Beverage dispenser

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system and a method of operation. The beverage dispensing system comprising a input (305) for receiving media; an output (300) for dispensing media; a flow path between the input and the output (305, 300); a valve (308) within the flow path, the movable valve (308) operable to control the flow of media through the flow path; a handle (301) manually operable to move the valve (308); an electronically controllable actuator (309) operable to control the valve (308); and a control system operable to provide a command to the actuator (309) to open or close the flow path.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sanitising a beverage dispenser. BACKGROUND

[0002] Beverages may be dispensed by a beverage dispenser connected to a beverage dispensing system. Beverages and dispensing systems vary; however, regardless of a type of dispensing dispenser and system it is a necessity to maintain hygiene of those components.

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art beverage dispensing system. A tap 10 is located above a serving surface illustrated by dashed line L19 and the tap dispenses a beverage. Tap 10 comprises a movable handle that is manually operated whereby operation of the handle towards or away from an operator dispenses the beverage. A drip tray 11 is located below the dispensing part of the tap 10 to collect dispensed beverage not captured by a receptacle, such as a glass. The system of Figure 1 further comprises a gas source 18, such as a pressurised gas cylinder, and a keg 15. Connected to keg 15 is a closure 19. Closure 19 includes a valve mechanism and a spear 16, which is a tube-like structure, extending into keg 15. A gas source is connected to coupler 14 to provide pressurised gas to keg 15 via a gas line L11, which pressurises a beverage 17 contained within the keg 15. Coupler 14 is connected to a beverage line L12, L13 with a Foam on Beer (FOB) device 13 disposed along the beverage line. When the handle of tap 10 is operated, the tap is opened. The gas pressure in keg 15 forces beverage 17 through spear 16 and closure 19, and along beverage line L12, L13 for dispense via tap 10. FOB device 13 detects when foam is passing along the beverage line L12 and automatically halts flow along the beverage line L13 to prevent forceful ejection of beverage and gas from the tap 10 as foam when tap 10 is open. FOB device 13 will operate to shut off flow along the beverage line when a keg is empty or near empty of beverage. The empty keg will then be replaced with a new keg containing beverage and the FOB device will be refilled and manually reset to allow flow along the beverage line once more.

[0004] Tap 10, other components and lines are exposed to the atmosphere, and therefore the beverage dispensing system is susceptible to bacterial, yeast, fungal and / or other microbial growth in media contact areas. Components of the system must be frequently sanitised to ensure potable beverages are served and the quality of the dispensed beverage is maintained. Sanitisation requires disconnecting coupler 14 from keg 15, attaching coupler 14 to a wash bottle or a wash ring main, flushing beverage line L12, L13 with a detergent and water mix, leaving the detergent-filled beverage line to soak, flushing the beverage line with water, manually sanitising the coupler 14,manually sanitising the tap 10, and so on. The system must be subsequently reassembled prior to the renewed dispensing of beverage. This is a highly manual and laborious process and can take up to an hour to complete, during which period the beverage dispensing system is unavailable for use. Beverage line L12, L13 may contain a significant volume of beverage that is wasted when the system is sanitised, because the beverage contained within beverage line L12, L13 is discarded so that the line can be sanitised.

[0005] During cleaning of a beverage dispensing system, the tap 10 is required to be opened and closed manually to enable cleaning of the beverage lines, the tap 10 and the other components of the beverage dispensing system.SUMMARY

[0006] A first aspect is a beverage dispensing system comprising: an input for receiving media; an output for dispensing media; a flow path between the input and the output; a valve within the flow path, the movable valve operable to control the flow of media through the flow path; a handle manually operable to move the valve; a mechanical linkage coupling the handle with the valve, wherein manual operation of the handle moves the valve; an electronically controllable actuator operable to control the valve; and a control system operable to provide a command to the actuator to open or close the flow path.

[0007] A second aspect is a method for operating a beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing system comprising an input for receiving media, an output for dispensing media, a flow path between the input and the output, a valve within the flow path, the valve operable to control the flow of media through the flow path, a handle manually operable to move the valve; a mechanical linkage coupling the handle with the valve wherein manual operation of the handle moves the valve; an electronically controllable actuator operable to control the valve, and a control system operable to provide a command to the actuator to open or close the flow path; the method comprising: receiving a manual operation of the handle, the handle moving the mechanical linkage and the mechanical linkage moving the valve to open the flow path; and the control system activating the actuator to move the valve to open the flow path.

[0008] A third aspect is a computer-implemented method for operating a tap, wherein the tap is manually operable using a handle of the tap to increase a flow of media through the tap from an input of the tap to an output of the tap; the method comprising: receiving, by the tap, an instruction to enable the flow of the media; and controlling, by the tap, an actuator operable to move a valve of the tap in a first direction.

