A product display unit for displaying products on a shelf includes a sidewall at least partially defining a track configured to receive products, the sidewall comprising a first panel and a second panel with a sidewall hinge therebetween. A base panel is coupled to the sidewall, and the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf. The sidewall hinge comprises a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall hinge includes an upper transition section connecting the respective upper ends of the first and second legs, a first lower transition section connecting the lower end of the first leg to the first panel, and a second lower transition section connecting the lower end of the second leg to the second panel.
A47F 1/12 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack
A47B 57/58 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting partitions horizontally
A47B 65/00 - Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends
A conveyor toaster includes a toaster cabinet, an opening extending through the toaster cabinet and configured to receive a food product, and a conveyor assembly positioned in the toaster housing and associated with the feed opening. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt configured to be operated by a drive motor to transport the food product past a heating element. The conveyor toaster further includes a an input sensor arranged proximate the opening and configured to detect the food product and a processor operably coupled to the input sensor and the conveyor assembly. The processor is configured to change between an operating condition with a first belt speed and an idle condition with a second belt speed based upon a signal from the input sensor.
A frozen beverage dispensing machine includes a barrel. A liquid side of an expansion tank is connected to the barrel. A gas side of the expansion tank is separated from the liquid side by a bladder. A controller is configured to receive liquid pressure measurements from a liquid pressure transducer and is configured to initiate a fill process to provide a flow of liquid through the liquid side of the expansion tank into the barrel in response to the liquid pressure measurements falling below a liquid cut in pressure value. The controller is configured to initiate a gas pressure adjustment process when the liquid pressure measurements are less than a target gas side pressure.
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
A23G 9/20 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream the products being mixed with gas, e.g. soft-ice
A cold plate includes a cold plate body. A tubing system is embedded within the cold plate body. The tubing system includes a prechill circuit, a plain water postchill circuit fluidly connected to the prechill circuit, and a carbonated water postchill circuit fluidly connected to the prechill circuit.
A food holding pan communication system includes a food holding pan having a pan identifier and configured to receive food items. A pan identification station includes a pan receiving area, a pan identifier reader, and at least one sensor directed at the pan receiving area and configured to acquire data regarding a food item received by the food holding pan. A processor is communicatively connected to the at least one sensor to receive signals from the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to determine a type of food item in the food holding pan.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
An ice dispenser for storing and dispensing ice. The ice dispenser includes a holding bin that extends longitudinally between a first side and a second side, transversely between a third side and a fourth side, and vertically between a top to a bottom. A chute is configured to guide the ice from outside the holding bin into the holding bin. The chute has an upper end and an opposite lower end. The upper end of the chute extends longitudinally farther than the first side of the holding bin from the second side of the holding bin. A spout is operatively coupled to the holding bin for dispensing ice from the holding bin.
A gas infusion tank for a beverage machine includes a tank body defining a holding space for accommodating beverages. A mixing element includes a mixing chamber, an ascending pipe, and a descending pipe. A top of the ascending pipe is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber and a bottom of the ascending pipe has a liquid inlet. The liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the holding space. A top of the descending pipe is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber and a bottom of the descending pipe includes a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the nozzle. A gas intake hole connects the holding space with the mixing chamber.
B01F 23/236 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
B01F 23/232 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
Systems and methods of conveyor speed control in a radiant toaster includes a toaster with a conveyor and a heat source. A controller is configured to receive a transition state model and a toasting recipe that includes a standard operation toasting time. Upon receipt of an instruction to change the heat source from a first heat output to a second heat output, the controller operates the heat source to the new output and measures an elapsed time since the change to the new output. The controller calculates a current transition state toast time by applying the standard operation toasting time and the elapsed time to the transition state model. The controller is configured to operate the conveyor to a conveyor speed associated to the current transition state toast time.
A beater bar for use within a beverage machine includes a shaft and a plurality of arms extending radially away from the shaft. An end cap of a plurality of end caps extends away from each arm of the plurality of arms. A scraper blade is secured to the plurality of arms by engagement with the plurality of end caps respectively secured to the plurality of arms.
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
A23G 9/28 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
Custom condiment dispensers include a reservoir of base condiment and a plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A first pump is pneumatically connected to the reservoir of base condiment. The second pump is pneumatically connected to at least one flavoring reservoir of the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir of base condiment and fluidly connected to the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. The nozzle is configured to simultaneously dispense the base condiment and at least one flavoring therethrough. A controller receives the user selections of the base condiment and the at least one flavoring and operates the first pump and the second pump to dispense base condiment and at least one flavoring.
B67D 7/02 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
A toaster includes first and second conveyors configured to each receive a bread product thereon and move the bread product through respective first and second toasting zones. A first heat source is positioned to direct heat energy into the first toasting zone. A second heat source is positioned to direct heat energy into the second toasting zone. The first and second conveyors are coplanar and laterally spaced apart by a first distance and are configured to operate in a same direction of travel. Interior extents of the first heat source and the second heat source are laterally spaced apart by a second distance.
A beverage dispenser includes a plurality of dispensing heads. A cold plates includes a plurality of fluid lines running therethrough. An ice bin is in thermal contact with the cold plate. A carbonator extends vertically from the cold plate with a lower end of the carbonator in thermal contact with the cold plate. A plurality of fluid lines extend from the cold plate to the plurality of dispensing heads.
A product display unit for displaying products on a shelf includes a sidewall at least partially defining a track configured to receive products, the sidewall comprising a first panel and a second panel with a sidewall hinge therebetween. A base panel is coupled to the sidewall, and the base panel is configured to be positioned on the shelf and deform in shape to conform to the shape of the shelf. The sidewall hinge comprises a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall hinge includes an upper transition section connecting the respective upper ends of the first and second legs, a first lower transition section connecting the lower end of the first leg to the first panel, and a second lower transition section connecting the lower end of the second leg to the second panel.
A47F 1/12 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack
A47B 57/58 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting partitions horizontally
A47B 65/00 - Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends
An infrared toaster and a method of toasting use a support configured to hold a food product relative to an infrared source. A light source and a camera are arranged relative to the support to illuminate the food product and capture digital images of the food product. A processor receives and analyzes successive images from the camera. The processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the food product. The processor operates the IR source to terminate operation directing IR energy when the predetermined toasting level is reached.
A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.
F24C 7/04 - Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy with heat radiated directly from the heating element
F24C 15/18 - Arrangement of compartments additional to cooking compartments, e.g. for warming or for storing utensils or fuel containers; Arrangement of additional heating or cooking apparatus, e.g. grills
A cup dispensing system in an automated dispensing beverage dispensing system receives a first supply of cups at a first dispensing assembly with a first selective release device and receives a second supply of cups at a second dispensing assembly with a second selective release device. The first and second dispensing assemblies respectively coincide with first and second indexed locations on a cup conveyance system. The cup dispensing system operates to dispense a first cup from the first dispensing assembly to the first indexed location and a second cup from the second dispensing assembly to the second indexed location.
A system for dispensing a frozen beverage. The system includes a barrel having an inner wall and being configured to retain the frozen beverage therein. A mixing system causes mixing of the frozen beverage within the barrel. A cooling system cools the frozen beverage from radially outwardly of the inner wall. A melting system heats the frozen beverage from radially inwardly of the inner wall. The mixing system causes relatively larger ice crystals to move inwardly from the inner wall, and the melting system reduces a size of the relatively larger ice crystals.
A23G 9/28 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
A toaster includes a rack within a toasting chamber. A lid is movable with the rack to selectively occlude an opening to the toasting chamber. A heating element within the toasting chamber is operable to direct IR energy to the bread product on the rack. An image capture device operates to acquire image data of the bread product on the rack. A controller receives the image data. The controller processor analyzes successive image data received from the image capture device. Based upon the analysis of the image data, the controller operates the heating element to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the bread product and then turn off the heating element.
A heat transfer system for heat treatment of a food product includes an enclosure with a food product inlet and a food product outlet. At least one conveyor extends into the enclosure from the food product inlet. At least one heat source is arranged relative to the at least one conveyor. A ramp at least partially extends below the at least one conveyor.
A system and method for dispensing a beverage includes the detection of a presence of a cup underneath a nozzle, and in response to the detected presence of the cup, a target fill height is calculated. The controller operates to begin a dispense of a beverage into the cup. A beverage fill height determined and compared to a target fill height. When the beverage fill height exceeds the target fill height, the controller operates to stop dispensing the beverage into the cup.
A backblock includes a body with a cavity connected to an inlet and an outlet. A spindle is positioned with a first end within the cavity and a second end with a tab exterior of the body. A latching plate is configured for translative movement relative to the body. The latching plate includes a keyhole with a bore and a channel. The bore is dimensioned to receive the spindle and the channel is dimensioned to receive the tab. The latching plate has a first latch position proximate to the body and a second latch position spaced apart from the body. When the tab is in alignment with the channel, the latching plate can translate to the second latch position about the tab. When the tab is out of alignment with the channel, the tab retains the latching plate in the first latch position.
