Patent attributes
Disclosed is a conductivity detector assembly for use with a beverage preparation apparatus as well as a hot water dispensing apparatus. The conductivity detecting assembly includes a non-conductive spacer for spacing apart a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. A conductive path extends through the non-conductive spacer connecting the first and second conductive portions. An exterior surface of the non-conductive spacer is provided in a configuration, for example a generally conical shape with sloped sides, for shedding liquid away from the first conductive portion. A conductive circuit is completed when liquid is retained in the reservoir, the level at which contact can be made between the first conductive portion and a corresponding interior surface or conductive portion of the reservoir. When the conductive circuit is broken the conductivity detector provides a signal to a controller associated with the device indicating that the level has dropped below the level at which the first conductive portion is positioned in the reservoir. Also disclosed are methods for use of the conductivity detector assembly and methods for cleaning a beverage preparation apparatus or a hot water dispenser employing the conductivity detector assembly.
