Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using and storing energy from the environment using a storage medium, especially silica gel or zeolite, which works by means of chemical reactions or sorptions, in which during charging with energy exergy is accumulated to a high density in this storage medium via an inert gaseous carrier medium for the exergy, and during discharging the stored exergy is extracted from the store, as required, also by means of an inert gaseous carrier medium for conversion into heat or cold of the desired level. The method of the present invention is carried out in such a way that:(a) on charging with energy the exergy of smaller imbalances of the environment is accumulated and/or(b) on discharging energy the residual exergy contained in the emerging gaseous inert carrier medium is used for charging a further storage medium, in which no or only a little exergy is accumulated.

Abstract: A portable beverage dispenser is disclosed and includes a self-contained unit that is conveniently located on the shelf of the user's refrigerator for dispensing a cooled carbonated drink. The dispenser automatically mixes carbonated water and a syrup of selected flavor and then dispenses the mixture for obtaining a low-cost carbonated drink. The dispenser is of relatively simple construction and includes a water container that receives water from the sink tap and further includes a bottle of carbon-dioxide gas that communicates with the water container for periodically supplying carbonated gas thereto for obtaining the carbonated water. A unique flavor selector valve assembly is embodied in the dispenser and operates to dispense the carbonated drink from a nozzle communicating therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a fluid coolant is disclosed. Cooling water, not under pressure, is circulated in a container. The coolant is passed under pressure through cooling pipes immersed in the cooling water.

Abstract: In a refrigerated beverage dispenser having a plurality of coplanar circular cooling plates closing the bottoms of an array of beverage bowls, each concentric turn of a single multi-turn sinuous coiling of evaporator tubing is bonded in intimate heat-exchange relationships with all of the cooling plates and directs flow of the refrigerant serially across and part way around each cooling plate, and back, in succession. Tubing which interconnects across the spaces between adjacent cooling plates is clustered, to promote maximum arcuate spanning of the plates by those more active portions of the tubing best disposed to provide the cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a post-mix or pre-mix dispenser for soft drinks including a cooling tank which can either be filled with particles of ice for cooling the beverage to be dispensed or operated with a mechanical refrigeration system including a compressor and a cooling fluid which is circulated through cooling coils extending into the tank. The mechanical refrigeration system, when in use, is inserted through an upper opening in the cooling tank and forms the closure of the tank when in place. When particles of ice are used as a cooling medium, they are also inserted through the upper opening in the cooling tank and a conventional closure would then be placed over the opening of the tank.

Abstract: In combination with a refrigeration unit having a water supply inlet for receiving water from a pressurized water supply source, a dispenser unit including a sealed chamber having a collapsible container for fruit juice or the like. The chamber is connected to the water supply and the collapsible container is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration unit. The pressure of the water supply collapses the container, forcing the juice in the container to the ice maker as demanded by the metering system of the ice maker for freezing the juice into cubes.