Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing a semi-frozen product, such as a semi-frozen comestible or a semi-frozen drink. The dispensing apparatus has at least one freezing barrel defining a freezing chamber. The freezing barrel includes a longitudinally extending inner cylinder and an evaporator disposed about at least a portion of an outer surface of said inner cylinder. The evaporator includes a plurality of channels disposed about the outer surface of the inner cylinder. Each channel defines a heat exchange fluid flow passage through which refrigerant may pass in heat exchange relationship with product in the freezing chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a gas injection unit and apparatus and method for depositing a thin layer using the same. The gas injection unit includes: an inner pipe through which a reaction gas is introduced; an outer pipe enclosing the inner pipe, through which a cooling fluid cooling the reaction gas in the inner pipe flows; and injection pipes injecting the reaction gas in the inner pipe to an outside of the outer pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator capable of purifying water discharged to a spout just before the water is dispensed. The refrigerator includes a spout, a water delivery system guiding water to the spout, and a water purification filter installed on the spout in order to purify the water just before the water is dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a door that includes a liquid dispensing system. A gas cylinder mounted on the refrigerator provides regulated gas flow to ports on the dispensing system. A bottle with a dispense head attached then can have liquid displaced by utilization of a valve component of the dispense head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a dispenser, including a main body having a cooling chamber and a door for selectively shielding the cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a container accommodating unit and a communication chute that passes through a front surface of the door and guides content to a dispensing cavity defined by the container accommodating unit. The refrigerator further includes an obstruction unit disposed in the container accommodating unit, and movable, about a plane perpendicular to the front which content guided by the communication chute is relatively obstructed by the obstruction unit and a second position in which content guided by the communication chute is relatively unobstructed by the obstruction unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves, in a plane perpendicular to a surface of a door, between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit is configured to, in the extended position, control dispensing of content through the dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator also includes a driving unit that moves the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position in response to user input and moves, in the plane to perpendicular to the surface of the door and simultaneously with moving the dispensing unit, the dispensing button unit from the stored position to the extended position in response to the user input.

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: A system, apparatus and methods for dispensing liquids is disclosed. The dispenser device and system may comprise an on-board ice and cup storage unit. The device and system may include a stand with a drip basin; a rack accommodating a cup holder and an inverted container holder/fitting for holding multiple containers, such as 2 liter bottles, with dispensing valves; and an ice bin located within the rack, which may comprise partially contoured sides around each container and around the cup holder. Dispensing valves may be lever-actuated, simulating a soda fountain delivery system. The device and system may be disassembled and nested for easy transport or storage.

Abstract: Applicants provide a portable, modular table top system for dispensing chilled carbonated water, chilled non-carbonated water, and ambient (non-chilled) non-carbonated water therefrom. The table top water dispenser includes a cold plate that is chilled by evaporation of a refrigerant, which is part of a cold plate cooling circuit, which includes a compressor and a condenser. A pump and a motor move non-carbonated water through the cold plate to a dispensing valve engaged therewith. The same motor and pump typically drive non-carbonated water through the cold plate, through the carbonator where it becomes carbonated, and through the cold plate again, and out a second dispensing valve. A third dispensing valve is engaged to the remote source of pressurized water and bypasses the cold plate and, also, typically the pump for dispensing from a third dispensing valve.

Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple liquid dispenser having an upper section for receiving ice to form a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber has a spiral passageway extending through the ice having a plurality of layers of passageways. The spiral passageway has an upper end for receiving the liquid to be chilled by the surrounding ice and a lower end connected to multiple tubes for distributing the chilled liquid. The lower section has multiple liquid dispensers connected to the multiple tubes for receiving and dispensing the chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers. The multiple liquid dispensers are spaced around the periphery of the lower section and has valves for opening and closing the liquid dispensers for dispensing the chilled liquid. A vertical stand is provided for supporting the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages includes at least one bowl for storing a beverage product, with a freezing cylinder positioned in the bowl and housing evaporator coils. The beverage dispenser further includes a cooling system for supplying a cooling medium through the evaporator coils to cool the beverage product when stored in the bowl. The beverage dispenser further includes a dispenser assembly for dispensing the beverage product from the bowl. Finally, the beverage dispenser includes an auger which rotates about the freezing cylinder, the auger including a first end positioned near a front of the beverage dispenser and a second end positioned near a rear of the beverage dispenser. The auger has a ring gear positioned at its second end, and a drive system that includes a belt and pulley arrangement rotates the auger by driving the ring gear.

