Abstract: The described method is for the preparation of a carbonate spring by supplying carbon dioxide to a carbon dioxide dissolver and dissolving the carbon dioxide in raw water and includes of measuring the pH of the formed carbonate spring, calculating the carbon dioxide concentration data of the formed carbonate spring from the measured pH value and the alkalinity of the raw water, and controlling the feed rate of the carbon dioxide supplied to the carbon dioxide dissolver so as to make the carbon dioxide concentration data equal to a preset target carbon dioxide concentration value. According to this method, a carbonate spring having a desired concentration can be easily prepared by using an inexpensive pH measuring device.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system for forming a desired beverage, includes a beverage dispensing assembly and a carbonator cartridge unit removably secured to the beverage dispensing assembly for providing a supply of carbonated water to the beverage dispensing assembly. The beverage dispenser system includes a connector for removably securing the carbonator cartridge unit to the beverage dispensing assembly. A carbonated water line, linked with the carbonator cartridge unit and linked with the beverage dispensing assembly, is provided for delivering carbonated water from the carbonator cartridge unit to the beverage dispensing assembly. The beverage dispensing assembly provides beverage fluid lines so that beverage fluids flowing therein are combined within the beverage dispensing assembly and are ultimately dispensed from the beverage dispensing assembly as the desired beverage.

Abstract: A small flow of a water with a high carbon dioxide content (normally a carbon-dioxide-saturated water) is produced using hollow-fiber membranes, and is uniformly mixed with a large flow of untreated water with constant proportions. Since the hollow-fiber membrane module has a reserve capacity for adding carbon dioxide to the water, the resistivity of the mixed water is maintained at a constant level by maintaining constant proportions of the small and large flows, even if the total flow rate fluctuates due to fluctuations in the rate of water used in a subsequent process. Accordingly, no automated control device is particularly necessary in order to maintain the resistivity at a constant level. Therefore, a compact and simple apparatus can be produced which can operate at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing an apparatus and a process for dispensing a beverage from a tap, sometimes as often as about every 8 to 10 seconds, while maintaining a predetermined quantity of dissolved nitrogen and/or dissolved carbon dioxide or other gas utilizing a contactor module containing hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing carbonated water according to the invention can quickly produce carbonated water with a high carbonic acid gas content which does not easily lose carbonic acid gas and hence satisfactorily stimulates the throat with agreeable pungency. Since it has a simple configuration and hence is economic and effective, it can suitably be used in a carbonated beverage supplying apparatus such as an automatic vending machine, an automatic dispenser or the like. With such an arrangement, the apparatus improves its safety and hence can constantly supply delicious carbonated water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide dispenser and a cap (2) for introducing carbon dioxide to a bottle (1). The carbon dioxide dispenser of the invention comprises a pressurized carbon dioxide source, such as a pressure vessel (3), a pressure regulator (7), flow means (4, 6) for feeding carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source to a bottle, and said cap (2) provided with a valve for connecting said means to the bottle (1). The present invention provides a carbon dioxide dispenser which is easy to handle and has a reliable valve means which can be used by anyone without any risk of explosion during use. The invention also provides a carbon dioxide dispenser for effectively distributing the introduced carbon dioxide in the bottle. For this purpose the cap (2) comprises in its end facing the bottle (1) a distribution means (8) for atomizing the carbon dioxide so that, when flowing into the bottle, it is more effectively absorbed by the beverage in the bottle.

Abstract: A method for continuous carbonation and optionally cooling of drinking water which can be carried out in a user-friendly appliance which can be accommodated in any household and provides the consumer with the possibility of dispensing preferably cooled, CO.sub.2 -containing drinking water by the glass or cupful, is characterised in that in the continuous (in-line) process drinking water taken from the mains supply is carbonated and is optionally cooled; the device comprising a carbonation section for connection to the drinking water supply main and at least one pressure-controlling tap at the end of the dispensing line, and optionally a cooling system.

Abstract: A pump control apparatus includes a pump coupled at an inlet to a water source and at an outlet to a first dispensing valve and a carbonator via a check valve. A power source is coupled to the pump, and a controller regulates the delivery of power from the power source to the pump. Responsive to a fill signal received from the carbonator, the controller activates the power source to deliver power to the pump at a first predetermined power level. Alternatively, the controller activates the power source to deliver power to the pump at a second predetermined power level in response to a dispense signal received from the first dispensing valve.

