Abstract: A mobile beverage dispenser comprises a wheelable platform having mounted thereon a chillable chamber connected to a refrigerated cooling coil for removing heat from a beverage in a bulk storage container placed therein for cooling; and a beverage dispensing tap connectable to the container in fluid communication with the beverage, and mounted in thermally conductive relationship with the chillable chamber, whereby the chamber when chilled removes heat from the dispenser in preparation for dispensing of the beverage, by virtue of the conductive relationship.

Abstract: A system for a water producing device, which includes a renewable energy power system, an automated control module an atmospheric condenser system, a conveyor, an aquatic suction device, a water reservoir, and a water purification system. The components of the system are work conjointly to produce and process fresh water.

Abstract: A device for mounting a light bulb and bulb base to a ground stake having a mounting ring for attaching a bulb and a bulb base to the ground stake. A sealing ring is disposed in the mounting ring having the bulb received in an upper end of the sealing ring and the bulb base secured to the lower end of the sealing ring whereby the sealing ring restricts moisture from flowing around the bulb and into the bulb base when the bulb is screwed into the sealing ring.

Abstract: An evaporator (2) comprising: a casing (5); a plurality of heat transfer tubes (12) which are immersed in a liquid refrigerant (RL) in a liquid-phase region (A1) and in the interior of which a fluid having a higher temperature than that of the liquid refrigerant (RL) flows; and a demister (7) which is provided so as to cover from above the liquid surface (Ls) of the liquid refrigerant (RL) accommodated in the liquid-phase region (A1), and which traps liquid droplets contained in evaporated gas refrigerant (RG). The demister (7) comprises inclined sections (13) which, when viewed in a cross section intersecting the axial line (O2) of the heat transfer tubes (12), separate from the liquid surface (Ls) toward the center portion of the casing (5) along the liquid surface (Ls).

Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a housing and a plurality of evaporator tubes located in the housing. A liquid refrigerant distribution system is positioned in the housing and includes a manifold having a plurality of manifold outlet openings and a baffle positioned between the manifold and a distribution vessel and comprising a plurality of baffle openings. The distribution vessel has a plurality of distribution vessel openings for conveying the liquid refrigerant onto evaporator tubes when in use. A method of operating an evaporator includes conveying a two-phase vapor and liquid refrigerant mixture to a manifold and spraying the mixture out of the manifold through a plurality of manifold openings toward a distribution vessel. The mixture in impinged on a baffle located between the manifold and the distribution vessel and the liquid refrigerant is separated from the mixture via the impingement. The liquid refrigerant is collected at the distribution vessel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, for example a shell and tube flooded evaporator, has a refrigerant distributor that is positioned at an angle between the bottom of the shell and the sides of the shell, and includes an inlet that is welded to an inlet piping, where the inlet and inlet piping are in fluid communication with the refrigerant distributor, and are in a generally corresponding position orientation. Tubes of a tube bundles may extend proximate the bottom of the shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system that includes a refrigerant loop, a compressor disposed along the refrigerant loop and configured to circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant loop, a heat exchanger disposed along the refrigerant loop and configured to place the refrigerant in thermal communication with a cooling fluid flowing through tubes of a tube bundle within the heat exchanger, an inlet of the heat exchanger configured to direct the refrigerant into the heat exchanger, a trough of the heat exchanger configured to receive the refrigerant from the inlet, and a perforated baffle of the heat exchanger disposed downstream of the trough and configured to direct the refrigerant from the trough over the tubes of the tube bundle.

