Abstract: Steam is generated in a small enclosure disposed within a large tank. Water is separately heated in the enclosure and in the tank. The enclosure is in direct communication with the tank. Steam generated within the enclosure is connected to a dispensing nozzle for use in connection with food and beverage products.

Abstract: A programmable electronic speed control for controlling the speed of a motor responsive to an ac signal source. A triac switch is interposed between the ac signal source and the motor. A programmable digital counter is connected between the ac signal source and the triac switch. The programmable counter counts zero voltage crossings of the ac signal generated by the ac signal source and repetitively causes the triac switch to alternately pass and block selectable numbers of cycles of the ac signal to the motor. The speed of the motor is determined by the relationship between the selectable numbers of cycles of the ac signal which are alternately passed and blocked by the triac switch. The speed control is particularly suited for use in controlling the pump motor and/or the program timer motor in a beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in brewing single cup quantities of a beverage such as coffee. A frame supports a vertically movable open-bottom cylinder and a piston within the cylinder. A base assembly is reciprocal horizontally between the brewing position and a discharge position. In the brewing position, a brewing cavity is disposed beneath and sealed with the cylinder. Actuation of various components through a predetermined repetitive cycle is controlled by a motor driven camshaft.

Abstract: A vending machine such as a coffee vending machine has a hot water tank connected to the outlet side of a pump. The inlet side of the pump is selectively connected to one of a plurality of water storage containers by way of a valve. Water for the hot water tank is pumped thereto from the storage containers. When a storage container is empty, the valve is moved to a position so as to communicate with another one of the containers.

Abstract: A housing such as a dispensing canister is constructed of a plurality of modules removably interconnected together. The lowermost module has a screw for dispensing granular material and an agitator driven by the screw.

Abstract: The canister is provided with a screw for dispensing granular material from an outlet port in the canister. An agitator is rotatably supported for rotation about an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the screw. The agitator has teeth on its outer periphery which mesh with the screw flights of the screw.

Abstract: A slush dispenser having a container of flavored slush or the like is provided with first and second blades rotatable in opposite directions within the container by a single motor. The container and blades are removable without the need for tools to facilitate maintenance and cleaning.

Abstract: Liquid flowing through a housing is sterilized by being subjected to radiation which passes through a window transparent to ultraviolet rays. The liquid is prevented from contacting the window by an air pocket. The air in the pocket is maintained by introducing air into the liquid which either replenishes air absorbed from the pocket by the liquid at the air-water interface or prevents the liquid from absorbing air from said pocket.

Abstract: Liquid flowing through a housing is sterilized by being subjected to radiation which passes through a window transparent to ultraviolet rays. The liquid is prevented from contacting the window by an air pocket. The air in the pocket is maintained by introducing air into the liquid which either replenishes air absorbed from the pocket by the liquid at the air-water interface or prevents the liquid from absorbing air from said pocket.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for selectively dispensing heated water, cooled water, or water at ambient temperature. Water under pressure is supplied to a refrigerated reservoir by a water supply pipe having a solenoid operated valve therein. An ambient dispensing valve and a heated water tank having a dispensing valve are each in communication with said water supply pipe at a location between said valve and reservoir.

Abstract: A valve which comprises components which can be assembled and disassembled by hand and which can discharge a relatively large volume of hot water in a few seconds.

Abstract: A filter is provided for a brew cup for use in a hot beverage brewing machine such as a coffee brewing and dispensing machine. The filter is attached to the inside of a brew cup about halfway up the side walls and to the center of a guide spider axially movable within the brew cup. By this arrangement, spent grounds and fines are prevented from traveling with the brewed coffee or other beverage as it passes through the brew cup. When the brew cup mechanism is inverted and moved to the dumping station, this arrangement provides for the dumping of substantially all of the spent grounds and fines by a snap action applied to the spider and the filter material. The filter material is restrained from engaging the floor of the brew cup to prevent clogging and caking of the filter material and fines or spent grounds on the floor of the brew cup.