Beverage dispenser

Abstract

A beverage dispenser 100 has a spout 106 movably mounted to a body 104. The spout has a sensor (188, Fig. 3) to detect a beverage level in the cup. Before dispensing, cup rim height data is received, and the spout moves into the cup. During pouring, the spout moves upward to maintain a predetermined distance from a beverage level in the cup. Pouring stops when the beverage level is at a rim of the cup or within a given distance from the brim. The spout may have a second sensor (190, Fig. 3), directed horizontally, to detect a sidewall or interior profile of the cup. The brim height may be determined from the position of the spout by moving the spout towards the cup until the second sensor detects the brim. Beverage dispensing may be authorised conditional on detecting an acceptable cup height and interior profile.

Description

Technical Field [0001 ] The present application is concerned with a beverage dispenser. More specifically, it is concerned with an automated dispenser for foaming liquids- in particular carbonated beverages such as beers. Background Art

[0002] Foaming beverages such as lager and stout (types of beer) require controlled pouring to ensure that they are served with the optimum level of head. Uncontrolled pouring will produce excessive foam which, aside from decarbonating the beverage, takes significant time to dissipate or 'settle'.

[0003] When lager (for example) is poured into a glass, the glass requires tilting at e.g. a 45° angle, allowing the liquid to flow slowly down the side of the glass. This reduces the foaming in the liquid, as the variance in pressure in the liquid (caused by a change in momentum) is reduced. From the momentthat a liquid is free from the tap, it no longer has any back pressure to prevent it flowing in freefall with gravity. The traditional method of reducing the freefall speed when pouring pints is to tilt the glass with the reasoning stated above. Essentially, the impingement surface (the glass) is moved closer to the outlet (the nozzle opening).

[0004] The regulatory framework in which alcoholic drinks in particular are dispensed must be understood in this technical field.

[0005] According to the UK Weights and Measures Act 1985, draught beer and cider by the glass must be sold in measures of a third, half, two-thirds of a pint and multiples of half a pint. Licenced premises currently comply with the Weights and Measures Act 1985 by using certified measures and glasses to ensure that spirits, wines, and beers are all poured in the correct volumes as sold to the customer. These measures and glasses will have a UKCA marked (UK Conformity Assessed) or CE (Conformite Europeenne - European Conformity) mark on them to show their user that they are verified.

[0006] There are existing systems on the market that allow forthe open continuous pouring of drinks. The pouring of drinks can be stopped at any time with these and therefore, arguably, they do not indisputably comply with the Act. To comply with the Act these suppliers are required to use calibrated measuring equipment, with an inspection requirement from a licensing authority.

[0007] In summary to conform to the Weights and Measures Act 1985, premises must either use calibrated measuring equipment to measure the volume of drink served, and only charge for this, or use a verified measure where the customer cannot reasonably remove the measure mid-pour.

[0008] It is also worth noting that in order to meet the UK Licencing Act 2005 the premises must ensure that the customer is of legal age and is not intoxicated. Compliance with this is typically achieved through Challenge 25, where the bartender challenges anyone that looks below the age of 25.

[0009] The current standard practice for serving a draught drink at a bar is for the bartender to manually pour the beverage, controlling the flow of liquid, and then take payment with a separate POS (point of sale) system. This can be a time consuming process.

[0010] In addition, there can be difficulty in hiring staff for hospitality venues, particularly in periods of high traffic where additional agency or part-time staff may be required. [0011 ] Automated serving solutions have been proposed in the prior art.

[0012] The 'Ebar' (TM) is a vending machine sized unit, builtfor events and stadiums, which are expensive (circa. £13,000). Due to size and cost the units are moved from eventto event which is a significant logistical operation.

[0013] The 'RevolMatic' (TM) is an automatic drink pouring machine, which eliminates the automatic pouring aspect of serving a draught drink, however it does not control the head of the drink. Once a drink is poured it still requires staff and their associated cost to carry out the POS operation.

[0014] The 'Drink Command Tower' is a self-serve system where customers serve themselves. It requires a calibrated measuring device to ensure that the correct volume is being dispensed. It also requires the customer to self-pour their drink which can result in a poor final product and high wastage.

