Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
124V6~2
~ I E I ~ ~ ~ I Q ~
The present invention relates to a post-mix
beverage dispenser; a syrup continer supply system
therefor of the gravity flow type; and an improved
refrigeration system for both the syrup supply
system and an associated carbonator.
An exemplary prior art post-mix beverage
dispenser apparatus includes a plurality of
disposable, plastic, flavor concentrate containers
of about 1.5 liters in capacity which are inverted
and the neck portions thereof are plugged into
sockets in dispenser nozzle assemblies for
selective actuation to form post-mix carbonated
beverages. These 1.5 liter containers are totally
~'~
~240652
supported by the sockets which receive the
container necks. These csntainers are cooled by a
single heat transfer bracket in contact with the
containers collectively. The heat transfer bracket
is cooled by a cooling device within the
refrigeration system.
The support structure and cooling system of
the dispenser of the aforementioned type functions
quite well for 1.5 liter containers. However, it
is a discovery of the presçnt invention that if
larger flavor concentrate containers are to be
used, on the order of 4 liters capacity, that an
improved support structure and cooling system for
the larger containers is desirable.
In addition, a need in the art exists for a
cabinet assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser
having a minimal number of cabinet parts which may
be secured together by a minimal number of
fasteners. This would, of course, be advantageous
with respect to a lower unit manufacturing cost for
the dispenser cabinet and would facilitate quicker
and more uniform assembly. A minimal number of
parts also simplifies maintenance and repair of the
apparatus.
1240~;52
The present invention further relates to a
post-mix beverage dispenser; a syrup container
supply system therefor of the gravity flow type;
and an improved refrigeration system for both the
syrup supply system and an associated carbonator
which is easily removed for maintenance and repair.
The servicing and repair of the refrigeration
system of a beverage dispenser could be greatly
simplified if a major portion of the refrigeration
system could be easily removed from the surrounding
cabinetry assembly, and then relnserted into the
cabinet when service o. repairs are completed.
~eretofore, beverage dispenser cabinet and
refrigeration component designs have not provided
satisfactory solutions to this problem due to a
large number of discrete components requiring
separate, rather than modular, removal.
The present invention further relates to a
post-mix beverage dispenser; a syrup contianer
supply system therefor of the gravity flow type; a
refrigeration system for both the syrup supply
system and an associated carbonator; and an
improved agitator assembly for the refrigeration
system.
lZ9~652
Agitator assemblies for circulating water in a
refrigerated water bath of a post-mix beverage dispenser
are generally known. During periods of heavy use of
these dispensers, the electric motors which drive the
impellers of these agitators can heat up to potentially
damaging levels. Accordingly, a need in the art exists
for a means for dissipating this heat to preclude damage
to the agitator motor.
Furthermore, a need in the art exists for a unique
support structure for an agitator assembly which permits
easy removal of the assembly from the beverage dispenser
for repairs or maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of an aspect of the
present invention to provide an improved refrigeration
system for the flavor concentrate containers of a
gravity-flow, post-mix beverage dispenser.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
invention to provide an improved support structure for
the flavor concentrate containers in a gravity-flow,
post-mix beverage dispenser, which provides for
lateral, as well as longitudinal, support.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
i invention to provide a cabinet assembly for a post-mix
beverage dispenser formed from a minimal number of parts
which fit together in a modular fashion, the respective
parts being substantially self-interlocking with respect
to each other.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
invention to provide an improved refrigeration system
for a beverage dispenser which includes a unit including
a plurality of components, the unit being readily
removable for service and repairs.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
invention to provide a heat dissipation means for the
electric motor of a refrigeration system agitator
assembly.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
B
lZ4(~6~2
invention to provide a unique support structure for an
agitator assembly.
It is an object of an aspect of the present
invention to provide a support structure for an agitator
assembly from which other refrigeration control
components, such as ice-detection probes, may be
supported.
