Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Abstract: beverage dispensing apparatus for enclosing and cooling a keg (1) containing a beverage, comprising means for guiding the beverage from the keg (1) to a dispending tap for controlling the beverage output from the dispensing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cooling system provided with heat transfer means (4) being in direct thermal contact with the keg (1). The cooling system is provided with an adsorbent cooling device (3) comprising a liquid chamber (5) for containing and vaporizing a liquid working substance (8), and an adsorbent chamber (6) containing an adsorbent (9) for adsorbing the vaporized working substance. The liquid chamber (5) is connected through a control valve (12) with the adsorbent chamber (6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a freshness indicator (9) for a chilled beverage and in particular to a beverage dispensing device (1) with a freshness indicator (9) for a chilled beverage, wherein the beverage dispensing device (1) comprises an outer housing (7), a tapping device (2) for dispensing a beverage, a beverage container (4) being placeable in the outer housing (7) and connectable with the tapping device (2), and the outer housing (7) functioning as a chiller (8), characterized in that the beverage freshness indicator device (9) comprises: a display (10) for indicating the storage temperature, maximum storage period, actual freshness of the beverage, the time left until expiry of the freshness and/or the date of expiry of the freshness, a data input unit (11) for the input of data and/or means (12) for recording replacement of the beverage container (4), at least one temperature sensor (13) for measuring the storage temperature of the beverage, —a temperature controller (14) for adjusting the

Abstract: Refrigerator dispenser control technology, in which user input related to moving a dispensing unit between a received position and a dispensing position is received and it is detected whether a dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit is driven based on the user input and the detection of whether the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit may be driven from the received position to the dispensing position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The dispensing unit also may be from the dispensing position to the received position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, an ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator that allows a user to receive supercooled beverage through a dispenser in the refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body having a compartment and a door opening and closing the compartment, a supercooling compartment in the main body to supercool a beverage, and a dispenser in the door to dispense supercooled liquid from the supercooling compartment without opening the door. A supercooled liquid tank is detachably installed in the supercooling compartment to supercool beverage. The supercooling compartment is installed in the rear side of the door such that a supercooling compartment door may be installed in the front side of the door to open and close the supercooling compartment in front of the door.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser valve (10) comprising a valve body (11), and a valve member (12) slidable in said valve body (11) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said valve (10) including temperature regulator means (12, 20) for limiting cooling of the valve member (12) while the fluid is being dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for carbonizing a liquid, such as tap water with CO2, are disclosed. The liquid is carbonized inside a pump housing, thereby obviating the need for a separate high-pressure carbonator tank and a separate feed pump. The pump housing has an inlet for receiving in combination the liquid and CO2 at a first pressure, and an outlet for transporting the liquid carbonized with CO2 from the pump housing into an outlet line at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A constriction is disposed in the outlet line for producing said higher pressure with the pump. The system and method can be employed in closed-loop carbonizing systems in the beverage industry.

Abstract: A holder to dispense and prepare ice coffee, consisting of a first compartment containing liquid coffee extract, a second compartment containing a propellant, a nozzle with a valve, and whereby at least one additive, such as sugars, sweeteners, aromas or a combination thereof, can be added to the concentrate in order to spray a jet of product onto a liquid.

Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.

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 mounting system for securing inverted bottles to a refrigerated dispensing apparatus housing, which system includes a valve body with external locking splines and grooves to secure a bottle to which it is threadedly connected to a socket in the housing having mating splines and grooves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Integrated core (18) adapted for use in a beverage dispenser system, comprising a multi-chamber cooling system comprising an outer upper chamber (21) and a inner lower chamber (22), the inner lower chamber (22) being located partially within the upper outer chamber (21) and interconnected in such a way to permit a fluid to flow from the upper chamber (21) to the lower chamber (22) and vice-versa; beverage transport means (26, 27, 28, 29, 30) distributed throughout the upper chamber (21) capable of transporting beverage to be cooled through said upper chamber (21); cooling means (34) distributed throughout substantially a lower zone (32) of the lower chamber (22); cooling transfer fluid distributed throughout both chambers (21, 22) and capable of flowing from one chamber to the other; and a beverage carbonator (35), located substantially in an upper zone (31) of the inner lower chamber (22).

Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. The door is operable between an open position and a closed position. An ice maker is adjacent to the interior side of the door when the door is in the closed position. A frame defines an aperture extending from the interior side to the exterior side. An ice bucket is disposed in the aperture and is operable between a lowered position, wherein a reservoir portion of the bucket is accessible when the door is closed, and a raised position, wherein the reservoir portion of the bucket is inaccessible when the door is closed. An ice dispenser is disposed below the ice bucket.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a sloped dispensing cavity that extends upward and rearward from the refrigerator door. The dispenser design allows for more efficient use of storage space on the door behind the dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an in-door water dispenser and a water routing system is provided with a cabinet. A door is reversibly hinged to the cabinet at either a first edge or a second edge. A water supply line leads from a water reservoir and has a first connection at a first top front corner of the cabinet and a second connection at a second top front corner. A feeder line leads from the dispenser to a top surface of the door with an end at one of the first door edge and the second door edge. When the door is hinged along the first edge, the end of the feeder line is connected to the first connection and when the door is hinged along the second edge, the end of the feeder line is connected to the second connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decomposing ammonia in a gasifier are provided. The system includes a gasifier including a pressure vessel and an injection nozzle extending through the pressure vessel and including a nozzle tip at a distal end of the injection nozzle, the injection nozzle further includes a passage configured to direct a fluid stream including ammonia proximate the nozzle tip such that the fluid stream including ammonia facilitates reducing a temperature of at least a portion of the nozzle tip.

Abstract: A beverage shaker (10) consists of an insulated container (20) which is configured to hold the ingredients for protein supplement drinks. The shaker permits manual mixing by shaking to and fro and retains any large pieces of the remaining ice within the container. The shaker has a removable top member (32) that is attached to the container which includes a smooth peripheral lip (26) surrounding the container suitable for drinking. A strainer (50) is supported internally by the top member and is configured for holding back large sized pieces of ice. A lid (60) internally interfaces with the top member in a leak proof manner permitting protein supplement drink ingredients to be mixed and consumed directly from the shaker when the lid is removed.

Abstract: A door mounted dispenser for a refrigerator includes rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a cavity, a release mechanism for dispensing ice and/or water and a light for illuminating the cavity. The cavity light can be operated in one of three distinct modes, i.e., in a first mode wherein the cavity light is continuously illuminated, in a second mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated only through activation of the release mechanism, and in a third mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated based upon a sensed level of ambient light present at or near the refrigerator. In the third mode, the cavity light is illuminated at a first level based upon ambient light and a second, higher level when the release mechanism is operated. The level of ambient light necessary to activate the cavity light can be set by a consumer through control panel inputs.

Abstract: A cleaning module for machines for the production of liquid foods, particularly for coffee makers, including at least one reservoir for cleaning agents to accept cleaning agents, with at least one dosing device having a control connector and at least one discharge chamber, with the dosing device being connected to the cleaning reservoir and the discharge chamber such that cleaning agents can be fed by the dosing device from the reservoir for cleaning agents to the discharge chamber. The invention further relates to a device for the production of liquid foods and a method for its cleaning.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator with an ice dispenser is shown. The ice dispenser has a user dispense panel. The user dispense panel comprises a dispense control and an ice outlet. A ice storage compartment defines a first interior volume. An ice chute flow connects the ice storage compartment and the ice outlet. The chute comprises a first end in flow communication with the ice storage compartment and a second end in flow communication with the ice outlet. A member is configured between the first and second ends. The member comprises an interior volume in flow communication with the first and second ends. A flow axis is formed from the first end to the second end. The member has a restriction.

Abstract: A water reservoir for a refrigerator having a refrigerating compartment provided with a front door having an internal panel in which shelves and a water reservoir are removably affixed. The front door having an external face carrying a dispensing valve supplied by the water reservoir. The recipient is superiorly opened and removably affixed to the internal panel of the door between the fixation positions of two consecutive shelves, and incorporates a lower outlet nozzle projecting through the door so as to be maintained in fluid communication with the dispensing valve. The reservoir including a lid removably fitted onto the recipient and provided with an opening; and an over-lid provided with a window and mounted to the lid, in order to be selectively and manually displaced in a plane parallel and adjacent to the mounting plane of the lid between an open position, in which its window is aligned with the opening of the lid and a closed position, in which the opening of the lid is blocked by the over-lid.

