GB2437511A

GB2437511A - Beverage dispensing apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2437511A
Application number: GB0608435A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Lenderyou; Robert Shettle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-28
Filing date: 2006-04-28
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-28
Also published as: GB2437511B; GB0608435D0

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprises an inlet 14 for receiving a liquid to be dispensed; a first outlet 26 for the controlled dispensing of the liquid at ambient temperature; a second outlet 84 for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a chilled state; a chiller; a third outlet 98 for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a carbonated state and a carbonator 48. A method of dispensing a beverage comprises selecting to dispense a still beverage, a still, chilled beverage, or a carbonated beverage. A carbonation system and method of operation are also disclosed.

Description

1 2437511

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a beverage, in particular a beverage that may be consumed in a still or carbonated form, at ambient temperature or chilled. The invention is specifically, but not exclusively, concerned with an apparatus for dispensing water, in particular mineral water.

The demand for beverages, both in the home and in commercial locations, has existed for some considerable time. Beverages are generally consumed in one of three conditions or states, that is still at ambient temperatures, still at temperatures below ambient, hereafter referred to as chilled', and carbonated. Still beverages are available in bottles or other containers, or may be prepared from concentrates or powders. Carbonated beverages are available in bottles, from which they may be served either at ambient temperatures or chilled. The bottled carbonated beverages may be purchased in a carbonated state. Alternatively, the beverage may be carbonated in situ in the bottle. Thus, GB 2,093,359 discloses a carbonated drinks machine for making and dispensing carbonated beverages, in which carbonated beverages are prepared by introducing carbon dioxide gas under pressure into a bottle of water.

For commercial operations such as cafes and restaurants, bars and public houses, where the demand for the aforementioned beverages is high, it becomes impractical to store and dispense beverages to customers from individual containers, such as bottles or cartons. It is also impractical to carbonate beverages in individual bottles or other containers. Accordingly, many systems for dispensing beverages have been proposed. These systems typically prepare a beverage of the desired : ** 25 flavour from water and a suitable concentrate or syrup'. S...

* * *, A water purification and beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed in WO S...

93/10035. The apparatus may be used to dispense hot water, chilled water, * carbonated water or mixed carbonated beverages. A carbonated beverage dispensing * system is disclosed in GB 2,287,932, comprising a carbonator to introduce carbon dioxide into water to provide a carbonated water reservoir, from which a beverage * may be prepared using the appropriate syrup, upon demand. * * I S...

An improved system for dispensing beverages is disclosed in WO 00/07707, in which an in-line carbonator is used to carbonate water upon demand. The carbonated water is mixed with a product, such as a syrup at the dispensing valve, in order to provide the beverage of the desired flavour. This system avoids the need for a reservoir of carbonated water to be provided and maintained. An alternative dispensing system is disclosed in GB 2,404,184, in which a sophisticated identification system is employed to ensure that the correct beverage is dispensed.

An in-line carbonator and cooler are employed in a dispensing system disclosed in GB 2,404,371, which provides the option of dispensing a chilled beverage in a carbonated or still condition.

Finally, a cold carbonation system for dispensing a beverage with an in-built ice dispenser is disclosed in US 2006/002 1372.

As already noted, the demand for dispensed beverages of various flavours is considerable and has been in existence for a considerable period of time. More recently, there has been a growing consumption of water, in particular mineral water.

As with other beverages, mineral water is available in bottles from commercial and retail outlets and is purchased in such forms in large volumes. There is also a demand for water, in particular mineral water in commercial locations, such as restaurants, clubs, and bars. Currently, the majority of mineral water is dispensed from bottles in such establishments, despite the attendant disadvantages, in particular the need to store large numbers of bottles. There has yet to be a significant use of dispensing systems in commercial establishments to meet the demands for mineral water.

US 3,785,492 discloses a system for the automatic preparation and : **, 25 dispensing of mineral water. However, the system uses water from a domestic or I...

* *** commercial supply and treats it, in particular by the addition of certain minerals, to S...

prepare an imitation mineral water.

