Abstract: What is described is a process for reading a chain (34) of code characters which is arranged annularly on a transparent bottle (10) in the bottom area of the same, by photographing at least the bottom area of the bottle through the bottle neck by means of a camera (24) and simultaneously illuminating the bottom area of the bottle from below. With a zero relative speed of rotation between camera (24), bottle (10) and illumination source (32), a snapshot of the bottom area of the bottle with the complete code character chain (34) is taken from the inside of the bottle with the camera (24) and is stored as an image for the later decoding of the code character chain. The code-reading process is a very rapid process, because the fraction of a second in which the bottle (10) is in a line with the camera (24) and the illumination source (32) is adequate for reading the code.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 gas generator for a utilization device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO.sub.2 from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO.sub.2 accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO.sub.2 is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO.sub.2 is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO.sub.2 pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: A dosing unit for concentrate in a post-mix beverage dispenser is described which includes an enclosed cylinder space, and a pump piston with a bore running parallel with the axis. A control piston which is in contact with the input side shutoff of the cylinder space is disposed within and movable longitudinally of the bore in the pump piston. The control piston includes an intake opening, and in contact with the pump piston, forms an outlet opening, where the intake and the outlet openings are alternately opened or closed through axial movement of the control piston with respect to the cylinder space and the pump piston. The control piston movement is restricted with respect to the accelerator piston and constrained by axial impact points, so that an axial movement forced upon the control piston causes an impulse in both directions to open or close the intake or the outlet openings, after which by carry-over of the particular impact, the pump piston is moved axially the same distance.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 gas generator for an aerosol device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO.sub.2 from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO.sub.2 accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO.sub.2 is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO.sub.2 is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO.sub.2 pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 gas generator for a utilization device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO.sub.2 from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO.sub.2 accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO.sub.2 is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO.sub.2 is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO.sub.2 pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separate again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: A portable carbonator includes a built-in CO.sub.2 supply system which operates on disposable gas generating cartridges. The system requires no electrical power and is self-sufficient and automatic. CO.sub.2 gas is generated by a chemical reaction between reagents which carbonates and/or propels the water. Whenever carbonated water is drawn, the reagents react and generate more CO.sub.2 so as to maintain a constant pressure of the carbonated water.

Abstract: A beverage concentrate container includes an integrally connected piston pump as a concentrate dosing unit. The container and piston pump are insertable into rigid support within a beverage dispenser cabinet for mechanical interconnection with a drive mechanism for the pump. The container and pump combination (syrup package) are fabricated from materials which are disposable.

Abstract: A disposable CO.sub.2 gas generator cartridge of cylindrical construction and including inner and outer coaxial reagent chambers which are interconnected when installed in a cylindrical pressure vessel and having a top cover assembly including a pusher type activating mechanism which is operated by a cam surface located on a handwheel. The cover assembly connects to a carbonated drink dispenser by means of a quick disconnect coupling activated by the operation of a manually operated pull down lever assembly including the handwheel. Operation of the handwheel acts to start gas generation and also vent the cartridge to atmosphere when spent.

Abstract: A gas generator chemically generates a gas from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are normally separated by a gas generation chamber into different regions of the container in the absence of gas generation therein. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the gas generation chamber is less than the predetermined pressure. A valve in fluid communication with the gas generation chamber is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the chamber when OPEN. As the gas flows through the valve from the chamber the gas pressure in the chamber drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the chamber pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

Abstract: A dosing system has a vessel for holding a fluid and a dosing device for dispensing a measured quantity of fluid from the vessel. The dosing device hermetically seals the vessel and has a valve with a fluid passage, a piston surrounding the valve and a cylinder housing surrounding the piston. The valve is positioned in a first position wherein fluid is gravity fed from the vessel to a chamber formed between a drive face of the piston and the cylinder housing. The valve can be reciprocated from the first position to a second position whereat the valve closes the inlet from the vessel to the chamber. The piston closes the passage within the valve when the valve is in the first position and opens the passage when the valve is moved to the second position to permit discharge of fluid from the chamber. When the valve moves to a third position, the drive face of the piston moves toward a shoulder of the cylinder housing to thereby pump the fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered dispensing of beverage concentrate includes a storage container with a discharge opening and a dosing chamber assembly attached to the discharge opening. The dosing chamber assembly includes a chamber housing with an input opening communicating with the discharge opening of the container, an output opening and a sliding control valve displaceable in the chamber to alternately open and close the input and output openings of the chamber housing. The container includes an outer rigid shell and a flexible foil bag therein which varies in volume with pressure changes therein.

Abstract: A method for discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser enables purification of water, removal of water hardness and sterilization of water which is normally accomplished by a precipitation/floculation process used in a bottling plant. This apparatus can treat the water for beverage dispensing purposes and will not require high capital expenditures. The apparatus includes a removable, disposable cartridge having a reactor or first section filled with sand, carbon granules or other heat-conducting material for removing the bicarbonate content and other impurities from the water and a filter or second section having a filter and activated carbon screen for removing solids, traces of chlorine and dissolved organic material from the water. The apparatus also includes heat exchanger coils and a heating element for raising the temperature of the water as well as a holding tank having a gas trap for collecting and removing carbon dioxide and chlorine gas.

Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.