Abstract: A domestic carbonator for gasifying liquid in a container comprising a cap for the container having an injector passage closed by a one-way non-return valve in combination with a main body having pressure-reducing discs, an injector piston for initiating a gas flow, a pressure relief valve and a pressure gauge. The main body is provided with an opening for receiving a CO.sub.2 cylinder with a further piston for cutting off the gas supply under the effect of the back pressure from the container.

Abstract: A connector for a bottle of concentrate for a carbonating apparatus has a cylindrical body the upper end of which carries a structure defining a number of radially extending baffle and a central opening through which a dip tube may be inserted into the bottle. A latching ring for connecting the connector to the carbonation apparatus is carried by the body at a position outwardly thereof and lower than the baffle structure. The latching ring is constructed to snap on to a corresponding boss on the carbonation apparatus. The bottle is detached from the carbonation apparatus, after exhaustion of the contents, by removal of a tear-off strip which connects the latching ring to the body of the connector. To facilitate connection of a fresh bottle of concentrate to the apparatus, the apparatus includes a housing which is detachable from the remainder of the apparatus and which carries the dip tube and other elements co-operable with the connector for attaching the bottle.

Abstract: In a system in which a CO.sub.2 injection nozzle penetrates into an inverted sealed vessel from which a beverage will be served, such as a soda bottle, the preferably needle-like nozzle projects vertically through an aperture in a cap and through a normally closed hole in a septum comprising a portion of an elastomeric gasket providing a seal between the cap and the vessel. The nozzle provides a path for communication of liquid in the vessel with a source of CO.sub.2. The nozzle is formed out of a mixture of polycarbonate resin and polytetrafluoroethylene to provide for ease of insertion through the hole in the septum and into liquid in the vessel. A low friction washer between the cap and the gasket decreases torque applied to the gasket as the cap is tightened to provide compressive force.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing system including a cabinet having top, front, back, side and bottom panels for housing various components is disclosed. The components of the system include a carbonator for producing carbonated water by mixing cooled potable water with CO.sub.2. Potable water is stored in a portable tank means and is supplied to the carbonator through a first pipe. The portable tank is easily detachable from the cabinet. The system further includes a cooling reservoir containing cooled water. A serpentine section of the first pipe, along with the carbonator is disposed in the cooling reservoir. A CO.sub.2 tank supplies CO.sub.2 to the carbonator. Syrup packages dispense a selected syrup. Carbonated water from the carbonator, cool water from the portable tank, and syrup from the syrup packages are mixed in a valve and dispensed through a nozzle. The cooled water may be continuously supplied to the carbonator through the first pipe.

Abstract: A motorless batch carbonator for a carbonated drink dispenser is located in a chilled water bath including a set of evaporator coils located on the outside of the water bath with the ice build up on the inside thereof being controlled by an ice bank detector. The carbonator is comprised of an immersible closed tank including a semi-permeable membrane carbonating section where still water and CO.sup.2 gas are mixed together. Still water from a pressurized source is fed into the interior of the carbonator tank which is pressurized to operate a spring-biased spool valve for opening and closing a CO.sup.2 supply line. A vent passage through the top of the carbonator chamber is opened and closed to atmospheric pressure in response to the manual actuation of a spring-biased dispensing plunger which includes a fluid dispensing path.

Abstract: A home carbonation system for producing soft drinks. A high pressure CO.sub.2 vessel comprises a regulator valve assembly which provides fail safe venting, a refill capability, and a low pressure output. It may be interconnected via a fill hose to a seltzer dispenser comprising a multifunction discharge valve secured to a plastic bottle. A plurality of syrup bottles, each filled with a different flavor of concentrate, enable the mixing of desired soda flavors. A storage rack efficiently houses the pressure vessel, the seltzer bottle, and the individual syrup containers. A pressure vessel housing box includes an offset nest which conveniently stores the fill tube. The seltzer bottle is reinforced by a two-piece, vented, anti-fragmentation shroud equipped with inspection slots for enabling proper mixing. The discharge valve is threadably coupled to the bottle, and it includes a gas inlet orifice for receiving low pressure gas from the regulator assembly.

