Abstract: In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus for mixing a flowable material comprises a first body having a first mating surface and a plurality of first cavities formed on the first mating surface. The plurality of first cavities are arranged along a first path to provide a variation in depth measured from the first mating surface. A second body has a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface of the first body. The second body includes a plurality of second cavities formed on the second mating surface. The plurality of second cavities are arranged along a second path to provide a variation in depth measured from the second mating surface. The first mating surface of the first body is mated with the second mating surface of the second body to align the first path with the second path. The first cavities fluidicly communicates with the second cavities to form an internal flow path from an inlet through the first cavities and second cavities to an outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a sauce on a receiving surface comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce. A sauce dispensing member has a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A controller is coupled with the sauce dispensing member and configured to control a speed of movement of the sauce dispensing member between the edge position and the center position to form a layer of sauce on the receiving surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a dispenser housing having a product outlet extending from the dispenser housing to dispense the flowable product from the product package; and a bellows pump having a pump inlet, a pump outlet, and bellows disposed between the pump inlet and the pump outlet. The pump outlet is coupled to the product outlet of the dispenser housing. The pump inlet is configured to be coupled to the product package outlet of the product package. An actuation lever is coupled with the bellows pump. The actuation lever protrudes to an exterior of the dispensing housing and being movable to compress the bellows of the bellows pump in a compressed position and expand the bellows of the bellows pump in an extended position to pump the product from the product package to the product outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a heated fluid or flowable food product from a package while maintaining the product at or above a preset elevated temperature. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a flowable product from a product package through a dispensing outlet at or above a preset elevated temperature comprises a container in which to dispose the product package. The container includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A dispensing outlet is provided to dispense the flowable product from the product package, and is disposed adjacent the gas outlet. A pump is coupled between the product package and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the product package to the dispensing outlet. A heated gas flow controller is configured to direct a heated gas flow in the container to heat the product package, the pump, and the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sauce containing particulates which is configured to reduce clogging of the nozzle by the particulates. In one embodiment, a dispensing nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle cavity with a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The nozzle inlet has a bore-shape cross section. The nozzle outlet is longitudinal in shape with a length substantially larger than a width. The nozzle cavity extends from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet in a flow direction and has a cross-sectional area which is substantially constant extending from the nozzle inlet along the flow direction to the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more robust article dispensing apparatus that is relatively simple in construction and usage for dispensing articles in a clean and protective environment. More specifically, the apparatus accepts, separates, and dispenses articles from a nested stack of articles such as beverage cup lids one at a time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, a system for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce, and a sauce dispensing member having a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A sauce pumping device is configured to deliver a flow of the sauce to the sauce dispensing member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises an accumulator including an accumulator chamber with an accumulator inlet to receive and store the sauce and a dispense member configured to dispense the sauce from the accumulator chamber out through an accumulator outlet, and a pump configured to pump the sauce through the accumulator inlet to the accumulator chamber. A diverter valve is coupled with the accumulator and being movable between a closed position to close the accumulator outlet and an open position to open the accumulator outlet. A control member is coupled with the pump, the diverter valve, and the accumulator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or below a preset low temperature. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a refrigerated container in which to dispose the product package. The container includes a gas outlet and a return gas inlet. A dispenser housing has a dispenser gas inlet coupled with the gas outlet of the refrigerated container to receive a cool gas from the refrigerated container, and a dispenser gas outlet coupled with the return gas inlet of the refrigerated container to return the cool gas to the refrigerated container. A product outlet extends from the dispenser housing to dispense the flowable product from the product package. A product flow line is disposed in the dispenser housing and coupled between the product package and the product outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fluid dispenser for dispensing landscape maintenance fluids or the like which contain products such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The fluid dispenser injects the fluids directly into the mainstream of an irrigation system. The dispensing system operates by shunting a portion of the main irrigation water stream through a bypass to the dispenser containing the product to be dispensed. The water dilutes the product to be applied, and is injected back into the main irrigation stream by the back pressure of the irrigation system. When the irrigation is completed, the fluid flow in the main irrigation stream is reduced or terminated and the pressure drops. After the pressure drops, the fluid ceases to be diverted to the container, and the main irrigation stream drains.