Background Art Liquid beverage dispensing apparatuses are currently available which comprise a fount that is flooded internally during use with a liquid coolant which surrounds a tube, disposed in the fount, through which the beverage passes to the valve from which the beverage is dispensed. Liquid coolants may be mixtures of water and antifreeze agents such as glycol (e. g. propylene glycol), alcohol (e. g. methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol and mixtures thereof) and glycerol. Typically a water- propylene glycol mixture is used. The difficulty with propylene glycol is that it is toxic to humans. In addition, if propylene glycol leaks into a beverage (e. g. beer, ale, lager or stout) it is difficult to detect. Similarly if beer leaks into propylene glycol it is difficult to detect and the result is beer wastage. There is a need for a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus of the type that uses a liquid coolant and a chamber outlet coupler used in such an apparatus that reduces the chance of contamination of the liquid beverage with the liquid coolant and vice versa. Currently there is a lot of variability in the state of beverages that are dispensed from current dispensing systems. In addition, in the case of beer, lager, ale or stout, the use of carbon dioxide, by itself or in combination with nitrogen gas, to force the beverage out of the keg to a higher level where it is dispensed is costly and for multiple level buildings the use of a high pressure to force the beverage to the top level where it is dispensed is not an appropriate pressure for lower levels and as a consequence causes variability in the dispensed beverage. Consequently, there is also a need for a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage that reduces such variability.

Objects of the Invention Objects of this invention are to provide a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus, a chamber outlet coupler to seal an outer tube and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube in a chamber, out of the chamber, and a chamber outlet coupler when used to releasably seal an outer tube and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube in a chamber, out of the chamber. Other objects of this invention are to provide a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage, the system when used to dispense at least one liquid beverage and a method for dispensing a beverage Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet; optionally a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to an inlet passage of at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage, a source of coolant; a coolant tube for carrying coolant from the source of coolant to the coolant inlet; a cooling apparatus for cooling the beverage outside the chamber; and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the cooling apparatus to the beverage tube inlet.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet; at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage, said tap comprising an inlet passage for receiving the beverage from the beverage tube outlet end and an outlet passage for dispensing the beverage; a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to the inlet passage; a source of coolant; a coolant tube for carrying coolant from the source of coolant to the coolant inlet; a cooling apparatus for cooling the beverage outside the chamber; and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the cooling apparatus to the beverage tube inlet.

The first and second beverage tubes comprise a single continuous tube.

The system may further comprise: a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage before the cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus, a third beverage tube for carrying carbonated beverage from the carbonator to the cooling apparatus.

The first, second and third beverage tubes may comprise a single continuous tube.

The system may further comprise: a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage during the cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus, wherein the second beverage tube is for carrying beverage from the carbonator and the cooling apparatus to the beverage tube inlet.

The system may further comprise: a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage after the cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus, wherein the second beverage tube comprises a first tube and a second tube the first tube being for carrying beverage from the cooling apparatus to the carbonator and the second tube being for carrying beverage from the carbonator to the beverage tube inlet.

The carbonator may comprise a proportional dispenser.

The first beverage tube may be disposed within an outer tube between the beverage inlet and the beverage outlet and the ends of the outer tube may be sealed at the beverage inlet and beverage outlet to prevent coolant from passing into the outer tube and contacting the first beverage tube each of said sealed ends comprising a passage therethrough through which the first beverage tube passes without contacting the coolant.

The carbonator may comprise a proportional dispenser and the first beverage tube may be disposed within an outer tube between the beverage inlet and the beverage outlet and the ends of the outer tube may be sealed at the beverage inlet and beverage outlet to prevent coolant from passing into the outer tube and contacting the first beverage tube each of said sealed ends comprising a passage therethrough through which the first beverage tube passes without contacting the coolant.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber comprising at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet; optionally a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to the inlet passage of at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage, and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the carbonator to the beverage tube inlet.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet; at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage, said tap comprising an inlet passage for receiving the beverage from the beverage tube outlet end and an outlet passage for dispensing the beverage; a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to the inlet passage; a source of coolant; a coolant tube for carrying coolant from the source of coolant to the coolant inlet; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage, and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the carbonator to the beverage tube inlet.

The first and second beverage tubes may comprise a single continuous tube.

The carbonator may comprise a proportional dispenser.

The first beverage tube may be disposed within an outer tube between the beverage inlet and the beverage outlet and the ends of the outer tube may be sealed at the beverage inlet and beverage outlet to prevent coolant from passing into the outer tube and contacting the first beverage tube each of said sealed ends comprising a passage therethrough through which the first beverage tube passes without contacting the coolant.

The carbonator may comprise a proportional dispenser and the first beverage tube may be disposed within an outer tube between the beverage inlet and the beverage outlet and the ends of the outer tube may be sealed at the beverage inlet and beverage outlet to prevent coolant from passing into the outer tube and contacting the first beverage tube each of said sealed ends comprising a passage therethrough through which the first beverage tube passes without contacting the coolant.

In another aspect there is provided a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet; a chamber outlet coupler comprising: (1) a sealing member adapted to seal an end of an outer tube so as to prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the end of the outer tube, said outer tube being disposed, in use, in the chamber between the beverage tube inlet and the beverage tube outlet, (2) an outlet passage extending through the sealed end of the outer tube, the passage being adapted to enable a beverage tube to be disposed therethrough said beverage tube comprising an outlet end and being at least partly disposed, in use, within the outer tube within the chamber; the outlet coupler being adapted to be disposed, in use, adjacent the beverage tube outlet to enable the outlet end of the beverage tube to be disposed through the beverage tube outlet and out of the chamber without coming into contact with coolant in the chamber : optionally a coupler to carry beverage from the outlet end of the beverage tube to the inlet passage of at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense beverage; the beverage tube inlet being adapted to seal the outer tube to enable the beverage tube to be disposed through the beverage inlet without coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

In a further aspect of this invention there is provided a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet; a chamber outlet coupler comprising: (1) a sealing member adapted to seal an end of an outer tube so as to prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the end of the outer tube, said outer tube being disposed, in use, in the chamber between the beverage tube inlet and the beverage tube outlet, (2) an outlet passage extending through the sealed end of the outer tube, the passage being adapted to enable a beverage tube to be disposed therethrough said beverage tube comprising an outlet end and being at least partly disposed, in use, within the outer tube within the chamber; the outlet coupler being adapted to be disposed, in use, adjacent the beverage tube outlet to enable the outlet end of the beverage tube to be disposed through the beverage tube outlet and out of the chamber without coming into contact with coolant in the chamber: at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense beverage, said tap comprising an inlet passage for receiving the beverage and an outlet passage for dispensing the beverage; a coupler to carry beverage from the outlet end of the beverage tube to the inlet passage; the beverage tube inlet being adapted to seal the outer tube to enable the beverage tube to be disposed through the beverage inlet without coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The outlet coupler may comprise an aperture which is adapted to vent the inner passage of the outer tube to the atmosphere and to enable coolant that passes into the outer tube to pass through the aperture said aperture being in communication with the inner passage of the outer tube and the atmosphere surrounding the chamber.

The liquid beverage dispensing apparatus may further comprise a second sealing member disposed between the aperture and the beverage tube to prevent coolant in the outer tube from contacting the beverage tube prior to passing through said aperture.

The beverage inlet may be an outer tube and beverage tube inlet which is adapted to sealably couple the outer tube through the inlet and into the chamber without liquid coolant passing into the outer tube.

The liquid beverage dispensing may further comprise a venting coupler having a body with a passage extending therethrough through which a beverage tube can be disposed, said passage having an outer tube and beverage tube inlet and a beverage tube outlet, stop means disposed adjacent said passage between said to stop the outer tube from passing all the way through the passage, said stop means having a passage therethrough through which said beverage tube can be disposed, beverage tube sealing means disposed in the passage between the outer tube and beverage tube inlet and the beverage tube outlet to seal the gap between the outer surface of the beverage tube and the body, said beverage tube sealing means being disposed between said stop means and said beverage tube outlet a venting aperture extending between the outer surface of said body and said passage said venting aperture in said passage being located between said stop means and said beverage tube sealing means.

Also disclosed herein is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising : a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet; optionally a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to an inlet passage of at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage, a source of coolant; a coolant tube for carrying coolant from the source of coolant to the coolant inlet; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage, and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the carbonator to the beverage tube inlet.

Further disclosed herein is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a beverage dispenser comprising a chamber comprising at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, a first beverage tube disposed within the chamber for carrying beverage through the chamber from the beverage tube inlet to the beverage tube outlet, said first beverage tube comprising a beverage tube outlet end disposed in or after the beverage tube outlet ; at least one dispensing tap adapted to dispense the beverage, said tap comprising an inlet passage for receiving the beverage from the beverage tube outlet end and an outlet passage for dispensing the beverage; a coupler adapted to carry beverage from the beverage tube outlet end to the inlet passage; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of a gas selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a predetermined amount of the beverage, and a second beverage tube for carrying beverage from the carbonator to the beverage tube inlet.

Disclosed herein is a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, and at least one outer tube and beverage tube inlet; a chamber outlet coupler adapted to: (1) seal an outlet end of an outer tube comprising an inlet portion disposed, in use, outside the chamber and a chamber portion disposed, in use, in the chamber, (2) prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing through the outlet end and into the outer tube ; and (3) enable an outlet portion of a beverage tube to be disposed through the chamber outlet coupler and out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber, the beverage tube comprising an inlet portion, a chamber portion and the outlet portion, the chamber portion of said beverage tube being disposed, in use, within the chamber portion of the outer tube and the inlet portion of the beverage tube being disposed, in use, within the inlet portion of the outer tube ; at least one openable valve adapted to dispense beverage from the beverage tube ; a coupler adapted to couple the outlet portion of the beverage tube with the openable valve; the outer tube and beverage tube inlet being adapted to enable, in use, the inlet portion of the outer tube and the inlet portion of the beverage tube to be disposed through the outer tube and beverage tube inlet without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The chamber outlet coupler may be adapted to releasably seal the outlet end of an outer tube. The chamber outlet coupler may be adapted to releasably seal the outlet portion of a beverage tube.

Disclosed herein is a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a chamber capable of having a liquid coolant circulating therethrough comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, and at least one outer tube and beverage tube inlet; a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an end of an outer tube, the outer tube being disposed in the chamber, to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube and to releasably couple a beverage tube, disposed in the outer tube in the chamber, out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber; at least one openable valve to dispense beverage from the beverage tube ; a coupler to couple the beverage tube coupled out of the chamber with the openable valve; the outer tube and beverage tube inlet being adapted to sealably couple the outer tube into the chamber without the beverage tube disposed in the outer tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The chamber outlet coupler may be adapted to releasably seal the outer tube, the outer tube being disposed in the chamber, to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube and to releasably couple a beverage tube, disposed in the outer tube in the chamber, out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The apparatus may further comprise an outer tube releasably and sealably coupled to the outer tube and beverage tube inlet and to the chamber outlet coupler and a beverage tube disposed within the outer tube. The beverage tube disposed within the outer tube passes through the outer tube and beverage tube inlet and is releasably coupled by the chamber outlet coupler out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber. In an alternative form, the beverage tube may be releasably and sealably coupled by the chamber outlet coupler out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The at least one liquid coolant tube comprising two ends may be at least partly disposed within the chamber. One of the ends of the liquid coolant tube may be coupled to the liquid coolant inlet. Alternatively, one of the ends of the liquid coolant tube may pass through the liquid coolant inlet. The other end may be disposed at a location within the chamber to deliver liquid coolant into the chamber so that it provides adequate circulation of liquid coolant throughout the chamber prior to leaving the chamber via the liquid coolant outlet. Alternatively, the liquid coolant tube may be coupled to the centre tube of a tubular T piece which in turn has two tubes coupled to the arms of the T piece, the two tubes extending to locations within the chamber to deliver liquid coolant into the chamber so that it provides adequate circulation of liquid coolant throughout the chamber prior to leaving the chamber via the liquid coolant outlet.

In addition there is disclosed a chamber outlet coupler comprising: (1) a sealing member adapted to seal an end of an outer tube comprising a chamber portion and the end, and being at least partly disposed, in use, in a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough, the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and at least one beverage tube outlet, and to prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the end of the outer tube ; and (2) an outlet passage extending through the end, the passage being adapted to enable an outlet portion of a beverage tube to be disposed therethrough, said beverage tube comprising an inlet portion, a chamber portion and the outlet portion, the chamber portion of the beverage tube being disposed, in use, within the chamber portion of the outer tube ; the outlet coupler being adapted to be disposed, in use, adjacent the beverage tube outlet to enable the outlet portion of the beverage tube to be disposed through the beverage tube outlet and out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with the liquid coolant.

Disclosed herein is a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: an outer tube sealing member to releasably seal the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent the liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube; a coupling member adapted to cooperate with the outer tube sealing member to pass the beverage tube out of the outer tube and out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber; and a support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage to support the outer tube sealing member and the coupling member; the support, the outer tube sealing member and the coupling member being adapted to cooperate with each other to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant passing from the chamber through the chamber outlet coupler.

The chamber wall may comprise the support member. The chamber wall passage may comprise a support passage. Alternatively, the support member may be separate and different from the chamber wall. The support member may have a passage to allow the outer tube and beverage tube to pass through it. The passage in the support in the latter case is not the same as the chamber wall passage. The coupling member may have a coupling member passage through which the beverage tube can pass.

Disclosed herein is a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: (a) a support member comprising a support member passage extending therethrough and an outer tube support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage, (b) a first sealing member disposed, in use, on or adjacent the outer tube support to releasably seal the outer surface of the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent, in use, the liquid coolant in the chamber from entering the outer tube ; and (c) a beverage tube coupler disposed, in use, in or adjacent the support member passage comprising : (i) a sealing surface; (ii) a beverage tube passage extending through the beverage tube coupler through which the beverage tube can pass; and (d) a second sealing member disposed, in use, in or adjacent the beverage tube passage to releasably seal the outer surface of the beverage tube to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the beverage tube passage from passing completely through the beverage tube passage; the support member further comprising a sealing support surface to accommodate a third sealing member, wherein, in use, the sealing support surface and the third sealing member are disposed to cooperate with the sealing surface to releasably seal the sealing support surface.

There is also disclosed a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: (a) a support member comprising a support member passage extending therethrough and an outer tube support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage, (b) a first sealing member disposed, in use, on or adjacent the outer tube support to releasably seal the outer surface of the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent, in use, the liquid coolant in the chamber from entering the outer tube; and (c) a beverage tube coupler disposed, in use, in or adjacent the support member passage comprising : (i) a sealing surface; (ii) a beverage tube passage extending through the beverage tube coupler through which the beverage tube can pass; and (d) a second sealing member disposed, in use, in or adjacent the beverage tube passage to releasably seal the outer surface of the beverage tube to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the beverage tube passage from passing completely through the beverage tube passage; the support member further comprising a sealing support surface to accommodate a third sealing member, wherein, in use, the sealing support surface and the third sealing member are disposed to cooperate with the sealing surface to releasably seal the sealing support surface.

In this latter embodiment the support member may comprise the chamber wall in which case the support member passage may be the same as the chamber wall passage. Alternatively, the support member may be separate and different from the chamber wall in which case the support member passage is not the same as the chamber wall passage.

The beverage tube coupler may comprise a second sealing surface and the support member may further comprise a second sealing support surface to accommodate a fourth sealing member, wherein, in use, the second sealing support surface and the fourth sealing member are disposed to cooperate with the second sealing surface to releasably seal the second sealing support surface.

