Abstract: A beverage dispensing system incorporates an insulated python for delivering a plurality of beverages from sources thereof to remotely located dispensing valves. A coolant line extends through the python for cooling the beverages. A pump provides for pumping of a coolant through the coolant line from a refrigerated source thereof, through the python and back to the refrigerated source. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the circulating coolant for regulating the operation of the pump in accordance with the sensed temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispensing system for providing the parallel connection of a plurality of refrigeration sources responsible for the cooling of associated beverages dispensed from a plurality of dispensing valves. A coolant fluid, such as carbonated water, is cooled by each refrigeration unit and is then co-mingled in a common outflow manifold prior to distribution to each of the valves. Likewise, each similar beverage cooled by each refrigeration unit can be co-mingled in a particular manifold before distribution to each of the dispensing valves. Thus, the failure of one refrigeration unit does not to require the shut-down of a valve or valves, as carbonated water and beverages cooled thereby are co-mingled with the carbonated water and same beverages continuing to be cooled by the remaining functioning refrigeration units prior to delivery thereof to the valves.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in the electronic control of frozen carbonated beverage machines and improvements in electric defrost heaters used therein. A control scheme is shown that provides for accurately determining the viscosity of a semi-frozen beverage as a function of the torque of a drive motor used in the harvesting and mixing thereof. The torque is first calculated based upon the current and voltage to the motor and the phase difference there between. The torque is adjusted to compensate for motor efficiency after which the net torque value is converted to a viscosity scale. The viscosity scale has a zero value relating to the net torque experienced by the motor when the beverage is known to be completely liquid. Viscosity is maintained within a narrow range based upon pre-defined three level low, medium and high viscosity sets, and wherein compressor short-cycling is eliminated.

Abstract: The control device of the present invention includes a body panel having a top surface with a pouch area located centrally thereof for releasably retaining a disposable absorbent pad. The body panel is formed to include a pair of waist flange areas at the distal end thereof and toward its proximal end tapers a narrowed portion that lies just ahead of a pair of proximal end flanges. A pair of adjustable rib cage straps are secured to the proximal end flanges, and a pair of adjustable waist straps are secured to each of the waist flanges. Each strap pair includes cooperating releasable securing means on the ends thereof. In operation, the body panel is located beneath the animal. Specifically, the top surface thereof is placed against the animal and is held there by securing of the rib cage straps around the chest of the animal just ahead of the distal end of its rib cage and by securing of the waist straps around the waist area of the animal just ahead of its hind quarters.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing, a dispenser head with an electrically conductive combination beverage receptacle actuator lever and dispensed beverage level probe, a control circuit connected to the probe and to a start switch actuatable by the probe and to a solenoid for a beverage valve, and a drip tray and receptacle support wherein the receptacle support is tilted rearward toward the probe to support a tilted receptacle against the probe and keep the lowest part of a tilted receptacle rim against the probe; an improved probe assembly has dielectric journal piece isolating the probe from a body of the dispensing head, and a heater element is provided for the probe and either continuously or intermittently heats the probe to keep it insect free and sanitary.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for maintaining cold carbonated water in a beverage dispensing device so that unacceptably warm water is not dispensed therefrom. A modified beverage dispensing apparatus is shown including a carbonated water supply, a cold plate, carbonated water supply line extending through the cold plate, and in fluid communication with a carbonated water plenum immediately adjacent and in fluid communication with a plurality of beverage dispensing valves. An electronic control device connected to a temperature sensing thermostat located in the plenum and to a solenoid discharge valve of the plenum. The control device is also connected to a temperature sensing thermostat in the cold plate and to a pressure sensor located in the line between the source of compressed carbon dioxide and the carbonated water reservoir.

Abstract: An ice cooled beverage dispenser with a cold plate and a tubular ice bin liner has an upstanding rim around a periphery of the cold plate. The bottom edge of the liner is pressed into and seated to the rim, and an L-shaped bracket is fastened to the outside of the liner and to the rim for positive securement of the liner to the cold plate in a sanitary and leak proof manner; a method of making the beverage cooler is also provided.

Abstract: A floor platform or matt for placing over a portion of existing flooring. The matt having a composite structure including a bottom hardboard layer, a middle hardboard layer adhered thereto. The bottom and middle layers cut into two pieces forming seams running the length of the matt, and the seams being displaced from each other. The matt also having a top hardwood finish layer consisting of a plurality of interlocking tiles. The tiles consist primarily of several individual hardwood strips flexibly held together by metallic strips, and the tiles are adhered to the middle layer. Reduction trim pieces are attached to the perimeter of the bottom and middle layers and include grooves for interlocking with the tiles. A support structure is secured to the bottom of the central region of the matt. The support structure includes gripping appendages integral therewith and extending therefrom.

Abstract: The invention herein concerns a recreational vehicle having the ability to carry an accessory vehicle three within and unload the accessory vehicle thereform. In the preferred embodiment thereof, the invention herein includes an exterior housing having top and bottom surfaces, sidewalls and front and back ends defining an interior living space. The housing is secured to a base frame lying there below. The base frame includes an accessory vehicle portion. A movable floor portion extends horizontally and above the trailer portion and can be moved in a vertical direction to a top accessory vehicle receiving position and a bottom living area position. An access door is hingedly attached to the rear housing surface. The access door allows for loading the accessory vehicle into the living area onto the trailer portion when the floor portion is in the top position and the trailer portion is fully uncovered. The access door also allows for unloading of the accessory vehicle from the trailer portion.