* : :* There is a need for a compact system for dispensing mineral water to meet * the high demands of a commercial establishment, such as a restaurant. In particular, : :::: 30 as consumers often prefer to drink mineral water at ambient temperatures, there is a need for a system that can optionally dispense mineral water at ambient temperatures or chilled and that can provide either still or carbonated water, upon demand.

According to the present invention, there is provided in a first aspect, an apparatus for dispensing a beverage, the apparatus comprising: an inlet for receiving a liquid to be dispensed; a first outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid at ambient temperature; first means for conveying liquid from the inlet to the first outlet; a second outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a chilled state; a chiller having an inlet and an outlet; second means for conveying liquid to the inlet of the chiller; third means for conveying liquid from the outlet of the chiller to the second outlet; a third outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a carbonated state; a carbonator having an inlet for liquid and an outlet for carbonated liquid; fourth means for conveying liquid to the inlet of the carbonator; and fifth means for conveying liquid from the outlet of the carbonator to the third outlet.

The apparatus is particular suited to dispensing water, in particular mineral water, although may be used to prepare and dispense other beverages.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a reservoir for containing liquid and means for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the inlet. This is particular useful in the case of mineral water, which cannot be prepared from a conventional water supply, such as is the case with many other flavoured beverages, and must be : *..* 25 supplied batchwise to the location. Any suitable form of reservoir may be *.S.

* * ** employed. However, the apparatus of the present invention is most advantageous I...

when the reservoir is in the form of a flexible bag. Such bags are known for storing * : * and distributing beverages in large volumes. In many cases, the bags are retained * and supported within a box or other container, typically of cardboard or the like, which serves to protect the bag from damage and punctures, while at the same time : : easing the handling and storage of the container. A particular advantage of using flexible bags as the reservoir is that the amount of waste produced is kept to a minimum and is significantly lower than in the case of bottles.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the operator has the choice of dispensing the beverage in either a still or carbonated condition and either chilled or at ambient temperatures. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows such a wide range of beverage options to be provided, while at the same time being a simple system to construct and maintain. In particular, the apparatus allows the minimum of pipework and avoids complex arrangements of pipes and tubes.

The first, second and third outlets may be provided with their own tap or valve, through which the appropriate beverage is dispensed. Alternatively, the first, second and third outlets may be connected to a single tap or valve, through which the beverages are dispensed. In such a case, the system comprises a means for selecting the particular beverage to be dispensed through the single tap or valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is arranged so as not to rely on a pressurised supply of liquid. This is in contrast to known systems for dispensing liquids, in particular water, which rely either on a pressurised liquid source, such as a mains water supply, or incorporate an arrangement whereby gravity is relied upon to feed liquid to the system inlet. In the present invention, it is preferred to provide a system that sucks or draws water from a reservoir. This allows the liquid to be stored in the reservoir at ambient pressures, in turn reducing the ease of packaging, transporting and storing the liquid. This is particularly advantageous when the beverage to be dispensed is water, especially mineral water, which is frequently supplied and consumed in large volumes.

: * : : :* 25 Preferably, therefore, the first conveying means comprises a booster pump * : : : :* for increasing the pressure of liquid supplied to the inlet. In order to avoid operating the system when the supply of liquid has been interrupted, for example when the : .: :* reservoir is empty, the first conveying means may comprise a means for monitoring * the presence of liquid upstream of the booster pump. The monitoring means is preferably a vacuum switch responding to a reduction in pressure in the liquid at the : : inlet of the booster pump. In operation, should the supply of liquid to the inlet of the booster pump be interrupted, this will be reflected in a loss of suction at the inlet of the pump, which may be detected by the vacuum switch, which may then in turn be used to shutdown the system or prevent further operation.

As noted above, an advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that a minimum of liquid pipework may be employed while still providing the options for the state of the beverage to be dispensed. Preferably, the second conveying means is connected to the first conveying means at the downstream side of the booster pump, whereby the second conveying means is adapted to convey pressurised liquid to the inlet of the chiller. In this way, a single supply line to and from the booster pump may be employed and the liquid only diverted to chiller from the first conveying means when there is a demand for a chilled beverage. When the demand is for a beverage at ambient conditions, the liquid may be supplied directly from the outlet of the booster pump, bypassing all other components, such as the chiller and carbonator. This in turn reduces the size of the chiller and carbonator in terms of the volume throughput of liquid to be handled.

