JP6129834B2 - Method and apparatus for cartridge-type carbonate saturation of beverages - Google Patents

Description

  The invention described herein relates to the dissolution of a gas in a liquid used in preparing a beverage, for example, carbonation saturation.

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 514,676, filed Aug. 3, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 13/017459, filed January 31, 2011, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/337184, filed February 1, 2010.
US Pat. Nos. 4,025,655, 4,040,342, 4,636,337, 6,180,284 and PCT Publication No. 4,025,655, US Pat. It is described in various publications such as 2008/124851.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,655 U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,342 US Pat. No. 4,636,337 US Pat. No. 6,721,342 International Publication No. 2008/124851

  An aspect of the present invention relates to producing a beverage by dissolving a gas such as by carbonating a precursor liquid such as water. In some embodiments, a gas source such as carbon dioxide can be provided in the cartridge that is used to generate a gas such as carbon dioxide that is dissolved in the precursor liquid. Beverage media such as powdered drink mixes and liquid syrups may be fed to the same cartridge as the gas source or to a separate cartridge that is mixed with the precursor liquid (before or after carbonation). Can produce beverages. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and / or beverage medium provides an easy-to-use and non-staining system, for example for producing carbonated or other sparkling beverages in the consumer's home. It is done. (In this specification, the terms “carbonated saturation” or “carbonic acid” refer generally to beverages in which gas is dissolved, whether the dissolved gas is carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, air or other gases. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the production of beverages containing dissolved carbon dioxide, and any dissolved gas can be included.)

  In one aspect of the invention, a beverage production system includes a beverage precursor liquid supply system configured to supply a precursor liquid. The precursor liquid supply system may include a storage vessel, a pump, one or more conduits, one or more valves, one or more sensors (eg, a sensor for detecting a water level in the storage vessel), and / or Any other suitable component for supplying a precursor liquid, such as water, in a manner suitable for beverage manufacture may be included. The system can also include a single cartridge having a first cartridge portion and / or a second cartridge portion. The first cartridge portion can contain a gas source configured to release a gas used to dissolve the precursor liquid, for example, to carbonate the precursor liquid, and the second cartridge portion includes A beverage medium configured to be mixed with a liquid precursor to produce a beverage can be contained. The system can include a cartridge interface, such as a chamber that receives and at least partially encloses the cartridge, a connection port configured to be fluidly coupled to the cartridge, or other configuration. The gas dissolving device can be configured to dissolve the gas released from the first cartridge part into the precursor liquid, for example, a membrane contactor, holding the liquid under pressure to help dissolve the gas into the liquid May include a chamber suitable for doing so, a porous dispersion tube, a sprinkler configured to introduce water into a pressurized gas environment, or other configuration. The system can be configured to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium to produce a beverage before or after dissolving the gas in the liquid. The beverage medium can be mixed with the liquid in the cartridge, in another part of the system, such as a mixing chamber where the beverage medium is introduced from the cartridge with the precursor liquid, in the user's cup, or elsewhere.

  In one aspect of the invention, a beverage production system is configured to hold a beverage precursor liquid supply system configured to supply a precursor liquid, and a first cartridge portion and / or a second cartridge portion. Cartridge chamber. The cartridge chamber may include a single cartridge receiving portion that receives one or more cartridges, or includes a plurality of cartridge receiving portions that are separated from one another, for example, to receive two or more cartridges. Also good. In the case where a plurality of receiving portions are provided, these receiving portions may be opened and closed simultaneously or may be opened and closed independently of each other. A first cartridge portion may be provided within the cartridge chamber, the first cartridge portion containing a gas source configured to emit a gas, such as carbon dioxide, used to carbonate the precursor liquid. To do. In some embodiments, the gas source can include a packed molecular sieve that releases the gas in the presence of water, such as a zeolite in a solid form (eg, pellets) that has adsorbed a gas, such as carbon dioxide. A second cartridge portion can also be provided in the cartridge chamber, and the second cartridge portion contains a beverage medium configured to be mixed with a liquid precursor to produce a beverage. The system can be configured to use the gas released from the first cartridge portion to carbonate the precursor liquid and to mix the beverage medium of the second cartridge portion with the precursor liquid. The precursor liquid can be carbonated in the first cartridge portion or can be carbonated in one or more other regions (such as a storage container or membrane carbonator) where the gas is delivered. Mixing of the precursor liquid and the beverage medium may be performed before or after carbonation saturation, and may be performed in the second cartridge part or in another location such as a separate mixing chamber from the second cartridge part. You may go.

  The system can include a gas source activated fluid supply system configured to supply fluid to the cartridge chamber and contact the gas source to cause the gas source to release gas. For example, the gas source activated fluid supply system is configured to control the amount of gas generated by the gas source by controlling the amount of fluid (such as water in liquid or vapor form) supplied to the cartridge chamber. be able to. This can allow the system to control the gas pressure used to carbonate the precursor liquid. Thus, the cartridge chamber can be configured to hold at least a first cartridge portion within the cartridge chamber under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. Alternatively, the first cartridge portion can be configured to withstand the pressure generated by the gas generated by the gas source without a support structure or other housing. The gas supply system can be configured to send the gas generated by the gas source to the beverage precursor liquid under a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure to carbonate the precursor liquid. The gas can be sent to a suitable carbonation configuration such as a carbonation tank or membrane contactor. For example, the system can include a carbonate saturator that includes a membrane that separates the liquid side of the carbonate saturator from the gas side, where gas is supplied to the gas side and the beverage precursor liquid supply system is the precursor liquid. Is supplied to the liquid side so that the gas side gas is dissolved in the liquid side precursor liquid. The pump can pass the precursor liquid from the storage container to the carbonate saturator and then release it as a beverage, or the precursor liquid can be circulated back to the storage container and passed through the carbonate saturator one or more times. You can also.

  In some embodiments, the system can mix the beverage medium with the precursor liquid to produce the beverage such that the beverage does not contact the gas source. However, in other embodiments, the precursor liquid may come into contact with the gas source, for example when the liquid is carbonated through the first cartridge portion. The first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion may be part of different first cartridges and second cartridges, respectively, or may be part of a single cartridge. If part of a single cartridge, the first cartridge part and the second cartridge part may be permeable elements such as filters, or may be brittle or rupturable (appropriate pressure The first cartridge part and the second cartridge part can be brought into communication with each other by means of impermeable elements, such as cartridge walls, which can be pierced or otherwise broken. Can be separated. The cartridge associated with the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion is configured to be in fluid communication, such as by being pierced while in the cartridge chamber, so that the first portion and the second portion can be accessed. can do. For example, if the cartridge portions are in separate cartridges, the two cartridges can be pierced by closing the cartridge chamber to supply fluid to the first cartridge portion and / or the gas is It can be possible to exit the first cartridge part and allow the beverage medium to exit the second cartridge part alone or with the mixed precursor liquid.

In some embodiments, the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion can each have a volume that is less than the volume of the carbonated beverage produced using the cartridge portion. This provides an important advantage because the user can produce a relatively large volume beverage using one or more relatively small volume cartridges. For example, the system uses a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion over a period of less than about 120 seconds to produce a carbonated saturated liquid having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonated saturation level of about 1 to 5. be able to. Carbonation saturation can occur at pressures in the range of 1.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa to 3.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa (20 psi to 50 psi) or higher. Since the cartridge portion of this embodiment only needs to have a volume of about 50 ml or less, the amount of waste is reduced and / or the convenience of the system is improved.

  In another aspect of the invention, a method for producing a beverage includes providing a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion in a beverage maker. Here, the first cartridge portion contains a gas source configured to release a gas used for liquid carbonation, and the second cartridge portion is mixed with the liquid precursor to produce a beverage. A beverage medium configured to be contained. A fluid, such as water in the form of a liquid or vapor, can be supplied to the cartridge chamber to generate gas in the gas source, and by dissolving at least a portion of the gas generated by the gas source in the precursor liquid, The precursor liquid can be carbonated. Before or after carbonation, the precursor liquid can be mixed with the beverage medium to produce a beverage.

  As described above, the gas source can be in solid form in the first cartridge portion, such as a filled zeolite. Control the amount of fluid supplied to the first cartridge part to control the gas generation of the gas source, for example to maintain the gas pressure generated by the gas source within a desired range above the ambient pressure can do. In certain embodiments, the gas source includes filled zeolite and the amount of fluid supplied to the cartridge chamber is controlled to cause the filled zeolite to release gas for a period of at least 30 seconds or more.

  Carbonation saturation of the precursor liquid is performed by supplying gas to the storage container containing the precursor liquid, supplying gas to the gas side of the film so that the gas on the gas side of the film is dissolved in the liquid on the liquid side, Spraying the precursor liquid into the filled space, passing the precursor liquid through the first cartridge under pressure, and the like.

  As described above, the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion may be part of different first cartridges and second cartridges, respectively, or may be part of a single cartridge. Also good. When part of a single cartridge, the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion can be separated from each other, for example, by a cartridge wall. Mixing of the precursor liquid may be performed before or after carbonation saturation, and may be performed in the second cartridge part or in another place such as a separate mixing chamber from the second cartridge part. Good.

In some embodiments, the step of supplying fluid and the step of carbonation saturation use a gas pressure (eg, higher than ambient pressure) of 1.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa to 3.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa (20 psi to 50 psi). Over a period of less than about 120 seconds (eg about 60 seconds), with a volume of 100 ml to 1000 ml (eg about 500 ml) and a carbonation saturation level of about 2 to 4 volumes (or 1 to 5 volumes, etc.) Carbonate saturated liquids can be produced. Thus, the system and method according to this aspect can produce a relatively high carbonated beverage for a relatively short period of time without the need for high pressure.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage production system has a beverage precursor liquid supply system for supplying a precursor liquid, an interface such as a cartridge chamber configured to hold a cartridge, and an internal space that houses a gas source. Including a cartridge. The gas source can be configured to release a gas used for carbonation of the precursor liquid in response to contact with a fluid, such as water or other activator. The gas source activated fluid supply system can be configured to supply fluid to the cartridge chamber and contact the gas source to cause the gas source to release gas, the activated fluid supply system supplying the cartridge chamber The amount of fluid that is applied can be controlled to control the amount of gas emitted by the gas source, for example, to control the pressure in the cartridge chamber or other area. The gas supply system is configured to send the gas released by the gas source to a precursor liquid supplied via the beverage precursor liquid supply system under a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure to carbonate the precursor liquid. Can do. The advantages of simple control and system operation can be obtained because gas generation and thus pressure can be controlled by a relatively simple method of controlling the fluid flow entering the cartridge chamber.

Beverage precursor liquid supply system includes a storage container that contains the precursor liquid, a carbonate saturator that includes a membrane that separates the liquid side of the carbonate saturator from the gas side, the precursor liquid from the storage container through the carbonate saturator or other parts of the system. It may include pumps to be moved and one or more filters or other liquid processing devices. The cartridge chamber can be configured to hold the cartridge therein under a pressure higher than ambient pressure, such as a pressure within a pressure range suitable for carbonation of the precursor liquid. In some embodiments, the gas pressure used for carbonation can be between 1.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa and 3.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa (20 psi to 50 psi), but higher (or Low pressure can also be used.

  In another aspect of the invention, a method for producing a beverage includes the steps of providing a cartridge having an interior space sealed to enclose a gas source therein, and supplying fluid to the cartridge to supply the gas source. Releasing the gas; controlling the amount of fluid supplied to the cartridge over a period of time to control the amount of gas released by the gas source during this period; and at least a portion of the gas released by the gas source And carbonating the precursor liquid by dissolving the precursor liquid in the precursor liquid. Mixing the precursor liquid with the beverage medium to produce the beverage may be before or after carbonation and may be in the cartridge or in other areas. In some embodiments, the beverage maker can puncture the cartridge to supply liquid to the cartridge, while in other embodiments, liquid is supplied to the cartridge through defined holes or other configurations. You can also. Similar to the embodiments described above, for example, the liquid may be carbonated in the cartridge or may be carbonated in other areas such as a carbonator or storage container, and the cartridge contains a beverage medium. A second portion may be included (or a second cartridge may be used for the beverage medium).

  In another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a carbonated beverage comprises the steps of providing a cartridge having an internal space sealed to enclose a solid form gas source therein; Opening and letting the gas source release the gas, and carbonating the liquid by dissolving at least a portion of the gas released by the gas source in the liquid. The liquid can be mixed with the beverage medium by passing the liquid through a cartridge chamber containing the beverage medium to produce a beverage. By mixing the liquid with the beverage medium in the cartridge, a separate mixing chamber can be dispensed with, and flavor contamination between continuously produced beverages can be reduced (this is because the cartridge is in the mixing chamber). Because it plays a role and is used only once.)

  In some embodiments, the cartridge enclosing the gas source also includes a cartridge chamber that contains the beverage medium. For example, liquid can be introduced into a first part of a cartridge containing a gas source for carbonation and transferred from the first part to a second part containing a beverage medium. In another embodiment, the cartridge chamber that mixes the liquid with the beverage medium may be part of a second cartridge separate from the cartridge that encloses the gas source.

  The gas from the cartridge can be routed to an area where the gas is dissolved in the liquid, such as a membrane contactor, a storage container that holds the bulk of the liquid, or other configuration. The pressure of the gas can be controlled by controlling the amount of fluid supplied to the cartridge. As with other aspects of the invention, the various embodiments and optional mechanisms described herein can be used with this aspect of the invention.

In another aspect of the invention, a kit for producing a beverage includes a first cartridge that has a sealed interior space containing a gas source therein. The gas source can be in solid form or stored in an internal space at a pressure of less than 6.9 × 10 ⁵ Pa (100 psi) and configured to release gas used for carbonation of the precursor liquid can do. The first cartridge can be configured to have an inlet for supplying fluid to activate the gas source and an outlet for gas to exit the first cartridge. For example, the first cartridge can be perforated to form the inlet and outlet, or the first cartridge can have a defined inlet / outlet. The second cartridge of the kit can include an interior space that contains a beverage medium that is sealed and used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. The second cartridge can be configured to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium therein, thus allowing the liquid to enter and the liquid / beverage medium mixture to be piercable, etc. Can be configured to allow going out. The first cartridge and the second cartridge can each have a volume that is less than the volume of the beverage to be produced using those cartridges. For example, the cartridge can have a volume of about 50 ml and can be used to produce a beverage with a volume of about 500 ml. The first cartridge and the second cartridge can be joined together, for example, so that they cannot be separated without any damage to the first or second cartridge without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the first cartridge and the second cartridge can be joined by a weld joint or an interlocking mechanical fastener.

In another aspect of the invention, a cartridge for producing a beverage includes a sealed container having an interior space for containing a gas source therein. The gas source can be in solid form (molecular sieve such as filled zeolite) and can be configured to release the gas used for carbonation of the precursor liquid. In one configuration, this gas source or other gas source is stored in a sealed space at a pressure of less than about 6.9 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 100 psi) for an extended period of time until the space is opened. Can do. Thus, the cartridge may not necessarily be able to withstand high pressures to store the gas source. The container may be configured to have an inlet for supplying fluid to activate the gas source and an outlet for the gas used for carbonation of the precursor liquid to exit the container. In certain embodiments, the container may be piercable by a beverage maker to form an inlet and outlet, for example, at the top, bottom, side and / or other location of the cartridge. In one configuration, the container can include a lid that can be pierced by a beverage maker to form both an inlet and an outlet. Container, for example, physical support is not suitable for withstanding pressures in excess of about 5.5 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 80 psi) inside the cartridge unless moiety, at least one portion which is semi-rigid or flexible Can have. The container may also include a second chamber that contains a beverage medium that is used to flavor the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the second chamber containing a gas source. Can be isolated from. The container can have a volume that is less than the volume of carbonated beverage produced using this cartridge.

  In another aspect of the invention, a beverage production system is configured to release a cartridge chamber configured to hold a cartridge under a pressure higher than ambient pressure and a gas used for liquid carbonation. And a cartridge having an internal space for containing a gas source. The cartridge can have a volume that is less than the volume of the beverage produced using the cartridge, for example, carbonates a volume of about 100 ml to 1000 ml of liquid to a carbonation saturation level of at least about 1 to 4 volumes. The volume used is less than 50 ml. The beverage precursor liquid supply system supplies the precursor liquid to the internal space of the cartridge, releases the gas to the gas source, and dissolves at least a part of the gas in the precursor liquid while in the internal space. Saturating the liquid in the cartridge chamber eliminates the need for a carbonic acid saturator such as a carbonic acid saturation tank, thereby simplifying system operation. Instead of those carbonation saturators, the cartridge can at least partially function as a carbonation saturator. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a second chamber that contains a beverage medium that is used to mix with the precursor liquid to produce the beverage. The second chamber can be isolated from the first chamber containing the gas source, or the first chamber and the second chamber can be in communication. For example, a liquid can be introduced into a first chamber to become carbonated and sent from the first chamber to a second chamber containing a beverage medium.