[0009] A fourth aspect is a method for automatically sanitising a tap, the tap being manually operable using a handle of the tap, and the tap being automatically operableusing an electrically operated actuator housed within the tap; the method comprising: determining that the tap is not being manually operated; automatically opening the tap using the actuator; receiving a first flow of a first media through the tap, the first media being cleaning solution (comprising, for example, a mix of detergent and water); receiving a second flow of a second media through the tap (for example the second media being water); and automatically closing the tap using the actuator.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art beverage dispenser tap and system.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispenser tap and system operable to automatically self-sanitise.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tap operable to automatically selfsanitise.

[0013] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the tap of Figure 3 undergoing manual operation.

[0014] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the tap of Figure 3 undergoing automatic operation.

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a tap system.

[0016] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a management system.

[0017] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hub system.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a computer-implemented method for operating a tap.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a method for automatically sanitising a tap.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage dispenser tap and system operable to automatically self-sanitise. Tap 20 is an integral part of the system enabling self-sanitisation. Tap 20 is capable of automatic operation whereby the tap may automatically open allowing media to flow through beverage line L21 and out of the tap. Tap 20 may also be manually operated by, for example, pulling a handle section towards an operator or pushing the handle section away from the operator. Tap 20 may be positioned above a serving surface illustrated by dashed line L30, such as a bar or table, with other components of the system located below the serving surface, or elsewhere.

[0021] Beverage line L21 connects tap 20 to a coupler 261 attachable to a beverage container 26, such as a keg or a bag-in-box container. Coupler 261 may comprise an integrated sensing device 262 arranged to detect characteristic(s) of the media passing through the coupler 261. Such characteristic(s) may include media presence, type,colour, state and / or consistency. Integrated device 262 may be linked to a FOB device 23. FOB device 23 is operable to halt a flow of media and / or divert media out of the beverage line as waste, and / or the FOB device may be operable to automatically switch between allowing media into the beverage line L21 and venting media to waste. The FOB device 23 may be integrated with coupler 261 in some examples. In other examples, not illustrated, a sensing device is not integrated into the coupler and may be positioned elsewhere along beverage line L21. A gas source 25, such as a pressurised gas tank or cylinder, is coupled to the beverage container 26 by a gas line L23. The gas source 25 is operable to pressurise a beverage 265 that is a content of beverage container 26. Coupler 261 may further comprise a manual control 263, such as a button, for the manual control of coupler functions, such as manually stopping beverage flow or for engaging and / or disengaging coupler 261 from beverage container 26. Beverage container 26 includes a closure 269, and may include a spear 264 that is a device to draw beverage 265 from beverage container 26. Should, for example, beverage be held in a bag-in-box container rather than a keg then no spear may be required. Instead, a pump may be used to pump liquid from the bag-in-box container to the tap for dispensing. Coupler 261 is connected to the beverage container 26 via closure 269. Not illustrated are optional status indicators of coupler 261 that indicate a coupler status (for example, to indicate whether or not the coupler 261 is engaged with beverage container 26, and / or whether sanitisation is in process).

[0022] Beverage container 26 is coupled via coupler 261 to one or more further components for sanitisation of the beverage system and, optionally, for sanitising further beverage systems that are not illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a system manifold 27 connected to coupler 261 by a line L24. System manifold 27 is an optional component and is controllable to selectively couple a beverage retention device 28 and / or a dosing device 29 to additional beverage dispensing systems so that the beverage retention device 28 and / or the dosing device 29 are operable to sanitise multiple beverage dispensing systems. The system manifold 27 has additional coupler lines L25 illustrated for one or more additional coupler connections.

[0023] In Figure 2, beverage retention device 28 is coupled to system manifold 27 by a beverage retention line L26. Through beverage retention line L26, beverage contained in beverage line L21 may be extracted by the beverage retention device 28. Beverage retention device 28 is operable to store and isolate beverage during sanitisation of the beverage dispensing components and beverage lines.

[0024] Water is supplied to dosing device 29 by a water supply line L28. Dosing device 29 is connected to a cleaning solution storage vessel 291 via line L29. Cleaning solution storage vessel 291 contains a cleaning solution, for example a detergent.Dosing device 29 may comprise, for example, a venturi pump, an electromechanical pump, a Dosatron™ dosing device, or the like to control the dosing of cleaning solution into line L27. Dosing device 29 operates to dose water with a measured amount of cleaning solution into lines L27, L26, L24 and L21 through to the tap 20. If no cleaning solution is to be added to the incoming water, then clean water may pass through line L27 to flush out the beverage lines and components of the beverage dispensing system. In some examples, dosing device 29 comprises a separate pump to actively control water flow, while in other examples the dosing device comprises a valve to passively control water flow by relying on mains water pressure.

