Abstract: A continuous ionizer adapted to introduce selected ions into a continually flowing stream of liquid. To ensure that a maximum concentration of ions is incorporated, the continuous ionizer is configured so that turbulent and intimate mixing of the ionizing gas and liquid to be ionized occurs. The flow of ionizing gas is regulated by a liquid level sensor to prevent a gas/liquid mixture from proceeding downstream from the ionizer. The apparatus and method of this invention are particularly suited to situations where deionized water is used in a process which causes undesired static electricity discharges, and clean, ion-possessing water is preferred, such as semiconductor processing.

Abstract: A piston system is used as a pressure-independent flow-volume-regulating valve in which the piston divides the piston chamber into two sections which communicate with one another via a flow-throttling zone and, dependent upon pressures applied which are opposed on the piston by restoring forces, affects control orifices. The restoring force for the piston is guided over a compensating member for temperature-dependent expansions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the gasification of liquids employing a separable pressure vessel which is easily dismantled for cleaning. The pressure vessel is charged from a gas source and provided with a relief valve that prevents the charging pressure in the vessel from exceeding a maximum pressure. Gas is introduced into the pressure vessel through a sparging orifice with an end that is also easily removable for cleaning. The pressure vessel has an outlet employing a single piece dispensing lever which includes not only ribs for opening the valve at the base of the pressure vessel but also an integrally molded restoring spring which has a special configuration for consolidating many of the functions which required separate pieces in the prior art.

Abstract: An overrun-producing gas such as nitrous oxide is introduced into a lower portion of a tank containing unfrozen ice cream mix at elevated pressure, until sufficient gas is entrained in the ice cream mix to provide the desired overrun. The gas may be collected at an upper portion of the tank and recirculated back into the lower portion of the tank. Pressurized air may also be introduced through the top of the tank while the gas-entrained contents are dispensed into pressurized containers, to maintain a predetermined pressure thereon.

Abstract: A water-carbonation system having a pressurized tank which is preferably cooled, a water supply and a CO.sub.2 gas supply. The CO.sub.2 gas supply has a pressure-reducing valve assembly in the supply line. The valve of this assembly is maintained in a closed position by the gas pressure in the tank. However, when this pressure falls below a predetermined limit, the valve will move to an open position to vent the tank to the atmosphere. A signal may be used in conjunction with the valve to notify an operator of the drop in pressure. The valve may also be manually operated to vent the tank. This water-carbonation system can be used in beverage dispensers in which the carbonized water is mixed with beverage concentrates to prepare a beverage that is ready for consumption.