Various aspects of the invention are as follows:
A cabinet for a beverage dispenser apparatus which
mixes flavor concentrate and water together to form a
post-mix beverage comprising:
a) a lower housing assembly having upstanding
sidewall portions extending from front to back of the
cabinet, a valve assembly housing with upwardly-facing
sockets for receiving flavor concentrate containers,
said valve assembly housing being recessed below the top
edges of said sidewalls and disposed adjacent to the
front of said cabinet, and an open, substantially
U-shaped compartment behind said valve assembly housing
between said sidewalls;
b) an upper housing assembly including sidewall
portions which define a flavor concentrate compartment
therebetween which opens toward the front of said
cabinet;
c) a tray forming a bottom of said flavor
concentrate compartment when disposed on said valve
assembly housing between the top edges of the lower
housing sidewalls, including openings which register
with said upwardly-facing sockets;
d~ track means between the sidewall portions of
said upper and lower housing assemblies, permitting the
upper housing assembly to be slid thereon into the
substantially U-shaped compartment in the lower housing
assembly from the back to the front thereof, to thereby
trap said tray between the upper and lower housing
assemblies with the openings therein in registry with
said upwardly-facing sockets of the valve assembly
housing; and
lZ4~36~2
e) means for securing said upper and lower
housing assemblies together.
A method for assembling a cabinet for a beverage
dispenser apparatus which mixes flavor concentrate and
water together to form a post-mix beverage comprising
the steps of:
a) providing a lower housing assembly having
upstanding sidewall portions extending from front to
back of the cabinet assembly, a ~alve assembly housing
with upwardly-facing sockets for receiving flavor
concentrate containers, said valve assembly housing
being recessed below the top edges of said sidewalls and
disposed adjacent to the front of said cabinet assembly,
and an open, substantially U-shaped compartment behind
said valve assembly housing between said sidewalls;
b) providing an upper housing assembly including
sidewall portions which define a flavor concentrate
compartment therebetween which opens toward the front of
said cabinet assembly;
c) providing a tray forming a bottom of said
flavor concentrate compartment when disposed on said
valve assembly housing between the top edges of the
lower housing sidewalls, including openings which
register with said upwardly-facing sockets;
d) providing track means between the sidewall
portions of said upper and lower housing assemblies;
e3 sliding the upper housing assembly into the
substantially U-shaped compartment in the lower housing
assembly from the back to the front thereof on said
track means, to thereby trap said tray between the upper
and lower housing assemblies with the openings therein
in registry with said upwardly-facing sockets of the
valve assembly housing; and
f) securing said upper and lower housing
assemblies together.
124~)6~2
~BIEE LESSBLE~Q~ QE ~E DRAWINGS
The objects of the present invention and the
attendant advantages thereof will become more fully
apparent by reference to the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the post-mix
beverage dispenser of~the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a
first embodiment of the dispenser of Figure 1 with
a front cover portion removed to illustr~.e the
syrup compartment;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the dispenser
of Figure 2 with a top and front cover removed, and
a portion broken away and sectioned;
Figure 4 is an elevational view of an
exemplary syrup or flavor concentrate container to
1~4~652
be inserted into the dispenser of the present
invention, as illustrated in Figure 2
Figure 5 is a top plan view similar to Figure
3, illustrating an additional embodiment of the
refrigeration system o the present invention;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the beverage
dispenæer cabinet of the present invention
inclusive of the refrigeration system embodiment of
Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the upper
housing assembly of the dispenser cabinet of Figure
6;
Figure 8 is an exploded view illustrating how
the upper housing assembly of Figure 7 is attached
to the lower housing assembly and how the
refrigeration system of Figure 5 is insert~d into
the beverage dispenser cabinet; and
Figure 9 is an exploded view of an agitator
and probe assembly for use with the refrigeration
system of Figure 5.
nELaL~E~ ~E~SBI~IQ~ QE ~E ~REFERRED E~BODIMENT
Referring in detail to the drawings, Figure 1
illustrates a beverage dispenser generally
~Z4(~6~52
indicated 10, including an upper cabinet portion 12
and a lower pedestal portion 14. The pedestal
portion 14 houses the sytem controls, electrical
wires, fluid hoses and the mechanical components of
the refrigeration system of the present invention.
