Abstract: Pressure regulators for beverage dispensers of the type using a high pressure gas cartridge such a CO2 cartridge. The regulators provide a simple, low cost, easily assembled and reliable regulator of particularly small size, facilitated in part by the fact that the invention allows the use of a diaphragm of a particularly small size without necessitating the use of expensive and bulky diaphragm clamps, such as threaded clamps, yet is able to provide a more than adequate seal at both the inner and outer portions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A control valve has an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The control valve includes a poppet valve to selectably close one of the first outlet and the second outlet. A pair of diaphragms move from a first position to a second position when fluid is supplied to the control valve to permit the poppet valve to close the first passage when fluid is removed from the control valve. A magnet operably couples a wireless transmitter to a power source when fluid is supplied to the control valve. The wireless transmitter may send a signal to terminate irrigation by the control valve when the control valve is one of a plurality of control valves connected serially to a master valve only by a fluid supply line.

Abstract: Carbonated beverage delivery tubes and methods for fabrication having a unitary molded structure to define a smooth beverage intake of decreasing area to a smaller diameter flexible plastic tube, and at the other end of the small diameter plastic tube, a smooth transition through an outward flaring region to decrease the velocity of the beverage without initiating foaming within the carbonated beverage delivery.

Abstract: A system and method of dispensing a beverage using gas pressure provides a single use bottle that contains the beverage. A single use dispensing valve is coupled to the bottle to seal the beverage in the bottle. A reusable gas pressure regulator is coupled to the dispensing valve. A single use pressurized gas cartridge that provides an amount of gas just sufficient to dispense the beverage contained in the bottle is coupled to the gas pressure regulator with a piercer that pierces the gas cartridge to supply gas with a regulated pressure. The bottle may be made of PET plastic. The dispensing valve may be coupled to a threaded neck on the bottle. The bottle may hold approximately 1.5 gallons of beverage. The gas cartridge may hold approximately 16 grams of CO2 gas. In some embodiments, a second regulator and gas cartridge may be coupled to the dispensing valve.

Abstract: Integrated and disposable dispenser assemblies that initially are contained entirely or at least substantially entirely within a beverage container, but which may be removed therefrom and placed in an operative position, pressurizing the contents of the container, avoiding prolonged contact between the contents of the container and air, providing a dispensing force for control by a simple dispensing valve and in those instances where it is desired, maintaining carbonation on the beverage. Two representative embodiments are disclosed, one of which may be contained in a single enclosure within a beverage container, and the other of which may be contained in two enclosures within a beverage container.

Abstract: Carbonated beverage delivery tubes and methods for fabrication having a unitary molded structure to define a smooth beverage intake of decreasing area to a smaller diameter flexible plastic tube, and at the other end of the small diameter plastic tube, a smooth transition through an outward flaring region to decrease the velocity of the beverage without initiating foaming within the carbonated beverage delivery.

Abstract: Pressure regulators for beverage dispensers of the type using a high pressure gas cartridge such a CO2 cartridge. The regulators provide a simple, low cost, easily assembled and reliable regulator of particularly small size, facilitated in part by the fact that the invention allows the use of a diaphragm of a particularly small size without necessitating the use of expensive and bulky diaphragm clamps, such as threaded clamps, yet is able to provide a more than adequate seal at both the inner and outer portions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A control valve has an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The control valve includes a poppet valve to selectably close one of the first outlet and the second outlet. A pair of diaphragms move from a first position to a second position when fluid is supplied to the control valve to permit the poppet valve to close the first passage when fluid is removed from the control valve. A magnet operably couples a wireless transmitter to a power source when fluid is supplied to the control valve. The wireless transmitter may send a signal to terminate irrigation by the control valve when the control valve is one of a plurality of control valves connected serially to a master valve only by a fluid supply line.

Abstract: A disclosed is a 2-way 2-position fluid control valve assembly operable to manually open and automatically block fluid flow therethrough. The fluid control valve assembly includes a valve and an electromagnetic actuator having an armature and a pole piece. The valve is biased to its closed position whereat the armature is spaced away from the pole piece. The armature is manually movable to contact the pole piece while opening the valve. The armature and the pole piece are latchable together, with only residual magnetism, only when there is zero air gap or substantially zero air gap between the armature and the pole piece. When latched, the armature and the pole piece remain in that state until they are delatched by canceling at least enough of the residual magnetism so that the biased valve closes while the armature moves away from the pole piece.

