US4745853A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for improving carbonation in post-mix dispenser carbonators
Assignee: Coca-Cola Co
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Filing: 1987-06-02
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Granted: 1988-05-24
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Expires: 2007-06-02
Abstract
Abstract A system for improving carbonation in post-mix beverage dispenser carbonators, including the method of automatically venting the headspace in a carbonator tank to atmosphere at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time. This system eliminates most of the air from the headspace and provides a significant improvement in carbonating efficiency, in-line carbonation and in cup carbonation.
Inventors
- 👤 George H. Hoover
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 00:47
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01F; B01F23/00; B01F23/20; B01F23/23; B01F23/236; B01F23/2363; A; A23; A23L; A23L2/00; A23L2/52; A23L2/54; B01F35/00; B01F35/20; B01F35/21; B01F35/211; B01F35/2112; B67; B67D; B67D1/00; B67D1/0015; B67D1/0021; B67D1/0042; B67D1/0057; B67D1/0069; B67D1/04; B67D1/0406; B67D1/08; B67D3/00; B67D3/0058; B67D1/12; B67D2001/1259; B67D2001/1263; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for improving carbonation in a post-mix beverage; dispenser carbonator comprising: (a) a carbonator tank enclosing a headspace; (b) a pressure relief line from said tank; (c) a pressure relief valve in said pressure relief line; (d) an automatic vent line connected to said pressure relief line upstream of said pressure relief valve; (e) a solenoid-controlled valve in said automatic vent line for venting said headspace to atmosphere; and (f) timer means for opening said solenoid-controlled valve at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for improving carbonation in a post-mix beverage; dispenser carbonator comprising: (a) a carbonator tank enclosing a headspace; (b) a pressure relief line from said tank; (c) a pressure relief valve in said pressure relief line; (d) an automatic vent line connected to said pressure relief line upstream of said pressure relief valve; (e) a solenoid-controlled valve in said automatic vent line for venting said headspace to atmosphere; and (f) timer means for opening said solenoid-controlled valve at predetermined times and for a predetermined length of time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for opening said solenoid-controlled valve every "x" number of hours, wherein "x" is between about 3 and 24.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for counting the number of carbonator cycles and for opening said solenoid-controlled valve every "x" number of cycles, wherein "x" is between about 50 and 500.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said timer means includes means for adjusting said both predetermined times and said predetermined length of time.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-24 | 1991-11-23 | 1992-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-24 | 1995-11-23 | 1996-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-11-23 | 2000-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |