Patent Document

[0001]    This utility application claims priority to and incorporates herein by reference U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/235,872 filed Aug. 21, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/287,043, filed on Dec. 16, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Beverage dispensing systems having bar guns, more particularly, a beverage dispensing system for dispensing multiple beverages therefrom, which contains a bar gun, which bar gun has a recirculation loop for substantially continuous recirculation of cool liquids. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention incorporates by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 12/286,441 entitled “A Bar Gun Assembly” filed Sep. 30, 2008 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/465,283 entitled “Flow Control and Manifold Assembly” filed May 13, 2009. 
         [0004]    Dispensing systems, including beverage dispensing systems having bar guns that are well-known in the art. Bar guns are designed to dispense multiple beverages therefrom, typically receiving a number of different types of syrup from a number of separate sources, as well as carbonated water. Typically, pressing a button for the desired beverage on the bar gun will valve both the carbonated water (soda) and the syrup for post-mixing and dispensing into a cup as known in the art. 
         [0005]    Typical beverage dispensing systems of the bar gun post-mix type typically include remote vessels for the soda, which vessel is typically maintained at a cooled temperature. Trunk lines are provided from the main remote carbonated soda (out) and/or beverage syrup vessels (out), which trunk lines provide fluid under pressure to, typically, a multiplicity of remote bar guns. As is known in the art, the trunk lines carrying cooled fluid, typically soda water, carry fluid to the bar guns through a valve and manifold assembly. One of the functions of the manifold and valve assembly is to provide individual on/off valves to each of the multiplicity of lines (soda and syrup) entering the valve and manifold assembly, as well as providing individual valved channels, which valved (flow controlled) channels have valves engaged therewith. The valves may be flow control valves or mechanically set adjustable orifice valves, but in either case, they are designed to control the flow rate of the fluid (syrup or soda) flowing therethrough so as to properly mix the soda/syrup at the bar gun nozzle, so that it will be neither too strong nor too weak. All of the foregoing describes structures and functions well-known in the art. 
         [0006]    However, prior art post-mix bar gun dispensing systems have a drawback wherein, if a long enough period of time exists between dispensing operations, fluid in the valve and manifold assembly and downstream thereof, may begin to warm up. That is to say, if a bar gun is in almost continuous use, fluid from the cooled trunk lines and remote sources is not stagnate or stationary for any period of time sufficient to warm up to or near room temperature. However, if a sufficient period of time elapses between dispensing, product (soda or syrup) in the valve and manifold assembly and downstream thereof tends to warm up. This is especially deleterious with carbonated water (soda) wherein the CO 2  gas entrained in the soda under pressure will release greater amounts if the dispensing temperature is warmer than if it were cooler. Greater amounts of released gas generates greater amounts of unwanted foam. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is an object of the present invention to provide for multiple means of maintaining or helping maintain a cooler temperature for liquids in the valve and manifold assembly and/or elements downstream thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a bar gun assembly; a valve and manifold assembly; a trunk line carrying a cool fluid and circulating through a cooler; a multiplicity of concentrate bearing lines engaging a multiplicity of concentrated sources to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly; a python for carrying a plurality of python fluid lines engaging the valve and manifold assembly and located between the downstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and the bar gun assembly, the python fluid lines including a multiplicity of concentrate carrying lines engaging the bar gun assembly and also including at least a valve and manifold assembly out line and a valve and manifold assembly return coolant line; an inline for carrying the cool fluid from the trunk line to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and an outline carrying the cool fluid from the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly to the trunk line; and a recirculation loop downstream of the valve and manifold assembly for engaging the out and return coolant lines of the valve and manifold assembly. 
         [0009]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the bar gun assembly. 
         [0010]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the python near the bar gun assembly. 
         [0011]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes a heel and a handle. 
         [0012]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0013]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the handle of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0014]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop includes a substantially hollow “U”-shaped member. 
