A beverage dispenser particularly adapted for use in the home is disclosed which dispenser includes a source of pressurizing fluid, a dilient tank, dispensing valves and containers of concentrate which are interchangeably insertable in the valves, the flow of pressurizing fluid and diluent conducted through a manifold which is integral with the dispensing valves and the diluent tank and source of pressurizing fluid both being provided with quick disconnect couplings to permit ease of removal and replacement, the elements of the dispenser disposed on a base with the diluent tank and source of pressurizing fluid surrounded by removable covers to provide an attractive, compact and low cost dispensing unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to carbonated beverages in general and more 
particularly to a dispensing device for making carbonated beverages in the 
home. 
Consumers throughout the world consume large quantities of carbonated 
beverages. Typically, carbonated beverages which are consumed in the home 
are supplied to the consumer in either cans or bottles. Typically, cans 
are supplied in 12 ounce sizes and bottles in sizes up to two liters. A 
carbonated beverage is made up of carbonated water to which there is mixed 
a juice or syrup. A good tasting beverage requires good water, the proper 
level of carbonation and the proper proportions between the syrup and 
carbonated water. Thus, in the commercial production of bottles or cans of 
carbonated beverages the equipment used includes a carbonator for 
carbonating the water, a concentrate, i.e., a juice or syrup, dispenser 
for dispensing the concentrate in the proper quantities and mixing it with 
the carbonated water, and a filling device for filling the mixed beverage 
into the bottles. Also included is a chiller unit for chilling the water 
to be carbonated. Carbonation is carried out by bringing carbon dioxide 
and water into contact with each other in such a manner that the carbon 
dioxide dissolves into the water. Typically the water is over carbonated 
since in the step of dispensing into the bottles or cans, a certain amount 
is lost. Systems can be operated in which the water and syrup are mixed 
prior to or after carbonation. 
In addition to bottled and canned carbonated beverages, carbonated 
beverages are also dispensed in restaurants, and at soda fountains and the 
like. The devices used for such dispensing are known a post mix dispensers 
and include the same basic elements as one finds in a carbonation plant. 
In other words, they include means for chilling the water carbonating 
equipment for introducing carbon dioxide into the water, a juice or syrup 
dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of concentrate into the water and 
a tap for dispensing the mixture of concentrate and water into a glass or 
cup. Typically, mixing of the concentrate and water is carried out at the 
tap. 
Until recently, there has been very little attention given to in-home 
carbonated beverage dispensers. Typical in-home beverage dispensers known 
in the prior art were of the type in which the concentrate and carbonated 
water were separately dispensed. Thus, someone making a drink would have 
to judge how much syrup to dispense into a given container, dispense that 
syrup and then add carbonated water. Obviously, a consistent beverage was 
not obtained. Possibly, because of difficulties in this type of device, 
in-home dispensers for carbonated beverages never became popular. However, 
the need for such dispensers should be evident. If, carbonated beverages 
are purchased in cans, for example, when a can is opened, its contents 
should be used as soon as possible, since any beverage left over will lose 
its carbonation. Large recloseable containers to some extent overcome this 
problem. However, even though these containers are recloseable, after a 
period of time, their contents will also lose some of their carbonation. 
Thus, the ability to in effect make carbonated beverages when and in the 
quantities needed in the home would be of great advantage. However, for an 
in-home dispenser to be practical, and economically feasible, it must be 
relatively inexpensive and easy to operate. 
In addition to carbonated beverages, large amounts of juices and other 
fruit drinks and large amounts of hot beverages are also consumed. In many 
instances, such beverages are also made by mixing a concentrate with a 
diluent, just as a syrup or other concentrate is mixed with a diluent, 
e.g., carbonated water to make carbonated beverages. The need for such a 
dispenser, where in many instances near sterile conditions must be 
maintained, should also be evident. 
With these needs in mind, it is the object of the present invention to 
provide an economical, efficient dispensing unit for beverages which are 
made by mixing a diluent with a concentrate in particular for carbonated 
beverages. 
Furthermore, such a dispenser should be capable of easily dispensing any of 
a plurality of different carbonated beverages such as cola, diet cola, 
quinine water, orange, rootbeer, beers, sparkling wines, etc. In addition, 
such a dispenser should also be adaptable to dispensing still beverages 
such as fruit drinks, juices and wines; and hot in addition to cold 
beverages. In addition, such a unit should be capable of use in the home. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides such a dispenser, particularly useful as an 
in-home dispenser. The dispenser of the present invention is particularly 
compact, made of low cost materials, and designed in a manner such as to 
minimize the expense, maintenance and the pressures required within the 
system. The dispenser of the present invention is adapted to be either a 
self-standing unit which must be periodically refilled with water, or to 
be a plumbed in unit to which water is supplied from the water mains. In 
addition, the dispenser of the present invention can optionally include a 
chilling unit, or alternatively, may be chilled using ice or the type of 
coolant known as "Blue Ice" commonly used in cooler chests. Because of the 
flexibility of the design of the dispenser of the present invention a 
range of embodiments suiting the particular needs and the pocketbooks of 
various consumers is thus possible. 
The dispenser of the present invention contains all of the elements 
necessary in a carbonated drink dispenser packaged in a particularly 
compact unit which permits ease of dispensing and ease of interchange of 
different concentrates to permit dispensing as many different types of 
drinks desired. The illustrated embodiment has the capability of 
containing two separate concentrate containers at one time. However, as 
will be evident below, the exchange of containers is particularly simple 
and straight forward, thus permitting the dispensing of many different 
types of drinks without a great deal of effort. This is accomplished 
primarily through the use of a unique container design which is the 
subject of application Ser. No. 314,488 filed on Oct. 9, 1981. Basically, 
the container is constructed with built in valving means for dispensing 
the syrup. The container cooperates with a valve, a rotary valve in the 
disclosed embodiment, which acts to carry out the functions of venting the 
concentrate container, supplying a pressurizing gas, e.g., carbon dioxide 
under pressure, to the concentrate container for dispensing, and of 
controlling the valve built into the container for the dispensing of 
concentrate. The design of the container and valve is such that mixing 
occurs only outside the dispenser, which mixing is of an intimate nature 
producing an excellent drink. Furthermore, through this design dilute 
concentrate exists only in the drinking vessel thereby preventing the 
formation of mold on the unit. Both the container and the rotary valve 
assembly are preferably made of plastic, thereby facilitating molding of 
the various parts. 
As noted above, the dispenser of the present invention can be free-standing 
or connected to water lines. It is thought that a free-standing unit is 
more attractive to consumers at this time and for convenience, the 
carbonator should be capable of being removed. A number of alternate 
carbonators are possible for use with the present invention. However, in a 
free-standing unit which must be periodically refilled with water, the 
simplest type of carbonator, a sealed vessel to which pressurized carbon 
dioxide is supplied through a diffuser within a body of water contained in 
it, can be used. Thus, the system includes a pressure vessel for the water 
and includes means for admitting carbon dioxide under pressure to the 
diffuser from which it bubbles through the water, any carbon dioxide not 
absorbed remaining in a head space above the water. 
Since this container is normally pressurized, it is necessary that safety 
features be provided to prevent danger to the user at the time of 
refilling the water container. Furthermore, it is preferred that the water 
container be removeable for such purposes. In accordance with the present 
invention the carbonator contains a number of features to facilitate its 
removal and refilling in a safe manner. This includes a design of cover 
for the carbonator which is easy to use and prevents removal of the cover 
until pressure within the carbonator is released. This is accomplished by 
latching a relief valve in place as the cover is screwed on. The latch of 
the relief valve constitutes a stop preventing turning of the cover until 
pressure is released. Furthermore, a unique sealing arrangement of the 
cover is provided in which sealing occurs between the circumferential 
portions of the container and the cap so that it is not necessary that the 
cap be turned all the way in to insure pressure tightness. 
Since normally, during operation, the carbonator is connected to a supply 
of carbon dioxide, means must also be provided to permit such connection 
to be quickly made and disconnected. Thus, the dispenser of the present 
invention also includes a quick release connection for the carbonator 
which contains appropriate valving means to shut off the carbon dioxide 
supply as the carbonator is removed from the dispenser, and, at the same 
time, the water supply from the carbonator is disconnected. Since it is 
necessary that when the carbonator is in place it be held in contact with 
the quick release connection supplying the carbon dioxide, a special 
design of the handle including pin for retaining the carbonator in place 
is provided. The handle on the carbonator is a folding handle which when 
folded into place inserts a pin into a base member on which the carbonator 
sits, holding the carbonator in place against the connecting block 
containing carbon dioxide and water supply ports. When the handle is 
extended to remove the carbonator the pin is removed from the base member 
permitting the carbonator to be pulled away. In accordance with an 
alternate embodiment of the present invention the carbonator is vertically 
mounted on the quick release connection thereby insuring proper contact by 
means of its weight. 
As noted above, carbon dioxide is absorbed in water better when the water 
is chilled. Two possibilities for chilling of the water are provided. In 
accordance with one embodiment, thermoelectric chilling devices are 
provided with the carbonator resting on an assembly made of such. As an 
alternative, the carbonator rests on a cooling container which may contain 
a coolant commonly known as "Blue Ice". The container may be placed in the 
freezer, frozen and then inserted under the carbonator. Additional cooling 
may be obtained by either placing the carbonator, with water therein in a 
refrigerator overnight, and/or the placing of ice within the carbonator. 
The system also includes a carbon dioxide bottle which is provided with a 
regulator. Within the system, two separate pressures are required, a 
higher pressure for carbonating the water and for driving the carbonated 
water to the tap, and a lower pressure for pressurizing the concentrate 
container. Thus, two stages of regulation are required. Furthermore, the 
gas at the various pressure and the carbonated water must be transferred 
throughout the system. Typically, in existing dispensers, such is 
accomplished by tubes and hoses. However, in accordance with the present 
invention a unique manifold design is provided which permits carrying out 
essentially all of the distribution of materials using a single manifold 
block. Only a single tube connection between the manifold block and the 
carbon dioxide cylinder is required. Carbon dioxide from the cylinder 
which is regulated down to a pressure of 40 psi is supplied to the 
manifold which distributes it to the quick disconnect coupling to the 
carbonator. The quick disconnect coupling is a unit built into the 
carbonator which plugs into the manifold. Also, within the manifold is a 
regulator which reduces the pressure of 40 psi to 5 psi for use in 
pressurizing the concentrate container. The manifold, through the quick 
disconnect coupling, also conducts the carbonated water from the 
carbonator to the dispensing tap. 
