Abstract: A beverage dispensing system using a sweetener. The beverage dispensing system may include a dispensing nozzle, a sweetener source with the sweetener at more than about 65° brix, a first diluent source with a first diluent, a mixing chamber in communication with the sweetener source and the first diluent source so as to dilute the sweetener to less than about 65° brix, and a second diluent source with a second diluent so as to dilute further the sweetener upstream of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A flow splitter for use with a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle dispenses a first fluid and a second fluid. The flow splitter may include an inner chamber for collecting the first fluid and an outer chamber for collecting the second fluid. The inner chamber may include an internal vent so as to vent air into the inner chamber.

Abstract: The present application describes a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly may include a flow director with a first flow path and a second flow path, a tertiary flow assembly with a number of third flow paths, and an elongated target positioned about the flow director such that the first flow path, the second flow path, and the number of third flow paths merge along the elongated target.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for mixing a first fluid and one or more second fluids to form a third fluid. The nozzle may include a first fluid pathway and a number of replaceable second fluid modules surrounding at least in part the first fluid pathway.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.

Abstract: A flow controller for fluids. The flow controller may include a flow control chamber, a diffuser positioned within the flow control chamber, and a fixed-length stop. The fixed-length stop is positioned a predetermined distance into the diffuser so as to control the flow rate of the fluids passing through the flow control chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for mixing a first fluid and one or more second fluids to form a third fluid. The nozzle may include a first fluid pathway and a number of replaceable second fluid modules surrounding at least in part the first fluid pathway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composition comprising storing at least one acid in an acid storage container, storing at least one acid-degradable component in a component storage container, and mixing the at least one acid from the acid storage container and the at least one acid-degradable component from the component storage container such that the at least one acid and the at least one acid-degradable component mix together to form the composition. A method and apparatus for providing a selected beverage from a plurality of selectable beverages comprising storing a number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates separately in a respective number of beverage component storage containers and in response the selection of the selected beverage, automatically dispensing, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, any combination of at least two or more of the number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates and a dituent.

Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: The present application describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device includes an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber includes a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.

Abstract: A carbonator for use in a beverage dispenser may include a tank having a first end and a second end. An inlet in the second end of the tank may be configured to receive a supply of CO2. The carbonator may include a baffle in the tank between the first end and the second end and an orifice in the first end of the tank. The orifice may be structured and arranged to direct a stream of water into the tank. The baffle may be positioned in the tank so as to target a desired carbonation level of the water in the tank.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for mixing a first fluid and one or more second fluids to form a third fluid. The nozzle may include a first fluid pathway and a number of replaceable second fluid modules surrounding at least in part the first fluid pathway.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing a flow of carbonated water from a pressurized source of gas and a source of water. The dispenser may include a pump. The pump may be driven by the gas from the gas source to pump the water from the water source. The pump also may include a water outlet and a gas outlet. A connector may be in communication with the water outlet and the gas outlet so as to combine the gas and the water.

Abstract: A carbonator for use in a beverage dispenser may include a tank having a first end and a second end. An inlet in the second end of the tank may be configured to receive a supply of CO2. The carbonator may include a baffle in the tank between the first end and the second end and an orifice in the first end of the tank. The orifice may be structured and arranged to direct a stream of water into the tank. The baffle may be positioned in the tank so as to target a desired carbonation level of the water in the tank.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing a flow of carbonated water from a pressurized source of gas and a source of water. The dispenser may include a pump. The pump may be driven by the gas from the gas source to pump the water from the water source. The pump also may include a water outlet and a gas outlet. A connector may be in communication with the water outlet and the gas outlet so as to combine the gas and the water.

Abstract: A vending machine for increasing consumer interest in the vending process and vended product includes a tipping mechanism. The tipping mechanism is positioned at a first end of a shelf, and modifies the orientation of an article being delivered from the shelf to a conveyor. The tipping mechanism causes the article to be tipped from an upright orientation to a perpendicular, lateral orientation. The tipping mechanism includes a ramp supported by the shelf, a spacer that provides the ramp with an incline from the shelf, and a product rotator extending from the shelf toward the conveyor. The conveyor then delivers the article to a vend port, where it is dispensed in the upright position. The conveyor may be mounted on internal elevator that carries the conveyor between one or more shelves and the vend port. A transparent window is provided on the face of the vending machine whereby a consumer can view the dispensing operations.

Abstract: A vending machine for increasing consumer interest in the vending process and vended product includes an internal elevator. This elevator has a conveyor or tiltable bed mounted thereon whereby a vended article is both horizontally and vertically moveable within the machine. A transparent window is provided on the face of the vending machine whereby the dispensing operations can be viewed by a consumer. An alignment device can be provided on the elevator in order to prevent tipping of the articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing and delivering postmix beverages in response to one or more drink orders being entered from a remote point of sale unit or a local keypad and including: a postmix beverage preparation assembly for dispensing ice and a selected postmix beverage into a cup; an oblong carousel type conveyor assembly including a plurality of upwardly open cup holders which are driven by a motor driven belt so as to pass beneath a cup dispensing station, an ice dispensing station, a beverage dispensing station, and a plurality of pick-up stations; a cup storage and dispenser assembly including a bi-directionally rotatable turret upon which is mounted a plurality of different sized cup supply tubes for holding a respective stack of beverage cups; and a pneumatic vertically driven cup gripper/extractor mechanism having a pair of pneumatically operated gripper arms which operate to remove a cup from a selected supply tube on the turret and placing the extracted cup into an empty cup holder which is t

Abstract: An automated system for preparing and delivering postmix beverages in response to one or more drink orders being entered from a remote point of sale unit or a local keypad and including: a postmix beverage preparation assembly for dispensing ice and a selected postmix beverage into a cup; an oblong carousel type conveyor assembly including a plurality of upwardly open cup holders which are driven by a motor driven belt so as to pass beneath a cup dispensing station, an ice dispensing station, a beverage dispensing station, and a plurality of pick-up stations; a cup storage and dispenser assembly including a bidirectionally rotatable turret upon which is mounted a plurality of different sized cup supply tubes for holding a respective stack of beverage cups; and a pneumatic vertically driven cup gripper/extractor mechanism having a pair of pneumatically operated gripper arms which operate to remove a cup from a selected supply tube on the turret and placing the extracted cup into an empty cup holder which is th

Abstract: A water boost for a postmix beverage dispensing system in which the water pump for the carbonator is used to also pump water into the water boost tank by the use of a three-way solenoid valve and a control circuit.