Abstract: A narrow profile substantially flat carbonator is shown, consisting of a pair of cold drawn sheet metal halves. Each half defines corresponding alternating seams and ridges and are welded together around a perimeter them of and along each corresponding seam. When both halves are welded together the ridges define an interior plurality of vertical interior columns, which columns are fluidly interconnected with top and bottom interior channels. The too channel includes a pressure relief valve, a carbon dioxide inlet fitting, a water inlet fitting, and a level sensor fitting for retaining a level sensor. A plurality of carbonated water lines extend from the bottom of the carbonator and up along and closely adjacent a side of the carbonator. The carbonated water lines terminate at a point above the carbonator and provide for direct securing to a beverage dispensing valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for the carbonation of liquids, such as water, comprises a liquid storage tank coupled to a carbonizer having a carbonated liquid holding tank which presents a carbon dioxide atmosphere to liquid introduced therein. The liquid introduced into the holding tank blends with the carbon dioxide atmosphere, and is held in the tank for withdrawal upon demand. The liquid storage tank maintains a liquid therein at ambient pressure, and has a draw tube for liquid removal positioned proximate the bottom wall of the tank. The tank has a channel system in the tank bottom to allow liquid to collect therein to maximize the amount of liquid which may be withdrawn. Liquid level switches sense the level of liquid within the channel system and are coupled to the carbonizer to prevent its operation when insufficient liquid is present in the storage tank.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically carbonating a liquid. A pressure vessel receives carbonating gas at a pressure P.sub.1 via a first input, and a supply of liquid at a pressure P.sub.2 via a second input. P.sub.2 is greater than P.sub.1. The flow of liquid into the pressure vessel is restricted, to enable carbonating gas to enter the vessel and substantially reach the pressure P.sub.1 therewithin before liquid entering the vessel raises the interior pressure above P.sub.1. An output is provided for drawing carbonated liquid out of the pressure vessel. The apparatus is particularly suitable for residential use in providing Seltzer water, where it operates at conventional municipal or private well water pressures.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage preparation and dispensing unit includes a carbonator tank coupled to a feed water branching circuit. The branching circuit selectively feeds fresh water from a pressurized fresh water source to the storage tank where the water is mixed with CO.sub.2 gas and is fed to a concentrate mixing station or it feeds fresh water through a heat exchanger which is coupled to the cooled carbonated water of the carbonator tank to cool a supply of fresh water which is then delivered to the same mixing station along with the proper concentrate of the proper amount. A selected beverage is delivered to a dispensing station and can either be a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage depending on the desire of the consumer.

Abstract: A carbonator having a cooling system which is controlled by a controller responsive to input signals generated by an ambient temperature sensor, an ice thickness sensor and a water level sensor. After an initial ice build up following first turn-on of the system and depending on the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, the cooling system will turn on for a predetermined ON period followed by a predetermined OFF period. These ON and OFF periods are variable as a function of ambient temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor and will recycle in absence of any carbonated water removed. If, however, water removal takes place, the OFF period is interrupted and system turn-on will occur the next time a signal from the ice sensor is received and the ON and OFF cycle as determined by the system controller will resume unless it is again interrupted by another water removal signal from the water level sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting CO.sub.2 gas into a bottled liquid to carbonate or maintain carbonation in the liquid. A valved coupling having a conduit extending there through is screwably attached to a P.E.T. bottle substantially filled with liquid. The valve is depressed .while the bottle is squeezed to remove any excess air in the bottle. Regulated CO.sub.2 gas is then fed through a connector that is attached to the coupling to carbonate the liquid. Once carbonated, the connector is removed while the coupling remains in place to maintain carbonation.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser having a flat carbonator along one end of an ice bank cooled water bath tank. A plurality of syrup coils are arranged along an interior surface of the carbonator. An evaporator extends around a central perimeter of the water bath tank creating a central opening through which an agitator shaft and blade extend for operation by an agitator motor. The agitator shaft extends at an angle into the tank for directing a flow of water towards the carbonator. The tank includes ridges on a bottom surface thereof for directing water upward towards the carbonator and syrup coils and away from a bottom perimeter of the ice bank.

