EP1094027A1 - Mit Hochdruck betriebener pneumatischer Getränkespender - Google Patents

Mit Hochdruck betriebener pneumatischer Getränkespender Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1094027A1
EP1094027A1 EP99120677A EP99120677A EP1094027A1 EP 1094027 A1 EP1094027 A1 EP 1094027A1 EP 99120677 A EP99120677 A EP 99120677A EP 99120677 A EP99120677 A EP 99120677A EP 1094027 A1 EP1094027 A1 EP 1094027A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
tank
carbonator tank
gas
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99120677A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard P. Bilskie
Edward N. Oyler
Harold F. Stover
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP99120677A priority Critical patent/EP1094027A1/de
Publication of EP1094027A1 publication Critical patent/EP1094027A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B67D1/006—Conventional carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/10—Pump mechanism
    • B67D1/101—Pump mechanism of the piston-cylinder type
    • B67D1/102—Pump mechanism of the piston-cylinder type for one liquid component only
    • B67D1/103—Pump mechanism of the piston-cylinder type for one liquid component only the piston being driven by a liquid or a gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
    • B67D2001/0827—Bags in box

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to a beverage dispensing system configured for portable or fixed installations. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a self-contained, high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system that is especially adapted for use on railcars, ships, and the like, as well as for installation in golf carts and other such small vehicles.
  • beverage dispensing systems have required electrical or gasoline power. Therefore, these systems tend to be bulky and usually are unsuitable for portable applications.
  • conventional beverage dispensing systems comprise a high pressure carbonator tank plumbed to a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) cylinder through a pressure regulator in which the pressure to be supplied to the carbonator tank is reduced to approximately 90 pounds per square inch (psi).
  • a motorized pump plumbed to a fixed water tap system is used to pressurize the water supplied to the tank to approximately 200 psi.
  • the high pressure water flows into the carbonator tank, overcoming the rising pressure of the CO 2 gas contained therein.
  • As the carbonator tank fills with this high pressure water a pocket of CO 2 gas that exists above the water is compressed, forcing the CO 2 gas to be absorbed into the water, thereby creating carbonated water.
  • these conventional beverage dispensing systems require a constant source of power to operate the pump motor, use of such systems is generally limited to fixed installations.
  • the present disclosure relates to a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system.
  • the system comprises a carbonator tank for facilitating absorption of CO 2 gas in water to produce carbonated water, a source of CO 2 gas under high pressure, the source of CO 2 gas in fluid communication with the carbonator tank so as to fill the carbonator tank with CO 2 gas, a source of water under high pressure and in fluid communication with the carbonator tank so as to fill the carbonator tank with water, at least one pneumatic pump in fluid communication with the source of CO 2 gas, at least one liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one pneumatic pump, and a beverage dispenser valve in fluid communication with the carbonator tank and the at least one liquid reservoir, wherein the beverage dispenser valve can dispense carbonated water and/or the liquid held in the at least one liquid reservoir when activated by the operator.
  • the at least one liquid reservoir comprises a bag-in-box container and the pneumatic pump comprises a vacuum pump that can draw liquid from the container and urge it toward the dispenser valve when activated by the operator.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system.
  • FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view of the high pressure carbonator tank used in the beverage dispensing system of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the carbonator tank of FIG. 2 with a pneumatic water level switch mounted thereto (and with all inlet and outlet valves removed), this switch also shown in cut-away view to depict the activated or fill position of the pneumatic water level switch.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the carbonator tank of FIG. 2 with the pneumatic water level switch of FIG. 3 in cut-away view to depict the inactivated or full position of the pneumatic water level switch.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away view of the high pressure water pump used in the beverage dispensing system of FIG. 5 depicting the rodless piston contained within the cylindrical tube of the water pump.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative carbonator tank and filling system.
  • FIG. 8 is schematic view of another alternative carbonator tank and filling system.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment 10 of the self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system.
  • the system generally comprises a source 12 of gas, typically, although not necessarily, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) at high pressure, a source 14 of high pressure water, a high pressure carbonator tank 16, and a beverage dispensing valve 18.
  • the source 14 of CO 2 at high pressure typically comprises a conventional refillable gas storage tank 20 that is filled with pressurized CO 2 gas.
  • the pressurized CO 2 gas contained within the gas storage tank 20 is used to both carbonate water in the carbonator tank 16 as well as to pressurize and propel the water to be supplied to the carbonator tank.
