WO2007068027A1 - Beverage dispensing apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system is disclosed. The beverage dispensing system has one or more beverage dispensing apparatus that each have a control module, a plurality of light sources that are operated under the control of the control module and an actuation indicator that communicates actuation data to the control module to indicate that the beverage dispensing apparatus has been actuated. The beverage dispensing apparatus also has a controller that is in communication with at least one of the beverage dispensing apparatus. The controller is configured to communicate control instructions to the control module of each beverage dispensing apparatus and receive actuation data from the control module of each beverage dispensing apparatus.

Description

TITLE BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a beverage dispensing apparatus and system. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a beverage dispensing apparatus and a system for operating one or more beverage dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The production and sale of alcoholic beverages, and in particular beer, has taken place throughout human history. In modern times, the alcohol industry has evolved into a multi billion dollar a year business with a large proportion of alcohol sales occurring over the counter at pubs, clubs, bars and the like with profits from the sale of alcohol divided between the supplier of the product and the sale venue. Due to the large size of the alcohol industry, competition between alcohol suppliers and also between venues that serve alcohol for consumption at the venue, such as pubs, clubs, bars and the like is intense. As such, large amounts of money are spent on marketing to attract customers to purchase one brand of beer, for example, over another. Additionally, venues that serve alcohol for consumption at the venues spend large amounts of money on marketing in order to attract and retain patronage.

The sale of beer over a bar or counter at a pub is generally in the form of tapped beer. Tapped beer is dispensed using a dispensing tap which is connected to a keg by way of tubing or the like. The dispensing tap is operated using a handle extending substantially vertically above the dispensing tap. The tap handle is generally visible to a customer at the bar or counter.

Traditionally, distributors of beer have located a static image on the top of the tap viewable by a patron and relating to the type of beer. These static images provide advertising for the beer distributor's product and act as an enticement for a patron at the bar.

Recently, it has been known in the art to use illuminated handles to make one particular kind of beer stand out from other kinds of beer in a series of tap handles and thus entice a patron to buy that type of beer over another type. WO 99/33746 discloses a tap handle for a beer delivery arrangement having a housing that contains an electrical circuit and rechargeable batteries. Light emitting diodes form part of the circuit and are disposed behind a transparent or translucent face of the handle to illuminate the face upon the circuit receiving power from the batteries. United States Patent application 10/783,664 discloses a beverage tap handle having a body portion and a handle portion. A battery, a light sensor, a microprocessor, a motion sensor and a timer are disposed within the body portion. The handle portion is formed from a translucent material having an internal cavity for accepting the body portion. The light source projects light within the handle to thus illuminate the handle under control of the microprocessor. The motion sensor detects when the handle has been moved to dispense a beverage in order that the microprocessor can interrupt power supplied to the light source. Additionally, the timer causes electrical current to be interrupted to the light source from the battery when a predetermined period of time has expired. The above prior art beverage dispensing apparatus have a limited functionality. Hence, it is desirable to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus that has broad functionality to facilitate marketing of beverages and venues that sell beverages. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a beverage dispensing system comprising: one or more beverage dispensing apparatus, each beverage dispensing apparatus having: a control module; a plurality of light sources operable under control of the control module; and an actuation indicator to communicate data to the control module to indicate that the beverage dispensing apparatus has been actuated; and a controller in communication with the control module of at least one of the beverage dispensing apparatus, the controller configured to communicate control instructions to the control module of at least one beverage dispensing apparatus to control illumination of the plurality of light sources and receive actuation data from the control module of at least one of the beverage dispensing apparatus to indicate that the beverage dispensing apparatus has been actuated. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG 1A shows an exploded view of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 1B shows a schematic side view of the beverage dispensing apparatus shown in FIG 1A;

FIG 2A shows a sectional schematic side view an illumination device forming part of the beverage dispensing apparatus shown in FIG 1A;

