Retrofit system and method for a carbonated beverage dispenser
US6560972B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/0006
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing the carbonation efficiency of an ice-chilled beverage dispenser. The system includes a beverage dispenser having an ice bin, a pre-chill coil proximate a portion of a store of ice in the ice bin; and an under-counter assembly having a carbonator in fluid flow communication with the pre-chill coil, and a pump for pumping water through said system. Water flows through the pre-chill coil prior to flowing through the carbonator. The present invention provides various methods of converting existing ice-chilled beverage dispensers including installing a pre-chill coil proximate to a store of ice in the ice bin so that water flows through the pre-chill coil before it flows through the carbonator. Another method includes diverting the flow of water from a water chill coil to the carbonator, instead of a plain water valve to which fluid originally flowed from the water chill coil. Also, the tubing that connects a water chill coil may be branched so that water flows from the water chill coil to the plain water valve and the carbonator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.