WO1999037578A1

WO1999037578A1 - Beverage dispenser with cooling unit and python

Info

Publication number: WO1999037578A1
Application number: PCT/IE1999/000006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Finbar Martin Murphy
Original assignee: Finbar Martin Murphy
Priority date: 1998-01-23
Filing date: 1999-01-22
Publication date: 1999-07-29
Also published as: AU2182099A; EP1060121A1; IES990050A2

Abstract

The invention describes a chilled dispenser unit (6) for use with existing beverage dispensing apparatus in a bar and comprises a coolant filled container which is mounted adjacent to the bar counter. A plurality of beverage lines (3) are taken from a primary cooling means to the bar counter in a python (1). The beverage lines and water core of the python are incorporated into the unit (6) so that the chilled beverage lines (3) are not exposed to the ambient temperature prior to being dispensed from the dispensing taps (5).

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH COOLING UNIT AND PYTHON

Technical Field

The invention relates to a unit for the dispensing of cold beverages from kegs, in particular a beer dispensing unit for use in conjunction with normal keg dispensing equipment. The term beer is intended to include beers, stouts, porter, ales, lager and the like.

Background Art

Beer for consumption in the form of draught beer is usually delivered from the brewery to the bar, public house or pub, and hereinafter referred to as a bar in the form of kegs. These kegs are normally stored in a cold room or cellar of the bar, which is remote from the actual point of dispensing the beverage, and are maintained at a temperature not less than 5^C.

Draught beer is normally cooled by water cooled means. The beverage is piped from the keg to a cooler, wherein water, depending on the presence of an agitator or not, is maintained in the temperature range -0.2^C to l^C. The cooler is usually housed in a room remote from both the cold room and the point of dispensing.

Beer from individual kegs leaves the cooler in a device called a python. This is an insulated pipe with a cooled water core piping. It is standard equipment within the brewing industry and can be supplied to the publican in either an eight or fourteen line variety, i.e. from eight to fourteen different kegs can be connected at any one time to the python. The individual beer lines are wrapped around the water core and are thus maintained at a low temperature. Such a device is described in British Patent No . 1 464 125. European Patent No. 0244 031 describes a cooling element incorporated between the storage containers for the beer and the point of dispensing. However, once the beer 2 lines leave the cooling element they are not insulated from the surrounding temperatures and as such are liable to warming.

With conventional dispensing equipment, the python brings the beer from the cooler to the counter mounts, either single counter mounts or counter boxes, at which location the beer lines separate from the python and pass to individual taps. The beer lines are exposed to room temperature once they have exited from the python, and with a large bank of taps this could mean that up to two metres or more of beer line is exposed. Once this happens the lines lose contact with the chilled water and the beer is thus susceptible to warming.

The longer the beer spends in the beer lines, away from the cooling effect of the python, the warmer it becomes. The product within this line quickly reaches room temperature, which can occur within ten to fifteen minutes. This means that draw off, i.e. drawing the product that is in the exposed line off as waste, is required in order to serve the product at the correct temperature. Even at peak trading hours, slow moving lines are problematic for this reason.

Japanese Patent No. JP7280411 discloses a beer dispenser comprising a beer cooling pipe inside a cooling water tank and a pouring cock at the front of the main casing which is structurally apart from the cooling water tank. The beer line passes under pressure from a keg to the apparatus which is located adjacent the point of dispensing.

Japanese Patent No. JP7280411 is not suitable for incorporation into existing bar dispensing equipment.. It is designed specifically for slow moving beer lines. The apparatus described provides for no cooling of the beer prior to its entry into the cooling apparatus at the point of dispensing. As such it is necessary for the beer within the beer line to spend some time within the apparatus prior to dispensing so as to allow the beer time to cool to the required temperature. If the product being dispensed is a fast moving line then the beer within the beer line will not be within the cooling region of the apparatus for a sufficient period before it is dispensed. As such it will not be 3 cooled to the required temperature. Most bars that sell a variety of product lines already incorporate a primary cooling apparatus which is normally adapted for a plurality of beer lines and is also located away from the point of dispensing. As such the beer is cooled before it reaches the dispensing counter. The apparatus of JP 7280411 would make this primary cooling apparatus redundant which would represent a wasted investment for the publican, but would also involve a large investment in the plurality of the Japanese cooling arrangements necessary to replace his existing apparatus. The apparatus is also only suitable for a single beer line, which is not common within most commercial bars. As such each beer line will require a separate apparatus, which is a bulky, unattractive arrangement not suitable for most bars. Also by incorporating the primary cooling apparatus close to the point of dispensing the beer, it is necessary to arrange for a larger bar area than would otherwise be necessary.

