Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives.

Abstract: There is disclosed a beverage dispenser in which a cooled pre-mixed carbonated beverage, or a carbonated beverage component such as soda water, is dispensed through a delivery valve (2b-5b) into a delivery- tube (2c-5c) leading to a spigot (2d-5d) and wherein a carbonating gas is injected via a gas injection line (12a-12d) into the delivery tube immediately downstream of the delivery valve during dispensing of the carbonated beverage. The carbonating gas may be injected continuously during dispensing of the beverage, or an intermittent cyclic injection of gas may be provided. The gas and beverage flow controls may be arranged so that carbonating gas injection is commenced before dispensing of the beverage commences. In an advantageous embodiment, gas may be injected into the delivery tube after the delivery valve is closed, in order to purge any liquid remaining in the dispensing tube.

Abstract: A switch over device provides a product dispenser with the capability to switch from a first diluent flow circuit to a second diluent flow circuit. The switch over device attaches to the dispenser, and includes a manifold having a first diluent inlet and a second diluent inlet in communication with a diluent outlet. The switch over device further includes a first and a second stem assembly, wherein the first and second stem assemblies are biased to a first position that interrupts flow from the first and second diluent inlets to the diluent outlet. In a second position, the stem assemblies permit fluid flow to the diluent outlet. The switch over device further includes actuators that enable an operator to easily switch from the one flow circuit to the other. The product dispenser may switch from virtually any type of diluent, and/or diluent temperatures, including ambient, chilled, and carbonated diluents.

Abstract: A pumping system for pumping one out of a number of fluids with varying viscosities. The pumping system may include a positive displacement pump and a control for operating the positive displacement pump. The control may include viscosity compensation data. The viscosity compensation data relates to at least one of the fluids such that the control instructs the positive displacement pump to operate based on the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A device for introducing additive fluids to a primary fluid is characterized by a body having a central bore for flow therethrough of a stream of primary fluid, and a plurality of fluid flow channels in the body. Each channel extends between an inlet to the channel for connection to an associated supply of additive fluid and a plurality of outlet orifices from the channel that open into a surface of the body around and outside of an exit from the central bore. Additive fluid is emitted from the outlet orifices in a direction ranging from the additive fluid being directed generally parallel to a stream of primary fluid exiting the central bore to the additive fluid being directed toward and against the stream of primary fluid.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: An object is to smoothly clean a nozzle portion of a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser discharges and supplies beverage ingredients from beverage supplying nozzles, and comprises a cleaning device to clean the beverage supplying nozzles, and this cleaning device executes a cleaning operation including: a steam jetting step of jetting high-temperature steam to the beverage supplying nozzles; a water jetting step of jetting water or hot water to the beverage supplying nozzles; and a drying step of drying the surfaces of the beverage supplying nozzles.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.

Abstract: A semi-frozen beverage dispenser with an improved flow proportioning mechanism is provided. In a filling cycle, a first valve regulating the syrup flow opens first to deliver a predetermined volume before it closes and a second valve regulating the water flow opens to deliver a volume according to the desired water to syrup ratio. A common flow sensor measures the liquid flow volume for both the syrup and water and provides the information to the control system. If it takes too long to deliver the expected volume, the system gives out a liquid-low warning.

Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

Abstract: Reconfigurable control systems for beverage dispensers, beverage dispensers with a reconfigurable control panel, beverage dispensers that sequence the dispensing of beverage fluids that make up a selected beverage, beverage dispensers that allow for the dispensing of user customized beverages, and related methods for dispensing a beverage fluid are provided. A reconfigurable control system includes a control panel having multiple sensing regions, user reconfigurable switches used to select a control panel configuration, and a control unit operatively coupled with the control panel and the user reconfigurable switches. Each of the sensing regions is assigned to a key of the selected control panel configuration or deactivated. The keys of the selected control panel configuration receive user input to select a beverage and/or a beverage additive.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing water, especially purified water, for use in a beverage dispenser is provided with a microbiological agent to kill or deter microbiological growth and maintain the quality of the water. The agent is provided in a physical form to promote contact with the water and may be renewable to maintain effectiveness of the agent over a period of time. In one arrangement, the agent is contained in a cartridge 92 arranged in a re-circulation loop 89 through which the water in a reservoir 80 is passed and returned to the reservoir 80. The cartridge 92 and/or a carrier for the agent within the cartridge 92 may be replaceable to renew the agent. The agent may also be provided within the reservoir 80 and various arrangements for this are also disclosed.