[0025] The system of Figure 2 is operable by an operator to dispense beverage from tap 20 by normal manual operation of the tap. Information regarding the dispensing and / or sanitisation system is displayable to the operator via a tap display 201 mounted on tap 20. The tap display 201 may comprise, for example, a display screen or a series of LEDs. The tap display 201 may indicate to the user information including temperature of the beverage being stored or dispensed, an estimated amount of beverage remaining in the beverage container 26 and / or a status of the beverage dispensing or sanitisation system. Tap display 201 may be mounted on the tap body facing towards or away from a user, or on the tap handle facing towards or away from a user. When not dispensing beverage, at a predetermined time or frequency, the tap and system of Figure 2 are configurable to perform automatic self-sanitisation as set out in an exemplary method below: i. Coupler 261 isolates beverage container 26 from beverage line L21 , gas line L23 and line L24, and seals off the beverage container 26 from the gas source 25. Coupler 261 also opens beverage line L21 to line L24. ii. Tap 20 opens automatically (without operator manual intervention) and beverage retention device 28 draws beverage contained in beverage line L21 into a sanitised beverage retention device 28 where it is retained and is optionally pressurised. Beverage retention device 28 is then isolated from lines L26 and L27. iii. a) A first valve mechanism within the coupler 261 that diverts media through the coupler via the closure 269 is set to an “open” position, while a second valve mechanism within the coupler 261 that diverts media through the coupler but bypassing the closure 269 is set to a “closed” position. Dosing device 29 provides water and dosed cleaning solution through dosing line L27, beverage retention line L26, system manifold 27, line L24, closure 269, coupler 261 , sensing device 262, beverage line L21 , FOB device 23 (if present) and tap 20. This ensures sanitisation of the closure 269.b) The first valve mechanism within the coupler 261 is set to a “closed” position, while the second valve mechanism within the coupler 261 is set to an “open” position. Dosing device 29 directs water and dosed cleaning solution at higher volumes through the coupler (without passing via the closure 269) and into beverage line L21, and then on to the tap 20. iv. Water and cleaning solution, exiting tap 20, are received in a drip tray 11 and will flow away through a waste line L20. After the system lines and components are sanitised by the cleaning solution, the dosing device 29 stops dosing incoming water with cleaning solution and the system is flushed with clean water via water supply line L28. Tap 20 compromises a sensor operable to determine, e.g., the presence, type, colour, state and / or consistency of the media that the tap 20 receives. The tap and / or system can therefore determine at which point during a cleaning process the tap is dispensing a cleaning solution, water, or beverage. The sensor enables a more efficient and less wasteful sanitation process because an amount of cleaning solution and water used during sanitation can be optimised to reduce wastage. When a cleaning solution is supplied to and detected at tap 20, the supply of the cleaning solution to the beverage dispensing system can be stopped because all open lines and components will be full with cleaning solution and any more supplied cleaning solution will be wasted and be disposed of into the drip tray and through waste line L20. The same applies to the water used to flush the cleaning solution from the beverage dispensing system, i.e. a flow of water from tap 20 may be halted when or soon after water is being dispensed by tap 20. Such detection by the sensor in tap 20 not only reduces waste but also speeds up the sanitation process by reducing the amount of time spent supplying the beverage lines and components of the beverage dispensing system with cleaning solution and / or with water. v. A further automated step comprises dispensing of beverage 265 from beverage container 26, and releasing the dispensed beverage into coupler 261 to flush out any water remaining in the closure 269 and the coupler 261 into the beverage line L21. A relatively small amount of beverage is required to be dispensed so that, subsequently, when beverage from the beverage retention device 28 is reintroduced into the system via line L26 in step (vi), there is no water in closure 269 or coupler 261. vi. Beverage retention device 28, which is filled with the stored beverage, is reconnected to line L26 and empties into line L26 in order to displace any water in line L26 and to force the previously stored beverage throughbeverage retention line L26, system manifold 27, line L24, coupler 261, integrated sensing device 262, FOB device 23 (if present) and beverage line L21 displacing any water remaining in beverage line L21, which empties through tap 20 into the drip tray 11. vii. Coupler 261 closes line L24 to beverage line L21. viii. Optionally, coupler 261 can automatically open beverage line L21 to beverage container 26, and pressurised beverage 265 enters beverage line L21 further forcing water from beverage line L21 through tap 20 until the entire beverage line L21 is filled with the beverage. ix. Tap 20 automatically closes and the system is ready to dispense beverage by manual operator interaction using the handle of tap 20. The automatic closing of tap 20 occurs due to the change in the determined characteristics of the media passing through tap 20, detected by a sensor in tap 20.

