A beverage dispenser includes a gas infusion device configured to infuse a gas into a base liquid to form a gas-infused liquid, a mixing chamber configured to mix the gas-infused liquid and a concentrate to thereby form a reconstituted beverage, a first flow control configured to decrease pressure of the gas-infused liquid prior to mixing with the concentrate, and a second flow control configured to decrease pressure of the concentrate prior to mixing with the gas-infused liquid. A restrictor device downstream from the mixing chamber and configured to apply backpressure on the concentrate and the gas-infused liquid, and a dispensing valve is configured to dispense the reconstituted beverage.

A system and method determines an amount of water and water flow rate in a water dispenser system including a container/bottle, using a strain gage device(s) mounted on a structure or plane in relationship to the container/bottle. One or more strain gages are configured in a position to measure force per unit area, exerted by a portion of the water container/bottle in a normal or direction substantially perpendicular to a surface or plane on which the strain gage device(s) are mounted. The portion of the container/bottle is positioned in direct or indirect contact with the one or more strain gages to produce a strain gage signal representative of the amount of water in the container/bottle and periodic sampling of the strain gage signal is representative of flow rate of water from the container/bottle. Signals from the strain gage(s) are processed in a manner that allows the amount and rate of consumption of water to be monitored and determined automatically on-site or remotely.

A device is disclosed, for cooling a liquid, especially a beverage, comprising a cold accumulator and a thermal line, the cold accumulator and the liquid to be cooled being thermally connected by means of the thermal line, and the cold accumulator comprising a phase change material, the device also comprising means for dissipating heat from at least the thermal line, and the cold accumulator comprising a carrier material into which the phase change material is integrated.

A beverage dispenser includes a gas infusion device configured to infuse a gas into a base liquid to form a gas-infused liquid, a mixing chamber configured to mix the gas-infused liquid and a concentrate to thereby form a reconstituted beverage, a first flow control configured to decrease pressure of the gas-infused liquid prior to mixing with the concentrate, and a second flow control configured to decrease pressure of the concentrate prior to mixing with the gas-infused liquid. A restrictor device downstream from the mixing chamber and configured to apply backpressure on the concentrate and the gas-infused liquid, and a dispensing valve is configured to dispense the reconstituted beverage.

A fuel distribution system includes a fuel intake in communication with at least one fuel source that delivers a fuel through a fuel path. A filtering mechanism is positioned within the fuel path. A surge tank operates to maintain a minimum fluid pressure within the fuel path. A fuel manifold selectively delivers the fuel to a plurality of external fuel couplings. A flow meter monitors a flow of the fuel through the fuel manifold. The plurality of external fuel couplings are configured to contemporaneously deliver the fuel at a consistent flow rate.

A method of controlling a drinking water supply device includes inputting a water discharge signal through an input lever, opening a first valve such that drinking water flows through a first channel and measuring the amount of drinking water flowing through the first channel using a flow rate sensor, opening a second valve for a predetermined time to discharge minerals when the amount of drinking water measured by the flow rate sensor reaches a first predetermined amount, and, opening the second valve again for the predetermined time to further discharge minerals when a second predetermined amount of drinking water is measured by the flow rate sensor.

A method of controlling a drinking water supply device includes inputting a water discharge signal through an input lever, opening a first valve such that drinking water flows through a first channel and measuring the amount of drinking water flowing through the first channel using a flow rate sensor, opening a second valve for a predetermined time to discharge minerals when the amount of drinking water measured by the flow rate sensor reaches a first predetermined amount, and, opening the second valve again for the predetermined time to further discharge minerals when a second predetermined amount of drinking water is measured by the flow rate sensor.

An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system and method of using same. An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system (1;1a;1b) serves for cleaning at least one dispensing line (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a,6b,6c;6a,6b,6c) between a take-off station (2) and a dispensing station (3) with dispensers (5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f) at the end of dispensing lines (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a,6b,6c;6a,6b,6c) and is operated by an electronic control system (17). A source of ozonated water (10) provides ozonated water through ozonated water conduit (12) via an ozonated water valve (OWV), and cleaning water (CW) is provide through water conduit (15) via a water valve (WV). A main conduit (14) in turns receives water from the water conduit (15) and ozonated water from the ozonated water conduit (12). The main conduit (14) extends into serially arranged flow distribution units (13;13.2;13.2;13,13.1,13.2;13,13.1,13.2), each comprising serially arranged branch conduits (C1,C2;C1.1,C2.1;C1.2;C2.2) on the main conduit (14). A second coupler (16a,16b;16c,16d;16e,16f) is adapted to couple in fluid communication with a first coupler (8a,8b;8c,8d;8e,8f;9a,9b;8a,8a,8b,8b,8c,8c) at the end of a dispensing line (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a,6b,6c; 6a,6b,6c).

Methods and apparatus describing a convenience beverage vending machine and its operation are described. An embedded computer interface allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks. Drinks are dispensed in a container. The beverages may be made from hot water, cold water or carbonated water that is mixed with various flavors of syrup, sweeteners and nutritional supplements. Identification may be presented and the computer recognizes the consumer and pulls up that consumer's account to determine funds available and previous drink selections and mixtures. The machine may incorporate an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.

An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.