(19)
(11) EP 0 488 586 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
24.02.1993 Bulletin 1993/08

(43) Date of publication A2:
03.06.1992 Bulletin 1992/23

(21) Application number: 91310731.4

(22) Date of filing: 21.11.1991
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: B67D 1/04, B01F 3/04, B67D 1/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT DE ES FR GB IT

(30) Priority: 27.11.1990 US 618382

(71) Applicant: ABC/TECHCORP, INC.
Akron, Ohio 44305 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Shannon, Joseph W.
    Kent, Ohio 44240 (US)
  • Green, Thomas S.
    Kent, Ohio 44240 (US)

(74) Representative: Spall, Christopher John et al
BARKER, BRETTELL & DUNCAN 138 Hagley Road
Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9PW
Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9PW (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Carbonation system


    (57) A carbonation system (10) is provided in which replenishment or recharging of the carbonation tank (12) is undertaken upon the basis of sensing and monitoring the CO₂ gas head pressure within the tank. No floats or liquid level sensors are employed. A pressure switch (40), monitoring the head pressure within the tank, is operative to turn a high pressure motor (26) on and off to appropriately introduce water into the carbonation tank as the need is dictated by changes in the pressure head. Such changes are an indication of either dispensing of soda, or the absorption of the CO₂ gas into the soda within the tank, both conditions indicating a need for replenishment of water into the soda tank. The addition of water to the carbonation tank may proceed as a function of pressure within the tank, as a function of the time period of a dispensing cycle, or as a combination of time and pressure.






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