  In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a beverage includes providing a cartridge having an interior space sealed to enclose a gas source therein, the cartridge manufactured using the cartridge. Having a volume less than the volume of the beverage to be A liquid can be supplied to the cartridge to release the gas to the gas source, and at least a portion of the gas released by the gas source is dissolved in the liquid while the liquid is in the cartridge, thereby carbonating the liquid. can do. The liquid may be mixed with the beverage medium to produce the beverage before or after carbonation in the cartridge. In practice, the cartridge can include a second chamber containing a beverage medium that is used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the cartridge being made using the cartridge. Can have a volume of less than. This cartridge can be pierced by a beverage maker to form an inlet and an outlet.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage production system releases a beverage precursor liquid supply system, a cartridge chamber or other interface configured to hold a cartridge therein, and a gas used for liquid carbonation. And a cartridge having an internal space for accommodating a solid form gas source. The gas source activated fluid supply system can supply liquid to the cartridge and contact the gas source to cause the gas source to release the gas. The system can also include a carbonic acid saturator having a membrane that separates the liquid side from the gas side, the gas released from the cartridge being supplied to the gas side, and the beverage precursor liquid supply system is The precursor liquid is supplied to the liquid side so that the gas dissolves in the liquid side precursor liquid. The cartridge interface can be configured to hold the cartridge in the chamber under a pressure higher than ambient pressure, such as, for example, a pressure within the pressure range used to carbonate the liquid in the carbonator. . The gas supply system can be configured to send the gas released by the gas source from the cartridge chamber to the gas side of the carbonation saturator under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. The membrane of the carbonation saturator can include a plurality of hollow fibers, the inside of these hollow fibers being part of the liquid side and the outside of these hollow fibers being part of the gas side.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a beverage comprises providing a cartridge having a sealed interior space to enclose therein a solid form gas source configured to release gas. Opening the cartridge, or otherwise accessing the cartridge (such as perforating), allowing the gas source to release the gas, and dissolving the liquid by dissolving at least a portion of the gas released by the gas source in the liquid. Saturating. The gas can be located on the gas side of the membrane and the liquid can be located on the liquid side of the membrane. The membrane is formed of a plurality of hollow fibers, the liquid side being located inside the fiber and the gas side being located outside the fiber. The gas pressure on the gas side can be controlled by controlling the amount of liquid supplied to the cartridge.

  In another embodiment, the cartridges used by the beverage maker to produce the beverage are coupled together and by an impermeable barrier, such as a first part and / or second part lid or other container part. A first portion and a second portion are separated from each other. The first portion can contain a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid, and the second portion can contain a beverage medium that is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. it can. The first portion and the second portion are relative to each other such that the cartridge has a plane such that the first portion is below it and the second portion is above it. Can be arranged. For example, the second part can be stacked on the first part, for example such that the lids of the first part and the second part are located adjacent to each other.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridges used by the beverage maker to produce the beverage are joined together and foil used to close the container portion of the first part and / or the second part. A container having a first portion and a second portion separated from each other by an impermeable barrier, such as a lid. The first portion can contain a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid, and the second portion can contain a beverage medium that is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. it can. The second part includes a wall that can be moved to push the beverage medium out of the second part for mixing with the precursor liquid, such as a lid, the side wall of the container part, the bottom of the container part, the wall of the bag, etc. Can do. The wall can be moved in any suitable manner, such as the pressure of a gas such as air, an article that moves in contact with the wall, such as a plunger or a piston.

  In the embodiments described above, the first portion may be pierced into a portion for supplying fluid to activate the gas source (eg, a portion such as a lid on the first portion) to form an inlet opening. And an outlet through which gas exits the first portion for dissolution in the precursor liquid (eg, a portion such as a lid of the first portion can be drilled to form an outlet opening) Can do. The inlet and outlet can be located on the same side of the first part, such as the top of the first part. In one configuration, the first portion can include a surface configured to accommodate a perforation to form an inlet for supplying a fluid to activate a gas source, The portion can be attached to the second portion so that this surface is not exposed. For example, the second part can be attached to the first part such that the pierceable part of the first part is covered by the second part. This configuration can help reduce the likelihood that this surface will be prematurely pierced, for example, accidentally pierced before the cartridge is associated with the beverage maker. The second part can have an outlet for the beverage medium to exit the container for mixing with the precursor liquid, e.g. perforating a part of the second part to provide an opening for the beverage medium to exit. The second portion can be formed and can include a brittle seal, or other element that opens the other to release the beverage medium.

  In certain embodiments, the movable wall at least partially defines a first portion of the cartridge. For example, the first portion can be at least partially defined by a first chamber wall and the second portion is at least partially defined by a second chamber wall that defines a second space. Can be defined by The first chamber wall can be received in the second space, such as a plunger, and moved relative to the second chamber wall to eject the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge. can do. In some embodiments, the wall can include a layer of barrier material, such as a metal foil, a metal foil / polymer laminate, a layer of plastic material, and the like. For example, the second portion can be defined by a capsule formed of a layer of metal foil material, such as an aluminum sheet. The layer of barrier material can be configured to open when a force is applied to the barrier material (eg, by rupture or perforation) so that the beverage medium can exit the second portion. For example, the cartridge can include a piercing element that opens the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. In another embodiment, the wall includes a pleat and a brittle outlet that can open in response to pressure within the second portion. The wall can be pushed through the outlet, for example by pressing the wall so that it collapses stepwise or continuously, which outlet has become weak (eg by galling or partial perforation) A rupturable seal formed from the portion can be included. Similar to the second part, the first part can also be defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material, the first part and the second part being, for example, a rim or edge of the barrier material. They can be joined together by crimping.

The first part and the second part can be sealed from the external environment so that the first part emits carbon dioxide gas used for mixing with the beverage precursor liquid to produce the beverage. A configured solid form carbon dioxide source (such as filled zeolite) can be accommodated. In some embodiments, the first pressure in the portion before exposing the gas source beating sealing of the first portion may be relatively low, for example less than 6.9 × 10 ⁵ Pa (100psi) Can be. However, the gas source can be configured to release gas suitable for producing carbonated beverages having carbonation level of 5 from the volume and about 1 to 1000ml from 100 ml.

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements.

1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system having a removable storage container. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system having a contactor configured to circulate a precursor liquid. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system in which liquid is carbonated during one pass through the carbonator. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system in which a gas cartridge is located in a carbonated storage container. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge chamber. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a joined gas cartridge and beverage media cartridge. It is a perspective view of a gas cartridge and a drink medium cartridge. It is a top view of a gas cartridge and a drink medium cartridge. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge configured to carbonate liquid in the cartridge. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge configured to carbonate liquid in a cartridge in an alternate position. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge having a plurality of isolated chambers containing a gas source and a beverage medium. It is sectional drawing which shows the cartridge which has a movable part for comprising a cartridge so that it can be used for drink manufacture. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge of FIG. 12 after moving the movable part. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 12. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a cartridge having a first portion located over a second portion. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 15. It is a perspective view of the cartridge which has a flat plate support body. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 17 with the beverage medium being discharged from the second portion of the cartridge. FIG. 18 is a top view showing a lower part of a second part of the support of the cartridge of FIG. 17. It is the schematic which shows the structure in which a precursor liquid and a drink medium have a coaxial flow. FIG. 18 is a variation of the cartridge of FIG. 17 in which the second part is located on the first part. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a cartridge having a mixing chamber portion. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 24 in an assembled state. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 24 with the beverage medium discharged from the second portion. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge including a gas source portion and a beverage media portion arranged in parallel. FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 28. It is sectional drawing of the cartridge of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage production system that utilizes gravity feed and / or pressure feed of a precursor liquid. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the drink manufacturing system which has an ice measurement supply function. It is the schematic which shows the drink manufacturing system using activation, such as the heat | fever from a gas source. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage production system that utilizes a plunger to supply a precursor liquid. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a beverage production system configured to circulate a precursor liquid through a gas dissolver. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cartridge having an activated fluid flow control device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cartridge having an activated fluid flow control device that interacts with a beverage maker. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cartridge having an activated fluid flow control device that interacts with a beverage maker. It is a figure which shows the structure which moves a cartridge with the pressure in a cartridge and controls an activation fluid flow. It is a figure which shows the structure which moves a cartridge with the pressure in a cartridge and controls an activation fluid flow. FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of an activation fluid supply needle and activator inlet of a cartridge used in the embodiment of FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of an activation fluid supply needle and activator inlet of a cartridge used in the embodiment of FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage maker. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage maker. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cartridge that is configured in the same manner as the cartridge illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30 and that is configured to enable pinching control of a fluid flow in the cartridge. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by the beverage maker. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage maker and the activated fluid flow is controlled by the beverage maker's valve actuator. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage maker and the activated fluid flow is controlled by the beverage maker's valve actuator. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the flow control apparatus of the cartridge for controlling a gas pressure automatically. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the flow control apparatus of the cartridge for controlling a gas pressure automatically. It is sectional drawing which shows the cartridge which has a filter. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing another embodiment of a cartridge having a filter. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view showing a second portion of the embodiment of FIG. 52. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view showing a first portion of the embodiment of FIG. 52. FIG. 53 is a cutaway perspective view showing an insert end portion of the cartridge of FIG. 52. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge configured to allow a user to define beverage characteristics by interacting with the cartridge. FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing the cartridge of FIG. 56. FIG. 6 is an assembly view showing a cartridge having a first portion and a second portion joined such that the lid portions are adjacent to each other. FIG. 59 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 58 with the first and second portions separated. FIG. 60 is a top view of the configuration of FIG. 59. FIG. 5 shows a cartridge having a first portion and a second portion joined together by a lid portion in a folded configuration. FIG. 62 is a diagram showing the embodiment of FIG. 61 in an expanded configuration. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge having an internal piercing element. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a cartridge having a portion formed as a gusset bag and another portion housed in a cavity of the gusset. FIG. 3 shows a cartridge in which a second part contains a beverage medium and a pressurized gas used for discharging the beverage medium.

  Although aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that these drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to represent all embodiments according to the present invention, but are used to describe some exemplary embodiments using them. . Accordingly, aspects of the invention should not be construed in a narrow sense in view of these exemplary embodiments. Further, it should be understood that aspects of the invention can be used alone or in combination with any other aspect of the invention in any suitable form.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid (water, water vapor, etc.) is supplied to a gas source, such as carbon dioxide, in the cartridge, and the gas used to dissolve the liquid in the liquid, such as by carbonation saturation. Can be released. In certain embodiments, the beverage making machine can include a gas activated fluid supply system configured to supply fluid to the cartridge chamber to contact the gas source and cause the gas source to release the gas. In other configurations, the gas source can be released in other ways, such as by heating or applying electromagnetic radiation such as microwaves to the gas source. The machine's gas supply system can be configured to direct the gas released from the gas source to the precursor liquid and carbonate the precursor liquid under a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the gas source can be in the form of a solid such as a zeolite, activated carbon or other molecular sieve filled with a gas such as carbon dioxide, and the gas source can be activated by using a cartridge. In addition to sequestering from the agent (such as water vapor in the case of filled zeolites), it is possible to eliminate the need for direct handling of the carbon dioxide source by the user touching it, as the case may be.

By providing a gas activated fluid supply system, it may be possible to use another aspect of the present invention. That is, the volume or other measure of fluid supplied to the cartridge can be controlled to control the rate or amount of gas produced by the gas source. This feature allows several gas sources, such as packed zeolitic materials, to be used without a gas storage component or a high pressure component. For example, a zeolite filled with carbon dioxide is very fast and tends to release carbon dioxide in relatively large quantities (eg, a packed zeolite with a mass of 30 grams is a few seconds in the presence of less than 30-50 ml of water. 1 to 2 liters of carbon dioxide can be easily produced at atmospheric pressure). Because of this rapid release, it is impractical to use zeolite when producing a liquid with a relatively high degree of carbonation saturation, such as carbonated water carbonated to a level of 2 volumes or more, depending on the situation. there is a possibility. (Carbonated saturated “volume” refers to the volumetric measure of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in a liquid of a given volumetric measure. For example, 1 liter of “2 volume” of carbonated water and 1 liter of water, It contains 2 liters of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in it.Similarly, 1 liter of “4 volumes” of carbonated water has 1 liter of water and 4 liters of carbon dioxide dissolved in it. The measure of gas volume is the volume of gas that a carbonated saturated liquid can release under atmospheric or atmospheric pressure and room temperature.) That is, to dissolve a gas such as carbon dioxide in a liquid Usually takes some time, and the dissolution rate is such that the pressure is within the atmospheric pressure of about 10.3 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 150 psi) and the temperature within the room temperature range of about ± 40 to 50 ° C. It can be increased only within a limited range under less extreme conditions. By controlling the rate of carbon dioxide (or other gas) generation of the carbon dioxide source (or other gas source), the carbon dioxide source (or other gas source) releases carbon dioxide (or other gas). By extending the total time, it is possible to secure time for dissolving carbon dioxide (gas) without requiring a very high pressure. For example, when utilizing one exemplary embodiment that incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention, the inventors have found that the pressure is less than about 2.8 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 40 psi) and the temperature is about 0 ° C. Produced a liquid having a carbonation saturation level of at least up to about 3.5 volumes in less than 60 seconds. Because of this capability, carbonated beverage machines can operate at relatively mild temperatures and pressures, so that components such as relatively expensive high pressure tanks and conduits, and especially machines can be used in consumer homes. There may be no need for an expansive pressure relief mechanism, containment structure, or other safety mechanism that might otherwise be required for use within. Of course, as described above and as described elsewhere herein, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the use of carbon dioxide, and any suitable gas may be used for all of the disclosure. According to the embodiment, it can be dissolved in a liquid.

  In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the precursor liquid used to produce the beverage can be used to activate the gas source. This function can help simplify the operation of the beverage making machine, for example, since no special activation material is required. As a result, the beverage production machine or the method of producing the sparkling beverage can be made cheaper and / or no special purpose ingredients are required. For example, in the case of a machine that produces carbonated water, only a portion of the water used to produce the beverage may be needed to activate the carbon dioxide source. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the precursor liquid may not be used to activate the carbon dioxide source; instead, any optional, such as water-like citric acid added to the bicarbonate material. Any suitable activator, heat, electromagnetic radiation such as microwaves used to activate the zeolite source can also be used. For example, a cartridge containing a carbon dioxide source includes (as part of the carbon dioxide source) an activator that controls its addition to another component of the carbon dioxide source to control the production of carbon dioxide. Can do.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which a fluid is supplied to a cartridge and / or cartridge chamber to activate a gas source, an embodiment in which the fluid flow is controlled to control gas generation, and a gas source is activated. FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment that incorporates at least the aspect of using a portion of a beverage precursor liquid. A beverage production system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a beverage precursor liquid 2 accommodated in a storage container 11. The beverage precursor liquid 2 is water (for example, water that has been subjected to flavoring or other treatment such as sweetening, filtration, deionization, softening, carbonation saturation, etc.), milk, juice, coffee, tea (heated or cooled from room temperature). Any suitable liquid, such as any other suitable liquid used to make a beverage such as, or not. The storage container 11 is a part of the beverage precursor supply system 10, and the beverage precursor supply system 10 is engaged with the storage container 11 to form a sealed casing 12 and a pump 13 for circulating the precursor liquid 2. And a component 14 such as a nozzle or a shower head that serves to spray the precursor liquid 2 into the upper space in the storage container 11. Of course, the precursor supply system 10 may have a different configuration, for example, including additional components or components different from these. For example, the storage container 11 and lid 12 can be replaced with a sealed tank with appropriate inlet / outlet, the pump 13 and / or nozzle 14 can be omitted, and / or other modifications can be made.

  In this embodiment, first, the precursor liquid 2 is supplied to the storage container 11 by the user. The user supplies the liquid 2 to the storage container 11 from water, for example. The user can also supply a cooling medium such as ice to the storage container 11 as necessary to cool the finally produced beverage. In other embodiments, the system 1 includes a cooling system such as a refrigeration system (such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a thermoelectric cooling device, etc., used to remove heat from a substance), Liquid 2 can also be cooled during and / or after carbonation. In some configurations, the precursor liquid 2 is cooled, for example, because the liquid at a lower temperature tends to dissolve a gas such as carbon dioxide faster and / or a larger amount of gas can be dissolved. This may accelerate the carbonation saturation process. However, in one aspect of the present invention, the carbonated saturated liquid can be cooled after the carbonated saturation process is complete, for example, using a fluid cooler to cool just prior to discharge. This function allows the system 1 to cool only the beverage and reduce the heat output of the system 1 without cooling the other components of the system, such as the storage vessel 11, the carbon saturator, and the pump. The user first supplies the beverage precursor liquid 2 to the storage container 11. The precursor liquid supply system 10 includes a water pipe, a control valve and a liquid amount sensor, a storage container for automatically filling the storage container 11 to a desired level. A tank such as a second water storage container fluidly connected to the tank 11 (for example, a removable water tank such as found in some coffee makers, with a pump and conduit for delivering water from the tank to the storage container 11 Other components for supplying the liquid 2 to the storage container 11 can also be included.

  The beverage production system 1 also includes a carbon dioxide activated fluid supply system 20 that supplies fluid to the cartridge 4 to activate the carbon dioxide source 41 to release carbon dioxide gas. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide source 41 is located in a portion of the cartridge 4 and is filled with, for example, a zeolitic material that adsorbs an amount of carbon dioxide gas released in the presence of vapor or liquid water. Contains adsorbent or molecular sieve. Of course, molecular sieve materials such as charcoal, carbon nanotubes, metal organic structures, covalent organic structures, porous polymers, or chemical means such as sodium bicarbonate or citric acid (bicarbonate and acid are first dried Other carbon dioxide raw materials can also be used, such as a carbon dioxide source material that generates carbon dioxide by adding water if it is in the state. Furthermore, the aspect of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the case where carbon dioxide gas is used, and is used for any suitable gas such as nitrogen, oxygen, air dissolved in some beverages such as beer. can do. Thus, references to “carbonation saturation”, “carbon dioxide source”, “carbon dioxide activated fluid supply system”, etc. limit aspects and / or any embodiments of the present invention to use only in the case of carbon dioxide. Should not be interpreted as. Aspects of the invention can be used with any suitable gas. In certain embodiments, the packed adsorbent is a zeolite such as calcite, orthopyrolite, chaptilolite, pyroxene, soda, Phillipsite, or zeolitic. Zeolites may be natural or synthetic and may be capable of holding up to about 20% or more carbon dioxide by weight. The zeolitic material can be configured in any suitable form, such as solid blocks (eg, discs), spherical, cubic, irregular or other suitable shaped particles. Configurations that allow the zeolite to flow or become flowable, such as spherical particles, may be useful for mounting the zeolite in individual cartridges. With this configuration, the zeolite can flow from the hopper to the container of the cartridge, and for example, the manufacturing process can be simplified. As the size of the surface area increases, the gas generation rate typically increases, so the surface area of the zeolite particles can also be configured to help control the rate at which the zeolite releases carbon dioxide gas. In general, zeolitic materials release carbon dioxide adsorbed in the presence of water in liquid or vapor state and activate the zeolite to release carbon dioxide gas by adding liquid water to the zeolite. it can.

  The carbon dioxide activated fluid supply system 20 of this embodiment includes a conduit fluidly coupled to a pump 13 and a control valve 21 that controls the pump 13 and control valve 21 to flow the precursor liquid 2 to the cartridge 4. Control such as opening and closing can be performed. By circulating the liquid 2 by the pump 13, the activated fluid supply system 20 diverts a part (for example, the first part) of the precursor liquid 2 to the cartridge chamber 3 by opening the valve 21, for example, Gas can be generated. The carbon dioxide activated fluid supply system 20 can have other configurations or other configurations. For example, an appropriate size opening may be provided in a conduit connected from the outlet of the pump 13 to the cartridge 4. It is possible to provide a decompression element in the conduit, a flow restriction in the conduit, a flow meter indicating the amount and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing into the cartridge 4, etc. Further, the liquid source 20 may not use the precursor liquid 2 to activate the carbon dioxide source 41, and may use a dedicated fluid source for activation. For example, the carbon dioxide activated fluid supply system 20 is a volume such as a syringe or piston pump that can meter a desired amount of liquid (water, citric acid, or other substance) delivered to the cartridge 4. An expression device can be included. In another embodiment, the activated fluid supply system 20 is a gravity-fed liquid supply system with a controllable delivery rate, such as a drip liquid supply system used in a venous line to deliver liquid to a hospital patient. Alternatively, mist of water or other liquid can be sprayed to supply water vapor or other gas phase activation fluid to the cartridge 4. Further, in FIG. 1, the activated fluid supply system 20 is shown to supply liquid from the top of the cartridge 4, but the liquid source 20 supplies liquid from the bottom of the cartridge 4 to flood the bottom of the cartridge, for example. Or the liquid can be supplied from any other suitable location. It is also conceivable that the activation liquid can be supplied to a cartridge equipped with a carbon dioxide source 42, for example, into a chamber that is perforated so that the liquid can contact the carbon dioxide source 42.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge 4 (having one or more parts) can be located in the cartridge chamber 3 during the production of carbon dioxide. As a result, the cartridge 4 can also be configured so that it cannot withstand a relatively high pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the cartridge 4, such as being made of a relatively flexible material. That is, the cartridge chamber 3 can be sealed at any pressure generated by the carbon dioxide source 41 and can support the cartridge 4 as necessary. In this exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 4 is housed in a sealed and sealed chamber 3 having a space or gap that surrounds all or most of the cartridge 4. The internal and external pressures of the cartridge 4 can be equalized, for example by allowing some of the gas emitted by the carbon dioxide source 41 to “leak” into the space around the cartridge 4, so The cartridge 4 does not rupture or collapse even if it is made of a relatively semi-rigid, highly flexible or weak material. In an alternative configuration, the cartridge 4 can be adapted to a receiving space in the cartridge chamber 3 such that the cartridge chamber 3 supports the cartridge 4 when pressure is increased within the cartridge 4. This support may be suitable for preventing the cartridge 4 from rupturing or the like from performing a desired function. In yet another embodiment, the cartridge 4 may be suitably (in whole or in part) sturdy to withstand relatively high pressures (eg, 1 atmosphere or more) in the interior space of the cartridge. In such a case, the cartridge chamber 3 establishes a connection with the cartridge for venting gas from the cartridge 4 and / or supplying liquid to the cartridge 4, such as by holding the cartridge 4 in place. There is no need to do more than work as a physical support. For example, the cartridge chamber 3 in such a configuration may simply include a connection port that serves to fluidly and physically couple the cartridge 4 to the system 1. Thus, in some embodiments, the cartridge can be mechanically robust enough to withstand a pressure of up to 6.2 × 10 ⁵ PaG (90 psig), like a conventional carbonated soft drink can, Although it may be fluidly coupled to the system 1, it may not have received physical support by the system 1 to prevent the cartridge 4 from rupturing in use (eg, the cartridge is exposed and the chamber It may not be sealed with a wall.)

  The carbon dioxide gas supply system 30 can be configured to supply carbon dioxide gas from the cartridge chamber 3 to an area where the carbon dioxide gas is used to carbonate the liquid 2. The gas supply system 30 can be configured in any suitable manner, and in this exemplary embodiment, results from a conduit 31 fluidly connected between the cartridge chamber 3 and the storage container 11 and a carbon dioxide source 41. And a filter 32 that serves to remove substances that may contaminate the precursor liquid 2, such as particles. The gas supply system 30 may be a pressure regulator, a safety valve, a control valve, a compressor or pump (such as for increasing the pressure of the gas), an accumulator (for example maintaining a relatively constant gas pressure and / or a gas). Other components, such as those that help to store the (By using an accumulator or similar gas storage device, it may not be necessary to control the gas output speed of the cartridge. For this reason, the gas source is released in an uncontrolled state. Can be stored in the accumulator for later delivery and used in the production of sparkling beverages.The gas released from the accumulator can be released in a controlled state, for example at a controlled pressure and / or flow rate. In this embodiment, the conduit 31 extends below the level of the precursor liquid 2 in the storage container 11 so that carbon dioxide gas is injected into the liquid 2 and dissolves. The conduit 31 may include a spray nozzle or other configuration to aid dissolution, such as by generating relatively small bubbles in the liquid 2 to increase the dissolution rate. Alternatively, the conduit 31 may deliver gas to the upper space within the storage container 11 (if an upper space exists) rather than below the liquid level of the liquid 2.

  Carbonation saturation of the precursor liquid 2 is not limited to one particular process, as it can occur via one or more mechanisms or processes. For example, the carbon dioxide gas delivered to the storage container 11 by the conduit 31 can serve to help dissolve the carbon dioxide in the liquid 2, but further assist the carbonation process with other system components. You can also. In this exemplary embodiment, the precursor liquid supply system 10 can assist in carbon saturation of the liquid by circulating the liquid through the pump 13 and the nozzle 14. That is, the liquid 2 can be sucked out of the storage container 11 through the dip tube 15 and sprayed by the nozzle 14 into the upper space filled with carbon dioxide in the storage container 11. As is known in the art, this process can help liquid 2 dissolve carbon dioxide gas, for example by increasing the surface area of liquid 2 exposed to the gas. In this embodiment, the dip tube 15 is a separate component from the storage container 11 and extends below the surface of the precursor liquid 2, but is formed integrally with the wall of the storage container 11. It can also be configured in the form. When the dip tube 15 is integrally formed with the storage container 11, a fluid connection between the dip tube 15 and the pump 13 can be established by connecting the storage container 11 to the lid 12. By integrally forming the dip tube 15 with the storage container 11, the system 1 may be able to accommodate a plurality of storage containers 11 of various sizes (and thus of varying volumes). Further, this configuration may help to ensure that only properly configured reservoirs 11 (eg, containers configured to withstand system pressure) are used. Alternatively, the dip tube 15 can accommodate a plurality of storage containers 11 having different heights, for example, by being flexible. Whether integrated with the storage container 11 or not, the dip tube 15 includes a configuration, such as a filter or strainer, to help prevent small particles such as ice fragments from being drawn into the pump 13. Can do. In some embodiments, the storage container 11 can function not only as a storage container 11 in the system 1 but also as a drinking glass. That is, the user installs a storage container / drink glass 11 (eg, containing a desired amount of water, ice and / or beverage medium) into the system and after the carbonation is complete, the storage container / drink glass 11 is removed. It can also be used to drink that beverage. The storage container 11 can be insulated, for example, to keep the beverage cold, and can be configured to withstand the appropriate pressure experienced during use in the system 1.

  Various components of the system 1 can be controlled by the controller 5. The controller 5 may store a programmed general purpose computer and / or other data processing device with appropriate software or other operating instructions, one or more memories (software and / or other operating instructions. A non-transitory storage medium capable), power supply for the controller 5 and / or other system components, temperature and fluid sensors, pressure sensors, RFID interrogators, input / output interfaces (eg for users) For displaying information and / or receiving input from the user), communication buses or other links, displays, switches, repeaters, triacs, motors, mechanical links and / or actuators, or desired input / output functions Others required to perform functions such as It may include components. In this exemplary embodiment, the controller 5 controls the operation of the valve 21 of the activation fluid source 20 and the pump 13 of the precursor liquid supply system 10. Although the sensor 51 is also shown in FIG. 1, this sensor represents one or a plurality of sensors used by the control device 5. For example, the sensor 51 can include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the precursor liquid in the storage container 11. This information can be used to control the operation of the system. For example, when the temperature of the precursor liquid is high, it is possible to lengthen the time that the control device 5 expects to dissolve the carbon dioxide gas in the precursor liquid 2. In other configurations, the temperature of the precursor liquid 2 can be used to determine whether to operate the system 1 to carbonate the liquid 2. For example, in some configurations, a user may need to add reasonably cold liquid 2 (and / or ice) to storage container 11 before system 1 operates. (As described above, if the precursor liquid 2 is relatively warm, depending on the conditions, the liquid may be insufficiently saturated with carbon dioxide.) In another embodiment, the sensor 51 controls the pressure in the storage container 11. A pressure sensor used to detect can be included. This information can be used to determine if the storage container 11 is improperly sealed to the lid 12, or if there are other pressure leaks, and / or sufficient carbon dioxide gas is present in the cartridge. 4 can be determined. For example, if the detected pressure is low, the controller 5 will increase the amount of liquid delivered from the activated fluid supply system 20 to the cartridge 4 or the storage container 11 is properly engaged with the lid 12. The user can be prompted to confirm. Similarly, a high pressure can reduce or stop liquid flow from the activation fluid supply system 20. Thus, the control device 5 controls the gas pressure in the storage container 11 and / or other areas of the system 1 by controlling the amount of liquid delivered to the cartridge 4 and / or the cartridge chamber 3. Can do. Alternatively or in addition, sensor 51 may detect that storage container 11 is in place and / or whether storage container 11 is properly engaged with lid 12. For example, when the storage container 11 is properly mounted on the seal of the lid 12, the switch can be closed to indicate that the engagement is appropriate. In another configuration, the storage container 11 may include an electronic device that can communicate the ID or other characteristics of the storage container 11 to the controller 5, such as an RFID tag. This information can be used to determine whether the storage container 11 is suitable for use in the system 1 and to control certain operating conditions (eg, operating pressure based on the type of storage container used). And / or carbonation of the precursor liquid to a level corresponding to the storage container 11) and / or whether it is suitable for other uses. The sensor 51 can also detect whether the cartridge 4 is present in the chamber 3 by, for example, an RFID tag, optical recognition, physical sensing, or the like. If the cartridge 4 is not detected or if the control device 5 detects that the cartridge 4 has been used, the control device 5 prompts the user to insert a new cartridge 4 or another cartridge 4. it can. For example, in some embodiments, a single cartridge 4 can be used to carbonate multiple volumes of precursor liquid 2. The control device 5 keeps track of the number of times the cartridge 4 is used, and when the limit is reached (for example, when it has been drunk 10 times), can prompt the user to replace the cartridge. The sensor 51 can also detect other parameters, for example, the carbonate saturation level of the precursor liquid 2 (which can be used to control the carbonate saturation process), suitable for receiving beverages released from the system 1. Presence or absence of a container (eg to prevent spilling of beverage), presence or absence of a precursor liquid such as water in the storage container 11 or elsewhere in the precursor liquid supply system 10, flow rate of liquid in the pump 13 or associated conduit And the presence or absence of the upper space in the storage container 11 (for example, when the upper space is unnecessary, the valve can be operated to discharge the gas in the upper space, or only the carbon dioxide exists in the upper space. If it is desirable to do so, the leakage valve can be activated to exhaust the air in the headspace and replace the air with carbon dioxide). It is also possible to detect the parameters.

  The controller 5 can also be configured so that the user can define the carbonation saturation level (ie the amount of gas dissolved in the beverage, whether carbon dioxide or other gas). For example, the controller 5 may allow the user to select 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 carbonate saturation volume levels, such as a touch screen display, or low, medium or high carbonate saturation levels. By allowing one of them to be selected, a user interface can be included that allows the user to define a desired level of carbonation. Although all cartridges used in the system 1 can contain sufficient gas source material to allow the highest carbonation saturation level to be selected, the controller 5 will deliver an amount of gas that matches the selected level. The system can be controlled to dissolve in the beverage. For example, all cartridges can be configured for use in the production of “high” carbonated beverages, while the controller 5 uses only a portion of the available gas for carbonated beverages (or gas). The system 1 can be operated so that the source releases an amount of gas below its capacity. The carbonation level can be controlled based on the carbonation level detected by the sensor 51, the pressure detected at the storage container or elsewhere, the amount of gas output by the cartridge 4, or other characteristics. In another embodiment, the cartridge 4 can include an electronic impression that can be read by the controller, indicating the level of carbonation used in the beverage, such as an RFID tag, bar code, alphanumeric string, and the like. After determining the carbonation level of the cartridge 4, the controller 5 can control the system 1 accordingly. Thus, the user does not need to select a carbonation level by interacting with the system 1, and the carbonation level can be automatically adjusted based on the selected beverage. In yet another embodiment, the user may be able to select a gas source cartridge 4 that matches the carbonation level desired by the user. (By changing the amount of the gas source in the cartridge 4, the carbonation saturation level can be changed for each cartridge.) For example, a plurality of cartridges for a low carbonation saturation level, a medium carbonation saturation level, and a high carbonation saturation level Can be selected by the user so that the user can select a cartridge that matches the desired carbonation saturation level and equip the system 1 with the selected cartridge. Thus, a gas source cartridge labeled “low” can be selected and used in the system to produce a low level carbonated beverage.

