Seal and Anti Foam Device

Abstract

A carbonation apparatus includes a pressure vessel includes a cap that has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The carbonation device also includes a seal. The seal includes a labyrinth preventing contact of a liquid within the pressure vessel with the cap during a carbonation process. A locking mechanism removably locks the cap and seal and antifoam device relative to the pressure vessel.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch comprising the steps of:
 providing a carbonation device;   providing a locking mechanism;   providing a pressure vessel including a cap, the cap including a gas inlet and a gas outlet,   introducing a liquid beverage into the pressure vessel;   locking a seal having a labyrinth comprising a pneumatic circuit defined by a plurality of walls relative to a cap and the pressure vessel using the locking mechanism, wherein the seal and the cap define a first chamber and the pressure vessel and the cap define a second chamber; and   introducing gas at a specified pressure for a predetermined time and agitating the liquid beverage forming a carbonated beverage.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the seal allows the gas to freely flow from the first chamber to the second chamber through a valve in the seal. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the labyrinth diffuses and trap any liquids that bypass the valve. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the labyrinth includes a first wall separating an outer channel from an inner channel, a second wall separating the inner channel from the a cavity positioned radially inward of the inner channel, at least one first port formed in the first wall pneumatically connecting the outer channel to the inner channel, and at least one second port formed in the second wall pneumatically connecting the inner channel to the cavity. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising the step of when pressure within the vessel reaches a predetermined level, permitting the pressure vessel and seal to be removed from the carbonation device and the seal to be removed from the vessel allowing the seal and antifoam device to be cleaned and reused.