Similarly, the fourth conveying means is preferably connected to the third conveying means, whereby the fourth conveying means is adapted to convey chilled pressurised liquid to the inlet of the carbonator. Again, this limits the length and complexity of the liquid pipework required within the apparatus.

Suitable carbonators for use in the system are known in the art and are available commercially. Preferably, the fourth conveying means comprises a carbonator pump for increasing the pressure of liquid being supplied to the inlet of the carbonator. In order to operate efficiently and provide sufficient carbonation of the liquid, the carbonator is preferably cooled. A convenient and compact . 25 arrangement is obtained when the carbonator is cooled by the chiller. In such a case, S...

both the carbonator and the chiller may be provided as a unitary unit, with both S...

components being located in a single, insulated housing. In one preferred arrangement, the chiller comprises a set of refrigerant cooling tubes and a set of * liquid cooling tubes, both the carbonator and the liquid cooling tubes being disposed * . . 30 to be cooled when in operation by the refrigerant cooling tubes. * S * S...

The carbonator operates to introduce a carbonating gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into the liquid to be dispensed. The gas is provided to the carbonator under pressure. Advantageously, the apparatus comprises a means for monitoring the pressure of gas being supplied to the said inlet of the carbonator. The means for monitoring the pressure of gas preferably comprises a pressure switch.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: selecting to dispense a still beverage, a still, chilled beverage, or a carbonated beverage; if a still beverage is selected, dispensing a still beverage from a reservoir containing the beverage at ambient temperature along a still beverage dispensing path; if a still chilled beverage is selected, diverting beverage from the still beverage dispensing path to a chiller, chilling the beverage so diverted, and dispensing the still, chilled beverage along a chilled beverage dispensing path; and if a carbonated beverage is selected, diverting beverage from the chilled beverage dispensing path to a carbonator, carbonating the beverage, and dispensing the beverage along a carbonated beverage dispensing path.

Preferably, the pressure of the still beverage is increased prior to being dispensed along the still beverage dispensing path. In such a case, the beverage diverted to the chiller is at the increased pressure.

As noted hereinbefore, for optimum operation of the carbonator, it is preferred that the pressure of the beverage diverted from the chilled beverage dispensing path is increased prior to the carbonator.

: .. 25 Further, for most efficient carbonation, the carbonator is preferably cooled.

* This is advantageously achieved by having the carbonator cooled by the chiller. S...

As hereinbefore suggested, it is preferable not to operate the carbonation * : :* system when the supply of liquid is interrupted or the pressure of the carbonation gas * : is too low. In particular, any carbonation pump present in the system may be damaged if operated without sufficient liquid supply. S...

S S

Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a system for carbonating a liquid for dispensing as a beverage, the system comprising a carbonation pump for providing liquid to be carbonated at the required pressure, the method comprising: a first monitoring step, in which the presence of liquid at the inlet side of the carbonation pump is monitored and compared with a first predetermined criterion; and a second monitoring step, in which the pressure of carbonation gas being supplied to the carbonating system is monitored and compared with a second predetermined criterion; wherein, in the event of either of the first or second monitoring steps indicating that the first or second predetermined criteria are not met, the system is shutdown.

The method of the third aspect of the present invention serves to protect the components of the system, in particular the carbonation pump, from damage as a result of the pressure of the carbonating gas being too low or the supply of liquid being interrupted.

Preferably, the first monitoring step comprises determining the pressure of liquid at the inlet side of the carbonation pump. Most suitably, the pressure is monitored by a vacuum switch, activated when the pressure remains above a predetermined value. In this arrangement, the vacuum switch registers when the suction or inlet side of the pump is not sufficiently reduced by the action of the pump, indicating that insufficient liquid is in the feed line to the pump.

In a preferred embodiment, the second monitoring step is carried out by a : .. 25 pressure switch, activated when the pressure falls below a predetermined value.

