Beverage dipensing apparatus

Apparatus for producing carbonated flavoured drinks comprising means for carbonating water;

• a container containing concentrate;
• concentrate supply means for supplying concentrate from said container in predetermined quantities;
• and discharge means for discharging carbonated water from the carbonation means and concentrate from the supply means;
• said supply means comprising a housing containing a metering chamber connected to said discharge means, coupling means for coupling the concentrate container to said housing, a venturi in communication with said metering chamber for creating reduced pressure therein when said venturi is operated, and means for connecting the venturi to a source of gas under pressure to operate the venturi, said coupling means having a first passage for the supply of concentrate to said metering chamber on creation of said reduced pressure and a second passage for conducting gas from said venturi into said container;
• said container including in an upper portion structure defining a first route for the transfer of concentrate from the container to the metering chamber, a second route for the inlet of gas from said venturi and a third route for the exit of gas from said container, said structure being so arranged that said gas from said venturi is substantially prevented from impinging directly upon the surface of concentrate in the container and from passing directly from said gas inlet route to said gas outlet route.