Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser includes a portable ice chest, a dispensing valve device, a pressurization system, and a line system. The line system couples one or more beverage containers in the ice chest to the pressurization system through one or more gas lines, and couples the beverage containers to the dispensing valve device through one or more beverage lines. Actuating the dispensing valve device opens a valve and allows the beverage to flow into a cup under force of the pressurization system. A retractor, such as a spring-loaded reel, can also be included to facilitate keeping the dispensing valve device close to the ice chest when not in use.

Abstract: A dispenser for liquid consumables locates a store of the particular liquid at a location remote from the dispensing location. The dispensing location is typically located above a counter and may include a relatively narrow stem that brings a flexible liquid delivery tube up to a valve. Valuable counter space is conserved. One or more disposable, flexible and collapsible bags contain the store of liquid and communicates with the dispensing location via the liquid delivery tube. Confined in contact with each flexible bag is an inflatable bladder to which compressed air is routed. Liquid is dispensed each time the valve opens. When exhausted the flexible bag is replaced. Safety interlock switches vent the inflatable bladder to prevent its expanding explosively upon opening of the location where the liquid containing bag will replace the empty. Where the liquid needs temperature control, temperature control means are provided where the liquid is stored.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a housing supporting a display device. The housing is configured to support at least one drink supply container which can contain a drink syrup associated with a carbonated beverage. The refrigerator has an input device coupled to the drink supply container which enables a user to cause carbonated beverage to flow to a beverage collector.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vibratory pumping mechanism that increases the efficiency of utilization of the vibratory motion within a mechanism. More specifically, the mechanism includes a central chamber within which a piston is oscillated to draw fluid into the chamber and expel fluid from within the chamber outwardly through a nozzle connected to the chamber. The chamber includes a pressure tube connected to a rearward end of the chamber and to a secondary chamber positioned around and in fluid communication with the chamber. The pressure tube allows the negative pressure generated by the motion of the piston in either direction to be utilized in preventing any fluid from being directed out of the mechanism in a direction other than through the nozzle, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pump.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser that extends forwardly from the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a retractable ledge to support a container, a sloped back wall to provide increased storage space in the door, a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water, an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor, and a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed.

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 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: The present disclosure provides an improved system and method that includes a food dispensing machine for dispensing a base food product through a dispensing valve and adding ingredients and other additives, such as flavors and the like, to the base food product when the product is dispensed from a product chamber. Multiple conduits coupled between additive sources and the dispensing valve can be selectively used to flow the various additives to the dispensing valve when the product is dispensed. The system and method may assist in reducing the number of product chambers generally required to deliver multiple products, allow various combinations of products, and even more combinations for those units having multiple product chambers with multiple dispensing valves. The disclosure further provides a unique valve that includes a movable nozzle assembly that unseats and seats on a fixed valve stem with attendant advantages in the above described dispensing valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact and short profile portable bottled beverage dispenser for gravitationally dispensing a liquid from an inverted standard sized bottle such as the 3- or 5-gallon bottles commonly used in the drinking water industry.

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 beverage and cooling dispensing apparatus for holding both containerized and non-containerized beverages including a cooler unit adaptable for holding and cooling containerized products such as bottled and canned beverages and other chilled products, an internal container adaptable for holding non-containerized free-standing beverages which is positionable within the main cooler unit, and a dispensing mechanism accessible from the exterior of the cooler unit for dispensing the non-containerized beverage from the internal container. The internal container includes a first coupling mechanism which is engageable with a second coupling mechanism associated with the dispensing mechanism for providing fluid communication between the dispensing mechanism and the internal container when the first and second coupling mechanisms are engaged.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a shaved ice discharger to discharge shaved ice produced within the refrigerator to an outside of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body having a freezing compartment defined therein, a freezing compartment door to open and close the freezing compartment, a shaved-ice maker positioned in the freezing compartment to produce shaved ice, a shaved ice discharge port to discharge the shaved ice produced by the shaved-ice maker to the outside of the refrigerator, and a shaved ice discharger to open the shaved ice discharge port for a predetermined time. The shaved ice discharger maintains an open state of the shaved ice discharge port for the predetermined time therefore, it is not necessary to continuously apply external force to the lever, and convenience in use of the shaved-ice maker is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing soft serve frozen food product, such as soft serve ice cream and the like, provides the ability to select the fat content or other characteristic of the ice cream dispensed from the machine.

Abstract: A pan including a shelf dividing the interior thereof into a lower chilling element and an upper portion disposed in heat relationship with the lower portion and a lid for covering the top of the container and having a serving surface for display of food thereon.