         [0015]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop includes a substantially hollow “U”-shaped member, wherein the “U”-shaped member includes a pair of legs and a cross-piece joining the pair of legs. 
         [0016]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein a first leg of the pair of legs fluidly joins the python out line and the second leg of the pair of legs joins the python inline 
         [0017]    A beverage dispensing apparatus further including means to assist in fluidly engaging the pair of legs to the two python lines. 
         [0018]    A beverage dispensing apparatus further including a bypass line for carrying cool fluid past the valve and manifold assembly without engaging the same. 
         [0019]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the bar gun assembly. 
         [0020]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the python near the bar gun assembly. 
         [0021]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes a heel and a handle. 
         [0022]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0023]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the handle of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0024]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the python includes insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0025]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0026]    A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a bar gun assembly; a valve and manifold assembly; a trunk line carrying a cool fluid and circulating through a cooler; a multiplicity of concentrate bearing lines engaging a multiplicity of concentrated sources to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly; a python for carrying a plurality of fluid lines engaging the valve and manifold assembly and located between the downstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and the bar gun assembly, including a multiplicity of concentrate carrying lines engaging the bar gun assembly and also including at least a valve and manifold assembly out line and a valve and manifold assembly return coolant line; an inline for carrying the cool fluid from the trunk line to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and an outline carrying the cool fluid from the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly to the trunk line; a recirculation loop downstream of the valve and manifold assembly for engaging the out and return coolant lines of the valve and manifold assembly; and further including a bypass line for carrying cool fluid past the valve and manifold assembly. 
         [0027]    A beverage dispensing apparatus of wherein the python includes insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0028]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0029]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes a heel and a handle. 
         [0030]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0031]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the handle of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0032]    A beverage dispensing apparatus further including insulation adjacent the recirculation loop. 
         [0033]    A beverage dispensing apparatus further including insulation adjacent the recirculation loop. 
         [0034]    A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a bar gun assembly; a valve and manifold assembly; a trunk line carrying a cool fluid and circulating through a cooler; a multiplicity of concentrate bearing lines engaging a multiplicity of concentrated sources to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly; a python for carrying a plurality of python fluid lines engaging the valve and manifold assembly and located between the downstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and the bar gun assembly, the python fluid lines including a multiplicity of concentrate carrying lines engaging the bar gun assembly and also including at least a valve and manifold assembly out line and a valve and manifold assembly return coolant line; an inline for carrying the cool fluid from the trunk line to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and an outline carrying the cool fluid from the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly to the trunk line; and a recirculation loop downstream of the valve and manifold assembly for engaging the out and return coolant lines of the valve and manifold assembly; wherein the recirculation loop is located in the bar gun assembly; wherein the bar gun assembly includes insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0035]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the bar gun assembly includes a heel and a handle. 
         [0036]    A beverage dispensing apparatus wherein the recirculation loop is located in the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0037]    A beverage dispensing system comprising a multiplicity of assemblies, each of the multiplicity of assembles engaging a trunk line carrying a cool fluid and circulating through a cooler, each assembly of the multiplicity of assemblies including; a bar gun assembly; a valve and manifold assembly; a multiplicity of concentrate bearing lines engaging a multiplicity of concentrated sources to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly; a python for carrying a plurality of python fluid lines engaging the valve and manifold assembly and located between the downstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and the bar gun assembly, the python fluid lines including a multiplicity of concentrate carrying lines engaging the bar gun assembly and also including at least a valve and manifold assembly out line and a valve and manifold assembly return coolant line; an inline for carrying the cool fluid from the trunk line to the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly and an outline carrying the cool fluid from the upstream side of the valve and manifold assembly to the trunk line; and recirculation loop downstream of the valve and manifold assembly for engaging the out and return coolant lines of the valve and manifold assembly and further including a bypass line for carrying cool fluid past the valve and manifold assembly without engaging the same. 
         [0038]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  30  wherein the recirculation loop is located in the bar gun assembly. 
         [0039]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  30  wherein the recirculation loop is located in the python near the bar gun assembly. 
         [0040]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  30  wherein the bar gun assembly includes a heel and a handle. 
         [0041]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  33  wherein the recirculation loop is located in the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0042]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  33  wherein the recirculation loop is located in the handle of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0043]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  34  wherein the recirculation loop includes a substantially hollow “U”-shaped member; and insulation near the recirculation loop. 
         [0044]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  1  further including a splitter for carrying the coolant therethrough, and wherein one of the python lines is adapted to engage, via the valve and manifold assembly, the splitter, for carrying cooling fluid therein to the bar gun assembly for dispensing therefrom. 
         [0045]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  18  further including a splitter for carrying the coolant therethrough, and wherein one of the python lines is adapted to engage, via the valve and manifold assembly, the splitter, for carrying cooling fluid to the bar gun assembly for dispensing therefrom. 
         [0046]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  27  further including a splitter for carrying the coolant therethrough, and wherein one of the python lines is adapted to engage, via the valve and manifold assembly, the splitter, for carrying cooling fluid to the bar gun assembly for dispensing therefrom. 
         [0047]    A beverage dispensing system of claim  30  further including a splitter for carrying coolant therethrough, and wherein one of the python lines is adapted to engage, via the valve and manifold assembly, the splitter, for dispensing cooling fluid therefrom. 
         [0048]    One feature is a recirculation loop, which recirculates coolant (typically carbonated water or water), from the cool trunk line carrying the coolant through the valve and manifold assembly, then through the python and into the bar gun, returning (undispensed) back through the python and through the valve and manifold assembly into the trunk line. This recirculation loop is operational even when the bar gun is not in use. That is to say, the recirculation loop will recirculate coolant from the trunk line through the python and valve assembly into the coolant trunk line. This recirculation loop is valved for flow even when the bar gun is not in use (that is to say, when none of the buttons on the bar gun are actively dispensing fluid therefrom). The recirculation loop may be situated in the bar gun handle, in the heel or in the python, where it would typically be situated proximate the bar gun handle. 
         [0049]    Regarding the recirculation feature, it is noted that the structure providing recirculation, generally a U-shaped member, will direct fluid from a direction towards the dispensing nozzle to a direction away from a dispensing nozzle and back towards the valve and manifold assembly. In regards to the location of this structure that will redirect the cooling fluid, it may be located in the bar gun handle itself, in one embodiment, and in a second embodiment, may be located in the heel of the apparatus, or it may be located in the python. In all of these cases, the structure of the recirculation loop is downstream of the valve and manifold assembly. This is unlike the prior art in which it is known to deliver cooling fluid up to, but not into, the valve and manifold assembly. 
         [0050]    Another feature of the recirculation loop is that it may be open or closed. In an open recirculation loop the cool fluid may be drawn off and mixed with syrup and dispensed as product into a cup for a consumer. Clearly, in an open system, the cooling fluid is compatible with the beverage and may be drunk by the consumer. Typically, an open system would use cooled soda water. In a closed system, there is no structure or function providing for the drawing off of cooling fluid to dispense into a container. In the case of a closed system, there are more options for the cooled fluid, and fluids such as glycol or the like may be used. There is no need to worry, in a closed system, about the compatibility of the cooled fluid for human consumption. 
         [0051]    A third feature, which may be used alone or in combination with the recirculation loop, is the providing of insulation in various parts of the valve and manifold assembly and/or the python or the bar gun of the bar gun assembly. This insulation will help prevent heat loss by radiation, conduction and/or convection from the fluid in the valve and manifold assembly and/or the sheath and may assist in the transfer of heat between the coolant fluid and the uncooled fluids carried by respective conduits in the python. Insulation, in one example a pocket of air adjacent the recirculation loop, may help avoid the excessive cooling of the exterior of the bar gun body. Excessive cooling of a bar gun resting unused over a period of time, while good for the first dispensing of a cool drink, may cause the bar gun surface to form condensation thereon, as “sweat.” 