Abstract: Carbonating apparatus includes a reservoir to be filled with fresh water through an outlet. Rotation of a control opens a valve, so that water passes from the reservoir into a pressure vessel. The control is then depressed to cause pressurized gas to be introduced into the water in the vessel, via a nozzle, from a gas cylinder, so as to carbonate the water. A slidably-operable control is then moved by an initial amount to cause a venting valve to open, thereby venting excess gas in the vessel to atmosphere. Further sliding movement of the slidably-operable control depresses a lever connected to an outlet valve, which permits dispensing of the carbonated water from the vessel, via a spout.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating gas bubbles in a liquid. The bubbles, which are uniform in size and on the order of approximately 100 micrometers in diameter or less, enhance the efficiency of gas transfer to the liquid. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member, in the shape of a disc or ring, which is wettable by the liquid and rotatable therein at an edge velocity of at least 70 feet per second. The upper surface of the rotatable member is parallel to, and spaced from, a stationary plate to form a shear zone. Gas, or some other fluid, is supplied proximate the upper surface of the rotatable circular member to form the bubbles. Optimized relationships between the radius of the disc or ring and its speed of rotation are disclosed to enhance the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly carbonating beverages in less than seven minutes is disclosed, including a container for the beverage to be carbonated and a source of carbon dioxide to be introduced into the beverage through a conduit member. The container is sealed, and a bleed line is coupled for the headspace of the container for continuously venting the headspace to the atmosphere while carbon dioxide is flowing through the beverage to maintain a predetermined pressure in the headspace. The flow of carbon dioxide is maintained by a continuous pressure differential between the conduit member and the headspace. An effective amount of carbonation can be achieved in a relatively short amount of time. A source of carbon dioxide is disclosed which includes a reaction vessel and a chemical package containing a mixture of chemicals that can react in water to give carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatability stabilizer for maintaining properly carbonated water in an electrically powered postmix fountain drink dispensing system when a supply of pressurized carbon dioxide is depleted. A carbon dioxide pressure sensor is connected between the carbon dioxide supply and the fountain drink dispensing system to sense the carbon dioxide supply pressure. A switch is connected to the carbon dioxide pressure sensor and coupled between the electrical power and the fountain drink dispensing system for disconnecting power to the fountain drink dispensing system when the carbon dioxide pressure is below a predetermined pressure. This is done so that water is not improperly carbonated with low pressure carbon dioxide and so that properly carbonated water and other drink components within the fountain drink system are maintained in the system by not dispensing fountain drinks until the pressurized carbon dioxide supply is replenished.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser comprising: a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, carbonated beverage from syrup concentrate; a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, still beverage from flavor concentrate; and a sub-system for making and dispensing a hot beverage from either concentrate or powder. Each of the concentrates for the respective sub-systems are provided in bag-in-box supply packages of a conventional type. Also included are two carbonator designs for operating under zero gravity conditions without forming a gaseous phase within the carbonator tanks thereof. The first of these unique carbonators is a batch carbonator and the second is a continuous carbonator.The batch carbonator includes an outer rigid shell and an accordian-type inner container which contracts or expands when fluids are dispensed or introduced.

Abstract: A portable machine for carbonating liquid contained in a bottle is adapted to support the bottle (5) by the neck (81) through a bayonet connection and for a seal (64) which closes the bottle neck to be driven into engagement with the bottle neck by a piston (60) actuated by the first burst of gas supplied to the injection nozzle (66). The bottle is loaded into the machine through a front opening (6) and a cover (7) for closing the opening is interlocked with a gas supply valve (12) so that gas can only be delivered to the nozzle (66) when the cover is closed. The cover is opened and closed by rotating a knob (23) which is depressed to open the gas valve. The knob (23) is coupled to the gas valve (12) through a device (27) which prevents the valve being opened if the machine is tilted at more than a given angle to the upright position.

Abstract: The dispenser of the present invention is operative to dispense both uncarbonated and carbonated drinking water. It consists of a reservoir for retaining uncarbonated drinking water and a first heat exchange associated with the reservoir and supplied with a fluid refrigerant, for maintaining the water at an optimum drinking temperature. The reservoir has a direct connection to a dispensing faucet for dispensing uncarbonated water. In conjunction with this, the unit makes use of a carbonator for dispersing carbon dioxide in water, and a second heat exchanger located within the reservoir in contact with the uncarbonated water. A pump is arranged to take drinking water from the reservoir and delivers it to the carbonator the carbonated water is supplied to the inlet of the second heat exchanger. A second faucet is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger to dispense the carbonated water.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying gas to a liquid in a container (4) having a gas conduit (5) discharging thereinto, the apparatus being particularly intended for preparing aerated beverages on a small scale. In the upper part of the container there is provided a filling orifice (6). To simplify the use of the apparatus and to prevent mistakes, the orifice (6) is provided with a closure means (27) which is arranged to close the orifice automatically in conjunction with charging gas to the container (4). In this respect, the closing movement of the closing means is preferably arranged to be initiated by the stream of gas entering the container. To provide a safer and more positive apparatus, the apparatus is suitably designed so that the closing of the closure means (27) can only be initiated when the container (4) is filled with liquid to a given level.

Abstract: Water is carbonated in a fast and efficient manner by causing a flow of carbon dioxide through the water being carbonated at a controlled rate through a small orifice until a predetermined pressure is reached in the carbonator and, upon reaching the predetermined pressure terminating flow through the orifice.

