Abstract: A sealed fluid merchandiser (12) for use in connection with a beverage dispenser (16) includes a transparent, liquid display container (60) having a narrow liquid chamber (33) for a stable liquid (21) that simulates the beverage being dispensed and a pump housing (37) for a pump (38) that pumps the liquid being simulated through a spray manifold (44) for producing an attractive spray or bubbling effect. The stable, simulated beverage liquid has a low viscosity such that it behaves substantially identical to the beverage being dispensed. The narrow liquid chamber substantially reduces the weight and expense of the fluid merchandiser.

Abstract: An automatic ratio control system for a single or multiflavor post-mix beverage dispensing valve of a beverage dispenser including a flow meter in each syrup and water conduit, a temperature sensor in each syrup conduit, an adjustable flow control in each syrup and water conduit, an automatic flow control adjuster, and an electronic control system including a microprocessor and appropriate software for adjusting a particular flow control when a measured flow rate falls outside of a range of preferred flow rates.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser valve system in which the mixture ratio is controlled by continuous modulation of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valves have movable stop means (or push rods) that control the travel of the armature, which in turn controls the position of a needle valve with respect to the valve seat to gradually change the flow opening and thus the syrup and water flow rates. A microprocessor uses the movable stop to adjust the syrup and/or water flow rate to deliver the proper ratio of syrup to water based on the flow of water and syrup as measured by flow meters. In addition, the total flow rate from the nozzle can be controlled and varied in relation to the distance the cup lever arm is depressed; thus, the flow rate can be made slow at the beginning and end, and fast in-between.

Abstract: A microprocessor based control system including an electrical unit attached to a postmix beverage dispensing valve for performing the three functions of: portion control, reminding the operator to check the ratio, and adjusting the ratio. The portion control operation can be identical to known portion control devices. The reminder function can turn on a light every two weeks, for example. In the ratio adjusting function, the operator puts a single cup under the valve, pushes "Small" to dispense syrup for a predetermined time period which should result in the dispensing of a predetermined volume of syrup, measures the volume actually dispensed by comparing it to the desired volume, then adjusts the syrup flow control accordingly, and repeats the process until the exact predetermined volume is dispensed, and then repeats the steps for water using the same cup but a different predetermined volume indicia. The flow rate can accurately be set at the same time as the ratio.

Abstract: A microprocessor based control system including an electrical unit attached to a postmix beverage dispensing valve for performing the three functions of: portion control, reminding the operator to check the ratio, and adjusting the ratio. The portion control operation can be identical to known portion control devices. The reminder function can turn on a light every two weeks, for example. In the ratio adjusting function, the operator puts a single cup under the valve, pushes "Small" to dispense syrup for a predetermined time period which should result in the dispensing of a predetermined volume of syrup, measures the exact volume actually dispensed, and then adjusts the syrup flow control accordingly until the exact predetermined volume is dispensed, and repeats the operation for water in the same cup but to a different predetermined volume. The flow rate can accurately be set at the same time as the ratio.

Abstract: A nozzle, preferably a multiflavor nozzle, for a postmix beverage dispenser and a method for dispensing including a nozzle body, a water passageway and one or a plurality of separate syrup passageways therethrough, wherein the water passageway includes a water inlet chamber, a plurality of small holes leading into a water stream shaping passageway which includes a first, radially extending annular chamber leading into a second axially extending annular chamber and then to an annular exit port to produce an even, uniform, hollow cylindrical stream of water surrounding a syrup stream. The CO.sub.2 comes out of solution in the water passageway to prevent foaming and no mixing occurs in the nozzle to prevent flavor carry-over, while providing high carbonation retention and minimizing brix stratification.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser valve system in which the mixture ratio is controlled by continuous modulation of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valves have a movable stop (or push rod) that controls the travel of the armature, which in turn controls the position of a needle valve with respect to the valve seat to gradually change the flow opening and thus the syrup and water flow rates. A microprocessor uses the movable stop to adjust the syrup and/or water flow rate to deliver the proper ratio of syrup to water based on the flow of water and syrup as measured by flow meters. In addition, the total flow rate from the nozzle can be controlled and varied in relation to the distance the cup lever arm is depressed, thus, the flow rate can be made slow at the beginning and end, and fast in-between.

Abstract: A multiflavor beverage dispenser comprises a microprocessor system for controlling the ratio of diluent to concentrate of a post-mix beverage. The system includes a compact flow rate control module for selectively controlling the flow rates of liquids in a plurality of flow passages leading to nozzle assemblies of the dispenser. Each flow rate control module includes a single stepper motor connected to a rotary spool valve for selectively controlling the flow rate of the liquids. The microprocessor system utilizes variable reference signals which are ramped to approximately correspond to the actual flow rate of the liquid towards a target in order to reduce overshoot values of the flow rates. A scaling function is provided by the microprocessor system to adjust target flow rates between pours in order to achieve consistent controlled ratios of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser valve system in which the mixture ratio is controlled by continuous modulation of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valves have movable stop (or push rods) that control the travel of the armature, which in turn controls the position of a needle valve with respect to the valve seat to gradually change the flow opening and thus the syrup and water flow rates. A microprocessor uses the movable stop to adjust the syrup and/or water flow rate to deliver the proper ratio of syrup to water based on the flow of water and syrup as measured by flow meters. In addition, the total flow rate from the nozzle can be controlled and varied in relation to the distance the cup lever arm is depressed; thus, the flow rate can be made slow at the beginning and end, and fast in-between.

Abstract: A multiflavor valve assembly and a multiflavor tower using such valve assembly. The valve assembly uses microprocessor controlled ratio control. The tower can dispense six flavors through a single nozzle assembly, while using significantly less counter space than six separate valves would require. The valve assembly uses two water flow modules, six syrup flow modules, one control board with a microprocessor, one interface board with its microprocessor, and thirteen touch buttons on the selection panel.