Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser which forms and dispenses a beverage and a processor for monitoring the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser operates under various parameters including a first parameter that is indicative of the quality of the beverage to be dispensed and a second parameter that is indicative as to when routine maintenance is to be scheduled. The processor monitors the various parameters under which the beverage dispenser operates and determines whether the first parameter is outside of a predetermined range. If the first parameter is outside the predetermined range, the processor sends a signal regarding a request for immediate repair service. The second parameter is also monitored and the routine maintenance is scheduled based thereon.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser which forms and dispenses a beverage and a processor for monitoring the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser operates under various parameters including a first parameter that is indicative of the quality of the beverage to be dispensed and a second parameter that is indicative as to when routine maintenance is to be scheduled. The processor monitors the various parameters under which the beverage dispenser operates and determines whether the first parameter is outside of a predetermined range. If the first parameter is outside the predetermined range, the processor sends a signal regarding a request for immediate repair service. The second parameter is also monitored and the routine maintenance is scheduled based thereon.

Abstract: A capacitance gauge system is described for determining the thickness of thin-film non-conducting material (i.e. polyethylene, vinyl, etc.). An elongated capacitance sensing head is applied to one side of the material being measured thereby disturbing the electric field produced by the head. Internal circuitry monitors the effect of the material under test and produces an output proportional to the variation in the material's thickness. A new method of resolving capacitance changes results in the ability to resolve capacitance changes on the order of 5.times.10.sup.-17 Farads in a linear manner with the benefits of simplicity, excellent stability, low power requirement, and small physical size. These factors allow said apparatus to be incorporated into a small hand-held unit. Because of this advancement in portability, accurate measurements can be made more quickly and conveniently than previously possible.