Abstract:
Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for energizing the transponder on the food or beverage container, and for discerning information therefrom. Alternatively, active transponders can be used and an non-exciter reader can be used. The information from the containers can be used to track the containers and control the amount of consumable material with which the containers are filled, the number of times the containers are filled, and the type of material with which the containers are filled.
Abstract:
Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for energizing the transponder on the food or beverage container, and for discerning information therefrom. Alternatively, active transponders can be used and an non-exciter reader can be used. The information from the containers can be used to track the containers and control the amount of consumable material with which the containers are filled, the number of times the containers are filled, and the type of material with which the containers are filled.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for advertising adjacent to a beverage dispenser to reduce the cost of placing and maintaining a beverage dispenser in a retail outlet. A beverage dispenser, and most preferably a beverage dispenser that is specially equipped to display advertisements for at least one of the beverages being dispensed, is placed in a retail outlet. The advertisements are displayed over a period of time and preferably the amount of beverage dispensed during that time period is tracked and recorded. The amount of beverage dispensed can then be used to calculate an advertising fee to be paid by the beverage producer. The advertising fee is used to offset the purchase or lease price of the beverage dispenser, and is most preferably paid directly to the preferred provider of the beverage dispenser.
Abstract:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. The present invention can take the form of a multi-fluid dispensing gun having such a nozzle and heat exchanger relationship and having the pressure controlling valve as described above. To further improve control of comestible fluid temperature, the present invention preferably has an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.
Abstract:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions. To improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. Due to their locations close to the nozzle assemblies, the heat exchangers generate convective recirculation through the nozzle assemblies to cool comestible fluid to the discharge openings thereof. The present invention can take the form of a multi-fluid dispensing gun having such a nozzle and heat exchanger relationship and having the pressure controlling valve as described above. To further improve control of comestible fluid temperature, the present invention preferably has an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a sump liner for use with a fluid filter assembly in an appliance. The sump liner includes an open end configured to be coupled to the housing and a closed end opposite from the open end. The sump liner includes a body between the open end and the closed end with the body including at least one corrugated wall. The sump liner includes a cartridge-receiving cavity formed by the body and the closed end. The cartridge-receiving cavity is configured to at least partially cover a filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is inserted into and removed from the sump. The sump liner substantially prevents fluid from the filter cartridge from contacting the sump.
Abstract:
A low volume per outlet (LVPO) large in-line filter and quick disconnect valve. The LVPO filter can include inlet and outlet ports perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the filter. A semi-spherical end-cap and an inlet can produce a laminar flow. The inlet and outlet can include quick connect couplings for connecting and disconnecting hoses. A quick disconnect valve can enable filter replacement.
Abstract:
A nozzle assembly is disclosed which is capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzle of the nozzle assembly, the nozzle can be provided with a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by increasing a volume within the nozzle assembly, such as by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a carbonation system or gas delivery system including a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a mixture outlet, and a mixing cartridge or membrane module. The mixing cartridge or membrane module can enhance the simultaneous absorption of gas and the transfer of heat out of the liquid.
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.