Abstract: In a drink dispenser for dispensing carbonated drinks which includes a source of carbon dioxide at high pressure and a source of carbon dioxide at a lower pressure, the lower pressure being a pressure utilized for dispensing carbonated water, water within a carbonator tank is quickly carbonated by admitting carbon dioxide to the carbonator at the higher pressure until a pressure intermediate the higher and lower pressure is reached, venting the head space of the carbonator to the lower pressure, and, preferably, of repeating these steps a plurality of times.

Abstract: A removable batch-type diluent tank for use in connecting to a rigid gas coupling in a beverage dispenser has a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening and a removable cover for covering and sealing the opening. Also included is a relief valve for relieving pressure in the tank prior to removal of the cover. A quick disconnect coupling is rigidly connected to the tank and adapted for sliding connection with the rigid coupling of the dispenser, permitting the tank to be slid into the dispenser for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to the tank. Also included is a connection for conducting diluent from the tank.

Abstract: A home portable tabletop carbonated beverage method of making carbonated beverages utilizing a pressurized source of gas, as carbon dioxide, to carbonate a container of liquid by causing the liquid to agitate and to flow within the container while the gas is being supplied to it and vented to escape from it so that the liquid presents changing surfaces to the gas to effect substantial saturation of the liquid with the gas to enhance its carbonation.

Abstract: A constant level of liquid carbonation is achieved irrespective of the rate at which liquid is supplied to a carbonating vessel by, respectively, establishing a thin film of liquid over refrigerated heat transfer surfaces, which may take the form of plates, and controlling, in response to the flow-rate of the liquid, the area of the heat transfer surface covered by the liquid film.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding carbon dioxide to consumable liquids contained in a container having an aperture of a selected size and shape is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a housing (16) having a cartridge cavity (46), and a connecting means (20), (76) and (98) for securing the mouth (26) of a liquid container (12) thereto. Attached to the housing (16) is a gas conduit (28) having a first end (30) and a further end (32) which extends to the bottom of the liquid container (12). A gas cartridge (34) containing pressurized CO.sub.2 is received in cartridge cavity (46) in a gas-tight manner. The apparatus includes activating means such as a piercing member (48) for rupturing a frangible seal (54) of the cartridge (34). When the frangible seal (54) of the disposable one shot cartridge (34) is ruptured, the pressurized CO.sub.

Abstract: A fluid diffuser for dispersing a gas or liquid into a body of receiving liquid in which it is immersed. The diffuser includes a rotatable shaft, a thin disk-like member mounted for rotation on the shaft, and an annular ring positioned adjacent the outer perimeter of the disk-like member. At least one of the top and bottom walls of the annular ring is porous. These top and bottom walls define a fluid plenum, into which gas or liquid under pressure is introduced to be emitted from the plenum as small, nascent fluid spheroids on the surface of the annular ring. The boundary layer flow from rotation of the disk-like member within the body of receiving liquid shears fine gas bubbles or liquid particles from the foraminous surface or surfaces of the annular ring. The annular ring may be fixed, or rotatable in the opposite annular direction from the rotation of the disk. Impeller blades may be mounted on the top and/or bottom surfaces of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating liquids, particularly for the preparation of carbonated beverages, has a carbonating chamber with electrically actuated valves controlling the flow of liquid and gas to and from the chamber, and a programmed electronic timer control device controls said valves enabling liquid to be carbonated and dispensed at the touch of a button.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the carbonation level of a liquid, useful for controlling the extent of carbonation of a beverage, particularly in a continuous process stream. A portion of the process stream is diverted to flow adjacent to a gas permeable membrane having a diluent gas such as helium or nitrogen flowing on the opposite side thereof. The diluent gas stream absorbs carbon dioxide in proportion to the extent of carbonation of the beverage, and a suitable characteristic, such as thermal conductivity or infrared absorption, of the diluent gas and carbon dioxide mixture is then measured as an indication of the carbonation level of the beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying gas to a liquid in a container (2) having a gas pipe (6) discharging thereinto, the apparatus being particularly intended for preparing aerated beverages. The container comprises an orifice (8) for introducing liquid into the container, an orifice (19) for emptying liquid therefrom, and a gas-venting orifice (13). The emptying orifice (19) which preferably is located in the lower part of the container (2) is provided with a valve (20) which can only be opened when the pressure in the container falls beneath a given value. Suitably the valve is automatically opened by a spring force immediately the pressure falls beneath said given value.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable post-mix carbonated beverage dispenser unit for use in small offices or small-volume locations is described. Flavored syrup is supplied to the unit from disposable sealed syrup packages which are plugged into a dispenser valving system. CO.sub.2 is supplied to the unit carbonator system in returnable containers which also may be quickly plugged into a CO.sub.2 valving system.