Abstract: An improvement system and apparatus designed to be affixed to a particular type of mixing/cooling/carbonation/bottling equipment comprising a duct for conveying residual fluid from a reservoir, an electronic override to bypass automatic circuitry of the mixing/cooling/carbonation/bottling equipment, means to observe the conveyance of the residual fluid through the duct, and means to terminate the flow of the residual fluid though the duct. The invention is designed to utilize a venturi effect created at one interface of the duct and the mixing/cooling/carbonation/bottling equipment and to ensure appropriate water to fluid mixing proportions. The invention permits recovery of almost five gallons of residual fluid after every production run of the mixing/cooling/carbonation/bottling equipment and significantly reduces the introduction of a large quanity of sugar to a bottling plant's sewage system.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated water from a supply of cooled water includes thermal coaction of carbonator apparatus with a reservoir of cooled water, and includes a control system to inhibit water-pumping operation into the carbonator apparatus after the reservoir of cooled water is depleted.

Abstract: An apparatus for making carbonated beverages is disclosed which is comprised of a refillable bottle having a resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the bottle and a carbon dioxide source connected to the bottle through a conduit. Preferably, a rounded interior bottom and projections are provided on the interior of the bottle. A diptube is also provided which preferably has radially extended vanes. The rounded bottom, interior projections and vanes will promote fogging when a bottle containing liquid and carbon dioxide is shaken. Consequently, carbonated water can be made easily by filling the bottle with water and carbon dioxide preferably at 60 p.s.i. and shaking the bottle, then repeating the process until the desired carbonation level is reached.

Abstract: A pressure vessel has an excess pressure release device comprising a passage between the interior and the exterior of the pressure vessel, a bursting disc seated in the passage, and a flexible membrane mounted adjacent to the disc between the interior of the vessel and the disc so as to seal the passage and hold the disc captive without the disc being clamped. The excess pressure release device may be used in connection with any pressure vessel requiring an excess pressure release device of the bursting-disc type. The device is particularly suitable for use in the dispensing valve of a home carbonation apparatus.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: An apparatus for blending two gases together in precisely adjustable proportions. The apparatus includes a mechanically adjustable, blending subassembly adapted to receive the first gas at a predetermined pressure and a one to one force balanced pneumatic relay which is operated by the first gas and which meters the flow of the second gas to the blending subassembly at a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the first gas being supplied to the blending subassembly.

Abstract: An CO.sub.2 injection nozzle is incorporated in a system for carbonating a beverage in a sealed vessel from which it will be served, such as a soda bottle. The nozzle projects vertically, and is received into and through a vessel closure member on an inverted vessel. The nozzle provides a path for communication of the vessel interior with a source of CO.sub.2. A first axial portion of the nozzle is formed to provide for extension through the closure member and into liquid in the vessel. Outlet means are provided adjacent an axial extremity of the nozzle for projecting CO.sub.2 for maximum path length through the liquid as it rises. The outlet means may comprise radially opposed pairs of horizontal bores extending tangentially from a vertical internal bore in the nozzle.

Abstract: A motorless continuous carbonator including a double acting piston type water pump driven by a double acting piston type gas pump actuator assembly powered by the carbonating gas. A connecting rod couples the pump piston with the actuator piston and includes means for operating a toggle switch mechanism for controlling a pair of solenoid valves respectively connected to the pump and actuator assembly for controlling the flow of water and carbonating gas, typically CO.sup.2, therefrom and thus deliver still water and CO.sup.2 to a semi-permeable membrane carbonator. The CO.sup.2 gas which initially provides the pumping force is subsequently fed to the carbonator where it is absorbed by the still water to form carbonated water which is then fed to a dispensing unit which may be either a post-mix dispenser utilized either on earth or in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: An automatic device for obtaining frothy milk comprises a first mixing assembly (30) which feeds a second frothing assembly (40), comprising an expansion chamber (17), a milk feeding duct (31) being provided in the first assembly (30) inside a nozzle (13) for the pressurized steam, this nozzle being coaxial to the milk duct (31), the outlet of this duct slightly projecting over the steam outlet. The milk-steam mixture which is formed, tangentially flows to the expansion chamber, which has a circular section. Preferably the diameter of the nozzle (12) of the outflowing milk is about 1.1-1.2 mm, while the clear radial span of the annular section nozzle (13) of the outflowing steam is about 0.2 mm, the milk outlet projecting about 0.2 mm with respect to the steam outlet.

