초록 ▼

A water-carbonation system having a pressurized tank which is preferably cooled, a water supply and a CO2 gas supply. The CO2 gas supply has a pressure-reducing valve assembly in the supply line. The valve of this assembly is maintained in a closed position by the gas pressure in the tank. However,

A water-carbonation system having a pressurized tank which is preferably cooled, a water supply and a CO2 gas supply. The CO2 gas supply has a pressure-reducing valve assembly in the supply line. The valve of this assembly is maintained in a closed position by the gas pressure in the tank. However, when this pressure falls below a predetermined limit, the valve will move to an open position to vent the tank to the atmosphere. A signal may be used in conjunction with the valve to notify an operator of the drop in pressure. The valve may also be manually operated to vent the tank. This water-carbonation system can be used in beverage dispensers in which the carbonized water is mixed with beverage concentrates to prepare a beverage that is ready for consumption.

대표청구항 ▼

A water carbonation system comprising: a tank containing gas having a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure during normal operation and having a second, predetermined pressure during abnormal operation, said second pressure being less than said first pressure; means for introducing water i

A water carbonation system comprising: a tank containing gas having a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure during normal operation and having a second, predetermined pressure during abnormal operation, said second pressure being less than said first pressure; means for introducing water into the tank and means for introducing CO2 gas into the tank, both said means for introducing permitting carbonation of the water; means for withdrawing carbonized water from the tank; and a valve assembly associated with said means for introducing CO2 gas, said valve assembly having an aperture and having closure means, said closure means being movable between an open position for permitting release of the gas in the tank through said aperture and a closed position for closing said aperture, said closure means being in the closed position when the tank is at the first pressure and being in the open position when the tank is at the second pressure.