Method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine and system comprising an exchangeable supply pack and computer program product
First Claim
1. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
- at least one exchangeable supply pack, wherein each exchangeable supply pack comprises a single dosing pump and a single container with a liquid substance, the dosing pump and container of each exchangeable supply pack being structurally integrated for simultaneous placement in a beverage dispensing machine,a beverage dispensing machine configured to receive the at least one exchangeable supply pack,wherein the beverage dispensing machine comprises a controller for controlling the dosing pump of the at least one exchangeable supply pack after placement, and an inlet to receive liquid substance delivered by the dosing pump from the container,the beverage dispensing system comprising a first detection facility configured to detect presence of liquid substance in the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack, and a second detection facility configured to detect the placement of an exchangeable supply package, wherein the controller is coupled to said first and said second detection facility and being operable in at least one of a start-up mode and a subsequent normal operation mode, the controller being arranged to assume said start-up mode in response to a signal from said second detection facility indicating the placement of an exchangeable supply package, in which start-up mode the system is arranged to perform an activation procedure wherein an activation cycle is repeated comprising activating the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack during a first period of time and subsequently maintaining the pump in an at least partially deactivated state during a second period of time, and wherein upon detection by said first detection facility that liquid substance is present within the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack, said controller is arranged to complete the start-up mode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for taking into use an exchangeable supply pack in a beverage dispensing machine is disclosed. The exchangeable supply pack comprising a dosing pump and a container with a liquid substance to be supplied by the beverage dispensing machine. The method subsequently comprises detecting placement of the exchangeable supply pack and executing an activation procedure. The activation procedure comprises repeating an activation cycle while detecting whether or not a liquid substance is present inside the dosing pump. The activation cycle comprises activating the dosing pump during a first period of time and at least partially deactivating the dosing pump during a second period of time. The activation procedure is completed when it is detected that liquid substance is present in the dosing pump. In addition a beverage dispensing system and a computer program product are disclosed herein.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
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at least one exchangeable supply pack, wherein each exchangeable supply pack comprises a single dosing pump and a single container with a liquid substance, the dosing pump and container of each exchangeable supply pack being structurally integrated for simultaneous placement in a beverage dispensing machine, a beverage dispensing machine configured to receive the at least one exchangeable supply pack, wherein the beverage dispensing machine comprises a controller for controlling the dosing pump of the at least one exchangeable supply pack after placement, and an inlet to receive liquid substance delivered by the dosing pump from the container, the beverage dispensing system comprising a first detection facility configured to detect presence of liquid substance in the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack, and a second detection facility configured to detect the placement of an exchangeable supply package, wherein the controller is coupled to said first and said second detection facility and being operable in at least one of a start-up mode and a subsequent normal operation mode, the controller being arranged to assume said start-up mode in response to a signal from said second detection facility indicating the placement of an exchangeable supply package, in which start-up mode the system is arranged to perform an activation procedure wherein an activation cycle is repeated comprising activating the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack during a first period of time and subsequently maintaining the pump in an at least partially deactivated state during a second period of time, and wherein upon detection by said first detection facility that liquid substance is present within the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack, said controller is arranged to complete the start-up mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
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at least one exchangeable supply pack, wherein each exchangeable supply pack comprises a single dosing pump and a single container with a liquid substance, the dosing pump including a housing that is immovably attached to the container; a beverage dispensing machine configured to receive the at least one exchangeable supply pack; wherein the beverage dispensing machine comprises a controller for controlling the dosing pump of the at least one exchangeable supply pack after placement, and an inlet to receive liquid substance delivered by the dosing pump from the container, the beverage dispensing system comprising a first detection facility configured to detect presence of liquid substance in the dosing pump of a placed exchangeable supply pack, and a second detection facility configured to detect the placement of an exchangeable supply package, wherein the controller is coupled to said first and said second detection facility and being operable in at least one of a start-up mode and a subsequent normal operation mode, the controller being arranged to assume said start-up mode in response to a signal from said second detection facility indicating the placement of an exchangeable supply package, in which start-up mode the system is arranged to perform an activation procedure wherein an activation cycle is repeated comprising activating the dosing pump of the placed exchangeable supply pack during a first period of time and subsequently maintaining the pump in an at least partially deactivated state during a second period of time, and wherein upon detection by said first detection facility that liquid substance is present within the dosing pump of the placed exchangeable supply pack, said controller is arranged to complete the start-up mode.
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Specification