The upper cabinet portion 12 houses a plurality of
syrup or flavor concentrate containers in a syrup
compartment behind a removable panel 18; and a
water reservoir including a carbonator tank
underneath a removable panel 21, which will be
described in more detail hereinafter with reference
to Figures 2 and 3. The post-mix beverage
dispenser 10 illustrated in Figure 1 will dispense
a beverage of a selected one of three flavors
through one of nozzles 20 into a container
supported on a drip tray 16 in response to the
actuation of a selected one of push buttons 22. As
is conventional, flavor concentrate or syrup is
mixed with carbonated water in nozzles 20 to form a
post-mix beverage.
Referring in detail to Fisure 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
lZ4(~652
supply system of the present invention. Flavor
concentrate, such as syrup, is provided in three
inverted syrup containers 24, only one of which is
illustrated in Figure 2. Cylindrical containers
24, also illustrated in Fig. 4, may be of the type
disclosed in co-pending Canadian Patent Application
Serial Number 456 057 filed ~une 7,
1984, and assigned to the same assignee as the
present invention. These containers include a flow
rate control tube therein which vents through the
bottom of container 24 (the top of the container as
viewed in Figure 2) and a rupturable membrane over
the mouth of the container in neck portion 24D.
The neck 24D is at the bottom of the container
illustrated in Figure 2. The rupturable membrane
is punctured by a piercing device disposed in the
central portion of each of sockets 34 (Figure 3)
which are connected to nozzles 20 by means of a
suitable valving mechanism (not shown), which is
actuatable by push levers 22. The valving
mechanism and piercing device may be those
disclosed in prior U.S. Patent 4,306,667 to Sedam,
et al., assigned to the same assignee as the
present invention.
A
12406~i2
Syrup containers 24 of Fig. 4 are inserted
into the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 by
inverting them and plugging the necks 24D thereof
into the respective sockets 34 associated with the
respective dispensing nozzles 20. The container 24
of Pig. 4 is shown with a closure therein which
must be removed before plugging the neck into the
socket.
In order to firmly support the syrup
containers 24, a cooling fin 28 associated with
each of the containers is configured to conform to
the circular contour of reduced diameter section
24B of container 24, disposed adjacent the ribbed
portion 24A. As illustrated in Fig. 3, cooling
fins 28 are generally semicircular in cross-
section, but preferably scribe a circular arc in
excess of 180 degrees, so that the ends must be
flexed outwardly to receive external surface of
section 24B of containers 24. Therefore,
containers 24 may be snapped into the substantially
U-shaped channels formed by cooling fins 28,
providing good thermal contact therewith and
enabling fins 28 to firmly support the containers
24 in their respective sockets 34.
~24(~652
Additional support for containers 24 is
provided by upstanding support surfaces S provided
on opposite sides of sockets 34. As ,illustrated in
Figure 2, these supports S have upper angular
surfaces which are complementary to the angle of
the surface 24C on container 24.
As f~rther illustrated in Figure 2, the
cooling fins 2B are removably connected to a
cooling plate 26 by meanæ of a pair of keyhole
slots 32 which fit over the head of a pin 30,
extending from plate 26. Therefore, cooling fins
28 are easily removable for cleaning and
replaceable for repair, but are connected to
cooling plate 26 by means providing a good heat
transfer coupling therebetween. Cooling fins 28
are provided wi~h a central offset 28A so that the
heads of pins 30 are recessed therein. This
precludes interference between the heads of pins 30
and the surfaces 24B of containers 24.
