Abstract: Detection of mechanical coupling slippage in rotary encoder systems is provided where position data samples are obtained from a rotary encoder coupled to rotating element and angular acceleration data is determined based on the position data samples. At least two acceleration peaks are detected in the angular acceleration data, including at least one negative acceleration peak and at least one positive acceleration peak. Slippage occurrence of the mechanical coupling are detected when an interval between a negative acceleration peak and a positive acceleration peak of the at least two acceleration peaks is less than a first time period. If at least a threshold number of slippage occurrences are detected within a second time period, a mechanical coupling error signal is generated.

Abstract: Detection of mechanical coupling slippage in rotary encoder systems is provided where position data samples are obtained from a rotary encoder coupled to rotating element and angular acceleration data is determined based on the position data samples. At least two acceleration peaks are detected in the angular acceleration data, including at least one negative acceleration peak and at least one positive acceleration peak. Slippage occurrence of the mechanical coupling are detected when an interval between a negative acceleration peak and a positive acceleration peak of the at least two acceleration peaks is less than a first time period. If at least a threshold number of slippage occurrences are detected within a second time period, a mechanical coupling error signal is generated.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus includes a source of supply of carbonated water, a source of supply of one or more beverages in syrup form and a mixer for admixture of the water and syrup. Prior to admixing of the carbonated water and syrup the apparatus displays a flowing sample of the syrup. The apparatus may include a plurality of different syrups, each with its own display. The display preferably takes the form of a display dispense line comprising an illuminated translucent or transparent tube bent in a tortuous path. The displayed syrup sample may be either mixed and dispensed after display, returned to a main reservoir or be retained as a sample for display only.