JPH0253320B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser, and more particularly to a dispenser device for producing carbonated beverages at home and a concentrate package used in the device.

Today, large amounts of carbonated drinks are consumed all over the world. Carbonated beverages for home consumption are mainly packaged in cans or bottles and supplied to consumers. A typical can is
Supplied in 12 oz sizes and maximum bottle size is 2 liters. Carbonated drinks consist of carbonated water mixed with juice or syrup. In order to improve the flavor of the beverage, it is necessary to use good quality water, keep the carbonation at an appropriate level, and maintain an appropriate ratio between syrup and carbonated water. Therefore, the equipment used for manufacturing carbonated drink cans or bottles includes a carbonated water maker that carbonates water, a concentrate of juice or syrup,
It includes a dispenser for dispensing the concentrated liquid in an appropriate amount and mixing it with carbonated water, and a filling device for filling the mixed liquid into bottles.

The above apparatus also includes a cooling device for cooling the water to be carbonated. Carbonation is performed by bringing carbon dioxide into contact with water and dissolving the carbon dioxide in the water. The water is usually overcarbonated because there is some loss in the process of breaking it down into bottles or cans. The water and syrup may be mixed before or after carbonation.

In addition to bottled and canned beverages, carbonated beverages may be distributed to restaurants and soda fountains. The equipment used for such dispensing is called a "post-mix dispenser" and its basic components are similar to carbonation equipment. That is, a "post-mixing dispenser" includes a device for cooling water, a carbonating device for carbonating water, a distillate or syrup dispenser for dispensing a measured amount of concentrate, a stopper for dispensing a mixture of concentrates, and a glass tip. Or including a cup.
Typical mixing of the concentrate and water is accomplished through a tap.

It is known that such dispensers need to be adapted for domestic use. This is because if carbonated beverages are sold in cans and the can is used each time the beverage is consumed, the entire capacity of the can must be consumed. The remaining beverage loses its carbonation properties over time. This problem is partially solved by using large reclosable containers. However, even if these containers are reclosable, the carbonated beverage within the container still loses its carbonation properties over time. Therefore, it is extremely meaningful to make the required amount of carbonated drinks at home. However, to be a practical and economical household dispenser, the device must be relatively inexpensive and easy to operate.

To date, little attention has been paid to home carbonated beverage dispensers. Furthermore, even in the few proposed household carbonated beverage dispensers, the mixing ratio of concentrated liquid and carbonated water was left to the discretion of the user. Thus, to make a drink, one would determine how much syrup to dispense into a given container, then add carbonated water after dispensing the syrup, or vice versa. As can be seen, a drink with a constant concentration could not be obtained. Because of the difficulties in using this type of device, home carbonated beverage dispensers have not become as popular as originally anticipated.

The present invention supplies concentrated liquid for dispensers in a package, and simply transports the concentrated liquid package without transporting a carbonated drink bottle or can from a store to a home. The amount of drink served is much greater than the amount of drink provided by a bottle or can containing the same amount of carbonated beverage. The consumer therefore does not have to transport water from the store to the home, which saves considerable effort. As previously mentioned, there are many factors that influence an effective home dispenser device and its packaging. These factors include, but are not limited to,
the size of the dispenser, the cost of producing the drink with the dispenser compared to the price of purchasing an equivalent drink from a supermarket or drug store, the types of flavors that can be dispensed by the device, the ease with which the concentrate package can be installed and removed, and the quality of the concentrate. construction of the device to prevent leakage, provide continuous dispensing of beverages, and pass sanitary regulations;
This includes ensuring that equipment requires minimal cleaning while meeting hygiene regulations.

The reason why household dispensers did not become popular is that
This is probably because there were many difficult problems to face. The present invention provides a home beverage dispenser system that is believed to overcome the aforementioned problems.

The system firstly provides a concentrate package for use in a dispenser, and secondly provides a dispenser using the package.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an economical and effective dispensing system (package and dispenser) for beverages, especially carbonated beverages, made by mixing a diluent and a concentrate. be. The use of such dispensers and packages also allows for the effective dispensing of various carbonated beverages such as cola, nutritious cola, quinine water, orange, root beer, and the like. Moreover, this dispenser can be applied not only to non-foaming drinks such as fruit juice drinks or juice drinks, but also to heated and cooled drinks. Although the present invention refers to domestic use of the dispenser, the dispenser and package of the present invention may be used as a "post-mix dispenser" for beverages, such as in restaurants, bars, and soda fountains.
It can be used anywhere that is desired.

According to the present invention, there is provided a package for use in a beverage dispenser, which includes a concentrate storage body having a top/bottom and a side wall structure, a cap for closing the top of the body, and a first seal provided on the top of the body. and a second seal member on the cap that liquid-tightly engages the first seal member to prevent the concentrate from leaking therefrom during use; means for moving the first and second seal members relative to each other when the package is turned upside down to allow liquid to pass through the seals; A beverage having means for communicating with a gas source or the atmosphere and as a result of which the concentrate can be squirted or flowed out from opening means formed in or provided in the cap upon relative movement of the first and second sealing members. The present invention provides a package for a dispenser for use.

The package of the present invention therefore provides an excellent means of removing beverage concentrate. If the diluent is water and the consumer has a suitable dispenser and a good quality water supply is available at the location of the device, the store or supermarket and the point of use of the concentrate (typically This eliminates the need to transport large amounts of water to and from households.

It is desirable to construct the package so that the concentrate does not escape or drip when the package is lifted from the dispenser. For this purpose, the fluid communication means comprises a one-way valve which is opened by a suitable projecting member of the dispenser when the package is placed in position on the dispenser, and which is adapted to close automatically when the container is removed from the dispenser. A operative flexible segmented seal member is provided.

Preferably, the exit of the concentrate from the container takes place through an opening provided by the user or provided in the cap. The aperture remains closed until relative movement of the cap and the package body causes the concentrate to pass through the seal and exit through the outlet aperture. By providing an outlet opening in the cap, the package can be equipped in such a way that the concentrate flowing out of the package can be taken directly into a beverage container.

The invention also provides a package and dispenser combination as described above. According to the present invention, there is provided a combination of a beverage dispenser and a disposable package for accommodating a beverage flavor concentrate, the package comprising: a concentrate accommodating body having a top/bottom portion and a side wall structure; a cap for closing the top; a first sealing member provided on the top of the main body; and a second sealing member on the cap that fluid-tightly engages the first sealing member to prevent leakage of the concentrate from there during use. a seal portion formed by the seal member;
means for movably attaching the cap relative to the main body so that when the package is turned upside down, the first and second seal members move relative to each other so that liquid can pass through the seal portion; opening means for communicating the interior of the package with a source of propellant gas or with the atmosphere and as a result of opening means formed in or provided within the cap to the first and second
The dispenser has a means for spouting or flowing out the concentrated liquid when the sealing member moves relative to each other, and the dispenser has a diluted liquid outlet means for distributing the diluted liquid from the outlet, a holder for holding the package upside down,
and moving the cap relative to the body to cause the concentrate to flow therefrom and at the same time to dispense the diluent from said outlet, thereby bringing the diluent and the concentrate into the beverage container. A combination dispenser and package is provided having a manually movable member of the holder.

The present invention also provides a novel shape for the dispenser. When the dispenser of the present invention is used for carbonated drinks, it is necessary to periodically refill the water, so it is a stationary unit, and it is also a unit with a lead pipe attached so that water can be supplied from the main water pipe. It's summery. The dispenser of the present invention may also be optionally equipped with a cooling device or cooled using a cooling agent such as BLUE ICE commonly used in refrigerators. The flexible construction of the dispenser of the present invention allows it to be adapted to specific consumer needs and budgets.

The dispenser of the present invention accommodates all the necessary components for a carbonated beverage dispenser in a special small unit, and is easy to dispense and replace with various concentrates, allowing it to dispense a variety of desired beverages. In the illustrated embodiment it is possible to accommodate two separate containers in the device. However, as you can see from the explanation below, replacing the container is extremely easy.
Therefore, two or more drinks of different types can be dispensed without much effort. This is primarily possible by using the container of the present invention.

As previously mentioned, the dispenser of the present invention can be stationary or connected to a water main. It is recognized that stationary units are extremely attractive to consumers and that carbonated water makers should be removable for convenience. Many different types of carbonated water makers can be used with the present invention. However, stationary carbonated water generators that require periodic refilling of water (the simplest type of carbonated water generators that are not connected to the water mains) have defusers that collect undissolved gas in the top space above the water surface. Supply pressurized carbon dioxide via. The system thus includes a pressurized container for water and means for directing pressurized carbon dioxide toward a differential user that generates bubbles in the water.

Since the above-mentioned containers are usually pressurized, it is necessary to install safety equipment to prevent harm to the user when refilling the water container. This purpose also requires that the water container be movable.

In another aspect of the invention, the carbonated water maker includes a number of features that allow the maker to be safely removed and refilled. For example, the cover of a carbonated water maker is easy to handle and cannot be removed until the pressure inside the carbonated water maker is released. The latter method involves firstly forming a threaded bolt that screws the lid onto the carbonated water maker, so that a large force is required to rotate the lid when pressurized, and secondly, the cover is screwed onto the carbonated water maker. This is achieved by latching the safety valve when it is turned off. The safety valve latch constitutes a stop that prevents the cover from rotating until the pressure is removed. In addition, a unique liquid-tight device is installed on the cover that seals between the periphery of the container and the cap to ensure a pressure seal without having to turn the cap completely, so that if the lid is turned due to pressure in some way. Before the threaded bolt is disengaged, the liquid-tight member breaks and the pressure is released through the threaded bolt.

Since, during operation, carbonated water makers are normally connected to a source of carbon dioxide, means must be provided to quickly make and disconnect such connections. Therefore, the dispenser of the present invention cuts off the supply of carbon dioxide when the carbonated water maker is removed from the dispenser, and at the same time cuts off the supply of water from the carbonated water maker. Equipped with a deft quick disconnect device. Since it is necessary to hold the carbonated water maker in contact with the quick disconnect device that supplies carbon dioxide when the carbonated water maker is placed in place, a specially constructed handle is provided that includes a pin for holding the carbonated water maker. . The handle of the carbonated water maker is a folding handle, and when folded into place, a pin is inserted into the base member on which the carbonated water maker is placed, containing the carbon dioxide generator and the water supply part. Hold the carbonated water maker opposite the block. When the handle is extended to remove the carbonated water maker, the pin is removed from the base member so that the carbonated water maker can be pulled out. In another embodiment of the invention, the carbonated water maker is mounted vertically on the quick-disconnect device, and the above-mentioned contact is appropriately carried out by the weight of the carbonated water maker.

As mentioned above, the colder the water, the better the absorption of carbon dioxide into water. There are two ways to cool water. In one embodiment of the invention, a thermoelectric cooling device is incorporated into the component on which the carbonated water maker is mounted. Another method is to place the carbonated water maker in a cooling container containing a coolant commonly known as blue ice. Place the blue ice cooling container in the freezer to cool it, then insert it under the carbonated water generator. Another cooling method is to place the soda water maker filled with water in the refrigerator overnight or add ice to the soda maker.