         [0052]    The position of the recirculation loop in the apparatus, for example as in the heel or python, will help prevent “sweating” of the bar gun body. The use of insulation will also help prevent “sweating” of the bar gun body. 
         [0053]    Preferably, the recirculation loop is used in conjunction with the insulation to provide for effective prevention of heat loss from the liquids of the bar gun assembly and/or sweating of the bar gun body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0054]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of the elements of a recirculation loop of the bar gun system. 
           [0055]      FIG. 1B  is a top elevational view of the elements of the recirculation loop as they apply to the trunk line, valve and manifold assembly, and python. 
           [0056]      FIG. 1C  is a top elevational view of the bar gun illustrating the recirculation channel therein. 
           [0057]      FIG. 1D  is an alternate configuration of lines carrying fluid to the valve and manifold assembly. 
           [0058]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a closed system. 
           [0059]      FIG. 1F  is a schematic illustration of a beverage dispensing system comprising multiple beverage dispensing apparatus operating off a common coolant line. 
           [0060]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the manner in which the python joins the bar gun illustrating details of the insulation used as well as the arrangement of the lines incorporating the recirculation loop. 
           [0061]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-section elevational view of some of the elements illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
           [0062]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-section elevational view of the elements illustrated in  FIG. 2A  where a recirculation channel is situated in the python proximate the heel of the bar gun assembly. 
           [0063]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the manifold portion of the valve and manifold assembly illustrating the manner in which insulation is used therewith and the manner in which it joins the python. 
           [0064]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are illustrations of an alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant&#39;s recirculation loop.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show the U-shape fitting exploded away from lines  50  and  52 , while  FIG. 4C  shows the fitting as it is used, attached to the removed ends of lines  50  and  52 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0065]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C illustrate various elements, structurally and functionally, of beverage dispensing apparatus that may comprise Applicants&#39; recirculation loop  10 . As stated above, the recirculation loop  10  is designed to help prevent heat loss in the valve and manifold assembly and the elements downstream thereof, including the python and bar gun assembly  13 . 
         [0066]    This function is achieved through the use of an in line  42  carrying incoming cool fluid Ri coming off trunk line  40  entering and passing through valve/manifold assembly  12  and into the bar gun assembly  13  in conjunction with a recirculation channel  30 , which in the illustrated example is in the bar gun assembly  13 , and which joins recirculation in line Ri to recirculation out line Ro in the bar gun handle as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . Ro then exits bar gun assembly  13 , passes through a line situated in python  28 , through valve/manifold assembly  12 , to out line  44 , and into a trunk line return  40   a  (for coolant recirculation). The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is an open system where the recirculating cool fluid is a fluid that may be dispensed through the bar gun. Suitable fluids include, but are not limited to: soda water, carbonated water, water, consumable liquefied gases, or consumable gaseous fluids such as carbon dioxide, which when mixed with the other liquids in the bar gun carbonates the dispensed beverage. When referring to consumable liquefied gases and consumable gaseous fluids the Applicant is referring to such gases and fluids which are known to be consumable in certain proportions by human beings without harm. 
         [0067]    Additional elements may be seen with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C . More particularly, in line  42  may take recirculation fluid Ri into a splitter  26  having branch  26   a  and branch  26   b . Recirculation fluid Ri will pass through V 1  and as dispensed coolant; typically carbonated water through V 2 , which are two of a multiplicity of valves  18 . Valves  18  may be of the flow control type or adjustable/fixed orifice type, but in any case are valves known in the art to control the flow of fluids therethrough. In conjunction with a multiplicity of valves  18  (engaged with channels therethrough) may be shutoff or ball valves  20  as known in the art. 
