JPH0217438B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a post-mix beverage dispenser.
beverage dispenser), a gravity flow syrup container dispensing system therefor, and a syrup dispensing system and associated carbonator.
Concerning an improved refrigeration system for.

A prior art post-mixing beverage dispenser device as a case in point has an inverted capacity of approximately 1.5
includes a plurality of disposable plastic flavor concentrate containers, the neck portion of which is plugged into a socket of a dispenser nozzle assembly for selective activation to form a premixed carbonated beverage. These 1.5 containers are supported throughout by sockets that receive container necks. The vessels are collectively cooled by a single heat transfer bracket in contact with the vessels. The heat transfer bracket is cooled by a refrigeration unit within the refrigeration system.

The support structure and cooling system of a distributor of the type described above works quite satisfactorily for 1.5 vessels. However, it is a discovery of the present invention that if larger flavor concentrate containers, on the order of 4 volumes, are to be used, improved support structures and cooling systems for the larger containers are desirable.

Additionally, there is a need in the art for a cabinet assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser having a minimum number of cabinet parts that can be attached to each other by a minimum number of fasteners. This would, of course, be advantageous in terms of lower unit manufacturing costs for the distributor cabinet and would facilitate faster and more uniform assembly. The minimal number of parts also simplifies maintenance and repair of the device.

The present invention further provides an improved refrigeration system for a post-mix beverage dispenser, a gravity flow syrup container dispensing system therefor, and a syrup dispensing system and associated carbonator that is easily removed for maintenance and repair. Regarding.

Use and repair of beverage dispenser refrigeration systems:
It would be much easier if the main parts of the refrigeration system could be easily removed from the surrounding cabinetry assembly and then reinserted into the cabinet upon completion of service or repair. Previously, beverage dispenser cabinets and refrigeration components did not provide a satisfactory solution to this problem due to the large number of separate components requiring individual removal rather than modular removal.

The present invention further relates to a postmix beverage dispenser, a gravity flow syrup container dispensing system therefor, a refrigeration system for the syrup dispensing system and associated carbonator, and an improved agitator assembly for the refrigeration system.

Agitator assemblies for circulating water in frozen water baths of post-mixed beverages are generally known. During periods of heavy use of these distributors, the electric motors that drive the impellers of these agitators can heat up to levels that can severely damage them. There is therefore a need in the art for a means to dissipate this heat and prevent damage to the agitator motor.

Additionally, there is a need in the art for a unique support structure for an agitator assembly that allows for easy removal of the assembly from a beverage dispenser for repair or maintenance.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved refrigeration system for flavor concentrate containers in gravity flow post-mix beverage dispensers.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved support structure for a flavor concentrate container in a gravity flow post-mix beverage dispenser that provides lateral and longitudinal support.

Another object of the invention is a cabinet assembly for a post-mixed beverage dispenser formed from a minimum number of parts that interfit in a modular fashion, each part being substantially self-interfacing with respect to the other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet assembly that is self-interlocking.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved refrigeration system for a beverage dispenser that includes multiple components that can be easily removed for service and repair.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heat dissipation means for a motor of a refrigeration system agitator assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a unique support structure for an agitator assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support structure for an agitator that can support other refrigeration control components such as an ice detection probe.

The objects of the invention and its attendant advantages will become more fully apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring in detail to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows a beverage dispenser, generally designated 10, including an upper cabinet portion 12 and a lower platform portion 14. As shown in FIG. Base part 1
4 surrounds the system controls, electrical wires, fluid hoses, and mechanical parts of the refrigeration system of the present invention. The upper cabinet portion 12 includes a removable panel 18.
a plurality of syrup or flavor concentrate containers in the syrup compartment after the removable panel 21, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.
encloses a water reservoir including a carbonator tank below. The post-mixing beverage dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 3
Dispensing one beverage of one flavor of choice. As is conventional, the flavor concentrate or syrup is mixed with carbonated water at nozzle 20 to form a post-mix beverage.