  • a gas shut-off valve 22 When the gas shut-off valve 22 is opened, CO 2 gas travels through a gas outlet line 24 and is supplied to three separate gas pressure regulators 26, 28, and 30.
  • the gas traveling through the first pressure regulator 26 is reduced in pressure to approximately 90 pounds per square inch (psi) to 110 psi and then exits the pressure regulator to enter a carbonator tank supply line 32.
  • the carbonator tank supply line 32 directs the CO 2 gas to a gas inlet check valve 34 of the high pressure carbonator tank 16 so that the carbonator tank can be filled with pressurized CO 2 gas.
  • the CO 2 gas that travels through the second gas pressure regulator 28 is reduced in pressure to approximately 25 psi to 60 psi. After exiting the second gas pressure regulator 28, the CO 2 gas flows into a carbonator tank water level switch line 36.
  • the water level switch line 36 is connected to a carbonator tank water level switch 40, the configuration and operation of which is described in detail hereinafter.
  • Each pump 43 can comprise a vacuum pump of conventional design which comprises an interior diaphragm (not shown) which is connected to an inner reversible value (not shown).
  • Each pump 43 is configured such that, when supplied with pressurized gas, the diaphragm reciprocates back and forth under the control of the reversible valve within the pump so as to draw liquid into the pump through an inlet 45 and expel the drawn liquid out from the pump through an outlet 47. As indicated in FIG.
  • the inlets 45 are connected to suction lines 49 that connect the pumps 43 to liquid reservoirs 51 which, for instance, comprise bag-in-box containers holding soft drink syrups and/or juice concentrates.
  • liquid reservoirs 51 which, for instance, comprise bag-in-box containers holding soft drink syrups and/or juice concentrates.
  • the outlets 47 are supply lines 46 that connect the pumps 43 to a cold plate 48 in which the syrup or concentrate can be cooled to an appropriate serving temperature. Accordingly, when operating, each pump 43 draws liquid from its associated bag-in-box container 51 and urges the liquid through the supply line 46 to the cold plate 48.
  • the pressure on both sides of the vacuum pump diaphragm equalizes, i.e. the pressure of the gas supplied by line 42 equals the pressure in line 46, the pump will stall.
  • the CO 2 gas supplied to the third gas pressure regulator 30 is lowered in pressure to approximately 175 psi to 225 psi.
  • the CO 2 gas is ported through a high pressure gas supply line 50 that supplies gas pressure to the pressurized water source 14 of the system.
  • the water source 14 comprises a high pressure water tank 52.
  • this water tank 52 typically is constructed of a strong metal such as stainless steel.
  • a pliable diaphragm 54 Inside the water tank 52 is a pliable diaphragm 54 that separates the interior of the water tank into two separate chambers 56 and 58.
  • the upper, or water, chamber 56 of the water tank is adapted to store water that will be supplied to the carbonator tank 16 for carbonization.
  • the lower, or gas, chamber 58 is adapted to receive high pressure gas that is used to pressurize the water contained in the upper chamber 56.
  • the pliable diaphragm 54 completely isolates each chamber from the other such that no mixture of the water and CO 2 gas can occur.
  • a water chamber line 60 Connected to the water chamber side of the water tank 52 is a water chamber line 60.
  • the water chamber line 60 can be used to refill the water chamber 56 of the water tank 52.
  • a refill inlet check valve 62 connected to one branch of the water chamber pipeline 60 is connected to a source of water having positive head pressure which, depending upon personal preferences, can be a source of purified water or a standard tap water source. It will be understood that refilling should only be attempted when the water tank is in a depressurized state.
  • a three-way vent valve 59 Positioned along the high pressure gas supply line 50 between the third gas pressure regulator 30 and the water tank 52 is a three-way vent valve 59.
  • the three-way vent valve 59 is manually operable to control the pressurization or depressurization of the gas chamber 58 of the water tank.
  • the three-way vent valve 59 directs high pressure CO 2 gas into the gas chamber 58 of the water tank 52. This high pressure gas urges the pliable diaphragm 54 against the volume of water contained within the water chamber 56 to increase the pressure of the water to a level within the range of approximately 175 psi to 225 psi.
  • the three-way vent valve 59 is manually switched to a closed position in which the supply of high pressure CO 2 gas to the tank is shut-off, and the high pressure gas contained in the gas chamber of the water tank is vented to the atmosphere to relieve the pressure therein.
