Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bin that has a first portion configured to hold at least one item therein and an adjustable second portion. The adjustable second portion is configured to couple with the first portion and slide relative to the first portion between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The collapsed position provides a minimum combined height for the first portion and the adjustable second portion in which the adjustable second portion encapsulates the first portion in order for the bin to be placed inside a receptacle. The expanded position provides a maximum combined height for the first portion and the adjustable second portion in order for the bin to interface with a mechanical device for disposing of the at least one item. The bin also includes one or more holding mechanisms for securing the bin in at least one of the collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: An overhead guide track system for automated material handling and storage facilities wherein at least one transfer unit is suspended from carriages that travel along the track system, the track system including a plurality of first and second support beams being assembled in an X-Y manner such that the first and second support beams intersect with one another in perpendicular relationship and wherein each of the first and second support beams includes a horizontal flange connected to a central vertical web, each of the vertical webs of the first and second beams having opposite ends connected to vertically oriented pedestals at a plurality of intersections of the first and second support beams and which pedestals support transfer plates over which the carriages are supported as the carriages pass over open gaps between the horizontal flanges at the intersections of the first and second support beams.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes a housing; an empties-introduction opening by way of which empties are introducible; a conveying mechanism disposed in the housing and by which empties that have been introduced can be conveyed away. The mechanism has an empties-receptacle portion facing the opening and by which the empties from the opening reach the mechanism. The portion is disposed to be adjacent to the opening and spaced apart therefrom such that a gap is present between the opening and the portion. The device further includes an optical detection device disposed in the housing adjacent to the opening, so as to be able to optically detect in an at least substantially encircling manner introduced empties; and a web extending in a region between a lower portion of the opening and the portion, to be able to serve as a bearing for the empties at least partially bridges the gap.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.

Abstract: A cart-type transporting device has a first endless chain and a second endless chain that move in conjunction with and parallel to one another in a lifting/lowering pathway section, and the first and second endless chains have engaging parts. A transporting cart has engaged parts that engage with the engaging parts of the first endless chain in a horizontal pathway section In the first endless chain, the engaging parts are provided at regular intervals, and the engaging parts of the first endless chain and the engaged parts of the transporting cart are detachably fitted together such that the transporting cart can be attached/detached in the vertical direction in the horizontal pathway section.

Abstract: A loading tray device having a movable floor includes a frame that receives a juxtaposition of at least one first blade and one second blade that are mounted so as to be movable in longitudinal translation. Each blade has a lower beam and a covering plate attached to the upper edges of side walls. The first and second walls respectively include a first flange and a second flange that extend laterally to and outside of the beam. The second wall of each blade has a height that is less than the height of the first wall by the thickness of the first flange, such that the first flange of the second blade abuts the second flange of the first blade.

Abstract: A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt that receives proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system also includes a conveyor auxiliary unit connected to an end of the conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt from the conveyor assembly. The system further includes a proppant chute to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for the transport of workpiece carriers from and to one or more machining stations, wherein the conveying device has a stationary conveyor track having at least one guide rail for the workpiece carrier, wherein at least one stopping device is provided for stopping the workpiece carrier. In accordance with the invention, the stopping device is formed as a pivot lever that is integrated in the at least one guide rail and that is pivotable for stopping the workpiece carrier from a neutral position in which it is aligned with the guide rail in a position pivoted outwardly out of the guide rail. The invention further relates to a method of stopping a workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a document tray configured to support a document, a pickup roller configured to feed the sheet supported on the document tray, a separation roller pair configured to separate the sheets fed by the pickup roller one by one, a paddle arranged between the pickup roller and the separation roller pair in a sheet feeding direction and feeding the sheet supported on the document tray, and a drive motor capable of driving the pickup roller, the separation roller pair and the paddle. The paddle feeds the sheet supported on the document tray with a conveyance force weaker than the pickup roller.

Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.

