Cooling Only Patents (Class 222/146.6)
  • Patent number: 8651331
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8646288
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a dispenser to extract water is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door opening and closing the storage chamber, and a dispenser disposed to discharge water, the dispenser including a button installed to be movable in a backward and forward moving direction, a switch pressed to cause water to be discharged, and a lever rotatably installed sideward with respect to the forward/backward moving direction of the button having one end disposed at a rear side of the button and an other end disposed on the switch and performing a seesaw movement sideward as the button moves in the forward/backward moving direction to press the switch. Thus, the dispenser can be formed to have a small thickness in a forward/backward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Sung Il Park
  • Patent number: 8646285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator and a method thereof. The present invention includes an input unit for inputting the amount of ice to be taken out; and a taking-out unit for taking out the ice corresponding to the amount inputted to the input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung-Ah Choi, Mi-Son Ahn, Chang-Woo Song, Young-Shin Park, Ki-Cheol Woo
  • Patent number: 8640485
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae Jang, Seung-Beom Chae, Il-Wook Joung, Sang-Ho Park, Yong-Chul Kwon, Hyeon-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20140027471
    Abstract: A kiosk for selling frozen confections such as shaved ice or ice cream is provided with a liquid-topping dispenser assembly having liquid-dispensing faucets which are operable by a customer outside the kiosk to dispense liquid toppings onto the frozen confections. The dispenser assembly may be configured to allow people to operate faucets from both sides of the dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly extends outwardly of the kiosk in a dispensing orientation and is movable to a stored orientation. The dispenser assembly may also be movable between several dispensing positions. The kiosk may be stationary or mobile. The kiosk may be provided with more than one dispenser assembly and may use a dispenser assembly mounted on a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Tikiz Development Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Tollefson, David S. Tollefson
  • Patent number: 8636175
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid may include a first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a first reservoir configured to contain a supply of first fluid for being dispensed and a first variable volume chamber in flow communication with the first fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be configured to provide pressure for dispensing the first fluid. The second fluid circuit may include a second reservoir, a pump, fluid passages configured to provide fluid flow within the second fluid circuit, and a second variable volume chamber in flow communication with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be a closed-loop circuit, and the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber are associated with one another, such that flow of fluid in the second circuit controls dispensing and temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8636176
    Abstract: A two-piece pinch valve is disclosed. A first piece or part of the valve is fixedly installed into a dispensing cabinet. A second piece or part having a movable pinch bar that pinches and un-pinches a tube is installable into and removable from the first piece by hand. Removal of the second piece from the first pieces allows a tube to be directly installed into the pinch valve. Installation of the second piece into the first piece configures the valve for operation. The second piece is installed into slots in the first piece. The slots and engaging protuberances on the second piece enable the second piece to be locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Otto Malin, Jerry Tauer, Loren Veltrop
  • Patent number: 8636179
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a sub-chamber (12) that communicates with a main container (11). In use, prior to filling the sub-chamber (12) it is pressurised to greater than or equal to the equilibrium pressure required to keep the dissolved gas in solution. This has the effect that the beverage does not froth out of a dispenser nozzle. It also has the effect of keeping beverage in the main container (11) from losing carbonation. The invention has particular application to “Optic” devices for dispensing carbonated spirit drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Diageo Great Britain Limited
    Inventors: Auguste Menard, Justin Walshe, Paul Smith, Guy Hansson
  • Publication number: 20140014689
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a frozen confection is provided comprising: an insulated chamber (1) housing a container (3) of a frozen confection; a refrigeration system (8); a nozzle (4) having an inner end which is connected to the container (3); and an outer end which is located outside the insulated chamber; means for applying pressure to the frozen confection thereby to dispense it from the container (3; a cap (7) which can enclose the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when closed and which allows external access to the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when open; and one or more channels (12) which allow cold air to flow from the chamber into the region around the outer end of the nozzle; wherein the apparatus comprises a removable holder (10) that supports the container (3) and wherein the spaces between the container (3), the inside of the chamber and the underside of the holder form the one or more channels (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas Martin Broadbent, David John Foster, Paul Edwin Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140007609
