Abstract: An inline vending machine for ice and water vending installed within a store wall allowing a user to purchase ice and water without entering the store. A shipping frame for shipping and installation of the insulated wall into the store wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable liquid transport assembly configured to be readily installed in and removed from a liquid dispenser to permit the liquid dispenser to be readily sanitized. The removable liquid transport assembly preferably includes a liquid manifold, a valve assembly and a pump head. The removable liquid transport assembly is configured such that liquid can flow in a first direction through the removable liquid transport assembly to permit a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispenser and liquid can flow in a second direction back to a liquid storage container to prevent damage to one or more components of the liquid dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser cartridge (10) which comprises a first and a second cartridge shell (11, 12). The two cartridge shells (11, 12) are connected via a hinge (14). The two cartridge shells delimit a receiving space (25) for tubular bags. Each cartridge shell has a cooling trough (30) which, apart from an inlet port (26) and ventilation openings (33), is closed to the receiving space (25) for the tubular bags by a thermally conductive plate (18). The receiving volume of the cooling trough (30) is kept as low as possible. The depth of the cooling trough (30) corresponds to a maximum of twice the thickness of the thermally conductive plate (18). The greater the volume of the receiving space (25) for corresponding tubular bags, the greater the thickness of the thermally conductive plate (18).

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature adjusting method for instant heating or cooling with an energy-saving water dispenser, the method including: installing a water dispenser, which includes a heating device, a control processor, etc.; coupling a water inlet to a tap water pipe and heating the water to 100° C., where the produced boiling water is split into two branches, one flows out from a high-temperature water outlet; the other branch flows through a preheater and performs heat exchange with cold water to achieve a temperature drop thus forming warm boiled water, which enters a refrigeration unit to be cooled to 5° C. When the user sets a single-time output water temperature and amount within an effective range, the control processor automatically matches the corresponding working mode and provides an accurate output according to the user-set single-time output water temperature and amount. There is further disclosed a water dispenser.

Abstract: An ice machine is provided herein that includes a cabinet having a cabinet door coupled thereto through a hinge assembly. A frame is positioned within the cabinet and includes a base portion and a support portion. A hopper is supported by the support portion of the frame. The hopper includes an ice dispensing interface. A housing is operably coupled with the cabinet door and defines an ice harvesting chamber. A chute is coupled with the housing and is in communication with the ice dispensing interface. A container hanging assembly is operably coupled with the chute. An attachment rod is coupled to the housing and is positioned on an opposing side of the chute from the container hanging assembly. A drain is defined by a bottom portion of the housing.

Abstract: A removable liquid transport assembly configured to be readily installed in and removed from a liquid dispenser to permit the liquid dispenser to be readily sanitized. The removable liquid transport assembly preferably includes a liquid manifold, a valve assembly and a pump head. The removable liquid transport assembly is configured such that liquid can flow in a first direction through the removable liquid transport assembly to permit a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispenser and liquid can flow in a second direction back to a liquid storage container to prevent damage to one or more components of the liquid dispenser.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and devices that generate sclerosing microfoams for the treatment of venous disorders, such as varicose veins. The invention includes adaptors which provide fluid connections to microfoam generating devices, to enable filling with gas and/or dispensing of the microfoam product. The adaptors are generally cylindrical elements with open ends to enable attachment to pressurisable container on one end and are configured to enable rapid and easy attachment of a filling means or a dispensing means through the other end of the adaptor. A particular configuration comprises three or more circumferentially and downward extending cam tracks which cooperate with corresponding cams on the filling means or dispensing means and which connect a pressurisable container to a fluid path of a filling or dispensing means when the pressurisable container and filling or dispensing means are rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A stand-alone ice making appliance is provided. The stand-alone ice making appliance may include an outer casing, a water tank, a pump, an ice maker, and a container. The outer casing may define an internal cavity that includes a primary opening. The water tank may define a storage volume to receive water. The pump may be in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to actively flow water therefrom. The ice maker may in fluid communication with the storage volume of the water tank to receive water therefrom. The container may be disposed within the internal cavity. The container may include an insulated sidewall positioned across the primary opening and at least partially defining a storage volume to receive ice from the ice maker.