Referring in detail to FIG. 2, the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 is illustrated with the front cover 18 removed to show the syrup supply compartment SC of the syrup or flavor concentrate supply system of the present invention. A flavor concentrate, such as syrup, is supplied to three inverted syrup containers 24. One such container is shown in FIG. The cylindrical container shown in FIG. 4 is of the type disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Can be done. These containers include a flow rate control tube that vents through the bottom of the container 24 (as seen at the top of the container in FIG. 2) and a rupturable membrane over the mouth of the container at the neck portion 24D. Neck 24D is at the bottom of the container shown in FIG. The rupturable membrane is fitted with a suitable valve mechanism (not shown) actuatable by a push lever 22.
socket 3 connected to nozzle 20 by
4 (FIG. 3) are punctured by a piercing device located in the central portion of each. The valve mechanism and perforation device are disclosed in prior U.S. patents to Sedam et al., assigned to the applicant.
No. 4306667.

The syrup containers 24 of FIG. 4 are inserted into the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 by inverting them and jamming their necks 24D into respective sockets 34 associated with respective dispensing nozzles 20. Container 24 in FIG. 4 is shown with a lid that must be removed before filling the socket.

To firmly support the syrup containers 24, the cooling fins 28 associated with each container are shaped to match the circular contour of the reduced diameter area 24B of the container 24 located adjacent the ribbed portion 24A. be. As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling fins 28 are approximately semicircular in cross section, but preferably
It draws a circular arc of more than 180 degrees, so the end is the container 24
must be bent outwardly to accommodate the outer surface of area 24B. Therefore, container 2
4 is substantially U formed by the cooling fins 28.
The fins 28 can be snapped onto each socket 3 to provide good thermal contact therewith.
4 to firmly support the container 24.

Additional support for container 24 is provided by upright support surfaces S on each side of socket 34. As shown in FIG. 2, these supports S have upper angular surfaces that complement the angle of the surface 24C of the container 24.

As further shown in FIG.
8 is removably connected to cooling plate 26 by a pair of keyhole slots 32 that fit over the heads of pins 30 extending from plate 26. Thus, while the cooling fins 28 are easily removable for cleaning and replaceable for repair thereof, the cooling fins 28 are connected to the cooling plates 26 by means of providing good heat transfer coupling between them.
connected to. Cooling fin 28 has a center offset 28A into which the head of pin 30 is recessed.

Referring to FIG. 3 in more detail, cooling fins 2
8 and the refrigeration system components of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 shows the syrup compartment.
Front cover 18 and top cover 2 to show the arrangement of the compartments in the SC and the water reservoir WR of the present invention.
1 is a top view of the post-mix beverage dispenser of FIG. 1 with portion 1 removed; FIG. Water passes through water pipe WL to water storage
The water line WL is connected to a commercial water supply, such as a municipal water system. water reservoir
The WR is sized to extend along substantially the entire rear wall of the syrup compartment surrounding the syrup container 24. A cooling plate 26 formed from stainless steel or other suitable thermally conductive material is connected to the water reservoir WR.
It is in direct contact with and substantially coextensive with the front wall 36 (as shown by the cutaway section). Therefore, the cold temperature of the water in the water reservoir WR is transferred via its front wall 36 to the cooling plate 26 in the syrup compartment. This cold temperature is transferred to the cooling fins 28 and the container 24 that is a snapfit thereto. Cooling fins 28 may be stainless steel, aluminum or other suitable material.

The water in the water storage WR is transferred to the base portion 14 of the distributor 10.
It is cooled by an evaporator coil EC, which is part of a conventional refrigeration system including a compressor and a condenser located within the confines of the evaporator coil EC. The evaporator coil in the water reservoir WR thus cools the water to the desired temperature selected by a suitable control in the refrigeration system located within the platform area 14.

To further advantage the cooling effect of the water in the water storage WR, a carbonator tank CT is also placed in the water storage. The carbonator tank CT has all attached equipment such as CO ₂ inlet piping, water inlet piping and carbonated water outlet piping to nozzle 20 as a water reservoir.
It is inverted to connect to the appropriate conduit or valve in the platform area 14 through the bottom of the WR.

The water reservoir WR is also equipped with a discharge pipe D and a suitable electrical water level control device to prevent overflow and to control the volume of water therein. The water reservoir WR can be injection molded from plastic making it cheap and lightweight. The same applies to the syrup compartment in which the socket 34 is located.
The same can be said for support trays in SC. The support S is preferably molded integrally with the tray.

Wall 3 of the reservoir WR by circulating the water in the reservoir WR
An agitator A is provided to provide a continuous flow of water across the 6. This helps maintain a substantially constant temperature of plate 26 and cooling fins 28. The agitator A and a suitable drive motor therefor can be supported on the underside of the cover 20. Thus, with the cover in place, the agitator extends into the reservoir WR.

