Abstract: A disposable flow-through refrigeration system includes an evaporator chamber containing a refrigerant, which, during system operation, evaporates to form a vapor; an evacuated absorber chamber including sorbent for receiving the vapor, a heat sink material in thermal contact with the sorbent, and a means for preventing vapor flow from evaporator to absorber until operation of the refrigeration system. The system also includes a primary volume of dispensable product and a product reservoir in fluid communication with each other. The system includes a dispensing means configured to enable controlled withdrawal of a secondary volume of product contained in the reservoir which includes a flow path from the primary volume to the dispensing means. At least one wall of the flow path is in thermal contact with an outer surface of the evaporator chamber during operation of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A single ended filly encapsulated water cooling cartridge for thermoelectrically cooling fluids has a vertically mounted cylindrical water flow pipe with a plurality of flat sides and acting as a cold plate communicating with an inlet of the water cooling cartridge, a like plurality of heat sinks circumferentiary positioned around the water flow pipe with longitudinal fins extending radially outwardly from each heat sink, a cylindrical shell enveloping the heat sinks and the water flow pipe and forming an annulus air passageway therein, an axial forced air fan mounted on the top of the water cooling cartridge to induce air flow along the heat sinks, thermoelectric elements acting as heat pumps positioned between the heat sink and the water flow pipe, and a temperature control thermostat.

Abstract: A trim cooler for cooling a drink in a drinks line, the trim cooler comprising a refrigerator comprising an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor for circulating a cooling medium therebetween to cool the evaporator; the evaporator being in thermal contact with the drinks line; a coolant line in thermal contact with the condenser; and, a coolant source connected to the coolant line and adapted to supply a liquid coolant to the coolant line.

Abstract: A cooler chest with an ice-surrounding food compartment (10) includes an outer container 20 that supports an outer lid (40). An inner container (60) having an inner lid (80) is carried within the outer container (20). In use, an ice storage area is defined within an area between the inner and outer containers; food is contained within the inner container. Due to the curvature of the sidewall of the outer container and due to the sloping sidewall of the inner lid carried by the inner container, a flared ice entry passage is defined which aids in the addition of ice.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: A beverage line (1) and a water line (2) exit from a Python cooling system (3) and enter a manifold (4). The beverage line (1) runs directly through the H-shaped manifold (4) to a tap (5). The water line (2) enters the manifold (4) and water flows through and exits through pipe (6) which surrounds the beverage pipe (1). Adjacent the tap (5), the water flows out of the coaxial pipe (6) and down return pipe (7) which connects into the manifold (4) at connection point (8). The water flows out of the manifold (4) through pipe (9). A bypass pipe (10) is provided in the manifold (4). This allows narrower gauge pipes to be used in the cooling loop without throttling the is flow of water through the Python. A valve (11) is provided in the bypass pipe (10) allowing the flow through the bypass pipe (10) to be reduced or shut off, so that all the flow through inlet pipe (2) is directed through the cooling loop, to remove airlocks.

Abstract: A beverage dispense system is designed to dispense a beverage, e.g. from a bulk supply, by chilling the beverage to a temperature close to its freezing point. The beverage dispense system includes a beverage recirculation loop and a water recirculation loop, two chillers (10, 24), both loops passing through both chillers, and a dispense valve (26) located in the beverage recirculation loop, a first of the chillers (10) cooling both the beverage and the water and a second of the chillers (24) comprising a thermo-electric device and being located between the first chiller (10) and the dispense valve (26) for further cooling of the beverage to be dispensed whilst removing heat from the device (24) using the water in the water recirculation loop.

Abstract: Containers for transporting items are provided. Preferably, the container includes an outer shell defining an interior and having at least one opening for providing access to the interior. A lid is provided that incorporates a cap for providing access to the interior. At least one storage chamber is formed within the interior and is adapted to receive at least one item. An insulating material is disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell. Additionally, a temperature-maintaining material is disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the insulating material. So provided, the temperature of an item being transported within the container may be maintained, raised and or cooled as desired.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container for a carbonated beverage and a pressure tank for maintaining the beverage under pressure in the container. Beverage from the container flows through a coil and then to a tap from which it is discharged, The coil is mounted in a cooler where the beverage is cooled to a temperature in the range of about 30 degrees F. and about 32 degrees F. The coil has an entry point at which the beverage enters the coil, an upstream segment and a downstream segment. The upstream segment has an inner diameter in the range of about {fraction (5/16)} inch to about ¼ inch and the downstream segment has an inner diameter of about {fraction (3/16)} inch and a length of not less than about 3 feet.

Abstract: A soda drink selling machine having a compact purified-water generating unit can be installed at places where purified water suiting for producing soda drinks is not available, comprises a purified-water generating unit, a carbonated water generating unit, a soda drink producing-dispensing unit, and a control system controlling each device in the soda drink selling machine so as to be operated in order or simultaneously at need, wherein the purified-water generating unit comprises a control system for controlling operations in ice maker including a heat transfer surface on heat absorbing side or releasing side of a coolant compression-evaporation type or an electronic heat pump, and in constant temperature purified-water tank, and operations of ice-crystal formation and melting processes in the ice maker.

Abstract: A cooling system particularly but not exclusively for cooling milk transferred for a milking station to a vat along a first flow path, the system including an apparatus for heat exchange with milk passing therethrough, wherein a second flow path is provided for circulating milk in the vat through the apparatus and the second flow path isolated from the first flow path.

Abstract: A drinking water dispenser according to the present invention functions to supply drinking water from a detachable water container. The drinking water dispenser includes a hot water tank, a chilled water tank, a supply pipe and a sterilization system. The hot water tank heats and stores the drinking water supplied from the water container. The supply pipe connects the water container with the hot water tank and the chilled water tank. The sterilization system sterilizes the tanks and the supply pipe by circulating hot water from the hot water tank among them. The dispenser is also sterilized because of its including a special 3 way connector between the detachable container and tanks which allows connector and container to be housed in a refrigerator, thus separating critical system components from warmer outside air and thus suppressing invasion and growth of microbes.

Abstract: A liquid temperature apparatus is used in a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage storage container connected via a liquid feed tube to a liquid dispense tap. The liquid feed tube is divided by a Tee piece and connected to a pair of circulation tubes. A pump means circulates the beverage around the tubes, and also around the coil of the cooling unit. The fluid flow rate is controlled by the adjustable fluid control device.

Abstract: An integrated tubing assembly for carrying fluids through a beverage dispenser system and for uniformly cooling fluids carried therein includes a compound tube with two opposing ends. The compound tube is linked with a first and a second inlet from the beverage dispenser system for receiving fluids therefrom and linked with a first and a second outlet from the beverage dispenser system for delivering fluids thereto. Accordingly, the compound tube includes a core tube in communication with the first inlet at one end and with the first outlet at the opposing end for carrying fluids therethrough. The compound tube further includes an outer tube in communication with the second inlet at one end and in communication with the second outlet at the opposing end for carrying fluids therethrough. As such, the outer tube is annularly disposed about the core tube.

Abstract: An improved ice chest and cold plate apparatus for use in beverage dispensers. The ice chest and cold plate apparatus includes an ice storage container having an open top, a bottom, and four sidewalls. A cold plate heat exchanger is affixed to the outer surface of the bottom of the ice storage container with a thermally conductive adhesive. The cold plate includes a plurality of cooling circuits comprising tubular coils extending in a serpentine path and die-cast in aluminum to form an aluminum block. The improved ice chest and cold plate apparatus is simpler, less expensive and easier to manufacture than prior art ice chests with cold plates.

Abstract: A compact chiller for receiving supply temperature water from a source as a chilling tank in which a thermally conductive chilling probe is positioned for chilling the water in the tank. Supply water is fed through the tank and to the inlet of a valve selectively positionable between open and closed positions so that water from the supply may entirely flow into the tank or have a portion flowing into the tank and the remainder through the valve. A chilled water supply tube within the tank and the outlet of the valve communicate the inlet to a spout so that chilled water or a mixture of chilled water and entering supply water may be dispensed from the faucet. The supply water may be water from the faucet of a sink diverter valve to the chiller. Filters may be connected in communication between the faucet and the entry into the chiller tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a bottled water dispenser uses a refrigeration system to cool the water and 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 housing, the air carrying the ozone through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned inside the reservoir of the water dispenser. A time deactivates the refrigeration system and at about the same time activates the ozone generator and the blower. The blower continues to pump air for a selected time period after the ozone generator is shut down, the water in the reservoir having been sanitized. This action dispenses any ozone odor. The pump then shuts off and the refrigeration system resumes operation of cooling the water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A water tank having a body portion that slopes away, in multiple directions, from an outlet thereof is adapted to be mounted within a refrigerator cabinet in a substantially horizontal plane. The water tank is preferably integrally molded with multiple, parallel-arranged flow paths and with a plurality of upstanding tabs for use in mounting the water tank horizontally in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator cabinet. The inlet and outlet areas of the tank are designed to minimize the potential for trapping air within the tank. In addition, the tank is formed with integrally molded clips for use in attaching a water tube to the tank. When used in a top mount refrigerator, the tank is particularly adapted to be mounted at a rear underside portion of a fresh food liner that forms part of a mullion divider assembly so as to be generally out of visual sight of the consumer, while being in direct heat exchange relationship with cooling air within the compartment.

Abstract: A new water cooler with compartmentalized storage area for transporting large quantities of water and individual canned beverages. The inventive device includes an insulated cooler having a generally cylindrical configuration. The cooler has an opening through an upper end thereof into a hollow interior. The hollow interior receives a water container therein. The water container has a plurality of radially spaced recesses each extending a length of the container. The insulated cooler has a plurality of elongated openings in a side thereof corresponding with the radially spaced recesses of the water container. A plurality of insulated sleeves are hingedly coupled with the four elongated openings of the insulated cooler. Each of the sleeves have a recessed interior for receiving beverage cans therein whereby when the sleeves are closed within the insulated cooler, the beverage cans rest between the recessed interior and the recess of the water container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a dispensing nozzle for dispensing product. A cooling system cools the product prior to communicating the cooled product to the dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispenser further includes a product source, and a flow controller positioned prior to the cooling system for regulating the delivery of product from the product source to the cooling system.

Abstract: A coiled tube for cooling water or thick juice has an inner layer for preventing minerals such as Ca, Mg, etc. from depositing thereon, and a water or thick juice tube has an inner layer for preventing minerals such as Ca, Mg, etc. from depositing thereon on the side of the down-stream of the coiled tube.

Abstract: A watercooler is provided with a vessel for storing water therein; a heater for boiling the water in the vessel; a pump for lifting the boiled water; a primary cooling unit (e.g., air-cooled heat exchanger tube and a fan) for subjecting to primary cooling the boiled water lifted by the pump; a secondary cooling unit (e.g., the fan, a heat-dissipating-side thermal conductor, a thermoelectric module, a heat-absorbing-side thermal conductor, and a cold water pipe) for subjecting the water, which has been subjected to the primary cooling, to secondary cooling by using the thermoelectric module; and a service unit for dispensing the cold water subsequent to the secondary cooling.

Abstract: A keg tap cooling device for keeping a keg tap cool to help prevent excessive foaming of beer poured from the keg tap. The device includes an elongate tube having open top and bottom ends. The bottom end of the tube is adapted for receiving therein a keg tap mounted to the top end of a beverage keg such that a pour tube of the keg tap extends in the lumen of the tube towards the top end of the tube. The lumen of the tube is adapted for holding a cooling material therein for cooling the pour tube of the keg tap in the lumen.

Abstract: A reservoir and faucet assembly for a water cooler includes at least one faucet fitting for removable mounting of a faucet, wherein the faucet fitting has a check valve mounted therein to prevent water spillage when the faucet is removed. The check valve is adapted to be opened when the faucet is installed within the faucet fitting and to close when the faucet is removed from the reservoir. With this design, the faucet can be disassembled from the reservoir, without first requiring drainage of water from the reservoir.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water chiller system for cooling fluids, and including a cold sink which defines quiescent areas where convection currents are minimized to facilitate ice formation around the cold sink is provided. The cold sink cooperates with water held in a sealed tank. A cover member which covers the cold sink can be employed which would cooperate with the tank to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. Components needing periodic cleaning are preferably removable from the system, but the tank could be permanently installed. A fan-cooled thermoelectric module assembly is used to form the ice block adjacent the bottom of the tank which chills the water. A variable-speed fan and current to the thermoelectric module are controlled by a control circuit with inputs from various temperature sensors positioned on and within various portions of the chiller system, including sensors to monitor ambient air temperature about the chiller system.

Abstract: A thermoelectric water chiller system for cooling fluids, and including a cold sink which defines quiescent areas where convection currents are minimized to facilitate ice formation around the cold sink is provided. The cold sink cooperates with water held in a sealed tank. A cover member which covers the cold sink can be employed which would cooperate with the tank to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. Components needing periodic cleaning are preferably removable from the system, but the tank could be permanently installed. A fan-cooled thermoelectric module assembly is used to form the ice block adjacent the bottom of the tank which chills the water. A variable-speed fan and current to the thermoelectric module are controlled by a control circuit with inputs from various temperature sensors positioned on and within various portions of the chiller system, including sensors to monitor ambient air temperature about the chiller system.

Abstract: An improved method and an apparatus for driving a pump motor for a refrigerator dispenser which are capable of feeding-back a water remaining in a discharge hose to a water container of the refrigerator by reversely rotating a pump motor after discharging the water from the water container, for thus preventing the water and the discharge hose from being polluted. The method includes the step of a first step for discharging a water from a water container through a discharge hose by driving a pump motor when a lever switch is turned on, a second step for stopping the operation of the pump motor when the lever switch is turned off and finishing the water discharge, and a third step for feeding back the water remaining in the discharge hose to a water container of the refrigerator after a predetermined time after the second step by reversely rotating the pump motor with respect to the rotation direction of the pump motor in the first step.

Abstract: An automatic ice production apparatus and a method thereof, comprising an ice removing motor rotation control function, an ice removing motor protection function, a water supply alarm/indication function, a water supply state control function and a water supply motor control function. To perform the above functions, the automatic ice production apparatus comprises an ice removing motor rotation controller for controlling a rotating operation of an ice removing motor, a water supply motor rotation controller for controlling operation of a water supply motor, a water supply state controller for controlling the supply of the water pumped by the water supply motor to the automatic ice production apparatus and a dispenser, a water level detector for detecting the level of water in a water supply tank, an alarm generator for generating an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detector, and a microcomputer for controlling the entire operation of the automatic ice production apparatus.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a storage tank for receiving purified water, and supplying the water to hot and cold water tanks disposed beneath the storage tank. Dispensing valves are connected to the hot and cold water tanks for dispensing water therefrom. A water level detector is provided for maintaining a water level in the storage tank at a predetermined first elevation. An expansion tank has an outlet and inlet situated at a second elevation disposed above the first elevation. The inlet of the expansion tank communicates with the top of the hot water tank so that the presence of water in the storage tank situated above the second elevation forces water to flow from the hot water tank and through the expansion tank. Also, excess water in the hot water tank caused by thermal expansion is forced through the expansion tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water dispensing system which includes a receptacle removably disposed within a refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator. A valved feed duct extends into the refrigerator for supplying fresh water to the receptacle when the water level in the receptacle falls below a predetermined level. An ultrasonic water level detector determines when the water level falls below the predetermined level and sends a signal to a controller which then opens the valved feed duct.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water filtration and dispensing system including a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve to a source of household water, a water filter assembly disposed within a refrigeration compartment, an unfiltered water supply line fluidly connecting the first control valve to the water filter assembly, a second control valve having first and second outlets, a filtered water supply line fluidly connecting the filter assembly to the second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to the first outlet of second control valve, and an ice maker disposed within a freezer compartment and fluidly connected to the second outlet of the second control valve.

Abstract: A top mount refrigerator having a freezer door pivotally mounted to a cabinet at a position spaced above a fresh food compartment door is provided with a dispenser assembly mounted in the freezer door. A water supply line for the dispenser assembly is routed to the freezer door through a center hinge unit for the two doors. In the preferred embodiment, the water supply line, which preferably leads from a water storage tank housed within the fresh food compartment, is routed to the center hinge unit through a lower hinge unit upon which the fresh food door is pivotally mounted and a conduit that is foamed in-situ within the fresh food door. In models incorporating a dispenser assembly requiring a supply of electrical power, wires are lead into the freezer door through an upper hinge unit associated with the freezer door.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage cooler and dispenser which is compact enough to fit on a counter top yet large enough to hold a substantial volume of liquid. The beverage cooler includes a refrigeration unit having a compressor with a condenser located inside of the reservoir tank and an evaporator external to the unit, a pump for circulating the liquid, a dispenser, and a liquid level gauge. The device has an electrical cord for connection to a direct current outlet.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a water storage container disposed in a refrigerating compartment for dispensing drinking water through a door of the refrigerator. The container is open at its upper end, and an ultraviolet lamp is mounted above the container so that ultraviolet light from the lamp enters the container and sterilizes the water disposed therein. The lamp is disposed in a groove formed in the underside of a partition wall which divides the refrigerator interior into the refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment disposed thereabove.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening section having a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker and a dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice maker and dispenser are supplied with water from a common reservoir by a common pump. A valve is actuated by a controller to communicate the reservoir with either the dispenser or the ice maker, but not with both simultaneously. The controller acts in response to water-needed signals from the dispenser and ice maker, but always gives precedent to the dispenser signal. If water is in the process of being supplied to the ice maker when a water-needed signal is received from the dispenser, the water supply will be temporarily diverted to the dispenser until the dispenser no longer needs water.

Abstract: A filter adaptor assembly for a water cooler of the type having a support housing provided with a water bottle support at a top end to support an inverted water bottle over a water reservoir of the housing. The filter adaptor assembly comprises a support platform having a support base and it is connected in support engagement above the water reservoir. Supports are connected to the support base for securing one or more filter cartridges thereto. A dispensing valve is secured under the base and has a conduit for receiving treated water from the filter assembly. The valve has a water level sensing float mechanism which is adapted to detect the water level in the reservoir to dispense or cut-off the supply of treated water to the reservoir. The filter assembly is also connected to a pressurized water supply.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: A system in which mass quantities of liquids may be stored in a substantially frozen state, portions thawed for dispensing, and any undispensed thawed portions rechilled for further storage is disclosed. The system includes a tank with a substantially bell-shaped, or flared, interior, the flaring of the tank surface combining with force of gravity to detach frozen material for dispensing. Separate temperature control sections allow selected areas of the tank to be heated or cooled as necessary, moreover, and distinct reservoirs of heat-transfer liquid (such as glycol) may be used for heating versus cooling the tank.

Abstract: A water collection and dispensing machine having a primary housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air blower structured to draw air into the primary housing through the air inlet and push air out of said primary housing through the air outlet. The water collection and dispensing machine further includes an evaporator coil structured to cycle a cold refrigerant liquid therethrough, the evaporator coil being disposed in line with the air inlet so that the air drawn into the primary housing through the air inlet passes thereover and moisture therefrom condenses on an exterior surface of the evaporator coil so that it may be collected in the form of water droplets, filtered to eliminate contaminants, and dispensed for convenient consumption by a user.

Abstract: An improved charging device (20) comprising a vessel (22) for holding a liquid (24) therein. A component (26) on the vessel (22) is for allowing the liquid (24) to exit therefrom. A facility (28) on the vessel (22) is for dispensing the liquid (24) in controlled amounts through the exit component (26).

Abstract: A water cooler and dispenser employs a ceramic crock containing a thermoelectric unit and an upwardly directed chilling probe extending into a chilling tank. The chilling probe is in heat-conducting relation to a heat sink, underneath which is a circulating fan. A circulating base is made up of a series of support fins arranged in a radial fashion in the bottom of the crock having a specialized arrangement of inlet and outlet ports. The air is circulated upwardly across the heat sink then circulated downwardly and expelled from the crock. In a conventional manner, water is drawn from the lower end of the chilling tank through a spigot extending to the exterior of the crock.

Abstract: This is a cooler with a relatively narrow coolant compartment immediately within the insulated side walls of the cooler. This coolant compartment surrounds the food and beverage compartment. Each compartment has its own means to drain liquid. Ice can easily be poured into the coolant compartment because of a means for forming a funnel-like effect, which funnel-like effect shall extend around its top. There are separate means to seal each compartment at its top against the surrounding ambient temperature, and also provide individual access to each compartment.

Abstract: The thermo-electric cooler of the present invention is capable of cooling fluid down to below 10.degree. F. The present invention maximizes the heat transfer path to allow better heat conductivity, and provides a space within the cooler to accommodate the thermal contraction and expansion of the cooling elements.

Abstract: The present invention envisions a water temperature processing system for reducing the temperature of water to a temperature of as low as 35 degrees fahrenheit. The present invention also envisions a water heating system as an element of the water temperature processing system for elevating the temperature of water to a temperature of 80-210 degrees fahrenheit. The water temperature processing system includes a warm water flow path and a cool water flow path. A warm water pump and a cool water pump are operatively associated with the respective warm water and cool water flow paths to move the water through the respective flow paths. The cool water flow path includes at least one outlet for dispensing water from the cooling system. The system includes at least one warm water and one cool water heat transfer section which communicates with the warm water and the cool water flow paths, respectively. Peltier heat transfer devices are positioned between the warm water and the cool water heat transfer sections.

Abstract: A cooling tank 1 for cooling water 2b by bringing water 2b in direct contact with hardly-water-soluble refrigerant 2c having a larger specific gravity than that of water, which tank 1 has an inside space 3 above water surface in the tank 1 and the pressure P.sub.t of the space 3 is kept below the saturation pressure P.sub.0 of the refrigerant 2c at water freezing point (P.sub.t .ltoreq.P.sub.0). The tank 1 also has a refrigerant extraction hole 6a for extracting gas-phase refrigerant 2c, an outlet 14a for drawing cooled water 2b, and an upward passage 30 for refrigerant extending from the bottom of the tank 1 to the water surface therein, which passage 30 guides ascension of that refrigerant 2c which settles at the tank bottom toward the space 3 above the water surface.

Abstract: A beverage cooling system has an ice storage bin having a mechanical agitator disposed therein. The ice storage bin includes an opening at a bottom portion thereof, and the mechanical agitator is actuable to mechanically agitate ice in the ice bin and mechanically force ice through the opening. An ice guide is disposed adjacent the opening in the ice storage bin. A cold plate is disposed adjacent the ice guide. The cold plate has an inclined upper surface thereof and includes at least one beverage line disposed underneath the upper surface. The ice guide is positioned to deflect and guide ice onto the inclined upper :surface of the cold plate, wherein the ice is moved along the upper surface by mechanical force provided by an actuation of the agitator.

Abstract: A readily disassemblable cabinet for a liquid dispensing system includes a supporting frame assembly having a base plate and a shelf, and further includes readily removable front, rear, and side panels and a separately removable top support and top panel. Readily removable metal rods are provided to secure individual base, shelf and top support components to the frame assembly. Such rods permit the quick removal of the system components and thus facilitate routine maintenance of the liquid dispensing system while minimizing the number of tools required to service the unit.