Abstract: A shippable liquid storage and dispensing apparatus includes a collapsible liner arranged within a container, with a dispense head coupled to the container, suitable for handling oxygen- and moisture-sensitive materials. The dispense head includes a pressurization gas passage, a pressurization gas valve, a liquid passage, a liquid valve, a liner gas passage, and a liner gas valve, wherein each valve may have an associated quick connect fitting. The dispense head remains attached to the container during inert gas purging, liner filling, container shipment, and liquid dispensing. Pressurized inert gas may be maintained in the liner overlying liquid-containing material during shipment of the coupled dispense head and container. The container may have an extended chime to provide a protective zone that contains the entirety of the dispense head.

Abstract: In order to provide a generic apparatus with improved properties with regard to an advantageous design, a refrigeration appliance apparatus, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance apparatus has at least one water-dispensing unit with at least one guiding unit for guiding water and with at least one actuating unit having at least one switch element for starting a water removal. At least one actuating element is provided for actuating the switch element. An inner liner has a side wall, on which the water-dispensing unit is arranged. The actuating unit and the guiding unit are part of a mounting assembly.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a dispensing assembly is provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet, and the dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly may include a dispenser recess and an outlet conduit. The dispenser recess may be defined along an outer surface of the door and extend in a lateral direction from a first side portion to a second side portion of the door. The outlet conduit may be in selective fluid communication with the dispenser recess to direct a fluid thereto.

Abstract: A household refrigerator has a housing formed with a receiving space. An icemaker unit for dispensing ice is arranged in the receiving space. The icemaker unit has a tray in which shaping regions are formed for specifying a shape of shaped ice elements that are produced from liquid poured into the tray. The icemaker unit has a cooling device with which a cooling air flow is produced for cooling the tray. The cooling device has an evaporator and a fan. A fan wheel of the fan blows the cold produced by the evaporator in a cooling air flow. The fan wheel is arranged in a separate pressure chamber.

Abstract: An adapter for an airtight connection to a container and for airtight dispensing of the container's contents, the adapter having: a gate valve, a tube extending from the gate valve to a female coupling, the female coupling being configured for insertion in a mouth of the container, the female coupling having a dispensing valve for opening when dispensing the container's contents and closing when dispensing is finished as needed, such that air is prevented from entering the container, and an airtight connector for connecting the adapter to the container.

Abstract: A removable liquid transport assembly configured to be readily installed in and removed from a liquid dispenser to permit the liquid dispenser to be readily sanitized. The removable liquid transport assembly preferably includes a liquid manifold, a valve assembly and a pump head. The removable liquid transport assembly is configured such that liquid can flow in a first direction through the removable liquid transport assembly to permit a liquid to be dispensed from a liquid dispenser and liquid can flow in a second direction back to a liquid storage container to prevent damage to one or more components of the liquid dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, and an outlet port. The reservoir body includes a cross section, and a translation axis. The cross section is uniform along the translation axis. When fluid is housed in the reservoir, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. The heating structure energizes the fluid housed in the reservoir. The piston translates along the translation axis. An available volume of the reservoir to house the fluid is defined by a distance between the piston and an end of the reservoir body. When the piston is translated along the translation axis toward the end, a volume of the fluid that has been energized by the heating structure flows from the reservoir and through the outlet port. The volume of energized fluid is linearly proportional to a length of the translation of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that transports a tray in a horizontal attitude, the tray including a plurality of work placement portions arranged in a matrix. The system includes first and second transport units, a transfer device transferring the tray between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, a shooting unit including a line sensor shooting, between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, an image of the tray transferred by the transfer device and a moving device moving the transfer device and the shooting unit in a direction to traverse a plurality of transport lines of the first transport unit.

Abstract: Beverage dispensing apparatus, systems, and related methods are provided that have a recirculation loop to cool fluids in a dispensing tube bundle that delivers beverage fluids to a beverage dispensing assembly. A beverage dispensing apparatus includes an adjustable bypass manifold having an adjustable flow restriction that is configurable to enable the use of the beverage dispensing apparatus with different chilled soda recirculation systems. The adjustable bypass manifold includes ports for connection to the recirculation loop and ports for connection to a soda recirculation system.

Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser, such as a beverage dispenser. The product dispenser may include a nozzle, a first pump in fluid communication with a beverage base source and the nozzle, a second pump in fluid communication with a flavoring source and the nozzle, and a user interface for receiving a request for a beverage. The user interface may include a product button that represents a beverage base, and an additive button that represents a flavor, wherein in response to a first selection of the product button and a second selection of the additive button, the user interface may be adapted to instruct a dispense of the beverage base and the flavor to the nozzle at a given flow rate.

Abstract: A device for use in the preparation of beverages, for managing the draw-off of water from a source of hot water comprises a chamber having a base, a cylindrical wall mounted on the base and a top section. An inlet and a return outlet are mounted in the base, and both the inlet and the return outlet are connectable to a source of hot water. Three draw-off outlets are also mounted in the base. The return outlet consists of a hollow tube section, which passes through the base to form a stand pipe. In use, hot water is introduced into the chamber through inlet and the chamber is orientated such that return outlet is positioned above the inlet. The inlet flow rate is equal to or greater than the draw-off flow rate, and any excess volume of hot water in the chamber is returnable, to the source of hot water, through the return outlet, thereby creating a constant head of water above the draw-off outlets.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a water dispenser, comprising a water container, a water supply system, a fluid pump and a control unit. The water supply system is configured to supply water from the water container to a hot water reservoir and to a cold water reservoir and is further configured to provide hot water from said hot water reservoir and cold water from said cold water reservoir to a user of said water dispenser. The fluid pump is fluidly coupled to a fluid flow system and the water supply system and is configured to pump a quantity of hot water from the hot water reservoir to the water container via a fluid flow conduit of the fluid flow system for a cleansing operation of at least the fluid flow system. The control unit is in communication with the fluid pump for controlling the cleansing operation.

Abstract: A building energy control system and method are provided. The building energy control system may include a user interface unit configured to display an energy control situation and an energy control guide that corresponds to the energy control situation to manage a building and a facility, and to receive an input according to the energy control guide and an energy control unit configured to control energy consumption in the building and the facility through control of the building and facility according to the input.

Abstract: A cooled hot melt adhesive material storage system includes a bin and a cooling unit. The bin receives and holds a supply of hot melt adhesive pieces, and includes an outlet for communicating hot melt adhesive pieces to a melter device. The cooling unit is operatively coupled with the bin, and is configured for cooling hot melt adhesive pieces contained in the bin.

Abstract: A pneumatic detection system and a method of forming the pneumatic detection system are described. The system includes a sealed tube, a refrigerant disposed within the sealed tube, and a switch configured to be activated based on a specified pressure being reached within the sealed tube.

Abstract: A discharging device for liquids. The invention relates to a discharging device for liquids, more particularly for pharmaceutical liquids, comprising a delivery device (10), a liquid storage receptical (20) communicating with an input (10a) of the delivery device for storage of the liquid (30), and a discharge orifice (12) which communicates with an outlet (10b) of said delivery device, and the liquid storage receptical (20) is at least in part in the form of a dimensionally flexible liquid-containing bag (20) and the liquid storage receptical (20) is disposed in a buffer chamber of constant volume (42).

Abstract: A cooler has a contoured bottom to allow items placed within to aggregate to one side. The cooler is equipped with a spout to enable a controlled drainage of liquids from within the cooler, located at a bottom central portion of the contoured bottom at the perimeter edge thereof. The cooler is further provided with wheels and a retractable handle to facilitate the transportation thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchange device for heating liquid adhesive material to an application temperature suitable for an adhesive bonding application includes a body having an inlet configured to receive a flow of liquid adhesive material and an outlet configured to provide the liquid adhesive material to a dispensing device for the adhesive bonding application. A fluid passageway in the body connects the inlet and the outlet. The fluid passageway includes a thin slit section having a length along a fluid flow direction between the inlet and the outlet, the thin slit section further having a first dimension and a second dimension transverse to the fluid flow direction. The first dimension and the length are substantially greater than the second dimension. The heat exchange device further includes a heating element for heating the liquid adhesive material flowing through the thin slit section to the application temperature.