[0015] It is an aim of the invention to overcome or mitigate at least some of the above problems and thereby provide an improved beverage dispenser. Summary of Invention

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage dispenser comprising: a spout mounted to the body so as to be moveable with respect thereto, the spout configured to extend into a beverage cup placed below the spout in at least one position of the spout in use; a fluid flow control apparatus configured to control flow of a beverage from the spout; a first sensor mounted to the spout, the first sensor configured to detect a beverage level in the cup; a second sensor configured to detect a sidewall of the cup; a controller configured to: receive data from the first and second sensors and in response: position the spout in the beverage cup; actuate the fluid flow control apparatus to initiate pouring of the beverage; move the spout during pouring of the beverage to maintain the spout at a predetermined distance from a beverage level in the cup; actuate the fluid flow control apparatus to stop pouring when the beverage level is at a rim of the cup or within a predetermined distance of the rim of the cup. [001 7] Advantageously this invention is well suited forthe automatic dispensing of foaming drinks that often require controlled pouring to serve them as the customer desires. The invention reduces the distance between the nozzle outlet and impingement surface (the bottom of the glass, and the surface of the liquid once pouring has started) by moving the nozzle. Advantageously the ability to pour beverages in an automated manner, and in a manner that provides a satisfactory result, reduces the need for user / server time. This allows for faster, and scalable, pouring of beverages. This invention can be configured to comply with the Weights and Measures Act 1 985 as the user cannot reasonably remove the measure (cup / glass) mid-pour due to the presence of the spout in the glass during the pouring process. The ability to lower the spout into the glass therefore has at least two advantages.

[0018] The fluid flow control apparatus may be a valve. For beverages that are prepressurised (e.g. gas driven keg beers) only a valve is required to initiate and stop flow. Unpressurised beverages may be valve-actuated, but would require a pump as part of the apparatus. Under such circumstances, rather than having a pump and a valve, the system may instead use a controllable pump. Therefore the fluid flow control apparatus may be a pump.

[0019] Preferably there is provided a second sensor configured to detect a height of the cup. The second sensor is preferably mounted to the spout and directed towards a sidewall of the cup. The step of receiving cup brim height data therefore may comprise the step of moving the spout relative to the cup, detecting the brim with the second sensor and determining the height of the brim based on the position of the spout. Instead, or as well, the controller is configured to determine an interior profile of the cup by sensing the sidewall at a plurality of positions of the spout. The cup brim height and / or the interior profile of the cup may be compared to a predetermined cup brim height and I or interior profile to authorise beverage dispensing.

[0020] Preferably the sensors are laser time of flight ToF sensors. [0021 ] Preferably the controller is configured to carry out closed loop control of the spout position above the beverage level. Preferably the controller uses a PID control scheme.

[0022] Preferably the spout comprises a replaceable nozzle.

[0023] Preferably the body comprises a plate for positioning a cup, and a pillar connected to the plate, the spout moveably mounted to the pillar. Preferably the spout is connected to a carriage moveable within the pillar. Preferably the carriage is driven by a stepper motor controlled by the controller.

[0024] Preferably there is a flexible conduit for routing liquid, power to and data back and forth from the carriage and spout. Preferably the flexible conduit is a cable chain.

[0025] Preferably there is provided a human machine interface for initiating beverage dispensing. Preferably the human machine interface comprises a touchscreen. Preferably the human machine interface is connected to means for verifying payment prior to dispensing. This may also comprise a means for age verification.

[0026] Preferably the spout comprises a head, the head comprising the valve and the sensor or sensors and insertable into the cup in use. Preferably the valve is a diaphragm valve. Preferably the diaphragm valve is actuated by a solenoid with a resilient element to urge the valve to a "normally closed" condition. The resilient element may be a spring in a spring return pull type mechanism.

[0027] Preferably the spout comprises an inverted U-shaped portion having a downwardly depending portion terminating in a nozzle. Preferably the spout is generally S-shaped with an upwardly directed portion moveably mounted to the body.

[0028] Preferably the spout comprises a stiff hollow tube containing a flexible fluid supply tube.