    Abstract: A dispenser water supply system including a dispenser, an ice making apparatus and a splitting valve are provided. The dispenser includes an outlet and is configured to dispense water and ice. The ice making apparatus is configured to provide ice to the dispenser. The splitting valve is configured to dispense water into the outlet of the dispenser and to the ice making apparatus to produce ice, the splitting valve being mounted at the dispenser. A refrigerator having the dispenser water system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Seunggeun LEE
  • Publication number: 20140008386
    Abstract: The apparatus for preparing carbonated refrigerated beverages comprises at least one containment tank (2) suitable to contain the product to be dispensed and closed by a pressure tightening lid (4); means for feeding the product to be dispensed inside said containment tank (2); and means for feeding a pressurization gas inside said containment tank (2) to maintain the same tank (2) under pressure. The feed means of the pressurization gas comprise single feed and discharge ducts (21, 22) for the pressurization gas, separately connected to said tank (2) and provided with respective valve members (23, 24) for controlling the flow of the same pressurization gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Enrico Grampassi
  • Patent number: 8596085
    Abstract: According to the structure of the refrigerator and the dispenser for the same, water is easily dispensed as the water dispensing device and the ice dispensing device are separately provided and the water dispensing button is provided at the front of the chute cover, and the water dispensing device is minimally damaged due to the absorbing pad structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Bon Koo, Heon-Jae Jang
  • Patent number: 8596496
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing wine comprises a housing formed substantially in the shape of a wine barrel. The housing including a circumferential wall, a first closed end and a second open end. A spigot for selectively dispensing wine is supported by and positioned through the first closed end of the housing. A removable insert disposable within the housing through the second open end contains a collapsible bladder of wine. A wine dispensing port is contained within the bladder and insert. With the insert positioned within the housing, the port is positioned proximate the second open end thereof. A conduit in fluid communication with the spigot extends from the first closed end toward the second open end. Upon disposing the insert within the housing, the conduit is connectable to the port wherein the wine can be selectively dispensed from the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Vinocopia, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon M. Malinski
  • Patent number: 8584900
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages. The beverage dispenser has a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a server. The interface is provided on the housing to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The server electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLC
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
  • Patent number: 8584897
    Abstract: A system for cooling a beverage and dispensing a beverage cooling medium comprises a beverage line connectable to a beverage supply for transporting beverage from the beverage supply through a conduit to a beverage dispense valve at a dispensation site, and a cooling line for transporting a cooling medium through the conduit so as to allow heat exchange between the cooling medium in the cooling line and the beverage in the beverage line. The cooling line is connectable to the beverage supply or to a second beverage supply such that the cooling medium is a beverage cooling medium. The system further comprises a cooling medium dispense valve in communication with the cooling line at the dispensation site for dispensing the beverage cooling medium. The system is further operative for dispensing a frozen particle-containing beverage through a python.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Scottish & Newcastle Limited
    Inventor: Robert David John Belcham
  • Patent number: 8579161
    Abstract: A low profile batter dispenser, for the housing of batter on a counter top for an extended period of time while cooling the batter to resist bacterial growth therein. The batter dispenser includes a housing, a batter container, and an ice pack assembly for holding an ice pack on the bottom of and in contact with the batter container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: William R. Steeb
  • Patent number: 8573001
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for operating dispenser in a refrigerator, comprising a base member having a switch by which a dispenser of a refrigerator is operated: a pushing member for transferring a pushing force to the switch; a plurality of connection units connecting the pushing member and the base member to each other so that the switch may be pushed even if any position of the pushing member is pushed. According to the dispenser operating apparatus for a refrigerator, since the pushing member for transferring the pushing force to the switch is respectively supported at right and left side ends of the upper portion and the lower portion thereof by the plurality of connection units, the pushing force can be transferred to the switch even if any position of the pushing member is pushed, which may be convenient to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min-Bon Koo
