Abstract: A non-attended, coin-operated, postmix, cup vender using a cup holder and dropper mechanism, bag-in-box syrup packages, syrup pumps, a conventional counter electric beverage dispenser, a standard ice maker and dispenser and an electronic control to enable the customer to receive a full cup of beverage regardless of the amount of ice selected. The electronic control means also guides the customer through the operation using sequenced lighting displays and messages. The vender includes separate dispense and vend modules.

Abstract: A binary syrup system for beverage dispensing including a pair of syrup containers holding different syrup components, a metering device with two inlets connected one to each container and a single syrup outlet connected to a dispenser. The metering device includes a flow channel therethrough for each component, a diaphragm device for equalizing the pressure in each channel, and a metering orifice downstream from the diaphragm device. This pressure equalization in combination with the metering orifices provides the necessary flow control and a constant predetermined volumetric ratio of the two syrup components when mixed to form the complete syrup.

Abstract: A binary syrup system bag and valve for beverage dispensing including a pair of separate syrup bags holding two different syrup components, a single spout connected to both bags and a bag valve connected to the spout for opening or closing liquid communication to the bags. The spout and valve have two separate liquid flow channels therethrough, one for each bag. A quick-disconnect coupling is connected to the valve for opening the valve and allowing the syrup to be fed to a beverage dispenser. The connection of the valve parts and the connection between the valve and the spout are snap-fit, liquid-tight interference fits.

Abstract: A container inspection process and apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of contaminants present on or absorbed into the walls of plastic containers. The process flushes volatiles from within the container by injecting gas, draws a vapor sample from within the container and analyzes the sample by ionization techniques.

Abstract: A container inspection process and apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of contaminants present on or absorbed into the walls of plastic containers. The process flushes volatiles from within the container by injecting gas, draws a vapor sample from within the container and analyzes the sample with an ionization instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly carbonating beverages in less than seven minutes is disclosed, including a container for the beverage to be carbonated and a source of carbon dioxide to be introduced into the beverage through a conduit member. The container is sealed, and a bleed line is coupled for the headspace of the container for continuously venting the headspace to the atmosphere while carbon dioxide is flowing through the beverage to maintain a predetermined pressure in the headspace. The flow of carbon dioxide is maintained by a continuous pressure differential between the conduit member and the headspace. An effective amount of carbonation can be achieved in a relatively short amount of time. A source of carbon dioxide is disclosed which includes a reaction vessel and a chemical package containing a mixture of chemicals that can react in water to give carbon dioxide.

Abstract: To close the opening (15) of the load compartment (14) of a truck, one end of a tarpaulin (20) is fixed above the opening (15), while its other end comprises a hooking means (24) that can be firmly hooked in the lower end of the opening (15). The tarpaulin (20) is provided with holes (25) through which the traction elements (18) are threaded. The latter are wound on tension rollers (17) contracting the tarpaulin (20) to form a parcel. To close the opening (15), the hooking means (24) is hooked to catch the lower end of the opening (15). By inflating a cushion (23) over which the tarpaulin (20) is guided, it will be stretched accordingly.

Abstract: A heat shield for a sample introduction tube for a plasma jet device is disclosed, comprising a hollow cylindrical member disposed around the sample introduction tube, the hollow cylindrical member is provided with a reflective exterior and heat dissipating fins.

Abstract: A process for hydration drying a solids containing aqueous product is disclosed in which particulate anhydrous alpha-dextrose is violently agitated with the aqueous product for a predetermined short period of time, with the temperature agitated product maintained at or below 50.degree. C. Specifically a process to be carried out at room temperature is disclosed in which the temperature of the agitated products is maintained at or below 50.degree. C. by allowing the agitated products to remain quiescent for some period after violent agitation to dissipate the heat of hydration and the heat generated by friction during agitation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde utilizing tris (hydroxy-methyl) aminomethane as a buffering and complexing agent. The process is particularly useful for bringing about the in situ oxidation of ethanol, contained in a fruit essence, to acetaldehyde.

Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization implant is described including an elongated central portion and a pair of reverse wings disposed at an angle of between 75.degree. and 80.degree. with respect to the elongated central portion of the implant. The method of utilizing the implant is also disclosed including exposing the pre-vertebral space as would be done in a Cloward's procedure. The vertebral disks below the luxating vertebra is widely resected, avoiding if at all possible the use of the intervertebral spreader. The A-P diameter of the vertebral bodies are measured and the intervertebral stabilizing implant of proper length is elected taking into account a small correction of the luxation of up to 2 millimeters maximum, which would upset the compression effect of the retaining wings over soft tissue and bone. The implant is inserted sideways, utlizing no force. After the posterior wing is barely in the canal it is rotated 90.degree.

Abstract: A process for removing color, turbidity, flavor, and odor from impure, high Brix, sugar syrup involves entrapping the sugar impurities in an insoluble, primary calcium phosphate or aluminum hydroxide floc at about neutral pH, dividing the sugar syrup into a small portion and a large portion, aerating the small portion of the syrup at a specific Brix, recombining the small portion and the large portion, adding a polyelectrolyte to convert the primary floc into a secondary floc to which the air bubbles easily adhere and to cause flotation of said secondary floc, thus forming a scum mat at the top of the vessel. The purified sugar syrup is then filtered with or without activated carbon and small amounts of a filter aid to produce a sugar syrup with substantially reduced color, turbidity, flavor, and odor. The sugar in the scum is recovered by mixing it with water and allowing a second flotation to take place without any further aeration or chemicals addition.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing soluble tea products capable of being reconstituted in hot or warm water to produce tea beverages substantially free of cloudiness and turbidity, wherein a dilute tea extract obtained from Soviet (Georgian) tea leaf is concentrated, diluted, clarified and reconcentrated. The processing steps according to this invention are generally applicable to the preparation of both hot and cold-water soluble tea beverages from any tea leaf.