetermined second pressure limit has been exceeded, microcontroller 42 can be programmed to restart pump motor 22. In a typical post-mix beverage dispenser application, controller 42 can be programmed to restart pump motor 22 immediately after the second pressure drops below a predetermined pressure limit.

[0050] Preferably, the pump and controller system 10 may further include a manual reset switch 48 electrically connected to the controller 42 to allow manual restart of the pump motor 22 if the controller 42 is not programmed to automatically restart the pump motor 22. For example, if the controller 42 stops the pump motor 22 due to reaching a maximum time interval, the microcontroller 42 is preferably not programmed to automatically restart the pump motor 22 after this occurs. Instead, the manual reset switch 48 is preferably required.

[0051] On the other hand, this disclosure also relates to a post-mixing beverage dispenser employing the pump and controller system 10 as described above. Figure 5 As shown, the post-mixing beverage dispenser 50 includes a beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle 52 and a carbonated water supply 54 in fluid communication with the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle 52. For example, the beverage dispenser 50 may include a carbonated water supply 54 in which a non-carbonated water source (e.g., a municipal water supply line) is pumped to a mixing tank 56 via a water pump 58. This mixing tank 56 is also in fluid communication with a carbon dioxide gas source (e.g., a compressed gas cylinder 60). Water is pumped into the mixing tank 56, where carbon dioxide gas mixes with and dissolves in the water to provide carbonated water. The carbonated water may also pass through a cooler 62 before reaching the mixing and dispensing nozzle 52.

[0052] In addition, the post-mixing beverage dispenser 50 includes a concentrated beverage syrup supply 64, such as a bag-in-box syrup container. The dispensing nozzle 52 is also connected to and in fluid communication with the bag-in-box or other concentrated beverage syrup supply 64. The pump and controller system 10, as described above, can be used to deliver syrup from the concentrated beverage syrup supply 64 to the dispensing nozzle 52. Therefore, the concentrated beverage syrup supply 64 is connected to the pump inlet port 14, and the pump outlet port 16 is connected to the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle 52 to supply beverage syrup to the nozzle 52.

[0053] Therefore, it is advantageous that, according to this disclosure, a post-mixing beverage dispenser 50 is disclosed, which employs a low-cost syrup pump and operates using an intuitive and mechanically simple yet effective design.

[0054] The above description of preferred embodiments of this disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. Imaginable modifications or variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described to best illustrate the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and make various modifications suitable for a particular intended use. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims when interpreted according to the fair, lawful, and reasonably enjoyable breadth of enjoyment.

Claims

1. A pump and controller system, comprising: The pump housing has an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port, each port being in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, and also has a cylindrical space having an orifice that is also in fluid communication with the pumping chamber; Pump motor; The circuit board has a controller for starting and stopping the pump motor; A pumping mechanism, driven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, is capable of receiving fluid into the pumping chamber at a first pressure through the inlet port and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber at a second pressure greater than the first pressure through the outlet port. A plunger having a plunger head and a magnet attached to the plunger, the plunger being movably disposed in the cylindrical space, wherein the plunger head is in contact with a certain amount of fluid under a second pressure, such that the fluid exerts a force to push the plunger into the cylindrical space; A spring, disposed within the cylindrical space adjacent to the plunger, applies a biasing force to push the plunger out of the cylindrical space, causing the plunger and the magnet to move back and forth along a predetermined path within the cylindrical space as the second pressure increases or decreases; and A reed switch is movable between a first position and a second position and is disposed in a path adjacent to the plunger magnet, wherein the reed switch moves to the second position when the plunger magnet moves beyond a predetermined point corresponding to a second pressure greater than a predetermined pressure limit; Specifically, when the reed switch is moved to the second position, the controller stops the pump motor, and when the reed switch is moved to the first position, the controller starts the pump motor.

2. The pump and controller system according to claim 1, wherein, The pumping mechanism includes: A drive gear having multiple drive gear teeth, the drive gear being disposed within the pumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor; and An idler wheel has a plurality of idler wheel teeth that mesh with the drive gear teeth. The idler wheel is disposed in the pumping chamber and attached to an idler wheel shaft disposed in the pumping chamber.

3. The pump and controller system according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board also includes a timer for measuring the running time of the pump motor, wherein if the pump motor runs continuously for a longer period than a predetermined maximum running time, the timer sends a signal to the controller to stop the pump motor.

4. The pump and controller system according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board also includes a first indicator light to indicate when the pump is running.

5. The pump and controller system according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board also includes a second indicator light to indicate fault conditions.

6. A post-mixing beverage dispenser, comprising: Beverage mixing and dispensing nozzles; Carbonated water is supplied, and the nozzle is in fluid communication with the beverage for mixing and dispensing. Beverage syrup supply; as well as Beverage syrup pump and controller system, featuring: The pump housing has an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port, each port being in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, and also has a cylindrical space with an orifice that is also in fluid communication with the pumping chamber; Pump motor; The circuit board has a controller for starting and stopping the pump motor; A pumping mechanism, driven by the pump motor and at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, is capable of receiving fluid into the pumping chamber at a first pressure through the inlet port and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber at a second pressure greater than the first pressure through the outlet port. A plunger having a plunger head and a magnet attached to the plunger, the plunger being movably disposed in the cylindrical space, wherein the plunger head is in contact with a certain amount of fluid under a second pressure, such that the fluid exerts a force to push the plunger into the cylindrical space; A spring, disposed within the cylindrical space adjacent to the plunger, applies a biasing force to push the plunger out of the cylindrical space, causing the plunger and the magnet to move back and forth along a predetermined path within the cylindrical space as the second pressure increases or decreases; and A reed switch is movable between a first position and a second position, and is positioned in a path adjacent to the plunger magnet. The reed switch moves to the second position when the plunger magnet moves beyond a predetermined point corresponding to a second pressure greater than a predetermined pressure limit. Specifically, when the reed switch is moved to the second position, the controller stops the pump motor, and when the reed switch is moved to the first position, the controller starts the pump motor.

7. The post-mixing beverage dispenser according to claim 6, wherein, The pumping mechanism includes: A drive gear having multiple drive gear teeth, the drive gear being disposed within the pumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor; and An idler wheel has a plurality of idler wheel teeth that mesh with the drive gear teeth. The idler wheel is disposed in the pumping chamber and attached to an idler wheel shaft disposed in the pumping chamber.

8. The post-mixing beverage dispenser according to claim 6, wherein, The circuit board also includes a timer for measuring the running time of the pump motor, wherein if the pump motor runs continuously for a longer period than a predetermined maximum running time, the timer sends a signal to the controller to stop the pump motor.

9. The pump and controller system according to claim 6, wherein, The circuit board also includes a first indicator light to indicate when the pump is running.

10. The pump and controller system according to claim 6, wherein, The circuit board also includes a second indicator light to indicate fault conditions.

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