*. *.* In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for * ** S carbonating a liquid for dispensing as a beverage, the apparatus comprising: * : * a carbonation system having a liquid inlet, a pressurised gas inlet, and a * carbonated liquid outlet; S. S * S * * S *.SS

S S S...

a carbonation pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet of the carbonation pump arranged to supply liquid under pressure to the inlet of the carbonation system; a liquid detector disposed to monitor the presence of liquid in the supply to the liquid inlet of the carbonation pump; a pressurised gas detector to monitor the pressure of gas in the supply to the pressurised gas inlet of the carbonation system; and a control means connected to receive signals from the liquid detector and the pressurised gas detector, the control operating to shutdown the apparatus in the event that the signals from the liquid detector and the pressurised gas detector fall below predetermined levels.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid detector comprises a vacuum switch, preferably activated by an insufficient reduction in the liquid pressure when the apparatus is operated.

The pressurised gas detector preferably comprises a pressure switch.

As noted above, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is particularly and most advantageously suited to dispensing a beverage, in particular mineral water from a reservoir in the form of a flexible bag.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for dispensing a beverage comprising: a reservoir in the form of a flexible bag for retaining a volume of liquid to form the beverage; a means for chilling the liquid; a means for carbonating the liquid; : * . 25 means for dispensing the liquid in a still condition at ambient temperature; **** means for dispensing the liquid in chilled condition; and S...

means for dispensing the liquid in a carbonated condition.

* : .* The liquid is most preferably and advantageously water, in particular mineral * water. The particular and preferred features of the system are as hereinbefore * . * 30 described with reference to preceding aspects of the invention. 5.. * S **.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying Figure, a schematic representation of a system according to the present invention.

Referring to the Figure, there is shown an apparatus for dispensing a beverage, generally referred to as 2. The components and operation of the system will described having reference to the dispensing of a mineral water. However, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to use with mineral water and may be employed to dispense other suitable beverages.

The dispensing system 2 comprises a housing 4, within which the major components of the system are retained. It is a particular advantage of the system of the embodiment shown in the Figure and of the present invention that the components are minimal in number, allowing the system to be formed in a compact arrangement. Indeed, with the exception of the fluid reservoirs as discussed hereinafter, all components are located within the compact housing 4.

Mineral water is retained and stored in a reservoir 6. The reservoir is in the form of a flexible bag 8 filled with the mineral water. Such a technique for the storage of liquids is known in the art and is commercially applied, for example in the storage and retail distribution of wine. The bag 8 is retained within a conventional cardboard box 10, a technique which is also known and applied commercially for the storage and distribution of liquid products. Alternatively, the box 10 may be dispensed with, provided a support for the flexible bag is included in the system.

A mineral water feed pipe 12 connects the reservoir 6 to an inlet nozzle 14 mounted on the housing 4.

A first means for conveying mineral water from the inlet nozzle 14 to an : * e.* 25 outlet for the controlled dispensing of mineral water at ambient temperature will **..

now be described. S...

A mineral water feed pipe 16 extends from the inlet nozzle 14 to the inlet or * suction side of a booster pump 18. A vacuum switch 20 is disposed in the mineral * water feed pipe 16 and monitors the pressure on the inlet or suction side of the * 30 booster pump 18. The outlet or pressure side of the booster pump 18 is connected by :... : a high pressure mineral water pipe 22 to an ambient mineral water outlet nozzle 24. S...

A tap 26 of conventional design is connected to the ambient mineral water outlet nozzle 24, operation of which controls the dispensing of mineral water at ambient temperature.

The components of the system for dispensing chilled and carbonated mineral water will now be described.

A high pressure mineral water feed pipe 30 extends from the high pressure mineral water pipe 22 to the water inlet of a chiller-carbonator assembly, generally indicated as 40.

The chiller-carbonator assembly 40 comprises an insulated housing 42, within which is retained a set of refrigerant coils 44. A set of mineral water chiller coils 46 are disposed within the refrigerant coils 44, in sufficiently close proximity for heat to be exchanged and removed from water within the chiller coils 46 by refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant coils 44.

A carbonator 48 is located centrally within both the refrigerant coils 44 and 1 5 the mineral water chiller coils 46, such that the carbonator is cooled during operation. Suitable carbonator units are known in the art and available commercially.