The system of the invention also includes a carbon dioxide bottle with a regulator. Two different pressures are required in the system. The higher pressure is used to carbonate the water and drive the carbonated water into the tank, and the lower pressure is used to pressurize the concentrate container. Therefore, two stages of adjustment are required. It is also necessary to send the carbonated water through the system with a gaseous body at various pressures. Existing dispensers do this with tubes and hoses. However, in the present invention, a unique manifold is provided to distribute substantially all of the materials used in a single manifold block. Only one tube is used for connection between the manifold block and the carbon dioxide cylinder. Reduce the pressure of carbon dioxide from the cylinder to 2.8
A pressure of Kg/cm ² (40 psi) is supplied to the manifold and distributed to the quick disconnect coupling of the carbonator. The above-mentioned coupling ring is integrally formed with the carbonated water maker inserted into the manifold. The manifold is also equipped with a regulator to adjust the pressure from 2.8Kg/cm ² (40psi) to 0.35Kg/cm ²
(5 psi) and used to pressurize the concentrate container. Carbonated water is drawn from the carbonated water maker via the quick disconnect coupling and supplied to the diluent outlet.

The dispensing rotary valve can be constructed as a separate unit inserted into the manifold to provide carbonated water suitable for dispensing and carbon dioxide at low pressure suitable for supply to concentrate containers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the manifold and rotary valve are formed into a single compact unit, further simplifying the construction of the dispenser. Since the travel path inside the manifold is short, the pressure loss is small, and if the concentrate does not flow inside the pipe, a low pressure of 0.35 kg/cm ² (5 psi) is sufficient to pressurize the concentrate container. be.

Since the entire unit is placed on a base member and surrounded by a synthetic resin cover configured to facilitate heat dissipation, the unit of the present invention is small, has a good appearance, and
It is hygienic and inexpensive.

Although the dispenser of the present invention has been described as a carbonated beverage dispensing unit and as a home dispensing unit, the invention is not limited to such roles. It will be easily understood that the dispenser described above can be used in restaurants, soda fountains, etc. by appropriately modifying it. In addition to dispensing carbonated beverages by mixing carbonated water with concentrated liquids such as flavored syrups and quinine water concentrates, the apparatus of the present invention can also be used for non-foaming beverages and heated beverages. In other words, the device of the invention is applicable to any type of beverage in which a concentrated liquid is mixed with a diluted liquid. The diluent may be non-foaming water or carbonated water (although carbonated water is often preferred).

By locating the concentrate metering valve within the package, as described above, and by locating the package over the dispensing valve, the concentrate does not come into contact with any part of the dispensing device. This is significant in that concentrated liquids, such as syrup, which would mold on contact with the equipment are diverted from contacting the equipment. This device complies with sanitary regulatory requirements. The container is also suitable for filling in near-sterile conditions. This is particularly important for certain hot and non-frothy drinks. When pressurizing with an inert gas such as nitrogen instead of using carbon dioxide, the gas maintains a nearly sterile state within the device for a long period of time and does not impart any flavor. Used to build and maintain. In such a case as well, water is supplied by pressurizing the pressurized gas. The various features provided by the present invention, such as simplicity and compactness, are beneficial not only for cold carbonated beverages, but also for non-foaming cold and hot beverages. For example, the water supply quick disconnect device, manifold construction, valve and container construction, etc. serve the same function and provide the same benefits for foam-free cold and hot beverages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION A household dispensing unit particularly suitable for soft drinks will now be described in detail. However, various embodiments of the invention may be used effectively in other environments, such as restaurants and soda fountains. Additionally, the dispenser of the present invention is useful for preparing soft drinks and non-foaming beverages, such as mixing fruit concentrates with water to make juice, and also for mixing hot water with suitable concentrates. It can also be used to mix with liquid to make hot drinks.

Now, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the present invention. The system includes a water sump 11. More specifically, it is a reservoir of diluent which is later mixed with the concentrate. In many cases,
The diluent is water, but other diluents may be used. Along with this water reservoir 11, an inlet 13 is shown. This inlet 13 may be piped into the pipework where the dispenser is used, or it may be simply an opening drilled into the water tank for injection. In this diagram, the water from the water sump is transferred to heat exchanger 1.
Pass 5. A cooling unit 17 and a heating unit 18 are shown as well as a heat exchanger 15.
By opening the valve 19, the heat exchanger 15 is cooled and directly heats or cools the water sump or water tank 11. Generally, a heat exchanger 15 and a cooling and heating unit 1 connected thereto
7 and 18 consist only of means for adjusting the temperature of the diluent. A carbonator 23 is provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 15. Carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonator 23 from a tank 25 through a pressure reducing valve 26, piping 27, and a manifold 29.
When the carbonator 23 is used, water saturated with carbon dioxide gas and foamed passes through the pipe 33 and the manifold 2
9. Manifold 29 directs this water or other diluent to distribution valves 35 and 35 according to the invention.
36. Non-foaming water is supplied to the mixing valve 31 through the pipe 34, and the mixing valve 31
supplies any desired ratio or mixture of non-foamed and/or foamed water to dispensing valves 35, 36 having a second inlet receiving a supply of foamed water from line 33; It is possible to do so. Also located in the dispensing valves 35, 36 is a container 37, which is filled with a concentrate to be mixed with a diluent. As will be explained in more detail below, the concentrate metering valve is connected to the container 37.
The valves 35 and 36 are connected to the distribution valves 35 and 36 so as to cooperate with each other. That is, the container 37 containing the concentrate is connected to the dispensing valve 35 or 36.
and valve means for metering the amount of concentrate in response to the relative movement of the two parts of the container caused by.
Supplying carbon dioxide from the pipe 27 is also used to pressurize the concentrated liquid in the container 37 after being connected through the pressure reducing valve 39 . Also shown is a pipe 40 which connects the water reservoir 11 and the carbon dioxide tank 25 and supplies the diluent at a constant pressure. In conjunction with means for varying the temperature of the diluent, a carbonator may be provided within the water container in the embodiments described below.
In this case, the water reservoir 11 also serves as a carbonator. Additionally, although carbon dioxide is used as the pressurized gas in the illustrated embodiment, an inert gas such as nitrogen may be substituted in embodiments where it is not desirable to use a carbonator.

Dispensing System The embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention shown in perspective view in FIGS. 2a and 2b is a support structure 41
The structure preferably comprises injection molded plastic. The structure 41 includes a base 43 and an upright T-shaped portion 45. The T-shaped portion 45 has a top wall 47, front and rear walls 4
9 and 51 as well as a central separation section 53. At one end of the unit, a cooling unit 55 is attached to the base 43, as best shown in Figure 2b.
is provided. A ventilation opening 57 is shown in the cooling unit 55, which opening 57 is connected to the base 4.
It communicates with an additional ventilation opening 59 formed in 3. A diluent tank is provided at the top of the cooling unit 55.
That is, a water supply carbonator tank 61 is provided as described in detail below. A cover 63 surrounds this part of the unit, and this cover 63
has a depending flange portion 65 which engages a corresponding lip 67 on the central T-shaped portion 45. As discussed in more detail below, the carbonator can be easily removed and filled with water when needed. Instead of the cooling unit 55, a heating unit or a combined heating and cooling unit can also be provided for dispensing either cold or hot drinks.

At the other end of the dispenser, a pressurized gas tank 68, such as a carbon dioxide tank, is supported on the base 43 and is shown in phantom. The carbon dioxide tank or bottle 68 is connected to a pressure reducing valve 69 by a quick release coupling 71 to facilitate replacement of the carbon dioxide bottle 68, which is a conventional commercially available unit. Extending through the separation wall 53 and attached to the bracket 73 by screws or bolts 75 is the manifold 7.
7, and the manifold 77 will be described in detail below. Manifold 77 distributes pressurized gas and diluent, such as carbon dioxide and foamed water. The front part of the manifold 77 is the second a
It is visible in the diagram. Two distribution valves 79A and 79B are provided integrally with the manifold and will be described in detail below. Distribution valve 7
A container 81 is provided above each of 9A and 79B, and the container 81 contains a concentrated liquid to be mixed with the diluent supplied from the diluent tank 61. A removable tray 82, which is magnetically held, for example, is placed below the valves 79A, 79B to receive spilled liquid. This tray 82 can be removed and cleaned periodically. Although soft drinks are being dispensed in the following description, non-sparkling drinks can be dispensed by removing the carbonator device, and hot drinks can be dispensed by heating the diluent instead of cooling it. can be distributed. As will become clearer in the following description, the container 81 is particularly capable of packaging and storing all kinds of concentrates in a hygienic manner.

A second cover 83 covers the carbon dioxide tank 68 and is connected to the T-shaped central structure 45.
It also has a depending flange 85 which engages the lip of the flange.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the dispenser of FIGS. 2a and 2b with the covers 63, 83 removed and the central portion of the T-shaped portion also removed for clarity of illustration. In this figure, the carbon dioxide bottle 68 is visible with its quick separation clamp 71 and pressure reducing valve 69. The pressure reducing valve 69 is connected to the manifold 77 through a pipe 87 in a semi-tight state. Also shown are valves 79A, 79B portions that are integrally formed with the manifold. Furthermore, a carbonator tank 61 is shown in cross section. Carbonator tank 61 has a coupling 89 that permits rapid separation from manifold 77.

The pressure reducing valve 69 reduces the carbon dioxide pressure to 2.8Kg/cm ²
Reduce pressure to (40psi). Carbon dioxide CO ₂ at this pressure
is supplied to isolation coupling 89 through passages within manifold 77 . From that point it flows through piping 90 to restrictor 93 and then to diffuser 95. Foamed water is taken out from the carbonator tank through piping 97. The piping 9
7 extends to the bottom of the tank 61 and is connected to a coupling 89 so that the removed water enters a passage 99 in the manifold. This passage connects to two small passages 101, 103, which are connected to an outlet 10 in the valve part integral with the manifold.
5,107. Each outlet is provided with an O-ring seal 109. Carbon dioxide is further supplied through another pressure reducing valve 111 provided in the manifold.
where the pressure is 0.35℃/cm ² (5psi)
will be lowered to Carbon dioxide flows from the pressure reducing valve 111 into a passage 113, to which two passages 115 and 117 are connected.
5, 117 are connected by longitudinal openings 119, 121 within the part of the manifold forming part of the valve. Furthermore, O-ring seals 123 made of neoprene or the like are inserted at each location. manifold 77
can be made of a variety of materials, but plastic is preferred. Such plastics can be molded into manifolds and provided with the necessary machining to form the various passageways.

Manifold The manifold 77 and distribution valves are shown in more detail in FIG. At the inlet for carbon dioxide, a threaded fitting 125 is provided on the manifold. As shown, this part 1
25 communicates with passage 127, which is connected to passage 9.
It is directly connected to 1. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the pressure reducing valve. Appropriate holes 129 and 131 on the left side of manifold 77 in FIG.
Tubular parts 133, 135 are inserted into the parts. These are press-fitted into corresponding holes 129 and 131, respectively. Each has a threaded check valve or Schrader type valve; 137a, 137b. Components 133 and 135 are inserted into quick-separate couplings 89 within carbonator tank 61 and sealed by O-rings 136. An anvil 139 is provided so as to abut against the component 133 within the hole 130 in the coupling 89, and a check valve 141 which is opened by the pressure of carbon dioxide from the pipe 91 is arranged in parallel with the anvil 139. A further Schrader valve 143 is inserted into the bore of the coupling 89 which engages the part 135. Valve 143 abuts valve 137b and valve 1
37b opens both valves when the quick separation coupling 89 is attached to the manifold. Similarly, anvil 139 opens valve 137a. In this manner, when the carbonator is removed from the manifold, pressure leaks are prevented by check valves in both passages of the manifold and in both passages to the carbonator. Coupling 89 further has threaded holes 144, 146 on its interior for connection to piping 90, 97 of FIG. Stub connections 104, 118 may be used to connect to remote distribution valves.

