Apparatus and systems for melting and liquefying chocolate. In one aspect, a system includes a generally fluid-tight exterior housing defining a first volume; a bulkhead positioned within the housing and dividing the first volume into separate second and third volumes; at least one vertical support member operationally connected to the exterior housing; a base support member operationally connected to the vertical support member; a dispenser guiding member disposed within the first volume and operationally connected to the exterior housing; and a heating element in thermal communication with the first volume, wherein energization heats the first volume to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius. Other aspects include where the liquid chocolate contains less than 3% water; where the liquid chocolate is solid at room temperature; a multiple pivot hinge; and a noninterfering interdigitating hinge.

A water dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing hole through which hot water is dispensed, a heating passage unit communicating with the dispensing hole; a heating unit for heating water flowing through the heating passage unit, an input unit for inputting a hot water dispensing command for dispensing the hot water through the dispensing hole, a hot water valve for adjusting a flow of the hot water heated in the heating passage unit, and a controller for controlling the heating unit.

Methods for treating and preparing chocolate. In one aspect, a method includes heating a quantity of chocolate to a temperature of about 46 degrees Celsius; decreasing the pressure of in a pressure-controllable environment to about 25 Torr; holding the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment at about 25 Torr for a first predetermined period of time; decreasing the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment to about 5 Torr; and holding the pressure of the pressure-controllable environment at about 5 Torr for a second predetermined period of time. Other aspects include ceasing heating the quantity of chocolate; decreasing pressure occurs at an average rate of about 150 Torr per minute; decreasing pressure occurs at an average rate of about 4 Torr per minute; and others.

A control device, for a water purifier, that dispenses hot water and that includes: an input unit that is configured to receive a command signal; and a controller that is configured to control the water purifier based on the command signal, wherein the controller is configured to: control power output of a heating unit that is configured to heat water stored in a hot water tank of the water purifier, and based on the power output of the heating unit, control temperature of hot water dispensed by the water purifier is disclosed.

A water purifier includes a hot water tank for receiving and heating received water by induction heating, a water outlet portion that is at least partially exposed to an outside of the water purifier for discharging hot water, a hot water line that is connected to the water outlet portion to communicate the hot water from the hot water tank to the water outlet portion, a hot water outlet valve that is located at the hot water line and that opens or closes the hot water line based on a control command, a connector that includes a hot water inlet connected to a water outlet pipe of the hot water tank and a hot water outlet connected to the hot water line, and a temperature sensor that is connected to the connector and that is configured to measure a temperature of the hot water that passes through the connector.

A beverage dispenser includes an inlet for drawing a liquid from a source and an outlet for outputting a beverage to a portable user vessel. A demineralization device demineralizes the liquid from the source and has an input and an output. The input of the demineralization device is coupled with the inlet. A beverage preparation device has an input and an output. The input of the beverage preparation device is coupled with the output of the demineralization device and the output of the beverage preparation device is coupled with the outlet. The beverage preparation device, the outlet, all active components and all passive components downstream of the demineralization device contacting the beverage are made of a biological inert material, particularly a biological inert metal, on any surface contacting the water. All couplings of the beverage dispenser are manufactured such that stagnation even of small quantities of beverage is avoided.

A method is provided for cleansing a hot beverage dispensing device (1), the device including at least one water inlet (11), a hot beverage preparation module (2) located downstream of the water inlet, and a beverage outlet (26) downstream of the beverage preparation module, a second rinsing step (S2) The method includes a first rinsing step (S1), a second rinsing step (S3). In the first rinsing step at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a first rinsing fluid temperature. In the treatment step (S2) at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are treated with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid having a temperature that is higher than the first rinsing fluid temperature. In the second rinsing step (S3) at least part of the beverage preparation module and the beverage outlet are rinsed with a rinsing fluid having a second rinsing fluid temperature.

An apparatus (900) is provided for the preparation of a beverage, including at least one beverage outlet nozzle (910) for discharging the beverage into a beverage container (940), characterized in that the apparatus includes a cleaning structure (100) for cleaning an exterior surface of the beverage outlet nozzle. With such cleaning structure, residues and ingredients of beverages may be removed from the exterior surface of the beverage outlet nozzle.

The disclosure relates to a water dispenser comprising a preferably cooled carbonator for dispensing carbonated water. The water dispenser comprises a thermoblock, in particular a boiler, for dispensing warm water. The carbonator is connectible to a pressurized CO2 gas container. The water dispenser comprises at least one dosing valve, in particular a switching valve, through which carbon dioxide can be fed into the thermoblock.

An automated consumable dispenser with a precision method for delivering consumable ingredients in specific proportions to a container up to a specified volume. This method involves the use of a system of sensors and a micro-microprocessor, which detects, digitizes and develops a three dimensional rendering of the container, calculates the container volume and dispenses specific amounts of consumable ingredients. A user is able to pick the level in the vessel to which the consumable ingredients should be dispensed and displays the selected desired level. The embodiments described include an automated dispenser capable of dispensing beverages and food items, either separately or together.