Abstract: A dispenser for spirits comprises at least one loose spirit container (1), container (1) cooling means (2) and spirit dispensing means (3), in which the cooling means (2) comprise a water and glycol solution circulating in a closed circuit (4). The water and glycol solution comprises a quantity of glycol equivalent to at least 20%, so that the freezing point of the solution is at temperatures below ?10° C.

Abstract: A caddy for holding a generally conical pastry bag comprises a tapered receptacle sized to receive at least a dispensing end portion of the pastry bag, and a flange arranged externally about the tapered receptacle. The flange may be a circular flange located about an entrance end of the receptacle and having a peripheral lip for sealing the caddy on a correspondingly sized container in which ice water or some other heat transfer medium is placed. Alternatively, the flange may be hollow for improved buoyancy and stability in a liquid heat transfer medium. The tapered receptacle may include a closed tip portion at its narrow end for receiving a dispensing tip of the pastry bag such that the dispensing tip does not contact the walls of the tapered receptacle. The caddy provides a barrier between the pastry bag and the heat transfer medium, whereby the pastry bag and its contents may be kept clean and chilled during periods between dispensing applications.

Abstract: An dispensing system suitable for lifting and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator or lifting and dispensing ice from an undercounter ice maker to a dispenser on the countertop.

Abstract: A pressure vessel, a system and/or a method dispense a comestible mixture. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method are used to cool, freeze and/or entrain a gas into the comestible mixture before dispensing the same. The pressure vessel may have a lid and a body that are connected to form an air-tight compartment. The compartment is sized to receive a deformable bag of the comestible mixture. The bag has an opening to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag and/or the compartment through a hole in the lid. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a compressor or other source of a compressed gas a hose to communicate the compressed gas from the compressor into the compartment. Further, the hose communicates the compressed gas to a freezing chamber and/or a cooling chamber of the machine. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a tube to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag to the freezing chamber and/or the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a water dispenser for dispensing water from a source of water through a user accessible water outlet. The water dispenser can include a water valve, a dispensing actuator, and a water dispensing control connected to the water valve and to the dispensing actuator to control operation of the water valve. The water dispenser can include a microcontroller including a user operable calibration routine to determine a calibrated flow rate based on the time to dispense a standard quantity of water, and a non-volatile storage to store the calibrated flow rate. The microcontroller can store the most recent calibrated flow rate in the non-volatile storage. The water dispenser control can include a measured fill mode of operation. The microcontroller can be arranged to calculate a measured fill time to dispense a user selected amount of water based on the calibrated flow rate.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for storing and dispensing a temperature controlled fluid from an appliance includes a tank for storing the temperature controlled fluid and a dispenser outlet for dispensing the temperature controlled fluid. A dispenser fluid line fluidly couples the tank and the dispenser outlet. A pump dispenses the temperature controlled fluid from the tank through the dispenser outlet upon receipt of a dispense signal and subsequently withdraws any residual temperature controlled fluid from the dispenser fluid line.

Abstract: A machine (1) for making and dispensing frozen food products such as crushed-ice drinks, sorbets and the like comprises a tank (3) for containing and processing the product to be dispensed and a tap (4) whose dispensing duct (17) is connected to a discharge hole (15) which is made in the front wall (10) of the tank (3); the tap (4) in turn comprises a plug (19), able to move between a position (A) in which the duct (17) is open, allowing the product to be dispensed through the duct (17), and a position (C) in which the duct (17) is closed, preventing the product from coming out through the duct (17); when the plug (19) is in the closed position (C) it is coaxially inserted in a sealed fashion in a cylindrical tubular portion (17a) of the duct (17) extending longitudinally starting from the discharge hole (15) in a direction at a right angle to the front wall (10) of the tank (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple chilled alcoholic beverages dispenser system comprising: at least two independent sources of alcoholic beverage each stored in a separate container (29, 26); a cooling system (10, 23, 27, 29) through which the at least two independent sources of alcoholic beverage pass (29) before dispensing; and dispenser means (13a, 13b) wherein the cooling system comprises a single chamber (10) through which the at least two independent sources of alcoholic beverage pass before reaching the dispenser means.