[0029] According to a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a beverage dispenser comprising the steps of: providing a spout; providing a first sensor mounted to the spout, the first sensor configured to detect a beverage level; placing a cup below the spout; receiving cup rim height data; moving the spout into the beverage cup; starting pouring of a beverage from the spout; during pouring, moving the spout to maintain the spout at a predetermined distance from a beverage level in the cup sensed by the first sensor; stopping pouring when the beverage level is at a rim of the cup or within a predetermined distance of the rim of the cup. Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first beverage dispenser in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a side section view of the beverage dispenser of FIGURE 1; and, FIGURE 3 is a detail, section view of region III of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the dispenser of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 5 is a schematic view of the controller of dispenser of FIGURE 1; and, FIGURE 6 is a flow diagram of the method of operation of the dispenser of FIGURE 1. Description of the first embodiment [0031 ] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a beverage dispenser 1 00 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Configuration

[0032] The dispenser 100 comprises a base 102, a body 1 04, a moveable spout assembly 106 and a controller 208. Base

[0033] The base 102 comprises a flat plate 1 08, horizontal in use, having a lower side 11 0 with a plurality of feet 112 attached thereto and an upper side 113. The feet 112 are threaded and cooperate with the plate 108 so as to be adjustable in height to steady the dispenser 1 00. The upper side has a front section 114 defining a plurality of fluid channels 11 6 to catch liquids and to indicate where the user should place a glass (or other drinking vessel), and a rear section 11 8 to which the body 104 is attached. The base plate 108 is constructed from a metal material, in this embodiment aluminium. Body

[0034] The body 104 comprises an enclosure 120, a human-machine interface (HMI) 122, a label tab 124 and an actuation assembly 126.

[0035] The enclosure 120 is constructed from a sheet material in the form of a shell having sidewalls 128, 130, a front wall 132 and a rear wall 134. The enclosure 120 encloses a volume 136.

[0036] The HMI 122 comprises a touchscreen 138 in a plastic (POM) surround 140 that forms the 'lid' of the enclosure. The HMI 122 is connected to a controller 208 (described in detail below), which in turn is configured to receive signals from at least one sensor, and to provide command signals to at least one actuator / valve of the dispenser.

[0037] The enclosures sheet metal sidewalls 128,130 are joined with a countersunk lap joint to interlock them. The enclosure120 is fastened to the base 102 and HMI surround 140.

[0038] The front wall 132 defines an elongate, vertical (in use) opening 142. A brush seal (not shown) seals the opening 142.

[0039] The rear wall comprises suitable openings for a power line (24V DC power) and a pressurised liquid beverage line from a suitable container such as a keg.

[0040] The actuation assembly 126 is shown in Figure 4. It comprises a frame 144 having a first end portion 146 and a second end portion 148 being spaced apart and connected by two shafts 150, 152. A bearing block 154 is arranged to run on the shafts 150, 1 52 along a vertical linear actuation axis A in use. [0041 ] A stepper motor 1 56 is mounted to the first end portion 146. The stepper motor is driven by a stepper motor driver (TMC2130) that can drive the motor with a given current (controlling the maximum force) and detecting the torque that the motor is under by measuring the back EMF. This allows the motorto "home" withoutthe need for an end stop limit switch, and to detect an obstruction if it is in motion. This is used to detect any interference during operation, protecting the user from possible crushing injuries and preventing them from exploiting the device.

[0042] A toothed belt 157 extends from a pulley driven by the output shaft of the stepper motor 156 to an idler pulley on the second end portion 148. The bearing block 1 54 is keyed to the belt 157 such that it can move along the axis in response to driving of the stepper motor 1 56.

[0043] A cable chain 158 extends between the first end portion 146 and the bearing block 1 54, and is configured to deform (via articulation of its links) to provide a flexible conduit. The cable chain is 10 x 15mm internally and is used to route the solenoid wires, sensor connections and the beer line to the nozzle, preventing it from interfering with the actuation assembly 126. Spout assembly

[0044] The spout assembly is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3 and comprises a 'swan neck' spout 160. The spout 160 has an inlet end 1 62 and an outlet end 1 64. In use, the inlet 162 faces vertically upward, and the spout, being a pipe-like structure, extends first through a first 90 degree quarter circle segment 166 to a first horizontal portion 168. This is followed by a second 90 degree quarter circle segment 170 to a first vertical portion 172. The portions 166, 168, 170 form a 'U' shape.

[0045] Following the first vertical portion 172 there is provided a 180 degree semi-circle segment 174 terminating in a downwardly depending second vertical portion 176. The spout 160 is therefore serpentine or 'S' shaped.