Abstract: A vessel (1) for impregnating water with carbon dioxide is pressure-tight and has inlets (4, 5) for water and carbon dioxide. Within the vessel, a cooling surface (9) is provided, connected to an external refrigeration circuit. Within the vessel and below the level of water, an underwater pump (15) is provided for producing a circulation of water inside the vessel. Carbon dioxide in finely divided form is introduced into the flowing water, preferably via the pump (15) for producing the water circulation. In use, an ice jacket (11 ) forms on the cooling surface (9).

Abstract: A carbonator unit for a post-mix beverage dispenser having a carbonator tank immersed in a liquid flotation tank. The carbonator tank floats up and down with changes in the amount of water and head space in the carbonator tank to actuate a switch device mounted externally of the carbonator tank. Actuation of the switch causes a water pump to become operative to supply uncarbonated water to the carbonator tank. When the volume of carbonated water increases to a predetermined amount, the carbonator tank sinks to deactivate the switch.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine is disclosed in which a chamber is provided for receipt of a refillable bottle with a resealable opening through which a probe may extend. Centering means extend into the housing to center the bottle on the base of a chamber. Then a probe extends into the chamber and engages an opening in the refillable bottle to fill and pressurize the bottle. After filling, the probe retracts allowing the filled bottle to be removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A motorless carbonator including a single acting pneumatic water pump connected between a carbonator tank and an uncarbonated water supply with the pump having a gas return spring integral therewith. The pump is driven by the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) fed to the carbonator tank. A CO.sub.2 saving device is coupled between the water pump and the carbonator tank and includes a spring biased diaphragm connected to a piston rod and an O-ring support member which operates to control the venting of CO.sub.2 to the atmosphere so as to reduce the amount of CO.sub.2 required to operate the pump during both a pumping stroke and a return stroke.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser capable of rapidly dispensing carbonated beverages with minimized foaming action. The syrup and soda are dispensed separate from each other and allowed to mix upon the ice in a cup placed beneath the dispensing head. The dispensing of the syrup and soda is staged to minimize foaming while achieving optimum beverage taste. Syrup is dispensed from individual pumps which communicate with a bulk supply. The syrup is consolidated in the pumps, preventing waste or the introduction of "slugs" into the dispensing line. The temperature of the syrup is monitored and compensation is made during the dispensing cycle to accommodate changes in viscosity. In generating soda, water is precooled and then introduced into an insulated tank where it is subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide. In the pour head, a cluster of soda orifices are peripherally encompassed by syrup orifices, certain of which are angled to cause the syrup to convolute the stream of soda.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide storage and dispensing apparatus and method for storing carbon dioxide which is characterized by a pressure vessel designed to hold carbon dioxide liquid and vapor, which pressure vessel is insulated to control heat input and includes a refrigeration system, fill and withdrawal piping, a fill line mixer provided in the fill line for rapidly mixing incoming liquid carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide in the vapor phase, a volume gauge, heating rod for introducing heat into the vessel and associated operating and safety control devices. The pressure vessel may be characterized by a horizontal or vertical tank and is designed to provide the user with an uninterrupted supply of carbon dioxide gas or liquid, while at the same time overcoming many of the problems associated with currently available carbon dioxide storage and dispensing equipment.

Abstract: A motorless carbonator including a double acting diaphragm type pneumatic water pump is connected between a carbonator tank and a water supply. The pump is driven by the carbon dioxide fed to the carbonator tank. Control of the pump is by way of an electrically operated shut-off valve which is opened and closed in response to a water level sensor in the carbonator tank. Coupled between the carbonator tank and the pneumatic pump is a spring biased diaphragm valve assembly which is normally biased closed, but is opened when the pump is actuated to feed water into the carbonator tank.

Abstract: A carbonation system employing a pneumatic pump which operates off of a pressurized source of carbon dioxide which is itself employed for the carbonation process. The pneumatic pump serves as both a precarbonation chamber and a reservoir for receiving water from a low pressure source and subsequently transferring precarbonated water to a carbonation tank. Sensors within the pneumatic pump assure that a proper volume of water is maintained within the precarbonation chamber and available for transfer to the tank. Both the pneumatic pump and the carbonation tank operate off of the same supply of pressurized carbon dioxide, but the pressure provided to the tank is slightly less than that presented to the pneumatic pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for blending two gases together in precisely adjustable proportions. The apparatus includes a mechanically adjustable, blending subassembly adapted to receive the first gas at a predetermined pressure and a one to one force balanced pneumatic relay which is operated by the first gas and which meters the flow of the second gas to the blending subassembly at a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the first gas being supplied to the blending subassembly.

