EP2961283A1 - Comprimé de source de dioxyde de carbone et système de carbonatation de boisson comprenant celui-ci - Google Patents

Comprimé de source de dioxyde de carbone et système de carbonatation de boisson comprenant celui-ci

Info

Publication number
EP2961283A1
EP2961283A1 EP13876445.1A EP13876445A EP2961283A1 EP 2961283 A1 EP2961283 A1 EP 2961283A1 EP 13876445 A EP13876445 A EP 13876445A EP 2961283 A1 EP2961283 A1 EP 2961283A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
carbon dioxide
chamber
carbonator
carbonation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13876445.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2961283A4 (fr
Inventor
Darren HATHERELL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bonne O Inc
Original Assignee
Bonne O Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/782,449 external-priority patent/US20140079856A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/929,372 external-priority patent/US8985561B2/en
Priority claimed from US14/071,776 external-priority patent/US9198455B2/en
Application filed by Bonne O Inc filed Critical Bonne O Inc
Publication of EP2961283A1 publication Critical patent/EP2961283A1/fr
Publication of EP2961283A4 publication Critical patent/EP2961283A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/40—Effervescence-generating compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
    • A23L2/54—Mixing with gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
    • B01F23/2361—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages within small containers, e.g. within bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/50—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle
    • B01F25/53—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle in which the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle through a recirculation tube, into which an additional component is introduced
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
    • B01F35/713—Feed mechanisms comprising breaking packages or parts thereof, e.g. piercing or opening sealing elements between compartments or cartridges
    • B01F35/7137—Piercing, perforating or melting membranes or closures which seal the compartments

Definitions

  • the described embodiments relate to a beverage carbonation system, container and carbonator, and a method for carbonating a beverage.
  • Carbonated beverages such as, for example, sodas and sparkling water are popular with consumers. Many carbonated beverages are prepared at a factory and shipped to stores, where consumers travel to purchase them. Each of the preparation, shipping and travel may contribute to a higher cost per beverage for the consumer. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have a beverage carbonation system usable by a consumer in his/her home, for example. This may also be more convenient for a consumer.
  • Beverage carbonation systems are known in the art. See, for example, United States Patent Application No. 2011/0226343 to Novak et al. and United States Patent No. 5260,081 to Stumphauzer et al.
  • the carbon dioxide source tablet may comprise a body comprising carbon dioxide source reactable with liquid to produce carbon dioxide gas, the body including a top side opposite a bottom side, and one or more peripheral sides extending between the top side and the bottom side; and at least one channel, each channel extending along one of the top side and the bottom side, each channel extending in length from a first channel end to a second channel end, each first and second channel end being located at one of the one or more peripheral sides, each channel, between its first and second channel ends, being spaced from the one or more peripheral sides, each channel providing, to the body, a frangible line of weakness, at least a portion of each channel extending linearly from the channel's first channel end to the channel's second channel end.
  • the line of weakness provided by each channel may be positioned to allow division of the body into segments having predetermined sizes.
  • the line of weakness provided by at least one channel may be positioned to allow division of the body into a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being about 15% of the body, and the second segment being about 85% of the body.
  • the line of weakness provided by at least one channel may be positioned to allow division of the body into a first segment and a second segment, each of the first and second segments being about 50% of the body.
  • a depth of each channel may be at least 0% of a thickness of the body, at a base of the channel, measured between the top side and the bottom side.
  • the at least one channel may include at least two channels, and each of the channels may be spaced from each other of the channels.
  • each channel may extend linearly in parallel with the at least a portion of each other channel.
  • the at least one channel may include at least one pair of two channels, each pair of two channels includes a first channel extending along the top side, and a second channel extending along the bottom side, the at least a portion of the first channel being aligned with the at least a portion of the second channel.
  • the body may be substantially disk-shaped, and the top and bottom sides are substantially circular.
  • the carbon dioxide source may comprise citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.
  • the body may further comprise a binder.
  • the binder may be sugar-based.
  • the body may further comprise a lubricant.
  • the lubricant may comprise glycol.
  • the body may further comprise a desiccant.
  • the carbon dioxide source tablet may comprise a body comprising carbon dioxide source reactable with liquid to produce carbon dioxide gas, the body including a top side opposite a bottom side, and one or more peripheral sides extending between the top side and the bottom side; and one or more channels, each channel extending along one of the top side and the bottom side, each channel sized and positioned to align with and receive a corresponding projection of the carbonation chamber when the body is inserted into the carbonation chamber.
  • a depth of each channel may be at least 10% of a thickness of the body, at a base of the channel, measured between the top side and the bottom side.
  • the at least one channel may comprise at least one pair of two channels, each pair of two channels comprising a first channel extending along the top side, and a second channel extending along the bottom side, the first channel being aligned with the second channel.
  • the body may be substantially disk-shaped, and the top and bottom sides are substantially circular.
  • the carbon dioxide source may comprise citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.
  • a size and shape of each channel may closely conform to a size and shape of the corresponding projection.
  • the beverage carbonation system may comprise a container comprising a container chamber for holding liquid; a carbonator removably engageable with the container, the carbonator fluidly coupled to the container chamber when engaged with the container, the carbonator comprising a carbonation chamber including at least one internal projection; and a carbon dioxide source tablet comprising a body comprising carbon dioxide source reactable with liquid in the carbonation chamber to produce carbon dioxide gas, the body including a top side opposite a bottom side, and one or more peripheral sides extending between the top side and the bottom side, one or more channels, each channel extending along one of the top side and the bottom side, each channel sized and positioned to align with and receive a
  • the carbonator may further comprise a pump to transfer liquid from the container chamber to the carbonation chamber.
  • the carbonator may further comprise a pump to transfer the carbon dioxide from the carbonation chamber to the container chamber.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary first carbonator outlet valve of the beverage carbonation system of Figure 1 , in the closed position;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first carbonator outlet valve of Figure 2, in the open position
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the beverage carbonation system of Figure 1 , wherein the container and carbonator are engaged;
  • Figure 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the beverage carbonation system of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary container
  • Figure 7 is a cut-away perspective view of an exemplary carbonator
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary carbon dioxide cartridge and transfer mechanism, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is sealed;
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide and transfer mechanism of Figure 8, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is open;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide cartridge of
  • Figure 8 and another exemplary transfer mechanism, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is sealed;
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of the carbon dioxide cartridge and transfer mechanism of Figure 10, wherein the carbon dioxide cartridge is open;
  • Figure 12 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 13 is a cut-away perspective view of yet another exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary flavor cartridge
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary combination cartridge having a carbon dioxide portion and a flavor portion
  • Figure 16 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary container
  • Figure 17 is a cut-away perspective view of another exemplary carbonator
  • Figure 18 is a cut-away perspective view of a further exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 19 is a cut-away perspective view of yet a further exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 20 is a schematic of yet another exemplary beverage carbonation system
  • Figure 21 is a cut-away side view of the beverage carbonation system schematically illustrated in Figure 20, wherein the container holder is in the open position;
  • Figure 22 is a cut-away side view of the beverage carbonation system of Figure 21 , wherein the container holder is in the closed position;
  • Figure 23 is a cut-away side view of an exemplary container inlet valve and carbonator inlet port of the beverage carbonation system schematically illustrated in Figure 20, in the closed position;
  • Figure 24 is a cut-away side view of an exemplary container outlet valve and carbonator outlet port of the beverage carbonation system schematically illustrated in Figure 20, in the closed position;
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary combination cartridge
  • Figure 26 is a front view of the combination cartridge of Figure 25;
  • Figure 27 is a perspective view of the combination cartridge of Figures 25 and 26 with the pierceable cover removed;
  • Figure 28 is a top view of the combination cartridge of Figure 27;
  • Figure 29 is a top view of an exemplary transfer mechanism of the beverage carbonation system schematically illustrated in Figure 20;
  • Figure 30 is a cut-away side view of the transfer mechanism of Figure 29, taken along line A-A in Figure 29;
  • Figure 31 is a cut-away side view of another beverage carbonation system, with a chamber lid removed from the remainder of the carbonator, in accordance with at least one embodiment
  • Figure 32 is a cutaway side view of the beverage carbonation system of Figure 31 , with the chamber lid attached to the remainder of the carbonator, in accordance with at least one embodiment;
  • Figure 33 is a top perspective view of a component including a carbonation chamber and a flavor chamber;
  • Figure 34 is a top plan view of the component of Figure 33;
  • Figure 35 is a top perspective view of a carbon dioxide source tablet
  • Figure 36 is a top plan view of the carbon dioxide source tablet of Figure 35;
  • Figure 37 is a bottom plan view of the carbon dioxide source tablet of Figure 35;
  • Figure 38 is a side elevation view of the carbon dioxide source tablet of Figure 35;
  • Figure 39 is a top perspective view showing the carbon dioxide source tablet of Figure 35 inserted into the carbonation chamber of the component of Figure 33;
  • Figure 40 is a top plan view showing the carbon dioxide source tablet of Figure 35 inserted into the carbonation chamber of the component of Figure 33
  • Figure 41 shows a partial top view of another embodiment of a component
  • Figure 42 shows a partial top view of another embodiment of a component. Description of Exemplary Embodiments
  • beverage carbonation system 100 comprises a container 102 and a carbonator 104.
  • Carbonator 104 is removably engageable with container 102.
  • a user of beverage carbonation system 100 may fill container 102 with a liquid 106, such as, but not limited to, water, juice, coffee and alcohol.
  • container 102 has a mouth 108 and a closure 110 for sealing mouth 108.
  • the user may seal mouth 108 with closure 110.
  • carbonator 104 can draw a quantity of liquid 106 from container 102 for mixing with a reactive carbon dioxide source in the carbonator 104 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide.
  • the gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced into container 102 to mix with the liquid therein to form a carbonated liquid in container 102.
  • the carbonator may circulate the liquid through a flavor chamber containing a flavor source (e.g. flavor crystals, coffee grinds, or syrup) to obtain a flavored liquid.
  • a flavor source e.g. flavor crystals, coffee grinds, or syrup
  • the user is able to disengage the container 102 from carbonator 104 to obtain a sealed carbonated beverage that may be opened for immediate consumption or stored for later use.
  • the sealed carbonated beverage may share some characteristics with a store bought carbonated beverage, because sealed container 102 limits exposure to ambient pressure and reduces carbonation losses.
  • carbonator 104 may comprise a cavity 112 for receiving at least a portion of container 102.
  • carbonator 104 comprises a cavity 112 sized to receive a base 114 of container 102.
  • cavity 112 and base 114 have corresponding circular shapes.
  • one or more of base 1 14 and cavity 112 comprise retentive elements for securing container 102 to carbonator 104.
  • the retentive elements may comprise, for example, mating magnetic elements, mating threads, a friction grip or a detent mechanism.
  • base 114 has recesses 116 for receiving latches cavity 112, and the latches are located in base 114 (not shown).
  • the retentive elements may engage automatically upon the insertion of container 102 into cavity 112.
  • Each latch 118 may be biased inwardly (by a spring, for example) toward a corresponding recess 116.
  • the retentive elements may be actuated in response to an additional action by the user. For example, the movement of a button may cause latches 118 to insert into recesses 1 16.
  • the retentive elements may be electronically actuated.
  • a controller may power mating electromagnets upon the start of the carbonation process.
  • the retentive elements may be engaged by the user with a manual lever, latch or lock (not shown).
  • the retentive elements may be releasable automatically upon disengagement of container 102 and carbonator 104.
  • the action of pulling container 102 apart from carbonator 104 may provide enough outward force to overcome the inward bias of springed latches 118.
  • latches 118 may recede from recesses 116 by the movement of a button.
  • a controller disconnects mating electromagnets from a power source to disengage latches 118 and recesses 116.
  • the retentive elements may be disengaged by the user with a manual lever, latch or lock (not shown).
  • container 102 comprises a shell 120 defining a container chamber 122 for holding liquid 106.
  • Shell 120 may be made of glass or plastic, for example.
  • base 1 4 is a part of shell 120.
  • Container 102 may be a bottle.
  • Container 102 may also have a mouth 108 defined by shell 120 for introducing the liquid into container chamber 122.
  • mouth 108 is located at the top of container 102 and provides an upwardly facing opening when container 102 stands upright.
  • at least a portion of shell 120 tapers inwardly towards mouth 108, to facilitate liquid consumption directly from mouth 108, if desired.
  • container 102 may also comprise a closure 1 0 for sealing mouth 108.
  • Closure 110 may be configured to operatively open and seal mouth 108. To open mouth 108, closure 110 may be removed entirely from mouth 108. As shown, closure 110 may be a lid that is removably engageable with mouth 108. Closure 110 and mouth 108 may have mating threads that permit a user to twist closure 110 onto and off of container 102.
  • closure 110 is made of rubber material or has a rubber gasket therein to create a seal with mouth 108.
  • closure 110 may be manipulated to have an opening therethrough (ex. by having a sliding or hinged door built into the closure, which are not shown).
  • closure 110 When the closure 110 operatively opens mouth 108, the user can pour a liquid into or out of mouth 108. When closure 110 operatively seals mouth 108, mouth 108 is sealed in a substantially gas-tight and liquid-tight manner.
  • closure 110 is illustrated as a threaded lid, other non-limiting examples for closure 1 0 include a removable adhesive film, a resilient plug or a cork.
  • container 102 has first container outlet valve 124 in shell 120.
  • first container outlet valve 124 is located in base 114.
  • First container outlet valve 124 has a closed position and an open position. When first container outlet valve 124 is in the open position, it provides an open passageway for fluid to travel between container chamber 122 and the external atmosphere. When first container outlet valve 124 is in the closed position, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 122 via first container outlet valve 124.
  • container 102 also has container inlet valve 26 in shell 120.
  • container inlet valve 126 is located in base 14.
  • Container inlet valve 126 has a closed position and an open position. When container inlet valve 126 is open, it provides an open passageway for fluid to travel between container chamber 122 and the external atmosphere. When container inlet valve 126 is closed, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 122 via container inlet valve 126.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may be opened to allow fluid to pass between container 102 and carbonator 104.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 are closed to fluidly seal container 102 containing carbonated liquid (not shown in Figure 1).
  • the terminology of container “outlet” and “inlet” valves used throughout this disclosure refer to the flow direction of fluid relative to the container (exemplified as container 102 in Figure 1).
  • a container “outlet valve” is applicable to fluid flow out of the container.
  • a container “inlet valve” is applicable to fluid flow into the container.
  • First container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may be configured (e.g. biased by a spring or otherwise) to seal automatically on or prior to the release of container 102 from carbonator 104.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may be, as non- limiting examples, a mechanical spring valve or a check valve.
  • First container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may be one-way valves. When open, first container outlet valve 124 may only allow fluid to flow out of container chamber 122. When open, container inlet valve 126 may only allow fluid to flow into container chamber 122. More specifically, first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 may be a ball check valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, or a duckbill valve.
  • carbonator 104 has a first carbonator outlet port 128.
  • First carbonator outlet port 128 is fluidly engageable with first container outlet valve 124 when first container outlet valve 124 is in the open position.
  • first carbonator outlet port 128 is fluidly engaged with first container outlet valve 124
  • the first carbonator outlet port and the first container outlet valve are, directly or indirectly, fluidly coupled to one another.
  • first container outlet valve 124 is open and fluidly engages first carbonator outlet port 128, fluid is able to flow through first container outlet valve 124 and first carbonator outlet port 128. In this manner, fluid passes between container chamber 122 and carbonator 104.
  • carbonator 104 also has a carbonator inlet port 130.
  • Carbonator inlet port 130 is fluidly engageable with container inlet valve 126 when container inlet valve 126 is in the open position.
  • the carbonator inlet port 130 and container inlet valve 126 are, directly or indirectly, fluidly coupled to one another.
  • the container inlet valve 126 is open and fluidly engages carbonator inlet port 130, fluid is able to flow through container inlet valve 126 and carbonator inlet port 130. In this manner, fluid passes between carbonator 104 and container chamber 122.
  • carbonator “outlet” and “inlet” ports used throughout this disclosure refer to the flow direction of fluid relative to the container (exemplified as container 102 in Figure 1).
  • An “outlet port” of the carbonator (exemplified as first carbonator outlet port 128 of carbonator 104 in Figure 1) engages an outlet valve of the container (exemplified as first outlet valve 24 of container 102 in Figure 1) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow out of the container.
  • an “inlet port” of the carbonator engages an inlet valve of the container (exemplified as inlet valve 126 of container 102 in Figure 1) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow into the container.
  • first carbonator outlet port 128 and carbonator inlet port 130 are located in cavity 1 12 of carbonator 104.
  • Figure 2 shows an example first container outlet valve 124, in the form of a mechanical spring valve.
  • first container outlet valve 124 comprises a housing 132, spring 134, shaft 136, cap 138 and seals 140.
  • First carbonator outlet port 128 of carbonator 104 (see Figure 1) is receivable by housing 132, which has a hollow cylindrical shape. Seals 140 are located between shaft 136 and housing 132.
  • Spring 134 is coupled to the top of housing 132 and the bottom of shaft 136 to bias cap 138 toward a closed position against the top of housing 132.
  • Figure 2 shows first container outlet valve 124 in the closed position.
  • first carbonator outlet port 128 when first carbonator outlet port 128 is received by housing 132, it displaces shaft 136 such that seals 140 become wedged between first carbonator port 128 and housing 132. In this manner, a fluid tight seal may be provided by seals 140.
  • first carbonator outlet port 128 When first carbonator outlet port 128 is received inside housing 32, it pushes shaft 36 out of housing 132, moving cap 138 away from the top of housing 132.
  • spring 134 compresses to accommodate the movement of shaft 136.
  • the gap created between cap 138 and the top of housing 132 provides an open passage (i.e. the valve is open).
  • first container outlet valve 124 When open, first container outlet valve 124 permits fluid to pass from container chamber 122 into carbonator 104 (see Figure 1) via first carbonator outlet port 128. Conversely, when first carbonator outlet port 128 is withdrawn from housing 132, cap 138 seats onto and seals the top of housing 132 under the bias of spring 134, thereby closing first container outlet valve 24.
