Automatic drink dispenser warning system - gives two-stage indication of imminent emptying of liquid container

摘要

An automatic drink dispenser with a warning system has a pressurised liquid tank supported on a tipping platform having a knife-edge bearing at one end. The weight of the platform and tank is compensated by a compression coil spring fixed to a base plate. The base plate has a stop against which the platform rests when supporting a fully-laden tank. In this position, an adjustable actuator plate operates two microswitches connected to indicator lamps and a power supply. The switch contacts are open so that the lamps are extinguished. As the tank reaches the nearly empty position, the rising platform and actuator allow the switches to operate one after the other to light the lamps to give a two-stage warning of the imminent emptying of the liquid reservoir.