Abstract: A carbonator valve assembly (A) is disclosed which includes a water valve entrance subassembly (B), a gas regulator valve entrance subassembly (C), and a vent valve subassembly (D) formed in a valve head (12) sealingly fitted in a neck of a carbonator tank (10). Gas entrance regulator valve subassembly (C) includes a pressure regulator-delivery valve means (E) which delivers a restricted flow of pressurized gas to a gas dispensing chamber (80) via a passage (100) and restricted outlet port (102). An unrestricted path for the pressurized gas is established through the carbonator valve assembly (A) via a control valve chamber (56) passage (64), chamber (62), passage (70), chamber (72), passage (78), and dispensing chamber (80). Dispensing chamber (80) includes valve seat (84) through which both the restricted and unrestricted gas flows enter the carbonator tank.

Abstract: A home portable tabletop carbonated beverage making apparatus and method of making carbonated beverages utilizing a pressurized source of gas, as carbon dioxide, to carbonate a container of liquid by causing the liquid to agitate and to flow within the container while the gas is being supplied to it and vented to escape from it so that the liquid presents changing surfaces to the gas to effect substantial saturation of the liquid with the gas to enhance its carbonation.

Abstract: A separation means is disclosed which effectively isolates the resultant salts of a carbonation reaction while permitting the transfer of gaseous carbon dioxide in a substantially pure, non-contaminated form to a liquid to be carbonated. The separation means comprises a passageway with a plurality of restricted gas communicating apertures and a one-way valve attached to the end of the passageway which is proximate to the liquid to be carbonated. The gas communicating apertures and one-way valve function to retain the chemical by-products of the reaction from the carbonated beverage.

Abstract: An improvement in a pressurizable container used to prepare a carbonated beverage from a water-based liquid and carbon dioxide generating chemical reactants comprises the use of a carbonation chamber having an upper compartment for holding the chemical couple and a lower compartment with a bottom sparger surface for releasing, as uniformly small bubbles, the generated carbon dioxide into a beverage to be carbonated. The bottom sparger surface permits the rapid carbonation of a beverage without agitation and also minimizes the transfer of the resultant products of the chemical reaction to the beverage.

Abstract: A substantially salt-free carbonated beverage is produced using a pressurizable container comprising a carbonation chamber having an upper compartment for holding the chemical reactants, a means for separating gaseous carbon dioxide and solid or liquid reaction by-products and a lower compartment having a bottom sparger surface for releasing, as uniformly small bubbles, the generated carbon dioxide into a liquid to be carbonated. The separation means and sparger surface function to retain the chemical by-products of the reaction from the carbonated beverage.