  • container inlet valve 126 is a one-way valve that, when open, allows fluid to flow into container chamber 122, but not out of container chamber 122. More specifically, container inlet valve 126 may be a check valve that is biased closed (by a spring, for example) and configured to open when the net fluid pressure across the valve rises above a threshold value. Alternatively, container inlet valve 126 may be a mechanical spring valve that operates in similar manner to the first container outlet valve 124 shown in Figures 2 and 3.
  • Figure 4 exemplifies container 102 engaged with carbonator 104.
  • Container 102 may be received in a cavity 1 12.
  • first container outlet valve 124 with first carbonator outlet port 128
  • container inlet valve 126 with carbonator inlet port 130.
  • carbonator 104 may have a start actuator 151 and stop actuator 152, which are optionally in the form of depressible buttons connected to a controller 153. Activation of start actuator 151 or stop actuator 152 sends a corresponding signal to controller 153 to perform the desired operation.
  • Controller 153 may comprise any logic board suitably configured to control the operation of carbonator 104.
  • Start actuator 151 may be activated after the container 102 and carbonator 104 are engaged. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 151 opens first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 151 temporarily locks container 102 and carbonator 104 into engagement with one another. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 151 simultaneously opens the container valves and temporarily locks container 102 to carbonator 04.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates liquid 106 inside container chamber 122.
  • a user may manually fill container chamber 122 (e.g. by pouring a liquid into mouth 108).
  • beverage carbonation system 100 may comprise a source of liquid (not shown), which introduces liquid into container 102.
  • system 100 may comprise plumbing fluidly connected with a municipal water supply.
  • closure 110 may be secured to mouth 108 of container 102 to seal mouth 108.
  • Liquid 106 may be added before container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104 (as shown in Figure 1) or after container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104 (as shown in Figure 5).
  • carbonator 104 has carbonation chamber 142.
  • carbonation chamber 142 is integrally formed in carbonator 104.
  • Carbonation chamber 142 contains a carbon dioxide source 144.
  • carbonation chamber 142 has an access hatch 146 for introducing carbon dioxide source 144 into carbonation chamber 142.
  • Carbon dioxide cartridge source 144 is reactive with liquid 106 to produce carbon dioxide gas 148 when the liquid contacts carbon dioxide source 144.
  • carbon dioxide source 144 is a solid material that is chemically reactive with liquid 106 to emit carbon dioxide gas 148 when the liquid contacts the solid material. Examples of liquid 106 include, but are not limited to, water, juice, coffee, tea and alcohol.
  • Carbon dioxide source 144 may be, for example, an acid mixed with a carbonate, in wet or dry form, combined or separate until required.
  • a solid material carbon dioxide source 144 is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, and liquid 106 is water. More specifically, the solid material may be a dry solid material, such as a powder.
  • Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid are advantageous for use with water because when they react with water they do not create heat during the reaction. This is desirable for producing a cooled carbonated beverage.
  • dry citric acid and sodium bicarbonate have some benefits, including for example, being relatively inexpensive, nontoxic, relatively easy to handle and/or capable of pre-mixing.
  • first carbonator outlet port 128 is fiuidly connected to carbonation chamber 142 containing carbon dioxide source 144 that produces carbon dioxide gas 148.
  • Carbonator inlet port 130 is fiuidly connected to carbonation chamber 142.
  • first container outlet valve 124 When first container outlet valve 124 is open and fiuidly engages first carbonator outlet port 128, liquid 106 flows from container chamber 122 into carbonation chamber 142 to interact with the carbon dioxide source 144 to form carbon dioxide gas 148 in carbonation chamber 142.
  • Carbonator 104 comprises at least one pump 150 in fluid communication with container chamber 122 and carbonation chamber 142. At least one pump 50 transfers liquid 106 between container chamber 122 and carbonation chamber 142 when container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104. At least one pump 150 also transfers carbon dioxide gas 148 between carbonation chamber 142 and container chamber 122 when container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104, thereby carbonating liquid 106.
  • carbonator 104 has one pump 150.
  • pump 150 pumps liquid 106 from first carbonator outlet port 128 to pump 150 via line 155, then from pump 150 to carbonation chamber 142 via line 156.
  • Pump 150 then pumps carbon dioxide gas 148 from carbonation chamber 142 to carbonator inlet port 130 via line 157.
  • multiple pumps 150 may be employed (not shown).
  • a pump (exemplified as pump 150) is any mechanism capable of facilitating fluid flow through the system.
  • Pump 150 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, an electrical pump.
  • the pump may include, as non-limiting examples, a mechanism that facilitates fluid flow using differential pressure, negative pressure, gravity, or a combination thereof.
  • beverage carbonation system 100 may have carbonation tube 158.
  • Carbonation tube 158 is fiuidly connected to first container outlet valve 124 and extends inwardly into container chamber 122.
  • carbonation tube 158 is in the shape of a straw, and extends vertically upwardly into container chamber 122 from base 114.
  • first end 160 is the top end of carbonation tube 158.
  • second end 161 of carbonation tube is connected to first container outlet valve 124.
  • the maximum volume of liquid 106 that may be drawn into the container chamber 122 may be equal to the volume of container chamber 122 situated at an elevation above first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. In some cases, it takes approximately 10 seconds to lower the level of liquid 106 to first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. In some embodiments, as the level of liquid 106 is lowered, liquid 106 is pumped into carbonation chamber 122 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.
  • shell 120 of container 102 may comprise a fill line 162.
  • Fill line 162 may correspond to an ideal level of liquid 106. When the liquid is filled to fill line 162, there may be an ideal volume of liquid 106 located at an elevation above first end 160 of carbonation tube 158. The ideal volume of liquid 106 may correspond with the specific quantity of liquid required to mix with carbon dioxide source 144 to produce carbon dioxide gas 148 at a rate sufficient to carbonate the liquid 106 inside container chamber 122.
  • fill line 162 corresponds to a volume of between 5% and 20%, of the total liquid 106 volume prior to commencement of the carbonation process. As one example, the total volume of liquid 106 in container chamber 122 may be l OOOmL and the volume between fill line 162 and first end 160 may be approximately 50mL to 200mL of liquid prior to commencement of the carbonation process.
  • carbonation tube 158 is configured to receive carbon dioxide gas 148 from container chamber 122 for recirculation between first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 26. Once the level of liquid falls at or below first end 160 of carbonation tube 158, no more liquid enters the carbonation tube. However, as the process continues, some carbon dioxide gas 148 injected into container chamber 122 from carbonation chamber 142 passes through the liquid in container chamber 122 and into headspace 163. Recirculating gas from headspace 163 permits carbon dioxide gas that passed through liquid 106, but did not diffuse into the liquid, to diffuse back into liquid 106. This reduces the time required to reach a desirable level of beverage carbonation because the recycled carbon dioxide gas is forced through the liquid at a faster rate than if it were to passively dissolve from headspace 163 into liquid 106.
  • pump 150 is a liquid-gas pump that can pump liquid 106 from container chamber 122, through carbonation chamber 142, and back to container chamber 122, and can also pump carbon dioxide gas along a similar flow path.
  • one gas pump and one liquid pump may be used.
  • a diffuser 164 may be fluidly connected to container inlet valve 126.
  • diffuser 164 comprises a nozzle that can accelerate fluid passing through it to produce a jet. This facilitates the diffusion of carbon dioxide gas 148 into liquid 106 to carbonate liquid 106 at a faster rate.
  • Diffuser 164 may help to send carbonated liquid 154 away from container inlet valve 126 at such a rate that liquid 106 is agitated and increases the surface area of the liquid that is in contact with the carbon dioxide. In this manner, diffuser 164 may be used to increase the rate at which sufficient carbonation of liquid 106 is achieved.
  • stop actuator 152 may activate stop actuator 152 to shutdown pump 150. Activation of stop actuator 152 sends a corresponding signal to controller 153 to perform the desired operation. Shutting down pump 150 stops the carbonation process described above. Conversely, pump 150 may automatically shut down when a sensor 165 indicates to the controller 153 that a sufficient level of pressure has been achieved in container chamber 22 to indicate a satisfactory level of beverage carbonation. Sensor 65 may be mounted to carbonator inlet port 130. In some embodiments, pump 150 shuts down after the pressure within the system (equalized across carbonator 104 and container 102) reaches approximately 50 to 80 psi. Alternatively, pump 150 may be shut down after a pre-programmed time period.
  • the liquid 106 cycles through the carbonation process for approximately 30 to 120 seconds.
  • the appropriate time duration varies with the volume of liquid 106 to be carbonated.
  • Activation of stop actuator 152 may close first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 prior to container 102 being disengaged from carbonator 104.
  • Activation of stop actuator 152 may unlock container 102 and carbonator 104 out of engagement with one another.
  • activation of stop actuator 152 may unlock latches 118 from recesses 116.
  • Activation of stop actuator 152 may cause one or more of the operations outlined above to occur. Conversely, a stop actuator 152 is not required when the above outlined operations occur automatically.
  • an indicator (such as a light, for example, not shown) may illuminate to let the user know that carbonation has completed and that the container 102 may be disengaged from carbonator 104.
  • container 102 may be unlocked with a manual latch by the user after a timed cycle is complete.
  • liquid 106 in container chamber 122 is at least partially replaced by a carbonated liquid 154.
  • an elevated pressure occurs in container chamber 122.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 close to seal container chamber 122.
  • the elevated pressure is substantially maintained in the container chamber. In some cases, a pressure of approximately 50 to 80 psi is maintained in container chamber 122 following the disengagement of container 102 and carbonator 104.
  • the closed container valves allow the container to remain sealed, to minimize carbonation losses to the external atmosphere. This prevents the carbonated beverage from going "flat” during storage, and preserves the carbonated taste for later consumption.
  • a further embodiment of the invention consists of container 102 for making a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to Figures 5 and further shown in Figure 6.
  • Container 102 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is removably engageable with a carbonator (such as carbonator 104 shown in Figure 5, for example).
  • first container outlet valve 124 is fluidly engageable with first carbonator outlet port 128 when first container outlet valve 124 is in the open position.
  • Container inlet valve 126 is fluidly engageable with carbonator inlet port 130 when container inlet valve 126 is in the open position.
  • Container chamber 122 is engageable with at least one pump 150 in fluid communication with carbonation chamber 142 to transfer liquid 106 between container 102 and carbonation chamber 142 and transfer carbon dioxide gas 148 between carbonation chamber 142 and the container chamber 122 when container 102 is engaged with carbonator 104, thereby carbonating liquid 106.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 are closed to fluidly seal container 102 containing carbonated liquid 154. In this manner, the carbonated liquid substantially maintains its carbonation level for later consumption.
  • a further embodiment of the invention consists of carbonator 104 for making a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to Figure 5 and exemplified in Figure 7.
  • the carbonator is removably engageable with a container (such as container 102 shown in Figure 5, for example).
  • Carbonator 104 has at least one pump in fluid communication with carbonation chamber 142 and is fluidly engageable with container chamber 122.
  • first container outlet valve 124 and container inlet valve 126 are closed to fluidly seal container 102 containing the carbonated liquid.
  • a carbon dioxide source 144 is present in carbonation chamber 142. An example structure and process related to providing carbon dioxide source 144 in carbonation chamber 142 will now be discussed in detail.
  • beverage carbonation system 100 may comprise a carbon dioxide cartridge 166 for containing carbon dioxide source 144.
  • carbonator 104 has a cartridge holder 167 for receiving at least a portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is inserted into cartridge holder 167 so that a portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 remains exposed. In this manner, the user can grasp a portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 to remove the carbon dioxide cartridge from carbonator 104.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may be fully inserted into carbonator 104. In this case, carbon dioxide cartridge may be accessible directly or by an opening mechanism (such a hinged or sliding cover, for example, not shown).
  • Figure 8 exemplifies carbonation chamber 142 and carbon dioxide cartridge 166 in the absence of cartridge holder 167.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 comprises a hollow housing 168 for storing carbon dioxide source 144 therein. More specifically, hollow housing
  • Carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may seal the carbon dioxide source 144 therein so that the user cannot access the carbon dioxide source prior to its insertion into carbonator 104. Sealing carbon dioxide source 144 inside carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may offer the advantages of maintaining source purity, keeping carbon dioxide source 144 dry until needed and ensuring the right quantity of carbon dioxide source 144 is used in the reaction. Hollow housing 168 may have a pierceable portion 169. Optionally, pierceable portion
  • pierceable portion 169 runs along a bottom surface of hollow housing 168. More specifically, pierceable portion 169 may be made of aluminum foil, while the remainder of hollow housing 186 may be made of plastic.
  • liquid 106 contacts carbon dioxide source 144 in carbonation chamber 142.
  • carbonator 104 has transfer mechanism 170 (as exemplified in Figure 8) for transferring carbon dioxide source 144 from carbon dioxide cartridge 166 to carbonation chamber 142.
  • Carbonation chamber 142 may be integrally formed in carbonator 104.
  • transfer mechanism 170 comprises at least one cutter 170a configured to cut away at least a portion of the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 when the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is inserted into carbonator 104 to release the carbon dioxide source 144 from the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into carbonation chamber 142.
  • cutter 170a may sit on top surface 171 of carbonation chamber 142.
  • cutter 170a may be a pyramid shaped metal wire that converges at a sharp apex 172.
  • cutter 170a is recessed into cartridge holder 167 (see Figure 5, not shown in Figure 8) to minimize the risk that cutter 170a injures the user's hand when carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is placed into cartridge holder 167.
  • top surface 171 of carbonation chamber 142 has an access hatch 146 that falls downwardly when the user pulls lever 173.
  • Access hatch 146 is illustrated as a hinged door, but it may also be a sliding door, for example
  • Figure 8 exemplifies access hatch 146 in the closed position.
  • Figure 9 exemplifies access hatch 146 in the open position, after the user has pulled lever 173.
  • a depressible button may be used to open access hatch 146.
  • pierceable portion 169 comes into contact with apex 172 of cutter 170a, and is pierced or punctured to create an opening in carbon dioxide cartridge 166.
  • FIG. 10 shows access hatch 146 and cutter 170a as discussed above. However, in this embodiment, a moveable shaft 174 is biased away from access hatch 146 by spring 175. Moveable shaft 174 has recesses 176 therein for accommodating cutter 170a.
  • Figure 11 when the user places carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into cartridge holder 167 ( Figure 5), carbon dioxide cartridge 166 pushes moveable shaft 174 against access hatch 146 to push access hatch 146 into carbonation chamber 142. Once carbonation chamber 142 is open, carbon dioxide source 144 is transferred to carbonation chamber 142 (by gravity or a pressure differential, for example).
  • transfer mechanism 170 has been explained as comprising at least one cutter 170a, transfer mechanism 170 may operate without a cutter.
  • negative pressure may be used to tear away a perforated portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166, to access carbon dioxide source 144 therein.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is optionally removed from carbonator 104 after a single carbonation process has been completed, as discussed above.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 is disposable, and may be discarded into the trash or recycled after use.
  • carbon dioxide cartridge 166 may be manually openable by the user. It may be similar to a coffee creamer pack, for example, as is known in the art to have a peel-off lid. Referring to Figure 1 , in this case, the user may open the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 outside of the carbonator 104 and pour the carbon dioxide source 144 (shown in Figure 8) from the cartridge into carbonation chamber 142, without inserting any portion of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 into carbonator 104.
  • carbonator 104 has a waste reservoir 177 (see Figure 1).
  • Some particular liquids and carbon dioxide sources react with one another to produce residual waste products.
  • tap water will react with a mixture of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to produce some solid residual waste product, such as, for example, sodium citrate.
  • waste reservoir 177 may be located in carbonator 104 outside carbonation chamber 142.
  • Waste reservoir 177 is at least partially removable from a remaining portion of carbonator 104 (i.e. the portion of carbonator remaining after waste reservoir 177 is removed).
  • Waste reservoir 177 may be a container that is removable from the remainder of carbonator 104, as shown in Figure 1.
  • waste reservoir is a sliding tray the user can pull at least partially out of carbonator 104 to access a waste product therein (not shown).
  • waste reservoir 177 may be removed from carbonator 104 and rinsed or dumped into the trash, then reinserted into carbonator 104 for reuse. Typically, the user should clean and/or empty waste reservoir 177 after approximately every 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. In more specific embodiments, waste reservoir 177 may be cleaned and/or emptied after approximately 5 cycles. In some embodiments, the waste reservoir 117 may be configured to be cleaned out and/or emptied after every carbonation cycle. However, this will vary with the volume of liquid being carbonated per cycle, and the type of liquid and carbon dioxide source used.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates another example beverage carbonation system 200.
  • elements of beverage carbonation system 200 corresponding or analogous to elements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the same reference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 100). For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.
  • a waste valve 299 may be located in a wall of carbonation chamber 242 that is openable to release a waste product (not shown) from the carbonation chamber into waste reservoir 277.
  • Waste valve 299 may be a directional control valve. More specifically, waste valve 299 may be an electrically controlled hydraulic directional control valve, such as, for example a solenoid valve. Alternatively, waste valve 299 may be a diaphragm valve or a pinch valve.
  • waste reservoir 277 is located below carbonation chamber 242 and waste valve 299 is located in a bottom wall of carbonation chamber 142. In this configuration (not shown), the waste product may be gravity and/or pressure fed into waste reservoir 277. In some embodiments, the waste product may be pumped out of carbonation chamber 242 through a wall that may or may not be a bottom wall of carbonation chamber 242, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • beverage carbonation system 200 has waste evacuation system 278.
  • Waste evacuation system 278 facilitates the removal of waste products from carbonation chamber 242. In some cases, waste evacuation system 278 removes the waste product (not shown) and some pressure from carbonation chamber 242, while substantially maintaining the pressure in container chamber 222.
  • evacuation inlet 279 receives external air from the atmosphere.
  • Pump 250 may draw the external air into evacuation inlet 279.
  • Pump 250 then forces the external air through lines 280 and 256.
  • the external air passes through carbonation chamber 242, then out of the remainder of carbonator 204 through evacuation outlet 281.
