Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a plurality of dispensing heads. A cold plates includes a plurality of fluid lines running therethrough. An ice bin is in thermal contact with the cold plate. A carbonator extends vertically from the cold plate with a lower end of the carbonator in thermal contact with the cold plate. A plurality of fluid lines extend from the cold plate to the plurality of dispensing heads.

Abstract: A backblock includes a body with a cavity connected to an inlet and an outlet. A spindle is positioned with a first end within the cavity and a second end with a tab exterior of the body. A latching plate is configured for translative movement relative to the body. The latching plate includes a keyhole with a bore and a channel. The bore is dimensioned to receive the spindle and the channel is dimensioned to receive the tab. The latching plate has a first latch position proximate to the body and a second latch position spaced apart from the body. When the tab is in alignment with the channel, the latching plate can translate to the second latch position about the tab. When the tab is out of alignment with the channel, the tab retains the latching plate in the first latch position.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a dispensing valve having a first flow path configured to dispense a first fluid and a second flow path configured to dispense a second fluid such that the first fluid and the second fluid mix downstream and form a mixed beverage. A flow control device regulates flow rate of the first fluid through the first flow path, and a shutoff valve selectively closes to stop flow of the first fluid through the first flow path. A sensor is configured to sense the flow rate of the first fluid, and a controller automatically controls the flow control device to adjust the flow rate of the first fluid and thereby obtain a desired fluid ratio of the mixed beverage.

Abstract: A backblock includes a body with a cavity connected to an inlet and an outlet. A spindle is positioned with a first end within the cavity and a second end with a tab exterior of the body. A latching plate is configured for translative movement relative to the body. The latching plate includes a keyhole with a bore and a channel. The bore is dimensioned to receive the spindle and the channel is dimensioned to receive the tab. The latching plate has a first latch position proximate to the body and a second latch position spaced apart from the body. When the tab is in alignment with the channel, the latching plate can translate to the second latch position about the tab. When the tab is out of alignment with the channel, the tab retains the latching plate in the first latch position.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a dispensing valve having a first flow path configured to dispense a first fluid and a second flow path configured to dispense a second fluid such that the first fluid and the second fluid mix downstream and form a mixed beverage. A flow control device regulates flow rate of the first fluid through the first flow path, and a shutoff valve selectively closes to stop flow of the first fluid through the first flow path. A sensor is configured to sense the flow rate of the first fluid, and a controller automatically controls the flow control device to adjust the flow rate of the first fluid and thereby obtain a desired fluid ratio of the mixed beverage.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve includes a housing defining a chamber with an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. A piston is located in the chamber and subjected to a fluid pressure exerted by the fluid received via the inlet. The piston is moved axially in the chamber by the fluid pressure such that the piston determines a flow characteristic of the fluid dispensed via the outlet. A plunger is received in the chamber, and the fluid pressure tends to move the piston towards the plunger. A spring tends to move the piston away from the plunger, against the fluid pressure. The plunger is axially registered in the chamber in discrete plunger positions, and each plunger position sets a discrete limit on axial movement of the piston thereby determining a predetermined flow characteristic of the fluid dispensed via the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are for dispensing condiments, including a base condiment together with and at least one additive. In some examples, a dispenser apparatus comprises a dispenser body having an upstream inlet that is configured to receive the base condiment and a downstream outlet that is configured to dispense the base condiment together with the additive(s). An additive body is configured to supply the additive(s) into the dispenser body as the base condiment is conveyed from the upstream inlet to the downstream outlet so that the base condiment and the additive(s) are concurrently dispensed via the downstream outlet. The systems and methods can operatively include arrangements for selecting a base condiment; selecting one or more additives from a plurality of additives; and supplying the base condiment and the additive(s) to a dispenser apparatus that dispenses the base condiment and additive(s) together.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve includes a housing defining a chamber with an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. A piston is located in the chamber and subjected to a fluid pressure exerted by the fluid received via the inlet. The piston is moved axially in the chamber by the fluid pressure such that the piston determines a flow characteristic of the fluid dispensed via the outlet. A plunger is received in the chamber, and the fluid pressure tends to move the piston towards the plunger. A spring tends to move the piston away from the plunger, against the fluid pressure. The plunger is axially registered in the chamber in discrete plunger positions, and each plunger position sets a discrete limit on axial movement of the piston thereby determining a predetermined flow characteristic of the fluid dispensed via the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are for dispensing condiments, including a base condiment together with and at least one additive. In some examples, a dispenser apparatus comprises a dispenser body having an upstream inlet that is configured to receive the base condiment and a downstream outlet that is configured to dispense the base condiment together with the additive(s). An additive body is configured to supply the additive(s) into the dispenser body as the base condiment is conveyed from the upstream inlet to the downstream outlet so that the base condiment and the additive(s) are concurrently dispensed via the downstream outlet. The systems and methods can operatively include arrangements for selecting a base condiment; selecting one or more additives from a plurality of additives; and supplying the base condiment and the additive(s) to a dispenser apparatus that dispenses the base condiment and additive(s) together.