JPH0157000B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a post-mix soft drink dispensing system suitable for use in a refrigerator.

In the past, attempts have been made to provide post-mix dispensing systems for use in domestic refrigerators that are compact and easily integrated into existing refrigerators and capable of dispensing appropriate amounts of post-mix soft drinks. 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 US patents: 2785546 to Bauerlein, March 19, 1957: Shikles, Jr. et July 14, 1959.
2894377 to al; Bauerlein dated February 18, 1958
2823833 to; Crowder et dated December 20, 1966
3292822 to al; Donahue dated September 4, 1973
3756473 to; and dated March 9, 1976.
3942685 to Lidner.

U.S. Patent No. 2785546 to Bauerlein;
2823833, U.S. Patent 3756473 to Donahue and
US Pat. No. 3,942,685 to Lidner discloses a post-mixing beverage dispensing unit device designed for use in refrigerators. These distribution systems are
Selectively dispense ice water or a mixture of syrup concentrate and water. There is no provision for dispensing carbonated water or carbonated beverages in Bauerlein's system. Moreover, the water for the Bauerlein system is supplied via a pipe, which must pass through the wall of the refrigerator, which makes the rear installation of the Bauerlein system somewhat complicated. Bauerlein system 1
One notable drawback is that syrup concentrates are placed in refillable containers rather than single-use syrup containers, thereby creating cleanliness problems and unsanitary conditions.

The dispensing system described in U.S. Patent 2894377 to Shikles, Jr. et al.
It has more flexible dispensing capabilities than Donahue and Lidner dispensing systems. This is because the dispensing system is capable of dispensing carbonated water and post-carbonated mixed beverages in addition to tap water and post-mixed combinations of tap water and syrup. However, the system of Shikles, Jr. et al still suffers from certain drawbacks. For example, the system of Sikles, Jr. et al requires an external water supply that must be run through the refrigerator wall, complicating rearward installation of the system. On top of that,
Although Shikles, Jr. et al's syrup container is removable, it requires several connections between Shikles, Jr. et al's syrup container and the other components of this system, making the syrup container easily It's not entered like that. Additionally, the Shikles, Jr. et al syrup container does not allow for the flow rate adjustment necessary to obtain a high quality beverage for all beverages dispensed using the same ratio of carbonated water and syrup.

U.S. Patent No. 3,292,822 to Crowder et al.
7 and 18 disclose a post-mix carbonated beverage dispensing system that is contained within the door of a refrigerator and includes manually refillable water and disposable syrup in a carbonator. However, the method of loading the syrup container into the system is somewhat cumbersome, the valve system is limited in capacity, and the syrup is not dispensed at a satisfactorily controlled rate.

Prior to the present invention, it was generally known to use flow control tubes in the syrup receptacles of post-mixer distributors to provide equal flow rates of syrup from container to receptacle.
An example of this type of system is disclosed in US Pat. No. 2,708,533 to Nicholas. Nicholas is a post-mixing beverage with its open or bottom end positioned precisely at a predetermined height above the discharge opening of the tank to provide a substantially constant flow rate of syrup dispensing from the tank. Flow control tube 7 in the syrup tank of the system
Discloses the broad concept of comprising 6. Nicholas' patent also shows in Figure 2 that the syrup tank of his invention can be a single-use tin can that is filled with a central distribution blunt and delivered in completely sealed conditions to the location where the distribution system is located.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 of Nicholas, the bottom of the tin can can be ruptured by a perforating element in communication with the distributor valve, and the top of the can can be opened with a stopper 74 and flow control tube 76 just prior to the dispensing operation. It is provided with a knockout 118 for insertion. The flow control tubes 76 have different Brix valves.
The flow control tube is placed in the container at a predetermined position determined by a scale 124 on the flow control tube which instructs the operator as to the proper position of the tube for different preselected flow rates for the syrup.

Although the Nicholas system works very satisfactorily for regulating flow rates once assembled, the Nicholas system has several disadvantages. For example, in the Nicholas patent, the flow control tube is a completely separate item from the syrup container that transports it from the distribution plant to the site of use.
Therefore, the flow control tube 76 in the Nicholas system requires special assembly in use and skilled adjustment of its position within the syrup container. Although it may be possible for a company operator to learn how to properly insert the flow control tube, occasional users of this system may have difficulty inserting the flow control tube in the correct location for the different brix values of the syrup to be dispensed. You will have difficulty inserting it. On top of that,
Nicholas' syrup container is knocked out part 11
Although it would be possible to refill through 8
This would result in inadequate or insufficient sanitary facilities. Furthermore, if Nicholas' syrup container were to rise above a predetermined temperature, the syrup would rise up tube 76 and spill out through the top thereof.

Other examples of the use of flow control or vent pipes in syrup containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,258,166 to Kuckens, issued June 28, 1966;
No. 3,991,219 to Kutsukens, issued November 19, 1976. Each of these patents discloses an inverted vessel having a flow control vent tube formed therein. However, the vent pipe in each of these patents is completely open to the atmosphere, ie, no means are provided to prevent the flow of liquid up the vent pipe. Therefore,
At high temperatures, the head-space of the gas above the liquid in the container will create a back pressure that causes the liquid to rise into the vent tube, causing spillage.