Abstract: The present invention is an attachment that can pressurize a beverage container with carbon dioxide or other suitable pressurized gaseous fluid. The attachment has a first threaded opening that can be screwed onto the container and a second opening which can be coupled to either a pressurized gas cartridge or a pressurized gas tank. Extending from the carbonator is a button that is coupled to a valve which controls the flow of gas into the container. The button and valve are coupled to a spring that functions as a regulator which controls the gas pressure within the container. When the button is depressed, the valve is opened and gas flows into the container until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force and closes the valve. Varying the displacement of the button varies the spring force and the gas pressure within the container. The user can thus vary and control the gas pressure of the container by manipulating the button.

Abstract: A liquid aerating assembly includes a housing and a container engaged in the housing. A ring is engaged on the mouth of the container for securing the container to the housing. A supplying mechanism may supply the pressurized gas into the container. A knob is slidably engaged in the housing for actuating the supplying mechanism to supply the gas into the container. The ring includes an arm for engaging with the supplying mechanism and for disabling the supplying mechanism before the container is secured in place. A stop is engaged with a pawl for allowing the pressurized gas to be supplied into the container for a short interval once at a time. A pressure relief valve may be used for relieving the pressure built in the container before the container is removed from the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides an easy to carry unit that contains a water filtration and a water carbonation chamber. The water after filtration more easily absorbs CO.sub.2 and allows for a more readily provided source of filtered carbonated water. The unit utilizes off-the-shelf carbonation cartridges and has a simple hose attachment to a conventional home faucet.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbonated water according to the invention can quickly produce carbonated water with a high carbonic acid gas content which does not easily lose carbonic acid gas and hence satisfactorily stimulates the throat with agreeable pungency. Since it has a simple configuration and hence is economic and effective, it can suitably be used in a carbonated beverage supplying apparatus such as an automatic vending machine, an automatic dispenser or the like. With such an arrangement, the apparatus improves its safety and hence can constantly supply delicious carbonated water.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbonated water according to the invention can quickly produce carbonated water with a high carbonic acid gas content which does not easily lose carbonic acid gas and hence satisfactorily stimulates the throat with agreeable pungency. Since it has a simple configuration and hence is economic and effective, it can suitably be used in a carbonated beverage supplying apparatus such as an automatic vending machine, an automatic dispenser or the like. With such an arrangement, the apparatus improves its safety and hence can constantly supply delicious carbonated water.

Abstract: A method of maintaining carbon dioxide concentration in an aqueous solution containing the same, which entails introducing an amount of a gas into the aqueous solution sufficient to maintain a desired level of carbon dioxide in the aqueous solution,the gas containing from about 25-100% by volume of argon and from about 0-75% by volume of a carrier gas therefor.

Abstract: An emulsifier suitable for emulsifying steam, air and milk for preparing frothed milk for cappuccino and similar beverages. The emulsifier comprises a first steam inlet, an air inlet, a first milk inlet, a first suction chamber and a mixing chamber. The first steam inlet, the air inlet and the first milk inlet open into the first suction chamber. The first suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. The emulsifier further comprises a second steam inlet, a second milk inlet and a second suction chamber. The second steam inlet and the second milk inlet open into the second suction chamber. The second suction chamber is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for preparing hot, non-frothed milk under supply of steam to the second steam inlet.

Abstract: A system of carbonizing water as part of making a carbonized beverage. There is a housing to contain the pressurized bottle of carbon dioxide, and also to define a chamber to receive a container of water. A pressure regulating valve maintains the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide container at a predetermined lower pressure and directs the carbon dioxide to a selectively operable pressurizing valve that directs the carbon dioxide through a discharge nozzle into the water in the water container. The water container is closed by a mounting plug that interconnects with a receptacle block that is operably connected to the pressurizing valve, and also operably connected to a venting valve which is selectively operated to vent the remaining pressurized carbon dioxide after the carbonizing has been completed.

