Abstract: Disclosed is a hardline connection assembly for connecting a portion, such as a lid, of a beverage making apparatus to a lower portion of the apparatus to provide an electrical connection. The hardline connection assembly includes a line with a magnetic connector assembly attached to one end of the line. The magnetic connector assembly including a first end and a second end to provide a magnetically attractive connection capable of bringing together the first and second ends and of making an electrical connection between the ends. The magnetic assembly also allows for breakaway disengagement of the ends without damage to the line connection to the lid and connection of the connector attached to the apparatus. A kit of the hardline connection assembly is provided for retrofitting existing apparatus.

Abstract: A cold drink apparatus, system, and method of operation for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage product, often referred to as a slush beverage or “granita” beverage. The apparatus includes a chilling structure and some form of blade or auger that moves relative to the chilling structure to strip product off and circulate the beverage along the chilling structure. The apparatus further includes a heating structure and heating operation to heat to at least partially thaw the product so that it returns to a generally liquid or solution state. Such heating operation reduces downtime for permitting for machine maintenance and/or permitting the sugar or solution within the product to be redistributed and refrozen to maintain desired qualities and consistency of the product.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus including a cabinet for retaining a beverage product and from which the beverage product is controllably dispensed. The cabinet includes structures and systems to make cooling more efficient and maintain more constant product temperatures. The structures and systems function to reduce heat transfer between beverage product stored in containers in the cabinet and the ambient environment. The apparatus maintains a minimal equipment footprint, maintains ease of installing and removing the beverage containers, and accommodates a variety of types of products and types of product containers.

Abstract: A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly and system that facilitates reliable and efficient engagement and removal of a flexible tube. A stator is pivotally retained on a structure and cooperatively operated by a lever arm and cam to engage and disengage the stator from the tube and a corresponding rotor. The stator pivots at a point distal from a point of rotation of the rotor and the lever arm moves about a fixed rotation axis to engage and disengage the stator with the tube relative to the rotor.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus including a cabinet for retaining a beverage product and from which the beverage product is controllably dispensed. The cabinet includes structures and systems to make cooling more efficient and maintain more constant product temperatures. The structures and systems function to reduce heat transfer between beverage product stored in containers in the cabinet and the ambient environment. The apparatus maintains a minimal equipment footprint, maintains ease of installing and removing the beverage containers, and accommodates a variety of types of products and types of product containers.

Abstract: A refill system and method of use for a beverage dispenser. The refill system includes a fill tube coupled to the water bath generally at an upper portion to dispense water into the water bath. The tube is configured for coupling to a dispense nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can be operated to dispense water only when the fill tube is coupled to the nozzle. The beverage dispenser can be controlled to prevent dispensing of product into the water bath when the fill tube is attached to the nozzle. An overflow tube may be provided and may be used to monitor the level of water retained in the water bath.

Abstract: A removably attachable mixing device for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a controllable water source, an ingredient source. The removably attachable mixing device being attachable to the water source and the ingredient source for receiving and mixing water and ingredient. The mixing device includes a body having a wall defining a cavity, an ingredient inlet removably attachable to the ingredient source and communicating with the cavity of the body. A water inlet removably attachable to the water source and communicating with the cavity of the body. A beverage outlet communicating with the cavity of the body to dispense beverage from the cavity of the body of the mixing device. A kit including the removably attachable mixing device. A method for mixing beverage using the removably attachable mixing device.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly and system that facilitates reliable and efficient engagement and removal of a flexible tube. A stator is pivotally retained on a structure and cooperatively operated by a lever arm and cam to engage and disengage the stator from the tube and a corresponding rotor. The stator pivots at a point distal from a point of rotation of the rotor and the lever arm moves about a fixed rotation axis to engage and disengage the stator with the tube relative to the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing a partially frozen beverage. The apparatus includes at least one beverage hopper for retaining a quantity of partially frozen beverage. The beverage hopper has a dispensing aperture formed therein and a guide member in an exterior surface of the beverage hopper. A chilling unit cools the partially frozen beverage retained within the beverage hopper. A dispenser assembly is provided which includes a handle, a biasing element, a gasket and a slideable valve member. the valve member has a portion dimensioned to slideably engage the guide member of the beverage hopper.

Abstract: A system for sensing the torque exerted upon a motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of a mixture. The system includes a moving member for moving the mixture. One form of the mixture may be a chilled beverage in which the moving member moves the chilled beverage within a container. The motor shaft assembly includes a drive device coupled to the moving member for imparting movement to the moving member and a drive shaft connecting the drive device in the moving member. The drive shaft defines an axis of rotation. The drive shaft is adapted for rotation to effect movement of the moving member. The drive shaft includes at least one axially aligned resilient coupling extending generally coaxial with and radially spaced from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system for sensing the torque exerted upon a motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of a mixture. The system includes a moving member for moving the mixture. One form of the mixture may be a chilled beverage in which the moving member moves the chilled beverage within a container. The motor shaft assembly includes a drive device coupled to the moving member for imparting movement to the moving member and a drive shaft connecting the drive device in the moving member. The drive shaft defines an axis of rotation. The drive shaft is adapted for rotation to effect movement of the moving member. The drive shaft includes at least one axially aligned resilient coupling extending generally coaxial with and radially spaced from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage often referred to as a slush beverage. A variety of apparatuses have been designed to produce chilled beverages as well as to produce beverages which are in a “slush” form. Some of these apparatuses are referred to as “granita” machines. Such apparatuses can be used to produce slush beverages from a variety of products including fruit juices, coffee-based beverages, tea-based beverages, as well as beverages containing alcohol. Such apparatuses includes a chilling structure, and some form of blade or auger which moves relative to the chilling portion to strip the frozen product off and circulate the beverage along the chilling portion. Circulation of the beverage along the chilling portion helps to reduce the temperature of the beverage mixture thereby approaching a slush consistency.