[0046] The spout 160 terminates at a sensor and valve assembly 1 78 and a nozzle 180. The nozzle 180 is replaceable and may be changed depending on the beverage to be dispensed. An orifice plate 205 and linear flow guide insert 207 are positioned between the valve assembly 1 78 and nozzle 1 80. The spout 1 60 is configured with a standard thread 161 for receiving existing beer tap spouts. The linear flow insert 207 and orifice plate 205 may be replaced as required by the beverage.

[0047] The sensor and valve assembly 178 comprise a housing 182 comprising a sensor assembly 184 and a valve assembly 186.

[0048] The sensor assembly 184 comprises a first sensor 1 88 and a second sensor 190. The sensors 188, 190 are substantially identical and each have a sensing path 188a, 190a respectively. Each sensor 188, 190 is a laser-based time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to detect a distance between it, and an object in its sensing path. Such sensors are known in the art and will not be described in detail here. The first sensing path 188a is oriented vertically downwards in use, in the direction of the nozzle 180. The second sensing path 190a is oriented at 90 degrees to the first, away from the assembly 1 78 and horizontally, in this case towards the body 1 04. The sensors are mounted to a flex PCB to facilitate this. The PCB is connected to the controller 208 (described below). In this embodiment VL53L4CD ST-Microelectronics (TM) sensors are used and are communicated to via I2C.

[0049] The valve assembly 1 78 comprises an inlet flow channel 192 having a first, vertical leg 194 extending from a push fit connector 196, to a second, horizontal leg 198 which feeds into a valve chamber 200. The valve chamber 200 is in selective fluid communication with the nozzle 180.

[0050] The valve assembly further comprises a solenoid 202 connected to a diaphragm valve head 204 within the valve chamber 200. Linear movement of the head can selectively place the valve chamber 200 in fluid communication with the nozzle 180. The valve is resiliently biased to a closed condition such that it is "normally closed" should power fail. [0051 ] A flexible fluid supply tube 206 is fed into the enclosure 120, through the cable chain 158, into and through the spout 160 to the sensor and valve assembly 178 where it terminates at the push fit connector 196. Controller

[0052] The controller 208 is depicted mounted to the human-machine interface (HMI) 122. The controller architecture is shown in more detail in Figure 5. The controller 208 has a processor (labelled 'microcontroller' 210), RAM 212 and flash memory 214. As shown, the controller 208 is connected to the HMI 122.

[0053] The controller 208 is also connected to: a) A Wi-Fi (TM) module 216 for remote monitoring and control over a Wi-Fi (TM) network; b) An SD card 218 for the reading and writing of data to be stored; c) A stepper motor controller 220 for control of the stepper motor 156. The stepper motor controller 220 is communicated to by the microcontroller via SPI, this is a standard two-way communication protocol; d) A solenoid driver 222 to control the solenoid 202; e) A sensor board 224 for receipt of sensor signals from the sensors 188, 190. Use

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, a method for operation of the above embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0055] At step 1000 the system is initialised and the user (in this case a member of the public) places a glass G on the base 102.

[0056] At step 1002, the user presses a pour button on the HMI 122.

[0057] At step 1004, the spout moves to a "home" position above the glass, the position of the spout being controlled by the stepper motor 156 by the controller 208.

[0058] At step 1006 the controller 208 commands the motor 156 to start lowering the spout.

[0059] At step 1008 the sensor 1 90 records time of flight (ToF). If this is less than a set value (Y path) the system moves to step 1 010. The vertical height of the sensor 1 90 above the base 102 is recorded at step 1 01 0. This is the 'brim height' of the glass G.

[0060] At step 1012 the brim height recorded is compared to a preset, expected value (or range of values). If the brim height is incorrect (N path), the system moves the spout back to the home position at step 1014. If the brim height is as expected (Y path), the system moves to step 1016.

[0061] At step 1016 stepper motor stall is checked. If it has stalled (Y path) the system moves back to step 1014.

[0062] At step 1018, the spout (having moved further into the glass G) is checked to see if it has reached an initial offset position from the base of the glass. This distance is determined by determining the distance moved by control of the stepper motor 1 56 (being known in the art). If not (N path), the system is returned to step 1006 to continue lowering.

[0063] It will be noted that as the spout is lowered into the glass G, the glass profile may optionally be scanned and compared to predetermined glass profiled (described in more detail below).

