IE50406B1 - Post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system suitable for use in a home refrigerator. Patent Specification. Nos. 50401 and 56468 represent Applications which have been divided from the present Application.

Hereto, attempts have been made to- provide post-mix dispenser systems for use in home refrigerators which are compact and easily incorporated into existing refrigerators and which are capable of dispensing post-mix soft drink beverages of suitable quality. However, due to various design features of these prior art systems the above objectives have never been satisfactorily achieved. Examples of such systems can be found in the following U.S. Patents: 2,785,546 to Bauerleia, issued March 19, 1957; 2,894-,377 to Shikles, Jr. et al, issued July 14, 1959 ; 2„823r833 to Bauerleia, issued February 18, 1958; 3,292,822 to Crowder et al, issued Decariber 20, 1966; 3,756,473 to Donahue, issued September 4, 1973; and 3,942,685 to Lidner, issued March 9, 1976.

U.S. Patents 2,785,546, and 2,823,833 to Bauerleia, 3,756,473 to Donahue, and 3,942,685 -to Lidner disclose post-mix beverage dispenser units designed for use in home refrigerators. These dispenser systems will selectively dispense either ice water, or a mixture of syrup concentrate -and water. There are no provisions in the systems of Bauerleia for dispensing carbonated water or carbonated'beverages. In addition, the water for the syStsns of Bauerlein is provided through a pipe which must pass through the wall of the refrigerator making -3retro-fitting of the Bauerlein system somewhat complex. One glaring disadvantage of the Bauerlein systems is that the syrup concentrate is contained in a refillable container rather than in a disposable syrup package, which creates cleaning problems and unsanitary conditions.

The dispenser system described in U.S. Patent 2,894,377 to Shikles, Jr. et al has more versatile dispensing .capabilities than the dispenser systems of Bauerlein, Donahue and Lidner described above, since it can dispense carbonated water and carbonated post-mix beverages in addition to tap water and postmix combinations of tap water and syrup. However, the Shikles, Jr. et al system still suffers from certain disadvantages. For example, the Shikles, Jr. et al system requires an external water supply which must be piped ia through the walls of a refrigerator making retro-fitting of the system more complicated than desirable. In addition, although the syrup packages of Shikles, Jr. et al are removeable, they are not as easily inserted into the system as desirable, since several connections are necessary between the syrup package of Shikles, Jr. et al and 2o otheT components of the system. Furthermore, the syrup package of Shikles, Jr. et al will not provide the necessary controlled rate of flow needed to obtain a high quality of beverage with the same proportions of carbonated water and syrup for every beverage dispensed.

S0406 - 4 U.S. Patent 3,292,822 to Crowder et al disclosed in Figures 17 and 18 a post-mix carbonated beverage dispenser system contained within the door of a home refrigerator including a manually refillable water reservoir for the carbonator and disposable syrup packages. However, the method of inserting the syrup packages into the system is somewhat cumbersome, the valving system has limited capabilities, and the syrup is not dispensed at a satisfactorily controllable rate of flow. 50-406 - 5 According to the present invention there is provided a post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system comprising: carbonator means; a source of carbon dioxide gas coupled to said carbonator means; at least one syrup package having a discharge opening; and valve means in communication with said carbonator means and the discharge opening of said syrup package, said valve means including, a mixing nozzle, a first valve between said discharge opening of the syrup container and said mixing nozzle, a second valve between said carbonator and said mixing nozzle, an actuator bar for simultaneously opening said first and second valves, and an actuator means passing through an an aperture in said actuator bar for selectively actuating only said second valve to dispense carbonated water alone.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes at least three of said mixing nozzles and three associated sockets on the top of the valving system with a membrane piercing device in each socket which will accept the neck of a disposable syrup package in a simple one-step plug-in operation. The valving system far each syrup package includes a pair of valves with elastomeric sealing members in fluid communication with the disposable syrup packages and carbonated water supplies, respectively, and a mixing chamber including a diffusing plate to spread carbonated water over the interior of the mixing nozzle. The syrup from the disposable packages is fed through a tube which projects through S-0 40® <3$ - 6 a hole in the diffusion plate to the region below said plate within the nozzle. The syrup tube in the valving system has a replaceable restriction button at its lower end which,-together with a controlled hydraulic head in the syrup package above provided by a flow rate control tube, controls the rate of the flow of the syrup. The replaceable restriction button is sized to provide a constant flow of syrup. For example, one of three buttons each with a specific orifice may be provided to control the flow of high brix syrups, low brix syrups, or diet syrups.