Abstract: A dynamically balanced fluid control valve controls a fluid between two connection ports. A tube couples two diaphragms at opposing ends of the tube. A valve is coupled to the tube between the opposing ends to control a valve port. Actuators move the transfer tube to move the valve. The diaphragms dynamically balance the force exerted by the fluid on the valve in both the open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: Solar powered programmable valves and methods of programming and operation thereof are disclosed. A controller for the valves is provided having one or more solar cells for charging a large capacitor or capacitors upon illumination, which provide energy storage for the continuous powering of a very low current single chip computer controller and for providing actuating power to a latching solenoid of a pilot operated valve. The valve is connected to one or more toggle valves in a serial fashion for controlling one or more devices, allowing a single controller to provide water to more than one zone. Programming of the microcontroller to cause the valve to operate at subsequent times as desired is accomplished by magnetically actuating, through the sealed controller case, “yes” and “no” read switches in response to simple prompts presented on a display.

Abstract: Herein is provided an improved proportional fluid control valve. The proportional valve includes a fluid valve that controls the flowrate of an output fluid. The fluid valve is coupled to a pressure chamber of the control valve. The position of the fluid valve, and the corresponding flowrate of the output fluid, can be varied by changing the pressure of a working fluid within the pressure chamber. The pressure within the pressure chamber can be increased by a piston that pumps working fluid from a reservoir to the chamber. The piston is coupled to a first solenoid and a spring that move the piston in a reciprocating pumping motion. The pressure of the working fluid within the pressure chamber can be decreased by opening a bleeder valve that allows working fluid to flow from the pressure chamber back to the reservoir. The bleeder valve is coupled to a second solenoid and a spring that open and close the valve.

Abstract: A fluid control valve housing has first and second connection ports, and first and second valve ports. First and second valves, adjacent to the valve ports, are attached to a transfer tube that extends through the housing. A spring outwardly biases the valves. A solenoid moves the transfer tube to close the first valve port and open the second valve port. A return spring moves the transfer tube to close the second valve port and open the first valve port, allowing fluid communication between the first and second connection ports. A first seal, having an effective area approximately equal to the area of the first valve port, is attached to the transfer tube to seal the return spring. A second seal, having an effective area approximately equal to the area of the second valve port, is attached to the transfer tube to seal the solenoid.

Abstract: A latching, dynamically balanced, fluid control valve. The valve includes a housing which has a supply port, a cylinder port and a return port. Fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port is controlled by a first valve that opens and closes a first valve port of the housing. Fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port is controlled by a second valve that opens and closes a second valve port. The first and second valves are connected to a transfer tube that is coupled to a solenoid and a return spring. The solenoid and spring are sealed by a pair of seals that each have an effective area which is approximately equal to the effective area of the valves. Each seal is located opposite from a valve seat so that opposing fluid pressures are applied to the seal and the valve. The opposing pressures create a net force on the transfer tube that is approximately zero, thus providing a balanced fluid valve that requires less energy to actuate.

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 latching, dynamically balanced, fluid control valve. The valve includes a housing which has a supply port, a cylinder port and a return port. Fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port is controlled by a first valve that opens and closes a against first valve seat of the housing. Fluid communication between the supply port and the return port is controlled by a second valve that opens and closes against a second valve seat. The valves are connected to a transfer tube that is coupled to a pair of solenoids. The solenoids can be actuated to move the tube and valves between a first position, which allows fluid communication between the supply port and the cylinder port, and a second position that allows fluid communication between the supply port and the return port. The solenoids are actuated by short digital pulses that latch the transfer tube and valves into either the first or second position.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an improved tap assembly including a tap, a delivery tube, and a rotatable cam for selectively compressing or not compressing a resilient flow control portion of the delivery tube in order to block or allow fluid flow therethrough. Also included is a decompression device for positively ensuring unrestricted flow through the resilient flow control portion when the cam is rotated to its opened position. The dispensed fluid may be pressurized by premixing with another fluid supplied by a manifold. The manifold is adapted to be connected to multiple pressurized sources of the another fluid. A diffuser is provided upstream of the flow control portion in order to effectively condition the dispensed fluid to desired characteristics such as reduced velocity, laminar flow, and appearance. The tap and manifold have matable piloting members for easily guiding these components together in correct relation for a snap assembly.