Although the rotary valve used for dispensing can be made as a separate 
unit to plug into the manifold, obtaining therefrom the carbonated water 
which it is adapted to dispense, and the low pressure carbon dioxide which 
it is adapted to supply to the concentrate container, in accordance with 
the preferred embodiment, the manifold and rotary valve are made into a 
single compact unit, further simplifying the construction of the 
dispenser. Because the length of the runs are short within the manifold, 
pressure drops are small and as the concentrate is not required to flow 
within tubes a low pressure of 5 psi is all that is required for 
pressurizing the concentrate container. In prior art devices, pressures of 
40 psi have been typically used for this purpose. 
The total unit is disposed on a base and is enclosed by a plastic cover 
designed to allow easy heat evacuation. It is particularly compact, 
attractive, sanitary and inexpensive. 
Although the dispenser of the present invention is disclosed primarily as a 
unit for dispensing carbonated beverages and also as an in-home dispensing 
unit, it is not limited to such functions. Obviously, as will become 
evident, the dispenser, with appropriate modification, can also be used in 
restaurants, soda fountains and the like. Furthermore, in addition to 
dispensing carbonated beverages in which carbonated water is mixed with a 
concentrate such as a flavoring syrup, quinine concentrate or the like, 
the apparatus of the present invention may also be used for dispensing 
still beverages and for dispensing hot beverages. In other words, it is 
generally adaptable to dispensing any beverage in which a concentrate is 
mixed with a diluent. The diluent need not be still water or carbonated 
water although in most cases it will. As alluded to above, by disposing 
the metering valve for the concentrate within the package and disposing 
the package above the dispensing valve, the concentrate need not touch any 
part of the dispensing apparatus. What this means is that dilute 
concentrate which, particularly when it is something like a nutrient 
containing syrup, can encourage in the growth of mold, never exists within 
the machine. This maintains sanitary conditions. Furthermore, the 
container is particularly adapted to filling in a near sterile condition 
which may be of particular importance with respect to some types of hot 
and still drinks. In operation, when pressurized by a pressurizing gas, 
which could be an inert gas such as nitrogen, where carbonation is not 
desired, the gas may be used to maintain near sterile conditions and to 
prevent oxidation and maintain flavor integrity in the apparatus over 
periods of time. In such a case, this pressurized gas could, of course, 
also pressurize the diluent supply. In other words, the various features 
of the present invention which give it its simplicity and compactnes will 
be of advantage in dispensing other types of beverages, i.e., still cold 
and hot beverages, in addition to cold carbonated beverages. For example, 
the quick disconnect connection of the water supply, the manifold design, 
the valve and container design each will perform the same functions and 
give the same advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention will be described in detail in connection with an 
in-home dispensing unit particularly adapted for carbonated beverages. 
However, the various aspects of the present invention are also useful in 
other environments, such as in restaurants, soda fountains, etc. 
Furthermore, in addition to being useful for preparing carbonated drinks, 
the dispenser of the present invention can also be used for making still 
drinks, for example, for mixing a fruit juice concentrate with water to 
make a juice, and also for making hot drinks by mixing hot water with a 
suitable concentrate. 
Thus, FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of a system according to the 
present invention. The system includes a water source 11. In more general 
terms, this is a source of diluent which is later mixed with a 
concentrate. Although it will, in most cases, be water, other diluents 
might be used. Shown in connection with the water source is an inlet 13. 
The inlet 13 may be an inlet which is plumbed into the plumbing of the 
location where the dispenser is used or may simply be an opening in the 
water tank which permits refilling. The water from the water source is 
shown passing through a heat exchanger 15. Shown associated with the heat 
exchanger 15 is a cooling unit 17 and a heating unit 18. Cooling can be 
supplied to the heat exchanger 15 by opening a valve 19 and heating by 
opening a valve 21. In many instances, the heating or cooling will be 
associated directly with the water source or water tank 11. In general 
terms, the heat exchanger 15 and associated cooling 17 and 18 simply 
comprise means for adjusting the temperature of the diluent. 
At the outlet of the heat exchanger 15 is a carbonator 23. Carbonator 23 is 
supplied with carbon dioxide from a tank 25 through a reducing valve 26, a 
line 27, and a manifold 29. When in use carbonated water is supplied over 
line 33 to the manifold 29. The manifold 29 supplies this water or other 
diluent to dispensing valve 35 in accordance with the present invention. 
Still water is supplied over a line 34 to a mixing valve 31 at the 
manifold. Mixing valve 31 has a second inlet supplied with carbonated 
water from line 33 and permits supplying to a dispensing valve 36 any 
desired proportion or mixture of still and/or carbonated water. Also 
located at the dispensing valves 35 and 36 are containers 37 filled with a 
concentrate which is to be mixed with the diluent. As will be more fully 
described, the metering valve for concentrate is in the container 37 and 
is coupled to and cooperates with the dispensing valves 35 and 36. That 
is, the container 37 with the concentrate includes valving means to meter 
the amount of concentrate in response to a relative movement of two parts 
of a container brought about by the dispensing valves 35 and 36. The 
supply of carbon dioxide over line 27 is also used to pressurize the 
concentrate in the container 37 after being coupled through a reducing 
valve 39. Also shown is a line 40 coupling carbon dioxide to water source 
11 to supply the diluent at a constant pressure. As with the means for 
changing the temperature of the diluent the carbonator may also be built 
into the water container as is the case in the embodiment to now be 
described. In that case, water source 11 is also the carbonator. 
Furthermore, although carbon dioxide is shown as the pressurizing gas, in 
embodiments where carbonation is not desired, it may be replaced by any 
inert gas such as nitrogen. 
The Dispensing System 
The embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention illustrated in 
perspective view in FIGS. 2a and 2b includes a supporting structure 41 
which is preferably of molded plastic. Structure 41 includes a base 43 and 
an upstanding T-shaped portion 45. The T-shaped portion 45 includes a top 
wall 47 front and rear walls 49 and 51, respectively, and a central 
divider 53. At the one end of the unit, as best seen in FIG. 2b, mounted 
to the base 43 is a cooling unit 55. Shown in the cooling unit 55 are 
ventilation openings 57 which communicate with additional ventilation 
openings 59 formed in the base 43. Disposed atop the cooling unit 55 is a 
diluent tank, e.g., a water supply and carbonator tank 61 to be described 
in more detail below. Surrounding this portion of the unit is an insulated 
cover 63 which has a depending flange portion 65 which engages 
corresponding lip 67 on the central portion 45. As will be described in 
more detail below, the carbonator is adapted to be easily removed and 
refilled with water when necessary. As an alternative to a cooling unit 
55, a heating unit, or combined heating and cooling unit, can be provided 
to permit the possibility of dispensing either cold or hot drinks. 
At the other end of the dispensing apparatus, supported on the base 43, is 
a tank of a pressurizing gas, e.g., a carbon dioxide tank, 68 shown in the 
phantom. The carbon dioxide tank 68 is connected to a reducing valve 69 by 
means of a quick disconnect clamp 71 to permit ease of replacement of the 
carbon dioxide bottle 68. Extending through the dividing wall 53 and 
secured to a bracket 73 thereon by means of screws or bolts 75 is a 
manifold 77 which will be described in detail below. The manifold 77 
distributes the pressurizing gas and diluent, e.g., carbon dioxide and 
carbonated water. The front portion of the manifold 77 is visible on FIG. 
2a. Integral with the manifold are two dispensing valves 79A and 79B to be 
described in detail below. Disposed above each of the dispensing valves 
79A and 79B is a container 81 containing therein a concentrate to be mixed 
with the diluent supplied from the diluent tank 61. Below valves 79A and 
79B is a removable tray 82 retained magnetically, for example, for 
catching any spillage. Tray 82 may be removed and rinsed periodically. 
Again, although disclosed hereinafter as supplying carbonated water, it 
will be recognized that, by disconnecting the carbonator apparatus, still 
beverages can be dispensed, and, by heating instead of cooling the 
diluent, hot drinks can also be dispensed. As will become more evident 
below, the containers 81 are particularly adaptable to packaging and 
storing all types of concentrate in a sanitary manner. 
Covering the carbon dioxide tank 68 is a second cover 83, which similarly 
has a depending flange 85 engaging a lip on the T-shaped central structure 
45. 
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the dispenser of FIGS. 2a and 2b with the covers 
63 and 83 removed and the T-shaped center section 45 also removed for 
clarity of presentation. In this view, the CO.sub.2 bottle 68 is visible 
together with its quick disconnect clamp 71 and pressure regulator 69. The 
pressure regulator is semi-rigidly mounted and coupled by tubing 87 to the 
manifold 77. Portions of valves 79A and 79B which are molded integrally 
with the manifold are also shown. Also shown in cross section is the 
carbonator tank 61. The carbonator tank contains a coupling 89 which 
permits a quick disconnect with the manifold 77. 
Pressure regulator 69 reduces the carbon dioxide pressure to 40 psi. 
CO.sub.2 at this pressure is fed through a passage 91 in the manifold 77 
to the disconnect coupling 89. From that point it flows through tubing 90 
to a restrictor 93, and thence to a diffuser 95. Carbonated water is 
removed from the carbonator tank through a line 97 extending to the bottom 
of tank 61 and leading to the coupling 89 whence it enters a passage 99 in 
the manifold. This passage connects with two smaller passages 101 and 103, 
which lead to outlets 105 and 107, in the portion of the valves which is 
integral with the manifold. At each of the outlets an O-ring seal 109 is 
provided. Carbon dioxide is also fed through a further pressure regulator 
111 which is built into the manifold 77, where the pressure is reduced to 
5 psi. From regulator 111 the carbon dioxide flows in a passage 113 to 
which are connected two passages 115 and 117, which lead to elongated 
openings 119 and 121 in the portion of the manifold which comprises part 
of the valve. Again, in each case an O-ring seal 123 of neoprene or the 
like is inserted. Although the manifold can be made of various materials, 
a plastic is preferred. With such plastic the manifold can be molded and 
any necessary machining carried out to form the various passageways. 
The Manifold 
The manifold 77 and the dispensing valves are shown in more detail in FIG. 
