Fmc Corporation

Figgie International, Inc.

Mojonnier Bros. Co.

David M Kemp

Hartl R Jones

Sigmund P Skoli

Harry G Mojonnier

Casimir Pulawski

Luigi Notardonato

Robert J Dulian

William C Ore

Raymond J Conway

The present application discloses a liquid mixing method and apparatus which can mix two or more liquids in selected proportions. Each constituent fluid is introduced in a chamber provided with liquid level controlling devices that establish a liquid free head space which is connected to a source of pressure gas operative to pump or displace liquid from the chamber through a metering device prior to the introduction to a chamber where the constituent fluids combine.

Liquid proportioner

A constant level of liquid carbonation is achieved irrespective of the rate at which liquid is supplied to a carbonating vessel by, respectively, establishing a thin film of liquid over refrigerated heat transfer surfaces, which may take the form of plates, and controlling, in response to the flow-rate of the liquid, the area of the heat transfer surface covered by the liquid film.

Liquid distribution trough

Apparatus for filling beverage tanks comprising a liquid manifold and a gas manifold for counter-pressurizing the liquid as it fills the tank. Supply conduits connect the tank with the manifolds. The gas supply conduit contains a coupling device for connection to a fill-height tube on the container. This coupling device includes an optical sensor embodying a prism which reflects light from a light source when the tank has liquid below a predetermined level and directs light onto a photo-conductor. When the liquid reaches a predetermined upper level in the tank and is forced into the coupling device through the fill-height tube, the prism changes its reflective characteristics, and light passes through the prism without reflection. The change in reflective conditions is brought about by the liquid covering adjacent sides of the prism. The photo-conductor correspondingly changes an electrical signal that is utilized to operate a solenoid valve for shutting off the liquid to the tank.

Apparatus for accurately filling beverage cans

A soft drink beverage pasteurizing system, utilizing heat transfer units, is diclosed. The transfer units being operable to raise the temperature of the beverage to effect pasteurization and operable by suitable temperature controls, to recirculate the beverage through one of the heat transfer units in the event pasteurization temperature is not achieved. Moreover, any tendency of the temperature to raise above pasteurization temperature is prevented by reducing the temperature of the fluid that transfers heat to the beverage.

Beverage pasteurizing system

Deoxygenating apparatus and method for use with a system for producing deoxygenated beverages comprises a deoxygenating column with stacked units each comprising a distributor plate and a subjacent shallow tray, both of which are perforated for downward dripping of water. Carbon dioxide gas flows upwardly, counter to the water, in a serpentine path over the plates and trays and through the dripping water for replacing the air in the water by the carbon dioxide gas. The water flow rate and extent of perforation of the plates and trays is such that films of water cover the respective plates and trays to permit some of the carbon dioxide gas to bubble through the plates and trays and thereby enhance the absorbtion of the gas into the water.

Deoxygenating apparatus and method

A gas exchange deoxygenating unit is disclosed. The unit comprises a hollow mixing chamber having an upstream water inlet. A gas inlet located downstream of the water inlet delivers carbon dioxide gas to the mixing chamber. Stainless steel wool material within the chamber encourages turbulent water and gas flow and intimate water and gas intermixing. The mixed water and gas flows from the mixing chamber to a deoxygenating chamber containing a number of foraminous members mounted at spaced apart locations. Excess carbon dioxide gas and replaced oxygen is drawn from the deoxygenating chamber at a slight negative pressure. Below the deoxygenating chamber is a water collecting tank, which mounts controls for adjusting the level of water in the tank and flow rate of water through the apparatus.

Deoxygenating apparatus

A method of simultaneously completely deoxygenating and partially carbonating a supply of water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving and metering a flow of water, injecting at a positive pressure a first flow of carbon dioxide gas into the metered, flowing water, introducing the flow of metered, carbonated water into a vessel, maintaining the pressure within the vessel at less than one atmosphere, and drawing off the deoxygenated, carbonated flow of water. Equipment for performing this process is also disclosed. The equipment includes a metering device, deoxygenating column vessels, and devices for injecting the carbon dioxide gas into the water as the water flows from the metering device to the deoxygenating vessels.

Deoxygenating equipment and method of operation

There is disclosed a fluid flow metering device for use, for example, in a system for preparing a carbonated beverage wherein deaerated water and a beverage concentrate are mixed together in closely controlled proportions. The system can also include a vessel for storing a quantity of water and a deaerator for removing air from the water. The fluid flow metering device controls the rate of water flow from the vessel to the deaerator and is responsive to the water flow rate demand of the deaerator. The metering device includes a valve block having a fluid conducting channel for conducting water from the vessel to the deaerator, and a bore intersecting the channel. A valve element is disposed within the bore and is movable into and out of the channel for modulating the water flow rate through the channel. Flow rate demand sensing means within the deaerator provides a control signal responsive to the water flow rate demand of the deaerator control means are coupled to the valve element and to the sensing means for moving the valve element in response to the control signal so as to modulate the water flow rate through the channel in direct relation to the flow rate demand of the deaerator.

Fluid flow metering device

A pasteurizing system for soft drinks comprises a single-pass plate-type heat exchanger which is situated flowpathwise between a supply of prepared beverage liquid and apparatus for cooling and carbonating that liquid. A suitable heat exchange medium is supplied in closed fluid circuit with the plate-type heat exchanger; and advantageously, heat recovery means are situated downstream from the heat exchanger. A holding tube is coupled in fluid circuit downstream from the heat exchanger for retaining the beverage liquid at pasteurization temperature to insure effectiveness.

Pasteurizing system for carbonated soft drinks

There is disclosed an improved dearator system for purging air from water. The disclosed system includes a container for containing the water, cooling means within the container for cooling the water to force air therefrom, and means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the container to establish a positive pressure therein. The system also includes a positive pressure indicator means for indicating when the positive pressure within the container is reached. The indicator includes a housing having a bore in fluid communication with the container, a seat within the bore, and a ball within the bore. The ball is viewable through the housing and is arranged to disengage from the seat in response to positive pressure within the container to provide a readily discernible indication of positive pressure therein. The system also includes a check valve functionally interposed between the container and the positive pressure indicator for intercepting liquid travelling towards the indicator housing to thereby inhibit damage to the housing.

Growing community of inventors

Naperville, IL, United States of America

David M Kemp