The refrigerant coils 44 form part of a refrigeration system, generally indicated as 50 and comprising a refrigerant compressor 52, a fan assembly 54 and a heat exchanger 56 of conventional arrangement and design. Cooled refrigerant is supplied by a refrigerant feed pipe 58 from the outlet of the heat exchanger 56 to the inlet of the refrigerant coils 44 in the chiller-carbonator assembly 40. A refrigerant return pipe 60 connects the outlet of the refrigerant coils 44 with the refrigerant compressor 52. The operation of the refrigeration system 50 is conventional and : .. 25 wellknownintheart.

* * Carbon dioxide gas is retained and stored in a gas cylinder 70, connected to a...

* the gas inlet of the carbonator 48 by a carbonator gas pipe 72. A pressure switch 74 :.: . is disposed in the carbonator gas pipe 72 to monitor the pressure of carbon dioxide being supplied to the carbonator 48.

* 30 A chilled mineral water pipe 80 extends from the outlet of the mineral water * a chiller coils 46 to a chilled mineral water outlet nozzle 82. A tap 84 of conventional a..

design is connected to the chilled mineral water outlet nozzle 82, operation of which controls the dispensing of chilled mineral water.

A chilled mineral water feed pipe 86 extends from the chilled mineral water pipe 80 via a check valve 88 to the inlet or suction side of a carbonator pump 90.

The outlet of the carbonator pump 90 is connected by a high pressure mineral water feed pipe 92 to the water inlet of the carbonator 48. A carbonated mineral water pipe 94 extends from the outlet of the carbonator 48 to a carbonated mineral water outlet nozzle 96. A tap 98 of conventional design is connected to the carbonated mineral water outlet nozzle 96, operation of which controls the dispensing of carbonated mineral water.

The control system of the embodiments shown in the Figure will now be described.

The system 2 is provided with a control unit 100. The control unit is connected by cables to the vacuum switch 20, the booster pump 18, the carbonator pump 90, the pressure switch 74 and the refrigeration compressor 52. The system further comprises a set of three warning lights 102, 104 and 106, providing an indication of the status of power supply to the system, a warning of law carbonation gas pressure and a warning of low mineral water feed levels, respectively. Each of the warning lights 102, 104 and 106 is operated as appropriate by the control unit 100.

Operation of the system shown in the Figure will now be described.

To dispense mineral water at ambient temperature, the tap 26 is opened.

Mineral water leaves the reservoir 6 along the mineral water feed pipe 12 and is supplied to the booster pump 18 via the inlet nozzle 14. High pressure mineral water * . 25 leaves the outlet of the booster pump 18 and flows along the high pressure mineral **.

* water pipe 22 to the ambient mineral water outlet nozzle 24, from where it is dispensed through the tap 26.

*: * To dispense chilled mineral water, the tap 84 is opened. The action of * opening the tap 84 diverts high pressure mineral water from the high pressure mineral water pipe 22 into the high pressure mineral water feed pipe 30 and into the * : mineral water chiller coils 46 of the chiller-carbonator assembly 40. Passing through the chiller coils 46, the mineral water is cooled and passes along the chiller-carbonator assembly 40 along the chilled mineral water pipe 80 to the chilled mineral water outlet 82, from where it is dispensed through the tap 84.

To dispense carbonated mineral water, the tap 98 is opened, the action of which diverts chilled mineral water from the chilled mineral water pipe 80 into the chilled mineral water feed pipe 86. The chilled mineral water flows through the check valve 88 to the inlet of the carbonator pump 90. High pressure chilled mineral water is fed from the outlet of the carbonator pump 90 through the high pressure mineral water feed pipe 92 to the inlet of the carbonator 48. Carbonated mineral water leaves the carbonator 48 and flows along the carbonated mineral water pipe 94 to the carbonated mineral water outlet 96, from where it is dispensed through the tap 98.

The functions of the control system operated by the control unit 100 include safeguarding and protecting the pumps and carbonator from damage. A signal from vacuum switch 20 on the inlet or suction side of the booster pump 18 indicates that the reduction in liquid pressure due to the draw of the pump is insufficient. This in turn indicates that insufficient mineral water is present in the supply lines, most likely due to the reservoir 6 being empty. Upon receiving such a signal from the vacuum switch 20, the control unit 100 shuts off the booster pump 18 and the carbonator pump 90, preventing both from running dry and being damaged.

