Abstract: A system and method for cleaning the beverage-carrying components of a beverage dispensing system in order to clean these components for future use is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a controller, a plurality of junctions, a plurality of couplers and a multiplier. The controller controls the different phases of the cleaning process, which include a beverage conservation phase, a beverage lockout phase and a cleaning phase. Each of the plurality of junctions are fluidly connected to at least one coupler and each coupler is affixed to a beverage container, e.g., keg, for opening a beverage port thereto. The multiplier is communicatively coupled to each junction so as to provide electrical control signals thereto that dictate whether fluid is to communicated through a junction to the coupler(s) associated with that junction, and thereafter directed to dispensing unit(s) over beverage line(s).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system having control-based functionality for managing a cleaning process for a beverage dispensing system is disclosed. The beverage dispensing system has one or more beverage containers that supply beverage(s) to beverage line(s), which in turn, supply the beverage(s) to dispense unit(s), or tap(s). The beverage lines include in-line pumps that facilitate the communication of beverages from the containers to the taps. The controller manages cleaning of the beverage dispensing system by selectively enabling and disabling operation of the pumps such that, during cleaning, the pumps are not operable for operation. Also disclosed is the application of an icy or slushy product to the beverage lines for optimal cleaning.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system having control-based functionality for managing a beverage dispensing process and a cleaning process for fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The beverage dispensing system has one or more beverage containers that supply beverage(s) to beverage line(s), which in turn, supply the beverage(s) to dispense unit(s), or tap(s). Each beverage container includes a beverage port through which a beverage is output to an associated beverage line for communication to an associated tap. A coupler is affixed to the container and interfaces the associated beverage line to the beverage port on the container. The coupler provides functionality for not only enabling the beverage dispensing process, but also facilitates the cleaning process by providing an interface for water and cleaning chemicals. Various configurations of the beverage dispensing system are disclosed including a tank valve configuration and a configuration in which containers are connected in series.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system having an in-line cleaning system is disclosed. Also, a system and method for monitoring operation of the beverage dispensing system is enclosed. The monitoring system includes sensors dispersed on monitoring points of the beverage dispensing system and a controller for analyzing information measured by the sensors and rendering conclusions regarding operation of the beverage dispensing system. The controller analyzes the sensed information against threshold values defined for the monitoring points from which the information originates. The threshold values are defined based on user specifications regarding system operation and operating parameters therefore. If the sensed information does not conform to the user specifications, as indicated based on analysis against the threshold parameters, such non-conformity is reported to a responsible user.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning the beverage-carrying components of a beverage dispensing system in order to clean these components for future use is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a controller, a plurality of junctions, a plurality of couplers and a multiplier. The controller controls the different phases of the cleaning process, which include a beverage conservation phase, a beverage lockout phase and a cleaning phase. Each of the plurality of junctions are fluidly connected to at least one coupler and each coupler is affixed to a beverage container, e.g., keg, for opening a beverage port thereto. The multiplier is communicatively coupled to each junction so as to provide electrical control signals thereto that dictate whether fluid is to communicated through a junction to the coupler(s) associated with that junction, and thereafter directed to dispensing unit(s) over beverage line(s).

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning the beverage-carrying components of a beverage dispensing system in order to clean these components for future use is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a controller, a plurality of junctions, a plurality of couplers and a multiplier. The controller controls the different phases of the cleaning process, which include a beverage conservation phase, a beverage lockout phase and a cleaning phase. Each of the plurality of junctions are fluidly connected to at least one coupler and each coupler is affixed to a beverage container, e.g., keg, for opening a beverage port thereto. The multiplier is communicatively coupled to each junction so as to provide electrical control signals thereto that dictate whether fluid is to communicated through a junction to the coupler(s) associated with that junction, and thereafter directed to dispensing unit(s) over beverage line(s).