  • Patent number: 8572998
    Abstract: A machine for making ice-cream products includes a whipping and freezing unit with a horizontal axis, and an inspection door connected to one end of the whipping and freezing unit to allow access to the inside of the unit. The inspection door has a dispensing hole so that the whipping and freezing unit can be put in fluid communication with the outside environment and a dispensing door for selectively opening and closing the dispensing hole. The dispensing door includes a separator, having an opening, able to rotate relative to the inspection door so that the dispensing hole is selectively opposite the opening and allows controlled dispensing of ice-cream products from the whipping and freezing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 8567642
    Abstract: A fountain beverage dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a beverage syrup and a diluent for the syrup is characterized by use of a highly concentrated beverage syrup supply and at least one diluent and syrup blending station for diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20130277394
    Abstract: A substantially self-contained moveable (roll around) ice cooled beverage dispensing apparatus, in one embodiment, disclosing onboard pressurized bag-in-box syrup concentrate, onboard carbonation and pump elements, as well as onboard cooling in a portable roll around unit, connecting up to a self-contained unit source of water, source of high pressurize CO2 (onboard in one embodiment) and/or AC electricity. These three elements are common elements, in the sense that electricity and water are typically available at most retail store locations where dispensing is desired and CO2 easily available in high pressure bottles, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
    Inventor: William Edwards
  • Patent number: 8561839
    Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing iced food products such as granitas, sorbets or slush drinks and the like includes a tank for containing and processing the product to be dispensed. A dispensing tap is mounted near the bottom of the tank and a power-driven stirring mechanism and an evaporator of a cooling circuit are both located inside the tank. A counter for counting an amount of product dispensed includes a unit for measuring the amount of product dispensed and a unit for enabling measurement. The measurement enabling unit includes a temperature sensor located at the dispensing tap, along the product dispensing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.—Divisione GBG
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20130270299
    Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes a rotatable barrel having an opening; an input chute having a first end coupled to an ice making machine and a second end in communication with the opening when the barrel is in a first position; an output chute in communication with the opening when the barrel is in a second position; a containment system positioned around a portion of the body of the barrel; and a drive system coupled to the barrel for rotating the barrel. The opening has a geometry and size that directs the ice and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The regulated amount of ice is then dispensed into the output chute when the barrel reaches the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: AKOONA, LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. Jennison
  • Patent number: 8550305
    Abstract: A water cooler includes a reservoir with an inlet and an outlet. The water cooler is separated into two compartments by a wall containing at least one opening allowing fluid communication between the compartments. A cooling element extends from a bottom surface of the reservoir through the bottom compartment and through the wall and into the top compartment. Water enters the top compartment through an inlet where it is cooled before flowing into the bottom compartment through any openings in the wall. Water exits the bottom compartment through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nurakwa, LLC
    Inventor: Marwan Abi Aad
  • Patent number: 8544674
    Abstract: A shaker has a container body, lid and sieve, with the lid and sieve detachably securable to one another, separate and apart from the lid and container body being detachably securable together. A substantially U-shaped track is situated around an internal surface of the lid to receive a mating projection of the sieve so that the sieve and lid can be snapped together in complementary fashion and detachably secured together by a snap fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Mikael Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8534503
    Abstract: A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toeca International Company B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Martinus Jacobus Johannes Boekhoorn, Maarten Arns, Harry Schippers
  • Patent number: 8534501
    Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, William E. Smith, Jan Claesson
  • Publication number: 20130233884