German Patent No. DE 4124854 describes another arrangement for cooling dispensed beer. This patent discloses a complete cooling system including a refrigerated room. It describes the incorporation of the beer container, e.g. the keg, into the refrigerated room, which is then cooled by a refrigerator unit. A dispenser point is installed in the bar above the refrigerated chamber and is linked to the beer container by a rise pipe. The rise pipe may be encased with coolant pipes. The invention provides for the cooling of all the beer contained within the keg. In the situation where the beer dispensed is a fast moving line, and as such the kegs will have to be changed frequently, it will be necessary for the new keg to be pre-chilled prior to incorporation into the apparatus of German Patent No. DE 4124854. If this is not done then the beer dispensed will not have sufficient time to cool to the required temperature. Furthermore, in a similar manner to that arrangement described with reference to Japanese Patent No. JP7280411 above, as this apparatus provides a complete system it is unsuitable for incorporation into existing cooling arrangements and specifically adapted for one keg and one tap.

In addition to the problems associated with dispensing beer from slow moving lines and in off-peak hours, there is an additional customer demand for colder product over the entire beer product range. This demand cannot currently be met by the existing 4 dispensing equipment. There is therefore a need for a cooling arrangement that can be incorporated into existing beer dispensing lines and which can incorporate a plurality of beer lines. There is also a requirement for a single cooling apparatus that allows the differential cooling of different product lines from the same cooling apparatus.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to reduce the variation in temperature of product being served at various times of the day, regardless of the volumes being dispensed, or the room temperature of the serving environment. It is a further object of the invention to reduce the wastage that results from the technique known as draw off. It is yet a further object of the invention to reduce the temperature at which beer is served in bars.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides a chilled dispenser unit for dispensing beverages below a desired temperature comprising, a first container adapted to contain a coolant, and adapted for mounting at, or adjacent to, a dispensing counter, means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level.

The unit is suitable for use with existing beverage dispensing apparatus and includes entry means through which a plurality of beverage delivery lines may be passed through said container, and a plurality of exit ports in said container by means of which said beverage lines may be connected to dispenser taps.

The means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level is preferably a cooled fluid line, which maybe formed by connecting a water core of a python to a conduit within the container or by passing the water core of the python directly into the container. 5 The container further comprises a refrigeration element which is activated by a temperature control means such that the coolant is maintained below a predefined temperature.

The unit preferably further comprises means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures.

The means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures preferably comprises wrapping specific beverage lines around the means (2, 8, 16) for maintaining the coolant below a desired temperature prior to dispensing the beverage lines through the dispensing taps.

The beverage lines and coolant core of the python are preferably incorporated into the container at a height above the level of coolant.

A protective insulating sleeve is optionally provided adjacent the entry ports such that the sleeve passes around the python and the delivery lines before they pass into the container.

The unit may also further comprise a non-coolant filled container comprising entry means and dispensing means, wherein at least one delivery line does not pass through the coolant of the coolant filled container prior to passing through the entry means through to the non-coolant filled container and being dispensed from the dispensing taps of the non coolant filled container.

The unit may also further comprise a second container located substantially above the first container and supported by one or more legs through which said delivery lines may pass from the first container to the second container.

The second container preferably contains a coolant and means by which said means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level may pass from the first container to the second container and back to the first container. The existing beer dispensing apparatus comprises at least one beverage storage container located remotely from the beverage dispensing means, a primary cooling means for cooling beverages from the beverage storage container below a desired temperature, and whereby the plurality of beverage lines pass from the primary cooling means to the first container

The beverage lines preferably enter the first container through the bottom of the container and are subsequently passed down into the coolant