         [0068]    It is not necessary that all the coolant passing through in line  42  should pass through the recirculation channel  30 . A bypass line  46  may extend between the in line  42  and the out line  44 . Hence, whilst some of the coolant passes through the recirculation channel  30 , some of the coolant passes directly into the out line, without passing through the recirculation channel  30 . The relative proportion of coolant passing through the recirculation channel  30  and the bypass line  46  maybe influenced by the setting of valves V 1  and V 3 , the relative sizes of the in line  42 , out line  44  and bypass line  46  for example. 
         [0069]    At splitter  26 , recirculation fluid (coolant) passing through branch  26   a  will be destined to return through V 3  and out line  44  as Ro (recirculation of the fluid out). When the bar gun is not being used, that is, none of the beverages are being dispensed, then it may be seen that substantially no flow will occur through branch  26   b , valve V 2 , and the line marked “carb” (for carbonated water or soda water). That is to say, the recirculation loop operates primarily in a mode in which none of the buttons (actuating valves as known in the art) of the bar gun are being depressed and no beverage is being dispensed. In such a condition, recirculating fluid Ri will circulate in the channels and lines as illustrated up to recirculation channel  30  where it will perform a substantial “U-turn” and return as recirculation out or Ro through line  44  and into the trunk return line  40   a . The trunk line typically carries chilled carbonated fluid and thus has an out line  40  which services a number of bar gun assemblies  13  (see  FIG. 1F ) and a return line  40   a  engaging a source  1  of carbonated water or soda cooled by a chiller  1  as known in the art and including a recirculation pump  3  as known in the art. Valves V 1  and/or V 3  may be adjusted to control the flow rate of recirculation fluid therethrough. Indeed, valves V 1  and V 3  may be used, but it is not necessary that they are adjusted—the recirculation fluid may flow through valves V 1  and V 3  with the valves open. Indeed, valves V 1  and V 3  may be no more than openings of a specified size to give a desired flow rate with no facility to adjust for adjustment to control the flow rate. Valve V 2 , where such a valve is adjustable to control the flow of fluid flowing therethrough, may be adjusted to control said flow of the fluid. A splitter is not necessary to the recirculation loop, line  42  may go directly into the fitting that, in illustration  FIG. 1A , engages branch  26   a  and the fitting engaging branch  26   b  will receive the product from the trunk line as known in the art. Such an arrangement also provides for a closed system where the coolant fluid is not used in the mixing of beverages. Such coolant fluid could be ethylene glycol or another known refrigerant. 
         [0070]      FIG. 1F  illustrates multiple (four) flow control/python/bar gun assembly systems  60 A/ 60 B/ 60 C/ 60 D. Each is comprised of at least elements  12 / 13 / 28 / 42 / 44 / 46 /V 1 /V 3 . That is to say, coming off the trunk line or coolant main line, the system  60 A/ 60 B/ 60 C/ 60 D comprising a flow control/python/bar gun assembly is typically provided at multiple places. 
         [0071]    It is seen that adjusting either V 1  or V 3  at  60 A will affect the crossover or bypass coolant fluid going through  46  and back into the main coolant line. Specifically, either V 1  or V 3  may be adjusted to choke down or reduce the flow of coolant therethrough and therefore to the recirculation loop of the python and/or bar gun assemblies. Then, more of that fluid will go through line  46  and be available as fluid typically a little bit cooler than the fluid that went through the python  28  of  60 A. Increasing the flow of fluid through python  28  of  60 A will provide a cooler temperature at the elements downstream of  46  on  60 A, but will provide a slightly higher temperature to downstream elements  60 B/ 60 C/ 60 D. 
         [0072]    Thus, it is seen that by adjusting either or both of valves V 1  or V 3  at each of the stations, the amount of cool fluid going into the recirculation loops at each station can be controlled and the flow to the recirculation loop can be increased for more coolant or decreased. However, it is also recognized that increased flow at any recirculation loop will slightly decrease the ability for downstream stations (for example, station  60 B/ 60 C/ 60 D which are downstream from  60 A) to cool themselves. 