The valving system aay thus be actuated to obtain carbonated water only or a selected flavor of post-mix carbonated beverage An additional dispensing valve may be provided for dispensing uncarbonated ice water.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view partially in section illustrating a disposable syrup package just prior to insertion into the valve means of a beverage dispenser system of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged view in cross section illustrating the details of the closure member for the open end of the disposable package; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable package illustrating a first embodiment of a means for preventing damage to the end of the flow control tube during shipping of the package; Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the disposable package illustrating an alternate end configuration of the package for preventing damage to the flow control tube end; Figure 5 is a partial section of the flow control tube illustrating an additional preferred embodiment thereof; Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of still another embodiment of the flow control tube; Figure 7 is a bottom end view of the flow control tube of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the exterior of a carbonator means of the system; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of the carbonator water supply and reservoir system of the system; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the carbonator pump and power station of the system; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the C02 cylinder and regulator used in conjunction with the carbonator system of Figures 8-10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of one unit of the 5040S valve means; Figure 13A is an exploded view of the dispensing valve mixing nozzle of the unit of Figure 12; Figure 13B is a front view of the valve unit of Figure 12; Figure 13C is a sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 13B; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a post-mix dispenser system of the present invention mounted within a home refrigerator; and Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a flow restriction button for use in the valve unit of Figure 12.

Referring briefly to Figure 14 there is illustrated a postal x dispenser system of the present invention mounted within a conventional home refrigerator R. A carbonating system CS and C02 tank rest on any one of the refrigerator shelves. The valve means VS, syrup packages SP, and drip pan DP are mounted on ths in .side of the door RD. If desired, the valve means could be accessible from the outside of dbor RD, if built into the refrigerator at the factory.

The valve means VS has a plurality of nozzles Nl, N2, N3 which dispense selected soft drinks in response to the actuation of buttons BI, B2 and B3„ respectively. A button BC is also provided and upon actuation thereof carbonated water alone may be dispensed through nozzle N2. A separate nozzle N4 and button BK are provided for dispensing uncarbonated ice water. - 9 SYRUP PACKAGE The syrup package SP of Figure 14 contains three disposable packages of the type illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

Referring in detail to Figure 1, there is illustrated a disposable package generally indicated depicted in a position just prior to its insertion into a dispensing means generally indicated D, such as a conventional post-mix dispenser.

The disposable package 10 includes a plastic bottle or container 12 having thin sidewalls, a closed end 14 and an open end 16 defining a discharge opening of the disposable package. The open end 16 is provided with a closure member 20 including, as illustrated in Figure 2, an outer closure member 20A which snaps over the end 16 of container 12 and a rupturable membrane such as a metal foil which is secured across the inside or the end of the discharge opening defined by container end 16- A flow control tube 18 is permanently secured at a predetermined position within container 12 and has an open end 18A positioned at a predetermined distance above the discharge opening defined by open end 16 of the container, and a closed but sealed or frangible end 18B which extends through the end portion 14 of the container 12. The closed end portion 18B of tube 18 is disposed within the confines or recess 22A defined by annular skirt member 22 of plastic or other suitable material which is secured to the end of container 12, the recess may be formed as part of the container 12.

The entire package generally indicated 10 in Figure 1 is manufactured as a substantially integral unit and is shipped as said unit to a point of use as will be described more fully hereinafter. The tube 18 is permanently secured in a.fixed 5 position in end wall 14 by a suitable adhesive, sealant or other bonding means. In the alternative, tube 18 could be integrally molded or formed With the end wall 14. A still further alternative is to form the container 12 of material which shrinks after molding, form a hole in the bottom, insert tube 18 to a desired position, and allow the container 12 to shrink around tube 18 to secure it in place.

The dispenser mechanism of the present system is generally indicated D in Figure 1 and is of the type generally used for dispensing post-mix soft drink -beverages.

This dispenser comprises a socket on the upper surface thereof including an upstanding annular si-dewall Dl and an 0-ri-ng seal D2. Extending upwardly in the socket and located substantially centrally thereof is a piercing device D3. The piercing device B3 is designed to puncture the rupturable membrane ZOB sealed across the open end of container 12, as container 12 is lowered or inserted into the socket of the dispenser D. A dispenser lever D4 or other valve-actuating means is provided as is well known for cooperation with a cup into which the post-mix beverage is to be dispensed. A mixing nozzle C is provided should the liquid in the package be mixed with another liquid such as carbonated water. - 11 A preferred embodiment of a dispenser and valve means will be described hereinafter with respect to Figures 12 and 13 the illustration in Figure 1 being only an example.