Abstract: A sheet conveying system includes an upstream conveyor section having an endless first conveyor belt movable in a first conveying direction x and extending in a first lateral direction z, the first conveying direction x and the first lateral direction z defining a first conveying plane xz; and a downstream conveyor section having an endless second conveyor belt that adjoins the first conveyor belt and is movable in a second conveying direction x? and extends in a second lateral direction z?, the second conveying direction x? and the second lateral direction z? defining a second conveying plane x?z?. The conveyor sections are adapted to hold the sheets slip-free on the first and second conveyor belts. The second conveyor belt has a shear compliance in the second conveying plane x?z? that is larger than the shear compliance of the first conveyor belt in the first conveying plane xz.

Abstract: Unwinder for paper converting, comprising a support (1) adapted to support a reel (B) from which a web of paper material is unwound and comprising dragging means acting by contact on said reel (B) and adapted to impose a rotation of the reel coil about the respective longitudinal axis (x) with a predetermined speed, the diameter of the reel (B) varying while the latter rotates. The dragging means have a variable configuration. The unwinder comprises reconfiguration means adapted to vary the configuration of the dragging means on the basis of the instantaneous diameter of the reel (B) and control means (5; EU) adapted to control said reconfiguration means such that the contact between the reel (B) and control the dragging means takes place on a contact area (200) having an angular extension (a) substantially constant while the diameter of the reel (B) varies.

Abstract: A method for winding up a glass ribbon is provided, in which, prior to winding up the glass ribbon, the two surfaces of the glass ribbon are each initially treated with a water-containing medium and subsequently dried so as to produce a defined content of water molecules on the two surfaces, by achieving a saturation of the surfaces of the glass ribbon with water, without bringing about an excess of water molecules. A glass roll is produced in which the electrostatic charge of the glass surface is reduced and, as a result, any undesired excess adherence of the glass surface to an interleaf material is prevented and, in this way, glass breakage, in particular during winding up and/or unwinding of the glass roll, can be markedly reduced.

Abstract: Support pin for supporting reels of paper material, comprising an outer side (PX) and an inner side (PN), with the inner side (PN) that is adapted to be inserted into a reel (1) of paper material and with the outer side (PX) that remains on the outside of the same reel (1) when the inner side (PN) is inside the reel (1), said outer side (PX) being provided with a hooking portion (3) adapted to be engaged by means (CP) adapted to vertically move the pin (P). The outer side (PX) of the pin (P) is constituted by a shank (2) whose longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis (x-x) of the pin (P) and said hooking portion comprises an eyelet formed on the shank (2) and delimited by two parallel arms (30) that emerge radially from the shank (2) and are joined by a body (31) parallel to said longitudinal axis (x-x).

Abstract: Device for handling paper reels, comprising a bridge crane (CP) with movable arms (BC) each of which is adapted to engage a pin (P) insertable into a corresponding side of a reel (1) and a platform (PB) adapted for supporting the reel (1). The device further comprises detection means adapted to detect load variations on said arms (BC) during insertion of the pins (P) inside the reel (1), and moving means adapted to achieve a relative movement between the reel (1) and the arms (BC) when the absolute value of a variation of the load detected by said detection means exceeds a predetermined limit up to bring said value below the predetermined limit.

Abstract: A web transporting method includes a drive roller (Gd), N (where N is an integer of 1 or greater) driven rollers (Gn) which nip a wound portion of a web between the drive roller and the driven rollers, and a tension application unit which applies a tension Tl to a portion of the web which is one side of the wound portion and applies a tension Th which is higher than the tension Tl to a portion of the web which is opposite the one side of the wound portion, in which an angle ?0, an angle ?(n), a load P(n), a static friction coefficient ?0, and a static friction coefficient ?(n) satisfy a predetermined relational expression (expression 1).

