초록 ▼

A carbonator system consisting of a holding tank divided into an upper and lower chamber may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. A first embodiment involves first introducing water and then carbon dioxide into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Pressure is then exe

A carbonator system consisting of a holding tank divided into an upper and lower chamber may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. A first embodiment involves first introducing water and then carbon dioxide into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Pressure is then exerted on a moveable piston in this tank to cause the piston to reduce the volume of the lower chamber housing the carbon dioxide and water. This action plus the action of an agitator, drives the carbon dioxide into solution. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein carbon dioxide is first introduced into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Water is next introduced into this lower chamber such that it is completely filled with both water and carbon dioxide. While the water is being introduced, an agitator is used to aid mixing of this water and carbon dioxide to form carbonated water. The agitator may consist of a bar contained within the lower chamber of the holding tank. Circumferentially surrounding the holding tank, a series of electro-magnetic coils are provided. These coils influence the agitator bar via magnetic force to cause rotation of this bar about a longitudinal axis of the holding tank. This agitator may also be reciprocated along this longitudinal axis. A control system is also provided for operating the carbonator. This control system includes a microcontroller, piston position sensors, controllers for various valves and controls for the agitator.

대표청구항 ▼

A carbonator system for producing carbonated water comprising: holding tank means for holding at least water and carbon dioxide; a movable piston separating said holding tank means into two chambers, including a first chamber for holding a propellant fluid and a second chamber for holding carbon dio

A carbonator system for producing carbonated water comprising: holding tank means for holding at least water and carbon dioxide; a movable piston separating said holding tank means into two chambers, including a first chamber for holding a propellant fluid and a second chamber for holding carbon dioxide and water; and control means for controllng flow of propellant fluid into and out of said first chamber and selectively controlling flow of carbon dioxide and water into said second chamber, the flow of carbon dioxide and water being selectively controlled independently of each other by said control means, at least one of said carbon dioxide and water being received in said second chamber as said propellant fluid is discharged from said first chamber, said control means permitting said water and carbon dioxide to be held in said second chamber for a sufficient time to form carbonated water, the carbon dioxide being completeIy absorbed in the water when said carbonated water is formed thereby avoiding formation of a headspace in said second chamber, and said control means selectively controlling discharge of carbonated water formed from said water and carbon dioxide from said second chamber.