Referring in detail to Figure 3, there is illustrated in cross section the annular skirt 22 of the package of Figure 1 which is suitably secured to closed end 14 of container 12 or is formed as part of the container. The annular skirt 22 defines a recess 22A into which closed end 18B of tube 18 is contained. Since end 18B of tube 18 is frangible or sealed, it is necessary to provide skirt 22, in order to prevent rupturing or damage to end 18B or other seal during shipping and storage of the disposable package 10. The recess is also necessary so that the containers stand upright during shipment, storage or display.

An alternate configuration for the tube end protection means of Figure 3 is illustrated in Figure 4 and includes, in addition tu the annular skirt 22, a recessed portion 14A in the closed end 14 of container 12 in which the tube end 18B is recessed. It can be seen in both the embodiments of Figure 3 and Figure 4, that if the disposable package 10 of the present system is drooped during shipping, it will most likely land on annular skirt 22 and the rupturing of tube end 18B will be prevented.

Applicant has found that the opened container 12, after stabilizing at a refrigerated temperature and when subsequently warmed, by opening and closing of the refrigerator door develops increased pressure in the trapped head-space due to the expansion cf the head-space air. The increased head-space pressure will - 12 drive syrup back up the tube 18 resulting in spillage through the open end 18B at the top of the tube.

To counteract this effect, a suitable check valve is provided within the container, preferably at the end of or within the flow rate control tube 18, as illustrated in Figure . One such check valve may consist of a resilient seat RS against which acts a ball FB, suitably caged at C to prevent loss, which floats in the syrup contained in the tube 18. The flotation provides the biasing pressure to effect initial seating of the ball FB on the resilient seat RS when the syrup is being driven up the tube by the increased head-space pressure resulting from warming of the container and its contents by opening and closing t-he refrigerator door. The biasing pressure increases to effect a syrup-tight seal against seat RS as head-space pressure becomes greater due to further warming, thereby stopping the rise of syrup in the tube 18 and resultant spillage.

If desired the cage C and valve seat RS can be integrally formed with tube 18. For example, seat RS and cage C may each comprise convex proturbences on the inside walls of tube 18 formed by corrugations in the tube wall as shown in Figures 6 and 7. This greatly simplifies the fabrication of the check valve.

Prior art systems mentioned hereinbefore have no provision £»0406 - 13 to prevent spillage due to the expansion of the head-space air. Although the check valve described is one type suitable for the purpose, other means will be obvious to those skilled in the art, such as reed or duck-bill types. The check valve must in no case substantially impede the downward flow of the air through tube 18 which produces a balanced hydrostatic pressure at the desired location within the container. Therefore, other check valves which depend on mechanical means for bias in the closing direction must be made in such fashion that the biasing force is very low.

Since the check valve is used only during the life of the disposable container and is discarded along with the container there is no need for sanitizing the check valve between periods of use or between container changes. Judicious selection of materials and of the dimensional relationship between the ball and the resilient seat assures that the ball is covered with syrup when it moves to the closed position urged by the syrup, thus avoiding sticking of the valve while in use due to the drying of the syrup.

In operation, the disposable package ID as illustrated in Figure 1 is inverted into the position shown with open end 16 pointing downwardly and is inserted into the socket in the dispenser D or the valve means VS of Figures 12 and 13 to be described hereinafter, whereby membrane 20B is punctured by >·-, piercing device D3. Once in this position, frangible or sealed end portion 18B of tube 18 is buoken or opened to permit the entry of air therethrough into container 12. As air flows through tube 18 into container 12 as the liquid is withdrawn, a pressure balance is created within the container and from this point on functions to control the flow of the syrup or other liquid at a constant rate from the container through the dispenser mechanism D of Figure 1 or valve means VS of Figures 12 and 13 and into receptacle or cup C. A constant rate of flow is achieved because tube 18 with air contained therein establishes an effective hydrostatic pressure head at point ISA in container 12 and thus, the flow rate of syrup from the container is substantially constant.

The disposable syrup package may be manufactured with the tube 18 at different respective positions depending on the Brix valve of the syrup to be containe therein.

In other words, if a predetermined constant flow rate is desired, it is necessary in determining the proper positioning of the open end ISA of tube 18 to take Into consideration the Brix value of the syrup to be dispensed. However, the present system offers the advantage that the positioning of tube 18 is done only by skilled and trained personnel in the manufacturing plant and not by an unskilled operator in the fidld at the point of use.