  • external air is pumped through waste evacuation system 278 for approximately 15 seconds.
  • external air is pumped through waste evacuation system 278 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates another example beverage carbonation system 300. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements of beverage carbonation system 300 corresponding or analogous to elements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the same reference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 200). For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.
  • beverage carbonation system 300 has a flavor source 382 located in a flavor chamber 383.
  • Flavor chamber 383 may be integrally formed in carbonator 304.
  • Flavor source 382 may be, for example, flavor crystals, coffee grinds, instant coffee, syrup, minerals, concentrated juice, honey or any other beverage additive.
  • the flavor source 382 alters the taste of liquid 306.
  • Flavor source 382 is in fluid communication with container chamber 322 to mix with liquid 306 to create flavored beverage in container chamber 322.
  • Waste evacuation system 278 has been described above with reference to Figure 12 for removing residual waste (not shown) from carbonation chamber 242. Notably, waste evacuation system 278 may be used in a similar manner to remove a left-over flavor source 382 from flavor chamber 383 (see Figure 13).
  • the flavoring process may start before, during or after the carbonation process outlined above. It will be appreciated that if the flavoring process starts before the carbonation process, the liquid 306 that mixes with the flavor source is the original, uncarbonated liquid 306. However, if the flavoring process starts after the carbonation process, the liquid that mixes with the flavor source is at least partially carbonated. In some embodiments, the flavoring cycle takes approximately 15 seconds.
  • container 302 has a second container outlet valve 384 in shell 320 having a closed position and an open position.
  • Carbonator 304 has a second carbonator outlet port 385 fluidly engageable with second container outlet valve 384 when second container outlet valve 384 is in the open position. When container 302 is disengaged from carbonator 304, second container outlet valve 384 is closed to fluidly seal container 302 containing the flavored liquid.
  • second carbonator outlet port 385 and carbonator inlet port 330 are fluidly connected to flavor chamber 383 containing flavor source 382 that produces a flavored liquid.
  • At least one pump 350 is in fluid communication with container chamber 322 and flavor chamber 383 to circulate liquid 306 between container chamber 322 and flavor chamber 383 when container 302 is engaged with carbonator 304, thereby flavoring liquid 306.
  • Liquid 306 flows from container chamber 322 into flavor chamber 383 to interact with flavor source 382 to form a flavored liquid in the flavor chamber 383.
  • Pump 350 pumps liquid 306 along line 386 from second carbonator outlet port 385 to pump 350, then from pump 350 to flavor chamber 383 along line 356 then line 386. Pump 350 then pumps flavored liquid from flavor chamber 383 to carbonator inlet port 330 via line 387.
  • pump 350 may pump fluid through the flavor cycle, while another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonation cycle.
  • another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonation cycle.
  • one pump 350 moves fluid through both the carbonation cycle and the flavor cycle.
  • a manifold 388 having a carbonation solenoid valve 389 and a flavor solenoid valve 390 is used.
  • a first carbonator valve 391 and a second carbonator valve 392 may also be used.
  • first carbonator valve 391 and carbonation solenoid valve 389 are opened. Liquid 306 then flows sequentially through first container outlet valve 324, first carbonator outlet port 328, first carbonator valve 391 , line 355, pump 350, line 356, carbonation solenoid valve 389, line 356, carbonation chamber 342, line 357, carbonator inlet port 330, container inlet valve 326 and into container chamber 322.
  • second carbonator valve 392 and flavor solenoid valve 390 are opened.
  • Liquid 306 then flows sequentially through second container outlet valve 384, second carbonator outlet port 385, line 386, pump 350, line 356, flavor solenoid valve 390, line 386, flavor chamber 383, line 387, carbonator inlet port 330, container inlet valve 326 and into container chamber 322.
  • the carbonation process and flavoring process occur at different times for the embodiment shown in Figure 3.
  • first carbonator valve 391 and carbonation solenoid valve 389 are open to facilitate carbonation
  • second carbonator valve 392 and flavor solenoid valve 390 are closed to block the flavoring process.
  • first carbonator valve 391 and carbonation solenoid valve 389 are closed to block carbonation.
  • carbon dioxide gas may be moving passively (without the aid of pump 350) from high pressure carbonation chamber 342 via line 357 to container chamber 322.
  • first carbonator valve 391 and second carbonator valve 392 may be any suitable types of valves, including, but limited to, directional control valves, diaphragm valves, or pinch valves. Controller 363 may be configured to open and close the carbonator and solenoid valves.
  • first container outlet valve 324 and second container outlet valve 384 are shown as two separate outlets.
  • the first container outlet valve 324 and the second container outlet valve 384 may be the same container outlet.
  • liquid 306 may pass through the same container outlet to be flavored and, at a different point in time, to facilitate carbonation.
  • liquid 306 may pass through first container outlet valve 324 to be flavored, and then pass through first container outlet valve 324 to facilitate carbonation, in the absence of a separate second container outlet valve 384.
  • carbonation tube 358 if carbonation tube 358 is present, the volume of water above first end 160 of carbonation tube 358 should be sufficient for carbonation and flavoring purposes.
  • a single container inlet valve 326 and single carbonator inlet port 330 are present.
  • the carbon dioxide gas and the flavored liquid enter container chamber 322 via the same container inlet valve 326 and carbonator inlet port 330.
  • a second container inlet valve and a second carbonator inlet port may be present so that the carbon dioxide gas and the flavored liquid enter container chamber 322 via different container inlet valve/ carbonator inlet port.
  • a flavor source 382 is present in flavor chamber 383.
  • An example structure and process for providing flavor source 382 into flavor chamber 383 will now be discussed.
  • beverage carbonation system 300 has a flavor cartridge 393 for containing flavor source 382.
  • An example flavor cartridge is shown in Figure 14.
  • Carbonator 304 may have a cartridge holder 367 therein (see Figure 13) for receiving at least a portion of flavor cartridge 393, shown in Figure 14.
  • Flavor cartridge 393 may be similar in structure and operation as the carbon dioxide cartridge 166 illustrated in Figure 8. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements of carbon dioxide cartridge 166 corresponding or analogous to elements of flavor cartridge 393 are labeled with the same reference numerals as for carbon dioxide cartridge 166 (plus 200). For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.
  • a transfer mechanism similar in structure and operation to transfer mechanism 170 outlined above with respect to either of the embodiments shown in Figures 8-9 and Figures 10-11 may be used to release the flavor source 382 from flavor cartridge 393 (Figure 14) into flavor chamber 383 ( Figure 13).
  • flavor cartridge may be manually openable by the user. It may be similar to a coffee creamer pack, for example, as is known in the art to have a peel-off lid. In this case, the user may open the flavor cartridge 393 (shown in Figure 14) outside of the carbonator 104 and pour the flavor source 382 from the cartridge into the flavor chamber 383 (shown in Figure 13), without inserting any portion of flavor cartridge 393 into carbonator 304.
  • Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment for the carbon dioxide and flavor cartridges.
  • Figure 15 provides an example embodiment of a combination cartridge 394 having a carbon dioxide portion 395 for containing carbon dioxide source 344.
  • Combination cartridge 394 also has a flavor portion 396 for containing flavor source 382.
  • the beverage carbonation system may comprise at least one cartridge holder 367 (see Figure 3) for receiving at least a portion of carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion 396.
  • beverage carbonation system 300 has at least one transfer mechanism (not shown) for transferring flavor source 382 from flavor portion 396 to flavor chamber 383 and carbon dioxide source 344 from carbon dioxide portion 395 to carbonation chamber 342.
  • the at least one transfer mechanism may be similar in structure and operation to transfer mechanism 170 outlined above with respect to either of the embodiments shown in Figures 8-9 and Figures 10-11. There may be a corresponding transfer mechanism for each of the carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion 396, or a single transfer mechanism for both.
  • carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion 396 may be coupled to one another. In some cases, this coupling allows for simultaneous insertion into at least one cartridge holder 367. It may be more convenient for the user to insert one cartridge body into the carbonator, instead of two separate cartridges. Carbon dioxide portion 395 and flavor portion 396 may be formed as one cartridge having a wall or partial gap therebetween. Optionally, combination cartridge 394 is removable from carbonator 304. When the cartridge portions are coupled together, it is easier for the user to remove and dispose of one cartridge body rather than two unconnected cartridges.
  • a further embodiment of the invention consists of container 302 for making a carbonated beverage, as illustrated in Figure 16.
  • Container 302 as discussed above with respect to Figure 13 and exemplified in Figure 16 is removably engageable with a carbonator (such as carbonator 304 shown in Figure 13, for example).
  • Second container outlet valve 384 exemplified in Figure 16 is fluidly engageable with second carbonator outlet port 385 of carbonator 304 ( Figure 13) when second container outlet valve 384 is in the open position.
  • container chamber 322 is fluidly engageable with at least one pump 350 in fluid communication with flavor chamber 383 (Figure 13) to circulate liquid between container chamber 322 and flavor chamber 383 when container 302 is engaged with carbonator 304 ( Figure 13), thereby flavoring the liquid.
  • second container outlet valve 384 may be closed to fluidly seal container 302 containing the flavored liquid.
  • a further embodiment of the invention consists of carbonator 304 for making a carbonated beverage, as discussed above with respect to Figure 13 and exemplified in Figure 17.
  • Exemplary carbonator 304 has a flavor chamber 383 containing a flavor source 382 that produces a flavored liquid.
  • second carbonator outlet port 385 is fluidly connected to flavor chamber 383.
  • FIG. 18 Another example beverage carbonation system 400 is shown in Figure 18. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements of beverage carbonation system 400 corresponding or analogous to elements of beverage carbonation system 100 are labeled with the same reference numerals as for beverage carbonation system 100 (plus 300). For brevity, the description of corresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.
  • beverage carbonation system 400 has a removable filter (not shown) located in a filter chamber 497.
  • filter chamber 497 in carbonator 404 contains a removable filter (not shown) in fluid communication with container chamber 422 to filter liquid 406. In some cases, the user needs to replace the removable filter approximately every 50 filtration cycles.
  • the filtering process may start before or after the carbonation process outlined above. It will be appreciated that if the filtration process starts before the carbonation process, the liquid 406 that mixes with the flavor source is the original, uncarbonated liquid 406. However, if the filtering process starts after the carbonation process, the liquid that passes through the filter is at least partially carbonated. Preferably, liquid 106 is filtered before it is carbonated. Alternatively, the carbonated liquid can be subsequently filtered. However, it is preferred to run the carbonated liquid thorough the filter at an elevated pressure. At lower pressures, the filter may undesirably remove some carbonation from the carbonated liquid. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the filtering process lasts for approximately 20 to 60 seconds.
  • the filtering process occurs before any flavoring process. Otherwise, the filter may undesirably remove some of the flavor from any flavored liquid.
  • the filtering process occurs when container 402 is engaged with carbonator 404, as exemplified in Figure 18.
  • second container outlet valve 484 when second container outlet valve 484 is open and fluidly engages second carbonator outlet port 485, liquid 406 flows from container chamber 422 into filter chamber 497 to pass through a filter (not shown) therein, to form a filtered liquid.
  • the filter may be an active carbon filter, for example.
  • the filter (not shown) in filter chamber 497 may be a reverse osmosis filter, a ultra-violet filter, or a membrane filter, for example.
  • container inlet valve 426 is fluidly coupled to carbonator inlet port 430 to receive the filtered liquid from filter chamber 497.
  • Pump 450 may pump liquid 406 sequentially through second container outlet valve 484, second carbonator outlet port 485, second carbonator valve 492, line 486, pump 450, line 456, filter solenoid valve 498, line 499, filter chamber 497, line 499, carbonator inlet port 430, container inlet valve 426 and into container chamber 422.
  • pump 450 may pump fluid through the filter cycle, while another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonation cycle.
  • another pump (not shown) pumps fluid through the carbonation cycle.
  • one pump 450 pumps fluid through both the carbonation cycle and the filter cycle.
  • a manifold 488 may be used.
  • the carbonation process and filtration process occur at different times.
  • first carbonator valve 491 and carbonation solenoid valve 389 are open to facilitate carbonation
  • second carbonator valve 492 and filter solenoid valve 498 are closed to block the filtering process.
  • first carbonator valve 491 and carbonation solenoid valve 489 are closed to block carbonation.
  • carbon dioxide gas may be passively moving (i.e. without the aid of pump 450) from high pressure chamber 442 via line 457 to container chamber 422.
  • filter solenoid valve 498 may be any suitable type of valve, including, but limited to, a directional control valve, diaphragm valve, or pinch valve. Controller 463 may be configured to open and close filter solenoid valve 498.
  • first container outlet valve 424 and second container outlet valve 484 are shown as two separate outlets.
  • the first container outlet valve 424 and the second container outlet valve 484 may be the same container outlet.
  • liquid 406 may pass through the same container outlet to be filtered and, at a different point in time, to facilitate carbonation.
  • liquid 406 may pass through first container outlet valve 424 to be filtered, then pass through first container outlet valve 424 to be carbonated, in the absence of a separate second container outlet valve 484.
  • carbonation tube 458 is present, the volume of water above first end 460 of carbonation tube 458 should be sufficient for filtering and carbonation.
  • beverage carbonation system 500 includes all of the features shown in Figures 5, 12, 13 and 18.
  • Figure 19 illustrates the respective features associated with carbonation, waste evacuation, flavoring and filtration.
  • beverage carbonation system 500 corresponding or analogous to elements of beverage carbonation systems 100, 200, 300 and 400 are labeled with the same reference numerals as for beverage carbonation systems 100, 200, 300 and 400 (but in the 500's).
  • the description of corresponding or analogous elements is not repeated.
  • beverage carbonation system 500 comprises carbonation chamber 542, evacuation system 578, flavor chamber 583 and filter chamber 597, each of which function as outlined above.
  • a further embodiment comprises a method of making a carbonated beverage.
  • the exemplary method comprises introducing liquid 506 into container 502.
  • Container 502 is then sealed with closure 510.
  • Container 502 is engaged with carbonator 504.
  • a carbon dioxide source 544 is placed in carbonation chamber 542. This may be done by emptying the contents of the carbon dioxide portion 595 of combined cartridge 594 into carbonation chamber 542. This may be done before or after container 502 is engaged with carbonator 504.
  • a first container outlet valve 524 in container 502 is opened to transfer a portion of liquid 506 to carbonation chamber 542 to react with carbon dioxide source 544 in carbonation chamber 542 to produce carbon dioxide gas 548.
  • a container inlet valve 526 in container 502 is opened to transfer carbon dioxide gas 548 produced by carbon dioxide source 544 into container 502 to obtain a carbonated liquid in container 502.
  • First container outlet valve 524 and container inlet valve 526 are then closed to seal container 502.
  • Container 502 is then disengaged from carbonator 104. In some cases, this process takes approximately 40 seconds. In some cases, this process takes approximately 30 to 120 seconds.
  • a flavor source 582 may be placed in flavor chamber 583. This may be done before, after, or at the same time that carbon dioxide source 544 is placed in carbonation chamber 542.
  • a second container outlet valve 584 is opened in container 502 to transfer a portion of liquid 506 to flavor chamber 583 to mix liquid 506 with flavor source 582 to produce a flavored liquid in flavor chamber 583.
  • Container inlet valve 526 in container 502 is opened to transfer flavored liquid produced by flavor source 582 into container 502 to obtain a flavored liquid in container 502.
  • Container inlet valve 526 may be opened before, during, or after liquid 506 initially mixes with flavor source 582. In some cases, the flavoring process takes approximately 15 seconds.
  • liquid 506 is filtered by passing the liquid through a filter (not shown) located in carbonator 504 within filter chamber 597, to obtain a filtered beverage in container 502.
  • a filter located in carbonator 504 within filter chamber 597
  • the filtration process takes approximately 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the filtration process takes approximately 20 to 60 seconds.
  • external air is introduced into an evacuation system 578 to facilitate the removal of residual waste (not shown) and pressure from carbonation chamber 542.
  • External air is introduced into carbonator 504 via evacuation inlet 579, passes through carbonation chamber 542 to dislodge residual waste therein, and then exits carbonator 504.
  • the external air is also introduced to the evacuation system to facilitate the removal of residual waste (not shown) and pressure from the flavor chamber 583 using the same process. In some cases, the external air cycles for approximately 15 seconds.
  • liquid 506 is first filtered through filter chamber 597 and back to container chamber 522. After the filtering cycle completes, the carbonation cycle begins. As part of the carbonation cycle, liquid 506 is introduced to carbonation chamber 542 to react with carbon dioxide source 544 therein. After liquid 506 has been introduced to carbonation chamber 542, liquid 506 passes through flavor chamber 583 and back to container chamber 522 to produce a flavored beverage therein. During the flavoring cycle, carbon dioxide gas 548 passively moves from the higher pressure carbonation chamber 542 to the lower pressure container chamber 522, to inject the carbon dioxide gas 548 into container chamber 522.
  • carbon dioxide gas in headspace 163 of container chamber 522 is pumped through carbonation chamber 542 and back into container chamber 522.
  • the entire carbonation cycle may be completed prior to the flavoring cycle (i.e. the process of carbon dioxide gas in headspace 163 of container chamber 522 passing through carbonation chamber 542 and back into container chamber 522 may also start and finish before the flavoring begins).
  • waste evacuation system 578 is activated to remove a waste product from at least one of carbonation chamber 542 and flavor chamber 543.
  • the entire process as described above, including container 102 and carbonator 104 engagement and disengagement, may take approximately the entire process may take approximately 70 to 210 seconds.
  • the entire process may take approximately 120 to 180 seconds, or, more specifically, 90 to 180 seconds. It will be appreciated that the timing of the entire process may vary in accordance with, for example, the quality of filtering desired, the speed of the pump, the level of carbonation desired, the volume of the system to be pressurized, the temperature of the liquid in the container, the type of carbon dioxide source and the type of flavor source.
  • the example method of producing a filtered, carbonated and flavored beverage outlined above may be completed in the absence of at least one of the filtering cycle, the flavoring cycle and the waste evacuation cycle.