Referring in more detail to Figure 3, the heat
transfer relationship between cooling fins 28 and
the refrigeration system components of the present
invention are illustrated. Figure 3 is a top plan
view of the post-mix beverage dispenser of Figure
-12-
1~40652
1 with both the front cover 18 and top cover 21
removed to illustrate the arrangement of the
components in the syrup compartment SC, and the
water reservoir WR of the present invention. Water
is supplied to the water reservoir WR through a
water line WL, which is in turn connected to a
commercial water supply, such as city water
service. The water reservoir WR is dimensioned so
that it extends along substantially ~he entire back
wall of the syrup compartment housing the syrup
containers 24. In direct contact and substantially
coextensive with the front wall 36 of the water
reservoir WR (as shown by the broken away section),
is a cooling plate 26 formed of stainless steel or
any other suitable thermally conductive material.
Therefore, the cool temperature of the water in
water reservoir WR is transferred through the front
wall 36 thereof to the cooling plate 26 in the
syrup compartment. This cool temperature, in turn,
is transferred to the cooling fins 28 and the
containers 24 which are snap-fit therein. Cooling
fins 28 may be stainless steel, aluminum or any
other suitable material.
124~652
Water in the water reservoir WR is ~-hilled by
an evaporator coil EC, which i5 part of a
conventional refrigeration system, including a
compressor and condensor disposed within pedestal
portion 14 of the dispenser 10. Accordingly, the
evaporator coil EC within the water reservoir WR
cools the water down to a desired temperature
selected by appropriate controls in the
refrigeration system ~disposed within pedestal
section 14.
To take further advantage of the cooling
effect of the water in the water reservoir WR, a
carbonator tank CT is also disposed in the water
reservoir. Carbonator tank CT is inverted so that
all the fittings thereto, such as the C02 input
line, water input line, and carbonated water output
line to nozzles 20, connect through the bottom of
the water reservoir WR to appropriate conduits or
valves in the pedestal section 14.
The water reservoir WR is also provided with a
drain D and suitable electrical water level
controls to prevent overflow and to control the
volume of water therein. Water reservoir WR may be
injection molded from plastic to make it
14
lZ4~)65~
inexpensive and light-weight. The same is true of
the support tray in syrup compartment SC in which
sockets 34 are disposed. Supports S are
preferably integrally molded with the tray.
An agitator A is provided for circulating
water in reservoir WR to provide continuous flow of
water across the wall 36 of reservoir WR. This
helpc maintain a substantially constant temperature
of plate 26 and cooling fins 28. The agitator A
and a suitable drive motor therefor may be
supported on the underside of cover 20. Therefore,
with the cover in place, the agitator extends into
the reservoir WR.
~SSBIE~ QE ~QII
To prepare the post-mix beverage dispenser 10
for operation, syrup containers 24 with appropriate
flavor concentrates therein are loaded into ~he
syrup compartment SC by inserting the necks 24D
thereof into sockets 3a. As the containers 24 are
inserted into the sockets, they are also snapped
into cooling fins 28. When fully inserted into
sockets 34, the rupturable membranes over the
~Z4~ 2
container openings have been punctured and syrup
can flow by gravity into the associated valving
mechanism. The valving mechanisms are also
connected to the carbonated water output line of
carbonator tank CT. Therefore t when a selected one
of push levers 22 are actuated, syrup and
carbonated water become mixed in the associated
nozzle 20, producing a post-mix beverage of a
desired flavor.
Because of the heat transfer couplings between
the front wall 36 of reservoir WR; plate 26;
cooling fins 28; and containers 24, the syrup is
maintained in a refrigerated condition. The
carbonated water tank CT is also refrigerated by
the water in reservoir WR. Therefore, a cold post-
mix beverage is available on demand.
The snap fit between contianers 24 and cooling
fins 28 provides good thermal coupling and
increases the cooling efficiency, as compared to a
loose-fitting arrangement. Furthermore, the
cooling fins 28 help support containers 24 and
preclude tilting thereof.