To prepare the postmixed beverage dispenser 10 for operation, the syrup container 24 with a suitable flavor concentrate therein is inserted into the socket 3 through its neck 24D.
4 into the syrup compartment SC. As containers 24 are inserted into the socket, they are also snapped onto cooling fins 28. Once fully inserted into the socket 34, the rupturable membrane over the container opening is punctured and the syrup is allowed to flow by gravity to the associated valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is also connected to the carbonated water delivery piping of the carbonator tank CT. Therefore, the selected 1 of the push lever 22
When activated, the syrup and carbonated water are mixed in associated nozzles to produce the desired flavored post-mix beverage.

Because of the heat transfer coupling between the front wall 36 of the reservoir WR, the plate 26, the cooling fins 28 and the container 24, the syrup remains cooled.
The carbonated water tank CT is also cooled by water in the reservoir WR. Therefore, cold post-mixed beverages are available on demand.

The snap-fit between container 24 and cooling fins 28 provides good thermal coupling and increases cooling efficiency compared to loose fit devices. Additionally, the cooling fins 28 help support the container 24 and prevent it from tipping.

The refrigeration system of the present invention is particularly implemented in that the syrup container 24 is cooled by both conduction and convection. The fins 28 provide conductive cooling and the plate 26 provides convective cooling from the air flowing over its large surface and then into the syrup container.

Other embodiments of refrigeration systems suitable for use with the distributor of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 5-9. In this embodiment, the water in the reservoir WR is not drinkable, unlike the drinkable water in the first embodiment. That is, the water reservoir WR is simply filled with water that is used as a cooling fluid surrounding the carbonator tank CT and the cooling plate 26. In this embodiment the potable water to be carbonated is introduced through a water coil 42 arranged around the periphery of the water reservoir WR. Details of the water coil 42 are illustrated in FIG. 8 for further explanation hereinafter. One end of the water coil 42 is connected to a high pressure water pump WP, which can be connected to a commercial water supply or other suitable source. The delivery end of the coil 42 is connected to the delivery coupling 40 at the top of the carbonator tank CT. The potable water that enters the carbonator tank 40 through its top is therefore already cooled when it enters the carbonator tank CT, which, in combination with its high pressure, quickly cools down.
Increases its ability to absorb _CO2 gas. As shown in FIG. 8, the all-water coil assembly 42 can be easily lifted from the water reservoir WR for servicing.

In this embodiment of the cooling system of FIGS. 5-9, the evaporator coil includes an exposed coil of copper tubing EC2 since the water in which it is immersed is not drinkable. This differs from the embodiment of Figure 3, where the evaporator coil is enclosed within a housing, isolating it from the potable water in the reservoir. Elimination of the housing around the evaporator coil is the reservoir WR
improve its cooling efficiency with respect to water within the range of .

As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of ice detection probes P1 and P2 detect the icing condition near the water coil 42 and the agitator impeller A, respectively.
It is provided to detect. These ice detection probes are connected to suitable control circuitry and
If ice is detected near either the water coil 42 or the agitator-impeller A, the cooling compressor is turned off. Probe P, as further described hereinafter with reference to the stirrer and ice probe assembly of FIG.
1 and P2 are attached at a distance to this agitator and ice probe assembly so that when the agitator assembly rests on top of a water reservoir WR as shown in FIG. and the appropriate position near the evaporator coil EC ₂ .

The cabinet structure of the present invention and the method of assembling its components is shown in detail in FIGS. 6-8. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the complete cabinet assembly. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the upper housing assembly and FIG. 8 shows how the upper housing assembly is attached to the lower housing assembly and how the water coil 42 evaporator coil EC ₂ is attached to the distributor cabinet. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the arrangement of parts to show how they are inserted. In these figures, like parts described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 have like reference numerals.

Referring in detail to FIG. 7, an exploded view thereof shows how the upper housing assembly, generally designated 12, of the present invention is assembled. The upper housing assembly has a main frame having a rear compartment 12R and a front compartment 12F defining a syrup compartment. These two compartments are interconnected by a common wall through an opening or window 12W against which the cooling plate 26 is placed. The cooling plate 26 is attached to the front wall of the water reservoir WR by a thermally conductive mastic TM. A gasket 41 is provided that fits into the window 12W. The water reservoir WR and the cooling plate 26 attached thereto by the mastic TM are then inserted into the rear compartment 12R of the upper housing assembly and secured in place by screws or the like as appropriate. Reservoir WR is slightly smaller than rear compartment 12R to provide space between its sides and rear. This space is filled with an insulator such as polystyrene foam, which is injected into the space. The cooling fins 28 are then attached to the cooling plate 26 by wing nuts 20;
Wing nut 20 attaches to a screw extending from cooling plate 36 (see FIG. 8). The assembly of the upper housing part is then complete except for the introduction of the water coil 42 and the evaporator coil EC2.

