TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to fluid dispensing devices. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to bulk vending machines to dispense liquids. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system and a method to control liquid vending machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Advent of modernization has brought in various commercialisations and amenities to improve standard of living of the public. One of the measures of commercialisation is installation of vending machines in a public locality, so that the public at large can access products such as but not limiting to liquid products including beverages, juices…etc. at arm’s length when required. Such, vending machines which are used to dispense the liquids are commonly referred as liquid vending machine.
Conventionally, liquid vending machines are configured to dispense liquid of predetermined quantity based on the input received from a user. Such conventional vending machines comprise a storage tank which stores the liquid to be dispensed and a flow control valve interfaced with a control unit, fluidly connecting the storage tank. The flow control valve is configured to dispense metered quantity of liquid from the storage tank based on the input received from the control unit. However, in conventional vending machines the control unit is configured such that, a predetermined quantity of liquid is to be dispensed for a given amount value.. Thus, when the user inserts appropriate amount value in the vending machine, liquid is dispensed. This mechanism thereby eliminates the need for human intervention for obtaining liquid. For example, if the vending machine is configured to dispense one litre of beverage for twenty rupees, and when the user inserts twenty rupee into the vending machine, one litre of milk is dispensed.
However, such conventional liquid vending machines are configured to hold a fixed quantity of liquid, and therefore the liquid need to be restocked periodically for continuous use. To achieve this, an operator needs to periodically monitor the stock in the vending machine. The operator therefore must take necessary actions to restock the vending machine, when the stock is less. At the same time, the operator needs to make sure that there is no tampering of the vending machine during restocking and also during use by a user. Thus, an operator must
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be present at each location of the liquid vending machine, so that he can monitor the stock, prevent tampering and also make sure that restocking is done to the vending machine periodically. Also, when the vending machine is rendered to be incapacitated during use by any user, the operator must have sound knowledge of the vending machine, to restore the vending machine to working condition. All these situations renders contribute to improper utilisation of man power of the industry.
In the light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop a system for operating the vending machine to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the conventional vending machines are overcome by system and methods as claimed. Additional advantages are provided through the provision of system and method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a liquid vending machine is disclosed. The system comprises at least one first sensor configured to monitor quantity of liquid in a storage tank and at least one second sensor configured to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to a dispensing container from the storage tank. A flow control valve is fluidly connected to the storage tank and is configured to dispense liquid into the dispensing container. An input device comprising a user interface unit and a payment terminal is configured to receive input from a user. Further, the system comprises a control unit interfaced with the at least one first sensor, the at least one second sensor, the flow control valve and the input device. The control unit is configured to receive the input from user comprising at least one of amount value and quantity of liquid to be dispensed, and indicate to the user at least one of quantity of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the input received from the input device. The control unit is also configured to regulate the flow control valve to dispense liquid, when at least one of the indicated values is selected by the user.
In an embodiment, the input device includes a display interface to display the inputs provided by the user and the indication received from the control unit.
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In an embodiment, a communication unit is interfaced with the control unit. The communication unit is also associated with a computing unit and configured to transmit an alert signal to the computing unit upon detecting variation of liquid level in the storage tank by the at least one first sensor.
In an embodiment, the communication unit transmits first alert signal to the computing unit upon detection of level of liquid in the storage tank above a first limit during refilling of storage tank.
In an embodiment, the communication unit transmits second alert signal to the computing unit when the level of liquid in the storage tank increases more than the level of liquid detected after previous dispensing operation, without operating a filling port. The communication unit is configured to receive a deactivation signal to deactivate the liquid vending machine from the computing unit, wherein the deactivation signal is generated by the computing unit upon receiving the second alert signal from the communication unit.
In an embodiment, the communication unit transmits third alert signal to the computing device, when the liquid level in the storage tank is below a second limit.
In an embodiment, the control unit is associated with a memory unit, the memory unit configured to store computations required for computing the volume of liquid to be dispensed based on inputs received from the user via the input device.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a liquid dispensing machine is disclosed. The method comprises acts of receiving, by a control unit, an user input comprising at least one of amount value and quantity of liquid to be dispensed through an input device. Indicating, by the control unit, at least one of volume of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the user input. Further, the method comprises acts of operating, by the control unit, a flow control valve to dispense the liquid from a storage tank to a dispensing container when at least one of the indicated values are selected by the user. Lastly, the method comprises act of receiving, by the control unit, a quantity of liquid in the dispensing container through at least one second sensor, wherein the control unit operates the flow control valve to stop the flow of liquid to the dispensing container when the quantity of the liquid detected by the at least one second sensor is equal to predetermined quantity.
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In an embodiment, the predetermined quantity is determined by the control unit based on the user input.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid vending machine is disclosed. The liquid vending machine comprises a storage tank, a dispensing container, a flow control valve fluidly connected to the storage tank and configured to dispense liquid into the dispensing container. The machine also comprises a system for controlling flow of liquid from the flow control valve. The system comprises at least one first sensor configured to monitor quantity of liquid in the storage tank and at least one second sensor configured to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to the dispensing container from the storage tank. An input device comprising a user interface unit and a payment terminal is configured to receive input from a user. A control unit is interfaced with at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor, flow control valve and the input device. The control unit is configured to receive the input from user comprising at least one of amount value and volume of liquid to be dispensed, and indicate to a user at least one of volume of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the input received from the input device. The control unit is also configured to regulate the flow control valve to dispense liquid, when at least one of the indicated values is selected by the user.
In an embodiment, the input device includes a display interface to display the inputs provided by the user and the indication received from the control unit.
In an embodiment, the storage tank, the dispensing container, flow control valve and the system are enclosed in housing.
In an embodiment, a filling port is configured in the housing, and is adapted to be removably coupled to a mobile liquid source for refilling the storage tank.
In an embodiment, the liquid vending machine comprises a clean-in-place unit to flush fluid lines of the liquid vending machine. The clean-in-place unit is interfaced with the control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the clean-in-place unit upon receiving a signal from the computing unit.
In an embodiment, the clean-in-place unit is operated by the control unit, when the liquid level in the storage tank is below a third level.
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In an embodiment, the liquid vending machine comprises a refrigeration unit configured to maintain temperature of the liquid in the storage tank within a pre-set temperature range.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates schematic representation of the liquid vending machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates block diagram of the liquid vending machine shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates exploded view of flow control valve of the liquid vending machine according to some embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4a illustrates front view of the liquid vending machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4b illustrates the liquid vending machine of FIG. 3A without front cover.
Figure 4c illustrates left side view of the liquid vending machine of FIG. 3A.
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Figure 5 illustrates pictorial representation of liquid filling process of the liquid vending machine of FIG. 3A through mobile liquid source (11), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its assembly, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for controlling a liquid vending machine. The system is configured to control operations performed by the liquid vending machine, so that the liquid vending machine is tamper-proof, maintains quality of the liquid dispensed and operates with minimal human intervention.
To overcome limitations stated in the background of the disclosure, a liquid vending machine is disclosed. The liquid vending machine comprises a storage tank configured to receive and store liquid to be dispensed and a dispensing container configured to collect the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing machine. The liquid vending machine also comprises a flow control valve, which is fluidly connected to the storage tank. The flow control valve is
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configured to dispense metered quantity of liquid from the storage tank to the dispensing container. Further, the liquid vending machine comprises a system, configured to monitor operations of the liquid vending machine. The system is configured such that, an operator is alerted when there is malfunctioning or tampering of the liquid vending machine. The storage tank, dispensing container, flow control valve and the system are accommodated in a housing of the liquid vending machine.
The system includes at least one first sensor configured to monitor the quantity of liquid in a storage tank of the liquid vending machine and at least one second sensor configured to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to a dispensing container from the storage tank. In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor is a load cell. The system is also configured with an input device comprising a user interface unit and a payment terminal, to receive inputs from the user. The system further includes a control unit interfaced with the at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor, an input device and the flow control valve. The control unit is configured to operate the flow control valve to dispense metered quantity of liquid into the dispensing container, based on the inputs received from the user via the input device. The inputs received by the control unit from the user are at least one of amount value and quantity of liquid to be dispensed. The control unit is associated with a memory unit, wherein the memory unit is configured to store computations required to compute the volume of liquid to be dispensed based on inputs received from the user. Also, the memory unit is configured to store computations required to compute input that the user has to fulfil based on the volume of liquid requirement inputted by the user. The values corresponding to the inputs provided from the user are indicated or displayed on a display interface provided in the input device. The control unit operates the flow control valve to dispense metered quantity of liquid into the dispensing container, once the user selects any one of the values indicated or displayed on the display interface.
The system also comprises a communication unit interfaced with the control unit and associated with a computing unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit data pertaining to the liquid vending machine to the computing unit. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication unit transmits an alert signal to the computing unit, when the control unit detects variation of liquid level in the storage tank. The communication unit sends a first signal to the computing unit, when the level of fluid in the storage tank reaches a first limit. This situation exists during refilling of storage tank from a mobile liquid source,
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via a filling port provisioned in the liquid vending machine. Further, the communication unit sends a second alert signal to the computing unit, when the level of liquid in the storage tank increases more than the level of liquid detected after previous dispensing operation. This situation persists when the liquid vending machine is tampered by additives in the liquid. Furthermore, the communication unit sends a third signal to the computing unit, when the liquid level in the storage tank is below a second limit. This situation persists when the level of liquid in the storage tank is below a threshold value after dispensing. Thus, the operator monitoring the computing unit can refill the storage tank upon receipt of third alert signal. In an embodiment, the filling port is interfaced with the control unit so that the storage tank is allowed to be refilled only when the configuration of the conduit/valve of mobile liquid source matches with the configuration of the filling port.