Abstract: Disclosed are combined carbonator and water pressure booster apparatuses for holding both carbonated and non-carbonated water at elevated pressures, for the dispensing of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. Such apparatuses may comprise a tank including a carbonated chamber and a non-carbonated chamber, wherein the two chambers are separated by a diaphragm, bladder, or piston such that the elevated pressure is essentially the same in the two chambers. The apparatus can also comprise a retrofittable add-on tank for use with an existing carbonation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbonated water according to the invention can quickly produce carbonated water with a high carbonic acid gas content which does not easily lose carbonic acid gas and hence satisfactorily stimulates the throat with agreeable pungency. Since it has a simple configuration and hence is economic and effective, it can suitably be used in an carbonated beverage supplying apparatus such as an automatic vending machine, an automatic dispenser or the like. With such an arrangement, the apparatus improves its safety and hence can constantly supply delicious carbonated water.

Abstract: Carbonated beverage water is prepared on flow demand by a process that combines respective flow streams of water and carbon dioxide in a mixing venturi. Downstream of the venturi, the mixture of water and carbon dioxide is passed through a static mixer prior to dispenser discharge.

Abstract: A refillable bottle constructed to be capable of holding fluids above atmospheric pressure has a threaded cap. The top of the threaded cap has at least one valve having a single resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the container. The valve is capable of being opened by a probe which engages the valve and pushes into the cap, the valve being closed when not acted upon by the probe. A plurality of vent holes are positioned in the top so as to be adjacent the mouth of the bottle when the cap is placed thereon. A releasable sealing ring is sized and positioned between the mouth and the cap so as to close the vent holes when the cap is fully threaded onto the neck and allow gas within the container to escape through the vent holes when the cap is loose.

Abstract: A carbonator comprising a tube cylinder having a closed and an open end. A disk is removably retained in the open end for providing access into the interior volume thereof. The disk provides for mounting thereto of water and carbon dioxide gas inlets, a carbonated water outlet, a safety relief valve and a water level sensor. A rigid retaining wire is bent into a square configuration wherein radiussed corners thereof cooperate with slots in the open end of the cylinder to retain the disk therein. Manipulation of the retaining wire provides for removal of the disk from the cylinder when the carbonator is not pressurized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for solution of a quantity of gas in a flowing quantity of liquid, in particular for solution of CO2 gas in beer, a flow of liquid and a flow of gas being combined and the gas in the liquid being dispersed, mixed with, and a part of it being mixed in the liquid. The object of the invention is to increase the amount of gas actually soluble in a liquid under certain conditions in comparison to prior art processes. In addition, the device for application of the process is to be simple in structure, cleanable in continuous flow (CIP-compatible), and its adaptation to specific practical requirements and its control are to be as simple as possible. From the process engineering viewpoint this is accomplished by guiding the gas/liquid mixture into curved paths, as a result of which separation into a bubblefree liquid flow (L1*) and a gas/liquid flow (G*/L2) to be recirculated.

Abstract: In an interlocking device between a cap for a beverage container and a carbonation device for introducing carbon dioxide gas into said beverage container in a locked position, wherein said carbonation device includes projecting structure, and said cap includes rotatable capturing structure for capturing said projecting structure so as to lock said cap to said carbonation device.

Abstract: In a method and a device for cooling and carbonating a liquid (20), carbon dioxide intended for carbonating is also used for cooling, the carbon dioxide being brought to expand in a room (4; 7) which is separate from the liquid (20) but which is thermally connected to the liquid. By the invention it is achieved that an ice bank is formed in the liquid in the area which is adjacent to said expansion room (4; 7) whereby is achieved i.a. better cooling control than in previously known devices where the carbon dioxide also is used for cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for producing carbonated water. The device includes a hermetic container, a first pipe member continually conducting a carbonic acid gas into an inner hollow space of the hermetic container, a second pipe member intermittently conducting pressurized water into the inner hollow space of the hermetic container in response to demand, and a third pipe member intermittently conducting carbonated water temporarily staying in the container to a location outside of the container in response to demand. A nozzle is connected to one end of the second pipe member and is disposed within the container at a top end thereof. The nozzle has a plurality of holes which allow the pressurized water to be downwardly injected into the inner hollow space of the container. A plate member may be disposed within the inner hollow space of the container.