Abstract: The fossil fuel processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes two pressure vessels, or two separators, above a single vessel footprint area in a vertically stacked configuration. The stacked configuration permits the processing of gas to occur in a space having less length and less width than that of two separators arranged tip-to-end or side-by-side, respectively. The first and second separators are configured to separate fuel from non-fuel in a footprint area of a single gas separator as the fuel moves from upstream to downstream through a gas processing system. Further, the gas processing apparatus of the present disclosure permits the two separators to fit in a housing compartment that is more easily transportable via tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a vapor compression system includes a shell with a longitudinal center axis extending generally parallel to a horizontal plane, a distributing part, a tube bundle, a trough part and a guide part. The distributing part distributes a refrigerant. The tube bundle includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes disposed below the distributing part so that the refrigerant discharged from the distributing part is supplied onto the tube bundle. The heat transfer tubes extend generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the shell. The trough part extends generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the shell under at least one of the heat transfer tubes to accumulate the refrigerant in the trough part. The guide part includes at least one lateral side portion extending upwardly and laterally outwardly from the tube bundle at a vertical position at an upper end of the trough part.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus which includes a tank, a liquid inlet and a fluid dispensing system which includes a dispensing fluid conduit having a helical portion at least substantially vertically oriented within the interior volume of the tank. The beverage dispensing apparatus also includes a fluid circulating system that includes at least one fluid circulation conduit having an inlet portion positioned proximate the bottom portion of the tank and at least one outlet. A fluid cycling device is also included in the beverage dispensing apparatus and is configured to move fluid from the bottom portion of the tank to the fluid circulation conduit. The at least one outlet is configured to produce a fluid flow tangential to the orientation of the dispensing fluid conduit configuration. Evaporator coils extend around a perimeter of the tank's exterior sidewall surface and are configured to chill the fluid within the tank.

Abstract: According to the invention, an adapter is provided to receive and hold a bag-in-box container on top of a conventional water cooler and to control the flow of water from the bag-in-box container into a sealed water reservoir of the water cooler to maintain a desired level of water in the water reservoir. Level control of water in the reservoir is provided by controlling the venting of the sealed reservoir to the atmosphere and/or by controlling the flow of water into the reservoir from the water supply line. Venting control can be through use of a hydrophobic membrane or through use of float valves in the vent, and control of flow of liquid into the reservoir from the water supply line can be by a special float valve that allows high flow capacity at low pressures.

Abstract: In a method for operating a cooling system for cooling food on board an aircraft, a partial amount of refrigerant, which, in the rest state, is stored in a receiving space of a refrigerant container in the gaseous state of aggregation, is discharged from the receiving space of the refrigerant container into a cooling circuit of the cooling system. The partial amount of the refrigerant is directed into a liquefier arranged in the cooling circuit and converted to the liquid state of aggregation. The partial amount of the refrigerant liquefied by the liquefier is directed through a heat exchanger arranged in the receiving space of the refrigerant container. The remaining refrigerant, stored in the receiving space of the refrigerant container in the gaseous state of aggregation, is converted to the liquid state of aggregation by heat energy transfer to the partial amount of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A compact beverage dispensing unit includes a cooling system and a housing. A dispensing channel is defined in the housing.

Abstract: A frozen product dispenser is characterized by at least two product freeze barrels for receiving product therein and for freezing the product for dispensing, and a refrigeration system for chilling the at least two barrels. The refrigeration system has at least two evaporators for and heat transfer coupled to each barrel, separate and controllable expansion valves each having an outlet coupled to an inlet to an inlet to an associated one of the evaporators, at least two compressors having outlets coupled to inlets to the expansion valves and inlets coupled to outlets from the evaporators, and at least one condenser in fluid circuit between outlets from the compressors and inlets to the expansion valves.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporative cooler having two medium circuits which are thermally coupled to one another by a number of heat-conducting vertical walls. These walls and the heat-conducting fins arranged thereon are provided with a hydrophilic, water-buffering covering layer, for example made from Portland cement. A humidification unit for moistening the covering layer is added to the dew point cooler. According to the invention, the humidification unit comprises a releasable cover which forms part of the casing of the dew point cooler and bears at least one sprinkler or nozzle for distributing water over the covering layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a water cooler with refrigerator or wine cellar, having a water tank inside of the water cooler connected to a water bottle, a water tank lower part connected with a hot tank assembly and a cold tank assembly through a hot tank inlet tube and cold tank inlet tube. Cold tank and hot tank connect with two water taps through a cold tank outlet tube and a hot tank outlet tube, on the top of cold tank. There is an exhausting tube connecting with water tank, which connect with a compressor. On the back of the cooler a condenser is installed. The cold tank assembly is placed horizontally inside of a cold compartment at its highest point. The cold tank assembly includes a cold tank, evaporator coiled on the outside of cold tank the two parts are separated by separate pad.

