Abstract: A flow switch apparatus and method for use in determining the quantity of a beverage liquid passing through a conduit, the apparatus including a light path across the conduit and an actuator arm interposed across the light path, the actuator arm being activated by fluid flow through the conduit. The light path is formed by a light source transmitting light toward a light detector. The light detector produces an electronic signal when adequate light received by the light detector. The signal produced by the switch apparatus is in the form of digital logic voltage levels which can be monitored remotely by conventional electronic apparatus to accumulate the flow information provided by the flow switch. The conduit is adapted to be vertically oriented to accommodate the actuator arm resting under gravity in occulusion of the light path when there is no fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A flowmeter apparatus and method for use in measuring the quantity of liquid beverage passing through a tubing, the apparatus including a flowmeter wheel adapted to be turned by the flow of beverage through the tubing. The flowmeter wheel is interposed in a light path between a light source and a light detector with a plurality of apertures in the flowmeter wheel permitting light passage through the light path to the light detector. Rotation of the wheel creates a series of light pulses that are detected by the light detector and are electronically counted to thereby provide an indication of the amount of beverage passing through the flowmeter and, correspondingly, the tubing.