4. At the inlet for carbon dioxide, a threaded fitting 125 is provided in 
the manifold. As illustrated, this communicates with a channel 127 which 
is connected directly to the passage 91. This is seen in more detail in 
FIG. 5 which is a cross section through the pressure regulator. Inserted 
into appropriate bores 129 and 131 on the left side of the manifold 77, 
are tubular fittings 133 and 135. These are press fitted into their 
respective bores 129 and 131. Each contains, threaded therein, a check 
valve, e.g., a Schrader type valve 137a and 137b respectively. The 
fittings 133 and 135 insert into the quick disconnect coupling 89 in the 
carbonator tank 61 and are sealed by O-rings 136. Within a bore 130 in the 
coupling 89, mating with the fitting 133, is disposed an anvil 139 
followed by a check valve 141 which is blown open by CO.sub.2 pressure 
from line 91. In a bore 138 of the coupling 89 which mates with the 
fitting 135 is inserted another Schrader valve 143. The valve 143 abuts 
against the valve 137b opening both valves when the quick disconnect 
coupling 89 is attached to the manifold. Similarly, the anvil 139 opens 
the valve 137a. In this manner, when the carbonator is disconnected from 
the manifold, there is a check valve in both passages of the manifold and 
in both passages into the carbonator to prevent release of pressure. The 
coupling 89 also contains, at its inside, threaded bores 144 and 146 for 
connecting lines 90 and 97 of FIG. 3. 
FIG. 4a shows an improved form of valving. Although the valving of FIG. 4 
is operable, the valving illustrated in FIG. 4a provides superior 
performance. Tests with the type of valving shown in FIG. 4 showed that it 
gave an undesirable flow restriction in the water outlet and the presence 
of sharp edges resulted in energy dissipation and de-gassing. With respect 
to the gas side, it was discovered that a pressure-activated check valve 
would give superior performance to a Schrader valve of the type 
illustrated in FIG. 4. 
Referring to FIG. 4a, in the illustrated embodiment the valve block 89A 
which is mounted to the diluent tank 61 is, in this embodiment, a molded 
plastic part of Lucite or the like rather than the stainless steel part of 
FIGS. 3 and 4. It is secured in place in an appropriate opening in the 
tank 61 at a flat area 701 thereof by means of a sealing gasket 703 on one 
side and a lock ring 705 on the other side. Block 89A contains a threaded 
portion 144 for connection of a diffuser as previously. On the outlet 
side, it contains a slotted portion 707 with an internal O-ring seal 709 
for insertion of a resin bed. A resin bed of the type which can be used 
with the present invention is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 
310,486 filed Oct. 9, 1981 and assigned to the same assignee as the 
present invention. As in the previous embodiment, fittings 129 and 135 are 
inserted into the manifold 77A in communication with lines 91 and 99, the 
gas and water lines respectively. For reasons which will be apparent 
below, fitting 135 is made of two parts, 719 and 717 which screw together. 
Part 717 is the one press-fitted into the manifold 77A. O-ring seals 711 
and 713 are provided for sealing purposes. 
Inserted into the resting on the base of the bore 725 is the flange of a 
duckbill valve 729. It is held in sealing contact by a member 731 made of 
stainless steel screwed into the threads 727. Member 731 contains a flange 
733 pressing against an O-ring 735 placed at the base of the bore 720. 
Extending from the flange is a pin 737 having a cross-bore 739 therein. 
This communicates with a central bore through the member 731 which 
communicates with the duckbill valve. The pin 737 acts against the 
schrader valve 133 which is as in the previous embodiment. Rather than 
utilizing a duckbill valve, a ball and spring check valve could equally 
well be used. The key requirement is that the valve be one operated by the 
gas pressure to open and that it act as a check valve to be closed against 
pressure from inside the carbonator. 
Another alternative to the duckbill valve is the sleeve valve illustrated 
by FIG. 4d. This arrangement takes the place of not only the duckbill 
valve but also member 731 which holds the duckbill valve in place. In 
effect, a member 780 of design similar to member 31 has a portion 781 
extending below the threaded area. Central bore 732 extends through this 
portion 781 with flow controlled, both in this case and the previous case, 
by the size of the opening 731 of the cross bore. Again, an O-ring 735 is 
provided for sealing. Valve action is accomplished by means of a radial 
port 783 extending to the circumference of the extension 781 and an 
elastic sleeve of water resistant material, preferably silicone rubber, 
covering the extension 781. 
On the water side, in the manifold and in the coupler 89A, a type of valve 
which gives adequate flow, has smooth surfaces and which does not 
contribute to energy dissipation or degassing is used. FIG. 4b is an 
elevation view and FIG. 4c an end view of the type of valve generally 
indicated as 731 used at these locations. The valve includes a stem 733 of 
cylindrical cross-section. The stem extends from a conical section 735. 
The conical section is shown in abutment with an O-ring 737 to demonstrate 
the nature of the seal made by the valve. In operation, lifting away from 
the O-ring 737 by movement of the stem 733 opens the valve. The conical 
shape 735 provides self-centering. From the view of FIG. 4c, the base of 
the conical section 735 is visible. The location of the O-ring seal 735 
seated thereon is also visible. As illustrated, there are angled two 
semi-circular cuts made on each side of the valve core. Thus, from the 
botton view, one can see the cuts 739. These terminate in a thin section 
741. In the upper portion on each side, a cut 743 is made extending from 
the cut 739 to a position above the base of the conical section 735 so as 
to bridge that part. Thus, flow from the bottom at the base 741 flows 
along the smooth surfaces past the conical section 735 and in an annular 
path between the O-ring 735 and the stem 733. 
Referring again to FIG. 4a, at the base of the recess 721 a spring 745 is 
disposed. Similarly, within a central bore 747 in the coupling member 135, 
another spring 745 is disposed. The spring seats against a threaded insert 
717 which is screwed into the end of part 135. At the inner end of the 
bore 747 in part 135 an O-ring 737 is disposed. Similarly, an O-ring is 
contained in a recess in a member 747 screwed into the threads 723. As 
illustrated, the stems 733 of the two valve cores are abutting against one 
another, thereby separating the conical parts from the O-rings 737. In the 
assembled position shown, the springs 745 are essentially completely 
compressed. In this position, water flow from the passageway 751 which 
communicates with the resin bed in the carbonator tank flows past the two 
valves and eventually reaches the water line 99 in the manifold. 
The pressure reducing valve 111 is shown in more detail in the cross 
section of FIG. 5 which is taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4. Carbon 
dioxide at a pressure of 40 psi reaches the channel 91 through the inlet 
passage 127 shown on FIG. 4. After passing through the pressure reducing 
valve CO.sub.2 at 1 psi is fed to the channel 113 by means of an outlet 
passage comprising a bore 145 in the manifold. The manifold in an area 
above the bore 145 contains a large bore 147. Extending down from the bore 
147 and in the center thereof is a smaller bore 149. This bore intersects 
with the passage 91 containing the 40 psi CO.sub.2. The upper portion of 
bore 149 is threaded and contains a quide and valve seat 151. Guide 151 
guides a tube 153 attached to a diaphragm 155 by means of a supporting 
plate 157. The diaphragm is secured in place between a body member 159 
which may be integral with the manifold, or inserted into the bore 147 and 
a cover piece 161 which is screwed onto the body 159. The actual valving 
which carries out the pressure reducing takes place between the guide 151 
which forms a valve seat and a valve member 163 containing in its central 
portion a gasket 165. The valve member 163 abuts and seals to the end of 
the tube 153 and is biased outward by a spring 167. The spring 167 tends 
to bring the valve member 163 with its gasket 165 into engagement with the 
seat on the guide 151. Spacing between the member 163 and the guide 151 
determines the amount of gas which reaches a chamber 169 from whence it 
flows out the outlet bore 145. On the cover piece 161 is mounted an 
adjustment knob 171, having thereon a threaded rod 173 which acts on a nut 
175 which is prevented from rotating by being contained in a suitable 
recess in the cover piece 161. Thus, rotation of the knob 171 results in 
linear up and down motion of the rod 173. A flange 176 secured to the rod 
acts upon a biasing spring 177 which is disposed between flange 176 and 
the disc 157 at the diaphragm 155. This arrangement with the spring 177, 
the tension of which is adjustable by the knob 171 and the diaphragm, 
coupled to the tube 153 which operates the valve member 163, results in 
the seating and unseating of the valve member 163 on the seat of guide 151 
such as to maintain the desired pressure in chamber 169 in accordance with 
the biasing pressure set in with the spring 177. Ih this manner, by 
adjusting the knob 171 the desired pressure of 5 psi is obtained at the 
outlet 145. 
The Dispensing Valves And Concentrate Containers 
The construction of the dispensing valves 79A and 79B, shown in FIG. 2a can 
best be understood first with reference to FIGS. 6, 6a, 6b and 6c, in 
addition to FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, each valve is made up 
of four basic parts. These include a base portion 181 which is molded as 
part of the manifold 77. However, it should be recognized that such base 
portions can be made separately with appropriate connections for a carbon 
dioxide pressure line 117 and a water inlet line 103. 
Since both valves are identical, only the right hand valve 79B will be 
described in detail. The base 181 of the valve is a member containing a 
large cylindrical bore 182. At the bottom of this bore is located the 
inlet opening 121 for the carbon dioxide with its O-ring seal 123 and the 
inlet opening 107 for the diluent, e.g., carbonated water, with its O-ring 
seal 109. Also located in the base portion is a vent hole 183, an opening 
185 through which the concentrate, e.g., a syrup, will be dispensed in a 
manner to be described below, and a drain passage 187 for the residue of 
diluent, e.g., carbonated water, after it has passed through the valve. 
Inserted into the bore 182 is a central rotating valve member 189. It is 
supported within the bore 182 for rotation therein in response to 
operation of a handle 191 and seals against O-rings 109 and 123. Overlying 
the central rotatable member is an adjustment disc 193. The adjustment 
disc remains essentially fixed but is adjustable to take into account 
different environmental conditions in metering of the concentrate. This 
adjustment is accomplished by an adjusting screw 195. As can best be seen 
from reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the adjusting screw includes a knob 196 
on the end of a shaft 198. The shaft passes through and is rotatable 
within a threaded plug 197. The threaded plug 197 is screwed into a cover 
portion 201 of the valve which fits over and retains in place central 
member 189 and adjusting disc 193. Near the end of the shaft 198 is a worm 
gear 199 which is secured thereto. When inserted into the cover portion 
201, the end 203 of the shaft 198 is supported for rotation in a bore 207, 
as best seen on FIG. 4. The worm gear 199 is exposed through an opening 
194 and engages appropriate threads 209 on the adjustment disc 193 
permitting a limited degree of rotation thereof. Once adjusted by the 
adjustment screw 195, however, the disc 193 remains fixed. 
