Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing large numbers of wine servings at uniform temperatures is disclosed which includes a source (14) of wine at room temperature connected to a refrigeration unit (16). A wine dispensing valve (18) is connected to the refrigeration unit (16) for dispensing wine. A wine metering and mixing valve (A) is connected between a delivery line (20) and a dispensing line (22) to bypass a metered amount of room temperature wine from the delivery line to the dispensing line and thus raise the temperature of the wine to a desired wine serving temperature prior to serving.

Abstract: A housing for a pressurized syrup package which includes a main body portion constructed of material impervious to carbon dioxide. A cap is provided for the housing and extends over an open top of the main body portion. Piercing pins are carried by the cap for penetrating the top wall of the syrup package when the cap is positioned thereon to provide communication between a source of carbon dioxide and a receiver for syrup removed from the package. A conduit extends between the source of carbon dioxide and a respective piercing pin. A valve is positioned in the conduit for closing off the source of carbon dioxide automatically upon removal of the cap from the main body portion.

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 dual temperature refrigeration system which includes a first and second evaporator coil which chills water and freezes water within a tank for producing carbonated water. A restrictor tube is connected between the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator coil. When the demand occurs for chilled water, a switch provided in a by-pass conduit extending around the second evaporator coil is opened, permitting the refrigerant to by-pass the second coil which is used for producing an ice bank in the carbonator.

Abstract: An improved carbonated beverage mixing and dispensing valve (A) is illustrated as including a housing (10) having an entrance port (16) for the admission of carbonated mixing water and valve outlets (22a) for admitting flavored syrups. A valve (B) is carried in the entrance port for controlling the flow of carbonated water which includes an adjustable metering rod (20) carried in an internal bore (104a) of valve stem (104) which may be adjusted externally of housing (10). Flow of syrup is controlled through valve outlet (22a) by means of flow control device (C) which includes a raised ridge (44a) and valve plunger (46) between which a section of valve tubing (22) is pinched off intermediate a valve inlet (30a) and valve outlet (22a). A single operator lever (92) operates both the valve (B) and flow control device (C) in a single action.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling a beverage as the beverage is drawn from a container filled with water which has an evaporator coil carried adjacent the wall thereof which extends from adjacent the top of the container to the bottom of the container. When a refrigerant is circulated through the evaporator coil, an ice bank is built up on the inner wall of the container. A beverage dispensing coil is centrally located with the container and is connected between a faucet and the container from which the beverage is to be drawn. A helical support coil extends from adjacent the top of the container to the bottom and encircles the beverage dispensing coil. A temperature sensor is threaded inside the helical copper support coil so that any time the ice bank builds up closely adjacent thereto, it will turn off the compressor. A motor driven power paddle is used for circulating the water within the container.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for cooling beverages as they are drawn from a plurality of containers and dispensed through a plurality of faucets. A pair of beverage dispensing coils are centrally carried in a housing which is filled with water. A refrigeration coil encircles the housing causing a build up of ice to take place on the inner wall of the housing. A temperature sensor is carried within a helical coil provided between the beverage dispensing coil and the ice bank for operating a compressor associated with the refrigeration coil. A power-driven paddle is centrally carried within the container for circulating the water therein and a gentle, wiping motion. In order to selectively turn on and off the power paddle, a second temperature sensor is located in a junction provided between the inputs of the beverage dispensing coils.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device which mounts on top of a cabinet so that a warm beverage, such as beer carried in a keg is cooled prior to flowing out of a faucet. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container having an evaporator coil positioned closely adjacent an inner wall and a beverage dispensing coil centrally positioned within the container. A space is provided between the inner wall of the container and the beverage dispensing coil so as to permit ice to build up on the wall of the container. A power-operated propellor is centrally located within the container for circulating water over the layer of ice and around the beverage dispensing coil to enhance the cooling of the beer flowing through the coil. A temperature sensor is carried in the water between the ice layer and the beverage cooling coil for controlling the operation of a compressor for maintaining the proper temperature of water in the container.

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.

Abstract: A flow control device is provided for delivering a fluid flow in one direction only while providing for venting of a backflow of fluid in an opposite direction wherein a plurality of self-contained check valve units are slideably received in an elongated housing with one of the check valve units additionally functioning to control the venting of the back flow through an opening formed in the housing wall.

Abstract: An excess pressure relieving means is illustrated for use with fluid pressure reducing apparatus wherein fluid passes from a high pressure inlet chamber to a reduced pressure outlet chamber and includes a valve member having a relief port carried by a diaphragm which extends across the outlet chamber, a closure member carried by the diaphragm normally closing the fluid relief port, and an operator carried by the closure member engaging a stop which limits movement of the closure member but which permits further movement of the valve member producing a separation of the valve and closure members permitting excess fluid pressure to be dissipated through the relief port.