  • a beverage carbonation system 1100 comprises a container 1102 and a carbonator 1104.
  • Carbonator 1104 is removably engageable with container 1 102.
  • a user of beverage carbonation system 1100 may fill container 1102 with a liquid 1106, such as, but not limited to, water, juice, coffee and alcohol.
  • container 1102 has a mouth 1108 and a closure 11 10 for sealing mouth 1108.
  • the user may seal mouth 1108 with closure 1110.
  • carbonator 1 104 can draw a quantity of liquid 1106 from container 1102 for mixing with a reactive carbon dioxide source in the carbonator 1104 to produce gaseous carbon dioxide.
  • the gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced into container 1 102 to mix with the liquid therein to form a carbonated liquid in container 1102.
  • the carbonator may also circulate the liquid through a flavor chamber containing a flavor source (e.g. flavor crystals, coffee grinds, or syrup) to obtain a flavored liquid.
  • a flavor source e.g. flavor crystals, coffee grinds, or syrup
  • the user is able to disengage the container 1102 from carbonator 1104 to obtain a sealed carbonated beverage that may be opened for immediate consumption or stored for later use.
  • the sealed carbonated beverage may share some characteristics with a store bought carbonated beverage, because sealed container 1 102 limits exposure to ambient pressure and reduces carbonation losses.
  • Carbonator 1104 may include a container holder 1112 for receiving at least a portion of container 1102.
  • carbonator 1104 comprises a container holder 1 112 sized to receive a base 1114 of container 1 102.
  • container holder 1112 and base 11 14 have corresponding circular shapes.
  • one or more of base 1114 and container holder 1 112 comprise retentive elements for securing container 1102 to carbonator 1104.
  • the retentive elements may comprise, for example, mating magnetic elements, mating threads, a friction grip or a detent mechanism.
  • FIGS 21 and 22 show side views of an exemplary carbonation system 1100 (shown schematically in Figure 20) in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • container holder 1112 is rotatably connected to the remaining portion of carbonator 1 104 about a pivot axis 1116.
  • Container holder 1112 may be rotatable about the pivot axis 1 1 16 between an open position and a closed position.
  • Figure 21 shows container holder 11 12 rotated about pivot axis 1116 to the open position. In the open position, a user has access to insert or remove container 1102 into or out of container holder 1112.
  • Figure 22 shows container holder 11 12 rotated about pivot axis 1116 to the closed position.
  • Beverage carbonation system 1 100 may be configured to activate manually or automatically after container holder 1112 is rotated to the closed position when container 1102 is received in container holder 11 12.
  • retentive element(s) can be engaged to lock container holder 1112 in the closed position.
  • the retentive element(s) e.g. a latch or magnetic lock
  • the retentive element(s) may automatically engage to lock container holder 1112 in the closed position when container holder 1 112 is rotated into the closed position or when the operational cycle begins.
  • the retentive element(s) may automatically disengage to permit container holder 11 12 to rotate to the open position when the operational cycle completes.
  • the retentive element(s) may be manually engaged or disengaged, using a lever or a button (not shown), for example.
  • container holder 1112 may include a barrier 1118.
  • Barrier 1118 may prevent fragments of container 1102 from projecting outwardly if pressure inside container 1102 causes container 1102 to shatter (e.g. where container 1102 is made of glass and container 1102 is structurally compromised by accident).
  • barrier 1118 is made of a transparent material, such as, for example plastic or glass. Under normal operating conditions, container 1102 is not expected to shatter; however barrier 11 18 provides an additional layer of safety in the event of an accident.
  • container 1102 includes a shell 1120 defining a container chamber 1 122 for holding liquid 1 106.
  • Shell 1120 may be made of ceramic, glass, plastic or metal, for example.
  • base 11 14 is a part of shell 1120.
  • Container 1102 may be a bottle.
  • Container 1102 may also have a mouth 1108 defined by shell 1120 for introducing the liquid 1106 into container chamber 1122.
  • mouth 1108 is located at the top of container 1 102 and provides an upward facing opening when container 1102 stands upright.
  • at least a portion of shell 1120 tapers inwardly towards mouth 1108, to facilitate liquid consumption directly from mouth 1108, if desired.
  • container 1102 comprises a closure 11 10 for sealing mouth 1108.
  • Closure 1 110 may be configured to operatively open and seal mouth 1108.
  • closure 1110 may be removed entirely from mouth 1108.
  • Closure 1110 may be a lid that is removably engageable with mouth 1108.
  • Closure 1110 and mouth 1108 may have mating threads that permit a user to twist closure 1110 onto and off of container 1102.
  • closure 1110 is made of rubber material or has a rubber gasket therein to create a seal with mouth 1 108.
  • the closure 11 10 operatively opens mouth 1 108, the user can pour a liquid into or out of mouth 1 108.
  • closure 11 10 operatively seals mouth 1108, mouth 1108 is sealed in a substantially gas-tight and liquid-tight manner.
  • container 1102 has a container outlet valve 1 124.
  • container outlet valve 1124 is located in closure 11 10.
  • Container outlet valve 1124 has a closed position and an open position. When closure 11 10 is sealing mouth 1108, container outlet valve 1124 is in the open position and container 1102 is disengaged from carbonator 1104, container outlet valve 1124 provides an open passageway for fluid to travel between container chamber 1 122 and the external atmosphere. When closure 11 10 is sealing mouth 1 108, and container outlet valve 1124 is in the closed position, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 1122 via container outlet valve 1 124.
  • container 1102 also has container inlet valve 1126.
  • container inlet valve 1126 is in shell 1120.
  • container inlet valve 1126 is located in base 11 14.
  • Container inlet valve 1126 has a closed position and an open position. If container inlet valve 1126 is open, and container 1102 is disengaged from carbonator 1 104, container inlet valve 1126 provides an open passageway for fluid to travel between container chamber 1 122 and the external atmosphere. When container inlet valve 1126 is closed, fluid is blocked from exiting container chamber 1122 via container inlet valve 1 126.
  • container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1 126 may be opened to allow fluid to pass between container 1102 and carbonator 1104.
  • container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 are closed to fluidly seal container 1102 containing carbonated liquid.
  • Container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be configured (e.g. biased by a spring or otherwise) to seal automatically upon, or prior to, the release of container 1102 from carbonator 1104.
  • container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be, as non- limiting examples, a mechanical spring valve or a check valve.
  • Container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be oneway valves. When open, container outlet valve 1124 may only allow fluid to flow out of container chamber 1122. When open, container inlet valve 1126 may only allow fluid to flow into container chamber 1 122. More specifically, container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be a ball check valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, or a duckbill valve.
  • container “outlet” and “inlet” valves used throughout this disclosure refer to the flow direction of fluid relative to the container (exemplified as container 102 in Figure 1).
  • a container “outlet valve” is applicable to fluid flow out of the container.
  • a container “inlet valve” is applicable to fluid flow into the container.
  • carbonator 1104 has a carbonator outlet port 1 128.
  • Carbonator outlet port 1128 is fluidly engageable with container outlet valve 1124 when container outlet valve 1124 is in the open position.
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 and the container outlet valve 1124 are, directly or indirectly, fluidly coupled to one another.
  • the container outlet valve 1124 is open and fluidly engages carbonator outlet port 1128, fluid is able to flow through container outlet valve 1124 and carbonator outlet port 1128. In this manner, fluid passes between container chamber 1 122 and carbonator 1104.
  • carbonator 1104 also has a carbonator inlet port 1130.
  • Carbonator inlet port 1130 is fluidly engageable with container inlet valve 1126 when container inlet valve 1126 is in the open position.
  • the carbonator inlet port 1130 and container inlet valve 1 126 are, directly or indirectly, fluidly coupled to one another.
  • the container inlet valve 1126 is open and fluidly engages carbonator inlet port 1130, fluid is able to flow through container inlet valve 1 126 and carbonator inlet port 1 130. In this manner, fluid passes between carbonator 1104 and container chamber 1122 (see Figure 20).
  • an "inlet port” of the carbonator engages an inlet valve of the container (exemplified as inlet valve 1 126 of container 1102 in Figure 20) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow into the container.
  • FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container inlet valve 1 126.
  • Container inlet valve 1126 may be a mechanical spring valve or a check valve, for example.
  • container inlet valve 1126 includes a housing 1132, a seat 1 133, a spring 1134, a shaft 1136, and a cap 1138.
  • Carbonator outlet port 1128 is receivable by housing 1132.
  • Carbonator inlet port 1130 and housing 1132 may have corresponding hollow cylindrical shapes.
  • Spring 1134 is coupled to seat 1133 and shaft 1136 to bias cap 1138 toward a closed position against the top of housing 1132.
  • Figure 23 shows container inlet valve 1 126 in the closed position.
  • carbonator inlet port 1130 is located in container holder 1112.
  • container 1 102 is shown engaged with carbonator 1104.
  • container holder 11 12 is rotated to the open position, as shown, a user can insert container 1102 into container holder 1112 to fluidly engage container inlet valve 1126 with carbonator inlet port 1130 (as shown in Figure 20).
  • Figure 22 shows container 1102 engaged with carbonator 1104 and container holder 1112 rotated into the closed position.
  • a crown 1142 may manually or automatically engage container 1102.
  • crown 1 142 is connected to a first end 1143 of a lever 1144.
  • crown 1 142 and lever 1144 can pivot about a second end 1145 of lever 1 144 to move crown 1142 into engagement with container 1102.
  • crown 1142 may be manually or automatically engaged with container 1 102.
  • a controller 1153 may activate a solenoid 1146 to extend a shaft 1147.
  • Solenoid 1146 may hydraulically or electromagnetically extend shaft 1147, for example.
  • shaft 1147 may urge crown 1142 and lever 1144 to pivot about second end 1 145 thereby moving crown 1142 into engagement with closure 1110 of container 1102 and facilitating the stabilization of container 1102 in carbonator 1104.
  • container holder 1 112 may be coupled to lever 1144 (e.g. by cable(s) or a mechanical linkage, not shown) so rotating container holder 1112 into the closed position rotates lever 1144 and moves crown 1142 into engagement with closure 11 10.
  • controller 1153 may comprise any logic board suitably configured to control the operation of carbonator 1104, such as an iOSTM controller, for example. Controller 1153 may automatically activate solenoid 1 146 when container holder 11 12 is rotated into the closed position, or by a user activated switch or button, for example.
  • crown 1 142 includes retentive elements (not shown). The retentive elements may releasably couple crown 1142 to closure 1 110 when crown 1142 is engaged with closure 1110.
  • crown 1142 may include tabs (not shown) that mate with grooves (not shown) in closure 1110.
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 may be located in crown 1142.
  • Figure 20 shows crown 1142 engaged with closure 1110.
  • carbonator outlet port 1 128 engages container outlet valve 1124.
  • FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary closure 11 10.
  • a container outlet valve 1124 in the form of a mechanical spring valve, is located in closure 1110.
  • container outlet valve 1124 comprises a housing 1154, a spring 1156, a shaft 1158, a cap 1160 and a seals 1162.
  • Carbonator outlet port 1128 of carbonator 1104 may be receivable by housing 1154.
  • Carbonator outlet port 1128 and housing 1 154 may have corresponding cylindrical shapes.
  • Seals 1162 are located between cap 1160 and housing 1154.
  • Spring 1 156 is coupled to housing 1154 and shaft 1158 to bias cap 1160 toward a closed position against housing 1 154.
  • Figure 24 shows container outlet valve 1124 in a closed position, with carbonator outlet port 1128 disengaged from container outlet valve 1124.
  • cap 1160 is biased upwardly by spring 1 156 thereby wedging seals 1 162 between cap 1160 and housing 1 154. This creates a fluid tight seal preventing fluid (gas or liquid) from exiting container chamber 1122 to the environment through container outlet valve 1124.
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 may be received by housing 1154 when crown 1142 is engaged with closure 11 10 (see crown 1 42 in Figure 22).
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 When carbonator outlet port 1128 is received by housing 1154, it displaces shaft 1158 such that seals 1 162 separate from housing 1154 breaking the aforementioned seal. In this condition, fluid can exit the container chamber 1122 through container outlet port 1 128 to the carbonator 1104 (see carbonator 1104 in Figure 20),.
  • shaft 1158 returns under the bias of spring 1156 wedging seals 1 162 between cap 1 160 and the bottom of housing 1154, thereby closing container outlet valve 1124.
  • carbonator 1104 may optionally have a start actuator 1151 , which is optionally in the form of a depressible button or switch connected to the controller 1153.
  • Start actuator 1151 may be mounted to an external surface of carbonator 1 04. Activation of start actuator 1151 may send a signal to controller 1153 to activate the operation cycle.
  • Start actuator 1151 may be activated after the container 1102 and carbonator 1104 are engaged. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 22, start actuator 1151 may be activated after container 1 102 is received in container holder 1112 and container holder 1112 is rotated into the closed position. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 1151 opens one or both of container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 (see Figure 20 for the container valves). In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 1151 temporarily locks container 1102 and carbonator 1104 into engagement with one another. For example, activation of start actuator 1151 may engage crown 1 142 with closure 1110. In some embodiments, activation of start actuator 1151 simultaneously opens one or both of container valves 1124, 1126 (see Figure 20 for the container valves) and temporarily locks container 1102 to carbonator 1104.
  • Activation of start actuator 1 151 may send a corresponding signal to controller 1153 to activate at least pump 1150.
  • carbonator 1104 has a carbonation chamber 1 164.
  • Carbonation chamber 1 164 may be integrally formed in carbonator 1 104.
  • carbonation chamber 1164 contains a carbon dioxide source 1 166.
  • carbonation chamber 1164 has an access hatch 1 168 that opens to introduce carbon dioxide source 1166 into carbonation chamber 1164.
  • carbon dioxide source 1166 is reactive with liquid 1106 to produce carbon dioxide gas when liquid 1106 contacts carbon dioxide source 166.
  • carbon dioxide source 1 66 is a solid material that is chemically reactive with liquid 1 106 to emit carbon dioxide gas when the liquid contacts the solid material.
  • liquid 1106 include, but are not limited to, water, juice, tea and alcohol.
  • Carbon dioxide source 1166 may be, for example, an acid mixed with a carbonate, in wet or dry form, combined or separate until required.
  • a solid material carbon dioxide source 1166 is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, and liquid 1 106 is water. More specifically, the solid material may be a dry solid material, such as a powder.
  • Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid can be advantageous for use with water because when they react with water they do not create heat during the reaction. This is desirable when producing a cooled carbonated beverage.
  • dry citric acid and sodium bicarbonate have some benefits, including for example, being relatively inexpensive, non- toxic, relatively easy to handle and/or capable of pre-mixing.
  • flavor chamber 1170 optionally incudes a flavor chamber 1170. It will be appreciated that example embodiment shown in Figure 20 may not have a flavor chamber 1170, in which case liquid 1106 would carbonator 1104 would carbonate the liquid, but not flavor the liquid. Flavor chamber 1 170 may be integrally formed in carbonator 1104. If flavor chamber 1170 is present, it can contain a flavor source 1 172. Optionally, flavor chamber 1170 has an access hatch 1174 that opens to introduce flavor source 1 172 into flavor chamber 1170.
  • Flavor source 1 172 may be, for example, flavor crystals, coffee grinds, instant coffee, syrup, minerals, concentrated juice, honey or any other beverage additive.
  • flavor source 1172 alters the taste of liquid 1106.
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 is fluidly connected to carbonation chamber 1164 containing carbon dioxide source 166 that produces carbon dioxide gas.
  • container outlet valve 1124 When container outlet valve 1124 is open and fluidly engages container outlet port 1128, liquid 1106 can flow from container chamber 1122 into carbonation chamber 1 164 to form carbon dioxide gas in carbonation chamber 1164.
  • Line 1180 is shown including a carbonation inlet 1182 to carbonation chamber
  • carbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170 are both present, and are divided by a chamber wall 1175. As shown, a chamber aperture 1176 in chamber wall 1 175 fluidly connects carbonation chamber 1 164 and flavor chamber 170.
  • carbon dioxide gas produced in carbonation chamber 1164 can flow from carbonation chamber 1164, through chamber aperture 1 176 to container chamber 1 122 to mix with liquid 1106 in container chamber 1122 to form a carbonated liquid in container chamber 1122.
  • the carbon dioxide gas flows through flavor chamber 1170 as it travels to container chamber 122 and acts upon (optionally pushing) flavor source 1 172 to force flavor source 1172 into container chamber 1122 to mix with liquid 1 106 inside container chamber 1122 and produce a flavored and carbonated liquid.
  • carbonator 1104 has at least one pump 1150.
  • a pump (exemplified as pump 1150 in Figure 20) is any mechanism capable of facilitating fluid flow through the system.
  • Pump 1150 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, an electrical pump.
  • the pump may include, as non-limiting examples, a mechanism that facilitates fluid flow using differential pressure, negative pressure, gravity, or a combination thereof.
  • Pump 1150 may pump liquid 1 106 from carbonator outlet port 1128 to pump 1 150 via line 1178, then from pump 1 150 to carbonation chamber 1164 via lines 1264 and 1180.
  • carbonation chamber 1 164 has a carbonation inlet 1 182 that feeds fluid into carbonation chamber 1 164.
  • flavor chamber 1170 does not have a flavoring inlet, and all fluid exiting line 1 180 is directed to carbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet 1182.
  • flavor chamber 1 170 may include a flavoring inlet (not shown) from line 1180 to flavor chamber 1170.
  • container outlet valve 1124 when container outlet valve 1124 is open and fluidly engages container outlet port 1128, liquid 1106 can flow from container chamber 1122 into both flavor chamber 1170 and carbonation chamber 1 164.
  • mixing liquid 1106 with flavor source 1 172 inside flavor chamber 1 170 reduces the viscosity of flavor source 1172.
  • a low- viscosity mixture may flow more easily through the conduits of carbonator 1104 into container chamber 1122 than an undiluted flavor source.
  • carbonation inlet 1182 and the flavoring inlet may be sized to control what fraction of liquid 1106 exiting line 1180 is directed to each of carbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170. In some cases, more liquid 1106 from line 1180 is distributed into carbonation chamber 1164 than flavor chamber 1170.
