Abstract: A sensor (105) is placed into the ice bin (110) of a beverage dispenser (180). The sensor can measure the current level (102) of ice in the ice bin and can provide the measured level to a control component (115) of the beverage dispenser. The control component of the beverage dispenser can record the measured level and may selectively activate or deactivate an associated ice maker based on the measured levels (300). When the current level is below a minimum threshold (315), the control component may send a signal to the ice maker that causes it to make ice (320). When the current level is above a maximum threshold (330), the control component may send a signal to the ice maker that causes it to stop making ice (335).

Abstract: A sensor (105) is placed into the ice bin (110) of a beverage dispenser (180). The sensor can measure the current level (102) of ice in the ice bin and can provide the measured level to a control component (115) of the beverage dispenser. The control component of the beverage dispenser can record the measured level and may selectively activate or deactivate an associated ice maker based on the measured levels (300). When the current level is below a minimum threshold (315), the control component may send a signal to the ice maker that causes it to make ice (320). When the current level is above a maximum threshold (330), the control component may send a signal to the ice maker that causes it to stop making ice (335).

Abstract: A decoupler includes a short bellows of ten or fewer convolutions, an internal liner spaced from the bellows internally and a cover spaced radially outward from the bellows providing an air gap both internally and externally of the bellows. The liner has a free-standing downstream end proximate a damper which is captured by a cover, inner damper ring and slide ring. Two decouplers are mounted in series to accommodate angular, axial and lateral displacement when operably connecting two end pipes and one central pipe.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a liner, a bellow, and a liner sleeve preferably defined by a compressed woven mesh strip spirally wound around the liner between the bellow and liner and moveable longitudinally with respect to the bellow and liner when the coupling expands linearly. An alternate sleeve in the form of a cylinder is disposed about the liner, under the bellow and is formed of a woven non-compressed mesh.

Abstract: Damping rings of suitable disclosed material are disposed exteriorly and between spaced apart convolutions of a bellows of a flexible coupling. One, two or more damping rings are oriented in a coupling between bellows convolutions and the convolutions adjacent a damping ring extend radially outward of an outer periphery of the ring. Optional outer braids are held radially outward of the damping rings.

Abstract: A flexible coupling used in coupling conduits for hot exhaust gas comprises a flexible bellow, a gas flow controlling element at a coupling entry end, and a discharge end. Gas flow within the coupling is concentrated and directed toward a coupling discharge end, away from the bellows. Any bellows flexible liner is eliminated. Gas flow in the coupling between the flow controlling element and the discharge end of the coupling is at least partially unconfined. Heat transfer to the bellows from the gas flow is diminished as compared to any other level of heat transfer if the hot gas flow engaged the bellows directly without the gas flow control provided herein.

Abstract: A decoupler includes a short bellows of ten or fewer convolutions, an internal liner spaced from the bellows internally and a cover spaced radially outward from the bellows providing an air gap both internally and externally of the bellows. The liner has a free-standing downstream end proximate a damper which is captured by a cover, inner damper ring and slide ring. Two decouplers are mounted in series to accommodate angular, axial and lateral displacement when operably connecting two end pipes and one central pipe.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a liner, a bellow, and a liner sleeve preferably defined by a compressed woven mesh strip spirally wound around the liner between bellow and liner and moveable longitudinally with respect to the bellow and liner when the coupling expands linearly. An alternate sleeve in the form of a cylinder is disposed about the liner, under the bellow and is formed of a woven non-compressed mesh.

Abstract: A sealed coupling for connecting two pipe ends include two operating covers for respective connection to respective pipe ends, and elongated bellows having respective ends and a damping element supported by respective rims of said covers, said damping element disposed radially outwardly of said bellows and oriented centrally of said respective bellows ends for dissipating forces on said coupling uniformly across said bellows.

Abstract: A sealed coupling for connecting two pipe ends include two operating covers for respective connection to respective pipe ends, and elongated bellows having respective ends and a damping element supported by respective rims of said covers, said damping element disposed radially outwardly of said bellows and oriented centrally of said respective bellows ends for dissipating forces on said coupling uniformly across said bellows.