Patent ID: 7753236

Claim:
A beverage dispenser comprising: a water tank having a water inlet and a separate water outlet; a microbiological agent comprising a biocide, a biostatic agent, or combination thereof; a circulation means within or attached to the water tank, which circulation means comprises an agitator, a recirculation loop, or both an agitator and a recirculation loop; and a source of a beverage component for mixing with water flowing from the water tank, wherein the microbiological agent is present in the water tank in or on a carrier, which carrier is in open-cell foam, fiber or granular form having a surface area for contact with the liquid, and the circulation means is configured such that water which flows into the tank through the water inlet contacts the microbiological agent before the water flows out of the discharge outlet or before the water mixes with the beverage component, and wherein the open-cell foam, fibers or granules are in the form of a layer through which the water must pass on its travel from the inlet to the outlet of the water tank, and wherein the layer floats on the water that has passed through it.