  • approximately 2/3 of liquid 1 106 exiting line 1180 is directed into carbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet 1182, while approximately 1/3 of liquid 1106 exits line 1180 into flavor chamber 1 170 via a flavoring inlet (not shown). This may be achieved by the cross-sectional area of carbonation inlet 1182 being larger than the cross-sectional area of the flavoring inlet (not shown).
  • the cross-sectional area of carbonation inlet 1 182 may be substantially larger than the cross-section area of the flavoring inlet (not shown), such that substantially all of liquid 1106 exits line 1180 into carbonation chamber 1164 via carbonation inlet 1182.
  • liquid 1106 exits line 1180 into flavor chamber 1170.
  • the liquid may first enter flavor chamber 1170, then travel into carbonation chamber 1164 via chamber aperture 1176 in chamber wall 1175. This may occur when the carbonation inlet 1182 shown (as shown in Figure 20) is not present, or when carbonation inlet 1182 has a cross- sectional area that is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flavoring inlet (not shown).
  • beverage carbonation system 1100 may have carbonation tube 1186.
  • Carbonation tube 1186 is fluidly connected to container outlet valve 1124 and extends inwardly into container chamber 1122.
  • carbonation tube 1186 is in the shape of a straw, and extends vertically downwardly into container chamber 1122 from closure 1110.
  • first end 1 188 is the bottom end of carbonation tube 1186.
  • second end 1190 of carbonation tube 1186 is connected to container outlet valve 1124.
  • the maximum volume of liquid 1106 that may be drawn into the carbonation chamber 1164 may be equal to the volume of container chamber 1122 situated at an elevation above first end 1 188 of carbonation tube 1186. In some cases, it takes approximately 10 seconds to lower the level of liquid 1106 to first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186. In some embodiments, as the level of liquid 1106 is lowered, liquid 1106 is pumped into carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.
  • shell 1 120 of container 1102 may have a fill line 1192.
  • Fill line 1192 may correspond to an ideal level of liquid 1106.
  • the ideal volume of liquid 1106 may correspond with the specific quantity of liquid required to mix with carbon dioxide source 1166 to produce carbon dioxide gas at a rate sufficient to carbonate the liquid 1106 inside container chamber 1122.
  • fill line 1192 corresponds to a volume of between 5% and 20%, of the total volume of liquid 1106 prior to commencement of the carbonation process.
  • the total volume of liquid 1106 in container chamber 1122 may be 10OOmL and the volume of liquid 1 106 between fill line 1192 and first end 1188 may be approximately 50mL to 200ml_. More specifically, the volume of liquid between fill line 1192 and first end 1 188 may be approximately 50mL to 120ml_.
  • carbonation tube 1186 is configured to receive air and carbon dioxide gas from container chamber 1122 for recirculation between container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126. Once the level of liquid falls at or below first end 1 188 of carbonation tube 1186, no more liquid enters the carbonation tube. However, as the process continues, air and some carbon dioxide gas that was injected into container chamber 1122 from carbonation chamber 1 164 passes through the liquid in container chamber 1122 and into headspace 1 194. Recirculating gas from headspace 1194 permits carbon dioxide gas that passed through liquid 1106, but did not diffuse into the liquid, to diffuse back into liquid 1 106. This can reduce the time required to reach a desirable level of beverage carbonation because the recycled carbon dioxide gas is forced through the liquid at a faster rate than if it were to passively dissolve from headspace 1194 into liquid 1 106.
  • the air and carbon dioxide gas mixture may flow through flavor chamber 1 170 as it is recirculated from headspace 1194 through container inlet valve 1126 into container chamber 1122.
  • the gas mixture flows through flavor chamber 1170 it can act upon flavor source 1 172 that remains in flavor chamber 1170 to force that flavor source 1 172 into container chamber 1 122 to mix with liquid 1106 inside container chamber 1122.
  • the gas mixture can also combine with additional carbon dioxide gas from carbonation chamber 1 164 that enters flavor chamber 1170, to increase the proportion of carbon dioxide gas in the gas mixture that travels through the flavor chamber.
  • pump 1150 is a liquid-gas pump that can pump liquid 1106 from container chamber 1 122, into carbonation chamber 1 164, as well as pump carbon dioxide gas along a similar flow path.
  • one gas pump and one liquid pump may be used to pump carbon dioxide gas and liquid 1106, respectively.
  • a diffuser may be fluidly connected to container inlet valve 1126 (see Figure 20).
  • the diffuser can include a nozzle that can accelerate fluid passing through it to produce a jet. This can facilitate the diffusion of carbon dioxide gas and flavor source 1 172 into liquid 1106 to carbonate and flavor liquid 1106 at a faster rate.
  • the diffuser can also help to send carbonated liquid away from container inlet valve 1 126 at such a rate that liquid 1106 is agitated and increases the surface area of the liquid that is in contact with the carbon dioxide. In this manner, the diffuser may be used to increase the rate at which sufficient carbonation of liquid 1106 is achieved.
  • a stop actuator (not shown) to shutdown pump 1150.
  • Activation of a stop actuator can send a corresponding signal to controller 1153 to perform the desired operation.
  • Shutting down pump 1150 may stop the carbonation process described above.
  • pump 1150 may automatically shut down when a sensor (not shown) indicates to the controller 1153 that a sufficient level of pressure has been achieved in container chamber 1 122 to indicate a satisfactory level of beverage carbonation.
  • the sensor can be mounted to carbonator inlet port 1 130.
  • pump 1150 shuts down after the pressure within the system (equalized across carbonator 1 104 and container 1102) reaches a predetermined threshold.
  • pump 1150 may automatically shut down when the pressure within the system reaches a threshold of between approximately 50 to 80 psi.
  • pump 1150 may be shut down after a preprogrammed time period.
  • liquid 1 106 may be delivered to carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds, and carbon dioxide gas in headspace 1 194 may be recirculated out of and back into container 1102 for approximately 30 to 120 seconds (which may overlaps with the delivery of liquid 1 106 to carbonation chamber 1164).
  • pump 1150 may be shut down after a predetermined time corresponding to the completion of the delivery of liquid 1106 to carbonation chamber 1164 and after the recirculation of carbon dioxide gas from headspace 1194.
  • the appropriate time duration varies with the volume and type of liquid 1106 to be carbonated.
  • container outlet valve 1124 and container inlet valve 1126 may be closed prior to container 1102 being disengaged from carbonator 1104.
  • controller 1153 may disengage crown 1 142 from closure 11 10 (e.g. by operating solenoid 1146 to retract shaft 1147 - see Figure 21).
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 may be disengaged from container outlet valve 1124 and to close container outlet valve 1124 (see Figure 24).
  • controller 1153 may also unlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104. For example, controller 1153 may disengage crown 1142 from closure 1 110.
  • controller 1153 When controller 1153 performs certain operations automatically (e.g. shut down pump 1 150 or unlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104) an indicator (such as a light or sound, for example) may activate (e.g. to let the user know that carbonation has completed and that the container 1102 may be disengaged from carbonator 1104).
  • an indicator such as a light or sound, for example
  • a user can manually unlock container 1102 from carbonator 1104 using a manual latch (not shown) after a timed cycle is complete.
  • carbon dioxide gas can be continually generated by carbon dioxide source 1166 and pumped into container chamber 1122 for mixing with liquid 1106 and carbonated liquid inside of container chamber 1122.
  • carbon dioxide gas can be generated, the equalized system pressure of container 1102 and carbonator 1104 rises.
  • carbon dioxide gas is circulated and recirculated through the liquid inside container chamber 1122, the liquid becomes even more carbonated.
  • container outlet valve 1 124 and container inlet valve 1126 close to seal container chamber 1122.
  • the elevated pressure is substantially maintained in the container chamber.
  • a pressure of approximately 50 to 80 psi is maintained in container chamber 1 122 following the disengagement of container 1 102 and carbonator 1 104.
  • the closed container valves allow the container to remain sealed, to minimize carbonation losses to the external atmosphere. This can help to prevent the carbonated beverage from going "flat" during storage, and to preserve the carbonated taste for later consumption.
  • liquid 1 106 is carbonated by the carbon dioxide gas emitted from the carbon dioxide source 1 166 present in the carbonation chamber 1164 (see Figure 20).
  • Exemplary structures and processes related to providing the carbon dioxide source to carbonation chamber 1 164 will now be discussed in detail.
  • beverage carbonation system 1100 may comprise a carbon dioxide cartridge 1 196 for containing carbon dioxide source 1 166.
  • the beverage carbonation system also includes a flavor cartridge 1 198 for containing flavor source 1 172.
  • the cartridges 1 196, 1 198 may be separate cartridges, or they may be connected as a combined cartridge having separated compartments, as shown.
  • Figures 20, 25 and 26 show an example embodiment for combination cartridge 1201.
  • Figure 25 provides a perspective view of combination cartridge 1201
  • Figure 26 provides a front view of exemplary combination cartridge 1201.
  • cartridges 1196 and 1 198 include a hollow housing 1 197 and a pierceable cover 1 199.
  • Pierceable cover 1 199 may run along a top surface of hollow housing 1 197.
  • pierceable cover 1 199 is made of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, while the remainder of hollow housing 1 197 is made of molded plastic.
  • combination cartridge 1201 may have two pierceable covers, to separately cover cartridges 1196 and 1 198, respectively.
  • Figures 27 and 28 provide a perspective view and top view, respectively, of the combination cartridge 1201 of Figures 20, 25 and 26 with pierceable cover 1199 removed to show the interior of combination cartridge 1201.
  • Carbonator 1 104 is exemplified in Figure 20 as having a transfer mechanism 1200.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 receives carbon dioxide cartridge 1196 and deposits the carbon dioxide source 1166 therein into carbonation chamber 1164.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 receives flavor cartridge 1198 and deposits flavor source 1172 therein into flavor chamber 1170.
  • FIG. 21 An exemplary transfer mechanism 1200 is shown in Figure 21.
  • Figures 29 and 30 show a top view and a side view, respectively, of the transfer mechanism exemplified in Figure 21.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 includes a cartridge holder 1202 having a cavity 1204 sized to receive a flavor cartridge 1198, and a cavity 1206 sized to receive a carbon dioxide cartridge 1196.
  • Figure 20 shows an exemplary combination cartridge 1021 moved to a first, second and third position, represented by 1201 ', 1201 " and 1201 "', respectively.
  • the combination cartridge 1201 contains carbon dioxide source 1166 and flavor source 1 172.
  • arrows 1208 schematically illustrate that cartridges 1196 and 1198 can be inserted into cartridge holder 1202 (as shown at second position 1201").
  • cartridges 1196 and 1198 may be inserted into cartridge holder 1202, hollow housing 1197 first. This leaves the pierceable cover 1199 of cartridges 1196, 1198 facing outward and upward from cavities 1204 and 1206.
  • Cartridges 1196 and 1198 are preferably inserted into cartridge holder 1202 at second position 1201" with pierceable covers 1199 intact and affixed to housing 1197 (as shown in Figures 25 and 26).
  • transfer mechanism 1200 includes at least one cutter 1210.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 includes two cutters 1210, one for each cartridge 1 196, 1198.
  • cutters 1210 are configured to cut away at least a portion of a respective cartridge 1 196, 1 198 to release the carbon dioxide source 1 166 and flavor source 1172 contained therein into carbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170, respectively.
  • cartridges 1196 and 1198 include pierceable cover 1199 which faces outward and upward from cavities 1204 and 1206 when cartridges 1196 and 1198 are received in cartridge holder 1202.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 is configured to rotate (optionally, invert) cartridge holder 1202 to align the outward facing pierceable cover 1 199 with a respective cutter 1210, as shown at third cartridge position 1201"' in Figure 20 .
  • the movement from the second cartridge position 1201" to the third cartridge position 1201" is schematically illustrated by arrows 1212 and 1217 in Figure 20.
  • Transfer mechanism 1200 can move a cartridge, such as combination cartridge 1201 from second position 1201" to third position 1201 "' (see Figure 20).
  • a cartridge such as combination cartridge 1201 from second position 1201" to third position 1201 "' (see Figure 20).
  • An exemplary structure and operation of transfer mechanism 1200 will now be discussed in detail with respect to Figures 29 and 30.
  • cartridge holder 1202 is rotatably coupled to a carrier 1214.
  • Cartridge holder 1202 may be suspended inside of carrier 1214 by support members 1215.
  • support members 1215 may be cylindrical.
  • Cartridge holder 1202 may be fixedly coupled to support members 1215, to rotate along with support members 1215.
  • Support members 1215 may extend from cartridge holder 1202 through openings (not shown) in carrier 1214.
  • support members 1215 and the openings in carrier 1214 are sized and shaped to permit support members 1215 to rotate inside the openings, to permit cartridge holder 1202 to rotate with respect to carrier 1214.
  • carrier 1214 is slideably coupled to rails 1216 by at least one sliding connection member (not shown).
  • carrier 1214 is suspended on rails 1216 and can translate in the direction of arrow 1217 along a linear path between rails 1216 to align cartridges 1196 and 1198 above carbonation chamber 1164 and flavor chamber 1170, respectively.
  • each support member 1215 includes an end projection 1219.
  • each end projection 1219 extends through a passage 1220 of a frame 1221.
  • passage 1220 is an opening in frame 1221 sized to receive end projection 1219.
  • passage 1220 may be formed in an interior surface of carbonator 1104. End projection 1219 can move along passage 1220 (see Figure 30), as carrier 1214 slides in the direction of arrow 1217 along rails 1216 (see Figure 29).
  • passage 1220 includes a first portion 1222, a second portion 1223 and a rotary portion 1224 intermediate the first and second portions 1222 and 1223.
  • end projection 1219 is shown in Figure 30 having a dumbbell or peanut-like shape including a first end 1225 and a second end 1226.
  • a width 1227 of passage 1120 generally corresponds to a width 1228 of end projection 1219.
  • width 1227 may be equal to or slightly larger than width 1228. This may constrain the rotation of end projection 1219 (and therefore cartridge holder 1202) when end projection 1219 is located in the first portion 1222 or second portion 1223 of passage 1220.
  • end projection 1219 can slide along passage 1220 from the first portion 1222, through the rotary portion 224, to the second portion 1223 as carrier 1214 (and cartridge holder 1202) slides in the direction of arrow 1217 along rails 1216 (rails 1216 are shown in Figure 29).
  • end projection 1219 (and cartridge holder 1202) inverts (e.g. rotates approximately 180 degrees) when it travels through rotary portion 1224. For example, when end projection 219 enters rotary portion 1224 from first portion 1222, first end 1225 of end projection 1219 may enter pocket 1231.
  • end projection 1219 pivots about first end 1225 in pocket 1231 , rotating second end 1226 forward.
  • end projection 1219 and cartridge holder 1202 rotate approximately 180 degrees (counterclockwise from the perspective of Figure 30) such that pierceable cover 1 199 of cartridges 1196 and 1 198 faces generally downwardly (not shown).
  • carbon dioxide source 1 166 and flavor source 1 172 may flow out of cartridges 1 196 and 1 198, respectively, and into funnels 1229 (see Figure 29).
  • funnels 1229 direct flavor source 1 172 into flavor chamber 1 170, and direct carbon dioxide source 1 166 into carbonation chamber 1 164 (as shown by the third cartridge position 1201 "' in Figure 20)
  • a user may pull on handle 1288 to rotate container holder 1 1 12 to the open position.
  • Pulling on handle 1288 may provide access to manually pull carrier 1214 and thereby move end projection 1219 from the second portion 1222 to the first portion 1223 and thereby rotating cartridge holder 1202 to receive cartridges 1 196 and 1 198 from above (see Figures 29 and 30).
  • a user may manually push on carrier 1214 moving end projection 1219 from the first portion 1222 to the second portion 1223, and thereby inverting cartridge holder 1202.
  • carrier 1214 may be coupled to container holder 1112 so that carrier 1214 is automatically moved by the opening and closing of container holder 11 12.
  • Carrier 1214 may be mechanically linked to container holder 1112 by linkages, for example.
  • the movement of carrier 1214 may be automated by controller 1 153.
  • carbonation chamber 1164 may include an access hatch 1168 that can open to permit the deposit of carbon dioxide source 1166 into carbonation chamber 1164 from carbon dioxide cartridge 1196. In some cases, access hatch 1168 may close to seal the carbonation chamber 1164 from carbon dioxide cartridge 1196.
  • flavor chamber 1170 may include an access hatch 1174 that can open to permit the deposit of flavor source 1 172 into flavor chamber 1 170 from flavor cartridge 1198. In some cases, access hatch 1 174 may close to seal flavor chamber 1170 from flavor cartridge 1 172.
  • access hatches 1168 and 1 174 are shown as hinged doors. Access hatches 1168 and 1174 may be coupled to a rod 1290 (see Figures 21 and 22).
  • rod 1290 can rotate counterclockwise to open access hatches 1168 and 1174, and can rotate clockwise to close access hatches 1168 and 1174 (access hatches 1168 and 1 174 are shown in Figure 20, but are not shown in Figures 21 and 22).
  • rod 1290 (shown as extending into the page) is coupled to lever arms 1292 and 1294.
  • carrier 1214 may urge lever arm 1292 to the left (from the perspective of Figures 21 and 22) thereby rotating rod 1290 to open the access hatches 1168 and 1 174 (shown in Figure 20, not shown in Figures 21 and 22).
  • a link 1296 is rotatably connected to container holder 1 1 12 and slidably connected to rail 1298.
  • a first end 1300 of link 1296 may slide along rail 1298 and urge lever arm 1294 to the left (from the perspective of Figures 21 and 22) thereby rotating rod 1290 clockwise (from the perspective of Figures 21 and 22) to close access hatches 1 168 and 1 174 (the hatches are shown in Figure 20, but are not shown in Figures 21 and 22).
  • an operational cycle i.e. at least liquid carbonation
  • the condition of access hatches 1 168, 1 174 may be controlled by controller 1 153.
