초록 ▼

A pressure regulator that regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced to water in a carbonated beverage system based on the temperature of the water. The regulator may be capable of operating in a first mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure varies substantially linearly over a f

A pressure regulator that regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced to water in a carbonated beverage system based on the temperature of the water. The regulator may be capable of operating in a first mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure varies substantially linearly over a first water temperature range, and a second mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure is substantially constant over a second water temperature range. A first flow path having a relatively small gas flow capacity may serve as a pilot to control the gas flow through a second flow path having a larger gas flow capacity.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A pressure regulator assembly for controlling the pressure at which carbon dioxide gas is introduced into water in a carbonated beverage system, said pressure regulator assembly comprising: (A) a temperature sensor comprising a hollow body having a fluid therein, said hollow body being

We claim: 1. A pressure regulator assembly for controlling the pressure at which carbon dioxide gas is introduced into water in a carbonated beverage system, said pressure regulator assembly comprising: (A) a temperature sensor comprising a hollow body having a fluid therein, said hollow body being positionable in proximity to the water to facilitate heat transfer between the water and said fluid, said fluid communicating between said hollow body and a bellows; and (B) a pressure regulator comprising an inlet for receiving the carbon dioxide gas, an outlet for releasing the carbon dioxide gas to be introduced to the water, a first flow path providing gas flow communication between said inlet and said outlet, said first flow path having a first gas flow capacity, a first valve adaptable for regulating flow through said first flow path, a second flow path providing gas flow communication between said inlet and said outlet, said second flow path having a second gas flow capacity, said second gas flow capacity being greater than said first gas flow capacity, a second valve adaptable for regulating flow through said second flow path, a pressure reacting member on which said carbon dioxide gas may act, and a force transmission assembly operatively engaged between said bellows and said pressure reacting member; wherein said first valve is adjustable in response to movement of said pressure reacting member; wherein said second valve is adjustable in response to movement of said first valve; and wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet varies in response to a change in temperature of the water over a first range of water temperatures. 2. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein said pressure reacting member is selected from the group consisting of piston, diaphragm, and bellows. 3. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein said force transmission assembly comprises at least one spring. 4. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet remains substantially constant over a second range of water temperatures. 5. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet may be relieved in response to a decrease in the temperature of the water. 6. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet varies substantially linearly over said first range of water temperatures. 7. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein said first valve comprises an orifice and a poppet adaptable for opening and closing said orifice. 8. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 7 further comprising a spring for biasing said poppet toward closing engagement with said orifice. 9. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 1 wherein said second valve comprises a diaphragm adaptable for opening and closing a passageway. 10. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 9 further comprising a spring for biasing said diaphragm toward closing said passageway. 11. A pressure regulator assembly for controlling the pressure at which carbon dioxide gas is introduced into water in a carbonated beverage system, said pressure regulator assembly comprising: a temperature sensor responsive to the temperature of the water; and a pressure regulator operatively connected to said temperature sensor, said pressure regulator comprising: an inlet for receiving the carbon dioxide gas, an outlet for releasing the carbon dioxide gas to be introduced to the water, a first flow path through which the carbon dioxide gas may flow from said inlet to said outlet, a first valve adaptable for regulating flow of the carbon dioxide gas through said first flow path, a second flow path through which the carbon dioxide gas may flow from said inlet to said outlet, and a second valve adaptable for regulating flow of the carbon dioxide gas through said second flow path; wherein said first valve is responsive to a change in temperature of the water; and wherein said second valve is responsive to a change in pressure of the carbon dioxide gas resulting from movement of said first valve. 12. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 11 wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet varies substantially linearly in response to a change in temperature of the water over a first range of water temperatures, and wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet remains substantially constant over a second range of water temperatures. 13. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 11 wherein said temperature sensor comprises: a hollow body having a fluid therein; said hollow body being positionable in proximity to the water to facilitate heat transfer between the water and said fluid; said fluid communicating between said hollow body and a bellows; wherein said bellows is operable to transmit force to said first valve. 14. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 13 wherein said pressure regulator further comprises: a pressure reacting member on which the carbon dioxide gas may act, said pressure reacting member being operatively engaged with said first valve; and a force transmission assembly operatively engaged between said bellows and said pressure reacting member. 15. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 14 wherein said pressure reacting member is selected from the group consisting of piston, diaphragm, and bellows. 16. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 14 wherein said force transmission assembly comprises: a rod engaged with said bellows; and a spring engaged with said rod and said pressure reacting member; wherein travel of said rod is limited such that the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet varies substantially linearly in response to a change in temperature of the water over a first range of water temperatures, and wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet remains substantially constant over a second range of water temperatures. 17. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 16 wherein said rod comprises a passageway through which excess pressure of the carbon dioxide gas may be relieved. 18. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 11 wherein: said first valve comprises an orifice and a poppet adaptable for opening and closing said orifice; and said second valve comprises a diaphragm adaptable for opening and closing said second flow path. 19. The pressure regulator assembly of claim 11 wherein: said first flow path has a first gas flow capacity; said second flow path has a second gas flow capacity; and said second gas flow capacity is greater than said first gas flow capacity.