[0026] The system of Figure 2 optionally includes a cooling system comprising refrigeration unit 24 and refrigeration line L22 that provides a refrigeration fluid to cool system components, such as the beverage line L21 indicated by the dashed rectangle in Figure 2. In some examples, additional components are cooled by refrigeration unit. In one example, beverage passing through beverage line L21 (after passing through a FOB device 23, if present) enters a refrigeration unit for cooling prior to being dispensed by tap 20 - the refrigeration unit 24 directly cools beverage that passes through it.

[0027] The system of Figure 2 enables automatic sanitisation of a beverage dispenser, such as the tap 20, and a beverage dispensing system without operator intervention and without having to manually disconnect the coupler from the beverage line which reduces the time and cost of sanitisation. The automatic self-sanitisation process can be performed at a time when beverage dispensing is not required, thereby avoiding disruption to beverage dispensing. Beverage normally wasted during a sanitisation process is minimised by storing beverage within the system while a sanitisation routine operates, and by a sensor in the tap 20 being able to detect when the beverage has been reintroduced into the beverage line and the beverage dispensing system after sanitisation.

[0028] The constituent system components can connect to a hub 221 that is arranged to access diagnostic information received from the constituent system components, including tap 20, and to customise and / or schedule operation of the constituent system components, including tap 20. Hub 221 can connect to the constituent system components (e.g., tap 20, FOB device 23, coupler 26, system manifold 27, beverage retention device 28 and dosing device 29) by either a wired or wireless connection.Hub 221 is accessible using an operator device 220, which may be, for example, a mobile device, tablet or laptop. The operator device 220 can connect to the hub 221 via either a wired or wireless connection to access diagnostic information, view scheduled sanitisation information and / or schedule sanitisation of the system. Hub 221 is a control unit for the tap and system.

[0029] Hub 221 can use information received from tap 20 relating to an amount of beverage dispensed by tap 20, a temperature of a beverage dispensed by tap 20, a pressure exerted on a beverage at tap 20, a number of times tap 20 has been opened (either manually or automatically), a degree to which and length of time tap 20 has been opened on each occasion, a presence, type, colour, state and / or consistency of a media passing through tap 20, and so on. Tap 20 can communicate the aforementioned information to hub 221 for further processing regardless of whether or not the system has its automatic dispense capabilities “activated”. The pressure exerted on the beverage at tap 20 is measurable using an optional pressure sensor not illustrated in Figure 2. The optional pressure sensor measures pressure of media at tap 20 whereby measured pressure information is usable by the hub 221 for diagnosing a fault condition of gas source 25, gas line L23 and / or a connection therebetween. Hub 221 can use the information to determine, for example, a maintenance schedule for the tap or an estimation of component wear, as well as product throughput and / or beverage quality. Through the use of its sensors, tap 20 can differentiate between manual and automatic operation. This enables the estimation of component lifespan based on expected wear and tear, meaning that maintenance and / or pre-emptive replacement can be scheduled for individual components within tap 20. Hub 221 can also use the information derived from tap 20 to, for example, monitor how much (and how quickly) beverage has been dispensed from beverage container 26, and can therefore determine when beverage container 26 may need to be replaced (and thereby facilitates replenishment of supply), or how successful particular beverage marketing campaigns have been. The hub 221 is operable to report live and / or historical information to a remote central platform, optionally wirelessly and / or via WiFi.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tap 30 operable to automatically self-sanitise. Tap 30 may form part of the system illustrated in Figure 2. Tap 30 comprises handle 301 (the majority of handle 301 is not shown in Figure 3). Handle 301 is connected to tap components at a pivot 303 about which handle 301 may rotate with manual operation thereof. Tap body 302 contains the majority of tap 30 components. Tap body 302 has openings, including input 305 where media may enter tap 30, and output 300 where media may exit tap 30. Output 300 in Figure 3 is a nozzle for dispensing beverage, however in other non-illustrated examples, output 300 may bea connection to a nozzle. In one example, output 300 may incorporate a perforated disc, such as a creamer plate, in order to create foam in the beverage being dispensed. In Figure 3, it is illustrated that media flowing into input 305 is blocked from flowing out of output 300 due to valve 307 that is in a closed position. Valve 307 is movable within tap body 302 and, when lowered into a closed position, prevents media flow through tap 30, and when raised into an open position, permits media flow through tap 30. Valve 307 is connected to valve assembly 308. Valve assembly 308 moves with valve307 within tap body 302. In some examples, the valve may be a diaphragm, however in other examples the valve takes other forms. Valve 307 and valve assembly 308 may be provided by two or more separate but connected components, or in other nonillustrated examples may be formed from a single component.