Another U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,607 to Kutskens, issued April 30, 1974, discloses a syrup container 1 having a vent tube 11 in the syrup container 1 and a gas responsive check valve 12 in the top of the vent tube 11. are doing. Kutsuken's check valve 12
are provided to prevent the flow of syrup from rising into the tube 11 when the container 1 is refilled. This is in contrast to preventing a rise in flow into the tube in response to the vessel 1 being heated to a high temperature. We have found that the location of Kutsuken's valve 12 at the top of tube 11 is unsatisfactory if an increase in fluid flow into tube 11 is caused by elevated vessel temperature. In such a case, valve 1
Fluid may flow substantially all the way to valve 12 at the top of vent pipe 11 before valve 2 closes. This will result in syrup building up on the inside walls of tube 11, causing obstruction and/or contamination. Moreover, as mentioned above, Kutsuken's valve 12 is not disclosed as being provided to prevent flow up tube 11 in response to elevated vessel temperature. In short, Kutsuken's syrup dispensing devices are not designed for use in refrigerators where the opening and closing of the refrigerator door increases the temperature of the syrup container and, in response to these temperatures, the vent pipe tends to cause the syrup to rise. .

Check valves are also conventionally used in vent pipes of containers for dispensing products other than syrup. However, these check valves were used to prevent liquid from spilling when the container was inverted into an upright, non-dispensing position. The designers of these prior art devices
There was no concern or awareness of the problem of liquid spillage due to elevated vessel temperatures and the resulting upward flow of liquid into the vent pipe. Examples of such prior art containers include:
U.S. Patent No. 600,327 to Winters, issued March 8, 1898, 5/1942
U.S. Patent No. 2,283,652 to Schwarzkopf, issued on May 19,
U.S. Patent No. 2,336,313 to Swan issued December 7, 1943 and U.S. Patent No. 2336313 to Poitras issued February 11, 1958.
No. 2822962.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a post-mix beverage dispensing system that operates satisfactorily when contained within a refrigerator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a post-mix beverage dispensing system that can be easily retrofitted into existing refrigerators.

Another object of the invention is to provide a post-mix beverage dispensing system for use in domestic refrigerators without the need for water lines passing through the refrigerator.

Another object of the present invention is to use the syrup filled in a disposable container to prepare a drink in which syrup and carbonated water are freely combined, e.g., only carbonated water or a mixed drink of syrup and carbonated water. The purpose is to provide a distribution system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a post-mixed beverage dispensing system having a simple structure and capable of dispensing carbonated beverages with one touch.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below.

According to the invention, the above objects and advantages of the invention include: a sealed syrup container 10 having a frangible opening 20 through which syrup can flow when broken; Valve system communicating with the container
a gravity flow post-mixing beverage dispensing system comprising a VS and a water source, the valve system comprising: a substantially flat top wall 31, a substantially flat side wall 32,3;
2' and a bottom wall 33, and a pair of parallel bores CVB disposed between the top wall and the bottom wall.
Valve body VB with SVB, where the inner bore CVB and
One end of each SVB extends through the same side wall 32 and each bore has a respective valve seat CVS, SVS separating each bore into an inlet chamber 34 and an outlet chamber 35. valve elements CV, SV extending into each of the bores through the same side wall portion 32, where one end of the valve elements CV and SV defines a fluid path between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; provided to drive the valve seat for opening and closing, and the other end of the valve element extending through the same side wall portion 32 to the actuating means AB, BC described below: a socket SK extending from the top wall of the valve body for accommodating a portion of the syrup container containing the syrup container, wherein the socket communicates with the inlet chamber of one bore SVB; the other bore; a water supply communicating with the inlet chamber of the CVB; perforation means MPD provided in the socket for rupturing the frangible opening in the syrup container when the syrup container engages the socket; a mixture of water and syrup; a mixing nozzle N1, N2, N3 for dispensing liquid, the mixing nozzle extending from the bottom wall 33 of the valve body in communication with the outlet chamber of the bore; and for dispensing syrup from the outlet chamber to the mixing nozzle. and actuating means AB for engaging the actuating end of the valve element passing through the same side wall portion 33 for flushing water;
BC.

The above post-mixed beverage dispensing system of the present invention combines a carbonation gas saturator with a refillable water reservoir, a CO ₂ supply system coupled to the saturator, and a valve system to facilitate selection of multiple beverages or combinations thereof. be used to advantage. The system is designed such that each portion of the components that make up the system can be completely contained within the refrigerator.

