Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for aerating potable liquids used in the preparation of drinks. The structure includes a movable part which provides access for a container; a pneumatic seal arrangement engageable with the container, a traveller arranged to allow the movable part to move vertically; and a control system for supplying compressed carbon dioxide to the seal and to the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A closed pressurized container for producing a carbonated beverage of superior quality by providing for contact therein of water and a solid carbonation source. The pressurized container is designed to withstand the pressures and temperatures generated during the preparation of a carbonated beverage from a solid carbonation source. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a rigid receptacle in the shape of a wide mouth bottle adapted to receive a large cap or cover. A perforated basket is mounted inside the cover, and is accessible to water in the bottle when that vessel is turned upside down to an inverted position. A spring loaded, manually operated valve is provided in the cover to permit venting of carbon dioxide from the interior thereof after the water-based mixture within the container has become sufficiently carbonated by absorbing carbon dioxide released by contact of water with the solid carbonation source.

Abstract: A pasteurizing system for soft drinks comprises a single-pass plate-type heat exchanger which is situated flowpathwise between a supply of prepared beverage liquid and apparatus for cooling and carbonating that liquid. A suitable heat exchange medium is supplied in closed fluid circuit with the plate-type heat exchanger; and advantageously, heat recovery means are situated downstream from the heat exchanger. A holding tube is coupled in fluid circuit downstream from the heat exchanger for retaining the beverage liquid at pasteurization temperature to insure effectiveness.

Abstract: Shown is a portable dispensing system schematically, with a motorless carbonator of the continuous flow type shown in detail employing a needle type valve that is removable as a unit for replacement or repair and which operates in combination with a float element in the carbonator to regulate flow of gas into the carbonator in a smooth manner that also induces a smooth and efficient flow of inlet water from a pressurized supply tank of water to equal the flow rate of carbonated water being drawn from the carbonator to serve one dispensing valve alone or two at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas under pressure into liquid held in a bottle 5, primarily for injecting carbon dioxide gas into beverages in order to make "fizzy" drinks in the home or other small establishments, comprises a base member 1 including a platform 4 to support the bottle. A housing member 2 is pivoted to the base member about a generally horizontal axis 3 spaced horizontally from the platform so that when the apparatus is opened the bottle can be placed upon, or removed from, the platform. When the apparatus is closed, a dip tube 9 penetrates through the open top of the bottle to permit the injection of gas from a cylinder housed within the base member under the control of a lever 11.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making and dispensing carbonated water; the method has the steps of using carbon dioxide propellant gas at a predetermined propellant pressure for propelling flat water through cooling coils and into a carbonator, pressurizing the carbonator at a predetermined storage pressure which is less than the propellant pressure, exhausting used propellant gas into cooled propellant water, commonly admitting water and exhausted gas into the carbonator while restricting and backing up the flowing propelled water and gas and mixing them together under a pressure above the storage pressure, and storing and dispensing under the storage pressure; flat water may also be selectively diverted and dispensed after cooling and before contact with exhausted propellant gas, and the propellant pressure may be boosted with municipal water pressure; the apparatus has a pneumatically powerable water pump, a carbonator, a propelled water conduit connecting a pump outlet to a carbonator inlet, a fill valve i

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved dearator system for purging air from water. The disclosed system includes a container for containing the water, cooling means within the container for cooling the water to force air therefrom, and means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the container to establish a positive pressure therein. The system also includes a positive pressure indicator means for indicating when the positive pressure within the container is reached. The indicator includes a housing having a bore in fluid communication with the container, a seat within the bore, and a ball within the bore. The ball is viewable through the housing and is arranged to disengage from the seat in response to positive pressure within the container to provide a readily discernible indication of positive pressure therein.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage, e.g. for domestic use, comprising a casing in which is mounted a pressurized container of carbon dioxide which is controlled by a manually operable valve, the operation of which is worked by a finger actuable lever. A nozzle is connected to the valve to receive carbon dioxide therefrom and inject it into water in a bottle when the bottle is mounted with the nozzle immersed in the water. A flexible diaphragm surrounds the upper end of the nozzle and carries a stopper which closes the neck of the bottle when so mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing head for apparatus for dispensing beverages and especially gaseous beverages.The head comprises a spout formed of a tubular element 10 of which the internal section increases progressively from the orifice for input of diluting liquid to the discharge orifice and a throat arranged below said tubular element in a position slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal, the passage of the jet of concentrated liquid flowing substantially vertically, being situated in front of the throat and downstream of its end.

