Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an ice projectile. The method comprises the steps of: —providing a quantity of water; providing a quantity of alcohol corresponding to at least 5 wt.-% of the quantity of water; mixing the quantity of water with the quantity of alcohol; transferring the mixture to means for cooling and solidifying the mixture to form a piece of ice; cooling the mixture in the cooling and solidifying means to a mixture-solidification temperature in order to produce at least one piece of ice; and launching the or each piece of ice at a target using launching means.

Abstract: A device for supplying cold gases to an NMR installation or analytical apparatus equipped with a measuring probe, with cold gases ensuring the cooling of the sample contained in the probe, but also its lift and rotation, the device including an insulated tank containing liquid gas at boiling point and in which are arranged exchangers through which gas streams to be cooled pass, these exchangers being connected to transfer lines channeling the cooled gases to the probe. The device also includes at least one additional exchanger that ensures a pre-cooling of the gas stream before it is channeled to the corresponding exchanger, with the or each additional exchanger coming in the form of a double-flow exchanger that is supplied either by the gaseous vapor produced by the boiling of the liquid gas in the tank or by the cold gas that is evacuated or that escapes at the probe.

Abstract: A penetrating temperature probe senses the water temperature of a brazed plate heat exchanger at a particularly cold intermediate point between the heat exchanger's water inlet and outlet. The brazed plate heat exchanger has a series of corrugated plates stacked and brazed together to create an alternating arrangement of water and refrigerant passages in heat transfer relationship with each other.

Abstract: A cooler includes a circular pipe member through which a heating medium circulates, and being in thermal contact with a power module to cool the power module with the heating medium flowing through an interior of the circular pipe member. An axially extending channel formation member between which and an inner circumferential surface of the circular pipe member a narrow channel for the heating medium is formed is provided in the circular pipe member.

Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing liquid, semi-liquid and/or semi-solid food products comprising a cylinder for processing a mixture of a basic product and air, a chamber for the transit of a heat exchange fluid, the chamber being located around the cylinder, a dispensing tap and means for treating the heat exchange fluid and supplying it to the transit chamber; it is equipped with a flexible container for containing the basic product and housed in a rigid container; a compressor of a flow of pressurized air being designed to send pressurized air into the rigid container in such a way that it acts on the flexible container to cause the transfer of the basic product from the container to the processing cylinder through a feed tube.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from a liquid storage container operably associated with the liquid dispenser. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a main housing having a dispensing location at which liquid from a liquid storage container is dispensed and a storage location for storing a liquid storage container. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a removable liquid transport assembly removable from the main housing having a substantially rigid liquid manifold, a valve assembly, a riser tube, a reservoir, a reservoir dip tube, a pump head, a pinch tube and a dispensing nozzle that are removable as a single unit from the main housing. Preferably, the liquid dispenser includes a single self-priming pump. Preferably, the valve assembly includes a non-return valve and a pressure relief valve that act in concert to control the flow of liquid between the liquid storage container and the reservoir.

Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a beverage supply circuit 7 which supplies a carbonated beverage to the outside a primary cooling device 13, a secondary cooling device 30, and a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling which allows these components to cool the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less. The heat exchanger 16 supplies the carbonated beverage in the supercooled state to release the supercooled state in the outside, and the carbonated beverage on standby for serving in a portion of the beverage supply circuit 7 cooled by at least the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling is maintained in an unsaturated state.

Abstract: A device that attaches to a bottle's neck has a base that secures to the bottle's neck and has two passages that traverse the base. The first passage leads to an enclosure located above the base that holds cooling material and optionally has a conduit that improves the heat exchange between a dispensing liquid and the cooling material retained in the enclosure. The exit passage of the enclosure has in at least one embodiment a valve. The second passage through the base forms a vent line that is located entirely below the enclosure and allows air to flow into the bottle as bottle's contents are dispensed through the first passage.

