Jonathan Kirschner

Ultrasound level detector and container counter

An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing automatically begins as a container is inserted under the ultrasonic transducer into a proper position beneath a post-mix beverage dispenser nozzle. The transducer continuously measures the distance between the top or lip of the container and a liquid/foam interface of a carbonated beverage being dispensed into the container. Dispensing stops when the transducer senses a predetermined level of carbonated beverage within the container. In addition, dispensing is initially stopped before the liquid level reaches the top of the container to allow for dissipation of foam on the top of a carbonated beverage and dispensing is reinitiated to top off the level of beverage adjacent the top of the container. The disclosed system also utilizes the ultrasonic transducer to measure the level of ice within the container prior to dispensing and precludes dispensing of the beverage if the level of ice exceeds a predetermined limit. The system also has additional safeguards programmed into the microprocessor to preclude operator errors such as triggering of the dispenser system by devices other than the container to be filled.