Abstract: A draught beer dispensing system according to the present invention comprises a pressure regulating valve for regulating pressure of carbon dioxide gases supplied from a source of supplying carbon dioxide gases to a draught beer receiving receptacle, a temperature detector provided adjacent to the receiving receptacle to detect a temperature of draught beer within the receiving receptacle, and an arithmetically control device for controlling the pressure regulating valve on the basis of a detected value of the temperature detector, wherein in dispensing the draught beer from the draught beer receiving receptacle, a temperature of the draught beer within the receiving receptacle is detected by the temperature detector, the detected value is inputted into the arithmetically control device, supplied pressure of carbon dioxide gases supplied into the draught beer receiving receptacle is arithmetically operated on the basis of the relationship between beer temperature and pressure stored in advance in the arithmet

Abstract: A portable hand holdable apparatus is provided for use in carbonating beverages. The apparatus includes a valve housing having an inlet section adapted to be coupled in a fluid tight engagement with a source or pressurized carbon dioxide and an outlet section adapted to be coupled in fluid tight engagement with a container having beverage therein to be carbonated. A valve structure is mounted within the housing intermediate the inlet section and the outlet section. The inlet section carries a gas release mechanism for cooperating with a source of pressurized carbon dioxide to release carbon dioxide so as to flow into the valve structure. The valve structure includes a first valve for passing carbon dioxide from the inlet section together with a pressure regulator mechanism that responds to the pressure within the outlet section reaching a given level and then blocking further passage of carbon dioxide through the valve structure.

Abstract: An improved carbonator and method is disclosed which delivers water under pressure to a carbonator from a pump driven by the carbonating gas under pressure, the exhaust from which is mixed with the water being carbonated. Alternative embodiments are disclosed which are configured in unitary, low-cost, compact configuration conducive to cooling within confined compartments. Low operating pressures permit convenient use of inexpensive plastic components for efficient operation.

Abstract: An improved method and means for carbonating water includes an inexpensive pressure vessel that operates at low fluid pressures, and that is selectively vented of accumulated atmospheric gases to maintain high carbonating efficiency. Supplemental gasification of the dispensed liquid and selective cooling techniques used on the inlet water and on the carbonator promote high-level carbonation on low volume usage of pressurized carbon dioxide gas. Post-mix apparatus and method produce flavored soft drinks with only minimum additional equipment.

Abstract: A microgravity dispenser system including a carbonator, metering device and cup filler for dispensing a still or carbonated beverage in the microgravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: A carbonator system consisting of a meter assembly and two holding tanks which may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions in outer space. The meter assembly functions as a double acting pump to simultaneously pump separate quantities of water and carbon dioxide to one of two holding tanks which both function as a single acting pump. These holding tanks hold the carbon dioxide and water for a sufficient time and at a sufficient pressure in order to form carbonated water. One of the holding tanks can discharge the formed carbonated water to a dispenser. Once this tank is empty, the other holding tank may begin to dispense carbonated water. The first holding tank may then be refilled with carbon dioxide and water by the action of the meter assembly.

Abstract: A method for carbonating water and a carbonator which can be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space uses a tank having first and second chambers separated by a movable piston. Carbon dioxide inlets, water inlets and carbonated water outlets as well as agitators are provided for each chamber. The piston in the tank can be driven by introduction of either carbon dioxide or water into one chamber in order to reduce the volume of the other chamber and to cause carbonated water held therein to be discharged. Both chambers will be able to sequentially form carbonated water when both carbon dioxide and water is contained in one of the chambers.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispensing system for dispensing a mixed beverage consisting of a flavoring constituent contained in an individual serving packet and a base liquid. The dispensing system includes an actuating unit having a platen that is movable between a retracted position in which a flavoring constituent containing packet is positionable into the actuating unit with a rupturable discharge end thereof directed downwardly and an actuated position which progressively presses against a side of the packet for forcing the contents of the packet in a downward direction for rupturing the discharge end of the packet and for expelling the contents thereof into a discharge nozzle. A carbonated water supply is provided for simultaneously dispensing a predetermined quantity of carbonated water into the nozzle for mixing with the expelled flavoring constituent prior to discharging therefrom.

