Abstract: A cooling, carbonation and dispensing system for use with a liquid in a keg includes a cooling ring contacting the keg. The cooling ring provides an opening through which dry ice is placed. The cooling ring and dry ice provide contact cooling of the keg, as well as carbon dioxide gas by sublimation of the dry ice to carbonate the liquid in the keg and pressure on the liquid so that it may be dispensed from the keg. A chilling unit having a hose bundle is adjacent the keg and the cooling ring. A liquid dispensing hose from the keg coupler on the keg connects to the hose bundle, so that liquid from the keg passes through the hose bundle. A lid having a tower is attached to the top of the chilling unit and latched to it to form a water-tight seal. Another hose connects to the hose bundle in the chilling unit and conducts the liquid to a dispensing hose attached to a dispenser in the tower. Wet ice is placed in the chilling unit and the tower to provide further chilling (flash chilling) of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to method and a device to make a single or a multiple serving of a select flavored, carbonated beverage. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for carbonation of liquids, such as beverages like cocktails. The apparatus includes a transparent container having a small opening and a twist-lock large opening. The small opening includes a self-sealing one-way valve to introduce a gas, such as CO2, into the container. The large opening is used to load the liquid and solid ingredients, such as ice and fruit chunks. The large opening includes an O-ring to self-seal the container upon pressurization by the gas. A light port at the bottom of the container may be provided through which a light may be shone for visual effects. In operation, the user fills the container through the large opening with ice and fruit chunks, and twists the large opening shut. The user then injects CO2 through the valve and shakes the container to produce high-quality highly carbonated cocktails that sparkle much like Champagne.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dosed dispensing from a container of a liquid including a substance dissolved therein, like e.g. a carbonated beverage, wherein prior to dispensing of the liquid the pressure in the container is equalized with the ambient pressure in the space in which the liquid is dispensed, said pressure being equalized by first establishing a gas connection and only then establishing a liquid connection between the container and the space in which the liquid is dispensed. In accordance with the invention the liquid is dispensed from the container via a dosing chamber, prior to transferring of the liquid to the dosing chamber the pressure in the container is equalized with the pressure in the dosing chamber, and prior to dispensing of the liquid from the dosing chamber the pressure in said chamber is equalized with the ambient pressure in the space in which the liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.

Abstract: A home carbonation device uses a tube to form a gas-tight seal between two separate existing soda-pop bottles. A threaded cap holds flanges on the tube tight against the opening of each bottle. The liquid to be carbonated is contained in one bottle, while the chemicals for producing carbon dioxide are placed in the second bottle. To keep the chemical reactants from reacting while the gas-tight seal is made, a tall thin cylinder in the second bottle acts as a barrier between reactants until the bottle is placed on its side, at which point the chemicals meet and react producing the carbon dioxide that passes through the tube and carbonates the liquid.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a diluent jet directed at a wall of a mixing chamber thereof such that a swirling descending mass of diluent is formed. A concentrate dispensing outlet ejects concentrate into the swirling mass of diluent causing turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate to create a frothed or whipped beverage. Instead of creating a swirling mass of diluent, the diluent jet and concentrate dispensing outlet may be oriented substantially directly at one another such that the streams of concentrate and diluent collide causing a turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: A method and device for inerting a vat having an upper wall and containing a consumable liquid and an overhead gas, including the steps of: injecting an inerting gas heavier than air by way of a downward extending injection tube into the overhead gas above a free surface of the liquid and substantially below the upper wall of the vat and, during this injection, removing excess gas through the injection tube and a purge orifice of the vat. The injection tube may have a gas diffuser at its lower end.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a jet, in fluid communication with a source of non-carbonated diluent, extending into a mixing chamber of the dispenser. The jet includes an aperture, typically in a sidewall thereof, configured to spray the diluent towards the wall of the mixing chamber. A diffuser is disposed below the jet. The diffuser may be in fluid communication with a concentrate dispensing outlet so as to emit concentrate into the mixing chamber. The diluent and concentrate collide in the mixing chamber to create a frothed beverage.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a diluent jet directed at a wall of a mixing chamber thereof such that a swirling descending mass of diluent is formed. A concentrate dispensing outlet ejects concentrate into the swirling mass of diluent causing turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate to create a frothed or whipped beverage. Instead of creating a swirling mass of diluent, the diluent jet and concentrate dispensing outlet may be oriented substantially directly at one another such that the streams of concentrate and diluent collide causing a turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: A continuous processing apparatus includes a dissolution section for dissolving liquid carbon dioxide into a continuously supplied liquid-form raw material, and a processing section for holding the liquid-form raw material with liquid carbon dioxide dissolved therein under predetermined temperature and pressure to thereby transform carbon dioxide into a supercritical or subcritical state. Thus, bacteria, enzyme and the like contained in the liquid-form raw material can be effectively killed or decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen mixing unit (1) which has an inlet for hot water (5) an inlet for cold water (6) and a mixer connection (9) for carbon dioxide, whereby CO2 can be added to drinking water in order to produce soda, to which syrups can also be added and wherein a filter and a cooling device can also both be connected upstream of the water inlet.