Abstract: Shown is a horizontal model of a continuous flow motorless carbonator, which carbonates water from a pressurized source as it is drawn, with a pivoted float element connected mechanically to a gas inlet valve assembly and having an extended arm to receive impact of inlet water, the net force due to impact and weight of the float less its displacement of water, being conveyed to the gas inlet valve to control the flow of inlet gas directly, and the flow of inlet water indirectly, so that the flow rate of water equals the flow rate of carbonated water out and a constant liquid level is maintained during a draw. A vertical model with dual water inlets and a float member resting directly on a gas inlet valve and in position to receive water impact from one of the dual inlets is also shown, employing the same basic principles.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical container for use in carbonating small quantities of water for household or individual use as a soft drink dispenser contains a spherical, porous stone through which carbon dioxide gas is expressed under pressure for diffuse dissemination into the contained water for carbonation, and a rounded container bottom providing for manual rocking and rotative movement of the container for agitation of the water to facilitate and enhance the carbonating process.

Abstract: A portable carbonating apparatus of the type comprising a pressure vessel and a header tank has a bottom inlet and a top outlet controlled by respective valve pistons which are rigidly connected together by a connecting rod.The pistons have equal areas exposed within the pressure vessel, so as to be pressure balanced at all times.The top valve piston also acts to control opening and closing of a venting port to ensure venting of pressure from a head space during initial opening movement of the valves.The header tank is self-valved and is detachable from the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is novel apparatus and method for introducing various gasses into liquids. This as is commonly done in aerating or oxygenating liquids where growing aquatic life such as fish; instances concerning lagoon and pond treatment, absorption of oxygen in sewage or sewage-activated sludge mixture, introduction of chlorine or carbon dioxide gas into water for chemical treatment thereof. The method includes water treatment comprising the improved diffuser, aerator or sparger apparatus with the result of substantial enlargement in the known beneficial effects of such treatments; also, substantial and unexpected attendant benefit attributable to function of the diffuser apparatus. Principally the apparatus and method reduces the viscosity of water reducing the hydrogen bonding thereof at the time when presented for gas absorbtion. This when utilizing gas for aqueous liquid treatment or treatment of water with suspended pollutants.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for carbonating water or other beverage comprising a carbonating tank for charging the water with carbon dioxide and for dispensing the carbonated liquid. The apparatus also includes a reservoir tank disposed above the carbonating tank for storing the liquid to be carbonated. The two tanks communicate with each other through a valve which is controlled by a float disposed in the carbonating tank. The float valve is arranged to open and permit the liquid to flow from the reservoir tank into the carbonating tank when the latter is substantially empty and the pressure therein has been reduced by withdrawal of the carbonated liquid sufficiently to allow the liquid to flow into the carbonating tank by gravity.

Abstract: A process and installation for the treatment of distillate water recovered by flash evaporation from impure water, such as sea water, in which gases desorbed during the flash evaporation, including carbon dioxide, are recovered and intermixed with the distillate water prior to and inside an absorber so that the carbon dioxide is absorbed by distillate water to thereby improve the property of the distillate water for human consumption.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method and means for carbonating liquids in the container from which the liquids are served to the consumer with a minimum of carbonating gas and for maintaining and enhancing carbonation of the remaining liquid without expensive regulatory apparatus after withdrawal of a portion of the carbonated liquid. Inherent in the means and method to induce and regulate carbonation, the invention provides both means and method for regulating or substantially limiting the maximum volume of liquid introduced into the carbonation chamber as well as a means and method to purge air from the carbonation chamber. According to the invention, a fixed volume vessel and a dynamic capacity carbonating chamber, a pump and relief valves enable consistent carbonation and regulation of the carbonating pressure prior to and following dispensing of carbonated liquids while utilizing a finite, minimum quantity of carbonating gas.

Abstract: A carbonator has a pressure vessel, a nozzle for introducing water and carbon dioxide into the vessel, a water level control including a reed switch and a magnetic float for sensing the level of water and operating the reed switch; a novel housing encloses the level control and provides a unidirectional fluidically affected delay in sensing and control response to a rising water level during filling of the carbonator; the housing has a water chamber which encloses the level sensing float, a water inlet into the water chamber near the level of a maximum desired water level in the vessel, a water outlet from the bottom of the water chamber, and a check valve in the water outlet for allowing flow of water out of the water chamber and for precluding flow of water into the water chamber from the water outlet.