Abstract: Apparatus for the low pressure carbonation of beverages by the consumer using a chemical source of carbon dioxide. Low carbonation pressures are achieved by significantly reducing the rate of carbon dioxide gas generation when compared to prior art carbonators. Carbon dioxide is generated by a chemical or chemical combination which will react with water, but does not significantly react when said water is frozen. Embodiment described uses chemical combination of edible acid, carbonate and ice. Reaction occurs gradually when ice slowly reverts to a liquid state. Carbon dioxide is generated in carbonation chamber (10). Gas passes through carbonator cap (12) and into the beverage contained within beverage vessel (16) thus causing carbonation. Chamber (10), cap (12) and beverage vessel (16) are all connected by gas tight means.

Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions, The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process, A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process, Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel to enhance the fermentation process within the chamber. A spigot is part of an output discharge mechanism including a float used to remove fermented beverage from adjacent the surface of the bath to draw beverage from the pressurized vessel while a pressurized atmosphere remains in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing beverages within containers, including a hand-held charging gun adapted to controllably admit pressurized gas such as CO.sub.2 into the container up to a predetermined limit. The charging gun includes a pressure regulating head and a manual control button. The pressure regulating head is sized to fit over a receptor of a check valve cap which is configured to thread onto the neck of a common beverage bottle. Positioning the charging gun so that the receptor fits within the receptor cavity and depressing the manual control button commences the flow of CO.sub.2 gas into the bottle. At a predetermined pressure limit, a pressure regulator renders the continued depression of the control button ineffective and stops the gas flow. The pressure regulating head includes a blow-back plug for preventing matter from the bottle from entering the piston cylinder. A check valve in the cap includes a piston which is sealingly held against a gasket at the upper end of the receptor.

Abstract: A system and process for manufacturing deoxidized water by the step of dissolving inert gas such as carbon dioxide into available water in a fine bubbled condition for exchange with oxygen in the water.

Abstract: A beverage carbonator having a pitcher shaped carbonation vessel which is detachably pneumatically connected to a reaction vessel in which carbon dioxide is produced by releasing internally stored water into a carbon dioxide generating chemical and passing the carbon dioxide into the carbonation vessel where it is dissolved into a liquid beverage. The carbonation vessel can be reconnected to the reaction vessel to recarbonate the unused portion of the beverage after it loses carbonation over a period of time and then disconnected for pouring the remainder of the beverage from the carbonation vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing carbonated water rapidly with a high rate of inclusion of carbonic acid gas in the carbonated water and having a reduced dispersion, the manufacture taking place in a water storage container in which a perforated bowl is connected to an upper surface thereof with water being sprayed into the bowl from a water supply line. The water sprayed into the bowl has droplets from about 0.01 to 0.5 mm in diameter and from about 3 to 30% of the water sprayed into the bowl flows outwardly through ports in the bottom wall of the perforated bowl. From about 70 to 97% by weight of the water supplied to the bowl flows outward through ports in the side walls of the bowl.

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: An apparatus for blending two gases together in precisely adjustable proportions. The apparatus includes a mechanically adjustable, blending subassembly adapted to receive the first gas at a predetermined pressure and a one-to-one force balanced pneumatic relay which is operated by the first gas and which meters the flow of the second gas to the blending subassembly at a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of the first gas being supplied to the blending subassembly. Check valves are strategically located to prevent back flow of either of the gases being mixed when the device is being operated in the low-flow mode, thereby eliminating the requirement for time consuming balancing of the gas flow pressures.

Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions. The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process. A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process. Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel upon completion of the fermentation process to maintain pressure in the bath within the chamber.