The invention also provides a chilled dispenser unit suitable for use with a beer cooling apparatus consisting of at least one beverage storage container located remotely from the beverage dispensing means, a primary cooling means for cooling beverages from the beverage storage container below a desired temperature and a python, comprising a plurality of beer lines and a water core, comprising: a first container adapted to contain a coolant ,and adapted for mounting at, or adjacent to, a dispensing counter, means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired temperature, entry means through which a plurality of beverage delivery lines may be passed through said container, and a plurality of exit ports in said container by means of which said beverage lines may be connected to dispenser taps

The invention also provides a method for dispensing a beverage below a desired temperature comprising the steps of passing the beverage from a beverage storage means to a primary cooling means where the beverage is cooled below a predefined temperature, passing a plurality of beverage lines, contained within a python, from the primary cooling means to a bar counter, 7 incorporating the python into a coolant filled container, mounted at or substantially adjacent to the bar counter and which is adapted to incorporate a plurality of dispenser taps, passing the water core at and at least one of the plurality of beverage lines into the coolant, connecting the beverage lines to their respective dispenser taps, and dispensing the beverage.

The method preferably includes incorporating the python into the container from the bottom of the container and the water core and beverage lines enter the coolant from the top of the coolant.

The method preferably includes the step of wrapping at least one of the beverage lines about the water core within the coolant prior to connection of the beverage line to the dispensing tap.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Brief description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a python,

Figure 2 is a pictorial side view of a known counter mount, Figure 3 is a pictorial side view of a counter mount, with a chilled dispenser unit, according to the invention, incorporated therein,

Figure 4 is a rear elevation of one embodiment of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with the invention,

Figure 5 is a rear elevation of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a second embodiment of invention,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the chilled dispenser unit, showing an agitator, in accordance with the invention, 8

Figure 7 is a partial rear elevation of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention,

Figure 8 is a rear elevation of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a fourth embodiment of invention, Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention

Figure 10 is a rear elevation view of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention,

Figure 11 is an perspective view of the chilled dispenser unit in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the Drawings

Beer from a cooling system is delivered normally to the dispensing taps using a python 1 which is shown in cross section in Figure 1. The individual beer lines 3 are located about a coolant core piping 2 and are thus maintained at a low temperatures. The coolant in the coolant core piping is typically water and travels away from the cooler (not shown) in one pipe 2a, and towards the cooler in another pipe 2b.

Figure 2 outlines how with known conventional dispensing equipment, the python 1 brings the beer from the cooler ( not shown) to a counter mount 4, which is either a single counter mount or a plurality of counter mounts, mounted on a bar counter 50. The counter mount 4 incorporates a dispensing tap 5. In this drawing only one tap is shown. The cooler is normally located remotely from the bar counter 50, e.g. in a cellar, and as such the python has to travel some distance from the cooler to the dispensing taps 5. The beer lines 3 separate from the python 1 before the python enters the counter mount 4. The distance the beer lines are exposed can be as much as three to four metres, and as such the lines 3 are exposed to the ambient room temperature, before they pass to individual taps 5. Once separated from the coolant core piping 2, the lines 3 lose contact with the chilled water within the water core piping, and the beer is thus susceptible to warming. 9 Figure 3 shows a cooling apparatus or chilled dispenser unit (CDU) 6 according to one embodiment of the invention, incorporated into an existing beer cooling arrangement. Most bars store kegs 80 in a location remote from the bar counter 50. Beer from the kegs 80 is passed through a primary cooler 90 where it is cooled before the beer lines from a plurality of kegs are incorporated into the python 1. The python transports the beer lines 3 in an insulated fashion from the cooler 90 to the bar counter 50. However unlike that described with relation to Figure 2 the python then enters the CDU 6 of the invention, from which the beer may be dispensed. As such there is no beer line 3 exposed between the python 1 and the dispensing tap 5. The unit 6 is preferably manufactured from insulated stainless steel, but may optionally be manufactured from other suitable non-corrosive materials such as ceramic or plastic.