Further, a clean-in-place unit is configured in the liquid vending machine, so that upon receipt of signal from the computing unit, the control unit can operate the clean-in-place unit for cleaning the liquid vending machine. The clean-in-place unit is operated by the control unit, when the liquid level in the storage tank is below a third level. The clean-in-place unit includes a container to contain cleansing agent and a container to contain water, and is configured to pump the cleansing agent to the conduits in the liquid vending machine, thereby cleaning the liquid ending machine. This mechanism also enables to clear clogs and unwanted particles in conduits of the liquid vending machine, thereby maintaining quality of the liquid dispensed by the liquid vending machine.
The liquid vending machine further comprises a refrigeration unit for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in the storage tank. The refrigeration unit also preserves the liquid from contamination until the liquid reaches its shelf life.
In operation, the liquid vending machine receives user inputs via the input device interfaced with the control unit. The input received from the user is at least one of volume of the liquid and the amount value. The input is processed by the control unit, and performs computations to dispense metered quantity of liquid based on the input received from the user. The computed value is indicated or displayed on a display interface, which is either of volume of the liquid that will be dispensed and the amount value that the user is to input via the payment terminal. The user upon selecting one of the computed values indicated by in the display interface will enable the control unit to operate the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operated until the computed metered quantity of liquid is dispensed from the storage tank
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to the dispensing container. In an embodiment, the at least one second sensor monitors the level of liquid being collected in the dispensing container and thus alert the control unit upon detecting collection of liquid in the dispensing container up to the metered quantity as computed by the control unit. The control unit then operates the flow control valve to stop dispensing of the liquid into the dispensing container.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates schematic representation of the liquid vending machine (101). The liquid vending machine (101) is configured to dispense metered quantity of liquid based on the inputs received from the user. The liquid vending machine (101) comprises storage tank (3) configured to receive and store liquid to be dispensed. The storage tank (3) may be configured in any shape and volume to store the predetermined quantity of liquid. In an embodiment, the storage tank (3) may be configured in shape including but not limiting to cylindrical, rectangular or any other geometric shape which serves the purpose of receiving and storing liquid to be dispensed. In another embodiment, the volume of the storage tank is selected such that it serves a particular locality for a particular period of time, for example, the storage tank (3) may be of configured to hold liquid of 100 litres. Further, the storage tank (3) is configured with indicators to indicate the level of liquid in the storage tank (3).
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In an embodiment, a first level (FL) is marked on the storage tank (3) to indicate the filled or brim condition of the storage tank (3), and a second level (SL) is marked on the storage tank (3) to indicate that the liquid in the storage tank (3) is below a threshold level. Also, a third level (TL) is marked on the storage tank (3) to indicate a critical level of liquid in the storage tank (3) and is about to be depleted. The storage tank (3) is adapted such that, no chemical reaction takes place between the inner walls of the storage tank (3) and the liquid. Thus, liquid in the storage tank (3) is uncontaminated until expiry of the liquid’s shelf life and also ensure that uncontaminated liquid is not dispensed to the user. Further, the storage tank (3) is configured with a filling port (101c) [shown in figure 3b] and an outlet port. The liquid to be stored in the storage tank (3) may be supplied to the storage tank (3) via the filling port (101c) from a mobile liquid source (11) [shown in figure. 4], and the stored liquid may be dispensed via the outlet port. The filling port (101c) is provisioned with a predetermined configuration. In an embodiment, the predetermined configuration is at least one of mechanical or electrical configurations, wherein mechanical configurations include keyholes, link mechanisms, etc. and electrical configurations include switches, latches, etc. This mechanism in the filling port (101c) will prevent filling of liquid into the storage tank (3) from an unauthorised mobile liquid source (11). Thereby, maintaining quality of the liquid stored and dispensed from the storage tank (3). In an embodiment, the material of the storage tank (3) is selected from group such as but not limiting to metals such as steel, aluminium and non-metals such as plastics, composites, which serves the purpose of storing the liquid to be dispensed without contamination and also the liquid stored does not stick to the walls of the storage tank (3).
The vending machine (100) also comprises a dispensing container (4), which is configured to receive and collect the liquid dispensed from the storage tank (3). The dispending container (4) may be positioned on a platform (101b) to collect the liquid dispensed from the storage tank (3). In an embodiment, the dispensing container (4) is selected from geometric shapes such as but not limiting to cylindrical, rectangular or any other shape which is capable of receiving and collect liquid dispensed from the storage tank (3).
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The liquid vending machine (101) also comprises a flow control valve (5), fluidly connecting the outlet port of the storage tank (3). The flow control valve (5) is configured to dispense metered quantity of liquid from the storage tank (3) to the dispensing container (4). The flow control valve (5) is selected from group such as but not limiting to solenoid valves, mechanical valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves…etc. which serves the purpose of controlling flow of liquid into the dispensing container (4) from the storage tank (3).
