Beverage dispensing apparatus and retrofitting kit

An apparatus for dispensing a potable beverage from a pressurized container, the apparatus comprising:

• a gas cylinder containing an inert gas to pressurize the container;
• tap means, attachable to said container, for providing a discharge flow path for the beverage stored in said container;
• valve means for opening and closing the discharge flow path;
• valve control means for operating the valve means, the valve control means including a second cylinder operable by the inert gas;
• solenoid means for routing the inert gas to said second cylinder;
• controller means for activating the valve control means including a switch means for energizing and de-energizing the solenoid means;
• and
• sensing means within said controller means for first sensing when a receptacle is positioned adjacent the tap means to activate the valve control means for the beverage to be dispensed into the receptacle and for subsequently sensing when the receptacle has been withdrawn to deactivate the valve control means and stop dispensing the beverage.

An apparatus for dispensing a potable beverage stored in a pressurized container comprising:

• tap means attachable to the container for providing a discharge flow path for the beverage stored therein;
• valve means for opening and closing the discharge flow path;
• valve control means for operating the valve means, the valve control means utilizing a source of pressure by which the container is pressurized to operate the valve means;
• controller means for activating the valve control means and including sensing means for first sensing when a receptacle is positioned adjacent the tap means to activate the valve control means for beverage to be dispensed into the receptacle, and for subsequently sensing when the receptacle has been withdrawn to deactivate the valve control means and stop dispensing of the beverage;
• and
• mounting means for mounting the apparatus on a housing, the mounting means including a bracket assembly attachable to said housing.

An apparatus attachable to a standard potable beverage dispenser cabinet for the controlled dispensing of a beverage from a pressurized container the container being pressurized from an operatively associated source of inert gas, the apparatus comprising:

• a tap, attachable to the pressurized container, including a discharge passage for the beverage contained in the container and a valve normally blocking the passage;
• valve control means for moving the valve to unlock the passage, the valve control means including an air cylinder to which pressurized gas from the operatively associated gas source is directed for moving the valve;
• a solenoid for operating the air cylinder;
• controller means for controlling operation of the valve, the controller means including sensing means for first sensing when a receptacle is positioned adjacent the tap to operate the valve control means and cause beverage to be dispensed into the receptacle and for subsequently sensing when the receptacle is withdrawn to further operate the valve control means to stop dispensing of the beverage;
• and
• mounting means for mounting said tap, said valve control means, said solenoid, and said controller means to the dispenser cabinet.