FIG 2B shows a sectional schematic side view of a control and display arrangement forming part of the beverage dispensing apparatus shown in FIG 1A;

FIG 2C shows a schematic plan view of a control and display arrangement forming part of the beverage dispensing apparatus shown in FIG 1A; FIG 2D shows a side view of a handle mounted upon an illumination device of the beverage dispensing apparatus shown in FIG 1 A;

FIG 3 shows a beverage dispensing system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG 4 shows a beverage dispensing system according to a further embodiment of the invention; and FIG 5 shows a beverage dispensing system according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG 1A shows an exploded view of a beverage dispensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG 1B shows a schematic side view of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100. Beverage dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a handle 110 and an illumination module 120 mateable with handle 110.

Handle 110 has a lever portion 111 and a mating portion 112 located at an end of lever portion 111. Lever portion 111 is formed from a durable transparent or translucent material such as glass, acrylic, urethane, resin or the like. Preferably, mating portion 112 is integrally formed with lever portion 111. Alternatively, lever portion 112 and mating portion 111 are formed separately with mating portion 111 being securely fastened to lever portion 112. Illumination module 120 has a protective housing 122 and electrical cabling 121 extending from within housing 122. Illumination module 120 will be discussed in greater detail below.

Illumination module 120 is mounted upon a known beverage dispensing mechanism 10 having beverage supply conduit 11 attached thereto. Handle 110 is securely mounted upon illumination module 120. As is known in the art, when handle 110 is pulled, beverage dispensing mechanism 10 is actuated such that beverage is dispensed from nozzle 12.

FIG 2A shows a sectional schematic side view of illumination module 120.

Illumination module 120 has an upper cavity 123, a lower cavity 124 and a mounting aperture 125 connecting upper cavity 123 and lower cavity 124. Mounting aperture 125 is defined by an enclosed ring shaped cavity 126 formed from a clear resin housing 126A. Optionally, housing 126A may be formed from a clear urethane or the like. Preferably, illumination module 120 is formed from stainless steel or plated glass in order to prevent corrosion. Upper cavity 123 receives mating portion 112 of handle 110 such that handle 110 is securely mounted on illumination module 120. Preferably, upper cavity 123 is a threaded cavity with mating portion 112 of handle 110 having a corresponding thread in order that handle 110 is securely mounted upon illumination module 120. Optionally, mating portion 112 has two protrusions and upper cavity 123 has corresponding apertures for receiving these protrusions in order to securely mount handle 110 on illumination module 120. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other known methods may be employed to mount handle 110 on illumination module 120.

Lower cavity 124 is adapted to receive a top side of beverage dispensing mechanism 10 such that illumination module 120 is securely mounted upon beverage dispensing mechanism 10. Generally, beverage dispensing mechanisms have an upwardly extending protrusion that acts as an actuation lever for dispensing beverage supplied by conduit 11. As such, this protrusion extends through lower cavity 124 and through mounting aperture 125 such that illumination module 120 is mounted upon beverage dispensing mechanism 10. Suitably, a bolt or stud is used to hold the upwardly extending protrusion within mounting aperture 125 such that illumination module 120 is securely mounted upon beverage dispensing mechanism 10.

It will be appreciated by a skilled person that various beverage dispensing apparatus will have different mounting arrangements. As such, illumination device 120 may vary structurally in order that it may be securely mounted upon beverage dispensing mechanism 10. Regardless of the specific mounting configuration presented by beverage dispensing mechanism 10, handle 110 is securely mounted upon illumination module 120 which in turn is securely mounted upon beverage dispensing mechanism 10 such that when handle 110 is pulled, beverage dispensing device is actuated such that liquid is supplied from conduit 11 via nozzle 12.