Figure 4 shows a rear elevation of a chilled dispenser unit (CDU) 6, according to one embodiment of the invention, and adapted to receive 10 beer lines. The CDU 6 comprises a container 60 filled with a coolant 7, which is cooled by extending the water core 2 of the python 1 into conduit 8. This is achieved by presenting the python 1 to the side of the container 60, cutting the tubes 2a and 2b (See Figure 1), and joining them into the container 60 at connectors or inlets 9a and 9b, such that chilled water from the cooler flows through the conduit 8 of the container 60. Alternatively the inlets 9a, 9b may be of the sort to allow the entire water core 2a, 2b to pass into the container 60. In a similar manner, the beer lines 3 are fed into the container at inlets or connectors 10. This introduction of the fluid contained within the python 1 directly into the coolant filled container 60 minimises the exposure of the beer or water lines to the ambient room environment. All beer contained within the beer lines 3 remains submerged in the coolant 7 until it is dispensed through the dispensing taps 5. An insulated sleeve 20 may be adapted to pass around the beer and water lines after they break from the python 1 and before they enter the coolant filled container 60.

The container 60 is preferably fitted with a drain 11 for emptying the coolant from the CDU, and allowing for cleaning and maintenance. This drain 11 can either be in the form of a tap or plumbed directly to waste. 10 The CDU 6 may be fitted with a thermostat 12, and thermostatic readout 13, which serves to inform the operator of the coolant temperature and may be used as an indicator of a malfunction within the apparatus.

Figure 5 shows the incorporation of a refrigerating element 16 within the container 60. The unit is shown in its non-operational state, with the container 60 empty and no python attached. Although shown as a single horizontally positioned pipe, the element 16 may be selected from one of several possible physical configurations. The refrigeration element 16 may be mounted on the bottom of the container 60 and may be powered by a refrigeration unit 14. Alternatively, the refrigeration unit 14 may be remotely located from the container 60, so as to divert the heat emitted from the motor from the container 60. The refrigerating element 16 is preferably activated and deactivated as a result of the thermostatic readings resulting from the thermostat 12.

The addition of a refrigerating element 16 is particularly important in situations where there is no remote cooler on the premises of the bar, i.e. where the beer lines are brought directly from the kegs to the dispensing taps without passing through a cooler. In such a situation there is no water core from the cooler, and as such the inlets 9a, 9b and conduit 8 are redundant. As such the container can be built with or without said inlets and said conduit. By coiling individual beer lines (not shown) about or around the refrigeration element 16 , and by varying the amount that each beer line is coiled about the refrigeration element, it is possible to cool the beer within the beer lines to the required temperature for serving. The size of the container used will depend on the amount of beer lines passing through and the number of dispensing taps required.

In a further modification, the CDU 6 may be fitted with an agitator 15, as shown in the side elevation of Figure 6. This may be used to prevent the build up of hot spots within the coolant 7.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which an alternative method of joining the beer lines to container 60 is shown. In the previously described embodiments the beer lines 3 were joined to the container 60, at a point below the level 11 of the coolant 7. As such, once they passed into the coolant filled unit they were submerged. This arrangement requires pressure tested liquid connectors, and, if any of the connectors are sub-standard, can result in leaking of the container 60. In this embodiment the points 10 are situated above the coolant line of the container 60. The beer lines 3, and water core (not shown), pass into the container 60 above the level of the coolant 7, and then down into the coolant 7. As such there is no requirement for the aforementioned high quality connectors. The performance of the CDU 6 with regard the quality of product delivered is not compromised as the beer lines 3 stay within the cooling range of the python water lines 2 until they enter the coolant 7, and the air temperature within the container 60 is cooled by the coolant 7 within the container 60.

Secondly, as previously described with reference to Figure 4, a protective insulating sleeve 20 may be fitted to the container 60 such that it passes around the python 1 before the beer lines 3 separate from the cooling effect of the water lines 2. This protective sleeve 20 further minimises the possibility of a temperature leak at the point of entry.

Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the CDU 6, wherein the unit provides for the partial cooling of a product range. In general, customers do not appreciate all beers cooled to the same temperature and the demand for particular cooled beers varies from geographical region to region. The CDU 6 has been modified to facilitate this. In this embodiment not all beer lines 3 pass into the coolant filled container 60. The container 60 is extended at one side to include a non-coolant-filled section 17, which is preferably manufactured from single sheet stainless steel. The python 1 passes into this section 17. By cutting back a portion of the outer skin of the python it is possible to separate the beer lines that do not require the complete cooling effect of the coolant filled container from the python 1 and pass them directly to the taps 5. Those product types that do require the maintenance of the cooling effect, are maintained within the insulating region of the python before they are passed into the coolant filled unit 60 in accordance with the aforementioned manner. 12 Figure 9 shows a further modification to the invention. In this embodiment the python enters the container 60 from the bottom of the container 60 via a flue type arrangement 100. This consists of a moulded or welded piece of stainless steel ( or some other suitable material) fitted to the base of the container 60 and through which the python may be passed. As such there is no requirement for connectors or inlets. The flue 100 may be shaped to be the same external dimensions as the python 1. As such when the python is fitted within the flue 100 a substantially tight fit is created. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 9 the python is connected into the flue 100 at the base of the flue and the beer 3 and water lines 2 separate from the python and exit from the top of the flue.The flue 100 is of sufficient height that the beer and water lines from the python exit from the top of the flue 100 at a height above the level of the coolant 7. As such when the water lines 2 and beverage lines 3 exit from the python they pass down into the coolant before passing to their respective dispensing taps 5. The purpose of maintaining the height of the flue above the height of the coolant is to prevent any coolant from leaking down the python 1. By using a flue type structure the possibility of any temperature leak is negated as the beverage lines are never exposed to the temperature outside the coolant filled container 60.

Figure 10 shows a further modification to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9. This embodiment also incorporates the flue type entry arrangement but in addition an extra container 17 is fitted to the side of the container 60. In a similar manner to that described with reference to Figure 8 this allows for partial cooling of the product range. As shown in Figure 10 all the beer lines enter the first container 60 at a height above the level of the coolant 7, in a similar manner to that described with reference to Figure 9. Those product lines that require a cooled serving temperature then pass down into the coolant 7 before being dispensed. Those product lines that do not require such a cooled serving temperature pass through connecting means 10 into the non-coolant filled container 17, at a height above the level of the coolant 7. As such they are not immersed in the coolant 7 prior to being dispensed from the taps fitted to the container 17. In an alternative arrangement (not shown but similar in fashion to Figure 8) the beer lines that do not require cooling may be separated from the python before the python enters the flue arrangement. Once separated from the python these selected product lines may be 13 passed into the non-coolant filled container 17, from which they may be dispensed from the dispensing taps 5.

Figure 11 shows a further modification to the invention. In this embodiment a second container, which is a T-shaped container 70, hereinafter referred to as a T-bar unit, and which is also adaptable to contain a coolant, is fitted to the container 60. This container 70 is preferably situated above the first container 60, and is supported above the first container 60 by two legs 71, 72. In this arrangement, the beer lines and water core may be passed directly into the container 60 using the flue type arrangement described above with reference to Figures 9 and 10, as opposed to the transfer of the water from the water core to a conduit 8 as shown in previous drawings. The python 1 enters the lower container 60 as previously described.

The beer lines and water lines exit the first container 60 at the top of the unit and pass into one or both of the legs 71, 72 of the T-bar unit 70, via connectors 10.

Immersed in coolant the beer lines are then connected to their respective dispensing taps 5. By varying the amount that the beer lines is coiled about the water core 2 it is possible to vary the degree of cooling. This flash cooling may be conducted in either the first container 60, the second container 70 or both. The water lines 2a, 2b pass through the coolant filled T-bar 70, down the second leg 72 and back into the first container 60 via connectors. It then passes back to the refrigeration cooler unit (not shown ) as previously described. Both the container 60 and T-bar container 70 have their own coolant which can be drained from both units independently through drain outlets 111, 1 1. The T-bar unit 70 and the first container 60 also may have removable covers (not shown) which allow access to the interior of the containers for maintenance and cleaning purposes. The embodiment thus described may be further adapted to incorporate an active refrigeration unit as shown in Figure 5, or as described with reference to Figures 8 or 10 a combination of dry and wet containers.

By coiling selected beer lines about the water core 2, it is possible to create a quick flash cooling of the product within the beer lines. Using the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 1, i.e. with no active refrigeration element 16, temperatures as low 14 1.3^C have been achieved for stout and with the refrigerated unit, similar to that shown in Figure 5, temperatures approximately equivalent to l^C will be achieved for served product.

In a further embodiment, which is not shown, the second container comprises only one leg on which it is supported above the first container 60. The beer and water lines pass from the first container 60 into the T-bar 70 via this one leg, and the coolant water lines then pass through the same leg back into the first container 60. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art a multiplicity of additional containers may be added to the CDU, of varying shapes, sizes and designs, depending on the appearance required at the bar counter.

