Patent ID: 9150400
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: B01F,B67D

Abstract:
1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a liquid inlet configured to receive water from a water source; a storage tank that receives water from the liquid inlet and having a top portion and a bottom portion; at least one ice body proximate the top portion of the storage tank, and wherein the at least one ice body is formed in an icemaker configured to produce an ice body through direct contact with an evaporator coil and does not use cold air, or formed directly on a portion of the top portion of the storage tank using evaporator coils extending around a perimeter of the storage tank, and wherein the only water source provided to the icemaker is recirculated water from the storage tank; a carbonator configured to produce carbonated water received via a fluid conduit from the storage tank; and a pump configured to pump the water from the bottom portion of the storage tank, through the carbonator, and to dispense the water or a carbonated beverage to a user, upon a user command.