Apparatus for the preparation of liquids for the dispense of beverages

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, the apparatus comprising (a) a closed container containing a liquid at a predetermined level, (b) a contactor module at least partially immersed in the liquid having (1) a gas supply channel to the bore side of the fibers, (2) a liquid supply channel to the shell side of the fibers, and (3) an exit port for transport of a gas-containing liquid, and (c) the remaining space in the closed container being occupied by a pressurized gas. The liquid prepared in the apparatus of the present invention containing a dissolved gas, is used to prepare beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and the like, whether hot or cold.

1 . An apparatus for preparation and dispense of a liquid beverage, the apparatus which comprises a closed container containing: 
 (1) a liquid at a predetermined level,    (2) a contactor module at least partially immersed in the liquid having 
 (a) a gas supply channel to the bore side of the fibers,  
 (b) a liquid supply channel to the shell side of the fibers, and  
 (c) an exit port for transport of a gas-containing liquid, and  
   (3) the remaining space in the closed container being occupied by a pressurized gas.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is provided with a means for connection to an external source of pressurized gas.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is provided with a means for connection to an external source of liquid.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the liquid is under pressure.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is provided with a means to detect and control the level of liquid in the closed container.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is provided with a means to release the gas pressure within the closed container prior to refilling the closed container with a predetermined quantity of liquid.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the contactor module is completely immersed in the liquid.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the liquid is water, coffee, tea, chocolate, soda or a liquid concentrate thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the pressurized gas is nitrogen, oxygen, air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof.