Abstract: A system for serving a pre-mix beverage and making and serving a post-mix carbonated beverage in outer space including a special drinking cup structure and individual serving flavor concentrate modules. The drinking cup includes a disposable bag liner within a rigid outer container and a disposable drinking tube attached thereto. The flavor concentrate module is either a serving of concentrate within the bag or a separate module in-line between a source of carbonated water and the drinking cup.

Abstract: A beverage container suitable for use in outer space comprising a beverage-containing chamber which expands with the introduction of fluid therein and collapses to a negligible volume when beverage is dispensed therefrom. In a first embodiment, the chamber is an elastic bag. In a second embodiment, the chamber is a flexible bag surrounded by a compressible gas. In a third embodiment, the chamber is an accordion-type container. In a fourth embodiment, the chamber is a tube having a rolled tail portion which is naturally biased by the elastic properties of the material from which the tube is formed, to roll up on itself to a negligible volume in the absence of beverage therein and assumes the volume of the beverage as the beverage is introduced.

Abstract: A carbonator system consisting of a meter assembly and two holding tanks which may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions in outer space. The meter assembly functions as a double acting pump to simultaneously pump separate quantities of water and carbon dioxide to one of two holding tanks which both function as a single acting pump. These holding tanks hold the carbon dioxide and water for a sufficient time and at a sufficient pressure in order to form carbonated water. One of the holding tanks can discharge the formed carbonated water to a dispenser. Once this tank is empty, the other holding tank may begin to dispense carbonated water. The first holding tank may then be refilled with carbon dioxide and water by the action of the meter assembly.

Abstract: A self-cooling container is provided having a hollow body with a cooling chamber and directing means for directing the flow of a portion of a beverage therein in contact with the cooling chamber to cool predominantly the next-to-be-consumed portion of the beverage.

Abstract: A system for serving a pre-mix beverage and making and serving a post-mix carbonated beverage in outer space including a special drinking cup structure and individual serving flavor concentrate modules. The drinking cup includes a disposable bag liner within a rigid outer container and a disposable drinking tube attached thereto. The flavor concentrate module is either a serving of concentrate within the bag or a separate module in-line between a source of carbonated water and the drinking cup.

Abstract: A self-cooling container for the cooling of a beverage without the use of external refrigeration is provided utilizing an endothermic chemical reaction as the cooling mechanism. The cooling mechanism, located in an inner chamber within the container, is easily and safely actuated.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser comprising: a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, carbonated beverage from syrup concentrate; a sub-system for making and dispensing a chilled, still beverage from flavor concentrate; and a sub-system for making and dispensing a hot beverage from either concentrate or powder. Each of the concentrates for the respective sub-systems are provided in bag-in-box supply packages of a conventional type. Also included are two carbonator designs for operating under zero gravity conditions without forming a gaseous phase within the carbonator tanks thereof. The first of these unique carbonators is a batch carbonator and the second is a continuous carbonator.The batch carbonator includes an outer rigid shell and an accordian-type inner container which contracts or expands when fluids are dispensed or introduced.