  Alternatively, the user may be able to define the characteristics of the beverage to be produced by interacting in some way with the cartridge 4 used in the system 1. For example, physical features such as cartridge tabs and notches can be modified or formed by the user to indicate desired beverage characteristics. For example, the user can fold the tab, slide the slider indicator, cover or uncover a hole in a part of the cartridge, etc. (If the system 1 can be controlled to produce a beverage using only a portion of the beverage medium in the cartridge). The controller 5 can also use features of the cartridge 4 to detect features of the cartridge, the beverage being manufactured, or other components of the system 1. For example, the optical waveguide in the cartridge 4 may be the level of the beverage medium in the cartridge 4, the flow of precursor liquid in the cartridge 4, the pressure in the cartridge (e.g., when the polarization of a portion of the cartridge is detected and indicates pressure, etc. ), The location of pistons, valves or other cartridge components, and the absence of a beverage medium in the cartridge, etc., can provide an optical path that allows the controller 5 to optically detect. Electrical sensor contacts (for example, sensors that provide conductivity measurements that represent properties such as the carbonation saturation level of the precursor liquid) or acoustic sensors (sensors for detecting gas emissions, fluid flow, or other cartridge characteristics) Other sensor mechanisms can also be incorporated into the cartridge.

  In order for the beverage production system 1 to produce a carbonated beverage, the user first places a desired amount of the precursor liquid 2 into the storage container 11 along with ice and / or beverage media as needed. Alternatively, the carbonated liquid can be flavored by automatic or manual means after carbonation is complete. Thereafter, the lid 12 is engaged with the storage container 11 by engaging a screw portion formed in the storage container 11 with the lid 12 and operating a fastening mechanism or the like. A cartridge 4 containing a carbon dioxide source 41 (for example, a solid state such as filled zeolite) can be placed in the cartridge chamber 3 to seal the chamber 3. In other embodiments, the cartridge 4 can be fluidly coupled to the system 1 in other ways, such as engaging threaded portions of the cartridge 4 with corresponding holes in the system. The cartridge chamber 3 can operate in any suitable manner, such as found in many cartridge coffee makers or other beverage making machines. For example, the manual lever can be operated to lift the lid of the chamber 3 to expose the cartridge receiving portion of the chamber 3. With the cartridge 4 in the chamber 3, this lever can be actuated again to close the lid and seal the chamber 3. Since the cartridge 4 is associated with the system 1, the controller 5 can then operate the system 1 to deliver liquid to the chamber 3 and generate, for example, carbon dioxide. The control device 5 can automatically start the operation based on, for example, detection of the presence of the cartridge 4 in the chamber 3, detection of the liquid 2 in the storage container 11, and detection of the closure of the chamber 3. Alternatively, the controller 5 can initiate system operation in response to a user pressing a start button or otherwise making an input to initiate beverage preparation (eg, by voice activation). The control device 5 can start the operation of the pump 13, draw a liquid from the dip tube 15, and discharge the liquid 2 from the nozzle 14. The valve 21 can be opened to deliver a suitable portion of the precursor liquid 2 to the chamber 3, and the generated carbon dioxide gas can be supplied to the storage container 11 by the gas supply system 30. Operation can continue for a pre-set time or based on other conditions such as the detected carbonation saturation level, reduced gas production by the cartridge 4 or other parameters. During operation, the amount of liquid supplied to the chamber 3 can be controlled to control the gas output by the cartridge 4. Control of the liquid supplied to the cartridge 4 is based on the detected pressure (eg, chamber 3 and / or) based on a timing sequence (eg, opening the valve 21 for a certain period and then closing the valve for a certain period). The supply of liquid is stopped when the pressure in the storage container 11 exceeds a threshold, and restarted when the pressure falls below that threshold or another value), etc. On the basis of the amount (eg, delivering a specified volume of liquid to the cartridge 4) or other configuration. When complete, the user can remove the beverage and storage container 11 from the lid 12.

  FIG. 1 only shows one exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system 1, and other configurations are possible, such as a system incorporating other aspects of the present invention. For example, in one aspect of the invention, flavoring of sparkling beverages can be done automatically or in a cartridge. This feature not only makes the beverage production process easier and more convenient for the user, but also reduces the possibility of cross-contamination between the beverage and the beverage and / or the need for rinsing the mixing chamber. You can also. That is, each beverage produced by the system 1 can be produced using a substantially dedicated mixing chamber by mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid in a cartridge (which can be disposable). it can. For example, when producing a lemon beverage after producing a cherries carbonated beverage using the system 1, the flavor of the cherries remaining in the mixing chamber may be transferred to the subsequent lemon beverage. . The mixing chamber can be rinsed and washed to help eliminate or reduce such flavor mixing, but if each beverage is mixed in one cartridge for each beverage, the mixing chamber or other This eliminates the need to rinse the system components. Mixing of the beverage medium with the precursor liquid can take place in a dedicated mixing chamber of one or more cartridges, in the cartridge portion holding the beverage medium, and / or in the cartridge portion holding the gas source. However, it should be understood that the beverage medium can be mixed with the precursor liquid in other ways, for example, by discharging the beverage medium directly from the cartridge into a container such as a user's cup or a mixing chamber of a beverage maker. In this way, the beverage medium can also be mixed with a liquid such as foaming water directly in the user's cup.

  In another aspect of the invention, the precursor liquid comprises a contactor (a type of carbonic acid saturator or gas dissolver) comprising a porous membrane (eg, at least porous to gas) having a gas side and a liquid side. And can be saturated with carbonic acid. When using other techniques, the precursor liquid on the liquid side of the carbonic acid saturator can be exposed to the gas on the gas side of the film, and the film can be configured to increase the surface area of the liquid exposed to the gas. More rapidly, gases such as carbon dioxide can be dissolved in the precursor liquid. In some embodiments, the carbonation saturator can include a contactor with a hollow fiber configuration in which a hollow fiber composed of a hydrophobic material, such as polypropylene, carries the precursor liquid. These fibers are porous and, in combination with the hydrophobic nature of the material, have holes that allow gas outside the fiber to contact the liquid while preventing the liquid from exiting the fiber. A membrane contactor suitable for such applications is manufactured by Membrana of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Of course, other “membrane” configurations may be used, such as a configuration that prevents large flow of liquid across the barrier but allows gas to pass through the barrier and dissolve into the liquid. For example, instead of a hollow fiber configuration, a membrane having a flat spiral configuration and / or a flat comb configuration may be used. Also, in some configurations, the gas flow through the contactor can be substantially opposite to the liquid flow through the contactor to facilitate gas exchange, for example. However, other flow configurations are possible.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, the cartridge chamber of the beverage production system is configured to hold a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion, wherein the first cartridge portion is used for carbonation of the precursor liquid. A carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas to be discharged, and wherein the second cartridge portion contains a beverage medium configured to be mixed with the liquid precursor into a beverage. be able to. The cartridge chamber can have a single cartridge receiving portion that receives both cartridge portions, or can receive each other, eg, two or more cartridges, each associated with a first or second cartridge portion. A plurality of separate cartridge receiving portions may also be included. Such a configuration helps to simplify the use of the system, particularly when the cartridge portion is configured for a single use, for example, once a beverage has been produced and then discarded as such. Sometimes. For example, one or more cartridges including first and second cartridge portions without requiring the user to establish an airtight connection, a leak proof connection, or other connection necessary for the system to operate properly Can also be arranged in the receiving part of the cartridge chamber. Without establishing such a connection, the cartridge portion can simply be placed in the receiver and the cartridge chamber closed, allowing the system to be ready for beverage production.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the precursor liquid is carbonated with gas supplied to the cartridge using a membrane contactor, an embodiment in which the beverage medium is mixed with the liquid in the cartridge, and a first cartridge portion containing a gas source. And FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment that incorporates the aspect of using a cartridge chamber that receives a second cartridge portion containing a beverage medium. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and can be modified to have one or more components similar to those shown in FIG. However, FIG. 2 shows some alternative configurations to illustrate some other ways in which the beverage production system 1 can be modified in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, the storage container 11 is a sealed tank that does not have a detachable lid. The precursor liquid 2 is controlled from a piped water connection (not shown), a pump 13 (or other pump) that pumps liquid from a separate storage tank (not shown) to the storage container 11, and a separate storage tank. The storage container 11 can be supplied in any suitable manner, such as gravity feeding of liquid through a possible valve (not shown). The storage container 11 can have any suitable volume and is fluidly coupled to a pump 13 that circulates the precursor liquid 2 through the contactor 6 and via the nozzle 14 the storage container 11. Can be returned to. (Such a circulation mechanism can help dissolve the gas in the precursor liquid 2 and is described herein or otherwise intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Any beverage production system 1 can be used.) As mentioned above, the precursor liquid 2 passes through the hollow fiber in the contactor 6 to capture gases such as carbon dioxide around the fiber. However, this configuration can be reversed so that the gas flows inside the fiber and the precursor liquid 2 is located outside the fiber. A filter 16 may be provided to remove material in the precursor liquid 2 that may interfere with the operation of the contactor 6, such as by clogging the fiber or pores in the fiber. Alternatively, or in addition, the filter 16 removes elements such as, for example, alkalis that tend to soften, increase the pH of the liquid 2, and that may interfere with the production of a savory beverage. By doing so, the liquid 2 can be adjusted. For example, the filter 16 may include activated carbon and / or other components found in commonly used water filters. The contactor 6 can be configured with a plurality of hollow fibers extending into a sealed tube or other chamber such that the internal passage of the fiber fluidly connects the fluid inlet of the contactor 6 to the fluid outlet. The gas space around the fiber can communicate with the carbon dioxide supply system 30 via one or more holes on the gas side of the contactor 6. However, the contactor 6 can also be configured in other forms, such as having one or more membranes having a shape other than tubular, such as a flat sheet that defines the liquid side and gas side of the contactor 6. I want you to understand.

  The activated fluid supply system 20 is configured similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and a controllable valve 21 is fluidly coupled to the output of the pump 13. However, in this embodiment, the activated fluid supply system 20 introduces liquid near the bottoms of the cartridge chamber 3 and the cartridge 4. This configuration can help the activated fluid supply system 20 better control the release of gas from the carbon dioxide source 41. For example, by dripping water from the top to the carbon dioxide source 41, the water can be diffused over a wide area so that the gas source material such as filled zeolite spread over a wide area can release the gas. By supplying liquid from below, the activation fluid supply system 20 can bring water into contact with the gas source material 41 from below by flooding the cartridge 4 and / or the chamber 3. Thereby, it is possible to more precisely control the amount of the gas source material 41 activated to release the gas. If the carbon dioxide source 41 can move water upwards (such as by capillary action) by wicking or the like, the carbon dioxide source 41 can be divided into multiple parts and separated from each other by a non-wicking agent. it can. For example, the carbon dioxide source 41 can include a set of stacked zeolitic material disks separated by a non-wicking material such as a metal or solid plastic separator. As a result, the fluid supply system 20 can gradually increase the fluid level in the cartridge 4 over a certain period of time to sequentially activate the individual disks.

The gas produced in the cartridge 4 is sent to the gas side of the contactor 6 (via an optional filter 32 and conduit 31) by a gas supply system 30. The conduit 31 may include a configuration such as a floating check valve that allows gas to pass to the contactor 6 but prevents liquid from exiting the cartridge chamber 3. For example, when a floating ball is provided in the cartridge chamber 3, the opening of the conduit 31 is normally vacated so that the gas can freely flow. However, for example, the activated fluid supply system 20 supplies excess activated liquid. When supplied, the opening can be closed by floating on the surface of the liquid in the cartridge 4. The control device 5 can monitor the gas pressure in the chamber 3, the conduit 31, and / or the gas side of the contactor 6 to control the activated fluid supply system 20 and gas generation. In one embodiment, the activation fluid supply system 20 is controlled to provide a gas pressure of about 2.4 × 10 ⁵ to 3.1 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 35 to 45 psi) on the gas side of the contactor 6. be able to. This pressure is at least sufficient when using a hollow fiber contactor to carbonate about 400 to 500 ml of water at a temperature of about 0 ° C. in about 30 to 60 seconds, as described in more detail in the examples below. Is known to act on As the carbon dioxide in the contactor dissolves in the precursor liquid 2, the pressure on the gas side decreases, and the controller 5 is prompted to supply additional liquid 2 to the cartridge 4a to generate additional gas. Similar to the system shown in FIG. 1, this process can be performed over a specified length of time or liquid 2 so that the pressure of carbon dioxide gas can be maintained within a desired range above atmospheric pressure. Can be performed based on any criteria, such as a specified carbonation saturation level, a carbon dioxide source 41 being depleted, or a volume of liquid being delivered to the cartridge 4a.

  When the carbonation of the precursor liquid 2 is complete, the controller 5 can send the liquid 2 to the beverage medium cartridge 4b in the cartridge chamber 3. The precursor liquid 2 can be flowed from the storage vessel 11 in any suitable manner (such as by gravity or a pump), but in this embodiment the controller 5 causes the precursor liquid 2 to flow through the conduits 3 and The air pump 7 is operated to pressurize the storage container 11 so that it flows into the beverage medium cartridge 4b. In other embodiments, the gas pressure generated by the carbon dioxide source 41 can be used to pressurize the storage container 11 and drive the flow of precursor liquid flowing into the beverage medium cartridge 4b. For example, when the carbonation is completed, the gas from the cartridge 4 a can be sent directly to the storage container 11 instead of the contactor 6 to pressurize the storage container 11. Although a valve is not shown in the conduit that fluidly couples the storage container 11 and the cartridge 4b, appropriate components such as controllable valves and pumps can be added to control the flow as desired. By passing the liquid 2 through the cartridge 4b using a gas such as air (or draining the beverage medium from the cartridge 4b), the system 1 “blows down” the cartridge 4b at or near the end of the beverage process. Thus, for example, any residual material can be removed from the cartridge 4b. This can be useful in reducing the difficulty of handling the cartridge 4b, for example, reducing the likelihood of liquid dripping from the cartridge 4b when the cartridge 4b is removed from the chamber 3. A similar process can be used to blow down the cartridge 4a using, for example, an air pump or a gas generated by a carbon dioxide source 41.