As shown in FIG. 6, container 81 includes a body in the form of a necked 
bottle 238 and a cap 230. Dispensing of the concentrate from the container 
81 is in response to a relative rotation of its cap 230 with respect to 
tabs 211 on the neck of bottle 238. This opens a valve in container 81 and 
carries out a metering action in a manner to be described more fully 
below. To accomplish this rotation, the cap 230 also contains a tab 213. 
The tab 213 engages in a notch 215 in the central member 189. The tabs 211 
engage in notches 217 in the adjustment disc 193. The central valve member 
189 is arranged to rotate a given amount to open the metering valve within 
the container by rotating cap 230 which is engaging the notch 215 in the 
central valve member 189. Fine adjustment of this metering is possible by 
means of the adjusting screw 195 which increases or decreases the initial 
setting of the position of the cap 230 relative to the body 238 so as to 
vary the rate of flow of concentrate from the container upon a preset and 
subsequent rotation of cap 230. 
The dispensing valve performs three separate functions. It performs a 
function of venting the container, a function of pressurizing the 
container with the low pressure carbon dioxide and a function of causing 
the simultaneous dispensing of concentrate and diluent. The central valve 
member 189 contains a central bore 219 at the bottom of which there is 
provided a cylindrical member 221, containing a partial bore 232 in the 
upper portion thereof, and supported by three struts 223. One of the 
struts 223 contains therein a passage 225 which communicates with the bore 
232. The other end of the passage 225 is brought through to the bottom of 
the central valve member 189 and at a location permitting alignment with 
vent hole 183 and outlet 121 in the base member 181 of the valve. As best 
seen from FIGS. 7 and 8 inserted within the bore 232 is tubular member 
227. This tubular member communicates with a tube 229 extending to the 
bottom of the container 81 (which will be the top with the container 81 in 
the inverted position shown) for the purposes of venting and pressurizing, 
in a manner to be more fully described below. 
With reference to FIG. 6a, the position of the valve with the handle 191 
fully to the left is shown. In this position, containers are inserted into 
and removed from the equipment and the passage 225 is aligned with the 
vent hole 183 permitting venting of the container 81 through tube 29, 
tubular member 227, passage 225 and vent hole 183. This corresponds to the 
cross sectional view of FIG. 7. 
In the position shown in FIG. 6b, which is a quiescent position of a 
container in the machine, the interior of the container is pressurized, 
but there is no flow of concentrate or diluent from the machine, and the 
container cannot be removed from the machine, handle 191 is centered, the 
passage 225 is overlying the opening 121 and is sealed by the O-ring seal 
123. This admits the low pressure carbon dioxide to the passage 225 from 
whence it can flow through the tubular member 227 into the container 
through tube 229, to pressurize the container with a constant pressure. In 
this position, the diluent outlet 107 with its seal 109, is still covered 
by the bottom of central valve member 189. This corresponds to the cross 
section of FIG. 8. 
Finally, in the position shown in FIG. 6c, which is the dispensing position 
in which concentrate and diluent flow from the machine, and the container 
cannot be removed, the handle 191 is all the way to the right, and an 
inlet opening 231 in central valve member 189 is aligned with the opening 
107 to permit a flow of diluent, e.g., carbonated water, through and out 
of the valve. At this time, because of the elongated opening 121, the 
passage 225 is still in communication with the carbon dioxide supply to 
maintain pressurization of the container. This corresponds to the cross 
section of FIGS. 9 and 10. Movement of the handle 191 to the right takes 
place against the biasing force of a spring 233 which is arranged to 
return the handle 191 to its middle position. 
Once pressurized, if it is desired to remove the container with the 
concentrate and replace it with another, it is only necessary to move the 
handle 191 to the position shown in FIG. 6a, to vent the container 81 to 
permit relieving the pressure therein and allow removal. 
The cross section of FIG. 10 shows the passage 225 still aligned with the 
opening 121 during dispensing. The passages for the carbonated water in 
this position, i.e., the position also shown in FIG. 6c is illustrated by 
FIG. 9. Shown is the passage 103 which communicates with the opening 107 
which is surrounded by the O-ring seal 109, sealing against the rotar 
valve member 189 and communicating with the passage 231 therein. The 
diluent thus flows into a pressure reducing chamber 235, and thence out of 
a spout 237, which is carried by member 189. It will be appreciated that 
spout 237 therefore moves with member 189 and because it projects under 
the base 181, the base is provided with a lobe cutout 237A (FIG. 6), to 
permit the spout to so move. The spout is directed at an angle to cause 
mixing of the diluent and concentrate in a manner to be seen more clearly 
below in connection with FIG. 10. Chamber 235 is designed for minimum 
agitation of the diluent to prevent excessive loss of carbon dioxide. The 
dimensions of chamber 235 and spout 237 are such that an adequate flow of 
diluent is maintained, and that, with a predetermined diluent pressure, 
the outlet flow rate is sufficient to obtain the necessary mixing with the 
concentrate without excessive foaming. When the handle 191 returns to the 
position shown in FIG. 6b, the passage 231 overlies the drain passage 187 
which has a downward slope. Thus, any diluent remaining in chamber 235 can 
drain into a glass or cup placed below. 
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 10, it will be seen that the bottle 238 has a 
plug 239 in its neck. The plug contains a central bore 241 having a sloped 
portion, i.e., of somewhat conical shape, 243 at its inner end. There is a 
central passage 245 through the inner end of the plug. The plug is Of 
generally cylindrical shape and is press fitted into the neck 247 of the 
bottle 238. Alternatively it can be molded as part of the bottle 238. At 
its outer end, the plug contains a circumferential flange 249 which 
extends beyond the neck 247 of the bottle. Placed over the neck of the 
bottle is the cap 230. The cap contains, in its central portion, a 
cylindrically shaped member 251 which terminates in a conical section 252 
at its inner end. Conical section 252 abuts against the tapered conical 
section 243 of the plug 239. Inwardly extending member 251 contains at the 
inner end thereof, a bore 253 into which is inserted the dip tube 229. The 
dip tube extends through the opening 245 in the plug with a spacing. At 
the outer end of the cap, in the center thereof, is a larger bore 255 
extending into member 251 and communicating with bore 253. At the inner 
end of this bore a check valve 257 is disposed. In the case of the present 
embodiment, the check valve is in the form of a split seal valve. However, 
any other type of check valve can be used. The split seal check valve is 
held in place by a cylindrical insert 259. The fitting 227 which is 
surrounded by an O-ring seal 260 to seal inside the cylindrical insert 259 
in cap 230, is inserted into the center of the insert 259 and acts against 
the check valve 257 to open it permitting carbon dioxide to flow into the 
container through the dip tube 229. In the portion of the container above 
the plug 239, the concentrate will be contained. The cooperation between 
the plug 239 and the inward projecting member 251 on the cap perform the 
valving action needed to dispense a metered amount of concentrate. The 
conical surface 243 of plug 239 forms a valve seat for the conical tip 252 
of member 251. It can be seen, that movement of the member 251 away from 
the plug 239 will permit a flow of concentrate around the dip tube 229 and 
into the area between the member 251 and the plug 239 
What happens when such movement occurs is illustrated by FIG. 10. As shown 
by the arrows 261, concentrate flows around the dip tube 229 and into a 
space 263 between the plug 239 and the member 251. At the same time, the 
flange 249 has been lifted away from the cap 230 and an opening 265 formed 
in the cap is exposed. In the closed condition, a double seal is provided. 
First there is the seal between conical surfaces 252 and 243, second is 
the seal between flange 249 over opening 265. With the cap 230 moved 
downward, concentrate can now flow through opening 265 under the pressure 
which is maintained in the container because of the CO.sub.2 and drop, 
through a gap between the struts 223 shown FIG. 4, and FIG. 6c, into a cup 
267, placed below the dispensing valve. The flowing concentrate 269 flows 
essentially straight down. The diluent, e.g., the carbonated water, flows 
from the spout 237 at an angle intersecting the flow of concentrate in 
free space and mixing with it prior to reaching the cup 267. 
As noted above, the valve within container 81 is opened in response to 
rotation of its cap 230 with respect to its body 238 brought about by 
rotation of central valve member 189 with respect to adjustment disc 193 
which, once adjusted by adjusting screw 195, remains fixed during 
operation. The manner in which the rotary motion of the central valve 
member 189 brings about a separation of the plug 239 and the member 251 in 
the cap 230 is best illustrated by FIGS. 11 and 11a. In FIG. 11 the 
insertion of the tabs 211 into the slots 217 in the adjustment ring 193 is 
illustrated. As described above, this holds bottle 238 fixed. Furthermore, 
the manner in which the tab 213 on the cap 230 is inserted into the slot 
215 to cause the cap 230 to rotate with central valve member 189 is also 
evident. The relationship between these parts is also illustrated in FIG. 
6 and FIG. 4. 
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the neck 247 of bottle 238 contains a pair of 
opposed projecting nibs 271. These projecting nibs fit into cam slots or 
grooves 273 formed on opposite sides of the inside of cap 230. 
A view of a portion of the cap 230 unfolded is shown in FIG. 11a. On this 
figure, the shape of the slots 273 is evident. The slot contains a 
horizontal portion 275 followed by a sloping or angled portion 277. It can 
be seen that, as the central valve member 189 is rotated, it carries with 
it the cap 230 because of the insertion of the tab 213 in the slot 215. 
Rotation while in the horizontal area 275 of the slot will result in no 
relative linear up or down motion between the cap 230 and the bottle 238, 
and thus the valve formed by the plug 239 and the member 251 remains 
closed. Travel in the horizontal portion 275 takes place between the 
positions of central valve member 189 shown in FIG. 6a and 6b. However, 
with further rotation to the position shown in 6c the nibs 271 will begin 
to move into the angled portion 277 causing the projection 251 to move 
away from the insert 239, in order to reach the position shown in FIG. 10, 
to dispense the concentrate at a preset metered flow rate. It will be 
arranged that the nibs 271 will be in a position in the straight portion 
275 intermediate the ends thereof when the container is in the machine and 
the rotary valve is in the position shown in FIG. 6a, to enable the ring 
193 to be adjusted in both directions but that movement of the rotary 
valve to the FIG. 6b portion will not cause the nibs 271 to ride up the 
angled portions 277. Also, the angled portions 277 should be of sufficient 
length that the nibs lie between the ends of the angled portion 277 when 
the machine is in the FIG. 6c portion, again, to permit the adjustment of 
ring 193. 
Also shown in cross section in FIG. 11 is the worm gear 198 of the 
adjustment screw 195 of FIGS. 4 and 6. It is evident, that the dispensing 
action, i.e., the opening of the valve in the container takes place 
because of a relative movement between the cap 230 and the bottle 238. 
