초록 ▼

A removable batch-type diluent tank for use in connecting to a rigid gas coupling in a beverage dispenser has a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening and a removable cover for covering and sealing the opening. Also included is a relief valve for relieving pressure in the tan

A removable batch-type diluent tank for use in connecting to a rigid gas coupling in a beverage dispenser has a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening and a removable cover for covering and sealing the opening. Also included is a relief valve for relieving pressure in the tank prior to removal of the cover. A quick disconnect coupling is rigidly connected to the tank and adapted for sliding connection with the rigid coupling of the dispenser, permitting the tank to be slid into the dispenser for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to the tank. Also included is a connection for conducting diluent from the tank.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A removable batch type diluent tank for use in connecting to a rigid gas coupling in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening therein; (b) a removable cover for covering and sealing said opening; (c) means for relieving pressure in

1. A removable batch type diluent tank for use in connecting to a rigid gas coupling in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening therein; (b) a removable cover for covering and sealing said opening; (c) means for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; (d) a quick disconnect coupling rigidly connected to said tank and adapted for sliding connection with the rigid gas coupling in said beverage dispenser, whereby said tank may be slid into said dispenser, for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank; and (e) means for conducting diluent from said tank. 2. A tank according to claim 1 wherein said quick disconnect coupling comprises a coupling with two essentially parallel fittings adapted to mate with a complementary pair of essentially parallel fittings. 3. A tank according to claim 2 wherein said quick disconnect coupling comprises a block containing two parallel bores adapted to mate with fittings in the form of two parallel tubular stubs which may be inserted into said bores. 4. The tank according to claim 1 wherein said diluent comprises carbonated water and wherein said pressurizing gas comprises carbon dioxide gas and further including means in said diluent tank for carbonating water therein, said means coupled to one of said fittings in said coupling. 5. A tank according to claim 4 wherein said means for carbonating comprise: a diffuser block disposed near the bottom of said tank; a conduit extending between said diffuser block and said coupling to supply carbon dioxide thereto; and a restrictor to control the flow of carbon dioxide therethrough. 6. A tank according to claim 3 wherein said coupling is mounted on one side of said tank, said fittings thereby extending essentially in a radial direction and further including means on the other side of said tank for preventing movement of said tank after said quick disconnect connection is made. 7. A tank according to claim 6 wherein said tank is adapted to be supported on a horizontal supporting surface such that said coupling mates with said complementary fittings and wherein said means for preventing comprise a pin mounted to the opposite side of said tank from said coupling, and means for selectively inserting said pin into and removing said pin from a hole formed in the supporting surface. 8. A tank according to claim 7 wherein said means for inserting and removing comprise a collapsible handle mounted to said tank, said handle comprising: a U-shaped bracket vertically disposed on said tank on the side opposite said coupling having elongated slots in its sides near the bottom thereof; a first handle portion hinged to the top of said bracket; a second handle portion having one end hinged to said first handle portion and another end slidably coupled to said elongated slots at the bottom of said U-shaped bracket, said pin hinged to said other end of said second handle part, whereby movement of said handle to a collapsed position will result in a downward movement of said pin into a hole in said supporting means and extension of said handle will result in upward movement of the other end of said second handle part in said slot to remove said pin and provide a handle which can be grasped by a user to remove said tank from said fittings. 9. A tank according to claim 3 and further including check valves in the fittings of said coupling. 10. A tank according to claim 9 wherein the check valve in the water line comprises a valve core including a cylindrical stem portion of a first, smaller diameter; a conical section at the base of said stem section; and a partially cylindrical section, said cylindrical section having formed therein on each side thereof a pair of cuts of cylindrical cross-section, one of said pairs of cuts being directed inwardly and toward the bottom of said partially cylindrical portion, and the other pair being directed toward the top thereof and intersecting the base of said conical section to provide smooth flow passages; an o-ring for sealing against said conical section; a spring for biasing the conical section of said valve core against the O-ring; and means for retaining said O-ring, core and spring together with said spring biasing said core against said O-ring. 11. A tank according to claim 3 wherein said block is removable from said tank body. 12. A