| abstract |
A semi-frozen slush beverage is contained in a thermally insulated vessel which is removably supported on a base unit containing a gas pressurizing mechanism and a motor connected to an electrical source. The gas pressurizing mechanism is controlled by a pressure sensor to maintain pressure on the beverage inside the vessel and an agitator contained within the vessel is releasably connected to the motor shaft when the vessel is supported on the base unit and is operated to swirl the beverage to prevent the semi-frozen slush beverage from separating. A slush delivery valve on the vessel side wall has an outlet end to which a dispensing nozzle or a flexible insulated hose having a dispensing nozzle at its outer end may be releasably connected for dispensing the beverage. The power source may be a battery disposed in the base unit and the base unit may be provided with a battery recharging receptical and associated circuitry. The base unit may also be provided with circuitry and a switch for bypassing the pressurizing mechanism to allow gravity dispensing. In a stand-alone embodiment the base unit and vessel may be supported on a counter top or in a cabinet and, in a portable embodiment, the base unit and vessel are contained within a backpack worn by a vendor. |