Pressure reducing valve 111 is shown in more detail in FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 in FIG. pressure
2.8 Kg/cm ² (40 psi) of carbon dioxide reaches passage 91 through inlet passage 127 shown in FIG. After passing through the pressure reducing valve, 0.35Kg/cm ² (5psi)
gas is supplied to passageway 113 through an outlet passageway consisting of holes 145 in the manifold. In the area of hole 145 the manifold has a large hole 147. Extending downwardly from hole 147 and located in its central portion is a smaller hole 149. This hole 149 intersects a passage 91 for 2.8 Kg/cm ² (40 psi) carbon dioxide CO ₂ . hole 149
The upper part of the guide valve seat 151 is threaded.
are screwed together. The guide valve seat 151 is connected to the support plate 15
7 guides the tube 153 fixed to the diaphragm 155. Diaphragm 155 is attached at a predetermined position between main body 159 and cover member 161. Here, the main body 159 is inserted into the hole 147, but it can also be integrated with the manifold. The actual valve actuation, that is, the pressure reducing operation, takes place between a guide valve seat 151 forming a valve seat and a valve body 163 having a gasket 165 in its center. The valve body 163 contacts and seals the end of the rod 153, and is urged outward by a spring 167. The spring 167 causes the valve body 163 with the gasket 165 to engage the valve seat of the guide valve seat 151. Valve body 163 and guide valve seat 15
1 determines the pressure of gas reaching chamber 169 from which it exits to outlet hole 145. The cover member 161 is provided with an adjustment knob 171, which has a screw thread 173 that engages a nut 175, which can be rotated by fitting into a suitable recess in the cover member 161. It is recommended not to do so. When the knob 171 is rotated, the rod 173 moves up and down in a straight line. Flange 176 attached to rod
acts on a biasing spring 177 provided between the flange 176 and the support plate 157 of the diaphragm 155. It has a spring 177 whose spring pressure is adjustable by a nozzle 171 and a diaphragm 155, which is connected to a rod 153 which actuates a valve body 163. Depending on the arrangement, the valve body 163 is seated or unseated in the valve seat of the guide 151 and maintained according to the biasing pressure set by the pressure spring 177 in the chamber 169. In this way, by adjusting the knob 171
A desired pressure of 0.35 kg/cm ² (5 psi) is obtained at outlet 145.

Dispensing Valve and Concentrate Container Dispensing valve 79A shown in Figure 2a,
The construction of 79B is best understood by first referring to FIGS. 6, 6a, 6b and 6c, and further to FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, each valve consists of four basic parts. It includes a base portion 181 molded as part of manifold 77. However, if such a base part is manufactured separately, the carbon dioxide pressure piping 117 and the water inlet piping 11
3 may be connected as appropriate.

Both valves are the same, so the valve 79 on the right
Only B will be explained in detail. The base portion 181 of the valve is a member having a large cylindrical hole 182. At the bottom of this hole 182 there is an inlet opening 121 for carbon dioxide with an O-ring reel 123 and an opening 107 for a diluent such as foamed water.
It is located together with the ring seal 109. Additionally, the base portion includes a vent hole 183, an opening 185 through which a concentrated liquid such as syrup is dispensed, as described below.
and a drain passageway 187 for residual water-like diluent passed through the valve and foamed. A central rotatable valve portion 189 is inserted into the hole 182. The valve member 189 is connected to the handle 19
It is rotatably supported within the hole 182 in response to the operation of step 1, and is sealed against the O-rings 109 and 123. An adjustment disk 193 rests on the central rotatable valve member 189. This adjustment disk is essentially fixed, but can be adjusted in response to different environments when metering the concentrate. Note that this adjustment is performed by an adjustment screw 195. Further, as best shown in FIGS. 4-6, adjustment screw 195 has a knob 1 on the end of shaft 198.
It has 96. This shaft 198 passes through the threaded plug 197 and is rotatable therein. A threaded plug 197 is threaded onto the cover portion 201 of the valve and holds the valve in place against the central member 189 and adjustment disc 193. A worm gear 199 is attached near the shaft 198. The end 203 of the shaft 198 is the cover portion 20
1 and rotatably supported in bore 207 as best shown in FIG. A worm gear 199 projects through the aperture 194 and is adapted to engage appropriate teeth 209 on the adjustment disc 193 to rotate it through a limited angle. Once adjusted by adjustment screw 195, disk 193 remains stationary.

As shown in FIG. 6, the container 81 includes a body in the shape of a necked bottle 238 and a cap 230. As shown in FIG. The bottle may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the contents are visible when the container is in use, allowing the user to glance at the level of the container contents. Dispensing the concentrate from container 81 is via tab 211 on the neck of bottle 238 in cap 230.
This is done in response to relative rotation with respect to. This opens the valve in container 81 to perform a metering operation as described in more detail below. Cap 230 also has tabs 213 to effect this rotation. Tab 213 engages notch 215 in central valve member 189. The tab 211 engages in a notch 217 in the adjustment disk 193. Central valve member 189 is arranged to rotate a predetermined amount sufficient to open a metering valve within the container by rotating cap 230 which engages notch 215 in central valve member 189. Adjustment screw 195
This metering can be finely adjusted by adjusting the adjustment screw 195.
The initial position setting of cap 230 can be increased or decreased to vary the flow rate of concentrate from the container during pre-setting and during subsequent rotations of cap 230.

The distribution valve serves three different functions. That is, the valve functions to provide an outlet to the container, to pressurize the container with low pressure carbon dioxide, and to simultaneously dispense concentrate and diluent.
Central valve member 189 has a central hole 219;
A cylindrical member 221 is provided at the bottom of the hole, and a partial hole 232 is provided at the top of the cylindrical member 221 and supported by two pillars 223 . Pillar 2
A passage 225 (FIGS. 6a and 6b) is provided within one of the holes 23.
It is connected to 2. The other end of passageway 225 extends through the bottom of central valve member 189 and is positioned to align vent hole 183 and outlet 121 of valve base member 181. As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a tubular member 227 is inserted into the bore 232. This tubular member 227
communicates with tube 229 (FIG. 7), which extends to the bottom of container 81 (which is at the top in the illustrated inverted position) and which is described in more detail below. As described above, it is designed to be ventilated and pressurized.

Referring to FIG. 6a, the valve is shown with handle 191 positioned fully to the left.
In this position, the container is inverted and inserted into and removed from the device, and the passage 225 is aligned with the vent hole 183 so that the container 81 is connected to the tube 229 and the tubular member 2 in the hole 232.
27 (Figure 7), passage 225 and vent hole 18
It is designed to be ventilated through 3. This corresponds to the cross-sectional view in FIG.

6b, which is the rest position of the container attached to the device;
In the position shown, the interior of the container is pressurized but there is no flow of concentrate or diluent from the device, and the container cannot be removed from the device. The handle 191 is centrally located and the passageway 22
5 is located above the opening 121 and is sealed by an O-ring 123. This allows low pressure carbon dioxide to be passed through passageway 225 and from there to pressurize the container to a constant pressure in tubular member 227.
through dip tube 229 to pressurize the container to a constant pressure.
In this position, the diluent outlet 107 with seal 109 is still covered by the bottom of the central valve member 189. This corresponds to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

In the final dispensing position, shown in Figure 6c, the concentrate and diluent flow from the device, the container cannot be removed, and the handle 191 is moved one turn to the right and passed through the valve. The inlet 231 of the central valve member 189 is aligned with the opening 107 and to allow passage of diluent, such as carbonated water, from the valve. At this time, since the opening 121 is an elongated hole, the passage 225 is still in communication with the carbon dioxide supplied to maintain the pressurization of the container. This corresponds to the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Movement of the handle 191 to the right occurs against the biasing force of a spring 233, which is arranged to return the handle 191 to the central position.

When it is desired to pressurize the container 81, and if it is desired to remove the container containing the concentrate, fill it with something else, and put it back again, the pressure in the container 81 is released and the necessary steps are taken to remove the container. The thing is handle 19
1 to the position shown in Figure 6a.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 shows the passage 225 remaining aligned with the opening 121 during dispensing.
The passage for the carbonated water in this position, ie the position shown in FIG. 6c, is shown in FIG. opening 10
A passageway 103 is shown communicating with the rotary valve member 189, with the opening 107 surrounded by an O-ring 119 sealing against the rotary valve member 189.
It communicates with the passage 231 of No. 9. Therefore, the diluent passes through the decompression chamber 235 and flows out from the spout 237 provided in the valve member 189. It will therefore be appreciated that the spout 237 moves with the valve member 189 and that since the spout 237 projects below the base member 18, the base is free of the spout 23.
An earlobe-shaped notch 237A (see FIG. 4) is provided so that the earpiece 7 can be moved as described above. The spout 237 is oriented at an angle to mix the diluent and concentrate in the manner shown more clearly below in FIG.
Vacuum chamber 235 is configured to minimize agitation of the diluent to prevent excessive loss of carbon dioxide. The dimensions of the decompression chamber 235 and the jet port 237 are as follows:
Dimensions are such that adequate flow of the diluent is maintained and, at a predetermined diluent pressure, the jet flow rate is sufficient to obtain adequate mixing with the concentrate without excessive foaming. . Handle 1
91 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 6b, passage 231
is located above the drain passage 187, and the drain passage 187 has a downward slope. Any diluent remaining in the vacuum chamber 235 can therefore flow into the glass or cup located below.

In FIGS. 8 and 10, a bottle 238 is provided with a stopper 239 at its neck. This stopper 2
39 includes a central hole 241 having an angled or slightly conical portion 243 at its inner end. A central passageway 245 passing through the inner end of this plug 239
is provided. Further, this stopper has an overall cylindrical shape and is press-fitted into the neck portion 247 of the bottle 238. Apart from this, this stopper is bottle 238
It can also be formed as part of. This stopper extends beyond the neck 247 of the bottle 238 at its outer end. It includes a circumferential ridge 249 . bottle 2
A cap 230 is disposed above the neck of the cap 38. This cap has a cylindrical portion 25 in its center.
1, the cylindrical portion terminating in a conical portion 252 at the inner end. Conical portion 252 is adjacent to conical portion 243 of plug 239 . The inwardly extending cylindrical portion 251 includes at its inner end a hole 253 into which the dip tube 229 is inserted. The dip tube 229 extends through the central passageway 245 of the stopper 239 with an opening. The outer end of the cap 230 is provided with a large hole 255 in its center that extends into the interior of the cylindrical portion 251 and communicates with the hole 253. A check valve 257 is disposed at the inner end of this large hole 255. In this embodiment, the check valve is a split seal valve. However, other types of check valves can also be used. The split check valve is held in place by a cylindrical insert 259. O-ring 2 for sealing the inside of the cylindrical insert 259 within the cap 230
A mating body 227 surrounded by 60 is inserted into the center of the insert 259 and operates against the check valve 257 to open the check valve and allow carbon dioxide to pass through the dip tube 229 to the container. allow for an influx of Therefore, the container portion above the stopper 239 contains the concentrated liquid. A plug 239 and an inwardly projecting cylindrical portion 251 provided on the cap.
In cooperation with this, the valve operations required to adjust the amount of concentrated liquid dispensed are performed. The conical surface 243 of the plug 239 is connected to the conical section 2 of the cylindrical section 251.
It forms a valve seat for 43. Cylindrical part 2
51 moves away from the stopper 239, causing the concentrate around the dip tube 229 to flow into the area between the cylindrical portion 251 and the stopper 239.

The state that occurs when performing such exercise is the first state.
It is shown in Figure 0. In Figure 10, arrow 2
As shown at 61, the concentrate flows around the dip tube 229 and into the stopper 239 and the cylindrical portion 2.
51 into the space 263 between them. At the same time, the flange 249 is lifted and the cap 2
30 and an opening 265 in the cap 230 is opened. In the closed state,
A double seal is formed. The first seal is between conical surfaces 252 and 243, and the second seal is formed by ridge 249 overlying aperture 265. As the cap 230 moves downward, the pressure maintained in the container by the carbon dioxide and its falling force will not allow the concentrate to flow through the opening 265, and thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6c. It is not possible to flow into the cup 267 located below the dispensing valve through the gap between the columns 223 shown. The concentrated liquid flows substantially directly downward. The diluent, e.g. carbonated water, exits the spout 237 at an angle, intersects the concentrate flow in free space and mixes with the concentrate before reaching the cup 267.

As can be seen from the above description, the valve within the container 81 is
Central valve member 189 associated with adjustment disc 193
The adjustment disc 193, once adjusted by the adjustment screw 195, remains fixed during use of the device. The manner in which separation of bung 239 and cap 230 is effected by rotational movement of central valve member 189 is shown in detail in Figures 10a and 10b. In FIG. 10a, adjustment disk 193
The state in which the tab 211 is inserted into the notch (groove) 217 provided in is shown. This holds the bottle 238 firmly in place.

It is further seen that a tab 213 on the cap 230 is inserted into a notch 215 in order to rotate the cap 230 with the central valve member 189. The interrelationship between these parts is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 10a, a pair of protrusions 2 protrude in opposite directions from the neck portion 247 of the bottle 238.
71 is provided. These protrusions are fitted into cam grooves or groups formed at opposite locations inside the cap 230.

A view of cap 230 in an open position is shown in Figure 10b. This figure clearly shows the shape of the groove 273. The groove 273 includes an inclined or angular portion 277 followed by a horizontal portion 275. When the central valve member 189 is rotated, the tab 213 is inserted into the groove 215 of the valve member 189 so that the valve member 189 moves the cap 230 with it. Rotation of the valve member 189 while the protrusion 271 is located in the horizontal portion of the groove 273 does not result in any relative vertical movement between the cap 230 and the bottle 238. Therefore, the plug 239 and the cylindrical part 251
The valve formed by remains closed.
The movement of the protrusion 271 within the horizontal portion 275 is
This occurs between the positions of the central valve member 189 shown in FIGS. and 6b. However, upon further rotation of the valve member 189 to the position shown in FIG. 6c, the protrusion 271 begins to enter the ramped portion 277 and separates the cylindrical member 251 from the stopper 239 until the position shown in FIG. 10 is reached and the concentrate is dispensed. It is made to flow out at a preset flow rate. Unless the protrusion 271 does not enter the ramp 277 when the rotary valve member 189 is moved to the position shown in FIG. When 189 is placed in the position shown in Figure 6a, protrusion 271 is arranged at an intermediate position of horizontal portion 275. The sloped portion 277 should also be long enough so that the protrusion 271 is located between the ends of the sloped portion 277 so that the device can readjust the adjustment disc 193 in the position shown in FIG. 6c. should be set.

FIG. 10a also shows a worm gear 199 provided on the adjusting screw shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The dispensing action, or opening of the container valve, is caused by the relative movement of cap 230 and bottle 238. During normal operation, the bottle 238 is held fixed by inserting its tab 211 into the groove 217 of the adjustment disk 193. Therefore, during normal compounding, the starting position, that is, the 6th b.
The position of the protrusion 271 within the groove 273 in the illustrated state and the amount of rotation of the lid 230 brought about by the tab 213 within the groove 215 of the valve member 189 are determined by the degree of opening of the valve, that is, the position of the protrusion 271 in the groove 277.
This determines the amount of movement of 1. cap 23
The total amount of rotation of 0 is determined within the range in which the movement of the handle 191 in FIG. 6c is limited by the spring 233. Normally, for certain concentrates, when the container is inserted into the valve, the position shown in Figure 6a and the position shown in Figure 6c
The protrusions are arranged so that the movement of the valve member 189 between the positions shown in the figure provides the desired degree of valve opening based on the viscosity of the concentrate and the room temperature ambient temperature, for example 20°C, without adjusting with the adjusting screw 195. 271
is placed at the manufacturing stage. However, if the beverage dispenser is used in hot or cold environmental conditions, this can affect the flow rate for a given valve opening. for example,
Temperate regions typically maintain temperatures close to 20°C even in winter, but temperatures can rise significantly in summer. In many cases, the viscosity of the concentrate is weakened by high temperatures, and a large amount of the concentrate may be mixed. Adjustment screw 195 is used to solve this problem. If the user notices that too much or too little of the concentrate has been dispensed, he or she can adjust it by turning this adjustment screw 195. Adjustment disc 193 by turning adjustment screw 195
The cap 230 and the bottle 23 are virtually rotated.
A relative rotation is applied between the protrusions 271 and the projections 271 to bias the protrusions 271 in one direction or the other. This means that for a predetermined amount of movement of the valve member 189, the protrusion 271 moves toward the inclined portion 277.
It means moving in a large or small range. Additionally, this controls the extent to which the valve is opened. In order to allow such an adjustment operation, the sloped portion 277 of the groove must be sufficiently long as described above.

Regarding the operation of the dispenser valve and container The operation of the dispenser valve will be explained below.
In FIG. 3, a carbon dioxide bottle 68 is properly placed in a predetermined position, a carbonator 61 is filled with water, and carbon dioxide gas flows through the water to become carbonated water. At this time, the carbon dioxide gas passes through a diffuser 95. do. The carbonator 61 is at a pressure of 2.8 Kg/cm ² (40 psi) due to the adjustment setting of the pressure reducing valve 69, that is, this pressure is
It is held in the upper space above the water surface within the tank. The detailed operation of carbonator 61 and the manner in which it is refilled will be explained below. Furthermore, carbonator 6
1 is cooled by a cooling device 55 shown in FIG. 2b. These will also be explained in more detail later. 0.35Kg/ ^cm2
Low pressure carbon dioxide (5 psi) is used in passage 113, and the increased pressure of carbonator 61 fills passage 99 with carbonated water under pressure. Thus, in each valve section, the supply of carbon dioxide gas is
19 or 121, and carbonated water is supplied at outlets 105 and 107.
The desired concentrate container is then inserted into the dispenser. For example, the concentrate may be a syrup for the production of alcohol-free beverages such as cola, orange soda, root beer, etc., or it may also contain adjuvants such as quinine water, etc.
In other embodiments, the concentrated water may be a fruit juice concentrate, where it is not saturated with water, or it is also expected to produce heated beverages, such as coffee, tea, or thiocholate heated concentrates. can.

With the valve in the position of FIG. (It is also possible to provide a single valve or two or more valve mechanisms.)
As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 11, tab 211 fits within groove 217 and tab 213
is inserted so as to fit into the groove 215. Container 8
1 is inserted, the valve member 227 becomes the check valve 257.
(See Figure 8). At this point, handle 191 is held in the position shown in Figure 6a. This causes the tube 229 to communicate with the inside of the container which communicates with the vent hole 183 through the passage 225 shown in FIG. 6a.

Handle 191 is then moved to the position of Figure 6b. Then, the passage 225 is brought to the outlet 123, and the carbon dioxide gas flows through the fitting 227 to the check valve 2.
The gas pressure is increased from the tube 229 to the bottle 238 via the tube 57. During the movement period between the positions shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the protrusion 271
It moves within the straight groove portion of the long groove 273 in the cap 230 shown in Figures a and 10b. When it is desired to dispense a beverage, the handle 191 is pushed from the position of FIG. 6b towards the right to the position of FIG. 6c against the spring force of the return spring 233. In this position, passageway 225 still communicates with opening 121 and container 81 is under pressure. Water outlet 131 is aligned with opening 107 and carbonated water is removed and consumed through spout 237 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. At this time, the protrusion 271 moves through the inclined long groove portion of the long groove 273 of the cap 230. This results in the cap being moved away from the bottle, thereby pulling member 251 away from stopper 239 and opening the metering valve for the concentrate, which is then drawn at arrow 23 in Figure 10.
1 into the space 263 and then exits the hole 265 into the cap where it becomes stream 269 and flows down into the cup 267. This downwardly flowing liquid stream 269 intersects in free space with the carbonated water stream 270, these two streams are thoroughly mixed and they are drawn into the cup 267. When the desired amount of beverage has been dispensed, the handle 191 is released and returns to the position shown in Figure 6b. The bottle 238 remains pressurized, but the flow of concentrate is stopped by closing the valve and the flow of carbonated water is allowed to flow through the outlet 23.
1 moves far from the aperture 107 and is therefore stopped.

Any water remaining in the chamber 235 or the inlet 231 in FIG.
7 to completely flush out all diluent. Continuing from this point, successive beverages can be dispensed by simply moving the handle 119 to the position of FIG. 6c.

The following description will be made assuming that the two concentrate containers 81 are for cola and health and nutrition cola, respectively. Assume now that it is desired to extract quinine water. Therefore, one of the two containers must be removed and replaced with the other container containing the quinine water concentrate. Of course, the container 81 to be removed is under pressure. To relieve the pressure within the container 81, the handle 191 is moved to the position shown in Figure 6a. In this position, passage 2
25 and vent 183 to place the container 81 under atmospheric conditions. As the pressure in the concentrate container 81 decreases, the container will be removed. It can be seen with reference to FIG. 8 that when the container is removed, the check valve 257 closes once the container is lifted upwards and the fitting 227 no longer acts on the check valve 257. This completely eliminates the possibility of the concentrate entering or dripping towards the sump tube. A new container is then replaced and the operating process described above is then repeated.

Typically, cola concentrates are relatively thick syrups, whereas quinine water concentrates are relatively thin. For this reason, it is necessary to make the opening degree of the valve constituted by the member 251 and the stopper 239 different. The necessary metering operations that must be performed are performed during fabrication by adjusting the tab 2 associated with the long groove 273 of the cap 230.
This is achieved by adjusting the 13 positioning settings. In other words, in the rest position of FIG.
It is not so close that the concentrate will flow out of the container when it is in the position shown in Figure b. For something like quinine water, on the other hand, it is placed further to the left, so that by moving the valve to the position of Figure 6c, the projection 271 rests on a slightly angled slope. It just happens. This control mode can be obtained by forming various angular sections on the angular section 277.
Various benefits regarding both the construction and operation of this valve and container-containing withdrawal device are apparent from the above description. What is important is that everything can be made from easily moldable plastic parts; other materials can, of course, also be used. For example, bottle 238 may be made of glass or metal material. Importantly, by designing the manifold that feeds the valve and forming the dispenser valve as an integral part with the manifold, the need for multiple pipes and the associated disadvantages are avoided. . The design for in-vessel valve operation allows the factory to set its own adjustments, which can be done with adjustment screws on the manifold to provide the precision needed to account for temperature variations and personal taste issues. Adjustments can be made. Furthermore, it is important to note, with reference to FIG. 10, that the concentrate flows directly from the container into the cup. It is well known that mold growth tends to dilute syrup. With the disclosed dispenser device, the syrup is diluted only after leaving the dispenser. This is a significant advantage over many prior art dispensers in which the mixing action is carried out inside the machine, leading to unhygienic conditions.

The package or container can be designed in different ways and with various other constructions, and these are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. 11 and 12, these drawings illustrate two different seal configurations for the seal structures 243-253 shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10. ing.