Abstract: A chilled drink dispenser includes: a drink container for containing a drink, the drink container having an ice chamber at its center, the ice chamber having an opening on its top for filling ice cubes; a strainer member having a reception sink for engaging with a bottom section of the drink container, a drain structure being formed in reception sink in alignment with the ice chamber, whereby melted iced water can be drained out through the drain structure; and a bottom basin, a top end of the bottom basin being engaged with an outer periphery of the strainer member. The bottom basin has a reservoir. After drained out through the drain structure, the melted iced water will fall into the reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing subcooled CO2 liquid includes a vacuum insulated bulk tank containing a supply of the liquid CO2. A pressure builder having an inlet in communication with a bottom portion of the bulk tank and an outlet in communication with a top portion of the bulk tank vaporizes liquid from the bulk tank and delivers the resulting gas to the top portion of the tank so as to pressurize it. A baffle is positioned within the bulk tank. Below the baffle, a refrigeration system is connected to the heat exchanger coil so that a refrigerant fluid is supplied to and received from the heat exchanger coil so that the liquid below the baffle is subcooled and the liquid above the baffle is stratified. A liquid fill line is in communication with the interior of the bulk tank via a fill line opening that is positioned above the baffle. A liquid feed line is in communication with a bottom portion of the interior of the bulk tank so that subcooled liquid may be dispensed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cold beverages. The system has a sealed enclosure containing an ice bath with a cold plate immersed therein and an ice system having an ice maker with a control mechanism operatively connected to said ice maker to maintain a predetermined quantity of ice in said ice bath.

Abstract: A food storing apparatus capable of dispensing a content stored in the apparatus is disclosed. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray composite device configured to function as a switch to control the dispensation of the content, but also configured to function as a tray for receiving a residual content discharged after the content dispensation.

Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus comprising a cold storage compartment, accessible from the outside, and provided internally with a sealed container adapted to accommodate a flexible and compressible receptacle holding a beverage; there are provided pneumatic or air-compression means to generate a selectively controllable pneumatic pressure inside said container, but outside said flexible receptacle, and said sealed container is capable of being opened from the outside by means of a closure applied on a face thereof, wherein said closure is provided with a through-aperture, through which there extends a drawing-off conduit. Whenever a need arises for beverage to be drawn off the receptacle, a pressure increase is triggered inside the sealed container, and said pressure increase will act upon the walls of the internal receptacle so that the latter is caused to collapse and reduce its volume, thereby causing the beverage to be ejected therefrom and, therefore, drawn off.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided in the cabinet; and a dispenser provided in the door to supply water outside the door, the dispenser comprising a power supply part which is able to be connected with an external device containing predetermined liquid, to supply an electric power to the external device.

Abstract: A beverage flavor enhancer dispensing device designed for home or office use. The device is equipped with one, two or a plurality of chambers to retain liquids or powders that may be administered into a practitioner's beverage. Each chamber has a corresponding dispensing funnel, which when activated releases a portion of the loaded solution or powder into the beverage below. Further, the device is equipped with a cooling means, allowing the storage of perishable liquids such as cream or milk. The device may be of various sizes and have various numbers of chambers to suit practitioner preferences. Further, the device is equipped with a stirring means to ensure the administered enhancers are thoroughly mixed into the beverage.

Abstract: A variable temperature dispensing system and method for dispensing a variable temperature controlled fluid in an appliance includes a first fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at one temperature and a second fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at another temperature that is elevated relative to the one temperature of the first fluid storage tank. A dispenser outlet is fluidly connected to the first and second fluid storage tanks by at least one fluid line. A proportioning device is disposed along the at least one fluid line between the dispenser outlet and the first and second fluid storage tanks to proportion the fluid delivered from the first and second fluid storage tanks to the dispenser outlet. The proportioning device allows for the selection of a specific temperature for the fluid to be dispensed through the dispenser outlet and delivers the fluid at the selected specific temperature.

Abstract: A tapping head, provided with a connecting head near an end of a housing, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one of a beverage channel which extends from a beverage line connection into the connecting head and a gas channel which extends from a gas line connection, wherein the tapping head is provided with at least one cooling chamber with an entrance and an exit, separate from the beverage channel and/or the gas channel, which cooling chamber is in thermal contact with the housing.

Abstract: Combination of a dispenser (1) and container (7) for carbonated drink, the container being provided at the top with an outflow channel (10), extending in the direction of the central axis of the container, and a dispensing valve (11), closed under spring tension, for dispensing carbonated drink via a dispensing line (12, 13) connected to the outflow channel (10), the dispenser (1) being provided with a chill chamber (4) for accommodating the container (7) and with a dispensing head (15) with a handle (17) whereby the handle (17) is connected to an operating member (18, 20) that, during use, engages on the dispensing valve (11).

Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a refrigerator including a door, a liquid reservoir, a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, and a pump in communication with the dispenser. Further provided is a method of operating a refrigerator including the steps of providing a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a liquid reservoir, and a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid through the door, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, providing a pump having an inlet in communication with the liquid in the liquid reservoir and an outlet in communication with the dispenser, and providing a user interface in communication with the pump, whereby selectively entering a dispensing function input into the interface actuates the pump.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for single or multiple dispensing of beverages from a bulk container in a refrigerator includes a support or receiver for an interchangeable bulk liquid container on the inside of a refrigerated compartment door. A fluid conduit is adapted to be installed into the bulk container inside the refrigerator and extend through the door to a dispensing station accessible by a user from the exterior of the door. A pumping mechanism can be actuated to move liquid from the bulk container through the door to the dispensing station. Upon user choice or exhaustion of liquid from the bulk container, the conduit can be removed from the container, a new container substituted, the conduit reinserted, and a new source of single or multiple dispension is available at the exterior dispensing station of the refrigerator.

Abstract: An ice portion control module includes an ice bin for storing ice. A base in the ice bin has one or more portion control compartments. The one or more portion control compartments has an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice. An actuator moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments.

Abstract: A dispenser including a plurality of tower sections allows an operator to remove one or more tower sections from the fluid dispenser without removing the fluid dispenser from a dispensing location. A housing of the dispenser includes multiple arrays of outlets from a housing fluid circuit that is connectable to fluid sources. Separate tower sections including complementary arrays are then coupled to arrays of the housing, thereby extending the housing fluid circuits to the dispense points disposed on the tower sections. The tower sections are secured to the fluid dispenser housing. The tower sections may further include mounting members that mate together to provide additional restraint and to ensure that the dispense points of the attached tower sections are aligned, thereby providing a clean, uniform appearance.

Abstract: An ice flap device (10) for a refrigerator comprises a flap unit (14) movable between an open position and a closed position, which unit releases a dispenser aperture for dispensing ice in its open position and blocks the dispenser aperture against dispensing ice in its closed position, as well as a motorized drive mechanism for driving the flap unit (14) between its open and closed position. According to the invention the drive mechanism comprises an a.c. motor (12) as well as a first electrical switch (26), which lies in the supply circuit of the a.c. motor and switches depending on the introduction of a receptacle into an ice dispenser compartment of the refrigerator, and by means of which the a.c. motor (12) can be turned on when the receptacle is introduced into the ice dispenser compartment for a movement of the flap unit (14) from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

Abstract: A device that attaches to a bottle's neck has a base that secures to the bottle's neck and has two passages that traverse the base. The first passage leads to an enclosure located above the base that holds cooling material and optionally has a conduit that improves the heat exchange between a dispensing liquid and the cooling material retained in the enclosure. The exit passage of the enclosure has in at least one embodiment a valve. The second passage through the base forms a vent line that is located entirely below the enclosure and allows air to flow into the bottle as bottle's contents are dispensed through the first passage.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser has a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed. The seal is flexible to accommodate manufacturing tolerance. The seal may be impregnated with a friction reducing agent to increase life of the seal.

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for determining a location of a container into which at least one of a liquid and ice is dispensed from a refrigerator. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the container, without contacting the container, and to send a first signal indicating the sensed position. A microprocessor is configured to receive the first signal and to send a second signal based on the first signal. An indicator is configured to receive the second signal and to indicate the position of the container.

Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator configured to be actuated concurrently with the ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing mechanism configured to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, and a liquid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator. The refrigerator dispenser also includes a controller configured to cause the ice dispensing mechanism to dispense ice responsive to actuation of the ice dispensing actuator, to cause the liquid dispensing mechanism to dispense liquid responsive to actuation of the liquid dispensing actuator, and to prevent the ice dispensing mechanism and the liquid dispensing mechanism from both dispensing responsive to concurrent actuation of both the ice dispensing actuator and the liquid dispensing actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed are a refrigerator for discharging water contained in a water tank when a predetermined time has passed to supply fresh water to a user and a method of controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a main body, a door pivotally mounted to the main body, a dispenser provided in the door to dispense water to the exterior, a water tank connected to the dispenser to accommodate the water, a water supply valve connected to the water tank to control a flow of the water to be supplied to the water tank, and a controller connected to the water supply valve and the dispenser to control the same and to discharge the water to the exterior when the water is accommodated in the water tank for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A domestic beverage dispensing device comprising conduit means (3) for supplying the beverage (2) from a keg (1) to a tap (5) and a cooling member (12). The cooling member (12) has a passage (13) surrounded by heat conductive material. A disposable tube (17) of deformable material forms at least a part of said conduit means (3) and extends through said passage (13). The deformability of the material of the disposable 5 tube (17) is such that the outer surface of the wall of the tube (17) abuts against the inner surface of said passage (13) when the beverage is pressurized.

Abstract: A device for recirculating stillwater in a beverage dispensing system includes a cooling device and a conduit having the stillwater recirculated therein. At least a portion of the conduit is in thermal communication with the cooling device.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: A dispense tap for a frozen beverage machine has a transition section defining a tapered bore with an inlet for frozen beverage from a freeze barrel of the machine and an outlet for frozen beverage controlled by a valve operable by a handle. The handle is rotatable to allow frozen beverage to flow from the transition section through a dispense cavity in the valve for exiting the tap. The outlet has a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the inlet which prevents ice conglomerating and forming a plug in the bore of the transition section.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser to dispense water or ice, a door handle positioned below the dispenser, and a tray mounted to the door handle in a position to receive at least some water or ice dispensed from the dispenser. The tray coupled to the door handle attached to the door may receive excess or residue water or ice dispensed from the dispenser without deterioration of the exterior appearance of the door.

Abstract: A dispensing part (1) for a bottled water cooler for dispensing water at least two different temperatures, using water drawn by gravity from an interchangeable water bottle, includes a finger (32) to be inserted into the neck of the water bottle (58) for drawing water, a water outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe for the water bottle to replace drawn water, elements for dispensing the water drawn by the drawing finger, communicating with the water outlet pipe, at the base of the withdrawal finger, and elements for supplying ambient air connected to the air inlet pipe (34), wherein the dispensing elements and the air supply elements are capable of enabling the formation of a water column from the water bottle, in the dispensing elements and above the level of the base of the drawing finger. A water cooler including such a dispensing part is also described.

Abstract: A dispensing system for an appliance has a main tank for holding a fluid. The main tank controls the temperature of the fluid. A dispenser outlet fluidly is connected to the tank by a dispenser fluid line. An auxiliary tank holds a volume of the fluid. A flow control device selectively moves the fluid held in the auxiliary tank to the main tank then through the dispenser fluid line to the dispenser outlet and selectively removes the fluid remaining in the dispenser fluid line after dispensing.

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: The invention concerns a process respectively an apparatus for filling a container with articles such as food, in particular meat, and a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles and is characterised by repeating the following steps: (A) a first portion of the articles is conveyed with a conveying means, in particular a conveyor belt, having a conveyor outlet and is discharged into a container at a lower conveying speed such that a first portion accumulates in the container at the first location closer to the conveyor outlet; and (B) thereafter, a second portion of the articles is conveyed by the conveying means and is discharged into a container at a higher conveying speed, such that the second portion accumulates in the container at the second location further away from the conveyor outlet; as well as a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles using said process and said apparatus for filling; as well as the articles processed by said processes respectively said apparatus.

Abstract: A drip tray trap divides a cavity of the drip tray into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The trap includes perforations to permit the passage of liquids, and to restrict the movement of foreign objects and ice cubes to a drip tray outlet, thereby removing the possibility the foreign objects and ice cubes clogging a drip tray drain. The trap includes at least one angled engagement surface and at least one angled engagement surface. The angle of the engagement surfaces forces the ice cubes and foreign objects to move to lowest positions of the inlet chamber. The rerouted ice cubes melt and move through the perforations of the trap, thereby entering the outlet chamber and moving to the drip tray outlet. In a second embodiment, the trap includes handling features to facilitate the insertion and removal of the trap from the cavity of the drip tray for sanitizing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drink dispenser provided with a chamber with an opening for accommodating a container containing carbonated drink. The container is provided with an outlet closed by a shut-off valve and a tap head that during use is connected via a line to the outlet, which tap head has an operating member for opening and closing the line. The line has a relatively stiff line section with a first part and a second part that are in contact with one another in a contact plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the line and which can be taken apart to provide access to an interior surface of the line section. Rubber strips extend in the longitudinal direction of the line section and are arranged in or close to the contact plane to form a liquid barrier. The two line parts have a clamping member that is able to engage on a locking element for fixing the line parts in a position in contact with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dosing a cooling medium, in particular for the purpose of cooling drinks. The device comprises at least one cooling medium supply container (4) for holding at least one liquid cooling medium with a boiling point lower than room temperature, at least one dosing element (7) connected to the cooling medium supply container via at least one supply conduit for the purpose of dosing a quantity of liquid cooling medium, in particular for cooling a drink by being mixed with the- drink, and at least return conduit (8) connected to the cooling medium supply container for cooling with substantially liquid cooling medium the supply conduit (6) provided with cooling medium.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser including a moving chute configured to move from a stored position in which an outlet of the moving chute is positioned in a space defined in a refrigerator door to an operable position in which the outlet of the moving chute is positioned outside of the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (10) includes a concentrate container (30) coupled to a connector (46). The connector (46) couples gas to the concentrate container (30), and couples concentrate from the container (30) to a dispensing valve (44). A combined carbonation and refrigeration unit (38) produces cold soda and provides cooling for concentrate lines (52, 54, and 56) and for water line (50).