The flow control valve (5) in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, [as shown in figure 3] comprises a valve body (5a) having an inlet port (5g), which fluidly connects the storage tank (3) for receiving liquid to be dispensed. The valve body (5a) also, comprises an outlet port (5h) to dispense liquid received from the storage tank (3) to a dispensing container (4). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the valve body (5a) comprises a solenoid assembly configured for operating the flow control valve (5) between open and closed conditions. The solenoid assembly consists of a solenoid plunger (5b) which reciprocates axially between an open position and a closed position, based on change of magnetic field in the valve body (5a). The change in magnetic field is caused by a magnetic assembly (5f) configured in the valve body (5a). In an embodiment, the magnetic assembly (5f) comprises magnets for operating the solenoid plunger (5b). The change in magnetic field in the magnetic assembly (5f) is controlled by a control unit (6). A spring (5c) is axially mounted to the solenoid plunger (5b), to operate the solenoid plunger (5b) between open and closed positions when there is change in magnetic field. The spring (5c) controls the travel of the solenoid plunger (5b), thereby regulate flow of liquid dispensed to the dispensing container (4). A solenoid seat (5d) is configured proximal to the outlet port of the valve body (5a). The solenoid seat (5d) comprises an orifice [not shown in figures] for dispensing the liquid received from the storage tank (3). The orifice in the solenoid seat (5d) is selectively operated by the solenoid plunger (5b). In open position, the solenoid plunger (5b) is actuated to be above the orifice, thereby allow liquid to be dispensed to the dispensing container (4). In closed position, the solenoid plunger (5b) blocks the orifice to restrict flow of liquid into the dispensing container (4). In an embodiment, the solenoid seat (5d) is selected from group such as but not limiting to neoprene, or silicon. Further, at least one gasket (5e) is configured in the valve body (5a) to seal leakage of liquid flowing in the flow control valve (5). Furthermore, the valve body (5a) is configured with an auxiliary port (5i), which is fluidly connected to a clean-in-place unit (101d) for receiving cleansing agent or water for cleaning the flow control valve (5).
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The liquid vending machine (101) further accommodates a system (100) [shown in figure 2] configured to control the liquid vending machine (101). The system (100) comprises at least one first sensor (1) configured to monitor the quantity of liquid in the storage tank (3). At least one second sensor (2) is configured in the system (100) to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to the dispensing container (4) from the storage tank (3). The at least first sensor (1) and at least one second sensor (2) are interfaced with the control unit (6). In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (1) and the at least one second sensor (2) is selected from group such as but not limited to fluid level sensors, which serves the purpose of monitoring and detecting the liquid level in the storage tank (3) and the dispensing container (4).
In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one first sensor (1) and at least one second sensor (4) is a load cell. The at least one first sensor (1) and the at least one second sensor (2) are placed below the storage tank (3) and the dispensing container (4) respectively. The load cell will transfer the signal to the control unit (6) based on the weight exerted by the storage tank (3) and the dispensing container (4). In another embodiment, the load cell transfers signals to control unit (6) based on the strain induced by the storage tank (3) and the dispensing container (4). Thus, the control unit (6) is alerted when there is variation in level of liquid in storage tank (3) and the dispensing container (4).
The system (100) also comprises an input device (7) interfaced with the control unit (6) and configured to receive input from the user. The input device (7) includes a user interface unit (7a) for interacting with the user. The user interface unit (7a) allows the user to select appropriate inputs available to the user, to obtain required quantity of liquid from the liquid vending machine (101). The inputs selected from the input device (7) are transmitted to the control unit (6) for validation and computation. The input device (7) also includes a display interface (7b) to display the inputs provided or selected by the user and also the values or inputs indicated by the control unit (6). In an embodiment, the input device (7) is a touchscreen interface, which will directly enable the user to select inputs required for dispensing required quantity of liquid. In another embodiment, the input device (7) is selected such that it serves the purpose of enabling the user to interact with the liquid vending machine (101) for dispensing the liquid such as but not limiting to button operated interface, audio interface. Further, a payment terminal (7c) is provided to the input device (7), to allow the user to make appropriate payment for obtaining the quantity of liquid as required by the user. In an embodiment, the payment terminal (7c) is selected from group such as but not
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limiting to card reader, cash and coin collector, token reader [as shown in figure 3a] so that all means of monetary transactions are possible for the user while using the liquid vending machine (101). Thus, the user can either select the quantity of liquid to be dispensed or the amount value for which the user requires the liquid to be dispensed.
The control unit (6) also includes a memory unit (10) which is configured to store computations required to compute the volume of liquid to be dispensed based on the inputs received from the user. In an embodiment, the memory unit (10) is selected from group such as but not limited to RAM, ROM or any other storage device, which serves the purpose of storing the computations required to compute volume of liquid to be dispensed based on the input received from the user. The control unit (6) receives input from the input device (7) which is either the volume of liquid to be dispensed or the amount value for which the user requires the liquid to be dispensed. The control unit (6) includes a processing unit [not shown in figures] to process or perform computations based on the input received from the user. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processor may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. The processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices via I/O interface. The I/O interface may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, monoaural, RCA, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital visual interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), RF antennas, S-Video, VGA, IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., code-division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), WiMax, or the like), etc.
