Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing, chilling and dispensing a beverage is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plate of frozen plate material supported by a base block. At least one conduit is cut into the frozen plate. The conduit 40 may be an open channel, partially enclosed channel or a tube. When the apparatus is oriented for use, the plate is fixed at a downward slope angle such that the conduit follows a overall downward path. A beverage is poured from a dispenser into the conduit at a beverage entry. The beverage flows down the conduit contacting and being chilled by the conduit surface. A portion of the conduit surface may melt and enter the beverage. The beverage is then collected in a receptacle.

Abstract: A dispenser for soft-drinks and ice has an integral ice maker. The compressor and condenser for the ice making refrigeration system are located remotely from the ice making apparatus. Thus, the dispenser with an integral ice maker does not emit noise and heat from the compressor and condenser in the customer service areas where ice and soft drinks are dispensed. Refrigerant vapor is drawn from a receiver and is used for defrosting in the harvest portion of the ice making cycle. The dispenser also has an internal heat exchanger for cooling carbonated water and syrup prior to dispensing a soft drink. There is also an ice maker and dispenser, having a refrigeration system in which ice-making components and an ice dispenser are located near a customer-service area, while the hot and noisy refrigeration components are located remotely.

Abstract: A transition fitting for directing fluid from a first line into a second line includes a body, an inlet, an outlet, and a channel. The body defines a constant-volume channel that redirects a direction of the fluid entering the inlet. The inlet is connected to the body and connectable to the first line, and the inlet directs the fluid from the first line into the channel. The outlet is connected to the body and connectable to the second line, and the outlet directs the fluid from the channel into the second line. The bracket is connected to the body and at least partially surrounds the body.

Abstract: A thermal control system for directing fluids between a reservoir and a rotatable platform. The system comprises a rotatable platform having an inlet port for receiving a cooling fluid; a reservoir adjacent the platform houses the cooling fluid for transport to the rotatable platform; and a non rotary jointed conduit having a first end immersed in the cooling fluid of the reservoir provides a fluid path for the cooling fluid to the rotatable platform.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator door dispenser spill shelf drain system that is connected at one end to the spill collection tray of the dispensing unit and is connected at the other end to a collector pan. The water is routed through tubing from the spill shelf to the collector evaporator pan, which is mounted atop the condenser of the refrigerator. The heat from the condenser helps to evaporate the water that accumulates there after draining from the spill shelf.

Abstract: A method of controlling semi-frozen liquid beverage in a dispensing machine having a bowl to contain the beverage, a motor to turn a helical auger blade within the bowl to scrape the semi-frozen beverage, and a compressor to cool the beverage. The method includes the steps of actuating the compressor to the bowl until the temperature of the beverage is cool to reach an initial set point. The compressor is deactivated after temperature of the beverage is cooled at or below a set point. Torque on the motor caused by resistance to the auger blade is sensed after a defined time period following switching off of the compressor. The compressor is activated if the torque on the motor is below a certain level and the temperature set point is lowered from the initial set point to a lower set point in order to cool the product.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerated beverage dispenser, specifically designed for delivering fruit juicies, tea, mineral water, wine and the like, which comprises an inlet (1) for water or drink to be delivered, downstream of which is arranged a refrigerating device (2). On the delivering duct a pump (3) and a solenoid valve (4), controlled by a central processing unit (10), are applied. Moreover, a sanitizing auxiliary device (30), controlled by said central processing unit (10) is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extraction of freshwater from ambient air in regions of extremely hot and humid climates, for supply of drinking water and freshwater for small to large groups of people in remote and isolated areas or wherever freshwater resources are not conveniently accessible. Compact mobile units are disclosed to provide freshwater and drinking water for resort areas, to passengers on land and sea vehicles, in situations of emergency, and to areas of water shortage. The art of adaptation of commercial dehumidification units is taught in design and construction of apparatus for production of freshwater and drinking water. Preparation of drinking water included ultraviolet disinfection, ozone treatment, and/or chlorine addition; activated carbon and ion exchange filters; and adding of fluorine, air/oxygen to refresh the water storage units, and minerals for taste and health provisions.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser and self-filling container system, including a liquid supply line, a liquid container, a liquid dispenser positioned to deliver a supply of liquid to the container from the liquid supply line, a valve positioned in the liquid supply line to selectively deliver liquid to the liquid dispenser, an optical sensor positioned relative to the liquid container to detect the presence of the container and a level of liquid in the container, and a control circuit connecting the optical sensor and the valve to open the valve when the sensor detects the presence of the container and a level of liquid below a maximum desired liquid level in the container and to close the valve when the sensor detects at least one of the absence of the container and a maximum desired liquid level in said container. Such a liquid dispenser may be a water dispenser in a refrigerator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a fluid, such as a beverage, includes a housing with a closed chamber that forms bath of a refrigerant. A conduit for the beverage is coiled in the chamber and immersed in the refrigerant to transfer heat from the beverage to the refrigerant. The housing chamber is connected to a compressor and condenser of a standard refrigeration system to extract heat from the refrigerant drawn from the chamber and return the refrigerant to the housing. The refrigerant bath forms an efficient mechanism for cooling the beverage as it flows through the apparatus without requiring the beverage to remain stationary for a period of time.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispensing assembly having a service zone recessed in an outer portion of the freezer door, an ice passage formed in a freezer door, and a chute member arranged at the service zone. The ice passage is aligned with an outlet of an ice maker unit and leads to the service zone for delivering ice pieces from the ice maker unit to the service zone. Further, the chute member is movable between a first position, wherein ice pieces delivered from the ice maker are directed into the service zone, and a second position, wherein ice piece delivered from the ice maker are diverted away from the freezer door and outside of the service zone to enhance the filling of oversized containers. The dispensing assembly also includes a drip tray for collecting excess water droplets, with the drip tray being substantially hidden within the freezer door.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit 10 for flash cooling beer includes a main body 12 provided with an internal flow path 14 having an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a void 20 in fluid communication therebetween. The void 20 is formed from four cylindrical chambers 22a-22d that are interlinked so as to be in mutual fluid communication with each other. Chambers 22 are formed in a thermal insulating block 26 held within the main body 12. Conduits 30c-30d are disposed within chambers 22a-22d respectively. Each conduit has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The outlet 34 is connected directly to a dispensing tap 36. The heat transfer fluid 45 passes through the fluid flow path 14 and thus flows through and about the conduits 30. Beer enters through inlet 32, passes through the conduit 30 and is dispensed through tap 36. The beer is cooled by virtue of a heat exchange with the fluid 45 flowing through the chambers 22.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a cooling chamber filled with a bath of cooling fluid for cooling beverage fluids. A cooling unit, including an evaporator coil extending from the cooling unit into the cooling chamber, freezes the cooling fluid into a frozen cooling bank about the evaporator coil. Sensor units positioned at desired locations about the evaporator coil provide output corresponding to the size and shape of the frozen cooling bank. Also, a control unit reads the output from the sensor units and operates the cooling unit to regulate the growth of the frozen cooling bank. In addition, the control unit may read output from temperature sensors attached to dispensing valves or monitoring ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing water or ice cubes, and refrigerator fitted with the same, the dispenser including a dispenser casing having a cup receiving space recessed from an outside surface of one side of a refrigerator, and view securing means provided in an upper front part for identifying a water level of a cup when a user looks down the cup receiving space from an upper front side, at least one lever fitted to the cup receiving space, and a dispensing device built-in the refrigerator for cold, or frozen storage of water supplied from outside of the refrigerator, and supplying the water or ice cubes to the cup when the cup presses the lever. The dispenser is fitted to an outside of the refrigerator, particularly, to an outside of the door.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duplex stopper-type water dispensing and water bottle supporting apparatus which is adapted to a water bottle-type water dispensing apparatus in which a water bottle is mounted in an upside down configuration for thereby effectively dispensing water. The above apparatus is formed of an upper water bottle receiving portion and a lower water draining pipe portion and is sealed by an O-ring. A water draining pipe formed of a plurality of guide plates is provided in a center of the water draining pipe portion, so that it is possible to implement a continuous and enhanced water draining operation based on a concurrent exchanging operation of water draining and air inflow in one pipe for thereby implementing a simple construction and easier cleaning.

Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided with an improved thermoelectric chiller unit for chilling a supply of water or other selected beverage within a cooler reservoir. The improved thermoelectric chiller unit includes a thermoelectric heat transfer module captured by a spring mount with substantially uniform pressure distribution between a chiller probe for chilling the water within the cooler reservoir, and a heat exchanger for dissipating heat drawn from the chilled water. The cooler reservoir has a faucet mounted thereon for on-demand dispensing of the water, and is mounted as a removable unit within a cooler housing with a bottom wall of the reservoir defining an inverted cup-shaped receptacle for close slide-fit reception of the chiller probe.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing water or ice cubes, and refrigerator fitted with the same, the dispenser including a dispenser casing having a cup receiving space recessed from an outside surface of one side of a refrigerator, and view securing means provided in an upper front part for identifying a water level of a cup when a user looks down the cup receiving space from an upper front side, at least one lever fitted to the cup receiving space, and a dispensing device built-in the refrigerator for cold, or frozen storage of water supplied from outside of the refrigerator, and supplying the water or ice cubes to the cup when the cup presses the lever. The dispenser is fitted to an outside of the refrigerator, particularly, to an outside of the door.

Abstract: A fluid cooling device for a beverage dispenser that includes: (a) a fluid accumulation vessel; and (b) a bank of thermoelectric devices provided on at least one external surface of the accumulation vessel and having cooling and heating surfaces, where the cooling surfaces are in thermal communication with the fluid accumulation vessel such that when power is supplied to the devices, the cooling surfaces decrease the thermal energy of the fluid within the accumulation vessel.

Abstract: A dispenser device for refrigerated drinks (carbonated or not) for domestic refrigerators, the drinks being drawn from containers (bottles and vessels in general) removably coupled to the device and dispensed via valve means forming part of the device, said device comprising a removable component to be connected to the container and forming part of a pneumatic path valve-controlled between the atmosphere and the container, said dispensing valve means being linearly movable against elastic means, both the valving control of the pneumatic path and the operation of the valve means being effected by a single mechanical control member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: An improved mounting adapter is provided for use in a bottled water cooler of the type having an upwardly open cooler reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The improved adapter includes a compact and substantially unitized adapter body or shell for removable snap-fit mounting onto the cooler reservoir at the open upper end thereof. The adapter additionally includes an upstanding feed tube or probe for operatively engaging a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted orientation over the cooler reservoir. In one form, the adapter may carry a seal ring gasket for sealingly engaging an inner wall surface of the cooler reservoir, and an air filter may be provided to filter ambient air drawn into the reservoir.

Abstract: A tempering device for laboratory vessels and having a liquid-tight housing formed, at least partially, of a plastic dyed with a heat sensitive dye and filled, at least partially, with a tempering medium, and further having depressions extending into the housing.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing equipment that includes a dispensing head that maintains a liquid or beverage line and delivery tip at a cool temperature so as to avoid contamination of the beverage. The liquid dispensing equipment also includes a storage refrigerator that cools a container of the beverage. A fan assembly is disposed to develop a cool airflow that flows through the storage refrigerator and a passage of the dispensing head. The liquid line and a delivery tip are disposed in the passage. A baffle arrangement maintains a volume of the cool airflow in a chamber adjacent the delivery tip so as to provide a shield against warmer ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Most bottled water coolers are known to hold a bottle of water on top of the cooler unit where the water is gravity fed. The water is cooled and then dispensed by a levered spout. In this invention, the bottled water and the cooling/dispenser part of the water cooler unit are side by side. This invention utilizes the standard plastic 2 and 4 litre water bottles with handles. The bottled water is inserted upside down, with the handle forward, beside the dispenser/cooling part of the unit. An electric pump moves the water through a thermoelectric cooling device. The water is dispensed by a hands free, dispensing spout.

Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided with an improved thermoelectric chiller unit for chilling a supply of water or other selected beverage within a cooler reservoir. The improved thermoelectric chiller unit includes a thermoelectric heat transfer module captured by a spring mount with substantially uniform pressure distribution between a chiller probe for chilling the water within the cooler reservoir, and a heat exchanger for dissipating heat drawn from the chilled water. The cooler reservoir has a faucet mounted thereon for on-demand dispensing of the water, and is mounted as a removable unit within a cooler housing with a bottom wall of the reservoir defining an inverted cup-shaped receptacle for close slide-fit reception of the chiller probe.

Abstract: A chilled water supply system for a refrigerator is provided. The system includes a water storage tank comprising an outlet leg, and a filter media disposed within said outlet leg.

Abstract: A portable water dispensing module is mounted to a refrigerator door inner liner. The liner has side walls with aligned vertically spaced module supports. The water dispensing module comprises a reservoir having a fill chamber located above a main reservoir. The fill chamber has a lid that has an opening closed by a cap. The reservoir supports the fill chamber and has side walls with anchoring supports that releasably and matingly engage with the module supports on the liner side walls to mount the water dispensing module against the liner walls. A lower recessed portion of the front wall of the reservoir protects a spigot, mounted into the recess, from inadvertent contact with a user. The reservoir further includes recessed handle portions on the side walls located forward of the refrigerator door liner side walls and below the fill chamber to facilitate the portability of the water dispensing module from the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A dispenser for soft-drinks and ice has an integral ice maker. The compressor and condenser for the ice making refrigeration system are located remotely from the ice making apparatus. Thus, the dispenser with an integral ice maker does not emit noise and heat from the compressor and condenser in the customer service areas where ice and soft drinks are dispensed. Refrigerant vapor is drawn from a receiver and is used for defrosting in the harvest portion of the ice making cycle. The dispenser also has an internal heat exchanger for cooling carbonated water and syrup prior to dispensing a soft drink. There is also an ice maker and dispenser, having a refrigeration system in which ice-making components and an ice dispenser are located near a customer-service area, while the hot and noisy refrigeration components are located remotely.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters, a fluid director for facilitating the mixing of the drink supply from one of the drink supply canisters and the carbonated or non-carbonated water from the water supplier and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.

Abstract: A draught beverage (170) which may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, for example a lager or cider in an open-topped drinking vessel or glass (172). The beverage comprises a water content and dissolved gas content. The draught beverage is dispensed from a font at a cooled temperature below the freezing point of water at ambient atmospheric pressure. The dispense temperature may be in the range of −1° C. to −12° C. The beverage in the glass may or may not be subjected to external excitement energy, for example ultra-sound, to encourage formation of nucleation sites in the beverage. Either way dissolved gas bubbles out of the beverage causing occurrence of nucleation sites at which ice (188A, 188B) from the water content forms. At least in part the ice has a slushy character. A head (174) also forms on the dispensed draught beverage and below the head the ice (188A,188B) locates and develops downwards into the beverage.

Abstract: Cooler for a beverage, e.g. beer, which enables dispense at low temperature with good appearance of the dispensed beverage, comprises an inlet and an outlet, at least one heat exchanger (10, 30, 32) between the inlet and the outlet through which the beverage can be passed to cool it and at least one Peltier plate assembly (12, 14, 42) connected to a voltage supply whereby a cold side and a hot side may be generated at the assembly, characterised in that the assembly (12, 14) is positioned whereby the beverage can also be cooled by passage past the cold side of the assembly (12, 14) on its passage to the outlet or whereby the coolant after passage through the heat exchanger (32) is cooled by passage past the cold side of the assembly (42) before being recirculated to the heat exchanger (32).

Abstract: Liquid dispensing equipment that includes a dispensing head that maintains a liquid or beverage line and delivery tip at a cool temperature so as to avoid contamination of the beverage. The liquid dispensing equipment also includes a storage refrigerator that cools a container of the beverage. A fan assembly is disposed to develop a cool airflow that flows through the storage refrigerator and a passage of the dispensing head. The liquid line and a delivery tip are disposed in the passage. A baffle arrangement maintains a volume of the cool airflow in a chamber adjacent the delivery tip so as to provide a shield against warmer ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A juice dispensing apparatus particularly designed for dispensing a “not from concentrate juice” packaged in a bag in a box format, the apparatus having a compartment in which the bag in a box is mounted, a thermoelectric device for cooling the compartment and a piezoelectric device for agitating the juice in the bag to thereby maintain the juice in a suspension. The apparatus requires minimal maintenance while permitting the dispensing of fruit juices or vegetable juices which are not reconstituted from a concentrate.

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: An integrated system to filter air, cool air, cool water, and heat water by coupling a filter box with compressors and heat exchangers.

