Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage into a container is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing area. A pump or a control valve is in communication with a source of diluent which is to be dispensed into the dispensing area. A cartridge receiving area and a dispensing actuator are located in the housing. A concentrate/extract cartridge is removably insertable into the cartridge receiving area in a position to be actuated by the dispensing actuator, the concentrate/extract cartridge being adapted to hold a beverage concentrate/extract and including a dispensing aperture for dispensing a beverage concentrate/extract into the dispensing area upon placement of the concentrate/extract cartridge in the cartridge receiving area. A controller is located in the housing to control the actuator to discharge concentrate/extract into the dispensing area. A method of dispensing a selected beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a substance in a physical space, having an RF energy emitter fed by a signal source on one side of the space and an RF energy receiving element coupled to a detector at an opposite side of the channel, spaced apart by a distance (r) selected so that when the signal wavelength (?) changes based on the value of the dielectric constant (?) of the particular substance in the physical space between the emitter and receiver, the mode of field type within the sensor channel changes between near field and intermediate or far field mode.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. The piston can also includes a membrane positioned on a side facing the valve stem configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat and to permit the fluid to be forcibly expressed from the dispensing tube when the valve body is moved from its contact position. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications, having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detecting the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas which utilize an RF energy emitter and RF energy detector for determining whether a solid, liquid or gas is present within a defined physical space. More specifically, an RF energy emitter is provided at a first side of a solid, liquid or gas transmission channel and an RF energy receiver/detector is provided at an opposite side of the solid liquid or gas fluid channel. The RF energy emitter either continuously or periodically emits RF energy which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is in the high-frequency or more preferably ultrahigh frequency signal range. The amount of detected RF energy transferred across the channel is used in determining the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas.

Abstract: An improved concentrate/extract cartridge is provided for dispensing a liquid in an accurate and repeatable manner. The cartridge includes an electromagnetically actuated piston connected to a valve. The piston includes an exterior ring supported by a hollow interior web that is configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat. A membrane is located below the web and is in sealing contact with the internal ring when the piston is activated. This allows a precise and repeatable amount of the liquid to be dispensed with each stroke. Dispensers for dispensing the liquid from the cartridge for a number of applications are also provided. The dispensers each include an actuating coil into which the dispensing tube is inserted. A controller is connected to the coil for controlling the actuation of the piston/valve assembly for dispensing the fluid in the cartridge as required for the particular application.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for altering a random three-dimensional orientation of solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products into either a two-dimensional arrangement of solid products or for transferring the solid products directly into one or more linear transmission channels. At least one elongated straight edge member is periodically vertically displaced into the mass of solid products and the displacement of this straight edge structure alone or in combination with other rotating or displaceable structures facilitate reorientation of the solid products.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detecting the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas which utilize an RF energy emitter and RF energy detector for determining whether a solid, liquid or gas is present within a defined physical space. More specifically, an RF energy emitter is provided at a first side of a solid, liquid or gas transmission channel and an RF energy receiver/detector is provided at an opposite side of the solid liquid or gas fluid channel. The RF energy emitter either continuously or periodically emits RF energy which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is in the high-frequency or more preferably ultrahigh frequency signal range. The amount of detected RF energy transferred across the channel is used in determining the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas.

Abstract: A pill dissolver includes a first crushing surface, and a second crushing surface positioned to receive a cup between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. The pill dissolver also includes pinching jaws operable to pinch a top portion of the cup above the first and second crushing surfaces. The pill dissolver further includes an actuator which creates relative movement and an impact force between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. A method of dissolving a pill and a pill dissolving system are also described.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube connected to the hollow body. A piston is slideably contained by the dispensing tube. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. The port defines a flow passage through the dispensing tube. The valve stem is connected to the piston at a first end of the valve stem, and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A beverage dispenser having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent are also provided.

Abstract: The invention presents a cold beverage dispenser which uses a heat exchanger to cool incoming water with a very cold closed loop of chilled coolant. Under control of a control system, the cooled water from the heat exchanger is mixed with uncooled in put water to regulate its temperature, then (if desired) carbonated. The regulated temperature water, optionally carbonated, is mixed with a liquid concentrate and dispensed at one or more dispensing stations. Preferably, the temperature, carbonation and strength of the dispensed beverage is controllable by the consumer.

Abstract: A pill dissolver includes a first crushing surface, and a second crushing surface positioned to receive a cup between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. The pill dissolver also includes pinching jaws operable to pinch a top portion of the cup above the first and second crushing surfaces. The pill dissolver further includes an actuator which creates relative movement and an impact force between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. A method of dissolving a pill and a pill dissolving system are also described.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and method of operation, in which incoming water for beverage preparation is heated by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heated water may be mixed with cold water using controlled valves, to generate a selected temperature stream. This controlled-temperature stream may be mixed with beverage concentrate or sprayed over coffee grounds to brew fresh coffee.