Abstract: The present invention includes a dual purpose carbonator/blending bottle connected to a source of beverage syrup, a source of potable water and to a source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas. The dual purpose bottle is retained within an ice bank water bath tank. A pair of ratio valves provide for metering the water and syrup at a desired ratio. The mixed beverage first flows through a serpentine coil, also located in water bath, and then flow into the dual purpose bottle. A refrigeration system provides for cooling an evaporator located in the water tank for forming the ice bank thereon. The carbonated beverage then flows from the bottle into a freeze cylinder. The freeze cylinder also includes a further evaporator coiled around an exterior perimeter thereof. The freeze cylinder evaporator is connected to and cooled by the same refrigeration system that cools the evaporator in the water bath tank.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a freeze cylinder is used having a closed end and an open end. Around the cylinder adjacent the closed end, a three phase DC stator is placed. The stator is connected to a three phase DC power supply that includes an AC to DC inverter. An electrical rotor is positioned in the cylinder adjacent a spacer plate. The rotor consists of metal ring around the perimeter of which are secured eight permanent magnets. The magnets and tube are encased in a food grade plastic creating a rotor disk having a central hole. A scraper extends along the axis of the cylinder and includes a central rod end that extends through the rotor and into the bearing of the spacer disk. The scraper includes a skirt portion around the rod end for securing to the rotor. In operation, the stator and rotor constitute a three phase DC motor that is operated by the power supply to rotate the scraper within the cylinder.

Abstract: A premix beverage system is shown including an improved pre-mix tank and pre-mix valve. The tank includes a bag therein for retaining the beverage. Pressure is applied in the tank to provide the motive force to compress the bag and thereby move the beverage from the tank to a dispense point. The present invention also shows a method for converting existing pre-mix tanks to this modified bag containing configuration. A pre-mix valve is shown having a modified control shaft and compensator for reducing turbulence and increasing laminar flow of a carbonated beverage flowing there through for reducing carbonation loss from the beverage. A modified pre-mix valve is also shown that facilitates one handed operation thereof.

Abstract: A piston based flow control is shown for use in a high flow beverage dispensing valve. The piston thereof includes a top perimeter edge structure that allows for continuity of liquid flow during high flow applications and particularly during the initiation of a high flow dispensing so as to eliminate chattering of the piston.

Abstract: A carbonator comprising a tube cylinder having a closed and an open end. A disk is removably retained in the open end for providing access into the interior volume thereof. The disk provides for mounting thereto of water and carbon dioxide gas inlets, a carbonated water outlet, a safety relief valve and a water level sensor. A rigid retaining wire is bent into a square configuration wherein radiussed corners thereof cooperate with slots in the open end of the cylinder to retain the disk therein. Manipulation of the retaining wire provides for removal of the disk from the cylinder when the carbonator is not pressurized.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispensing valve is shown that provides for assembly thereof substantially manually. This easy assembly is provided for by a plurality of snap fitting component structures. A nozzle is also shown that provides for higher flow rates. Lever operated and electronic operated embodiments of the valve are also shown. The valve is also particularly designed to provide for an electronic switch/control module separate from the valve housing cover. The valve further includes improved banjo valves and accompanying seat structures to provide for increased fluid flow and for fluid flow that is less turbulent.

Abstract: A nozzle for a post-mix beverage dispensing valve is shown for optimizing flow at flow rates above 3.5 oz./sec. The nozzle includes a first diffuser plate followed by a central flow piece having a frusto-conical outer water flow surface and an interior syrup flow channel. Second and third diffuser plates follow the frusto-conical portion. The second and third diffuser plates have perimeter edges that contact the inner surface of a nozzle housing so that the carbonated water must flow through holes in the diffusers. In this manner the gradual reduction of pressure of the carbonated water to atmospheric can be controlled in part by increasing the surface area of the holes in each successive diffuser.

Abstract: A novel thermoplastic manifold and thermoplastic fluid fittings for the distribution of fluids, such as pressurized carbonated water, has an elongate tubular thermoplastic conduit with a plurality of apertures spaced along its length for receiving the thermoplastic fittings. Each fitting has a spud extending from one end thereof with a sonic energy director around the perimeter thereof. The fittings also include a saddle portion having a pair of arcuate sonic energy directing ridges thereon spaced on each side of the spud. Each fitting is fastened and sealed to the conduit by the sonic welding of the spud perimeter to the conduit aperture perimeter followed by the sonic welding of the saddle to the exterior surface of the tube.

Abstract: A rigid thermoplastic manifold for the distribution of pressurized carbonated water has an elongate tubular thermoplastic body with a plurality of apertures spaced along its length, a plurality of identical thermoplastic outlet fittings which each have at inlet spud with a sonic energy director and a pair of arcuate sonic energy directors spaced one on each side from the spud, each outlet fitting being fastened and sealed to the tube with three discrete sonic welds. A method of making the manifold is also provided.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispenser has an improved carbonated water distribution manifold for evenly and reliably distributing carbonated water from a single carbonator and cooling structure to a plurality of post-mix dispensing valves without decarbonation, flow restriction, foaming or other deficiencies. The improved carbonated water distribution manifold is fabricated of stainless steel and has a tubular inlet fitting, a plurality of tubular outlet fittings, a distribution plenum in between the inlet and outlet fittings with the plenum having a generally planar inlet wall into which the inlet fitting extends, a generally planar outlet wall into which the outlet fittings individually extend, additional plenum walls adjoining the inlet and outlet walls and jointly forming the plenum with there being an interior carbonated water distribution chamber inside the plenum, and in which all of the inlet and outlet fittings are welded to the inlet and outlet walls respectively from inside of the distribution chamber.