In the apparatus of FIG. 11, the dip tube 28x
has a reduced diameter valve portion 80x which then widens at its lower portion to have a larger diameter valve portion. And package neck 1
2x is sealingly engaged to an injection molded plug 82x which is frictionally attached in a sealed manner. In use, as cap 18x is rotated as described above and pulled away from body 10x, its reduced diameter portion 80x moves toward the dotted line shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, the concentrate flows down the plug 82x and down the reduced diameter portion 80x of the tube 28x,
It flows out from the opening 32x and comes to associate with the flowing carbonated water.

In the device shown in FIG. 12, tube 28x has a flexible bulbous portion 90x which engages shoulder 13x of package neck 12x. And when cap 18x is rotated relative to body 10x as described above, bulbous portion 90x
It is deformed as shown by the dotted lines in the figure, whereby the syrup flows down through tube 28x, past the now deformed bulbous portion 90x, and out of opening 32x. When the cap 18x is turned again in either the embodiment of FIG. 11 or 12, the sealing action is established between the tube 28x and the shoulder in the embodiment of FIG. 11 or the embodiment of FIG. 12. This is achieved between the shoulders in the case of

The apparatus of FIG. 13 is similar in important respects to that shown in FIG.
x is again provided with a constriction 80x, but in this case the plug 82x frictionally engages sealingly with the large diameter portion of the tube 28x at the lower end in the closed state of the container.
When the cap 10x is turned by the pumping operation (which shows the movement from the position shown in FIG. 6b to the position shown in FIG. 6c), the open portion of the plug 82x surrounds the constriction 80x. A fluid communication occurs between the inner surface of the package and the outlet opening 32x, so that the syrup flows out of the container and at the same time the carbonated water also flows out, as already mentioned. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the cap 18x does not easily slip out because the upper portion of the tube 28x is enlarged to a large diameter portion.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 14 and 15, in which the embodiment of the invention for the container depicted in these figures is different from that described above. That is, the cap is integrally molded with the package body.
However, the operation of the container is generally similar to that of the construction and operation described in connection with FIG. In the apparatus of FIGS. 14 and 15, the main body is designated by the reference numeral 10x as before, but the reference numeral 120x depicts the neck and the cap part as one body, and the cap part is an inward constriction part. 12
2x, the constricted portion sealingly engages a bulbous portion 90x of a tube 28x integrally formed with the cap 120x. Again, an outflow opening 32x is formed within the cap. However, the cap is also integrally formed with an outwardly facing engagement bayonet pin 124x which is inserted into the elongated or keyed groove 4 in members 193 and 191 (see FIG. 6).
Slides in 1x and 43x. The keyways described above are replaced by long grooves 217 and 215 in FIG. Long groove 41x extends through the entire width of member 193 while long groove 43x extends along the peripheral cam groove 45x.
Extends only to the extent that exists. FIG. 14 shows the device immediately after the package has been inserted into the device. The member 191 is rotated and the peripheral groove cam 45x and the pin 124x are rotated as described above.
When the release of concentrate from the package is effected by engagement with the cap 120x, the cap 120x
6x, the cap 120x is pressed downward in FIGS. 14 and 15 to the main body 10.
x, member 193 prevents downward movement of the package body. This action has an effect on the descending action of tube 28x;
Furthermore, as clearly shown in FIG.
As shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, a fluid communication path is established between the two. This condition occurs when other components of the dispenser are simultaneously discharging carbonated water to produce a carbonated beverage within the container. The advantage of the package illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 is that it can be offered for sale as a completely sealed unit, and the outlet 32x can be provided, for example, by a tear strip or a cup with a tear. Outlet 32x may be formed by coating or simply drilling a hole in the device prior to use. When member 191 is rotated in the opposite direction by spring 223, i.e. when a flow of syrup and carbonated water occurs, the elasticity of constriction 122x serves to return cap 120x to the position of FIG. In that position the bulbous portion 90x again closes off the interior of the package from its outlet 32x;
Stop the outflow of syrup. It should be noted that other embodiments of the invention based on the principles described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 are conceivable. For example, the above-mentioned bulbous portion 90x may be disposed above the constricted portion 122x, or in fact the tube 28x may be constructed as shown in FIGS. 11-13.

Instead of providing a split-seal or other type of one-way cooperating with the dip tubes 229, 28x, a "blow-off cap 9" as shown in FIG. 7 can also be provided at the inner end of the dip tube 229. . This "blow-off cap 9" holds the dip tube 229 closed until it is used. Note that this cap 9 is not provided when a one-way valve is used. Alternatively, the cap 9 can be formed from a flexible material such as rubber with a slit to act as a check valve, and the cap 9 can be used to maintain an inert atmosphere under near-sterile conditions. It has the advantage of being possible. In such cases, a check valve may be provided in the carbon dioxide pipe that opens only when the package is mechanically inserted.

In the embodiments described so far with respect to packages or containers, a propellant gas (CO ₂ ) is used to force the concentrate out of the package through the outlet opening when the cap 9 is removed. However, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to provide the package in a "gravity feed" dispenser, and the embodiments of the package shown in FIGS. It shows.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the package body is designated 200x;
As in the embodiments described above, the small diameter neck portion 202x
It is equipped with The oral cavity portion of this small diameter neck portion 202x constitutes a sealing member. Cap 204x is connected to the neck of the package body in a manner similar to that previously described and further includes a central tube 206x. The center tube 206x also extends to the small diameter neck 206x when the package is in the closed position, as shown in FIG.
has a sealing shoulder 208x that sealingly engages x. In addition, the central tube 206x is closed by a check valve in the form of a split seal member 210x, which is shown in FIG. 16 in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-11. In the state of use as shown, the ventilation nipple 212x is opened. When nipple 212x is in the use position as shown in FIG. 16, nipple 212x is inserted into O-ring 217x against a cylindrical insert provided within cap 204x to hold split seal member 210x in place.
sealed by. As with the previously described embodiments, the cap 204 has an outlet 214x for discharging the aromatic concentrate.

Package 200x operates in the same manner as previously described, except that no propellant gas is provided within package 200x. package 200x
Of course, when transporting the split seal member 210x
is closed, and the package body 200x is closed by the cap 204. When the package 200x is in use, the package 200x is inverted and fitted into the appropriate portion within the dispenser, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Next, the split seal member 210x opens at the same time as the nipple 212x is fitted. cap 204
When the shoulder 208x, which has been rotated with respect to the package body 200x, is separated from the small diameter neck 202x, the aromatic concentrate passes through the shoulder 208x and into the opening 214x.
flows out from. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17, when package 200x is in the open position, air is drawn into the interior of package 200x through nipple 212x, as indicated by bubble 216x, thereby causing concentrate to flow through arrow 218x. The water flows out from the opening 214x as shown in FIG. With this arrangement, the top of the tube 206x is always at atmospheric pressure, and the package cage 200x
Since the top space 220x therein is at a pressure Px below atmospheric pressure, the concentrated liquid is discharged from the opening 214x under the influence of a constant water head indicated by H in FIG.

The arrangement shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 has the advantage that the package 200x can be removed from the dispenser very easily since a connection device to the propellant gas source is not required. Additionally, there is no need to ventilate the interior of package 200x before removing package 200x.

With the arrangement shown in Figures 16 and 17, the package 2
Problems arise if 00x is used. For example, when the temperature of the above-mentioned environment increases, the top space 22
The pressure within 0x increases due to the expansion of the gas therein, causing an undesirable backflow of syrup through vent tube 212x. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIG. 18, the package 200x includes a compensating inner container 222x. This inner container 222
x has the shape of an inverted cup with a closed top and is formed integrally with the small diameter neck portion 202x, and further includes the inner container 2
22x has a compensation hole 224x that communicates the inside of the package body 200x with the inside of the inner container 222x. Note that although the compensation inner container 222x and the small diameter neck portion 202x are integrally molded, they form a separate unit from the package body 200x. This unit frictionally and sealingly engages within the neck of the package body 200. To explain the action of the package 200x shown in FIG. 18, as shown in FIG.
When the package body 200 is closed,
The liquid in x flows through the compensation hole 224x and is filled into the compensation inner container 222x up to the same height 226x as the upper end position of the compensation hole 224x. Inner container 2
22x is connected to the atmosphere via nipple 212x, so the pressure at height position 226x is atmospheric pressure. This means that height position 22
Hydraulic head pressure h _x and top space 2 of the fluid above 6x
This means that the sum of the pressure within 20 is equal to atmospheric pressure. Thus, liquid is drained from around tube 206x when the package is opened to drain liquid through opening 214x.
With this arrangement, even if the gas in the top space 220x expands due to a change in temperature, this gas will be absorbed by the rise in the liquid level 226x inside the compensation inner container 222x, so the ventilation tube 206x No liquid can be discharged through the

The package according to the invention can be applied to discharging carbonated beverages from small domestic dispensers such as those described above, and has the advantage that the package and its contents can be removed from the dispenser at any time. Furthermore, by using a rotary valve it is also possible to install different packages filled with concentrates with different aromas. These packages are preferably disposable, and for this reason each component of the package is preferably formed from plastic material.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the embodiments described thus far represent only particular embodiments of the package structure.

Figures 19 to 25c show several variations regarding valve actuation. All operations in each of these embodiments are the same as previously described except as described below. Therefore, only the parts of the valve mechanism that are different from the previous ones will be described in detail.

FIG. 19 shows a simple embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, a projection 5 for insertion into a rotary valve of the type previously described in connection with FIG.
07 is shown. A cap 511 is snapped onto the end of the container neck terminating as a flat annulus 509, and is provided with a projection 513 for insertion into a slit in a rotary valve of the type described above. Cap 511 has a dip tube 514 extending therefrom to permit the introduction of pressurized gas as previously described. Additionally, the cap 511 has an opening 51 passing through the cap 511 and forming an outlet.
It has 9. Container 50 as shown in FIG.
An opening 521 is also formed in the annular surface of 5. Second
As is clear from Figure 0, the protrusion 513 is indicated by the arrow 523.
When the cartridge is rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of , the openings 519 and 521 overlap and can be discharged. Control of the discharge rate is by controlling the dimensions of aperture 521 and or preferably by controlling the size of apertures 519 and 52.
It is carried out depending on the amount of polymerization with 1. Although an adjustment dispenser can be used in this embodiment, adjustment cannot be made by using this adjustment disc as in the previously described embodiments.