Upper housing assembly 12 is then attached to lower housing assembly 14 in the manner shown in the exploded view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom edge of the side wall of the main frame 12 has a groove 12.
A and 12B. These grooves form tracks 14A on the upright side walls of lower housing assembly 14.
and 14B. However, before sliding upper housing frame 12 with grooves 12A and 12B onto tracks 14A and 14B, syrup compartment tray 35 is placed in alignment with socket opening 34 in lower housing assembly 14. Upper housing assembly 12 is then slid into position on tracks 14A and 14B and captures syrup compartment tray 35 in its proper position on the distributor housing assembly. Threaded sockets 12C, 12D mate with threaded holes (not shown) on the underside of the valve assembly housing to provide a stable connection between the upper and lower housing assemblies. Grooves 12A, 12B and track 14
Due to the method of assembly using A and 14B, the upper housing assembly 12, the lower housing assembly 1
4 and the syrup compartment tray 35 can be held together only by a pair of screws passing through these holes into threaded sockets.

With further reference to FIG. 8, water coil assembly 42
It can be seen that the can be easily inserted into the reservoir WR through its top opening. Water inlet 42 to the coil
A passes over the rear wall of the reservoir WR and slots
Through the WS, a section of tubing is provided which extends downwardly to a suitable location within the lower cabinet assembly for connection to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump may be coupled to a commercial water supply. The outlet end of the water coil 42B is connected to a coupling 40 at the top of the carbonator tank CT as described above with respect to FIG.
Connect to. Coil assembly 42 also includes three support brackets 42C, 42D and 42E.
The support bracket rests on the upper edge of the reservoir WR and supports the coil assembly 42 therein adjacent the peripheral sidewalls. The length and diameter of coil 42 are selected to meet the requirements of the distributor, which determines the degree of cooling required by coil 42.

Another unique feature of the present invention is the manner in which the mechanical cooling system of the present distributor can be easily inserted into or removed from a cabinet assembly. As shown in Figure 8,
The mechanical refrigeration assembly is attached to compressor deck CD which includes compressor C, condenser CN, transformer TR, electric fan motor FM and fan blades F. Extending upward from the compressor deck is
The flexible portion T of the evaporator coil supports the copper evaporator coil assembly EC2 with the aid of a removable support rack (not shown). In order to insert the compressor deck assembly CD and its evaporator EC2 into appropriate positions within the lower cabinet assembly 14 and water reservoir WR, respectively, the compressor deck assembly CD
into position into compartment 14H within the lower cabinet assembly. When you reach this position,
Evaporator coil assembly EC2 extends up and above the top edge of water reservoir WR.
above), still vertically supported by a removable support rack and area T in the upright position as shown in FIG. Coil assembly EC2 is then twisted and bent downward until it reaches its proper position within the water reservoir WR shown in FIG. Section T is preferably copper and can be twisted and bent many times without fatigue or damage. The flexible tube section T has a slot ES at the top edge of the reservoir WR.
sit down. If this evaporator EC2 requires repair, the assembly steps described above are reversed. That is,
Coil EC2 is bent over and out of reservoir WR and compressor deck CD is slid out from behind lower cabinet assembly 14. Accordingly, the mechanical refrigeration of the distributor of the present invention is modular and can be easily slid into and out of the distributor cabinet assembly for ease of manufacture, maintenance, and repair.

With the evaporator coil assembly EC2 and associated compressor deck CD in place, the agitator and probe assembly of FIG. 9 can be inserted into the reservoir WR. This stirrer and probe assembly A1
The location of is shown in FIG. This assembly A1
are two of the arms hereinafter described supporting assembly A1 in slot AS in the top edge of the wall of reservoir WR.
It has two pairs. A quick disconnect coupling for power is also provided. Accordingly, the stirrer and probe assembly can also be easily inserted into and removed from the cabinetry to facilitate ease of maintenance and repair.

