Abstract: A heater element including: a primary conductor formed from a single sheet of metal, wherein the primary conductor is capable of radiating heat within 5 seconds and has a DeLuca Element Ratio of less than 2 ohms/m2; and primary conductor bars that are not welded to the primary conductor.

Abstract: A bag-in-box type of assembly is disclosed where numerous features are provided. One of the features helps to lock the drainage tube of the bag in a predetermined position at the bottom of the box. Another feature is directed to a ramp inside the box that aid drainage of the bag's content, e.g., concentrate for a postmix beverage. Yet a further feature is directed to structures that prevent slippage of the bag when placed on the ramp.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. For example, the mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has several novel aspects. Such novel aspects include an elevated blocking surface that directly faces the inlet of a pressurized diluent in order to create turbulence for the mixing, and novel constructions of a depressurizing section together with a funnel-shaped passageway that reduces splashing.

Abstract: Mix and air combine in a mixing chamber of a housing of a frozen product system to form a mixture. A cap received in one end of the housing includes an air inlet, a mix inlet, and two mixture outlets. An integral orifice received in the air inlet regulates the amount of air that flows into the mixing chamber. A gasket positioned adjacent the cap provides a liquid tight seal that prevents air and mix from entering the mixing chamber when the mixture is dispensed from the mixing chamber and to prevent the mixture from exiting the freezing cylinder while air and mix are drawn into the mixing chamber. The gasket includes an air valve, a mix valve, and two mixture valves. An adapter draws air into the pump through an air hole and draws mix into the pump through a mix hole. A piston slides in the mixing chamber to dispense the mixture through mixture holes. The cap includes a plurality of protrusions that engage holes in the adapter to ensure proper alignment of the cap and the adapter.

Abstract: A pump in a beverage system pumps a set amount of concentrate from a concentrate container and into a mixing container for mixing with water to form a beverage. The pump includes a motor that drives a piston both linearly and rotatably. A portion of the piston is received in a compartment of the pump and includes a substantially cylindrical body surface having a cylindrical portion and an irregular surface. When concentrate is to be drawn into the compartment, the irregular surface of the piston is proximate to the inlet of the pump and the cylindrical surface covers the outlet. As the piston moves, the concentrate is drawn into a part of the compartment defined between the walls of the compartment and the irregular surface of the piston. The irregular surface of the piston eventually approaches the outlet, and the concentrate trapped between the irregular surface and the walls of the compartment is expelled through the outlet.

Abstract: A syrup delivery system delivers flavored syrup. A solenoid introduces air into the system and into an inlet of an exhaust diverter including a flexible diaphragm. The air exits the exhaust diverter through an outlet for entry into a syrup valve that dispenses the syrup. After dispensing of the syrup, the solenoid blocks air from entering the system. The air from the syrup valve reenters the exhaust diverter through the outlet. The air exits the exhaust diverter through the contaminated air exhaust. The air pushes on the flexible diaphragm, which contacts a seating surface around the inlet, preventing the air from exiting the exhaust diverter through the inlet. The remaining air in the system passes into the expansion tank and is diffused, causing any contaminates in the air to fall to the bottom of the expansion tank. The exhaust air is also subjected to a turbulent air flow path in the expansion tank that further separate any contaminants from the air.