  By flowing the precursor liquid 2 through the beverage medium cartridge 4b, the liquid 2 can be mixed with the beverage medium 42 before being discharged into, for example, a waiting cup 8 or other container. The beverage medium cartridge 4b can be concentrated syrup, ground coffee beans or liquid coffee extract, tea leaves, dried herbal tea, powdered beverage concentrate, dried fruit extract or powder, natural and / or artificial flavors or colors, acids, Aromas, viscosity modifiers, suspensions, antioxidants, powdered or liquid concentrated broth or other soups, powdered or liquid medicinal ingredients (powdered vitamins, minerals, bioactive ingredients, drugs or other pharmaceuticals, functional foods ), Powdered or liquid milk or other creamers, sweeteners, thickeners, etc., any suitable beverage manufacturing material (beverage medium) can be included. (As used herein, “mixing” of a liquid and a beverage medium refers to dissolving the substance in the beverage medium in the liquid, extracting the substance from the beverage medium, and / or any other form of liquid from the beverage medium. Etc.) The liquid 2 can be introduced into the cartridge 4b in any suitable manner and / or the cartridge 4b helps to mix the liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42. It can be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the precursor liquid 2 is introduced into the cartridge 4b to generate a spiral or other flow pattern, or the cartridge 4b is provided with a labyrinth or other meandering flow path to cause a disturbance in the flow. It can also help with mixing. One potential advantage of mixing the precursor liquid 2 in the beverage medium cartridge 4b is when using a mixing chamber that is used to mix the beverage medium and liquid 2 for each beverage that the system 1 produces. It is possible to avoid possible cross contamination of the beverage medium. However, the system 1 has a reusable mixing chamber such as a space in which the beverage medium 42 supplied from the cartridge 4b and the precursor liquid 2 are mixed in almost the same manner as a fountain drink is produced by a commercial drink machine. It can also be modified to use. For example, the beverage medium 42 is fed into a mixing chamber or user's cup into which the precursor liquid 2 is also introduced from the cartridge 4b (eg, air pressure, carbon dioxide gas pressure generated by the cartridge 4a, gravity, an adductor pump, a venturi tube or other configuration. Can be sent). Rinsing the mixing chamber may or may not be necessary, for example, to help prevent cross-contamination of the beverages. In some configurations, the entire amount of beverage medium 42 can be discharged to the mixing chamber so that the flavored precursor liquid 2 that exits the mixing chamber earlier has a higher beverage medium concentration. However, as the beverage medium 42 is swept away from the mixing chamber by the precursor liquid 2, the precursor liquid itself can effectively rinse the mixing chamber. In the configuration in which the beverage medium 42 is a dry material such as powder, the ability to mix the medium 42 with the precursor liquid 2 can be improved by introducing some precursor liquid into the cartridge and pre-wetting the medium 42. The dampened medium 42 can be mixed with the additional precursor liquid 2 in the cartridge, or it can be discharged from the cartridge to the mixing chamber or other location by air pressure, plunger, etc., and further mixed with the precursor liquid 2. You can also. The liquid 2 can be introduced into the mixing chamber using multiple streams to increase the mixing speed, for example, even at low flow rates, so as to reduce the loss of dissolved gas.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 allows the flow of the precursor liquid 2 exiting the contactor 6 to a separate mixing chamber in which the beverage medium cartridge 4b or the beverage medium 42 is mixed with the carbonated precursor liquid 2, for example as shown in FIG. It can also be modified to be sent directly. That is, in this exemplary embodiment, the carbonated saturated precursor liquid 2 does not circulate out of the storage vessel 11 and back through the contactor 6 back to the storage vessel 11, but the precursor liquid 2 is in contact with the contactor 6. Is mixed with the beverage medium 42 in the mixing chamber 9 and discharged into the cup 8. However, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 can also include a circulation circuit that can circulate the liquid 2 from the storage container 11 or other tank through the contactor 6 and back to the storage container 11 or other tank. The mixing chamber 9 can take any suitable form, for example, moving the precursor liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 in a spiral, spiral or other form to facilitate mixing or is driven by a motor. One or more blades, impellers or other elements may be provided to mix the contents of chamber 9. The mixing chamber 9 may be separate from the cartridge 4, but can be incorporated into the cartridge 4 if necessary. The mixing chamber 9 can also be cooled, for example by a refrigeration system, to help cool the beverage supplied to the cup 8. Alternatively, the precursor liquid 2 can be cooled at the storage container 11 and / or elsewhere in the system 1. If the carbonated saturated liquid 2 is not flavored, or if the liquid 2 is mixed with the beverage medium 42 and then passed through the carbonated saturator 6, the mixing chamber 9 is omitted or pre-cursed upstream of the contactor 6. It can be configured to mix the liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42. Alternatively, the precursor liquid supply system 10 can be configured to mix the precursor liquid 2 with the beverage medium 42 in the cartridge 4 b before sending the liquid 2 to the contactor 6. In this embodiment, the beverage medium 42 may be, for example, air or other gas pressure (eg, pressure supplied from an air pump, gas source 41, etc.), gravity feed (eg, by opening a valve or door), beverage production. All or part of the precursor liquid 2 used in the mixing chamber 9 is guided to the second cartridge 4b, or the cartridge 4b is pressurized to force the medium 42 to flow into the mixing chamber 9 by any suitable means. Can be delivered to. The control device 5 can detect the gas pressure on the gas side of the contactor 6 and control the fluid supply to the cartridge 4a according to it to maintain an appropriate gas pressure in the contactor 6. The storage container 11 may be a water storage tank that is not pressurized in this embodiment, and may be detachable from the system 1, for example, to facilitate filling by a user. The user can add ice and / or beverage medium to the precursor liquid 2 in the storage container 11 as needed. Alternatively, the storage vessel 11 and the pump 13 can be replaced by a pipe connection with a pressurized water supply system and optional control valves and / or pressure reducing valves. Of course, as with other embodiments, the system 1 includes a visual display, user input buttons, knobs, or touch screen, a user operating device for opening and closing the cartridge chamber, and other mechanisms found in beverage making machines. It can seal appropriately in the housing provided with.

  The beverage production system 1 can have other configurations as shown in FIG. 4, for example. In this exemplary embodiment, the cartridge chamber 3 is coupled to the storage container 11 so that a cartridge 4 a with a carbon dioxide source 41 is located in the storage container 11. The cartridge 4 a can be placed in the storage container 11 / cartridge chamber 3 by removing the lid 12 from the storage container 11. The liquid can be supplied to the cartridge 4a by any suitable activation fluid supply system 20, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and a syringe or piston pump that delivers a metered amount of liquid to the cartridge 4a. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide supply system 30 is coupled to the storage container 11 such that a portion of the storage container serves to deliver carbon dioxide gas to the precursor liquid 2. The pump 13 can assist the carbonation saturation process by circulating the liquid 2 and spraying the liquid 2 into the upper space filled with carbon dioxide in the storage container 11. In another embodiment, the contactor 6 is provided in the storage container 11 (eg, at the nozzle 14) so that the liquid 2 flows through a hollow fiber extending downward from the lid 12 and carbon dioxide in the upper space passes through the fiber. In the meantime, it can be absorbed by the liquid. In yet another configuration, the membrane portion of the contactor 6 can be at least partially immersed in the precursor liquid 2 and the gas generated from the gas source 41 can be passed through the hollow fiber of the contactor 6. As a result, the liquid 2 outside the fiber can capture carbon dioxide from the gas passing through the fiber. In such a configuration, the fibers of the contactor 6 can be placed in the storage container 11 or other tank as shown, or in the user's cup 8. In this way, the gas can be dissolved when in the cup 8, such as by carbonating the liquid 2.

  Although the cartridge chamber 3 can be configured in any suitable manner, FIG. 5 illustrates one exemplary case where both the carbon dioxide source cartridge 4a and the beverage media cartridge 4b can be received in the same cartridge chamber 3. The configuration is shown. In this embodiment, the cartridges 4a and 4b (having portions for receiving the gas source 41 and the beverage medium 42, respectively) are received by separate cartridge receptacles 33, each cartridge receptacle 33 being the bottom of its cartridge receptacle 33. Can include a piercing element 34. The piercing element 34 can include a hollow needle, a large nail, a blade, a knife, or other configuration, and can form an opening in each cartridge 4. Alternatively, the cartridge 4 may have a defined opening that includes a septum or other valve-type element that allows entry into and / or out of the cartridge 4, such as, for example, one or more holes. Similarly, the lid 12 can also include a piercing element 35 that forms an opening in the top of each cartridge 4 when the lid 12 is closed, for example. The lid 12 can form a sealed chamber when closed, in which the cartridges 4a and 4b are placed and isolated from each other. The openings formed in the cartridges 4a and 4b can ensure communication with the internal spaces of the cartridges 4a and 4b, as schematically shown in FIG. For example, the opening at the top of the cartridge 4a can allow gas such as carbon dioxide to exit the cartridge chamber 3, and the opening at the bottom of the cartridge 4a allows activation fluid such as water to enter the cartridge 4a. Can be able to. Of course, these openings can also be formed at other locations, such as openings that allow fluid input to occur at the top or sides of the cartridge. Similarly, gas can exit the cartridge through the bottom, side or other location openings. As mentioned above, gas can leak from the cartridge 4a into the space in the cartridge chamber 3 around the cartridge 4a, for example through the opening of the cartridge 4a or through the hole or other opening of the piercing element 35. Can be. Thus, during gas generation, the pressure around the cartridge can be made equal to the pressure inside the cartridge to help prevent rupture of the cartridge 4a. Alternatively, the cartridge 4a can fit snugly within the cartridge receiver 33 so that the cartridge chamber 3 can support the cartridge 4a (if desired). The opening at the top of the beverage medium cartridge 4b allows the precursor liquid 2 to be introduced into the cartridge 4b (eg for mixing with the beverage medium) or pressurized air or other gas (eg beverage medium) 42 can be allowed to enter the cartridge (to push 42 out of cartridge 4b into the mixing chamber or cup). The opening at the bottom of the cartridge 4b can allow a beverage to exit a container such as a cup awaiting, or allow the beverage medium to move to a mixing chamber or cup. As in the case of the cartridge 4a, the opening of the beverage medium cartridge 4b can be configured at any one or more suitable positions.

  The cartridge chamber 3 can be opened and closed in any suitable manner so that the cartridge 4 can be placed in and / or removed from the chamber 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lid 12 is pivotally attached to the receiving portion of the chamber 3 and opens and closes manually, for example by a handle and link arrangement, or automatically by a motor drive, etc. 33 can be opened and closed. In other embodiments, the lid 12 can have two or more compartments each associated with a cartridge receiver 33. Therefore, the cartridge receptacle 33 can be opened and closed by moving these lid sections independently of each other. Of course, the lid 12 uses a screw connection (screw lid or the like), fixes the lid 12 and moves the receiver 33 back and forth with respect to the lid 12, or moves both the lid and the receiving portion. It can also be configured in other ways, such as by engaging with the receiver 33. Further, the cartridge chamber 3 may not necessarily have a lid / receiver configuration as shown in FIG. 5, but instead any one or more that cooperate to open and close the cartridge. Any suitable member can be included. For example, a pair of shell-like members can be movable relative to each other to receive the cartridge and to physically support the cartridge. Some other exemplary cartridge chamber configurations are shown, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,420,063, 6,606,938, 6,644,173, and 7,165,488. As mentioned above, the cartridge chamber 3 can be used without the user having to take special steps to establish an airtight connection, a leaktight connection or other special connection between the cartridge and other parts of the system 1. One or more cartridges can be arranged in the chamber 3. Rather than follow a special procedure, in some embodiments the user may simply place the cartridge in the receiving space and close the cartridge chamber.

The cartridge 4 used in various embodiments is attached to the top of a container, such as found in some beverage cartridges manufactured by Curig, Reading, Massachusetts, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 5,840,189. It can be configured in any suitable form, such as a relatively simple frustoconical cup-type container with a lid. In one embodiment, a cartridge with a frustoconical cup-shaped container and lid has an approximate diameter of about 30-50 mm, a height of about 30-50 mm, an internal volume of about 30-60 ml, and about 5.5 × 10 ⁵ Pa. (About 80 psi) burst resistance (ie, a cartridge with a pressure gradient of about 5.5 × 10 ⁵ Pa (about 80 psi) from the inside to the outside of the cartridge in the absence of any cartridge physical support) Resistance to bursting). However, as used herein, a “cartridge” can be any suitable configuration such as a sheath (eg, encapsulating material that is a layer of opposing filter paper), a capsule, a sachet, a package, or any other configuration. Can take form. The cartridge may have a fixed shape or may not have a fixed shape (in the case of a package such as a part of a sachet made entirely of a flexible material). The cartridge may be impermeable to air and / or liquid, or may be able to pass water and / or air into the cartridge. The cartridge is introduced into the beverage medium cartridge 4b and / or carbon dioxide raw materials are introduced into the beverage or other system components to help prevent, for example, a portion of the beverage medium from being supplied with the manufactured beverage. A configuration such as a filter can be included in the gas cartridge 4a to help prevent the above.

In one aspect of the present invention, the volume of one or more cartridges used to produce a beverage using this beverage production system is greater than the volume of the beverage produced using these one or more cartridges. It may be small or, in some cases, significantly smaller. For example, when the carbon dioxide cartridge and the beverage medium cartridge 4 are used, the volume of these cartridges is about 50 ml or less, respectively, and these can be used to produce a beverage having a volume of about 200 to 500 ml or more. . The inventors have used a packed carbon dioxide adsorbent (such as packed zeolite, etc.) in an amount of about 30 grams (less than 30 ml by volume) (as shown in some of the examples below) to maximize It has been discovered that about 400 to 500 ml of carbonated water having a carbonation saturation level of about 3.5 volumes can be produced. Furthermore, it is well known that a beverage flavored syrup or powder having a volume of less than about 50 ml, or less than about 100 ml can be used to produce a moderately flavored beverage having a volume of about 400 to 500 ml. . Thus, using a pressure of less than 3.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa (50 psi) using multiple cartridges (or a single cartridge in some configurations) of a relatively small volume of about 100 ml to about 250 ml or less. A volume of about 100 to 1000 ml of carbonated beverage having a carbonate saturation level of at least about 1.5 to 4 volumes can be produced in less than 120 seconds, for example about 60 seconds.

  Although the carbon dioxide cartridge and the beverage medium cartridge 4 can be provided separately, in some embodiments, these cartridges 4 can be joined together as shown in FIG. The cartridges 4a and 4b can be connected by any suitable configuration, such as tabs 43 extending from the respective cartridges 4a and 4b, such as heat welding, adhesive, or interlocking mechanical fasteners such as clasps and clips Are connected to each other. This arrangement allows cartridges 4a and 4b to be manufactured separately within the manufacturing environment, for example because these cartridges require a completely different manufacturing process. For example, the beverage medium cartridge 4b may require an environment with high sterility, but the gas cartridge 4a may not be manufactured in such an environment. In contrast, the gas cartridge 4a may need to be manufactured in an environment free of water vapor, whereas the beverage medium cartridge 4b may not be required. After manufacturing cartridges 4a and 4b, they can be attached to each other in such a way that they cannot be separated without the use of tools (such as scissors) and / or one or both of the cartridges are not damaged. . The cartridge chamber 3 can be configured to accommodate these connected cartridges so that only one is required to be placed in the chamber 3 when the user manufactures the beverage. Furthermore, the cartridges 4 and / or the manner in which they are installed, and the configuration of the cartridge chamber 3 help to ensure that the gas cartridge 4a and the beverage medium cartridge 4b are placed in a suitable cartridge receptacle 33. Can do. For example, the cartridge 4 can have different sizes, different shapes, or other different configurations so that the combined cartridge 4 cannot be misplaced in the chamber 3. Alternatively, the controller 5 detects that the cartridge is improperly placed (eg, by communicating with one or both RFID tags on the cartridge or optically or otherwise identifying the cartridge). , Can prompt the user to make changes as needed.

  7 and 8 join a pair of cartridges to help prevent improper placement of the cartridge in the chamber and / or to allow the cartridge to operate in other orientations. It is a figure which shows another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the cartridges 4a and 4b are arranged in a state where the cartridge 4b is placed in a state in which the cartridge 4a is upright with the bottom 44 of the container facing downward and the lid 45 covering the upper part of the container facing upward. They are connected by the connecting portion 43 so as to be in a state where 45 is turned sideways and turned sideways. FIG. 8 is a top view of this embodiment, with the lid 45 of the cartridge 4a facing forward and the lid 45 of the cartridge 4b facing downward. This configuration may be useful in embodiments where the cartridge 4 is perforated only in the lid area, for example not in the bottom 44 or other parts of the container. That is, the gas cartridge 4a can be perforated with a lid 45 to allow liquid to be introduced into the cartridge 4a and allow gas to escape. In some embodiments, the inlet for introducing the activation fluid (liquid and / or gas) can be the same opening as the outlet for the gas that the gas source releases. For example, it is possible to make only one hole in the lid 45, to introduce water through this hole, and to let the gas released from the gas source go out. Similarly, the lid 45 of the cartridge 4b can be pierced so that liquid can be introduced into the cartridge 4b for mixing with the beverage medium 42 and the flavored beverage can be ejected out of the cartridge 4b. Can be. Not piercing the container may be useful in configurations where the container is made of a relatively thick and / or hard material (eg, to withstand the operating pressure of the cartridge 4).

