Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser apparatus includes a syrup compartment in which a plurality of inverted flavor concentrate containers are plugged into sockets associated with selectively actuatable dispensing nozzles. The containers are also supported by snapping the sidewalls thereof into conformally shaped cooling fins. The fins and containers are properly dimensioned so that a snap-fit results therebetween. The cooling fins are directly attached to a thermally conductive plate which is in direct thermal contact with a water reservoir. Water within the reservoir is chilled by a suitable refrigeration device disposed therein. A carbonator tank is also disposed within the water reservoir. An agitator assembly rests on top of the water reservoir and includes an impeller, a heat sink and a pair of ice detecting probes which extend into the water.

Abstract: An ice bank control system for a beverage dispenser for preventing the unnecessary erosion of the ice bank when the dispenser is idle or inactive, and for thus increasing the draw capacity of the dispenser. The control system includes a pair of ice bank sensors for sensing first and second locations of the surface of the ice bank, the second sensor being spaced further from the cooling coils than is the first sensor. Each sensor generates an electrical signal which, through appropriate electrical control circuitry, controls the on/off mode of the electrical motor that drives the water agitator and also the electrical motor that operates the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A vehicular toilet comprising a toilet bowl having an upper rim defining a bowl opening and a lower outlet, a flush valve for selectively controlling the application of a vacuum to the bowl outlet for flushing the toilet, a flush ring proximate the toilet bowl rim having apertures for directing liquid downwardly onto the surface of the bowl during flushing, means for increasing the cleaning effectiveness of the liquid as it flows downwardly over the toilet bowl during flushing including means for sealing the toilet bowl opening, a manifold having air inlet apertures and air outlet apertures communicating with the interior of the toilet bowl above the flush ring, and a baffle for directing the air pulled into the bowl from the air manifold during flushing downwardly over the liquid discharged from the flush ring.

Abstract: A vehicular seat, such as an aircraft seat, comprising a seat bottom portion, a seat back portion mounted for pivotal movement about a selected pivot axis and having a predetermined upright position, a tray assembly including a tray member and leg means mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot axis from a first storage position to a second in use position, the tray member mounted on the leg means and having a horizontal in use position and a storage position whereat the tray defines the rear surface of the seat back portion, the leg menas having first and second segments joined by a bend having a predetermined angle, and the leg means being selectively configured so that when the tray assembly is in the in use position the bend will be proximate the seat back and one of the segments will be substantially horizontal whereby the tray assembly will not interfere with the lateral leg movement of a user of the tray assembly.

Abstract: A toilet including, a bowl having at the top thereof a substantially horizontal annular flange which merges into a substantially vertically extending annular lip portion, a pin secured to the bowl, an opening defined in the lip portion at a location remote from the pin, a flush ring having an annular flange for seating on the bowl flange portion, the flush ring including an outwardly projecting tab portion selectively configured for insertion into the opening, and latch means pivotally secured to the flush ring for selective locking engagement with the pin.

Abstract: A toilet system comprising a collecting tank, a pump extending downwardly into the collecting tank and having an inlet, a drain opening in the bottom surface of the collecting tank a selected distance beneath the pump inlet and having a size sufficient to receive large glass objects therein, a drain conduit extending downwardly from the drain opening, the pump including a recirculating conduit, the recirculating conduit being selectively positioned and having a selected size for discharging pumped liquid across the pump inlet whereby bottles which are being drawn upwardly into the pump opening will be deflected downwardly through the drain opening into the drain conduit.

Abstract: A self-contained toilet comprising a collecting tank, means for rinsing the interior of the collecting tank including a rinsing manifold, a rinsing conduit, and a check valve operatively connecting the rinsing manifold and rinsing conduit, and means for preventing liquid contained within the rinsing manifold from being forced through the check valve by a pressure differential thereacross including a second check valve, and check valve conduit means communicating at one end with one end of the second check valve and communicating at the other end with the rinsing means at a location proximate the connection of the rinsing manifold and the first check valve.

Abstract: An emergency light system which incorporates flashing strobe type of lights located along the aisle(s) of an aircraft, or other passenger carrier, would provide flashing arrows indicating the location of emergency exits. The sequential firing of the flashing lamps will further create the effect of a moving light beam to lead passengers toward the exit area(s). Also, with programmable control means, there can be stroboscopic type flashing lights to direct egress to only those exits which are open.