Abstract: An improved level indicator is provided as a completed dispensing unit or as a retrofit and includes the capability for measuring liquid level, time elapsed, temperature, two-phase presence within the drainage pipe for very accurate level sensing, as well as the ability to set combinational limits based upon any of the above measured characteristics. An indicator can visually indicate to food service workers the state of the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus includes an intermittent brewing feature whereby a controller regulates flow into a brew basket based upon a user selected pre-stored flow profile comprising a sequence of flow pulses. A user selects from among a plurality of stored intermittent flow profiles according to the specific brewing operation, where each profile is designed for different brewing conditions. The flow profiles can be incorporated into a larger set of pre-stored or programmed instructions that also regulate temperature, volume, warming operations, and the like.

Abstract: A protective sheet/placard replacement system enables users of containers the ability to quickly replace and interchange protective sheets and placards at will. The system includes a pair of integrally provided, facing annular slots into which a protective sheet/placard is guided. In the embodiment shown, any structure which interrupts the continuity of repeatability can serve as a register for the protective sheet/placard so that it can be centered each time. The system enables users to keep a variety of protective sheet/placard for interchange, such as those bearing legends including the type of beverage being served. The advantages offered by the inventive configuration enables ownership of a lesser number of containers at one time because of the ability to interchange the protective sheet/placard. Further, since the protective sheet/placards are easily replaced and inexpensive, the periodic purchase of either crisp new whole sets, or new sets having a different color and pattern motif, is encouraged.

Abstract: An improved level indicator takes advantage of the universal visual impression of typical sight glasses, but without the disadvantages of a physical sight glass protruding from the main body of the reservoir. In addition, other quantities are measured, including two-phase presence in a drainage pipe, temperature of the liquid product measured against either the drain pipe or reservoir, and temporal passage. Each of the measured quantities can result in an individual visual indication, or can thresholded combinationally to provide a combined threshold limit for initiating visual indication. A sealed unit is provided low on a food dispensing reservoir and upstream of a dispensing valve with a sensor in fluid communication with the static pressure in the dispensing valve. Because the sealed unit is in communication with the liquid in the reservoir at the lower position only, several alternatives may be utilized to equate the static pressure with the liquid level in the food service container reservoir.

Abstract: An identity and possibly integrity based communication system is disclosed as a broad conceptual realization of a system especially useful with a disposable product packaging and its machinery which enables receipt of identification data incorporated into the packaging, or otherwise incorporated into the product. The receipt of information may be acknowledged to the user or surreptitiously acknowledged, and includes cases where the identification data carried may be either preserved, destroyed, or changed upon opening, or consumption of the contents in the package. The existence of the identification data may be either shown on the packaging or hidden from view regardless of whether the identification data is placed on the outside surface of the packaging, inside surface of the packaging, or within the packaging material. An integrated packaging used without further package removal is also included.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus includes an intermittent brewing feature whereby a controller regulates flow into a brew basket based upon a user selected pre-stored flow profile comprising a sequence of flow pulses. A user selects from among a plurality of stored intermittent flow profiles according to the specific brewing operation, where each profile is designed for different brewing conditions. The flow profiles can be incorporated into a larger set of pre-stored or programmed instructions that also regulate temperature, volume, warming operations, and the like.