[0031] Internal assembly 304 is partially within, and movable with respect to, tap body 302. Internal assembly 304 extends out of tap body 302 and forms part of pivot 303. Manual operation of handle 301 moves internal assembly 304 within tap 30 whereby pivot 303 moves towards or away from tap body 302. Internal assembly 304 is biased away from handle 301. In Figure 3, spring 316 provides a biasing force, however in other examples alternative biasing mechanisms are used, such as friction mechanisms. Partially within internal assembly 304 is valve assembly 308. Valve assembly 308 is coupled to internal assembly 304 by an actuator shaft 310, which is threaded. Valve assembly 308 receives the threaded shaft. Actuator 309 cannot rotate with respect to internal assembly 304 due to means not illustrated in Figures 3 to 4B. In one example, actuator 309 has shoulders, not illustrated, to directly connect actuator 309 to internal assembly 304. Rotation of actuator shaft 310 by actuator 309 moves valve assembly308 with respect to internal assembly 304. In one example, actuator 309 comprises a motor and actuator shaft 310 is a rotary axis.

[0032] Actuator 309 is positioned at least partly within valve assembly 308, internal assembly 304, spring 316 and tap body 302. The internal assembly 304 at least partially extends around the actuator 309. The internal assembly 304 at least partially extends around the valve assembly 308. The valve assembly 308 at least partially extends around the actuator 309. The handle and handle pivot are in line with actuator309 and valve 307. This arrangement of tap components around actuator 309 enables a smaller and more compact tap body 302 and therefore a smaller and more compact tap 30. Actuation of actuator 309 rotates actuator shaft 310 thereby increasing or decreasing a distance between actuator 309 and valve 307. Actuator 309 and internal assembly 304 remain static relative to one another.

[0033] Valve assembly 308, and therefore valve 307, are movable either by manual operation of handle 301 or by actuation of actuator 309: Figure 4A illustrates manualoperation of handle 301 causing valve 307 to move within tap body 302; and Figure 4B illustrates actuation of actuator 309 causing valve 307 to move within tap body 302.

[0034] Tap 30 and tap body 302 comprise a plurality of sensors. The types and operations of the sensors are described below. Sensors provide data to circuitry on PCB 311 located within tap body 302. PCB 311 can communicate with a hub component, not illustrated in Figures 3 to 4B.

[0035] Input sensor 313 is located proximal to the input 305 and is operable to detect a characteristic of the media entering tap 30. In one example, input sensor 313 is a non- invasive sensor, for example an infra-red (IR) sensor or a colour sensor, that is operable to detect the presence, type, colour, consistency and / or state of the media entering tap 30. The colour of the media, for example, can indicate whether the media is a beverage, beverage foam, cleaning solution, water or gas. Input sensor 313 may incorporate an I R / visible light source to increase accuracy of the measured values. A detected media characteristic may, for example, indicate that foam is present at the tap input 305 and, in response, a flow of the media may be controlled. The control of media may relate to an automated closure of valve 307 of tap 30 to prevent foam being dispensed by tap 30, or an automated actuation of a valve in coupler 261 to prevent foam entering beverage line L21.

[0036] Input temperature sensor 314 is located in a fluid path between input 305 and output 300. Input temperature sensor 314 detects temperature characteristics of the media entering tap 30. In one example, input temperature sensor 314 is a non- invasive sensor, for example a thermistor, operable to detect a temperature of the media entering tap 30. Temperature information may be used to ensure a beverage is received and dispensed only if the temperature of the beverage is above or below a threshold value, or within a predetermined range. Further, should one or more temperature limits be exceeded, it may be assumed that there is a malfunction in one or more components of the system, and an error message may therefore be displayed to an operator or user via a display device, and / or the temperature information may be transmitted to a connected hub device.

[0037] Input temperature sensor 314 may also be used to detect a number of beverages or a volume of beverage that has been dispensed by tap 30. Tap body 302 temperature is generally higher than a beverage temperature due to the beverage being stored in a colder environment and, optionally, actively refrigerated by a dispensing system. This means that input temperature sensor 314 will detect when a beverage is dispensed due to a drop in detected temperature. A period of detected temperature drop infers an amount of dispensed beverage thereby enabling both thenumber of served beverages and a volume of served beverage to be estimated based on temperature data measured at tap 30.

[0038] In Figure 3, valve assembly sensor 315 is illustrated as being located proximal to valve 307. In Figure 3, valve assembly sensor 315 is attached to valve assembly 308 and detects a proximity of valve assembly sensor 315 to actuator 309. In one example, valve assembly sensor 315 is a Hall sensor or an optical sensor. Valve assembly sensor 315 provides accurate information regarding a position of valve 307 with respect to tap body 302 and therefore detects the extent to which a flow-path between input 305 and output 300 is open or closed due to automatic control of valve 307 via actuator 309. The presence of valve assembly sensor 315 in the system exemplified in Figure 3 is optional as a status of automatic valve operation may be determined using other sensor(s), such as internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B as described below.