    Abstract: An in-line drink dispensing system (1,16,17) for dispensing liquid such as water or other beverage. The system comprises a pump (6) in fluid connection with the system so that the pump can create a flow in the system and based on the current that the pump uses during operation a value can be determined and used for analyzing one or more statuses of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET ELECTROLUX
    Inventors: Richard Furberg, Andreas Aschan, Daniel L. Johansson, Ilan Cohen, Marco Coan
  • Publication number: 20130221031
    Abstract: Improved ice luge trays and methods for use and assembly thereof. The ice luge trays include a trough and a lid that fits above the trough. The trough, with the lid disposed thereon, is configured to be filled with water and placed in a freezer to form an ice block. The lid includes features that forms a channel extending along or through the ice block. The tray is mounted on a support structure to enable a beverage to be chilled as it flows down the channel under gravity, and delivered to a drinking vessel or directly into the mouth of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Guido
  • Publication number: 20130214003
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser that uses a slurry ice heat transfer approach to achieve a lower cost solution for controlling the temperature of a beverage to be dispensed. A cost effective heat transfer approach can be achieved by replacing the cold plate or refrigeration system of prior art beverage dispensers with a slurry ice bath. The invention provides a hopper into which a slurry ice bath is created. The hopper has an access door for receiving ice and an interior valve for dispensing either carbonated water or still water to form a slurry ice bath. Coils containing a beverage to be dispensed are submersed in the slurry ice bath. The slurry ice causes heat to transfer from the coils, thereby maintaining the coils at a certain temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: IMI CORNELIUS INC.
    Inventors: Scott Sevcik, Andrew Tobler
  • Publication number: 20130206792
    Abstract: A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
    Inventor: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
  • Patent number: 8505442
    Abstract: A beer frothing device for stably generating froth without degrading beer quality is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Lead Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Akihiko Uchida, Tomohiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130200105
    Abstract: A beverage tower having a cold block with glycol recirculation, the tap/valve is built into the cold block, so as to keep the entire beverage tap cold and maintain the beverages in a sanitary condition meeting health codes. The glycol lines within the cold block pass around the tap in the cold block in serpentine fashion or in a coolant chamber, resulting in a tap which remains cooled effectively, while the cold block provides thermal inertia to the system. Serpentine channels may further be used so that the beverage passing through the beverage supply channels has a longer run in contact with the conductive material of the cold block and more opportunity to reject heat. Various types of towers may benefit from the present invention: traditional, hand-operated, automated, multiple-tap, towers also otherwise cooled, decorative towers and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jon Joseph Robinson
  • Patent number: 8499578
    Abstract: A water product dispensing system includes a dispenser mounted for selectively releasing a water product, a display provided on the dispenser and a sensor operatively coupled to the dispenser. The dispensing system also includes a sensor for determining a fault condition. In the event that a fault condition exists, the fault condition is presented upon the display only upon operation of the dispensing system. The water product dispensing system also includes a water filter, with the fault condition indicating a need to replace the water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nelson J. Ferragut, II, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Craig Lear
  • Publication number: 20130192293
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: S.I.P. TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventor: S.I.P. TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 8490836
    Abstract: An assembly for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container includes a cooling chamber containing a pressure chamber configured to accommodate the container and having a lid with a lid opening. The assembly further includes a dispensing tower and a dispensing line channel extending between a lower opening in the cooling chamber and an upper end in the tower. The lid opening is alignable with the lower opening of the channel so that the lid opening provides a guiding element for the passage of a dispensing line between the pressure chamber and the tower through the channel. A method of guiding the dispensing line includes opening the lid of the pressure chamber; aligning the lid opening with the lower opening of the channel; and guiding the dispensing line so that it extends through the lid opening and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/S
    Inventor: Jan N. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8490834
    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 externally 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Roger Anthony Kolodziejcyk
  • Patent number: 8485394
    Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a carbonated beverage as a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a carbonator 51 for manufacturing carbonated water; a beverage supply circuit 7 for supplying a carbonated beverage manufactured by the carbonator 51 to the outside; a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling; and a primary cooling device 13, the carbonator 51 mixes a carbonic acid gas supplied from a gas regulator 54 which supplies a pressurized carbonic acid gas, syrup and diluting water to manufacture the carbonated beverage, and the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling cools the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less to release the supercooled state in the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130175295
    Abstract: A beer sampling system for sampling one or more beverages such as beer from a range of bottled beverages, the system including at least one beer sampling assembly having: a support base frame; a canister removably mounted on the support base frame, the canister having an inner transparent member and a first and second transparent outer sleeve members, wherein the first outer sleeve member is adapted to receive a volume of bottled beer under pressure, and wherein the second outer sleeve member is adapted to receive and circulate a heat exchanging liquid to maintain the beer in the first outer sleeve at a drinking temperature; a tap mounted on the support base frame in liquid communication with the first outer sleeve of the canister for dispensing a sample of a beverage; a beverage clamp head interconnectable to both: a source of inert gas such as carbon dioxide and the first outer sleeve member of the canister; a refrigeration means for controlling the temperature of the heat exchanging liquid; a pump means fo
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: BIERO PTY LTD
    Inventors: Edwin Wei Min Koh, Ta-Loong Lyndon Heng, Shigao Wong, Muhammad Iqbal Ameer Ali, Wong Yuen Chow
  • Patent number: 8479955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a module (28) for a modular pressure distribution system (8) comprising a plurality of modules. The module (28) comprises a frame (60, 60?, 61, 61?) defining an outer periphery and a space defined within the outer periphery and a pressure chamber (22) for receiving a beverage container (68), the pressure chamber being arranged within the space. The module further comprises a first type connector (46) and a second type connector (48) positioned at the outer periphery. A fluid path (47) establishes fluid communication from the first type connector to the second type connector. The first type connector (46) is connectable to a connector of the second type connector (48) of a neighbouring module, and the first type connector is adapted to receive a pressure-fluid from a pressure-fluid source. The second type connector is adapted to transfer the pressure-fluid to a first type connector of a neighbouring module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/S
    Inventors: Steen Vesborg, Jan N. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8479953
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser capable of supplying a supercooled beverage without being influenced by a type of raw water. In various embodiments, the beverage dispenser includes a raw water treatment device that deaerates or filters raw water, a primary cooling device that cools the raw water to an ice point or so, and a secondary cooling device that cools the raw water into a supercooled state. In certain embodiments, the beverage dispenser further includes an anti-freezing liquid tank, a refrigerant circuit that cools the anti-freezing liquid to a supercooling temperature, and a brine circuit that circulates the anti-freezing liquid. According to certain aspects of the embodiments, a supercooled beverage can be quickly and reliably phase-changed to a different state when discharged to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Takeshi Ishii, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8464903
    Abstract: A system for providing an iced alcoholic beverage such as iced beer or carbonated soft drink includes a source of chilled coolant (16), and a beverage line (10) for supplying the beverage. A heat exchanger (20) is disposed in the beverage line (10) for cooling the beverage by heat transfer to the chilled coolant. A restriction (22) or orifice forming a venturi is provided in the beverage line (10) downstream from the heat exchanger. A chilled font (18) for further cooling the beverage is provided downstream from the orifice. The font (18) includes a dispenser tap (30) capable of dispensing the beverage at a relatively low dispense rate and at a relatively higher dispense rate. In use the beverage is first dispensed at a relatively low dispense rate through a smaller orifice of a narrow diameter at a preset low flow rate of beverage, and becomes ice or slush (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tempak International Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Benjamin Paul Baker
  • Patent number: 8459057
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator, in which the structure of an ice supply device is improved. The refrigerator includes a main body, in which at least one storage chamber is formed; a door opening and closing the at least one storage chamber; an ice making unit provided on a rear surface of the door to make ice; an ice storage container provided under the ice making unit to store the ice made by the ice making unit; and at least one receiving rack provided on at least one side of right and left sides of the ice making unit or the ice storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Kim, Jin Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8459503