Abstract: A dispenser of cooled or heated liquid which in one embodiment is a server cart for an aircraft. To avoid the need for a pump, the reservoir has a cooling or heating heat exchanger that helically coils around the main reservoir, which cools from the top down or heats from the bottom up, forming a counter current. The reservoir is connected to at least two conduits, one near the cooler top of the reservoir and one near the relatively warmer bottom of the reservoir. The two conduits connect to one another at a distance from the reservoir forming a dispensing passage, thereby allowing fluid to constantly circulate through the dispensing passage due to difference in the specific gravity in the fluid caused by the temperature difference. The elimination of the pump device is especially desirable for weight sensitive environments such as an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drink dispenser provided with a chamber with an opening for accommodating a container containing carbonated drink. The container is provided with an outlet closed by a shut-off valve and a tap head that during use is connected via a line to the outlet, which tap head has an operating member for opening and closing the line. The line has a relatively stiff line section with a first part and a second part that are in contact with one another in a contact plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the line and which can be taken apart to provide access to an interior surface of the line section. Rubber strips extend in the longitudinal direction of the line section and are arranged in or close to the contact plane to form a liquid barrier. The two line parts have a clamping member that is able to engage on a locking element for fixing the line parts in a position in contact with one another.

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 cooler for storing and cooling beverage(s) and/or food product(s) comprising a hollow main compartment, a lid assembly for closing the hollow main compartment and a spout assembly extending from the hollow main compartment for discharging stored liquid product wherein said lid assembly includes an independent storage compartment for dry food product and wherein said hollow main compartment includes a body with at least one protrusion forming a coupling member for removably attaching at least one block of stored coolant adapted to be pre-refrigerated before liquid product is stored into the hollow main compartment of the portable cooler.

Abstract: A cooling, carbonation and dispensing system for use with a liquid in a keg includes a cooling ring mounted on top of the keg. The cooling ring includes a toroidal-shaped shell into which dry ice is placed. The cooling ring and dry ice provide contact cooling of the keg, as well as carbon dioxide gas by sublimation of the dry ice to carbonate the liquid in the keg and pressure on the liquid so that it may be dispensed from the keg. A chilling unit having a hose bundle is mounted on top of the cooling ring. A liquid dispensing hose from the keg coupler on the keg connects to the hose bundle, so that liquid from the keg passes through the hose bundle. A lid having a tower is attached to the top of the chilling unit and latched to it to form a water-tight seal. Another hose connects to the hose bundle in the chilling unit and conducts the liquid to a dispensing hose attached to a dispenser in the tower.

Abstract: A beverage cooling container comprising a container body comprising a floor and a wall; a water level limiter, for limiting a water level in the contained area to a water level limit positioned between the floor and the filling opening, the water level limit defining a chilling zone and defining an ice reserve zone for storing reserve ice to replenish the chilling zone the reserve zone height being more than one-ninth the chilling zone height; and a beverage chiller, positioned at least partly within the chilling zone, configured to facilitate chilling within the chilling zone.

Abstract: An insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line provides enhanced temperature control of one or more beverages conveyed through the transport line. A plurality of coolant lines carrying a re-circulated coolant makes contact with the one or more product lines. One or more empty lines, referred to as packers, may be placed between the coolant lines and the product lines to provide a dimensionally stable and tight group of lines that are bundled together. An external insulation is provided over the bundle of lines to further enhance insulation for the beverage being transported through the product lines. At least one dedicated coolant return line may be placed remote from the other lines. The dedicated coolant return line carries the highest temperature coolant found in a beverage transport system. Independent and separate insulation of this dedicated coolant return line prevents inadvertent heat transfer to the one or more product lines.

Abstract: A drink supply canister for 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 the drink supply canisters, and 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: A cold plate for a beverage chilling apparatus comprising a plurality of beverage conducting tubes sinuously arranged within a cast aluminum jacket. Interleaved between the beer conducting tubes are coolant conducting lines arranged in heat exchanging relation. The coolant lines are derived from a main coolant line pumping coolant to the cold plate, where a coolant inlet is divided into two separate smaller intermediate coolant segments at a first stage. Each intermediate glycol segment is then subdivided at a second stage into four heat exchanging coolant lines. At each subdivision of the coolant fluid conducting system, a pair of smaller lines equal distance from a feed line and having a smaller diameter than the feed line are incorporated using a two-for-one splitter so that each stage doubles the number of lines from the previous stage.

