Abstract: A refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser (10) includes an enclosure defining an insulated, refrigerated display cabinet (25) and a compartment (30) heat insulated therefrom wherein a compressor (40) a condenser (50) and a condenser fan (60) are disposed. The condenser (50) is formed by a plurality of in-line tube banks (52). Each tube bank (52) is a serpentine tube formed a plurality of unfinned, straight tube segments (54) extending in parallel rows (55) between a pair of spaced, opposed end plates (58) and elbow turns (56) connecting neighboring straight tube segments (56) in a conventional manner. Each successive tube bank (52) is arranged with the other tube banks so that respective parallel tube rows (55) are disposed in-line from the front to the rear of the condenser (50) or with each successive tube bank being offset in a slightly staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A multi-band air curtain forms a separation barrier at an interface between a first environment having a fluid at a first condition and a second environment having a fluid at a second condition. A first stream (55) of a fluid is directed along a first path (45) generally parallel to the interface between the first environment and the second environment. A second stream (65) of fluid is directed along a second path (75) generally outwardly at an angle of divergence with the first path (45). A third stream (65) of a fluid is directed along a third path (95) between the first path (45) and the second path (75) at a first interior angle with said first path (45) and at a second interior angle with said second path (75).

Abstract: A forced air cooler (10) includes a cabinet (20) defining a lower chamber (30) wherein product is stored and an upper chamber (40) housing a pair of fans (62) and (64) positioned intermediate spaced evaporators (52) and (54). A support grate (90) disposed on the floor of the cabinet (20) supports the product off the floor and includes integral side fences (94) and (96) which serve to space the product away from the side walls (26) and (28) of the cabinet. The fans (62) and (64) draw air through the evaporators (52) and (54), respectively, and direct the cooing air through the openings provided by the slots (68) in the diffuser plate (66) to provide a uniformly distributed flow of cooling air, at its coolest condition, downwardly into the lower chamber (30) to pass over the product stored therein.

Abstract: A refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser (10) includes an enclosure defining an insulated, refrigerated display cabinet (25) and a compartment (30) heat insulated therefrom wherein a compressor (40) a condenser (50) and a condenser fan (60) are disposed. The condenser (30) is formed by a plurality of in-line tube banks (52). Each tube bank (52) is a serpentine tube formed a plurality of parallel straight tube segments (54) extending in horizontal rows (55) between a pair of spaced, opposed end plates (58) and elbow turns (56) connecting neighboring straight tube segments (56) in a conventional manner. Each successive tube bank (52) is aligned with the other tube banks so that respective parallel tube rows (55) are disposed in-line from the front to the rear of the condenser (50).

Abstract: A lateral sensor positioned proximate to at least one of the edges of a conveyor belt continually monitors the position of the edge of the conveyor belt. If lateral movement is detected by the lateral sensor, an adjustment motor rotates to move an end of a non-drive pulley to adjust for the lateral movement. The lateral sensor can be a non-contacting inductive proximity sensor, a proportional sensor such as a linear variable displacement transducer or a linear potentiometer which determines if the edge of the conveyor belt has moved laterally by monitoring the resistance in the spring, or a Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: Refrigeration system has a display case defining a display space. The display space has a top area, a bottom area, a front viewing area, and a back area. A cooling element provides cool air to display space. An air outlet directs a cool air curtain to an air inlet, across the front viewing area. A light source is located near the back area away from the air curtain. A reflector is spaced from the light source and reflects light through the display space.

Abstract: A forced air cooler (10) includes a cabinet (20) defining a lower chamber (30) wherein product is stored and an upper chamber (40) housing a pair of fans (62) and (64) positioned intermediate spaced evaporators (52) and (54). A wire rack (90) disposed on the floor of the cabinet (20) supports the product off the floor and includes integral side fences (94) and (96) which serve to space the product away from the side walls (26) and (28) of the cabinet. The fans (62) and (64) draw air through the evaporators (52) and (54), respectively, and direct the cooing air through the openings provided by the slots (68) in the diffuser plate (66) to provide a uniformly distributed flow of cooling air, at its coolest condition, downwardly into the lower chamber (30) to pass over the product stored therein.

Abstract: A grilling component employed to grill food items includes a grilling surface made of a material having a low constant of thermal expansion. In one example, the grilling surface is made of Invar™. Invar™ is a metal allow comprised of Iron and 36% Nickel, and may include other trace elements. Invar has a low constant of thermal expansion and therefore moves and expands very little when heated. The grilling surface further includes a non-stick coating, such as Teflon™. The grilling surface can also be a conveyor belt which travels over a heater.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (12) includes a display case (30) defining a product display region having an open-front isolated from the ambient air of the store by means of a downwardly directed inner air curtain (55) of relatively cold refrigerated air. The amount of airflow forming the air curtain is selectively increased in response to a signal from a controller (80) whenever a sensor (70) detects a disturbance in the integrity of the air curtain or from movement in front of the display case.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having a viewing area with the first side and a second side. An air outlet on the first side guides air across the viewing area to an air inlet on the second side. A first fan and a second fan communicate with the air inlet. A volume extends between the air inlet and the first and second fans. The partition divides this volume between the first and second fan.

Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.

Abstract: A hot gas heat treat system is employed to cool mix in a hopper and a freezing cylinder and to heat the mix for pasteurization. A hopper liquid line solenoid valve at the inlet of the hopper and a cylinder liquid line solenoid valve at the inlet of the freezing cylinder each control the flow of refrigerant to the expansion valves which further control the flow of refrigerant that flows around the hopper and the freezing cylinder, respectively. A hopper hot gas solenoid valve at the inlet of the hopper and a cylinder hot gas solenoid valve at the inlet of the freezing cylinder control the flow of refrigerant from the compressor that flows around the hopper and the freezing cylinder. The system further includes a hot gas bypass valve that is opened when only the hopper is being cooled to provide additional load to the compressor. An EPR valve is positioned proximate to the hopper discharge to vary the temperature of the refrigerant exchanging heat with the hopper.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandizer includes a display case defining a product display region having an open-front isolated from the ambient air of the store by means of a downwardly directed inner air curtain of relatively cold refrigerated air and a downwardly directed outer air curtain of relatively warmer air. The outer curtain of relatively warmer air is directed downwardly and outwardly away from the inner air curtain of relatively cold air at a divergent angle with respect to the inner air curtain.

Abstract: An air distribution bi-folding door assembly of a refrigerated case opens and closes to allow for the loading of refrigerated items in the case. The doors are attached by a hinge. Each door is hollow and includes perforations which allow cool air which flows in the hollow space of the doors to distribute over the refrigerated items in the case. A wheel assembly is attached to the upper outer corner of each door and runs along a track as the doors open and close. An alignment assembly attached to the lower outer corners of each door ensures proper alignment of the doors during opening and closing.

Abstract: A grilling component includes a pair of grilling structures supported at an oblique angle from the vertical. Each grilling structure includes a heater and a moveable conveyor belt positioned around the heater. As the food travels on the conveyor belts between the heaters, the food is cooked. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-stick coated Invar™. A lateral sensor positioned proximate to an edge of each of the conveyor belts detects and compensates for lateral movement of the conveyor belts. After the food exits the grilling structures, the food slides onto a heated holding area for serving.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case defining a display space. A cooling element cools the display space. An air mover direct air across the cooling element. At least one air outlet guides cool air into the display space to an air inlet located at the end of the shelf.

Abstract: A temperature and/or humidity controlled cabinet includes an environmentally controlled compartment having a main access opening and a swing door that is configured to selectively permit access to the inside of the environmentally controlled compartment via at least a portion of the main access opening and to close off access to the inside of the temperature controlled compartment via at least a portion of the main access opening. The cabinet further includes at least one sliding door that is defined in a portion of the swing door and that is configured to selectively permit access to the inside of the environmentally controlled compartment and to close off access to the inside of the environmentally controlled compartment.