Abstract: Apparatus for gasifying a liquid with a fluid supplied in liquid form has a discharge conduit for the fluid in which there are one or more restricted cross-section flow paths in a material providing a heat source for converting the fluid to a dry gas. Sealing means are urged resiliently against the open lip of a liquid-filled container into which the discharge conduit projects. Control means for the discharge rate of the dry gas flow from the conduit limit the pressure rise in the container. The sealing means comprises portions of greater flexural compliance permitting excess pressure to be vented from the container. The apparatus may comprise two telescopically movable parts, one holding the liquid container and the other holding a sealed bulb of the gasifying fluid. Said container and bulb are mounted in the parts such that said telescoping movement adjusts itself to accommodate different sizes of container and capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for fermenting and carbonating beverages comprises a container for holding a quantity of beverage to be treated. A cap for closing the container has a cup attached to the top thereof and a valve therein for permitting access between the inside of the container and the cup. A first tubular chamber is attached to the inside of the cap by means of a depending circular flange. The first chamber with a valve in one end contains a charge of carbonating material which treats the beverage as it enters the container through an aperture therein. A second tubular chamber is attached to the inside of the cap by means of an outer depending concentric circular flange. The second chamber where fermenting occurs has a plurality of apertures therein for permitting free flow of the beverage therethrough and a micro-fine filter therein for trapping sediment during the fermenting and carbonating process.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage comprising a casing (10), a connection (17) carried by said casing for mounting a container (18) of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, a pivotally mounted shatterproof housing (24) for a bottle of water (29), a nozzle (31) communicating with the connection and extending downwardly within the housing and through a stopper (27) for engaging the neck of the bottle supported within the housing and a safety pressure valve (34) connected to the interior of the bottle when the stopper is engaged in its neck, the housing being axially reciprocable to engage and disengage a latch (47, 48, 49) for the pivotal housing and to unseat the valve (34) at each axial reciprocation.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage including a casing (10) a connection (13,14) carried by the casing for mounting a container (12) of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, a transparent shatterproof housing (52) for a bottle of water carried by said casing, a nozzle (18) communicating with the connection and extending from the support member downwardly within the housing, a stopper for engaging in the neck of a bottle and a table base (64) for supporting the bottle (80) in the housing so that the stopper is engaged in its neck.A manually operable valve (32) allows carbon dioxide to flow from the container (12) to the nozzle and a safety pressure valve (42) is connected to the interior of the bottle when the stopper is engaged in its neck. A bulb (82) illuminates the bottle at least while the water therein is being aerated, the illumination being picked up by the bubbles of carbon dioxide and giving a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage by introducing carbon dioxide under pressure into a bottle (29) partly filled with water, in which a support member (16) is pivotally mounted by a pivot (15) on the casing (10) and carries the shatterproof housing, (24), which surrounds the bottle, the nozzle (31), the stopper (27) and the container (18) of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, so that these all pivot with the support member as a pivotal assembly. Such a construction can be made relatively inexpensively.

Abstract: A beverage carbonator device comprising an outer main container for holding the beverage as it is being, and/or after it is, carbonated, which is open at its upper end and has a beverage dispensing off-on control valve or spigot at its lower end, and a carbonation generating and pressure regulating assembly arranged for mounting within the container in sealed application to the container open end. The assembly in one form includes a lower carbonating gas generating tank that is to receive and contain the carbonating gas generating substances, which tank is removably connected in sealed relation to an orificed floor of a carbonating gas receiver that is closed at its upper end by a flexible diaphragm, with the receiver in turn being secured to a cover that is part of the assembly and that is sealingly applied to the container upper end.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for aerating liquids includes an aerating head, a mechanism for supplying gas to the aerating head from a cylinder when a control button is depressed, a platform for lifting a bottle containing liquid to be aerated into sealing engagement with the aerating head, and a rotary cam operable by a handle to raise and lower the platform. A pre-compressed coil compression spring is interposed between the platform and a button engaged with the cam to ensure adequate sealing pressure between the bottle and aerating head.

Abstract: The appliance includes a casing 10 in which is mounted a connection 13 for a container 12 of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide. A bottle 80 of water is provided with a special cap 82 having a dip tube therein which extends into the water. The cap has a non-return valve 89 to 92 therein. The bottle is partly filled with water, the cap screwed into place and a nozzle on the appliance is caused to introduce carbon dioxide directly into the bottle with the cap thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gasified ice product characterized by a granular, crystalline, porous structure, a brittle texture, good stability in its frozen state, and the ability to rapidly and quietly release its gas content to aqueous solution upon melting therein. The process calls for contacting an aqueous liquid with finely-dispersed bubbles of a conditionally-stable-hydrate-forming gas, such as carbon dioxide, under conditions of temperature and pressure and for a time effective to form a suspension of gas hydrate crystals in the liquid, and then freezing the suspension. The finely-dispersed bubbles of gas are preferably admitted through a porous metal sparger positioned at the bottom of a pressurized reaction vessel. The resulting product preferably has a bulk density of less than 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter and contains from about 30 to about 70 milliliters of gas per gram of product. According to one preferred form of the invention, the product is granulated.