During normal operation, the bottle 238 is held fixed because of the 
insertion of the tabs 211 in the slots 217 in the adjustment ring 193. 
Thus, during normal dispensing the starting position, i.e., when in the 
position of FIG. 6b, of the nibs 271 in slots 273 and the degree of 
rotation of cap 230 by means of the tab 213 in the slot 215 in the central 
valve member 189 determines the degree of opening of the valve, i.e., the 
amount of travel of nibs 271 in the sloping portion 277. This total amount 
of rotation movement of cap 210 is fixed, in that movement of the lever 
191 of FIG. 6c is limited by the spring 233. Normally, for a given 
concentrate, the tab 231 on cap 230 will be positioned during manufacture 
to give a combined horizontal and sloped movement which will result in the 
desired amount of valve based on the viscosity of the concentrate at a 
standard ambient temperature, e.g., 20.degree. C. Alternatively, the 
position of tab 213 with respect to slots 273 may be fixed and the angle 
of angled portion 277 of slots 273 vaned to accommodate materials with 
different viscosities. However, if the drink dispenser is operated under 
ambient conditions where a higher or lower temperature exists, this will 
effect the flow rate for a given opening of the valve. For example, 
although in the temperate climates a temperature close to 20.degree. C. 
will normally be maintained in wintertime, in the summertime temperatures 
considerably higher may occur. The higher temperatures in many cases will 
lower the viscosity of the concentrate and too much concentrate may be 
dispensed. The adjustment screw 195 is utilized to solve this problem. If 
the user finds that too much or too little concentrate is being dispensed, 
the adjustment screw can be turned. This rotates the adjustment ring 193 
and in effect causes a relative rotation between the cap 230 and bottle 
238 to bias the nibs 271 in one direction or the other. In turn, this 
means that for a given rotation of the central valve member 189 the nibs 
271 will move up the angled or sloped portion 277 a greater or lesser 
extent. This in turn will control the degree to which the valve is opened. 
To enable the adjustment to take place, the slots 277 must, as explained 
herein be of sufficient length. 
The Operation of the Valve and Container 
The operation of the dispensing valve will now be explained. With reference 
to FIG. 3 a carbon dioxide bottle 67 will be in place and the carbonator 
61 will be filled with water which is carbonated by passing carbon dioxide 
through it, the carbon dioxide being introduced through the diffuser 95. 
The carbonator will be at the pressure of 40 psi to which the pressure 
regulator 69 is set, i.e., this pressure will be maintained in the head 
space above the water in carbonator 61. The detailed operation of the 
carbonator and the manner in which it is refilled will be described below. 
Furthermore, the water in the carbonator will have been cooled by the 
cooling means 55 shown on FIG. 2b. These, too, will be explained in more 
detail below. Low pressure, 5 psi carbon dioxide will be available in the 
passage 113, and, because of the pressurization in the carbonator 61, 
carbonated water under pressure will be available in the passage 99. Thus, 
at each of the valves a supply of carbon dioxide will be available at the 
outlets 119 or 121 and a supply of carbonated water at the outlets 105 and 
107. Containers of the desired concentrate are then inserted into the 
dispenser. For example, the concentrates may comprise a syrup for making 
soft drinks such as a cola, orange soda, root beer, etc., or can comprise, 
for example, a concentrate to make quinine water and so forth. In an 
alternate embodiment where water is not carbonated, the concentrate could 
be a fruit juice concentrate, or, where it is desired to make a hot drink, 
for example, a coffee, tea or hot chocolate concentrate. 
With the valve in the FIG. 6a position, the container 81 with the 
concentrate is inserted into the valve or valves (the illustrated 
embodiment includes two valve mechanisms; however, a single valve or more 
than two could be provided). It is inserted so that the tabs 211 are in 
the slots 217 and the tab 213 inserted into the slot 215, as best seen 
from FIGS. 6 and 11. As it is inserted the member 227 will open the check 
valve 257 (FIG. 8). At this point, the handle 191 will be in the position 
shown in FIG. 6a and the container vented. This will bring the dip tube 
229, which is in communication with the inside of the container, into 
communication with the vent hole 183 through the passage 225 shown on FIG. 
6a. 
Next, the handle is moved to the position shown in 6b. Now the passage 225 
is lined up with the outlet 123 and carbon dioxide passes to the fitting 
227 and through the check valve 257 and the dip tube 229 into the bott1e 
238 to pressurize it. During this operation, i.e., the movement between 
the position of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the nibs 271 move in the straight section 
275 of the slot 273 in the cap 230. 
When it is desired to dispense a drink, the handle 191 is pushed to the 
right from the FIG. 6b position to that shown in FIG. 6c against the force 
of the return spring 233. In this position, the channel 225 is still lined 
up with the opening 121 and the container remains pressurized. The water 
outlet 231 lines up with the opening 107 and carbonated water is dispensed 
from the spout 237 shown on FIGS. 9 and 10. The nibs 271 have now moved 
into the slanted section 277 of the slot 273 in the cap 230. This results 
in the cap being moved downward so that the member 251 moves away from the 
plug 239, opening the metering valve for the concentrate which now flows 
in the direction of the arrows 261 shown on FIG. 10 into the space 263 and 
thence out the hole 265 in the cap and down toward a cup 267 in a stream 
269. The downward flowing stream 269 intersects the stream 270 of 
carbonated water in free space causing the two to intimately mix as they 
are dispensed into the cup 267. When the desired amount of drink has been 
dispensed, the handle 191 is released and returns to the position shown on 
FIG. 6b. The bottle 238 remains pressurized, but the flow of concentrate 
is stopped because of the closing of the valve therein and the flow of 
carbonated water stopped because of the movement of the outlet 231 away 
from the opening 107. Any water left in chamber 235 or inlet 231 of FIG. 9 
can drain both through spout 237 and drain outlet 187 to completely drain 
all diluent. From this point on, additional drinks can be dispensed simply 
by moving the handle 191 to the position shown in FIG. 6c. 
Assume for the moment that the two concentrate containers 81 contain 
respectively cola and diet cola. Assume it is now desired to dispense 
quinine water. One of the containers 81 must thus be removed and replaced 
with another containing a quinine water concentrate. The container 81 to 
be removed is, of course, pressurized. To relieve the pressure in the 
container 81, the handle 191 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 6a. In 
this position, the container is now vented, venting taking place through 
the passage 225 and the vent opening 183. With the pressure relieved on 
the concentrate container 81 it may now be removed. As it is removed, 
referring to FIG. 8, it is evident that once it is lifted upward and the 
fitting 227 is no longer acting against the check valve 257, the check 
valve 257 will close. This prevents any possibility of the concentrate 
getting into and dripping out of the dip tube 229. The new container is 
then put into place after which the steps described above are followed. 
Typically, the cola concentrate will be a relatively thick syrup whereas 
the quinine water concentrate will be relatively thin. This requires 
different degrees of opening of the valve made up by the member 251 and 
plug 239. The necessary metering which must be carried out is accomplished 
by adjusting the positioning of the tab 213 with respect to slot 273 on 
cap 230 during manufacture. In other words, in the rest position, 
referring to FIG. 11a, for a cola syrup the nib 271 will be close to the 
angled section 277, but not so close as to cause flow of concentrate from 
the container when the rotary valve is in the FIG. 6b position. On the 
other hand, for something like quinine water it will be placed further to 
the left so that, with movement of the valve to the FIG. 6c position, the 
nibs 271 will only ride up on the angled portion a small amount. 
Alternatively, this control can be obtained by using different angles on 
the angled portion 277. 
An alternate embodiment for the dispensing valve is illustrated in FIG. 18. 
In some cases it may be desired to have the dispensing unit at a sink. In 
such a case, the remainder of the above described apparatus would be 
disposed below the sink. In such a case, the valve would, of course, not 
be part of the manifold 77. Rather, referring, for example, to FIG. 4, the 
lines 113 and 99 will be brought out from the manifold through suitable 
fittings 104 and 118 similar to fittings 129 and 131, described above, 
containing check valves. A quick disconnect coupling such as the coupling 
89 may mate to these fittings with tubing extending from the coupling to 
inlets at the rotary valve 76C. Valve 76C is disposed on the end of an 
angled arm 502 with a container 81 placed thereon. The arm is supported 
for rotation over a sink 504. For example, the opening in the sink 
normally used for a spray attaohment can be used. When not in use, the arm 
502 may be rotated counterclockwise to move the dispenser out of the way 
into a locked position. When it is desired to dispense, the arm 502 is 
moved to the position shown and dispensing can be carried out over the 
sink so that any spillage or drippings will be caught in the sink. 
Preferably, the arm 502 and at least the visible parts of the valve 76C in 
this case will be made of a material to match the sink fittings.. 
Operation of the valve 76C in conjunction with the container 81 in all 
other respects will be the same as described above. In this embodiment, 
and in the previously described embodiments, the rate of flow of the 
diluent can be controlled either by disensioning of the size of the 
diluent tubing or passages, e.g., passage 103, or by the insertion of a 
limiting orifice, for example, at the inner end of the stub 131. 
The various advantages both with respect to construction and operation of 
the dispensing arrangement including the valve and container should be 
evident. It can be made essentially of all plastic parts which are easily 
molded. Other materials can, of course, be used. For example, the bottle 
238 may be made of glass or metal. By forming the dispensing valve in one 
piece with the manifold and through the design of a manifold which 
essentially carries the supply of materials to the valve, the need for 
numerous tubes and the disadvantages associated therewith are avoided. The 
design of the valving in the container permits presetting at the factory, 
with the adjustment screw on the manifold giving the fine adjustment 
necessary to take care of temperature variations or personal taste. 
Furthermore, it is important to note, when referring to FIG. 10, that the 
concentrate passes directly from the container into the cup. It has been 
well established, that mold growth is likely to occur with dilute syrup. 
With the disclosed dispensing arrangement the syrup is diluted only after 
leaving the dispenser. This offers great advantage over most prior art 
dispensers in which mixing took place within the machine and which could 
lead to unsanitary conditions. 