Abstract: A cooling unit adapted for use in a freezing mechanism, which is composed a metallic cylindrical evaporator housing and a metallic freezing pipe helically wound on an outer periphery of the evaporator housing for thermal contact with the evaporator housing, wherein the freezing pipe is embedded in a metal layer formed by slip casting of a low melting point alloy such as aluminum alloy, tin alloy or magnesium alloy on the outer periphery of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flake ice-making machine for producing flake ice. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical evaporator (1), a water-flow distribution means (2) for introducing water to be frozen to flow downwardly in a thin sheet over the inner wall (14) of the evaporator (1) and an elongated ice-scraping means (4) mounted centrally inside the evaporator (1). Unlike conventional flaked ice maker, the flake ice maker of the present invention has an evaporator (1) that is provided with an expansion coil (3). To improve operating efficiency, the expansion coil (3) is further provided with a plurality of baffle (53).

Abstract: A juice dispenser is shown that includes a water bath tank, a mechanical refrigeration system and a beverage containing cabinet. These three primary components are designed to be separable modular units that are easily assembled together and disassembled. A sheet metal refrigeration deck having an evaporator secured thereto and suspended there below is dropped into and secured to a top end of a water bath tank. Various mechanical refrigeration components including primarily a compressor and condenser, are supported above the deck at a rear portion thereof. The beverage cabinet is positioned and retained above a forward portion of the water bath tank and includes an internal space for retaining a beverage container for holding typically a volume of beverage or juice concentrate/syrup. Fluid disconnects provide for releasable connection with the water bath for providing fluid connection to a heat exchange coil located in the cabinet to provide cooling therein, and hence, cooling of the concentrate.

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: 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: A semi-portable water cooler suitable for outdoor use on a sports playing field includes a thermally insulated container supplied with water such as from a municipal water supply by way of a feeder hose. A spiraled water conduit tube is emplaced within the container which is filled with ice. Water received from the feeder hose passes upwardly through the tube and exits from a cover at the top of the container. The cooled exiting water is fed into a number of separate exterior lengths of flexible hose, each terminating in a valve-controlled drinking spout. The spouts with attached hoses are held by brackets supported by the container, and are slideably retained while permitting lifting to drinking height for a standing person.

Abstract: A component configuration for enhancing the serviceability of a dispenser includes a platform positionable on the housing of the dispenser. A refrigeration unit mounts at a center and rear portions of the platform. An electronic control is disposed within a housing that is mounted at a center portion of the platform adjacent to the refrigeration unit. The electronic control housing permits access to the electronic control from the front of the dispenser. An evaporator coil of the refrigeration unit includes concentric coil sections defined by an inner coil section, an intermediate coil section, and an outer coil section.

Abstract: An ice-cooled server installed on a drink container has an outer shell body having a truncated-cone shaped step bottom portion. A spiraled cooling pipe is fixedly set in a refrigerant receiver which is fixedly set inside of the outer shell body. A dispense cock is disposed at an outer periphery of said outer shell body and connected to an end of the cooling pipe. The other end of the cooling pipe is connected to a dispense head fixed at a lower and center portion of the outer shell body through a supporting plate. This construction facilitates the installation and detachment of the ice-cooled server to and from the drink container and improves a cooling ability of the server.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes at least one fluid system comprising at least one fluid line, and a metallic unit. The fluid system is arranged in the shape of a concavely depressed coil with a top and a bottom. At the bottom of the coil an opening is defined. The metallic unit incorporates the at least one fluid system. The metallic unit has an upper surface in which is defined a concave depression, and the concave depression has defined therein a drain which extends through the metallic unit. The concave depression of the metallic unit is aligned with the concavely depressed coil, and the drain defined in the metallic unit passes through the opening at the bottom of the at least one fluid system.

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: A round post-mix beverage dispenser includes a cylindrical carbonator, still water conduits for supplying water to be carbonated, and carbonated water output coils in the form of circular courses of tubing which surround the carbonator tank in a surrounding water bath. Syrup conduits are coiled in circular courses within the water bath. The round or cylindrical shape of the dispenser housing is adaptable to many different looks such as cans, bottles, glasses and cups. Preferably the basic cylindrical housing shape is made to look like a can of a beverage. Decorative sleeves which define or simulate the appearance of other types of containers such as bottles, cups and glasses can be easily added to the basic cylindrical housing, as desired, to provide different attractive appearances to promote sales.

Abstract: The insertion of a specifically designed evaporative cooled supplemental condenser in a refrigeration system, working in operative relation with the air cooled condenser of the system, enhances the system operation. The objective of this evaporative type supplemental condenser is to improve the condensing capacity of the existing air cooled refrigerant condenser to the extent that its performance will counteract the detrimental effects of high ambient temperatures by supplementing the existing condenser capacity. The system's air cooled condenser will perform as the primary condenser and the supplemental condenser will correct the pressures and temperatures of the refrigerant as required, for counteracting the effects of high ambient temperature operation on air conditioning refrigeration systems.

Abstract: The insertion of a specifically designed liquid cooled supplemental condenser in a refrigeration system, working in operative relation with the air cooled condenser of the system, enhances the system operation. The objective of this supplemental condenser is to improve the condensing capacity of the existing air cooled refrigerant condenser to the extent that its performance will counteract the detrimental effects of high ambient temperatures by supplementing the existing condenser capacity. The system's air cooled condenser will perform as the primary condenser and the supplemental condenser will correct the pressures and temperatures of the refrigerant as required, for counteracting the effects of high ambient temperature operation on air conditioning refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A beer dispenser for use without electric power facilities. The dispenser includes a thermally insulated cabinet for receiving a beer barrel. The cabinet has an opening in the front provided with an insulated door through which the barrel is inserted. An ice chest is mounted above the cabinet. The partition between the ice chest and the cabinet serves in common as the base of the ice chest and a ceiling for the cabinet and is thermally conducting so that there is heat interchange between the interior of the cabinet and the ice chest. The ice chest contains a cold plate. The coil is connected to the barrel at the input and to a spigot at the level of the ice chest at the output. The dispenser is provided with a hand pump or with a CO.sub.2 tank for applying pressure to the beer in the barrel. The ice in the ice chest cools both the beer flowing through the coil and the beer in the barrel so that the formation of "picnic beer" is avoided.

Abstract: An ice cooled beverage dispensing apparatus including an L-shaped cold plate having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The cold plate includes a plurality of beverage lines extending therethrough and, in particular, extending vertically through the vertical portion of the cold plate. The beverage fluid lines provide for connecting between a plurality of beverage dispensing valves and the cold plate. A heat tube extends partially into the cold plate vertical portion and terminates with an evaporative cooling tube portion adjacent a carbonated water manifold extending adjacent the beverage dispensing valves. A carbonator is integral with the cold plate and located generally at the juncture of the vertical and horizontal portions. Metal thermal jackets cover the portions of the beverage fluid lines extending between the cold plate and the beverage dispensing valves. In operation, the heat tube provides for evaporating cooling of the manifold.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, generally cylindrical, multi-compartmented device for disposition and support by the upper portions of a beer keg such that beer may be dispensed therefrom. The various compartments provide the space for the tapping, cooling and gas containment functions desirable in dispensing the like from a keg. In addition, the device can be used as a self-contained cooling container for picnics and the like.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, unmotorized apparatus for recovering condensable halocarbons is described. The device is comprised of two containers. The first container, which is substantially cryogenic, is adapted to hold refrigerant; this container is comprised of a valve and a refrigerant line. The refrigerant line from the first container is passed in contact with a second container, and the in such line is allowed to vent to an area of relatively low pressure. As the refrigerant is passed to the area of lower pressure, the second container is cooled. The second container is connected to a vessel, which contains the condensable gas to be recovered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dispensing beer from a keg without excess foaming wherein the keg and beer temperatures and fluid pressures are controlled such that beer is dispensed at predetermined temperatures at substantially atmospheric pressures even over a wide range of atmospheric temperatures. Beer is supplied under pressure from the keg to a constricted flow line which abruptly decreases flow pressure. A portion of the constricted flow line is immersed in a refrigerating bath to reduce beer temperature. The length of the constricted flow line to the dispensing nozzle is sufficient long and its internal diameter sufficiently smooth that beer flow therethrough is stabilized to significantly reduce turbulence. Beer pressure drop through the nozzle is minimal and beer flow is relatively laminar.The portion of the constricted line immersed in the refrigerating bath is formed from coiled tubing. The bath fluid is recirculated and the bath temperature is sufficiently low as to cause ice to form.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling drinking water in combination with a conventional refrigeration system of a type including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. A container having insulated walls and a sealed chamber is provided and has the evaporator therein in the shape of a substantially helically shaped coil. The substantially helically shaped water pipe inserted inside of the helically shaped freon pipe whereby a larger volume of water will be maintained cold by using a helically shaped freon and water pipe than if a straight water pipe were to be used in the cooling chamber. Additionally, because of the small cross section of the water pipe, the cold water will pass out of the cool chamber without mixing in any substantial way with warmer water entering the helical water pipe.

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 cooling, carbonating and dispensing apparatus has a refrigerator cabinet having a cold air cooling chamber, a cold beverage reservoir and carbonator in the cooling chamber, an outlet from the reservoir to a dispensing valve, and a spring-like helically coiled thermally conductive precooler secured to a beverage inlet of the reservoir, the precooler is suspended in the cold air chamber and has a substantial restriction to flow of beverage therethrough so that the refilling flow into the reservoir is very slow and is cooled to about 40 degrees F. (4.4 degrees C.) before admittance into the reservoir, so the entire contents of the reservoir can be dispensed without warmup or loss of carbonation.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit and a glycol unit are integrated to provide a cooling system for beer being delivered through a line run to dispensing stations remote from the beer storage cooler. A chiller coil of the glycol unit is coaxial within the evaporator coil of the refrigeration unit where the glycol coolant is chilled and then flows directly into the line run. Constant temperature of the coolant in the chiller coil is maintained by the maintenance of a constant pre-set vapor pressure of the refrigerant gas in the evaporator coil. The pre-set vapor pressure is maintained by a hot gas bypass valve which automatically meters hot refrigerant gas from the output of the compressor directly to the evaporator coil when the vapor pressure falls below the pre-set pressure. The compressor operates continuously and only a relatively small volume of the glycol coolant is stored in the tank of the glycol unit.

Abstract: A cold plate apparatus for use as a part of a beverage dispensing machine with an ice storage container. The apparatus is designed to be placed in the bottom of the ice storage container where ice may reside on the top surface of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a block of aluminum through the interior of which run coils of tubing for carrying beverage liquids and having appropriate inlets and outlets. The apparatus provides means for optimizing the heat transferred from the beverage liquids to the ice. Means area also provided which minimize the time any accumulated layer of water due to the melting of ice resides on top of the apparatus.

Abstract: A postmix juice dispensing system for reconstituting and dispensing pliable 5+1 orange juice at freezer temperatures of from about -10.degree. F. to 0.degree. F., including a pressurizable canister for pressurizing concentrate in a flexible bag and for forcing the concentrate through a concentrate conduit into a heat exchanger, then into a metering device and then into a mixing chamber where the concentrate mixes with water fed also through a metering device. The dispensing system includes a remote, under-the-counter refrigeration system with a recirculating water chiller for chilling the concentrate reservoir in the dispenser, a water tank, a pressurizable concentrate canister in the tank, and a potable water heat exchange coil in a cold water bath to cool the potable water to be used in the dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid cooler comprises a housing, a chamber located in the housing, a conduit for the fluid to be cooled and a float controlled valve for controlling the flow of liquid refrigerant into the chamber.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making, cooling and dispensing carbonated water or beverage wherein the method has the steps of providing a single supply of condensed refrigerant, discretely routing a first portion of the refrigerant to a precooler and precooling the water only to an intermediate moderate temperature of about 40 degrees F. (5 degrees C.) with the first refrigerant portion, carbonating the water before or after precooling, transferring the precooled and carbonated water to a final cooler of the ice bank type and final cooling the carbonated water and syrup to as close to 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C.) as is possible, and discretely routing a second portion of refrigerant to the ice bank. The discrete flow of refrigerant to the precooler and the discrete flow of refrigerant to the ice bank final cooler are each discretely controlled and portioned and routed, with this method and apparatus having extremely high efficiency and making very cold carbonated water reliably and without freeze ups.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system further cools the beverage where it is dispensed at a considerable distance from the beverage storage container. The beverage conduit between the storage and dispensing sites is carried in a bundle located within an insulated jacket conduit. The bundle also contains parallel chilled liquid lines through which chilled liquid is circulated. A concentric coil is located at the dispensing site. A manifold connects the parallel beverage and chilled liquid lines to the concentric coil and to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing beverages permit the use of water as a coolant and utilize parasitic cooling from a walk-in cooler. At least one supply tube for a beverage leads from a container for that beverage through a cooling manifold to a dispensing tap through a conduit assembly. The conduit assembly includes a tube which enwraps one or more beverage lines and a second tube which enwraps the first tube. Coolant passes between the first tube and the beverage lines to keep the beverage lines at a desired temperature from the walk-in cooler to the remote dispensing tap. At the tap, the coolant enters a passage between the first or intermediate tube and the outer tube and returns to the walk-in cooler. In the cooler, there coolant passes through a cooling coil positioned at the discharge for the primary cooler refrigeration system. A pump in the cooler provides the necessary energy to circulate the coolant through the system.

Abstract: A beverage cooler has a cold plate and a plastic ice cube bin secured to the cold plate by an adaptor which is permanently adjoined to plastic walls of the hopper. The adaptor has a tongue, a plate arm which fits into a rabbet on the cold plate, a foam flange which extends out into foam insulation and a plate flange fastened to the cold plate; the plastic hopper walls have a foot molded into the plate flange and rivets molded into the tongue. A method of manufacturing the plastic ice bin has the plastic walls being molded onto the adaptor, preferably by rotomolding using polyethylene as the material. A beverage cooler construction has a rotomolded exterior shell fastened to the plastic ice hopper by a spacer and top molding and has insulated beverage outlet lines which exit the shell through an offset under the molding rim.

Abstract: An improved cold plate (10) is disclosed for use in cooling carbonated water and syrup which is mixed to form a beverage. The cooling coil (10) employs a plurality of involute carbonated water cooling coils (12-16) formed of tubing through which is flowed the carbonated water. The use of involute coils provides a more uniform thermal gradient within the cold plate (10) and resists bridging of the cooling medium, typically ice. The syrup cooling coils (18-28) can be constructed in either a serpentine or involute configuration.

Abstract: Cooling beverages by the addition of ice cubes, dilutes the beverage as the ice melts. The present device comprises an insulated container having a low freezing temperature material such as a liquid or semi-liquid, sealed therein. A pouring funnel is provided at the upper end of the container with a spiral conduit extending from the funnel, downwardly through the liquid or material, to a discharge at the base. When frozen, a beverage can be poured into the funnel portion and flows downwardly through the conduit being cooled by the material within the container and surrounding the conduit. The liquid then discharges at the base at a relatively lower temperature. A valve can be provided in the base for controlling the retention time, if desired.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device which mounts on top of a cabinet so that a warm beverage, such as beer carried in a keg is cooled prior to flowing out of a faucet. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container having an evaporator coil positioned closely adjacent an inner wall and a beverage dispensing coil centrally positioned within the container. A space is provided between the inner wall of the container and the beverage dispensing coil so as to permit ice to build up on the wall of the container. A power-operated propellor is centrally located within the container for circulating water over the layer of ice and around the beverage dispensing coil to enhance the cooling of the beer flowing through the coil. A temperature sensor is carried in the water between the ice layer and the beverage cooling coil for controlling the operation of a compressor for maintaining the proper temperature of water in the container.

Abstract: A portable appliance for quick chilling and heating of fluids, such as beverages, without dilution. The appliance comprises a pour-through, gravity operated heat exchanger, an intake reservoir connected to its upper end, and a discharge tap connected to its lower end. It operates without application of electric or mechanical power, and may be used both indoors or in the field.