The disposable package 10 may be manufactured of any suitable materials. For example, the bottle 10 may be manufactured of thin plastic or glass, although plastic is preferred. - 15 The flow rate control tube 18 may also be manufactured of plastic or glass. The annular skirt portion 22 may be fabricated from the heavy duty high impact resistant plastic or rubber or formed as part of the container itself. The rupturable membrane 20B provided in the open end 16 of container 12 may be metal foil, plastic, or any other suitable material which will seal the end of the container without contaminating its contents. If the membrane is plastic, it may be heat sealed t-o the end of the container 12.

In the preferred embodiments of the present system the closed end 14 of the container is integral with tbe remaining portions and the closed end of the tube 18B is frangible. However, other modifications can be made. For example, the entire end wall 14 may comprise a removable cap which is separable from the container.

CARBONATOR SYSTEM The carbonator system for use in the post-mix dispenser of the present invention is illustrated in detail in Figures 8-10 and is illustrated as a component of the overall system in Figure 14.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the exterior of the carbon ator system housing and includes a water reservoir section WR and a carbonator tank section CT. The water reservoir section is provided with a removable water lid RL so that the water reservoir WR may be manually refilled, such as by a pitcher filled with tap water and so cubes or crushed ice may be placed therein. The carbonator tank section includes a removable cover CTCwhich ρ:οSQ40® - 16 vides access to the carbonator tank CT and the carbonator power section of Figure 10 to be described hereinafter. Electric ,power is, supplied to the carbonator system through an electric power cord PC, this being,the only connection with devices outside the refrigerator required by the present system. However, the power cord may be fed through a hole in the conventional refrigerator door gasket of the refrigerator making retro-fitting of the system very simple. The tubes CW and G passing through the bottom of the carbonator system housing illustrated in Figirre 8 are the carbonated water outlet and the CO^ inlet of the system, respectively.

Referring in detail to Figure 9 there is illustrated a diagrammatic view of how the water reservoir WR and the carbonator tank CT fit withrn the housing of the carbonator system -of Figure 8. As illustrated, the carbonatoT tank CT is immersed within the water of the water reservoir WR. This assists in cooling the carbonated water formed in carbonator tank CT since the water in reservoir WR is chilled by the refrigerator. In addition cubed or crushed ice may be placed in reservoir WR. Therefore, the carbonator system of the present apparatus provides for maximum chilling of the carbonated water delivered to the valving system VS in the door of the refrigerator. Many of the water lines and carbonated water tube connections are not illustrated in Figure 9 for clarity of explanation. However, the low level water reservoir probe LLP in reservoir tank WR and the carbonator tank liquid level probe TP are illustrated. The details of operation of these probes LLP and TP will be described further hereinafter. 0 4.0 6 - 17 Briefly, as illustrated in figure 9, the bottom of probe LLP is positioned at a predetermined low water level above the bottom of water reservoir WR. Probe LLP comprises an electrically conductive member or electrode which completes an electrical circuit through the water in tank WR to ground through a connection grounding the walls of tank CT as long as water in tank WR is at least at the level of the bottom of probe LLP. When the water in tank WR falls below the level of the bottom end of probe LLP an electrical signal is generated which indicates that the water in the reservoir WR has fallen below a satisfactory level. An indicator light may be provided to advise one to refill the water reservoir when the wateT reaches this unsatisfactory level. When this occurs, power to the motor pump arrangement of Figure 10 to be described hereinafter can not be supplied, ih thus shutting down the operation of the carbonator until the supply of water in reservoir WR is replenished. Probe TP in tank CT is also electrically conductive with its bottom end positioned at a predetermined level above the bottom of tank CT. Thus, as in the case of probe LLP, when the liquid level falls below the level of the bottom end of probe TP, an open circuit results between the probe and a grounded connection of tank CT turning on the pump to be described hereinafter. When water again reaches the bottom of probe TP a signal is generated which turns the pump off.