In a particular form there is disclosed a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: (a) a first sealing member comprising a sealing member passage therethrough; (b) a support member comprising: (i) a sealing surface for sealing the support member against the first sealing member disposed between an external wall of the chamber and located about the chamber wall passage, and the support member; (ii) a beverage tube passage, through which the beverage tube can pass, extending through the support member; and (iii) an outer tube support disposed on the support member such that it extends, in use, through the sealing member passage and into the chamber wall passage, the outer tube support comprising an outer tube sealing surface to releasably seal the outer tube, and wherein the beverage tube passage extends through the outer tube support; (c) a second sealing member disposed, in use, in or adjacent the beverage tube passage to releasably seal the outer surface of the beverage tube to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the beverage tube passage from passing completely through the beverage tube passage; (d) at least one fastener to releasably fasten the sealing surface against the first sealing member and the external wall of the chamber about the chamber passage to releasably seal the support member against the first sealing member disposed between the external wall of the chamber and located about the chamber wall passage, and the support member.

In another particular form there is disclosed a chamber outlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: (a) a support member comprising a support member passage extending therethrough and an outer tube support disposed, in use, in the support member passage, (b) a first sealing member disposed, in use, on or adjacent the outer tube support to releasably seal the outer surface of the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent, in use, the liquid coolant in the chamber from entering the outer tube; and (c) a beverage tube coupler coupled to the outer tube support and disposed, in use, in the support member passage comprising: (i) a sealing surface; (ii) a beverage tube passage extending through the beverage tube coupler and through the outer tube support through which the beverage tube can pass; and (d) a second sealing member disposed, in use, in or adjacent the beverage tube passage to releasably seal the outer surface of the beverage tube to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the beverage tube passage from passing completely through the beverage tube passage; the support member further comprising a sealing support surface to accommodate a third sealing member, wherein, in use, the sealing support surface and the third sealing member are disposed to cooperate with the sealing surface to releasably seal the sealing support surface.

Also disclosed is a chamber outlet coupler when used to seal the outlet end of an outer tube comprising a chamber portion disposed, in use, in a chamber adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, and at least one outer tube and beverage tube inlet, and when used to prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube and when used to enable an outlet portion of a beverage tube to pass out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber, said beverage tube comprising an inlet portion, a chamber portion and the outlet portion, the chamber portion of said beverage tube being disposed, in use, within the chamber portion of the outer tube.

Disclosed is a chamber outlet coupler of the invention when used to releasably seal an outer tube and to couple a beverage tube disposed in the outer tube in a chamber, out of the chamber.

The liquid coolant may comprise a chemical that has a distinctive taste at low concentrations such that if the beverage happens to become contaminated because of a leak or other breakdown in the apparatus the consumer will immediately recognise on tasting the beverage that it is contaminated. An example of such a chemical is denatonium benzoate which imparts a bitter taste even when used in low concentrations. The liquid coolant may alternatively, or in addition, comprise an anticorrosive agent to reduce corrosion of the chamber and the fittings used therein.

Alternatively, or in addition, at least some of the fittings and the chamber of the beverage dispensing apparatus may be fabricated from stainless steel. In particular, all of the metal fittings of the apparatus that come into contact with the liquid coolant and the beverage and as well as all of the metal fittings that have the potential to come into contact with the liquid coolant may be fabricated from stainless steel. Stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, or a combination thereof may be used. The overall composition of stainless steel grade 304 is 17.5%-20% chromium, 8%-11% nickel, <0.8% carbon, <2% manganese, <1% silicon, <0. 03% sulphur, <0. 045% phosphorous, remainder iron and minor impurities. Stainless steel grade 316 may be used. It is preferred that stainless steel grade 303 is not used as it has a lower corrosion resistance than stainless steel grades 304 and 316. It is preferred that brass or chrome are not used, at least for those surfaces of the fittings that come into contact with the beverage and liquid coolant, as they have a lower corrosion resistance than stainless steel grades 304 and 316. If brass is used it is preferred that a rich, red brass grade (zinc approximately 15% and high copper content) be used.

Throughout the specification the phrase"substantially prevent"is to be taken as meaning that the event being qualified by the phrase whilst not being completely prevented but is almost completely prevented (such as, for example, >97%, >98% or >99% prevented, and, in particular, essentially or substantially totally prevented).

Those portions of the fittings that do not come into contact with liquid coolant may be fabricated from, depending on the suitability of the material for the particular purpose, stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, 316,303 or other suitable materials such as other grades of stainless steel, plastic, brass, copper, galvanised iron or other suitable material (s) or a combination thereof. The fixtures and fitting may be designed, constructed, located, and, if necessary installed, so that they will not cause beverage contamination unable to absorb grease, food particles, beverage and water if there is likelihood that they will cause beverage contamination and made from material that will not contaminate the beverage. The fittings may be of a standard that complies with the Australian Standard 3.2. 3-Food Safety Practices and General Requirements.

The fittings may be sterilized prior to assembly. The fittings may be sterilized and packaged in sealed sterilized packaging for storage prior to assembly. The seals used in the fittings may be acceptable and suitable for use with the beverages with which they are intended to be used. In particular, the seals should not degrade when in contact with the beverage (s) and should not contaminate the beverage (s). The seals may be lubricated with food grade acceptable lubricant, suitable for use with the beverage to be dispensed, prior to assembly. The fittings and parts may be externally coded to distinguish them from fittings and parts that are not made of suitable materials. For example, black chrome may be used on at least part of the outer surface of a fitting to indicate that the fitting is fabricated from an appropriate stainless steel (e. g. stainless steel grade 304). The outer tube and beverage tube are fabricated from material that is impervious to liquid coolant.

Further disclosed is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a source of the beverage; a pump linked to the source; a cooling apparatus linked to the pump ; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus; and a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage.

Also disclosed is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a source of the beverage; a cooling apparatus linked to the source of the beverage; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus ; and a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage.

Further disclosed is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a cooling apparatus for cooling a beverage; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus; and a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage.

Further disclosed is a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a cooling apparatus for cooling a beverage; a cooled beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage.

The apparatus of the invention may include at least one beverage tube for carrying the beverage between the source and the cooling apparatus, between the carbonator and the beverage dispenser, between the source and the carbonator, between the cooling apparatus and the carbonator, between the cooling apparatus and the beverage dispenser depending on the configuration of the system. The at least one beverage tube may be cooled and/or thermally insulated. The at least one beverage tube may be cooled by at least one tube carrying coolant at a desired temperature in close proximity to the beverage tube. The at least one beverage tube may be thermally insulated by wrapping thermal insulation around the beverage tube or disposing the beverage tube through a passage in insulating material, for example. The at least one beverage tube and the at least one tube carrying coolant may be thermally insulated by wrapping thermal insulation around the beverage tube and the at least one tube carrying coolant or disposing the beverage tube and the at least one tube carrying coolant through a passage in insulating material, for example. The beverage dispenser may be coupled to the cooling apparatus or to the pump. The beverage dispenser may be adapted so as to be capable of being cooled thereby cooling or maintaining the temperature of cooled beverage entering the dispenser. Where the beverage dispenser is coupled to the pump it may be coupled to the pump by a beverage line or tube that passes through the cooling apparatus (note throughout the specification the terms "line"and"tube"are used interchangeably).

In one particular aspect there is disclosed a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a source of the beverage having a gas inlet and a beverage outlet; a gas driven pump linked to the beverage outlet; a degasser to remove gas from the beverage; a cooling apparatus linked to the pump; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas into a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus; and a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage.

The beverage dispenser may coupled to the cooling apparatus or to the pump.

The beverage dispenser of this aspect may be a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus of the invention. The gas inlet may be coupled to one or more sources of compressed gas. The compressed gas may be carbon dioxide or a combination of carbon dioxide and nitrogen or nitrogen other suitable gas.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage of the invention when used to dispense at least one liquid beverage.

There is also disclosed a method for dispensing a beverage, said method comprising: pumping the beverage from a source of the beverage to a cooler; cooling the beverage to a predetermined temperature; carbonating the beverage by mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide with a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after the cooling; and dispensing the carbonated and cooled beverage.

The method may further include further cooling the beverage after the first cooling or maintaining the temperature of the cooled beverage after the cooling step up until the dispensing step.

It has been found that be cooling the beverage after the initial step of cooling and prior to the dispensing results in a beverage being consistently dispensed at a consistent temperature. Where there is no separate cooling step apart from cooling the source of beverage and/or cooling the beverage in the dispenser the temperature of the dispensed beverage has been found to be inconsistent and dependent in particular, on the rate of beverage dispensed.

In a particular aspect there is provided a method for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: pumping the beverage from a source of the beverage to a cooler whilst maintaining a positive pressure on the beverage; degassing the beverage to remove gas therefrom ; cooling the degassed beverage to a predetermined temperature ; carbonating the beverage by mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide with a predetermined amount of the beverage before, during or after the cooling; and dispensing the carbonated and cooled beverage.

The method may further include further cooling the beverage after the first cooling or maintaining the temperature of the cooled beverage after the cooling step up until the dispensing step.

There is further disclosed a chamber inlet coupler to seal an outer tube which, in use is at least partly disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube into the outer tube, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: an outer tube sealing member adapted to seal the outer surface of the outer tube; a support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage to support the outer tube sealing member; and the support and the outer tube sealing member being adapted to cooperate with each other to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant passing from the chamber through the chamber inlet coupler.

In one particular aspect there is disclosed there is provided a chamber inlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is at least partly disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube into the outer tube, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: an outer tube sealing member to releasably seal the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent the liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube; a coupling member adapted to cooperate with the outer tube sealing member to pass the beverage tube into the outer tube and into the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber; a support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage to support the outer tube sealing member and the coupling member; and the support, the outer tube sealing member and the coupling member being adapted to cooperate with each other to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant passing from the chamber through the chamber inlet coupler.

In one particular embodiment there is provided a chamber inlet coupler to releasably seal an outer tube which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, and to couple a beverage tube into the outer tube, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof, comprising: an outer tube sealing member to releasably seal the outer tube to prevent or substantially prevent the liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube; a support disposed, in use, in and/or adjacent the chamber wall passage to support the outer tube sealing member; and the support and the outer tube sealing member being adapted to cooperate with each other to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant passing from the chamber through the chamber inlet coupler.

There is further disclosed a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a source of the beverage; a pump linked to the source by a first beverage line; a cooling apparatus linked to the pump by a second beverage line; a source of coolant; a coolant manifold having a coolant manifold inlet and two or more coolant manifold outlets; a coolant pump coupled to the source of coolant and the coolant manifold inlet; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage at least one location selected from the group consisting of before, during and after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus ; and a beverage fount comprising a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage said beverage fount having a beverage fount coolant inlet and a beverage fount coolant outlet; one of said coolant manifold outlets being coupled to said cooling apparatus by an inlet coolant line; another of said coolant manifold outlets being coupled to the beverage fount coolant inlet by a beverage fount inlet cooler line; optionally said beverage fount coolant outlet being coupled to said coolant source by a beverage fount coolant outlet line; said beverage dispenser being coupled to said cooling apparatus by a third beverage line; an hydraulic pressure controlled valve disposed in said inlet coolant line, said pressure controlled valve being hydraulically coupled to a beverage line selected from the group consisting of the first beverage line, the second beverage line and the third beverage line.

Flow of the coolant through the valve is controlled by the hydraulic pressure in the beverage line. The coolant line may include one or more filters in the line.

Where the carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage is disposed before cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus it may be located in the second beverage line. Where the carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage is disposed after cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus it may be located in the third beverage line. Where the carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage is disposed for cooling of the beverage in the cooling apparatus it may be located in the cooling apparatus. The beverage may be carbonated before it passes through the carbonator (i. e. the beverage may be further carbonated in the carbonator-e. g. beer for example may be provided already carbonated in a keg and be further carbonated in a system of the invention as it passes through the carbonator). There may be more than one carbonator (e. g. 2 or 3 or more carbonators or 2 or 3 or more proportional dispensers which are used as carbonators). Where there are 2 carbonators one may be disposed before the cooler and one may be disposed after the cooler. for example. There may be more than one cooling apparatuses (e. g. 2 or 3 or more, for example).

The source of the coolant may comprise a coolant cooling apparatus coupled to a reservoir of coolant via a pump.

There is also disclosed a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage comprising: a source of the beverage, said beverage being at a required temperature; a pump linked to the source by a first beverage line; a carbonator for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined amount of the beverage coupled to the pump by a second beverage line; and a beverage fount comprising a beverage dispenser for dispensing the carbonated beverage said beverage fount having a beverage fount coolant inlet and a beverage fount coolant outlet; the beverage dispenser being coupled to the carbonator by a third beverage line; a source of coolant; a coolant pump coupled to the source of coolant and the beverage fount coolant inlet; the beverage fount coolant outlet being optionally coupled to the source of coolant.

The source of the coolant may comprise a coolant cooling apparatus coupled to a reservoir of coolant via a pump.

In all aspects of the invention a thermoregulator may be coupled to the source of the beverage.

Also disclosed is a process for carbonating a beverage comprising exposing a preselected volume of the beverage in a chamber to a preselected volume of a gas.

The exposure of the preselected volume of the beverage to a preselected volume of the gas may take place at a pressure in the range 1-8 atmospheres, 1-6 atmospheres, 1- 5 atmospheres, 1-3 atmospheres, 1.5-8 atmospheres, 1.5-6 atmospheres, 1.5-5 atmospheres, 1.5-3 atmospheres, 2-12 atmospheres, 2-10 atmospheres, 2-5 atmospheres, 2-4 atmospheres, 2-3 atmospheres, 0.3 to 6 bar, 0.5 to 4 bar, 0.15 to 8 bar, 0.12 to 10 bar, 1.5 to 10 bar, 160-300 kPa, 180-290kPa, 180-2751Pa, 180- 250 kPa, 180-230 kPa, 180-210 kPa, 190-210 kPa, or 195-205 kPa. The preselected volume of the beverage may be subject to agitation during its exposure to a preselected volume of the gas. The flow rate of the beverage during the exposure to the preselected volume of the gas may be 10 1/h to 2.5 m3/h, 500 1/h to 8 m31h, 1.0 m3/h to 20 m3/h, lOm3/h to 60 m3/h, 1. 01/h to 5001/h, 1. 01/h to 250 1/h, 1. 01/h to 150 1/h, 1. 0 1/h to 100 1/h, 1. 01/h to 501/h, 1. 0 1/h to 25 1/h, 1. 01/h to 10 1/h. A carbonator may be used in the form of a non-electric proportional liquid dispenser using the beverage pressure as the power source and carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide/nitrogen mixture as the gas source. The seals in the proportional dispenser may be chosen so as to be suitable and acceptable for use with the beverage.

There is also disclosed a beverage produced by a process of the invention.

In addition there is disclosed the use of a Dosatron for exposing a preselected volume of a beverage to a preselected volume of a gas.

Examples of such devices which are currently available for mixing a preselected volume of a gas into a predetermined volume of beverage in a chamber is made under the trademark DosatronTM by Dosatron International S. A. , Rue Pascal, B. P. 6,33370 Tresses, Bordeaux, France and marketed in Australia by Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 80 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia (i. e. a proportional dispenser marketed under the trade mark Dosatron). The Dosatron may have a built in homogeniser to agitate the beverage at the time of dosing. The present inventor has found that a proportional liquid dispenser may be used to dispense gas into a beverage. Further examples of such devices which are currently available for mixing a preselected volume of a gas into a predetermined volume of beverage in a chamber is made under the trademark DSA and are available from: DSA Liquid Proportioning Technology-B. P. 7-33370 TRESSES (Bordeaux)-France Tel: 33 (0) 5 57 97 10 70-Fax: 33 (0) 5 57 97 10 85. Also see US Patent Nos.