Abstract: A carbonator system consisting of a holding tank divided into an upper and lower chamber may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. A first embodiment involves first introducing water and then carbon dioxide into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Pressure is then exerted on a moveable piston in this tank to cause the piston to reduce the volume of the lower chamber housing the carbon dioxide and water. This action plus the action of an agitator, drives the carbon dioxide into solution. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein carbon dioxide is first introduced into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Water is next introduced into this lower chamber such that it is completely filled with both water and carbon dioxide. While the water is being introduced, an agitator is used to aid mixing of this water and carbon dioxide to form carbonated water. The agitator may consist of a bar contained within the lower chamber of the holding tank.

Abstract: A carbonator which includes first and second chambers separated by a movable piston may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. The volume of either chamber are correspondingly increased or reduced due to the movement of the piston. The first chamber can receive carbon dioxide gas at a predetermined pressure. A conduit can thereafter be opened between the chambers to permit the carbon dioxide gas to flow to the second chamber. A spring is provided to cause said piston to move so as to reduce the volume of the first chamber and force the carbon dioxide gas into the second chamber after the two chambers are placed in communication. The conduit is then closed and water at a selected pressure is introduced into the second chamber. Due to the various pressures, the water and carbon dioxide gas mix to form carbonated water. An agitator can be used to aid this mixing.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispenser having a carbonating tank is described. The dispenser is for dispensing beverages comprising a concentrate and a diluent usually carbonated water. The carbonation takes place in the tank by spraying or jetting refrigerated water inside the tank and by spinning a bladed rotor inside the tank so as to intersect the jets or sprays to break up the water into atomized clouds. This is done in a carbon dioxide atmosphere inside the tank and therefore absorption of carbon dioxide takes place rapidly. A magnetic coupling between the bladed rotor and a prime mover outside the tank means that there is no need to make any break in the tank for a drive shaft. The dispenser also has facility to dispense either still water or carbonated water or a mixture depending upon the degree of carbonation required of the diluent.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser that can be used with either figals or bag-in-box. The dispenser includes a built-in carbonator, and when used with a bag-in-box syrup supply it includes a plurality of built-in syrup pumps, one for each of four, five or six valves. The dispenser includes an easily removable refrigeration unit and an easily removable carbonator unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the distilled water obtained from an evaporation process sea water desalination plant is provided wherein carbon dioxide is extracted from sea water in the high temperature stages of the desalination plant and where the carbon dioxide thus extracted is dissolved into the water, along with calcium, thereby converting the distilled water into the quality suited for city tap water.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser that can be used with either figals or bag-in-box. The dispenser includes a built-in carbonator, and when used with a bag-in-box syrup supply it includes a plurality of built-in syrup pumps, one for each of four, five or six valves. The dispenser includes an easily removable refrigeration unit and an easily removable carbonator unit.

Abstract: A process for deoxygenating or carbonating a food or biological liquid product having an initial dissolved oxygen concentration between 9 mg/l and 12 mg/l, comprising injecting at least one gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into a current of the food or biological liquid product thereby to form a gas/liquid emulsion. The emulsion is introduced into a storage vessel. The gas is at a pressure of about 3 bars. The gas and liquid are injected into a confined mixing chamber at a volume rate of gas to liquid between 3 and 5, and expelled the chamber at a velocity of 15 to 30 meters per second into the vessel above the bottom of the vessel a distance which is a minor proportion of the height of the vessel, until the residual dissolved oxygen content is less than 0.25 mg/l.

Abstract: A water cooler and carbonator consisting of a water reservoir, apparatus for cooling the reservoir, and a carbonation chamber disposed within the reservoir. Cooled water is transferred to the chamber from the reservoir and a pressure regulated container is used to supply the chamber with carbon dioxide gas, resulting in the production of carbonated water.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a carbonated liquid is disclosed wherein a liquid is exposed to an atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas as ultrathin liquid sheets. The extremely high surface areas so exposed, coupled with turbulence within the liquid sheets, allow for high carbonation levels in just a few milliseconds. Since the carbonation of the liquid occurs on a scale of microns of liquid thickness, the carbonation is extremely uniform and subsequent liquid mixing or stabilization time is usually not required. Further, since the carbonation occurs on a time scale of milliseconds, the carbonator pressure vessel is very compact compared to its liquid throughput.

