Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser also includes a multi-nodal flow rate controller disposed within the interior volume of said housing in contact with said conduit and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit by adjusting the contact between the multi-nodal flow rate controller and the conduit.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle. The dispenser includes a first housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface closer to the beverage source and a second surface further from the beverage source. The dispenser also includes a beverage cooler including a second housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides defining an interior volume. A first circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a first set of fluid flow paths. A second circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths. A third circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths, wherein, the first, second, and third circuits defines an inlet and an outlet.

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: 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: A beverage cooling apparatus including a first circuit forming a first set of fluid flow paths, a second circuit forming a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths, and a third circuit forming a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling beverage flow includes a dispensing tube having a distal end. The apparatus also includes a ball plug configured for linear reciprocal motion between a first position and a second position so that the ball plug abuts the distal end of the dispensing tube in the first position and is separated from the distal end of the dispensing tube in the second position. A flow rate controller for compensation of flow in a fluid dispensing system includes a body portion and a first set of flow restricting nodes and a second set of flow restricting nodes formed in the body portion. The controller also includes a first channel formed in the body portion and configured to receive and partially surround a portion of a first fluid conduit such that the first fluid conduit is in contact with the first set of flow restricting nodes.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle. The dispenser includes a first housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface closer to the beverage source and a second surface further from the beverage source. The dispenser also includes a beverage cooler including a second housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides defining an interior volume. A first circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a first set of fluid flow paths. A second circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths. A third circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths, wherein, the first, second, and third circuits defines an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser also includes a multi-nodal flow rate controller disposed within the interior volume of said housing in contact with said conduit and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit by adjusting the contact between the multi-nodal flow rate controller and the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling a comestible fluid. The method can include cooling a plate with ice. A heat pipe with a condenser portion can be in heat transfer relationship with the plate, and an evaporator portion can be in heat transfer relationship with the comestible fluid. Heat can be transferred from a comestible fluid to the plate through the heat pipe.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for carbonated beverages, such as draft beer and soda, includes a volumetric beverage flow rate controller in the form of a tubular restrictor or choker combined with a subsurface flow beverage dispensing nozzle assembly. The nozzle has a positive bottom shut-off moveable between open and closed positions for initiating and stopping flow into the container. At defined rates of serving speed, greater control over pour characteristics, particularly over foam formed on the top of the beverage, is achieved.

Abstract: System and method of cooling and dispensing a liquid, such as a beverage. The system can include a liquid source, a cooling reservoir, a dispensing valve, and a liquid conduit. The liquid conduit can connect the liquid source to the dispensing valve. The liquid conduit can be constructed of a thermally-conductive material. The liquid conduit can pass through the cooling reservoir. The invention can include a method of providing cooled liquids to a dispensing valve. The method can include maintaining ice and a cooling liquid in a cooling reservoir near the dispensing valve, pumping liquid through a thermo conductive conduit positioned in the ice and cooling liquid, and pumping the liquid out of the dispensing valve.

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: This invention is particularly suited to the aging population of baby boomers and patients who, having no control of bowel functions, are literally helpless in that regard and accordingly present a serious problem from the standpoint of cleanliness and nursing care. The structure contemplates a disposable diaper which comprises a topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core. The topsheet has an aperture which is secured to a flange of flexible material such as paper, plastic, soft foam, or textile, treated with a pressure sensitive adhesive so as to adhere to the buttocks of a patient. The flange is also affixed to a vented container and aligned with the alimentary canal of the patient in order to receive fecal material discharged by the patient.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve control of comestible fluid temperature, some embodiments of the present invention have an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.