5,746, 241,5, 261,311 ; 5,050, 781; 5,000, 804; 4,785, 713; 4,756, 329; 4,337, 786, 4,060, 351 ; 4,021, 153; 4,007, 755,4, 006,752, and 3,937, 241 the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. In particular, claim 1 of US 5,050, 781defines a proportional liquid dispenser as follows : "a device for dosing a first liquid contained in afirst chamber aadfor transferning small doses tlaereof into afluidflowing in a second chamber, comprising : a body having a first cavity, called the dosing cavity, and a second cavity, called the distribution cavity, situated beside the dosing cavity in said body, and a recess having a regular geometric shape and of which a portion joins the first cavity and the second cavity; a mobile menaben housed partially and sealingly in said recess and having two abutment surfaces situated in mutually facing relation and separated from one another by a predetermined distance whereby a free space is delimited therebetween, thefirst of said abutment smfaces, called the internal abutrnent surface, penetrating alternatively into said cavities, and the second of said abutment surfaces, called the external abutment surface, being situated adjacent said dosing cavity witla respeet to said distribution cavity, a follower element housed sealingly and slidably in saidfree space and at least partially in said recess, saidfollower element having a shape cor formirag to said free space, as well as an internal endface and an external end face situated respectively ira facing relation to said internal abutment surface and said external abutment surface, said internal and face penetrating alternatively into said cavities, said endfaces being separated by a fzrst distance wliicla is less than a second distance separating said abutment surfaces, by a third distance (d) corresponding to a 7naxiinum stroke of the follower element relative to said mobile member, said maximum stroke being less in length than the portion of the recess which joins the two cavities to one another; means for blocking the follower element with respect to said body in a position ira which the internal endface of thefollowei-element is in the distribution cavity; and, the mobile member being displaced in a reciprocating rnovenaent between a first position in which the internal abutment surface and the internal and face are juxtaposed in said dosing cavity, and a second position in which the itaterfaal abutment su face and the internal end face are situated in the distribution cavity and separated from one another by said third distance." The gas may be C02, N2 or a mixture thereof or any other suitable gas depending on the beverage.

The beverage may have previously been carbonated or pre-gassed.

The ratio of beverage to gas delivered by the Dosatron may be in the range from about 0. 1 % to about 12%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 8. 33%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 5%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 4%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 3. 3%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 3%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 2%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 1.6%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 0.8%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 0.5%, alternatively from about 0. 1% to about 0.2%.

The preselected volume of beverage in the chamber may be chilled before during or after carbonation.

The beverage may be cooled to a preselected temperature from-2°C to about 12°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 11°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 10°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 9°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 8°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 7°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 6°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 5°C, alternatively from about- 2°C to about 4°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 3°C, alternatively from about - 2°C to about 2°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 1°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about 0°C, alternatively from about-2°C to about-1°C.

The chamber may be coupled to an inlet beverage line tube; the chamber has an outlet which is coupled to an outlet beverage line and through which the carbonated beverage may flow to a beverage chiller.

The beverage chiller may be coupled to a beverage line which is coupled to a beverage dispensing tap; the beverage being exposed to a gas (e. g. CO2) in the chamber and/or the beverage line when the dispensing tap is opened.

Further disclosed is a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a chamber capable of having a liquid coolant circulating therethrough comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, and at least one beverage tube inlet; a chamber outlet coupler adapted to seal an end of an outer tube comprising at least two ends, the outer tube being disposed in the chamber, to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube and to couple a beverage tube, disposed in the outer tube in the chamber, out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber; at least one openable valve to dispense beverage from the beverage tube; and a coupler to couple the beverage tube coupled out of the chamber with the openable valve; the beverage tube inlet being adapted to seal another end of the outer tube without the beverage tube disposed in the outer tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The beverage tube inlet may be adapted to releasably seal another end of the outer tube without the beverage tube disposed in the outer tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The chamber outlet coupler may releasably seal an end of an outer tube comprising at least two ends, the outer tube being disposed in the chamber, to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into the outer tube and to releasably couple a beverage tube, disposed in the outer tube in the chamber, out of the chamber without the beverage tube coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber.

The outer tube is chosen such that it comprises a material that is impermeable to and not corroded by the coolant. The beverage tube is chosen such that it comprises a material that is impermeable to and not corroded by the beverage and is a material that will not contaminate the beverage.

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a cross sectional rear side view of a liquid beverage dispensing apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of a chamber outlet coupler of the invention; Figure 3 is a cross sectional side view of an alternative chamber outlet coupler of the invention; Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of a further alternative chamber outlet coupler of the invention; Figure 5a is a front perspective view of a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system. Figure 5b is a left hand side perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure 5a) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system. Figure 5c is a right hand perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure Sa) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system. Figure 5c is a top perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure 5a) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system. Figure 5e is a front perspective view of a liquid beverage dispensing system (as used in Figures 5a-5d). Figure 5f is an oblique side view of a T-joint used in a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage to transfer the force of beverage flow to a diaphragm valve; in Figure 5f the beverage is flowing in the beverage line causing the diagram to become convex, but in Figure 5g the beverage is not flowing in the beverage line, so no force is transferred to the membrane. Figure 5h is an isometric exploded view of a diaphragm valve used in a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system (as depicted in Figures 5a-5d). Figure 5i is a side view of the flow component of the diaphragm valve and filter used in a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which is to be chilled within the system (as depicted in Figures 5a-5d).

Figure 6 is a cross sectional side view of a chamber inlet coupler of the invention as well as a liquid coolant inlet coupler and a liquid coolant outlet coupler; and Figure 7 is a cross sectional side view of an alternative chamber inlet coupler of the invention.

Figure 8a is a front perspective view of a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which has previously been cooled or does not need to be cooled within the system. Figure 8b is a left hand side perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure 8a) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which has previously been cooled or does not need to be cooled. Figure 8c is a right hand perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure 8a) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which has previously been cooled or does not need to be cooled. Figure 8c is a top perspective view of a system (as depicted in Figure 8a) for dispensing at least one liquid beverage which has previously been cooled or does not need to be cooled.

Figure 8e is a front perspective view of a liquid beverage dispensing system (as used in Figures 8a-8d).

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a system for dispensing at least one liquid beverage.

Figure 10 is a top down view of a beverage production and filling facility.

Figure 11 is a side view of a T-Piece for an outer tube and an inner tube.

Figure 12 is a side section view of the T-piece of Fig. 11.

Figure 13 is a side view of an output coupler.

Figures 14 (a) - (c) depict an exploded sectional side view of the output coupler of Fig.

13.

Figure 15 is an assembled section side view of the output coupler of Fig. 13.

Figure 16 is a plan view photograph of an output coupler of Figs 13 to 15 screwed into a spigot in a beverage fount. Part of the cylinder member of the output fount has been cut out.

Figure 17 is a perspective view photograph of an output coupler of Figs 13 to 15 screwed into a spigot in a beverage fount. Part of the cylinder member of the output fount has been cut out.

Figure 18 is a part sectional side view of an external arrangement which permits venting of two outer tubes to atmosphere and allows coolant leaks into the outer tubes to be detected.

Figure 19 (a) shows a graph of the temperature of beer as a function of number of glasses of beer poured using a system which is not in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 19 (b) shows a graph of the temperature of beer as a function of number of glasses of beer poured using a system in accordance with the invention.

Best Mode And Other Modes For Carrying Out The Invention Referring to Figure 1 liquid beverage dispensing apparatus 100 is depicted comprising a T-shaped tubular chamber 101 having liquid coolant 102 circulating therethrough.

Chamber 101 comprises liquid coolant inlet 103, liquid coolant outlet 104, and outer tube and beverage tube inlets 105 and 106. Liquid coolant inlet tube 107 passes into chamber 101 through liquid coolant inlet 103 which contains internally two 0-rings 108 and 109 that provide a releasable and sealing fit around the outside of tube 107 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 102 in chamber 101 from leaking out of inlet 103. End 109 of tube 107 fits over centre tube 110 of tubular T piece 111.

Tubes 112 and 113, which fit over arms 114 and 115 of the T piece 111, extend to opposite ends of arms 116 and 117 respectively of chamber 101.

Outer tube 118 is coupled to T-connector 139 which has output tube 140. Outer tube 118 is coupled to T-connector 139 in such a way that coolant which has leaked into outer tube 118 can pass into and through leakage output tube 140. Thus if a coolant leak occurs into outer tube 118 an operator of apparatus 100 will be able to readily determine that there is a leak by observing or determining that coolant is coming out of leakage output tube 140. Inner tube 119 passes through T-connector 139 and out through the other side (the portion of inner tube 119 which has passed through T- connector 139 is marked on Fig. 1 as 119a). Outer tube 118 and inner tube 119 pass through outer tube and beverage tube inlet 105. Inlet 105 contains internally two O- rings 120 and 121 that provide a releasable and sealing fit around the outside of outer tube 118 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 102 in chamber 101 from leaking out of inlet 105. Tubes 118 and 119 extend through chamber 101 to chamber outlet coupler 126 which is disposed in the wall of arm 116, to releasably seal end 127 of outer tube 118 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 102 in arm 116 of chamber 101 from passing into outer tube 118 and to releasably couple beverage tube 119, disposed in outer tube 118 in chamber 101, out of chamber 101 without beverage tube 119 coming into contact with liquid coolant 102 in the chamber 101. An openable valve (not shown) is disposed in housing 131 and is coupled to a coupler (not shown but which may be in the form of a tube with an internal plastic fitting or one or more O-rings which fit releasably and sealingly around the outside of beverage tube 119) to couple the beverage tube coupled out of chamber 101 (not shown) with the openable valve in housing 131 to dispense beverage from nozzle 133. The SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) RO/AU openable valve (not shown) in housing 131 is operated by pulling forward (i. e. into the paper) and down on handle 132.

Outer tube 124 is coupled to T-connector 141 which has output tube 142. Outer tube 124 is coupled to T-connector 141 in such a way that coolant which has leaked into outer tube 124 can pass into and through leakage output tube 142. Thus if a coolant leak occurs into outer tube 124 an operator of apparatus 100 will be able to readily determine that there is a leak by observing or determining that coolant is coming out of leakage output tube 142. Inner tube 125 passes through T-connector 141 and out through the other side (the portion of inner tube 125 which has passed through T- connector 141 is marked on Fig. 1 as 125a). Outer tube 124 and inner beverage tube 125 pass through outer tube and beverage tube inlet 106. Inlet 106 contains internally two O-rings 122 and 123 that provide a releasable and sealing fit around the outside of outer tube 124 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 102 in chamber 101 from leaking out of inlet 106. Tubes 124 and 125 extend through chamber 101 to chamber outlet coupler 128, which is disposed in the wall of arm 117, to releasably seal end 129 of outer tube 124 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 102 in arm 117 of chamber 101 from passing into outer tube 124 and to releasably couple beverage tube 125, disposed in outer tube 124 in chamber 101, out of chamber 101 without beverage tube 125 coming into contact with liquid coolant 102 in the chamber 101. An openable valve (not shown) is disposed in housing 130 and is coupled to a coupler (not shown but which may be in the form of a tube with an internal plastic fitting or one or more O-rings which fit releasably and sealingly around the outside of beverage tube 125) to couple the beverage tube coupled out of chamber 101 (not shown) with the openable valve in housing 130 to dispense beverage from nozzle 134.

The openable valve (not shown) in housing 130 is operated by pulling forward (i. e. into the paper) and down on handle 135.

Chamber 100 has end caps 136,137 and 138 which seal arm 116, the top of chamber 102 and arm 117 respectively.

It is important to use materials that are compatible with liquid coolant 102, particularly the seals. Thus, for example, Viton fluroelastomer V75 appears to be compatible with propylene glycol.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) RO/AU Figure 2 depicts chamber outlet coupler 200. Coupler 200 releasably seals end 201 of outer tube 202 which, in use, is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus (such as tube 124 in chamber 102 of apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1) which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber, (such as liquid coolant 102 in chamber 101 of apparatus 100 of Fig. 1) and to couple beverage tube 203 disposed in outer tube 202 out of the chamber. Coupler 200 comprises (a) support member 204 comprising passage 205 extending therethrough and outer tube support 206 disposed, in use, adjacent the chamber, (b) first sealing member comprising O rings 207 and 208 disposed, in use, on outer tube support 206 to releasably seal outer surface 209 of outer tube 202 to prevent or substantially prevent, in use, the liquid coolant in the chamber from entering outer tube 202, and (c) beverage tube coupler 210 comprising (i) sealing surfaces 211 and 212; (ii) beverage tube passage 213 extending through the beverage tube coupler 210 through which beverage tube 220 can pass; (iii) male screw thread 214 which mates with female screw thread 215 disposed on support member 204 in passage 205. Coupler 200 also comprises second sealing member 216 and 217 and third sealing member 218 and 219, members 216 to 219 comprising O rings, disposed, in use, in beverage tube passage 213 to releasably seal outer surface 221 of beverage tube 220 to prevent or substantially prevent any liquid coolant that happens to find its way from the chamber into beverage tube passage 213 from passing completely through the beverage tube passage 213. Support member 204 further comprises sealing support surfaces 222 and 223 to accommodate fourth and fifth sealing members 224 and 225, which comprise O rings or a gasket (such as a rubber gasket or a gasket made of other appropriate material), wherein, in use, sealing support surfaces 222 and 223 and fourth and fifth sealing members 224 and 225 are disposed to cooperate with the sealing surfaces 212 and 211 when coupler 210 is fully screwed into passage 205 to releasably seal sealing support surfaces 222 and 223.

Coupler 210 includes at least two anchoring holes 226 and 227 disposed in surface 228 to mate with the head of an appropriate tool (such a tool may comprise a head having two male protrusions disposed thereon that are of a length and spacing such that on insertion into holes 226 and 227 they are a neat fit, the head being attached to one end of a shaft which shaft has a handle at the other end) to facilitate turning and uns runing of coupler 210 to enable insertion and removal of coupler 210 in and out of passage 205. Alternatively, other anchoring means could be used in place of anchoring holes 226 and 227 such as, for example: (1) a single three, four, five, six or seven or more sided hole disposed in surface 228 which enables the insertion of the head of a matching four, five, six or seven sided tool comprising a shaft attached to the head at one end and a handle attached to the shaft at the other end to facilitate turning and turning of coupler 210 to enable insertion and removal of coupler 210 in and out of passage 205; (2) a single three, four, five, six or seven or more sided male head disposed on surface 228 which mates with a single three, four, five, six or seven or more sided female head of a tool comprising a shaft attached to the head at one end and a handle attached to the shaft at the other end to facilitate turning and unturning of coupler 210 to enable insertion and removal of coupler 210 in and out of passage 205.

Air vent passage 229 is disposed in support 204 to vent passage 205 to prevent build- up of pressure in passage 205.

Support 204 may form an integral part of the chamber wall (see Fig. 1) of the beverage dispensing apparatus (see Fig. 1). Alternatively, it may be a separate plate that is fixed at an appropriate location to the wall of the chamber with screws or other appropriate fixers or clamp (s).

In the event that support 204 is a separate plate the chamber wall would have a passage therethrough, which at least is large enough in diameter to permit outer tube 202 to pass through, which at least is large enough in diameter to permit outer tube 202 to pass through disposed at an appropriate location so that it lines up with outer tube support 206 when support 204 when it is affixed to the external wall of the chamber. In such a case a sealing member (such as a rubber gasket, for example) is disposed between the external chamber wall and wall 204a of support 204 to prevent liquid coolant from passing out of the chamber between the external chamber wall and wall 204a.

The inner and outer diameter of outer tube 202 may be significantly larger (>100%, moderately larger (between 25% and 100%) or slightly larger (between 5 and 25%) than the outer diameter of beverage tube 203. Outer tube 202 and beverage tube 203 are fabricated from material that is impervious to liquid coolant (e. g. polyethylene or polypropylene).

End 230 of beverage tube 220 is coupled to an openable valve (not shown) disposed in housing 231 via nozzle 234 which has a sealing member such as plastic insert 235 (or one or more O rings). The openable valve (not shown) in housing 231 is operated by pulling handle 232 down and forward to dispense beverage from nozzle 233.

In Figure 3 an alternative chamber outlet coupler 300 is depicted. Chamber outlet coupler 300 releasably seals outer tube 301 which outer tube 301, in use, is disposed in chamber 302 of a beverage dispensing apparatus. In use, liquid coolant 310 is recirculated through chamber 302. Coupler 300 couples beverage tube 303 disposed in outer tube 301, in chamber 302, out of chamber 302. Coupler 300 comprises support member 304 comprising passage 307 extending therethrough through which beverage tube 303 can pass, sealing surface 305 for sealing support member 304 against first sealing member 311, which comprises sealing member passage 312, and which is disposed between external wall 306 of chamber 302 and sealing surface 305 of support member 304. Coupler 300 also has air vent 341 which vents passage 307 to atmosphere and thereby prevents build-up of pressure in passage 307.

In use first sealing member 311 is disposed between external wall 306 and sealing surface 305 so that sealing member passage 312 is aligned with and coincides with passage 309 as depicted in Figure 3 (the diameters of passages 312 and 309 may be the same or similar so that the passages can be lined up as depicted in Figure 3- alternatively the diameter of passage 312 may be larger than passage 309). Outer tube support 308 is disposed integrally on surface 313 of support member 304 about passage 307 and extends, in use, into and through passage 309 located in chamber wall 306. Outer tube support 308 comprises sealing surface 314 and male threaded portion 315. In use end 316 of outer tube 301 is located over sealing surface 314 and female nut 317 with threaded portion 318 and trailing conical flange portion 319 (conical flange portion 319 is angled so that when female nut 317 has been tightened on threaded portion 315 it provides pressure on end 316 of outer tube 301 thereby facilitating the sealing of end 316 of outer tube 301 so that liquid coolant 310 is prevented or substantially prevented from entering passage 307). Third sealing members 322, and fourth sealing members 323, comprising O rings, are disposed, in use, in support member passage 307 as depicted to releasably seal outer surface 324 of beverage tube 303 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 310 that may find its way into the beverage tube passage 307 from passing completely through the beverage tube passage 307.

Two or more (e. g. 3,4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9,10 or more-not shown) fasteners 325 and 326 releasably fasten sealing surface 305 against first sealing member 311 and first sealing member 311 against surface 306. Fastener 325 comprises threaded portion 327 which extends from surface 306 through support member 304. Nut 329 which is threaded on threaded portion 327 and wound down on threaded portion 327 so as to apply pressure against surface 328 (one or more spacers or washers may be disposed between nut 329 and surface 328 if required) which in turn results in pressure being transmitted through sealing surface 305 to first sealing member 311 and external wall 306. Nut 329 is done up so that sufficient pressure is applied to seal sealing surface 305 against first sealing member 311 and to seal external wall 306 against first sealing member 311. Similarly, fastener 326 comprises threaded portion 330 which extends from surface 306 through support member 304. Nut 331 which is threaded on threaded portion 330 and wound down on threaded portion 330 so as to apply pressure against surface 328 (one or more spacers or washers may be disposed between nut 331 and surface 328 if required) which in turn results in pressure being transmitted through sealing surface 305 to first sealing member 311 and external wall 306. Nut 331 is done up on threaded portion 330 so that sufficient pressure is applied to seal sealing surface 305 against first sealing member 311 and to seal external wall 306 against first sealing member 311 and thereby prevent liquid coolant 310 leaking out of chamber 302 between external wall 306 and first sealing member 311 and between sealing surface 305 and first sealing member 311.

Outer tube 301 and beverage tube 303 pass through outer tube and beverage tube inlet 338. Outer tube 301 comprises chamber portion 350, end 316 and inlet portion 351.

Inlet 338 contains internally two 0-rings 339 and 340 that provide a releasable and sealing fit around the outside of outer tube 301 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 310 in chamber 302 from leaking out of inlet 338. Chamber 302 also includes a liquid coolant inlet and a liquid coolant outlet (not shown but see the arrangement in Figure 1, for example).

End 332 of beverage tube 303 is coupled to an openable valve (not shown) disposed in housing 333 via nozzle 334 which has a sealing member such as plastic insert 335 (or one or more O rings). Beverage tube 303 comprises chamber portion 353. outlet portion 354 and inlet portion 355. The openable valve (not shown) in housing 333 is operated by pulling handle 336 down and forward to dispense beverage from nozzle 337.

In Figure 4 chamber outlet coupler 400 is depicted. Chamber outlet coupler 400 releasably seals outer tube 401 which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus (such as that shown in Figure 1) which, in use, uses liquid coolant in the chamber (see Figure 1), and couples beverage tube 402 disposed in outer tube 401, out of the chamber, the chamber having a chamber wall passage through a wall thereof. Chamber outlet coupler 400 comprises (a) support member 403 comprising support member passage 404 extending therethrough and an outer tube support member 405 disposed, in use, in support member passage 404. Support member 403 may be an integral part of the chamber wall or it may be separate from the chamber wall. First sealing member 406 which is disposed, in use, adjacent outer tube support 405 releasably seals outer surface 401a of outer tube 401 to prevent or substantially prevent, in use, the liquid coolant in the chamber from entering outer tube 401. Beverage tube coupler 407 which is integral with outer tube support member 405 and disposed, in use, in support member passage 404 comprises (i) sealing surfaces 408 and 409; and (ii) beverage tube passage 410 extending through beverage tube coupler 407 and through outer tube support 405 through which beverage tube 402 can pass. Second sealing members 411,412, 413 and 414 (e. g. O- rings) are disposed, in use, in beverage tube passage 410 to releasably seal the outer surface 402a of the beverage tube 402 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant that happens to pass into beverage tube passage 410 from passing completely through beverage tube passage 410. Support member 403 further comprises sealing support surfaces 415 and 416 to accommodate third and fourth sealing members 417 and 418 (e. g. 0-rings), wherein, in use, sealing support surfaces 415 and 416 and third and fourth sealing members 417 and 418 are disposed to cooperate with sealing surfaces 408 and 409 respectively to releasably seal sealing support surfaces 415 and 416. Air vent passage 419a is disposed in support member 405 to prevent pressure build-up in passage 404. A food grade lubricant is placed over end 405a of outer tube support member 405 to enable the end of outer tube 401 to not rotate while beverage tube coupler 407 is screwed into passage 404 (screw threads 419 and 422 mate together as do screw threads 420 and 421) to a point where outer tube 401 is sealed 405a by sealing member 406 and sealing support surfaces 415 and 416 and third and fourth sealing members 417 and 418 cooperate with sealing surfaces 408 and 409 respectively to releasably seal sealing support surfaces 415 and 416. Food grade lubricant may also be placed on the outer surface 402a of beverage tube 402 to prevent tube 402 rotating while beverage tube coupler 407 is screwed into passage 407.

Figure 6 depicts chamber inlet coupler 600 releasably seal outer tube 601 which, in use is disposed in chamber 603 of a beverage dispensing apparatus 604 which, in use, uses liquid coolant 602 in the chamber, and to couple beverage tube 605 into outer tube 601 into chamber 603. Chamber 603 has chamber wall passage 606 through wall 607. Outer tube sealing members which releasably seal outer tube 601 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 602 in chamber 603 from passing into outer tube 601, comprise 0-ring 608 disposed on surface 610. Surface 610 supports 0-ring 608.

Screw plug 609 comprises head portion 611, shaft portion 612 which has threaded portion 613 and conical portion 614 which, in use, forms a tight fit with the inside wall 615 of outer tube 601. Threaded portion 616, which mates with threaded portion 613, is coupled to wall 617 integrally. Screw plug 609 includes passage 617a which enables beverage tube 605 to pass into the outer tube 601 and into chamber 603 without beverage tube 605 coming into contact with liquid coolant 602 in chamber 603. In use the end of outer tube 601 is pushed through 0-ring 608 and screw plug 609 is screwed into threaded portion 616 until conical portion 614 passes into the end of outer tube 601 to such an extent that it exerts outward pressure on the end of outer tube 601, as depicted, so as to tighten the seal between the outside surface of outer tube 601 and the 0-ring 608 so as to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant 602 from passing from chamber 603 through chamber inlet coupler 600.

Fig. 6 also depicts liquid coolant inlet coupler 618 and liquid coolant outlet coupler 619.

Coupler 618 comprises nut 620 having threaded portion 621 and conical portion 622.

Support member 623 comprises threaded portion 624 which, in use, mates with threaded portion 621 and conical portion 625. In use, the end of liquid coolant inlet tube 626 is placed over conical portion 625. Nut 620 is screwed onto threaded portion 624 to such an extent that conical portion of nut 622 presses down on the outside of tube 626 to such an extent that it seals the end of tube 626 against conical portion 625 and thereby prevents or substantially prevents liquid coolant in outer tube 626 from leaking out of liquid coolant inlet coupler 618.

Coupler 619 comprises nut 627 having threaded portion 628 and conical portion 629.

Support member 630 comprises threaded portion 631 which, in use, mates with threaded portion of nut 628 and conical portion 633. In use, the end of liquid coolant outlet tube 634 is placed over conical portion 633. Nut 627 is screwed onto threaded portion 631 to such an extent that conical portion 629 presses down on the outside of tube 634 to such an extent that it seals the end of tube 634 and prevents or substantially prevents liquid coolant in outer tube 634 from leaking out of liquid coolant outlet coupler 619.

Figure 7 depicts chamber inlet coupler 700 releasably seal outer tube 701 which, in use is disposed in a chamber of a beverage dispensing apparatus (not shown) which, in use, uses a liquid coolant (not shown) in the chamber, and to couple beverage tube 702 into outer tube 701 into the chamber. The chamber has chamber wall passage 704 through wall 705. Outer tube sealing members which releasably seal outer tube 701 to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant in the chamber from passing into outer tube 701, comprise 0-ring 706 disposed on wall 707 and screw plug 708. Wall 707 supports 0-ring 706. Screw plug 708 comprises head portion 709, shaft portion 710 which has threaded portion 711 and conical portion 712 which, in use, forms a tight fit with the inside wall 713 of outer tube 701. Threaded portion 714, which mates with threaded portion 711, is coupled integrally to plate 715 which in turn is attached to chamber wall 705 by an appropriate number of fasteners 716,717 (only two fasteners are shown but usually 2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8,9 or more fasteners are used). Sealing member 718 is disposed between the plate 715 and wall 705. Flange 715 includes passage 719.

Screw plug 708 includes passage 720 which enables beverage tube 721 to pass into the outer tube 701 and into the chamber without beverage tube 721 coming into contact with liquid coolant in the chamber. In use flange 715 is fastened to wall 705 with sealing member 718 disposed between flange 715 and wall 705 as depicted. The end of outer tube 701 is pushed through 0-ring 706 and screw plug 708 is screwed into threaded portion 714 until conical portion 712 passes into the end of outer tube 701 to such an extent that it exerts outward pressure on the end of outer tube 701, as depicted, so as to tighten the seal between the outside surface of outer tube 701 and O-ring 706 so as to prevent or substantially prevent liquid coolant from passing from the chamber through chamber inlet coupler 700.

Referring to Figure 1 chamber outlet couplers 126 and 128 may be of the type depicted by chamber outlet coupler 200 in Figure 2 or the type depicted by chamber outlet coupler 300 depicted in Figure 3 or the type depicted by chamber outlet coupler 400 depicted in Figure 4. In use, liquid coolant 102 at the required temperature is recirculated through chamber 101 by pumping liquid coolant 102 into and through tubes 107,112 and 113. A high volume, low pressure pump may be used to recirculate liquid coolant 102 through chamber 101. Liquid coolant 102 may be a propylene glycol : water mixture in the ratio range of 80: 20 to 30: 70 wt: wt or vol: vol.

Preferably one part propylene glycol to 2 parts water vol: vol is used (33.3 : 66.7 vol: vol). However, the particular ratio chosen will depend on the cooling temperature required. Hence if the beverage is beer a propylene glycol: water ratio is chosen such that liquid coolant 102 is at a temperature just above the freezing point of beer (liquid coolant 102 temperature may be in the range of--1. 5°C to 0°C,-1. 25°C to 0°C,-1 °C to 0°C,-0. 75°C to 0°C or-0. 5°C to 0°C as freezing point of beer is--2°C depending on the alcohol content of the beer). Liquid coolant 102 may include a chemical that has a distinctive taste at low concentrations such that if the beverage happens to become contaminated because of a leak or other breakdown in the apparatus the consumer will immediately recognise on tasting the beverage that it is contaminated (e. g. denatonium benzoate also known as benzenemethanaminium N- (2- ( (2, 6- dimethylphenyl) amino)-2-oxoethyl)-N, N-diethyl-benzoate and sold under the trade mark Bitrex). Liquid coolant 102 may also include a corrosion inhibitor or an anticorrosion agent (e. g. benzatriazole). Alternatively, or in addition, at least some of the fittings and chamber 101 of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 may be fabricated from stainless steel. In particular all the metal fittings of apparatus 100 that come into contact with the liquid coolant and the beverage and as well as all of the fittings that have the potential to come into contact with liquid coolant 102 may be fabricated from stainless steel. Stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, or a combination thereof may be used. Stainless steel grade 316 may be used.

After leaving tubes 112 and 113 liquid coolant 102 circulates through chamber 101 finally exiting through liquid coolant outlet 104. Liquid coolant 102 at the required temperature is recirculated through chamber 101 in this manner for as long as required. A liquid beverage is provided under a positive pressure in beverage tubes 119 and 125. Any suitable beverage may be provided to tubes 119 and 125 (e. g. beer, stout, soft drink, soda water, juice, cordial, water, wine, iced tea, etc. ). The inner and outer diameters of tubes 119 and 125 are such as to be compatible with the relevant sealing members and fittings. For example, for beer the inner diameter of tubes 119 and 125 may be 5 mm and the outer diameter may be 7 mm (tubes with different inner and outer diameters may be used provided they are compatible with the relevant sealing members and fittings. The openable valve (not shown) in housing 131 is operated by pulling handle 132 down and forward (i. e. into the page) to dispense beverage from nozzle 133 and similarly the openable valve (not shown) in housing 130 is operated by pulling handle 135 down and forward (i. e. into the page) to dispense beverage from nozzle 135.

Liquid coolant 102 is prevented or substantially prevented from coming into contact with beverage tube 119 by outer tube 118, 0-rings 120,121 at beverage tube inlet 105 and chamber outlet coupler 126 thus preventing or greatly reducing the chance of the beverage dispensed from nozzle 133 from being contaminated with liquid coolant 102. Liquid coolant 102 is prevented or substantially prevented from coming into contact with beverage tube 125 by outer tube 124, O-rings 122,123 at beverage tube inlet 106 and chamber outlet coupler 128 thus preventing or greatly reducing the chance of the beverage dispensed from nozzle 134 from being contaminated with liquid coolant 102. In the event that beverage in beverage tube 119 and/or 125 became contaminated with liquid coolant 102 it would become immediately apparent to the consumer provided the liquid coolant 102 contains a chemical that has a distinctive taste at low concentrations such as denatonium benzoate (denaturant). Further the probability of beverage in beverage tube 119 freezing is reduced since outer tube 118 which is disposed about beverage tube 119 prevents liquid coolant 102 from coming into direct contact with beverage tube 119 and in addition, there is an air gap (not shown) between the inside surface of outer tube 118 and the outside surface of beverage tube 119 which acts as an insulation layer. The insulation layer prevents beverage in beverage tube 119 from coming into direct contact with outer tube 118.