Abstract: A portable air conditioning and water-cooling unit includes a mass of refrigerant and a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. The unit also includes a single condenser for condensing the refrigerant and a pipe connecting the compressor and condenser. First and second capillary tubes and first and second connectors connect the first capillary tube to the condenser and a second connector connects the second capillary tube to the condenser. In addition, the unit includes an air conditioning evaporator and a pipe for connecting the air conditioning evaporator to the first capillary tube for cooling air. A water supply is also provided as well as a water-cooling evaporator and pipe connecting the water-cooling evaporator to the second capillary tube. A first thermostat senses the temperature of the water and sends a signal to a solenoid valve for stopping the flow of refrigerant to the second capillary tube when the water reaches a pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.

Abstract: A chilled beverage dispenser has a “holeless” bowl and uses a cradle evaporator to achieve cooling of the beverage. In one exemplary embodiment, the cradle evaporator comprises three panels—a bottom panel and two side panels, the side panels being bolted or similarly fastened to the edges of the bottom panel in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the bottom panel. The bottom and side panels each define a continuous and sinuous channel, which carries a cooling medium. The dispenser bowl preferably is constructed of a thin-walled plastic, such that when the dispenser bowl is received in the cradle evaporator, heat transfer is achieved through the bottom wall and portions of the side walls of the bowl.

Abstract: A beverage cooling system for an ice and beverage dispenser is characterized by a cold plate for mounting a carbonator tank. The cold plate is provided with carbonator tank supports for mounting the carbonator tank in intimate heat exchange contact with the cold plate, with the carbonator tank being mounted sufficiently far away from heat exchange surfaces of the cold plate that it does not interfere with ice contacting the heat exchange surfaces. The arrangement is such that there is substantially no diminution of a surface area of the cold plate that is available to receive ice. At the same time, the carbonator is effectively cooled through direct heat exchange contact with the cold plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser 10 that can be assembled virtually entirely by hand without the need for hand or power tools. Exterior cladding panels 14, 50, 52, 54 and 70 thereof provide for interlocking assembly. A new ice bank evaporator structure 46, baffle 28 and method of ice bank control are also shown. In addition, dispenser 10 includes a merchandising cover 100 that permits for quick low cost conversion from an opaque display to one utilizing a back-lit transparency 120. Dispenser 10 further includes a molded plastic box 146 releasably securable to the base panel 14 thereof for retaining syrup pumps 134 therein for permitting quick access thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser 10 that can be assembled virtually entirely by hand without the need for hand or power tools. Exterior cladding panels 14, 50, 52, 54, and 70 thereof provide for interlocking assembly. A new ice bank evaporator structure 46, baffle 28 and method of ice bank control are also shown. In addition, dispenser 10 includes a merchandising cover 100 that permits for quick low cost conversion from an opaque display to one utilizing a back-lit transparency 120. Dispenser 10 further includes a molded plastic box 146 releasably securable to the base panel 14 thereof for retaining syrup pumps 134 therein for permitting quick access thereto.

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: 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: A machine for producing and dispensing cold or iced beverages comprises a plurality of beverage-containing tanks (11). Each tank is provided with an evaporator (12) for a refrigerating circuit and a mixer (13). The evaporators are connected with one and the same compressor (15) by connection and controlled-shutoff valves (16). The machine comprises a control system (22) receiving information (23, 24) about the temperature and/or density of the beverage in each tank and sending enable or cut-off signals respectively to the valves (16), which signals are distributed cyclically and in time so as to have a sequential enable of the valves themselves. In each enable sequence each valve is enabled for a time which is a function of the difference between the temperature and/or density detected in the associated tank and the predetermined density and/or temperature to be reached in such a tank.

Abstract: A vehicle beverage dispenser for holding and dispensing a quantity of fluids within a vehicle. The vehicle beverage dispenser includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The top wall has an aperture therein extending into an interior of the container. The container is positioned in a vehicle. A conduit has a first end fluidly coupled to the container and positioned generally adjacent to the bottom wall. A second end is coupled to a valve for selectively opening and closing the second end of the conduit. The valve is mounted in the vehicle and is positioned at a lower height relative to the bottom wall of the container such that gravity draws fluid positioned in the container through the conduit and to the valve.

