| abstract |
The present invention is directed generally to the field carbonated beverage dispensing systems having a replaceable carbon dioxide storage cylinder. Such systems may be embodied in the form of a unitary apparatus including, but not exclusively, on-bench, under-bench or freestanding beverage cooling units. The invention may be in the form of a beverage dispensing unit comprising a gas input connector configured to make gas tight connection to a gas container configured to hold a gas under pressure, and a mass detection device, wherein the gas input connector and mass detection device are arranged such that when a gas container is connected to the gas input connector, the mass detection device is capable of detecting a mass associated with the gas container. A gas container support may be provided so as to maintain the gas container connected to the gas input connector in a position such that it bears on the mass detection device so as to allow the mass detection device to measure the mass of the gas container and any gas contained therein. |