~ he refrigeration system of the present
invention is particularly effected in that syrup
16
12406~2
containers 24 are cooled by both conductio~ nd
convection. Fins 28 provide conductive cooling,
and plate 26 convective cooling from the air which
flows over its large surface and then ts the syrup
containers.
Another embodiment of a refrigeration system
suitable for use with the dispenser of the present
invention i5 illustrated in figures 5 to 9. In
this embodiment, the water in reservoir WR is non-
potable, rather than potable, as in the first
embodiment. That is, water reservoir WR is merely
filled with water used as a cooling fluid
surrounding the carbonator tank CT and cooling
plate 26. The potable water to be carbonated in
this embodiment is introduced through a water coil
42 disposed about the perimeter of the water
reservoir WR. The details of the water coil 42 are
illustrated in Figure 8, to be described further
hereinafter. One end of the water coil 42 is
connected to a high pressure water pump WP which
may be connected to a commercial water supply or
other suitable source. The output end of coil 42
is connected to an inpu~ coupling 40 on the top of
carbonator tank CT. Accordingly, the potable water
li
lZ40~2
entering carbonator tank 40 through the top thereof
is already chilled when it enters the carbonator
tank CT, which, combined with its high pressure,
enhances its ability to rapidly absorb CO2 gas. As
illustrated in Figure 8, the entire water coil
assembly 42 may be easily lifted out of water
reservoir WR for repair.
In this embodiment of the refrigeration system
of Figure~ 5 to 9, the evaporator coil includes
exposed coils of copper tubing EC2 since the water
in which it is immersed is non-potable. This
differs from the embodiment of Figure 3 in which
the evaporator coil is enclosed within a housing to
isolate it from potable water in the reservoir.
The elimination of the housing around the
evaporator coil improves the cooling efficiency
thereof with respect to the water within the
reservoir WR.
As illustrated in Figure 5 a pair of ice
detection probes Pl and P2 are provided to detect
icing conditions adjacent to the water ccil 42, and
the agitator impeller A, respectively. These ice-
detection probes are connected in suitable control
circuitry to turn the refrigeration compressor OFF
18
124~3652
when ice is detected adjacent to either the water
coil 42 or the agitator impeller A. As will be
described further hereinafter with reference to the
agitator and ice probe assembly of Figure 9, probes
Pl and P2 are mounted on this agitator and ice
probe assembly at predetermined spacings so that
when the agitator assembly rests on the top of
water reservoir WR, as illustrated in Figure 6, the
probes Pl and P2 are disposed at the proper
locations adjacent to the water coils 42 and
evaporator coil EC2, respectively.
The cabinet structure of the present invention
and a method of assembling the component parts
thereof is illustrated in detail in Figures 6 to 8.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the entire cabinet
assembly; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the
upper housing assembly; and Figure 8 is an exploded
view illustrating how the upper housing assembly is
attached to the lower housing assembly and how the
water coil 42 and the evaporator coil EC2 are
inserted into the dispenser cabinet. In these
Figures, like parts to those described hereinbefore
with reference to Figures 1 to 4 are provided with
like reference numerals.
19
~2g~652
Referring in detail to Figure 7, the exploded
view thereof illustrates 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 the syrup
compartment SC. These two compartments are
interconnected by a common wall through an opening
or window 12W against which the cooling plate 26 is
disposed. Cooling plate 26 is at~ached to the
front wall of the water reservoir WR by a thermally
conductive mastic TM. A gasket 41 is provided
which fits into the window 12W. The water
reservoir WR and cooling plate 26 attached thereto
by mastic TM are then inserted into the rear
compartment 12R of the upper housing assembly, and
suitably secured into place by screws or the like.
The reservoir WR is slightly smaller than the rear
compartment 12R providing a space between the side
and rear thereof. This space is filled with
insulation, such as polystyrene foam or the like,
which is injected into the space. Cooling fins 28
are then secured to the cooling plate 26 by means
of wing nuts 20, which attach to screws 31
lZgO6~
extending from cooling plate 36 (see Figure 8).