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment using a container 605. In this embodiment, a cap 611, quite similar to cap 511 shown in FIG.
It is attached to the end of 05. However, this cap 611 has a semi-cylindrical projection 613 extending along one side of the cap 611, which semi-cylindrical projection 613 forms a passage 615 constituting an outlet. Also provided is an opening 617 extending through the wall of the cap 611 and communicating with the passageway 615. Furthermore, an opening 619 is also formed in the neck of the container 605.
is formed. When the cap 611 is moved in the direction of the arrow 621, the openings 617 and 619 are aligned,
The concentrate is thereby discharged via the openings 617, 619 and the channel 615. A key 622 is inserted into a keyway 623 on the cap 611 on the container 605 to prevent rotation.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment in which the container 705 has a conventional threaded portion 707 at its neck. In this embodiment, a cap 709 of substantially the same type as that described in connection with FIGS.
7, but differs from the type described above in that the cap 709 and neck have interlocking threads rather than cooperating projections and slits. In other respects, the structure of container 705 and cap 709 is basically the same as that of FIGS. 8-10. That is, container 705
An insert is provided within the neck of the cap 709, and the cap 709 has a projection for cooperating with the insert to form a valve. As previously mentioned, openings are formed in the cap 709 to allow liquid to drain. The container 705 has a protrusion 711 and is inserted into a suitably shaped slit 714 formed in the fixed part of the rotary valve mechanism. Similarly, as in the previously described embodiment, cap 70
9 has a protrusion 713. This protrusion 713 slides into a slit 715 in the rotary valve. However, this slit 715 differs from the slit in the previously described embodiments in that it is inserted into the cap 70 in a position corresponding to FIGS. 6a and 6b.
The rotary valve portion 189a can be moved relative to the rotary valve portion 9. Such movement of the rotary valve portion 189a can be accomplished by forming the slit 715 to have a vertical portion 717 and a horizontal portion 719 into which a container cap can be inserted. It also has a separate vertical portion 721 for reasons explained below. When the rotary valve portion 189a is rotated for the first time, the cap 709 does not move and the protrusion 713 is inserted into the slit horizontal portion 719.
Slide inward. The positions corresponding to FIGS. 6a and 6b are shown in FIGS. 25a and 25b, respectively. In FIG. 25a, projection 713 is at the bottom of slit vertical portion 717. When rotary valve section 189a is then rotated, projection 713 slides within slit horizontal section 719 until it abuts edge 723. 6b is when the protrusion 713 comes into contact with the
Corresponds to the position shown in the figure. Rotary valve part 1
When 89a is further rotated, protrusion 713 moves together with rotary valve portion 189a, and cap 709
is loosened from the neck of the container to open the valve as previously described. This time is shown in the position of FIG. 25c. As cap 709 is loosened, cap 709 lowers, thereby lowering protrusion 713 within slit vertical portion 721. On the other hand, when the valve has to be returned to the closed position, the slit surface 725 abuts the other side of the protrusion 713 and the thread 707 closes the cap 7.
09 is screwed onto the neck of the container 705 so that the valve is closed. When the rotary valve part 189a is further rotated, the slit vertical part 721 and the protrusion 7
13, allowing the protrusion 713 to slide within the slit horizontal portion 719. In this and other embodiments, the necessary slits can be formed in the cap or container, respectively, and the necessary projections can be formed and arranged on the valve component. It can be seen that similar effects can be obtained in this case as well.

In the various embodiments previously described, evacuation is effected by rotating a handle, such as handle 191 of FIGS. 6a-6c.
In many cases, it is desirable to effect the draining action simply by pressing a water-receiving tap against the actuator, such as in a public dispensing system in a restaurant. The present invention can be easily applied by using conventional means for converting such a pushing motion into the rotational motion necessary to rotate the rotary valve portion 189. Such a link mechanism is sufficient to be known to a person skilled in the art,
It will not be described in detail here. Changing the pressing operation described above to other operations, as well as other modifications, can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Control of the opening amount of the package valve is shown in each embodiment. Control of the opening amount of package valves is necessary for a number of reasons. First of all
Different types of concentrates have different viscosities. Therefore, if a diluent is used at a predetermined flow rate and a certain amount of concentrate has to be mixed with the above-mentioned diluent in order to obtain a beverage of suitable aroma, then under constant pressure each It is necessary to vary the opening amount of the package valve to accommodate the different flow characteristics of each concentrate due to the difference in viscosity. Secondly, since environmental changes, particularly temperature changes, affect the viscosity, it is necessary to further adjust the opening amount. Thirdly, it is important to set the standard mixing ratio used when producing bottled beverages for mixtures of diluted liquids and concentrated liquids, such as syrup and carbonated water, as each individual's taste is different. Therefore, a person using the dispenser container according to the present invention may wish to adjust the mixing ratio to suit his or her taste.

The last two types of adjustments mentioned above are those that must be made at the dispenser. The first type of adjustment, taking into account viscosity differences, can be achieved by selecting the dimensions of the parts of the container appropriately, or by selecting the dimensions of the parts of the container and adjusting the discharge valve in the dispenser where the container is used. This can be done by a combination of adjustments. In this case, it may be preferable to adjust by selecting the dimensions of the components of the container. This is because the user does not need to make any further adjustments if only the change in viscosity is adjusted. A discharge valve cooperating with a container or package can predetermine the first and second valve parts using a valve movement device mounted on the package to move the first valve part as well as the second valve part. can be configured to move relative to each other by a certain amount. In this case, the above-described valve moving device moves the first valve portion and the second valve portion by a predetermined amount so that the spacing between these valve portions adjusts to the desired opening amount for the concentrate in the package. and is constructed and dimensioned to provide. On the other hand, it is also possible for the packages to have the same dimensions and for the discharge valve associated with the packages to be adjustable so that the displacement can be varied depending on the concentrate used. Of course,
In this case, it is necessary for the user to adjust the valve to the concentrate used. However, in this case all packages are identical, which simplifies the manufacture of the packages.

Among the embodiments of the present invention, there is an embodiment in which the device for giving a constant water head pressure has a device for introducing outside air with a constant water head pressure, but in a preferred embodiment, the exhaust action is performed under the pressure of pressurized gas. is to be carried out. In this case, it is necessary to provide a device for supplying pressurized gas to the container after it has been inserted into the discharge valve of the dispenser. This pressurized gas can be supplied to the container via separate piping and isolation valves, but in the embodiments according to the invention disclosed in detail, the pressure increasing action is under the control of the same valve as that controlling the evacuation action. It is done with. As previously indicated, this valve cooperates with a valve movement device for moving the first valve part and the second valve part, and this valve is arranged so that when pressurized gas is used, the supply of pressurized gas is cut off. and a second position where pressurized gas is supplied. Furthermore, this discharge valve acts on the valve movement device described above to open the valve of the package and at the same time opens a passage for the supply of diluent to be mixed with the concentrate in the package. The exhaust valve is operatively connected to the package in each of the first and second positions so that pressurized gas is not supplied. In other words, the supply of pressurized gas is cut off and the package can be attached and detached.
position and a second position in which the concentrate is pressurized by pressurized gas but not discharged without opening the valve in the package. It is necessary to provide a device within the valve of the package or within the package that can do this. In a preferred embodiment, moving the discharge valve without opening the valve of the package is accomplished by cooperating surfaces of the first and second valve parts within the package. However, in a variant, the displacement of the exhaust valve takes place within the exhaust valve without opening the valve of the package.

The first valve part as well as the second valve part can be selected from a number of shapes. For example, the first valve part and the second valve part may be constructed from a pair of disc-shaped members that rotate relative to each other, each disc having an opening formed therein so that one opening communicates with the concentrated liquid in the container, and the other. The opening can be communicated with the outlet. The amount of polymerization of both openings and/or the size of the smaller of the two openings determines the flow rate of the concentrate. For example, in such embodiments, the opening of the second valve portion having the outlet can be made relatively large, and the other opening on the container side can be sized for metering the desired concentrate backing. A desired amount of concentrated liquid is measured by moving the pair of openings in a direction that aligns them with each other in accordance with a preset relative movement amount of the pair of container members. A disadvantage of such embodiments is that they cannot be easily controlled to account for temperature changes or user taste. Also, rather than using a rotary motion to rotate and align a pair of openings, the caps can be moved straight relative to the neck of the container to provide respective openings in the neck caps. Note that this straight movement amount is a predetermined amount for aligning the pair of openings and allowing the concentrated liquid to flow.

Carbonated Water Maker and Cooling Mechanism The remaining parts of the dispenser generally described above and partially detailed with reference to FIGS. 1-11 will now be described. The remaining parts are also designed for ease of operation and low cost. Rapid separation coupling 71 to carbon dioxide bottle 68
It has already been pointed out that the system is equipped with In addition, the quick disconnectability of the carbonator has also been pointed out. The carbonator will be explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 26, which is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser and shows how to attach and detach the carbonator. In the disclosed embodiment of the beverage dispenser of the present invention, the device is freestanding, ie, the device is not connected to any plumbing. Regarding what has already been said, it will be appreciated that with regard to the subdivision and distribution devices and manifolds, a tube-integrated version can be equally successfully used, provided that the necessary control equipment, such as a hot level control device, is provided. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 26, the carbonator (carbonated water generator) 61 is preferably a metal tank 30 made of stainless steel or aluminum material.
0, and the metal tank has a lid 30.
1, the lid being removable for refilling the carbonator 61 with water. As already mentioned, the carbonator 61 is equipped with a rapid separation coupling 89 from which a line 90 leads via a controller or orifice 93 to a dispersion block 95. The carbonated water is pumped out of the device via conduit 97. FIG. 26 also shows that the end of the manifold 77 has two coupling fittings 133, 135, and these coupling fittings protrude from the end. These coupling fittings are inserted into appropriate holes in the coupling ring 89, as detailed with respect to FIG. Similarly, as described with respect to FIG. 4, coupling 89 and manifold fittings 133,
135 both have valves. What this means is that when the carbonator 61 is withdrawn from the manifold, the pressure within the aliquoting and dispensing device, i.e. the container 8
1 and the pressurized carbonated water present in the various passages, and the pressure gas supplied from the CO ₂ tank will not escape. Without such a valve, carbonated water would escape from the coupling fitting 135 and 40 pounds per parallel inch.
of carbon dioxide gas will flow out from the fitting 133. At the same time, the valve in coupling 89 prevents pressurized carbonated water from exiting carbonator 61 and also prevents carbon dioxide from exiting via the carbon dioxide inlet. carbonator tank 6
In order to be able to quickly disconnect the tank 1 and to facilitate handling of the tank when disconnected, that is, to facilitate refilling, a handle 303 is provided.
is provided. Note that the handle 303 is also shown in the cross-sectional view of the carbonator shown in FIG. 27.
The handle has a bracket 305 that is mounted longitudinally to the carbonator tank 300. This bracket is basically a U-shaped bracket and includes a notch 307 in the center, and only in this part the basic shape of the U is provided. This handle itself is 2
It has two arm parts, an upper arm part 309 and a lower arm part 311. These two arm portions are hinged together by pins or rivets 313. The upper arm portion 309 is also hinged to the top of the bracket 305 by a pin or rivet 315. The other end of the lower arm 311 is equipped with a pin or rivet 317, and the pin or rivet
It is threaded through a slot 320 formed near the bottom of the shaped bracket 305 and held in place by a washer 319. A retaining pin 321 extending downward is also hinged to this pin 317. In the state shown in solid lines in FIG. 27 with the handle folded against the tank 300, the pin 321 is located on the support plate 330 at the top of the cooling device 55.
through appropriate slots 323. This pin 321 is connected to the tank 61 when the coupling fittings 133 and 135 are inserted into the coupling ring 89.
It acts to hold the in a fixed position. Alternatively, the coupling ring 89 may be provided at the bottom of the carbonator 61, or may be provided vertically on the side of the carbonator 61, using the weight of the carbonator 61 to maintain the connection.