[0039] Internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B are located proximal to valve assembly 308 to detect movement of valve assembly 308 relative to tap body 302, and thereby movement of valve 307 which moves with internal assembly 304 when handle 301 is manually operated. Internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B may, for example, comprise one or more Hall sensors or one or more optical sensors and may be mounted directly on PCB 311 as is illustrated in Figure 3. While one rather than two or more internal assembly movement sensors may be utilised, the presence of multiple internal assembly movement sensors provides more accurate results for tracking a position of internal assembly 304 and the connected valve 307. Information relating to actuator 309 actuation and an internal assembly 304 position may be used to determine whether automatic or manual operation of the tap 30 is occurring. Further, the sensor information may be further used to determine the extent to which a flowpath between input 305 and output 300 is open or closed due to automatic or manual control of the valve 307 via either handle 301 or actuator 309. PCB 311 and sensor 312A, 312B, 313, 314, 315 locations may vary from those illustrated in Figure 3 due to alterative configurations of tap body 302.

[0040] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating tap 30 of Figure 3 undergoing manual operation - see movement of handle 301 in Figure 4A relative to Figure 3. The movement of handle 301 is illustrated by the associated curved arrow in Figure 4A. The movement of handle 301 increases the distance between pivot 303 and tap body 302 thereby causing movement of internal assembly 304 in the direction indicated by the two arrows imposed on internal assembly 304 in Figure 4A. Dashed line L31 illustrates a distance travelled by pivot 303 relative to tap body 302.

[0041] The force applied to handle 301 overcomes the biasing force of spring 316 that acts upon internal assembly 304 to keep valve 307 in a closed position. Valve assembly 308 moves with internal assembly 304 in the direction indicated by the arrow imposed on valve assembly 308. Dashed line L32 illustrates a distance travelled by internal assembly 304 between Figure 3 and 4A due to manual operation of tap 30. Valve 307 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow imposed on valve 307 thereby opening a flow path from input 305 to output 300. The open flow path enables media to flow through tap body 302 in the directions illustrated by the arrow imposed on input 305 channel and output 300 channel. Dashed line L33 illustrates a distance travelled by valve 307 between Figure 3 and 4A due to manual operation of tap 30.

[0042] During manual operation of tap 30, actuator 309 has not been activated and therefore a distance between valve assembly 308 and internal assembly 304 is unchanged. Valve assembly sensor 315, if present, reads no or minimal change. Internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B, if present, read a change due to movement of valve assembly 308 relative to tap body 302. PCB 311 registers the changed reading of internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B. Although Figure 4A illustrates a movement of handle 301 to an end of possible motion, lesser motion of handle 301 would generate greater or smaller movements of valve 307 providing a different flow restriction in the fluid flow path, and also different measurements provided by internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B and registered by PCB 311.

[0043] Measurements taken by internal assembly movement sensors 312A, 312B and / or by valve assembly sensor 315 and registered by PCB 311 provide information for determining an amount of manual and automatic operation and consequential movement of valve 307.

[0044] In the illustrated tap 30, there is a mechanical linkage between handle 301 and valve 307. During manual operation, the handle moves valve 307, and actuator 309 moves with the mechanical linkage. Because a mechanical linkage is used during manual operation, actuator 309 is only required for automatic operation as detailed below, therefore power consumed by actuator 309 is reduced. Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the tap of Figure 3 / Figure 4A undergoing automatic operation. In Figure 4B, handle 301 has not been manually operated and pivot remains static at dashed line L31 in comparison with the same line of Figure 3. Internal assembly 304 has not moved with respect to tap body 302 as illustrated by dashed line L32 in comparison with the same line of Figure 3. Tap 30 has undergone automatic operation, controlled by PCB 311 communicating with actuator 309. Operation of actuator 309 has moved valve assembly 308 within tap body 302 towards handle 301. As a result, valve assembly 308 and valve 307 have moved with respect to tap body 302. Dashed lineL33 illustrates movement of the valve 307 between Figures 3 and 4B due to automatic operation of tap 30. A fluid flow path has opened between the input 305 and output 300. The flow through the fluid flow path is controlled by PCB 11 and actuator 309. If present, valve assembly sensor 315 detect a change in distance between the internal assembly 304 and valve assembly 308 resulting from automatic operation of tap 30.

[0045] Not illustrated in Figures 3 to 4B is a tap display. The display may be coupled to the handle 301 or tap body 302, or integrated into the handle 301 or tap body 302. In one example, a tap display is coupled to or integrated in the tap body 302 on a reverse side of the PCB 311 to the valve 307 - this example enables a more compact tap.

[0046] Actuator 309 is not required for manual operation of tap 30 and during automatic operation, actuator 309 moves relatively few components (valve assembly 308 and valve 307) and therefore can be less powerful and physically smaller thereby enabling a more compact tap design.