Abstract: An improved stopper apparatus for bottles, such as wine bottles, which prevents contamination of the contents therein. The improved stopper apparatus comprises a stopper plug, a bladder attached thereto, a venting valve for venting gas within the bottle, a pump for inflating the bladder and a reservoir valve and inert gas reservoir. The bladder is inserted into the bottle and the stopper plug secured within the neck thereof. The bladder is filled within the bottle forcing the gas therein to escape through the venting valve. The stopper apparatus is adapted to enable a small quantity of heavy inert gas to be deposited into the bottle from the inner gas reservoir prior to filling the bladder, whereby to form a protective layer of inert gas over the surface of the bottle's contents.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage, in which a container of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide is mounted on a connection in a casing, the casing being mounted thereon, a housing for a bottle partly filled with water, means for supporting the bottle in the housing, a nozzle communicating with the carbon dioxide container and a stopper for engaging in the neck of the bottle. A manually operable valve is provided to allow carbon dioxide to enter the nozzle so that it is dissolved in the water. A displacement body on the nozzle is provided so that when a partly filled bottle is introduced with the nozzle therein, the level of the water rises so that only a small amount of air is left above the water in the bottle, thus reducing the wastage of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of recovering inert gas used during a filling process for pressurizing containers which are to be filled with a liquid. The method includes the steps of expelling the air found in the container, and pressurizing the container, with a mixture of air and heavy inert gas; filling the container with the liquid and thus expelling the pressurizing gas mixture; centrally collecting the expelled mixture from a plurality of containers and conveying the mixture to at least one accumulator; subjecting the pressurizing gas mixture in the at least one accumulator to at least one gravity effect for partially separating off the lighter gas components and producing a mixture of predominantly inert gas; adding additional inert gas to a mixture of predominantly inert gas; and returning the resulting mixture to the filling process, at least as a pressurizing gas mixture, for use with subsequent containers which are to be filled.

Abstract: A post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system for use in refrigerated cabinets includes a carbonator having a refillable water reservoir, a CO.sub.2 system coupled to said carbonator, a valving system, and a disposable package for containing and dispensing the syrup of the post-mix beverage at a controlled rate of flow. The water reservoir may be manually refilled from a water pitcher. The CO.sub.2 system includes a cylinder which is also disposed within the refrigerator cabinet and is coupled to the carbonator. The valving system may include a plurality of dispensing valves and mixing nozzles for dispensing different selected beverages depending upon which of the valves is actuated. In addition, carbonated water alone may be dispensed. The disposable syrup package includes a plastic container having a flow rate control tube therein and means in said flow rate control for precluding spillage of syrup when the package temperature becomes elevated from opening and closing the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 supply system for a carbonator includes a CO.sub.2 cylinder containing a combination of liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide under pressure at approximately 900 p.s.i.g., an openable end including a valve element disposed in an elongated extension of that end, an adaptor socket for receiving the elongated extension and supporting the cylinder, a pressure regulator connected to the adaptor and a hose coupling the same to a carbonator tank and an elongated tube extending from the open end of the cylinder toward a closed end thereof and terminating at a position spaced from the closed end. The elongated tube is open at both ends to permit the flow of liquid or gas therethrough, depending on the orientation of the CO.sub.2 cylinder. In order to dispense CO.sub.2 gas to a carbonator, the CO.sub.2 cylinder is disposed with its open end down and plugged into the adaptor socket. In this position, CO.sub.2 gas is present in the head space of the CO.sub.2 cylinder adjacent the closed end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a vented check valve for use with post-mix carbonators. The vented check valve is a fail safe device which will vent carbon dioxide or carbonated water to the atmosphere when a back flow condition occurs. The vented check valve of the present invention includes a flexible valve diaphragm having a first valve seat portion around the annular portion of the diaphragm and a second valve seat portion in the center thereof. The first valve seat portion is utilized to open and close the main water inlet by permitting the edges of the diaphragm to flex in response to the pressure of water flowing in a first direction. The second valve seat portion is disposed in cooperation with a vent passage and seats firmly on the vent passage while water flows in the first direction, but unseats from the vent passage permitting the water to flow out of the valve, through the vent passage to the atmosphere when a back flow condition occurs, i.e.

