Abstract: A tube holder assembly includes a base plate, an attachment plate, and an optional securing element. The base plate may include guides into which protrusions of the attachment plate slide to alter the positioning apparatus from an open position to a closed position. The base plate also includes receivers to receive tubular members, which have their movement restrained by the receivers and the securing elements in the closed position. The tube holder assembly may also include a latch to help maintain the closed position during operation.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid and semi-liquid products includes a first container and first mixer for processing a basic product and a second container and second mixer for converting the basic product into a desired product. First and second heat exchangers are operatively associated respectively with the first and second containers. First and second drive units respectively drive the first and second mixers. A connecting duct allows transfer of the basic product from the first container to the second container. A separating element is associated with the duct and switchable between a separating configuration in which the transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is prevented, and a connecting configuration in which a transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is allowed.

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

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser includes a flow rate controller including a processor disposed within the interior volume of said housing and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The dispenser also includes a user interface including user-selectable indicia for providing data to the processor. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit, and is based on data provided to the processor by a user operation of the user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing beverages. The apparatus comprises a dispensing system, a mixing unit, and a control unit comprising a user interface, which interact to prepare a particular beverage when requested by a user. When the control unit receives user input requesting the particular beverage via the user interface, it causes the dispensing system to dispense various ingredients (e.g., fragmented ice, water, flavoring ingredients, milk product) that are mixed by the mixing unit in order to prepare the particular beverage, which is served in a cup. In various embodiments, the apparatus may produce frozen beverages that include fragmented ice (e.g., shaved or crushed ice) as one of their ingredients, such as slush beverages and smoothie beverages, and/or hot beverages that include heated water as one of their ingredients, such as coffee and flavored coffee beverages (e.g., French Vanilla, Mocha, etc.).

Abstract: A pour spout has a bottle adapter for insertion into a mouth of a bottle. A housing has a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open with the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving beverage from the bottle. A valve carriage is movable within the chamber and has a carriage inlet in fluid communication with a carriage outlet. A resilient first tube provides a first beverage passageway between the housing inlet and the carriage inlet. A resilient second tube provides a second beverage passageway between carriage outlet and the housing outlet. The first or second tube has a valve seat that is engaged and disengaged by a plunger on the valve carriage as the valve carriage moves within the chamber. A valve actuator moves the valve carriage in response to signal from a control circuit that receives a wireless command signal.

Abstract: A pour spout for dispensing a beverage from a bottle including a bottle adapter for attaching to a bottle to receive a beverage from the bottle, a housing having a chamber into which a housing inlet and a housing outlet open, the housing inlet connected to the bottle adapter for receiving the beverage, a valve carriage moveably received within the chamber and having a carriage passage, a resilient first tube providing a first passageway for beverage to flow from the housing inlet to the carriage passage, a resilient second tube providing a second passageway for beverage to flow from the carriage passage to the housing outlet, a valve operatively connected to the valve carriage to control flow of the beverage through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; and a valve actuator for moving the valve carriage within the chamber to operate the valve open or closed.

Abstract: A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: The application discloses a device that determines how much material is dispensed from a container by measuring the angle at which the container is tilted. The device includes an accelerometer for measuring an angle by which the container is tilted, and an electronic component for transmitting data based on the angle measured by the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the accelerometer measures the angle by which the container is tilted at a multiple different times.

Abstract: The application discloses a device that determines how much material is dispensed from a container by measuring the angle at which the container is tilted. The device includes an accelerometer for measuring an angle by which the container is tilted, and an electronic component for transmitting data based on the angle measured by the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the accelerometer measures the angle by which the container is tilted at a multiple different times.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dispensing a selected volume of liquid. The system includes an apparatus that has a reservoir having an inlet tube and outlet tube coupled thereto, and a controller for controlling at least a portion of the apparatus. Two level sensors are positioned along the reservoir and are in communication with and controlled by the controller. The method includes steps for measuring a time a liquid level in the reservoir falls from an upper level to a lower level to calculate a flow rate. The calculation flow rate may then be used to determine and compare a dispensed volume versus the selected volume. Dispensing may then continue until the selected volume has been dispensed.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquid additive into an alcoholic beverage is characterized by an alcoholic beverage dispensing faucet and at least one liquid additive delivery line routed between a supply of liquid additive and the faucet. Liquid additive may optionally, incident to dispensing alcoholic beverage and under control of a user of the faucet, be delivered through the at least one delivery line for introduction into the dispensed alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a liquid-holding container 1 connected to a dispensing station 2 by a conduit 3. A pump 4 in the conduit 3 is activated by a switch 10 at the dispensing station 2 which causes liquid to pass from the container 1 though the conduit 3 and out a spigot 11 at the dispensing station 2. The dispensing station 2 may have a timer switch 17 to release a pre-determined amount of liquid. The system may be powered by a 12 volt electrical source typical of most vehicles or by 110 volt power from a receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for precise dispensing of a desire volume of liquid. The present system allows incorporation of brewer control and a faucet in an accurate volume dispensing system. The dispensing apparatus is used in combination with a beverage maker and includes a liquid reservoir with a level sensor associated therewith for sensing a liquid level in the reservoir. An inlet tube communicates with the reservoir and a constant line pressure source. An inlet valve positioned along the inlet tube is controlled by a controller. The controller also controls an outlet valve communicating with an outlet tube extending from the liquid reservoir. The controller operates the outlet valve to remain open for a time period which is the longer of an initial set time period and one or more refill periods. The controller may also controllably adjust the outlet time period by monitoring for reductions in the time the inlet valve remains open.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a plurality of programmable buttons adapted to activate a sequence that dispenses a desired amount of product. A circuit board is coupled between dispense activation buttons, a programming button and a valve manifold and includes a timer, accumulator, memory and controller together to operate solenoid valves. In learn mode, the cumulative time that a particular button is depressed is programmed into a memory circuit and associated with that button. In dispense mode, depressing that dispense activation button causes power to be supplied to a solenoid, thereby directing pressurized air to a particular pump responsible for pumping a particular type of product from a source to the dispensing head. Power is supplied to the solenoid for a time period stored in memory during the programming steps. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be easily programmed to dispense a desired amount of product having various viscosities.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a plurality of programmable buttons adapted to activate a sequence that dispenses a desired amount of product. A circuit board is coupled between dispense activation buttons, a programming button and a valve manifold and includes a timer, accumulator, memory and controller together to operate solenoid valves. In learn mode, the cumulative time that a particular button is depressed is programmed into a memory circuit and associated with that button. In dispense mode, depressing that dispense activation button causes power to be supplied to a solenoid, thereby directing pressurized air to a particular pump responsible for pumping a particular type of product from a source to the dispensing head. Power is supplied to the solenoid for a time period stored in memory during the programming steps. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be easily programmed to dispense a desired amount of product having various viscosities.

Abstract: An electronic control for an automatic filling beverage dispensing valve is shown. The dispensing valve includes a valve body, a flow control mechanism and a solenoid. The valve further includes an electrically conductive cup actuated lever for operating a micro-switch that is operatively connected to the electronic control of the present invention. The valve body includes a nozzle and a stainless steel electrical contact for providing electrical connection between the electronic control and the beverage as it flows through the nozzle into a cup. The electronic control of the present invention is microprocessor controlled and includes an internal signal generator which generates a signal independent of the input line frequency supplying the power to the control. This generated signal is buffered and applied to the dispensing cup lever while simultaneously being applied to a reference input of a phase-locked loop detector circuit.

Abstract: A water cooler accessory that is connectable between the dispensing spigot of a water cooler and the water input port of a coffee maker and that can be activated to transfer a predetermined amount of water to the coffee maker.

Abstract: A drink dispenser includes a continuous supply/stop button that requests a sale of a drink to be suspended when it is pressed during the sale and further requests a drink to be continuously supplied when it is pressed while no drink is being sold, and a mode switch for changing between enabled and disabled states of the continuous supply/stop button. When the continuous supply/stop button is pressed during the sale of a drink, the process is ended if the mode switch is on. Alternatively, when the continuous supply/stop button is pressed while no drink is being sold, the process is ended if the mode switch is on. In the drink dispenser, turning the mode switch on can invalidate a request from the continuous supply/stop button to prevent any inconveniences caused by any improper operation of the button.

Abstract: A beverage tapper shut-off mechanism includes a double acting solenoid, a locking mechanism, a dispensing tube, and a housing. The locking mechanism has a cam actuator, an upper thrust arm, a lower thrust arm, and a tube crusher. The lower thrust arm is pivotally connected to the tube crusher and the upper thrust arm. The double acting solenoid is fastened to the housing, and the upper thrust arm is pivotally connected to the housing. The cam actuator is fastened to an actuation rod of the double acting solenoid. The cam actuator has an internal cam surface which controls the movement of the tube crusher. A modified dispensing tube has two sides which are molded to be substantially squeezed together. The double acting solenoid is operated by a control circuit. When a particular amount of beverage is needed, a button is pushed on the operational circuit. A pulse of current is sent to the double acting solenoid.

Abstract: A syrup delivery kit for improving the delivery of syrup in a cup-type vending machine in which the syrup is initially contained in a bag-in-box container. The syrup delivery kit includes a fluid flow restricting means, a supply pump for transferring syrup downstream through a feed conduit towards the fluid flow restricting means, a vent device, and supply conduits for interconnecting the supply pump, the vent device, and the fluid flow restricting means together and to the bag-in-box container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser fills a container with a beverage by controlling beverage flow through a nozzle with a valve. A mechanism reads an indicia printed on the container which identifies a volume for that container. The volume information is sent to a controller which responses by activating the valve to dispense a quantity of beverage that corresponds to the volume indicated by the indicia. Thus the beverage dispenser is able to automatically fill containers of different sizes by reading each containers volume indicating indicia. The indicia also may indicate a unique serial number assigned to each container. In that case, the controller stores data in memory which identify serial numbers of containers into which beverage has been dispensed previously and the dispensing is inhibited if the server attempts to refill one of those containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and displaying a time interval between a valve closure and subsequent termination of a flow at a spigot is provided. The apparatus has magnetic sensors coupled to a flow regulating valve for providing a signal indicative of a solenoid-activated valve closure and detectors for determining fluid flow. The detectors have an infra-red light source and associated photo-sensor mounted near the water outlet spigot such that when a fluid flow is present at the spigot, the fluid reflects light from the infra-red light source so that the associated photo-sensor provides an output signal. A differential amplifier compares the photo-sensor output signal with a constant to determine a water run condition. Logic circuitry is connected to the comparison signal output to provide a timer actuation. The timer measures and displays the time interval between a valve closure and subsequent termination of flow at a spigot. The apparatus may be embodied as a hand-held or stationary unit.

Abstract: In a post-mix beverage dispenser system including beverage concentrate containers and a storage tank for the supply of diluent through an electromagnetically actuated valve, the beverage concentrate is provided to the mixing station in a series of individual pulsed portions by a reciprocating piston pump coupled to the containers for the beverage concentrate. An electromechanical control circuit is also provided for rhythmically opening and closing the electromagnetic valve for a pulsed supply of diluent in synchronism with the pulsed delivery of the beverage concentrate for providing a mixture of precise proportions.

Abstract: A automated, milk inclusive espresso coffee machine which includes a fully automatic coffee grinding and brewing apparatus and a steam generator for driving a venturi mixing device which draws ambient air and milk from a refrigerated source for making milk inclusive espresso beverages, all milk contacting surfaces being either refrigerated or steam cleaned with each beverage made and served. A novel microprocessor controls all operations including brewing, steam generating, water heating, refrigerating, operations parameters, measuring and monitoring, many "house-keeping" functions and others.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser is provided with a first electrical probe within the syrup dispensing line, and a second electrical probe a fixed distance below the dispensing head. Upon actuation of the syrup dispensing valve, the two probes determine the amount of time required for syrup to pass the distance from the dispensing head to the second probe. This time is a function of flow rate of the syrup and, accordingly, of the brix of the resulting drink. This flow rate can then be adjusted by adjusting the time period that syrup is dispensed, or the pressure head under which the dispensing is achieved, or a restriction within the dispensing line. Such adjustment brings the brix of the soft drink to the desired level.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated water from a supply of cooled water includes thermal coaction of carbonator apparatus with a reservoir of cooled water, and includes a control system to inhibit water-pumping operation into the carbonator apparatus after the reservoir of cooled water is depleted.

Abstract: A measure for use in dispensing drinks and other liquids which are of relatively high viscosity, such as cream based liqueurs, having a measuring chamber with an entry port and an exit port, an internal operating standard and an actuator to move the internal operating standard between a dispensing position in which it seals the entry port and a resting position in which it seals the exit port. The dispensing measure is also provided with a nose external to the measuring chamber, whereby having an external surface for guiding fluid flow which is fluid being dispensed from the measuring chamber flows through the exit port, on the external surface of the nose and into a receptacle held beneath. The internal operating standard has a portion which is cylindrical and fits slidably within a cylindrical internal wall of an outlet portion positioned at the exit port so that the internal wall is wiped clean as the internal operating standard returns to its resting position.

Abstract: In a beverage dispenser of the type including portion control dispensing, the improvement wherein the portion control circuit includes a microprocessor based timer programmed to provide a primary pour cycle and then one or more topping off pour cycles after a wait period of time after termination of the primary pour cycle.

Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: A dispenser of beverages prepared by combining hot or cold water with granulate is disclosed. The dispenser is designed to dispense granulate directly from the container in which it is purchased at retail or from the manufacturer by incorporating a support funnel which will hold the container inverted. The funnel is also designed to catch any spilled granulate and direct it towards the funnel spout. The dispenser may be combined with an instant hot water heater and/or a coin mechanism. A separate control compartment having a closure which is designed to make access more difficult is included in the housing. A more readily available compartment containing the funnel and the granulate container may also be locked. The dispenser provides a freshly prepared beverage without the need to wait for brewing and minimizes cleanup since no brewing container is required.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transferring a predetermined charge of water between a bottled water container and a coffee maker. The system comprises a pump and a timer which operates the pump for a preset period of time while a charge of water is transferred through a series of conduits from a bottled water container to a coffee maker, the quantity of the charge being substantially independent of bottled water level.

Abstract: The invention relates to beverage dispensing apparatus of the kind comprising a tank, heater for heating a liquid contained therein, and container for storing concentrated beverage and dispensing it to a mixing chamber. An object of the present invention is to provide such dispensing apparatus, in which provision is made for dispensing beverages with an alternative ingredient to water, or an additional liquid ingredient, such as milk. The invention is characterized in that a pump is provided for feeding a liquid ingredient (e.g. milk or other dairy product), through the water tank for indirect heat exchange therewith, in that a temperature controlled mechanism is provided for controlling the outlet temperature of the liquid ingredient from the tank, and in that the liquid ingredient is fed in controlled, pre-determined quantities as required, to the mixing chamber.