Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composition comprising storing at least one acid in an acid storage container, storing at least one acid-degradable component in a component storage container, and mixing the at least one acid from the acid storage container and the at least one acid-degradable component from the component storage container such that the at least one acid and the at least one acid-degradable component mix together to form the composition. A method and apparatus for providing a selected beverage from a plurality of selectable beverages comprising storing a number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates separately in a respective number of beverage component storage containers and in response the selection of the selected beverage, automatically dispensing, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, any combination of at least two or more of the number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates and a diluent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composition comprising storing at least one acid in an acid storage container, storing at least one acid-degradable component in a component storage container, and mixing the at least one acid from the acid storage container and the at least one acid-degradable component from the component storage container such that the at least one acid and the at least one acid-degradable component mix together to form the composition. A method and apparatus for providing a selected beverage from a plurality of selectable beverages comprising storing a number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates separately in a respective number of beverage component storage containers and in response the selection of the selected beverage, automatically dispensing, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, any combination of at least two or more of the number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates and a diluent.

Abstract: A volume of fluid may be received at the air chamber from a fluid source and dispensed to a nozzle. The fluid source may be in fluid communication with the air chamber. The flow may be reversed to draw the fluid to the air chamber and purge air within the air chamber or the fluid to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A volume of fluid may be received at the air chamber from a fluid source and dispensed to a nozzle. The fluid source may be in fluid communication with the air chamber. The flow may be reversed to draw the fluid to the air chamber and purge air within the air chamber or the fluid to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composition comprising storing at least one acid in an acid storage container, storing at least one acid-degradable component in a component storage container, and mixing the at least one acid from the acid storage container and the at least one acid-degradable component from the component storage container such that the at least one acid and the at least one acid-degradable component mix together to form the composition. A method and apparatus for providing a selected beverage from a plurality of selectable beverages comprising storing a number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates separately in a respective number of beverage component storage containers and in response the selection of the selected beverage, automatically dispensing, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, any combination of at least two or more of the number of non-sweetener beverage component concentrates and a diluent.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing valve for dispensing syrup and soda in the desired ratio without the need for flow controls for periodic adjustment of the ratio. The valve includes a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the soda and a pump for dispensing metered quantities of syrup. The pump preferably includes a chamber within a ceramic sleeve having first and second distal ends and a double-acting ceramic piston mounted for reciprocating sliding movement within the sleeve. A solenoid valve control system including a pair of solenoid valves controls syrup flow through the pump, in response to signals from the flow meter. The valve preferably also includes a syrup flow regulator. The valve can include a single externally manually adjustable flow rate control to vary the dispensing flow rate to any desired value.

Abstract: A binary syrup system for beverage dispensing including a pair of syrup containers holding different syrup components, a metering device with two inlets connected one to each container and a single syrup outlet connected to a dispenser. The metering device includes a flow channel therethrough for each component, a diaphragm device for equalizing the pressure in each channel, and a metering orifice downstream from the diaphragm device. This pressure equalization in combination with the metering orifices provides the necessary flow control and a constant predetermined volumetric ratio of the two syrup components when mixed to form the complete syrup.

Abstract: In a post-mix beverage dispenser in which the concentrate is metered (or portioned) by a positive displacement metering pump having check valves, the improvement of a pressure control device for pressurizing the outlet line from the pump to prevent "blow-thru" of pressurized concentrate through the check valves of the pump, whereby the dispenser can be inexpensively used with a pressurized concentrate source. In addition, a post-mix beverage dispensing system including such metering pump and pressure control device and also including a pressurized canister holding pliable 5+1 juice concentrate at a temperature below 32.degree. F., and a heater for heating the concentrate in the concentrate line.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for a chilled-product vending machine including a refrigeration compressor, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature within said vending machine and turning the compressor ON and OFF to define a compressor cycle in response to the detection of predetermined temperature limits, an evaporator coil and evaporator fan means for blowing air across said evaporator coil and circulating said air throughout the vending machine.