  • controller 1 153 opens access hatch 1 168 of carbonation chamber 1 164 (and optionally access hatch 1 174 of flavor chamber 1170, if the flavor chamber is present), to permit the contents of cartridges 1 196 (and optionally 1 198) to be deposited into the corresponding chamber.
  • controller 1 153 may open access hatches 1168, 1 174 when container 1 102 is engaged with carbonator 1 104.
  • controller 1 153 may open access hatches 1 168, 1 174 at the end of a previous operation cycle, when container 1 102 is disengaged from carbonator 1 104 (i.e. before container 1 102 is re-engaged with carbonator 1 104 and a new operation cycle is started).
  • Controller 1 153 may close access hatches 1 168 to carbonation chamber 1 164 (and, if present, access hatch 1 174 to flavor chamber 1 170) upon the expiry of a predetermined time after carbon dioxide cartridge 1 196 (and if present, flavor cartridge 1 198) is been pierced by cutters 1210.
  • the predetermined time can be selected to correspond with the expected time required for the cartridge contents to deposit into the chambers 1 164, 1 170. In some cases, controller 1 153 waits approximately 5 seconds after cartridges 1 196, 1 198 have been pierced before closing access hatches 1 168, 1 174.
  • carbonator 1104 has a waste reservoir 1230.
  • waste reservoir 1230 may be located in carbonator 1 04 outside of carbonation chamber 1 64. Waste reservoir 1230 is at least partially removable from a remaining portion of carbonator 1104 (i.e. the portion of carbonator remaining after waste reservoir 1230 is removed). Waste reservoir 1230 may be a container that is removable from the remainder of carbonator 1 104, as shown in Figure 20. In some embodiments, waste reservoir 1230 is a sliding tray the user can pull at least partially out of carbonator 1104 to access a waste product therein (not shown).
  • Waste reservoir 1230 may be removed from carbonator 1 104 and rinsed or dumped into the trash, then reinserted into carbonator 1104 for reuse.
  • the user may clean and/or empty waste reservoir 1230 after approximately every 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. In some more specific embodiments, the user may clean and/or empty waste reservoir 1230 after approximately 5 cycles.
  • waste reservoir 1230 may be configured to be cleaned out after each carbonation cycle. However, this will vary with the volume of liquid being carbonated per cycle, and the type of liquid and carbon dioxide source used.
  • waste reservoir 1230 may be fluidly communicated with a piping system, to allow a waste product to drain from the carbonation chamber 1164 without requiring waste reservoir 1230 to be at least partially removed from carbonator 1 104.
  • carbonation chamber 1164 may be directly connected a piping system (in the absence of waste reservoir 1230) to allow a waste product to be evacuated from the carbonator 1104 by fluid flow. This piping system may tap into a household piping system, for example.
  • waste reservoir 1230 includes a waste inlet 1232. As shown, waste can be ejected from carbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 through waste inlet 1232.
  • carbonator 1 104 includes a drip slide 1302 that can be positioned between transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1 170 to direct dripping residual cartridge contents into a waste reservoir 230. This may prevent residual carbon dioxide source 1166 and residual flavor source 1172 from dripping onto access hatches 1168 and 1174 of chamber 1 164 and 1170 (see Figure 20) when these access doors are closed . In some cases, residual cartridge contents may drip for approximately 1 minute, during which time drip slide 1302 may be in place to protect the access hatches from the dripping residual cartridge contents.
  • a link 1304 couples drip slide 1302 to lever arm 1292.
  • rod 1290 rotates to close access hatches 1168 and 1174 (access hatches are shown in Figure 20).
  • Rotating rod 1290 to close the access hatches moves lever arm 1292 and link 1304, and drip slide 1302 moves to the right (from the perspective of Figures 21 and 22), and thereby positions drip slide 1302 between transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1 164 and 1 170.
  • the closure of access hatches 1168 and 1174 (shown in Figure 20), is coordinated with the movement of drip slide 1302 into position between transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1 170.
  • Drip slide 1302 may be positioned between transfer mechanism 1200 and chambers 1164 and 1170 before access hatches 1168 and 1174 ( Figure 20) are closed so that residue does not drip onto the access hatches.
  • carbonator outlet port 1128 may be disengaged from container outlet valve 1124 after the carbonation cycle is complete, exposing carbonator outlet port 128 to atmospheric air.
  • pump 1 150 can be activated to draw atmospheric air into carbonation chamber 1164 to eject the waste therein into waste reservoir 1230.
  • atmospheric air is pumped through carbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 for approximately 15 seconds. In some embodiments, atmospheric air is pumped through carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.
  • beverage carbonation system 1100 optionally has a removable filter 1250 located in a filter chamber 1252.
  • filter chamber 1252 contains a removable filter 1250 in fluid communication with container chamber 1122 to filter liquid 1106.
  • the user needs to replace the removable filter approximately every 50 filtration cycles.
  • filter chamber 1252 is located between pump 1150 and carbonator outlet port 1128. As exemplified, all fluid (liquid and/or gas) that is drawn from container chamber 1122 into carbonator 1104 flows through, and is filtered by, filter 1250.
  • filter chamber 1252 may be differently located so that fluid from filter chamber 1252 can be optionally filtered.
  • the filtering process may start before or after carbonating liquid 1106. It will be appreciated that if the filtration process starts before the carbonation process, the liquid 1106 that passes through the filter is the original, uncarbonated liquid 1106. However, if the filtering process starts after the carbonation process, the liquid that passes through the filter is at least partially carbonated. Preferably, liquid 1106 is filtered before it is carbonated. Alternatively, the carbonated liquid may be subsequently filtered. However, if carbonated liquid is filtered, it is preferred to run the carbonated liquid thorough the filter at an elevated pressure.
  • the filter may undesirably remove some carbonation from the carbonated liquid.
  • the filtering process lasts for approximately 20 to 60 seconds. The timing for the filtering process may vary depending on the quality of filtering desired and the speed of pump 1150, for example.
  • FIG. 21 shows beverage carbonation system 1100 with container holder 11 12 in the open position.
  • container 1102 can be disengaged from carbonator 1104, and closure 11 10 removed to fill container 1 102 with a liquid 1106 of choice up to fill line 1192.
  • closure 1 110 can be replaced onto mouth 1108 of container 1102, and container 02 can be replaced onto container holder 11 12.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 access is provided to transfer mechanism 1200 to insert carbon dioxide cartridge 1196 (and optionally, flavor cartridge, 1198) when container holder 11 12 is rotated about pivot axis 1116 into the open position.
  • a user may insert cartridges 1196, 1198 into cavities 1204, 1206 of cartridge holder 1202.
  • transfer mechanism 1200 may be located or oriented differently than the example shown so that there is access to insert cartridges 1196, 1198 even after container holder 1 12 is rotated into the closed position.
  • Figure 22 shows transfer mechanism 1200 after cartridges 1196, 1198 have been inverted and pierced by cutters 1210. Once the cartridges are pierced, the contents of cartridges 1196, 1198 may be deposited into chambers 1164, 1170 respectively (as shown by third cartridge position 1201 "' in Figure 20) .
  • start actuator 1151 may be activated to send a signal to controller 1153 to begin the operation cycle.
  • controller 1153 may begin the operation cycle automatically when it detects that at least one cartridge is inserted into cartridge holder 1202, a container 1 102 is engaged with container holder 1112, and the container holder 1112 is rotated into the closed position, as exemplified in Figure 22.
  • controller 1153 may begin by engaging container outlet port 1124 with carbonator outlet port 1128. Referring to Figure 22, controller 1 153 may then activate solenoid 1146 to extend shaft 1147 and urge crown 1142 containing carbonator outlet port 1 128 (shown in Figure 20) into engagement with closure 1110 containing container outlet valve 1124 (shown in Figure 20). [276] Referring to Figure 20, in alternative embodiments, carbonator outlet port 1128 may engage with container outlet valve 1124 absent a signal from controller 1153.
  • lever 1144 may be manually operable (e.g. by a user) to engage crown 1 142 with closure 1110.
  • a mechanical linkage (not shown) rotates lever 1144 and moves crown 1142 into engagement with closure 1110 in response to the rotation of container holder 1112 into the closed position, for example.
  • container inlet valve 1126 may automatically engage carbonator inlet port 1130 when container 1102 is inserted into container holder 1112.
  • controller 1153 activates an actuator (not shown) to move carbonator inlet port 1130 (ex. generally upwardly) into engagement with container inlet valve 1126.
  • controller 1153 may activate pump 1150 to begin circulating fluid through the system. Controller 1153 may selectively control the open and closed condition of a plurality of solenoid valves to direct the flow of fluids through carbonator 04.
  • carbonator 1 104 includes four valves: a filter solenoid valve 1254, a cartridge solenoid valve 1256, a container solenoid valve 1258 and a waste solenoid valve 1260.
  • Each solenoid valve may be one of any suitable type of valve, including, but limited to, a directional control valve, a diaphragm valve, or a pinch valve. Although system 1100 is shown including four solenoid valves, alternative embodiments may include more or less valves.
  • controller 1 153 may begin by configuring a filtration cycle including a fluid connection between container chamber 1122, filter chamber 1252, and pump 1150.
  • controller 1153 opens filter solenoid valve 1254 and closes all of the other solenoid valves 1256, 1258 and 1260.
  • a fluid connection is formed including line 1178, line 1262, line 1264 and line 1266.
  • liquid 1106 may flow into carbonation tube 1186, through container outlet valve 1124, carbonator outlet port 1128, line 1178, filter chamber 1252, line 1262, pump 1150, line 1264, solenoid valve 1254, line 1266, container inlet valve 1126 and re-enter container chamber 1 122, filtered.
  • Controller 1153 may continue the filtration cycle for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, controller 1 153 continues the filtration cycle until a stop filtration actuator (not shown) is activated (e.g. manually by a user).
  • controller 1153 continues with the carbonation cycle.
  • controller 1153 configures a carbonation cycle including at least container chamber 1122, pump 1150 and carbonation chamber 1164.
  • controller 1153 opens cartridge solenoid valve 1256 and container solenoid valve 1258, and closes the other solenoid valves 1254 and 1260.
  • a fluid connection is formed including line 1 78, line 1262, line 1264, line 1180, line 1268 and line 1266.
  • liquid 1 106 flows from container chamber 1122 into carbonation tube 1186, through container outlet valve 1124, carbonator outlet port 1128, line 1178, filter chamber 1252, line 1262, pump 1150, line 1264, solenoid valve 1256, line 1180 and then into carbonation chamber 1164.
  • liquid enters carbonation chamber 1164 it mixes with carbon dioxide source 1 166 to produce carbon dioxide gas.
  • liquid 1 106 may be delivered to carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds.
  • the carbon dioxide gas flows into flavor chamber 1170 though chamber aperture 1176 in chamber wall 1175.
  • the carbon dioxide gas pressurized in carbonation chamber 1164 travels into and through the flavor chamber to force flavor source 1172 in flavor chamber 1 170 into container 1102.
  • the pressure inside of flavor chamber 1170 rises ejecting flavor source 1172 out of flavor chamber 1170 and into container chamber 1 122 via container inlet valve 1126.
  • the carbon dioxide gas also exits flavor chamber 70 and flows into container chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1 126.
  • the flavoring and carbon dioxide is thereby transferred into container 1102, to flavor and carbonate liquid 06 in the container.
  • liquid 1106 will cease to flow from container chamber 1122 when the water level inside container chamber 1 122 is level with first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1 186. Afterward, gas from headspace 1194 instead of liquid 1106 may be drawn through first end 1188 of carbonation tube 1186. The gaseous flow may enter flavor chamber 1170 and augment the pressure provided by the carbon dioxide gas. This may accelerate the transfer of flavor source 1172 and carbon dioxide gas from flavor chamber 1170 to container chamber 1122. The transfer of carbon dioxide gas from headspace 1194 out of container chamber 1122, through carbonation chamber 1164 and back to container chamber 1122. In some embodiments, this circulation of carbon dioxide gas takes approximately 30 to 120 seconds.
  • the circulation of carbon dioxide gas occurs almost simultaneously (or after a short delay) from the time that liquid 1106 is drawn from container 1102 to react with carbon dioxide source 1166 in carbonation chamber 1164.
  • liquid 1106 is transferred from container 1102 to carbonation chamber 1164 for approximately 5 to 15 seconds. It will be appreciated that there may some overlap between the liquid carbonation cycle (which may be 5 to 15 seconds, for example) and the portion of the carbonation cycle involving the recirculation of carbon dioxide gas from headspace 1194 (which may be 30 to 120 seconds, for example).
  • flavor source 1172 that enters container chamber 1 122 through container inlet valve 1126 mixes with liquid 1106 to produce a flavored liquid.
  • carbon dioxide gas that enters container chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126 bubbles (optionally, generally upwardly) through liquid 1106, diffusing into liquid 1106 to produce a carbonated liquid.
  • Some carbon dioxide gas may not diffuse into liquid 1106 before it rises into headspace 1194. At least some of this carbon dioxide gas may subsequently drawn in through carbonation tube 1186 and re-enter container chamber 1122 through container inlet valve 1126. Recirculating the undiffused carbon dioxide gas in headspace 1194 may accelerate the carbonation cycle, thereby reducing the time required to carbonate liquid 1106 to the desired level.
  • Carbonator 1104 may include a pressure relief valve (not shown) to prevent the system pressure from rising to unsafe levels.
  • the pressure relief valve may be configured to open when the pressure rises to approximately 70 psi to 80 psi.
  • the pressure relief valve may be configured to open when the pressure rises above 70 psi.
  • the pressure relief valve may be configured to open when the pressure rises above 80 psi.
  • the pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens may vary depending on the strength of material used for shell 1120 of container 1 102 (such as, but not limited to, glass or plastic).
  • Controller 1153 may end the carbonation cycle after a predetermined time period.
  • controller 1153 ends the carbonation cycle after approximately 30 to 120 seconds.
  • the predetermined time period can correspond to an estimated time required to diffuse an optimal volume of carbon dioxide gas into liquid 1106 inside of container chamber 1122. Accordingly, the predetermined time period can vary according to the volume of liquid 1106 inside of container chamber 1122, the flow rate of pump 1150 and the potency of carbon dioxide source 66 to produce carbon dioxide gas.
  • controller 153 may configure a waste evacuation cycle including carbonation chamber 1164 and waste reservoir 1230.
  • controller 1 153 may close container solenoid valve 1258 and open waste solenoid valve 1260 so that cartridge solenoid valve 1256 and waste solenoid valve 1260 are the only open valves.
  • the pressure differential present in the system can passively force at least some (preferably a substantial amount) of residual carbon dioxide source waste in carbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 through waste inlet 1232.
  • the entire filtering, carbonation, flavoring and waste evacuation process may take approximately 70 to 210 seconds. In more specific embodiments, the entire process may take approximately 120 to 180 seconds. It will be appreciated that the timing of the entire process may vary in accordance with, for example, the quality of filtering desired, the speed of pump 1150, level of carbonation desired, volume of the system to be pressurized, the temperature of liquid 1106, the type of carbon dioxide sourcel 166 and the type of flavor source 1172.
  • controller 1153 may cause carbonator outlet port 1128 to disengage from container outlet valve 1124 to expose carbonator outlet port 1128 to external air.
  • a fluid connection is formed between atmospheric air, line 1178, filter chamber 1252, line 1262, pump 1 150, line 1264, cartridge solenoid valve 1256, line 1180, carbonation chamber 1164, line 1270, waste solenoid valve 1260, line 1272 and waste reservoir 1230.
  • the disengagement of carbonator outlet port 1128 and container outlet valve 1124 may occur after the pressure differential is used to passively force at least some (preferably a substantial amount) of residual carbon dioxide waste into waste reservoir 1230.
  • pump 150 may be activated to facilitate the flow of external air from carbonator outlet port 1128 into carbonation chamber 1164 to eject remaining residual carbon dioxide source waste in carbonation chamber 1164 into waste reservoir 1230 through waste inlet 1232.
  • controller 1153 stops the waste evacuation cycle after a predetermined time period, such as 10 seconds for example.
  • controller 1153 stops the waste evacuation cycle after a flow sensor (not shown) detects there is no more waste flowing from carbonation chamber 1164 to waste reservoir 1230.
  • a stop actuator not shown
  • a signal is sent to controller 1153 to stop the waste evacuation cycle.
  • waste reservoir 1230 is removable to empty the waste collected therein.
  • Waste reservoir 1230 is sized to hold waste from approximately 5 to 10 carbonation cycles. More specifically, waste reservoir 1230 may be sized to hold waste from approximately 5 carbonation cycles.
  • container 1 102 may be removed from carbonator 1 104 after the waste evacuation cycle has finished.
  • container holder 1 1 12 may be unlocked automatically by controller 1 153 or manually by a user to permit container holder 1 1 12 to rotate to the open position.
  • carbonator outlet port 1 128 is in connected to crown 1 142 and carbonator outlet port 1 128 engages container 1 102 to temporarily prevent container 1 102 from being removed from container holder 1 1 12.
  • carbonator inlet port 1 130 may disengage container inlet valve 1 126 and container inlet port 1 126 automatically closes.
  • Container 1 102 seals the carbonated (and optionally flavored) beverage from the exterior to prevent the beverage from losing carbonation and going "flat".
  • the beverage can be stored for a prolonged period with minimal loss of carbonation.
  • Closure 1 1 10 can be removed when a user is ready to consume the beverage.
  • FIG. 21 With container holder 1 1 12 in the open position, a user can manually pull on carrier 1214 to rotate cartridge holder 1202 and cartridges 1 196 and 1198 to face generally upwardly. Alternatively, the movement of carrier 1214 may be automated. Afterward, the expended cartridges 1 196, 1 198 can be removed from cartridge holder 1202 and disposed by trash (or recycled). Optionally, cartridges 1 196, 1 198 can be cleaned, refilled, resealed and reused.
  • beverage carbonation system 2000 includes container 2002 and carbonator 2004.
