Sensors brew drinks safely

Paris, France--You are racing against the flow of traffic to make it to your 9 o'clock meeting. Just as you finish brewing coffee, the phone rings. Do you let go of the steering wheel, ignore the phone, or frantically try to set down your coffee cup?

EVAN manufactures Diwwy, an automatic hot-drinks dispenser that fits into any type of vehicle.

This system consists of:

- A command unit connected to the car battery and attached to the dashboard by a Dual Lock adhesive strip from 3M.

- A mineral water bottle secured in the trunk by a fastening plate and rubber belt.

- An electronic technical control box located beneath the passenger's seat connects to the car's battery by electric wire and operates at an intensity of 18A (less than air conditioning). The control box also houses a heating reservoir.

- A micro-computer inside the control box controls pumping, water handling, and safety functions.

These components feature thermostatic sensors from MICROTEMP, water-level sensors from National Semiconductor, two heat fuses, a Littelfuse electric fuse, and protection against reversal of polarity from Motorola.

To operate, press the "on" button. This sets a series of automated functions into motion. Water is suctioned from the bottle through a pipe into a hydraulic system and then pumped into the heating reservoir where it remains for four minutes until reaching 150F (75C). A temperature sensor from National Semiconductor stops the heating process, a buzzer sounds, and a light turns on--indicating the water is ready.

The user removes the lid from the drink of their choice and places it under the command unit where an infrared beam (OPTEK) installed in the command unit begins water flow into the cup. To stop the water flow remove the cup from underneath the command unit or lower it into a cup holder connected to the unit.

There is no risk of overflow because the amount of heated water is less than that required to fill the cup. When it is time to refill the water bottle an indicator on the control panel lights up. Other safety features include automatic shut off when there is no action during 40 seconds or in case of a heating malfunction.