Patent ID: 7377495

Claim:
A pressure regulator assembly for controlling the pressure at which carbon dioxide gas is introduced into water in a carbonated beverage system, said pressure regulator assembly comprising: (A) a temperature sensor comprising a hollow body having a fluid therein, said hollow body being positionable in proximity to the water to facilitate heat transfer between the water and said fluid, said fluid communicating between said hollow body and a bellows; and (B) a pressure regulator comprising an inlet for receiving the carbon dioxide gas, an outlet for releasing the carbon dioxide gas to be introduced to the water, a first flow path providing gas flow communication between said inlet and said outlet, said first flow path having a first gas flow capacity, a first valve adaptable for regulating flow through said first flow path, a second flow path providing gas flow communication between said inlet and said outlet, said second flow path having a second gas flow capacity, said second gas flow capacity being greater than said first gas flow capacity, a second valve adaptable for regulating flow through said second flow path, a pressure reacting member on which said carbon dioxide gas may act, and a force transmission assembly operatively engaged between said bellows and said pressure reacting member; wherein said first valve is adjustable in response to movement of said pressure reacting member; wherein said second valve is adjustable in response to movement of said first valve; and wherein the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas at said outlet varies in response to a change in temperature of the water over a first range of water temperatures.