In another aspect of the invention, a single cartridge can be used to supply carbonation gas and beverage medium. Indeed, in some embodiments, the precursor liquid can be both carbonated and flavored in the same cartridge. For example, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 4 that includes both a gas source 41 (eg, a zeolite carbon dioxide source) and a beverage medium 42. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes first and second chambers (or portions) 46 and 47 that contain a gas source 41 and a beverage medium 42, respectively. The first chamber (or portion) 46 and the second chamber (or portion) 47 can be separated from each other by an permeable element such as a filter or an impermeable element such as a wall molded with the cartridge container. . In this embodiment, the first chamber (or portion) 46 and the second chamber (or portion) 47 are separated by a filter 48 attached to the lid 45, but other configurations are possible. The precursor liquid and / or the activation liquid can be introduced into the first chamber 46 by a piercing element 35 or other configuration, such as a hole formed as part of the cartridge 4. The inner space of the cartridge 4 is maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure by 2.1 × 10 ⁵ to 10.3 × 10 ⁵ Pa (30 to 150 psi) or more, for example, and the carbon dioxide gas released from the gas source 41 is dissolved. It is possible to advance faster than when the pressure is low. Further, the system 1 configured to use such a cartridge may include a configuration such as a back pressure valve that helps maintain an appropriate pressure within the cartridge 4, eg, as an aid to carbonation. As described above, the cartridge chamber 3 that holds the cartridge 4 can be configured to closely fit the cartridge 4 as needed to support the cartridge and prevent rupture of the cartridge. Alternatively, the pressure inside the cartridge 4 can leak into the space around the cartridge 4 so that the pressure inside and outside the cartridge is equal, or the cartridge can be without physical or other support. It can also be made to withstand the operating pressure. Carbonated saturated precursor liquid 2 and / or liquid / gas foam mixture may pass through filter 48 and enter second chamber 47 to be mixed with beverage medium 42. Thereafter, the mixture of precursor liquid 2 and beverage medium 42 can exit the cartridge 4, for example, through the piercing element 34 in the container bottom 44. The dissolution of carbon dioxide in the precursor liquid 2 and the mixing of the beverage medium 42 and the liquid 2 can continue after these substances exit the cartridge 4. For example, a mixing chamber can be placed downstream of the cartridge 4 to help mix the beverage medium and liquid more thoroughly as needed. A conduit may also be provided downstream of the cartridge to help continue gas dissolution, for example, by maintaining the pressure of the liquid.

  9 and 10 show a configuration in which the gas source 41 and the beverage medium 42 are separated by the filter 48, but in other configurations, the gas source 41 and the beverage medium 42, for example, the precursor liquid 2 is the beverage medium 42. It can also be mixed so that it is simultaneously confused and exposed to the gas from the gas source 41. In some cases, the gas not dissolved in the liquid 2 is sent to another position such as the contactor 6 and exposed to the liquid 2 at the upstream or downstream position to be dissolved in the liquid 2, for example, the dissolved gas level. Can also be raised. In some embodiments, the particulate gas source material 41 can be coated with a beverage medium 42.

  In the embodiment described above, the cartridge 4 has been described as having a bottom and a top defined with the cartridge operating in an upright configuration. However, as suggested in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8, the cartridge can be operated in any suitable position. For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the cartridge 4 configured as shown in FIG. 9 is used when the cartridge 4 is tilted sideways. (Note that the cartridge 4b of FIGS. 7 and 8 can be used in the same manner as the cartridge shown in FIG. 10.) The precursor liquid is fed into the first chamber (eg, via the piercing element 35). It is introduced into (or part) 46, gas is generated in gas source 41, and the interior space of cartridge 4 can be at least partially flooded. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the liquid can be carbonated and mixed with the beverage medium 42 before exiting the cartridge via the piercing element 34.

  As also described above, one cartridge 4 can be configured to have first and second chambers 46, 47 that are isolated or separated from one another. FIG. 11 shows one such embodiment, in which the first and second chambers (or portions) 46, 47 are separated by a wall 49. A cartridge such as that shown in FIG. 11 can be used, for example, in a system 1 such as that shown in FIG. 2, but the cartridge chamber 3 may need to be modified to accommodate this one cartridge 4. . As shown in FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the activation liquid can be supplied through the piercing element 35 at the top of the first chamber (or portion) 46 and the gas is in the same or different opening. Can go out through different openings. Alternatively, the activation liquid can be introduced through the piercing element 34 at the bottom of the first chamber (or portion) 46 and the gas can exit through the upper piercing element 35. In yet another embodiment, the precursor liquid can be introduced from the top piercing element 35 and the carbonated liquid can exit through the bottom piercing element 34. The first chamber (or portion) 46 may include, for example, a filter or other suitable component that helps prevent the gas source 41 from exiting the chamber (or portion) 46. With respect to the second chamber (or portion) 47, a gas, such as air, is introduced through the piercing element 35 at the top of the second chamber (or portion) 47, so that the beverage medium 42 is in the second chamber (or portion). ) 47 from the bottom piercing element 34, for example to the mixing chamber or the user's cup. Alternatively, the precursor liquid can be introduced via the piercing element 35 at the top of the second chamber 47, mixed with the beverage medium 42 and exits the cartridge 4 via the piercing element 34. As noted above, the configuration of the piercing elements 34 and 35 of this exemplary embodiment should not be construed as limiting aspects of the invention in any way. That is, the piercing element may not be used, and instead the flow into / out of the cartridge 4 may occur through holes or other openings defined in the cartridge 4. Also, the cartridge inlet / outlet or other opening need not necessarily be located at the top, bottom, or other specific location.

  These one or more cartridges can be constructed of any suitable material and are not limited to the container and lid configurations shown herein. For example, these one or more cartridges may contain these materials, such as comprised of a material that forms a barrier to moisture and / or gases such as oxygen and water vapor. In certain embodiments, these one or more cartridges are comprised of a polymer laminate formed of a sheet comprising, for example, a layer of polystyrene or polypropylene and a layer of other barrier material such as EVOH and / or metal foil. can do. Further, the material and / or configuration of these one or more cartridges can vary depending on the substance contained in the cartridge. For example, the gas cartridge 4a may require a robust moisture barrier, while the beverage media cartridge 4b may not require such high moisture resistance. Thus, these cartridges can be constructed of different materials and / or in different ways. Furthermore, the interior of the cartridge can be configured differently depending on the desired function. For example, the beverage medium cartridge 4b can include a structure such as a baffle that causes the liquid / beverage medium to follow a serpentine path to facilitate mixing. The gas cartridge 4a can be configured to hold the gas source 41 at a particular location in the interior space or other configuration, for example, to help control the wetting of the gas source 41 by the activated liquid.

  The cartridge can also be configured to provide a visual indication or other detectable indication regarding the suitability of the cartridge for use in beverage manufacture. For example, the cartridge can include a mechanism, such as a pop-up indicator or a color indicator, that indicates that the gas source is at least partially activated. Viewing this indicator, the user can determine that the cartridge is not suitable for use in a beverage maker. In another embodiment, activation of a gas source (e.g., detected via an increase in pressure), deterioration of the beverage medium (e.g., detected via an increase in temperature), which can be transmitted to a reader of a beverage maker, Alternatively, another sensor for detecting the characteristics of the cartridge and the RFID tag can be linked. The beverage maker can display its state to the user and / or prevent activation of the beverage maker that uses the cartridge for beverage production.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge can include a gas source portion, a beverage media portion, and a mixing chamber portion (also referred to as first, second, and third portions) that are separated from one another. Thus, as described above, the cartridge can include a mixing chamber that is separated from the portion used to hold the beverage medium prior to use of the cartridge. The first part can contain a gas source that emits a gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid, and the second part is a beverage medium used to mix with the beverage precursor liquid to produce a beverage And the third portion can be configured to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. The precursor liquid can enter the third part with the beverage medium and / or enter the third part via a separate flow path. Thus, the cartridge may be able to mix the precursor liquid (eg, may or may not be carbon saturated) with the beverage medium and output the mixed beverage (eg, for subsequent carbonation saturation). This can help eliminate the need to clean the mixing chamber, for example, since the cartridge can be disposable and each beverage can be made using a dedicated mixing chamber. 12, 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the cartridge 4 having first, second and third parts, respectively, before being configured to produce a beverage, and the cartridge after being configured to produce a beverage. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 and an exploded perspective view of the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes a first portion 46 that partially surrounds the second portion 47 and the third portion 62. For example, the first portion 46 has a portion positioned around the second portion 47 and the third portion 62 in at least one plane. The third portion 62 partially surrounds the second portion 47. However, since the first portion 46, the second portion 47 and the third portion 62 can be configured in any suitable manner relative to each other, the first portion 46, the second portion 47 and The concentric configuration of the third portion 62 is not essential. The upper ends of the first portion 46, the second portion 47, and the third portion 62 are sealed with a lid 45 such as a foil laminate that is a part of the cartridge container. (In some embodiments, the lid 45 may include a first portion that covers the second portion 47 after the beverage medium is disposed, and a first portion 46 (and possibly, after the gas source 41 is disposed). It may include two or more separate parts, such as a second part covering the second part 47), thereby making it possible to fill the first part 46 and the second part 47 during manufacture. As a result, the first portion 46 can be isolated from the external environment to help prevent the gas source 41 from coming into contact with substances such as moisture, for example. Since there is a closure device at the second portion of the beverage medium outlet 47b, such as a rupturable or brittle membrane or a septum, the second portion 47 is similarly isolated from the external environment, and if necessary, the beverage medium 42 is degraded. Will help prevent. Although the upper region of the third portion 62 is closed by the lid 45, the bottom region of the third portion 62 may remain open or may be covered with another element such as a cover such as the second lid.

  This embodiment incorporates another aspect of the invention. That is, the cartridge can include a movable part configured to move to allow the cartridge to be used for beverage manufacture. For example, the movable part can move relative to the cartridge container to open the gas source part and / or the beverage medium part as shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the movable portion 61 includes a plurality of piercing elements 34 and 35 configured to form one or more openings in the lid 45, although other configurations are possible. is there. For example, the movable portion 61 moves to open the valve to open the inlet or outlet of the cartridge 4, break the tab or other brittle element to open the inlet or outlet, or couple a pair of conduits can do. In this embodiment, the movable part 61 forms an activator inlet 46a in the first part 46, for example to allow introduction of a fluid (liquid water or water vapor) to activate the gas source 41. Contains element 35. The movable part 61 can also form a gas outlet 46b in the first part 46, for example dissolved in the precursor liquid, so that gas released from the gas source 41 can be discharged from the cartridge 4 to produce a beverage. A piercing element 34 is also included. Also, for example, if one same hole in lid 45 serves to entrap the activation fluid and release gas, one piercing element 34/35 serves to form inlet 46a and outlet 46b. Sometimes you can do it. The piercing element 35 also forms a precursor liquid inlet 47a in the second portion 47 from which the precursor liquid (which may or may not contain a large amount of dissolved gas) is introduced and mixed with the beverage medium 42. , So as to be able to help move the beverage medium 42 from the second portion 47 to the third portion 62. The precursor liquid may be introduced into the third portion 62 by one or more piercing elements 35 and mixed with the beverage medium 42. Thus, according to aspects of the present invention, the cartridge 4 is fed into the mixing chamber portion of the cartridge, such as by sending a portion of the precursor liquid used in beverage manufacture through the beverage medium portion and diverting the remaining portion of the precursor liquid. Can be configured to send. In some embodiments, about 10 to 40% of the precursor liquid used to make the beverage can be introduced into the second portion 47 and about 60 to 90% of the precursor liquid can be introduced into the third portion 62. . Of course, other relative amounts can be used as appropriate. The precursor liquid can be introduced into the third portion 62 by generating movement such as vortexing or turbulence to aid mixing with the beverage medium. Some of the precursor liquid introduced into the second portion 47 can help the wetting medium 42 to get wet, for example when it is a powdered material that allows it to be well mixed.

  According to aspects of the present invention, the cartridge 4 can include a locking element that prevents movement of a movable part that can be moved, for example, to configure the cartridge in a form suitable for beverage manufacture, the locking element comprising: Can be releasable. As shown in FIG. 12, the cartridge container or movable part 61 can include a lock ring 71 that prevents the movable part 61 from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid 45, for example. The lock ring 71 can be released by the user by removing the lock ring 71 by pulling a tab for separating the lock ring 71 from the container along a weak line such as a perforation. The locking element can take other configurations, such as one or more break-off burrs or tabs, removable plugs or other structures. In another configuration, the locking element can be released, for example, by removing the beverage maker after the cartridge 4 is interlocked with the beverage maker and the door is closed.

  Another aspect of the invention incorporated into the cartridge shown in FIG. 12 is that the gas source portion at least partially surrounds the beverage media portion and / or the mixing chamber portion. This feature helps to expand the volume of the gas source portion without unnecessarily enlarging the cartridge, for example, the gas source portion can produce gas released by the gas source in a small volume chamber. It can help to store without undergoing large pressure changes. That is, when the volume of the gas source chamber is increased to some extent, the gas source chamber can store the gas generated by the gas source while smoothing the pressure fluctuation. Therefore, the gas source portion can be configured to function as a kind of accumulator that stores the gas generated by the gas source.

  In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes a movable part 61 with a piercing element, but the cartridge 4 may not include a movable part 61 that moves to form the cartridge to produce a beverage. Alternatively, the cartridge 4 may be configured without the movable part 61 and configured such that a beverage maker using the cartridge interacts with the cartridge and communicates with the cartridge inlet and / or outlet as appropriate. It may include components such as a suitable combination of perforated elements.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge can include an activation fluid inlet that delivers activation fluid toward the bottom of the gas source portion. This arrangement can improve the control of gas release, for example because the gas source can be exposed to the activation fluid from bottom to top. Thus, if the activation fluid is water, the lower portion of the gas source portion can be immersed in water to activate the lower layer of the gas source. However, since the activated water has not reached above the lower part of the gas source, the upper layer of the gas source can be left unactivated. In order to activate the upper layer of the gas source, more water may be supplied to the gas source portion to increase the level of the upper surface of the activation fluid in the gas source portion. By continuing the immersion of the gas source portion at a controlled speed, the gas release of the gas source can be controlled. This configuration can help to avoid wetting the gas source from its top surface, such as by sprinkling water on the top surface of the loaded zeolitic material. When this watering is performed, there is a possibility that the gas source gets wet, and hence the activation becomes uncontrolled, and the gas release from the gas source cannot be controlled much.

  15 and 16 are an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 that includes an activation fluid inlet that supplies activation fluid to the bottom of the gas source portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the first portion 46 includes a gas source 41 and an activator inlet 46 a with a conduit extending from near the top of the first portion 46 to near the bottom of the first portion 46. Including. Thus, for example, a beverage maker can pierce the lid 45 that seals the first portion 46 and the activator inlet 46a to introduce water into the activator inlet 46a. The water flows down the conduit at the inlet 46a to the bottom of the first portion 47 and wets the lower layer of the gas source, causing the gas source to release gas. Of course, other activation fluids such as citric acid and water vapor can also be used. Also, in this embodiment, the activator inlet 46a includes a conduit molded into the side wall of the container body, but the activator inlet 46a may be a conduit extending from the bottom wall of the first portion 46 or a perforation. Other configurations, such as a conduit extending downward from the element, can also be used. The released gas may exit out through another opening (such as a molding hole or perforation opening) formed in the first portion 46 or through the activator inlet 46a (eg, the gas It may exit out (via a small hole in the inlet 46a near the top of the conduit that passes but not liquid water, or via a sump such as an S-shaped conduit that does not allow liquid water to flow).

  Other gas release control methods may be used with the cartridge, such as enclosing the gas source 41 in a structure that is disassembled, such as ruptured or dissolved, and exposes the internal gas source to the activation fluid. For example, a plurality of capsules containing the gas source 41 can be configured to dissolve at different rates, so that the gas source material for activation can be released in a time-released manner. Other configurations are possible, such as a first portion 46 comprising a plurality of stages or platforms on which a gas source 41 is disposed. As the activator such as water accumulates in the first portion 46, the gas source 41 of each stage is exposed to the activator in turn, so that the gas can be released in stages.

  Another aspect of the present invention incorporated into the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is a spiral, chordal, zigzag or other serpentine flow channel that holds the beverage medium and flows therethrough. A flow channel that helps the precursor liquid mix with the beverage medium. For example, the cartridge 4 includes a precursor liquid inlet 47a that delivers the precursor liquid (in this case via a downwardly extending conduit extending from the top of the first portion 46 to the second portion 47) to the outer region of the helical channel. . Beverage medium 42 is placed within the helical channel to fill the channel halfway through its depth so that the precursor liquid can flow over and / or through the beverage medium. . As the precursor liquid flows through the spiral channel, the liquid and the beverage medium mix to form a beverage. The helical channel can be configured to form a laminar flow to help reduce the loss, for example, when a gas such as carbon dioxide is dissolved in the precursor liquid. Alternatively, the serpentine channel, such as a spiral, can be configured to create a turbulent flow, optionally to help mix the precursor liquid and the beverage medium. The beverage medium and precursor liquid mixture exiting the cartridge near the center of the spiral channel may be poured directly into the user's cup or into a mixing chamber that is part of the cartridge or part of the beverage maker. May be. Other channel channel shapes other than spirals can be used, for example, a spiral, zigzag, and / or serpentine path can be constructed to achieve laminar or other flow characteristics. Thus, the second portion of the cartridge containing the beverage medium can include any suitable flow configuration to assist in mixing the precursor liquid and the beverage medium.

