초록 ▼

A system (10) controls the dispensing of valuable commodities, such as beers. The system (10) includes a controller (36), sensors (26, 34), and solenoid-activated valves (24). The dispensing of a commodity begins when an operator identifies himself or herself to the controller (36) after selecting a

A system (10) controls the dispensing of valuable commodities, such as beers. The system (10) includes a controller (36), sensors (26, 34), and solenoid-activated valves (24). The dispensing of a commodity begins when an operator identifies himself or herself to the controller (36) after selecting a commodity and quantity. A record of this transaction is recorded in a memory (40) of the controller (36). The controller (36) continues dispensing the selected commodity, determines when the selected quantity has been dispensed, then automatically ceases dispensing the commodity. Reports (178) are generated summarizing dispensing transactions. A variety of operational parameters may be established by a manager. Parameters relevant to the preservation and flow of the commodity, such as temperature and pressure, are monitored, and warnings annunciated (164, 170) if out-of-range conditions are detected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling the dispensing of valuable bulk commodities to maintain accountability over said commodities, said apparatus comprising:a commodity identity selector for routing one of a plurality of commodities to a dispensing port;a commodity quantity selec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling the dispensing of valuable bulk commodities to maintain accountability over said commodities, said apparatus comprising:a commodity identity selector for routing one of a plurality of commodities to a dispensing port;a commodity quantity selector for controlling an amount of said one commodity which is routed to said dispensing port;a dispensing attendant selector for identifying a person responsible for causing said amount of said one commodity to be routed to said dispensing port, said dispensing attendant selector being configured as an ultimate selector assigned prior to initiating said routing of said commodity to said dispensing port; andrecording means, coupled to said commodity identity selector, said commodity quantity selector, and said dispensing attendant selector, for recording said selected one commodity, said amount, and said identified responsible person in association with one another.