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In an embodiment, the control unit (6) upon receipt of the amount value from the user, access the computations in the memory unit (10) and computes the volume of the liquid that is to be dispensed corresponding to the amount value. For example, if the computation stored in the memory device (10) is rupees twenty for one litre of milk, and the user inserts rupees ten in the input device (7), the control unit (6) computes and displays that half a litre of milk will be dispensed by the liquid vending machine (101) based on input value from the user.
In another embodiment, the control unit (6) upon receipt of volume of liquid that is required for the user, access the computations in the memory unit (10) and computes the amount value that the user needs to input to obtain the liquid from the liquid vending machine (101). For example, if the computation stored in the memory device (10) is rupees twenty for one litre of milk, and the user inputs that he requires three-fourth litre of milk, then the control unit (6) computes and displays that rupees fifteen needs to be inputted into the input device (7) to obtain the desired quantity of liquid from the liquid vending machine (101).
The control unit (6) regulates the flow control valve (6) to dispense the liquid up to the volume computed by the control unit (6) once the user selects the values or inputs displayed by the display interface unit (7b).
Further, the system (100) comprises a communication unit (8) interfaced with the control unit (6) and associated with a computing unit (9). The communication unit (8) is configured to transmit alert signal to the computing unit (9) upon detecting variation of liquid level in the storage tank (3). The variation of the liquid level in the storage tank (3) is detected by at least one first sensor (1). The computing unit (9) alters the operator of the system (100) to perform necessary actions to mitigate the problem indicated in a liquid vending machine (101) of a particular locality. In an embodiment, the communication unit (8) is selected from group such as but not limited to mobile telephone, or any other mobile processing unit, which serves the purpose of transmitting an alert signal to the computing unit (9). In another embodiment, the computing unit (9) is selected from group such as but not limited to a server, which serves the purpose of connecting a network of communication units of liquid vending machines of various localities and also receive alert signal from the communication unit (8).
The communication unit (8) transmits a first alert signal to the computing unit (9), when the liquid level in the storage tank (3) increases more than the level of liquid detected by the at least one first sensor (1) after previous dispensing cooperation, without operating the filling
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port (101c). This condition persists when the liquid vending machine (101) is tampered by additives such as but not limiting to water, and oil. in the liquid. When, the second alert signal is transmitted by the communication unit (8), a deactivation signal is sent to the communication unit (8) from the computing unit (9). This technique ensures that the tampered liquid vending machine (101) is in-operable and thereby prevents dispensing of tampered liquid to the user. In one embodiment, the liquid vending machine (101) remains in deactivated state until the operator refills the storage tank (3) with liquid from the mobile liquid source (11).
Further, the communication unit (8) is configured to transmit a third alert signal to the computing unit (9), when the liquid level in the storage tank (3) is below the second limit (SL). The second limit (SL) is a threshold limit for the storage tank (3), wherein the third alert signal indicates that the storage tank (3) needs to be refilled for further use. As an example, for a fifty litres storage tank (3), the second limit (SL) is five litres, below which, the communication unit (8) transmits a third alert signal to the computing unit (9) for refilling the storage tank (3).The operator monitoring the computing unit (9), upon receipt of third alert signal will take appropriate actions so that a mobile filling source (11) visits the liquid vending machine (101) for refilling [as shown in figure 5]. During refilling, the conduit from the mobile liquid source (11) is removably connected to the filling port (101c) of the storage tank (3). Refilling of storage tank (3) is permitted only when configuration of the conduit matches with configuration of the filling port (101c). This mechanism thus ensures that an unidentified mobile liquid source will not refill the storage tank (3), inherently, maintaining quality of the liquid dispensed from the storage tank (3).
The clean-in-place unit (101d) [as shown in figure 3c] is configured in the liquid vending machine (101), to clean conduits in the liquid vending machine (101) periodically. In an embodiment, the clean-in-place unit (101d) is configured outside the housing (101a) of the liquid vending machine (101). The clean-in-place unit (101d) is configured with a container comprising cleansing agent (15). The clean-in-place unit (101d) is also configured with a container containing water (16). The container containing water (16) and cleansing agent (15) [shown in figure 5] is fluidly connected to the conduits of the liquid vending machine (101) via a plurality of valves (14) [shown in figure 3b]. The plurality of valves (14) is interfaced with the control unit (6), which when operated selectively routes cleansing agent and water into the conduit. A pump (101e) is configured to pump water and cleansing agent selectively
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into the conduits of the liquid vending machine (101) for cleaning. Also, pumping water and cleansing agent into the conduits will enable to clear clogs in the conduits, thereby enable free flow of liquid in the liquid vending machine (100) during liquid dispensing. In an embodiment, the clean-in-place unit (101d) is operated by the control unit (6), when the level of liquid in the storage unit (3) reaches a third level (TL).