Although described with reference to stainless steel the containers 60, 70 and part chilled accessory unit 17 may be manufactured from any suitable material such as plastic, ceramic, glass, or other corrosive resistant insulated materials. The containers may be dressed by affixing a variety of materials, such as brass, wood, polished slate, marble etc., to the units. Although described with reference to water the coolant may also be a glycol or some other suitable liquid

As a result of the reduction in the exposed length of beer line 3 there is much less draw off required before product of the correct temperature is obtained at the taps 5. This results in much less waste for the publican., and consistency in service for the customer regardless of how busy the pub is and/or the choice of drink desired. By installing a CDU 6 within a public house it is possible to stock slowly moving lines, as the wastage normally associated with such product lines is minimised. It is a further advantage of the CDU 6 that it maintains the temperature within a controlled temperature range, and by extending the range of the temperature reduction provided by the remote located beer cooler, maximises the advantages of the cooler. By utilising the incorporation of the chilled coolant line, or the refrigeration element, into the coolant filled container it is possible to maintain the coolant at the required temperature regardless of the volume of beverage dispensed through the system. The temperature of the coolant is determined by the temperature of the coolant within the coolant core 15 piping of the python or by the temperature of the refrigeration element or by a combination of both. The CDU 6 is particularly important in that it can be incorporated into existing beer dispensing apparatus without replacing expensive equipment.

A further advantage resulting from the incorporation of a CDU 6 is the reduction in service costs associated with beer lines. Yeast is a constituent of all beers. Over time yeast builds up in all beer lines. This problem is particularly acute in warm conditions as there is a direct correlation between warm temperatures and yeast growth. This requires the regular cleaning of the beer lines with the associated cost. With the invention the beer lines are protected from increases in the ambient room temperature thus retarding the yeast growth and increasing the time intervals in which cleaning is required. Some breweries require mandatory cleaning of all beer lines on a regular period. Using the unit of the invention this time period may be lengthened thus saving both brewery and publican time and money. When utilising the wet well/ dry well apparatus although some of the beer lines, i.e. those that do not pass into the coolant of the coolant filled container, will be more susceptible to yeast growth than others it is only these beer lines that will require cleaning.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended to set forth exemplification's of the invention which are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof

Claims

16 Claims

1. A chilled dispenser unit (6) for dispensing beverages below a desired temperature comprising, a) a first container (60) adapted to contain a coolant (7), and adapted for mounting at, or adjacent to, a dispensing counter, b) means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level, and characterised in that the unit (6) may be used with existing beverage dispensing apparatus and includes c) entry means (10, 100) through which a plurality of beverage delivery lines (3) may be passed through said container (60), and d) a plurality of exit ports (5) in said container by means of which said beverage lines may be connected to dispenser taps (5).

2. The unit (6) as claimed in claim 1, such that said means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level is a cooled fluid line, which maybe formed by connecting (9a, 9b) a water core (2) of a python (1) to a conduit (8) within the container (60) or by passing ( 100) the water core (2) of the python (1) directly into the container (60).

3. The unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said container (60) further comprises a refrigeration element (16) which is activated by a temperature control means (12) such that the coolant (7) is maintained below a predefined temperature.

4. The unit as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures.

5. The unit as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures comprises wrapping specific beverage lines around the means (2, 8, 16) for maintaining the coolant below a 17 desired temperature prior to dispensing the beverage lines through the dispensing taps (5).

6. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the beverage lines (3) and coolant core (2) of the python (1) are incorporated into the container (60) at a height above the level of coolant (7).

7. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a protective insulating sleeve (20) is provided adjacent the entry means (9, 10, 100) such that the sleeve (20) passes around the python (1) and the delivery lines (3) before they pass into the container (60).

8. The unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a non- coolant filled container (17) comprising entry means(l╬╕) and dispensing means (5), wherein at least one delivery line (3) does not pass through the coolant (7) of the coolant filled container (60) prior to passing through the entry means (10) to the non-coolant filled container (17) and being dispensed from the dispensing taps (5) of the non coolant filled container (17).

