Abstract: An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser having a mechanical refrigeration system including an inexpensive solid state sensor, preferably a thermistor, located in the ice water bath adjacent to the evaporator coil and connected to a control circuit including a microprocessor which not only controls the ice bank, but also protects the compressor motor. The resistance of the thermistor is measured and then compared to a reference value previously stored in the microprocessor memory.

Abstract: An automatic, ultrasonic system for controlling the filling of different sizes of beverage containers which may or may not contain various quantities of ice. The system includes a transducer assembly and a control module, both preferably connected to a beverage dispenser valve assembly. The transducer assembly includes a pair of piezo-electric crystals for separately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave energy from the grate, the cup lip, the top of any ice in the cup, and the rising liquid level. The control module includes a microcomputer and associated circuitry.