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus provides quick-connect coupling between a fluid source such as a condiment source and a pump. In specific embodiments, the coupling apparatus comprises a tube, and a fluid source connector coupled to an end of the tube and configured to releasably connect to the fluid source. A quick-connect coupler is coupled to another end of the tube and is configured to releasably connect to the pump inlet fitting of the pump. The quick-connect coupler includes a spring-loaded member being biased by a spring toward a locked position to lock the quick-connect coupler to the pump inlet fitting and being movable to a release position to release the quick-connect coupler from the pump inlet fitting. The quick-connect feature conveniently allows the pump to be easily and quickly disconnected from the dispensing system for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, a system for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce, and a sauce dispensing member having a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A sauce pumping device is configured to deliver a flow of the sauce to the sauce dispensing member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises an accumulator including an accumulator chamber with an accumulator inlet to receive and store the sauce and a dispense member configured to dispense the sauce from the accumulator chamber out through an accumulator outlet, and a pump configured to pump the sauce through the accumulator inlet to the accumulator chamber. A diverter valve is coupled with the accumulator and being movable between a closed position to close the accumulator outlet and an open position to open the accumulator outlet. A control member is coupled with the pump, the diverter valve, and the accumulator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a sauce on a receiving surface comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce. A sauce dispensing member has a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A controller is coupled with the sauce dispensing member and configured to control a speed of movement of the sauce dispensing member between the edge position and the center position to form a layer of sauce on the receiving surface.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a chamber cavity having an inlet with an inlet check valve and an outlet with an outlet check valve. The outlet check valve is openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction from the chamber cavity out through the outlet check valve. The inlet check valve is openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction through the inlet check valve into the chamber cavity. A plunger is movable in the chamber. When the plunger is moved from a dispense position to a fill position away from the outlet and inlet check valves, it opens the inlet check valve and closes the outlet check valve and draw fluid through the inlet check valve into the chamber cavity. When the plunger is moved from the fill position to the dispense position toward the outlet and inlet check valves, it closes the inlet check valve and opens the outlet check valve and dispense fluid from the chamber cavity out through the outlet check valve.

Abstract: This invention provides a condiment dispensing apparatus of economically and effectively dispensing condiment by controlling condiment pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet without requiring electronic circuitry. The apparatus employs pneumatic devices to open and close the dispensing outlet and to drive the condiment pump and a mechanical mechanism to synchronize pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet. In a specific embodiment, a pneumatically driven valve is coupled to the pump for activating the pump after it is moved to at least partly open the dispensing outlet during a valve opening step and for deactivating the pump after it is moved to partly close the dispensing outlet during a valve closure step. The delay in pump activation during the valve opening step and the lead in pump deactivation during the valve closure step avoid excessive pressure buildup to ensure smooth operation of the apparatus in dispensing the condiment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid shaft and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular, and is injection molded around a portion of the shaft. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity with a press fit against an inner surface of the valve cavity to seal the valve cavity against leakage.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the beverage concentrate supply bag. The system automatically controls the flow of mixed beverage out of the mixing device in response to the detected flow of beverage concentrate. In a specific embodiment, a pressure switch is provided to monitor the pressure of the flow of beverage concentrate into the mixing device. When the pressure sensed by the pressure switch falls below a preset minimum pressure, the pressure switch activates a flow regulating device coupled to the outlet of the mixing device to shut off the flow of beverage from the mixing device. This prevents or minimizes the dispensing of beverages of improper mix ratios from the mixing device.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. A mixing device receives a beverage concentrate and water, and employs a static mixing device to mix the concentrate and water to produce a beverage in a closed system. Flow regulators precisely control the flows of the beverage concentrate and water to achieve the desired mixing ratio. The carbonation system may include a pump for pumping the beverage from the mixing device to a carbonator, a refrigeration unit, a beverage dispenser, or other. A transformer is coupled with the pump and one or more solenoid valves in the mixing device. The transformer receives power from the pump motor to activate the solenoid valves to allow flow of the beverage out of the mixing device only when the pump is powered. When the pump is shut off, the power to the transformer is terminated and the solenoid valves are switched off to stop the flow of the beverage out of the mixing device.

Abstract: A condiment drawback valve for a condiment dispensing system compensates for run-on from a depressurized pump during deactivation and draws back any hanging condiment left in the dispensing outlet of the system, thereby eliminating drips after the pump is stopped. The condiment drawback valve includes a continuous-flowing condiment channel fluidicly coupled between the pump and the dispensing outlet. A drawback chamber is in continuous fluid communication with the condiment channel. A spring is disposed in the drawback chamber. A piston is coupled with the spring and is movable to change the volume of the drawback chamber. When a flow gas is supplied to the pump to activate the pump during condiment dispensing, a portion of the gas is directed to the piston to push the piston against the biasing force of the spring and reduce the volume of the drawback chamber.