Abstract: A system for continuously de-activating enzymes, sterilizing or deodorizing a liquid material such as liquid foodstuff or liquid medicine with a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide. The system includes the following 1) a liquid material is continuously supplied from an inlet at a bottom of a processing tank; 2) micro-particles of the supercritical fluid of the carbon dioxide are formed so that a density of the supercritical fluid is smaller than that of the liquid material; 3) the micro-particles of the supercritical fluid are injected continuously into the liquid material from another inlet at the bottom of the processing tank; and 4) the liquid material and the supercritical fluid are separated into different phases at the top of the processing tank and are taken out of the processing tank separately.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing carbonated water according to the invention can quickly produce carbonated water with a high carbonic acid gas content which does not easily lose carbonic acid gas and hence satisfactorily stimulates the throat with agreeable pungency. Since it has a simple configuration and hence is economic and effective, it can suitably be used in an carbonated beverage supplying apparatus such as an automatic vending machine, an automatic dispenser or the like. With such an arrangement, the apparatus improves its safety and hence can constantly supply delicious carbonated water.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for improving the water quality for hair and body care, wherein an exact impregnation ratio between CO2 and water may be maintained even at low water pressure by using a step piston 11, namely by using CO2 compressed gas cartridges which are refillable with CO2 compressed gas, and by eliminating cartridges into which water or moisture has penetrated.

Abstract: In a cap for sealing the end of a beverage container to be carbonated by the release of pressurized gas from a nozzle having a valve, said cap including: a thread to secure said cap to said beverage container; a cavity for sealingly receiving said nozzle and engaging said valve to release said carbonated gas; a cap passage for communication of said carbonated gas from said valve to said end of said beverage container; a cap valve moveable between a closed position to close said end of said beverage container, and an open position so as to carbonate said beverage when said cavity engages said valve to release said carbonated gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation of a foaming dispersion of bubbles in a carbonated beverage or other gas-containing liquid packaged in a can (120) or other sealed container. An initially liquid-free device (9) having an internal chamber with an inlet/outlet valve (130/150) assembly is placed in the can, which is then filled with the beverage. The can is sealed and pasteurized, which raises the internal pressure in the can to force some of the gasified beverage into the device through the inlet valve. The outlet valve holds the quantity of beverage in the internal chamber until the can is opened, whereupon the depressurization of the can opens the outlet valve to discharge the internal chamber through an orifice to initiate seed bubbles which form a head on the beverage. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to producing a head on fermented alcoholic beverages to simulate draught beverages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and efficient means for dissolving carbon dioxide gas discharged from sources such as thermoelectric power plants into the seawater and for isolating it at deep sea level. The means comprises an inverted U-shaped gas lift 1 having a shorter gas lift dissolving pipe 2 and a longer descending pipe 3 being connected with each other at the top, said gas lift dissolving pipe 2 is held at shallow sea level, and the lower end of the descending pipe 3 is opened at deep sea level. When carbon dioxide gas is injected in from the lower end of the gas lift dissolving pipe 2, the seawater is introduced from the lower end of the dissolving pipe by gas lift action of the carbon dioxide gas in the dissolving pipe 2, and the carbon dioxide is completely dissolved into the seawater until it reaches the upper end of the dissolving pipe.

Abstract: An enclosure apparatus for enclosing a pressurized container within a non-defeatable safety structure, and for pressurizing the container with pressurized carbon dioxide gas to preserve and recarbonate beverages within the container. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a rigid body that receives a previously opened container having a beverage therein. A top member is releasably connected to an upper portion of the rigid body, and the top member includes an alignment guide that coaxially aligns the top of the container with the top member. An aperture extends through the top member and communicates with the opening of the container and a seal around the aperture is positioned to engage the top portion of the container and to form a gas-tight seal. A valve, which is connectable to a high-pressure carbon dioxide gas source, is located within the aperture and allows pressurized carbon dioxide gas to pass into the container so as to pressurize the container to a selected pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for carbonating a solution by pressurization of a defined spatial area in a container in which a carbonating mixture is combined with a solution. The container is typically filled with a solution to a demarcation defining a spatial area. Reactants, an acid and a base, evolve CO.sub.2 when reacted in a solution. The quantity of reactants added is designated so as to generate a quantity of CO.sub.2 which will increase the pressure in a defined spatial area and cause a quantity of CO.sub.2 to redissolve. The result of this arrangement is a solution supersaturated with CO.sub.2. The reaction chamber may also be divided into separate compartments with each compartment containing individual servings. Each compartment has an evacuation device allowing the contents of the compartment to be delivered for consumption without effecting the level of carbonation of the solution remaining in the other compartments of the container.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispensing system includes a carbonation bowl 1 having a chamber 2 with a frusto conical upper part 4. Water is admitted to the chamber 2 as a mist through nozzle 7 and CO2 is admitted to the chamber through inlet 8 to provide a carbonated water reservoir. Carbonated water is driven under pressure of CO2 in the headspace of chamber 2 through a metering unit 42 and mixed at 27 with beverage syrup for dispensing through tap 29. When the dispense system is dormant a microprocessor 70 actuates pump 13 to introduce water which raises the level of the reservoir into the frusto conical part 4 so that the surface area of the reservoir exposed to the CO2 is reduced to alleviate excessive absorption of CO2 by the water in the reservoir. The system may be applied for post mix of carbonated water with beverage syrup or to pre-mix of beverage syrup with un-carbonated water and which mixture is subsequently carbonated.

Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas/liquid contactor module having hollow fiber membranes and a process for controlling dissolved gases in liquids such as water, beer and the like, by passing the liquid through the shell side of the contactor module to allow addition or removal of dissolved gases by the diffusion of the gases through the membranes into or from the hollow fiber bores. The process permits control of the quantity of such dissolved gases as carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A portable lightweight gas generation device which can be attached to a container to generate a quantity of gas from a mixture of two chemically reactive materials and to inject the gas into the container. The device is especially useful as an apparatus for rapidly carbonating liquid beverages with chemically generated carbon dioxide produced in a gas generation chamber located inside a pressure vessel attached to a liquid container which serves as a carbonation chamber containing the liquid to be carbonated. The generated carbon dioxide is passed from the gas generation chamber to the carbonation chamber to carbonate the liquid. This device can also be used as a means of injecting pressurized gas into a pressurized spray can for dispensing liquids such as paint, hair spray or other sprayable products.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid treatment system which can filter liquids or diffuse gases into liquids. To achieve filtration, the system includes a housing with multiple, closely-spaced filter cartridges therein. The cartridges are connected to a drive system which rotates them in unison. Fluids to be filtered enter the housing and surround the rotating cartridges. Cartridge rotation scrubs solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges. Filtered fluids collected within the cartridges thereafter exit the system. To achieve gas diffusion, the housing is filled with a selected liquid. During cartridge rotation as discussed above, a gas is introduced into the interior of each cartridge which is constructed of a porous material. The gas diffuses outwardly during cartridge rotation, causing substantial mixing of the gas and fluid, with gas diffusion into the fluid. Cartridge rotation also prevents solids from accumulating thereon to achieve maximum gas delivery.

Abstract: A device for carbonating liquid refreshments whereby a high degree of saturation can be obtained with a single application because the entire mechanism, including an easily clamped on drink bottle and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) canister, may be easily shaken while pressurized CO.sub.2 is being applied to liquid in the drink bottle.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for maintaining a desired (target) carbonation level in a carbonator, a control-signal originates from a reference standard of carbonated water close to the target carbonation level, which is sealed inside a pilot chamber of the regulator. The pilot chamber is exposed to the water temperature in the carbonator and is shaped and sized so as to promote rapid equalization of the temperature of the reference standard with that of the carbonated water. The pressure inside the pilot chamber is equal to the equilibrium vapor pressure, according to the temperature and carbonation level of the reference standard. This pressure is transmitted through a flexible membrane in one of the walls of the pilot chamber to a valve in the gas-supply line of the carbonator. This valve, therefore, balances the CO.sub.2 gas pressure within the carbonator with the equilibrium vapor pressure in the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A method and appartus for controlling the pH of a water stream using carbon dioxide in which carbon dioxide at a selected pressing and flow rate is mixed with a carrier water, also at a selected pressure and flow rate, and the carbon dioxide-carrier water mixture is injected into the water steam, which is at a lower pressure, thus allowing the carbon dioxide to come out of the solution, contact the water stream and correspondingly adjust the pH of the water stream.

Abstract: A carbonator comprising a casing defining an elongate chamber having a helically grooved inner wall and an elongate inner body disposed in the chamber and having a cylindrical outer surface contacting radially inner crests on the helically grooved inner wall to form a helical flow passage therewith. Liquid to be carbonated is supplied to the helical flow passage adjacent one end thereof and an outlet communicates with said helical flow passage adjacent a second end. The inner body has an inner gas chamber extending only along a portion of the length of the helical flow passage, which portion is formed of micro-porous material for diffusing carbon dioxide gas from the inner chamber into the liquid in the helical flow passage.

Abstract: In a device for activating the release of pressurized gas through a passage, including: valve disposed within said passage, said valve having an inlet and an outlet, said valve moveable between an open position to permit communication of said gas with said passage, and said inlet and outlet, and a closed position to stop communication of said gas between said inlet and outlet; a piston associated with said valve for moving said valve between said open and closed position; a support associated with said piston for slidably supporting said piston between said open and closed positions.

Abstract: The dispenser herein has a cold plate forming a bottom of an ice retaining bin. A bin liner is formed of two parts, a flat carbonator and a remaining U-shaped sheet metal wall structure. The carbonator and sheet metal structure when secured together form the bin liner, which, in turn, is secured to and around a perimeter edge of the cold plate and extends upward therefrom. In particular, the carbonator includes a flange integral therewith and extending from a portion of a perimeter edge thereof. A portion of the flange extends along the bottom of the carbonator for securing thereof to the cold plate, and further flange portions extend along opposite vertical carbonator edges for securing to corresponding vertical edges of the bin liner sheet metal portion. In an alternate embodiment a flat container is retained within a vertical portion of an L-shaped cold plate. A bin liner is secured to a horizontal portion of the cold plate and to the vertical portion thereof for forming an ice retaining bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing fresh water with CO.sub.2 gas to produce carbonated water in a cooled storage tank, includes a space located along the wall of the storage tank adjacent the cooling coils of a cooling system where water flow is partially or fully impeded so that ice can crystallize during the formation of an ice bank in the storage tank. In one configuration, the space is provided by a small section of open pipe mounted on the storage tank wall in the area of the cooling coils. Another configuration includes an apertured structure of rectangular cross section located on the tank wall. Still another configuration consists of an outward projection of a section of the wall of the storage tank which extends between two cooling coils, with an apertured plate covering this projection. Such a space can also be realized by a roughened wall section surface in the immediate vicinity of the cooling coils.

Abstract: Carbonator apparatus used in connection with a postmix beverage dispenser system includes a water delivery branching circuit for the water fed under pressure from a fresh water source and which is used to fill a storage tank for carbonated water produced therein and to supply fresh water to a recirculating type of fresh water cooling structure which includes a water circulating coil located in the bottom of the storage tank and/or a water channel guide located on the outside of the storage tank. The branching system selectively enables fresh water to be fed into a carbonator storage tank where the water is blended with CO.sub.2 gas or is guided around it while being cooled without being carbonated so that either cooled carbonated water or non-carbonated water is delivered to a mixing station along with a drink concentrate.

Abstract: A beverage carbonator constructed as a pitcher shaped pressure vessel which functions as a carbonation chamber and which has a water canister and a gas generation chamber removably positioned inside the carbonation chamber. Carbon dioxide is produced by releasing internally stored water from the water canister into a carbon dioxide generating chemical in the gas generation chamber and then the carbon dioxide passes into the carbonation chamber where it is dissolved into a liquid beverage.

Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.

Abstract: Apparatus including a circulating pump inside a carbonator tank which blends CO.sub.2 with still water and which is started and stopped for predetermined time periods in repetitive cycles having an on/off ratio ranging between 1:10 and 1:20. A timing circuit controls the operating and non operating times of the circulating pump so that sufficient carbonation of the water with CO.sub.2 gas is achieved along with the formation of an ice bank on the cooled wall of the storage tank. During intervening periods when the circulating pump is not operating, the carbonated water arranges itself in layers according to its density so that the relatively warmer water sinks while the colder water together with any ice particles or small pieces of ice floating therein join together, becoming fixed to the ice bank in the upper portion of the carbonator.

Abstract: Apparatus which accelerates the cooling of the stored water cooled in the storage tank after a refilling operation so that it corresponds to the temperature that is normally reached after a relatively long water storage period. The apparatus includes a carbonator tank having at least one spray opening in the water feed line leading into the head-space region of the carbonator storage tank and where the spay opening is directed to the side walls of the tank in the vicinity of an ice bank formed on an upper inner wall surface thereof. An additional spray opening is oriented so that it points directly at the water surface and by a relatively simple valving arrangement both downward and/or lateral sprays can be implemented.