Abstract: A device for moving a product display assembly off of a shelf. The device includes a body portion that is configured to slide between the product display assembly and the shelf. The body portion has a thickness of from about 0.10 inches to about 0.30 inches.

Abstract: A method of tracking liquid consumption includes receiving an input from a user to dispense liquid from a liquid dispenser, determining an identity of the user, determining a volume of liquid dispensed from the dispenser, and confirming that the correct user is consuming the dispensed liquid.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a device that may serve as a drink dispenser for beverage cans. The device may be shaped like a keg. The device may include a portion to contain, cool, and dispense the beverage cans and a portion to contain ice to provide cooling, as well as contain additional beverage containers. The device may include up to five tubes with each tube capable of containing up to four beverage containers in the form of cans. A dispensing mechanism may be located at the lower end of each tube to dispense the beverage cans form the device. The tube structure may provide for cooling of the beverage containers within each tube. The device may be portable and may have a cart that can be used for transportation of the device. The device may be detachable from the cart.

Abstract: A novel temperature regulating food conveying container system for holding hot and cold food in close proximity is provided. In preferred embodiments, the system generally includes a plurality of stacked, concentric, and annular levels with decreasing diameters. The levels are configured with a plurality of food serving containers each with a corresponding temperature regulating unit. One or more motors may be configured to rotate the individual levels. One or more light elements may be positioned at various locations on and around the levels. In further preferred embodiments, a control switch is configured to control the temperature of each individual temperature unit.

Abstract: The portable, modular refrigeration device includes a base member that supports a refrigeration cycle therein. The base member may be hemispherical in shape, and include a top peripheral edge that enables a pivoting, dome cover to attach thereon. The pivoting, dome cover is also hemispherical in shape, and is made of a translucent material so as to enable view of contents being stored there under. A removable tray is provided, and is seated on a lip provided in the base member. The lip is located below the peripheral edge. The removable tray features a plurality of slots that enable refrigerated air to be directed upwardly from the base member into the pivoting, dome cover.

Abstract: A merchandiser system includes a case that has a door and a door heater. The system includes a low temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within a case compartment and to operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a low temperature range. The system also includes a medium temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within the compartment and operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a medium temperature range. The system includes a controller in communication with the door heater and is programmed to activate the door heater only in response to the low temperature modular refrigeration unit positioned within the compartment. One of the low temperature refrigeration unit and the medium temperature refrigeration unit is removably coupled to the case within the compartment, and is replaceable by the other refrigeration unit to change the temperature range of the product display area.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration unit for cooling palletized products disposed within a racking system. The portable refrigeration unit includes a case and a refrigeration system disposed in the case. The case includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls. The case is configured to be supported by the racking system above a pallet of products positioned below the case. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected in series. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator fan configured to draw in air from below the case, move the air through the evaporator, and then discharge the air through the bottom wall such that the cooled air passes over the products below the case to cool the products below the case.

Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.

Abstract: An island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module, a third merchandiser module, and a fourth merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a product display area maintained within a temperature range at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module. The third merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The fourth merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module opposite the third merchandiser module. The island merchandiser also includes a first insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the third merchandiser module, and a second insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the fourth merchandiser module.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.

Abstract: The system for collecting and delivering heat energy with modular heating and cooling apparatus includes of at least one collecting body (20) of belt (94) or plate (95) construction with lateral tubing connection (31) installed within the exterior of the house (1) within the soil trench (3), where the lay-out of axes (98) of more than one soil trench (3) is radial and/or the lay-out of the axes (98) of the trenches (3) is parallel and/or trapezoidal, the system for collecting heat energy also includes the module of controlled ventilation of the house with a soil-air exchanger (19), a module for collecting of solar radiation by collectors (6, 63, 7, 60), where the system for collecting and delivering heat energy includes at least one heat transfer body (70) of a belt (94) or plate (95) construction with lateral tubing connection (69) installed within the interior of the house (1) on the surface of the walls, ceiling, floors and/or within the sub-surface construction, where the equipment (2) is located outside

