Abstract: Collapsible container for use in marine and overland consolidated-load transportation, which can be collapsed and deployed using simple means external thereto, and stacked in the collapsed state. The container comprises, as basic elements: a floor; a ceiling; a rear panel; a front panel formed by an external structural pre-frame and a pair of doors secured to the pre-frame with hinges; side walls formed by an upper collapsible lateral panel, a lower collapsible lateral panel and a central element as a connected by means of hinges.

Abstract: A fire-stopping and fire-smothering storage container housing an inner space for storing materials which is defined, relative to the outside space (2), by a plurality of sides (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) and including at least one fire door assembly (4). The container provides an essentially fire-stopping, airtight structure of walls (5, 5?) forming, together with the door assembly (4) which is also airtight, each side of the container, a system for attaching and assembling the structure and the door assembly, air passages (9a, 9b) extending through the structure, and air-sealing gaskets (8) making it possible to make the air passages airtight, such as to make the container airtight enough to create an air-depriving effect in the inner storage space that rapidly smothers any fire that starts inside of same.

Abstract: A tool for selective attachment to pipe or other elongated objects. The tool includes a handgrip for gripping the tool by hand, which is attached to a base. The tool includes a flexible fastener or strap for wrapping around the pipe, and a tensioner for exerting tension on the fastener to clamp the pipe between the fastener and the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating removal of debris from the roof of a construction location or other raised work site. The apparatus comprises a chute comprising multiple sections that may telescope to extend in length, where the chute is configured for implementation with a mobile platform.

Abstract: A liner unit (1) adapted to be detachably attached on a chute wall (12) comprises a liner base enclosed within an integrally formed frame (2) and having a front (10) and a back face (11), said liner unit (1) is adapted to be affixed with the said chute wall (12) through bolt holes (5) by means of fastening means (8), said liner base being provided with pockets on the surface thereof providing cushioning effect in the event of the liner base being impacted with a load during operation.

Abstract: A ceramic chute liner (10) comprising of a plurality of mechanically interlocked ceramic blocks (1). The corresponding mechanically interlocked ceramic blocks (1) have rubber films between them along respective adjoining surfaces such that, the ceramic blocks (1) are bonded with each other with substantial strength and the impact force is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A conveyor system may include a pipe conveyor with a head end, a tail end, and an inclined section. The conveyor system may also include a conveyor belt including a first portion and a second portion. The conveyor belt may form a pipe shape when the first and second portions of the conveyor belt are overlapped. The pipe shape may extend from a pipe closing point to a pipe opening point and may enclose two or more longitudinally spaced-apart centering structures. The centering structures may allow for self-bridging of a bulk material carried in a pipe volume above each centering structure. Means of implementing this material-transport principle within a pipe conveyor system are described.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber reinforcement layer for conveyor belts. Warp threads and weft threads of a fiber reinforcement layer embedded in a conveyor belt are formed from polyester fibers, the weft threads are single-twist threads in which one more multiple filaments are arranged and twisted in a single direction, twist count is from 8 to 10 (twists/10 cm) if the linear mass density of the weft threads is at least 840 dtex but less than 2,200 dtex, from 7 to 8 (twists/10 cm) if the linear mass density is at least 2,200 dtex but less than 4,400 dtex, and from 6 to 7 (twists/10 cm) if the linear mass density is at least 4,400 dtex but less than 6,700 dtex.

Abstract: A sorting method, cross-belt system, and computer-storage media are provided for conveying and sorting items. The cross-belt system includes a plurality of interlocking palettes that form a conveyor belt. Each palette may be engaged by a series of rollers that are triggered to discharge items on the palettes to appropriate loading areas. The rollers are configured to move a belt of the palettes in one of at least two directions to a selected loading area that is positioned on either side of the cross-belt system.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a base member having a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are spaced apart substantially the same distance; and a plurality of nut receiver coupled to the base member at the apertures, wherein the nut receiver includes an alignment member having an aperture corresponding to the aperture of the base member, and a side member, wherein the side member is coupled between the base member and the alignment member. The nut receiver includes an opening between the base member and alignment member to removably receive a nut therein. Once within the alignment member, the alignment member operates to retain the nut in a fixed orientation to allow the securing of a sealing member to the base by use of a bolt that engages the nut after extending through the sealing member and the aperture in the base member.