A plurality of heat sources are arranged about at least one conveyor. The plurality of heat sources are configured to output heat towards the at least one conveyor. At least one temperature sensor is arranged at a food product inlet relative to the at least one conveyor. A controller is configured to receive temperature measurements from the at least one temperature sensor and to operate at least one heat source of the plurality of heat sources between a high fire condition and a low fire condition in an idle mode operation and a cooking mode operation.
A product display unit is for displaying products and includes base with a body extending between the base ends and the base sides. A base further includes a first rib and a second rib each extending from the body in a first vertical direction and defining a channel defined therein. A slot vertically extends through the body and is vertically aligned with the channel. A pair of projections extend from the body in a second vertical direction opposite the first vertical direction and define a void therebetween. The projections and the void are in vertical alignment with the first rib. A divider having a bottom side and a tab extending in the second vertical direction from the bottom side is coupled to the base. The tab includes transversely extending barb.
A47B 57/58 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting partitions horizontally
A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and may further include a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base. A smart sensor is disposed within or connected to a food pan that is removably inserted within the food holding cavity of a food holding chamber. The smart sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of an interior environment of the food pan and communicate with the food holding chamber or the chamber base.
An infrared source is arranged relative to support for bread product and operates to direct IR energy to the bread product. A light source is arranged relative to the support and operates to illuminate the bread product and a camera operates to capture images of the bread product. A processor receives the images from the camera. The processor compares successive images received from the camera. Based upon the comparison, the processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the bread product.
A basket for deep frying food items includes a bottom. Opposed side walls and opposed end walls extend from the bottom. om the bottom and extend between the opposed side walls, the opposed side walls and the opposed end walls forming a top opening into an open interior defined by the opposed side walls, the opposed end walls, and the bottom. A plurality of dividers extend upwards from the bottom between the opposed end walls. The plurality of dividers define a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an equal cross-sectional area in a lateral dimension.
In an automated beverage dispensing system, a conveyance system defines a plurality of cup locations and operates to sequentially move the plurality of cup locations through a plurality of indexed locations. A cup dispensing system is configured to receive a supply of cups. The cup dispensing system is operable to dispense a cup to a cup loading location that coincides with an indexed location of the plurality of indexed locations. A beverage dispensing system is configured to dispense a beverage at a beverage dispense location of the plurality of indexed locations. A computer associates an ordered beverage to a cup location of the plurality of cup locations.
A contact toaster includes a vertically arranged central platen with a first toasting surface that is contoured and a second toasting surface. A heating element is configured to heat the first and second toasting surfaces. A first compression plate is spaced apart from the first toasting surface to define a first slot between the first compression plate and the first toasting surface. A second compression plate spaced apart from the second toasting surface to define a second slot between the second compression plate and the second toasting surface. The first compression plate and the second compression plate are selectively movable from respective first positions away from the central platen to respective second positions proximate to the central platen.
A beverage dispensing head includes a housing having a front, a rear, and a base that extends between the front and the rear. A mixing nozzle is configured to dispense a flow of beverage via the base. A valve is configured to control the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle, and a switch is movable into and between a closed position in which the valve opens the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle and an open position in which the valve closes the flow of beverage via the mixing nozzle. A lighting module disposed in the housing is configured to illuminate the front of the housing and the base of the housing when the switch is moved into the closed position.
An example of a system for touchlessly dispensing ice into a receptacle includes a dispense chute configured to direct dispensed ice therethrough to a dispense area. A visual feedback device is configured to present a visual indication of an operational status of the system. A sensor is configured to produce a beam within the dispense area and to provide a signal indicative of a proximity of an object within the beam to the sensor. A controller is configured to receive the signal and to determine the proximity of the object to the sensor from the signal. The controller is configured to operate the system to initiate a dispense of ice through the dispense chute based upon the determined proximity of the object. The controller is configured to operate the visual feedback device to present a visual indication of the initiated ice dispense.
An example of a beverage dispenser includes a nozzle and a valve coupled upstream of the nozzle. A sensor is operable to detect an object within a detection zone and provide a signal representative of a distance between the object and the sensor. A controller is configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a sub-zone from a plurality of sub-zones within the detection zone in which the object is located. The valve is controlled between an open condition to dispense the substance through the nozzle and a closed condition based upon the determined sub-zone.
A beverage dispenser configured for servicing from the front. A front cover is coupled to a cabinet and positionable in open and closed positions. A housing is positioned in an interior of the cabinet and supports cartridges containing ingredients for dispensing a beverage. The housing at least partially defines a cavity within the interior of the cabinet. An electronics box is configured for coupling to the cabinet in an operating position within the cavity and also in a service position in front of the housing. The cavity is accessible from the front of the cabinet when the front cover is in the open position and the electronics box is in the service position.