This is particularly advantageous when it is desired to have the temperature of the dispensed beverage at a slightly higher temperature than liquid coolant 102 (e. g. beer, ale, lager or stout may be dispensed at a temperature of about +2°C whereas liquid coolant 102 temperature may be about-2°C) since the presence of the air gap (as well as the presence of outer tube 118 and beverage tube 119) means that there will be a greater temperature differential between liquid coolant 102 and beverage in tube 119 than there would be if outer tube 118 were not present.

Where lubricant is required to be used food grade lubricant should be used particularly when there is a chance of the lubricant coming into contact with the beverage. Similarly food grade tubing should be used particularly for tubes or beverage lines that will or may come into contact with beverage.

Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f and 5g depict System 500 for dispensing at least one liquid Beverage 503a which is to be chilled within System 500.

System 500 comprises Beverage Container 503 of Beverage 503a which may be carbonated. Container 503 may be, in the case of where dispensed Beverage 503a is beer, ale, lager or stout, for example, kegs (which may be wooden kegs or metal kegs) containing beer. When the beverage is beer, ale stout or the like Container 503 is usually located in a cool room or cellar (not shown) in which the temperature is kept between about 5°C and about 12°C more usually between about 7°C and 12°C to prevent the beer, ale, lager, stout or the like from spoiling too quickly and to ensure that it retains its flavour and aroma over the period during which it is dispensed.

However, if the Beverage 503a is of the type that does not spoil at room temperature, Beverage Container 503 may be kept in an unrefrigerated room at room temperature.

Beverage Container 503 has a container coupler which includes Gas Inlet 503b, Thermoregulator 503c, and Beverage Outlet 503d (see Figure 5b). Thermoregulator 503c is attached to Gas Inlet 503b and automatically controls and adjusts the gas pressure of Beverage Container 503 depending on the temperature of Beverage 503a (i. e. prevents foaming and other associated quality problems due to wrongly applied pressure). In the case where the beverage is beer a thermoregulator to adjust the carbon dioxide pressure or carbon dioxide/nitrogen mixture pressure to the desired pressure in Container 503 (which in this case will usually be a keg) as a function of the temperature. In the case of where the beverage is beer, ale, stout or the like a keg coupler of the type described in The Australiara Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J. Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2259, Australia (the contents of which are incorporated by cross reference) at page 42, may be used. Thermoregulators are also available from Gram- Inventa A/S, Hogelsbjerg 80, 6200 Aabenraa, Denmark (Telephone: +45 74 62 12 28, Fax: +45 74 62 22 28, Email: gramn crant-inventa. com, www. gram-inventa. com).

Gas Cylinder 501 contains Compressed Gas 501a which is acceptable for use in Beverage 503a such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen or a mixture of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen (where more than one gas is used there may be two gas cylinders one cylinder supplying one gas e. g. Carbon dioxide and the other cylinder supplying the other gas-in such an arrangement there may be a gas mixer to mix the two gases prior to entry into Container 503 the gas mixer having two inlets, one inlet being coupled to one gas cylinder and the other inlet being coupled to the other gas cylinder, and an outlet coupled to Gas inlet 503b). A check valve within the container coupler prevents Beverage 503a from passing into Gas Line 502 and thereafter into a Gas Regulator 501b which is coupled to the other end of Gas Line 502 which in turn is coupled to Gas Cylinder 501.

Container 503 has Container Outlet 503d which is coupled to Gas Driven Beverage Pump 505 by Beverage Line 504. In a preferred embodiment the gas that drives Pump 505 is air, but may also be Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, a mixture of Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. Pump 505 pumps Beverage 503a in Container 503 via Beverage Line 506 to Carbonator Inlet 507a on Carbonator 507 (see Figure 5c). Carbonator 507 mixes a predetermined amount of Carbon Dioxide Gas 501 a from Gas Cylinder 501 via Regulator 501b and Gas Line 502 into a predetermined amount of Beverage 503a passing through Carbonator 507 Carbonator 507 may be a proportional dispenser marketed under the trade mark Dosatron (which may include beverage acceptable seals such as Viton seals (e. g. Viton fluroelastomer V75) when the beverage is beer) which exposes a predetermined amount of a gas such as carbon dioxide or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen into a predetermined amount of Beverage 503a (with mixing of the beverage and gas during the exposing and under greater than atmospheric pressure during the exposing). Carbonator 507 may add 0.01 - 0. 5 grams/litre, 0.05-0. 5 grams/litre, 0.05-0. 4 grams/litre, 0.05-0. 3 grams/litre, 0.05-0. 2 grams/litre, 0.1-0. 5 grams/litre, 0.75-0. 5 grams/litre, 0. 75-0. 4 grams/litre, 0.75-0. 3 grams/litre, 0.75-0. 2 grams/litre 0. 1-0. 25 grams/litre, 0. 1- 0.5 grams/litre, 0.1-0. 4 grams/litre, 0.1-0. 3 grams/litre or 0. 1-0. 2 grams/litre SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) RO/AU carbon dioxide to the beverage. Where the beverage is beer Carbonator 507 may add about 0.5, 0.75, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, 0.175, 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45 or 0.5 grams/litre carbon dioxide to beverage.

Beverage Line 510a exits Carbonator 507 via outlet 507b, and enters Beverage Chiller 511 (see Figure 5b). Chiller 511 may be a chiller of the type which is capable of cooling the beverage therein to a predetermined temperature, or to within a predetermined temperature range, even at times of high demand. Beverage Chiller 511 may be an instantaneous style chiller (e. g. a full flooded instantaneous chiller) or an icebank style chiller, for example. Beverage Chiller 511 is usually chosen so that the temperature of cooled Beverage 503a exiting into Beverage Line 510b is controlled to a tight tolerance (e. g. exiting temperature of Beverage 503a may be controlled by Beverage Chiller 511 to a temperature tolerance of between 0. 1 °C and 1. 0°C, 0. 2°C and 0. 75°C, or 0. 2°C and 0. 5°C, e. g. 0. 1°C, 0. 2°C, 0. 25°C, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 0. 3°C, 0. 4°C, 0. 5°C, 0. 6°C, 0. 7°C, 0. 75°C, 0. 8°C, 0. 9°C, or 1. 0°C).

Examples of chillers are described in The Australian Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J. Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2289, Australia at pages 54 to 58.

Line 510b then emerges from Chiller 511 and T-joint 530 (illustrated in Figures 5f and 5g). Line 510b containing Beverage 503a is connected to T joint via 0-ring 530a (shown in Figures 5F and 5G) (which may include more than one O-ring). Line 510c, also containing Beverage 503a, is connected along the same plane as Line 510b to T- joint 530 via O-ring 530b (shown in Figures 5F and 5G) (which may be more than one O-ring). Line 531 is connected to T-joint 530 in a direction perpendicular to Lines 510b and 510c via 0-ring 530c. Line 531 contains Solution 531a which is harmless to humans and may be distilled water or saline for example. At the end of Line 531 adjoining T-joint 530 is Impermeable Diaphragm 531b. Diaphragm 531b transfers the movement of Beverage 503a to Flow Regulating Diaphragm Valves 527 and 528 via T-joint 532 and Secondary Sub-lines 533 and 534 (see Figure 5d).

Flow Regulating Diaphragm Valves 527 and 528 are designed to regulate the flow of coolant from the coolant manifold (supplied by Coolant Container 520, which is pumped by Coolant Pump 521) to the Beverage Chiller (see figure 5b). Referring to Figure 5h, the Flow Regulating Diaphragm Valve 900 is divided into four components: (1) Pressure Component 901, (2) Flexible Diaphragm 902, (3) Flow Component 903, and (4) Filter 906. Pressure Component 901 and Flow Component 903 are made of a hard plastic polymer with low malleability, while Flexible Diaphragm 902 is made of a soft plastic polymer with high malleability.

Pressure Component 901 is connected via Inlet 900c (see Figure 5h) to Solution Lines 533 and 534 (see Figure 5c). Region 900b of Pressure Component 901 is filled with Solution 531a. Region 900a of Pressure Component 901 is connected flush against Diaphragm 902.

Diaphragm 902 has a square flexible membrane that can move inward (toward Pressure Component 901) and outward (toward Flow Component 903) in response to pressure. Diaphragm 902 fits into corresponding apertures in both Pressure Component 901 and Flow Component 903. When Pressure Component 901, Diaphragm 902 and Flow Component 903 are connected, the liquid pressure (from Solution 531a) in Pressure Component 901 forces Diaphragm 902 outward toward Flow Component 903. Flow Component 903 has an aperture that corresponds to the dimensions of the activated Diaphragm 902. The depth of this aperture is approximately twice the depth of the activated Diaphragm.

Outlet 903f of Flow Component 903 is connected to a Beverage Chiller, such as Chiller 511 (see Figure 5b). Inlet 900c of Flow Component 901 is connected to Filter 906 (see Figures 5i) which is connected to a coolant line, such as Line 512 or 513 (see Figure 5c). Filter 906 contains a permeable membrane 906a (see Figures 5i) which strains particulate matter from the coolant, and is replaceable as required periodically.

When activated by pressure, Diaphragm 902 extends into Flow Component 903 to a depth equal to the surface of Bar 903c, thereby blocking the flow of coolant through Flow Component 903-storing it in Region 903b of Flow Component 903 adjacent to Inlet 903g. This situation would occur when there is no flow of beverage in the main beverage line (see Figure 5h), for example Beverage Line 510 (see Figure 5b). When there is a flow of beverage in the main beverage line (e. g. Beverage Line 510b to 510c - see Figure 5f), the membrane in Sub-Line Diverter 510a is drawn toward the flow and thereby creates a vacuum pressure in Pressure Component 901, drawing Diaphragm 902 inward, toward Pressure Component 901 and away from Flow Component 903. This allows coolant to flow freely through Filter 906 and Inlet 903e over Bar 903c and out of Outlet 903f to a Beverage Chiller (see Figure 5i).

Optionally, Aperture 903d may exist in Bar 903c (see Figure 5h), when Diaphragm 902 extends into Flow Component 903, allowing a nominal amount of coolant to flow through Bar Aperture 903d, into Region 903a and out via Outlet 903f to a Beverage Chiller, such as Chiller 511 (see Figure 5b).

Bolts 904a, 904b, 904c, and 904d (see Figure 5h) penetrate Threaded Apertures 901d, 901e, 901f, and 901g in Pressure Component 901, Holes 902b, 902c, 902d, 902e in Flexible Diaphragm 902, and Holes 903j, 903k, 903h, 903i in Flow Component 903.

Bolts 904a, 904b, 904c, and 904d are secured on the other end by Nuts 905a, 905b, 905c, 905d, and thereby hold Pressure Component 901, (2) Flexible Diaphragm 902, and (3) Flow component together. Optionally, washers may be used between the components and their securing nuts and screws at either end of the valve.

The coolant supplying Valves 527 and 528 comes from Coolant Manifold 514 via Coolant Lines 512 and 513. Coolant Manifold 514 is a pumping station for chilled coolant liquid. Coolant Manifold 514 is supplied with chilled coolant from Coolant Chiller 517.

Coolant Chiller 517 is connected to Pump 515 via Line 518, which pumps the chilled coolant to Manifold 514 via Line 516 which connects Pump 515 and Manifold 514.

Chiller 517 may be a chiller of the type which is capable of cooling the beverage therein to a predetermined temperature, or to within a predetermined temperature range, even at times of high demand.

The coolant is supplied from Coolant Container 520 (see Figure 5b). The coolant in Container 520 is pumped to Chiller 517 via Line 519 by means of Pump 521. Pump 521 has Extension 521a connected to Tap 520a of Coolant Container 520. The coolant exits Container 520 by Tap 520b, which is connected to Line 519.

Beverage Dispenser 523 (see Figure 5e) is for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage. Coolant Manifold 514 supplies Beverage Dispenser 523 with chilled coolant via Line 522 (see Figure 5c) ; Line 522 has two exit points inside Dispenser 523 displaced near the ends of the arms of Dispenser 523. Dispenser 523 features a dispenser coolant outlet which is connected back to Coolant Chiller 517 via Line 526 (see Figure 5e and 5c). Beverage Line 510c is divided so that it may supply Dispensing Nozzles 523e and 523f. The flow of Chilled Beverage 503a through Dispensing Nozzles 523e and 523f is controlled by Valves 523a and 523b (described with reference to Chamber Outlet Couplers in Figures 2,3, and 4). Valves 523a and 523b are activated by Handles 523c and 523d.

Beverage 503a emerging from Dispensing Nozzles 523e and 523f can be collected by Glasses 524 and 525. Beverage Glasses 524 and 525 and Beverage Dispenser 523 sit on top of Spillage Tray 540. Spillage Tray 540 contains sunken Apertures 526a designed to collect and store Beverage 503a that inadvertently lands on the surface of Tray 540 (having missed Beverage Glasses 524 and 525). An aperture exists in the bottom of Tray 540 to allow Lines 510c, 522 and 526 to connect to Dispenser 523.

Optionally, Spillage Tray 540 may sit on top of Support Structure 529. Support Structure 529 is composed of four horizontal supports. Horizontal supports are attached to four vertical supports. Vertical supports are supported by a horizontal base support. A base support may include four wheels located on its bottom in the corners so that Support Structure 527 is moveable.

There may be more than one of the group of Carbonator 507, Beverage Chiller 511, Coolant Chiller 517 Pumped Manifold 514, and Dispenser 523 linked together as depicted in Figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d but located on different heights (for example in a building having three stories plus cellar there may be 3 groups of System 500 linked together, one for each story). In such a case a separate line to each story to deliver beverage to each carbonator on each floor from a pump may be used.

The inner diameter of each beverage line may be chosen to maintain the fluid pressure of the beverage delivered from a pump to each story at about the same level. Thus for example, the inner diameter (3) of a beverage line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the third story < the inner diameter (2) of a beverage line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the second story < the inner diameter (1) of a line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the first story. The magnitudes of the differences between inner diameters (1), (2) and (3) will depend on the respective heights of stories 1,2 and 3 and may be determined by standard methods (e. g. Pressure = length of beer line x line resistance x height of dispenser above container).

The coolant used in System 500 may be glycol. The glycol may include a corrosion inhibitor by itself, or a preservative and corrosion inhibitor, or a preservative. A mould and fungus inhibitor and/or denatonium benzoate may also be included in the glycol. With the exception of denatonium benzoate such additives may be obtained from Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 50 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia.

Any metal fittings in system 1000 shown in Figure 9 may be stainless-steel for the purpose of minimising corrosion. Stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, or a combination thereof may be used. Stainless steel grade 316 may be used.

In use a positive gas pressure is applied to Beverage 503a by appropriately opening regulator 501b on Gas Cylinder 501. Thermo-regulator 503b automatically controls and adjusts the gas pressure of Beverage Container 503 depending on the temperature of Beverage 503a ; the pressure may be sufficient to ensure that a less than atmospheric pressure does not occur in Container 503 as a result of Beverage 503a being pumped out of Container 503. Thus a pressure in the range of between 1.01 and 1.3 atmospheres in Container 503 will be sufficient for most applications (although higher pressures may be used if required). As a result an equilibrium concentration of C02 in Beverage 503a is provided. As a consequence no further adjustments are required.

System 500 may be primed by pulling down on Handles 523c and 523d to open the valves (not shown) which are operated by these handles until Beverage 503a emerges from Dispensing Nozzles 523e and 523f. Pump 505 draws beverage 503a from Container 503 via Container Outlet 503d and Beverage Line 504, and pumps it to Carbonator 507 (see Figure 5b) via Line 506. Pump 505 may be an air pump. Use of an air pump ensures that the gas pressure in Container 503 remains substantially constant as the beverage content in Container 503 decreases. This results in a consistent flow rate through Beverage Line 504 as Container 503 is discharged. As a result over-carbonation is less likely to occur and the rate of pour of the beverage as it is dispensed from Beverage Dispenser 523 is consistent.