  • this gas is first directed to a first vent line 65 which leads to a diffuser 67 which, as is known in the art, gradually diffuses the vented gas into the atmosphere to reduce noise.
  • the water chamber line 60 is further used to transport the pressurized water supplied by the water tank in two separate directions.
  • a first direction the water is taken to a water valve 64 that is positioned intermediate the water tank 52 and the carbonator tank 16 along the water flow path existing between these two tanks.
  • the water valve 64 is pneumatically actuated to open or close to permit or prevent the flow of water therethrough.
  • the water valve 64 comprises a normally closed, gas actuated, high pressure bellows valve. Considered suitable for this use are HB Series bellows valves manufactured and commercially available from by Nupro. Coupled with a pneumatic signal line 66, the water valve 64 and water level switch 40 are in fluid communication with one another.
  • the water valve 64 When supplied with a pneumatic pressure signal sent from the water level switch, the water valve 64 opens, permitting high pressure water supplied by the water tank 52 to pass through the valve and into a carbonator tank water supply line 68. In use, the water is transported through this water supply line 68 to a water inlet check valve 70 that is mounted to the carbonator tank 16 such that the carbonator tank can be filled with the high pressure water.
  • the water chamber line 60 transports the water exiting the water tank 52 in a second direction to a water pressure regulator 72.
  • This pressure regulator reduces the pressure of the water supplied from the water tank to approximately 40 psi. From the water pressure regulator 72, the water flows through a flat water supply line 74 and then through the cold plate 48 to be dispensed by the beverage dispenser 18 when activated by the operator.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates, in cut-away view, the carbonator tank 16 used in the present embodiment.
  • the carbonator tank 16 comprises a generally cylindrical tank 76.
  • the gas inlet check valve 34 and the water inlet check valve 70 as well as a safety relief valve 78 of conventional design.
  • a carbonated water outlet 80 Further mounted to the top of the carbonator tank 76 is a carbonated water outlet 80 that is fluidly connected to a carbonated water supply line 82 (FIG. 1).
  • a carbonated water supply tube 84 that extends from the bottom of the tank up to the carbonated water outlet 80 such that, when the beverage dispenser valve 18 is activated, pressurized carbonated water from the bottom of the carbonator tank is forced through the supply tube 84, out of the carbonated water outlet 80, through the carbonated water supply line 82, through the cold plate 48, and finally out of the dispenser valve into a suitable beverage container C.
  • the carbonator tank 16 can further comprise a mechanical water level indicator system 86.
  • This system includes a hollow float member 88 having a rod 90 extending upwardly from the top portion of the float member.
  • a magnetic member 92 Positioned on the top of the rod 90 is a magnetic member 92, by way of example, in the form of a magnetic cylinder.
  • the float member 88 rests on the bottom of the carbonator tank.
  • part of the magnetic member 92 is positioned within the tank 76 and part is positioned within an elongated hollow tube 94 that extends upwardly from the top of the tank.
  • This hollow tube 94 permits travel of the rod 90 and magnetic member 92 in the upward direction, the purpose for which is explained hereinafter.
  • Presently considered to be in accordance with the above description is the Model M-6 carbonator available from Jo-Bell.
  • a mechanical stabilizer 96 can be provided.
  • the stabilizer 96 can comprise a retainer band 98 that is wrapped around the float member 88 and a slide member 100 which is disposed about the carbonated water supply tube 84 and to which the retainer band is fixedly attached. Configured in this manner, the float member 88 will continue to rise within the carbonator tank 76 as the water level within the tank increases. Similarly, the magnetic member 92 will rise within the elongated hollow tube 94 so that water level sensing means can detect when the tank 76 is full so that water flow into the tank can be halted.
  • the water level within the tank 76 is monitored and controlled by a carbonator tank water level switch 40 that is mounted to the carbonator tank 16.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the water level switch 40 and part of the carbonator tank in cut-away view.
  • the water level switch 40 comprises an outer housing 102 that is adapted to be mounted adjacent the hollow cylinder 94 of the carbonator tank 16.
  • Located within the housing 102 is a pneumatic three-way magnetic proximity switch 104 and a lever arm 106. While the proximity switch 104 is fixed in position within the housing, the lever arm 106 is free to rotate about a pin 108 such that the lever arm is pivotally mounted within the water level switch 40.
  • Mounted to the lever arm 106 are first and second magnets 110 and 112. The first magnet 110 is mounted to the arm 106 at a position in which it is adjacent the proximity switch 104 when the lever arm is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the first magnet 110 maintains the lever arm 106 in the vertical orientation when the tank 76 is not full.
