Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to an enclosure constructed from homopolymer and/or copolymer thermal plastic, preferably polypropylene members and a method of construction therefore. Particularly, such enclosures are utilized in the construction of vending machines, product dispensing machines and the like. The polymer members used for the enclosure material are at least partially formed from homopolymer material, or copolymer material, or a combination of homopolymer and copolymer materials.

Abstract: A control system for and methods of controlling a product delivery system are provided.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser receives a fluid container at an installation position and includes a data reader configured to scan product indicia on an installed container. Based on data from that scan data, a controller operates a pump and a valve to mix beverage concentrate from the installed container with a diluent that corresponds to the desired beverage. The controller mixes the concentrate and diluent at a ratio that is based on the scan data. The controller may also select the correct diluent based on the scan data.

Abstract: A multi-flavor valve capable of dispensing at least three flavors of beverages is provided. The valve includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths and a water flow path. The valve also includes at least three syrup flow path solenoids for respectively opening and closing the at least three syrup flow paths, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. The three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths, and the water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve also has at least three beverage flavor switches for selecting any one of the three beverage flavors for dispensation.

Abstract: A multi-flavor valve for dispensing at least three flavors of beverages includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths, a water flow path, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. Three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths. The water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve has beverage flavor switches for selecting the beverage flavors for dispensation. The valve includes an electronics module electrically connected to the solenoids and to the beverage flavor switches, the electronics module causing one of the syrup flow path solenoids to open the corresponding syrup flow path of the syrup corresponding to a selected flavor switch, and causing the water flow path solenoid to open the water flow path, causing the valve to dispense the selected beverage flavor.

Abstract: A traction drive system for an articulated robotic arm. The traction drive system can include an input drive disk, a spider, an array of traction balls, a traction plate, an output drive shaft, a clamping device to load the traction balls, and an absolute rotation position sensor system. The rotation of the output drive shaft can be coupled to the rotation of the input drive disk while the traction balls are frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. The rotational connection can be decoupled when the traction balls are not frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. A rotational position sensor located in proximity to the traction drive can provide absolute rotational position feedback of the output drive shaft.

Abstract: A compact, modular dosing pump system that is capable of microdose and macrodose volume flow rates, reduces or eliminates the need for additional flow control components such as temperature and pressure sensors, and utilizes a wider operational flow range than existing systems while maintaining the level of accuracy and precision exhibited by conventional dosing pump systems is provided. The dosing pump utilizes a pump and flow circuit, and a control system may be used to deliver a range of fluid volumes. The flow circuit utilizes a networked system of fluid paths and valves to route fluid through the dosing pump system in response to a pressure differential between fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports, while the controller monitors and controls the operation of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves and closing of a second of the plurality of valves for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers based on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser receives a fluid container at an installation position and includes a data reader configured to scan product indicia on an installed container. Based on data from that scan data, a controller operates a pump and a valve to mix beverage concentrate from the installed container with a diluent that corresponds to the desired beverage. The controller mixes the concentrate and diluent at a ratio that is based on the scan data. The controller may also select the correct diluent based on the scan data.

Abstract: A control system for and methods of controlling a product delivery system are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separable device for the application of compression and thermal therapy to a patient. A first section includes a reservoir, liquid pump and a thermal exchange system for the application of thermal therapy as well as a dock. The second section of the device includes an air compressor and at least one controller for the application of compression therapy and can be operated independently from the first section. Additionally, the second section may be engaged with a dock of the first section.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

Abstract: A traction drive system for an articulated robotic arm. The traction drive system can include an input drive disk, a spider, an array of traction balls, a traction plate, an output drive shaft, a clamping device to load the traction balls, and an absolute rotation position sensor system. The rotation of the output drive shaft can be coupled to the rotation of the input drive disk while the traction balls are frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. The rotational connection can be decoupled when the traction balls are not frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. A rotational position sensor located in proximity to the traction drive can provide absolute rotational position feedback of the output drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

Abstract: A beverage and ice dispenser that dispenses both beverages and cubed or crushed ice. Beverages are dispensed from dispensing heads. Cubed ice is stored in a bin. A duct leads from the bin. The duct has first and second outlet openings. A chute leads from the outlet openings. The chute has a single discharge opening from which ice from both duct outlet openings is discharged. An ice crusher is between a first outlet opening and the chute. A gate opens and blocks the flow path from the second opening into the chute. When cubed ice is desired, the gate is spaced from the second opening so that cubed ice is discharged from the duct and chute. When crushed ice is desired, the gate closes the second opening. Ice flows out of the first opening, is crushed by the ice crusher and discharged through the chute.