Abstract: In a method for simultaneously carbonating and cooling liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure which is introduced under the liquid surface and is allowed to expand and dissolve in the liquid. Carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid is re-introduced under the liquid surface through a compressor and a cooler. A device for carrying out the method includes a closed vessel (1), a liquid inlet (2) opening into the vessel, a carbon dioxide inlet (12) opening into the vessel (1) under the liquid surface, a discharge conduit (5) for carbonated vessel, and, leading from the vessel (1) above the liquid surface, a re-circulation conduit (6,3) for carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid, compressor (7) and a cooler (8) being arranged in the re-circulation conduit (6,3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carbonating a liquid by creating a pressurized atmosphere of carbon dioxide in a container, spraying a liquid, including a caustic containing liquid, into the atmosphere to cause an interaction between the liquid and the carbon dioxide, collecting a pool of liquid in the bottom of the container, and sparging carbon dioxide under pressure through the pool, and an apparatus for same.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly carbonating water for use in applications such as beverage mixes by producing carbon dioxide gas by chemical reaction within a first pressure vessel, transferring the carbon dioxide to a second pressure vessel where it is injected under pressure beneath the water in the second pressure vessel to carbonate the water therein while maintaining sufficient pressure to prevent dissolved carbon dioxide from coming out of solution in the water and for dispensing the carbonated water upon demand. Restrictive venting of the second pressure vessel may be used if needed, to aid in the transfer of carbon dioxide from the first to the second pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser having a low overall vertical height profile. The dispenser includes a water bath tank. The tank volume is enclosed along a top surface thereof by a support plate. A condenser extends horizontally with and adjacent to a top surface of the support plate. A motor is secured to the top plate and includes a shaft with a blade on one end thereof for agitating the water held within the water bath, and includes a condenser cooling fan on the opposite end of the shaft thereof for cooling the condenser. An evaporator is located in the tank horizontally with and closely adjacent to the tank bottom surface. An elongate carbonator extends lengthwise in a substantially horizontal manner in the tank and is located therein between the support plate and the evaporator. In one embodiment, the level of water within the carbonator is regulated by the buoyancy level of the carbonator in the tank.

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 carbonator tank in a post-mix beverage dispenser is provided with an electrically powered circulating pump. The pump is mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank and includes a flow-through channel for dispensing carbonated liquid from the tank through the housing of the pump. The tank includes a cooling coil for forming an ice bank around the interior walls. The heat generated by the pump motor precludes the freezing of the carbonated water in the flow-through channel.

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: In a carbonated beverage dispensing apparatus including a dispensing valve, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into a liquid to be dispensed through the dispensing valve, and a temperature sensor is arranged to sense the temperature of the liquid, either in a carbonation tank or in the path through which the liquid is fed to the carbonation tank. A control, responsive to the temperature sensor, controls a valve which regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced into the liquid. The carbon dioxide pressure increases with increasing liquid temperature, so that the carbonation level in the liquid dispensed through the dispensing valve is maintained at a substantially constant level. Both mechanical and electronic controls are disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for a bottle of concentrate for a carbonating apparatus has a cylindrical body the upper end of which carries a structure defining a number of radially extending baffle and a central opening through which a dip tube may be inserted into the bottle. A latching ring for connecting the connector to the carbonation apparatus is carried by the body at a position outwardly thereof and lower than the baffle structure. The latching ring is constructed to snap on to a corresponding boss on the carbonation apparatus. The bottle is detached from the carbonation apparatus, after exhaustion of the contents, by removal of a tear-off strip which connects the latching ring to the body of the cxonnector. To facilitate connection of a fresh bottle of concentrate to the apparatus, the apparatus includes a housing which is detachable from the remainder of the apparatus and which carries the dip tube and other elements co-operable with the connector for attaching the bottle.

