Abstract: A flow control assembly, as particularly for use with a hand-held beverage dispenser of the bar gun class, provides ON-OFF flow control and regulated flow of beverage products and diluents to a hand-held beverage dispenser. The fluid flow controller includes a toolless (manually affixed) splash cover and an inlet connector retaining mechanism.

Abstract: An on-demand cooling system for a beverage dispenser includes a cooling enclosure, a first cooling chamber, a second cooling chamber, and a refrigeration system communicating with the cooling enclosure, the first cooling chamber, and the second cooling chamber. The cooling enclosure receives water therethrough from a water source or a recirculation system. The refrigeration system chills the water flowing through the cooling enclosure prior to the water exiting the cooling enclosure into the first cooling chamber. The refrigeration system chills the water within the first cooling chamber prior to the water exiting the first cooling chamber into the second cooling chamber. The refrigeration system chills the water within the second cooling chamber, thereby providing chilled water for the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing system (10) and related methods are provided in which a first dispensing point (14a) operable, under control of a controller (34), dispenses during an initial pour time a first volume of a first beverage into a first cup (22) whereby the first volume is less than a final beverage volume. A conveyor (24) operable, under control of the controller (34), moves the first cup (22) to a second dispensing point (14b) after the first volume of the first beverage is dispensed into the first cup (22). The second dispensing point (14b) operable, under control of the controller (34), tops-off the first cup (22) to the final beverage volume by dispensing during a topping off time more of the first beverage into the first cup (22) whereby the topping off time is less than the initial pour time.

Abstract: A fluid line connector arrangement includes a first connector assembly of the fluid line connector arrangement, as particularly configured to efficiently connect and secure fluid line fittings to a hand-held beverage dispenser, and a second connector assembly of the fluid line connector arrangement, as particularly configured to efficiently connect and secure a fluid line fittings to a beverage fluid source.

Abstract: A dispensing system (10) and related methods are provided in which a cup (22) is partially filled with a beverage at a first dispensing point (14a), and the cup is topped-off at a second dispensing point (14b).

Abstract: A cup dispenser (10) and associated methods are provided in which the cup dispenser (10) is tiltable (including rotation) between a dispensing position and a loading position. In the loading position, cups are easily loaded into the cup dispenser (10). A rolling-element bearing (30) may, among other mechanisms, be employed to facilitate the movement.

Abstract: An on-demand cooling system for a beverage dispenser includes a cooling enclosure, a first cooling chamber, a second cooling chamber, and a refrigeration system communicating with the cooling enclosure, the first cooling chamber, and the second cooling chamber. The cooling enclosure receives water therethrough from a water source or a recirculation system. The refrigeration system chills the water flowing through the cooling enclosure prior to the water exiting the cooling enclosure into the first cooling chamber. The refrigeration system chills the water within the first cooling chamber prior to the water exiting the first cooling chamber into the second cooling chamber. The refrigeration system chills the water within the second cooling chamber, thereby providing chilled water for the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A nozzle (10) and associated methods are provided in which a base fluid flows by a check valve (22) and is directed by a plurality of flow directors (42) into a diluent flow path. The check valve (22) closes the flow of base fluid when the base fluid is no longer demanded.

Abstract: A hand-held beverage dispenser includes a handle body, within which multiple valve units are contained. Two sets of fluid flow paths are provided into the handle body. The sets of fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive one to the other. Each flow path of the first set is in fluid communication with each valve unit, whereas only a predetermined one of the second set of fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each valve unit. Each valve unit includes a flow control valve and a selector valve. The selector valve determines on an ad hoc basis which of the first set of flow paths will be utilized at any given time, while the flow control valve provides single action simultaneous ON-OFF control of fluid flows through both the selected flow path and the predetermined flow path. A failsafe ensures correct operation of the selector valve of each valve unit.

Abstract: An arrangement for selective removal of a mixer assembly from a hand-held beverage dispenser includes a handle body housing a piping system for dispensing post-mix beverages and a toe plate for dependently supporting the mixer assembly. Upwardly projecting mounting bosses have central orifices running end-to-end therethrough, and extending at the bottom end through the toe plate. Each orifice is axially aligned with a mounting hole of a mixer assembly as operably supported by the tow plate, and releasable fasteners provided top-to-bottom through the orifices engage the mounting holes to affix the mixer assembly to the toe plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring and maintaining a beverage dispenser (10) are provided in which an array of flow control icons (60) is presented on the same page as functional sections (62-68). The functional sections (62-68) allow assignment of a beverage component to a flow control element corresponding to a selected flow control icon, and other functions to be performed in connection with the assigned beverage component or flow control element.

Abstract: A cartridge valve (22, 94) and system (10) are provided in which the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a regulator (44, 96) and a solenoid (42, 100) which may have an adjustable stroke to facilitate stable flow control. Also, the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a quick and easy installation and removal fitting (30 and 32).

Abstract: An ice chest (10) with beverage lines (18) in a cold plate (12) is provided in which the inlets and outlets of the cold plate beverage lines are coupled to fittings (16) that accommodate coupling to a wide range of beverage tubing sizes. Also provided are the cold plate (12) and fittings (16).

Abstract: A fluid line connector arrangement includes a first connector assembly of the fluid line connector arrangement, as particularly configured to efficiently connect and secure fluid line fittings to a hand-held beverage dispenser, and a second connector assembly of the fluid line connector arrangement, as particularly configured to efficiently connect and secure a fluid line fittings to a beverage fluid source.

Abstract: A flow control assembly, as particularly for use with a hand-held beverage dispenser of the bar gun class, provides ON-OFF flow control and regulated flow of beverage products and diluents to a hand-held beverage dispenser. The fluid flow controller includes a toolless (manually affixed) splash cover and an inlet connector retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A valve arrangement establishes passage from a dedicated beverage product flow path to the valve arrangement to a dedicated beverage product flow path from the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement further establishes passage into the valve arrangement of a user selectable one of a plurality of diluent flow paths, while blocking passage into the valve arrangement of each of the plurality of diluent flow paths other than the one of the plurality of diluent flow paths. The valve arrangement still further establishes passage from the one of the plurality of diluent flow paths to the fixed diluent flow path from the valve body. The valve arrangement establishes passage into the valve arrangement of a user selectable one of the plurality of diluent flow paths functionally independent of establishing passage to the fixed diluent flow path of the one of the plurality of diluent flow paths.

Abstract: A dispensing system (10) and related methods are provided in which a cup (22) is partially filled with a beverage at a first dispensing point (14a), and the cup is topped-off at a second dispensing point (14b).

Abstract: A cartridge valve (22, 94) and system (10) are provided in which the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a regulator (44, 96) and a solenoid (42, 100) which may have an adjustable stroke to facilitate stable flow control. Also, the cartridge valve (22, 94) includes a quick and easy installation and removal fitting (30 and 32).

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and method are provided in which, upon failure of the primary user input device (30), an alternative user input device and/or alternative feedback device is activated to receive beverage selections and/or provide feedback.

Abstract: A cup dispenser (10) and associated methods are provided in which the cup dispenser (10) is tiltable (including rotation) between a dispensing position and a loading position. In the loading position, cups are easily loaded into the cup dispenser (10). A rolling-element bearing (30) may, among other mechanisms, be employed to facilitate the movement.