When liquid level in the storage tank (3) reaches the third level (TL), the clean-in-place unit (101d) is activated by the control unit (6). In an embodiment, the clean-in-place unit (101d) operates in three stages namely, flushing cycle, cleaning cycle and rinsing cycle. During flushing cycle, water from the water container (16) is pumped by the pump (101e) into the conduits of the liquid vending machine (101) via the plurality of valves (14), thereby flushing the conduit in the liquid vending machine (101). After completion of flushing cycle, the cleaning cycle is activated by the control unit (6). During cleaning cycle, the plurality of valves (14) are operated such that water and cleansing agent from the water container (16) and cleansing agent container (15) are routed into the conduit at a predetermined ratio. That is, a portion of cleansing agent is routed along with water into the conduits for cleaning the conduit of the liquid vending machine (101). In an embodiment, the cleansing agent is selected from group such as but not limiting to divosan TC-86 of concentration in the range of 1-1.5% which serves the purpose of cleansing the conduit. After the cleaning cycle, the control unit (6) activates the rinsing cycle. During the rinsing cycle, the plurality of valves (14) are operated to route water again, thereby rinsing the conduit of the liquid vending machine (101). In an embodiment, a waste disposal chamber [not shown in figures] is provisioned in the liquid vending machine (101) so that the waste fluid produced during the operation of clean-in-place unit (101d) is disposed in the waste disposal chamber.
The liquid vending machine (101) further includes a refrigeration unit (13) [shown in figure 3b] for maintaining the temperature of the liquid stored in the storage tank (3) within a pre-set temperature. The refrigeration unit (13) also ensures that the liquid is un-contaminated up to expiry of its shelf-life.
Figures 4a-4c are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating front, side and another side views of a portable liquid vending machine (101) having a housing (101a). The components of the liquid vending machine (101) as described above are accommodated in the housing (101a). The housing (101a) of the liquid vending machine (101) is provisioned with rollers (12), to ensure mobility of liquid vending machine (101). The storage tank (3) is
18
supported in the housing (101a), to prevent misalignment of the storage tank (3) during use of the liquid vending machine (101). The supports provided to the storage tank (3) can be mountings of frames, struts…etc. [not shown in figures] which serves the purpose of supporting the storage tank (3) in the housing (101a). The housing (101a) of the liquid vending machine (101) includes a platform (101b) configured to receive the dispensing container (4). The size of the platform (101b) is configured to receive dispensing container (4) of a predetermined size. The predetermined size refers to an adequate size of the dispensing container (4) which will enable the user to collect quantity or volume of liquid as per his requirement. For example, the platform (101b) can be capable of accommodating a dispensing container (4) of five litre capacity. Further, the platform (101b) is positioned on the housing (101) so that, the dispensing container (4) is placed on the platform (101b) by the user, before inputting the user’s requirement and consequently before the liquid is dispensed from the storage tank (3). The platform (101b) is positioned on the housing (101a) such that, the user can easily place the dispensing container (4) on the platform (101b) and also enable him to pick-up the dispensing container (4) effortlessly, after filling.
Further, the at least one first sensor (1) placed beneath the storage tank (3) in the housing (101a), is provided with adequate support. The support ensures that there is no variation of readings transmitted by the at least one first sensor (1) regarding the liquid level in the storage tank (3) to the control unit (6). Further, the at least one second sensor (2) placed beneath the platform (101b) in the housing (101a), receives the dispensing container (4). That is, the dispensing container (4) is placed on the platform (101c) beneath which the at least one second sensor is provisioned. Similar to the at least one first sensor (1), the at least one second sensor (2) is provided with adequate support, so that there is no variation in readings transmitted by the at least one second sensor (2) regarding liquid level in the dispensing container (4), to the control unit (6). In an embodiment, the support structures for the at least one first sensor (1) and at least one second sensor (2) is selected from group such as but not limited to frames, struts extending from the housing (101a).
Further, the input device (7) i.e. the user interface unit (7a), display interface (7b) and the payment terminal (7c) are provisioned on the housing (101a) of the liquid vending machine (101). This provision of the input device (7) enables the user to effortlessly operate the liquid vending machine (101).
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In one exemplary embodiment the operation of the liquid vending machine (101) is explained by considering milk as the liquid to be dispensed. The person skilled in the art will be able to envisage that other liquids such as beverages can be dispensed by the liquid vending machine (101) of the present disclosure.