  Also, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is a closure device (eg, a cap) in which the outlet of the second portion 47 is configured to open the user and / or beverage maker by tearing, drilling, removing, etc. The characteristic that it can be included is also included. This outlet therefore does not necessarily have to be opened due to the presence of pressure in the second part 47. Further, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 of this embodiment are constituted by separate portions that are bundled by a sleeve 75 that winds the portions 46 and 47. The sleeve 75 may also serve to seal the sides of the precursor liquid inlet 47a and / or the activator inlet 46a. However, it should be understood that the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be configured as a single integral piece so that the sleeve 75 is not required.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the beverage media portion of the cartridge can include a wall that can be moved to eject the beverage media from the beverage media portion. For example, the beverage media portion can be defined by a barrier layer (eg, a foil laminate) configured to surround the beverage media. The barrier layer is flexible so that the second part of the cartridge can be squeezed or pressed to apply force to reduce the volume of the second part and push the beverage medium out of the second part. Can be. For example, the barrier layer can form a pouch containing a beverage medium, and the pouch can be squeezed to mix, for example, a user's cup, cartridge mixing chamber, or other medium that mixes the beverage medium with a liquid precursor The beverage medium can be pushed into position. In another exemplary configuration, the second portion can include a syringe-type configuration that moves the plunger into the second portion to push the beverage medium out of the second portion. Other configurations are possible as described further below.

  FIGS. 17-20 are perspective views, exploded views, cross-sectional views during gas output, and cross-sectional views during beverage medium mixing, showing an exemplary embodiment having a movable element for ejecting the beverage medium from the cartridge. is there. In this embodiment, the cartridge container includes a flat plate support 72 that supports a lower first portion 46 and an upper second portion. The first portion 46 is integrally formed with the support 72 and is formed, for example, as an integral part of the support 72, but may be formed in other forms, such as a separate part attached to the support 72. . The first portion 46 has a semicircular shape, the activator inlet 46 a is near the bottom of the first portion 46, and the gas outlet 46 b is on the upper side of the flat plate support 72. (As with all embodiments described herein, relative terms such as “top” and “bottom” are used for ease of explanation and understanding, and cartridge construction and use. It should not be understood as limiting the attitude of the cartridge at the time, or other cartridge characteristics.) Accordingly, an activation fluid, such as water, is introduced near the bottom of the first portion 46, eg, the first The gas discharged from the gas source 41 can be caused to exit from the hole on the support 72 by controllably accumulating in the portion 46. The activator inlet 46a and gas outlet 46b can be opened using a piercing element, performing a physical action of removing the tear tab, removing the release foil, and the like.

  The second portion 47 of this embodiment includes a blister pouch composed of a layer of barrier material, such as a foil laminate. The second portion 47 can have any shape or size, but in this embodiment has a generally disc-like shape with a dome-shaped top surface. The lower portion of the blister pouch can include a layer of barrier material that, for example, seals the first portion 46 and covers most of the top surface of the support 72 so as to form the bottom of the second portion 47. However, other configurations are possible. The blister pouch is placed on the protrusion 73 on the support 72. When the blister pouch is pressed against the support 72 as shown in FIG. 20, for example, the protrusion 73 perforates the second portion 47, and the beverage medium Can be released. Therefore, when the wall of the second portion 47 (for example, the upper portion of the blister pouch) moves, the beverage medium can be ejected from the second portion 47. This wall movement can be caused by a beverage maker plunger pushing down the second portion 47 (shown in FIG. 20) or otherwise. For example, the gas pressure generated by the gas source 41 can be sent to a suitable location (such as the second portion 47, the air sac, or the plunger of the beverage maker) to push the beverage medium out of the second portion 47.

  In another aspect of the invention, the beverage medium exiting the second portion 47 can be routed to the precursor liquid inlet 47a, for example when carbonated water is introduced into the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes four precursor liquid inlets, although other numbers of inlets can be used. In addition, the upper surface of the support 72 around the protrusion 73 is configured to form a flow path for the beverage medium and send the beverage medium to a region near the precursor liquid inlet 47a. For example, FIG. 21 is a top view showing a portion of the support 72 located below the second portion 47. In this embodiment, the support 72 defines four flow paths for the beverage medium 42 to move from near the protrusion 73 to each precursor liquid inlet 47a. As a result, when the second portion 47 is pierced by the protrusion 73 and the beverage medium is released, the beverage medium can flow outward toward the inlet 47a. (The flow of the beverage medium 42 can occur in either a liquid beverage medium or a solid (e.g., powdered) beverage medium.) Thus, for example, the beverage medium is divided into relatively small quantities to determine its surface area and precursor liquid. The beverage medium can be facilitated to dissolve more easily and / or completely. It should be understood that other configurations can be used to direct the movement of the beverage medium toward the precursor liquid inlet 47a. For example, four protrusions 73 can be provided on the support 72 so that one protrusion 73 is positioned in the vicinity of each inlet 47a. Accordingly, the second portion 47 can be drilled at a location adjacent to each inlet 47a to release the beverage medium directly from the second portion 47 into the inlet 47a. In another embodiment, each protrusion 73 includes a flow path (eg, includes a hollow piercing needle), and the beverage medium 42 can flow through the protrusion 73 to a desired location adjacent to the inlet 47a. Other configurations will occur to those skilled in the art.

  One feature of the configuration shown in FIG. 21 is that the beverage medium can be introduced into the precursor liquid from a direction across the precursor liquid flow, which breaks the beverage medium flow into smaller particles and dissolves the dissolution rate. It can be raised. For example, the beverage medium 42 introduced at each inlet 47a can flow substantially perpendicular to the precursor liquid flow entering the inlet 47a. Alternatively, the beverage medium can be sent coaxially to the precursor liquid flow, for example, the central beverage medium flow can be surrounded by the coaxial precursor liquid flow. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates that the support 72 includes a flow channel that delivers the precursor liquid 2 to a plurality of locations where the beverage medium 42 is released from the second portion 47, for example, by a plurality of protrusions 73 on the support 72. It is a figure which shows embodiment. The region where the precursor liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 merge can be configured such that the liquid 2 is, for example, a coaxial flow and generally surrounds the beverage medium 42. The flow rate of each stream can be adjusted to help improve mixing or other beverage manufacturing characteristics such as foaming or air entrainment. For example, a faster flow of the precursor liquid 2 can help increase the surface area of the beverage medium exposed to the liquid by helping to stretch the flow of the beverage medium 42. The mixing chamber can be configured to help improve this effect, for example, by creating an increasingly elongated flow. In addition to the possibility of assisting mixing, the coaxial flow of precursor liquid and beverage medium prevents the beverage medium (which can be relatively viscous) from contacting the walls of the mixing chamber or other conduit. May help to reduce the likelihood that the beverage medium will adhere to the wall. In practice, a less viscous material (precursor liquid) can be directed toward the wall of the mixing chamber or other conduit, and a more viscous material (beverage medium) can be placed away from the wall. Alternatively or in addition, a low viscosity material may be introduced into the mixing chamber prior to introducing the beverage medium to wet the walls of the mixing chamber, for example to prevent the beverage medium from adhering to the chamber walls. You can also help.

  The embodiment of FIGS. 17-20 also includes a second portion 47 and a third portion 62 located below the support 72. The precursor liquid introduced through the precursor liquid inlet 47a and the beverage medium 42 pushed out of the second portion 47 enter the third portion 62 and other components for producing the beverage, such as sufficient mixing and foaming. Processing can be performed. In this embodiment, the third portion 62 is funnel-shaped, for example, to create a swirling action of the precursor liquid and beverage medium to aid mixing, but can be configured in other shapes. For example, the third portion 62 can be used to increase eductors (eg, for taking air, liquids or other materials into the beverage), jets (eg, beverage medium flow velocity and / or contact with ambient air). A rectifier (e.g., to help output the beverage from the cartridge in a predictable desired manner) and the like. Similar to the first portion 46, the third portion 62 may be integrally formed with the support 72, or may be configured as a separate component and joined to the support 72. Of course, if the beverage maker using the cartridge 4 is equipped with a mechanism such as a mixing chamber, the third portion 62 is not necessary for the cartridge.

  FIGS. 17-20 show a configuration in which the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are offset from each other, but other configurations are possible. For example, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge similar to the cartridge shown in FIGS. 17-20, but with the first chamber 46 positioned directly below the second portion 47. In addition, the first portion 46 can be disposed around the third chamber 62 to help reduce the size of the cartridge, for example. Accordingly, the cartridge shown in FIG. 23 has the second portion 47 above a certain plane, the first portion 46 below the plane, and the first portion 46 of the third portion 62. It is possible to incorporate aspects of the invention that encircle a portion. Similar to the cartridge of FIGS. 17-20, the cartridge shown in FIG. 23 may, for example, make the cartridge 4 more user friendly, help protect parts of the cartridge 4 from damage, and / or Side walls extending around the cartridge 4 may be included to help ensure proper orientation when interlocked with the beverage maker. The configurations of FIGS. 17-23 can also include other physical mechanisms, such as mechanisms that help ensure proper orientation and placement of the cartridge 4 when interlocked with the beverage maker. For example, the cartridge of FIGS. 17-23 can include vertical sidewalls that extend around support 72 and form walls around other portions of cartridge 4, for example. This configuration helps protect the cartridge components from damage (eg, accidental drilling of the second portion 47) and facilitates handling of the cartridge (eg, the table without rolling the cartridge). And / or can help to properly orient the cartridge relative to the beverage maker.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the second portion of the cartridge can include two or more sub-portions each holding a corresponding amount of beverage medium 42. The cartridge operates to deliver a corresponding amount of beverage medium to each of a controllable number of these small portions so that, for example, different amounts of beverage medium can be used in the production of beverages. (E.g., the flavoring beverage medium can be released before the effervescent medium so that foam is formed on top of the produced beverage) or incompatible ingredients (e.g. Separation of components that do not mix, or components that react with each other in an undesirable manner prior to beverage production. For example, the second portion 47 of FIG. 23 can include two or more pouches formed in the second chamber 47 separated from each other by, for example, a brittle and impermeable membrane. Thus, with the beverage maker plunger, the second portion 47 can be depressed by a corresponding amount to cause the delivery of an appropriate number of small portions. For example, these small portions can be stacked and separated by a membrane such as a cake layer. When the second portion 47 is first depressed, the bottom small portion can be opened to deliver its contents. Upon further depression by the plunger, the next small portion can be opened to deliver its contents, and so on. In this way, any desired number of sub-portions can be deployed or not deployed as required, depending on the settings by the user of the beverage maker itself. Providing beverages using only a portion of the beverage medium in the cartridge while providing a separate small portion to minimize leakage of unused beverage media when the cartridge is removed from the beverage maker can do.

  In another aspect of the invention, the first portion of the cartridge can be moved relative to the second portion to push the beverage medium out of the second portion. For example, FIGS. 24 through 27 show an exploded view, a perspective view, and a beverage medium in the second part, respectively, in a configuration in which the first part acts as a plunger to expel the beverage medium from the second part of the cartridge. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a beverage is contained, and a cross-sectional view of a state in which a beverage medium is discharged from a second portion of the cartridge. The first portion 46 can be defined at least in part by a first chamber wall, such as a cup-shaped element received within the second portion 47. The second portion can be at least partially defined by a second chamber wall that defines a second space in which, for example, a beverage medium is disposed. The first chamber wall of the first portion 46 can be received in the second space and is movable relative to the second chamber wall to allow the beverage medium to move away from the second portion of the cartridge. Can be discharged. For example, FIGS. 26 and 27 show how the first portion 46 can be secondly inserted to further fit the first portion into the second portion and push the beverage medium out of the second portion. It is shown whether it can be moved downward relative to the portion 47 of FIG. Basically, the first part 46 can act as a plunger in the second space of the second part 47 to push the beverage medium 42 to the outlet of the second part. The movement of the first part 46 relative to the second part 47 is caused by a beverage maker including a motor drive that moves the first part 46 or expands to cause movement of the first part 46. By introducing gas pressure (eg generated by the gas source 41) or relative to the first part 46 (which may remain stationary with respect to the beverage maker). It can be caused by any suitable method, such as moving upward. The cartridge 4 may also include a locking element that prevents relative movement of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 until released by the user and / or beverage maker. The second portion 47 can also be provided with an outlet closing device at the beverage medium outlet 47b that opens in response to an increase in pressure in the second portion 47, perforation, mechanical breakage or the like. Accordingly, the outlet 47 b of the second portion 47 can be opened in any suitable manner to allow the beverage medium 42 to exit the second portion 47.

  Another aspect of the invention incorporated into this embodiment is that the mixing chamber portion (third portion) of the cartridge can partially surround the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. . Such a configuration not only helps to reduce the size of the cartridge 4, but also widens the space in which the precursor liquid and the beverage medium can move, thereby assisting in mixing. Furthermore, when combined with a configuration in which the first part is received in the second part, the overall cartridge size can be reduced, especially after use of the cartridge. The third part can also be reusable, for example, the user can remove and clean the third part as needed, replace the first part and the second part, and Beverages can be manufactured. This feature can help reduce waste, while allowing the user to replace the third part used in the cartridge only when needed. In this embodiment, the third portion 62 comprises mechanisms such as wings and fins that help cause movement of the precursor liquid and beverage medium to aid mixing, for example. However, other configurations are possible. (As with any mechanism described herein, mechanisms such as wings and fins that help cause mixing can be used in any suitable cartridge configuration.) Further, if the beverage changes, the third The configuration of the portion 62 can also be changed. For example, highly carbonated beverages made with easily dissolvable beverage media are configured so that only small movements occur to help reduce loss of carbonate saturation due to, for example, turbulent liquid behavior Can have a third portion. However, other beverages such as hot chocolate can cause greater turbulence behavior in the third chamber to aid mixing without worrying about loss of carbonation (since the beverage is not carbonated). Accordingly, the beverage maker can be configured to produce a wide variety of beverages, such as hot beverages, cold beverages, carbonated beverages, non-sparkling beverages, by at least partially different cartridge configurations.

  Due to the proximity of the gas source 41 and the beverage medium 42 within the cartridge 4, the cartridge 4 may be able to control or use the heat generated by the gas source 41. For example, the beverage medium 42 can absorb the heat generated by the zeolite gas source material during gas release. When the beverage medium 42 is a liquid having a relatively high viscosity at a low temperature, the gas source 41 can heat the beverage medium 42 to reduce the viscosity of the beverage medium and promote dissolution in the precursor liquid. . Alternatively, or in addition, the beverage medium 42 or other portion of the cartridge 4 receives heat from the gas source 41 to prevent excessive heat build-up in the cartridge 4 or otherwise Can help withstand such heat buildup. This helps reduce the risk of the cartridge being subject to thermal damage and / or the gas source 41 is more efficient when the release of gas may be hindered, for example, at high heat levels. Can help release.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge can be configured to have a gas outlet and a beverage medium outlet on the same side of the cartridge container. In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and / or for introducing the precursor liquid into the container for mixing with the beverage medium. The precursor liquid inlet can have the same side of the container as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet. Such a configuration can make the cartridge easy to handle and easy to use. For example, by providing one or more inlets and one or more outlets on the same side of the cartridge, the interface between the beverage maker and the cartridge can be simplified. For example, in some cases, the cartridge is simply interlocked, such as by inserting it into the beverage maker in a simple manner, using the required connections formed in one local area on one side of the cartridge. be able to.