A control and display arrangement 130 is located within enclosed ring shaped cavity 126 as shown. FIG 2B shows a schematic side view of control and display arrangement

130. FIG 2C shows a schematic plan view of control and display arrangement 130. Control and display arrangement 130 comprises a control module in the form of a ring shaped printed circuit board 131 defining a central mounting aperture 132. A series of spaced light sources 133 are located on ring shaped printed circuit board 131. Preferably, light sources 133 are space radially about ring shaped printed circuit board 131. Alternatively, light sources 133 may be spaced in any desirable configuration.

Each light source 133 is preferably in the form of a multi color light emitting diode. Optionally, each light source 133 is in the form of a fiber optic light source mounted upon ring shaped printed circuit board 131. Each light source is operable based upon instructions communicated along electrical cabling 121 to ring shaped printed circuit board 131 as will be discussed in more detail below. Additionally, electrical cabling 121 provides power to ring shaped printed circuit board 131 and light sources 133. An actuation indicator in the form of a tilt switch 134 forms part of control and display arrangement 130. Tilt switch 134 is mounted on, and in communication with, ring shaped printed circuit board 131. Tilt switch 134 provides the control module in the form of ring shaped printed circuit board with an indication as to when handle 110 has been pulled and thus when a beverage has been dispensed at nozzle 12 as will be discussed in more detail below.

The beverage dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention provides a controllable display of lighting and graphics at the handle 110. Light sources 133 illuminates the translucent handle 110 to provide an attractive display to customers at a bar, restaurant or the like to entice them to drink a particular brand of beverage and/or to frequent that location. Additionally, the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 provides for sequenced illumination of a plurality of handles 110 and/or in response to certain conditions as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG 2D shows a preferred mating arrangement for handle 110 with illumination module 120. Illumination module 120 is located upon an upwardly extending protrusion, in the form of bolt 20, of beverage dispensing mechanism 10. Bolt 20 extends within mounting cavity 125 of illumination module 120.

Mating portion 112 of handle 110 extends within upper cavity 123 of illumination module 120. As shown, mating portion 112 of handle 110 has a groove 113 extending circumferentially about mating portion 112. Additionally, illumination module 120 has a threaded upper portion 127.

In order to secure handle 110 on illumination module 120 mating portion 112 is located within upper cavity 123 of illumination module 120. A locking ring 116 is then threaded upon threaded upper portion 127 of illumination module 120. As shown, locking ring 116 has a corresponding thread 116A to threaded upper portion 127 of illumination module 120.

A high density O-ring 114 is then located within groove 113 in order to firmly locate handle 110 within illumination module 120. Additionally, a sealing o-ring 115 is located within a groove 116B at an upper extent of locking ring 116 in order to ensure that no moisture penetrates within illumination module 120.

As shown, handle 110 has a locking pin 117 located within a groove 128 of illumination module 120 in order to prevent axial rotation of handle 110 with respect to illumination module 120.

FIG 3 shows a beverage dispensing system 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. A master controller 300 is in communication with a plurality of slave controllers 200. Each slave controller 200 is in data communication with a plurality of beverage dispensing apparatus 100 by means of electrical cable 121. Additionally, power source 400 provides power to the master controller 300 and each slave controller 200. The slave controllers 200 provide electrical power to each respective beverage dispensing apparatus 100 connected thereto.

Preferably, each slave controller 200 and the master controller 300 are in the form of proprietary computing devices and are configured to receive, process, store and communicate information and, in the case of the slave controllers 200, able to supply power to the illumination module 120 of each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 associated therewith.

Alternatively, the master controller 300 may be in direct communication with the control module in the form of ring shaped printed circuit board 131 of the illumination module 120 of each beverage dispensing apparatus 100. Optionally, master controller 300 further includes an interface port to allow a personal computing device to store instruction sets and display routines within a memory of the master controller 300 as well as retrieve data stored within the memory as will be discussed below.

Preferably, master controller 300 has a touch screen interface in order that a user may interact with master controller 300 to extract data stored therein and to issue instructions as will be discussed below.