Abstract: A device for mixing a fluid, for example, carbon dioxide, with a liquid, for example an aqueous beverage solution has a combining part in which one or more infusion chambers are formed within a cylinder by chamber closing plates carried on a common axially shiftable stem. The mixture is passed from chamber to chamber through diaphragm orifices in these plates and the liquid is injected through radial bores in the cylinder wall which can be controlled by collars formed on the edges of the plates. The gas is introduced into the upstream chamber through another radial port. Downstream of the combining part, the mixture flows through an in-line mixer having walls provided with turbulence inducing formations and one of which is movable with the stem.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for thoroughly chilling a beverage such as water flowing into a refrigerated reservoir. The system includes an injector nozzle disposed generally at an upper end of the reservoir, together with a dispense valve for drawing the beverage in chilled form from a lower end of the reservoir. A vertically elongated and rotatably driven impeller shaft is mounted within the reservoir and carries a spaced plurality of vaneless impeller disks for causing the beverage flowing downwardly through the reservoir to undergo a plurality of directional changes in a radially outward direction for improved heat transfer with a chiller coil wrapped about the reservoir. This improved heat transfer provides for efficient beverage chilling prior to dispensing. The system is particularly useful in dispensing chilled water, juices, and soft drink beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing carbonating of water. The apparatus including a carbonating tank having a carbon dioxide inlet, a water inlet, and a carbonated water outlet. The carbonating tank is pivotally mounted to a rigid structure and connected to an electric motor for providing an undulating or rocking motion of the carbonator about its pivot mounting. The motion of the carbonating tank providing for carbonating of the water held therein.

Abstract: Provided is a carbonation system which does not require repetitive steps of manually refilling a water container thereof. The system sets forth a combination of a pre-cooled water source, a carbonation vessel, a assembly for regulating an inflow of pre-cooled water from the water source to the carbonation vessel, a source of compressed carbonation gas having an input to the carbonation vessel, and an assembly for providing selectable bursts of the carbonation gas to the carbonation vessel after the carbonation vessel has been filled, between defined maxima and minima, with a quantity of pre-cooled water. By the use of an external faucet, carbonated water may be removed from the carbonation vessel. A burst of carbonation gas is provided to the chilled water in the carbonation vessel after it is filled. The vessel is also immersed in the source of pre-cooled water. The vessel will self-fill after the carbonated water is drawn off.

Abstract: An apparatus for chilling and carbonating a liquid comprising a source of carbon dioxide disposed in a container the carbon dioxide in a container being capable of existing in both a liquid and gaseous state, the gaseous state above the liquid state. The container has an outlet opening in the top thereof and a dip tube is disposed in a container for selectively accommodating the flow of liquid carbon dioxide from the bottom of the container through the outlet opening. A tank is provided for holding a supply of liquid to be carbonated and a conduit connects the outlet opening of a container to the inlet opening of the tank. An orifice is provided in the conduit for creating a pressure drop to assure that all carbon dioxide flowing through the conduit is in liquid form and is injected in liquid form into the tank to thereby vaporize the injected liquid carbon dioxide and agitate, carbonate and chill the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: Water carbonation apparatus for dispensing flavored carbonated drinks supplies carbonation gas to at least two carbonation chambers in each of which water is carbonated and thereafter dispensed to provide a drink. The apparatus has a carbonation selector valve for determining a sequence in which carbonation gas is supplied from the gas supply to each carbonation chamber, and a chamber selector valve for controlling the dispensing of carbonated water from the carbonation chambers in accordance with the desired sequence. The sequence of operations is controlled by a control circuit so that the sequencing of gas supply to and evacuation from the chambers is controlled in conjunction with the operation of the chamber selector valve.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly carbonating water for use in applications such as a post-mix beverage dispenser by injecting carbon dioxide under pressure beneath the water in a pressure vessel, causing the water to swirl in a circular turbulent mixing motion while restrictively venting some of the carbon dioxide from the pressure vessel for a sufficient amount of time to carbonate the water, then sealing the pressure vessel to the atmosphere and continuing to inject carbon dioxide under pressure into the pressure vessel to prevent dissolved carbon dioxide from coming out of solution in the water and for dispensing the carbonated water upon demand.