The carbonation system includes a stainless steel carbonation tank and a water reservoir for storing the water feed to be carbonated. Water from the reservoir is supplied from the reservoir to the carbonation tank by a small motor and pump via pipes or conduits. The carbonation tank, in a preferred embodiment, has sufficient capacity to store enough carbonated water for two 6 ounce drinks prepared for dispensing on demand. Displacement of the carbonated water supply in the carbonation tank begins immediately when the drink is withdrawn from the distribution valve via the pump and the conduit connecting the reservoir to the carbonation tank. Because carbonated water displacement begins immediately, 18 ounces of product can be continuously withdrawn from the dispensing valve before the carbonated water supply is consumed. A similar amount can be withdrawn again from the dispensing valve after waiting one minute for renewal of the carbonated water supply. Additionally, the carbonation system includes a water level controller within the carbonation tank that cycles the motor and pump on and off as water is withdrawn from the distribution valve. An additional safety aspect of carbonation is that the pump becomes inactive when the water supply in the reservoir becomes too low. The reason for this is that the pump does not start automatically when pressure is present in the tank. When started, the carbonation device must introduce CO ₂ after pumping water into the tank. This is desirable to purge air from the carbonation tank.

Another important feature of the carbonation system is that the carbonation tank is submerged in the water tank. The carbonation tank and its contents are thus cooled to provide the coldest beverage possible. To renew the water in the water tank,
This is accomplished by filling the jug with water through the water spout, removing the lid from the top of the reservoir, and refilling the reservoir by hand. This is a particularly important feature, as there is no need for water pipes to pass through the walls of the refrigerator, which makes the rear installation of the distribution system of the invention relatively simple. However, if necessary, the water supply to the water tank can take place via a pipe through the wall of the refrigerator and a suitable regulating valve.

Carbon dioxide is sent to the carbon dioxide gas saturation tank, as ordinary CO ₂
From the cylinder, it is routed through a pressure regulator and a duck-bill check valve to the top lid of the carbonation tank. The carbon dioxide then passes through tubes to the bottom of the tank where it is dispersed into the water by diffusion devices well known in the art.

The valve system, in a preferred embodiment, includes at least three dispensing nozzles and three associated sockets in the upper portion of the valve system, and the membrane penetrating device in each socket provides a simple one-step method for opening a single-use syrup container. Accept by insert operation.
The valve system for each syrup container is
A mixing chamber includes a pair of resilient sealing member valves in fluid communication with the disposable syrup container and the carbonated water supply, and a diffusion plate for spreading the carbonated water across the interior of the removable nozzle. Syrup from the single-use container is fed through a tube that projects through holes in the diffuser plate and into the nozzle below the plate. The syrup tube of the valve system has a replaceable restriction button at its lower end which, in conjunction with a hydraulic head regulated into the syrup container provided by the flow rate regulating tube, regulates the flow rate of the syrup. The replaceable restriction button is sized to provide a constant flow of syrup. For example, one of the three buttons with each particular orifice may have a high brix syrup,
It may be provided to regulate the flow of low brix syrup or food syrup. The valve system can be activated to obtain carbonated water alone or a mixed beverage after the flavor of choice. Additional distribution valves may be provided to distribute non-carbonated ice water.

The single-use syrup container includes a tube, as a substantially integral part of the container, through one end of the container that is precisely positioned within the container to establish a controlled flow rate of syrup during dispensing. It consists of a single-use plastic bottle with relatively thin side walls. This tube initially has one end extending through the bottom or closed end of the plastic bottle and is open and produces an effective hydrostatic head at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the bottle. It has an opposing end disposed a predetermined distance from the discharge end. The closed end of the tube is recessed within the end of the bottle from which it extends to protect it from damage during shipping.

In operation using a conventional post-mix syrup dispenser, the plastic bottle or container is inverted;
Insert into the valve seat of the distributor against the sharp penetrating device. The penetrating device ruptures a membrane extending across the open end of the bottle forming the dispensing outlet.
The closed end of the flow control tube is then broken open to allow air to flow into the tube. A pressure balance is then created within the bottle as the liquid is withdrawn and replaced with air, and from this point the tubing in the bottle maintains a substantially constant flow rate of the syrup as it dispenses the contents of the bottle. It works to adjust.

In a preferred embodiment, the flow control tube includes a check valve adjacent the open end of the tube to prevent syrup from rising up the tube if a predetermined vessel temperature level is exceeded. At temperatures below this level, the check valve does not block air flow down the tube.

Referring to FIG. 14, the post-mix dispensing system of the present invention is illustrated installed in a refrigerator R in commercially available form. A carbon dioxide saturated system CS and a CO ₂ bath are present on one shelf of the refrigerator. Valve system VS, syrup container SP and drip van DP are door
It is attached inside the RD. If desired, the valve system can be accessible from the outside of the door RD when installed in the refrigerator at the factory.

Valve system VS has multiple nozzles N1, N2,
N3, which are buttons B1 and B2 respectively.
and dispensing the selected soft drink in response to actuation of B3. Also, a button BC can be provided so that when activated, only carbonated water can be dispensed from the nozzle N2. Another nozzle N ₄
and a button BW can be provided for dispensing non-carbonated ice water.

