초록 ▼

An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser for preventing the unnecessary erosion of the ice bank when the dispenser is idle or inactive, and for thus increasing the draw capacity of the dispenser. The control system includes a pair of ice bank sensors for sensing first and second locations

An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser for preventing the unnecessary erosion of the ice bank when the dispenser is idle or inactive, and for thus increasing the draw capacity of the dispenser. The control system includes a pair of ice bank sensors for sensing first and second locations of the surface of the ice bank, the second sensor being spaced further from the cooling coils than is the first sensor. Each sensor generates an electrical signal which, through appropriate electrical control circuitry, controls the on/off mode of the electrical motor that drives the water agitator and also the electrical motor that operates the refrigeration unit.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for increasing the draw capacity of a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing valve and having a mechanical refrigeration unit including cooling coils and an agitator for producing an ice bank in an ice-water bath, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing when a surface of the ice ban

A method for increasing the draw capacity of a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing valve and having a mechanical refrigeration unit including cooling coils and an agitator for producing an ice bank in an ice-water bath, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing when a surface of the ice bank has reached a first location and generating a first electrical signal at that time; (b) sensing when a surface of the ice bank has reached a second location further from the cooling coils than is said first location and generating a second electrical signal at that time; (c) maintaining said agitator off prior to receiving said first signal; (d) operating said agitator in an on-off mode after receiving said first signal; (e) upon receiving said second signal, operating both said agitator and said mechanical refrigeration unit in an off mode, to prevent further build-up of the ice bank; and (f) upon subsequently receiving said first signal again, turning on said mechanical refrigeration unit and also initiating said on-off mode of operation of said agitator.