Carbonation system for soft drink dispenser

• US 5,033,645 A
• Filed: 10/19/1990
• Issued: 07/23/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Abc/Sebrn Tech Corporation Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Abc/Sebrn Tech Corporation Incorporated
• Inventors: Rice, Jeffrey C., Green, Thomas S., Shannon, Joseph W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Huppert, Michael S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huson, Gregory L.
• Application Number:
  US07/616,700
• Time in Patent Office: 277 Days
• Field of Search: 222/54, 222/61, 222/129.1-129.4, 222/146.6, 222/639, 222/641, 222/148, 261/DIG. 7
• US Class Current: 222/61
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0009 the beverage being stored in an intermediate container connected to a supply
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0036 based on the timed opening of valves
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0051 for mixing outside the nozzle
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/1234 to determine the total amount
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/1252 Gas pressure control means, e.g. for maintaining proper carbonation for beer engines B67D1/025
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/1272 preventing froth
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00099 Temperature control
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00104 Cooling only
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/0012 related to concentrate handling
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00157 Level detected electrically by contact with sensors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 261/07 Carbonators

Abstract

A carbonation system for a soft drink dispenser in which water is precooled and then introduced into an insulated tank where it is subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide. A pressure transducer monitors the pressure within the tank, with the dispensing of soda from the tank being regulated on a timed basis as a function of such pressure. The tank is periodically emptied and refilled to assure that the soda generated therein is fresh.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser, comprising:

a pour head;

first means for generating soda and dispensing soda through said pour head during a dispensing cycle, said first means comprising a carbonation tank, a source of water connected to said carbonation tank for maintaining a level of water therein, and a source of CO₂ gas in communication with said carbonation tank, supplying CO₂ gas thereto;

control means connected to said first means for controlling said generating of soda and dispensing of soda through said pour head; and

a pressure transducer received by said carbonation tank and sensing the pressure therein, said pressure transducer being in communication with said control means, said control means regulating said dispensing of soda through said pour head during said dispensing cycle as a function of pressure within said carbonation tank.

2. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said control means regulates said dispensing of soda by sequentially opening and closing a soda dispensing valve during said dispensing cycle on a timed basis determined by said pressure within said carbonation tank.

3. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 which further includes means interposed between said source of water and said carbonation tank for cooling water introduced into said tank from said source of water.

4. The beverage dispenser according to claim 3 wherein said control means is operative to drain said carbonation tank and subsequently refill said carbonation tank in timed stages, said water being introduced into said carbonation tank through said means for cooling.

5. A beverage dispenser, comprising:

a pour head;

first means for generating soda and dispensing soda through said pour head, said first means comprising a carbonation tank, a source of water connected to said carbonation tank for maintaining a level of water therein, and a source of CO₂ gas in communication with said carbonation tank, supplying CO₂ gas thereto;

means interposed between said source of water and said carbonation tank for cooling water introduced into said tank from said source of water; and

control means operative to drain said carbonation tank and subsequently refill said carbonation tank at timed intervals, said water being introduced into said carbonation tank through said means for cooling.

6. The beverage dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said carbonation tank further includes a pressure transducer in communication with said control means, said control means regulating said dispensing of soda through said pour head as a function of pressure within said carbonation tank.