The control module 131 of the control and display arrangement 130 of each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 is separately addressable from the master controller 300 in order that control instructions may be communicated to a particular control module 131.

This addressing scheme discussed above and the display system 1000 provides for a versatile and flexible display at beverage dispensing apparatus 100 that is distinct from prior art illumination beverage dispensing tap devices.

For example, events may be detected at each tap and the occurrence of these events may be stored at the master controller 300. Such an event may occur when a beverage is dispensed at a beverage dispensing apparatus 100.

As the lever portion 111 of handle 110 is pulled, actuation indicator in the form of the tilt switch 134 is actuated and communicates a signal in the form of actuation data to the control module in the form of ring shaped printed circuit board 131. This signal is then communicated from ring shaped printed circuit board 131 to a respective slave controller 200 and then forwarded onto the master controller

300.

Alternatively, the signal may be communicated directly from the control module 131 to master controller 300. The signal received at master controller 300 contains an indication as to the event, in this case a dispensing event, and the unique address of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 at which the event occurred. This information is stored at master controller 300.

Additionally, master controller 300 is able to control the illumination characteristics of the illumination modules 120 of each beverage dispensing apparatus 100. For example, master controller 300 has stored therein an illumination sequence for a bank of beverage dispensing apparatus 100A that are in communication with slave controller 200A. The master controller 300 then communicates illumination instructions to each illumination module 120AA to 120AD in order that they are able to illuminate light sources 133 of each illumination module 120 in a predetermined sequence. These instructions may also contain instructions as to not only when to illuminate but may also contain instructions as to the color of the illumination and other such details.

Alternatively, illumination sequences may be stored in each slave controller 200 and have a sequence identifier associated. The master controller 300 is then able to instruct each slave controller 200 as to the illumination sequence that the respective bank of beverage dispensing apparatus associated therewith must display. The slave controller 200 then communicates control instructions to each control module 131 with which it is in communication to illuminate the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 as required.

Additionally, system 1000 allows for the provision of "jackpot" type features. In a preferred form, when an event, for example a dispensing event, occurs at a beverage dispensing apparatus 100, this information in the form of actuation data is communicated to master controller 300 as previously discussed. Master controller 300 then determines whether a jackpot should be awarded and, if so, communicates control information in the form of a jackpot illumination command to the unique address of the beverage dispensing apparatus 1000 at which the dispensing event has occurred. For example, the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 may flash in a distinctive manner or in bright distinctive colors. This illumination behavior provides an indication to the patron and the bar staff that the beverage is to be awarded to the patron for free. Alternatively, the patron may be awarded other promotional merchandise or vouchers in order that they are enticed to return to the bar at a later time.

The master controller 300 may use various methods when determining whether a jackpot should be awarded in response to an event, such as a dispensing event. In it's simplest form, the master controller 300 commences a random number generation routine every time a dispensing event occurs and, should the random number generated fall within a range of values, a jackpot is awarded and the master controller issues a jackpot illumination command to the illumination module 120 of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100.

Alternatively, the master controller 300 may issue a jackpot illumination command to a random beverage dispensing apparatus 100 at random time periods.

In a further form, the master controller 300 has associated with each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 the brand of beverage that is dispensed therefrom. The master controller 300 is then able to issue jackpot illumination commands to individual beverage dispensing apparatus at predetermined times, for predetermined periods, during which the beverage dispensed therefrom is free to patrons. Alternatively, the master controller 300 maintains a counter of the number of free beverages dispensed at each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 to ensure that a limit dispensed per unit time period is not exceeded.

In still a further form, the master controller 300 maintains a counter of the number of dispense events that occur at each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 and issues a jackpot illumination command to the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 when the counter reaches a predetermined number. Suitably, the counter is reset once the jackpot illumination command has been issued. Optionally, the counter maintained by master controller 300 is a counter for the number of dispense events that occur at all beverage dispensing apparatus 100 that are in communication with master controller 300. Alternatively, a counter is maintained for a subset of all beverage dispensing apparatus 100 where the subset may suitably represent beverage dispensing apparatus 100 that dispense the same beverage or brand of beverage.