Figure 9 also illustrates other elements to be described in connection with Figure 10 including the provision of a power switch PS on the front end of tlie carbonator system housing so that the system can be manual))’ shut on and off when desired. so 406 - 18 Referring in detail to Figure 10 there is illustrated an end view of the carbonator end of the housing of Figure 8 with the carbonator tank cover CTC removed. As illustrated, the carbonator tank CT is provided with a manifold head or lid CL through which various connections to the CO2 gas, carbonated water outlet and carbonator tank water supply are connected. See for example, the tubes WC, G and WO for transmission of carbonated water, CO2 gas and water from reservoir WR, respectively. A duck-bill check valve CCV is provided in the tube G for regulating the flow of C02 gas to the carbonator tank CT. A flow control valve FCV is provided in the carbonated water outlet line NC at the fitting between line WC and the carbonator tank top CL. Valve FCV may comprise flow restricting buttons with bores of selected sizes for different flow rates. Another duck-bill check valve WCV is provided in water line WO between a motor and pumping system M-P to·be described hereinafter. A relief valve RV is provided in the top of carbonator tank CL to limit the pressure in the carbonator tank to a predetermined maximum safe level. A low water level probe LLP is provided in water reservoir WR as described hereinbefore and a water level carbonator tank probe TP is provided in the carbonator tank CT. Both of these liquid level probes are electrically connected to a solid state level control module SLC by suitable wires. The motor and punping system M-P has a water line WI in communication with water reservoir WR for pumping water out of tank WR into the carbonator tank CT on demand as determined by water level probes LLP and TP, respectively. Carbonator tank probe TP is of a similar nature to the water level probe LLP in - 19 reservoir WR. The bottom end of probe TP is positioned at a predetermined level above the bottom of carbonator tank CT, (see Figure 9) and when the water in tank CT falls below that level an electrical circuit through probe TP, the water, and a grounded wall of tank CT is open circuited. This open circuit is sensed by solid state level control module SLC. Module .SLC then generates a signal to motor and pump M-P which causes the motor and pump to draw water out of reservoir WR through tubes WI, WO through check valve WCV and into carbonator tank CT via a hydraulic spray nozzle HSN. Thus, the water in carbonator tank CT is automatically replenished as its level falls below the bottom of probe TP. When water again reaches the bottom of probe TP a signal is generated through module SLC to turn pump M-P off.

Referring now in detail to Figures 8, 9 and 10 the operation of the carbonator system of the present apparatus will be briefly described. Water reservoir WR is initially filled by removing lid RL and a pitcher of water is poured into the reservoir. Power switch PS on the front wall of the carbonator system housing is then turned ON which enables all of the electrical water level control circuit ef the carbonator.

Once power is supplied and a proper water level is sensed by probe LLP in reservoir WR, motor and pump M-P is energized drawing water out of the reservoir WR, via tube WI, through pump M-P, tube W0, water check valve WCV, and hydraulic spray nozzle HSN to fill the carbonator tank. Simultaneously, CO^ gas is being fed through tube G into gas diffuser CD at the bottom of tank CT. When the valve means to be described hereinafter 5040® - 20 is actuated, indicating that the dispensing of carbonated water is desired, carbonated water flows up dip tube DT through carbonated water tube WC and out of the carbonated system to the valving system VS mounted on the door of the refrigerator.

Carbonated water sufficient for two six-ounce drinks is stored in the carbonator system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention ready for dispensing on demand. However, replacement of the carbonated water supply begins immediately by virtue of the water level controls heretofore described as a drink is drawn from the dispensing Valve. Therefore, 18 ounces of product can be continuously drawn from a dispensing valve before the carbonator water supply is exhausted. A like quantity of carbonated water can be dispensed after waiting for one minute .

Power is supplied to the carbonator system of Figures 8 to 10 via a conventional three wire power cord PC intended to be plugged into the duplex power receptacle usually found behind a home refrigerator. The power cord PC can be provided with pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its flat surfaces so it can be attached or secured outside and inside of the refrigerator. The power cord PC is very thin and, therefore, entry into the refrigerator nay be aocomplished through the refrigerator door gasket making retro-fitting of the system very simple.

C02 SYSTEM Referring to Figure 11 the C02 system of the present apparatus in a preferred embodiment may be a two pound aluminum cylinder GT including a preset pressure regulator. Connection to the top of cylinder GT and to the gas tube connection G of the carbonator system may be by a pair of football needle valves FN to allow for quick connecting and disconnecting when desired. In a preferred embodiment the cylinder GT.is mounted within the refrigerator, but if desired, the cylinder nay be Ιθ mounted outside the refrigerator and the gas tube passed through the refrigerator door gasket, as in the case of the electrical power cord. In a preferred embodiment the quantity of C02 contained within the cylinder GT is sufficient to carbonate 75 liters of product.