  • container 2002 has one or more features that are generally analogous to those of container 1102 described above in connection with beverage carbonation system 1 100 (shown in Figures 20 to 22, for example). Those elements of container 2002 labeled by a reference numeral suffixed "b", are in at least some embodiments analogous to the corresponding element of container 1102 labeled by the same reference numeral (without the suffix "b").
  • carbonator 2004 has one or more features that are generally analogous to those of carbonator 1 104. Those elements of carbonator 2004 labeled by a reference numeral suffixed "b", are in at least some embodiments analogous to the corresponding element of carbonator 1 104 labeled by the same reference numeral (without the suffix "b").
  • container 2002 is removably engageable with carbonator 2004.
  • carbonator 2004 includes a container holder 1112b for receiving at least a portion of container 2002.
  • Carbonator 2004 may be sized to receive base 1114b of container 2002.
  • carbonator 2004 includes a barrier 1 118b for protecting the user from, for example, a damaged container 2002 exploding under pressure.
  • barrier 1118b is moved to an open position to insert container into container holder 11 12b, and afterwards moved to a closed position.
  • container 2002 is positionable behind barrier 1118b without moving barrier 1118b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes carbonator inlet port 1130b removably engageable with container inlet valve 1 126b, and carbonator outlet port 1128b removably engageable with container outlet valve 1 124b.
  • carbonator port and a container valve are engaged with one another, they become fluidly coupled and thereby permit fluid (i.e. gas and/or liquid) to flow between container 2002 and carbonator 2004 across the engaged port and valve.
  • carbonator inlet port 1130b is located in container holder 1 1 12b, and carbonator outlet port 1128b is located in crown 1142b.
  • Container 2002 is shown including a base 1114b and a removable closure 1110b.
  • container inlet valve 1126b is located in base 1114b
  • container outlet valve 1124b is located in closure 1110b.
  • one or more of carbonator ports 1128b and 1130b is located elsewhere on carbonator 2004, and/or one or more of container valves 1124b and 1 126b is located elsewhere on container 2002.
  • each carbonator port 1 128b and 1130b is aligned or alignable to engage with a respective container valve 1124b or 1126b.
  • an "inlet port” of the carbonator engages an inlet valve of the container (exemplified as container inlet valve 1126b of container 2002 in Figure 31) and represents a carbonator port that provides fluid flow into the container.
  • carbonator 2004 is shown including inlet port actuator 2006 for selectively moving carbonator inlet port 1130b into engagement with container inlet valve 1126b, and outlet port actuator 2008 for selectively moving carbonator outlet port 1128b into engagement with container outlet valve 1 124b.
  • each port actuator 2006 and 2008 includes a respective port holder 2012 or 2014 for holding a respective port 1130b or 1 128b.
  • each port holder 2006 and 2008 also includes a respective port driver 2032 or 2034 for driving a respective port holder 2012 or 2014.
  • Each of port drivers 2032 and 2034 acts upon a respective port holder 2012 or 2014 to selectively move the port 1 130b or 1128b held by that port holder 2012 or 2014, respectively, into or out of engagement with a respective valve 1126b or 1124b.
  • each of port holders 2012 and 2014 includes external threads which interface with mating threads 2036 or 2038 of a respective port driver 2032 or 2034.
  • each of port drivers 2032 and 2034 can rotate (e.g. manually by a user, or automatically by a motor) their respective threads 2036 or 2038 to move a respective port holder 2012 or 2014 toward a respective valve 1126b or 1124b.
  • Figure 31 exemplifies port holders 2012 and 2014 moved by a respective port driver 2032 or 2034 to a first position in which the port holder's respective port 1130b or 1 128b is disengaged from the port's respective valve 1126b or 1128b.
  • Figure 32 shows an example of port holders 2012 and 2014 moved by a respective port driver 2032 or 2034 to a second position in which the port holder's respective port 1 130b or 1128b is engaged with the port's respective valve 1 26b or 28b.
  • one or both of port drivers 2032 and 2034 interfaces with respective port holder 2012 or 2014 by other than mating threads.
  • a port driver e.g. 2032 or 2034
  • the port holder in this example may include ferromagnetic material (e.g. iron, or nickel) or have a selectively activated electromagnet.
  • a port driver (e.g. 2032 or 2034) includes a mechanical linkage (e.g. a pivoting arm activated by a motor, or the depression of a lever) which moves a respective port holder (e.g. 2012 or 2014) to selectively engage or disengage the port held by that port holder (e.g. 1130b or 1 128b) with a respective valve (e.g. 1 126b or 1124b).
  • a mechanical linkage e.g. a pivoting arm activated by a motor, or the depression of a lever
  • a respective port holder e.g. 2012 or 2014
  • a respective valve e.g. 1 126b or 1124b
  • a port driver and a port holder are integrally formed.
  • Port driver 2034 may be a pivotally mounted lid.
  • port holder 2014 is defined by interior walls of an aperture through the lid 2034. Carbonator outlet port 1128b in this example is held by those interior walls, inside that aperture, such that when lid 2034 with port holder 2014 is pivoted, carbonator outlet port 1128b moves toward or away from container outlet valve 1124b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes only one port actuator (e.g. 2006 or 2008).
  • the actuator's port driver e.g. 2032 or 2034
  • carbonator 2004 includes inlet port actuator 2006 with a port driver 2032 that can be activated to move inlet port holder 2012 by a distance sufficient to (i) engage carbonator inlet port 1130b with container inlet valve 126b, and (ii) raise container 2002 until a stationary carbonator outlet port 1128b engages with container outlet valve 1124b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes outlet port actuator 2006.
  • carbonator inlet port 1130b is positioned such that the user engages carbonator inlet port 1130b with container inlet valve 1126b by inserting container 2002 into container holder 1 112b.
  • carbonator 2004 lowers container 2002 until stationary carbonator inlet port 1130b engages with container inlet valve 1 126b.
  • outlet port actuator 2006 can be activated to lower outlet port holder 2014 until carbonator outlet port 1128b engages with container outlet valve 1124b.
  • Each of port actuators 2006 and 2008 may be manually or automatically activated.
  • port driver 2034 of port actuator 2008 is rotatable by hand to manually move port holder 2014 and port 1128b toward or away from container outlet valve 1 124b.
  • one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008 is electrically activated (e.g. by motor or electromagnet).
  • port actuators 2006 and 2008 are activated in direct response to a user action (e.g. manually rotating port driver 2034, or depressing a special purpose button), or collaterally activated as part of a mechanical and/or electrical sequence of events.
  • a user action e.g. manually rotating port driver 2034, or depressing a special purpose button
  • collaterally activated as part of a mechanical and/or electrical sequence of events.
  • closing barrier 1118b with container 2002 in container holder 11 12b completes an electrical circuit which powers one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008 to move their respective port holder 2012 or 2014 to engage the port 1 130b or 1128b held by that port holder 2012 or 2014 with the port's respective valve 1126b or 1124b.
  • closing barrier 1 8b is detected by a sensor communicatively coupled to controller 1153b, and in response controller 1 153b sends a signal to activate one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008.
  • inserting container 2002 into container holder 11 12b is detected by a sensor communicatively coupled to controller 1153b, which in response both closes barrier 1118b and activates one or both of port actuators 2006 and 2008 (e.g. simultaneous, or in sequence).
  • a user of at least one embodiment of beverage carbonation system 2000 fills container 2002 with a liquid 1106b through container mouth 1108b, and then seals mouth 1108b with container closure 1110b.
  • the filled container 2002 is placed into container holder 11 12b, and each of carbonator ports 1128b and 1130b are engaged with a respective container valve 1124b or 1126b.
  • liquid 1106b in container 2002 is carbonated and optionally flavored by circulating fluid (e.g. liquid 1106b, flavor source, and generated carbon dioxide) through carbonator 2004 and container 2002.
  • the user in this example disengages container 2002 from carbonator 2004 to obtain a sealed container 2002 containing a flavored and/or carbonated liquid 1106b for immediate or deferred consumption.
  • carbonator 2004 is shown including a flavor chamber 1170b, and a carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes carbonation chamber 1164b but does not include flavor chamber 1170b.
  • flavor chamber 1170b and carbonation chamber 1164b are fluidly coupled to carbonator inlet and outlet ports 1 128b and 1 130b. Engaging each of carbonator ports 1 128b and 1130b with a respective container valve 1124b and 1126b, may permit fluid (i.e. gas and/or liquid) to be circulated between container 2002 and carbonator 2004 through flavor chamber 1170b and carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • chamber lid 2010 is sized and positionable to seal an opening 2042 to flavor chamber 1 170b and carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • chamber lid 2010 is selectively positionable in the open position, in which the flavor and carbonation chambers 1170b and 1164b are uncovered, or in the closed position, in which chamber lid 2010 seals the flavor and carbonation chambers 1170b and 1164b from the outside atmosphere.
  • Figure 31 shows an example of chamber lid 2010 in an open position.
  • Figure 32 shows an example of chamber lid 2010 in a closed position.
  • carbonator 2004 can have one chamber lid 2010 as shown sized to cover both chambers 1170b and 1164b, or a separate chamber lid (not shown) for each of chambers 1170b and 1164b.
  • carbonator 2004 may have one or more retention members which act to secure chamber lid 2010 in the closed position.
  • the retention member(s) are in some examples located on chamber lid 2010, in some examples located other than on chamber lid 2010, and in still other examples located on both chamber lid 2010 and other than chamber lid 2010.
  • Chamber lid 2010 is shown including retention members 2040, which are threads that cooperate with opening 2042.
  • opening 2042 also includes retention members, such as mating threads. In use, the user can twist chamber lid 2010 to seal chambers 1170b and 1164b, or to remove chamber lid 2010 and gain access to chambers 1170b and 1164b.
  • the retentive members include one or more of snaps, clips, clamps, buckles, straps, magnets, thumbscrews and any other suitable retentive members.
  • the retentive members include a four-prong screw thread (e.g. like a gas cap).
  • carbonator 2004 includes one or more gaskets (e.g. an O-ring) to help chamber lid 2010 form a gas-tight seal when in the closed position.
  • chamber lid 2010 is tethered to the remainder of carbonator 2004 by, for example, a rope, chain, length of fabric, or mechanical linkage.
  • a collateral action is triggered when, for example, closing or opening chamber lid 2010 moves a button, triggers a sensor, or completes an electric circuit.
  • the collateral action can be, for example, closing barrier 1118b, activating one or more of port actuators 2006 and 2008, or starting or stopping the carbonation cycle.
  • carbonator 2004 is shown including a pump 1150b.
  • pump 1150b is fluidly coupled to carbonator outlet port 128b, chambers 1170b and 1 64b, and carbonator inlet port 130b.
  • pump 1 50b in the example shown may pump fluids (i.e. gas and/or liquid) from container 2002, through carbonator outlet port 1128b, through chambers 1170b and 1164b and back into container 2002 through carbonator inlet port 1130b.
  • Pump 1150b in this example can pump both fluids and liquids.
  • carbonator 2004 includes separate pumps for pumping liquid and gas.
  • a user of at least one embodiment of beverage carbonation system 2000 can fill container 2002 with liquid 1 106b to fill line 1192b above first end 1188b of carbonation tube 1186b, and then engage container 2002 with carbonator 2004.
  • the user may deposit flavor source 1172b into flavor chamber 1170b, and carbon dioxide source 1168b into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • the user pours or places each of flavor source 1172b and carbon dioxide source 1168b from a multi-use container or a single-use package into a respective chamber 1170b or 1164b.
  • the user may insert a flavor source cartridge containing flavor source 1172b into flavor chamber 1170b, and a carbon dioxide source cartridge container carbon dioxide source 1168b into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • a flavor source cartridge containing flavor source 1172b into flavor chamber 1170b
  • a carbon dioxide source cartridge container carbon dioxide source 1168b into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • the user moves chamber lid 2010 into the closed position. In at least some examples, closing chamber lid 2010 seals flavor chamber 1170b and carbonation chamber 1164b from the outside atmosphere.
  • the user may start pump 1150b after the flavor source 1172b and carbon dioxide source 1168b are deposited into their respective chambers 1170b and 1164b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes start actuator 1 151 b coupled to a controller 1153b.
  • the user may start pump 1 150b by pressing start actuator 51b which sends a signal to controller 1153b to begin the carbonation cycle which may begin by starting pump 1150b.
  • the activation of pump 1150b is triggered by another process, such as closing chamber lid 2010, closing barrier 1118b, or fluidly engaging container 2002 with carbonator 2004.
  • controller 1153b starts the carbonation cycle, which may begin with starting pump 1150b.
  • pump 1150b pumps liquid 1106b through carbonation tube 1186b and carbonator outlet port 1128b into carbonation chamber 1164b until the liquid level inside container 2002 falls below carbonation tube 1186b. In some examples, approximately 30mL of liquid 1106b is pumped into carbonation chamber 1 164b. As described in connection with beverage carbonation system 1100, when liquid 1106b contacts carbon dioxide source 1168b they react to form carbon dioxide gas (C0 2 ).
  • pump 1150b continues pumping gas from container headspace 1194b (now vacated of liquid 1106b as in Figure 31) into carbonation chamber 1164b, which displaces the carbon dioxide gas generated in carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • the displaced carbon dioxide gas flows through a chamber aperture 1176b in chamber wall 1175b into flavor chamber 1170b.
  • flavor chamber 1170b and carbonation chamber 1164b are not separated by a common chamber wall 1175b.
  • chambers 1164b and 1170b are otherwise fluidly coupled (e.g. by a conduit) such that gas from carbonation chamber 1164b can flow into flavor chamber 1170b.
  • the introduction of flavor source 1172b into container 2002 may raise the level of liquid 1106b inside of container 2002 above first end 1188b of carbonation tube 1186b.
  • the volume of liquid 1106b that has risen above first end 1188b corresponds to the volume of flavor source 1172b introduced into container 2002.
  • pump 1 150b pumps the volume of liquid 1106b above first end 188b into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • the new volume of liquid 1106b pumped into carbonation chamber 1 164b accelerates the reaction between liquid 1106b and carbon dioxide source 1168b, thereby increasing the rate of carbon dioxide formation in carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • carbon dioxide gas continues to form in carbonation chamber 1164b, and pump 1 150b continues to pump carbon dioxide from carbonation chamber 1164b into container 2002, and to recirculate gas (i.e. a mixture of air and carbon dioxide) from headspace 1194b back into container 2002.
  • this carbonation process continues for a predetermined duration, or until a predetermined carbonation level is detected (e.g. when controller 1153b detects a predetermined system pressure level). In some cases, the user may manually end the process. Generally, when pump 1150b is turned off, the carbonation process is terminated.
  • disengage container 2002 from carbonator 2004 When the carbonation process is complete, the user may disengage container 2002 from carbonator 2004.
  • Disengaging container 2002 in some examples, exposes carbonator ports 1128b and 1130b to atmospheric air thereby depressurizing carbonator 2004.
  • disengaging container 2002 from carbonator 2004 includes activating port actuators 2006 and 2008 either manually or automatically, and either directly (e.g. by special purpose button) or collaterally (e.g. in response to opening chamber lid 2010).
  • container 2002 remains sealed after disengagement and contains a carbonated and optionally flavored liquid 1106b for immediate or deferred consumption.
  • chamber lid 2010 may be manually or automatically moved to the open position.
  • Figure 31 shows beverage carbonation system 2000 after the carbonation process is complete with container 2002 disengaged from carbonator 2004 and chamber lid 2010 in the open position, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • the user may access one or both of flavor chamber 1170b, to clean out any flavor source residue (e.g. syrup or powder), and carbonation chamber 1164b, to clean out waste 2020.
  • flavor chamber 1170b to clean out any flavor source residue (e.g. syrup or powder)
  • carbonation chamber 1164b to clean out waste 2020.
  • waste 2020 depends on liquid 1106b and carbon dioxide source 1168b which reacted to form carbon dioxide.
  • waste 2020 is a liquid or a slurry.
  • one or both of chambers 1170b and 1164b contains a liner 2021 that can be removed for cleaning (e.g. at a sink) or disposal (e.g. into the garbage, recycling or compost) and then replaced.
  • the liner is disposable and is replaceable with a new liner.
  • chambers 1170b and 1164b optionally include fixed reinforced (e.g. thicker or ribbed) walls 2023 upon which the internal gas pressures bear.
  • pump 150b is coupled to a liquid reservoir for providing the initial fill of liquid 1 06b to container 2002.
  • container 2002 may be inserted into container holder 1 112b and engaged with carbonator 2004 while empty, and the pump will fill container 2002 with a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir. This may ensure that container 2002 is filled to the proper level relative to carbonation tube 1186b. In turn, this may provide the desired quantity of liquid 1106b above first end 1 88b of carbonation tube 1186b for pumping into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • pumping too little liquid 1106b into carbonation chamber 1164b may result in insufficient carbon dioxide generation, and pumping too much liquid 1106b into carbonation chamber 1164b may result in waste 2020 overflowing into flavor chamber 1170b and possibly being pumped into container 2002.
  • carbonator 2004 includes a oneway valve 2022.
  • One-way valve 2022 allows fluid to flow from flavor chamber 1170b to carbonator inlet port 1130b while preventing fluid from flowing from carbonator inlet port 1 130b to flavor chamber 1170b. In some examples, this may prevent liquid 1106b from container 2002 backing up into flavor chamber 1170b.
  • One-way valve 2022 is in various examples one of a check valve, a duckbill valve, and any other suitable one-way valve.
  • carbonator 2004 may include pressure relief valve 2024.
  • pressure relief valve 2024 is configured to open and allow gas to escape to atmosphere when the system pressure rises above a threshold value. This may help to prevent container 2002 and/or other elements of beverage carbonation system 2000 from becoming overpressurized and exploding.
  • one or both of flavor source 1172b and carbon dioxide source 1 68b is a solid tablet.
  • carbon dioxide source 1168b is a coin-shaped tablet, a triangular-shaped tablet or a cubical tablet.
  • carbon dioxide source 1168b is a plurality of solid tablets.
  • carbonation chamber 1164b includes an upper wall defining an opening through which carbon dioxide source 1 168b may be inserted.
  • flavor chamber 1170b includes an upper wall defining an opening through which flavor source 1172b can be inserted.