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a tap system 500 associated with the tap device 30. Tap system 500 includes processor(s) 520 and memory 521 operable to control the functioning of tap 30 when performing a dispensing or sanitisation operation. Tap system 500 includes a network interface 522 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system.

[0048] Display driver 523 drives a tap display providing information to an operator or other party.

[0049] Actuator controller 509 operates actuator 309 for automatic tap operation.

[0050] Valve assembly sensor 515, if present, provides information regarding the position of the valve assembly and valve with respect to the tap body in order to provide feedback for automatic tap control and information on how often and to what extent the valve has been automatically raised or lowered.

[0051] Internal assembly movement sensor(s) 512a, 512b detect movement of the valve assembly relative to the tap body, arising from manual and automatic operation of the tap in order to detect how often, for how long, and to what extent the valve has been raised or lowered. The information regarding valve movement may be used to calculate a cumulative amount of beverage dispensed through tap 30 and therefore an amount of beverage retained in a beverage container. Movement of the valve assembly in combination with actuator activation information may be used to determine whether the tap is being manually or automatically operated.

[0052] Input temperature sensor 514 measures the temperature of the media entering tap 30. The temperature information may be used to provide a warning in the event of a rise or fall in a beverage temperature as this can correspond to a failure in a component of the beverage dispensing system. Tap body 302 temperature is generallyhigher than a beverage temperature due to the beverage being stored in a colder environment and, optionally, actively refrigerated by a dispensing system. This means that the temperature sensor will detect when a beverage is dispensed due to a drop in detected temperature. A period of detected temperature drop infers an amount of dispensed beverage thereby enabling both the number of served beverages and a volume of served beverage to be estimated based on temperature data measure at the tap.

[0053] Input sensor 513 is operable to detect, for example, the IR absorption or colour of the media entering tap 30. Input sensor 513 can determine the presence of the media, and whether the media is a beverage, beverage foam, a cleaning solution, water or gas. This information may be used by the tap PCB and / or for the purposes of communication with other components using, for example, network interface 522. In one example, the network interface communicates via hub 221. While tap system 500 illustrates a processor-based control system, in alternative examples tap 30 is controlled by an integrated circuit board with programmable hardware, such as a field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)).

[0054] System 500 is operable to determine a number of parameters including but not limited to a record of when tap 30 is manually opened and closed using handle 301; a duration that tap 30 is manually open; when tap 30 is automatically opened and closed; a duration that tap 30 is automatically open; a temperature of the media entering tap 30; and an IR / colour characteristic(s) of the media flowing into tap 30 to determine a type or state of media, e.g., a type of beverage entering, whether foam or fluid is entering, whether cleaning solution is entering, whether water is entering, and whether there is air or foam in the line. The determined parameters enable the PCB or a connected system to determine an amount of beverage dispensed from tap 30, a concentration of the beverage dispensed, a sanitation and / or maintenance schedule for the tap, fault detection of the tap and also connected system, and an estimate of how much beverage remains stored in a connected beverage container.

[0055] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a management system 600 that may be implemented in operator device 220, which may be a mobile device, tablet or laptop. Management system 600 includes processor(s) 615 and memory 616 operable to control the functioning of operator device 220 when inspecting, scheduling or configuring a tap and / or beverage dispenser system that is operable to automatically self-sanitise, such as that illustrated in Figures 2-4B. The management system 600 includes a network interface 617 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system, including tap 30. In one example, the network interface 617 communicates via hub 221. In other examples, the network interface 617communicates via a router and subsequently the Internet. Management system 600 may comprise a display 610 for providing a user interface to an operator. Management system 600 also includes input controller 611 for receiving an operator input, which may be via a touch screen associated with display 610. Management system 600 enables an operator to view tap 30 information including diagnostic information from tap integral sensors. Management system may remotely program a sanitisation schedule for transmittal to a tap or system, or a hub local to the tap and system. In other examples, network interface 617 communicates via cellular wireless networks, such as a GSM network.

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hub system 700 that may be implemented in hub 221. Hub system 700 includes processor(s) 715 and memory 716 operable to control the functioning of hub 221 when inspecting, scheduling or configuring a tap and / or beverage dispenser system that is operable to automatically self-sanitise, such as that illustrated in Figures 2-4B. The hub system 700 includes a network interface 717 for communicating with other components of the dispensing and sanitisation system including tap 30. In one example, network interface 717 communicates via a router and subsequently the Internet to other components of the sanitisation system or with a cloud service used to schedule or monitor sanitisation activities; however, other examples do not require the Internet and local network connections are used to program and operate the system. Hub system 700 includes input controller 711 for receiving an operator input, which may be via one or more buttons on hub 221. Hub system 700 includes status indicator allowing an operator to view dispensing status information, component diagnostic status information and / or sanitisation status information.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a computer-implemented method 80 for operating a tap. At block 81, a tap receives an instruction to enable the flow of the media, the tap being manually operable using a handle of the tap to increase a flow of media through the tap from an input of the tap to an output of the tap. At block 82, the tap controls an actuator operable to move a valve of the tap in a first direction.