In this way, beverage distributors are able to have venues that utilize the beverage dispenser apparatus 100 of the present invention to carry out promotional campaigns to promote their product and are able to obtain from the data stored within master controller 300 details as to the number of sales of their product and hence be able to determine the effectiveness and penetration of the marketing campaign.

In still a further form, the master controller 300 may issue a jackpot illumination command to a beverage dispensing apparatus 100 in response to a timeout event occurring. In this case, the master controller 300 maintains a timer for each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 forming system 1000 and, when a dispense event has not occurred at a particular beverage dispensing apparatus 100 for a predetermined period of time, the master controller 300 can issue a predetermined number of jackpot illumination commands to that beverage dispensing apparatus 100.

Optionally, master controller 300 may include various command buttons that allow a user of system 1000 to adjust the illumination sequences of each bank of beverage dispensing apparatus 100. Furthermore, master controller 300 may also be in communication with an audio visual system in order that audio and graphics may be controlled in concert with the illumination displays on the illuminated beverage dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention.

FIG 4 shows beverage dispensing system 2000 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown, illumination system 2000 is similar to that shown in FIG 3 except illumination system 2000 includes a personal computer 500 in place of master controller 300. Personal computer 500 executes proprietary software to administer the illumination displays at each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 as well as controlling the various jackpotting routines as discussed above.

Additionally, a control module 510 in the form of a keyboard/mouse arrangement as is known in the art is also in communication with personal computer 500 in order that a user may dynamically alter illumination displays at each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 as discussed above. A display module 520, in the form of a computer monitor or large screen display is also in communication with personal computer 500.

Preferably, personal computer 500 communicates with each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 via slave controllers 200 through interface module 530 executing translation software 570. The interface module 530 provides DMX instructions to control the illumination and display sequences of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100. DMX is a protocol DMX which allows theatre lighting control desks to communicate with lighting equipment. It was designed to allow equipment from different companies to be used together easily.

Alternatively, personal computer 500 communicates with each slave controller 200 using a proprietary instruction protocol.

FIG 5 shows a beverage dispensing system 3000 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

As before, master controller 300 is in communication with one or more slave controllers 200 and each slave controller 200 is in communication with one or more beverage dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention.

Alternatively, master controller 300 is in direct communication with the plurality of beverage dispensing apparatus 100.

Master controller 300 is also in communication with a display device 3100.

Display device 3100 is preferably in the form of one or more display monitors such as televisions, projectors, LCD screens or the like distributed around the venue within which the master controller is located. The display device further includes an audio system located at the venue.

Additionally, master controller 300 is in communication with a printer 3200 for printing promotion material as will be discussed in greater detail below. The beverage dispensing system 3000 shown in FIG 5 further includes a telecommunications network in the form of Internet 3300, a management module 3400 and a plurality of computing devices 3500.

The master controller 300 is in communication with telecommunications network in the form of Internet 3300. The management module 3400 is in communication with internet 300 and hence is in operative communication with the master controller 300. The management module 3400 is in the form of a server as is known the art for storing data received from the master controller 300. Additionally, management module 3400 is configured to communicated instructions to master controller 300.

Each of the plurality of computing devices 3500 are in communication with telecommunications network in the form of Internet 3300 and hence are in operative communication with management module 3400.

The management module 3400 provides a web-based interface for each of the plurality of computing devices to interact with master controller 300 and to view data recorded at master controller 300.

As previously discussed, the master controller collects data from each of the venue beverage dispensing apparatus 100 such as the number of times each beverage apparatus has been actuated, the time of actuation and the type or brand of the product that is dispensed from each beverage dispensing apparatus 100. The master controller 300 receives this data from respective slave controllers 200 or, alternatively, directly from each of the plurality of each beverage dispensing apparatus. The data is then communicated, via Internet

3300 to the management module 3400 and is stored therein in association with an identifier of the venue.