  • the opening of one or both of chambers 1164b and 1 170b has a size that corresponds with a solid source tablet 1 172b or 1 168b.
  • the openings to flavor chamber 1 170b and carbonation chamber 1164b are sized to help prevent a user from accidentally inserting the carbon dioxide source 1168b into flavor chamber 1170b.
  • carbonation chamber 1 164b has opening 2044 sized to permit a carbon dioxide source tablet 1 68b to pass therethrough and into carbonation chamber 1164b
  • flavor chamber 1 70b has an opening 2046 through which flavor source 1 172b is receivable therethrough and into flavor chamber 1 170b.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168b is larger than the opening of flavor chamber 1 170b, whereby flavor chamber 1 70b blocks the passage of carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168b through the opening and into the flavor chamber.
  • the opening of carbonation chamber 1164b is larger than the opening of flavor chamber 1 170b. In some cases, the opening of flavor chamber 1170b is sized too small for the carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168b to pass therethrough. This may prevent the carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168b from being inserted into flavor chamber 1 170b.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168b is thin and generally cylindrical (e.g. like a coin). In one such example, the opening to carbonation chamber 1 164b has a diameter that is equal to or greater than the diameter of carbon dioxide source tablet 1168b, and the opening to flavor chamber 1 170b has a diameter that is less than the diameter of carbon dioxide source tablet 68b.
  • a carbon dioxide source tablet 1 168 may react more slowly with liquid 1 106b inside carbonation chamber 1164b than an equal mass of granular or liquid carbon dioxide source 1168b.
  • a carbon dioxide source tablet 1168b may expose less surface area for contact with liquid 1 106b than would a granular or liquid carbon dioxide source 1 168b.
  • carbonator 2004 includes a heater 2030 to heat liquid 1106b.
  • carbon dioxide source 1 168b reacts more quickly upon contact with warmer liquid.
  • heater 2030 is positioned to heat liquid 1 106b inside of container 2002. However, in many cases, carbon dioxide diffuses more slowly into warmer liquid. Moreover, a user may prefer to consume a cold liquid 1 106b upon completion of the carbonation process, which may be frustrated by heater 2030 heating liquid 1106b. Therefore, it may be preferable for heater 2030 to be located, as shown, in the flow path between carbonation outlet port 1128b and carbonation chamber 1164b for heating the small quantity of liquid which is pumped from container 2002 into carbonation chamber 1164b. In the example shown, heater 2030 is downstream of pump 1150b. In alternative embodiments, heater 2030 is upstream of pump 1150b.
  • heater 2030 heats liquid 1 06b pumped from container 2002 toward carbonation chamber 1164b. In some examples, heater 2030 compensates for a slower rate of reaction of a carbon dioxide source tablet 1168b. In some examples, carbon dioxide source tablet 1168b reacts more quickly with heated liquid and thereby produces carbon dioxide at an equal or faster rate than would an equal mass of powered carbon dioxide source 1168b when contacted by unheated liquid 1106b. In some embodiments, carbon dioxide source 1168b is a plurality of tablets. This may provide carbon dioxide source 1168b with additional surface area for reaction with liquid 1106b and thereby increase the rate of carbon dioxide production. This may also permit smaller or thinner carbon dioxide source tablets 1168b and a correspondingly smaller or thinner opening to carbonation chamber 1164b into which a user may find it even more difficult to pour or insert flavor source 1172b into carbonation chamber 1164b.
  • Figure 33 shows a top perspective view of a component 3000, including a carbonation chamber 3002 and a flavor chamber 3004, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • Figure 34 shows a top plan view of component 3000, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
  • component 3000 substitutes carbonation chamber 1 164b and flavor chamber 1 170b in carbonator 2004.
  • component 3000 includes an outer shell 3006 which defines the outer walls 3016 and lower walls 3018 of carbonation and flavor chambers 3002 and 3004.
  • a chamber wall 3008 is shown dividing carbonation chamber 3002 from flavor chamber 3004.
  • the bounds of each of carbonation and flavor chambers 3002 and 3004 is defined by outer wall 3016, lower wall 3018, and chamber wall 3008.
  • component 3000 is shown as an integrally molded part (e.g. in plastic or metal), in alternative examples, component 3000 is an assembly of discrete parts.
  • Carbonation chamber 3002 and flavor chamber 3004 are shown including an upper opening 3010 and 3012, respectively. As shown, openings 3010 and 3012 are bounded by outer wall 3016 and chamber wall 3008. An insert 3020 is shown connected to component 3000 in partial overlaying relation to openings 3010 and 3012. Insert 3020 is shown provided with symbols instructing a user to insert a tablet into carbonation chamber 3002, and flavor source into flavor chamber 3004. Insert 3020 is optional and is not included in some embodiments.
  • carbonation chamber 3002 and opening 3010 are sized to receive a carbonation source tablet, and flavor chamber 3004 and opening 3012 are sized to receive a liquid flavor source.
  • flavor chamber 3004 is configured to receive a powdered flavor source, or a solid tablet flavor source.
  • one or more lids or other coverings connect with component 3000 to close carbonation chamber 3002 and flavor chamber 3004.
  • Carbonation chamber 3002 is shown including projections 3014.
  • projections 3014 provide structural rigidity to carbonation chamber 3002 and to component 3000 more generally.
  • projections 3014a extend from lower and outer walls 3016 and 3018 of carbonation chamber 3002, and projections 3014b extend from lower wall 3018 of carbonation chamber 3002 and chamber wall 3008.
  • projections 3014 provide little or no additional structural rigidity to carbonation chamber 3002 or component 3000 more generally.
  • one or more of projections 3014 extends from only one of outer, lower, and chamber walls 3016, 3018, and 3008.
  • one or more of projections 3014 extends only from one of outer and chamber walls 3016 and 3008 at or proximate upper opening 3010 to define a shaped opening 3010 for receiving a carbonation source tablet of a corresponding shape. This may help to prevent an incompatible tablet (e.g. a flavor tablet) from being inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • Figures. 33 to 38 Figures 35 to 38 show a top perspective view, top plan view, bottom plan view, and side elevation view, respectively, of a carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is sized and shaped to be received in carbonation chamber 3002.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 has a body that includes a top side 3502 opposite a bottom side 3504, and a peripheral side 3506 which extends from the top side 3502 to the bottom side 3504.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is substantially disk shaped with substantially circular top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504, and a peripheral side 3506 that surrounds and connects top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 has any suitable shape.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is substantially cuboid with substantially rectangular top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504, and four substantially rectangular peripheral sides 3506 that surround and connect top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is substantially one of spherical, cylindrical, prismatic, conical, tetrahedral, or another regular or irregular shape.
  • each of top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504 includes a plurality of channels 3508.
  • Each channel 3508 is shown extending all the way across a top or bottom side 3502 or 3504. This may provide carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 with a side profile (see FIG. 38) including valleys or depressions 3510 formed by channels 3508.
  • each channel 3508 extends along one of top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504 in length from a first channel end 3512 to a second channel end 3514.
  • Each channel end 3512 and 3514 is shown located at a peripheral side 3506, such the respective channel 3508 extends all the way across top or bottom side 3504 or 3506.
  • an end 3512 or 3514 may coincide with a plurality of peripheral sides 3506 (e.g. at the intersection of two peripheral sides 3506).
  • each of top and bottom sides 3502 and 3504 includes a plurality of channels 3508, which are positioned spaced apart from one another. Further, each of channels 3508 is shown extending linearly (i.e. in a straight line) in parallel with each other channel 3508. This may permit each of channels 3508 to align with and receive a corresponding projection 3014 when carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • FIGS. 39 and 40 show a top perspective view and a top plan view of component 3000 with a carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • each of channels 3508 is aligned with and receiving a corresponding projection 3014.
  • the correspondence between channels 3508 and projections 3014 may limit the insertion of tablets to those having compatible channels 3508 and may further limit the orientation of tablet 3500 when inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • projections 3014 may interfere with the insertion of carbon dioxide tablet 3500 into carbonation chamber 3002 if channels 3508 are not oriented to face the direction of insertion and also aligned with projection 3014.
  • channels 3508 provide one or more frangible lines of weakness 3516 to the body of carbon dioxide tablet 3500.
  • Lines of weakness 3516 are shown in dotted lines for illustration; however, they may not in fact be visually perceptible to a user of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • the lines of weakness 3516 are positioned to allow division of the body into segments of predetermined sizes.
  • lines of weakness 3516 may permit carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 to be selectively sized by dividing off, along one or more of lines of weakness 3516, a segment of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 of predetermine size. In turn, this may permit the selective use of less carbon dioxide source to produce a less carbonated beverage.
  • the segment of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 that is broken off can be retained for later use, separately or in combination with other separated segments, in a subsequent carbonation cycle.
  • the number and position of channels 3508 provide lines of weakness 3516 each of which correspond to a predetermined beverage carbonation level.
  • the whole carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be used to produce a strongly carbonated beverage
  • line of weakness 3516a corresponds to a lightly carbonated beverage
  • line of weakness 3516b corresponds to a nearly uncarbonated (flat) beverage.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be broken along line of weakness 3516a to divide off a segment containing about 15% of the carbon dioxide source tablet. The remaining segment containing about 85% of the carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be used in a carbonation cycle to provide a lightly carbonated beverage.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be broken along line of weakness 3516b to divide off a segment containing about 50% of the carbon dioxide source tablet. The remaining segment containing about 50% of the carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be used in a carbonation cycle to provide a nearly uncarbonated (flat) beverage.
  • channels 3508, and lines of weakness 3516 there is a different number of channels 3508, and lines of weakness 3516. In some examples, there is between 1 and 10 channels 3508 and between 1 and 10 corresponding lines of weakness 3516. Further, channels 3508 and corresponding lines of weakness 3516 may be differently positioned than in the example shown. In some examples, channels 3508 provides lines of weakness 3516 which are positioned to allow division of a predetermined segments containing between 5% and 50% of the carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • channels 3508 provide lines of weakness 3516 by substantially reducing the thickness of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 in localized areas defined by channels 3508.
  • each channel 3508 on top side 3502 is aligned directly opposite a channel 3508 on bottom side 3504.
  • each pair of opposite and aligned channels 3508 provides a region of reduced thickness, as measured from top side 3502 to bottom side 3504.
  • a depth 3522 of each channel 3508, as measured from its top 3518 to its base 3520, is at least 10% of a thickness 3524 of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 at base 3520, as measured from top side 3502 to bottom side 3504.
  • depth 3522 is approximately 20% of thickness 3524.
  • depth 3522 is 30% to 40% or more of thickness 3524.
  • each of these channels 3508 alone may provide the thickness reduction to create a line of weakness 3516.
  • each of top side 3502 and bottom side 3504 includes three channels 3508 which form three lines of weakness 3516.
  • each channel 3508 is spaced from each other channel 3508.
  • each channel 3508 is spaced from peripheral side 3506 between its respective ends 3512 and 3514. This may permit channels 3508 to provide a line of weakness 3516 that is useful for breaking off a portion of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • a channel 3508 that is coincident along its length with a peripheral side 3506 e.g.
  • a channel 3508 that extends along a side edge of a cuboid shaped carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may not provide a useful line of weakness 3516 because it does not divide two segments of the carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 which can be broken apart.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 includes one or more channels 3508 which are coincident with one or more peripheral sides 3506, even though those channels 3508 may not provide a useful line of weakness 3516.
  • each channel 3508 has a cross-sectional shape that is three sided, including a base two sidewall that extend from the base at an obtuse angle thereto.
  • each channel 3508 has the same or a different cross-sectional shape that is round, square, v-shaped or another regular or irregular shape for example.
  • each channel 3508 extends linearly from a first channel end 3512 to a second channel end 3514. This may permit channels 3508 to align with and receive a corresponding projection 3514 when the carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • one or more of channels 3508 may extend along a non-linear (e.g. curved) path. In this case, at least a portion of each channel 3508 may extend linearly from the first channel end 3512 to the second channel end 3514.
  • one or more of top side 3502 and bottom side 3504 includes at least one channel 3508 which extends at an angle to and intersects one or more other channel(s) 3508.
  • Each set of channels 3508 may be sized and position to align with and receive the same or a different configuration of projections 3014. This may permit carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 to be adaptable to multiple different projection configuration (e.g. of different carbonation chambers 3002). In turn, this may permit the same carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 to be compatible with different carbonators 2004 (e.g.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be inserted into carbonation chamber 3002 at more than one orientation (i.e. in a first orientation with the first set of channels 3508 aligned with projections 3014, or a second orientation with the second set of channels 3508 aligned with projections 3014). This may make inserting carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 into carbonation chamber 3002 easier and faster for a user.
  • projections 3014 are sized and shaped to closely conform to the size and shape of channels 3508. This may permit projections 3014 to provide a greater restriction to the shape of tablet that can be inserted into carbonation chamber 3002.
  • FIG. 41 shows a partial top view of component 3000 illustrating an example of carbonation chamber 3002 having projections 3014 sized and shaped to conform closely to the size and shape of channels 3508.
  • channels 3508 have a three- sided polygonal cross-section, and the distal ends of projections 3014 also have a three-sided polygonal cross-section of about the same size as channels 3508. As shown, when projections 3014 are received in component 3000, they occupy substantially the entire cross-section of channel 3508.
  • FIG. 42 shows a partial top view of another embodiment of component 3000 illustrating an example of carbonation chamber 3002 having projections sized and shaped to conform closely to the size and shape of the entire perimeter of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • projections 3014 are interconnected by projections (or connecting walls) 3024. Together, projections 3014 and 3024 as shown are sized and positioned to define an opening 3022 for receiving component 3000. As shown, opening 3022 closely conforms to the size and shape of the perimeter of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • the combination of projections 3014 and 3024 may further restrict the shape of tablet that can be inserted into carbonation chamber 3002. In some embodiments, one or more of projections 3014 and 3024 do not extend from lower wall 3018 to opening 3022.
  • each of projections 3024 may be a thin and short segment of material which only extends from a pair of projections 3014. This may reduce the volume of carbonation chamber 3002 occupied by projections 3014 to allow a greater volume for the reaction of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 to occur.
  • carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 is composed of carbon dioxide source, such a bicarbonate (e.g. sodium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate) and an acid (e.g. citric acid), which reacts with liquid (e.g. water) to produce carbon dioxide gas.
  • carbon dioxide source has a mixture ratio of about 1 part acid to about 1.31 parts bicarbonate.
  • the composition of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may be composed of between 70% and 100% carbon dioxide source.
  • the composition of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 includes a binder.
  • the binder may help to bind the components of the carbon dioxide source tablet as a solid tablet. Typically, more binder is added to bind a less dense composition of ingredients. Some refined sugars, such as sorbitol and mannitol, are suitable for use as a binder. In one example, carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 contains approximately 10% binder.
  • the composition of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 includes a lubricant.
  • the lubricant may help to eject a formed carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 from a tablet press.
  • Glycol PEG 8000
  • Some food-grade lubricants, such as sesame oil, may be less suitable for inclusion in carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 because they may not be water soluble, they may interfere with the carbon dioxide reaction, and/or they may produce a film residue.
  • a lubricant that suffers from one or more of these disadvantages may be included in carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 in some embodiments.
  • a carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 weighing about 45 grams has a composition including about 16.9g citric acid, about 22.2g bicarbonate, about 3.9g binder, and about 2g lubricant.
  • the composition of carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 may also include a filler or binder that may act as a desiccant (drying agent). This may help to preserve the effectiveness of the carbon dioxide source in carbon dioxide source tablet 3500.
  • exposure of the carbon dioxide source in carbon dioxide source tablet 3500 to humidity may reduce the rate and/or quantity of carbon dioxide gas that may be produced by the tablet 3500 when reacted with liquid in the carbonation chamber 3002.
  • a desiccant may help to mitigate the loss of effectiveness caused by exposure to humidity/moisture by absorbing moisture that might otherwise prematurely react with the carbon dioxide source.

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  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un comprimé de source de dioxyde de carbone comprenant un corps comprenant une source de dioxyde de carbone pouvant réagir avec un liquide pour produire du gaz de dioxyde de carbone. Le corps comprend un côté supérieur opposé à un côté inférieur, et un ou plusieurs côtés périphériques s'étendant entre le côté supérieur et le côté inférieur. Le corps comprend en outre au moins un canal. Chaque canal s'étend le long de l'un du côté supérieur et du côté inférieur. Chaque canal s'étend en longueur d'une première extrémité de canal à une seconde extrémité de canal. Chaque première et seconde extrémité de canal est située à un des côtés périphériques. Chaque canal, entre ses première et deuxième extrémités de canal, est espacé des côtés périphériques. Chaque canal constitue une ligne fragile de faiblesse. Au moins une partie du canal s'étend linéairement de la première extrémité de canal du canal à la seconde extrémité de canal du canal. La présente invention concerne un système de carbonatation de boisson.
EP13876445.1A 2013-03-01 2013-12-18 Comprimé de source de dioxyde de carbone et système de carbonatation de boisson comprenant celui-ci Withdrawn EP2961283A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/782,449 US20140079856A1 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-03-01 Beverage Carbonating System and Method for Carbonating a Beverage
US13/929,372 US8985561B2 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-06-27 Beverage carbonating system and method for carbonating a beverage
US14/071,776 US9198455B2 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-11-05 Carbon dioxide source tablet and beverage carbonating system including the same
PCT/CA2013/001067 WO2014131101A1 (fr) 2013-03-01 2013-12-18 Comprimé de source de dioxyde de carbone et système de carbonatation de boisson comprenant celui-ci

Publications (2)

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EP2961283A1 true EP2961283A1 (fr) 2016-01-06
EP2961283A4 EP2961283A4 (fr) 2016-12-07

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US11529594B2 (en) 2018-11-15 2022-12-20 Bonne O Inc. Beverage carbonation system and beverage carbonator
DE202019000510U1 (de) 2019-02-02 2019-03-13 Brita Gmbh Karbonisator, Trinkflüssigkeitsbehälter und Vorrichtung zum Karbonisieren einer Trinkflüssigkeit
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