[0064] If so (Y path), a payment API request is sent via the HMI 122 at step 1 020. A delay (which may be in the order of seconds) is initiated at step 1022 before payment receipt is checked at step 1024. If payment is not received (N path) payment timeout is checked at step 1 026. If timeout has been reached (Y path), the system shows an error on the HMI 122 at step 1 028 and resets. If not it returns to another predetermined delay at step 1022.

[0065] If payment is confirmed as received from step 1 024, the solenoid 202 is controlled to open the valve by the controller 208 at step 1030.

[0066] At step 1032, the vertical distance between the sensor 188 and the top of the fluid in the container is measured and sentto the controller 208.

[0067] At step 1034, the distance between the nozzle tip an liquid is determined.

[0068] At step 1036, control parameters are calculated (in this embodiment using a PID scheme).

[0069] At step 1038, the target velocity of the nozzle is determined.

[0070] At step 1040, the nozzle is moved upwards at the target velocity as the liquid fills the glass G.

[0071] At step 1042, it is checked whether the liquid level has reached the previously determined brim height (or a preset offset below the brim). If not (N path), system stall is checked at step 1044. If the system has stalled an error is shown at step 1 046 and the system reinitialised. If not, timeout is checked at step 1048. If timeout is exceeded, an error is shown at step 1 050 and the system reinitialised. If either error 1048, 1050 is shown, the solenoid closes the valve at step 1052 and an alert for staff intervention made via the controller at step 1054.

[0072] If the beverage is successfully poured (Y from step 1042) the valve is closed by the aforementioned resilient mechanism at step 1056 (by depowering the solenoid), the spout moves back to the home position at 1058 and the process ended at step 1060.

[0073] It will be noted that this workflow is exemplary, and that any of the steps may or may not be employed depending on the use case in question.

[0074] The system can be preconfigured to suit the use in question. Setup options accessibly via the HMI 122 are: a) Brim offset- i.e. the final liquid height with the glass brim as the datum; b) Initial offset- the height at which the device stops the nozzle from the base of the glass to begin filling; c) Continuous offset- the distance between the nozzle mounting point and the liquid surface, as measured by the sensor 1 88; d) Second stage pour offset (for multi stage pouring); and, e) Timeout length.

[0075] Automated payment (PoS) can be configured via the HMI as well- the user setting up the device uses the HMI to connect to Wi-Fi (TM) and to a payment gateway API. The HMI may have in integrated card reader (of the NFC type) or may be connected with a separate payment terminal.

[0076] As an optional feature, the system may be configured to sense the type of glass provided to it. In one embodiment, the system may be calibrated by placing a glass of known type below the spout. The system may then lowerthe spoutto determine the height ofthe glass and / or the interior profile thereof. The system may therefore be configured to recognise a glass based on height and / or profile. In a further embodiment, the system is configured to accept only glasses that have been pre-programmed. With respectto height, this is part ofthe workflow outlined above. For profile, the system will require an additional step of scanning the glass profile as it inserts the spout and comparing it to one or more acceptable profiles.

[0077] This functionality prevents unauthorised beverage cups from being filled. It therefore assists with compliance with the UK Weights and Measures Act 1985, and corresponding regulations elsewhere. Variations

[0078] The term 'glass' is used herein to refer to a beverage contain which may be drank from. It encompasses all open top containers whether they are glass, paper, card, plastic and so on.

[0079] The invention may be adapted for a 'multi-stage' our whereby a beverage is allowed to settle when the cup is partially full, and then 'topped-up'. This is applicable for drinks such as Guinness (TM).

[0080] The invention may be adapted to recognise the specific glass ortype of glass placed on the base. This may be achieved with an RFID tag, barcode, QR code or a vision system. Once the glass is identified, its shape and / or volume may be used by the controller to influence the pouring sequence. [0081 ] Although payment means are integrated with the system described in the embodiments above, this is not an essential feature of the invention. The device may be controlled by a bartender to take advantage of the automated pouring aspect while they operate a separate PoS operation.

[0082] Various sensors may be used to determine the distances required by the present invention. For example, the sensor 190 could be replaced with a retroreflective sensor to detect when the line of sight is broken and therefore where the brim is. This would still require a sensor attached to the spout.