Abstract: Provided is a sheet stacking apparatus, including: a placement on which a sheet is placed; a conveyance portion conveying a sheet placed on the placement portion; a regulation portion regulating a position of a sheet conveyed by the conveyance portion through contact with the sheet; and a pressing portion pressing a sheet regulated in position by the regulation portion, the pressing portion pressing a sheet regulated in position by the regulation portion at a first pressing position and a second pressing position, the second pressing position being spaced apart from the placement portion in a thickness direction of sheets placed on the placement portion by a distance which is larger than a distance between the placement portion and the first pressing position, in which an area of pressing a sheet at the first pressing position is larger than an area of pressing a sheet at the second pressing position.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-banknote cassette with a movable stopper, which is capable of storing various kinds of banknotes at the same time. The multi-banknote cassette includes a movable stopper which is installed in a stack guide for guiding banknotes introduced into a cassette body of the banknote cassette toward a banknote stopper, and rotated to protrude from or retreat into a transfer path of the banknotes. When a banknote having a relatively small size among the banknotes inserted into the banknote cassette is introduced, the movable stopper is rotated to protrude from the stack guide and regulates the front end of the introduced banknote, and when a banknote having a relatively large size is introduced, the movable stopper is rotated to retreat into the stack guide, and a banknote stopper installed at the rear of the stack guide regulates the front end of the introduced bank.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus including a control portion is configured to execute: a first mode in which the control portion causes a bundle forming portion to form a bundle of sheets including a sheet supported by a first placement portion and a sheet placed on a second placement portion; and a second mode in which a downstream end portion of a bundle of sheets formed in the second mode is positioned upstream of a downstream end portion of a bundle of sheets to be formed in the first mode, and wherein the control portion sets a maximum number of sheets constituting a bundle of sheets which the control portion causes the bundle forming portion to form in the second mode to be smaller than a maximum number of sheets constituting a bundle of sheets which the control portion causes the bundle forming portion to form in the first mode.

Abstract: Cutting systems and methods capable of performing a variable cutting operation on a continuous web. The system includes a first cutting apparatus configured to receive the web and perform a cutting operation thereon to produce unfinished documents, and a second cutting apparatus configured to subsequently perform a trim cutting operation thereon to produce finished documents of selectively defined finished lengths, wherein the second cutting apparatus has a feed direction that is perpendicular to a feed direction of the first cutting apparatus. The system includes a conveyor system configured to receive the unfinished documents from the first cutting apparatus, arrange the unfinished documents into a stream of shingled documents traveling in the feed direction of the first cutting apparatus, and turn the unfinished documents at a right angle to travel in the feed direction of the second cutting apparatus without changing their orientation.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device has a body and a frame supporting it, and is insertable or extractable along a sheet stacking face formed in an in-body discharge space in an image forming apparatus and having an inclined face with an upward gradient toward the downstream side in the sheet discharge direction. On the face of the frame opposite the sheet stacking face, a plurality of first and second wheels rotatable in the insertion or extraction direction are provided downward of the center of the opposite face in the insertion direction. The first wheels are arranged downstream of the second wheels in the insertion direction, and protrude from the opposite face farther than the second wheels. The first wheels fit into a concave portion formed in the sheet stacking face by the inclined face and thereby enable the second wheels to make contact with the sheet stacking face.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet processing apparatus, including: a placement portion to which a sheet conveyed by a conveyance portion in a conveyance direction is placed; a processing portion configured to perform predetermined processing on a sheet placed on the placement portion, and to be movable in a predetermined moving range; and a control portion configured to control the processing portion to position, at a timing at which a sheet conveyed by the conveyance portion passes through the moving range, from a first position of preventing from interfering with the sheet to a second position of performing the predetermined processing on a preceding sheet having been conveyed by the conveyance portion and placed on the placement portion before the sheet.

Abstract: Method for the handling of parent reels in paper converting plants, comprising the following steps: (a) providing at least one platform with a base adapted to support a parent reel in a waiting station and at least one unwinder (S) adapted to receive said reel in an unwinding station where the parent reel is unwound; (b) positioning a parent reel (1) on the platform at the waiting station; (c) transporting the parent reel (1) along a predefined path from said platform to said unwinder (S) by means of a bridge crane (CP) equipped with movable arms (BC). The step (c) is preceded by a first step consisting in the temporary association of two pins (P) to the arms (BC) of the bridge crane (CP) and by a second step consisting in inserting the two pins (P) in two opposite bases of the parent reel (1) using the same arms (BC); and the step (c) involves the transport of the reel (1) along a path comprising at least one ascending or descending portion with the pins (P) thus inserted into the parent reel (1).

Abstract: An elevator system configured to determine and transmit an estimated elevator boarding time to a mobile call input device, wherein the boarding time includes the arrival time of the elevator car based on a registered target floor registration information and the duration of time to place the elevator car door and the hoistway door in a fully open state.

