Abstract: A frozen beverage dispensing unit includes a first replaceable frozen beverage module, a second replaceable frozen beverage module, a plumbing module, and a dispensing module. The dispensing module includes a programmable dispensing manifold for preparing frozen beverages in accordance with dispensing profiles. In an embodiment, a rotating turn table turns a beverage container in accordance with a dispensing profile. The dispensing profile includes instructions for layering of contents of different frozen beverage modules being placed in a beverage container. Moreover, the contents of different food add-in modules may also be added to the beverage container based on the selected dispensing profile.

Abstract: According to certain aspects of the disclosure, embodiments of a product merchandiser incorporating a video display is described. The product merchandiser described herein contemplates the use of a rear projector video system for display of video on a reflective film that is adhered to a glass or other transparent exposed surface on the merchandiser. Aspects of the merchandiser provided herein provide a cost-effective, durable, flexible/adaptable to different merchandiser sizes, and non-static means of displaying advertising or other promotions via video directly on an exposed surface of a product merchandiser.

Abstract: An animatronic eye with fluid suspension, electromagnetic drive, and video capability. The eye assembly includes a spherical, hollow outer shell that contains a suspension liquid. An inner sphere is positioned in the outer shell in the suspension liquid to be centrally floated at a distance away from the shell wall. The inner sphere includes painted portions providing a sclera and iris and includes an unpainted rear portion and front portion or pupil. The shell, liquid, and inner sphere are have matching indices of refraction such that interfaces between the components are not readily observed. A camera is provided adjacent a rear portion of the outer shell to receive light passing through the shell, liquid, and inner sphere. A drive assembly is provided including permanent magnets on the inner sphere that are driven by electromagnetic coils on the outer shell to provide frictionless yaw and pitch movements simulating eye movements.

Abstract: A beverage and ice dispenser that dispenses both beverages and cubed or crushed ice. Beverages are dispensed from dispensing heads. Cubed ice is stored in a bin. A duct leads from the bin. The duct has first and second outlet openings. A chute leads from the outlet openings. The chute has a single discharge opening from which ice from both duct outlet openings is discharged. An ice crusher is between a first outlet opening and the chute. A gate opens and blocks the flow path from the second opening into the chute. When cubed ice is desired, the gate is spaced from the second opening so that cubed ice is discharged from the duct and chute. When crushed ice is desired, the gate closes the second opening. Ice flows out of the first opening, is crushed by the ice crusher and discharged through the chute.