[0083] The invention may be adapted for the partial opening of the valve to allow finishing the drink with a foamy head. Partial opening would be achieved by movement of the solenoid by a lower degree than during "free pouring" mode. This creates a small orifice, which in turn increases turbulent flow and hence nucleation of bubbles to create more foam. A partial opening stage would occur as the beverage reached a predetermined level from the lip of the glass.

[0084] The invention may be adapted with the valve outside of the spout body. For example the diaphragm valve being placed within the enclosure to control the flow of liquid.] The valve may be placed anywhere along the beer line to control the flow of liquid. For hygiene it is better to be close to the tip, but this increases the diameter of the nozzle.

[0085] The invention may be adapted to allow non-gas driven drinks, e.g., cask ales with the addition of a pump nearthe base ofthe enclosure to drive the liquid through the spout to the nozzle. Under these circumstances, fluid flow may be controlled by activation ofthe pump rather than by a valve.

[0086] The controller may be provided in two parts for simpler replacement, with the "driving board" (using a higher voltage) placed near the bottom ofthe enclosure.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser comprising:a body;a spout mounted to the body so as to be moveable with respect thereto, the spout configured to extend into a beverage cup placed below the spout in at least one position of the spout in use;a fluid flow control apparatus configured to control flow of a beverage from the spout;a first sensor mounted to the spout, the first sensor configured to detect a beverage level in the cup;a controller configured to:receive cup rim height data;receive data from the first sensor and in response:position the spout in the beverage cup;actuate the fluid flow control apparatus to initiate pouring of the beverage;move the spout during pouring of the beverage to maintain the spout at a predetermined distance from a beverage level in the cup;actuate the fluid flow control apparatus to stop pouring when the beverage level is at a rim of the cup or within a predetermined distance of the rim of the cup.

2. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow control apparatus is a valve.

3. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow control apparatus is a pump.

4. A beverage dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising:a second sensor configured to detect a height of the cup.

5. A beverage dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the second sensor is mounted to the spout and directed towards a sidewall of the cup.

6. A beverage dispenser according to claim 5, wherein:the step of receiving cup brim height data comprises the step of moving the spout relative to the cup, detecting the brim with the second sensor and determining the height of the brim based on the position of the spout.

7. A beverage dispenser according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller is configured to determine an interior profile of the cup by sensing the sidewall at a plurality of positions of the spout.

8. A beverage dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cup brim height and / or the interior profile of the cup is compared to a predetermined cup brim height and I or interior profile to authorise beverage dispensing.

9. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to carry out closed loop control of the spout position above the beverage level.

10. A beverage dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the controller uses a PID control scheme.

11. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout comprises a replaceable nozzle.

12. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a plate for positioning a cup, and a pillar connected to the plate, the spout moveably mounted to the pillar.

13. A beverage dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the spout is connected to a carriage moveable within the pillar.

14. A beverage dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the carriage is driven by a stepper motor controlled by the controller.

15. A beverage dispenser according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a flexible conduit for routing liquid, power and data to the carriage and spout.

16. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 5, wherein the flexible conduit is a cable chain.

17. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, comprising a human machine interface for initiating beverage dispensing.

18. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1 7, wherein the human machine interface comprises a touchscreen.

19. A beverage dispenser according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the human machine interface comprises means for verifying payment prior to dispensing.

20. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout comprises a head, the head comprising the valve and the sensor or sensors and insertable into the cup in use.

21. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve is a diaphragm valve.

22. A beverage dispenser according to claim 21, wherein the diaphragm valve is actuated by a solenoid.

23. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout comprises an inverted U-shaped portion having a downwardly depending portion terminating in a nozzle.

24. A beverage dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the spout is generally S-shaped with an upwardly directed portion moveably mounted to the body.

25. A beverage dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout comprises a stiff hollow tube containing a flexible fluid supply tube.

26. A method of operating a beverage dispenser comprising the steps of:providing a spout;providing a first sensor mounted to the spout, the first sensor configured to detect a beverage level;placing a cup below the spout;receiving cup rim height data;moving the spout into the beverage cup;starting pouring of a beverage from the spout;during pouring, moving the spout to maintain the spout at a predetermined distance from a beverage level in the cup sensed by the first sensor;stopping pouring when the beverage level is at a rim of the cup or within a predetermined distance of the rim of the cup.

Images