A system and method for dispensing a beverage includes the detection of a presence of a cup underneath a nozzle, and in response to the detected presence of the cup, a target fill height is calculated. The controller operates to begin a dispense of a beverage into the cup. A beverage fill height determined and compared to a target fill height. When the beverage fill height exceeds the target fill height, the controller operates to stop dispensing the beverage into the cup.
A touchless beverage dispensing valve assembly includes a nozzle and a valve configured to control a flow of a substance through the valve to the nozzle. A solenoid is configured to operate the valve between open and closed conditions. A trigger sensor includes an optical sensor and a controller. The controller executes a trigger sensor control module to receive an output from the optical sensor and operate the solenoid to control the valve between the open condition and the closed condition. A feedback device is operable to selectively provide a visual indication an operational status of the valve.
A switch system for controlling dispensing from a dispensing system. A frame is coupleable to the dispensing system and has a front and back. A lever extends between a pivot and pressing ends and is pivotally coupled to the frame, being pivotable between dispensing and non-dispensing positions. A resilient member between the lever and the back of the frame extends between an anchor and a contact region. The anchor region is coupled to the frame and the contact region is closer than the anchor region to the lever. A roller is pivotally coupled to the contact region. The resilient member biases the lever towards the non-dispensing position via the roller. An electronic switch is between the lever and the back of the frame. The electronic switch is actuated to cause dispensing when the lever is pivoted into the dispensing position.
A holding bin includes a plurality of compartments defined across a width of the holding bin, each compartment of the plurality of compartments configured to receive a plurality of food holding trays. A housing defines an outer perimeter of the holding bin. A first display is secured through the housing. A second display is removably secured to the housing. A controller is communicatively connected to the first display and the second display. The controller is configured to operate the first display and the second display to coordinately present a location and a status of a food tray within a compartment of the plurality of compartments.
A47J 39/00 - Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
A47F 10/06 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for restaurant service systems
A conveyor toaster includes a toaster cabinet, an opening extending through the toaster cabinet and configured to receive a food product, and a conveyor assembly positioned in the toaster housing and associated with the feed opening. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt configured to be operated by a drive motor to transport the food product past a heating element. The conveyor toaster further includes a an input sensor arranged proximate the opening and configured to detect the food product and a processor operably coupled to the input sensor and the conveyor assembly. The processor is configured to change between an operating condition with a first belt speed and an idle condition with a second belt speed based upon a signal from the input sensor.
A beverage mixing assembly for mixing a gas into a liquid to thereby form a solution includes a mixer body having a first upstream inlet configured to receive the gas, a second upstream inlet configured to receive the liquid, and a downstream outlet configured to dispense the solution from the mixer body. The first upstream inlet defines a first orifice configured to spray the gas into the mixer body and the second upstream inlet defines a second orifice configured to spray the liquid into the mixer body such that the gas collides into the liquid as the liquid conveys from the second upstream inlet to the downstream outlet to thereby mix into the liquid and form the solution.
B01F 3/04 - Mixing, e.g. dispersing, emulsifying, according to the phases to be mixed gases or vapours with liquids
B01F 23/236 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
B01F 23/237 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
B01F 101/14 - Mixing of ingredients for non-alcoholic beverages; Dissolving sugar in water
52.
Cooking appliance with cooked food holding apparatus
A heat transfer system for cooking a food product is provided. The heat transfer system includes an enclosure, heat sources within the enclosure operate to output heat for a cooking process, at least one conveyor positioned relative to the cooking heat elements, and a warming assembly. The warming assembly is configured to receive at least one pan configured to store cooked food product. The warming assembly defines an controlled environment about the at least one pan. A blocking element defines an opening through the enclosure into the controlled environment of the warming assembly.
A detection device for detecting that a source is sold-out for a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser dispensing from the source via a valve controlled by a solenoid. A circuit board is configured to be positioned on the valve proximal to the solenoid. A detector is coupled to the circuit board, where the solenoid creates a magnetic field when dispensing from the valve, and where the detector detects the magnetic field created by the solenoid and consequently produces an electrical output. A control system is coupled to the circuit board in communication with the detector. The control system is configured to access threshold data and to compare the electrical output of the detector to the threshold data. The control system indicates that the source is sold-out based upon the comparison of the electrical output to the threshold data.
A beverage dispenser includes a source of a base fluid, a source of a concentrate, and an assembly configured to receive and dispense the base fluid and the concentrate together as a mixed beverage having a predetermined base fluid-to-concentrate ratio. An actuator is configured to control flow of the base fluid and the concentrate to the assembly. The assembly is configured to premix a first portion of the base fluid with the concentrate to form a premixed concentrate, and to then dispense a combination of the premixed concentrate and a second portion of the base fluid as the mixed beverage having the predetermined base fluid-to-concentrate ratio. The actuation of the actuator causes an uninterrupted dispense of the base fluid and the concentrate from the source of the base fluid and the source of the concentrate, respectively, to the assembly, and from the assembly to a consumer of the mixed beverage.