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 method and device is provided for carbonating water or a beverage with a minimum of carbon dioxide gas and operating steps. A temporary connection of a regulated gas supply to a container tank is used for the period of time required to carbonate and saturate the water or beverage. After the liquid is saturated with the gas and carbonated, the gas supply hose is disconnected. The size of the container tank is restricted to the overall weight of the combined unit if it is to be used on a portable basis. Larger amounts of liquid can be carbonated with this method, if the carbonating and dispensing set up is in a stationary, permanent location. The portable container tank is cooled by ice packs or cooling coils and air contact with the tank is kept to a minimum by providing an insulating carry container which encloses the container tank and cooling means.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide vessels for storing a gas to be used for automatically maintaining a predetermined pressure inside a container carrying a liquid, as it would be a beverage containing bottle. Two embodiments of such vessels are presented: One in shape of a capsule which can be dropped inside a beverage bottle, the other in the form of a cartridge which is attached at the bottom of a container, such as a beverage bottle. Both embodiments turn off gas flow when they sense a pressure equal or lower than atmospheric, or higher than a pressure of a predetermined value.

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: An improved water carbonator system is provided for thoroughly mixing a carbonating gas with a water supply flowing through a refrigerated reservoir of the type used in soft drink dispenser stations and the like. The carbonator system includes water and gas injector nozzles disposed generally at an upper end of the reservoir, together with a dispense valve for drawing carbonated chilled water from a lower end of the reservoir. A vertically elongated and rotatably driven impeller shaft carries a spaced plurality of vaneless impeller disks for causing the water flowing downwardly through the reservoir to undergo a plurality of directional changes in a radially outward direction. Such directional changes in flow result in improved intermixing with the carbonating gas and improved chilling of the water prior to dispensing. In one form, the impeller shaft is rotatably driven by a motor mounted outside the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved water carbonator system is provided for thoroughly mixing a carbonating gas with a water supply flowing through a refrigerated reservoir of the type used in soft drink dispenser stations and the like. The carbonator system includes water and gas injector nozzles disposed generally at an upper end of the reservoir, together with a dispense valve for drawing carbonated chilled water from a lower end of the reservoir. A vertically elongated and rotatably driven impeller shaft carries a spaced plurality of vaneless impeller disks for causing the water flowing downwardly through the reservoir to undergo a plurality of directional changes in a radially outward direction. Such directional changes in flow result in improved intermixing with the carbonating gas and improved chilling of the water prior to dispensing. A drive motor has a drive shaft connected in common to a pump for delivering water into the reservoir, and to the impeller shaft.

Abstract: An improved water carbonator system is provided for thoroughly mixing a carbonating gas with a water supply flowing through a refrigerated reservoir of the type used in soft drink dispenser stations and the like. The carbonator system includes water and gas injector nozzles disposed generally at an upper end of the reservoir, together with a dispense valve for drawing carbonated chilled water from a lower end of the reservoir. A vertically elongated and rotatably driven impeller shaft carries a spaced plurality of vaneless impeller disks for causing the water flowing downwardly through the reservoir to undergo a plurality of directional changes in a radially outward direction. Such directional changes in flow result in improved intermixing with the carbonating gas and improved chilling of the water prior to dispensing.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system has a valve in a tap controlling dispensing of the beverage through a first passage from a second rigid or flexible container. Air, nitrogen (or other inert gas) or carbon dioxide gas from a passage is introduced into the beverage in the first passage during dispensing for development of a head of froth. The introduced gas flows under pressure (which is preferably adjustable) from the second passage and by way of a capilliary tube restrictor and a non return valve communicating with the tube into the beverage in the first passage. The non return valve has a resilient diaphragm which normally closes that valve and is displaceable under gas pressure to admit the gas to the beverage. A labyrinthine mixer is located in the first passage downstream of the position where the gas is introduced.