Syrup Container The syrup container SP of FIG. 14 contains three single-use containers of the type shown in FIGS. 1-7.

Referring in detail to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a single-use container, generally designated 10, depicted in a position immediately prior to insertion into a dispensing means, such as a postmix dispenser, generally designated D.

The single-use container 10 includes a plastic bottle or container 12 with thin side walls, a closed end 14, and an open end 16 defining a dispensing opening for the disposable container. The open end 16 is connected to an outer closure member 20A that engages the end 16 of the container 12 and the container end 16, as illustrated in FIG.
A closure member 20 is provided which includes a tearable membrane, such as a metal foil, secured across the interior or distal end of the discharge opening defined by. Flow control tube 18 is permanently fixed at a predetermined location within container 12 and positioned a predetermined distance above the removal opening defined by open end 16 of the container. It has an open end 18A and a closed but sealed or frangible end 18B extending through the end portion 14 of the container 12. Closed end portion 18B of tube 18 connects container 12
It is located within a confinement or recess 22A defined by an annular skirt member 22 of plastic or other suitable material secured to the distal end of the recess. This inner part may be formed as a part of the container 12.

The entire container, designated generally as 10 in FIG. 1, is manufactured as a substantially integral unit and is transported as such to the site of use. This will be explained in more detail later. Tube 18 is permanently secured in place within end wall 14 by a suitable adhesive, sealant, or other bonding means. Alternatively, tube 18
could be molded or formed integrally with the end wall 14. Yet another method is to form a container 12 of material that shrinks after molding, punch a hole in the bottom, insert tube 18 at the desired location, and shrink container 12 around tube 18 to hold it in place. is to fix it.

The dispenser mechanism suitable for use in the present invention is generally designated D in FIG. 1 and is the same as that used to dispense post-mixed soft drink beverages. The distributor generally includes a socket on its upper surface that includes an upright annular sidewall D1 and an O-ring seal D2. Penetration device D3
extends upwardly into the socket and is substantially centrally located therein. When lowering or inserting the container 12 into the socket of the dispenser D, the penetrating device D3
is designed to pierce the sealed breakable membrane 20B across the open end of the container 12. A dispenser lever D4 or other valve actuating means is provided in a known manner for cooperating with the cup for dispensing the post-mixed beverage. When mixing the liquid in the container with another liquid such as carbonated water, a mixing nozzle C is provided.

Preferred embodiments of the distributor and valve system are described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. What is shown in FIG. 1 is only an example.

3, which illustrates in cross-section the annular skirt 22 of the container of FIG. 1, suitably secured to or formed as part of the closed end 14 of the container 12. . The annular skirt 22 defines a recess 22A in which the closed end 18B of the tube 18 is contained. Because the distal end 18A of the tube 18 is frangible or sealed, to prevent breaking or damaging the distal end 18B or other seals during transportation and storage of the disposable container 10. , it is necessary to provide a skirt 22. A recess is also necessary for the container to stand upright during transportation, storage, or display.

An alternative configuration for the tube end protection means of FIG. 3 is illustrated in FIG. Okumatsuta part 14 in part 14
Contains A. If the single-use container 10 were to fall during shipping, it would most likely land on the annular skirt 22 and prevent rupture of the tube end 18B. This can be seen in both the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4.

It has been found that upon subsequent warming after stabilization at refrigeration temperatures, the open container 12 causes an increase in pressure in the trapped headspace due to expansion of the air in the headspace. The increased headspace pressure causes the syrup to rise back up in the tube 18, resulting in spillage through the open end 18B of the tube.

To counteract this effect, a suitable check valve is provided within the vessel, preferably at the end of or within the flow control tube 18, as illustrated in FIG. One such check valve consists of a ball FB suspended in syrup contained in tube 18 from a resilient seat RS acting against it, suitably caged at C to prevent losses. It can be established. As the syrup rises up the tube due to bedspace pressure increasing as a result of the container and its contents warming, the buoyancy force creates a biasing pressure that initially seats the ball FB on the elastic sheet RS.
pressure). As it warms further and the headspace pressure becomes greater, the bias pressure increases to create a syrup-tight seal against the sheet RS, thereby preventing syrup from rising in tube 18 and resulting spillage. do.

If desired, cage C and valve seat RS can be integral with tube 18. For example, sheet RS and cage C can each have convex ridges on the inner wall of tube 18 formed by corrugations in the tube wall as shown in FIG. This greatly simplifies the manufacture of the check valve.

The prior art systems described above have no provision for preventing spillage due to headspace air expansion.

Although the check valve described is one type suitable for this purpose, other means, such as a reed or duck-billed type, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The check valve must not in any way substantially obstruct the downward flow of air through tube 18 to create a balanced hydrostatic pressure at the desired location within the container. Therefore, other check valves that rely on mechanical means for bias in the closing direction must be constructed such that the bias force is very low.

