Abstract: A packaging system (1) includes a telescoping platform assembly (100) having a guide mount (30) and an extension platform (40). The packaging system (1) incorporating the telescoping platform assembly (100) includes a panel (22) and a flap member (26). The flap member (26) is connected to the panel (22) along a pivot axis (27) and is adapted to move between a first position with respect to the panel (22) and a second position with respect to the panel (22). The guide mount (30) includes a guide mount slot (33) whereas the flap member (26) includes a flap guide slot (28) extending outwardly from the pivot axis (27) through the flap member (26). The extension platform (40) is mounted on the guide mount (30) and the flap member (26) and is adapted to slide between a stowed position and a deployed position along guide mount slot (33) and the flap guide slot (28).

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system for forming a desired beverage, includes a beverage dispensing assembly and a carbonator cartridge unit removably secured to the beverage dispensing assembly for providing a supply of carbonated water to the beverage dispensing assembly. The beverage dispenser system includes a connector for removably securing the carbonator cartridge unit to the beverage dispensing assembly. A carbonated water line, linked with the carbonator cartridge unit and linked with the beverage dispensing assembly, is provided for delivering carbonated water from the carbonator cartridge unit to the beverage dispensing assembly. The beverage dispensing assembly provides beverage fluid lines so that beverage fluids flowing therein are combined within the beverage dispensing assembly and are ultimately dispensed from the beverage dispensing assembly as the desired beverage.

Abstract: A premix dispensing valve assembly for a beverage dispenser includes a housing which includes an inlet to deliver premix fluid, a compensator within the housing for subjecting a controlled pressure drop on the premix fluid which includes an outlet communicating exterior to the housing, and a regulator within the housing for applying a variable dampening effect against high fluid pressures that accompany the premix fluid upon entry into the premix dispensing valve assembly. The regulator is cooperatively linked to the inlet of the housing and communicates with the compensator. As such, integrating the regulator with the compensator optimally allows for premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and, thus, prevent complications arising from loss of carbonation. The premix dispensing valve assembly further includes a premix delivery channel within the housing for communicating premix fluid from the inlet of the housing to the regulator.

Abstract: An integrated tubing assembly for carrying fluids through a beverage dispenser system and for uniformly cooling fluids carried therein includes a compound tube with two opposing ends. The compound tube is linked with a first and a second inlet from the beverage dispenser system for receiving fluids therefrom and linked with a first and a second outlet from the beverage dispenser system for delivering fluids thereto. Accordingly, the compound tube includes a core tube in communication with the first inlet at one end and with the first outlet at the opposing end for carrying fluids therethrough. The compound tube further includes an outer tube in communication with the second inlet at one end and in communication with the second outlet at the opposing end for carrying fluids therethrough. As such, the outer tube is annularly disposed about the core tube.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a product source, a housing that defines a cooling chamber and has dispensing valves mounted thereon, helically-shaped product lines for communicating product from the product source to the dispensing valves, a water line positioned in the bottom of the cooling chamber for communicating water to the dispensing valves, a refrigeration unit mounted over the cooling chamber that includes an evaporator coil extending into the cooling chamber, and an agitator mounted over the cooling chamber for circulating unfrozen cooling fluid along a circuitous path about the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber contains a cooling fluid, a portion of which freezes about the evaporator coil during the operation of the refrigeration unit to form a frozen cooling fluid slab. The agitator drives unfrozen cooling fluid circuitously about the exterior surface of the slab and through a channel, formed by the interior surface of the slab, to facilitate heat exchange.