The Carbonator and Cooling Systems 
The remainder of the system is also designed with a view toward ease of 
operation and low cost. The fact that a quick disconnect coupling 71 is 
provided for the carbon dioxide bottle 68 has already been noted. In 
addition the quick disconnect nature of the carbonator has also been 
noted. The carbonator will now be explained in more detail in connection 
with FIG. 12 which is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser 
showing the manner of insertion and removal of the carbonator. In the 
disclosed embodiment of the drink dispenser of the present invention, the 
unit is free-standing, i.e., it is not connected to the plumbing. It will 
be recognized that with respect to what has been previously disclosed, 
i.e., with respect to the dispensing arrangement and the manifold, such 
can be equally well used in a plumbed-in or an automatically recharging 
unit if provided with the necessary oontrols, e.g., temperature, level, 
etc. In the unit of FIG. 12, the carbonator 61 comprises a metal tank 300 
preferably of stainless steel or aluminum, having a lid 301 which is 
removable in order to refill the carbonator 61 with water. As previously 
explained, the carbonator 61 includes a quick disconnect coupling 89 from 
which one line 90 leads through a restriction or orifice 93 to a 
dispersion block 95. Carbonated water is forced out of the unit through a 
line 97. Also shown in FIG. 12 is the end of the manifold 73 with the two 
connecting fittings 133 and 135 projecting therefrom. As explained in 
detail in connection with FIG. 4, these insert into appropriate bores in 
the fitting 89. As also explained in connection with FIG. 4, there are 
valves both in the fitting 89 and the connecting stubs 133 and 135 of the 
manifold. Hence, when the tank 61 is pulled away and disconnected from the 
manifold, the pressure within the dispensing unit, i.e., that pressurizing 
the containers 81 and the carbonated water in the various passages, which 
is under pressure, and the gas under pressure being fed from the CO.sub. 2 
tank are not released. Without such valving, carbonated water would be 
released from the connecting fitting 135 and the 40 psi carbon dioxide 
would flow from the fitting 133. 
At the same time, the valves within the coupling 89 prevent the carbonated 
water under pressure from being discharged from carbonator 61 and also 
prevent any discharge through the carbon dioxide inlet. In order to aid in 
the quick disconnect of the carbonator tank 61 and also aid in handling it 
when disconnected, i.e., to permit refilling, a folding handle 303 is 
provided. A view of the handle 303 is also provided in the cross section 
of the carbonator shown on FIG. 13. The handle includes a bracket 305 
which is attached vertically to the carbonator tank 300. This is 
essentially a U-shaped bracket which contains a cutout portion 307 in its 
central portion, i.e., at this portion only the base of the U is present. 
The handle itself comprises two arm sections, an upper arm section 309 and 
a lower arm section 311. The two arm sections are hinged together by means 
of a pin or rivet 313. The upper arm section 309 is also hinged to the 
upper part of the bracket 305 by means of a pin or rivet 315. The other 
end of the lower arm 311 contains a pin or rivet 317 which passes through 
a slot 320 formed in the U-shaped bracket 305 near its bottom and is 
retained in place by washers 319. Also hinged to the pin 317 is a 
downwardly extending retaining pin 321. In the position shown in solid 
lines on FIG. 13, with the handle folded against the tank 300, the pin 321 
extends through an appropriate hole 323 in a support plate 330 in the top 
of the cooling unit 55. This, along with the insertion of the connecting 
stubs 133 and 135, into the fitting 89, retains the tank 61 in the correct 
place against the tension of the springs in the check values. 
Alternatively, coupling 89 could be on the bottom or vertically disposed 
on the side of carbonator 61 and the weight of carbonator 61 used to help 
to maintain the connection. 
When it is desired to remove the tank, after removal of cover 63, the 
handle 303 is moved to the position shown in dotted lines. The pin 317 
slides upward in the slot 320 at the same time carrying with it the 
retaining pin 321. It is now possible to remove the carbonator to refill 
it with water. 
Since the carbonator after being removed for refilling will still be under 
a pressure of 40 psi it is essential that the pressure be released before 
the cover is removed. Otherwise, the cover could blow off possibly causing 
serious injury to the user. Furthermore, it is important that a good seal 
be maintained between the cover 301 and the container 300. The present 
invention provides a novel design of the mating of the cover with the 
container which both insures that the cover cannot be removed until the 
pressure is released, and at the same time insures that the cover will 
always be adequately sealed, after the carbonator is refilled. The manner 
in which the cover fits into the container 300 is best illustrated by 
FIGS. 12 and 13. 
The container 300 at its top 351 (the container is of solid welded 
construction) has a stepped profile. It has an upper recess 353 of first 
internal diameter in which a top flanged section 355 of the cover 301 
rests. Following this is a portion 357 of somewhat smaller internal 
diameter containing internal threads 358. The cover 301 contains matching 
external threads 359 which screw into the threads 358 but which extend to 
a greater depth on the lid than on the portion 357. This section is 
followed by a section 360 of still smaller internal diameter which 
contains on its vertical surface 361 an O-ring seal 363. O-ring seal 363 
seals against a cylindrical circumferential portion 365 of the cover. 
Because of the location of the seal 363, a radial rather than the 
conventional axial type seal takes place. What this means is that the 
carbonator will be sealed even if the cover is not screwed on completely 
tightly, in contrast, with an axial seal, where good sealing depends on 
the cover being screwed on tightly. This essentially eases operation for 
the user, typically a housewife, and does not require critical alignment 
or the application of a certain amount of pressure in order to get good 
sealing. 
In order to ensure that pressure is released before the cover is removed, a 
rotatable handle 371, shown on FIGS. 12 and 16, is provided. This handle 
rotates to operate a relief valve 372 the lower portion 373 of which is 
visible in FIG. 13. 
As shown in FIG. 16, handle 371 is hinged to a plunger 377 by means of a 
pin 379. Plunger 377 has, in a recess 351 at its end, a rubber sealing 
disc 383. This seals against a plastic valve seat member 385 containing a 
central bore 380 which is screwed into threaded bore 387 in the lid 301 
and sealed against the bottom of lid 301 with an O-ring seal 390. A spring 
375 biases the plunger 377 against seat member 385. Rotation of handle 371 
upward lifts plunger 377 off seat member 385, by means of a larger radius 
388 at the handle end, to release the pressure in the carbonator 61 
through a vent bore connecting the biasing spring chamber to atmosphere. 
This valve also acts as a safety valve in that if the pressure exceeds an 
amount determined by biasing spring 375, the plunger 377 will lift off 
seat member 385 the pressure being released through the vent bore as 
discussed above. 
Thus, rotation of the handle 371 upward when it is desired to refill the 
container, automatically opens the valve to release the pressure. 
Unscrewing of the cover 301 without operating the handle 371 is prevented 
by having the handle 371 extend beyond the circumference of the uppermost 
portion 355 of the cover. A cutout 378 is formed in the top 351 of the 
container 300 as best seen in FIG. 12. When cover 301 is screwed into 
place, the handle 371 snaps into this cutout 378. When one attempts to 
unscrew the cover without lifting the handle 371 it will come into contact 
with the edge 380 of cutout 378 preventing further turning until the 
handle is lifted and the pressure released. Furthermore, because of the 
pressure, turning will be very difficult, by hand, without first releasing 
the pressure. This too is a reminder to operate handle 371. Finally, 
should handle 371 be broken off, or the vent valve fail to operate and 
someone uses a wrench or the like to generate enough torque to turn the 
cover when the vessel 61 is under pressure, leakage past the threads, 
which will still be engaged when the seal at O-ring 363 is broken, will 
bleed the pressure off before the cover 301 is free of tank 300. 
FIGS. 17a-d illustrate an alternate embodiment of a closure for the 
carbonator lid. Shown is a carbonator lid 301a with a cylindrical opening 
501 therein. Inserted within the opening 501 is an insert 503 having a 
first cylindrical section 505 press fitted into the opening 501 followed 
by an outwardly flared section 507 and a terminating cylindrical section 
509. 
The closure, or stopper mechanism, which is utilized to close the opening 
in the cover 301a is of a nature similar to devices used as stoppers for 
vacuum bottles and also as boat plugs. However, as with the previously 
described cover for the carbonator, it is necessary that such a closure 
incorporate means to insure that pressure is relieved before the cover or 
stopper is removed, and it is also desirable that the closure be capable 
of performing as a pressure relief valve. The arrangement illustrated on 
FIGS. 17a-d accomplishes all of these functions. The member which actually 
closes the opening comprises a compressible stopper of rubber, for 
example. The stopper, which is of cylindrical shape with a central bore 
512, in the uncompressed state (See FIG. 17d), is fitted over a tube 513. 
At its inner end tube 513 is threaded. At the inner end of the stopper is 
a washer 515 which is held in place by a nut 517 screwed on to the 
threaded end of tube 513. The stopper 511 is compressed between washer 515 
and a washer 519 at the outer end of the stopper, also slid over the tube 
513. The tube 513 contains a bore 521 in its outer end which terminates in 
a conical valve seat 523. A smaller bore 525 extends from the valve seat 
through to the inner end of the tube 513. At the end of the tube 
projecting through the washer 519, the tube is slotted to provide two 
diametrically opposed members or ears 527 and 529. Each of the ears 527 
and 529 contains a hole 531 through the center thereof. A bolt 533 on the 
end of which is a nut 535 passes through these holes and through 
corresponding holes 537 in camming means 539. Camming means 539 comprise a 
member of essential U-shaped cross-section with two identical cam surfaces 
541 on the legs thereof on the end of which is a U-shaped lever arm 543. 
The cam surfaces 541 act against the washer 519. In the position shown in 
FIG. 17a, the distance between the bolt 533 and the circumference of the 
cam surface 541 is a maximum. This in turn causes the bolt and with it the 
tube 513 to move outward compressing the compressible stopper 511. In the 
position shown in FIG. 17c, the radius of the cam surface 541 remains 
essentially the same, still maintaining compression. Finally, in FIG. 17d, 
the distance between the bolt 533 and the flattened portion 541a of the 
cam surface is now reduced to permit the compressible stopper to take the 
cylindrical form shown in FIG. 17d and allow its removal. 
What has this far been described is a conventional compressible stopper 
arrangement typically used in vacuum bottles and as a boat plug. The 
primary difference is that the conventional device does not have a hollow 
rod such as the tube 513 but a solid rod. 
In accordance with the present invention, seated against the valve seat 523 
is a valve member 545 on the end of a rod 547. The rod extends, with a 
spacing, through a threaded plug 549, which is screwed into internal 
threads in the end of the tube 513 and provides a guide for rod 547. 
Biasing spring 551 is disposed between the guide 549 and the valve member 
545 biasing the valve member against the seat 523. The end of the rod 547 
is attached to an oval ring 553. Between the two ears 527 and 529, a cam 
555 is mounted to bolt 533. Bolt 533, at least in the central part 
thereof, has a square cross-section so that the cam 555 turns with the 
bolt and the camming means 539. Ears 527 and 529 are, of course, mounted 
so that the bolt 533 turns within them e.g., the bolts is round where it 
passes through ears 527 and 529. 