Beverage Line 506 (emerging from Outlet 505a of Pump 505) enters Inlet 507a on Carbonator 507, is carbonated by Carbon Dioxide 509a entering Carbonator 507 via 507c (see Figure 5c) attached to Gas Cylinder 509 by Gas Line 508 and regulated by Regulator 509b. Beverage 503a is carbonated in Carbonator 507 by mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide with a predetermined amount of beverage.

After being carbonated, Beverage 503a passes into Beverage Chiller 511 via Line 510a (see Figure 5b) where it is cooled to a predetermined temperature which in the case of beer, ale, lager or stout is usually in the range of about 0. 5°C up to about 5°C, often in the range of 1°C to 3°C and more often about 2°C.

Line 510b containing Chilled Beverage 503a emerging from Beverage Chiller 511 then meets T-joint 530. When System 500 has been primed by pulling down on Handles 523c and 523d Beverage 503a flows into T-joint 530 (illustrated in Figure 5g). Diaphragm 531b in Line 531 is drawn toward the flow of Beverage 503a in T- joint 530 (see Figure 5f). The movement of Diaphragm 53 lb is transferred to Solution 531a and thereby to Valves 527 and 528 via Line Splitter 532 and Solution Lines 533 and 534 (see Figure 5d). Beverage 503a flowing from Line 510b to 510c, creates a negative pressure in Pressure Component 901 (see Figure 5h) which draws the diaphragm inward (toward Pressure Component 901), causing Valve Orifice 903c in Flow Component 903 to open, thereby allowing coolant to flow through Coolant Lines 512 and 513 to Beverage Chiller 511. Since more coolant flows through Coolant Lines 512 and 513 to Beverage Chiller 511, Beverage Chiller 511 has a greater capacity to cool more beverage when the beverage is being dispensed. When System 500 has not be primed by pulling down on Handles 523c and 523d and Beverage 503a does not flow in Beverage Line 510b (illustrated in Figure 5g), a positive pressure exists in Pressure Component 901, which pushes Diaphragm 902 outward (as illustrated in Figure 5h), causing Valve Orifice 903c in Flow Component 903 (see Figure 5h) to close, thereby retarding (or preventing, in the absence of Aperture 903d) the flow of coolant through Line 512 and 513 to Beverage Chiller 511. This approach results in the provision of a reduced amount of coolant to Beverage dispenser 523 when Beverage 503a is being dispensed which, in turn, ensures that Beverage Chiller 511 has sufficient coolant during dispensing of Beverage 503a. As a result the temperature of Beverage 503a will tend to be consistently constant.

Coolant contained within Coolant Container 520 is pumped to Coolant Chiller 517 by Pump 521 via Line 519. Chilled Coolant is drawn from Coolant Chiller 517 by Pump 515 and sent to Manifold 514. Manifold 514 sends the chilled coolant (under the pressure exerted by Pump 515) to Beverage Chiller 511 via Lines 512 and 513 and Valves 527 and 528. Coolant Manifold 514 supplies Beverage Dispenser 523 with chilled coolant via Line 522 (see Figure 5c) ; Line 522 has two exit points inside Dispenser 523 displaced near the ends of the arms of Dispenser 523. The coolant then makes its way downward from these exit points to the bottom of Dispenser 523 under the pressure supplied by Pump 515 to Dispenser 523, to the dispenser coolant outlet which is connected back to the Coolant Chiller 517 via Line 526 (see Figure 5e and 5c). The used coolant can be recycled back to Manifold 514 once it has been re- chilled by Coolant Chiller 517. Beverage Chiller 511 may deliver a consistent temperature throughout the beverage. As a result in the case where the beverage is beer, for example, Container 503 does not have to be kept at less or equal to 8°C.

Consequently, the dispensed beverage (e. g. beer) temperature of the beverage from Beverage dispenser 523 tends to be constant or substantially constant. As such glasses or other containers in which the beverage is dispensed may no longer need to be pre- chilled or pre-cooled.

The flow of coolant within Dispenser 523 is designed to additionally cool Beverage 503a, flowing through Line 510. The chilled Beverage 503a in Beverage Line 510c travels into Dispenser 523 from which it is dispensed (when primed by pulling down on Handles 523 c and 523d) and emerges from Dispensing Nozzles 523 e and 523f.

The dispensed Beverage 503a can be collected by Glasses 524 and 525.

Beverage dispenser 523 may also be of the types described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Other types of beverage dispensers may also be used (see for Example U. S. Patent No. 5,564, 602, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference).

Beverage dispensed using the present system has made improvements on the prior art in three specific areas: (1) the carbonation of the beverage, the size and distribution of the beverage foam head and the resulting improved affect on taste (a test conducted after filing the intial provisional patent applications involved a source of beer from the same keg and identical systems except in the system of the invention 0. 2g/l C02/litre beverage at 200kPa was added to the beverage in a Dosatron-over 100 people were tested with none preferring the taste of the beer over the beer dispensed from the system of the invention. In particular the people tested preferred the taste and presentation of a beer tasted at random intervals up to 10 minutes after dispensing from a system of the invention which carbonated with a proportional dispenser over beer from a system that did not utilise carbonator with none of those tested preferring the taste of beer dispensed from a system that did not include a proportional dispenser over the beer dispensed from the system of the invention), (2) the increased temperature range at which the beverage may be stored, and the reduced temperature at which the beverage is subsequently delivered after chilling within the system, and (3) the rate and consistent temperature at which a succession of beverages can be delivered (4) increased gas retention over a longer frame within the beverage (especially for beer, stout, ale, etc. ) after dispensing compared with a beverage that has not been subjected to additional carbonation (in a proportional dispenser such as a Dosatron e. g. CO2 loss for beer poured using a standard system 5 g/l after 10 minutes may be 3.3 or lower whereas a beer dispensed by the system of the invention may drop from 5g/l to about 4 or lower). The beverage may include any type of carbonated soft-drink or carbonated alcoholic beverage including beer, wine or stout for example.

The process may be applied to the beverage before it is put into a beverage container, such as a keg, PET bottle or can. The beverage prior to dispensing is insulated from the coolant in the founts by the outer tube surrounding the beverage tube which may result in a consistent beverage flow and a reduced likelihood of freezing low alcohol beer and freezing water during the water flushing processes. Should a coolant leak occur the leaking coolant is vented to atmosphere.

In the prior art systems, the beverage must be dispensed in two serves. In the first pour, the beverage container (which may be a glass for example) is filled to the halfway point at which time the beverage is generally 2°C. At the halfway point, there is a small ratio of beverage compared to head in the glass and the pourer must wait for the excess head to subside. In the interim between the first and second pours (approximately 3 seconds), (1) a lot of gas and bubbles are lost and (2) the temperature of the beverage increases. Upon the second pour there is often an overflow of excess beverage foam head which is wasted. The total serve time (including first and second pours) is 9 seconds for the prior art beverage dispensing systems, at which time the beverage is at 3°C. In previous systems the beverage prior to dispensing is not insulated from the required temperature of the coolant in the founts by the outer tube surrounding the beverage tube which may result in an inconsistent beverage flow and an increased likelihood of freezing low alcohol beer and freezing water during the water flushing processes. Should a coolant leak occur the leaking coolant is more likely to contaminate the beverage as there is nothing inbuilt into previous designs to vent the leaking coolant to atmosphere.

Using a system of the invention, the beverage may be dispensed in one serve (although, the user may stop and start the pour as many times as is required). The correct volume of beverage is delivered to the beverage glass in this first serving. The foam head of the beverage remains consistent (in terms of height and distribution) throughout the single serving and there is little or no overflowing wastage-thereby reducing overall beverage expenditure costs. The time taken for a complete pour using this system may be about 6 seconds, at which point the beverage is at 2°C on average-a full degree cooler than in the prior art systems.

The resulting beverage has enhanced carbonation over the prior art with (a) smaller gas bubbles producing a smoother beverage foam head (b) a gas dispersion evenly distributed throughout the beverage, and (c) a gas distribution which is maintained over a longer period of time than in the beverage dispensed by the prior art system. A test comparing the carbonation levels of beverages dispensed by the present system versus the prior art systems was conducted with beer by Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 80 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia. In the prior art beverage dispensing system, the carbonation level of a dispensed beer was initially 3.95 grams of C02 litre; after 10 minutes the carbonation level of a second dispensed beer was down to 2.6 grams/litre. However, with the present beverage dispensing system, the carbonation level of a second dispensed beverage was initially 3.9 grams/litre and after 10 minutes the carbonation level of a second dispensed beverage was only 3.8 grams/litre. The enhanced carbonation offered by the present system means that costly gas releasing glasses (which release gases into the beverage at an accelerated rate for a short term taste improvement, but result in a flat and tasteless beverage shortly thereafter) are not required.

The temperature of the beverage delivered by the current (1 pour) system was compared to the prior art (2 pour) system for beer over the delivery of six beverages in a test conducted by Bracton Industries. The prior art system took 54 seconds to pour 6 beers, whereas the current system took only 36 seconds to dispense 6 beers of the same volume. The prior art system dispensed its first beer at a temperature of 3°C, but by the sixth beer was dispensing beverages at 6°C ; whereas the present system consistently dispensed all beers (from the first to the sixth) at 2°C. In the prior art system the beer was kept in a standard coolroom in a temperature range of 0°C to 8°C, whereas in the present system the beer was kept in a much warmer coolroom in a temperature range of 15°C-20°C.

Keeping the beverage in a warmer coolroom (0°C-20°C) is more energy efficient and reduces refrigeration costs, provides a more comfortable working environment, and results in less over-gassing of the beverage due to a lower absorption rate of the gas into the beverage at a higher temperature-thereby reducing gas costs to the user.

Further, refrigeration costs of chilling glasses into which the beverage is dispensed- as is often required with prior art beverage dispensing systems, is reduced as this step is not necessary with the present system because the beverage is chilled within the system to an ideal level.

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e depict System 800 for dispensing at least one liquid beverage 802a which has either been chilled or does need to be chilled.

System 800 comprises Beverage Container 802 of Beverage 802a (Beverage 802a in Container 802 is carbonated). Container 802 may be, in the case of where dispensed Beverage 802a is beer, ale, lager or stout, for example, kegs (which may be wooden kegs or metal kegs) containing beer. When the beverage is beer, ale stout or the like Container 802 is usually located in a cool room or cellar (not shown) in which the temperature is kept between about 5°C and about 12°C more usually between about 7°C and 12°C to prevent the beer, ale, lager, stout or the like from spoiling too quickly and to ensure that it retains its flavour and aroma over the period during which it is dispensed. However, if the Beverage 802a is of the type that does not spoil at room temperature, Beverage Container 802 may be kept in an un-refrigerated room at room temperature.

Beverage Container 802 has a container coupler which includes Gas Inlet 802d, Thermo-regulator 802b, and Beverage Outlet 802c. Thermo-regulator 802b is attached to Gas Inlet 802d and automatically controls and adjusts the gas pressure of Beverage Container 802 depending on the temperature of Beverage 802a (i. e. prevents foaming and other associated quality problems due to wrongly applied pressure). In the case of where the beverage is beer, ale, stout or the like a keg coupler of the type described in The Australian Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J.

Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2289, Australia (the contents of which are incorporated by cross reference) at page 42, may be used.

Gas cylinder 801 contains a Compressed Gas 801a which is acceptable for use in Beverage 802a such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen. A check valve within container coupler prevents Beverage 802a from passing into Gas Line 801c and thereafter into a Gas Regulator 801b which is coupled to the other end of Gas Line 801c which in turn is coupled to Gas Cylinder 801.

Container 802 has Container Outlet 802c which is coupled to Gas Driven Beverage Pump 804 by Beverage Line 803. In a preferred embodiment the gas that drives Pump 804 is air, but may also be Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen or a mixture of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen or other suitable gas. Pump 804 pumps Beverage 802a in Container 802 via Beverage Line 805 to Carbonator Inlet 806a on Carbonator 806 (see Figure 8c).

Carbonator 806 mixes a predetermined amount of Carbon Dioxide Gas 807a from Gas Cylinder 807 via Regulator 807b and Gas Line 808 into a predetermined amount of Beverage 802a passing through Carbonator 806. A predetermined volume of carbon dioxide may be mixed with a predetermined volume of Beverage 802a by a volumetric gas dosing unit which may use the flow of Beverage 802a as the power source. An example of such a device which is currently available for mixing a precise dose of a liquid into a predetermined volume of another liquid is made under the trademark Dosatron by Dosatron International S. A. , Rue Pascal, B. P. 6,33370 Tresses, Bordeaux, France and marketed in Australia by Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 80 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia. Examples of alternative carbonators that may be used are described in U. S. Patent Nos. 8,062, 848,8, 868,149, and 6,138, 998, and GB Patent No. 1,063, 783, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. Beverage Line 809 exits Carbonator 806 via outlet 806b, and enters Beverage Dispenser 810 (see Figure 8b).

Coolant Manifold 819 is a pumping station for chilled coolant, which it receives from Coolant Chiller 814. Coolant Manifold 819 is pictured in Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d as encased in a black polymer material designed to insulate the coolant within the metallic Manifold 814.

Coolant Chiller 814 is connected to Pump 818 via Line 815, which pumps the chilled coolant to Manifold 819 via Line 816 which connects Pump 818 and Manifold 819.

Coolant Chiller 811 may be a chiller of the type which is capable of chilling the coolant therein to a predetermined temperature, or to within a predetermined temperature range, even at times of high demand.

The coolant is supplied from Coolant Container 811 (see Figure 8b). The coolant in Container 811 is pumped to Chiller 814 via Line 813 by means of Pump 812. Pump 812 has Extension 812a connected to Tap 811c of Coolant Container 820. The coolant exits Container 811 by Tap 81 lb, which is connected to Line 813.

Beverage Dispenser 810 (see Figure 8e) is for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage. Coolant Manifold 814 supplies Beverage Dispenser 810 with chilled coolant via Line 821 (see Figure 8c and 8e) ; Line 809 has two exit points inside Dispenser 810 displaced near the ends of the arms of Dispenser 810. Dispenser 810 features a dispenser coolant outlet which is connected back to Coolant Chiller 814 via Line 821 (see Figure 8c and 8e). Beverage Line 809 is divided so that it may supply Dispensing Nozzles 810e and 810f. The flow of Chilled Beverage 802a through Dispensing Nozzles 81 Oe and 810f is regulated by Valves 810a and 81 Ob (described with reference to Chamber Outlet Couplers in Figures 2,3, and 4). Valves 810a and 81 Ob are actuated by Handles 810c and 810d.

Beverage 802a emerging from Dispensing Nozzles 810e and 810f can be collected by Glasses 824a and 824b. Beverage Glasses 824a and 824b and Beverage Dispenser 810 sit on top of Spillage Tray 823. Spillage Tray 823 contains sunken Apertures 823a designed to collect and store Beverage 802a that inadvertently lands on the surface of Tray 823 (having missed Beverage Glasses 824a and 824b). An aperture exists in the bottom of Tray 823 to allow Lines 809, 820, and 821 to connect to Dispenser 810.

Optionally, Spillage Tray 823 may sit on top of Support Structure 822. Support Structure 822 is composed of four horizontal supports. Horizontal supports are attached to four vertical supports. Vertical supports are supported by a horizontal base support. A base support may include four wheels located on its bottom in the corners so that Support Structure 822 is moveable.

There may be more than one of the group of Carbonator 806, Coolant Chiller 814 Manifold 819, and Dispenser 810 linked together as depicted in Figures 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d but located on different heights (for example in a building having three stories plus cellar there may be 3 groups of System 800 linked together, one for each story). In such a case a separate line to each story to deliver beverage to each carbonator on each floor from a pump may be used.