Abstract: An oscillating conveyor comprising an oscillating rail, at least one electromagnet with a coil, and an armature connected to the oscillating rail, which armature can be moved by activation of the coil to generate an oscillation of the oscillating rail, wherein the coil is part of an oscillator circuit, wherein the oscillator frequency of the oscillator signal of the oscillator circuit depends on the inductance of the coil, which is influenced by the position of the armature relative to the coil, wherein the oscillating conveyor comprises a feedback circuit, which drives the coil by means of a control signal which maps the change over time in the frequency of the oscillator.

Abstract: An oscillating conveyor for the two-dimensional movement of objects, comprising an oscillating plate, on the conveying surface of which at least one object is movable by the oscillations of the oscillating plate, and at least two excitation elements for exciting oscillations in the oscillating plate, wherein the excitation elements are ultrasound transducers coupled to the oscillating plate at excitation positions spaced a certain distance apart, by means of which transducers the oscillating plate can be excited to oscillate at the excitation position in question as a function of a control signal, which can be sent individually by a control unit to each excitation element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a transfer apparatus and a transport system which may be used in automated medical laboratory in-vitro diagnostic systems for handling patient samples. The transfer apparatus an embodiment of the invention comprises a rotatable disc and a lane gate. The transport system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a transfer path arrangement including at least a first input lane and two output lanes at the transfer apparatus (i.e., the rotatable disc and the lane gate). The rotatable disc and the lane gate are cooperatively structured to function together to move at least one laboratory product transport element between the at least one input lane and the two output lanes of the transport system. The laboratory product transport element transports laboratory products, such as patient samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispensing vehicle balancing weights are disclosed. The dispenser comprises a plurality of transport units arranged below cartridges for storing and transporting balancing weights. The transport units move balancing weights from a selected section of the cartridges to two belt conveyors for further transporting the balancing weights to a handling device. Each transport unit comprises a feeder, whereas the feeders push selected balancing weights towards belt conveyors.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a rotating conveyor element with container holders arranged around a circumference thereof for moving containers between container positions, and a securing installation that suspends the conveyor element. The securing installation includes a structural element that forms an axis of rotation. A projecting portion of the structural element projects beyond the conveyor element's underside. A functional element, which is either a transfer installation or a guiding element is held at this projecting portion so that it can interact with the conveyor element.

Abstract: Described is a depalletiser for trays of eggs, comprising a head movable in space and comprising a plurality of elements for forking a tray of eggs and a unit for controlling means for moving the head designed to control the movement of the head in space. More specifically, the depalletiser comprises image acquisition means which are facing the tray of eggs and designed to acquire at least an image of a predetermined side of the tray to be depalletised. The control unit is designed to process the image for the purpose of identifying the position in space of the empty areas of the predetermined side of the tray for insertion of the forking elements of the head.

Abstract: A workstation to aid in the manual unloading of a pallet. The workstation comprises a work area bounded on tows ides by a pallet load platform, a takeaway conveyor, and two parallel conveyors. An operator standing in the work area removes pallet elements from the top layer of the pallet load to one or the other of the parallel conveyors, which convey them to the takeaway conveyor. The parallel conveyors, which may be tilted gravity conveyors or powered conveyors, are hinged so that they can be raised to an open position allowing operator to enter or exit the work area. The pallet layer may be supported on a tilted scissor lift.

Abstract: A large cylindrical body such as a paper roll carried on a pallet is transferred to a transfer conveyor by placing the pallet on a platform carried on a platform support recessed in the floor movable to a lowered position in which the top surface of the pallet is level with the floor. A roll pusher with two rollers on a pusher head is moved out of an under floor receptacle across the top surface of the pallet so that the cylindrical body rolls off the pallet to a locating system at the transfer conveyor on one side of the platform. A pallet pusher abutment is moved across the platform in a slot to push the pallet along an edge guide at right angles to the rolling direction off the platform on to the floor.

Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Abstract: A method of leveling a parked freight trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising: (a) positioning a portable stabilizing device at least partially underneath a forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (b) positioning a lift associated with the portable stabilizing device to bear weight of the forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (c) reorienting the parked freight trailer so a floor of the parked freight trailer goes from a substantially non-parallel orientation to an approximately parallel orientation with respect to a floor of the loading dock by repositioning at least one of the jack and a landing gear of the parked freight trailer; and, (e) maintaining the lift in a weight bearing position while goods are at least one of unloaded from or loaded onto the parked freight trailer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dust suppression system for positioning in a container for a dusting material which creates a dust when agitated. The system comprises a means for forming an upper mist layer for preventing escape of the dust from the container, and a means for forming a lower mist layer below the upper mist layer for settling the dust into the container. In one form, the container is a hold of a ship, and the opening is a hatch for the hold.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; a rotatable member supported by the main assembly rotatably about a first rotational center; an openable member supported by the rotatable member rotatably about a second rotational center; and an urging member provided between the openable member and the rotatable member and configured to apply an urging force for suppressing opening of the openable member, wherein the openable member is capable of switching a rotational center between the first rotational center and the second rotational center in opening and closing operation of the openable member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a conveyance roller, a registration roller disposed on a conveyance path extending from the conveyance roller to the image forming unit, the registration roller being configured to perform skew correction for a sheet by contacting a leading end of the sheet in a conveyance direction while rotation of the registration roller is being stopped, and rotating after a lapse of a particular period of time since the rotation of the registration roller has been stopped, a driving source configured to supply a driving force to the conveyance roller and the registration roller, and a controller configured to determine the particular period of time based on a cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveyance roller.

Abstract: A textile feed for a stepped operation digital textile printer, comprises a textile feeding mechanism, and a tension storage mechanism. The textile feeding mechanism feeds the textile in a forward direction onto the printer, but is at the same time mechanically connected to a tension storage mechanism which is tensioned by the forward feeding. At the end of the feed step, the tension storage mechanism releases respectively stored tension to cause the feed mechanism to briefly reverse feed, thereby to pull the textile taut and take up any slack caused by the feeding step. The textile is thus kept taut, to allow effective digital printing by the printer.

Abstract: A printing system capable of properly changing a content of a notification based on occurrence of a full state of a sheet in an output destination. A printing system which is able to output a sheet to any of a plurality of sheet stacking units includes a determining unit configured to determine whether a first setting for selecting a specific sheet stacking unit as an output destination of the sheet is performed or a second setting for automatically selecting any sheet stacking unit from among the plurality of sheet stacking units as the output destination is performed, a notification unit configured to perform a notification according to occurrence of a fully-stacked state in the output destination, and a control unit configured to change a content of the notification based on the determining by the determining unit.

Abstract: A cutter assembly suitable for cutting BOPP adhesive tape and a tape dispenser incorporating the same. The cutter assembly has a row of plastic teeth where each tooth includes left and right front and rear faces, each face being disposed on a different plane, and where the planes intersect each other at the tip of the tooth. A front edge extends between the left and right front faces; a rear edge extends between the left and right rear faces; a left side edge extends between the right front and rear faces; and a right side edge extends between the left front face and the right rear face. The various edges are set at particular angles relative to each other. A protrusion for supporting the tape is provided rearwardly of the teeth and a braking mechanism is also provided on the dispenser.

Abstract: A cutter assembly suitable for cutting BOPP adhesive tape and a tape dispenser incorporating the same. The cutter assembly has a row of plastic teeth where each tooth includes left and right front and rear faces, each face being disposed on a different plane, and where the planes intersect each other at the tip of the tooth. A front edge extends between the left and right front faces; a rear edge extends between the left and right rear faces; a left side edge extends between the right front and rear faces; and a right side edge extends between the left front face and the right rear face. The various edges are set at particular angles relative to each other. A protrusion for supporting the tape is provided rearwardly of the teeth and a braking mechanism is also provided on the dispenser.

Abstract: In response to an arrival of a first cleaning region of the cleaning sheet to a pre-registration roller pair, a control portion drives the pre-registration roller pair for a predetermined time and cleans the pre-registration roller pair by the first cleaning region by stopping a fed sheet drawing roller pair and a registration roller pair. Then, after an elapse of the predetermined time, as the cleaning sheet is conveyed and a second cleaning region of the cleaning sheet arrives at the registration roller pair, the control portion cleans the registration roller pair by the second cleaning region.

Abstract: A winder may include a body, a spindle, and a manually actuated winding mechanism. The spindle may be coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the body and to be removably coupled to at least one spool. The manually actuated winding mechanism may be coupled to the spindle and constructed and arranged to rotate the spindle and the at least one spool.

Abstract: A hose reel can be attached to a compressed air tank of an air compressor to provide pneumatic hose storage directly at the compressor. The hose reel includes a bracket that attaches to the compressed air tank with a strap. The bracket supports a hose reel about which the pneumatic hose can be wrapped. Once installed, the hose reel keeps the pneumatic hose neatly on the reel and ready for use. If the compressor is a portable compressor, since the hose reel attaches to the compressed air tank of the compressor, the hose reel becomes portable, along with the compressor itself.

Abstract: A drive unit for an elevator system, the drive unit including a multilayer, power circuit board; a first DC link formed in a layer of the power circuit board; a second DC link formed in a layer of the power circuit board; a first switch having a first terminal, the first switch mounted to a surface of the power circuit board; a first via electrically coupling the first terminal to the first DC link; a second switch having a second terminal, the second switch mounted to the surface of the power circuit board; and a second via electrically coupling the second terminal to the second DC link; the first via conducting heat from the first switch to the first DC link; the second via conducting heat from the second switch to the second DC link.

Abstract: An elevator control panel and an elevator including the elevator control panel are provided. The elevator control panel has an input, via which the main circuit of the elevator is brought to the control panel, and an output, via which the main circuit of the elevator is taken onwards out of the control panel. The control panel includes a main switch, which is connected to the main circuit of the elevator for disconnecting/energizing the main circuit leaving from the control panel. The control panel also includes a bent busbar, which is connected to the main circuit of the elevator, in series with the aforementioned main switch.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for an elevator car, an elevator and also a method for determining the position of an elevator car are disclosed. The positioning apparatus for an elevator car includes a plurality of position identifiers possessing a readable physical property, which position identifiers are disposed by the side of the trajectory of the elevator car and also a reader device installed on the elevator car for reading a physical property of the position identifiers. The aforementioned readable physical property of a position identifier is adapted to classify each position identifier according to the intended use of the position identifier into one of two or more optional classes, and in the position identifiers belonging to at least one aforementioned class the same physical property is additionally adapted to indicate the linear position of the elevator car.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to detect a failure situation wherein the machinery brake of an elevator does not open sufficiently. In the method for testing failure of a machinery brake of an elevator: the machinery brake is controlled to open; after this, the traction sheave is oscillated with a test torque; the movement of the elevator machine is measured in connection with the oscillation; if the machine does not move in connection with the oscillation, it is deduced that the machinery brake has not opened and has therefore failed. Most preferably a shorter time is selected as the oscillation time than the time according to the displacement function of the elevator mechanics for transmitting movement of the traction sheave into movement of the elevator car, in which case the oscillation is not noticed in the elevator car. This enables testing of a machinery brake when the elevator car is manned.

Abstract: In a braking apparatus, a forcing device forces a movable portion in a direction that places a friction member in contact with a rotating body. A braking force releasing device displaces the movable portion in a direction in which the friction member separates from the rotating body in opposition to the forcing device. A buffering member is disposed between a fixed portion and the movable portion, and is made of a flexible material. A deforming device deforms the buffering member by pressing the buffering member in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the movable portion.

Abstract: An elevator includes a first elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a second elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a suspension roping including one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes interconnecting the first elevator unit and the second elevator unit; a drive wheel for moving said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes; a plurality of cambered diverting wheels; said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes each passing around the drive wheel and comprising consecutively a first rope section extending between the drive wheel and the first elevator unit; and a second rope section extending between the drive wheel and the second elevator unit wherein both rope sections diverge from the drive wheel towards the same lateral side thereof, the first rope section passing over a first cambered diverting wheel, in particular resting against a cambered circumferential surface area thereof, and therefrom down to the first elevator unit, and the second rope section passing over a second cambered d

Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car located in a hoistway. One or more belts are operably connected to the elevator car to drive and/or support the elevator car along the hoistway. The one or more belts are routed over one or more sheaves. The one or more sheaves include an outer surface rotatable about a central axis and a flange located at at least one lateral end of the sheave. The sheave further includes a tracking compensator to limit lateral motion of the belt along the outer surface to prevent the belt from contacting the flange.

Abstract: A traction sheave for an elevator system includes an outer sheave surface having a distance from a sheave axis that varies along a width of the traction sheave. The outer sheave surface includes a first portion having a first coefficient of friction and one or more second portions having a second coefficient of friction less than the first coefficient of friction. An elevator system includes an elevator car, a motor and a traction sheave operably connected to the motor to drive rotation of the traction sheave. The traction sheave includes an outer sheave surface having a distance from a sheave axis that varies along a width of the traction sheave. The outer surface includes a first portion having a first coefficient of friction and one or more second portions having a second coefficient of friction less than the first coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A chain drive (1) comprises a chain (5) configured to rotate in a closed loop (6) forming a load track (7) and a return track (8) interconnected by first and second turnaround sections (9, 10); a drive sprocket (12) for driving the chain (5), the drive sprocket (12) being located in the first turnaround section (9) of the closed loop (6); and a polygon compensation system for compensating the polygon effect of the chain (5). At least one component (2, 4, 14, 26) of the polygon compensation system is located within at least one turnaround section (10) and/or in at least one of the load track (7) and the return track (8) .

Abstract: Provided is a brake device (2) which has reduced manufacturing cost, is compact, and can generate sufficient braking force. Also provided is a crane (1) which comprises the brake device (2). The brake device (2) is installed in a movable body (1) which travels. The brake device (2) is provided with a receiving section (22) affixed to the movable body (1) and is also provided with a brake shoe (21) disposed below the receiving section (21). The brake shoe (21) has a brake shoe upper surface (24) provided with sloped sections (24u, 24d). The receiving section (22) has a receiving lower surface (26) corresponding to the brake shoe upper surface (24) and provided with sloped sections (26u, 26d). The brake device (2) is configured so that, when the brake device (2) is activated, the brake shoe (21) drops, and the receiving section (22) rides over the brake shoe upper surface (24) when the movable body (1) moves.

Abstract: A heave compensator with adjustable dampening properties includes a length extension device having an inner space divided by a slide-able piston into a vacuum chamber and a liquid filled chamber, a gas accumulator divided by a slide-able piston into a gas filled chamber and a liquid filled chamber, and a gas tank having an expansion chamber. The liquid and gas chamber are fluidly connected to each other with valve controlled conduits. Further, the device includes pressure and temperature sensors that register pressure and temperature in the gas and liquid phases. The device further includes a control unit having a signal receiving unit, a writeable computer memory, a data processing unit, and a signal transmitting unit. The data processing unit contains computer software that calculates suited amounts of gas and gas pressure in the gas accumulator and/or gas tank based on the information of which lifting operation is going to be performed.

Abstract: A heave compensator for heavy lifts with adjustable dampening characteristics is able to operate above and below the water line in environmental pressures ranging from the atmospheric up to several hundred atmospheres pressure. A method for automatic regulation of the available stroke length of the heave compensator during the lifting operation, based on the realization that heave compensating devices utilising a slide-able piston as a volume expanding mechanism to reduce the tension forces upon relative movements between crane and load, may obtain a simple compact construction able to execute a range of different compensation functionalities by registering the pressure and temperature in the gas filled chambers of the device, and employing this information to regulate the amount of gas in the single gas filled chambers.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of a rope has a main part and a bar. The main part defines a central opening, first and second side portions, first and second end portions, first and second pairs of projection portions extending from the first and second end portions, respectively, a first notch defined by the first pair of projection portions, and at least a first end friction surface formed at a juncture of one projection portion of the first pair of projection portions and the first end portion. The bar defines a bar notch. The first side portion pivotably supports the bar for rotation between a first position in which the bar is not in contact the second side portion and a second position in which the bar notch receives the second side portion.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having two rails spaced apart at a distance and two lifting mechanisms, each lifting mechanism supporting one of the two rails. A platform is disposed between the two rails such that movement of the lifting mechanisms causes the rails to displace relative to the platform. A base has the two lifting mechanisms connected thereto and the platform is connected to the base. The base moves horizontally along a floor. Further, the floor may be disposed in a pit and the travel of the rails between minimum and maximum rail heights may be greater than 62.5% of the depth of the pit. The minimum rail height may be less than 50% of the depth of the pit.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting vehicles includes a runway, a base, an actuation assembly, a first armature assembly, a second armature assembly, and a third armature assembly. The runway is designed to vertically lift a vehicle from a lowered position to a raised position. The runway is connected to the third armature assembly. In turn, the third armature assembly is connected to the actuation assembly, which is pivotally fixed to the base. The first and second armature assemblies also connect the base with the third armature assembly. The actuation assembly is configured to lift the third armature assembly, which is guided by both the first armature assembly and second armature assembly. In response to the actuation assembly, the third armature assembly then forces the runway from the lowered position to the raised position, thereby lifting the vehicle.

Abstract: A lift truck comprises a chassis (1) movable on wheels (2) and a rotating platform (3) which supports an operating arm (4); stabilizing means are provided for resting on the ground and positioned at the front as well as at the back. The stabilizing means consist of two pairs of two telescopically extensible arms (5), each one comprising a first segment (6) and a second segment (7). The arms (5) have their ends hinged to opposite sides of the chassis (1), so as to swivel about parallel axes, and have the opposite free ends intended to lean against the ground by means of plates or stabilizing feet (8). The two arms (5) of each pair are arranged side by side at a short distance from each other on parallel planes and are individually bound to the chassis (1) by means of hydraulic cylinders (11).

Abstract: A lift truck can include a mast and a lift cylinder. The lift cylinder can include a piston rod and a cylinder housing. The lift truck also can include a piston rod retention mechanism that restricts movement of the lift cylinder in a direction lateral to an axial direction when the mast is in an extended position.

Abstract: A telescopic handling device includes at least two elements (1, 2) mounted so as to slide relative to one another with interposition of sliding shoes (3, 4). The device includes thinner holding elements (5, 6) for the sliding shoes so as to limit the separation between two sliding elements to the thickness of the interposed sliding shoes (3, 4).

Abstract: A bag cutter for opening a sealed package using at least one of a blade and a piercer. Preferably, at least one blade is disposed partially within a cutout of an arm in a manner that exposes an edge of the blade. A piercer can comprise an extension of a cutout edge or be located on any other suitable portion of an arm. Another blade can be provided that is substantially perpendicular to the blade within a cutout, and juxtaposable against a cutting surface.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to chill beverages in refrigerators at a faster rate than existing solutions, which use a tank in a refrigerating compartment for chilling, are disclosed. An example refrigerator includes a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment, a dispenser, a first tank in the freezing compartment fluidly coupled to a supply, and a second tank in the refrigerating compartment fluidly coupled to the first tank and to the dispenser. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor associated with the first tank, and a controller configured to transfer a beverage in its liquid state from the first tank to the second tank when the temperature sensor indicates the temperature of the beverage in its liquid state in the first tank meets a criterion.