Abstract: An elevator system may include a plurality of cars that are disposed vertically one above another in a common shaft. The plurality of cars may be independently movable. Further, the plurality of cars may include evacuation devices that permit the passage of passengers from a car to be evacuated into an adjacent car that is disposed vertically above or below the car to be evacuated. In some cases, an evacuation device of an uppermost car of the plurality of cars includes an opening floor hatch, and an evacuation device of a lowermost car of the plurality of cars includes an opening roof hatch.

Abstract: An elevator system includes one or more rails fixed in a hoistway and an elevator car configured to move through the hoistway along the one or more rails. The system includes one or more braking systems having one more braking surfaces secured to the elevator car and frictionally engageable with one or more rails of the elevator system. One or more actuators are operably connected to the one or more braking surfaces configured to urge engagement and/or disengagement of the one or more braking surfaces with the rail to stop and/or hold the elevator car during operation of the elevator system.

Abstract: A belt and a method for manufacturing a belt is provided. The belt includes a plurality of lengthwise-extending tension members and a jacket. The jacket substantially retains the plurality of tension members. The jacket has a first side region, a second side region, and a center region between the first and second side regions. The first and second side regions of the jacket are more fire retardant than the center region of the jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides a swivel mechanism for a stairlift chair and a stairlift including such a swivel assembly. The assembly includes two swivel axes, one of which attached to the carriage and the other of which attaches to the chair. The axes are spaced and preferably geared together.

Abstract: An elevator system including an elevator car frame including an interior side, a service panel operably coupled to the interior side of the elevator car frame, the service panel including a panel interior side and a panel exterior side, and configured to operate between an open and closed position, an elevator car operably coupled to the elevator car frame, the elevator car including an interior cavity, wherein the panel exterior side is disposed within the interior cavity when the service panel is in an open position.

Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car for travel in a hoistway; a stator positioned along the hoistway; and a magnetic screw assembly coupled to the car, the magnetic screw assembly coacting with the stator to impart motion to the elevator car; the stator including a service section having a plurality of poles to coact with the magnetic screw assembly; the stator including a transfer station section, the transfer station section of the stator including a plurality of stator permanent magnets.

Abstract: A balustrade device for a passenger conveyor, wherein a plurality of balustrade posts are erected at intervals apart in a direction of travel of steps. A plurality of outer decks abut against each other at positions of the balustrade posts. Recesses, through which the balustrade posts are passed respectively, are provided in the mutually adjacent end portions of the outer decks. Gaps are provided respectively between edges of the recesses and the balustrade posts. A plurality of cover members which close the gaps are provided on top of the outer decks. Each of the cover members is fixed to the balustrade post via a retainer which is fixed to an end surface of the balustrade post on a side of the step.

Abstract: A work machine provided with a lifting magnet includes the lifting magnet, an arm that supports the lifting magnet, a boom that supports the arm, an upper turning body that supports the boom, an engine, a selective catalytic reduction system, and a controller that controls attraction and release by the lifting magnet.

Abstract: A hitch assembly to hoist a machine having at least one wheel rim includes a mounting flange configured to be disposed on an outer face of the wheel rim; and a hitch protruding from the mounting flange and extending longitudinally away from the outer face of the wheel rim. The hitch assembly further includes an elongated receiver component selectively coupled to the hitch, the receiver component having a first end adapted to releasably engage with the hitch; and a hook element rotatably coupled to a second end of the receiver component, the hook element being configured to rotate about the receiver component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a wear button or pad for a telescoping boom of the type comprising at least an outer boom member comprising a threaded bore therethrough for the wear pad assembly, and an inner boom member that is slidable with respect to the outer boom member. In one form, the wear pad assembly comprises a wear pad and a base, a first of which comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising a curved external side surface comprising a screw thread via which this is threadably engageable in the threaded bore, and an internally tapered expandable collet, and the second of which comprises an externally and complementarily tapered mandrel portion, wherein in use, the externally threaded part is threadably engaged in the threaded bore and expanded therein by insertion of the externally and complementarily tapered mandrel portion in the expandable collet.