tank according to claim 11 wherein said block comprises a cylindrical flanged plastic block having a screw thread on its outer surface, said tank containing a flat portion having an opening through which said block can be inserted with its flange abutting against said flat portion on the outside of said tank, an O-ring inserted between the said flange and said tank body and a retaining ring screwed onto said threaded portion on the inside of said tank. 13. A tank according to claim 1, and further including mechanical means to prevent removal of said cover without venting of said tank. 14. A tank according to claim 13 wherein said tank body contains, in a recess in the opening in the top thereof, means for bringing and maintaining said cover in contact with said recess, and said mechanical means comprises a handle operable upon movement thereof to operate said means for relieving pressure, said handle extending radially beyond the circumference of said cover, and further including a cutout in the top of said tank body for accepting the portion of said handle which extends beyond said circumference when said cover is in place. 15. A tank according to claim 1 and further including a sealing gasket disposed between matching circumferential surfaces of said cover and said tank top thereby a seal will be effective irrespective of said cover being screwed down into said top to its full extent. 16. A batch type diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening therein and having a recessed opening in the top thereof; (b) a bore at the bottom of said recessed opening; (c) a cover containing a cylindrical portion for covering and sealing said opening, said bore and cover including means for bringing them into and retaining them in sealing engagement; (d) a means disposed in said cover for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; (e) mechanical means to operate said means for relieving pressure; (f) a cutout in the top of said tank body, said means to operate adapted to fit in said cutout such that said cover cannot be unscrewed until said means to operate is moved to relieve the pressure in said tank; and (g) means for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank and for conducting diluent from said tank. 17. A diluent tank according to claim 16 and further including: (a) a shut-off valve for said source of pressurization; and (b) means coupling said shut-off valve to said handle such that said handle cannot be rotated to relieve pressure unless said shut-off valve is closed. 18. A diluent tank according to claim 17 wherein said shut-off valve comprises a valve body with a plunger therein, an actuating rod extending therefrom and said means coupling includes said handle on said cover rotating between a position where it operates to move said plunger against said biasing spring to open said valve and a position where it is moved away from said plunger allowing said valve to close, said handle extending below a bracket in the top of the tank body when rotated to operate said plunger to open said valve whereby said handle is prevented from being lifted when in a position to open said valve. 19. A diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having a threaded opening therein; (b) a threaded cover for covering and sealing said opening; (c) means for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; (d) means for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank and for conducting diluent from said tank; and, (e) means for preventing said cover from being fully removed from said body upon removal of said cover by rotation until after, the seal between said cover and body is broken, whereby if said means for relieving pressure fails, gas can escape without having said cover blow off. 20. A removable batch type diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening therein; (b) a removable cover for covering and sealing said opening; (c) means for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; (d) mechanical interlock means for preventing removal of said cover until said means for relieving pressure are operated; (e) a quick disconnect coupling for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank; and (f) means for conducting diluent from said tank. 21. A tank according to claim 20, wherein said cover is removable by rotation and said tank body contains a recess therein and said mechanical interlock comprises movable means extending into said recess and coupled to said means to relieve pressure, movement of said means out of said recess to allow rotation of said cover operating said means to relieve pressure. 22. A tank according to claim 20, wherein said disconnect coupling is a sliding coupling. 23. A tank according to claim 20, wherein said means for relieving pressure is adapted to also act as an overpressure relief valve. 24. A removable batch type diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening therein; (b) a cover removable by rotation for covering and sealing said opening; (c) means for supplying a pressurizing gas to said tank and means for removing diluent from said tank; (d) means for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; (e) mechanical interlock means for preventing removal of said cover until said means for relieving pressure are operated; and (f) means for preventing said cover from being fully removed from said body upon rotation of said cover until pressure within said tank is below a predetermined amount whereby, if said means for relieving pressure fails, gas can escape without having said cover blow off.