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 method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.

Abstract: A system for dispensing at least one liquid substance comprises a bag filled with a substance which is to be dispensed and a dispensing device which has a housing in which there is a space for accommodating the bag. The bag has a first connector element and the dispensing device has a second connector element, connectable to the first connector element allowing discharge of said substance from the bag. The dispensing device has retaining means for retaining the first connector element of the bag in a defined pre-connection position prior to interconnecting the first and second connector elements. The first and second connector elements are displaceable relative to each other between a connected position and a disconnected position. The dispensing device has actuator means associated with the first or second connector elements for displacing the first and second connector elements relative to each other between the connected and unconnected position.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: The vending machine including a housing (3) provided with an openable wall (8). In said housing devices for the preparation of at least one beverage are arranged. At least some of said devices are supported by a supporting structure (11), which is pivotally arranged in said housing. Access to said devices through said openable wall is facilitated by pivoting said supporting structure around a pivoting axis (A-A).

Abstract: A beverage vending machine installation comprising a cabinet and a trolley unit, the cabinet defining a void in which, in use, the trolley unit can be positioned. The cabinet has an opening and at least one door moveable between open and closed positions. A trolley unit comprises at least one beverage vending machine. The trolley unit is moveable relative to the cabinet between an installed position and an uninstalled position. In the installed position the trolley unit is positioned within the void of the cabinet such that at least one door may be closed to allow operation of the vending machine installation. In the uninstalled position, the trolley unit is removed from the cabinet after opening at least one door to allow access to the trolley unit.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.

Abstract: A flow splitter for use with a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle dispenses a first fluid and a second fluid. The flow splitter may include an inner chamber for collecting the first fluid and an outer chamber for collecting the second fluid. The inner chamber may include an internal vent so as to vent air into the inner chamber.

Abstract: Liquid food dispensing device (1) for dispensing hot or cold beverages or other liquid foods without using any mixing or whipping chambers comprising at least one liquid component source (30, 31) and a diluent source (18), a delivery device and at least one diluent nozzle and one food component nozzle wherein the delivery device and diluent and food component nozzles are configured for ejecting at least one stream (6a, 6b) of diluent at a predetermined spatial configuration inside a container (10) and within a velocity range effective to create turbulence and mix the food component so to produce the food product such as the hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: A tapping device (1) for beverage, including a cooling device and a tapping rod (8) with a tapping cock (14), the tapping rod including a first (50) and a second (52) channel, which channels are in fluid communication with each other adjacent the tapping cock (14), while at least during use a tapping line (48) extends through the second channel, which tapping line is coupled at one end with a container (6) for beverage and at the other end can cooperate with the tapping cock.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a beverage dispensing head, a first section is molded to include an exit channel and a first portion of a valve bore. A second section is molded to include an entry channel, a passage through the second section, and a second portion of the valve bore. A third section is molded to include a passage through the third section and a third portion of the valve bore. The first section is mated with the second section and the second section is mated with the third section to form a handle including a passageway therethrough. The mating of the first section with the second section and the second section with the third section aligns the first portion with the second portion and the second portion with the third portion to form the valve bore for the passageway. In addition, the entry channel is sealed to form a fluid entry aperture and a fluid entry conduit for the passageway. Further, the exit channel is sealed to form a portion of a fluid exit conduit for the passageway.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparing device (1) for preparing an aqueous beverage by means of a beverage ingredient. The preparing device (1) comprises: an outflow nozzle (33) for dispensing prepared beverage; a preparation chamber (13, 16, 14) for at least partially preparing the beverage; a supply (12) line ending in the preparation chamber for the supply of water to the preparation chamber; an ingredient-dispensing system (7) for delivering the beverage ingredient to the preparation chamber; and an outflow path (36, 33) which extends from the preparation chamber to the outflow nozzle. The outflow nozzle (33) and/or the preparation chamber (13, 16, 14) and/or the outflow path (33, 36) are entirely or partly made from a polymer mixture which comprises (a) a self-lubricating, hydrophobic polymer or copolymer having a moisture absorption, determined in accordance with ASTM D 570 at a relative humidity of 50% and a temperature of 23° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, with at least two liquid nozzles connected respectively to at least one liquid source for producing a first jet of liquid in air along first path and a second jet of liquid in air along a second path, at least one concentrate nozzle connected to at least one liquid concentrate source for delivering a stream of liquid concentrate in air along a third path, wherein the liquid nozzles and the concentrate nozzle are oriented with respect to each other so that the first, second and third paths intersect above a container at a common intersection point, whereby the mixture is formed by collision of the respective jets and the stream(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.

Abstract: A mixing drink dispenser (10) having a source of water (26) for mixing with a beverage ingredient in a hopper (12) to make a drink having a tooless removable mixing chamber assembly (34) with cylindrical upper body 130 for receipt of beverage ingredient and water and vertical axis, high rotation mixing propellers (36, 180, 182) and a lower section with a slanted bottom (164) joined to and in open fluid communication with the upper section and having a non-closable beverage outlet (148) for free, unobstructed passage of freshly mixed beverage out of the mixing chamber assembly (34) and into a beverage container (46). The propellers (36, 180, 183) are driven by a motor (39) with a drive axle extending through a non-sealed opening in the slanted bottom (164) and removably linked to the propellers via a magnetic linkage (166, 170).

Abstract: A flow circuit connector provides the capability to change the flow paths of a product valve in a beverage dispenser. The flow circuit connector includes a first member that connects two unconnected flow paths, and a second member that stops the flow of fluid within the flow paths not being utilized. In a first embodiment, the flow circuit connector allows an operator to select between two diluent flow paths representing either a chilled diluent or a chilled and carbonated diluent. Configuration may be accomplished on location, and is not a permanent rerouting. In a second embodiment, the beverage dispenser further includes an ambient flow circuit and additional flow circuit connector components as required to complete or cap any exposed flow circuits. In a third embodiment, the beverage dispenser includes at least two product flow circuits representing the delivery of ambient product or a conditioned product.

Abstract: A fountain-style carbonated soft drink dispenser includes a housing adapted to attach to a beverage container, an actuator for selectively opening a fluid conduit, and one or more long tubes that vary a pressure drop across the dispensing assembly and convey fluid. The resistance through the tube(s) is decreased as the pressure within the container decreases so as to maintain a substantially constant flow rate throughout dispensing.

Abstract: A water-dispensing appliance is provided, in particular for dispensing drinking water, comprising a water inlet which can be connected to a water-supply device, also comprising a dispensing device with a water outlet, via which water can be dispensed from the appliance, the dispensing device being connected to the water inlet via a main line which has a downstream portion and an upstream portion, and also comprising a water heater. The water-dispensing appliance has a return line, of which the start is line-connected to the downstream portion of the main line and the end is connected to the upstream portion of the main line, and the appliance also has a delivery unit in order for water heated up by means of the water heater to be delivered through the main line from the upstream portion to the downstream portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a discrete volume of fluid. The apparatus includes a pump operable in discrete cycles, a power source connected to the pump, and a controller connected to at least one of the pump and the power source. The controller is configured to vary the power provided from the power source to the pump during at least a portion of each discrete cycle based on characteristics of the pump and the fluid. For example, the controller may vary power by controlling the duration of the provision of power, or by controlling the amplitude of the power. Varying the power is intended to improve the accuracy of the discrete volume of fluid dispensed. Correspondingly, the method of dispensing a discrete volume of fluid includes receiving information pertaining to the fluid to be dispensed, and adjusting a provision of power to a pump based on the information. The method may include adjusting the duration of the provision of power, or adjusting the amplitude of the provision of power.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for conditioning a liquid stream with a liquid dispensing system associated with a refrigerator, preparing an enhanced beverage using one or more of the individually conditioned liquid streams and a liquid enhancement device and minimizing the potential for back contamination of the liquid dispensing system are provided.

Abstract: A product dispenser reconfigurable in the field includes a housing, at least one tower unit, and a removable ambient box. The at least one tower unit includes at least one dispense point, whereby a product or diluent is delivered from a diluent or product source to the dispense point. The ambient box is an insulated product path that is adaptable to at least one external source and the tower units or the dispense points. The external source may be conditioned through external means or may deliver an ambient temperature product, wherein the product circuits passing through the ambient box may deliver product to any tower unit, thereby providing increased product variability within a same product dispenser. The product dispenser still further includes a tower structure that is removable without disabling the product circuits, and a method of merchandising on the tower structure.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a tower head disposed atop a tower, and at least one beverage syrup flow path having at least one control module disposed within the tower to regulate the flow of a beverage syrup through the flow path, thereby reducing the size requirements for the tower head. The beverage dispenser may further include additional flow paths to add variable products. The beverage dispenser further includes a control board including at least one input and output device disposed on a top of the beverage dispenser, such that an operator may easily interact with the control board to configure the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may be utilized in a master/slave arrangement, wherein a slave beverage dispenser without a control panel is disposed adjacent to and in communication with the control board of the master beverage dispenser, such that the master beverage dispenser conducts all global and configuration operations.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a container with an upper lip, a bottom and a cylindrical sidewall. A read/write radio frequency identification tag is on a container. A beverage dispenser has a plurality of dispensing valves associated with a plurality of different beverages. Each valve has an actuator. A reader is operatively coupled with respect to the tag for communicating with the tag and for communicating with the actuator. An electronic system is operatively coupled to the tag and the actuators and the reader.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