The exploded view of FIG. 6 shows how all of the components of the inventive cabinet described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 fit together into one cabinet structure as shown in FIG. Shows how to form a beverage dispenser. After the cabinet assembly and mechanical refrigeration system described above with respect to FIGS. This is completed by attaching a rear plate 46 to the lower housing assembly and to the rear of both upper and lower housing assemblies 12 and 14. Removable covers 18 and 21 are then set in place to cover syrup compartment SC and water reservoir WR, respectively.

Although not specifically shown, the removable cover 18 over the syrup compartment SC includes a pair of protrusions that correspond to the tabs on the rear of the syrup compartment SC as shown in FIG. Hole 1 in
Get stuck in 7.

FIG. 6 details the components of a typical syrup socket 34, including syrup seal 34C, syrup liner seal 34B, and seal retainer 34A. These elements fit within holes 35A of syrup tray 35 and are operatively associated with necks 24D of syrup container 24 in the manner previously described. The syrup tray 35 of this embodiment of the invention includes upright front ribs S2 rather than the plurality of supports shown in the embodiment of FIG. This rib S
2 helps to support the container 24 in an upright and stable condition in a similar manner to the support S. The stirrer and probe assembly of the present invention is shown in detail in the exploded view of FIG. 9 and is generally designated A1. This assembly is the water reservoir shown in Figure 8.
It includes a main housing 50 having two pairs of support arms 50A that fit into grooves or slots AS in the top of the WR. The main housing portion also includes a pair of probe support brackets PS1 and PS2 for supporting ice detection probes P1 and P2, respectively. Mounted within the central compartment of housing 50 is an agitator motor coupled to impeller A via impeller shaft 54. In its final operating position, impeller A extends downward into the water within reservoir WR. Also depending downwardly from housing 50 is a heat sink HS having a pair of arms HS1 and HS2. A heat sink HS is provided to dissipate the heat generated by the agitator motor AM to the non-potable water in the reservoir WR. A cover 52 is also provided to fit over the top of the agitator motor and mount it within the housing 50. As mentioned above, this stirrer and probe assembly rests on top of reservoir WR and is connected to impeller A, probes P1, P2 and heat sink arm.
HS1, HS2 extend into the water in the reservoir WR, and arms HS1, HS2 extend into a position adjacent to or in contact with the evaporator coil EC2 to maximize heat dissipation. Probes P1 and P2 are mounted at predetermined intervals on this assembly so that they are properly positioned within the reservoir WR in the vicinity of the water coil 42 and agitator impeller A, respectively, as shown in FIG. It will be done.