Abstract: Polymer pellets are formed using air to influence the separation of polymer from a polymer melt. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a polymer material is extruded through a nozzle to form a polymer melt extending from the nozzle. A non-uniform thickness is generated in the polymer melt using a gas or gasses to apply a drag force to the polymer melt. This drag force reduces a thickness of a portion of the polymer melt adjacent the nozzle, and the polymer melt is fractured into discrete droplets at the reduced thickness. The discrete droplets are then solidified to form pellets.

Abstract: A system and method for extrusion of dough is disclosed. The system includes an auger for moving the dough; a metering pump comprising an input; a first motor for actuating the auger to transfer dough to the input of the metering pump; a first encoder for reading a position or speed of the first motor and for transmitting a signal associated with the position or speed of the first motor; and a controller configured to receive the signal from the first encoder to control operation of the first motor. The controller operates the first motor to at least partially counteract a variance in a pressure of dough at the metering pump based signals from the encoder and/or the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure washer with an infrared burner for generating hot water is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Combined water dispensers and coffee making devices are disclosed, which include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet. The coffee making device receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage, and employs a set of spikes to make water entry and exit apertures in the cartridge.

Abstract: An aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 90-180 psig and a threaded finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The threaded finish portion has at least one helical thread, a support ledge beneath the helical thread and a secondary flange that is positioned beneath the support ledge. The secondary flange has an outer circumference that is noncircular in at least one location, whereby it may be engaged during a capping operation to prevent rotation of the container during capping. A method of making an aerosol container in which a preform is capped before the blow molding process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Heat exchangers include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and forming a portion of a transition chamber. A heating member may form another portion of the transition chamber. The heating member includes a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening larger than the first opening. Methods of conveying a fluid include supplying a first fluid into a transition chamber of a heat exchanger, supplying a second fluid into the transition chamber, and altering a state of a portion of the first fluid with the second fluid. Methods of sublimating solid particles include conveying a first fluid comprising a material in a solid state into a transition chamber, heating the material to a gaseous state by directing a second fluid through a heating member and mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus, comprising a housing; a mineral water container positioned within the housing and formed as a bag and box package unit; a chilled water faucet and a hot water faucet configured to dispense chilled mineral water and hot mineral water from the apparatus. In some cases, the apparatus further comprises a cold water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply cold water to the cold water faucet and a hot water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply hot water to the hot water faucet. The apparatus may comprise a pump for pumping water from the mineral water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.

Abstract: An energy efficient water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler, and which may be either gravity-driven or pump-fed.

Abstract: A reservoir for storing and supplying a portion of a reservoir gas into a gas-filled tube is presented. The reservoir includes a first vessel having a thermally conductive surface, a meshed vessel having a lid, and placed inside the first vessel to form a cavity between the meshed vessel and the first vessel, at least one tray placed inside the meshed vessel to divide an inner space of the meshed vessel into a plurality of compartments, a sorbent material placed inside the plurality of compartments in the meshed vessel, a temperature control device positioned such that a first portion of the temperature control device is in physical contact with at least a portion of the thermally conductive surface, and a change in the temperature of the temperature control device changes the temperature of the sorbent material, wherein the reservoir gas is retained by the sorbent material at the storage temperature.

Abstract: Mechanically bistable thermal devices and methods of utilizing the same. The mechanically bistable thermal devices include a mechanically bistable element and a thermal element. The mechanically bistable element is configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle an encircled form. The thermal element is configured to exchange thermal energy with the encircled form when in thermal contact with the encircled form and includes a thermal material that includes a fluid and/or a granular solid. The methods include activating the thermal element and transitioning the mechanically bistable element from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation to at least partially encircle the encircled form with the mechanically bistable device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser including a housing having a beverage storage space capable of storing a volume of a beverage to be dispensed and a heat exchanger sub-system operable to effect the temperature of a beverage stored in or passing through the beverage storage space. The housing is provided with at least one wall through which beverage in the beverage storage space can be visualised. The dispenser includes a coupling enabling the coupling of a valve to facilitate dispensing of beverage from the beverage storage space.