Abstract: A method for operating a water cooler, wherein the water cooler includes a cooling system, a storage compartment assembly, a water dispenser assembly, and a climate control assembly including a thermostat and a control capillary, includes coupling the control capillary to the thermostat, and coupling the thermostat to the cooling system such that the thermostat controls the operational state of the cooling system. The method includes positioning the control capillary adjacent each of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly, determining the temperature of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the control capillary, and cooling the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the cooling system.

Abstract: A fluid extracting device is structured to be capable of extracting only a predetermined amount of a fluid such as wine or the like while a deterioration preventive gas is being supplied to a bottle B and the fluid extracting device (60), which are coupled to each other in an airtight state. Consequently, the partial extraction in a plurality of operations is made possible without causing quality deterioration of the fluid such as wine or the like even after the bottle is once opened. Further, such a structure is provided that the fluid extracting devices (60) having a large number of bottles of wine or the like attached thereto are mounted on a display table at a wine bar or the like.

Abstract: The device comprises a valve body with an input adapted to be connected to a water supply source, and with at least a first and second output. The body is provided with at least a first and a second electrovalve with direct actuation, whose hydraulic inputs are interconnected with one another and are connected to the input of the valve body and whose outputs are independent or separate and are connected to the first and the second output of the body respectively. The body is provided with a third solenoid electrovalve, for safety purposes, interposed between the input of the body and the inputs of the first and second electrovalves. Control devices are coupled to this third electrovalve such that the latter may be opened/closed each time that the first or second electrovalve is opened/closed. This third electrovalve closes in a delayed manner with respect to the closure of the first and the second electrovalve.

Abstract: A beverage-cooling device includes a refrigeration unit, a position unit and a switch unit. The refrigeration unit has a housing with a cavity formed therein and a tube disposed inside the cavity. The tube has an inlet and an outlet both secured to the housing, and the inlet is higher than the outlet. The position unit has a base member connecting to the refrigeration unit, a control member pivoted to the base member, and a securing member adjustably assembled onto the control member. The base member has a passage formed therein to communicate with the inlet of the tube. The control member has a through hole communicating with the passage. The securing member orientates a bottle mouth of a bottle to the control member, wherein the bottle mouth communicates with the through hole. The switch unit is secured to the refrigeration unit and connected with the outlet of the tube.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a cabinet, at least one door and a chilled water dispenser. The at least one door is mounted to the cabinet for movement between a closed position and an open position. The chilled water dispenser includes a nozzle extending from the cabinet. The dispenser is associated with the door and is accessible when the door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispensing system includes a supply of flat water and a supply of pressurized gaseous carbon dioxide. A first motorless carbonator is configured to receive a portion of the flat water and a portion of the carbon dioxide and to cause a portion of the carbon dioxide to dissolve in the flat water to produce partially carbonated soda. A second motorless carbonator is configured to receive a portion of the partially carbonated soda and a portion of the carbon dioxide and to cause a portion of the carbon dioxide to dissolve in the partially carbonated soda and to produce fully carbonated soda. The system also includes a dispenser for selectively dispensing the fully carbonated soda.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: Units (10), systems (100), and methods with treated water are provided in which a treated water source (12, 104) is included integrally in a host piece of equipment (10, 102). The host piece of equipment (10, 102) includes host functions such as ice making (14, 106). Other equipment, such as dispenser (108) may be coupled to the equipment (102) to share the treated water from treated water source (104).

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 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 dispenser of a conventional refrigerator supplies only cold water. Therefore, the dispenser cannot meet a variety of users' needs. Further, the conventional refrigerator has a problem in that various kinds of water supplied from a water source cannot be properly purified. The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a main body with a storage space defined therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is disclosed, which enables an effective usage of the inner space of the refrigerator and enables to always provide fresh water to a user. The dispenser includes a first pipe connected with a water supply source; a reservoir installed inside a door of the refrigerator and connected with the first pipe, for temporarily storing water supplied from the water supply source; a second pipe connected with the reservoir; and a discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging part installed in the door of the refrigerator and connected with the second pipe, for discharging the water supplied from the reservoir depending on a user's necessity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for delivering a beverage under pressure from a container to a dispensing means. The apparatus has a heat exchanger, a tank for holding a quantity of a coolant fluid and a reservoir for holding a quantity of the beverage. The reservoir is located in the tank for submersion in the coolant fluid. A first conduit delivers the beverage from the container to the heat exchanger while a second conduit delivers beverage to the reservoir. A third conduit delivers beverage from the reservoir to the dispensing means. The invention allows for the delivery of cold beverage form the container over a distance to the dispensing means.