Abstract: A beverage system for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container that includes a unique cooling assemblage for cooling the beverage so that as the beverage leave the dispensing faucet it is appropriately chilled. The cooling assemblage comprises a uniquely configured cooling component that is interposed between the beverage container and the dispensing faucet and can be interconnected with a refrigeration line.

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.

Abstract: A process for annealing copper or copper-containing components, such as copper tubing, and/or for selecting copper with an appropriate grain size, such that potable water in contact with the properly treated and/or selected copper, has substantially decreased copper emissions, and may comply with ANSI/NSF 61. In one preferred embodiment, an ANSI/NSF 61 -compliant water cooler may be constructed using a storage tank with wrapped copper water tubing treated and/or selected in this manner. The storage tank is preferably designed from non-copper components.

Abstract: An improved evaporator for a refrigeration system to reduce the temperature of a medium therein in which a first tube composed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity is surrounded by a body of a second material disposed in intimate contact therewith, the second material having a different thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the first material. An evaporator refrigerator inlet and outlet are disposed in the body and a refrigeration path intermediate the inlet and outlet includes a plurality of fins in the path to increase the surface area of the second material in the path. A refrigeration system using the improved evaporator and including a subcooler, is described and a method of manufacturing the evaporator is disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature selectable water supply device for one of heating and cooling water provided by a water supply system to an outlet in a structure. The device includes a main water tank including an inlet conduit for receiving water from a water supply tank connected to the water supply system and an outlet conduit for supplying the water to the outlet connected thereto. The temperature selectable water supply device also includes a water refrigeration tank connected to receive water from the main water supply tank for cooling to a desired temperature. A heating device is connected to the main water supply tank for heating the water therein and a cooling device is connected to the water refrigeration tank for cooling the water received thereby. A return conduit is connected between the water refrigeration tank and the main water tank for returning the cooled water to the main water tank for mixing with the water therein and thereby cooling the water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly cooling a liquid based food, such as soups and the like, includes a fluid circulation device which is inserted into a container holding hot soup in order to cool the same. The fluid circulation device preferably includes a coiled, tubular element which circulates chilled fluid through the soup without the fluid coming into direct contact with the soup. The soup is cooled by continuously flowing chilled fluid through the circulation coil, thereby effecting a heat exchange whereby the chilled fluid absorbs heat from soup as it passes through the fluid circulation device in order to lower the temperature of the soup. The apparatus includes a pump which transports the chilled fluid from a fluid supply, through an inlet line into the circulation device, through the circulation device and into an outlet line which then transports the fluid out of the fluid circulation device.

Abstract: A cooling jacket and dispenser system for a container of liquid beverage comprises a flexible sheet of thermally insulating material designed to circumferentially fit around the container to be cooled thereby. The sheet has a cooling line coil disposed in serpentine fashion upon an interior facing surface thereof for direct or indirect contact with the external side periphery of the container to be cooled thereby. The cooling line coil is operatively connected to a cooling bath fluid supplied by and recirculated to a liquid dispenser assembly.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a product source, a housing that defines a cooling chamber and has dispensing valves mounted thereon, helically-shaped product lines for communicating product from the product source to the dispensing valves, a water line positioned in the bottom of the cooling chamber for communicating water to the dispensing valves, a refrigeration unit mounted over the cooling chamber that includes an evaporator coil extending into the cooling chamber, and an agitator mounted over the cooling chamber for circulating unfrozen cooling fluid along a circuitous path about the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber contains a cooling fluid, a portion of which freezes about the evaporator coil during the operation of the refrigeration unit to form a frozen cooling fluid slab. The agitator drives unfrozen cooling fluid circuitously about the exterior surface of the slab and through a channel, formed by the interior surface of the slab, to facilitate heat exchange.

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 glycol chiller comprising an elongate vertical sheet metal tank with front and rear walls, laterally spaced vertical end walls, vertically spaced top and bottom walls and a horizontal intermediate wall spaced between the top and bottom walls and defining a lower glycol chiller chamber and an upper glycol reservoir within the tank filler opening in the top wall, a flow through port in the intermediate wall conducting glycol from the reservoir into the chamber, a plurality of spaced apart partitions in the chiller chamber defining an elongate zig zag glycol flow passage with upstream and downstream ends within the chamber, glycol inlet and outlet fittings communicating with opposite ends of the flow passage and projecting from the tank to connect with glycol return and delivery lines extending from a related heat exchanging device; a motor driven pump downstream from the inlet fitting and operating to continuously recirculate glycol through the flow passage and the selected heat exchange device; an electric p

Abstract: A liquid dispenser having a drop-in/lift-out reservoir that can be readily disassembled from or assembled to a housing, permitting easy cleaning of the reservoir, and not requiring the detachment of hoses or fittings. In another embodiment, alcove adaptors are provided that can be selectively used to permit various liquid dispenser configurations to be operably connected to the housing assembly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising an elongate tank with top, bottom, side, front and rear walls. A plurality of longitudinally spaced partitions are positioned within the tank and define an elongate serpentine or zig-zag liquid conducting flow passage with upstream and downstream ends. An elongate serpentine or zig-zag formed fluid coolant conducting coil is positioned centrally within and extends longitudinally of the flow passage. The coil has an upstream end portion exiting the tank at the downstream end of the flow passage and a downstream end portion exiting the tank at the upstream end of the flow passage. Liquid inlet and outlet fittings connected with a valve-controlled fluid supply and dispensing means conduct liquid into and out of the flow passage.

Abstract: A water cooler and dispensing system comprises a housing, a pump, a cap, a siphon tube, a reservoir, a cooling unit, control circuitry and a faucet. The housing includes a frame and detachable panels for supporting the reservoir above a water bottle. The cap substantially seals the bottle and is coupled to the pump. The pump forces air into the bottle and water upward through the siphon tube to the reservoir. A liquid pumping system may also be used. The reservoir is divided into two portions, and the lower portion contains a cooling unit for chilling the water. The reservoir has an output port from each portion of the reservoir coupled to a faucet formed by a manifold, two valves and a nozzle. The dispenser also includes control circuitry for selectively operating the pump to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. The controller also lights an indicator when the bottle is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for refrigerating and dispensing soft serve food products from one or more containers of product maintained at temperatures, respectively, appropriate for the products. The containers comprise flexible and impermeable bags having heat sink structures contained therein and the apparatus includes respective container receptacles and a refrigeration system having cooling sections located adjacent the respective receptacles wherein the cooling sections are aligned with the heat sink structures of the containers when the containers are seated within the receptacles. Adjustable refrigerant controls are provided for controlling the flow of refrigerant to the respective cooling sections and a monitoring system, including pneumatic and electric control circuits, provides signals corresponding to the volume of space in a container receptacle external of the flexible bag to detect the existence of an empty or nearly empty container.

Abstract: A machine dispenses viscous, chilled alcoholic beverage and has a housing forming an enclosure with side, top and bottom surfaces. The side, top and bottom surfaces are of such dimension to form a housing of a size to be placed on the countertop of a bar and the like. A refrigeration cooling unit is contained within the enclosure and includes a compressor, condenser and evaporator coil. A beverage faucet is mounted on the side surface of the housing and a manifold is mounted in a top portion of the housing. A cooling tank is mounted at a vertical height above the beverage faucet. Beverage is received from the manifold into the tank. At least a portion of the evaporator coil extends within the tank for cooling alcoholic beverage contained therein. A beverage delivery tube connects between the cooling tank and the beverage faucet for delivering cooled beverage by gravity flow from the cooling tank to the beverage faucet. At least one bottle mount extends from the manifold upward through the housing.

Abstract: A portable cooler for carrying and chilling a standard beverage container having a threaded cap. The container cap is removed, and the container is threaded into the cooler. The beverage container is inverted when the cooler is upright. The container neck threads into a socket which is in liquid communication with a faucet external to the cooler. A cooler cap threads to the body of the cooler, sealing a chilled chamber defined in the cooler, and retaining the beverage container therein. In an alternative embodiment, this cap cooperates with the beverage container, so that the container can be inserted upright, and used in that position. A handle is also optionally provided, so that the cooler can be handled in the manner of a pitcher. A refrigeration plant, which may be a miniature compression cycle type or a Peltier effect type, is housed inside the cooler. An electrical plug enables connection to a suitable electrical power source.

Abstract: A counter-height water dispenser which is comprised of a housing having a top wall disposed at substantially counter height. A water reservoir is supported in a top part of the housing. The reservoir has an open-top end section and a bottom cooling well section. The top wall is formed as a cover which is removably secured over an open area of the housing for access to an opening in the open-top end section of the reservoir. A compressor and condensor coil is mounted below the reservoir with a cooling coil being associated therewith. The cooling coil is disposed about the well section of the reservoir. An outlet port is provided in the well section and is connected to a low-pressure electric pump. The pump has an outlet tube connected to a dispensing faucet which is removably secured on the top wall of the housing adjacent the open area. The faucet has a low-pressure sealing coupling in its connection with the outlet tube.

Abstract: An agitating and pumping device particularly for use with a beverage cooling and dispensing ice-bank system. The ice-bank includes a reservoir for holding water and refrigerating coils therein for cooling the water. A heat exchange circuit is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir water for cooling beverage circulated therethrough. The agitating and pumping device includes an electric motor for driving a shaft having agitating blades secured thereto. A pump is magnetically coupled to the shaft and is fluidly connected to the heat exchange circuit and to a source of beverage. The motor is secured above the reservoir with the agitating blades and pump submerged in the reservoir water. Operation of the motor provides for agitating of the reservoir water and for the pumping of the beverage through the heat exchange circuit.

Abstract: A compact and efficient heat exchanger is defined by three coaxial tubes, the intermediate tube being spirally fluted and in intimate contact with inner and outer tubes. The resulting three walled tubular structure defines a spiral vent passage and double wall separation between inner and outer flow paths. The three walled structure may be formed into an evaporator coil for use in a water cooler.

Abstract: A beverage cooler and dispenser wherein bottled beverages are received into a housing member and the beverage therein is transferred by gravity to a cooling chamber comprising honeycombed beverage passageways. The beverage is thermoelectrically cooled within the honeycombed passageways and selectively dispensed from the cooling chamber via a spigot fixedly attached to said housing member.

Abstract: The structure of the present invention comprises a self-cooling container in which a segregating wall is used to divide the container into a beverage chamber and a cooling chamber, the latter having a reaction chamber mounted therein, which in a preferred embodiment is of an elongated cylindrical shape. The reaction chamber cylinder of the present invention provides an inverted funnel-shaped bottom surface for receiving the flow of beverage from the beverage chamber portion of the container through a feed-through at the bottom of the segregating wall thereof. The funnel leads to a flow tube which is positioned in axial alignment with the cylinder, preferably through the center thereof and defining an inner wall of the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber houses a combination of chemical materials separated by a readily broken sealing device from a selected volume of distilled water, which rfeleased into the chemical constituents, initiates an endothermic reaction which extracts heat from the beverage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adaptable for use with bottled water dispensing systems thermoelectrically cools the bottled water contained in a bottle which is positioned in a water receptacle within a housing. The bottled water cooling units include a heat sink having a plurality of fins, preferably of a corrugated configuration, secured to and extending outwardly from the first side of a base plate. At least one thermoelectric chip, being connectable to an electrical energy source and having a cold side and a hot side, is bonded to the second side of the base plate, wherein the cold side of the chip is in contact with the water receptacle to lower the temperature of the water contained in and flowing through the receptacle, and the hot side of the chip is in direct contact with the heat sink base plate. A fan is provided to circulate air through the plurality of fins of the heat sink.

Abstract: A self-contained beverage chilling apparatus including a refrigerant cooling system comprising a refrigerant reservoir in a fluid communication with a cold plate, a refrigerator accumulator, a compressor and a refrigerant condenser mounted within a housing unit. The housing unit further included beverage inlet means in fluid communication with the cooling system cold plate, and beverage dispenser means in fluid communication with the cold plate wherein the beverage to be dispensed is chilled to a desired temperature as it passes through the cold plate to the beverage dispensing means.