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: A ventilated merchandising system for products displayed in merchandise coolers such as refrigerator or freezer cases. One embodiment of the merchandising system includes a base member and a platform coupled to the base member such that air can flow between the platform and the base member. One or more plenum plates can be coupled to the base for directing air between the platform and the base member. A pusher plate may also be coupled to and movable along the platform for advancing products along the platform. A baffle system that may be coupled to a merchandising tray and a method of distributing air flow within a merchandise cooler unit are also provided.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus (32) comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage area (76) positioned inside the cavity. The article storage area (76) has a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage area (76). A thermal barrier (12) is disposed within the housing and positioned between an outer perimeter of the article storage area (76) and the remainder of the internal cavity so as to substantially divide the internal cavity into first and second thermally separated sections (17a–b), with the cooling unit being located in the first section (17a). An opening in a portion of the housing is located in at least one of the first or second sections (17a–b), and a first air moving device is positioned in one of the first or second sections (17a–b) for causing an air flow path which removes heat developed by the cooling unit, from the first section inside the cavity.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage compartment positioned inside the cavity. The article storage compartment has a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage compartment. The article storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of article storage sub-compartments, each sub-compartment having an opening at a dispensing end thereof for passage therethrough during a dispensing operation of articles stored therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating device 1 for storing and presenting ice cream, with a heat-insulating housing 2, where housing 2 displays a housing opening 3 and a storage device 4 with a receiving compartment 5 for ice cream, where housing 2 essentially surrounds receiving compartment 5 completely and storage device 4 is mounted in housing 2 in rotating fashion, and where a heat exchanger 6 for generating cold air is assigned to housing 2 and can be connected to a refrigerating unit 7 located inside or outside housing 2, such that the ice cream in receiving compartment 5 can be refrigerated by the cold air generated. The invention is characterized in that storage device 4 is designed as an insert 9 that can be fitted and/or removed through housing opening 3. Insert 9 according to the invention is particularly characterized in that ice cream receiving compartment 5 is filled with unwrapped ice cream, at least in the area of adjacent delimiting walls 21.

Abstract: An ice-making system may include a bin configured to contain an initial quantity of water and an ice making assembly configured to make ice solely from the initial quantity of water. A conveyor may be configured to transport the ice from the ice making assembly to the bin, and a water circuit may be configured to re-circulate the initial quantity of water through the ice making assembly.

Abstract: A cooler cabinet having an opening defining an access to the interior of the cabinet, the rear of the cabinet being the coldest part of the cabinet, the cabinet comprising at least one shelf with spaced apart vertical walls which together define a flow path having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being at the front of the cabinet so that food containers to be cooled can be retrieved in succession, the flow path being arranged so that containers pass through the rear of the cabinet before they reach the outlet.

Abstract: A cooler with an insulated shell and a product loading system. The insulated shell has an access portion and a loading portion. The product loading system has a gravity-feed loading element and a dispensing cup.

Abstract: A produce merchandiser for displaying produce, such as fresh fruit and the like, at a controlled temperature. The produce merchandiser includes a bin receiving structure and a bin for containing produce. The bin receiving structure has a base, and a refrigeration unit mounted on the base. The refrigeration unit supplies cooled air to the produce. The bin receiving structure also includes a mast mounted to the base and extending substantially vertically therefrom. A lifting mechanism, comprising a carriage and an actuator, is also provided. The carriage includes at least one bin floor support arm, and is adapted to travel vertically on the mast. The actuator is for raising and lowering the carriage. The bin of the produce merchandiser is removably installed on the base unit.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, such as a consumer display unit (400), comprises a covered tray (403) or other compartment for accommodating consumer product to be kept cool, and a housing (420) for accommodating a replaceable charge of dry ice out of contact with the product. A tubular element (421) communicates between the covered tray and the housing (420) to allow cold air and carbon dioxide to flow from the dry ice to the product.

Abstract: A freezer chest for storing and displaying frozen foods such as packaged ice cream products for sale to retail customers includes a modular storage bin in which a product stack plate is mounted on a helical support spring. Packaged ice cream products are loaded onto the product stack plate. The product stack plate, urged by the helical spring, advances the stack of frozen products to the top of the storage bin as products are removed by customers. A permanent magnet mounted on the product stack plate generates a magnetic field that couples with position sensors mounted in a vertical array along the storage bin. Each sensor produces an output signal in response to coupling alignment of the magnetic field with the sensor as the stack plate moves through the storage bin. The helical support spring extends the stack plate incrementally in proportion to the weight load removed as each packaged product is unloaded.

Abstract: Vending machine includes at least one food or perishable item compartment. A sensor is provided for detecting a condition in the food compartment and/or vending machine. The detector senses conditions such as temperature, motion, and the like. Food product bar code data, expiration date data, and product visual data may likewise be collected. Lock-out elements are provided for preventing access to the vended products when detected conditions warrant.

Abstract: A hermetic sealing assembly for refrigerators in machines for vending prepackaged foodstuffs, such as sandwiches, toasts, small pizzas or the like comprising a sliding plate which is moved in an axial and planar direction by actuation means and is adapted to act as a sealing element for a refrigeration chamber during food storage and as a removable support, during vending, for a stack of metallic containers which contain the prepackaged food to be dispensed. The lowermost container of the stack rests on the plate and can instead fall freely by gravity into a collection seat for vending when the plate is removed by axial movement. Means for temporarily supporting the containers stacked on top of the lowermost container are also provided in the assembly and are associated and synchronized with the plate.

Abstract: A cooler has a housing with a plurality of rotatable shelves. The shelves can move from an interior portion of the housing to an exposed exterior portion adjacent a discharge port of the cooler. The cooler is doorless so that access and viewing of the products in the port are unobstructed. An interior storage area is provided in the cooler for replenishment of removed products. An escapement mechanism can automatically load products from the storage area to empty slots on the periphery of the rotating shelf. Efficient cooling of the products is obtained. The shelves of the cooler can be rotated at the same or different speeds and/or directions. This merchandising cooler will not blend in with its surrounding environment to thereby attract a consumer's attention.

Abstract: Refrigerated storage apparatus is primarily intended for storing product which can be removed without significant loss of cold air and is suitable for vertical, upright cabinets. The apparatus has a main access door extending vertically and moveable about a vertical axis. Access openings are provided, usually in the door to gain access to products within the storage compartment, the openings being of relatively small size. The compartment houses storage means for product and there may be storage means for each kind of product. Closure means seal off each access opening.

Abstract: A vending machine with an anti-condensation product viewing window. The product viewing window has two window sections. The first window section is typically a wall or portion of a wall of the product storage chamber. A second window section is spaced outwardly a distance from the first window section to form the face of the viewing window. An illumination device is placed between the first and second window section. The heat from the illumination device prevents a build up of condensation on the window sections. Substantially sealing the two window sections further reduces the condensation build up. One or more small openings in the sealings between the two window sections into a cooler area allow for the escape of any moisture which does accumulate between the two window sections. The illumination device can also be used to illuminate the products to be vended, back light a sign on the machine or both.

Abstract: A vending machine with an improved sealing holding bin drawer for removing dispensed products. Products are dispensed from a housing chamber which is maintained at a temperature colder than the environment in which the vending machine operates into a holding bin. The holding bin has a first opening allowing the products from the housing chamber to enter. The holding bin has a second opening covered by a door allowing the user to remove dispensed products from the holding bin. A sealing hood selectively covers and seals the first opening between the holding bin and housing chamber. The door and the sealing hood are operably connected such that the sealing hood covers the first hole when the door is opened. The connection is accomplished utilizing a pin and cam slot arrangement. The holding bin can also have an attached storage bin and can be placed on rollers such that it slides out of the vending machine like a drawer.

Abstract: The foodstuff-displaying refrigerator unit comprises a box-like container, having an enclosure upwardly opening through a top mouth. A door aperture is defined about a side wall of the container. A vegetable-supporting platform is freely mounted into the enclosure for vertical movement therethrough. A pallet is supported by a first conveyor, itself resting on the container flooring. Inflatable balloons are provided between the pallet and the platform, for power lifting the platform. An air compressor feeds air into the balloons, and furthermore cools the air within the container enclosure beneath the platform. The top layer of foodstuff supported by the platform can thus be adjusted by the inflatable balloons, to remain substantially about the plane of the top mouth of refrigerator enclosure, to facilitate inspection of and access to the foodstuff independently of the level of progressive attrition of foodstuff from successive foodstuff withdrawal by customers.

Abstract: A compact retail display refrigerator for displaying refrigerated food packages maintained at super chilled temperature comprises a small cabinet with a refrigerated upper compartment containing a row array of package guideways formed of a plurality of vertically extending guide pins upstanding from a perforated base support plate. Self acting spring loaded lift devices mounted within the guideways support stacks of food packages therein and urge them upwardly step-by-step to automatically locate the existing topmost package in each stack at a predetermined selection level.

Abstract: Glass chilling cabinet having a bottom wall, a top wall and side walls, a number of posts adapted to keep glass baskets stacked above said bottom wall, said posts being perpendicular to said bottom wall, partition members (23) arranged in a plane that is parallel to said bottom wall and leaving above said bottom wall a gap that is not smaller than the height of a basket filled with glass, compression springs (29) placed between said bottom wall and said top wall and adapted to press a stack of baskets (33) against stop members (35) retaining said stacked baskets below said top wall, a front cabinet door, a top cabinet door, and a cool air draft inlet in one of said side walls.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a walled insulated enclosure is provided with a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft and drive motor are positioned along the ceiling of the walled enclosure. The drive shaft terminates at a coupling mechanism. A complimentary coupling mechanism is attached to the top of a well-known movable food rack. Thus, when the food rack is stored within the walled enclosure, the coupling mechanism on the food rack mates with and attaches to the complimentary coupling mechanism of the drive shaft. When the drive motor is actuated, the drive shaft will rotate the movable food rack. It will be appreciated that by rotating the movable food rack, the present invention will permit the food stored on the food rack to chill far more quickly than if the food rack were to remain stationary. In addition, by rotating the food rack, the present invention eliminates warm air pockets which allow bacterial growth.

Abstract: The refrigerated or heated air flow within the storage chamber of a vending machine is varied by an air flow control device. A baffle plate or cover plate, or combination thereof, is used to control the direction of air flow. The position of these plates in turn is controlled by spring elements. One of the spring elements is formed of shaped memory alloy so that its recoil strength changes in accordance with its surrounding temperature. Thus, the difference in recoil strength between these spring elements changes with temperature. That difference is used to position the baffle and/or cover plates to control air circulation.

Abstract: A portable article display apparatus for displaying articles such as beverage cans or other items includes a hollow housing having a transparent outer wall, a base support for mounting the housing and a door mounted over an access opening in the transparent outer wall for removing articles one-by-one from the housing. Systems for cooling the housing interior and defogging its transparent outer wall are provided for displaying food articles or other items which must be refrigerated. Articles are stacked in vertical columns within the housing interior upon an article support carriage which is rotatable with respect to the fixed base and housing to index each vertical column of articles into direct alignment with the door. In removing articles from the housing, the door is operable in an open position to permit removal of the lowermost article in the column while supporting the articles above. The remaining articles in the column are released in preparation for removal of another article upon closing the door.

Abstract: A portable, refrigerated article display apparatus for displaying food items such as soda cans includes a hollow housing having a transparent outer wall, a base support for mounting the housing, a door mounted over an access opening in the transparent outer wall and systems for cooling the housing interior and defogging its transparent outer wall. Articles are stacked in vertical columns within the housing interior upon an article support carriage which is rotatable with respect to the fixed base and housing to index each vertical column of articles into direct alignment with the door. In removing articles from the housing, the door is operable in an open position to permit removal of the lower most article in the column while supporting the articles above. The remaining articles in the column are released in preparation for removal of another article upon closing the door.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet including a compartment for salad and another compartment for salad dressing, rendering both the salad and salad dressing easily accessible to the user, and dispensing means for the salad and salad dressing.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a walled insulated enclosure is provided with a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft and drive motor are positioned along the ceiling of the walled enclosure. The drive shaft terminates at a coupling mechanism. A complimentary coupling mechanism is attached to the top of a well-known movable food rack. Thus, when the food rack is stored within the walled enclosure, the coupling mechanism on the food rack mates with and attaches to the complimentary coupling mechanism of the drive shaft. When the drive motor is actuated, the drive shaft will rotate the movable food rack. It will be appreciated that by rotating the movable food rack, the present invention will permit the food stored on the food rack to chill far more quickly than if the food rack were to remain stationary. In addition, by rotating the food rack, the present invention eliminates warm air pockets which allow bacterial growth.