Abstract: A method of regulating the refrigerant temperature for a beverage machine, including a refrigeration system for producing a frozen beverage, operating at least one compressor at a speed to flow the refrigerant through the refrigeration system of the beverage machine and cooling the refrigerant with at least one condenser. The method may also include controllably varying the flow of air across the at least one condenser or the speed of the at least one compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reduced calorie frozen beverage and a syrup used for producing the same from a mechanical dispenser. The reduced calorie beverage of the invention provides enhanced taste and can be produced in low sodium and very low sodium versions.

Abstract: A method for altering an initiation time of an apparatus sanitation cycle based upon a base line flow rate. The method may include determining an actual flow rate through the apparatus, comparing the actual flow rate to the base line flow rate, and delaying the initiation time of the apparatus sanitation cycle if the actual flow rate exceeds the base line flow rate.

Abstract: A marketing system including a shelving unit having shelves and an opening. A cooler and beverage dispenser are removably inserted into the opening. The cooler is operable to retain and cool at least one individually-packaged beverage product. The beverage dispenser is operable to dispense a sample of the at least one individually-packaged beverage product to encourage consumers to purchase items on the from the shelves and/or cooler. The marketing system may take the form of an end-of-aisle unit that may be placed in grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: A method of regulating the refrigerant temperature for a beverage machine, including a refrigeration system for producing a frozen beverage, operating at least one compressor at a speed to flow the refrigerant through the refrigeration system of the beverage machine and cooling the refrigerant with at least one condenser. The method may also include controllably varying the flow of air across the at least one condenser or the speed of the at least one compressor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to simulate the appearance of frozen beverages, such as fruit drink slushes or frozen coffees. The composition includes a carrier fluid which comprises water, a thickening agent, and a colorant; and simulated ice crystals stably and uniformly dispersed in the carrier fluid. The simulated ice crystals are comprised of particles, preferably polymeric particles having a size between about 200 and about 400 microns. The thickening agent preferably comprises a slurry of propylene glycol alginate dispersed in propylene glycol. The colorant is selected based on the “flavor” being simulated, for example, yellow for lemonade, caramel color for coffee or cola. The polymeric particles preferably comprise a polymer such as high density polyethylene.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to simulate the appearance of frozen beverages, such as fruit drink slushes or frozen coffees. The composition includes a carrier fluid which comprises water, a thickening agent, and a colorant; and simulated ice crystals stably and uniformly dispersed in the carrier fluid. The simulated ice crystals are comprised of particles, preferably polymeric particles having a size between about 200 and about 400 microns. The thickening agent preferably comprises a slurry of propylene glycol alginate dispersed in propylene glycol. The colorant is selected based on the “flavor” being simulated, for example, yellow for lemonade, caramel color for coffee or cola. The polymeric particles preferably comprise a polymer such as high density polyethylene.

Abstract: An improved frozen carbonated beverage dispenser is provided with the beverage product including improved integrity and the apparatus including improved sanitation, product visualization, and low profile features. The dispenser includes a cylindrical auger chamber formed as a sleeve with sealed ends, within which a mixing auger (screw) is contained. The mixing auger is driven rotationally from an external source and acts to mix and transfer (pump) chilled/frozen products, such as beverage products, in the chamber. The mixing auger contains a central conduit or bore through its central axis acting as a return passage for mixed product. Product is dispensed from within the mixing chamber by use of a dispensing lever assembly.