Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves and closing of a second of the plurality of valves for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers based on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage and ice dispenser that dispenses both beverages and cubed or crushed ice. Beverages are dispensed from dispensing heads. Cubed ice is stored in a bin. A duct leads from the bin. The duct has first and second outlet openings. A chute leads from the outlet openings. The chute has a single discharge opening from which ice from both duct outlet openings is discharged. An ice crusher is between a first outlet opening and the chute. A gate opens and blocks the flow path from the second opening into the chute. When cubed ice is desired, the gate is spaced from the second opening so that cubed ice is discharged from the duct and chute. When crushed ice is desired, the gate closes the second opening. Ice flows out of the first opening, is crushed by the ice crusher and discharged through the chute.

Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot Foods. Foods such as beverages contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of foods with food by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of food is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The food containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a vertical orientation to safely heat the food without overheating or damage to the container. A power management protocol turns off non-essential components of the vending machine while the inductive heater is energized to permit the vending machine to operate on a standard 120 VAC, 15 A electrical circuit without overload.

Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products, such as beverages, contained in individual containers such as cans, are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The containers are agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.

Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot Foods. Foods such as beverages contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of foods with food by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of food is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The food containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a vertical orientation to safely heat the food without overheating or damage to the container. A power management protocol turns off non-essential components of the vending machine while the inductive heater is energized to permit the vending machine to operate on a standard 120 VAC, 15 A electrical circuit without overload.

Abstract: Heating devices and methods which are particularly useful in vending machines for hot products. Products such as foods, including beverages, contained in individual containers such as cans are rapidly heated to serving temperature by induction heating for delivery to a customer. Various types of products with different heating characteristics are rapidly heated without deleterious effects on the product by varying the power and timing of the inductive heating. The type of product is identified by machine-readable indicia on the container which are automatically scanned prior to heating. The product containers may be agitated before, during and/or after heating to mix the contents and distribute heat evenly. The containers are heated in a manner to safely heat the product without overheating or causing damage to the container.

Abstract: A juice dispenser is shown that includes a water bath tank, a mechanical refrigeration system and a beverage containing cabinet. These three primary components are designed to be separable modular units that are easily assembled together and disassembled. A sheet metal refrigeration deck having an evaporator secured thereto and suspended there below is dropped into and secured to a top end of a water bath tank. Various mechanical refrigeration components including primarily a compressor and condenser, are supported above the deck at a rear portion thereof. The beverage cabinet is positioned and retained above a forward portion of the water bath tank and includes an internal space for retaining a beverage container for holding typically a volume of beverage or juice concentrate/syrup. Fluid disconnects provide for releasable connection with the water bath for providing fluid connection to a heat exchange coil located in the cabinet to provide cooling therein, and hence, cooling of the concentrate.

Abstract: A juice dispensing system which includes a first station and a second station is provided. The first station includes a housing and dispensing valve extending therefrom for dispensing juice product into a cup. The dispensing valve includes an inlet for receiving water and juice concentrate, mixes the water and the concentrate to form the product and then dispenses the juice product. A first conduit extends through the housing to provide water to the inlet at the dispensing valve, while a second conduit provides juice concentrate to the inlet supply at the dispensing valve. The juice concentrate is stored in a juice concentrate reservoir at a second station, the second station being at a remote distance from the first station. A peristaltic pump is disposed within the second conduit for creating a suction which draws the juice concentrate from the juice concentrate reservoir and further meters the juice concentrate to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A juice dispensing system which includes a first station and a second station is provided. The first station includes a housing and dispensing valve extending therefrom for dispensing juice product into a cup. The dispensing valve includes an inlet for receiving water and juice concentrate, mixes the water and the concentrate to form the product and then dispenses the juice products A first conduit extends through the housing to provide water to the inlet at the dispensing valve, while a second conduit provides juice concentrate to the inlet supply at the dispensing valve. The juice concentrate is stored in a juice concentrate reservoir at a second station, the second station being at a remote distance from the first station. A peristaltic pump is disposed within the second conduit for creating a suction which draws the juice concentrate from the juice concentrate reservoir and further meters the juice concentrate to the dispensing valve.