Abstract: A system for improving carbonation in post-mix beverage dispenser carbonators, including the method of automatically venting the headspace in a carbonator tank to atmosphere at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time. This system eliminates most of the air from the headspace and provides a significant improvement in carbonating efficiency, in-line carbonation and in cup carbonation.

Abstract: A device for heating and emulsifying milk, especially to prepare a white coffee drink known as "cappuccino" with the assistance of a steam jet, which has a vacuum chamber surrounding a nozzle and formed with an emulsion discharge port, a passageway for admitting sucked-in air, and at least one passageway for the milk which enters the chamber on account of the negative pressure prevailing therein, thereby milk, air, and steam are mixed together in said chamber and then made to flow out through said discharge port.

Abstract: A carbonation method and apparatus is described in which carbonation is achieved by forcing carbon dioxide in gaseous form from an atmosphere thereof downwardly into a body of water to be carbonated. This may be achieved by a vaned rotor rotatable about a horizontal axis or other means. The carbon dioxide atmosphere is preferably maintained at a pressure of about 100 psig (6.8 bars). The degree of carbonation may be varied by varying the time for which the carbonation operation is carried on. A flavor concentrate supply means, containing various flavors, is pressurized for the supply of the concentrate utilizing what would otherwise be waste carbon dioxide gas from the carbonation chamber after completion of the carbonation operation.

Abstract: An emulsifier unit particularly for emulsifying steam and milk to prepare "cappuccino's" comprises a steam delivery conduit in communication with a steam generator and opening into a suction chamber into which a milk delivery conduit is led, said suction chamber being in communication with an emulsifying chamber provided with an outward dispensing opening.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making and dispensing carbonated water with a double diaphragm continuous delivery pneumatic liquid pump has a water pressure regulator on a water inlet line to the pump, a water fill line to a carbonator, a propellent exhaust line from the pump to the carbonator, a carbon dioxide line to the carbonator, and a gas pressure regulator for controlling the storage pressure in the carbonator and the exhaust back pressure in the pump propellent outlet, the exhaust back pressure is kept higher than the water pressure at the pump preventing diaphragm inversion; the method has the steps of dropping water pressure into the pump to below carbonation pressure, and maintaining the carbonation pressure on the pump diaphragm preventing inversion.

Abstract: A manually-refillable water reservoir assembly, which may be retrofit to a post-mix beverage dispenser to supply water from the reservoir instead of from a commercial water supply, includes a manually-refillable water container which plugs into a base assembly. The base assembly includes a socket for receiving the container, a centrifugal pump and a water filter. The beverage dispenser contains a turbine-type pump for supplying water to a carbonator at a predetermined pressure and flow rate. The inherent slippage in the centrifugal pump permits the flow rate and pressure of water supplied to the dispenser to adjust to that of the turbine-type pump.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage dispenser having a base supporting a container housing a device for circulating and whipping a beverage. An evaporator is located in the container while the refrigerator unit thereof is housed within the base, along with a motor and a magnetic transmission for driving a circulating and whipper device within the container. The impeller is rotatably mounted upon a pin in a housing chamber of the container and includes a plurality of ports associated with pipes for both circulating the beverage within the container and dispensing the beverage outside of the container. One of the pipes is connected to a port of the impeller housing and has a non-return valve which selectively regulates fluid communication between the container and the housing chamber. Another pipe connnects the impeller housing to the container exterior for dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: It is a common experience to open a container of carbonated beverage. Upon use the opened beverage will quickly lose to carboration and become "flat". This device is for filling a container of carbonated beverage with a gas, under pressure, so as to preserve the carbonation of the beverage before or after use of the carbonated beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling carbon dioxide and excluding it from contact with the atmosphere while carbonating and storage, transfer, and dispensing of the carbonated beverage. The apparatus includes one or two vessels and a valve assembly for each vessel. Each valve assembly has a pressure relief valve and an outlet tap, which are normally closed to isolate the interior of the vessel from the atmosphere, and a pump for transferring and dispensing air and liquid from or to its vessel, all without bringing the carbon dioxide in contact with the atmosphere.