Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

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: To dispense a drink made up of a concentrate and a diluent a concentrate and diluent are simultaneously dispensed by coupling from a bulk diluent supply and a bulk concentrate supply directly to separate outlets separated from each other by an air gap. The outlets are directed such as to cause a stream of concentrate and a stream of diluent to issue into free space and mix. A receptacle is disposed to intercept the diluent and concentrate streams until a desired quantity of drink has been dispensed. Continuous metering of the diluent and concentrate while dispensing is carried out to obtain a desired ratio and the concentrate is dispensed at a low pressure and the diluent at a pressure sufficient to obtain mixing without foaming.

Abstract: A mini-regulator valve assembly for providing a continuous supply of fluid at a predetermined pressure from a source of high pressure fluid. The valve has a first member adapted to join with the fluid source and a second member disposed for movement relative to the first member, one of the members forming a valve seal and the other forming a sealing edge cooperating therewith. The valve is further provided with a first biasing spring, a second biasing spring and an actuator. The first biasing spring biasing the second valve member against the first valve member and the second biasing spring acting on the actuator such that when the second biasing spring moved inward, the actuator acts on the second valve member moving the valve seat and edge away from each other thereby opening the valve, the first spring in combination with the pressure of the fluid passing through the valve ending close to the valve as the pressure builds up and thereby obtaining a regulating affect.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the dispensing of a concentrate from a container at a predetermined flow rate includes a first container part a first valve part in communication with a volume of concentrate; a second part having a second mating valve part and an outlet opening therein, the second part movable with respect to the first part to selectively move the first and second valve parts with respect to each other by a preselected amount to permit flow of the concentrate from the first part, through the valve parts and out the outlet opening; cams for effecting movement of the first and second parts, the preselected amount with respect to each other; a tube to introduce air at atmospheric pressure into the container when the first and second valve parts are moved apart having a cooperating valve to prevent backflow through the tube when the first and second valve parts are in sealing relationship; and a chamber interposed between the volume of concentrate and the tube having an outlet fixed near the outlet open

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 container for dispensing a concentrate at a predetermined flow rate includes a first container part for containing a volume of the concentrate terminating in a first valve part in communication with the volume, a second container part having a second mating valve part therein and having an outlet opening, the second container part movable with respect to the first container part to selectively move the first and second valve parts together and apart by a preselected amount to control the flow of the concentrate from said first part, through the valve parts and out the outlet, tabs on the outside of the first and second parts for effecting movement of the first and second parts with respect to each other, and a tube to permit application of a controlled pressure to the volume in the container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser particularly adapted for use in the home is disclosed which dispenser includes a source of pressurizing fluid, a dilient tank, dispensing valves and containers of concentrate which are interchangeably insertable in the valves, the flow of pressurizing fluid and diluent conducted through a manifold which is integral with the dispensing valves and the diluent tank and source of pressurizing fluid both being provided with quick disconnect couplings to permit ease of removal and replacement, the elements of the dispenser disposed on a base with the diluent tank and source of pressurizing fluid surrounded by removable covers to provide an attractive, compact and low cost dispensing unit.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for dispensing concentrate and diluent to make a beverage includes a first member containing therein a cylindrical bore having a first pressurizing gas passage terminating at an alongate opening in the bore and a first diluent passage terminating in a further outlet in the bore. The bottom of the bore contains an open area through which concentrate can be dispensed. Seals around the alongate outlet and the further outlet and seal against a central, rotatable valve member of generally angularous shape which is disposed for rotation within the cylindrical bore.

Abstract: A regulated gas pressurization system for a beverage dispenser which includes a pressure regulator, cylinder valve, and quick coupling apparatus provided for securely connecting the valve and regulator for safe operation. The regulator includes an adjustably biased diaphragm which operates a control valve which regulates the flow of gas from a gas storage cylinder to the beverage dispenser. The adjustment of the biasing force on the diaphragm determines the outlet pressure in the system. A pivotable yoke which is part of the coupling apparatus is placed in a raised position so that the cylinder shutoff valve can be properly aligned with the regulator boss and lowered to a retaining position where a retaining screw can be turned inwardly to move the cylinder valve into rigid coupling position with the regulator. Upon coupling, a poppet within the cylinder valve is opened automatically to allow gas to flow into the regulator.

Abstract: In order to sense a liquid level, an input light pipe and output light pipe have angled ends such that light supplied to the input light pipe is directed from it to the output light pipe by total internal reflection as long as the ends are in a gas. When in a liquid, the index is such as to cause light in the input light pipe to refract into the liquid and not reach the output light pipe. By observing the other end of the output light pipe it becomes possible to determine if the angled ends are in liquid or gas, and thus detect a liquid level.

Abstract: A dispensing container comprising a wall, a base, and a top is used in an inverted condition and is closed, but for an outlet in the top from which liquid can be dispensed and an inlet to allow only sufficient air to bleed into the container to make up for liquid dispensed from the container so that the liquid will be dispensed from the container under constant head. In one arrangement, the inlet comprises a tube extending from the bottom to close to the top of the container with a one-way valve arrangement close to the bottom of the container to permit venting of the head space through the one-way valve arrangement in the event of a pressure build-up in the head space. In an alternative arrangement, the inlet comprises a tube extending from the top of the container to close to the bottom of the container and a valve closing flow of air through the tube, the tube permitting a flow of air to make up for material dispensed.

Abstract: A liquid container having easy penetratable wall portions provided in laterally extending hollow lobes or protuberances which communicate with the interior of the container. The container is impaled upon piercing pins positioned in sockets carried in a beverage dispensing device. The lateral protuberances serve as suspension elements for supporting the container and also provide surfaces through which piercing pins supply pressurized gas to the container and remove liquid syrup from the container for mixing with a carbonated liquid.