Abstract: An emulsifying device (10) for liquids, in particular milk, comprises a container (11) containing the liquid to be emulsified and to which is connected near the bottom a first horizontal duct (14) connected to a steam source. The first duct (14) has a constriction (15) downstream from which is connected a second duct (17) with an opening at the top flowing into said container (11) in a position near the level of its edge so as to draw in air and emulsified liquid reaching the upper opening level as the steam passes into the first duct (14). Container (11) comprises a drain (12) with a closing plug (13) removable to take away the emulsified liquid.

Abstract: Carbonated liquid under pressure is conducted to a point which is at a pressure close to atmospheric pressure without excessive loss of carbonation over a helical flow path formed from a tubular member having an inner circumference and a helical insert having a threaded portion disposed within the tubular member with the threaded portion and the inner circumference together defining the helical flow path. The helical insert has an upstream end formed with a pointed nose adjacent one end of the threaded portion and a downstream end formed as a flat tail adjacent the other end of the threaded portion. The helical flow path has a predetermined length and essentially constant cross section which tends to reduce the pressure of the solution without excessive loss of carbonation.

Abstract: A carbonation system for a soft drink dispenser in which water is precooled and then introduced into an insulated tank where it is subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide. A pressure transducer monitors the pressure within the tank, with the dispensing of soda from the tank being regulated on a timed basis as a function of such pressure. The tank is periodically emptied and refilled to assure that the soda generated therein is fresh.

Abstract: A home carbonation system for producing soft drinks. A high pressure CO.sub.2 vessel comprises a regulator valve assembly which provides fail safe venting, a refill capability, and a low pressure output. It may be interconnected via a fill hose to a seltzer dispenser comprising a multifunction discharge valve secured to a plastic bottle. A plurality of syrup bottles, each filled with a different flavor of concentrate, enable the mixing of desired soda flavors. A storage rack efficiently houses the pressure vessel, the seltzer bottle, and the individual syrup containers. A pressure vessel housing box includes an offset nest which conveniently stores the fill tube. The seltzer bottle is reinforced by a two-piece, vented, anti-fragmentation shroud equipped with inspection slots for enabling proper mixing. The discharge valve is threadably coupled to the bottle, and it includes a gas inlet orifice for receiving low pressure gas from the regulator assembly.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system and distributing process with such a system has a flexible bag 1 containing the beverage which may have carbon dioxide dissolved therein. The beverage is drawn off through a pipe 3 (assisted by a pump 8) for dispensing through nozzle 5 having a tap 6. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen (or other inert gas) and/or air gases are introduced into the beverage through a passage 11 by way of a fixed orifice restrictor 12 and a non-return valve 13. The pressure of the gas which is introduced is adjustable at 14 and baffles 15 can provide turbulence in the beverage during dispensing to promote the dissolution of the introduced gas therein.The facility to introduce the gas or gases permits the beverage in the bag 1 to have a low content of carbon dioxide so that the bag collapses under atmospheric pressure while the beverage as dispensed is additionally gasified for the formation of a froth or head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a liquid, such as water from a source, purifying the liquid, supplying a carbonating gas, such as CO.sub.2, to the pre-purified liquid and dispensing either a carbonated and purified supply of water or purified water only from a tap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a syrup delivery system for carbonated beverages which provides delivery of beverage syrup from a syrup container to a beverage mixer. The syrup delivery system comprises a source of pressurized gas, conveniently the CO.sub.2 gas source which is also used to carbonate the water used to mix the carbonated beverage, and a syrup container. The syrup container comprises a rigid drum having an opening with a closure and a pressurizing fitting for connection to the source of presurized gas. A collapsible bag for holding the syrup is fitted inside of the rigid drum and is connected by means of a double ended connector through the closure to the beverage mixer. In operation, the CO.sub.2 pressurized gas is introduced into the rigid tank between the inside of the tank and the outside of the collapsible bag thereby forcing the syrup out of the bag and to the beverage mixer at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A water dispensing system and method for carbonating water from a bottled water supply includes a carbonator that is controlled by electrical components which are coupled to fluid lines associated with the carbonator for remotely controlling the liquid level in the carbonator in response to the volumetric absorption of carbon dioxide in water.