The inner diameter of each beverage line may be chosen to maintain the fluid pressure of the beverage delivered from a pump to each story at about the same level. Thus for example, the inner diameter (3) of a beverage line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the third story < the inner diameter (2) of a beverage line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the second story < the inner diameter (1) of a line which delivers beverage to a carbonator located on the first story. The magnitudes of the differences between inner diameters (1), (2) and (3) will depend on the respective heights of stories 1,2 and 3 and may be determined by standard methods (e. g. Pressure = length of beer line x line resistance x height of dispenser above container).

The coolant used in System 800 may be glycol. The glycol may include a corrosion inhibitor by itself, or a preservative and corrosion inhibitor, or a preservative. A mould and fungus inhibitor and/or denatonium benzoate may also be included in the glycol. With the exception of denatonium benzoate such additives may be obtained from Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 80 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia.

Any metal fittings in system 1000 may be stainless-steel for the purpose of minimising corrosion. Stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, or a combination thereof may be used. Stainless steel grade 316 may be used.

In use, a positive gas pressure is applied to Beverage 802a by appropriately opening regulator 801b on Gas Cylinder 801. Thermo-regulator 802b automatically controls and adjusts the gas pressure of Beverage Container 802 depending on the temperature of Beverage 802a. The magnitude of the positive gas pressure, as determined by Thermo-regulator 802b may be sufficient to ensure that a less than atmospheric pressure does not occur in Container 802 as a result of Beverage 802a being pumped out of Container 802. Thus a pressure in the range of between 1.01 and 1.3 atmospheres in Container 802 will be sufficient for most applications (although higher pressures may be used if required).

System 800 may be primed by pulling down on Handles 810c and 810d to open the valves (not shown) which are operated by these handles until Beverage 802a emerges from Dispensing Nozzles 810e and 810f. Pump 804 draws Beverage 802a from Container 802 via Container Outlet 802c and Beverage Line 803, and pumps it to Carbonator 806 (see Figure 8b) via Line 803.

Beverage Line 805 (emerging from Outlet 804a of Pump 804) enters Inlet 806a on Carbonator 806, is carbonated by Carbon Dioxide 807a entering Carbonator 806 via 806b (see Figure 8c) attached to Gas Cylinder 807 by Gas Line 808 and regulated by Regulator 807b. Beverage 802a is carbonated in Carbonator 806 by mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide with a predetermined amount of beverage.

After being carbonated, Beverage 802a in Line 809 passes into an inlet on the bottom of Beverage Dispenser 810. Coolant contained within Coolant Container 811 is pumped to Coolant Chiller 814 by Pump 812 via Line 813. Chilled coolant is drawn from Coolant Chiller 814 by Pump 816 and sent to Manifold 819 (see Figure 8b).

Manifold 819 sends the chilled coolant (under the pressure exerted by Pump 816) to Beverage Dispenser 810 via Line 820 (see Figure 8c); Line 820 has two exit points inside Dispenser 810 displaced near the ends of the arms of Dispenser 810. Coolant then makes its way downward from these exit points to the bottom of Dispenser 810 under the pressure supplied by Pump 816 to Dispenser 810, to the dispenser coolant outlet which is connected back to Coolant Chiller 814 via Line 821 (see Figure 8e and 8c). The used coolant can be recycled back to Manifold 819 once it has been re- chilled by Coolant Chiller 814.

The flow of coolant within Dispenser 810 is designed to additionally cool Beverage 802a, flowing through Line 809. The chilled Beverage 802a in Beverage Line 809 travels into the inlet of Dispenser 810 from which it is dispensed from a dispensing nozzle when required as System 800 is primed by pulling down on Handles 810c and 810d and emerging from Dispensing Nozzles 810e and 81 Of. The dispensed Beverage 802a can be collected by Glasses 824a and 824b.

Beverage Dispenser 810 may also be of the types described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Other types of beverage dispensers may also be used (see for Example U. S. Patent No. 8,864, 602, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference).

By controlling many of the variables of dispensing a beverage as described above the variability in dispensed Beverage 802a is reduced over currently used systems.

Figure 9 depicts a system 1000 for dispensing at least one liquid beverage 1001,1002.

System 1000 comprises sources 1003 and 1004 of beverage 1005 and 1006 in containers 1007 and 1008, respectively. Containers 1007 and 1008 maybe, in the case of where dispensed beverage 1001,1002 is beer, ale, lager or stout, for example, kegs (which may be wooden kegs or metal kegs such as stainless steel kegs) containing beer. When the beverage is beer, ale stout or the like sources 1003 and 1004 are usually located in a cool room or cellar (not shown) in which the temperature is kept between about 5°C and about 12°C more usually between about 7°C and 12°C to prevent the beer, ale, lager, stout or the like from spoiling too quickly and to ensure that it retains its flavour and aroma over the period during which it is dispensed.

However, if the beverage in sources 1003 and 1004 is of the type that does not spoil at room temperature sources 1003 and 1004 may be kept in an unrefrigerated room at room temperature. Container 1007 has container coupler 1009 which comprises gas inlet 1010 and check valve 1011 to prevent beverage 1005 from passing into gas line 1012 and thereafter into a gas regulator 1013 which is coupled to the other end of gas line 1012 which in turn is coupled to gas cylinder 1014 (in the case of where the beverage is beer, ale, stout or the like a keg coupler of the type described in The Australian Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J. Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2289, Australia (the contents of which are incorporated by cross reference) at page 42, may be used. Gas cylinder 1014 contains a compressed gas 1015 which is acceptable for use in beverage 1005 and 1006 such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. Container 1007 has container outlet 1016 which is coupled to container 1008 via beverage line 1017 and container inlet 1018. Gas driven beverage pump 1019 is linked to container outlet 1018a by beverage line 1020a. Gas cylinder 1020 containing compressed gas 1021 is linked to pump 1019 via regulator 1022 and gas line 1023. Compressed gas 1021 may be air, nitrogen or other suitable gas for driving pump 1019. Degasser which is for removing gas from beverage 1005 and 1006 is linked to pump 1019 by line 1025 and to chiller 1026 by line 1027. Chiller 1026 may be a chiller of the type which is capable of cooling the beverage therein to a predetermined temperature, or to within a predetermined temperature range, even at times of high demand. Carbonator 1028 which is for mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide gas 1029 from gas cylinder 1030 via regulator 1031 and gas line 1032 into a predetermined amount of beverage passing through carbonator 1028 after cooling of the beverage in chiller 1026 is linked to chiller 1026 via beverage line 1038 (carbonator 1028 may be located before chiller 1026 to carbonate the beverage before it is cooled in chiller 1026 or carbonator 1028 may be associated with chiller 1026 to carbonate the beverage when it is being cooled in chiller 1026). Beverage dispenser 1033 which is for dispensing the carbonated cooled beverage from carbonator 1028 via beverage line 1040 comprises handles 1034 and 1039, chamber 1035 (which may be cooled to a predetermined temperature (e. g. 0-8°C, 0. 1-5°C or 0. 5-3°C for beer, lager, stout, cider, etc) by a liquid coolant therein through which beverage lines pass to valves (not shown) operated by handles 1034 and 1039) and dispensing nozzles 1036 and 1037.

Beverage lines 1038 and 1040 may be chilled beverage lines. Examples of chilled beverage lines are described in The Australian Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J. Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2289, Australia at pages 48 and 49 the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. There may be more than one of the group of carbonator 1028, chiller 1026, decarbonator 1024 and dispenser 1033 linked together as depicted in Figure 9 but located on different heights (for example in a building having three stories plus cellar there may be 3 groups of carbonator 1028, chiller 1026, decarbonator 1024 and dispenser 1033 linked together as depicted in Figure 9, one for each story). In such a case a separate line 1025 to each story to deliver beverage to each carbonator 1028 on each floor from pump 1019 may be used. The inner diameter of each line 1025 may be chosen to maintain the fluid pressure of the beverage delivered from pump 1019 to each story at about the same level. Thus for example, the inner diameter (3) of line 1025 which delivers beverage to decarbonator 1024 located on the third story < the inner diameter (2) of line 1025 which delivers beverage to decarbonator 1024 located on the second story < the inner diameter (1) of line 1025 which delivers beverage to decarbonator 1024 located on the first story. The magnitudes of the differences between inner diameters (1), (2) and (3) will depend on the respective heights of stories 1,2 and 3 and may be determined by standard methods (e. g. Pressure = length of beer line x line resistance x height of dispenser above container). System 1000 may also include a glycol chiller to provide chilled glycol to lines 1038 and 1040 and, if necessary, to beverage dispenser 1033. The glycol may include a corrosion inhibitor by itself, or a preservative and corrosion inhibitor, or a preservative. A mould and fungus inhibitor and/or denatonium benzoate may also be included in the glycol. With the exception of denatonium benzoate such additives may be obtained from Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 50 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia. Any metal fittings in system 1000 may be stainless-steel for the purpose of minimising corrosion. Stainless steel grades 304,304L or 304H, or a combination thereof may be used. Stainless steel grade 316 may be used.

In use a positive gas pressure is applied to beverage 1005 by appropriately opening regulator 1013 on gas cylinder 1014. The magnitude of the positive gas pressure may be such sale as to be sufficient to ensure that a less than atmospheric pressure does not occur in container 1007 as a result of beverage 1005 being pumped out of container 1007. Thus a pressure in the range of between 1. 01 and 1.3 atmospheres in container 1007 will be sufficient for most applications (although higher pressures may be used if required). Pump 1019 is started by opening regulator 1022 on cylinder 1020 an appropriate amount. System 1000 may be primed by pulling down on handles 1034 and 1039 to open the valves (not shown) which are operated by these handles until beverage 1001 and 1002 emerges from nozzles 1036 and 1037 respectively. Pump 1019 pumps beverage 1006 from container 1008 via container outlet 1018a and beverage line 1020a to degasser 1024. As beverage 1006 is pumped out of container 1008 an equivalent amount of beverage 1005 from container 1007 passes into container 1008 as a result of the positive gas pressure applied thereto from gas 1015 in gas cylinder 1014 which passes into container 1007 via regulator 1013, gas line 1012, check valve 1011 and gas inlet 1010. On entering degasser 1024 gas is removed from beverage 1006. If beverage 1005 and 1006 from containers 1007 and 1008 does not contain a significant amount of gas then degasser 1024 may be included in system 1000 as an option. Where the amount of gas in beverage 1005 and 1006 is known degasser 1024 may be included in system 1000 as an option. After degassing beverage 1005 passes into chiller 1026 where it is cooled to a predetermined temperature which in the case of beer, ale, lager or stout is usually in the range of about 0. 5°C up to about 5°C, often in the range of 1°C to 3°C and more often about 2°C. Chiller 1026 may be an instantaneous style chiller (e. g a full flooded instantaneous chiller) or an icebank style chiller, for example. Chiller 1026 is usually chosen so that the temperature of degassed and cooled beverage 1005 exiting into beverage line 1038 is controlled to a tight tolerance (e. g. exiting temperature of beverage 1005 into beverage line 1038 may be controlled by chiller 1026 to a temperature tolerance of between +/-0. 1°C and +/-1. 0°C, +/-0. 2°C and +/-0. 75°C, or +/- 0. 2°C and +/-0. 5°C, e. g. +/-0. 1°C, +/-0. 2°C, +/-0. 25°C, +/-0. 3°C, +/-0. 4°C, +/-0. 5°C, +/- 0. 6°C, +/-0. 7°C, +/-0. 75°C, +/-0. 8°C, +/-0. 9°C, or +/-1. 0°C). Examples of chillers are described in The Australian Beer & Beverage Handbook by Stephen J. Haller and Brett R. Harrington, Australian Beverage Dynamics, P. O. Box 109, Wallsend, NSW 2289, Australia at pages 54 to 58 the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. Cooled and degassed beverage 1005 passes through chilled beverage line 1038 into carbonator 1028. Cooled and degassed beverage 1005 is carbonated in carbonator 1028 by mixing a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide with a predetermined amount of beverage. A predetermined volume of carbon dioxide may be mixed with a predetermined volume of cooled and degassed beverage 1005 by a volumetric gas dosing unit which may use the flow of beverage 1005 as the power source. An example of such a device which is currently available for mixing a precise dose of a liquid into a predetermined volume of another liquid is made under the trademark DosatronTm by Dosatron International S. A. , Rue Pascal, B. P. 6,33370 Tresses, Bordeaux, France and marketed in Australia by Bracton Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd, 50 Chard Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia, but which the present inventor has realised should be usable as carbonator 1028. Examples of alternative carbonators that may be used are described in U. S. Patent Nos. 5,062, 548,5, 565,149, and 6,138, 995, and GB Patent No. 1,063, 753, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. After passing through carbonator 1028 carbonated and chilled beverage 1005 passes through to beverage dispenser 1033 from which it is dispensed, when required, as dispensed beverage 1001 and 1002. Beverage dispenser 1033 may be of the types described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Other types of beverage dispensers may also be used (see for Example U. S. Patent No.

5,564, 602, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference. By controlling many of the variables of dispensing a beverage as described above the variability in dispensed beverage 1001 and 1002 is reduced over currently used systems.

The differences in operating parameters that may be expected operating a system of the invention to dispense beer compared with operating a standard beer dispensing system from a keg to a standard fount via a standard heat exchanger to dispense beer (assuming the fount in each case is at the top level of a 3 story building and the keg is on the ground level are as follows (as the keg empties): Standard system: Keg pressure starts from 70kPa-210kPa, additional gas pressure is required to deliver beverage at the required flow rate from the font and to overcome the vertical height, the keg pressure is increased to a maximum of up to about 450kPa in order to force the beverage of the fount, the temperature of the room in which the keg is kept is maintained in the range 0-about 8°C, increased gas content in the beer due to the increased gas pressure in the keg leads to over-carbonation, increased flow rate to the fount tap leads to an excessive head on the bear, and increased beer temperature, especially above 8°C, leads to warm beer.

System of invention: Keg pressure starts from 70kPa-210kPa, the keg pressure remains the same as the keg empties, the temperature of the room in which the keg is kept may be in the range 0-about 20°C, consistent gas content in the beer, consistent flow rate of beer to the fount tap leads to a consistent head on the beer, and a consistent beer temperature discharged from the fount, extended life in slow moving beers due to controlled carbonation of the beer.

Figure 10 illustrates Beverage Production Facility l l OOa and Beverage Filling Facility 1 lOOb in which Beverage Dispensing System 500 may be used. Filling Facility 1 lOOb can be used for filling beverage containers such as glasses or PET bottles with carbonated beverages; other beverage containers which can be used include cans (made from aluminium, steel, or other suitable material), kegs, drums, canisters, totes, paper cartons, liquid bags, and other suitable packaging. Beverage Production Facility 1100a includes Beverage Container 1104 containing the desired Beverage, Reservoir 1107 containing an optional second beverage which may be used in beverage production such as water for example (Reservoir 1107 is representative of a plurality of containers as required containing liquid (s) to be mixed in the final beverage), Gas Canister 1101 and Thermo-regulator 1102 for automatically controlling and adjusting the gas pressure of Beverage Container 1104 depending on the temperature of the beverage within Container 1104, Pump 1109 to draw liquid along Line 1106 to Mixer 1110 for mixing for example flavoured concentrate, water, and sweetener fed through Line 1106, Carbonation Unit 1116 for carbonating the beverage flowing through Line 1111 with gas from Canister 1117 via Gas Line 1118 in proportion to the volume of beverage entering it (a proportional dispenser may be used as the carbonator-flow of the beverage through the proportional dispenser activates the dispenser which exposes, with mixing, a predetermined amount of beverage to a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide, and beverage pressure forces the beverage through the dispenser-the amount of carbon dioxide exposed to the beverage is proportional to the beverage flow rate-for beer which is already carbonated 6-25ml of CO2 gas/litre (or C02 +N2) gas/litre may be added to the beverage in the carbonator at 150-250kPa pressure for example with agitation, more typically about 1.3-1. 8% gas by volume at80-220 kPa or about 1.6% gas by volume at about 200 kPa), Diaphragm 1120 which is positioned in order to sense the movement of beverage flowing in Line 1119 flowing into Beverage Chiller 1121 and is connected to Diaphragm Valve 1123 via Control Line 1122 in order to regulate the flow of coolant from Coolant Chiller 1126 into Beverage Chiller 1121, Pump 1127 to pump coolant from Coolant Container 1128 to Coolant Chiller 1126, Pump 1125 to pump chilled coolant from Coolant Chiller 1125 to Beverage Chiller 1121, Permeable Filter 1124 to extract particulate matter from the coolant flowing into Coolant Chiller 1121 via Diaphragm Valve 1123, and Return Line 1129 which directs the coolant used by Beverage Chiller 1121 back to Coolant Chiller 1126 for recirculation.

