The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 28, 1989
Filed:
May. 14, 1987
Arthur G Rudick, Marietta, GA (US);
Kenneth G Smazik, Marietta, GA (US);
Leonard F Antao, Atlanta, GA (US);
The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA (US);
Abstract
A carbonator system consisting of a holding tank divided into an upper and lower chamber may be used on earth or in the microgravity conditions of outer space. A first embodiment involves first introducing water and then carbon dioxide into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Pressure is then exerted on a moveable piston in this tank to cause the piston to reduce the volume of the lower chamber housing the carbon dioxide and water. This action plus the action of an agitator, drives the carbon dioxide into solution. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein carbon dioxide is first introduced into the lower chamber of the holding tank. Water is next introduced into this lower chamber such that it is completely filled with both water and carbon dioxide. While the water is being introduced, an agitator is used to aid mixing of this water and carbon dioxide to form carbonated water. The agitator may consist of a bar contained within the lower chamber of the holding tank. Circumferentially surrounding the holding tank, a series of electro-magnetic coils are provided. These coils influence the agitator bar via magnetic force to cause rotation of this bar about a longitudinal axis of the holding tank. This agitator may also be reciprocated along this longitudinal axis. A control system is also provided for operating the carbonator. This control system includes a microcontroller, piston position sensors, controllers for various valves and controls for the agitator.