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a method for automatically sanitising a tap, with the tap being manually operable using a handle of the tap, and the tap being automatically operable using an electrically operated actuator housed within the tap. At block 91 , it is determined that a tap is not being manually operated. At block 92, the tap is automatically opened using an actuator. At block 93, the tap receives a first flow of a first media through the tap, the first media being cleaning solution (comprising, for example, a mix of detergent and water). At block 94, the tap receives a second flow ofa second media through the tap, the second media being water. At block 95, the tap is automatically closed.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some examples, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0060] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. do not preclude a plurality. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ or “including” does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A beverage dispensing system comprising: an input for receiving media; an output for dispensing media; a flow path between the input and the output; a valve within the flow path, the valve operable to control the flow of media through the flow path; a handle manually operable to move the valve; a mechanical linkage coupling the handle with the valve, wherein manual operation of the handle moves the valve; an electronically controllable actuator operable to control the valve; and a control system operable to provide a command to the actuator to open or close the flow path.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is at least partly within the mechanical linkage.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mechanical linkage is biased away from the handle.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein during manual operation, the actuator moves with the mechanical linkage.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a first part movable with the handle, and a second part movable with the valve.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the actuator is operable to change the relative position of the first part of the mechanical linkage and the second part of the mechanical linkage to open the flow path.

7. The system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein during manual operation, the first part of the mechanical linkage does not move with respect to the second part of the mechanical linkage.

8. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor, wherein the control system is operable to determine a characteristic of media in the flow path using data from the sensor.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the control system is operable to provide the command to the actuator to control the valve based on the determined characteristic of the media.

10. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the media; wherein the control system is operable to compare the determined temperature of the media to a predetermined threshold; and wherein the control system is further operable to: provide a command to the actuator based on the temperature being above or below the predetermined threshold, or display a notification regarding the determined temperature using a display of the system.

11. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a sensor operable to detect a state of automated operation based on a proximity of the actuator to part of the mechanical linkage.

12. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a sensor operable to detect a state of manual operation based on a location of the mechanical linkage with respect to a tap housing.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is operable to determine a rate of media flow based on a detected movement corresponding to a movement of the valve.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is operable to communicate with a networked device to provide information relating to sensor data of the system.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is operable to receive commands from a networked device and to provide the command to the actuator to open or close the flow path based on the received command.

16. A beverage tap comprising the system of any preceding claim.

17. A method for operating a beverage dispensing system,the beverage dispensing system comprising an input for receiving media, an output for dispensing media, a flow path between the input and the output, a valve within the flow path, the valve operable to control the flow of media through the flow path, a handle manually operable to move the valve; a mechanical linkage coupling the handle with the valve wherein manual operation of the handle moves the valve; an electronically controllable actuator operable to control the valve, and a control system operable to provide a command to the actuator to open or close the flow path; the method comprising: receiving a manual operation of the handle, the handle moving the mechanical linkage and the mechanical linkage moving the valve to open the flow path; and the control system activating the actuator to move the valve to open the flow path.

18. A computer-implemented method for operating a tap, wherein the tap is manually operable using a handle of the tap to increase a flow of media through the tap from an input of the tap to an output of the tap; the method comprising: receiving, by the tap, an instruction to enable the flow of the media; and controlling, by the tap, an actuator operable to move a valve of the tap in a first direction.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: receiving, by the tap, an instruction to disable the flow of the media; and controlling, by the tap, the actuator operable to move the valve of the tap in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19 further comprising: determining, using data from a sensor of the tap, a characteristic of the media; and transmitting the characteristic of the media to a networked device.

21. The method of any of claims 18 to 20 further comprising: determining, using data from a temperature sensor of the tap, a temperature of the media; comparing the determined temperature to a predetermined threshold; andbased on the temperature being above or below the predetermined threshold, transmitting the temperature of the media to a networked device.

22. A tap comprising a data processing device comprising means for carrying out the method of any of claims 18 to 21 .

23. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the method of any of claims 18 to 21.

24. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the method of any of claims 18 to 21.

25. A method for automatically sanitising a tap, the tap being manually operable using a handle of the tap, and the tap being automatically operable using an electrically operated actuator housed within the tap; the method comprising: determining that the tap is not being manually operated; automatically opening the tap using the actuator; receiving a first flow of a first media through the tap, the first media being cleaning solution; receiving a second flow of a second media through the tap; and automatically closing the tap using the actuator.

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