Abstract: A drink dispenser assembly includes: a dispenser device (2, 37) provided with a dispensing head (18, 29) for accommodating a dispensing line (17, 28), and a container (7, 27) containing drink, in particular carbonated drink, connected during use to the dispensing line (17, 28) which has a coupling element at an outlet end for connection to the dispensing head (18, 29). The drink dispenser assembly is characterised in that the coupling element comprises a shut-off valve (19, 32) that can be closed when placing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) into the dispensing head (18, 29) and, respectively, removing the outlet end of the dispensing line (17, 28) from the dispensing head (18, 29).

Abstract: A dual rotation paddlewheel includes tangs that are equally effective in either direction of rotation. The paddlewheel includes tangs disposed around an outer periphery of a body. The dual rotation paddlewheel includes a primary face for use in a first direction and a secondary face for use in a second rotation direction. The tangs may also include a crossbar for increased shear strength. The increased cross sectional area eliminates problems associated with breaking tangs off of the paddlewheel and entering the product stream. Existing product engagement areas in existing designs have been preserved with the dual direction design. The dual direction paddlewheel allows for the consolidation of rotation specific designs into a single part, thereby eliminating costs associated with carrying multiple single direction paddlewheels as well as tooling and manufacturing costs for multiple paddlewheel designs.

Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided having a container for holding a liquid beverage, a spigot extending from the container for dispensing the liquid beverage therefrom, preferably a telescopically extendable boom attached to a side of the container, a solar panel adjustably attached to an end of the telescopically extendable boom so that the solar panel may be repositioned about the end of the telescopically extendable boom so as to point the solar panel in a direction toward a source of solar energy, and one or more active elements in thermal contact with the container and the liquid beverage therein and electrically connected to the solar panel. Thermoelectric elements powered by the solar panel may be used to cool or heat the liquid beverage within the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots) used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and method.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water dispenser and gas line operable to pressurize a drink supply container. The drink supply container contains drink syrup. The drink syrup and the water from the water dispenser are used to produce a beverage.

Abstract: A hard ice cream dispenser configured to dispense hard ice cream. The hard ice cream dispenser comprises a housing support structure; a drive assembly coupled to and supported by the housing, and having a plunger drive means configured to displace a plunger; a sleeve supportable within the housing and configured to receive an inverted container of hard ice cream therein, wherein the sleeve provides lateral and longitudinal support to the ice cream container as the plunger travels through the container; and a nozzle removably coupled to an end of the support sleeve so as to be in fluid communication with the container of ice cream, wherein the nozzle comprises a spout for controlling the volume and cross-sectional size of dispensed ice cream. The plunger is configured to be supported within the housing and removably coupled to the plunger drive means, wherein the plunger functions to displace the ice cream from the container, into and through the nozzle, and out the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing a partially frozen beverage. The apparatus includes at least one beverage hopper for retaining a quantity of partially frozen beverage. The beverage hopper has a dispensing aperture formed therein and a guide member in an exterior surface of the beverage hopper. A chilling unit cools the partially frozen beverage retained within the beverage hopper. A dispenser assembly is provided which includes a handle, a biasing element, a gasket and a slideable valve member. the valve member has a portion dimensioned to slideably engage the guide member of the beverage hopper.

Abstract: Bottled water or other liquid is supplied via a bottle connector 5 for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed on the bottle, and a transfer tube 6 to a reservoir 7 wherein the water may be cooled. The bottle connector 5, the transfer tube 6 and the reservoir 7 are all moulded of a plastics material containing silver bound in a ceramic ion exchange resin so that the silver ions (Ag+) are slowly released to prevent microbial growth on the surface of the components. The bottle connector may include a feed tube 21 or a dip tube which also releases silver ions. Furthermore, the transfer tube 6 may be connected to the reservoir 7 via a reservoir connector 29 which may incorporate a draw tube 31 and one or more outlet tubes 14, 36, e.g. leading to a discharge outlet, all of which release silver ions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, comprising 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: A drinks dispensing device (1, 25) is provided with a cooling chamber and a tap head for receiving a shut-off valve (32) of a drinks container which has been positioned in the cooling chamber. The tap head comprises a displacement member (45) and a seat (42) which is connected thereto. A handle (33) is removably connected to the seat and can be removed therefrom. Without the handle (33), it is difficult or impossible for the displacement member (45) to be moved by a user by hand, and consequently the drinks dispensing device cannot be operated by children. It is also possible for the user to exchange the handle for a handle of a specific appearance which matches the interior or is distributed by the producer of the drink which is to be dispensed in the event of promotional activities.