A heat transfer system is arranged to cook multiple diverse food products. The heat transfer system includes at least one heat source. The at least one heat source is arranged within an enclosure and is operable by a controller to emit heat energy into the enclosure. First and second cooking conveyors are arranged within the enclosure. The first cooking conveyor is configured to move a first food product through the enclosure. The second cooking conveyor is configured to move a second food product through the enclosure. A speed of the first cooking conveyor and a speed of the second cooking conveyor are independently controlled to independently adjust the cooking time of the first food product and the second food product during operation of the heat transfer system.
A method for cooling a mixed beverage formed with one or more beverage components includes circulating a refrigerant through a heat exchanger having a phase change material to cool a beverage component and sensing a temperature of the refrigerant. The method further includes detecting a first instance when the sensed temperature of the refrigerant equals a threshold refrigerant temperature, detecting a second instance when the sensed temperature of the refrigerant equals the threshold refrigerant temperature, and stopping circulation of the refrigerant when the second instance is detected.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
F25D 16/00 - Devices using a combination of a cooling mode associated with refrigerating machinery with a cooling mode not associated with refrigerating machinery
F28D 1/047 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or mo with the heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being bent, e.g. in a serpentine or zig-zag
F28D 1/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or mo with the heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
A heat transfer device for thermal treatment of food items includes an enclosure defining an interior of the heat transfer device. A first and second driven conveyor systems are positioned within the enclosure. A first primary heater is arranged interior of the first chain conveyor belt. A first chain heater is arranged proximate to the first chain conveyor belt at a location of the first chain conveyor belt proximate to the opening. A second primary heater is arranged interior of the second chain conveyor belt. A second chain heater is arranged proximate to the second chain conveyor belt at a location of the second chain conveyor belt proximate to the opening.
A system for dispensing a beverage into a cup. Dispensing hardware is configured to dispense the beverage into the cup. A vision system captures an image of the cup within a dispensing area of the system. A model contains data corresponding to the cup being full. A control system compares the image of the cup to the model and controls the dispensing hardware to dispense the beverage into the cup based on the comparison of the image of the cup to the model.
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/774 - Generating sets of training patterns; Bootstrap methods, e.g. bagging or boosting
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersections; Connectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
B67D 1/12 - Flow- or pressure-control devices or systems
59.
Modular refrigeration subsystems for frozen carbonated beverage systems
A refrigeration subsystem removably received within a base machine to cool an object. The subsystem includes a body with an opening that receives the object. An evaporator thermally communicates with the object, which is cooled by refrigerant flowing through the evaporator. A compressor receives the refrigerant downstream of the evaporator and increases a refrigerant pressure. A condenser receives the refrigerant downstream of the compressor, which cools the refrigerant. An expansion device receives the refrigerant downstream of the condenser and decreases its pressure, the evaporator being downstream from the expansion device. A refrigerant circuit fluidly couples the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device such that the refrigerant flows therebetween, all of which are coupled to the body and move together therewith. The refrigerant circuit forms a closed loop that remains unbroken when the body of the refrigerant subsystem is removed from the base machine.
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
A23G 9/16 - Continuous production the products being within a cooled chamber, e.g. drum
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
In a latent heat controlled toaster and process of toasting, the toaster includes at least one heating element. A controller receives electrical measurements including at least one of a voltage or a current and calculates a power delivered to the at least one heating element. The controller iteratively accumulates a system energy from the calculated power over time. The controller compares the accumulated system energy to a target energy and ends the toasting process when the accumulated system energy reaches the target energy.
An ice dispensing system is provided. The system includes multiple sidewalls forming an ice bin cavity configured to store ice. The system further includes an auger drive assembly. The auger drive assembly includes a drive assembly that is coupled to one of the multiple sidewalls and has a motor configured to rotate a drive gear. The auger drive assembly further includes an auger assembly positioned within the ice bin cavity. The auger assembly includes a helical auger coupled to an auger gear. The drive gear is configured to mate with the auger gear to drive rotation of the helical auger and cause ice to be dispensed through an ice chute. The drive assembly is additionally configured to move relative to the auger assembly between a closed position and an opened position. The opened position permits removal of the auger assembly from the ice bin cavity.
