System for improving carbonation in post-mix dispenser carbonators

• US 4,745,853 A
• Filed: 06/02/1987
• Issued: 05/24/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Coca-Cola Company The One Coca-Cola Plaza NW Atlanta Georgia 30313
• Original Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
• Inventors: Hoover, George H.
• Primary Examiner(s): JENKINS, ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US07/057,574
• Time in Patent Office: 357 Days
• Field of Search: 261/DIG. 7, 261/27, 99/275, 99/323.1, 99/323.2, 99/323.3
• US Class Current: 99/323.1
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/54 Mixing with gases
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/2363 Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams; Arrangements, e.g. comprising controlling means
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/20 Measuring; Control or regulation
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/2112 Level of material in a container or the position or shape of the upper surface of the material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 261/07 Carbonators

Abstract

A system for improving carbonation in post-mix beverage dispenser carbonators, including the method of automatically venting the headspace in a carbonator tank to atmosphere at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time. This system eliminates most of the air from the headspace and provides a significant improvement in carbonating efficiency, in-line carbonation and in cup carbonation.

Claims

1. Apparatus for improving carbonation in a post-mix beverage;

dispenser carbonator comprising;

(a) a carbonator tank enclosing a headspace;

(b) a pressure relief line from said tank;

(c) a pressure relief valve in said pressure relief line;

(d) an automatic vent line connected to said pressure relief line upstream of said pressure relief valve;

(e) a solenoid-controlled valve in said automatic vent line for venting said headspace to atmosphere; and

(f) timer means for opening said solenoid-controlled valve at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for opening said solenoid-controlled valve every "x" number of hours, wherein "x" is between about 3 and 24.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for counting the number of carbonator cycles and for opening said solenoid-controlled valve every "x" number of cycles, wherein "x" is between about 50 and 500.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for adjusting said both predetermined times and said predetermined length of time.