It should be understood that the systems described herein may be modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the post-mix beverage dispenser of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the first portion of the distributor of Figure 1 with the front cover removed to show the syrup compartment.
It is a front view of this aspect. 3 is a partially cut away top view of the distributor of FIG. 2 with the top cover and front cover removed; FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary syrup or flavor concentrate container to be inserted into the dispenser of the present invention shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a top view similar to FIG. 3 showing additional aspects of the refrigeration system of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the beverage dispensing cabinet of the present invention including the refrigeration system embodiment of FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the upper housing assembly of the distributor cabinet of FIG. 6; FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing how the upper housing assembly of FIG. 7 is attached to the lower housing assembly and how the refrigeration system of FIG. 5 is inserted into the beverage dispenser cabinet. 9 is an exploded view of an agitator and probe assembly for use with the refrigeration system of FIG. 5; FIG. In the figure, 10...Beverage dispenser, 12...Upper cabinet, 14...Lower stand portion, 16...Dripping tray, 18...Front cover, 20...Nozzle,
22...Push button, 24...Syrup container, 2
6...Cooling plate, 28...Cooling fin, SC
...Syrup compartment, WR...Water storage, D...
Discharge pipe, S...Support, CT...Carbonizer tank,
34...Socket, 35...Syrup compartment tray, 36...Water storage front wall, 40...Coupling, 42...Water coil assembly, EC2...Evaporator coil, A...Agitator impeller, P1, P2
...Ice detection probe, G...Compressor, CN...Condenser, CD...Compressor deck.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A refrigeration device for a post-mixed beverage dispenser, the post-mixed beverage dispenser comprising the following (A) to (G): (A) A water reservoir WR having an access opening at the top. and (B) a water coil 42 disposed within the water reservoir for passing drinkable water to mix with the flavor concentrate to form the post-mixed beverage stream.
(c) an evaporator coil EC2 within the water reservoir for cooling the water; and (D) neck portions 24D each having a predetermined shape and size and having an opening. a plurality of side-by-side containers 24 containing flavor concentrate; (E) defined by a thermally conductive plate 26 in direct contact with and coextensive with the front wall 36 of said water reservoir WR; a flavor concentrate supply compartment SC having a rear wall and located on the front wall of said distributor; (F) in said flavor concentrate supply compartment;
a socket 34 for each container for receiving a neck portion of said container; (G) a dispensing nozzle 20 associated with each container and socket for dispensing the mixed beverage after a desired flavor; A cooling fin for each container extends from the thermally conductive plate, the cooling fin being shaped to receive and support the sidewall of the associated container, each of the cooling fins 28 extending from the sidewall of the container. CLAIMS 1. A refrigeration device comprising: a snap-fit container having an inner dimension slightly smaller than a mating outer sidewall dimension. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container 24 is cylindrical and each said fin 28 is semicircular in cross-section to define a substantially U-shaped container receiving channel. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the semicircular cross-section of the fins is arced through more than 180 degrees and the ends of the U-shaped channel are bent outwardly to receive a container. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the fins includes a coupling for removably attaching the fin to the thermally conductive plate. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said coupling is characterized by a keyhole slot on said fin and a headed pin on said plate. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising supports S for supporting said container, which are conformally spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of each socket. 7. A distributor cabinet comprising: a lower housing assembly having upright side walls extending from the front to the rear of the cabinet; and a refrigeration equipment compartment opening to the rear of the lower housing assembly between the side walls. and an upper housing assembly having sidewalls defining a water reservoir compartment therebetween, the water reservoir compartment being connected to the top of the cabinet. a removable refrigeration unit including a refrigeration deck CD for insertion into the refrigeration compartment 14H; and an evaporator coil extending from the deck above the water reservoir. a first substantially straight flexible portion T extending to a point, and a second coiled portion EC connected to the first portion at the point; The second coiled portion is disposed within the water reservoir and the first portion is adapted to be bent downwardly about the point. The device according to scope 1. 8 a housing 50 for supporting an agitator motor AM; a support arm 50A extending from the housing for engaging a top edge of the water reservoir surrounding the access opening; an impeller shaft 54 extending into a water reservoir; an impeller A on said shaft in a water reservoir; and coupling said agitator motor to the water in said water reservoir to transfer heat from said motor to said water. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized by: a heat sink assembly for dissipating heat. 9. The heat sink assembly includes a metal bracket coupled to the motor, the metal bracket having a pair of fingers on opposite sides of the impeller, adjacent the impeller and in contact with the evaporator. Claim 8 further characterized by extending from said bracket into said water to a point where it contacts a vessel coil.
Apparatus described in section. 10 a first ice probe P adjacent to said water coil 42 and adapted to detect ice formation;
1, wherein the first ice probe is attached to the support arm 50A and extends downwardly into the water to a position adjacent to the water coil 42; a second ice probe P2 adapted to detect formation, wherein said second ice probe is mounted on said support arm at a predetermined distance from said first ice probe means and said second ice probe P2 is adapted to detect formation of said ice probe means; extending downwardly into said water to a position adjacent to;
9. A device according to claim 8, further characterized by: 11 Distributor Cabinet The distributor cabinet includes a lower housing assembly 14 having an upright side wall portion extending from the front to the rear of the cabinet, recessed below the top edge of the side wall and extending from the front of the cabinet to the rear. said socket 34 for receiving said flavor concentrate container 24 located adjacent to the front;
an open substantially U-shaped compartment behind the valve assembly housing between the side walls; an upper housing assembly 12, the upper housing assembly including a side wall; , the sidewall defining a flavor concentrate compartment therebetween;
the compartment is open towards the front of the cabinet; a tray 35 forming a bottom of the flavor concentrate compartment when disposed between the top edges of the lower housing side walls; , the tray 35 has an opening 35a aligned with the socket; tracks 12B, 14B between the side walls of the upper and lower housing assemblies; and sliding the lower housing assembly from the rear to the front into a substantially U-shaped compartment within the lower housing assembly, thereby
fitting the tray between an upper housing assembly and a lower housing assembly such that the opening in the tray is aligned with the upwardly facing socket of the valve assembly; and The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized by: a fastener SA for securing the housing assembly to each other.