Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a support for a comestible fluid container on a comestible fluid container rack, and a container rack having such a support. The support can include a first portion extending from a stretcher of the comestible fluid container rack and a second portion extending substantially laterally from the first portion to support the comestible fluid container thereon.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an accumulator tank assembly and method in which a flexible bladder is received within an accumulator tank. The accumulator tank and the flexible bladder can each have an inlet aperture through which fluid is received within the accumulator tank assembly and an outlet aperture through which fluid exits the accumulator tank assembly. In some embodiments, inlet and outlet flanges positioned adjacent the inlet and outlet apertures of the accumulator tank are used to couple the flexible bladder to internal or external surfaces of the accumulator tank, thereby creating fluid tight seals between the flexible bladder and the accumulator tank.

Abstract: A rack for comestible fluid dispensing containers used in a comestible fluid dispensing system. The rack is expandable and/or adjustable in some embodiments to enable an assembler or user to change the capacity of the rack as desired. The racks can be stackable upon one another and can have supports for supporting comestible fluid containers in the rack. In some embodiments, a rail and bracket assembly is employed to facilitate adjustment of the position of fluid dispensing components on the rail. The rail and bracket assembly can be employed on a comestible fluid container rack or in other locations.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a support adapted to support a comestible fluid container on a comestible fluid container rack, and a container rack having such a support. The support can include a first portion extending from a stretcher of the comestible fluid container rack and a second portion extending substantially laterally from the first portion to support the comestible fluid container thereon.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for processing material adjacent to a barrier (e.g., a countertop or other surface), wherein the apparatus includes a container located on one side of the barrier and a stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. A rotor can be located within the container, and can be driven by the stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. In some embodiments, the rotor is free from mechanical connection to the stator, which can be controlled to generate a magnetic field driving the rotor within the container. A processing unit (e.g., one or more blades, whisks, brushes, or other elements) can extend from the rotor and be rotatable by rotation of the rotor. Accordingly, any number of different material processing devices can be driven by the rotor and stator when the rotor is brought into magnetic communication with the stator.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a rack for comestible fluid dispensing containers used in a comestible fluid dispensing system. The rack is expandable and/or adjustable in some embodiments to enable an assembler or user to change the capacity of the rack as desired. The racks can be stackable upon one another and can have supports for supporting comestible fluid containers in the rack. In some embodiments, a rail and bracket assembly is employed to facilitate adjustment of the position of fluid dispensing components on the rail. The rail and bracket assembly can be employed on a comestible fluid container rack or in other locations.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for processing material adjacent to a barrier (e.g., a countertop or other surface), wherein the apparatus includes a container located on one side of the barrier and a stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. A rotor can be located within the container, and can be driven by the stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. In some embodiments, the rotor is free from mechanical connection to the stator, which can be controlled to generate a magnetic field driving the rotor within the container. A processing unit (e.g., one or more blades, whisks, brushes, or other elements) can extend from the rotor and be rotatable by rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding any one of a plurality of differently configured pumps to facilitate use of such pumps, for example, in dispensing beverages. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of different sets of elements located on the housing. Each different set of elements is adapted to at least assist in holding one of a plurality of differently configured pumps to the housing. The apparatus can be linked together to very effectively and conveniently provide for the management and maintenance of a relatively large number of pumps, being used in dispensing a correspondingly relatively large number of beverages.

Abstract: A water system for a beverage dispenser connected to a conventional water source. The water system includes a water tank with a volume of water and a volume of air. The water tank is connected to the conventional water source. A pump is connected to water tank so as to provide the water to the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A mounting block for use with a beverage dispenser system having a pump and a pump accessory. The mounting block includes a frame and a manifold. The manifold includes a number of ports and a line connecting the ports, such that the pump and the pump accessory can plug into the ports for fluid flow therebetween via the line.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding any one of a plurality of differently configured pumps to facilitate use of such pumps, for example, in dispensing beverages. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of different sets of elements located on the housing. Each different set of elements is adapted to at least assist in holding one of a plurality of differently configured pumps to the housing. The apparatus can be linked together to very effectively and conveniently provide for the management and maintenance of a relatively large number of pumps, being used in dispensing a correspondingly relatively large number of beverages.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting leaks within underground or aboveground tanks and their associated piping whether the tank and/or piping is partially filled or empty. The apparatus is partially insulated to minimize temperature effects when injecting a test gas into the tank to be tested. The tank is pressurized to a fill pressure by injecting (bubbling) the test gas through any liquid in the tank. Once stabilized the pressure is reduced to a test pressure while the gas injection continues. The flow rate of gas into the tank is monitored by a flow meter able to measure small flows while the pressure is held constant by a pressure regulator having a high accuracy and the temperature of the ullage is monitored. A tight or leaking tank is determined by evaluating the flow rate of constant pressure against reference criteria which when met identify a tight tank and when not met identify a leaking tank under EPA guidelines.