Abstract: A premix dispensing valve assembly for a beverage dispenser includes a housing which includes an inlet to deliver premix fluid, a compensator within the housing for subjecting a controlled pressure drop on the premix fluid which includes an outlet communicating exterior to the housing, and a regulator within the housing for applying a variable dampening effect against high fluid pressures that accompany the premix fluid upon entry into the premix dispensing valve assembly. The regulator is cooperatively linked to the inlet of the housing and communicates with the compensator. As such, integrating the regulator with the compensator optimally allows for premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and, thus, prevent complications arising from loss of carbonation. The premix dispensing valve assembly further includes a premix delivery channel within the housing for communicating premix fluid from the inlet of the housing to the regulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.