Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage syrup or concentrate and a mixing liquid at a specified ratio has an ice bin which is divided into a front section and a rear section. A cold plate is located at the bottom of the front section. Either or both the mixing liquid or the beverage syrup or concentrate is circuitously routed through the cold plate prior to being dispensed. Portions of the rear section are partitioned off from the front section in order to reduce the total overall capacity of the ice bin. The partitioning of the rear section is accomplished by using shields which are located by flanges. The flanges extend inward from the walls of the ice bin into the front or rear sections of the ice bin.

Abstract: A cooling system for dispensing beverages is provided having a tubular tub open at the top and bottom and adapted to receive a cold plate. The cold plate has cooling coils cast within it and is easily disassembled from the tub. The tub has a ledge near the bottom. The ledge features a groove for holding a gasket, and a channel for receiving threaded lugs. The cooling plate has bolt holes which correspond to the lugs. Bolts are inserted through the cooling plate and into the lugs. Tightening the bolts creates a watertight seal between the plate and the tub. The present cooling system is thus readily disassembled for ease of repair.

Abstract: An improved cold plate (10) is disclosed for use in cooling carbonated water and syrup which is mixed to form a beverage. The cooling coil (10) employs a plurality of involute carbonated water cooling coils (12-16) formed of tubing through which is flowed the carbonated water. The use of involute coils provides a more uniform thermal gradient within the cold plate (10) and resists bridging of the cooling medium, typically ice. The syrup cooling coils (18-28) can be constructed in either a serpentine or involute configuration.

Abstract: A dispensing valve mechanism includes means for automatically maintaining a constant flow of fluid through a flow channel under varying fluid source pressure utilizes a piston movable within a chamber in response to fluid pressure to regulate the available flow area of a single outlet port in the chamber. The piston is sized to permit fluid flow around the periphery of the piston, and may have an axial flow path therethrough to serve as the primary flow path through the valve mechanism. A spring yieldably opposes axial movement of the piston that would tend to decrease the effective area of the chamber outlet port. An adjustment screw is carried in the valve body for adjusting the force exerted by the spring. The valve is particularly suited for use in liquid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A dispensing valve mechanism includes means for automatically maintaining a constant flow of fluid through a flow channel under varying fluid source pressure and and utilizes a piston movable within a chamber in response to fluid pressure to regulate the available flow area of a single outlet port in the chamber. The piston is sized to permit fluid flow around the periphery of the piston, and may have an axial flow path therethrough to serve as the primary flow path through the valve mechanism. A spring yieldably opposes axial movement of the piston that would tend to decrease the effective area of the chamber outlet port. An adjustment screw is carried in the valve body for adjusting the force exerted by the spring. The valve is particularly suited for use in liquid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A dispensing valve mechanism which includes means for automatically maintaning a constant flow of fluid through a flow channel under varying fluid source pressure utilizes a piston movable within a chamber in response to fluid pressure to regulate the available flow area of a single outlet port in the chamber. The piston is sized to permit fluid flow around the periphery of the piston, and may have an axial flow path therethrough to serve as the primary flow path through the valve mechanism. A spring yieldably opposes axial movement of the piston that would tend to decrease the effective area of the chamber outlet port. An adjustment screw is carred in the valve body for adjusting the force exerted by the spring. The valve is particularly suited for use in liquid dispensing apparatus. The valve mechanism is operated by a pivoted arm which includes a projection thereof that engages an electrical switch which causes a solenoid to open the valve.

Abstract: Tally means for a liquid dispenser which selectively draws measured quantities of liquor for discharge through a discharge sprout. A liquid pressure responsive sensor is connected to the discharge line and is responsive only to passage of liquid. The sensor has a chamber with a diaphragm closing one end. A chamber inlet, larger than the outlet, leads through the end closed by the diaphragm. Because of differential in orifice size, liquid accumulates in the chamber causing the diaphragm to deflect but not respond to air flow. A piston in the chamber is moved by the diaphragm to actuate a tally apparatus to provide both printed record and a display of the number of drinks dispensed.