Abstract: An arrangement for carbonating a beverage over an extended period of time through the addition of water or beverage liquid base to a powdered or dry carbonate and acid located in a pressure chamber. A permeable surface of the chamber allows a small quantity of water to enter and initiate a chemical reaction generating gaseous carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide will exit the chamber and carbonate the beverage. A resultant pressure drop in the chamber will permit the entry of more water to generate more carbon dioxide until the pressure is balanced, with the sequence being repetitive. A flavoring chamber containing flavor powder may be superimposed on the pressure chamber to effect admixing of the flavoring and liquid concurrent with carbonation. The pressure chamber, and flavoring chamber, may be formed integrally with a container, or may consist of a separate unit adapted to be placed in a container to which water or liquid base is then added.

Abstract: A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed.A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.

Abstract: A rigid composite body containing crystalline molecular sieves and having liquid-permeable channels extending in a substantially vertical direction from one surface of said body to the interior thereof, preferably to an opposite surface, is charged with carbon dioxide so that when brought in contact with water or an aqueous beverage, the carbon dioxide will be released from the molecular sieve composite body to carbonate the solution. Such rigid, composite bodies are secured in a sealable, nestable, stackable container which provides a convenient and efficient means for dispensing such composite bodies in combination with a dry instant beverage mix for the preparation of carbonated beverages upon the addition of water.

Abstract: An aerosol carbonator is provided for charging a fluid, such as an alcohol-based fluid, with a carbon dioxide propellant for later placement in aerosol-style valved cans. The aerosol carbonator comprises a vertically elongated vessel having inlet means at the vessel top, an evaporative cooler in the vessel mediate portion, and a sump and fluid outlet means at the vessel bottom. Recirculating means are provided for returning to the carbonator vessel fluid amounts in excess of those fluid amounts required to be fed into down-stream filler devices to satisfy the source of variable fluid demand in the devices.

Abstract: A reflux deaeration system is disclosed which removes air from water used in producing carbonated beverages. Carbonating gas under relatively high pressure is conducted from a beverage carbonating mechanism to a water conduit for mixing with the water. In accordance with the qualitative principles of Dalton's Law, the introduced carbonating gas drives out air dissolved in the water.

Abstract: A process for generating in a pressure vessel a ready supply of a vapor of a normally liquid active substance in an inert carrier gas under pressure and dispensing vapor intermittently from the supply. Once a body of the active liquid substance and overlying atmosphere of vapor is established in the vessel, the vapor is dispensed intermittently in a series of predetermined doses. Simultaneously with the dispensing of each dose, carrier gas is bubbled under pressure into a bottom zone of the vessel in minute bubbles so as to provide saturated vapor, replacing the dose dispensed. A number of conditions are coordinated to insure that saturated vapor is always dispensed. These conditions include the relationship between the depth of the vapor space, the head of liquid above the bubbling zone, the relative amount of each dose, and the initial size of the bubbles. The process is specially useful for gassing cold box cores.

Abstract: A low-cost, motor-less carbonator has a housing having a fill chamber and a carbonation chamber. The chambers are maintained at different pressure levels to create a fluid movement from the fill chamber to the carbonation chamber. The fill chamber can be vented to allow a low pressure water feed to refill the fill tank. Carbonated water from the carbonation chamber is withdrawn on demand by a dispensing means.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously carbonating and cooling a liquid beverage. The apparatus used for the method includes an upright enclosed vessel with an upright coaxial carbonating column within the same and spaced therefrom to define an upright channel. A source of liquid to be carbonated and liquid carbon dioxide are directed into the lower end of the carbonating column and the product overflows the carbonating column into the annular channel wherein it passes downwardly and out of the vessel. A bypass line of ambient liquid is sprayed onto the top of the carbonating column to dissolve floating ice crystals. Also, a screen is placed between the carbonating column and annular channel to prevent passage of such ice crystals.