When it is desired to remove the tank, remove the cover 63 and then move the handle 303 to the position shown by the broken line. By sliding the pin 317 upwardly within the slot 320 and at the same time sliding upwardly the retaining pin 321 held by it, it is then possible to remove the carbonator and refill it with water. Even after being removed for refilling, the carbonator still weighs 40 pounds per parallel inch.
This pressure must be released before removing the cover. Otherwise, the cover may fly off and cause serious injury to the user. Furthermore, it is important to maintain a good seal between the cover 301 and the container 300. The present invention provides a novel design for the mating of the cover and container in such a way that the cover cannot be removed until the pressure is relieved, and at the same time, after the carbonator has been refilled. Shaped to ensure proper sealing at all times. The manner in which the cover fits onto the container 300 is clearly shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The container 300 has a stepped shape at its top 351 (the container is formed into a rigid welded structure).
The container has a top groove 353 of a first diameter in which the top flange-shaped portion 355 of the cover 301 rests. This groove is followed by a somewhat smaller diameter section 357 which has an internal thread 358. Cover 301 has corresponding external threads 359 that threadably engage screws 358 . This section is followed by a smaller diameter section 360 which houses a sealing "O" ring 363 on its longitudinal surface 361.
The "O" ring 363 is the cylindrical peripheral portion 36 of the cover.
5 in sealing engagement. Due to the location of the "O" ring seal 363 mentioned above, a radial type seal is employed rather than a conventional axial type seal. This means that the carbonated water maker is sealed even if the cover is not completely screwed in tightly; conversely, with axial seals, a good seal is determined if the cover is screwed tightly. It depends on whether it is engaged or not. Therefore, this configuration basically simplifies the operability of the users of this device, especially housewives, and does not require the application of considerable pressure or severe pressure to obtain a good seal. This eliminates the need for alignment, etc. A rotatable handle 371, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 30, is provided to allow the pressure mentioned above to be released before the cover is removed. This handle, when rotated, actuates a relief valve 372, the lower portion of which can be seen in FIG.
Handle 371 is hinged to plunger 377 by pin 379. plunger 37
7 is a rubber sealing plate 3 at the end inside the hole 381.
It has 83. This sealing plate has a hole 380 in the center.
The valve seat member 385 is threaded into a threaded hole 387 in the lid 301 and secured to the bottom of the lid 301 with a sealing "O" ring 387A. Sealingly engaged. The spring 375 connects the plunger 377 to the seat member 38.
It is biased against 5. When the handle 371 is rotated upward, the plunger 377 is moved to the seat member 385 by the large diameter portion 388 provided at the end of the handle.
The pressure inside the carbonator 61 is released. This valve also causes plunger 3 to move when the pressure exceeds a certain value determined by biasing spring 375.
77 also acts as a safety valve in that it lifts off the seat member 385. Thus, when it is desired to refill the container, rotating the handle 371 upwardly opens the valve and releases pressure. Also, the cover 3 can be removed without operating the handle 371.
It is impossible to unlock the threaded engagement of 01.
This is prevented by the handle 371 extending outward from the periphery of the top 353 of the cover. As clearly shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the top 351 of the container 300 has a notch 37.
8 is formed. When the cover 301 is properly threaded, the handle 371 will fit into this notch 3.
It snaps into 78. Therefore handle 371
If you try to unlock the screw engagement of the cover without lifting the handle 371, the end 38 of the notch 378
0', so that further rotation is not possible unless the handle is lifted to release the pressure. Furthermore, the presence of pressure makes it extremely difficult to rotate it by hand without first releasing this pressure. This also serves as a reminder to operate the handle 371. Ultimately, if a wrench or the like is used to generate enough torque, leakage will occur through the threads and pressure will escape before the cover 301 is free of the tank 300.

Figures 31a to 31d show another closure embodiment of the carbonator lid. The one shown is a lid 301a having a cylindrical opening 501 inside.
An insert body 503 is inserted into the opening 501, and this insert body includes a first cylindrical part 505 press-fitted into the opening 501 and a subsequent outwardly expanding part 5.
07 and a final cylindrical portion 509. The closure or stop mechanism utilized to close the opening in cover 301a is of the same nature as devices used on vacuum bottles and as stoppers on boat stoppers. However, like the cover for the carbonator described above, this closure preferably incorporates means to ensure that the pressure is relieved before the cover or stop is removed, and the closure may also be used as a pressure relief valve. It is desirable to be able to act. The apparatus illustrated in Figures 31a to 31d accomplishes all of these functions. The member that actually closes the opening is formed, for example, by a compressible stopper made of rubber. This stopper has a cylindrical shape with a central hole 512 and fits onto the tube 513 in the compressed state (see FIG. 31d). The inner end of the stopper is provided with a washer 515 which is held in position by a nut 517 threaded onto the threaded end of tube 513. Stopper 511 is compressed between washer 515 and washer 519 at the outer end of the stopper and slides over tube 513. Pipe 513 is hole 5
21 at its outer end, this hole 521 continues to the part of the conical valve seat 523. A smaller diameter hole 525 extends through the valve seat to the inner end of tube 513. At the end of the tube that projects through the washer 519, the tube is grooved to provide two diametrically opposed members or ears 527, 52.
9 is provided. Ears 527, 529 each have a hole 531 through the end thereof. bolt 53
3 is a corresponding hole 537 of these holes and the cam means 539
A nut 535 is provided at the end thereof. The camming means 539 is essentially U-shaped in cross-section and is formed by a single member having two equal camming surfaces 541 on the ears, at the ends of which a U-shaped lever arm 543 is provided. It is provided. The cam surface 541 mentioned above acts against the washer 519. In the state shown in FIG. 31a, the bolt 533
and the periphery of cam surface 541 is at a maximum. This condition causes the bolt and tube 513 to move outward with the bolt, compressing the compression stopper 511. In the state shown in FIG. 31c, the radius of the cam surface remains basically the same length and the compressed state is maintained. Finally, the 31st
In the state shown in Figure 31d, the distance between the bolt 533 and the flat portion of the cam surface is reduced so that the compression stopper can assume the cylindrical shape shown in Figure 31d, and can therefore be removed. . There is a significant difference between the above-mentioned compression stopper device and the conventional compression stopper device used in vacuum bottles and boat closures. The main difference is that the conventional device does not have a hollow rod like tube 513;
It has a solid rod.

According to the present invention, the valve seat 523 has a valve member 545.
is seated at the end of rod 547. The rod extends at a distance through a threaded plug 549 which is threadedly engaged with the internal threads of the end of the tube 513;
It also provides guidance for the rod 547. Guide 5
A biasing spring 551 is disposed between the valve member 49 and the valve member 545 to bias the valve member against the seat 523. The end of rod 547 is attached to oval ring 553. A cam 555 is attached to a bolt 533 between the two ears 527 and 529. The bolt 533 has a square cross-section at least in its central portion, so that the cam 555 pivots together with the bolt and the cam means 539. ears 527, 529
Of course, the bolt 533 is attached to rotate inside the ear, for example, the bolt is attached to the ear 52.
It is rounded at the point where it passes through 7,529.

In the state shown in FIG. 31a, there is a slight gap between the oval ring 553 and the cam 555. This causes the biasing spring 551 to push the valve member 545 toward the seat 52.
3 and can prevent the passage of liquid. The spring force is selected to provide a biasing pressure that counteracts the design pressure within the container used with the closure. For example, when used in the carbonator of the present invention, the spring is 40
The pressure is set to be slightly greater than [pounds per square inch]. In the event of overpressure in the carbonator tank, the above-mentioned valve acts as a pressure relief valve. The biasing force of spring 551 is overcome and the pressure within the tank lifts valve member 545 from its seat, relieving its excess pressure. A fluid, e.g. pressurized carbon dioxide, flows through the hole 525 and the valve member 5
45 and escapes through the hole 521 between the rod 547 and the opening of the guide member 549. The rods are arranged with a small gap within the guide member 549 to allow pressure relief. The nature of the cam 555 is such that the distance between the axis of the bolt 533 and the cam surface is minimized in the state shown in FIG. 31a. As mentioned above, in this state there is a small distance between the cam surface and the ring 553. A second large distance results in the condition of FIG. 31c, where the handle 543 has been rotated through 90 degrees. For this purpose, the cam surface has a ring 55.
3, and the ring and the rod 5 together with that ring.
Raise 47. This lifts the valve member 545 from the seat 523, reducing pressure through the valve. This pressure drop is caused by the valve orifice and the rod 547.
at a controlled rate based on the cross-sectional area between the guide member 549 and the hole in the guide member 549. As discussed above, in this condition cam surface 541 still maintains the compression stop in compression. Finally, further rotation of the handle 543, as shown in FIG. 31d, loosens the stop and simultaneously maintains the valve member 545 raised from the seat 523. This is a result of the cam surface of cam 555 being such that between the conditions shown in FIGS. 1c and 31d, the cam surface of cam 555 maintains the ring at the same distance from the bolt axis to maintain the valve opening. It is something that occurs. Since the carbonator is cooled, the cover 63 is closed as shown in FIG.
has an insulating layer 325 housed inside. Cooling is achieved in one of two ways. 26th
In the embodiment shown in Figures 27 and 27, cooling is accomplished using a pan 327 that is basically cylindrical and has a lip 329 at the top. The bread is usually filled with the type of ingredients and fillings commonly used for cooling in picnic coolers, known as "blue ice." The bread containing the blue ice is placed in a household freezer and frozen before use. The pan is then inserted into the dispenser. A circular opening 331 for receiving the pan 327 inside for this purpose.
A support plate 330 is provided. The support plate 330 is supported in a conventional manner on a square frame, which forms part of the cooling device.
In addition, the rectangular frame 331 is placed on the base 43 of the subdividing and dispensing device and has an insulator 333 (second
(Fig. 6) is stored.

FIG. 32 shows another embodiment of the subdivision and distribution valve. In some cases, it may be desirable to have a portioning and dispensing unit located at the sink. In such a case, the remainder of the apparatus described above would be located below the sink. In that case, of course, the valve would no longer be part of the manifold 73. Rather, for example with respect to FIG. 4, the conduits 113, 99 are led out of the manifold via suitable fittings 104, 118 similar to the above-mentioned fittings 129, 131 with check valves. A quick-disconnect coupling, such as coupling 89, can be associated with a fitting such that a tube extends from the coupling to the inlet of rotary valve 76c. Valve 76c is provided at the end of angled arm 502, and container 81 is placed over the valve. The aforementioned arm 502 is rotatably supported above the sink 504. For example, it is possible to use the sink openings normally used for injection devices. When not in use, arm 502 is rotated counterclockwise to move the dispenser to the locked position. When subdivision and dispensing is desired, the arm 502 is moved to the position shown, and the subdivision and dispensing action is then performed above the sink, so that any spilled or dripping material is caught within the sink. Preferably, arm 502, and in this case at least the visible portion of valve 76c, is formed of a material compatible with sink fittings. The functions of the container 81 and the common valve 76c are otherwise the same as described above. In this embodiment as well as in the previously described embodiments, rapid melting of "blue ice" is prevented. FIG. 26 shows that the rectangular frame is provided with a ventilation hole 57, and the base 43 is provided with a ventilation hole 59. These ventilation holes are not necessary in this type of cooling system, but
It is necessary to use the cooling device described below in connection with FIG. The support plate 330 into which the pan 327 is inserted is preferably formed of a material with poor thermal conductivity, such as polypropylene.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 28, the dispenser is equipped with an electrical cooling device. This device is also configured to be inserted into or mounted within the support plate 330, which has poor thermal conductivity.
In addition, the above-mentioned plate also has a pin 32 provided on the handle 303 of the carbonator 61, as described above.
1. It has an opening 323 for inserting 1. This cooling device includes a plurality of thermoelectric cooling units 337 under a plate 335 having good thermal conductivity. These units have the property that when electricity passes through them, one side becomes cold and the other side becomes hot. These thermoelectric units basically consist of a plate-like material, the cold side of which is devoted to a plate 335. And heat sink 339 on the warm side
is installed. A fan 341 is attached below the heat sink to remove heat from the heat sink. Power is supplied to the fan and thermoelectric cooling unit 337 via power line 343. The circuit of this cooling device will be described below based on FIG. When such a device is activated, warm air is forced through the lower opening 345 of the fan and exhausted through the openings 57, 59 shown in Figures 26 and 2b.