VALVE MEANS Referring in detail to Figures 12 and 13 there is illustrated one of the three units of the valve means VS of the present system previously described with respect to· Figure 14. The valve unit is provided with a cylindrical socket SK at the top thereof for receiving the neck portion 20 of the syrup I 50-408 - 22 package 10 described hereinbefore. A seal S is provided around the upper periphery of the socket SK to facilitate a tight connection with the neck 20 of the syrup package. A mechanical piercing device MPP is provided in the bottom of the socket, so that when a syrup package 20 is plugged into the socket SK piercing device MPI) punctures membrane 20B thus opening the syrup package. The main body of the valve unit of Figure 12 below the socket SK includes syrup valve SV and a carbonated water valve CV. Each of these valves includes an elastomeric or flexible valve member such as described in U.S. Patent 3,417,962 having a centrally mounted plunger SP and CP, respectively. One end of the elastometric members is normally seated against valve seat SVS and CVS, respectively, precluding the flow of either syrup or carbonated water through the respective valves. Each of these valves has a main valve body SVB for the syrup and CVB for the carbonated water, which communicate through bores 100 and 102, respectively, with a dispensing and mixing nozzle to be described hereinafter with respect to Figures 13A to 13C. The mixing nozzles Nl, N2, N3 are mounted on the bottom of the valve unit illustrated in Figure 12 in fluid communication with the valve bodies SVB and CVB via the bores 100, 102 as best illustrated in Figures 13B, 13C.

An actuation means for either both the syrup valve SV and carbonated water valve CV, or the carbonated water valve alone is provided. The actuation means includes an actuation bar AB hinged on a pin HP at one end. At the opposite end of actuation bar AK there is provided a push button such as one of push buttons - 23 Bj, B2> Bj described hereinbefore with respect to Figure 14. If it is desired to dispense a carbonated beverage, one must merely press one of the buttons Bj, B^, Bj which will cause the actuation bar ΛΒ to pivot about hinge pin IIP and press against valve plungers SP and CP, simultaneously. This will cause the elastometric members to unseat from valve seats SVS and CVS, respectively permitting the simultaneous flow of carbonated water and syrup into the mixing nozzle through bores 100, 102 to be described hereinafter. A carbonated water button BC is provided and passes through an aperture in actuation bar AB into engagement with the carbonated water valve plunger CP. Thus, if one wishes to dispense only carbonated water, button BC can be individually pressed causing carbonated water alone to flow out of the mixing nozzle of Figures 13A, 13B.

Referring to Figures 13A to 13C, there is illustrated the mixing nozzle of the present system which includes a main valve body portion MVB mounted on the underside of the valve unit of Figure 12 in communication with the syrup valve SV and carbonation water valve CV. A syrup tube ST is provided in main valve body MVB and communicates with the syrup valve SV via bore 100. Within syrup tube ST there is provided a replaceable syrup restriction button SRb with a bore 104 of a selected size. The size of bore 104 is chosen for the different Brix values of syrup to be dispensed by the particular dispensing unit. Buttons SRb illustrated in Figure 15 are press fit into the end of tube ST.

The bores 104 of replaceable syrup buttons SRB in conjunction with the flow control tube 18 and syrup packages 10 provide for §0406 - 24 an even controllable flow rate of syrup out of the dispenser nozzle. A diffuser plate is provided below the main valve body in nozzle Nl, N2, N3 and is generally indicated DP, The diffuser plate is utilized in a well known fashion to diffuse the carbonated water passing through the nozzle. An aperture in plate DP is indicated at DPA through which syrup tube ST passes so that the syrup does not pass through the diffuser plate.

Below the diffuser plate is dispenser nozzle Nl, N2, N3 wherein the syrup and carbonated water are mixed in desired proportions for dispensing the same into a cup or container held below the nozzle.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS:

1. A post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system comprising: carbonator means; a source of carbon dioxide gas coupled to said carbonator means; at least one syrup package having a discharge opening; and valve means in communication with said carbonator means and the discharge opening of said syrup package, said valve means including, a mixing nozzle, a first valve between said discharge opening of the syrup container and said mixing nozzle, a second valve between said carbonator and said mixing nozzle, an actuator bar for simultaneously opening said first and second valves, and an actuator means passing through an aperture in said actuator bar for selectively actuating only said second valve to dispense carbonated water alone.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising adjustable flow rate control means within said valve means for controlling the rate of flow of syrup.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said adjustable flow rate control means comprises: a tube of a predetermined diameter extending from said first valve to said mixing nozzle; and replaceable flow restricting buttons with different size bores disposable one at a time within said tube.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference tc the accompanying drawings. F. R. KELLY & CO. AGENTS FOR THE APPLICANTS.