Beverage dispenser with automatic cup-filling control

摘要

A beverage dispenser (10) for filling a container (20) preferably has a nozzle (14) through which the beverage is discharged and a pivoting lever (22) located underneath the nozzle that detects the placement of a container (20) so as to regulate the actuation of the dispenser. A conductive probe (34) is in line with the discharged beverage stream, the lever (22) also being conductive. A signal generator generates a varying-over-time signal that is applied to the probe (34) or lever (22). As a result of beverage overflowing the container (20), the beverage stream establishes a conductive path between the probe (34) and lever (22). The signal through this conductive path is compared to the signal produced by the signal generator. If the signals are substantially identical for a select period of time, the dispensing system is considered to be in an overflow state, and beverage dispensing is terminated.