Fluid level measuring device for a beverage dispenser
First Claim
1. A level sensing apparatus for use with a beverage server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage, an opening in the body, the level sensing apparatus comprising:
- a housing having a wall defining at least one chamber therein, the housing being disposable in the opening of the body of the server;
a funnel assembly associated with the housing, the funnel assembly configured to receive beverage there through for dispensing into the serving;
at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in the housing for indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server;
a separate display assembly selectively couplable to the at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly;
a power source coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly; and
a retainer configured for operatively coupling the housing and funnel assembly with the display assembly to the server.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A level sensing apparatus for use with a beverage server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage, an opening in the body, the level sensing apparatus comprising:
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a housing having a wall defining at least one chamber therein, the housing being disposable in the opening of the body of the server; a funnel assembly associated with the housing, the funnel assembly configured to receive beverage there through for dispensing into the serving; at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in the housing for indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server; a separate display assembly selectively couplable to the at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly; a power source coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly; and a retainer configured for operatively coupling the housing and funnel assembly with the display assembly to the server. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A level sensing apparatus for use with a beverage server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage, an opening in the body, the level sensing apparatus comprising:
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at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to provide a barrier against contact with beverage, the housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server, the capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server; a separate display assembly selectively couplable to the at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly; a power source coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification