Abstract:
An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.
Abstract:
A system for delivering a selected one of two diluents to beverage dispensing valves is characterized by a manifold having a plurality of pairs of first and second diluent outlet orifices. One diluent is delivered to all of the first outlet orifices and the other diluent is delivered to all of the second outlet orifices. Hoses coupled at one end to diluent inlets to associated ones of the dispensing valves each have a connector at their opposite end which is adapted to be selectively and releasably connected with either the first or second orifice of an associated pair of orifices in accordance with whichever diluent is to be delivered by the hose to its associated dispensing valve. Stop plugs are releasably inserted into and close the non-selected orifices to prevent escape of diluent from those orifices. A retainer releasably retains the connectors and stop plugs in the orifices.
Abstract:
A product storage and handling system for a beverage dispenser is characterized by a cabinet in which a plurality of bins are removably supported on one or more shelves that may be slid into and out of the cabinet. Each bin is for containing a removable container of liquid beverage component, a fluid valve of which container extends downward through and is releasably secured against vertical movement in a lower opening in the bin. A connector coupled to a fluid line leading to a beverage valve of a beverage dispenser is arranged to be conveniently fluid coupled with and decoupled from the fluid valve of the bag. When a shelf of slid out of the cabinet, the bins supported by it may, if desired, be lifted off of and replaced on the shelf for during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component. Alternatively, the bins may remain supported on the shelf during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component.
Abstract:
An apparatus for and method of cleaning and sanitizing a beverage dispenser is characterized by fluid connectors that may quickly and conveniently be manually fluid coupled with either supplies of beverage components to be delivered through flow paths to beverage dispensing valves or with a source of cleaning and sanitizing fluid to be delivered through the flow paths to the beverage dispensing valves to clean and sanitize the flow paths and dispensing valves. The beverage component supplies have valves with which the fluid connectors fluid couple, and a manifold has an inlet port for receiving cleaning and sanitizing fluid and outlet ports that are each located in proximity to an associated beverage component supply valve and with which the fluid connectors may be fluid coupled after being de-coupled from their associated beverage component supply valves.
Abstract:
An apparatus for and method of cleaning and sanitizing a beverage dispenser is characterized by fluid connectors that may quickly and conveniently be manually fluid coupled with either supplies of beverage components to be delivered through flow paths to beverage dispensing valves or with a source of cleaning and sanitizing fluid to be delivered through the flow paths to the beverage dispensing valves to clean and sanitize the flow paths and dispensing valves. The beverage component supplies have valves with which the fluid connectors fluid couple, and a manifold has an inlet port for receiving cleaning and sanitizing fluid and outlet ports that are each located in proximity to an associated beverage component supply valve and with which the fluid connectors may be fluid coupled after being de-coupled from their associated beverage component supply valves.
Abstract:
A product storage and handling system for a beverage dispenser is characterized by a cabinet in which a plurality of bins are removably supported on one or more shelves that may be slid into and out of the cabinet. Each bin is for containing a removable container of liquid beverage component, a fluid valve of which container extends downward through and is releasably secured against vertical movement in a lower opening in the bin. A connector coupled to a fluid line leading to a beverage valve of a beverage dispenser is arranged to be conveniently fluid coupled with and decoupled from the fluid valve of the bag. When a shelf of slid out of the cabinet, the bins supported by it may, if desired, be lifted off of and replaced on the shelf for during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component. Alternatively, the bins may remain supported on the shelf during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component.
Abstract:
An ice transport and dispensing system includes an ice maker for introducing ice into a remote ice storage bin and a plurality of ice dispensing stations that receive ice from the bin. Each dispensing station has an ice storage hopper, and at least one downwardly sloping ice delivery conduit extends between the bin and the hoppers for a flow of ice through the conduit from the bin to the dispensing stations solely under the influence of gravity. So that a single conduit can deliver ice to at least two dispensing stations, the conduit extends past one of the stations and leads to the other station and an ice diverter assembly is actuable to divert a flow of ice from the conduit to the one station. A control circuit monitors the level of ice in the hoppers of the dispensing stations and operates the system in a manner to maintain a supply of ice in each hopper.
Abstract:
An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.