Abstract: A space-saving liquid supply system includes increased cooling efficiency. A first pump chamber P1 is formed by an outside of a bellows 130 in a second vessel 120 and the first pump chamber P1 is provided with a first intake port 121 for taking the liquid in the first vessel 110 into the first pump chamber P1 and a first delivery port 122 for delivering the taken-in liquid L from inside the first pump chamber P1 into a supply passage K1. A second pump chamber P2 is formed by a sealed space in the bellows 130 and the second pump chamber P2 is provided with a second intake port 123 for taking the liquid L in the first vessel 110 into the second pump chamber P2 and a second delivery port 124 for delivering the taken-in liquid from inside the second pump chamber P2 into the supply passage K1.

Abstract: A tapping head, provided with a connecting head near an end of a housing, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one of a beverage channel which extends from a beverage line connection into the connecting head and a gas channel which extends from a gas line connection, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one cooling chamber with an entrance and an exit, separate from the beverage channel and/or the gas channel, which cooling chamber is in thermal contact with the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided which allows air in a warm water tank to be discharged through a tank connecting line when introducing drinking water into the empty warm water tank. The water dispenser includes a check valve (20) provided in the tank connecting line (7), through which a cold water tank (2) is connected to the warm water tank (3). The check valve (20) includes a valve body (22) having a specific gravity smaller than that of drinking water, and is configured such that while there is no drinking water in the valve sleeve (21), the valve body (22) is moved downward by gravity such that the valve hole (25) opens, and such that while the interior of the valve sleeve (21) is filled with drinking water, the valve body (22) moves upward due to buoyancy until the valve hole (25) is closed by the valve body (22).

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile.

Abstract: Provided is a dispenser of a refrigerator. A body of the dispenser can move back and forth. Only when a water or ice dispensing command is input, the body is moved to form a container receiving space. Thus, it is difficult to discriminate the dispenser from a refrigerator door when the dispenser is not operated.

Abstract: A robot milk bar as a modular technology which can be either operated as a stand-alone system installed in a modified sea freight containers and/or can be partly or totally installed and operated in any convenient shopping mall and/or shopping centers. The robot milk bar contains a milk processing line wherein the basic original milk products are made, while the distribution is ensured by an embedded robot filling, packing and vending line, in which an industrial robot prepares and distributes final milk products. The milk products are either distributed directly to consumers in own retail store/restaurant, or redistributed to retail outlets. The robot milk bar is unique in having its own retail store/restaurant where consumers can buy and consume milk and milk products via a user-friendly automatic ordering system and served by a robot.

Abstract: A water dispenser is disclosed having a housing for a reservoir in communication with a faucet to draw water therefrom. A water bottle is positioned spout-down at the top of the housing or in the top section of the reservoir. Water flows to the faucet via gravity without the use of pumps and the like. The configuration of the reservoir and the positioning of conduits provides to place the faucet closer to the top of the water dispenser again without the use of pumps and the like. The faucet includes separate compartments as well as inlets and outlets so as to divert water towards a variety of water treatment apparatuses such as hot tanks, carbonators, chillers and the like. The faucet includes controllable valves which provide the user to choose between hot, cold, carbonated or otherwise treated water. The faucet and reservoir can form an assembly which can be removed from the housing without tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing fluids in an exterior climate-controlled chamber. The chamber provides a climate controlled environment for one or more useful fluids without requiring interior living space for storage of such fluids. In certain embodiments, the chamber provides a mechanism for automatic delivery of fluids directly into the living space.

Abstract: A cluster dispensing machine dispenses clusters having a hand-formed appearance while minimizing broken and crushed aggregate. The dispensing machine uses a flexible pinch valve to meter the chocolate and aggregate mixture. The flexible pinch valve minimizes broken and crushed aggregate. The machine drops the metered chocolate and aggregate mixture onto a conveyor in order to provide a hand-formed appearance to the clusters.