Since the check valve is used only during the life of the single-use container and is discarded with the container, there is no need to sanitize the check valve between uses or between container changes. Judicious selection of the material and the dimensional relationship between the ball and the elastomeric sheet ensures that the ball is covered by the syrup as it moves into the closed position driven by the syrup, thus preventing the drying of the syrup during use. Sticking of the valve due to this is avoided.

In operation, a single-use container 10, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, is placed in the inverted position shown with the open end 16 facing downward, and inserted into a socket in dispenser D or as shown in FIG. and the 13th
into the valve system VS of the figure, thereby breaking the membrane 20B with the penetrating device D3. Once in this position, the rupturable or sealed end portion 18B of tube 18 is broken or opened to allow air to enter container 12 therethrough. As the liquid is removed, air flows into the container 12 through the tube 18, creating a pressure balance within the container;
From this point on, it serves to regulate the flow of syrup or other liquid from the container through the dispensing mechanism D to the receiver or cup C at a constant rate. Since tube 18 containing air within tube 18 establishes an effective hydrostatic head at point 18A of container 12, a constant flow rate is achieved and therefore the flow rate of syrup from the container is substantially constant.

The single-use syrup container can be constructed so that the tube 18 is in different positions depending on the Brix value of the syrup contained therein.

In other words, if a constant predetermined flow rate is desired, it is necessary to take into account the Brix value of the syrup to be dispensed in determining the appropriate placement of the open end 18A of the tube 18. . However, the syrup container described above offers the advantage that the tube 18 can be placed only by skilled and trained personnel at the manufacturing plant and not by unskilled operators at the point of use.

Disposable container 10 may be made of any suitable material. For example, bottle 10 can be made of thin plastic or glass;
Plastic is preferred. Flow control tube 18 can also be made of plastic or glass. The annular skirt portion 22 may be manufactured from high impact plastic or rubber, or may be formed as part of the container itself.
The breakable member 20B provided in the open end 16 of the container 12 is metal foil, plastic, or any other suitable material that seals the end of the container without contaminating its contents. be able to. If the membrane is plastic, it can be sealed to the end of the container 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the closed end 1 of the container
4 is integral with the rest and the closed end of tube 18B can be broken. However, other modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, all end walls 14 can consist of a removable lid that can be separated from the container.

Carbonation System The carbonation system used in the post-mix distributor of the present invention is illustrated in detail in Figures 8-10 and as a component to the overall system in Figure 14.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the exterior of the housing of the carbonation system and includes a reservoir compartment WR and a carbonation tank compartment CT. Since the reservoir compartment has a removable water lid RL, the reservoir WR can be refilled manually, for example with a jug containing tap water, and therefore with cubes of ice or You can put crushed ice in it. The carbonation tank compartment includes a removable lid CTC, which allows the
You can access the carbon dioxide saturation tank CT and the carbon dioxide saturation power section shown in the figure. Power is supplied to the carbonation system via the power cord PC, which is the only connection to equipment external to the refrigerator required by the system of the present invention. However, the power cord can be fed through a hole in the refrigerator's regular door gasket, greatly simplifying rear-mounting of the system. Tubes CW and G passing through the bottom of the housing of the carbonation system shown in Figure 8.
are the carbonated water outlet and _CO2 of the system respectively
It is the entrance to

Referring in detail to FIG. 9, there is diagrammatically shown how the water reservoir WR and carbonation tank CT are arranged within the housing of the carbonation system of FIG. As illustrated, the carbon dioxide saturation tank CT is submerged in water in the water storage tank WR.
This facilitates cooling of the carbonated water formed in the carbon dioxide saturation tank CT, as the water in the water storage tank WR is cooled in the refrigerator. Additionally, cubes of ice or crushed ice can be placed in the water tank WR. Therefore, the carbonation system provides the best cooling of the carbonated water, which is sent to the valve system VS in the refrigerator door. Many of the water line and carbonated water pipe connections are not shown for clarity of illustration. However, the tank probe LLP for the low water level in the water tank WR and the liquid level probe TP for the carbon dioxide tank are shown. For more information on the operation of these probe LLPs and TPs,
This will be further explained below.

Briefly, as shown in Figure 9, the lower part of the probe LLP is located at a predetermined low water level above the bottom of the reservoir WR. probe
LLP consists of the conductive member of the electrode, which is the tank WR
As long as the water inside is at least at the level of the bottom of the probe LLP, an electrical circuit is completed through the water in the tank WR to the ground via the connection that grounds the wall of the tank CT. When the water in the tank WR falls below the level of the lower end of the probe LLP, an electrical signal is generated indicating that the water in the tank WR has fallen below a satisfactory level. An indicator light can be arranged to suggest refilling the reservoir when the water reaches this unsatisfactory level. When this occurs, power can be removed from the motor pump arrangement of FIG. 10, described below, thus stopping the operation of the carbonator until water supply in the tank WR is re-established. Also, the tank
The probe TP in the CT is conductive and its lower end is located at a predetermined level below the bottom of the bath CP.
Thus, when the liquid level falls below the level of the lower end of probe TP, as is the case with probe LLP, the circuit between the probe and the grounded connection of bath CP is opened and the pump is activated, as explained below. Start.
When the water reaches the bottom of the probe TP, a signal is generated and this signal stops the pump.