  • the lever arm 106 is in this vertical orientation, positive contact is made with the proximity switch 104, thereby activating the switch and causing it to send a pneumatic pressure signal to the water valve 64 to remain open so that the tank 76 can be filled.
  • the magnetic member 92 within the hollow tube 94 rises, and eventually reaches a position at which it is adjacent the second magnet 112 mounted on the lever arm 106. Since the magnetic member 92 is constructed of a magnetic metal, such as magnetic stainless steel, the second magnet 112 of the lever arm 106 is attracted to the member 92.
  • the lever arm 106 pivots toward the magnetic member as depicted in FIG. 4. Due to this pivoting, contact between the first magnet 110 and the proximity switch 104 is terminated, thereby deactivating the proximity switch. Being deactivated, the proximity switch 104 then shuts-off the supply of pressurized CO 2 gas to the water valve 64, causing the normally closed valve to cut-off the flow of water to the carbonator tank 16.
  • the first embodiment 10 of the beverage dispensing system can be used to dispense carbonated and noncarbonated mixed beverages, as well as any carbonated and noncarbonated unmixed beverages, in liquid form.
  • the water tank 52 is filled with water via the water tank refill check valve 62 and water chamber line 60.
  • the three-way vent valve 59 is manually switched to the gas open position such that the gas chamber 58 of the tank and the high pressure gas supply line 50 are in open fluid communication with one another.
  • the operator opens the shut-off valve 22 of the gas storage tank 20 so that high pressure CO 2 gas flows to the three gas pressure regulators 26, 28, and 30.
  • CO 2 gas flows into the carbonator tank 16, raising the pressure within the tank to approximately 90 psi to 110 psi.
  • the high pressure CO 2 gas also flows through the second and third pressure regulators 28 and 30.
  • the gas is supplied to both to the pneumatic three-way magnetic proximity switch 104 of the water level switch 40 and to the concentrated syrup container 44.
  • the gas supplied to the proximity switch 104 is used, as needed, to send pneumatic pressure signals to the water valve 64.
  • the high pressure gas passes through the high pressure gas supply line 50, through the three-way vent valve 59, and into the gas chamber 58 of the water tank 52 to fill and pressurize the gas chamber.
  • the water contained in the water chamber 56 is forced out of the tank 52 and flows through the water chamber line 60 to travel to both the carbonator tank water valve 64 and the water pressure regulator 72.
  • the water that passes through the water pressure regulator is routed into and through the flat water supply line 74 to be cooled by the cold plate 48 and, if desired, dispensed through the beverage dispenser valve 18.
  • the float member 88 contained therein is positioned near the bottom of the tank 76 and the water tank level switch 40 is in the activated position shown in FIG. 3.
  • the water tank level switch 40 is in this activated position, pneumatic pressure is provided to the water valve 64, keeping it in the open position so that water can flow into the carbonator tank 16.
  • the pressure of the water begins to rise sharply.
  • the pressure of the water in the water chamber 56 and the lines in fluid communication therewith reach a pressure equal to that of the high pressure CO 2 gas contained in the gas chamber 58. Accordingly, water enters the tank at high pressure, typically at approximately 175 psi to 225 psi.
  • the carbonator tank 16 Since the carbonator tank 16 is relatively small when compared to the CO 2 container 20 and water tank 52, it normally fills quickly. Therefore, carbonated water is available soon after the carbonization system is initiated. As such, the operator can use the beverage dispensing valve 18, commonly referred to as a "bar gun,” to dispense either flat water supplied by the flat water supply line 74 or carbonated water supplied by the carbonated water supply line 82. Similarly, syrup, or other concentrated liquid, can be dispensed from the bag-in-boxes 51 with the vacuum pumps 43 in the manner described hereinbefore such that a mixed flat or carbonated drink can be post-mixed in a selected beverage container C.
  • the beverage dispensing valve 18, commonly referred to as a "bar gun” to dispense either flat water supplied by the flat water supply line 74 or carbonated water supplied by the carbonated water supply line 82.
  • syrup, or other concentrated liquid can be dispensed from the bag-in-boxes 51 with the vacuum pumps 43 in the manner described here
  • the water level switch 40 becomes oriented in the inactivated position (Fig. 4), thereby shutting-off the supply of gas to the water valve 64. Not having the pressure signal needed to remain open, the water valve 64 closes, cutting the supply of water to the carbonator tank 16. As the water level is again lowered, the water level switch is again activated, restarting the process described in the foregoing.
