Abstract: An ice-cooled gravity beverage dispensing system in which the ice used for cooling the syrup and the water can also be used as portable ice in the drink. The syrup compartment is completely separated from the ice bin and access to the syrup compartment is provided only when the syrup compartment cover has been moved to a position covering the ice bin. A cooling syrup tube embedded in the ice bin cold plate and having a particular diameter allows flash cooling of the syrup.

Abstract: A separable connector for use in conveying beverage concentrate from a pressurized source to a dispenser has the bias springs for valve actuation isolated from the concentrate. This feature, coupled with a removal of areas that can cause a congregation of concentrate and the use of relatively large flow path areas, provides a connector that has a minimum of blockage problems. Other important aspects of this connector include poppet valve structure, sealing arrangements, easy cleaning by back flow, a simple and effective engaging of connector sections, easy disassembly of connector sections and an interlock arrangement to insure a proper sequence for valve actuation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for fluids is disclosed in the form of a cold plate of the type utilized with ice cooled beverage dispensers. The cold plate has a heat conducting casting in which are embedded conduits for various liquids to be cooled, such as various flavored syrups, sweet water and carbonated water. One of the fluid conduits, such as that for the carbonated water, is formed of two tubular members, with a third tubular member interconnecting the first two tubular members. The first two tubular members are substantially planar with a convoluted or serpentine shape. The two tubular members are positioned as two layers, with the top layer or first tubular member adjacent to the top surface of the casting against which the ice is positioned.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve for effecting diffusion of a flow of pressurized diluent to substantially atmospheric pressure and mixing the diluent with a gravity flow of beverage concentrate in controlled proportions and dispensing a mixed beverage therefrom by gravity flow. Separate valving chambers are provided for the diluent and the concentrate flow and the valves are individually actuated by electric solenoids. A removable nozzle assembly is provided which includes a removable thin orifice plate for metering the flow of the concentrate for effecting complete mixing. A pressure responsive device is provided to give additional force biasing the concentrate valve to the closed position, thereby permitting the use of concentrates containing pulping liquid.