FIG. 29 shows the thermoelectric cooling unit 33 of FIG.
7 is a schematic circuit diagram of FIG. Power supply line 343 has a plug 401 at one end that connects to a conventional outlet, thereby supplying 115 volts AC power to the cooling mechanism. Juan 341 is
It is connected across both sides of the AC power line 343. In addition, the electric line includes the primary winding 40 of the transformer 405.
3 is connected. Secondary winding 4 of transformer 405
07 are two diagonal points 40 of a full-wave rectifier bridge circuit 413 equipped with diodes 414 to 417.
9,411. From the other diagonal points 419 and 421 of the bridge circuit, rectified approx.
A direct current of 18 [volts] is extracted. Diagonal point 41
A capacitor 423 is connected in parallel to 9 and 421 to filter the DC voltage. The plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements 337 are divided into two groups and arranged in series in each group. The first group 425 comprises a series of elements 337a to 337d;
The second group 426 includes elements 337e to 337.
It has a series body of i. The free ends of thermoelectric elements 337a in group 425 are connected to terminals 419 of the bridge circuit. Also, element 337d
The free end of is connected to the opposite terminal 421 of the bridge circuit 413 via a normally open relay contact 427. In the other group 426, one end side is connected to the bridge circuit 4 by the free end of the element 337i.
13 terminal 421, and the other end is connected to a second normally open contact 429 by the free end of element 337e.
It is connected to the terminal 419 of the bridge circuit through the set of . Element 337e connected to contact 429
is also connected to the end of element 337d which is connected to contact 427 via a set of normally closed relay contacts 431. Contacts 427, 429, 431 are operated by a relay coil 433,
This relay coil is the secondary winding 40 of the transformer 405.
7 in series with the switch 435.

In operation, when the plug 401 is connected to a suitable wall outlet and power is supplied via the power line 343, the fan 431 immediately starts operating. The line voltage applied across the primary winding 403 of the transformer 405 is applied to the bridge circuit output terminals 419,
421, the voltage is stepped down to about 18 [volts]. This DC voltage is smoothed and filtered by capacitor 423. The polarity of this DC voltage is determined by terminal 419.
It is positive on the terminal 421 side, and negative on the terminal 421 side.
The polarity of the thermoelectric elements 337a to 337i is appropriately determined according to the above polarity. In the illustrated state in which switch 435 is open, relay 433 is not energized. Therefore, contact 431 is closed and contact 4
27, 429 are open as shown. The DC voltage is connected from the terminal 421 to the series circuit 425 to the series circuit 42.
6 to terminal 419. In other words,
In this state, all of the thermoelectric elements 337a to 337i are connected in series with the output terminal of the bridge circuit 413. Note that the properties of thermoelectric elements are such that the degree of cooling is proportional to the current. Furthermore, these elements have resistive physical properties. Therefore, if all elements are connected in series, the value of the flowing current is determined by the total value of the resistances. This provides the first low-level cooling in the cooling process. When switch 435 is closed, relay 433 is energized to open contact 431 and contact 42
7,429 closes. As a result, the two series circuits 425, 426 are now connected in parallel to the output terminals 419, 421 of the bridge circuit 413. The above series circuits 425, 426
The current flowing through each circuit of the two parallel circuits consisting of is determined by the number of elements in each circuit. In this case, since the number of elements in each circuit is smaller than when all the elements are connected in series, a larger current flows through each circuit of the parallel circuit. As a result, the cooling effect increases. The thermoelectric element may be of the type manufactured and sold by Cambion Electric Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

It should be noted that subdivision and dispensing valves are used in the various embodiments described above. The flow rate of the diluent may be controlled either by sizing a dilution water tube or channel, such as passage 103, or by inserting a restricting orifice in the inner end of the stub 131, for example. Can be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a block diagram of the dispenser system according to the present invention, FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of the dispenser according to the present invention, FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 2a, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the valve of FIG. 6, showing the valve partially removed and integrated with the manifold; FIG. 5 is a plan view of the valve of FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the package or container and rotary valve according to the present invention, FIGS. 6a and 6b. 6c is a plan view schematically showing the three positions that the valve in FIG. 6 can take, FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 4 showing the diluent flow path; FIG. 10 shows the valves of FIGS. 4 and 6 in the dispensing state. 10 in Figure 4 shows
10a is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 4 showing the cam operation in the container; FIG. 10b is a developed view of the cam groove in FIG. Figure 12 shows other two container arrangements.
13 is a sectional view showing another modification of the sealed arrangement of the container, FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the package of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is an open state. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional front view of a package according to another embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 17 shows the package shown in FIG. 16 in a dispensing state. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional front view of a package according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in which the valves have openings that can be aligned with each other. FIG. 20 is a sectional view of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is a similar sectional view of another embodiment. The holes are lined up and valves are opened for dispensing; FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention using a conventional threaded bottle and cap. In the embodiment, the dispensing valve is rotated without opening by the slotted rotary part, and FIG. 24 is a developed view of the inside of the rotary valve component in FIG. 23 to show the slot shape, and FIGS. 25a to 25c. The figures illustrate the operation of this embodiment of the invention with a cross-sectional view of the rotating parts and cap of FIG. 23, FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser showing the carbonator portion, and FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating parts and cap of FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional front view of the thermoelectric cooling arrangement for the carbonator, FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the cooling system of FIG. 23, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional front view of the carbonator lid of FIG. 19. , FIGS. 31a to 31d are cross-sectional views of other embodiments of the carbonator lid cover,
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve employed in a sink dispenser. 11... Water tank, 13... Opening, 15... Heat exchanger, 17... Cooling unit, 18... Heating unit, 23... Carbonator, 25... Tank, 35, 36... Distribution valve, 37 ……container.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A method for dispensing a beverage formed from a concentrate and a diluent, comprising the following elements (a) to (d): (a) comprising a quantity of diluent; (b) comprising a concentrate package containing a quantity of concentrate having an outlet and a built-in valve connecting the concentrate to the outlet; (c) Concentrate and diluent are simultaneously dispensed by connecting the diluent to the diluent outlet, mechanically opening the built-in valve and allowing them to flow out of the concentrate package outlet and the diluent outlet, leaving the package in an empty space. A stream of concentrate flows directly into the empty space and a stream of diluent flows out into the open space, mixes with the concentrate stream, and allows the diluent and concentrate to flow until the desired amount of beverage is dispensed. locating a receiver to receive the effluent; and (d) continuously adjusting the flow rate of the diluent and concentrate while dispensing to obtain the desired ratio. 2. A method of dispensing a beverage in a suitable ratio, further comprising dispensing said concentrate at a predetermined pressure and dispensing said diluent at a pressure sufficient to obtain a mixture without foaming. The method described in Scope 1. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pressure is atmospheric pressure. 4. A dispensing device for a beverage formed from a concentrate and a diluent, having the following elements (a) to (e): (a) a removable package of concentrate having an outlet and a valve capable of allowing the concentrate to flow through the outlet; (b) a dispensing mechanism receiving the removable package of concentrate and selectively engaging the package; and a relatively movable portion, when the portion moves in one direction, the portion acts on the package to open the valve and direct the concentrate from the outlet to the empty space without contacting the dispensing mechanism. the concentrate can be received directly in a cup located below the package outlet, and the part is moved in the opposite direction to close the valve to terminate the flow of such concentrate. (c) a predetermined amount of diluent; (d) a diluent outlet spaced from the concentrate outlet; a diluent outlet, the flow from the outlet being receivable in the same cup as the flow from the concentrate outlet providing a beverage having a mixture of diluent and concentrate; and (e) selective and Another valve that causes a flow of diluent to the diluent outlet when a relatively movable part is moved to open the valve to allow flow from the package outlet. 5: (a) a bottle having a neck for containing a concentrate; (b) a first valve portion in the neck communicating with the concentrate; (c) a second valve portion therein; having an outlet opening and being movable relative to the bottle to selectively move the first and second valve parts relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the concentrate being transferred from the first valve part through the valve part out of the outlet opening; (d) means on each of the bottle and cap for engaging first and second portions of a dispensing mechanism movable with respect to each other; (e) an interior of the bottle; A package for a concentrated liquid used in forming a beverage, the package having a passageway for allowing gas to be introduced into the liquid concentrate. 6. The passageway has an inlet opening in the cap and a tube attached to the inlet opening, and extends through the first valve portion at a predetermined distance. Package described in section. 7 The package described above controls the rotational movement of the cap.
Claim 6, characterized in that the cap and the bottle neck have cooperating cam surfaces for converting the first and second valve parts into a linear movement that separates them.
Package described in section. 8. A package according to claim 7, characterized in that said means on the bottle and cap include at least one tab on the neck of the bottle and one tab on the cap. 9. The package of claim 6 including a valve for controlling flow through said tube. 10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the valve comprises a check valve. 11. The package of claim 10, wherein said valve comprises a seat attached to and spaced inwardly from said first valve portion and an end of said tube. 12 The passageway has a tube integral with the cap extending into the body, further comprising a compensating container with a closed, inverted cup into which the tube extends, the interior of the body extending into the rim of the compensating container. 6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the package communicates with the interior of the compensating container through an opening. 13. The package of claim 6, wherein said tube has an intermediate portion with a shoulder forming a second valve portion, and an open outer end forming an outlet opening within the cap. 14. The package of claim 13, wherein said first valve portion is formed within said neck portion by a conical neck portion of reduced cross section. 15. A package according to claim 5, wherein the internal portion of the neck has a conical neck portion of reduced cross section. 16 The first valve part has a sealing flange located inside the neck of the bottle and the second valve part is external to a tube integral with the cap, which tube is connected to the body from which the cap opens the sealing member. 6. The package of claim 5 having a reduced diameter portion that moves into alignment with the sealing flange when moved. 17. Said pressurized fluid contains a predetermined amount of gas at superatmospheric pressure, and a split pipe in a cap capable of connecting the interior of the body of the package to said gas by a tube engaging a split flexible seal. 17. The package of claim 16 having a flexible check valve. 18: (a) a bottle having a neck for containing a concentrate; (b) a first valve portion in the neck communicating with the concentrate; (c) a second valve portion therein; and having an outlet opening and being movable relative to the bottle to selectively move the first and second valve parts relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the concentrate being transferred from the first valve part through the valve part out of the outlet opening; (d) means on each of the bolt and cap for engaging first and second portions of a dispensing mechanism movable with respect to each other; and (e) an interior of the bottle. in an apparatus comprising a package for a concentrate used to form a beverage, having a passageway for allowing gas to be introduced into the apparatus, moving the first and second valve portions to permit flow of the concentrate; Apparatus further comprising a dispensing mechanism having first and second portions movable with respect to each other that engage means on the bottle and cap for dispensing. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said passageway allows the introduction of air at atmospheric pressure in a controlled manner that maintains the upper pressure within the container section essentially constant. 20 the first valve part has a spigot in the neck, the second valve part has a projecting member on the cap arranged to abut the spigot;
The projecting member has a central opening passing through the outside of the cap, and the passageway has a tube extending from the opening through the spigot with a clearance for connecting gas to the inside of the container. The device according to scope item 18. 21. The apparatus of claim 20 including a seal between the first and second valve parts to stop flow to the outlet opening in the cap when the first and second valve parts interengage. 22. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a valve for controlling flow through the tube of the projecting member. 23. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a seal between the peripheral portions of the first and second valve portions to prevent leakage when the valve is opened. 24. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising cooperating surfaces on the cap and neck for converting relative rotation between the cap and bottle into relative linear movement between the cap and bottle. 25. The cooperating surface has at least one projection on one of the surfaces and a slot on the other side of the surface in which the projection is arranged, the cooperating surface being arranged so that rotation is converted into a linear movement. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the slot is slanted. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the dimensions of the outlet opening are selected to achieve a predetermined flow rate after rotation based on the nature of the concentrate to be contained.