Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage

US4377246A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Cornelius, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John R. McMillin · Maplewood, US
• Peter Strandwitz · Neenah, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 11, 1981
• Grant date: Mar 22, 1983
• Expiry date: May 11, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D2001/0493
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensing from the reservoir; there is also a step of automatically switching supply vessels as they become empty.