초록 ▼

An automatic container detection and fill control device includes a number of transmitter and receiver pairs arranged generally in parallel such that a transmission from a given transmitter is directed downwardly toward an interior of a container when present in a dispensing station. At least a port

An automatic container detection and fill control device includes a number of transmitter and receiver pairs arranged generally in parallel such that a transmission from a given transmitter is directed downwardly toward an interior of a container when present in a dispensing station. At least a portion of the transmission is capable of reflection toward a given receiver. A control circuit is connected to the transmitter and receiver pairs to periodically activate a given transmitter and monitor a corresponding receiver. Preferably, the control circuit includes a microprocessor programmed and capable of determining both container presence and a product Fill level by detecting and differentiating signal strengths of reflected transmissions, and activating and deactivating a dispenser in response thereto. The control is capable of detecting the size of a container and dispensing product until the container is considered full. The control includes the ability to detect the presence of foam in a dispensed product, allow the foam to subside, and top off the product in the container. The device provides consistent container detection and fill level control regardless of ice content, prevents the waste of product due to spillage, provides truly hands free operation to allow an operator to perform other chores during the dispensing cycle, all at a very attractive cost.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A computer program for use by a dispensing apparatus comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:periodically transmit an energy transmission generally in parallel with a line of reception from a receiver in a downwardly direction toward an i

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A computer program for use by a dispensing apparatus comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:periodically transmit an energy transmission generally in parallel with a line of reception from a receiver in a downwardly direction toward an interior of a container when present such that at least a portion of the transmission is capable of reflection off an inside surface of the container and back toward the receiver;monitor the receiver;detect and monitor signal strengths of reflected transmissions received by the receiver;determine container presence in response to the signal strengths detected; andactivate product dispensing in response to container presence.