  • the system therefore cycles in response to the volume of water contained within the carbonator tank 16. Typically, the cycle will occur repeatedly until either the gas or water supplies are depleted. At this time, either or both may be refilled, and the system reinitiated.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second embodiment 114 of a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system. Since the second embodiment 114 is nearly identical in structure and function as that of the first except as to the water source and the pressure levels provided to the various components, the following discussion is focused on the water source 115 and the pressure levels associated therewith.
  • the high pressure water tank of the first embodiment is replaced with a low pressure water tank 116 and a high pressure water pump system 118 that includes a pneumatic water pump 119.
  • the low pressure water tank 116 is similar in construction to the high pressure water tank and therefore has water and gas chambers 120 and 122 separated by a pliable diaphragm 124. Due to the presence of the pneumatic water pump 119, the water within the water tank 116 need not be at high pressure. Accordingly, instead of being supplied with CO 2 gas at approximately 175 psi to 225 psi, the water tank is supplied with gas at pressures at approximately 25 psi to 60 psi.
  • the water tank 116 is supplied with gas from a low pressure gas supply line 126 that branches from the syrup container line 42 described in the discussion of the first embodiment 10. Since it will not be subjected to high pressure CO 2 gas, the low pressure water tank 116 can be constructed of a mild steel as opposed to a stainless steel which tends to be substantially more expensive. Similar to the water tank of the first embodiment, pressurized water can leave the water chamber 120 of the tank 116 through a water chamber line 127. In one direction, the pressurized water supplied by the water tank 116 flows to the pneumatic water pump 119 to fill the pump with water. In a second direction, the water flows through flat water line 74 to the cold plate 48.
  • the high pressure gas supply line 50 supplies gas at approximately 175 psi to 225 psi to a pneumatic water pump control valve 128.
  • the control valve 128 is connected to a pump gas supply line 130, and first and second pneumatic signal lines 132 and 134.
  • the pump gas supply line 130 connects in fluid communication to the pneumatic water pump 119 at its first end 136.
  • the pneumatic signal lines 132 and 134 connect to first and second piston sensors 140 and 142 respectively.
  • the first piston sensor 140 is mounted to the pump 119 adjacent its first end 136 and the second piston sensor 142 is mounted to the pump adjacent its second end 138.
  • Each of the piston sensors 140 and 142 is connected to a sensor gas supply line 144 which is in fluid communication with the low pressure gas supply line 126.
  • the pneumatic water pump 119 comprises a piston cylinder 145 and a rodless piston 146.
  • the rodless piston 146 comprises a central magnet 148 that is positioned intermediate two piston end walls 150 and 152. Located between the magnet 148 and each of the end walls 150 and 152 are seals 154 and 156. Typically, these seals comprise an inner resilient O-ring 158 and an outer lip seal 160. Configured in this manner, the seals 154 and 156 prevent fluids from passing between the piston 146 and the piston cylinder 145, but permit sliding of the piston 146 along the cylinder 145.
  • the first piston sensor 140 senses the proximity of the piston due to its magnetic attraction to the piston.
  • the sensor 140 is activated and sends a pneumatic pressure signal to the control valve 128, causing the control valve to open.
  • the control valve 128 While the control valve 128 is in the open position, high pressure gas flows through the control valve, along the pump gas supply line 130, and into the gas side of the pump 119. The high pressure gas ejects the water contained in the water side of the pump 119, eventually pressurizing the water to approximately 175 psi to 225 psi.
  • the pressurized water flows to the carbonator tank 16 in similar manner as in the first embodiment 10.
  • the second piston sensor 142 activates in similar manner to the first piston sensor 140, and sends a pneumatic pressure signal to the control valve 128 that causes the valve to cut-off the supply of gas to the pump and vent the piston cylinder 145 so that the relatively low pressure water can again fill the pump.
  • the first piston sensor 140 is again activated, and the system cycles again.
  • the system can further include a pump reset switch 162 and/or an accumulator tank 163.
  • the reset switch 162 receives high pressure water from the pump through water supply line 164.
  • the reset switch 162 also receives low pressure CO 2 gas from the syrup supply line 42 through gas supply line 166.
  • Linking the reset switch 162 and the pump control valve 128 is a pneumatic signal line 168 which connects to the second signal line 134. So described, the pump reset switch 162 ensures that there is an adequate amount of carbonated water to meet the demand.