Abstract: System for distributing beverage in containers, comprising at least one container and at least one tapping device for cooperation with said at least one container, wherein said at least one container is provided with a valve assembly, said containers containing beverage and a pressurising unit for pressurising said beverage in said container for dispensing said beverage through said valve assembly. A first spout assembly is provided for connecting to said valve assembly and comprising a lever for pressing said valve assembly for repeatedly opening and closing said valve assembly and an outlet pipe for expelling beverage from said container flowing through said valve assembly when in an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating the distribution of wine, including a vessel which is configured with one or more recyclable components which may be configured as a reusable component which, after an initial use, may be prepared for a further use or uses, by one or more steps, such as, for example, cleaning or relabling. The device may be constructed to include a reusable first containment member and a containment element, the first containment member having an interior space which may hold the containment element with a valve connected thereto, the first containment member having an aperture therein so that the valve may pass through the aperture and be accessed from outside the containment member interior space.

Abstract: A system and method that portably stores, refrigerates, and dispenses a viscous, semi-solid food product. Cannoli cream is held in an open-top hopper with a lower outlet tube that is removably received inside an insulated and cooled portion of the dispenser housing through a door with an opening for the lower outlet tube. A horizontal dispensing nozzle is attached to the lower outlet tube from outside the door. The hopper is positioned under a piston assembly that moves a piston plate through the top of the hopper with a screw-jack. The piston assembly functions to pump cannoli cream from the hopper through the dispenser nozzle.

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

Abstract: A container cartridge for a beverage dispenser includes a bottom wall, a side wall and a top wall having a spout. The bottom wall, the side wall and the top wall, including the spout, are integrally formed of a polyethylene. The side wall is sufficiently thin so as to be foldable. Thus, after use, i.e. when the container cartridge has become empty, the container cartridge can be collapsed by folding the side wall. The thus collapsed container cartridge can be efficiently transported.

Abstract: A cooling, carbonation and dispensing system for use with a liquid in a keg includes a cooling ring mounted on top of the keg. The cooling ring includes a toroidal-shaped shell into which dry ice is placed. The cooling ring and dry ice provide contact cooling of the keg, as well as carbon dioxide gas by sublimation of the dry ice to carbonate the liquid in the keg and pressure on the liquid so that it may be dispensed from the keg. A chilling unit having a hose bundle is mounted on top of the cooling ring. A liquid dispensing hose from the keg coupler on the keg connects to the hose bundle, so that liquid from the keg passes through the hose bundle. A lid having a tower is attached to the top of the chilling unit and latched to it to form a water-tight seal. Another hose connects to the hose bundle in the chilling unit and conducts the liquid to a dispensing hose attached to a dispenser in the tower.

Abstract: In the related art refrigerator, its structure for supplying water to a dispenser and water tank was complicated. In addition, since an icemaker is installed in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, there is a problem in that the water supplied into the icemaker is frozen. Furthermore, if the icemaker is installed in the freezing chamber of the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion thereof, there is another problem in that it is difficult to control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber or ice-making capability of the icemaker is lowered. The present invention is directed to a refrigerator.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for gravitationally dispensing a liquid from a bottle such as standard sized bottles commonly used in the drinking water industry. The dispenser preferably includes a removable top closeable over a space large enough to hold and fully enclose the inverted bottle, a base having a substantially flat bottom surface for maintaining the bottle in an inverted position and mating surfaces for receiving the removable top, a collar having an aperture sized to receive a neck portion of the bottle and disposed within the base for supporting the bottle in the inverted position, a reservoir attached to the collar for receiving the liquid from the bottle, whereby the neck portion of the inverted standard sized bottle extends downward through the aperture of the collar, and a spigot extending from the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing portions of chilled topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a drawer that includes a product compartment and an adjacent drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a bag containing topping, and houses a vertically displaceable pressure member, such as a roller, to roll down along one side of the bag opposite a pressure surface on the other side of the bag to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing valve assembly to direct product into a waiting container. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a motor-driven carriage assembly in the drive compartment that may be actuated by a push button on the housing. The dispensing valve assembly holds a pressure-actuated valve that closes automatically to cleanly cut off a dispensed ribbon of topping and is configured to impart a decorative appearance to the dispensed ribbon.

Abstract: A water dispenser assembly used for a dispensing system includes an inlet configured to receive water from a water supply, and a flow meter in communication with the inlet. The flow meter is configured to measure an amount of water passing therethrough. A first valve is arranged in communication with the flow meter, and the first valve is configured to enable and restrict water flow to an outlet. A controller is operatively coupled to the flow meter and the first valve. The controller is configured to control the dispensing of water based on the measured amount of water passing through the flow meter and based upon a volume error factor correction.

Abstract: A food storage apparatus enables dispensation of contents (e.g., ice and/or water) stored in the food storage apparatus and collects residual contents after the dispensation of the contents.

Abstract: The dispenser includes a bottle connector 5 for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed on an inverted bottle 3, and a water path 6 conducts liquid from the bottle to a reservoir 7 via an optional water pump 41. The reservoir 7 is received in a thermal receptacle incorporating an evaporator plate 13 for producing ice within a bottom chamber 103 of the reservoir. The evaporator plate incorporates an electrical heating element 105 for periodically freeing the ice which enters an upper inlet chamber 100 and an ice chamber 101 separated by a baffle. Optical sensors A, B and C control ice generation. Ambient water entering the inlet chamber 100 is cooled to a temperature as low as 4° C. The chilled water then enters the ice chamber 101, from which ice-cold water can be dispensed close to zero ° C. A diverter flap 112 allows the inlet chamber 100 to continue receiving ice when the ice chamber 101 is full.

Abstract: To defrost one barrel of a two barrel FCB dispenser, a refrigeration system defrosts the one barrel, while neither defrosting nor chilling the other barrel, for either a selected time or until a frozen beverage is drawn from the other barrel, whichever occurs first. Once the selected time or beverage draw occurs, the refrigeration system chills the other barrel until beverage within it is properly frozen, while neither defrosting nor chilling the one barrel. Once beverage in the other barrel is properly frozen, the refrigeration system resumes defrosting the one barrel, whereupon the foregoing cycle is repeated until defrost of the one barrel is complete, at which point the refrigeration system chills the one barrel to refreeze product in it. The arrangement keeps beverage in the other barrel properly frozen during defrosting of the one barrel.

Abstract: An automated liquid dispensing system employs a mechanism which moves a container [1230] relative to a fill tube [1240] to fill the container [1230] with the proper amount of liquid [1131] with a designated amount of foam [1137]. The system [1000] also includes a container dispensing unit [1400] which pre-chills containers [1230] then flips them into a drop tube [1510] to be received by a lift [1550]. Lift [1550] raises the container [1230] to a pouring head [1570] and fills the container [1230] as it lowers container [1230] to properly fill the container [1230] and create a desired amount of foam [1137].

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling and dispensing wine from a wine-filled bag of a prepackaged wine box, generally comprising an insulated parallelpiped box with molded handles, an upper front panel and a lower front panel with semi-circular notches forming a circle into which the wine tap for such wine-fulled may be locked into place for dispensing wine. One embodiment employs a cold or frozen freezable liquid pack placed on each side of the wine-filled bag, while another embodiment provides freezable, liquid-filled side, top, and rear panels. A drip reservoir is provided to prevent messy wine drippage. A name tag identifying the type of wine being dispensed may be placed into a nameplate slot centered on the upper front panel. The present apparatus may be made in a variety of colors and decorative exterior designs.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system (82), diluent delivery system (78), concentrate delivery system (74), mixing and dispensing system (76), and control system. The refrigeration system (82) employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle (80) that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.

Abstract: A device to cool a liquid during the pouring procedure is provided. The device comprises an enclosure having a top portion and a bottom portion. Generally mounted to the bottom portion is a base for mounting the device to the neck of a bottle. Optionally mounted to the top portion is a spout which generally comprises a valve adapted to control the temperature of the poured liquid by controlling the flow thereof. The bottom portion and the top portion respectively comprise a first and a second openings between which extends a preferably metallic coil conduit. Within the enclosure, the conduit is surrounded by a low freezing cooling material. The device further comprises a vent passage extending in the base portion. Upon pouring the liquid from a bottle, the liquid circulates through the conduit which is in close contact with the cold cooling material, effectively cooling the liquid.