Abstract: A water chiller includes a cooling tank and a cooling device positioned at an upper portion of the cooling tank. The cooling device includes a cooling probe positioned within the cooling tank at an upper region thereof and being operable to cool the water at the upper region of the cooling tank. The cooled water increases in density and descends toward the bottom or lower region of the cooling tank, while warmer water positioned in the lower region rises upwards toward the cooling probe, where it is cooled by the cooling probe. The water cooler thus continually cools and mixes the water within the cooling tank to maintain the water at a cool temperature. The cool water at the lower region of the tank is discharged from the cooling tank at an outlet positioned at or near the bottom of the cooling tank.

Abstract: A compact portable, self-contained and self-cleaning, domestic frozen food and beverage system capable of rapidly and automatically preparing and dispensing soft ice cream products, slush drinks, and frozen beverages in an efficient manner. Ingredients are preferably transferred spill-free into the freezing chamber via a paired bottle cap and receptacle that block ingredient transfer unless the bottle cap is securely seated within the receptacle. To begin the freezing process, a user would simply select and depress the start button corresponding to the type of product desired. An inlet port or ports allowing for pressurized fluid flow evenly about the freezing chamber and a rotating auger member disposed within the freezing chamber help the present invention to achieve a rapidly frozen product. Once operation begins, a microprocessor controls the temperature and speed of ingredient mixing with automatic shut-down occurring when auger torque indicates that the product has reached the desired consistency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when a replaceable filter for a refrigerator needs replacing based on the volume of water passing through the water filter as determined by the product of the time that water has passed through the filter and the flow rate of an accessory being supplied the filtered water.

Abstract: A water delivery system having increased flow rate properties for use in a refrigerator is provided. The water delivery system includes a pilot operated solenoid valve which feeds water to a water filter. The filtered water flows out of the filter to a second pilot operated solenoid valve. The second pilot operated solenoid valve has a first output which delivers water to a chilled water dispenser and a second output having a direct acting valve delivers water to an icemaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a chilled beverage from a keg includes an insulated housing having two opposed side walls and a door hinged to one of the side walls. Support racks are spaced from one to permit fit a keg between the racks, which form slidable grooves for insertion and removal of chiller panels when the door is open. Casters on the housing permit mobility, and channels on the outside of the housing receive selectively replaceable graphic material. A spout on the housing connectable to a keg provides discharge of the keg contents. A pressurized gas canister connectable to a keg urges discharge of the keg contents through the spout. A plurality of chiller panels contain a freezable liquid and are adapted to be removeably mounted on the racks. The panels may be frozen in a freezer and loaded into the racks keep the keg and its contents cold.

Abstract: An arrangement for a beverage dispenser carbonation unit generally comprises a two-part cold plate for cooling fluids. The first part is cooled by ice contained within an adjacent ice bin. The second part is cooled by proximity to the ice within the ice bin as well as a fluid conveyed through the first part and then the second part. The second part of the cold plate comprises a sleeve, preferably integral therewith, for receiving a carbonator unit and maintaining the carbonator unit at a reduced temperature. A re-circulation pump is provided for conveyance of the fluid between the two parts of the cold plate.

Abstract: A self-contained liquid storage, delivery, and automatic fill apparatus and method for a semi-frozen or chilled liquid beverage machine having a bowl to contain semi-frozen beverage. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one refrigerated storage cavity in the housing for receiving a bulk storage container of liquid beverage. The housing includes a planar surface, the planar surface adapted to support the beverage machine thereon. A fluid conduit is provided for passing the beverage from the bulk storage container to the beverage machine.

Abstract: A water storing apparatus (10) suitable for outdoor and indoor installation, and adapted to maintain drinking water within a predetermined range of temperature. The apparatus has a water tank (12) containing the drinking water with a temperature sensor (24) for sensing the water's temperature. The temperature of the drinking water can be changed by either a heater or a cooler, which are both in contact with a heat conductive member (30) itself in thermal contact with the water tank (12). In this manner, the water temperature can either be increased or decreased as needed to be maintained within an appropriate predetermined range.

Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.

Abstract: A method of cooling bulk or draught beverages prior to dispensing comprising: (i) introducing the beverage from a bulk container into a circulation loop that incorporates a pump, and a cooling unit, and (ii) returning cooled beverage as a heat exchange medium to a heat exchange unit associated with the container, whereby the residual beverage in the container is itself cooled by the returning cooled beverage, whereby after a period of time, both the residual beverage in the container and the beverage and the loop are at the same, or generally the same, temperature.