Abstract: A continuous method using gaseous carbon dioxide or a pressurized flow of liquefied carbon dioxide is described to reduce microbial and/or enzymatic activity in a liquid product. The carbon dioxide is combined with a pressurized flow of the liquid product, or the mixture is pressurized after the mixture is formed. The pressure and temperature in the flow regions are maintained at a level which is sufficient to keep the carbon dioxide in a continuous liquid state, but which does not freeze the liquid product. The pressurized mixture of the carbon dioxide and liquid product flows through a reaction zone for a sufficient time to reduce harmful microorganisms and/or inactivate enzymes and then enters one or more expansion stages wherein the pressure of the mixture flow is sufficiently decreased to vaporize the carbon dioxide for separation from the liquid product. If necessary, heat is applied in at least one of the expansion stages to prevent a freezing of the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for beverage dispensing are provided with a carbonator (12) that includes a plurality of hydrophobic hollow fibers (32). A pre-carbonation circuit (28) may also be included. A water treatment system (14) may be used to supply water to the carbonator (12) and/or the pre-carbonation circuit (28).

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous plastic article for dispensing a soluble or dispersible dispensate into a fluid stream. An inventive article preferably comprise polyethylene or polypropylene and has defined therein a network of passages in fluid communication with pores on the exposed surface of the article, the pores preferably having a diameter of from about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the dispensing article may be removably attached to a beverage container cap, a bottle neck or a conduit such as, for example, a sports-bottle straw, to introduce the substance into a fluid coming into contact with the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the carbonation in a soda fountain drink when served in a cup. A carbonation concentrator is inserted between the fountain head and the bottom portion of the cup (e.g., at the top of the ice) to cause backpressure at a point within the fluid in the cup as the soda is poured, increasing the absorption of the CO2 carbonation into the poured fluid. The carbonation concentrator may be integrated into the fountain head, adapted to attach to an otherwise conventional fountain head, or integrated within the cup (i.e., disposable form). The carbonation concentrator may be attached to an otherwise conventional fountain head, formed integrally therewith, or to a lid. In disclosed embodiments, the carbonation concentrator is slid over the spout of a hand-held or wall-mounted fountain head and secured in an appropriate fashion.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. A mixing device receives a beverage concentrate and water, and employs a static mixing device to mix the concentrate and water to produce a beverage in a closed system. Flow regulators precisely control the flows of the beverage concentrate and water to achieve the desired mixing ratio. The carbonation system may include a pump for pumping the beverage from the mixing device to a carbonator, a refrigeration unit, a beverage dispenser, or other. A transformer is coupled with the pump and one or more solenoid valves in the mixing device. The transformer receives power from the pump motor to activate the solenoid valves to allow flow of the beverage out of the mixing device only when the pump is powered. When the pump is shut off, the power to the transformer is terminated and the solenoid valves are switched off to stop the flow of the beverage out of the mixing device.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide precooling system, linked with a carbon dioxide source and with a carbonator, for aiding in carbonated water formation includes a carbon dioxide line linked with the carbon dioxide source at an inlet and with the carbonator at an outlet. As such, carbon dioxide travels from the carbon dioxide source, across the carbon dioxide line, and to the carbonator. The carbon dioxide precooling system includes a cooling device in cooperative engagement with the carbon dioxide line. The cooling device sufficiently cools the carbon dioxide within the carbon dioxide line prior to entering the carbonator thereby aiding in the formation of carbonated water within the carbonator.