FIG. 9 also illustrates other elements described in connection with FIG. 10. Other elements include a power switch PS at the front end of the carbonation system so that the system can be opened and closed by hand as needed.

Referring specifically to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an end face of the carbonator end of the housing of FIG. 8 with the cap CTC of the carbonator tank removed. As illustrated, the carbon dioxide saturation tank CT has a manifold head or lid CL through which CO ₂
Various connections to gas, carbonated water outlet and carbonated tank water supply are connected. for example,
See pipes WC, G and WO for the transport of carbonated water, CO ₂ gas and water from tank WR respectively. The DCV check valve is used to adjust the flow of CO2 gas to the carbon _dioxide saturation tank CT.
It is provided in the pipe G. Flow control valveFCV
is installed in the carbonated water outlet line WC between the line WC and the upper part CL of the carbon dioxide saturation tank. The valve FCV consists of a flow restriction button with holes of selected sizes for different flow rates. Another duck-billed check valve WCV is provided in the water line W between the motor and pump system MP described below. Relief valve
RT is provided above the carbon dioxide saturation tank CL in order to limit the pressure in the carbon dioxide saturation tank to a predetermined maximum safety level. The low water surface probe LLP is installed in the reservoir WR as described above, and the water surface carbonation tank probe TP
is installed inside the carbon dioxide gas saturation tank CT. Both level probes are electrically connected to the solid state level control module SLC by suitable wires. Motor and pump system
-P has a water line WT, which communicates with the water reservoir WR and connects the water surface probes LLP and TP, respectively.
Tank water on request as determined by
It is sent from the WR to the carbon dioxide saturation tank CT.
The carbon dioxide gas saturation tank probe TP measures the water surface in the tank WR.
Similar in nature to LLP. The lower end of the probe TP is located at a predetermined level above the bottom of the carbon dioxide tank CT (see Figure 9), and when the water in the tank CT falls below that level, the probe TP ,water,
And the circuit through the ground wall of the tank CT is opened. This open circuit is sensed by the solid state level control module SLC. Then the module
The SLC generates a signal to the motor and pump MP, which directs water from the inside of the tank WR to the outside through the pipes WI, WO and the valve WCV.
Hydraulic spray nozzle HSN into carbon dioxide saturation tank CT
Extract it after passing through. In this way, the carbon dioxide gas saturation tank
The water in the CT is automatically updated when its liquid level becomes lower than the lower end of the probe TP. When the water reaches the lower end of probe TP again, a signal is generated via module SLC to stop pump MP.

The operation of the carbon dioxide gas saturation system will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. First fill the water tank WR by removing the lid RL, and then pour the water from the jug into the water tank. Turn on the power switch PS on the front wall of the carbonation system housing. This makes all of the carbon dioxide gas saturator's electrical water level adjustment circuits effective. Once power is applied, the proper water level is sensed by the probe LLP in the tank WR, and the motor and pump MP are energized to move water from the tank WR to the outside through the tube WI. Pump MP, pipe WO, water check valve WCV, and hydraulic spray nozzle
Fill the carbon dioxide saturation tank through HSN. At the same time, CO ₂ gas is fed through pipe G into the gas diffuser CD at the bottom of the tank CT. When the valve system described below is actuated to indicate that dispensing of carbonated water is desired, the carbonated water rises up the dip tube DT and
The carbonated water pipe goes from inside the carbonation system to the outside through the WC to a valve system mounted on the refrigerator door.

Enough carbonated water for two 6 ounce drinks is stored in a carbonation system in a preferred embodiment of the invention ready for dispensing on demand. However, replacement of the carbonated water supply begins immediately when the drink is withdrawn from the dispensing valve, with water level adjustment as described above. Therefore,
1.8 ounces of product can be continuously withdrawn from the distribution valve before the carbonator's water supply is exhausted. A similar amount of carbonated water can be dispensed after waiting one minute.

Power is supplied to the carbonation system of Figures 8-10 via a conventional three wire power cord PC for insertion into a duplex socket. The power cord PC can have a pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its flat surfaces to allow it to be attached or fixed to the outside and inside of the refrigerator. The power cord PC is very thin and therefore entry into the refrigerator can be made through the refrigerator door gasket, making the rear installation of the system of the invention very simple.

CO ₂ System Referring to FIG. 11, the CO ₂ system in a preferred embodiment includes two pressure regulators.
Can be a pound aluminum cylinder GT. Connection to the upper part of the cylinder GT and to the gas line connection G of the carbonation system is made by a pair of "football needle" valves FN, allowing quick connection and disconnection as required. In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder GT is installed within a refrigerator. as needed,
The cylinder can be attached to the outside of the refrigerator and, as in the case of the power cord, the gas pipe can be threaded through the gasket in the refrigerator door. In a preferred embodiment, contained within the cylinder GT
The amount of _CO2 is sufficient to carbonate 75 products.