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 beverage carbonator device comprising an outer main container for holding the beverage as it is being, and after it is, carbonated, which is open at its upper end and has a beverage dispensing off-on control valve or spigot at its lower end, and a carbonation generating and pressure regulating assembly arranged for mounting within the container in sealed application to the container open end. The assembly includes a lower carbonating gas generating tank that is to receive and contain the carbonating gas generating substances, which tank is removably connected in sealed relation to an orificed floor of a carbonating gas receiver that is closed at its upper end by a flexible diaphragm, with the receiver in turn being secured to a cover that is part of the assembly and that is sealingly applied to the container upper end.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method and means for carbonating liquids in the container from which the liquids are served to the consumer with a minimum of carbonating gas and for maintaining and enhancing carbonation of the remaining liquid without expensive regulatory apparatus after withdrawal of a portion of the carbonated liquid. Inherent in the means and method to induce and regulate carbonation, the invention provides both means and method for regulating or substantially limiting the maximum volume of liquid introduced into the carbonation chamber as well as a means and method to purge air from the carbonation chamber. According to the invention, a fixed volume vessel and a dynamic capacity carbonating chamber, a pump and relief valves enable consistent carbonation and regulation of the carbonating pressure prior to and following dispensing of carbonated liquids while utilizing a finite, minimum quantity of carbonating gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating for domestic use beverages, such as flavored water. The apparatus comprises a stand (2) with space assigned for a glass bottle (4) and with space assigned for a gas tube (4) containing carbon dioxide, and a sealing member (7) for sealing the mouth (8) of a glass bottle (4) during the aerating process.According to the invention, at the place for the glass bottle (4) a bursting protection (15) is provided, which is movable upward and downward in relation to a glass bottle (4) positioned and to the stand (2), and which in its upper position permits free insertion and removal of a glass bottle (4), and in its lower position encloses entirely a glass bottle (4) thus positioned. The sealing member (7) is located in the upper portion of the bursting protection (15) and capable to seal against the mouth (8) of a glass bottle (4) only when the bursting protection (15) is in its lower position. Hereby a safe and easily handled apparatus is obtained.

Abstract: A home portable tabletop carbonated beverage making apparatus and method of making carbonated beverages utilizing a pressurized source of gas, as carbon dioxide, to carbonate a container of liquid by causing the liquid to agitate and to flow within the container while the gas is being supplied to it and vented to escape from it so that the liquid presents changing surfaces to the gas to effect substantial saturation of the liquid with the gas to enhance its carbonation.

Abstract: A post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system for use in refrigerated cabinets includes a carbonator having a refillable water reservoir, a CO.sub.2 system coupled to said carbonator, a valving system, and a disposable package for containing and dispensing the syrup of the post-mix beverage at a controlled rate of flow. The water reservoir may be manually refilled from a water pitcher. The CO.sub.2 system includes a cylinder which is also disposed within the refrigerator cabinet and is coupled to the carbonator. The valving system may include a plurality of dispensing valves and mixing nozzles for dispensing different selected beverages depending upon which of the valves is actuated. In addition, carbonated water alone may be dispensed. The disposable syrup package includes a plastic container having a flow rate control tube therein and means in said flow rate control for precluding spillage of syrup when the package temperature becomes elevated from opening and closing the refrigerator door.