Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a valve body configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid and dispense the first fluid through a first orifice and the second fluid through a second orifice. A first valve seal is movable to open and close the first orifice, and a second valve seal is movable to open and close the second orifice. An arm is pivotally coupled to the valve body, and pivoting of the arm relative to the valve body moves the first valve seal and the second valve seal and thereby opens the first orifice and the second orifice. The machine also includes a solenoid valve configured to pivot the arm, and a handle with a leg that is pivotable into and between a rest position in which the valve seals are closed and an active position in which the valve seals are open. As the handle moves from the rest position to the active position, the leg acts on the solenoid valve such that the arm pivots and the valve seals open.

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: A cleaning system for a food substance dispenser includes a first cleaning solution reservoir configured to contain a first cleaning solution. A second cleaning solution reservoir is configured to contain a second cleaning solution. At least one pump is fluidly connected to the first and second cleaning solution reservoir and to at least one flexible tube of the dispenser. A controller is communicatively connected to the at least one pump and operates the pump to selectively circulate the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution through the flexible tubing of the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a valve body configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid and dispense the first fluid through a first orifice and the second fluid through a second orifice. A first valve seal is movable to open and close the first orifice, and a second valve seal is movable to open and close the second orifice. An arm is pivotally coupled to the valve body, and pivoting of the arm relative to the valve body moves the first valve seal and the second valve seal and thereby opens the first orifice and the second orifice. The machine also includes a solenoid valve configured to pivot the arm, and a handle with a leg that is pivotable into and between a rest position in which the valve seals are closed and an active position in which the valve seals are open. As the handle moves from the rest position to the active position, the leg acts on the solenoid valve such that the arm pivots and the valve seals open.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a food substance dispenser includes a first cleaning solution reservoir configured to contain a first cleaning solution. A second cleaning solution reservoir is configured to contain a second cleaning solution. At least one pump is fluidly connected to the first and second cleaning solution reservoir and to at least one flexible tube of the dispenser. A controller is communicatively connected to the at least one pump and operates the pump to selectively circulate the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution through the flexible tubing of the dispenser.

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: A cleaning system for a food substance dispenser includes a first cleaning solution reservoir configured to contain a first cleaning solution. A second cleaning solution reservoir is configured to contain a second cleaning solution. At least one pump is fluidly connected to the first and second cleaning solution reservoir and to at least one flexible tube of the dispenser. A controller is communicatively connected to the at least one pump and operates the pump to selectively circulate the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution through the flexible tubing of the dispenser.

Abstract: A device is for cleaning an automated blender that includes a body that axially extends between a first end and a second end. The automated blender includes a base, a blender blade that axially moves towards and away from the base, and a splash shield that moves between a closed position and an open position. The first end of the body configured to receive the blender blade when the blender blade moves toward the base. The rotation of the blender blade causes rotation of the body which cleans an interior surface of the splash shield. The device may also include an alignment portion and a bearing which allows the body to translate radially as the body rotates. The device may also include a retainer plate coupled with the body which allows the body to translate vertically with respect to the bearing.