During operation, the control unit (6) received inputs from the user by the input device (7). The input received from the user is either amount value or quantity or volume of milk to be dispensed or both based on user’s requirement. The control unit (6) computes the volume or quantity of milk to be dispensed based on the inputs received from the user. The values computed by the control unit (6) is indicated or displayed in the display interface (7b). The values indicated by the control unit (6) includes either of quantity of milk that will be dispensed or the amount that the user has to input. When the user selects any one of the indicated values, and makes the payment. The control unit (6) operates the flow control valve (7) to dispense milk into the dispensing container (4). In an embodiment, the control unit (6) indicates to the user to place the dispensing container (4) on the platform (101b) after the user selects values indicated by the control unit (6). The indication can be any one of audio or visual means. This technique ensures that milk dispensed from the liquid vending machine (101) is not wasted. When the at least one second sensor (2) detects that the quantity or volume of milk in the dispensing container (4) has reached the value as computed by the control unit (6), the control unit (6) operates the flow control valve (5) to closed condition, thereby stopping dispensing of milk from the storage tank (3).
During use, when the at least one first sensor (1) detects rise in level of milk as compared to the level of milk from previous dispensing operation, without operating the filling port (101c), the communication unit (8) transmits a second alert signal to the computing unit (9). The computing unit (9) upon receiving the second alert signal sends back a deactivation signal to the communication unit (8). The deactivation signal is processed to the control unit (6), which deactivates the liquid vending machine (101). This condition persists, when the liquid vending machine (101) is tampered by addition of additives such as water. The liquid vending machine (101) is in deactivated condition, until the operator repairs or fixes the issue with the liquid vending machine (101). In an embodiment, the operator restocks the storage tank (3) with milk to activate the liquid vending machine (101).
Further, during use when the at least one first sensor (1) detects level of milk in the storage tank (3) below the second limit (SL), the communication unit (8) transmits a third alert signal
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to the computing unit (9). The operator upon noticing receipt of third alert signal to the computing unit (9), refills the storage tank (3) by removably coupling a mobile liquid source (11) with the filling port (101c). The refilling is permitted by the control unit (6), only when the configuration of the conduit of the mobile liquid source (11) matches with configuration of filling port (101c). During filling, when the level of milk rises above the first limit (FL), the communication unit (8) transmits a first alert signal to the computing unit (9). The computing unit (9) upon receipt of the first alert signal stops filling of the storage tank (3). Thus, this technique prevents overflow of milk from the storage tank (3).
To clean the conduits of the liquid vending machine (101) after continued use, the control unit (6) operates the clean-in-place unit (101d). The clean-in-place unit (101d) also removes clogs in the conduits, so that milk can flow freely in the liquid vending machine (101).
Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a liquid vending machine, which is tamper-proof and operates without human intervention.
The present disclosure provides a liquid vending machine, which maintains hygienic condition of the liquid dispensed.
The present disclosure provides a liquid vending machine which alerts the operator for refilling and tampering of the liquid vending machine. Therefore, mitigate the need for stationing an operator for each of liquid vending machine.
The present disclosure provides a means to control a set of liquid vending machines remotely without need for stationing an operator for each liquid vending machine.
REFERRAL NUMERAL TABLE:
REFERRAL NUMERALS
DESCRIPTION
100
System for controlling liquid vending machine
101
Liquid vending machine
101a
Housing
101b
Platform
101c
Filling port
21
101d
Clean-in-place unit
101e
Pump
1
First sensor
2
Second sensor
3
Storage tank
4
Dispensing container
5
Flow control valve
5a
Valve body
5b
Solenoid plunger
5c
Spring
5d
Solenoid seat
5e
Gasket
5f
Magnetic assembly
5g
Inlet port
5h
Outlet port
5i
Auxiliary port
6
Control unit
7
Input device
7a
User interface unit
7b
Display unit
7c
Payment terminal
8
Communication unit
9
Computing unit
10
Memory unit
11
Mobile liquid source
12
Rollers of liquid vending machine
13
Refrigeration unit
14
Plurality of valves
15
Cleaning agent container
16
Water container
FL
First limit of the storage tank
SL
Second limit of the storage tank
22
TL
Third level
Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one
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of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A system (100) for controlling a liquid vending machine (101), the system (100) comprising:
at least one first sensor (1) configured to monitor quantity of liquid in a storage tank (3);
at least one second sensor (2) configured to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to a dispensing container (4) from the storage tank (3);
a flow control valve (5) fluidly connected to the storage tank (3) and configured to dispense liquid into the dispensing container (4);
an input device (7) comprising a user interface unit (7a) and a payment terminal (7c) configured to receive input from a user;
a control unit (6) interfaced with the at least one first sensor (1), the at least one second sensor (2), the flow control valve (5) and the input device (7),
wherein the control unit (6) is configured to:
receive the input from user comprising at least one of amount value and quantity of liquid to be dispensed, and indicate to the user at least one of quantity of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the input received from the input device (7); and
regulate the flow control valve (5) to dispense liquid, when at least one of the indicated values are selected by the user.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input device (7) includes a display interface (7b) to display the inputs provided by the user and the indication received from the control unit (6).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a communication unit (8) interfaced with the control unit (6).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the communication unit (8) is associated with a computing unit (9), the communication unit (8) is configured to transmit an alert signal to the computing unit (9) upon detecting variation of liquid level in the storage tank (3) by the at least one first sensor (1).