Suitably, the control module 131 of each beverage dispensing apparatus

100 is uniquely identifiable and addressable from management module 3400.

Preferably, the addressing scheme is a hierarchical addressing scheme such that the unique identifier and address of each control module 131 is made up of the unique address across all venues of the master controller 300 concatenated with the unique address within the venue of the slave controller 200 concatenated with the interface port of the slave controller 200 that the control module 131 of each beverage dispensing apparatus 100 is in communication with. Alternatively, other known unique addressing and identification schemes readily identified by a person skilled in the art may be employed.

The venue operator can then access this data from a location geographically separated from the venue in order to view in real time data in relation to sales of product brands and type collected by master controller 300. Suitably, the management module 3400 provides a secure, password protected web based interface for the venue operator to access data from one or more venues under the control of the operator.

Furthermore, the management module 3400 is configured to receive instructions from the computing device 3500 operated by the venue operator to control the master controller 300 in order to illuminate beverage dispensing apparatus 100, or a particular, separately addressable beverage dispensing apparatus 100.

Additionally, the computing device 3500 operated by the venue operator is able to communicate instructions to the management module 3400 which in turn communicates the instructions to the master controller 300 to operate the display device 3100 and/or the printer 3200.

For example, the venue operator, after reviewing data communicated from the master controller 300 to management module 3400, may determine that a short term incentive should be offered to patrons at the venue to encourage purchase of a type of beverage dispensed from one or more of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100. In this case, the venue operator is able to communicate instructions from their personal computing device 3500 to management module 3400. Management module 3400 in turn communicates data to master controller 300 to illuminate one or more beverage dispensing apparatus 100 in a manner that indicates that beverage dispensed from that beverage dispensing apparatus 100 is being offered at a reduced price. For example, the venue operator may increase the frequency of jackpots, as discussed above, to facilitate increased consumption.

Optionally, the management module 3400 communicates instructions to the master controller 300 to trigger display device 3100 to provide an indication to the patronage about the short term marketing campaign. Alternatively, the management module 3400 may communicate instructions to master controller 300 to configure the master controller to print on printer 3200 a limited number of discount offers for patrons at the venue. Alternatively, the data communicated to the master controller 300 may be limited to a subset of beverage dispensing apparatus 100 from the total of beverage dispensing apparatus 100 at the venue, as selected by the venue operator, with the subset dispensing a particular type or brand of beverage.

Suitably, the management module 3400 provides interactive functionality by way of a internet enable interface, to facilitate this direct short term marketing in order to enable the venue operator, using their personal computing device 3500, to control master controller 300 as discussed above.

In a further form, a distributor of beverage products is able to view in real time, or near real time, via the interface provided by management module 3400 the consumption of their beverage type or brand over a plurality of geographically separate locations. In this way, the beverage distributor or venue operator is able to view consumption data in real time and manage short term marketing campaigns to increase consumption as discussed above.

Furthermore, venue operators that own more than a single venue and/or beverage distributors that distribute their product across a number of venues are able to offer a promotional campaign and/or jackpotting function, as discussed above, across a number of geographical separate venues simultaneously such that the process of determining when to award the jackpot and the unique address of the control module 131 of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100, for example, is conducted by the management module 3400.

Furthermore, management module 3400 is able to communicate video content to a number of master controllers 300 to display on a respective display device 3100 in communication therewith simultaneously.

The beverage dispensing apparatus and system of the invention offers venue operators and beverage distributors with the facility to drive beverage sales through point of sale marketing techniques in real time based on real time consumption data across a number of geographically separate venues.