    Abstract: A dispenser for relative rapid cooling or heating of the contents of a liquid storage container provides a receptacle for receiving the liquid storage container therein and positioning a thermal transfer portion of the liquid storage container in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal conduction pad associated with the receptacle. Thermal energy is effectively and efficiently transferred from the thermal conduction pad to the liquid in the liquid storage container. The thermal conduction pad is controlled to provide and maintain the desired temperature to the liquid. The liquid is dispensed directly from the container. Various types of containers can be used in the dispenser, with a special bag-in-box container having a inner container and outer box with thermal conduction windows in the box to provide good heat transfer between the thermal conduction pads and the inner container constituting an aspect of the invention. A special rigid container can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: R. Clay Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 8459497
    Abstract: A smoothie dispenser (20, 20S, 20A) comprises a frame (22); a smoothie receptacle storage section (24); and a receptacle conformed chiller section (26). The smoothie receptacle storage section (24) is provided within the frame (22) and configured to house plural smoothie receptacles (30) at a first temperature. The chiller section (26) is arranged to receive a selected smoothie receptacle released from the smoothie receptacle storage section and configured to crystallize contents of the selected smoothie receptacle. The receptacle conformed chiller section (26) is “receptacle conformed” in the sense that a surface of the chiller section is configured to conform to (e.g., have a surface of shape to mate with or to form substantially greater than linear contact with) at least a portion an exterior profile or periphery of the selected smoothie receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Enterprise Express, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Milan, Robert C Hendricks, Jack Durban
  • Patent number: 8453881
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Tap Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Chapin
  • Patent number: 8453882
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130126556
    Abstract: A topping dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet for storing one or more toppings therein. An automated dispense mechanism operates to dispense predetermined amounts of the topping from the cabinet, using a weighing system to measure the appropriate amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Riester, Gordon Gene Erickson, Bruce Hamilton Koerner, Cheryl Therese Mathena
  • Patent number: 8444016
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing milk-based beverages comprises a milk container (4), a pump (8) for conveying the milk from the milk container (4) to a milk outlet (20), supply means (13, 14) for supplying at least one flavoring agent to the milk and means for mixing the at least one flavoring agent with the milk. To this end, a coolable cabinet (2), into which the milk container (4) can be inserted, is arranged in a housing (1). Via a hose line (7), the milk in the milk container (4) reaches a mixing apparatus (9) in a meterable quantity, conveyed by the pump (8) disposed in the hose line (7). At least one flavoring agent is able to be additionally supplied in a metered manner into the mixing apparatus via the supply means (13, 14), and is able to be mixed with the milk; the mixed beverage thus obtained reaches, via an outlet (20), a vessel (21) which can be provided beneath this outlet (20). Flavored cold milk-based beverages can thereby be produced in an optimal way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schaerer AG
    Inventor: André Lüssi
  • Publication number: 20130119089
    Abstract: Beverage dispensing apparatus, systems, and related methods are provided that have a recirculation loop to cool fluids in a dispensing tube bundle that delivers beverage fluids to a beverage dispensing assembly. A beverage dispensing apparatus includes an adjustable bypass manifold having an adjustable flow restriction that is configurable to enable the use of the beverage dispensing apparatus with different chilled soda recirculation systems. The adjustable bypass manifold includes ports for connection to the recirculation loop and ports for connection to a soda recirculation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Tuyls, Thomas Hecht
  • Publication number: 20130105513
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a water dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispenser area, a cabinet water inlet in the refrigerated cabinet connectable to a premises water line, and a cold water storage tank in the refrigerated cabinet. The tank has a tank body, an inlet for admitting water into the tank body supplied via the cabinet water inlet, and an outlet for providing water via a dispensing conduit to a dispenser in the dispenser area. The inlet includes a venturi portion for creating a reduced pressure within the tank body via flow of water into the cold water storage tank. The reduced pressure is in communication with the dispensing conduit via the outlet so that, after dispensing operation is completed, water remaining in the dispensing conduit is drawn toward the tank body. The tank body may include an evacuation chamber open to atmosphere, and a float valve may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, JR.