Abstract: A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine (1) having numerous novel features, including a novel door (80) and product dispensing apparatus (60) having features to inhibit condensation and to provide a product dispenser design which may be easily flushed with no retention of food stuffs and the like and configured to require minimal lubrication. The novel door assembly allows for sealing of the freezing chamber (17).

Abstract: A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine (1) having numerous novel features to make the machine and the operation thereof more efficient; a novel supply method and apparatus provides raw product mix and gaseous matter at the proper ratios to the freezing cylinder (17) of the machine. Additionally, and also in conjunction with a novel door and product dispensing apparatus (40, 40a), the special design features enable the maintenance of a dispenser (60), beater (110), freezing chamber and other parts of the machine capable of easy flushing with a cleaning and/or sanitizing solution via the supply method and apparatus without requiring machine disassembly with no retention of the food stuffs and the like.

Abstract: The vent on demand system for bottled water coolers employs a suction wand having water suction tube, vent tube and air pressure tube for sensing the water level within the bottle. The plumbing system is only exposed to atmospheric air during water dispensing. Air pressure trapped within a bulb well located at the lowermost end of the wand responds to water level within the bottle by changing air pressure which is sensed by a pressure switch employed to disengage the pump when water levels approach empty. A check valve prevents air from entering the water suction tube during bottle replacement and the vent tube is coupled through a vent valve which maintains the water delivery system in a sealed state, only venting to atmosphere during actual water delivery. The vent valve is simultaneously actuated when either hot or cold water buttons are depressed with the pump being actuated momentarily thereafter.

Abstract: The improved valve construction provides low force actuation and is therefore suitable in applications where children and handicapped persons may need to operate the valves. The pinch-type valve employs a lever arm pilot which supports a section of tubing in the fluid dispensing circuit. The lever arm is snap fit onto a valve plate and is adapted for rocking movement about a pivot point at one end of the lever arm. A valve cage supports a compression spring which applies a force upon the lever arm tending to depress the lever arm and its associated tube pinching valve seat into pinching contact with the tube. A force applied to the lever arm opposite the pivot point relieves the pinching force and the tube is thus opened for dispensing. An alternate flapper-type valve employs a valve pad encapsulated on the end of a lever arm which is in turn encapsulated in an O-ring seal so that the valve pad is situated at the center of the O-ring and the lever arm is disposed along a radial of the O-ring.

Abstract: The plumbing module is a self-contained fully operational unit which provides the capabililty of supplying both hot or room temperature and refrigerated water or other beverages. The module may be adapted without significant modification to a wide range of products and uses, including bottled water coolers, drinking fountains and beverage dispensers. A dual parallel condenser coil in the refrigeration system takes approximately one-half the space of conventional coils and provides adequate heat dissipation without requiring forced air cooling fans.

Abstract: The specification discloses an accumulating conveyor system (10) including fixed support rails (24), a pair of chains (18), each having half tall links (70) and half short links (72), mounted around upper and lower movable guides (68) and (66) respectively. Air bags (52) serve to raise the guides and chains to lift stacks or cases off the rails, and a cylinder (96) serves to index the raised guides and chains forward, whereupon the air bags are deflated to set the stacks back onto the rails, and the cylinder retracts. When a stack is thus "walked" to the end of the tall links, a switch (104) causes the chains to retract the length of a stack plus a clearance gap relative to the guides (68) to accommodate the accumulation of the next stack and bringing short links beneath the accumulated stacks.