Similarly, a signal from the pressure switch 74 indicating that insufficient carbonation gas pressure is present in the supply to the carbonator results in the control unit 100 shutting off the carbonator pump 90. The control unit 100 may be arranged so that still mineral water, either at ambient temperature or chilled, may continue to be dispensed upon demand, in the event that the supply of carbonation S I. *:: :: gas is exhausted.

The reservoirs for the mineral water and the carbonation gas are shown in the Figure as being external to and remote from the housing 4 and the remaining * components of the system. In such a configuration, the system of the present * . 30 invention may be assembled in a particularly compact form. In this configuration, the system may make use of and rely upon an existing supply of carbonation gas, S.., such as may be present in a restaurant or bar for use with other beverage dispensing devices. Alternatively, one or both of the mineral water reservoir and the carbonation gas reservoir may be located within the housing 4. This configuration provides a self-contained, unitary system that may be installed in any suitable location, requiring only a source of electrical power to be fully operational.

The apparatus of the present invention may incorporate means for introducing a flavouring into the beverage to be dispensed, in particular in the case of a system dispensing mineral water. Techniques for adding flavourings to still and carbonated water are known in the art. In order to retain the advantages of the present system, in particular the compactness, convenience and ease of maintenance and use of the apparatus,one preferred manner of flavouring the beverage is to add one or more flavourings to the beverage once it has been dispensed. The preferred form of additive in this case is a capsule, which is added to the beverage. The capsules may be soluble or insoluble, depending upon the additive to be included in the drink. Such a system is particularly well suited to including essential vitamins in the dispensed beverages.

The present invention provides a significantly more hygienic system and method for dispensing beverages such as mineral water, which are typically stored and used directly from bottles. The need to handle bottles and containers is removed, thus reducing the chances that the beverage, such as mineral water, is contaminated during the dispensing and serving steps.

In addition, the present invention removes the need to store large numbers of individual bottles or containers of mineral water and the like, which is currently required for establishments that have a high demand for mineral waters. The : * : ::* 25 invention also reduces the amount of waste, in particular empty containers, that is created as a result of the consumption of mineral waters and the like. Accordingly, a...

the present invention provides a very environmentally friendly solution to the * : problem of storing, cooling, carbonating and dispensing beverages, such as mineral ii.

water. * * * * *

S

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for dispensing a beverage, the apparatus comprising: an inlet for receiving a liquid to be dispensed; a first outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid at ambient temperature; first means for conveying liquid from the inlet to the first outlet; a second outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a chilled state; a chiller having an inlet and an outlet; second means for conveying liquid to the inlet of the chiller; third means for conveying liquid from the outlet of the chiller to the second outlet; a third outlet for the controlled dispensing of the liquid in a carbonated state; a carbonator having an inlet for liquid and an outlet for carbonated liquid; fourth means for conveying liquid to the inlet of the carbonator; and fifth means for conveying liquid from the outlet of the carbonator to the third outlet.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beverage to be dispensed is water.

3. The apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a reservoir for containing liquid and means for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the inlet.

: .. 25 I...

* *** 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reservoir comprises a S...

flexible bag. * *. * S * S.. S

* . 5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first conveying : *. * 30 means comprises a booster pump for increasing the pressure of liquid supplied to the * inlet. I...

I S...

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first conveying means comprises a means for monitoring the presence of liquid upstream of the booster pump.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the monitoring means is a vacuum switch responding to a reduction in pressure in the liquid at the inlet of the booster pump.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second conveying means is connected to the first conveying means at the downstream side of the booster pump, whereby the second conveying means is adapted to convey pressurised liquid to the inlet of the chiller.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fourth conveying means is connected to the third conveying means, whereby the fourth conveying means is adapted to convey chilled pressurised liquid to the inlet of the carbonator.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fourth conveying means comprises a carbonator pump for increasing the pressure of liquid being supplied to the inlet of the carbonator.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the carbonator is cooled by the chiller.