Assembly of the upper housing portion is then
complete with the exception of the introduction of
water coils 42 and the evaporator coils EC2.
This upper housing assembly 12 is then attached
to the lower housing assembly 14 in the manner
illustrated in the exploded view of Figure 8. As
illustrated in Fi~ure 8, the bottom edges of the
sidewalls of main frame 12 have grooves 12A and 12B
therein. These grooves are designed to ride on
tracks 14A and 14B on the upstanding sidewalls of
the lowe~ housing assembly 14. However, before
sliding the upper housing frame 12 with grooves 12A
and 12B onto tracks 14A and 14B, syrup compartment
tray 35 is placed in registry with socket openings
34 in the lower housing assembly 14. Upper
housing assembly 12 is then slid into place on
tracks 14A and 14B, and captures syrup compartment
tray 35 in its proper location in the dispenser
housing assembly. Threaded sockets 12C, 12D mate
with screw holes (not shown) on the underside of
the valve assembly housing to provide a stable
connection between the upper and lower housing
assemblies. Because of this construction and
124U~ii2
method of assembly which utilizes the grooves 12A,
12B and tracks 14A and 14B, the upper housing-
assembly 12, the lower housing assembly 14 and the
syrup compartment tray 35 may all be held together
by means of only a pair of screws, which pass
through these holes into the threaded sockets.
Referring fur~her to Figure 8, it can be seen
that the water coil assembly 42 is easily
insertable into reservoir WR through the top
opening thereof. The water inlet 42A to the coil
is provided in a section of tubing which extends
over the back wall of the reservoir WR through a
slot WS, down to an appropriate position within the
lower cabinet assembly for connection to the high
pressure p~mp which may be coupled to a commercial
water supply. The outlet end of the water coil 42B
connects to a coupling 40 on the top of the
carbonator tank CT, as described hereinbefore with
reference to Figure 5. Coil assembly 42 is also
provided with three support brackets 42C, 42D and
42E, which rest on the upper edge of the reservoir
WR to support the coil assembly 42 therein,
adjacent the peripheral sidewalls. The length and
diameter of coil 42 are selected to match the
22
~240t~52
demand of the dispenser which determines the degree
of cooling required by coil 42.
Another unique feature of the present
invention is the manner in which the mechanical
refrigeration system of the dispenser of the
present invention can be easily inserted into or
removed from the cabinet assembly. As illustrated
in Figure 8, the mechanical refrigeration assembly
i8 mounted on a compressor deck CD, which includes
a compressor C, a condensor CN, a transformer TR,
an electric fan motor FM and a fan blade F.
Extending upwardly from the compressor deck is a
flexible portion of the evaporator coil T, which
supports a copper evaporator coil assembly EC2 with
the aid of a removable support rack (not shown).
To insert the compressor deck assembly CD and the
evaporator EC2 thereof into the appropriate places
within the lower cabinet assembly 14 and the water
reservoir WR, respectively, the compressor deck CD
is slid into place into the compartment 14H within
the lower cabinet assembly. When this position is
reached, the evaporator coil assembly EC2 will
still be vertically supported by the removable
support rack and section T in an upright position,
lZ4~i%
as illusteated in Figure 8, extending up and above
the top edge of the water reservoir WR. ~he coil
assembly EC2 is then twisted and bent downwardly
until it reaches its proper position within the
water reservoir WR, illustrated in Figure 5.
Section T is preferably copper and may be twisted
and bent many times without fatigue or damage.
The flexible tubing portion T becomes seated in
slot ES in the top edge of reservoir WR. If repair
to this evaporator EC2 becomes necessary, the
aforementioned assembly steps are reversed. That
is, coil EC2 is bent up and out of the reservoir
WR, and the compressor deck CD is slid out of the
back of the lower cabinet assembly 14.