Abstract: A drink dispenser which is particularly suitable for use on board a passenger plane, comprises a drink preparation unit and a supply unit. The supply unit has a fuel cell system with a fuel cell and is configured to supply the drink preparation unit with water, electric energy, and thermal energy produced by the fuel cell.

Abstract: A multiple flavor beverage dispensing nozzle includes at least one disposable beverage flavor syrup injector for injecting flavor syrup into a mixing fluid. The flavor syrup injector injects flavor syrup at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the nozzle exit orifice such that the nozzle exit orifice does not come in contact with the syrup, avoiding color and flavor contamination of other dispensed beverages. Also, by injecting the syrup at an angle, the mixing fluid intersects with the syrup in midair below the surface of the nozzle, resulting in a complete and gentle mixing of syrup and mixing fluid, without syrup residue accumulating on any surface in contact with any other flavor. By directing the mixing fluid through and around the housing containing the flavor syrup injectors, a uniform even circular flow of mixing fluid is dispensed from the exit orifice of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present application describes a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly may include a flow director with a first flow path and a second flow path, a tertiary flow assembly with a number of third flow paths, and an elongated target positioned about the flow director such that the first flow path, the second flow path, and the number of third flow paths merge along the elongated target.

Abstract: A robotic beverage server that includes a robot, a beverage dispenser in fluid communication with a plurality of beverages contained within respective beverage storage receptacles and operable to dispense one or more of the beverages from the respective storage receptacles, and a controller to operate the robot to pick a container and move the container to the beverage dispenser and to operate the beverage dispenser to dispense one or more of the beverages from the storage receptacles into the container and transport the container to a user. A method of preparing a beverage or mixture of beverages that includes picking a container using a robot, moving the container to an automatic beverage dispenser, wherein the beverage dispenser is in fluid communication with and operable to dispense a plurality of beverages contained within a plurality of storage receptacles, dispensing a beverage into the container from the storage receptacles via the automatic beverage dispenser and delivering the container to a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to beverage dispensers and more specifically to a beverage dispensing nozzle that provides a short and direct beverage pathway. The nozzle is adapted for use in a self-cleaning assembly that provides for efficient cleaning of all of its surfaces that contact beverage products. The nozzle can be configured with an inlet port that provides a relatively direct product flow pathway from a beverage mixing chamber in the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.

Abstract: A multi-flavor valve capable of dispensing at least three flavors of beverages is provided. The valve includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths and a water flow path. The valve also includes at least three syrup flow path solenoids for respectively opening and closing the at least three syrup flow paths, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. The three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths, and the water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve also has at least three beverage flavor switches for selecting any one of the three beverage flavors for dispensation.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a flow control device configured to regulate a first ingredient. A pump module is configured to be coupled to a supply of a second ingredient. A controller is configured to provide a first control signal to the flow control device for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the first ingredient based upon, at least in part, a predetermined recipe. The controller is further configured to provide a second control signal to the pump module for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the second ingredient based upon, at least in part, the predetermined recipe.

Abstract: A multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzle includes at least one water inlet; at least two syrup inlets; a main water flow path through the nozzle; and at least two syrup flow paths through the nozzle, one in fluid communication with each syrup inlet, each terminating in a syrup discharge port. In one aspect the water flow path is shaped to cause the water to discharge from the nozzle in a sheet form, preferably in an annular shape, and the syrup discharge ports include a syrup deflector shaped to cause the syrup to fan out as it exits the discharge port so that it impinges on the sheet of water. In another aspect the nozzle includes at least two secondary water flow paths that each divert water from the main flow path and discharge the diverted water through the at least two syrup discharge ports. A beverage dispenser utilizes a plurality of the multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzles incorporating one or both of the forgoing aspects.