Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.

Abstract: A shutoff valve system for dispensing beverage from an open source syrup tank is presented. The shutoff valve system includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup from the open source syrup tank and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff valve also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff valve. The shutoff valve system further includes an actuator rod that is configured to block the water outlet in response to a pressure change at the syrup inlet, where the pressure change is caused by air flow from the syrup inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for cooling fluids, for example beverages or beverage components, are presented. A cooling system or device includes a cold plate of bulk material (e.g., material of high thermal conductivity). A first sensor (preferably temperature sensor) is positioned within the bulk material and communicatively coupled to a processor. A first fluid line is at least partially disposed within the cold plate, having a first inlet entering and a first outlet exiting the cold plate. A second sensor (preferably temperature sensor) is positioned at the first fluid line proximal to the first outlet and communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor compares a sensor reading from the first sensor with a sensor reading from the second sensor, and issues an error report when the difference between the readings is above a threshold, or an individual reading from a sensor is outside of an operational parameter.

Abstract: A viscous fluid is dispensed precisely using a fluid pump, control valves configured to control both the air inlet and outlet of the fluid pump, an optional adjustable regulator further controlling the air outlet, and a control circuit that opens and closes the control valves. To further increase the precision, additional control valves can be used to control liquid inlet and outlet of the fluid pump.

Abstract: A shutoff switch for dispensing mixed beverages is presented. The shutoff switch includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff switch also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a either the pump or a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff switch. The shutoff switch further includes a pressure responsive member that deforms based on pressure changes in the shutoff switch. When the deformation of the pressure responsive member reaches a threshold, an electrical gate in direct communication with the pressure responsive member opens, turning of a pump of the beverage dispensing system. Valves in either chamber of the shutoff switch can also be used as a redundant mechanical way to stop flow in the system.

Abstract: A shutoff switch for dispensing mixed beverages is presented. The shutoff switch includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff switch also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a either the pump or a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff switch. The shutoff switch further includes a pressure responsive member that deforms based on pressure changes in the shutoff switch. When the deformation of the pressure responsive member reaches a threshold, an electrical gate in direct communication with the pressure responsive member opens, turning of a pump of the beverage dispensing system. Valves in either chamber of the shutoff switch can also be used as a redundant mechanical way to stop flow in the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices to improve pouring large or unwieldy containers are disclosed. A band couples about or proximal to a rim of a container. In some embodiments, bands are sized and dimensioned to rigidly fit containers with specific shapes and dimensions, though universal or nearly universal bands that flexibly conform to the shape of any container are further contemplated. The band secures a spout portion to a pouring edge of the container. The spout portion includes a shelf extending from the pouring edge and bounded by two side walls having splash guards. The side walls and splash guards serve to funnel food stuffs or liquids towards a receptacle when the container is tipped toward the pouring edge. The spout region further includes an overflow shelf to prevent food stuffs or liquids from spilling out of the container by accident or during rapid pouring. A handle can be further attached to the band to aid a user in lifting and pouring the container.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A cooling system for a beverage comprises an enclosure for housing a beverage container, a cold plate through which the beverage flows, and a refrigeration system that controllably cools the enclosure and the cold plate in a differential manner. In preferred embodiments, preference is given during normal operation to cooling the cold plate, and only cooling the enclosure when the cold plate is determined to be at or below a desired temperature. In some embodiments a special defrost cycle warms the cold plate while continuing to cool the enclosure. Controls can be mechanical, electronic or any combination of the two, and preferably utilizes information from both pressure and temperature sensors.

Abstract: A cooling system for a beverage comprises an enclosure for housing a beverage container, a cold plate through which the beverage flows, and a refrigeration system that controllably cools the enclosure and the cold plate in a differential manner. In preferred embodiments, preference is given during normal operation to cooling the cold plate, and only cooling the enclosure when the cold plate is determined to be at or below a desired temperature. In some embodiments a special defrost cycle warms the cold plate while continuing to cool the enclosure. Controls can be mechanical, electronic or any combination of the two, and preferably utilizes information from both pressure and temperature sensors.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling or refrigeration system, including a heat exchanger. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and pressure sensors in the refrigerant line are engaged with a microprocessor. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.

Abstract: A cold plate for a beverage chilling apparatus comprising a plurality of beverage conducting tubes sinuously arranged within a cast aluminum jacket. Interleaved between the beer conducting tubes are coolant conducting lines arranged in heat exchanging relation. The coolant lines are derived from a main coolant line pumping coolant to the cold plate, where a coolant inlet is divided into two separate smaller intermediate coolant segments at a first stage. Each intermediate glycol segment is then subdivided at a second stage into four heat exchanging coolant lines. At each subdivision of the coolant fluid conducting system, a pair of smaller lines equal distance from a feed line and having a smaller diameter than the feed line are incorporated using a two-for-one splitter so that each stage doubles the number of lines from the previous stage.

Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.