         [0073]    A number of the other elements illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C  are known in the art. Locking slides  22  and fittings  24  removably engage a number of typically flexible fluid lines to the valve and manifold assembly  12 . Pythons  28  are known in the art and include outer sheath  34  and carry a number of fluid bearing lines therethrough, here four syrup lines and a carb line. However, the python of the present invention is also carrying a line for recirculation fluid Ri designated  50  and a line for Ro designated  52  as illustrated. Lines  50  and  52  originate at the manifold assembly, run through the python, and in one embodiment engage recirculation channel  30 , and in a second embodiment ( FIGS. 4A-4C ) engage a “U” shaped fitting  54  outside of bar gun body  13 A. Both a “U” shaped fitting  54  and the recirculation channel  30  will signify a structural member or element adapted to reverse the flow of coolant from towards the dispensing nozzle to away from the dispensing nozzle. 
         [0074]    Additional features of Applicants&#39; present device are also provided in an effort to achieve a reduction of heat loss to the environment from the fluids in the lines and valves and other elements of the valve and manifold assembly, python and/or bar gun assembly. 
         [0075]    An additional feature includes the use of insulation including, typically, tubular insulation at least partially within python  28  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . That is to say, python  28  may, in addition to having outer sheath  34 , carry insulation  36 , which may be tubular and which may be located within or on the outside of outer sheath  34  (illustrated is an inner python sheath insulation  36 ). In the manner illustrated, insulation preferably wraps or at least partially wraps the multiplicity of lines within the python, including Ri and Ro, those lines carrying the recirculated fluid (coolant). The sheath  34  may be combined with sheath insulation  36  as a single unit combining flexibility, insulation and an annulus or channel therethrough. As can be seen in  FIG. 2A , python insulation sheath  30  may extend slightly beyond outer sheath  34  (upstream end) and may be wrapped with an insulated tape  38  to help protect and further insulate the lines within the python and extending past the python into body  13 A of the bar gun. Tape  38  may be an insulation type tape (preferably adhesive bearing) and may help prevent chafing of the lines. The insulation  36  may in addition to preventing heat loss may also increase heat transfer between conduits carrying cooled fluid and those carrying uncooled fluid by bringing them into closer proximity. The fluid carrying lines and the insulation  36 ,  38  may be so shaped and dimensioned as to squeeze together (but not crush) fluid carrying conduits so that heat exchange between adjacent conduits is at least partially by conduction. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 2C  the parts illustrated are essentially the same as shown in  FIG. 2   b , except that the recirculation channel  30  is situated in the python proximate the heel  32  of the bar gun assembly. 
         [0077]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , it may be seen that manifold insulation  48  may be used in conjunction with any of the other elements of Applicants&#39; design. More particularly,  FIG. 3 . illustrates the use of manifold insulation at least partially within manifold covers  14   a / 14   b , which covers comprise a manifold housing. Manifold insulation  48  may be internal, that is to say, within the housing and may at least partially rest adjacent the multiplicity of lines passing through the manifold from the valve assembly  16  to manifold  14  into python  28 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 1D  illustrates alternative embodiments for bringing cool recirculation fluid and product (or multiple products) to the valve and manifold assembly from a source. The recirculation fluid used will be chilled, before entering the recirculation loop, product dispensed may or may not be. Types of insulation that may be used include, but are not limited to, foam, armaflex, fiberglass, flat, tubular tape, etc. Where the product dispensed for example syrup is not cooled, this product may be delivered via a fluid line other than trunk line  40  in ways known in the art. 
         [0079]      FIG. 1E  illustrates an alternative embodiment where a separate supply of product  2 ′ is delivered to the bar gun assembly  13  by a pump  3 ′ from a chiller  1 ′. Such an arrangement provides for a closed system as described above. 
         [0080]    Recirculation fluid passing through branch  26   a  and V 1  as Ri will be destined to return through V 3  and out line  44  as Ro (recirculation of the fluid out). When the bar gun is not being used, that is, none of the beverages are being dispensed, then it may be seen that substantially no flow will occur through branch  26   b , valve V 2 . In this embodiment, the recirculation loop operates in the same manner whether buttons to dispense beverage are actuated or not, i.e. whether product flows through branch  26   b  or not. Recirculating fluid Ri will circulate in the channels and lines as illustrated up to recirculation channel  30  where it will perform a substantial “U-turn” and return as recirculation out or Ro through line  44  and into the trunk return line  40   a . In this example, the trunk line typically carries glycol or the like and has an out line  40  which services a number of bar gun assemblies  13  and a return line  40   a  engaging a source of glycol  2  cooled by a chiller  1  as known in the art and including a recirculation pump  3  as known in the art. Valves V 1  and/or V 3  may be adjusted to control the flow rate of recirculation fluid therethrough. Indeed, valves V 1  and V 3  may be used, but are not necessary—the recirculation fluid may flow unvalved. Valve V 2  may be adjusted to control flow of the product flowing therethrough. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment from that described above and as set forth in the previous Figures. In the alternate preferred embodiment, the rerouting or reversal of the incoming fluid Ri to the outgoing fluid Ro occurs not in bar gun body  13 A, like described above. 
         [0082]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 4A-4C , U-shape fitting  54  typically engages the removed ends of lines  50  and  52  between the heel  32  of the bar gun assembly and the removed end of the sheath. That is to say, U-shape fitting  54  engages the removed ends  50   a / 52   a  in a fluid sealing fashion and when heel  32  is attached, through fasteners to the rear of body  13 A of the bar gun assembly, U-shape fitting  54  is typically located substantially in the space just beyond the end of python  28  and the mounting plate  58 .  FIG. 4C  shows the fitting attached, as in use (but for clarity deletes heel, insulation, and python). With the U-shape fitting  54  mounted as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C , when assembled the U-shape fitting is covered by heel  32 . 
         [0083]    U-shape fitting  54  is substantially hollow and incoming fluid from line  50  enters the leg attached to line  50  and passes through body  54   c , and into line  52 . In other words, U-shape fitting  54  recirculates incoming fluid from line  50  to line  52  as outgoing fluid Ro. Moreover, this recirculation occurs without the recirculation fluid (typically cool fluid recirculating at times when the bar gun is not in use) entering body  13 A of the bar gun assembly. Moreover, the insulation (tape, foam or other suitable insulation) that is illustrated as used with the sheath can be used to at least partially cover U-shape fitting  54 . In this fashion, with the coolant fluid avoiding contact with the bar gun body itself, the problem of bar gun “sweating” is avoided. With the embodiment of the previous illustration, wherein the recirculation fluid actually enters body  13 A of the bar gun assembly, there has been some experience where the bar gun assembly is left overnight, for instance, “sweats” at the portion of the bar gun that is adjacent the recirculation channel. The use of the U-shape fitting upstream of the bar gun body as illustrated is one method of avoiding the “sweating” issue. 
         [0084]    Thus, it is seen that the construction of U-shape fitting  54  having hollow legs  54   a  with barbs  54   b  at the removed end thereof and having hollow body  54   c  would provide for snug fit of ends  50   a  and  52   a  over barbs  54   b . Moreover, it can be seen that slidable, flexible collars  56  may, after the ends of lines  50  and  52  are engaged to legs  54   a , be moved up and to partially engage the outside of ends  50   a  and  52   a  and, optionally, part of legs  54   a  to provide a snug, slip-resistant fitting of lines  50  and  52  to U-shape fitting  54 . 
         [0085]    In another embodiment of the invention, instead of the U-shape fitting  54  being situated just outside the end of the outer sheath  34  of the python  28 , the u-shape fitting may be situated within the sheath  34 , preferably proximate the end thereof which attaches to the bar gun assembly. 
         [0086]    Although the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the invention&#39;s particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alterations, modifications, and equivalences that may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: b