Abstract: A chain and cable handling winch system comprising of a winch, the winch having a winch axle, the winch axle having a winch axle end adapted to mount a chain wheel thereon in a working position a cable drum mounted on the winch axle a frame, supporting the winch axle such that the winch axle is supported on opposite sides of the cable drum by a first and second support, the first support being located inbetween the cable drum and the chain wheel end of the winch axle; and a motor drive adapted to drive the winch a chain wheel, the chain wheel having a chain wheel body with a central opening adapted to engage the chain wheel end of the winch axle, the chain wheel being in a working position when mounted on the chain wheel end of the winch axle a chain wheel lock assembly, wherein the assembly is adapted to releasably secure the chain wheel in the working position on the chain wheel end of the winch axle, the chain wheel lock assembly comprising one or more locking members movable between a locking position and

Abstract: An apparatus for providing reliable line traction spooling for hoists, winches, and other pulling and/or lifting devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided to place pressure on the line against the drum. A roller consists of at least one indentation or protrusion on an outer surface to assist the drum in spooling the line onto and off of the drum. In certain embodiments, the roller is patterned in order to improve line traction. In other embodiments, a line is compressible in order to improve line traction.

Abstract: A rope guide of a rope drum in a crane surrounds the rope drum and keeps the hoisting rope in a spiral rope groove of the rope drum when the hoisting rope is wound into the rope groove or unwound from it. The rope guide includes a body that is made up of several parts and surrounds the rope drum; a rope guide element at a winding/unwinding point of the hoisting rope; a hoisting rope retainer for pressing the hoisting rope into the rope groove; and several guide members distributed on the circumference of the rope guide and arranged to move on a surface of the rope drum or the hoisting rope to guide the hoisting rope being wound onto the rope drum or unwound from it. The body is a chain-like entity including chain links interconnected to form a ring-like entity extending around the entire rope drum, to which entity the rope guide element, hoisting rope retainer and control members are installable.

Abstract: A power pack is located within a housing on the platform of a wind turbine generator tower. The power pack is supplied from a fuel tank. With the door of the housing open, the power pack may be removed for servicing and repair by using a U-shaped support structure to which an electric motor is mounted. Two support rails permanently located within the housing support the housed power pack. A chain attached to the power pack is driven by the motor to remove the power pack from the housing by sliding the power pack along the support structure. A pulley arrangement reduces the necessary torque. After removing the power pack from the housing, a crane is used to lift the power pack from the platform and to lower it down to a sea vessel. The crane may also be used in the refilling of the fuel tank by hauling a fuel line from a sea vessel up to the platform and connecting it to the fuel tank.

Abstract: Devices for use with wireline sheaves are provided that allow for capturing grease freed from a wireline as it passes around an upper sheave during wireline retraction from a wellbore. Once the freed grease is captured, it is reapplied to the wireline as it passes from the upper sheave to the lower sheave where the grease may be captured for disposal.

Abstract: A brake/clutch device for a manual hoist provides an externally-viewable indicator showing the wear status of friction elements within the hoist. The brake/clutch device has a brake block, a brake ratchet, a reversing ratchet, a torsion spring block, a hand wheel and a fastener mounted onto a main shaft of the manual hoist. Friction elements on the brake ratchet provide braking against sudden drops of a load. Ball and spring devices mounted in the hand wheel contact detents and grooves that gradually increase in depth in the torsion spring block depending on the relative positions of the hand wheel and the torsion spring block.

Abstract: A lift-truck including a support means extending from a load engagement means; a distance sensor to measure the distance (D) to the load engagement means; a control unit connected to an operator interface and a lifting/lowering unit and to the distance sensor, the distance sensor attached to the support means at a fixed distance above the load engagement means, the control unit receives start signal from the operator interface and performs a height adjustment cycle of the load engagement means comprising; determining a default distance (D0) to the surface on the load engagement means; determining the present distance (D) to the surface on the load engagement means; comparing the default distance (D0) and the present distance (D); moving the load engagement means a distance (R) when a difference (Ddelta) between the default distance (D0) and the present distance (D) is determined, the distance (R) depends on the difference (Ddelta).