Accordingly, the mechanical refrigeration of the
dispenser of the present invention is modular, and
may be easily slid into and out of the dispenser
cabinet assembly for ease of manufacture,
maintenance and repair.
Once the evaporator coil assembly~EC2 and the
associated compressor deck CD are in place, the
agitator and probe assembly of Figure 9 may be
inserted into reservoir WR. The position of this
agitator and probe assembly Al is illustrated in
24
~%~
Figure 6. This assembly Al has two pairs of arms
to be described hereinafter, which support the
assembly Al in slots AS in the top edges of the
walls of reservoir WR. Quick disconnect couplings
are also provided for electrical power.
Accordingly, the agitator and probe assembly is
also easily insertable and removable from the
cabinetry to facilitate ease of maintenance and
repair.
The exploded. view of Figure 6 shows
essentially how all sf the component parts of the
cabinet of the present invention, discussed
hereinbefore with resference to Figures 7 and 8,
fit together into a unitary cabinet structure to
form the beverage dispenser illustrated in Figure
1. It can be seen from Figure 6 that after the
component parts of the cabinet assembly and the
mechanical refrigeration system, described
hereinbefore with reference to Figures 7 and 8, is
assembled together, all other necessary mechanical
equipment is inserted and the entire cabinet is
completed by attaching front plate 44 to the lower
housing assembly and rear plate 46 to the rear of
both the upper and lower housing assemblies 12 and
1240~
14. Removable covers 18 and 21 are then set in
place to cover the syrup compartment SC and the
water reservoir WR, respectively.
Although not specifically shown, the removable
cover 18 over the syrup compartment SC is provided
with a pair of protrusions which fit into the
apertures 17 in a pair of tabs at the rear of the
syrup compartment SC, as illustrated in Figure 8.
Figure 6 also illustrates in detail the
components of a typical syrup socket 34, which
include a syrup seal 34C, a syrup liner seal 34B,
and a seal retainer 34A. These elements fit within
apertures 35A of the syrup tray 35 and are
operatively associated with the necks 24D of the
syrup containers 24 in a manner described
hereinbefore. The syrup tray 35 in this embodiment
of the present invention is provided with an
upstanding front rib S2, rather than the plurality
of supports S illustrated in the embodiment of
Figure 2. This rib S2 helps support the containers
24 in an upright, stable condition in a similar
manner to the supports S. The agitator and probe
assembly of the present invention is illustrated in
detail in the exploded view of Figure 9, and is
-
lZ4~ 2
generally indicated Al. This assembly includes a
main housing 50 having two pairs of support arms
50A which fit into grooves or slots AS in the top
of the water reservoir WR illustrated in Figure 8.
The main housing portion also has a pair of probe
support brackets PSl and PS2 for supporting ice-
detecting probes Pl and P2, respectively. Mounted
within a central compartment of housing 50 is an
agitator motor AM which is coupled through an
impeller shaft 54 to an impeller A, which extends
down into the water within reservoir ~R in its
final operative position. Also depending
downwardly from housing 50 is a heat sink HS with a
pair of arms HSl and HS2. The heat sink HS is
provided to dissipate the heat generated by the
agitator motor AM into the non-potable water within
the reservoir WR. A cover 52 is also provided to
fit over top of the agitator motor and secure the
same within the housing 50. As described
hereinbefore, this agitator and probe assembly
rests on the top of the water reservoir WR, and the
impeller A, probes Pl, P2 and heat sink arms HSl,
HS2 extend into the water in the reservoir WR, arms
HSl, HS2 extend to positions contiguous to or
touching evaporator coil EC2 to maximize heat
dissipation. The probes Pl and P2 are mounted on
this assembly at a predetermined spacing so that
they will be properly positioned within reservoir
WR adjacent to the water coil 42 and agitator
impeller A, respectively, as illustrated in Figure
5.
It should be understood that the system
described herein may be modified, as would occur to
one of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
