Abstract: A gas infusion tank for a beverage machine includes a tank body defining a holding space for accommodating beverages. A mixing element includes a mixing chamber, an ascending pipe, and a descending pipe. A top of the ascending pipe is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber and a bottom of the ascending pipe has a liquid inlet. The liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the holding space. A top of the descending pipe is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber and a bottom of the descending pipe includes a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the nozzle. A gas intake hole connects the holding space with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and may further include a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base. A smart sensor is disposed within or connected to a food pan that is removably inserted within the food holding cavity of a food holding chamber. The smart sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of an interior environment of the food pan and communicate with the food holding chamber or the chamber base.

Abstract: A cup dispensing system in an automated dispensing beverage dispensing system receives a first supply of cups at a first dispensing assembly with a first selective release device and receives a second supply of cups at a second dispensing assembly with a second selective release device. The first and second dispensing assemblies respectively coincide with first and second indexed locations on a cup conveyance system. The cup dispensing system operates to dispense a first cup from the first dispensing assembly to the first indexed location and a second cup from the second dispensing assembly to the second indexed location.

Abstract: A basket for deep frying food items includes a bottom. Opposed side walls and opposed end walls extend from the bottom. om the bottom and extend between the opposed side walls, the opposed side walls and the opposed end walls forming a top opening into an open interior defined by the opposed side walls, the opposed end walls, and the bottom. A plurality of dividers extend upwards from the bottom between the opposed end walls. The plurality of dividers define a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an equal cross-sectional area in a lateral dimension.

Abstract: A product display unit for displaying products on a shelf includes a sidewall at least partially defining a track configured to receive products, the sidewall comprising a first panel and a second panel with a sidewall hinge therebetween. A base panel is coupled to the sidewall, and the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf. The sidewall hinge comprises a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall hinge includes an upper transition section connecting the respective upper ends of the first and second legs, a first lower transition section connecting the lower end of the first leg to the first panel, and a second lower transition section connecting the lower end of the second leg to the second panel.

Abstract: A conveyor toaster includes a toaster cabinet, an opening extending through the toaster cabinet and configured to receive a food product, and a conveyor assembly positioned in the toaster housing and associated with the feed opening. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt configured to be operated by a drive motor to transport the food product past a heating element. The conveyor toaster further includes a an input sensor arranged proximate the opening and configured to detect the food product and a processor operably coupled to the input sensor and the conveyor assembly. The processor is configured to change between an operating condition with a first belt speed and an idle condition with a second belt speed based upon a signal from the input sensor.

Abstract: A frozen beverage dispensing machine includes a barrel. A liquid side of an expansion tank is connected to the barrel. A gas side of the expansion tank is separated from the liquid side by a bladder. A controller is configured to receive liquid pressure measurements from a liquid pressure transducer and is configured to initiate a fill process to provide a flow of liquid through the liquid side of the expansion tank into the barrel in response to the liquid pressure measurements falling below a liquid cut in pressure value. The controller is configured to initiate a gas pressure adjustment process when the liquid pressure measurements are less than a target gas side pressure.

Abstract: An infrared toaster and a method of toasting use a support configured to hold a food product relative to an infrared source. A light source and a camera are arranged relative to the support to illuminate the food product and capture digital images of the food product. A processor receives and analyzes successive images from the camera. The processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the food product. The processor operates the IR source to terminate operation directing IR energy when the predetermined toasting level is reached.

Abstract: A product display unit for displaying products on a shelf includes a sidewall at least partially defining a track configured to receive products, the sidewall comprising a first panel and a second panel with a sidewall hinge therebetween. A base panel is coupled to the sidewall, and the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf. The sidewall hinge comprises a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall hinge includes an upper transition section connecting the respective upper ends of the first and second legs, a first lower transition section connecting the lower end of the first leg to the first panel, and a second lower transition section connecting the lower end of the second leg to the second panel.

Abstract: A cold plate includes a cold plate body. A tubing system is embedded within the cold plate body. The tubing system includes a prechill circuit, a plain water postchill circuit fluidly connected to the prechill circuit, and a carbonated water postchill circuit fluidly connected to the prechill circuit.

Abstract: A food holding pan communication system includes a food holding pan having a pan identifier and configured to receive food items. A pan identification station includes a pan receiving area, a pan identifier reader, and at least one sensor directed at the pan receiving area and configured to acquire data regarding a food item received by the food holding pan. A processor is communicatively connected to the at least one sensor to receive signals from the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to determine a type of food item in the food holding pan.

Abstract: A holding bin includes a plurality of compartments defined across a width of the holding bin, each compartment of the plurality of compartments configured to receive a plurality of food holding trays. A housing defines an outer perimeter of the holding bin. A first display is secured through the housing. A second display is removably secured to the housing. A controller is communicatively connected to the first display and the second display. The controller is configured to operate the first display and the second display to coordinately present a location and a status of a food tray within a compartment of the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for storing and dispensing ice. The ice dispenser includes a holding bin that extends longitudinally between a first side and a second side, transversely between a third side and a fourth side, and vertically between a top to a bottom. A chute is configured to guide the ice from outside the holding bin into the holding bin. The chute has an upper end and an opposite lower end. The upper end of the chute extends longitudinally farther than the first side of the holding bin from the second side of the holding bin. A spout is operatively coupled to the holding bin for dispensing ice from the holding bin.

Abstract: A conveyor toaster includes a toaster cabinet, an opening extending through the toaster cabinet and configured to receive a food product, and a conveyor assembly positioned in the toaster housing and associated with the feed opening. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt configured to be operated by a drive motor to transport the food product past a heating element. The conveyor toaster further includes a an input sensor arranged proximate the opening and configured to detect the food product and a processor operably coupled to the input sensor and the conveyor assembly. The processor is configured to change between an operating condition with a first belt speed and an idle condition with a second belt speed based upon a signal from the input sensor.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for cooking a food product is provided. The heat transfer system includes an enclosure, heat sources within the enclosure operate to output heat for a cooking process, at least one conveyor positioned relative to the cooking heat elements, and a warming assembly. The warming assembly is configured to receive at least one pan configured to store cooked food product. The warming assembly defines an controlled environment about the at least one pan. A blocking element defines an opening through the enclosure into the controlled environment of the warming assembly.