: ** 25 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the chiller comprises a set of S...

refrigerant cooling tubes and a set of liquid cooling tubes, both the carbonator and the liquid cooling tubes being disposed to be cooled when in operation by the * : refrigerant cooling tubes.

S S.. S. S

S S S * . S... S * S...

13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carbonator comprises an inlet for a pressurised gas, the apparatus further comprising a means for monitoring the pressure of gas being supplied to the said inlet.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the means for monitoring the pressure of gas comprises a pressure switch.

15. A method of dispensing a beverage, the method comprising: selecting to dispense a still beverage, a still, chilled beverage, or a carbonated beverage; if a still beverage is selected, dispensing a still beverage from a reservoir containing the beverage at ambient temperature along a still beverage dispensing path; if a still chilled beverage is selected, diverting beverage from the still beverage dispensing path to a chiller, chilling the beverage so diverted, and dispensing the still, chilled beverage along a chilled beverage dispensing path; and if a carbonated beverage is selected, diverting beverage from the chilled beverage dispensing path to a carbonator, carbonating the beverage, and dispensing the beverage along a carbonated beverage dispensing path.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure of the still beverage is increased prior to being dispensed along the still beverage dispensing path.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the beverage diverted to the chiller is at the : ** 25 increased pressure.

18. The method of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the pressure of the beverage * : * diverted from the chilled beverage dispensing path is increased prior to the * * carbonator. ****

19. The method of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the carbonator is cooled by the chiller.

20. A method of operating a system for carbonating a liquid for dispensing as a beverage, the system comprising a carbonation pump for providing liquid to be carbonated at the required pressure, the method comprising: a first monitoring step, in which the presence of liquid at the inlet side of the carbonation pump is monitored and compared with a first predetermined criterion; and a seóond monitoring step, in which the pressure of carbonation gas being supplied to the carbonating system is monitored and compared with a second predetermined criterion; wherein, in the event of either of the first or second monitoring steps indicating that the first or second predetermined criteria are not met, the system is shutdown.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first monitoring step comprises determining the pressure of liquid at the inlet side of the carbonation pump.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure is monitored by a vacuum switch, activated when the pressure remains above a predetermined value.

23. The method of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the second monitoring step is carried out by a pressure switch, activated when the pressure falls below a : * : : 25 predetermined value. **.S S...

24. An apparatus for carbonating a liquid for dispensing as a beverage, the * : :* apparatus comprising: * * a carbonation system having a liquid inlet, a pressurised gas inlet, and a carbonated liquid outlet; ****

S

S ** S a carbonation pump having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet of the carbonation pump arranged to supply liquid under pressure to the inlet of the carbonation system; a liquid detector disposed to monitor the presence of liquid in the supply to the liquid inlet of the carbonation pump; a pressurised gas detector to monitor the pressure of gas in the supply to the pressurised gas inlet of the carbonation system; and a control means connected to receive signals from the liquid detector and the pressurised gas detector, the control operating to shutdown the apparatus in the event that the signals from the liquid detector and the pressurised gas detector fall below predetermined levels.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the liquid detector comprises a vacuum switch.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the vacuum switch is activated by an insufficient reduction in the liquid pressure when the apparatus is operated.

27. The apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the pressurised gas detector comprises a pressure switch.

28. A system for dispensing a beverage comprising an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14 and an apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 27.

: ** 25 29. A method for dispensing a beverage comprising the steps recited in any of claims 15 to 23.

* S* * 30. A system for dispensing a beverage comprising: * a reservoir in the form of a flexible bag for retaining a volume of liquid to :. * 30 form the beverage; :.*:. a means for chilling the liquid; a means for carbonating the liquid; means for dispensing the liquid in a still condition at ambient temperature; means for dispensing the liquid in chilled condition; and means for dispensing the liquid in a carbonated condition.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the liquid is a mineral water.

32. A beverage dispensing system substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to the accompanying Figure.

33. A method of dispensing a beverage substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to the accompanying Figure.

34. A beverage carbonation system substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to the accompanying Figure.

35. A method of operating a beverage carbonation system substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to the accompanying Figure. * .e * . S *5**

* S* S * S S... * a. * S *

S S.. *a.

S S... * . a...