Valve system Figure 12, Figure 12A, Figure 12B and Figure 1
Referring to FIG. 3, one of the three units of the valve system VS described above with respect to FIG. 14 is illustrated. The valve unit is a cylindrical socket SK that receives the neck portion 20 of the syrup container 10 described above.
on its top. The seal S is provided around the top of the socket and is attached to the neck 20 of the syrup container.
promote close contact with A mechanical penetration device, the drilling means MPD, is provided at the bottom of the socket.
When the syrup container 20 is thereby inserted into the socket SK, the penetrating device MPD breaks the membrane 20B and thus opens the syrup container. socket
The main body of the valve unit in Figure 12 below SK is:
Valve elements: syrup valve SV and carbonated water valve
Contains CV. Each of these valves includes a resilient or flexible valve member, as described in US Pat. No. 3,417,962, each having a centrally mounted plunger SP and CP. One end of the resilient member normally seats against the valve seats SVS and CVS, respectively, to prevent the flow of syrup or carbonated water through the respective valves. Each of these valves has a main valve body for syrup, a bore SVB, and a main valve body for carbonated water, a bore CVB, which are passed through holes 100 and 102, respectively, as described below with respect to FIGS. 13A-13C. Communication with dispensing and mixing nozzles. The valve seat SVS separates the inner hole SVB from an inlet chamber through which syrup flows in and an outlet chamber through which the syrup flows out.Similarly, the valve seat CVS separates the inner hole CVB into an inlet chamber through which carbonated water flows in and an inlet chamber through which carbonated water flows out. Separated into exit chamber. Mixing nozzle N1, N2,
N3 is located at the bottom of the valve unit illustrated in Figure 12.
As best illustrated in Figures 13B and 13C, the valve body SVB and
Installed in contact with CVB.

Both syrup valve SV and carbonated water valve
A means of operating the CV or carbonated water valve alone is provided. The actuating means includes an actuating rod AB numbered T to a pin HP at one end. At the opposite end of the actuating rod AB there is a push button, such as one of the push buttons B1, B2, B3 described above with respect to FIG. When you want to dispense a carbonated beverage, you simply have to press one of the buttons B1, B2, B3, which causes the actuating rod AB to pivot around the hinge pin HP and simultaneously activate the valve plungers SP and CP. Press. This causes the elastic members to separate from the valve seats SVS and CVS, respectively, allowing carbonated water and syrup to flow simultaneously into the mixing nozzle through holes 100 and 102, which will be described below. A carbonated water button BC is provided which passes through an opening in the actuating rod AB to engage the carbonated water valve plunger CP. In this way, when you want to dispense only carbonated water, the button
Press BC individually and add carbonated water alone, No. 13A,
Flow from inside to outside of the mixing nozzle shown in Figure 13B.

Referring to Figures 13A-13C, a mixing nozzle is illustrated which is mounted on the underside of the valve unit of Figure 12 and is the main valve body portion that communicates with the syrup valve SV and the carbonated water valve CV.
Including MVB. Syrup pipe ST is the main valve body
It is located in the MVB and communicates with the syrup valve SV via a hole 100. Syrup tube ST
Therein is a replaceable syrup restriction button SRV with a hole 104 of selected size. The size of the hole 104 is selected for different Brix values of the syrup to be dispensed by the specific dispensing unit button SRV shown in FIG.
The button SRV is press-fit into the end of the tube ST.
The hole 104 of the replaceable syrup button SRB is
The flow control tube 18 and the syrup container 10 together provide a uniformly adjustable flow rate of syrup from into and out of the dispensing nozzle. The diffuser plate is located below the main valve body in nozzles N1, N2, N3 and is generally designated DP. A diffuser plate is used to diffuse the carbonated water passing through the nozzle in a well known manner. plate
The opening in the DP is indicated by DPA, through which the syrup tube ST passes, so that the syrup does not pass through the diffusion plate. The carbonated water flows out from the gap between the opening DPA and the syrup tube ST along the outer wall of the syrup tube ST. Below the spreader plate there are distribution nozzles N1, N2, N3 which mix the syrup and carbonated water in the desired proportions and dispense it into the cups or containers held below the nozzles.