The apparatus and system of the invention provides operators and distributors the facility to view, in real time, consumption statistics of beverages and offer short term marketing campaigns to rapidly react to down turn in consumption over short time periods. The apparatus and system of the invention further provides for the facility for the operators and distributors to determine, in real time, the success of these promotional campaigns.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. For example, handle 110 and illumination module 120 of the beverage dispensing apparatus of the invention may be integrally formed. Additionally, master controller 300 may be operable in response to instructions received from a remote control unit (not shown) to control the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention. In this embodiment, a user may interact with master controller 300 via radio communication from a remote control unit as is known in the art. It will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system comprising: one or more beverage dispensing apparatus, each beverage dispensing apparatus having: a control module; a plurality of light sources operable under control of the control module; and an actuation indicator to communicate actuation data to the control module to indicate that the beverage dispensing apparatus has been actuated; and a controller in communication with the control module of at least one of the beverage dispensing apparatus, the controller configured to communicate control instructions to the control module of at least one beverage dispensing apparatus to control illumination of the plurality of light sources and receive actuation data from the control module of at least one of the beverage dispensing apparatus to indicate that the beverage dispensing apparatus has been actuated.

2. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the controller is a slave controller and the system further comprises a master controller in communication with one or more slave controllers, each of the one or more slave controllers being in communication with at least two beverage dispensing apparatus.

3. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the master controller is configured to communicate control instructions to the one or more slave controllers and receive actuation data from the one or more slave controllers to indicate that a beverage dispensing device in communication with one of the one or more slave controllers has been actuated.

4. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the controller stores the actuation data received from the one or more beverage dispensing apparatus.

5. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the controller stores the actuation data received from the one or more beverage dispensing apparatus in association with an indication of the time the respective beverage dispensing apparatus was actuated.

6. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the controller stores the actuation data received from the one or more beverage dispensing apparatus in association with a type and/or brand of beverage dispensed from the respective beverage dispensing apparatus.

7. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the control module of each of the one or more beverage dispensing apparatus has a unique address such that each of the beverage dispensing apparatus is separately addressable by the controller.

8. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured with a jackpot feature and, in the event that the jackpot feature indicates a jackpot should be awarded in respect of a beverage dispensing apparatus, the controller is further configured to communicate control instructions to the control module of a selected beverage dispensing apparatus to thereby operate the plurality of light sources of the selected beverage dispensing apparatus.

9. The beverage dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the jackpot feature of the controller is in the form of a random number generator, the controller configured to initiate the random number generator upon receipt of actuation data from a control module of one of the beverage dispensing apparatus and communicate control instructions to the control module of that beverage dispensing apparatus to control the plurality of light sources in the event that the random number generated by the random number generator is the same as one or more predetermined numbers.

10. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller implements the jackpot feature at a random time period and communicates control instructions to the control module of a random beverage dispensing apparatus.

11. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a management module in communication with the controller via a telecommunications network, the management module configured to receive actuation data from the controller and communicate control instructions to the controller via the telecommunications network.

12. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the management module is in communication with a plurality of controllers, each controller being in communication with the control module of one or more beverage dispensing apparatus.

13. The beverage dispensing system of claim 11 , wherein the management module is in communication with a plurality of controllers, each controller being in communication with the control module of one or more beverage dispensing apparatus, each beverage dispensing apparatus being separately addressable by the management module.

14. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the management module provides an web interface accessible via the telecommunications network by a computing device in order that a user of the computing device is able to communicate control instructions to the control module of one or more beverage dispensing apparatus via the web interface provided by the management module.

15. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the management module stores the actuation data received from the controller in, the actuation data being stored in association with a respective beverage dispensing apparatus, the management module providing a web interface accessible via the telecommunication network in order that a user may view the actuation data using a computing device in communication with the telecommunications network.

16. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display device operable under control of the controller.

17. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation indicator is a tilt switch.

18. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the beverage dispensing apparatus further comprises a translucent handle, the light sources being configured to illuminate at least a portion of the translucent handle under control of the control module.