Generally described, Filling Facility 1 100b includes Bottle Depalletizer 1132 which removes the boxes of containers from the pallet, Container-Uncaser 1133 which uncases the empty containers from the boxes, and Container Washer 1134 for cleaning containers. Filling Facility 1 lOOb also includes Container Filler and Sealer 1131 for filling and sealing the beverage within the containers. Filled and sealed containers are transported to Drop Packer 1135 and finally to Palletizer 1136.

In operation, beverage is allowed to flow from Container 1104 under pressure from the gas within Canister 1101 as regulated by Thermo-regulator 1102. The beverage flows out Line 1105 to join Line 1106. Simultaneously, optional liquid in Reservoir 1107 flows to Line 1106 via Line 1108. These liquids are drawn along Line 1106 to Mixer 1110 via Pump 1109. The resulting mixed beverage travels via Beverage Line 1111 to Carbonation Unit 1116 which carbonates the beverage as required. The mixed carbonated beverage then flows into Beverage Chiller 1121 via Beverage Line 1119.

Beverage Line 1119 is connected to Control Line 1122 via Impermeable Diaphragm 1120; Control Line 1122 is filled with a non-toxic solution, such as saline or distilled water for example, and is connected to Diaphragm Valve 1123. When Diaphragm Valve 1123 senses beverage traveling in Line 1119 via a pressure change, it allows coolant to flow into Beverage Chiller 1121. The coolant from Container 1128 is sent to Coolant Chiller 1126 via Pump 1127, and from there is sent to the Beverage Chiller 1121 under pressure from Pump 1125; Filter 1124 filters any particular matter in the coolant flow entering Diaphragm Valve 1123 from Coolant Chiller 1126. The coolant once used in Beverage Chiller 1121 returns to the Coolant Chiller 1126 via Return Line 1129 to be recirculated.

The now chilled carbonated beverage flows into Beverage Filling Facility 11 00b via Beverage Line 1130. The beverage is pumped into containers using Container Filler and Sealer 1131. The beverage containers are supplied from palettes which are de- palletized at 1132, un-boxed at 1133 and washed at 1134. The filled and sealed containers are sent to Drop-Packer 1135 and from there to Palletizer 1136 ready for transport.

Figure 11 depicts a side view of a T-piece 1200 adapted to be coupled to outer tube 1201 and to enable beverage tube 1202 to be partly disposed within outer tube 1201 to pass through T-piece 1200. Figure 12 depicts a sectional side view of T-Piece 1200.

As depicted in Figure 11 T-piece 1200 shows top 1203 of removable outer tube insert 1208. A cross section of insert 1208 is shown disposed in upper passage 1205 of T- piece 1200 in Fig. 12. As depicted in Fig. 12 insert 1208 (which may be a John Guest insert) has at least two extending members 1206 and 1207 extending from top 1203 having end lugs 1206a and 1207a. Passage 1204 which extends through insert 1208 is of a diameter that is large enough to permit outer tube 1201 (with inner tube 1202 disposed therein) to snugly pass therethrough. The diameter of passage 1204 may be slightly narrower adjacent lugs 1206a and 1207a than the diameter of passage 1204 adjacent top 1203. The diameter of passage 1204 adjacent lugs 1206a and 1207a may be slightly narrower than the external diameter of outer tube 1201. Extending members 1206 and 1207 may be fabricated from resiliently flexible material thus enabling extending members 1206 and 1207 to flare outwardly when outer tube 1201 is disposed in insert 1208 in passage 1204. Lugs 1206a and 1207a are dimensioned such that they are not so large as to prevent insert 1208 from being inserted into passage 1205 and not so large as to prevent outer tube 1201 from being disposed through insert 1208 when insert 1208 is disposed in passage 1205. When outer tube 1201 is inserted through insert 1208 extending members 1206 and 1207 flare outwardly thus reducing lateral movement of outer tube 1201 in T-piece 1200.

As depicted in Figure 11 T-piece 1200 shows top 1209 of removable beverage tube insert 1210 (which may be a John Guest insert). A cross section of insert 1210 is shown disposed in upper passage 1213 of T-piece 1200 in Fig. 12. As depicted in Fig.

12 insert 1210 has at least two extending members 1211 and 1212 extending from top 1209 having end lugs 1211 a and 1212a. Passage 1213 which extends through insert 1210 is of a diameter that is large enough to permit inner tube 1202 to snugly pass therethrough. The diameter of passage 1213 may be slightly narrower adjacent lugs 1211a and 1212a than the diameter of passage 1213 adjacent top 1209. The diameter of passage 1213 adjacent lugs 1211a and 1212a may be slightly narrower than the external diameter of inner tube 1202. Extending members 1211 and 1212 may be fabricated from resiliently flexible material thus enabling extending members 1211 and 1212 to flare outwardly when inner tube 1202 is disposed in insert 1210 in passage 1213. Lugs 1211a and 1212a are dimensioned such that they are not so large as to prevent insert 1210 from being inserted into passage 1213 and not so large as to prevent inner tube 1202 from being disposed through insert 1210 when insert 1210 is disposed in passage 1213. When inner tube 1202 is inserted through insert 1210 extending members 1211 and 1212 flare outwardly thus reducing lateral movement of inner tube 1202 in T-piece 1200.

T-piece 1200 depicts top 1216 of upper nut member 1217 and top 1218 of lower nut member 1219, cylinder member 1220 and leakage outlet tube 1221. Nut member 1217 comprises wall 1215 and cylindrical passage 1222 extending longitudinally therethrough. Cylindrical insert 1223 is disposed in the lower half of passage 1222 and fits tightly within cylindrical wall 1215. Sealing 0-ring 1224 is disposed in passage 1222 and on insert 1223 as depicted. The internal diameter 1235 of O-ring 1224 is dimensioned so as to form a seal between outer surface 1225 of outer tube 1201 and wall 1215 when outer tube 1201 is disposed through nut member 1217.

Outer tube 1201 may be inserted into T-piece 1200 until its end 1226 contacts internal flange 1227 the internal diameter 1233 of which is less than the external diameter of outer tube 1201 but greater than the external diameter of inner tube 1202 so as to provide gap 1228 between flange 1227 and the external diameter of tube 1202. Hence any coolant leakage that occurs into outer tube 1201 is able to pass through gap 1228 and thereafter through leakage outlet tube 1221 which extends through member 1220.

Nut member 1219 comprises wall 1214 and cylindrical passage 1229 extending longitudinally therethrough. Cylindrical insert 1230 is disposed in the upper half of passage 1229 and fits tightly within cylindrical wall 1214. Sealing O-ring 1231 is disposed in passage 1229 and on insert 1230 as depicted. The internal diameter 1234 of O-ring 1231 is dimensioned so as to form a seal between outer surface 1232 of inner tube 1202 and wall 1214 when inner tube 1202 is disposed through nut member 1219. Inner tube 1202 may be inserted into and all the way through T-piece 1200.

In use inner tube 1202 is passed all the way through the passages in T-piece 1200.

Outer tube 1201 is passed through passage 1204 until its end abuts flange 1227. The end of leakage tube 1236 is monitored for any coolant that may leak out its end since this is indicative that there is a leakage of coolant into outer tube 1201. Once a leak is detected the source of the leak may be tracked down and repaired.

Figure 13 depicts a side view of chamber outlet coupler 1300 with outer tube 1301 and beverage tube 1302 protruding from coupler 1300. Coupler 1300 comprises cylinder member 1303 with a leakage aperture 1310 and threaded member 1304. O- ring 1305 is disposed about the base of threaded member 1304. Figs. 14 (a)- (c) depicts an exploded view of coupler 1300 without outer tube 1301 and beverage tube 1302.

Threaded member 1304 is cylindrical and has threaded outer surface 1307 and threaded inner surface 1308. Passage 1309 extends longitudinally through threaded member 1304. Leakage aperture 1310 extends as depicted latitudinally through cylinder member 1303. Passage 1311 extends longitudinally through cylinder member 1303 which has inner threaded surface 1323. Sealing member 1312 comprises outer tube insert portion 1313 which is adapted to be inserted into an end (not shown) of outer tube 1301 so as to seal the end of outer tube 1301 such that coolant cannot pass into outer tube 1301, threaded surface 1314 which is adapted to mate with threaded surface 1308 so as to permit member 1312 to be screwed up into passage 1309.

Cylindrical base member 1315 is disposed at the base of threaded surface 1314 as depicted in Fig. 14 (b). Passage 1316 which extends longitudinally through member 1312 has a diameter 1317 which is large enough to allow beverage tube 1302 to pass through it. 0-ring 1318 is disposed on base surface of member 1312 and O-ring 1319 is disposed in an annular slot in base member 1315. Cylindrical end member 1321 has cylindrical wall portion 1324 having threaded surface 1322 which is adapted to mate with surface 1323 to enable member 1321 to be screwed into passage 1311. 0-ring 1325 is disposed in a slot 1327 around the periphery of surface 1326. Slots 1328 and 1329 are disposed in surface 1330 and are adapted to receive the end of an appropriate tool which is adapted to screw member 1321 in and out of passage 1311. Passage 1331 extends longitudinally through member 1321 up to beverage tube stop flange 1332. Passage 1331 is capable of receiving a removable beverage tube insert (which may be a John Guest insert) of the type as shown in Figure 12 in respect of removable beverage tube insert 1210 (which may be a John Guest insert). Beverage outlet passage 1333 extends longitudinally through member 1321 from stop flange 1332 to surface 1330. As depicted in Fig. 15 which depicts an assembled section side view of the output coupler of Fig. 13 (numbers for corresponding parts are the same for Figures 13,14 and 15-Figure 15 does not number all the corresponding parts numbered in Figure 14 for the sake of clarity), spigot 1351 which is welded to fount cross tube 1353 comprises threaded surface 1354 which is adapted to mate with threaded surface 1304 (as depicted coupler 1300 is shown screwed together with spigot 1351). Gap 1352 between outer tube 1301 and inner tube 1302 acts as an insulator for tube 1302 and thereby reduces the risk of beverage in tube 1302 freezing when in fount cross tube 1353 (in use, in fount cross tube 1353 coolant is in direct contact with outer tube 1301).

In use member 1312 is screwed up into passage 1309. A removable beverage tube insert of the type shown in Figure 12 in respect of removable beverage tube insert 1210 is inserted into passage 1331. Beverage tube 1302 is passed through passage 1316 and 1331 until it abuts flange 1332. Member 1321 is screwed up into passage 1311 until it is abutted up against base 1315 of member 1312. Outer tube insert portion 1313 is inserted into an end (not shown) of outer tube 1301 so as to seal the end and thereby prevent liquid coolant from passing into tube 1301. Threaded surface 1307 is then screwed into a beverage tube outlet comprising an aperture through a wall of a chamber, the surface of the chamber wall adjacent the chamber being threaded and adapted to mate with threaded surface 1307, the chamber being adapted to have a liquid coolant circulating therethrough the chamber comprising a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet, at least one beverage tube inlet and the at least one beverage tube outlet. A dispensing tap (not shown) comprising outlet nozzle and a cylindrical base comprising a threaded surface about its periphery which is adapted to mate with threaded surface 1323 and having an inlet in the base is screwed into passage 1311 to form a sealed fit between threaded surface 1323 and the threaded surface on the cylindrical base. A plan view photograph of an output coupler of Figs 13 to 15 screwed into a spigot in a beverage fount is shown in Fig. 16. Part of the cylinder member of the output fount has been cut out. A perspective view photograph of an output coupler of Figs 13 to 15 screwed into a spigot in a beverage fount is shown in Fig. 17. Part of the cylinder member of the output fount has been cut out.

In use, beverage is dispensed from the nozzle by opening the tap (not shown).

Aperture 1310 is monitored for any coolant that may leak out since this is indicative that there is a leakage of coolant into outer tube 1301. Once a leak is detected the source of the leak may be tracked down and repaired.

Figure 18 depicts a part sectional side view of an external arrangement 1800 which permits venting of outer tubes 1801 and 1802 to atmosphere and allows coolant leaks into outer tubes 1801 and 1802 to be detected. In Fig. 18 base nut 1803 is threadingly engaged with the base of font tube 1804 which is hollow and, in use has coolant at a desired temperature being recirculated therethrough. Outer tube 1801 is partly disposed through passage 1805 in nut cap 1807 and passage 1806 in base nut 1803.

Outer tube 1802 is partly disposed through passage 1808 in nut cap 1807 and passage 1809 in base nut 1803. Outer tube 1801 may also be disposed through 0-ring 1810 which seals passage 1806 to prevent liquid coolant passing into passage 1805. Outer tube 1802 may also be disposed through 0-ring 1811 which seals passage 1809 to prevent liquid coolant passing into passage 1808. Plates 1812, 1813 and 1814 are held together by screws 1815 and 1816. Inner tube 1817 which is disposed within outer tube 1801 up until plate 1814 passes through passages in plates 1812,1813 and 1814 as depicted. Outer tube 1801 passes through passages in plates 1812 and 1813 as depicted, but is prevented from passing through the passage in plate 1814 by stop 1818. Outer tube 1801 passes through O ring 1821 which seals the external surface of outer tube 1801. End 1819 of outer tube 1801 communicates with chamber 1820.

Inner tube 1822 which is disposed within outer tube 1802 up until plate 1814 passes through passages in plates 1812,1813 and 1814 as depicted. Outer tube 1801 passes through passages in plates 1812 and 1813, as depicted, but is prevented from passing through the passage in plate 1814 by stop 1823. Outer tube 1802 passes through O ring 1824 which seals the external surface of outer tube 1802. End 1825 of outer tube 1802 communicates with chamber 1820. Outlet tube 1826 passes through a passage in plate 1814 as depicted to communicate with chamber 1820 and flexible tube 1827.

Flexible tube 1827 passes through passage 1828 in insulation 1829.

In use, beverage is dispensed from the nozzle of the fount by opening the tap (not shown). Aperture 1829 at the end of tube 1827 is monitored for any coolant that may leak out since this is indicative that there is a leakage of coolant into outer tube 1801 and/or 1802. Once a leak is detected the source of the leak may be tracked down and repaired.

EXPERIMENT Figure 19 (a) shows a graph of the temperature of beer as a function of number of glasses of beer poured using a system which is not in accordance with the present invention. Figure 19 (b) shows a graph of the temperature of beer as a function of number of glasses of beer poured using a system in accordance with the invention (The graph in each instant is an approximate fit of the results). The above examples were carried out using the same heat exchanger, keg and air pump except that in the experiment of Fig. 19 (a) the beer was not carbonated with a proportional dispenser after the keg. All kegs and glasses were at ambient.