Abstract: A system is described for rapid disinfection of contaminated water particularly for use in post-mix carbonated beverage systems. The major components of the system include sequentially a water supply, carbonator pump, injector device, carbonator and dispenser. Moreover, as optional components, a reservoir and filter may be incorporated in the system between the carbonator and dispenser for safety factor purposes. The system allows the introduction of chlorine into an available water supply line immediately before, or during carbonation, thereby reducing or eliminating the conversion of the chlorine present in the system to less active compounds. The system of carbonating the water results in chemically lowering the pH from alkaline (> pH of 7.0) through neutral (pH 7.0) to acidic (< pH of 7.

Abstract: Apparatus for the generation of carbon dioxide by the reaction of an edible acid and a carbon dioxide-releasing substance in aqueous solution. The gas is generated in a generator chamber and is injected into water contained in an absorber tank to carbonate the water and also to provide pressure for expulsion of the carbonated water from the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling liquid flow, for example, from a supply source to a receiving tank according to the liquid level in the tank. Specifically, a fluid interaction device communicating with the receiving tank causes a fluid pressure signal to be developed in response to departure of the liquid in the tank from a predetermined level. A differential pressure responsive valve adjusts liquid flow from the supply source to the receiving tank in response to the fluid pressure signal. Several embodiments and other features including a bypass for enhancing stable flow and a preferred valve structure are disclosed.A beverage dispensing system incorporating the aforesaid flow regulator is also disclosed. A cold carbonated liquid is continually circulated past dispensers from a pressurized chill tank having a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The flow regulator admits further liquid to the system from a supply source whenever liquid is tapped from the system by the dispensers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously carbonating and cooling a liquid beverage. The apparatus includes an upright enclosed vessel with an upright coaxial carbonating column within the same space therefrom to define an upright channel. A source of liquid to be carbonated and liquid carbon dioxide are directed into the lower end of the carbonating column and the product overflows the carbonating column into the annular channel wherein it passes downwardly and out of the vessel. A bypass line of ambient liquid is sprayed onto the top of the carbonating column to dissolve floating ice crystals. Also, a screen is placed between the carbonating column and annular channel to prevent passage of such ice crystals.

Abstract: Beverage carbonation methods, compositions and devices employing carbon dioxide-containing molecular sieves. Upon contact with aqueous solutions carbon dioxide is released from such molecular sieves and thereupon dissolves in the liquid to provide a carbonated beverage.

Abstract: A sparger useful for producing bubbles of uniform size in liquids is formed from a body comprised of a cured, thermosetting resin matrix enclosing spherical particles of substantially uniform size and containing numerous interconnecting passageways formed by the interstices between said enclosed particles.

Abstract: Improvements in methods of and apparatus for recarbonation of lime-treated water with an oil fired submerged combustion burner; establishing a smaller reservoir adjacent a larger primary recarbonation reservoir with the oil fired burner in the former, passing the combustion products out of the smaller reservoir water into the primary reservoir water to recarbonate the latter, flowing water through the smaller reservoir in quantities to cool the burner and remain below boiling point, and passing the smaller reservoir water to one of:1. waste or a sewer; or2. the larger reservoir; or3. part to each of (1) and (2);Apparatus for carrying out such improved recarbonation process.

Abstract: A device for mixing gases with liquids is disclosed, which is characterized by the use of gas inlet and vent valves of unique construction and highly efficient in operation, and the use of a unique toggle mechanism for opening and closing said valves which consists of a minimum number of parts arranged to form a compact unit. The device further includes a fully enclosed or hollow float which coacts with the valve opening and closing mechanism, and a rigid metallic gas inlet tube which functions as a support for a gas diffuser.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing carbonated beverages has a main body providing a receptacle for a CO.sub.2 cylinder and a hingedly mounted aerating head carrying a tube connected with the cylinder through a manually operated valve and a cylindrical shield coaxial with the tube for receiving a bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated. The shield is accessible for insertion or removal of a bottle only when swung away from the main body. In the operative position of the aerating head, a platform on the main body can be raised by a lever-operated cam to press the neck of the received bottle against a resilient nozzle on the aerating head. A safety valve linked with the cam releases excess pressure in the charged bottle when the platform is lowered.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and dispensing artificial mineral water is disclosed, of the kind in which water is previously demineralized by fractional crystallization of ice, the improvement consisting in the provision of shower diffusion means for spreading the water to be demineralized onto the surface of the principal evaporator, water collecting means beneath the evaporator, chute means for collecting the ice as formed on the evaporator and for sending it to a container where the ice is melted and means to transfer at least a portion of the molten ice to a mineralizing and possibly to a carbonating device.