Abstract: A load handling apparatus for a load handling vehicle such as a forklift including a rear load handling section including mounting means for securing the rear load handling section to the lifting mechanism of a forklift mast assembly. A front load handling section in use supports the load. The front load handling section is rotatably mounted to the rear load handling section, such that the front load handling section is able to rotate relative to the rear load handling section. The load handling apparatus has a lateral axis transverse to the rotational axis of the front load handling section. Actuating means are arranged to rotate the front load handling section relative to the rear load handling section, and an attitude sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of the lateral attitude of the rear load handling section (38) relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A bucket funnel has a funnel body which clips onto a bucket with a top flange. The funnel body has a semicircular lower edge which has about the same radius of curvature as the bucket, but only extends about halfway around. There are outer tabs with inward facing channels at the ends of the lower edge of the funnel body to clip into the flange of the bucket. There is also a spring loaded release clip at about the middle of the lower edge to clip onto the outer flange of the bucket. An inner apron extends down from the lower edge of the funnel body to form a seal against the inner wall of the bucket. An interchangeable conical nozzle attaches to the funnel body for dispensing of fluids of various viscosities, such as glue, paint or fresh concrete.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing milk from a bulk container. The dispenser is mounted outside of a refrigerator and the bulk container is stored within the refrigerator. The dispenser is provided with means for conveying the milk from the bulk container to a pouring spout. Several bulk containers may be connected together to form a large bulk container of milk that is kept refrigerated in its entirety.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing in which a first liquid inlet is connectable to a base liquid source. The housing also contains a second liquid inlet connectable to a base liquid source or to a pressurized gas source and a pair of jet mixers. First and second liquid lines connect the respective first and second liquid inlets and jet mixers. A first ingredient container contains a first beverage ingredient, the pod or capsule provided in a first ingredient container receiving means, and a second ingredient container containing a second beverage ingredient, the ingredient container provided in a second ingredient container receiving means. The first and second ingredient containers are configured such that upon providing a liquid stream in the respective liquid lines, the beverage ingredient is discharged from the ingredient container into the liquid stream. A beverage outlet is in liquid communication with the jet mixer.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device has a housing with a beverage unit with a liquid inlet and a beverage outlet. The beverage unit has a receiving means for receiving at least two ingredient containers containing a unit dose of an ingredient of the beverage to be dispensed. The beverage unit also has a liquid line in fluid communication with a base liquid source, with the contents of the ingredient containers, when correctly installed in the device, and with the beverage outlet. The liquid line is split into two side lines at a point A, downstream the liquid inlet. Both side lines join in fluid communication at a point B, downstream point A and upstream the beverage outlet, at least one of the ingredient containers in liquid communication with the liquid line at a point M1 downstream point A and upstream point B.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly for preparing and dispensing a beverage has a source of pressurized base liquid containing dissolved CO2, N2 or N2O and a gas pressure of at least 0.5 bar overpressure at 2° C. A beverage unit with a liquid flow path has a liquid inlet at one end in fluid communication with the base liquid in the base liquid source and a beverage outlet at an opposite end. An ingredient container receiving means has an ingredient container installed so the contents are in fluid communication with the liquid flow path for mixing the contents with a base liquid in the liquid flow path. A gas pressure regulation unit has a pressure chamber in the liquid flow path downstream of the communication between the liquid flow path and the ingredient container contents. A gas ingredient inlet is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator capable of producing carbonated water and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank to store carbonated water a carbon dioxide gas supply valve to open/close a carbon dioxide gas flow path to guide carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the carbonated water tank, and a carbonated water tank pressure sensor to detect an internal pressure of the carbonated water tank.

Abstract: A method prepares and dispenses a beverage with a dispensing device. The device includes a housing with a beverage unit having a liquid line, a pressure controller to control liquid line pressure, and an ingredient container receiving means. The content of the ingredient container is in fluid communication with a liquid line to mix the ingredient container contents with a base liquid in the liquid line. The device further includes an ingredient container identification unit and a processor coupled for controlling the pressure controller. The method includes providing an ingredient container in the device, identifying the ingredient container, providing a base liquid, and mixing the contents of the ingredient container with the base liquid dispensing the prepared beverage. The pressure in the liquid line changes from a first pressure level to a second pressure level by the pressure controller during mixing and dispensing of the beverage.