  • the reset switch 162 sends a pneumatic pressure signal to the control valve 128, causing the valve to close and vent the gas pressure in the pump 119 so that the pump can be refilled and a full piston stroke then executed.
  • the accumulator tank 163 contains an internal diaphragm (not shown) which separates the lower chamber of the tank 163 from the upper chamber of the tank 163.
  • In the upper chamber is a volume of nitrogen gas.
  • the lower chamber fills with high pressure water supplied by the pump 119.
  • the nitrogen gas contained in the upper chamber is compressed. In this compressed state, the gas can force the water out of the accumulator tank 163 during situations in which carbonated water demand is high and the pump 119 is in the refill portion of its cycle.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative carbonator tank and filling system for use in either of the aforementioned embodiments.
  • the system comprises a conventional electrically sensed, high pressure carbonator tank 170 and an electric power source 172.
  • the power source 172 typically comprises a battery.
  • Electrically connected to the carbonator sensor (not shown) are both the power source 172 and a low voltage pneumatic interface valve 174.
  • the interface valve 174 is in fluid communication with both a source of pressurized CO 2 gas and a pneumatic water valve 176.
  • the sensors When the electric sensors within the carbonator tank 170 detect that the carbonator tank is not full, the sensors electrically signal the interface valve 174.
  • the signal received by the interface valve 174 causes it to open and send a pneumatic pressure signal to the pneumatic water valve to cause it to open so that the carbonator tank can be refilled in the manner discussed hereinabove.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a further alternative carbonator tank and filling system for use with the present beverage disposing system which comprises a conventional high pressure carbonator tank 178.
  • the carbonator tank 178 is mounted to a vertical surface with a spring loaded carbonator mounting bracket 180. Coupled to this mounting bracket 180 is a pneumatic three-way valve 182 that is in fluid communication with a high pressure CO 2 gas supply line 184 and a pneumatic signal line 186 which is in turn connected to a pneumatic water valve 188.
  • the tank 178 When the tank 178 is empty, it is supported by the carbonator mounting bracket 180 in an upright orientation. While the tank 178 is positioned in this upright orientation, the pneumatic three-way valve 182 is open, thereby sending a pneumatic pressure signal to the water valve to remain open. Once the tank 178 is nearly full, however, its weight overcomes the force of the spring within the bracket 180, causing the tank to tilt. This tilting action closes the three-way valve, which in turn closes the water valve 188 and shuts-off the supply of pressurized water to the carbonator tank 178.
EP99120677A 1999-10-19 1999-10-19 Mit Hochdruck betriebener pneumatischer Getränkespender Withdrawn EP1094027A1 (de)

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EP99120677A EP1094027A1 (de) 1999-10-19 1999-10-19 Mit Hochdruck betriebener pneumatischer Getränkespender

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EP99120677A EP1094027A1 (de) 1999-10-19 1999-10-19 Mit Hochdruck betriebener pneumatischer Getränkespender

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1095898A1 (de) * 1999-10-29 2001-05-02 S.O.B. Partnership Autonome, unter Hochdruck arbeitende pneumatische Getränke Abgabevorrichtung
US7984845B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2011-07-26 Millercoors, Llc Regulated fluid dispensing system packaging
US8038039B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2011-10-18 Millercoors, Llc Regulated fluid dispensing device and method of dispensing a carbonated beverage
US8052012B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2011-11-08 Millercoors, Llc Regulated fluid dispensing device and method of dispensing a carbonated beverage
US8191740B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2012-06-05 Millercoors, Llc Modular constructed regulated fluid dispensing device
ITMI20131638A1 (it) * 2013-10-03 2015-04-04 Vintar S N C Di Tarallo B E Taran Tini M Sistema di erogazione di una bevanda frizzante, in particolare vino
WO2016179483A3 (en) * 2015-05-06 2016-12-15 La Colombe Torrefaction, Inc. Foaming pressurized beverage
US10051874B2 (en) 2015-05-06 2018-08-21 La Colombe Torrefaction, Inc. Foaming pressurized beverage
US11020695B2 (en) 2015-05-27 2021-06-01 Flow Control LLC Cartridge pump
US11339768B2 (en) 2015-05-27 2022-05-24 Flow Control LLC Cartridge accumulator
US11472690B2 (en) 2021-02-05 2022-10-18 Cana Technology, Inc. Pneumatic system for fluid mixture dispensing device

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