Abstract: A beverage mixture forming apparatus includes a batch vessel, a first valve distributing a mixture of hot water and a beverage concentrate into the batch vessel, a second valve for distributing cold water into the batch vessel, and a controller. The controller controls the first valve to intermittently distribute the mixture of the hot water and the beverage concentrate and the second valve to intermittently distribute the cold water in forming a batch of the beverage mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing device for a vending apparatus which includes a shaft, having articles for dispensing, a pump, a first tube provided substantially near the bottom end of the shaft and connected to the pump for repeated inflation and deflation, and a second tube provided at a distance above the first tube and connected to the pump for repeated inflation and deflation. The distance defines a dispensing area containing an article for dispensing.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying and replacing graphic sheets includes a clear display panel of a vending machine ("vendor"), a mechanism for controlling access to the reverse side of the display panel, and thereon a plurality of removably adhered graphics sheets, illustratively a graphics frame and a graphics sheet removably adhered by static cling and clinging to the reverse side of the clear display panel within the graphics frame. The graphics frame and the graphics sheet include a plurality of cut-out areas or overlay areas, any of which is changeable to update point-of-sale information and to provide a variety of changeable messages, color, and other visual effects.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying and replacing product graphic sheets includes a clear display panel of a vending machine, a mechanism for controlling access to the reverse side of the display panel, a graphics frame permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the reverse side of the clear display panel to indicate a placement position for a product graphics sheet, and the product graphics sheet removably adhered by static cling and clinging to the reverse side of the clear display panel within the graphics frame. In a different embodiment the product graphics sheet is removably adhered by a tacky adhesive instead of by static cling. Further, a method allows different product graphic sheets to be exchangeably mounted within the frame quickly and easily by a service technician.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition has occurred. In a first embodiment the valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The elastomeric valve member allows normal the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply. As the pressure downstream increases, the elastomeric valve member is forced in the upstream direction over a plurality of steps in the check seat body. The position of the elastomeric valve member may be observed through a sight glass body which has a line marking the normal position of the elastomeric valve member.

Abstract: A vending machine antirocking plate is disclosed which is a safety feature for a soft drink vending machine to prevent rocking of the vending machine. The antirocking plate prevents oscillatory rocking of a vending machine by a potential pilferer who may attempt to attain a sufficient forward tilt of the machine to possibly dislodge soft drink containers within the vending machine to fall through the product dispensing chute. A safety problem has been incurred in this situation as the vending machines are very heavy, and can possibly fall on top of and injure the person rocking the machine or other persons in the proximity thereof. The present invention is designed to prevent such rocking motions by securing an antirocking plate to the front leveling legs of the vending machine and extending forwardly therefrom and overlying the floor, such that a person standing in front of the machine will also be standing on top of the plate.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition exists or has occurred. The backflow valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The backflow valve also comprises top and base connectors for connecting the backflow valve to the fluid carrying line and a shut-off/flush valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the device. The elastomeric valve member allows the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet when the fluid pressure at the supply exceeds the pressure at the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply.

Abstract: A vending machine antirock mechanism is disclosed which is a safety feature for a soft drink vending machine to prevent rocking of the vending machine. The antirock ratchet mechanism prevents oscillatory rocking of a vending machine by a potential pilferer until a sufficient forward tilt of the machine is attained to possibly allow soft drink products to be pilfered from the machine through the product dispensing chute. A safety problem has been incurred here as the vending machines are very heavy, and can possibly fall on top of and injure the person rocking the machine or other persons in the proximity thereof.