Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow metering device for use, for example, in a system for preparing a carbonated beverage wherein deaerated water and a beverage concentrate are mixed together in closely controlled proportions. The system can also include a vessel for storing a quantity of water and a deaerator for removing air from the water. The fluid flow metering device controls the rate of water flow from the vessel to the deaerator and is responsive to the water flow rate demand of the deaerator. The metering device includes a valve block having a fluid conducting channel for conducting water from the vessel to the deaerator, and a bore intersecting the channel. A valve element is disposed within the bore and is movable into and out of the channel for modulating the water flow rate through the channel.

Abstract: A pasteurizing system for soft drinks comprises a single-pass plate-type heat exchanger which is situated flowpathwise between a supply of prepared beverage liquid and apparatus for cooling and carbonating that liquid. A suitable heat exchange medium is supplied in closed fluid circuit with the plate-type heat exchanger; and advantageously, heat recovery means are situated downstream from the heat exchanger. A holding tube is coupled in fluid circuit downstream from the heat exchanger for retaining the beverage liquid at pasteurization temperature to insure effectiveness.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved dearator system for purging air from water. The disclosed system includes a container for containing the water, cooling means within the container for cooling the water to force air therefrom, and means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the container to establish a positive pressure therein. The system also includes a positive pressure indicator means for indicating when the positive pressure within the container is reached. The indicator includes a housing having a bore in fluid communication with the container, a seat within the bore, and a ball within the bore. The ball is viewable through the housing and is arranged to disengage from the seat in response to positive pressure within the container to provide a readily discernible indication of positive pressure therein.

Abstract: A system for deaerating water is offered for use in brewing beer and the like. The novel system comprises a water-receiving preliminary deaerator, a water flow metering device, and a gas-exchange deaerating column connected to the water flow meter. The deaerating column includes a fluid exhaust pump unit bottom, and mounted atop the pump unit, one or more deoxygenating unit modules. Each deoxygenating unit module includes an outer unit wall, a foraminous retainer baffle sheet bottom, and a stack member extending upwardly from the baffle sheet. Together, the wall, sheet and stack form a foraminous-bottomed retainer for retaining a continuous layer of water. Below the retainer is a basin having another foraminous bottom for temporarily retaining liquid falling from the retainer baffle sheet above.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for producing beer and like extensively deaerated beverages. The system includes a deoxygenating column, a remote source of heavy beer, and a proportioner unit connected to receive deoxygenated water and heavy beer. After the water and heavy beer are mixed in the proportioner, the formed bright beer is exhausted. Water entering the system is routed to a deaeration column, which includes a fluid exhaust pump unit bottom, and at least one deoxygenating unit module mounted atop the pump unit.

Abstract: A method of preparing a carbonated beverage by driving dissolved air from the water to be carbonated. Carbonating gas under relatively high pressure is conducted from a beverage carbonating mechanism to a water conduit for mixing with the water. In accordance with the qualitative principles of Dalton's Law, the introduced carbonating gas drives out air dissolved in the water.

Abstract: Improvements in a check valve are disclosed. The check valve contemplated is of the type used to halt fluid flow in a fluid-carrying pipe system, and comprises an annular seat adapted to be mounted in the fluid line, a head-mounting yoke, and a head carried by the yoke and adapted to slide axially into and out of fluid-sealing engagement with the seat. One improvement comprises a pair of valve sleeves extending, respectively, axially upstream and downstream of the valve seat; each valve has a mouth adapted for mating connection with adjacent fluid-carrying pipe structure. Each sleeve terminates adjacent the valve seat in a diagonal flange formation, and a clamp including a V-shaped collar fits over the sleeve flanges so as to urge the sleeves toward the valve seat and toward one another. A gasket having a U-shaped cross section provides a fluid-tight seal between the sleeves and seat.

Abstract: An aerosol carbonator is provided for charging a fluid, such as an alcohol-based fluid, with a carbon dioxide propellant for later placement in aerosol-style valved cans. The aerosol carbonator comprises a vertically elongated vessel having inlet means at the vessel top, an evaporative cooler in the vessel mediate portion, and a sump and fluid outlet means at the vessel bottom. Recirculating means are provided for returning to the carbonator vessel fluid amounts in excess of those fluid amounts required to be fed into down-stream filler devices to satisfy the source of variable fluid demand in the devices.

Abstract: A reflux deaeration system is disclosed which removes air from water used in producing carbonated beverages. Carbonating gas under relatively high pressure is conducted from a beverage carbonating mechanism to a water conduit for mixing with the water. In accordance with the qualitative principles of Dalton's Law, the introduced carbonating gas drives out air dissolved in the water.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to apparatus for mixing various kinds and quantities of fluids to produce an admixture of beverages which is to be delivered to a filling station wherein the beverage is used to fill a plurality of receptacles, such as bottles and cans. The various stations of the apparatus include flow control valve means which allow the appropriate flow of fluid for producing the admixture of beverage during one instance and which closes off the flow of such fluids of the syrup and admixture for allowing the flow of a cleaning flud through the apparatus during another instance, this flow of cleaning fluid taking place without the need of disconnection of various fluid flow conduits or the like. Heating means, integrated in the system, elevates the temperature of the cleaning fluid sufficient to provide a sterilizing effect within the system.