A gas injection system for injecting a gas into a liquid to form a solution includes a flow channel that conveys a liquid from an upstream inlet configured to receive the liquid and a downstream outlet configured to dispense the solution, sparger positioned in the flow channel, a solution pressure detection device configured to sense a pressure of the solution in the flow channel, and a liquid valve configured to regulate flow of the liquid in the flow channel based on the pressure sensed by the solution pressure detection device. The sparger is configured to inject the gas into the liquid through the porous surface as the liquid flows across the surface.
A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.
F24C 15/18 - Arrangement of compartments additional to cooking compartments, e.g. for warming or for storing utensils or fuel containers; Arrangement of additional heating or cooking apparatus, e.g. grills
A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.
A47J 39/00 - Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
F24C 15/18 - Arrangement of compartments additional to cooking compartments, e.g. for warming or for storing utensils or fuel containers; Arrangement of additional heating or cooking apparatus, e.g. grills
An insert for use with a beverage dispenser includes a diffuser having an upstream end configured to receive the first base fluid, a downstream end with an outlet configured to dispense the first base fluid, and a center bore extending between the upstream end and the downstream end along an axis. A stem is disposed in the center bore of the diffuser and has a first end configured to receive a second base fluid and an opposite second end with an outlet configured to dispense the second base fluid. The outlet of the diffuser is upstream from the outlet of the stem such that the first base fluid dispensed from the outlet of the diffuser mixes with an additive fluid before the second base fluid dispensed from the outlet of the stem mixes with the additive fluid.
A beverage dispensing machine includes a dispensing valve having a first flow path configured to dispense a first fluid and a second flow path configured to dispense a second fluid such that the first fluid and the second fluid mix downstream and form a mixed beverage. A flow control device regulates flow rate of the first fluid through the first flow path, and a shutoff valve selectively closes to stop flow of the first fluid through the first flow path. A sensor is configured to sense the flow rate of the first fluid, and a controller automatically controls the flow control device to adjust the flow rate of the first fluid and thereby obtain a desired fluid ratio of the mixed beverage.
A device having a platform configured to support the food products, a driving system configured to move the device, and a location detector configured to identify the location of the device within the area. A control system is configured to control the driving system based on the location of the device identified by the location detector, where the control system is configured to move the device along a primary path defined between a starting point and an ending point and to one or more fulfilment positions therebetween. The food products are received on the platform when the device moves to the one or more fulfilment positions.
Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
B65B 43/48 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using reciprocating or oscillating pushers
B67D 1/12 - Flow- or pressure-control devices or systems
A47F 1/08 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom
An infrared toaster and a method of toasting use a support configured to hold a food product relative to an infrared source. A light source and a camera are arranged relative to the support to illuminate the food product and capture digital images of the food product. A processor receives and analyzes successive images from the camera. The processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the food product. The processor operates the IR source to terminate operation directing IR energy when the predetermined toasting level is reached.
A method for filling a barrel of a frozen beverage dispenser to create a beverage. The method includes determining a target brix level for the beverage, determining a starting fill setting for a supply line that fills the barrel, and detecting a current condition within at least one of the supply line and the barrel. The method further includes calculating an adjusted fill setting by adjusting the starting fill setting for the supply line based on the current condition detected, and operating the supply line at the adjusted fill setting to fill the barrel such that the target brix level is achieved within the barrel.
A23G 9/28 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
A23G 9/20 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream the products being mixed with gas, e.g. soft-ice
73.
Systems and methods for defrosting frozen carbonated beverage systems
A system for dispensing a frozen beverage. The system includes a barrel having an inner wall and being configured to retain the frozen beverage therein. A mixing system causes mixing of the frozen beverage within the barrel. A cooling system cools the frozen beverage from radially outwardly of the inner wall. A melting system heats the frozen beverage from radially inwardly of the inner wall. The mixing system causes relatively larger ice crystals to move inwardly from the inner wall, and the melting system reduces a size of the relatively larger ice crystals.
A23G 9/28 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
A23G 9/22 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream - Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
A23G 9/04 - Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
74.
Systems and methods for nesting cups from a dispenser
A dispensing system for dispensing containers. The dispensing system includes a storage chamber configured to hold the containers available for dispensing. A release device is coupled to the storage chamber to release the containers therefrom. An input device is configured to receive an order to dispense specific containers from the containers stored within the storage chamber, where the specific containers include at least two individual containers having different shapes. A tray receives the specific containers released from the storage, where the specific containers when released form a nested stack on the tray, and where the nested stack has a stacked height. A control system is operative coupled to the input device and the release device, where the control system determines a sequence for dispensing the specific containers from the order so as to minimize the stacked height of the nested stack on the tray.
