Abstract: A beverage dispenser as provided for use with a container having an adapter with a resealable valve, which is a ball valve, has a valve which includes an engaging mechanism, such as a pin, for mechanically opening the valve in the adapter. The dispenser valve has a handle for rotatable motion, causing the pin to vertically move in contact with the ball valve, thus opening the container so that its contents flow. The valve may also be provided with a rinse water conduit and an opening so that the user can selectively close the adapter valve and rinse the dispenser system. The pin is preferably mounted to an x-shaped support.

Abstract: A static mixing nozzle used with a dispenser system thoroughly mixes one or more liquids. The static mixing nozzle has an insert having a housing with a plurality of baffles arranged in a staggered and alternating pattern throughout the passage. The baffles cause turbulence which mixes the liquid. Static mixing nozzles with different numbers of baffles may be used in the dispenser system to accommodate the different types of concentrates and syrups which may be used. The insert is removable and may be formed in parts which can be easily separated and cleaned. The insert has a ridge with an outer diameter greater than that of the nozzle, thus allowing the insert to be manually removed.

Abstract: A dispenser combines the efficiency of a post-mix dispenser, while providing the visual appeal of a visual spraying dispenser. A bowl holds a liquid that is circulated through a cooling system to provide a cool spray, and thus to create condensation on the outside of the bowl. The beverage that is dispensed is from remote supplies of concentrated syrup and water. The bowl has a single body that defines a number of compartments. The body is covered with a lid, and rests on a concentrate tray that drains away condensate that build up on the body. The body is easily removably and replaceably coupled to the tray. The valves for dispensing are on a movable support so that the height of the dispenser can be made smaller while still providing manual access to the valves.

Abstract: A cooling system for post-mix beverage dispenser includes an ice bath tank for holding a liquid, a refrigeration circuit for cooling the liquid in the ice bath tank, a concentrate storage area, and a cooling circuit coupled to the ice bath tank, for cooling the concentrate storage area. A pump in the cooling circuit transfers the liquid from the ice bath tank to a coil in the concentrate storage container. The circuit returns the liquid to the ice bath tank and creates the turbulence necessary for the liquid to freeze evenly in the tank. Thus, an agitator assembly is not necessary. A fan in the concentrate storage area circulates air over the coil. The pump can be selectively coupled to drain the tank.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a tray assembly for holding at least three containers, each having a plurality of electrodes. An electrical system provides a voltage to one electrode in each container, and detects when the syrup is below a certain level. Each container is in a refrigerated compartment and has an opening at the top aligned with an opening in the cabinet. A funnel is provided in the opening in the cabinet and extends into the container. The refrigerated compartment also encloses a pump for pumping syrup. The pump is partly controlled by circuitry on a circuit board which is mounted within the cabinet. A removable metal plate covers the cabinet in front of the circuit board. A transparent plastic shield is provided intermediate the plate and the circuit board, so that a user can observe the circuit board when the plate is removed. The shield is waterproof to protect the circuit board from splashing liquids.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a tray assembly for holding at least three containers, each having a plurality of electrodes. An electrical system provides a voltage to one electrode in each container, and detects when the syrup is below a certain level. The tray assembly has a first tray for supporting a first container and a second tray for supporting a second container, where the first and second trays are electrically insulated from each other. Each tray is coupled to a lead which carries a signal, and each tray is coupled to an electrode of the respective container. The first tray includes a vertical member which contacts an electrode of the second containers. The tray assembly can accommodate three or more containers and uses signals through the electrodes and leads to provide an out-of-strup indication separately for each container.

Abstract: A static mixing nozzle for use with a dispenser system to thoroughly mix one or more liquids. The static mixing nozzle has a passage with a plurality of baffles arranged in a staggered and alternating pattern throughout the passage. A liquid passing through the static mixing nozzle will strike the plurality of baffles, causing turbulence which mixes the liquid. The baffles prevent laminar flow through the passage. Static mixing nozzles with different numbers of baffles may be used in the dispenser system to accommodate the different types of concentrates and syrups which may be used. The static mixing nozzle may be formed as part of the nozzle or as an insert for the nozzle. The insert is removable and may be formed in parts which can be easily separated and cleaned. The static mixing nozzle does not require any mechanical mixing and operates under standard operating pressures for dispenser systems.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser as provided for use with a container which has an adapter with a resealable valve, which is a ball valve. The dispenser has a valve which includes an engaging mechanism, such as a pin for mechanically opening the valve in the adapter. Preferably, the dispenser valve has a handle for rotatable motion, causing an engaging pin to vertically move in contact with the ball valve, thus opening the container such that its contents can flow. The dispenser valve may also be provided with a rinse water conduit and an opening so that the user can selectively close the adapter valve and rinse the dispenser system.

Abstract: A post mix dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, in the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers each are of rigid box member construction having supported therein a liquid-type bag member with an outlet member. The containers are coupled to a beverage discharge assembly by a concentrate pump and a concentrate control valve that provides for quick-disconnect operation.

Abstract: A post mix dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, in the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers each are of rigid box member construction having supported therein a liquid-type bag member with an outlet member. The containers are coupled to a beverage discharge assembly by a concentrate pump and a concentrate control valve that provides for quick-disconnect operation.

Abstract: In connection with a beverage dispensing machine, an automatic self-fill control apparatus for the machine for controlling the filling of the liquid tank, which liquid tank is fed with a combination of water and a concentrate syrup adapted to be mixed with the water within the tank. A sensor member is disposed in the tank in a position so as to be responsive to the rise and fall of liquid in the tank. Pump means are provided adapted to pump the syrup to the tank. Control of water flow to the tank is also carried out. The sensor member has a low probe for detecting a low predetermined level of liquid in the tank and a high probe for detecting a high predetermined level of liquid in the tank and adapted to respectively generate low and high probe signals.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing an out-of-syrup condition in association with a machine for dispensing a beverage and in which the beverage is constituted of a syrup concentrate and water. The sensor comprises a housing having a through passage and a transverse hole which receives a cap for supporting a probe that extends partially into the through passage. The probe is preferably disposed vertically and operates on a gravity principle so that when the syrup is depleted, a gap forms and the syrup liquid essentially breaks away from the probe causing a high resistance indication that is detected.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and controlling the concentrate of a juice product in which the product is made up of a juice concentrate and water. The concentrate is dispensed by pump operation and the water is dispensed by solenoid operation. The system basically provides for the control of the solenoid and the pump and for the initiation of a dispensing cycle so as to initiate operation of the solenoid and pump substantially at the same time. A timer responds for operating the solenoid and pump over a preselected dispensing period. The control of the pump to provide concentration control is provided by a speed control circuit having multiple selectable positions for providing multiple pump speeds so as to in turn provide variable concentration of the final dispensed juice product.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing an out-of-syrup condition in association with a machine for dispensing a beverage and in which the beverage is constituted of a syrup concentrate and water. The sensor comprises a housing having a through passage and a transverse hole which receives a cap for supporting a probe that extends partially into the through passage. The probe is preferably disposed vertically and operates on a gravity principle so that when the syrup is depleted, a gap forms and the syrup liquid essentially breaks away from the probe causing a high resistance indication that is detected.

Abstract: A post mix fruit juice dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, and the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers and their discharge assemblies may be removed from the machine for cleaning, but the containers may be replenished through filling assemblies at the top of the cabinet without removing them.