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5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits first alert signal to the computing unit (9) upon detection of level of liquid in the storage tank (3) above a first limit (FL) during refilling of storage tank (3).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits second alert signal to the computing unit (9) when the level of liquid in the storage tank (3) increases more than the level of liquid detected after previous dispensing operation, without operating a filling port (101c).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the communication unit (8) is configured to receive a deactivation signal to deactivate the liquid vending machine (101) from the computing unit (9), wherein the deactivation signal is generated by the computing unit (9) upon receiving the second alert signal from the communication unit (8).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits third alert signal to the computing device (9), when the liquid level in the storage tank (3) is below a second limit (SL).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor (1) and the second sensor (2) is a load cell.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is associated with a memory unit (10), the memory unit (10) configured to store computations required for computing the volume of liquid to be dispensed based on inputs received from the user via the input device (7).
11. A method for controlling a liquid dispensing machine (101), the method comprising acts of:
receiving, by a control unit (6), an user input comprising at least one of amount value and quantity of liquid to be dispensed through an input device (7);
indicating, by the control unit (6), at least one of volume of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the user input;
26
operating, by the control unit, a flow control valve (5) to dispense the liquid from a storage tank (3) to a dispensing container (4) when at least one of the indicated values are selected by the user; and
receiving, by the control unit (6), a quantity of liquid in the dispensing container (6) through at least one second sensor (2), wherein the control unit (6) operates the flow control valve (5) to stop the flow of liquid to the dispensing container (4) when the quantity of the liquid detected by the at least one second sensor (2) is equal to predetermined quantity.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the predetermined quantity is determined by the control unit (6) based on the user input.
13. A liquid vending machine (101), comprising:
a storage tank (3);
a dispensing container (4);
a flow control valve (5) fluidly connected to the storage tank (3) and configured to dispense liquid into the dispensing container (4);
a system (100) for controlling flow of liquid from the flow control valve (5), the system (100) comprising:
at least one first sensor (1) configured to monitor quantity of liquid in the storage tank (3);
at least one second sensor (2) configured to detect quantity of liquid dispensed to the dispensing container (4) from the storage tank (3);
an input device (7) comprising a user interface unit (7a) and a payment terminal (7c) configured to receive input from a user;
a control unit (6) interfaced with at least one first sensor (1), at least one second sensor (2), flow control valve (5) and the input device (7); and
wherein the control unit (6) is configured to:
receive the input from user comprising at least one of amount value and volume of liquid to be dispensed , and indicate to a user at least one of volume of liquid will be dispensed and amount to be inputted based on the input received from the input device (7); and
27
regulate the flow control valve (5) to dispense liquid, when at least one of the indicated values are selected by the user.
14. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the input device (7) includes a display interface (7b) to display the inputs provided by the user and the indication received from the control unit (6).
15. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the storage tank (3), the dispensing container (4), flow control valve (5) and the system (100) are enclosed in a housing (101a).
16. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13 comprises a communication unit (8) interfaced with the control unit (6).
17. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication unit (8) is associated with a computing unit (9), the communication unit (8) is configured to transmit an alert signal to the computing unit (9) based on variation of liquid level in the storage tank (3).
18. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits first alert signal to the computing unit (9) upon detection of level of liquid in the storage tank (3) above a first limit (FL), during refilling of storage tank (3).
19. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits second alert signal to the computing unit (9), when the level of liquid in the storage tank (3) increases more than the level of liquid detected after previous dispensing operation, without operating a filling port (101c).
20. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the communication unit (8) is configured to receive a deactivation signal to deactivate the liquid vending machine (101) from the computing unit (9), wherein the deactivation signal is generated by the computing unit (9) upon receiving the second alert signal from the communication unit (8).
28
21. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication unit (8) transmits third alert signal to the computing unit (9), when the liquid level in the storage tank (3) is below a second limit (SL).
22. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first sensor (1) and the second sensor (2) is a load cell.
23. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control unit (6) is associated with a memory unit (10), the memory unit (10) configured to store computations required for computing the volume of liquid to be dispensed based on inputs received from the user via the input device (7).
24. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a filling port (101c) is configured in the housing (101a), and is adapted to be removably coupled to a mobile liquid source (11) for refilling the storage tank (3).
25. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13 comprises a clean-in-place unit (101d) to flush fluid lines of the liquid vending machine (101).
26. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the clean-in-place unit (101d) is interfaced with the control unit (6), the control unit (6) configured to operate the clean-in-place unit (101d) upon receiving a signal from the computing unit (9).
27. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the clean-in-place unit (101d) is operated by the control unit (6), when the liquid level in the storage tank (3) is below a third level (TL).
28. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13 comprises a refrigeration unit (13), configured to maintain temperature of the liquid in the storage tank (3) within a pre-set temperature range.
29. The liquid vending machine (101) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the liquid is selected to be at least one of water, milk, juices, and beverages..