Although the system has been described, many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a disposable container just before insertion into a valve seat of a beverage dispensing machine system;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section. Figure 2 shows
Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating details of a closure member for the open end of a single-use container. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a single-use container illustrating a first embodiment of a means for preventing damage to the distal end of a flow control tube during transportation of the container. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a disposable container illustrating an alternative end configuration of the container to prevent damage to the flow control tube end.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another preferred embodiment of the flow control tube. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating yet another embodiment of the flow control tube. 7 is a bottom view of the distal end of the flow control tube of FIG. 6; FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the exterior of the carbonator system. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carbonator water supply and container system. 1st
FIG. 0 is a perspective view of the pump and power station of the carbonator. Figure 11 shows numbers 8 to 1.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a CO ₂ cylinder and regulator of the present invention for use in conjunction with the carbonator system of FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one unit of the valve system. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a valve body in the valve system of FIG. 12. 12th
Figure B is a cross-sectional view of the valve system of Figure 12. FIG. 13A is an exploded view of the distribution valve mixing nozzle of the unit of FIG. 12; Figure 3B shows the 12th
FIG. 3 is a front view of the valve unit shown in the figure. 13th C
The figure is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 13B. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the post-mixer dispenser system of the present invention installed in a refrigerator commonly found in commercial food service establishments in many foreign countries. FIG. 15 is a side view of a flow restriction button for use with the valve unit of FIG. 12. 10... disposable container, syrup container, 12... plastic bottle, container, 14... closed end,
14A... Back matsuta part, 16... Open end part, 1
8... Tube, 18A... End part, 18B... End part, 2
0... Closing part, neck part, neck, 20A... Outer closing part, 20B... Membrane, 22... Annular skirt member, 22A... Outer closing member, C... Mixing nozzle, cage, cup, D... Distributor mechanism, D1... Annular Side wall, D2...O-ring seal, D3...penetration device,
D3...Lever, RS...Elastic sheet, FB...Ball,
CD...Gas diffuser, CS...Carbonation gas saturation system,
CL...upper part of carbon dioxide gas saturation tank, DCV...Datsky building check valve, CT...carbon dioxide gas saturation tank,
CTC...Removable lid, CW...Carbonated water outlet, G
… _CO2 inlet, PC…power cord, RL…removable water lid, SRV…specific dispensing unit button, replaceable syrup limit button, WR…water reservoir,
DT...dip tube, HSN...hydraulic spray nozzle, LLP
...low water level water tank probe, PS...power switch, TP...liquid level probe of carbon dioxide gas saturation tank,
WC...carbonated water pipe, carbonated water outlet line, WO...water pipe from water tank, WR...water container, CL...manifold head, lid, FCV...flow control valve,
SPB...main valve body, FN..."football needle" valve, RV...relief valve, SLC...solid state liquid level control module, WCV...water check valve, WI...line, M-P...motor and pump system, S...Seal, SK...Cylindrical socket, MPD...Mechanical penetration device, SVS...
Valve seat, SV...syrup valve, AB...actuating rod,
CVB…Main valve body, CVS…Valve seat, CV
…Water valve, HP…Pin, CP…Valve plunger, BC…Button, MVB…Main valve body part,
ST…Syrup tube, SV…Syrup valve, SP…
Syrup container, valve plunger, B1, B
2, B3...Button, push button, SRB...replaceable syrup button, DP...distribution plate,
Drip pan, DPA...opening of distribution plate,
N1, N2, N3... Nozzle, 102... Hole, 104
…hole, 100…hole, GT…cylinder, R…refrigerator, BW…button, N ₄ …nozzle, VS…valve system, RD…door.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A sealed syrup container 10 having a frangible opening 20 through which syrup can flow when broken, and a valve system communicating with the syrup container.
a gravity flow post-mixing beverage dispensing system comprising a VS and a water source, the valve system comprising: a substantially flat top wall 31, a substantially flat side wall 32,3;
2' and a bottom wall 33, and a pair of parallel bores CVB disposed between the top wall and the bottom wall.
Valve body VB with SVB, where the inner bore CVB and
One end of each SVB extends through the same side wall 32, and each bore has a respective valve seat CVS, SVS separating each bore into an inlet chamber 34 and an outlet chamber 35. valve elements CV, SV extending into each of the bores through the same side wall 32, where one end of the valve elements CV and SV is connected to the fluid between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; arranged to drive the valve seat to open and close the passage, and the other end of the valve element extends through the same side wall 32 to the actuating means AB, BC, described below; a socket SK extending from the top wall of the valve body for accommodating a portion of the syrup container having an opening, the socket communicating with the inlet chamber of one bore SVB; the other; a water supply communicating with the inlet chamber of the internal bore CVB; perforation means MPD provided in the socket for destroying the frangible opening of the syrup container when the syrup container engages the socket; a mixing nozzle N1, N2, N3 for dispensing a mixture of syrup, the mixing nozzle extending from the bottom wall 33 of the valve body in communication with the outlet chamber of the bore; and from the outlet chamber the mixing nozzle; actuating means AB for engaging the actuating end of the valve element passing through the same side wall 32 for flowing syrup and water to the nozzle;
BC, a post-mixing beverage dispensing system comprising: 2. said actuating means for simultaneously engaging said actuating ends of said valve element; parallel to said top wall and said bottom wall of said valve body and included between said top wall and said bottom wall; an actuation rod AB arranged for movement in engagement with the actuation end in a plane; and connected to one end of the common side wall for pivotally mounting the actuation rod for said movement. a hinge HP coupled to the cage and one end of the actuating rod;
A system according to claim 1, comprising: