摘要 |
An arrangement for automatically controlling the dispensing of a beverage such as a frothy milk shake into an open mouth container such as a translucent paper or styrofoam cup. A dispensing station defines a designated position for the cup to be filled, and a dispensing nozzle is positioned above that designated position. A radiation source is positioned above the cup to direct radiation downwardly through the open mouth thereof such that it passes through the side walls of the cup. A radiation detector is positioned adjacent to an exterior wall of the cup at a vertical position thereon at which the cup holds a "full" dispensed quantity of beverage, such that it produces an output signal indicative of the radiation passing through the wall at the full position. The output signal is compared with a given threshold level, and when it falls therebelow, thereby indicating that the dispensed beverage is at the "full" height, the dispensing operation is terminated.
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