Abstract: A water cooler and dispensing system comprises a housing, a pump, a cap, a siphon tube, a reservoir, a cooling unit, control circuitry and a faucet. The housing includes a frame and detachable panels for supporting the reservoir above a water bottle. The cap substantially seals the bottle and is coupled to the pump. The pump forces air into the bottle and water upward through the siphon tube to the reservoir. A liquid pumping system may also be used. The reservoir is divided into two portions, and the lower portion contains a cooling unit for chilling the water. The reservoir has an output port from each portion of the reservoir coupled to a faucet formed by a manifold, two valves and a nozzle. The dispenser also includes control circuitry for selectively operating the pump to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. The controller also lights an indicator when the bottle is empty.

Abstract: A water dispensing system and method for carbonating water from a bottled water supply includes a carbonator that is controlled by electrical components which are coupled to fluid lines associated with the carbonator for remotely controlling the liquid level in the carbonator in response to the volumetric absorption of carbon dioxide in water.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated water from a supply of cooled water includes thermal coaction of carbonator apparatus with a reservoir of cooled water, and includes a control system to inhibit water-pumping operation into the carbonator apparatus after the reservoir of cooled water is depleted.

Abstract: An improved carbonator and method is disclosed which delivers water under pressure to a carbonator from a pump driven by the carbonating gas under pressure, the exhaust from which is mixed with the water being carbonated. Alternative embodiments are disclosed which are configured in unitary, low-cost, compact configuration conducive to cooling within confined compartments. Low operating pressures permit convenient use of inexpensive plastic components for efficient operation.

Abstract: An improved method and means for carbonating water includes an inexpensive pressure vessel that operates at low fluid pressures, and that is selectively vented of accumulated atmospheric gases to maintain high carbonating efficiency. Supplemental gasification of the dispensed liquid and selective cooling techniques used on the inlet water and on the carbonator promote high-level carbonation on low volume usage of pressurized carbon dioxide gas. Post-mix apparatus and method produce flavored soft drinks with only minimum additional equipment.

Abstract: An improved hydroponic growing system comprises, in combination, an elongated preferably rectangular hollow trough having substantially closed sidewalls and bottom and an open top defining a central space. The trough defines a pair of spaced tracks extending the length thereof in the space and an elongated flexible strip is slideably disposed in the tracks. The strip contains a plurality of spaced apertures extending vertically therethrough along the length thereof and in each aperture is disposed a plant growing cup having a hollow body defining a central space, an open top, a porous bottom and substantially closed or perforated sidewalls. The sidewalls bear outwardly extending peripheral supports so that the body of the cup extends down into the trough space and the cup is releasably held in position by the support bearing on the upper face of the strip.

Abstract: Am improved harvester is provided for hydroponically grown produce borne in spaced cups extending down through a flexible elongated strip along the length thereof. The harvester comprises a frame having at least one and preferably a number of guideways each having a pair of elongated spaced parallel rails secured in the frame and adapted to guide the flexible strip bearing the produce-containing cups. A strip guide roll and separation means are also secured to the frame for separating the produce-bearing portions of the growing cups from the flexible strip during its passage through the frame. A strip take-up reel and means for powering the same are in or adjacent to the frame. In one embodiment, the guide roll is adapted to fully eject the cups from the strip and slide means are provided for passage of said cups to a recovery area. In another embodiment, the guide roll raises the cups while the cups are still retained in the strip and blade means sever the raised portions of the cups.