9. The unit as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a second container

(70) located substantially above the first container (60) and supported by one or more legs (71, 72) through which said delivery lines (3) may pass from the first container (60) to the second container(70).

10. The unit as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second container (70) contains a coolant (7) and means (10) by which said means (2, 8, 16) for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level may pass from the first container (60) to the second container (70) and back to the first container (60).

1 1. The unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the existing beer dispensing apparatus comprises 18 a) at least one beverage storage container (80) located remotely from the beverage dispensing means (5), b) a primary cooling means (90) for cooling beverages from the beverage storage container (80) below a desired temperature, and whereby c) the plurality of beverage lines (3) pass from the primary cooling means

(90) to the first container (60).

12. The unit as claimed in any preceding claim whereby the beverage lines (3) enter the first container (60) through the bottom of the container(60) and are subsequently passed down into the coolant (7).

13. A chilled dispenser unit (6) suitable for use with a beer cooling apparatus consisting of at least one beverage storage container (80) located remotely from the beverage dispensing means, a primary cooling means (90) for cooling beverages from the beverage storage container (80) below a desired temperature and a python (1), comprising a plurality of beer lines (3) and a water core (2), comprising: a) a first container (60) adapted to contain a coolant (7), and adapted for mounting at, or adjacent to, a dispensing counter, b) means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant (7) below a desired temperature, c) entry means (10, 100) through which a plurality of beverage delivery lines (3) may be passed through said container (60), and d) a plurality of exit ports in said container by means of which said beverage lines may be connected to dispenser taps (5).

14. The cooling apparatus (6) as claimed in claim 13 such that said means for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level is a cooled fluid line, which maybe formed by connecting (9a, 9b) the water core (2) of the python (1) to a conduit (8) within the container (60) or by passing the water core (2) of the python (1) through insertion means ( 100) directly into the container (60) 19

15. The cooling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 or 14 wherein said container (60) further comprises a refrigeration element (16) which is activated by a temperature control means (12) such that the coolant (7) is maintained below a predefined temperature.

16. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 further comprising means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures.

17. The unit as claimed in claim 16 wherein the means by which different beverage lines may be dispensed at different temperatures comprises wrapping specific beverage lines (3) around the means (2, 8, 16) for maintaining the coolant below a desired temperature prior to dispensing the beverage lines through the dispensing taps (5).

18. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the beverage lines (3) and coolant core (2) of the python (1) are incorporated into the container (60) at a height above the level of coolant (7).

19. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein a protective insulating sleeve (20) is provided adjacent the entry means (9, 10, 100) such that the sleeve (20) passes around the python (1) and the delivery lines (3) before they pass into the container (60).

20. The unit as claimed in any of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a non-coolant filled container (17) comprising entry means(l╬╕) and dispensing means (5), wherein at least one delivery line (3) does not pass through the coolant (7) of the coolant filled container (60) prior to passing through the entry means (10) of the non-coolant filled container (17) and being dispensed from the dispensing taps (5) of the non coolant filled container (17). 20

21. The unit as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20 further comprising a second container (70) located substantially above the first container (60) and supported by one or more legs (71, 72) through which said delivery lines (3) may pass from the first container (60) to the second container(70).

22. The unit as claimed in claim 21 wherein said second container (70) contains a coolant (7) and means by which said means (2, 8, 16) for maintaining the temperature of the coolant below a desired level may pass from the first container (60) to the second container (70) and back to the first container (60).

23. A method for dispensing a beverage below a desired temperature comprising the steps of: a) passing the beverage from a beverage storage means to a primary cooling means where the beverage is cooled below a predefined temperature, b) passing a plurality of beverage lines, contained within a python, from the primary cooling means to a bar counter, c) incorporating the python into a coolant filled container, mounted at or substantially adjacent to the bar counter and which is adapted to incorporate a plurality of dispenser taps, d) passing the water core at and at least one of the plurality of beverage lines into the coolant, e) connecting the beverage lines to their respective dispenser taps, and f) dispensing the beverage

24. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the python is incorporated into the container from the bottom of the container and the water core and beverage lines enter the coolant from the top of the coolant.

25. The method as claimed in any one of claims 23 or 24 further comprising the step of coiling at least one of the beverage lines (3) about the water core (2) within the coolant (7) prior to connection of the beverage line to the dispensing tap (5).