Abstract: A chilled beverage dispenser has a “holeless” bowl and uses a cradle evaporator to achieve cooling of the beverage. In one exemplary embodiment, the cradle evaporator comprises three panels—a bottom panel and two side panels, the side panels being bolted or similarly fastened to the edges of the bottom panel in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the bottom panel. The bottom and side panels each define a continuous and sinuous channel, which carries a cooling medium. The dispenser bowl preferably is constructed of a thin-walled plastic, such that when the dispenser bowl is received in the cradle evaporator, heat transfer is achieved through the bottom wall and portions of the side walls of the bowl.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising: a dispenser case mounted at one side of a refrigerator door; a cold water faucet and a hot water faucet provided in the dispenser case and from which cold water and hot water are supplied; and a dispenser door for opening and closing the dispenser case. In this construction, a hot water button is prevented from being pressed by a child by mistake and thus a child is prevented from getting burned by hot water from the hot water faucet, thereby enhancing a stability. Also, when a cup or a container becomes hot while or after the user gets hot water from the hot water faucet in the cup or the container, the cup or the container can be placed on the dispenser door thereby to enhance the user's convenience.

Abstract: A system top deliver liquid egg product in aliquot portions respective to a selected number of eggs, the system being totally contained in a cooled surround.

Abstract: A water cooler/water purification station that is portable, and small in size that is capable of cooling and purifying about 8 to 15 liters of water per hour between 3 to 10° C. The water cooler/water purification station is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp which serves to kill bacteria in stagnant water. A removable kit is positioned in the top of the housing. The Kit includes various sensors, as well as, the UV lamp and an exit passageway 70 for treated water.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a fill chamber and a dispenser housing positioned above the fill chamber. The dispenser is fed by a liquid supply line having a first end portion attached to a liquid source, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The second end portion of the liquid supply line terminates at the dispenser housing above the fill chamber and is provided with a nozzle held in place by a clamp. The clamp is fixedly secured to the liquid supply line and includes a protrusion that engages a wall member on the dispenser housing to properly position the second end of the liquid supply line above the fill chamber.

Abstract: A cooler (100) for supplying cooled drinking water, particularly at remote outdoor locations, includes a reservoir (101) that supplies water to a conduit (119) for indirect cooling by a cooling medium, for example ice, contained in a container (105). A water bottle (103) is installed in the cooler (100) such that a feed tube (111) of the reservoir (101) penetrates and engages the hygienic seal (201) of the water bottle (103). The conduit (119) is connected to a discharge (113) on the reservoir (101) and a spigot (125). When the spigot (125) is opened, water passes through the conduit (119) and is indirectly cooled. As water is withdrawn from the cooler (100) at the spigot (125), air that replaces the withdrawn water enters the reservoir (101) through an air intake (115). The cooler (100) can have a filter (211) at the air intake (115) to prevent contamination by ambient air.

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 vehicle liquid dispensing system having a dispenser which may be retracted or concealed within the dashboard, a thermoelectric liquid heat exchanger for heating or cooling the liquids, an esthetically pleasing liquid reservoir and a pump: all components are disposed within the structure of the vehicle and do not take up passenger compartment space. In embodiments, an on/off switch may be provided to prevent dispensing, a switch may be provided at the dispenser to activate the pump, the pump may be electrical, and the fluid connections between the components of the system may be provided with connectors allowing easy cleaning.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces through and out of an aperture in the holding vessel, and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device, whereby the weighing device meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container. Methods of delivering containerized ice in situ are also included.

Abstract: An assembly of a container (1) for drink and a drink dispensing device (11), each of which is provided with positioning elements (13,13?; 16, 16?) for orientation of the air connector (20, 48) and the dispensing opening (4) of the container (1) with an air channel (22) and a dispensing line (5) in the lid (25) of the dispensing device (11).

Abstract: A dispenser for liquid consumables locates a store of the particular liquid at a location remote from the dispensing location. The dispensing location is typically located above a counter and may include a relatively narrow stem that brings a flexible liquid delivery tube up to a valve. Valuable counter space is conserved. One or more disposable, flexible and collapsible bags contain the store of liquid and communicates with the dispensing location via the liquid delivery tube. Confined in contact with each flexible bag is an inflatable bladder to which compressed air is routed. Liquid is dispensed each time the valve opens. When exhausted the flexible bag is replaced. Safety interlock switches vent the inflatable bladder to prevent its expanding explosively upon opening of the location where the liquid containing bag will replace the empty. Where the liquid needs temperature control, temperature control means are provided where the liquid is stored.

Abstract: A drink dispensing system having sets of faucet dispensers, ice storage bins adjacent to the sets of faucet dispensers, respectively, a common carbonator and circulation pumps associated with fluid circuits provide circulating flow through cold plates defining bottoms to the ice storage bins. Flow may be in parallel or in series to each of the separate stations. The circulating system is illustrated to be for the carbonated water supply while noncirculating supply systems provide noncarbonated water and syrup to the dispensing stations. Circulating systems for bar guns using a cold plate are also disclosed.