In the position shown in FIG. 17a, there is a slight spacing between the 
oval ring 553 and the cam 555. This allows the biasing spring 551 to bias 
the valve member 545 against the seat 523 to prevent the passage of fluid. 
The spring force is selected to provide a biasing pressure which will 
counteract the design pressure within the vessel with which the closure is 
used. For example, when used in the carbonator of the present invention 
the spring would be set for a pressure slightly greater than 40 psi. If 
excessive pressure builds up within the carbonator tank the valve acts as 
a pressure relief valve. The biasing force of spring 551 is overcome and 
the pressure within the tank will lift the valve member 545 off the seat 
allowing excess pressure to be relieved. The fluid, e.g., carbon dioxide, 
under pressure would flow through the bore 525 past the valve member 545 
through the bore 521 escaping between the rod 547 and the opening in the 
guide member 549. In order to permit pressure relief, the rod is disposed 
within the guide member 549 with a small spacing. The nature of cam 555 is 
such that in the position shown in FIG. 17a, the distance between the axis 
of the bolt 533 and the cam surface is a minimum. As noted above, in this 
position there is a slight spacing between the cam surface and the ring 
553. At the position shown in FIG. 17c in which the handle 543 has been 
rotated through 90.degree., a second, larger distance, results. Because of 
this, the cam surface comes into contact with ring 553 raising the ring 
and with it, the rod 547. This lifts the valve member 545 from the seat 
523 and allows a pressure reduction through the valve which will take 
place at a controlled rate based on the valve orifice and the 
cross-sectional area between the rod 547 and the hole in the guide member 
549. As noted above, in this position, the cam surface of cam 541 is still 
maintaining the compressible stopper in the compressed state. Finally, as 
shown in FIG. 17d, further rotation of the handle 543 releases the stopper 
while at the same time maintaining the valve member 545 raised from the 
seat 523. This results because the cam surface of cam 555 is such that 
between the position shown in FIG. 17c and 17d it maintains the ring at 
the same distance from the axis of the bolt 533 holding the valve open. 
Carbonator Cooling System 
As illustrated in FIG. 12, since the carbonator is cooled, the cover 63 
will contain, on its inside, a layer of insulation 325. Cooling is 
accomplished one of two ways. In the embodiment shown on FIGS. 12 and 13, 
cooling is done utilizing a pan 327 of essentially cylindrical shape and 
having a lip 329 at its top. The pan is filled with what is commonly known 
as "Blue Ice", a type of material typically used for cooling in picnic 
coolers. The pan containing the Blue Ice sealed therein is placed in a 
home freezer and frozen prior to use. It is then inserted into the 
dispenser. For this purpose, a support plate 330 having a circular opening 
332 therein to receive the pan 327 is provided. The plate 330 is supported 
in conventional fashion on a rectangular frame 331 which forms part of the 
cooling unit. In addition, the inside of the rectangular frame 331, this 
frame resting on the base 43 of the dispensing unit, contains insulation 
333 to prevent rapid melting of the Blue Ice. 
Shown on FIG. 12 are ventilation holes 57 in the rectangular frame 331, and 
ventilation holes 59 in the base 43. These are not required with this type 
of cooling unit but ar used with the cooling unit to be described in 
connection with FIG. 14 below The plate 330 in which the pan 327 is 
inserted is preferably of a material with poor heat conductivity, such as 
polypropylene. 
In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the dispenser is provided 
with an electrical cooling unit. Once again, this unit is inserted in, or 
provided in conjunction with, a plate 330, of poor heat conductivity. 
Again, the plate contains an opening 323 for the insertion of the pin 321 
on the handle 303 of the carbonator 61. The electrical cooling unit 
includes, below a plate 335 of good heat conductivity, a plurality of 
thermoelectric cooling units 337. The nature of these units is that there 
is a temperature gradient established between the opposing side when 
electrical current is passed through them. The thermoelectric units, which 
are essentially of a plate-like material, have their cold side abutting 
against the plate 335. Attached to their warm side are heat sinks 339. 
Below the heat sinks, a fan 341 is mounted for establishing a flow of 
cooling air to remove heat from the heat sinks. Power is supplied to the 
fan and to the thermoelectric cooling units 337 by means of the power line 
343. The circuit of this unit is described below in connection with FIG. 
15. When operating with such a unit cool air is drawn through openings 345 
(FIG. 14) below the fan, warm air is exhausted through the openings 57 and 
59 shown on FIGS. 12 and 2b. 
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the circuit for the thermoelectric 
cooling elements 337 of FIG. 14. The power supply cable 343 has on its end 
a plug 401 to be plugged into a conventional outlet to supply power at the 
line voltage to the cooling system. Fan 341 is coupled across the two 
sides of the AC power line 343. Also coupled across the line is the 
primary 403 of a transformer 405. The secondary 407 of transformer 405 is 
coupled to two diagonals 409 and 411 of a full wave rectifier bridge 413 
comprising diodes 414-417. At the other two diagonals 419 and 421 of the 
bridge, rectified DC, at approximately 18 volts is taken off. A capacitor 
423 is placed in parallel across the diagonals 419 and 421 to filter the 
DC voltage. The plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements 337 are 
arranged in series in two groups. The first group 425 comprises the 
elements 337a-d in series, and the second group 426 elements, 337e-i, in 
series. The free end of the thermoelectric element 337a in group 425 is 
connected to the bridge terminal 419. The free end of the element 337d is 
coupled through a normally open relay contact 427 to the opposite diagonal 
421 of bridge 413. The other group 426 has its one end, the free end of 
element 337i, coupled to the terminal 421 of the bridge 413, and its other 
end, the free end of element 337e coupled through a second set of normally 
open contacts 429 to the terminal 419 of the bridge. The end of the 
element 337e coupled to the contacts 429 is also coupled through a set of 
normally closed relay contacts 431 to the end of the element 337d coupled 
to the contacts 427. Contacts 427, 429 and 431 are operated by a relay 
coil 433 which is connected across the secondary 407 of transformer 405 in 
series with a switch 435. 
In operation, once the plug 401 is plugged into an appropriate wall outlet 
and power is being supplied over the power line 343, the fan 341 will 
immediately begin operating. The line voltage applied across the primary 
403 of transformer 405 will be stepped down to approximately 12 volts 
which will then be rectified in the bridge 413 to provide a DC voltage of 
approximately 18 volts at the output terminals 419 and 421 of the bridge. 
This DC voltage will be smoothed and filtered by the capacitor 423. The 
polarity of the DC voltage is positive at the terminal 419 and negative at 
the terminal 421. The thermoelectric elements 337a-337i are appropriately 
poled in accordance with these polarities. In the condition shown, with 
the switch 435 open, the relay 433 will not be energized. Thus, contact 
431 will be closed and the contacts 427 and 429 opened as shown. The DC 
voltage will flow from the terminal 421 through the series circuit 425, 
through the closed relay contact 431, and the series circuit 426 back to 
the terminal 419. In other words, in this condition, all of the 
thermoelectric elements 337a-337i are in series across the output of 
bridge 413. The nature of the thermoelectric elements is such that their 
degree of cooling is proportional to the current. Furthermore, the 
elements are resistive in nature. Thus, with all elements in series, the 
current which is determined by the sum of the resistances will flow. 
Typically, this current is approximately 8 amps. This establishes a first, 
lower level of cooling. 
When the switch 435 is closed, the relay 433 is energized opening contact 
431 and closing contacts 427 and 429. As a result, the two series circuits 
425 and 426 are now connected in parallel across the output terminals 419 
and 421 of the bridge 413. The current flowing through each of the two 
parallel branches comprising the series circuits 425 and 426 will now be 
determined by the number of elements in each of the series circuits. Since 
this is a smaller number in each case than when all elements were 
connected in series, greater currents will flow in each of the two 
parallel branches. This will then result in a greater cooling effect. The 
thermoelectric cooling elements can be of the type manufactured and sold 
by Cambion Electric, Cambridge, Mass. 
FIG. 19 shows an improved form of valve and manifold according to the 
present invention. The arrangement is essentially the same as that shown 
in FIG. 6. The embodiment of FIG. 19, however, is adapted for easier 
molding and is also adapted to be used with an improved form of valving 
mechanism in the container. Manifold 77a contains appropriate bores 182a 
to receive the rotating valve members 189a. As in the previous embodiment, 
an inlet opening 105 for the diluent surrounded by an O ring seal 109 and 
an inlet opening 119 for the carbon dioxide surrounded by an O ring seal 
123 are provided. The passages leading to the outlets 105 and 119a, 
portion of the passage 115 a being visible in FIG. 19 are molded into the 
manifold 77 such that they are of U shaped cross section. They are then 
enclosed by an appropriate cover piece which is bonded into place. The 
same scheme is utilized in forming passages 225a and 235a in the central 
rotating valve member 189a as will be seen below. A central opening 185a 
through which the spout 237a extends for dispensing diluent and also from 
which the concentrate can be dispensed is provided as in the previous 
embodiments. Also included is a drainage slot 187a performing the same 
function as the drainage slot 187 of FIG. 6. As can be seen from FIG. 19 
and FIGS. 20 and 21, the rotating valve member is molded to be cup-like 
with an outer cylindrical wall 190 which rotates within the opening 182a. 
Concentric therewith is an innerwall 192 which forms the opening in which 
the cap of the container is inserted, as best seen in FIG. 20. Inner wall 
192 contains a slot 215a therein in which the tab 213a on a cap 230a is 
inserted. As previously explained, as the central rotatable member is 
rotated by means of a handle 191a, the cap will rotate therewith. Diposed 
over the base 181a and the rotatable central valve members 189a, and 
retaining them in place is a cover 201a having slots 218 to permit the 
handles 191a to extend therethrough. The cover contains a central opening 
in which diametrically opposed slots 217a are formed to engage tabs on the 
neck of the container. These take the place of the similar slots 217 in 
the adjustment disc of FIG. 6. In the present embodiment, adjustment by 
means of an adjustment disc is not carried out. Rather, all adjustment to 
take care of temperature variations or the like can be done by controlling 
pressure or by using temperature sensitive means in the outlet passage. 
