Leopard ValveElectronic Ratio Valve

ERV

Leopard valve

ERV - Dimensions:

ERV - Functionality

The ERV is a post-mix valve that uses a combination of sensors, stepper motors and aPC board to control flow rate and ratio.

When the valve is actuated, a signal is sent tothe PC board to start flow. The syrup and watermodules open allowing soda (or water) and syrup to enter the mixing body. The PC boardmonitors water flow rate based on informationsent by a small flow turbine. Syrup flow ismonitored by two transducers (pressure sensors)located on the syrup module.

The PC board calculates actual ratio and compares that to the programmed ratio. The PCBthen adjusts the stepper motor positions as needed to regulate the flow rate and ratio. Whenthe activation signal is released, the steppermotors close on both the syrup and water sides,completing the drink cycle.

ERV - Functionality

The valve is programmed using a PDA or TomCat device to set flow rate, and ratio. In addition, the PDA ( only ) can be used toobtain the following Diagnostic information

1. Valve Serial Number2. Current Flavor3. Finished Drink Ratio4. Flow Rate5. Total, syrup and water dispense volumes

Since the valve is opened and closed using stepper motors, it has a backup power supply system that will not activate the valve until it isfully charged.This can take several (3-4) minutes upon initialdispenser power up. If there is a power failure, the back up system provides power for the valve to close.

ERV - Features

IMPROVED QUALITY:

Electronically adjusts to provide correct water/syrup ratio on every dispense

Ratio not affected by syrup temperature or system pressure changes

Detects, indicates, & stops dispense when syrup or water are depleted to limit waste and poor served drink

Excellent casual drink temperature performance

ERV - Features

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

Ratio re-adjustments are not necessary

Re-adjustments of volume portions are not necessary

True volume controlled portions resulting in less crew intervention

System information stored within valve memory

Improved drink customer perception due to visual pouring without pulsating water and then syrup, continuous, quiet flow stream

ERV - Technical specifications:

Power requirements 24V, 50 or 60 Hz, 1A

Flow range 1.5 oz/sec to 6.0 oz/sec45 ml/sec to 180 ml/sec

Flow Control Constant volume feedback loopfor water and syrup.

Ratio Range 3.5:1 to 10:1

Ratio Control Ratio priority feedback loopfor water and syrup.

Supply Sold-Out Indicator LED on front panelfor water and syrup depletionautomatic return to normal

operation on replenishment of supply

ERV - Literature

BrochureInstallation ManualService ManualOperator ManualCrew Training ManualTrouble Shooting GuideIllustrated Parts ListTomCat ManualPresentations:

Commercial introductionTechnical training

ERV - Approvals

TCCC Authorization since June 2007

McDonald’s Global releasesince April 2008

Agency listings

ERV - Issues

Initial ERV Set-up device:Windows Pocket PC – HP iPAQ Serial Communication Port2008 – coming obsolete

US Investigates:New Software based on Windows XP - LaptopNew Software based on Windows Mobile - HandheldEnhance TomCat device with diagnostics Coca-Cola “Red Brick” device (?)

Technician device:IMI-Cornelius development “TomCat”Cheap and very easy to useNo Diagnostics feature

ERV - Issues

Open issue: Cleaning Syrup lines

Solution: New development of Cleaning Plug

Timeline:Field-test device available June 2008

Production release July 2008

PN: 620xxxxxx

Mini USB connector

2 “

1 “

What is a STEPPER MOTOR ?

Measures and controls water flow through the valve

Stepper Motor

Flow Turbine

Stepper Motor

Linear Stepper Motor

Case contains rotor and bearings

Shaft moves up and down to regulate flow through the V-Groove

V – Groove Technology

V-Groove gives linear flow control

Cornelius Patent

Stepper Motor Shaft

V - Groove

Flow Rate

Position

Needle Valve

Patented V-Groove

Flow TurbineWater

Rotor

Water Flow

Optical Transmitter

Guide Vane

Optical Receiver

IR beam is interrupted by the rotor

Optical Digital Device

6 pulses / ml

Pressure TransducerSyrup

Differential pressure measured across an orifice plate

Pressure Transducer

Orifice Plate

Syrup

Valve Setup Syrup Settings

Differential Signal from pressure transducer

Flow

None Sugar

Sugar

Syrup Type

Differential Signal from pressure transducer

Flow

Curve offset sets flavor

+ offset

- offset

RTD Flow Rate

ONZ / sec ML / sec

1.50 44

1.75 52

2.00 59

2.25 67

2.50 74

2.75 81

3.00 89