G07F 13/10 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
G07F 11/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
A beverage dispensing machine includes a countertop for a conveyor that carries a plurality of cup holders around a track. A front side of the beverage dispenser machine is accessible by an operator to remove cups from the plurality of cup holders. A cup tower has a plurality of cup dispenser tubes that are each configured to hold a respective stack of cups. A cup grabber is movable up and down into and between a raised position in which the cup grabber is positioned to grab a cup from one of the stacks of cups and place a cup into one of the plurality of cup holders.
Systems and method for beverage dispense from a plurality of users include a beverage dispenser with a touch-sensitive graphical display. A computer of the beverage dispenser receives touch event data points and identifies one or more GUI sections of a plurality of GUI sections associated with the received touch event data points. The computer further operates to interpret a touch event input and provide a command responsive to the input to an associated dispensing unit.
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G07F 13/06 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
A conveyor toaster includes a conveyor assembly with a bracket and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt rotates about first and second gears. A drive motor operates to move the conveyor belt about the first and second gears. A platen is configured to be heated and is positioned relative to the conveyor belt. A mounting bracket is connected to the bracket of the conveyor assembly. Movement of the mounting bracket changes the position of the conveyor assembly relative to the platen.
In certain examples, a beverage dispenser includes a gas system configured to collect ambient air, pressurize the ambient air, and dispense the pressurized ambient air, a valve configured to dispense a base fluid, and a concentrate system configured to dispense a concentrate. A manifold is configured to form a gas-injected mixed beverage comprising the base fluid, the concentrate, and the pressurized ambient air, and a nozzle is configured to apply a back-pressure upstream on the gas-injected mixed beverage and dispense the gas-injected mixed beverage.
A beverage dispensing machine for dispensing a mixed beverage has a first inlet configured to receive a concentrate; a second inlet configured to receive a base fluid; a gas inlet configured to receive a gas; a gas injection device configured to pulsate the gas into the concentrate such that the gas agitates the concentrate and is injected into the concentrate to form a gas-injected concentrate; and a dispensing valve configured to dispense the base fluid and the gas-injected concentrate.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B01F 23/236 - Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
A beverage dispensing machine includes a countertop for a conveyor that carries a plurality of cup holders around a track. A front side of the beverage dispenser machine is accessible by an operator to remove cups from the plurality of cup holders. A cup tower has a plurality of cup dispenser tubes that are each configured to hold a respective stack of cups. A cup grabber is movable up and down into and between a raised position in which the cup grabber is positioned to grab a cup from one of the stacks of cups and place a cup into one of the plurality of cup holders.
A product display unit for displaying products includes a track defining a non-linear path and a pusher that moves along the non-linear path. The pusher is configured to move the products along the non-linear path.
A bagel slicer includes a frame. A pusher assembly translates along a slicing path within the frame between an open position and a sliced position. At least one blade is positioned within the slicing path. Movement of the pusher assembly along the slicing path from the open position to the sliced position translates a bagel along the slicing path about the at least one blade to slice the bagel. Movement of the pusher assembly along the slicing path from the sliced position to the open position returns the sliced bagel to the open position of the pusher assembly.
B26D 7/06 - Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
B26D 1/03 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a stationary cutting member with a plurality of cutting members
A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and may further include a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base. A smart sensor is disposed within or connected to a food pan that is removably inserted within the food holding cavity of a food holding chamber. The smart sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of an interior environment of the food pan and communicate with the food holding chamber or the chamber base.
Foodservice customer order fulfillment includes an identifier is associated to a package. A customer order of an ordered item is received at an order fulfillment system. An indication of the ordered item is stored in association to the identifier in the order fulfillment system. The identifier associated to the package is read at a reader associated with a dispenser of at least one ingredient. The identifier is communicated from the reader to the order fulfillment system. A dispenser receives a dispense instruction from the order fulfillment system and operates to dispense at least one ingredient.
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
Systems and methods of bun holding and toasting use a bun dispenser and a toaster. The bun dispenser includes a bun holding cabinet in which a plurality of buns are held on shelves and each of the shelves include conveyors. A shuttle of the bun dispenser translates within at least one axis to align the shuttle with a shelf to receive a bun. A dispensing shelf of the bun dispenser receives the bun from the shuttle. A toaster receives the bun from the dispensing shelf and operates to toast the bun and dispense the toasted bun at a predetermined location.
A produce pusher for use in a produce slicer includes a T-bracket. The T-bracket includes a base plate and a projection. A first fin and a second fin of a plurality of fins extend parallel to and in contact with the projection. A third fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the first fin on a side of the first fin opposite the projection. A fourth fin of the plurality of fins extends parallel to the second fin on a side of the second fin opposite the projection. A first spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the first and third fins and a second spacer of the plurality of spacers is positioned between the second and fourth fins. A fastener extends through and simultaneously applies a compressive force to the plurality of fins, plurality of spacers and the projection.
B26D 1/03 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a stationary cutting member with a plurality of cutting members
An infrared source is arranged relative to support for bread product and operates to direct IR energy to the bread product. A light source is arranged relative to the support and operates to illuminate the bread product and a camera operates to capture images of the bread product. A processor receives the images from the camera. The processor compares successive images received from the camera. Based upon the comparison, the processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the bread product.
A system for automatically dispensing beverages according to a drink order. The system includes a conveyor that conveys a plurality of cup holders in and between a cup receiving location, a dispensing location, and a serving location. A cup dispenser is configured to dispense a cup into each of the plurality of cup holders at the cup receiving location. A plurality of additive dispensers is configured to dispense additives to the cup at the dispensing location. A controller is configured to receive the drink order, create a recipe from the drink order and link the recipe with one of the plurality of cup holders via a marker, dispense a cup to the cup holder via the cup dispenser, and thereafter control the conveyor and the plurality of additive dispensers so that the cup is filled with a beverage according to the recipe and then conveyed to the serving location.
B67D 1/00 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
B67D 1/08 - Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught - Details
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
B67D 1/12 - Flow- or pressure-control devices or systems
95.
System and method for robot to prepare a food product
A system and method utilizing a robotic arm to prepare a food product such as a meat for cooking and then subsequently assembling a sandwich from the cooked meat is disclosed. In addition, the robotic arm may also be used to wrap the assembled sandwich in a wrapper. The system may utilize a wire basket with a basket adapter, or handle, to allow the robotic arm to easily maneuver the basket and also utilize a wrapping assist device to wrap a wrapper around the assembled sandwich.
B25J 15/04 - Gripping heads with provision for the remote detachment or exchange of the head or parts thereof
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
A47J 37/12 - Deep fat fryers, e.g. for frying fish or chips
B65B 11/02 - Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
B65B 11/00 - Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
B65B 49/00 - Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
B65B 25/00 - Packaging other articles presenting special problems
A23P 20/20 - Making of laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs, e.g. by wrapping in preformed edible dough sheets or in edible food containers
96.
System and method for robot to prepare a food product
A system and method utilizing a robotic arm to prepare a food product such as a meat for cooking and then subsequently assembling a sandwich from the cooked meat is disclosed. In addition, the robotic arm may also be used to wrap the assembled sandwich in a wrapper. The system may utilize a wire basket with a basket adapter, or handle, to allow the robotic arm to easily maneuver the basket and also utilize a wrapping assist device to wrap a wrapper around the assembled sandwich.
B65B 11/02 - Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
B65B 11/00 - Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
B65B 49/00 - Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
B65B 25/00 - Packaging other articles presenting special problems
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
A47J 37/12 - Deep fat fryers, e.g. for frying fish or chips
B25J 15/04 - Gripping heads with provision for the remote detachment or exchange of the head or parts thereof
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
A23P 20/20 - Making of laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs, e.g. by wrapping in preformed edible dough sheets or in edible food containers
A mounting assembly for securing an accessory to a food service apparatus includes a mounting bar having a primary cavity, an open interior, a lip, a projection, and a partition wall that extends between the lip and the projection and separates the primary cavity and the open interior. An anchor bar is received in the open interior and secures the mounting bar to the food service apparatus. A mechanical interface has a projection received into the primary cavity such that the mechanical interface is secured to the mounting bar. The mounting bar prevents rotation of the projection out of the primary cavity, and the mechanical interface is configured to be secured to the accessory such that the accessory is secured to the food service apparatus.
A conveyor belt system f includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced rods, and a plurality of slats. At least one of the slats in the plurality of slats includes a flat body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and a lateral stop extending from one end of the flat body portion.
Systems and apparatus for dispensing edible granular material for a beverage include a hopper. The hopper includes at least a floor defining a bottom of the hopper. An auger includes an auger shaft, is positioned at the bottom of the hopper, and extends horizontally from the hopper. A tube is connected to the hopper and surrounds at least a portion of the auger. The tube extends away from the hopper. An outlet through the tube is located at an end of the tube distal from the hopper.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
B65D 83/06 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
A heat transfer system and a broiler that includes a heat transfer system include a heat source. The heat transfer system includes a mixing chamber that surrounds the heat source. An air inlet provides a flow of pressurized air into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber directs the flow of air past the heat source for direct heating of the flow of air by the heat source. The flow of air is further directed out of the mixing chamber through an outlet to impinge upon a food product.
patents