Within the central valve member 189a between the walls 190 and 192, the 
expansion chamber 235a, for the diluent is formed by two curved walls 236 
and 238 respectively. This chamber communicates with the spout 237a. The 
inlet to the chamber is through an inlet opening 235b best seen on the 
bottom plan view of FIG. 21. When in the proper position, this overlies 
the diluent outlet 105. The wall 236, along with a wall 240 form the 
carbon dioxide chamber or passage 225a. Carbon dioxide from the outlet 119 
enters through an inlet opening 225c and flows from the chamber 225a into 
a chamber 225b which is formed in a strut 223a which extends from the wall 
192. This terminates in a central cyclindrical member 227a which is 
adapted to be inserted into the central opening in the cap. An additional 
solid strut 223b helps support the member 227a. Member 227a is surrounded 
by an O ring seal 260a. In order to fully enclose the chambers 225a and 
235a, a cover 194 is provided which is welded in place onto the rotatable 
valve member 189a so as to seal against walls 190 and 192 along with 
partitions 236, 238, and 240. 
Biasing of rotatable valve member 189a is by means of a spring 233a and a 
suitable post 232 on the base 181a. This biases the handle to the left as 
seen in FIG. 19 so that neither opening 225c nor 235b are overlying their 
respective outlets 119 and 105. In this embodiment, there is no vent 
position. Rotation of the handle 191a to the right results in the opening 
225c first coming to overlie the slotted opening 119, whereafter, with 
continued rotation, the opening 235b will overlie the outlet 105. In the 
present embodiment the container, when removed from the machine, remains 
pressurized. Thus, venting is not required. 
Other than the lack of venting, and the lack of an adjustment disc, the 
embodiment of FIG. 19 is functionally identical to that of FIG. 6. The 
changes are made simply to facilitate molding of the parts and to avoid 
the need to carry out machining. The channel 225b is closed off by a cover 
member 225d shown in FIG. 20 but not in place in FIG. 21. In this way, the 
major portion of the central valve number 189a can be molded whereafter 
the cover 194 can be put in place along with the cover or insert 225d, 
both sealed in place so as to provide the necessary chambers. Similar 
techniques are used in molding the manifold 77a so as to form various 
needed passages such as the passage 105a. 
FIGS. 20 and 21 also show a preferred valving arrangement for the 
container. In the embodiment previously disclosed, the rate of concentrate 
dispensing was controlled by the amount of rotation. In the embodiment of 
FIGS. 20 and 21, the basic control of the amount of concentrate being 
dispensed is by means of the size of the opening 265a through the cap. 
This will be sized according to the type of concentrate being dispensed. 
For example, diet soda concentrate is much less viscous than syrups 
containing sugar. Thus for diet concentrates the diameter of the bore 
opening 265a will be much smaller. Furthermore, various types of check 
valves, which were previously tried, failed to adequately seal against 
leakage of a diet concentrate. For this reason, the embodiment of FIG. 20 
uses a positive shutoff valve rather than a check valve. As before, the 
cap is formed with a central bore into which the gas outlet 227a is 
inserted and sealed by means of the O ring seal 260a. This opening 
communicates with a tube 229a. In the previous embodiment, this was a dip 
tube which contained in it a check valve. In the present embodiment, this 
tube, which has a flat end, seals against a cylindrically shaped seal 
member 242 preferably made of food grade silicone rubber. The cap can be 
made of polypropylene or low density polyethylene as may the plug 239a 
which is inserted into the neck of the container 238a. The cylindrical 
plug 242 is retained in a projecting portion of the plug made of four 
equally spaced ribs 229A. The ribs extend from an annular surface 244. 
Annular surface 244 seats against an O ring 252a retained in a slot in the 
cap. This prevents any of the concentrate, which will be surrounding the 
ribs 229a, from getting past this sealing point. In addition, a further O 
ring seal 246 prevents leakage from the joint between the insert 239a and 
the bottle 238a. 
In operation, as previously, rotation of the cap 230a, which contains slots 
273a in which tabs 211a on the bottle 238 are inserted, the slots 273a 
being slanted as shown in FIG. 11A, results in the movement of the cap 
230a with respect to the insert 239a. This simultaneously causes the tube 
229a to separate from the cylindrical seal 242 to permit pressurizing gas 
to reach the interior of the container, and moves the annular part 244 
away from the O ring seal 252a. As a result, flow of the concentrate can 
reach the outlet 265a. To prevent concentrate from escaping from below 
that point an additional O ring seal 259a is provided between surfaces of 
the insert 239a and the inner portion of the cap 230a. As these two 
surfaces move with respect to each other, the O ring seal maintains a seal 
therebetween. ln this embodiment, when the container is first used, there 
will not be an elevated pressure in the container until the cap is first 
rotated to open the valve formed between the tube 229a and the member 242. 
However at the same time as pressurizing takes place dispensing will 
commence since a passage to the outlet 265a will be opened. This of course 
only occurs on the first drink. It was thought that there might be some 
deterioration in quality in this first drink. However, tests have shown 
that there is no noticeable difference even on the first drink of, fore 
example, 200 ml. This due to the fact that the pressurizing gas enters 
more quickly than the concentrate leaves. The sealing arrangement shown in 
FIG. 20 has been found to be particularly effective with all types of 
syrups. Although in the present embodiment, the seal at the tube 229A is 
against a member made of silicon rubber, by using plastic materials of 
different hardness for tube 229A and the insert, it is possible for the 
seal to be molded right into the insert. The central rotatable valve 
member can be made of Delrin, an Acetal homopolymer with the lid 201a and 
base 181a made of ABS plastic. With the low viscosity of diet syrups, it 
has been found that a reduced pressure of one PSI is preferred in the 
container. By proper sizing of the outlet 265a along with this pressure, 
both diet and regular drinks can be dispensed. Furthermore, the tolerances 
established in the industry for drinks of this nature are maintained over 
an adequate range of temperatures without further adjustment. 
FIGS. 22 and 23 show a new form of diffuser. The diffuser includes a base 
801 containing an inlet fitting 803 in which the line 90 from coupling 89 
or 89A (see FIG. 12) is fitted and sealed in conventional fashion with a 
nut 807. The fitting opens into a chamber 809 communicating through a 
passageway 811 with a cavity 813 which, in turn, communicates through 
another passageway 815 with another cavity 817. As seen from the plan view 
of FIG. 23, there is, in the center of each of the cavities, which are of 
cylindrical cross-section, a raised area 819 containing a threaded hole 
821. Also, there is recess 823 formed in each of the cylindrical spaces 
813 and 817. The recess 823 receives an O-ring 825. A sealing washer 827 
overlies the raised area 819. Shown in exploded view above this area is a 
sintered plate or sintered disc having thickness of approximately 1/16th 
of an inch and a 2-inch diameter. One is provided over each of the two 
cavities 813 and 817. A stainless steel machine screw 833 is provided for 
securing the disc onto the body and covering the cavities 813 and 819. The 
disc is made of sintered stainless steel having a maximum 5-micron passage 
size. This diffuser has been found to be particularly efficacious in 
carrying out carbonation. The removable disc permits disassembly of the 
difusser for purposes of cleaning and hygiene. Preferably cavities 817 and 
813 are shallow to permit gas entering therein to entrain water which 
collects in the cavities thereby wetting the pores of the diffuser and 
improving gas diffusion characteristics. 
FIGS. 24-26 illustrate a pneumatic actuator for the valve 79 of FIG. 4 or 
FIG. 19. For this purpose, a portion of a linkage 901 is connected by 
means of a screw 903 to a portion corresponding to the actuating lever 191 
of FIG. 4. Portion 901 of the linkage is coupled through a joint 905 to 
another linkage arm 907 connected through joint 908 to a movable block 
909. Block 909 is contained within a suitable bore 911 and is coupled by a 
rod 913 to a piston 915 disposed in a cylinder 917. The end of the 
cylinder 917 adjacent to block 909 is sealed by a plug 919 which has a 
projection 921 at its end inserted into the cylinder and sealing 
thereagainst with an O-ring 923 between the cylinder wall and the plug. 
Another O-ring 925 seals against the rod 913 attached to the piston. The 
piston, itself, seals against the cylinder 917 by means of another O-ring 
927. Cylinder 917 has an inlet at each end, thus, there is an inlet 931 
and an inlet 933. To insure that with the piston 915 at its end positions 
there is a space for gas to be admitted to the cylinder, raised areas 935 
are formed at each of the piston. In the position shown in FIG. 24, gas is 
admitted through the passage 933, driving the piston 915 to one end and 
operating valve 79 to dispense. This is accomplished by pressing a button 
937 extending through an opening in the manifold. Button 937 is an 
extension of a rectangular member 939 containing a cylindrical chamber 
941. Member 939 slides in a suitable recess formed in the manifold. There 
are two outlet passages from chamber 941--an outlet 943 and and outlet 945 
and in the position shown the outlet 943 is aligned with passage 933, the 
junction between sealed with an O-ring 947. Similarly, there is an O-ring 
949 surrounding the passage 945. Passage 931 is venting to the atmosphere 
because of small gap between the member 939 and the opening in the 
manifold. Carbon dioxide at the same pressure as is used in the 
carbonator, is supplied through a fitting 951 screwed into a suitable 
threaded bore in the manifold through a passage 953 to a connecting piece 
955 which is press-fitted into the manifold. Connecting piece 955 contains 
a central bore 957 which is in communication with the cavity 941 in the 
member 939. As illustrated by FIG. 25, the cavity 941 is of cylindrical 
cross-section and seals against the connecting tube 955 by means of an 
O-ring seal 959. Also visible in this view are the seals 925 and 923 
sealing the cylinder 915. When the button is release, because of the 
carbon dioxide pressure in the cavity 941, the button will move outwardly 
to the position shown in FIG. 26. Now, the passage 945 is aligned with the 
passage 931 and carbon dioxide is admitted to the other end of the 
cylinder 915 acting on the other side of piston 921 to immediately drive 
the piston and with it the block 909, thereby moving linkages 907 and 901 
to the position shown to close the dispensing valve 79. The cylinder 915 
on the other side of the piston 921 vents through the passage 933 and the 
gap formed between member 939 and the recess in the manifold as indicated 
by arrow 961 of FIG. 25. To prevent the button 937 and more importantly 
the block 909 and its associated linkage from remaining in an operating 
position due to the loss of carbon dioxide pressure, spring biasing is 
also provided. Thus, there is a spring 963 biasing the member 937 
outwardly into the closed position. Similarly, a spring 965 biases the 
block 909 outwardly to move the valve to the closed position. 
The diameter of cylindrical chamber 941 should be kept small to minimize 
the force needed to push button 937. The diameter of cylinder 915 should 
be as large as practical taking into consideration the loss of gas on each 
operation. The pneumatic arrangement provides a snap action on and off 
control preventing the valve being partially on or off so as to maintain a 
high quality drink.