Abstract: The present application provides a compressor for use with a flow of carbon dioxide. The compressor may include a first stage compression mechanism for compressing the flow of carbon dioxide from a low pressure to an intermediate pressure, an oil separator downstream of the first stage compression mechanism, and a second stage compression mechanism positioned downstream of the oil separator for compressing the flow of carbon dioxide from the intermediate pressure to a high pressure.

Abstract: The present application provides an ice dispenser for dispensing a volume of ice. The ice dispenser may include an ice bin and an ice deflector positioned about a top of the ice bin. The ice deflector may include a reverse funnel configuration such that an entrance to the ice deflector is narrower that an exit to the ice deflector so as to prevent the volume of ice from bridging therein in whole or in part.

Abstract: The present application provides an ingredient mixing module for mixing a number of ingredients. The mixing module may include a mixing chamber, a number of entry ports positioned about the mixing chamber, a mixer positioned within the mixing chamber, a brushless motor positioned about the mixing chamber so as to drive the mixer, and a nozzle downstream of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Syrup dispensing cups are provided that include a body structure that includes a first polyester or co-polyester resin with one or more first co-monomers incorporated into the first resin at a first mol % and having an intrinsic viscosity from about 0.45 dL/g to about 1.3 dL/g when measured at a temperature of 25 C. The body structure has a first opening that is sealed with a first sealing layer and a second opening sealed with a second sealing layer, in which each sealing layer includes a second PET-based co-polyester resin having one or more second co-monomers incorporated into the second resin at a second mol %, and the ratio of the first mole % to the second mol % is less than 1. Methods for or enhancing the shelf-life of syrup dispensing cups are also provided.

Abstract: A beverage nozzle for mixing at least a first beverage ingredient and a second beverage ingredient into a homogeneous mixture is disclosed herein. The beverage nozzle may include a housing having a first portion and a second portion. A first inlet may be in fluid communication with the housing. The first inlet may be configured to provide the first beverage ingredient to the housing. A second inlet may be in fluid communication with the housing. The second inlet may be configured to provide the second beverage ingredient to the housing. The beverage nozzle also may include a mixing core disposed within the housing. The mixing core may be configured to mix the first beverage ingredient and the second beverage ingredient into the homogeneous mixture. An outlet may be disposed about the housing. The homogeneous mixture may exit the housing by way of the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coatings and coating compositions that are substantially free of bisphenol A (BPA) and similar compounds, which help reduce or minimize flavor loss associated with foods or beverages stored in contact with the coating compositions. In one aspect, the composition can include the reaction products of an intimate mixture of cyclic ether resins and acrylate resins, which provides a unique cross-linked and interpenetrating network of polymers.

Abstract: A system for optimizing blending. The system can include a processor configured to aggregate material information, aggregate production information, model consumer liking of the at least one product, and provide plan information for controlling production resources based on the material information, the production information, and the consumer liking. The material information can be associated with a product input of the at least one product. The production information can be associated with the production resources of the at least one product.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for converting the output of a pressure sensitive mat into an image and processing the image to identify the products present on the mat. An example system includes a processor configured to read pressure values from the plurality of pressure sensors on the pressure sensitive mat and generate an image with each pixel in the image encoding a value corresponding to a pressure value read from the pressure sensitive mat. A server may be configured to receive the image from the processor and process the image to identify one or more types of products that may be present on the pressure sensitive mat for each product package detected to be present on the pressure sensitive mat based on a combination of two or more of a shape of the product package, one or more dimensions of the product package, or a weight of the product package.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering text, media, and inline interactive data (called message content) encapsulated in a message-based conversation has been devised. Content of multiple types are rendered and manipulated using interactive program code objects, downloaded when first needed from a repository, present on the message device. Inline interactive data can be shared and manipulated by participants in a message conversation as part of and in context with the ongoing conversation. Sharing and data integrity of the inline interactive data as well as conversation participant authentication, privileges and conversation security is managed by a central message server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.

Abstract: A frozen beverage composition containing hydrolyzed pea protein, and methods of making the same. The addition of hydrolyzed pea protein to non-carbonated frozen beverages has been found to produce aeration, density, and mouth feel similar to that of a carbonated frozen beverage.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for generating potable water from contaminated water sources, particularly well water. By eliminating the purified water holding tank, employing a combination of source tank with carbon and reverse osmosis filters in series, and using an actuated pump to supply impure water from the source, a simple on-demand system is provided that is especially adapted for use in remote locations. The system and method are particularly useful where only direct current power, such as from a solar photovoltaic panel power, is available.

Abstract: A display device includes a base structure, a plurality of modules coupled to the base structure, where each of the modules include a plurality of actuator assemblies. Each of the actuator assemblies is individually controllable to move the actuator assemblies between a retracted state and a plurality of extended states. A controller is coupled to each of the modules and is programmed to control the actuator assemblies to move the actuator assemblies between the retracted state and the plurality of extended states.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel zeolite catalysts, methods of producing the zeolite catalysts and a methods of using such catalyst, including for production of BTEX with improved yield, product selectivity and reduced char production. The present invention relates to novel mesoporous zeolite catalysts, as well as methods of producing the same. The present invention also relates to methods of producing renewable aromatic hydrocarbons using such catalysts.

Abstract: The present application provides an overprint orientation system. The overprint orientation system may include a first printer for printing on a substrate a first field and one or more orientation indicators within a second field, a second printer for overprinting the second field, and an orientation sensor. The orientation sensor determines whether the orientation indicators are visible.