  FIGS. 28-30 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge where the gas outlet, beverage medium outlet, activator inlet and precursor liquid inlet are all located on the same side of the container. Although the cartridge having these mechanisms can be configured in other forms, in this embodiment, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 of the cartridge container are joined to each other, for example, a foil laminate. And a pair of barrier materials 79 forming a pair of pouches for the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. Of course, the container can be constructed in other ways, for example by a molded plastic body defining a first portion 46 and a second portion 47 having a shape as shown in FIG. The layers of barrier material 79 are joined together to form a first portion 46 and a second portion 47, and at least a gas outlet 46b, an activator inlet 46a, a precursor liquid inlet 47a and a beverage medium outlet 47b are provided. Partly joined to the defining insert 74. The insert 74 in this embodiment includes a pair of molded plastic portions that are configured to not only define the inlet / outlet but also improve the adhesion of the barrier layer to the insert 74. For example, the inner portion of the insert 74 can be bonded to the barrier material 79 to define the inlet / outlet interface to the beverage maker after supplying the gas source 41 and beverage medium 42 to the cartridge 4. The first portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be closed. However, other configurations are possible, such as omitting the insert 74 and drilling a layer of barrier material 79 to form the inlet / outlet as needed, or a configuration in which the insert 74 is one integral part. In this embodiment, the insert 74 is configured to close the inlet / outlet, such as with a foil lid, and require perforations at each inlet / outlet position to open the inlet / outlet. Alternatively, one or more of the inlets / outlets may break the tab, peel off the foil cover from the inlet / outlet, or subject the inlet / outlet to an appropriate threshold pressure to rupture the closure device It can also include a closing device that can be opened.

  Reduction of the surface area between the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 by forming the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 in a parallel arrangement as shown in FIGS. And / or reducing its moisture permeability to reduce the movement of moisture from the beverage medium 42 in the second portion 47 to the first portion 46. That is, if the beverage medium contains moisture (such as when it contains some concentrated syrup), the moisture can move from the beverage medium 42 to the first portion 46, thereby partially activating the gas source 41. (When the gas source 41 can be activated by water). This may cause the problem that elements such as walls separating the beverage medium 42 from the gas source 41 are somewhat permeable. However, in a side-by-side configuration as shown in FIGS. 28-30, the permeability of this joint can be controlled by adjusting the width of the barrier layer seal between portions 46 and 47. For example, the selection of materials and relative positions of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 is devised (for example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 17, there is a gap between the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. Other configurations may be used to make the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 (or other, such as very unlikely to transfer moisture from the beverage medium 42 to the gas source) because it is physically separated. Moisture movement between the cartridge portions) can also be reduced.

  Another aspect of the invention incorporated in this embodiment is that the gas outlet 46b passes from the gas outlet through the first portion of the gas source portion (ie, where the gas source 41 is located) and through the filter 46c. It includes a conduit 46d that extends to the gas outlet portion of the first portion. In this embodiment, the conduit 46d is constituted by a tube, but the conduit 46d can also be constituted by the barrier layer itself, for example by joining the barrier layers to form the conduit 46d. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, as can be seen in FIGS. 28-30, the barrier layers are joined together in a pattern to form a filter 46c, which filters the gas source material 41 to the first. Helping to hold in the gas source part of the part and mainly gas passes through the filter 46c and the gas outlet part of the first part (the gas now enters the conduit 46d and passes through the gas outlet 46b Can be). The pattern that the barrier layer 79 can be joined to form the filter 46c can be a variety of patterns, but in this embodiment the barrier layer has a circular (or other suitable shape) shape. The joints are joined at a plurality of locations, and the joints are separated by a suitable configuration for a distance suitable to prevent the gas source material 41 from passing between them. However, other things such as a piece of filter paper, a hydrophobic non-woven material that allows gas to pass but difficult to pass liquid, and other elements that allow gas to move toward the conduit 46d but do not allow the gas source material and / or liquid to move It is also possible to use this configuration for the filter 46c. In addition to or in place of filter 46c, conduit 46d may also include a filter element that helps to make gas source material 41 more difficult to move from gas outlet 46b, such as a filter plug in conduit 46d. According to another aspect of the present invention, the conduit of the gas outlet 46b can extend from the bottom of the first portion 46 to the top of the first portion 46 without the presence of the filter 46c. Instead of a filter, gravity can prevent the gas source material 41 from moving toward the top of the first portion 46 and entering the conduit 46d. Alternatively, a filter (such as the plug described above) may be provided in conduit 46d to function to prevent gas source material from entering conduit 46d. Accordingly, the distal end of the conduit located at the upper end of the first portion 46 can receive the released gas and deliver this gas to the gas outlet 46b.

  This method of joining the barrier layer 79 to form the first chamber 46 (including, for example, the filter 46c) may help retain the gas source material 41 in a fixed bed apparatus. That is, the gas source 41 can be held relatively firmly so that the gas source 41 does not move freely within the first portion 46. This is because the distribution of the gas source within the first portion 46 can be known and the interaction between the activation fluid and the gas source is predictable and repeatable, so that the gas source 41 May help to control the wetting of the. The gas source 41 is configured so that the gas can move freely through the fixed material bed, for example, by determining the size and shape of the particles of the gas source material so that it is not extremely densely packed. be able to. In another embodiment, rather than configuring the cartridge to apply a force to the gas source 41 to form a fixed material bed, an external force may be applied to the first portion 46 to form the fixed material bed. it can. For example, the gas source 41 in the first portion 46 can be prevented from flowing by using the air sac configuration described above to throttle the gas source 41 in the first portion 46. In other cartridge embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the first portion 46 is positioned on top of the gas source 41, such as an elastic sponge material or a permeable membrane, on the wall of the first portion 46. Attached and may include components that help keep gas source 41 in a fixed bed configuration.

  Another aspect of the present invention incorporated into this embodiment is that the second portion 47 is configured such that the precursor liquid inlet 47a is configured to introduce the precursor liquid into the second portion from a plurality of locations along its conduit. Can include a conduit extending into it. Such an arrangement as seen, for example, in FIG. 30, better disperses the liquid in the second part and mixes the precursor liquid with the beverage medium exiting the second part 47 via the beverage medium outlet 47b. I can help. A mechanism that prevents the beverage medium 42 from entering the opening in the conduit and its perforations, for example to help ensure that the precursor liquid flow entering the second portion 47 is uniform and predictable. Can be provided. For example, a perforated conduit can be contained in a sheathed brittle cover that separates the conduit from the beverage medium 42 prior to use, but is pre-cursed when opened by tearing or dissolving. Liquid can be placed in the second portion 47. In another embodiment, the conduit can include components such as plugs and filters that help prevent the beverage medium from entering the conduit and / or its perforations. Similar to the gas outlet conduits, the precursor liquid inlet conduits can also be comprised of barrier layers that are joined, for example, to form a flow path that extends the entire length of the second portion 47; A plurality of outlets along its length may be provided to help disperse the fluid in the second portion 47. These outlets can be formed to close prior to use of the cartridge, but when opened, such as ruptured, the precursor liquid can be introduced into the second portion 47. This configuration can also provide the additional feature that the second portion 47 can be squeezed flat to allow the beverage medium to drain. In yet another embodiment, the precursor liquid inlet 47a is a trouser valve that can be folded or rolled in the second portion prior to use of the cartridge, such as a flat, relatively flexible tube. Can be included. When the precursor liquid is introduced into the inlet 47 a, the trouser valve can be deployed from the rolled / folded state to allow the precursor liquid to enter the second portion 47. However, since the valve is in a rolled / folded configuration prior to deployment, it can help prevent the beverage medium from entering the precursor liquid inlet 47a.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a configuration in which the beverage medium can be discharged from the beverage medium outlet 47b by operating the second portion 47 by squeezing it with an external force or the like. This mechanism can be used regardless of whether the precursor liquid is introduced into the second portion 47. For example, the cartridge can be modified to omit the precursor liquid inlet 47a; instead, the second portion 47 is squeezed to push the beverage medium 42 out through the beverage medium outlet 47b, eg, the cartridge 4 external precursor liquids can be mixed. Alternatively, the second portion 47 may be squeezed after the precursor liquid has been introduced into the second portion 47, for example to help remove the liquid from the second portion and to remove the cartridge from the beverage maker Can help reduce dripping from. In yet another configuration, the beverage maker's cartridge holder can apply a force to the cartridge to squeeze the second portion 47 and eject the beverage medium 42, which force or pressure is Lower than the pressure of the precursor liquid introduced into the portion 47. Thus, the second portion 47 can expand to receive the precursor liquid 2, but when the precursor liquid 2 stops, the cartridge holder squeezes the second portion 47 and substantially removes its contents. be able to. The cartridge holder can apply the squeezing force in any of a variety of ways, such as using an air bag that squeezes the cartridge in the cartridge holder when an appropriate air pressure is applied. The force of a component such as an air sac can be varied during use of the cartridge, for example, to aid in mixing and / or eliminating the beverage medium from the second portion 47. For example, the pressure applied to the air sac can be relatively high in the early stages of the beverage production cycle in order to drain the beverage medium from the second portion 47 and reduce the volume of the second portion 47. Thereafter, the volume of the air sac can be increased, such as by releasing the pressure of the air sac so that the precursor liquid can be introduced into the second portion 47. Again, the pressure of the air sac can be increased and the liquid and beverage medium mixture can be drained from the second portion 47 to reduce the volume of the second portion 47. This air sac pressure cycle can be repeated to achieve good mixing and / or complete elimination of the beverage medium 42 in the second portion 47. Again, other configurations such as motor driven walls, plungers, rollers, etc. can be used, so the air sac is not required to perform this function. That is, before, during or after introduction of the precursor liquid, the cartridge can be manipulated by external forces to help reduce mixing, elimination of beverage media, and / or dripping from the cartridge after use.

  As mentioned above, the schematic diagrams of the systems shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are only some of the possible configurations for the beverage production system 1. For example, FIG. 31 is another schematic diagram illustrating a beverage production system 1 that can be used with any of the cartridge configurations described herein or alternative cartridge configurations. In this embodiment, the storage container 11 is configured to supply the precursor liquid 2 to the contactor 6 by gravity feed and / or gas pressure. Of course, other configurations for moving the liquid from the storage container 11 to the contactor 6 are possible, such as using a pump. Also, although this exemplary embodiment and other embodiments described below show the contactor 6, other carbonation saturation devices or gas dissolution devices, such as a carbonation saturation tank, may be used instead. The system 1 of FIG. 31 can operate as follows. That is, the valves V1 and V2 can be opened so that the liquid 2 can be delivered to the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 via the contactor 6 by gravity feed. The liquid 2 can activate the gas source 41, which releases the gas and this gas is sent to the contactor 6. A part of the gas introduced into the contactor 6 can be dissolved in the liquid 2 in the contactor 6, while another part can be sent to the storage container 11. The gas supplied to the storage container 11 increases the pressure in the storage container 11 and causes the liquid 2 to flow toward the contactor 6. The pressure in the storage vessel 11 can help increase the overall carbonation saturation level of the precursor liquid, for example by pre-saturating the water, since the storage vessel 11 acts as a carbonate saturation tank. Increasing the acidity of the liquid 2 in the storage container 11 can also help reduce scale deposition and / or bacterial growth in the storage container. The pressure in the storage container 11 can be controlled by controlling the valve V3 to control the amount of gas entering the storage container 11. Furthermore, the activation of the gas source 41 can be controlled by controlling the valve V2 to control the amount of liquid 2 entering the first portion 46. By operating the valve V 2, a liquid 2 (for example a carbonated saturated liquid 2) having a suitable amount of dissolved gas can be passed through the second part 47 of the cartridge 4 and mixed with the beverage medium 42. In this and other embodiments, another valve can be provided for venting gas from the gas dissolving device (eg, contactor 6), if desired. An optional valve V4 can be opened to allow the manufactured beverage to flow to a waiting cup or other retainer 8, and the optional valve can be opened to open the gas side of the contactor 6. The gas pressure can be released from Rinse the liquid from this system by sending the gas released from the gas source 41 to the storage container 11, for example by pushing the liquid out of the storage container 11, the contactor 6 and the second part 47 of the cartridge 4. Can do. This can help prevent dripping from the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is removed from the system 1 and / or liquid may be present in the system 1 from one use to the next. Can help prevent envy. The amount of liquid used in the production of the beverage can be controlled by the user, for example by supplying a desired amount of liquid to the storage container 11, or the system 1 itself has the storage container 11 at an appropriate level. It can also be controlled by a fill level sensor that operates to fill up to or a flow meter that detects the volume of water delivered to the second portion 47.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating another beverage production system 1 that can also be used with any suitable cartridge configuration. In this embodiment, the storage container 11 supplies the precursor liquid 2 to the contactor 6 under the control of the valve V4. The liquid 2 can flow into the contactor 6 by gravity, a pump, gas pressure, or the like, but in this embodiment, gravity is used. The liquid supplied to the gas source 41 to activate the gas source 41 is controlled by the valve V1. The valve V1 can control the flow based on any suitable characteristics such as elapsed time, sensed gas pressure, sensed volume in the cartridge 4 and the like. When a suitable gas is released by the gas source 41 and directed toward the contactor 6, the valve V 4 is opened and the carbonated liquid or other dissolved gas is transferred to the second portion 47 of the cartridge 4. It can be allowed to flow and mix with the beverage medium 42. Again, the liquid does not have to be sent to the second part 47, but can instead be sent to the area where the mixing chamber part of the cartridge or other beverage medium is mixed with the liquid 2. Alternatively, the liquid 2 may be sent directly to the cup 8 where it is mixed with the beverage medium. Valve V3 can be opened to allow beverage to flow from cartridge 4 to cup 8. For example, the valve V5 can be opened to allow the ice 2a to be sent to the cup 8 at an appropriate timing, for example, before the beverage production, during the beverage production or after the beverage production. The ice 2 a can serve to help cool the precursor liquid 2 in the storage container 11 before it is sent to the cup 8. A filter or other separator between the ice and the precursor liquid 2 in the storage container 11 can be utilized to help reduce bacterial contamination of the precursor liquid 2 by, for example, ice 2a. That is, the ice 2a can be stored in the storage container 11 in a compartment separated from the liquid 2 by, for example, a permeable or impermeable barrier and delivered to the cup 8 when the valve V5 is opened. It should also be noted that any gas pressure in the contactor 6 can be withdrawn by a valve or other suitable configuration before, during or after beverage production.

  FIG. 33, as with other beverage production systems, may be used with any suitable number of aspects or other features of the present invention and / or with any suitable combination of aspects or other features of the present invention. It is another schematic diagram which shows the drink manufacturing system 1 which can do. In this embodiment, the storage container 11 can hold an amount of the precursor liquid 2 equivalent to several drinks. Therefore, the system 1 can produce a plurality of drinks without adding liquid to the storage container 11. Pump 13 and valve V1 control the flow of liquid through contactor 6 to second portion 47 of cartridge 4. The gas source 41 can be activated and release gas in any suitable manner, and this gas is sent towards the gas side of the contactor 6 under the control of the valve V2. For example, the gas source 41 can release gas in response to exposure to microwave energy, thermal energy, other electromagnetic radiation, liquid water or water vapor, and the like. The gas released by the gas source 41 can be dissolved in the liquid 2 in the contactor 6 and then mixed with the beverage medium 42 in the cartridge 4 or elsewhere. Valve V3 can control the flow of beverage from system 1, for example through a nozzle that can be incorporated into the cartridge, which can help, for example, further mix liquid and beverage media, It can help to send to the cup 8, or it can help blow air into the beverage or form bubbles in the beverage.

  31-33 have been described as passing all or nearly all of the precursor liquid 2 used to make the beverage through the cartridge 4, other configurations are possible. For example, as described above, only a portion of the liquid 2 is sent to the cartridge 4, for example, the beverage medium 42 is drained from the cartridge into the cup 8 (or other mixing chamber), and the remaining portion of the liquid 2 is directly transferred to the cup 8 ( Or other mixing chambers). In addition, the system 1 includes a cooler circuit including a configuration of, for example, a thermoelectric device, a refrigeration device, a heat exchanger using ice supplied by a user, etc., before gas melting, during gas melting and / or after gas melting, and It is also possible to cool the precursor liquid 2 before, during or after mixing the beverage medium and the precursor liquid.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of the beverage production system 1. In this embodiment, the storage container 11 includes three parts: a main storage container part 11a, a gas source activation part 11b, and a premixing part 11c. Initially, the main storage vessel portion 11a can be filled to a desired level and the gas source activation portion 11b and premixing portion 11c can be emptied. At the beginning of the beverage production cycle, the plunger 11d is lowered into the main storage container portion 11a, thereby spilling a controlled amount of the precursor liquid 2 into the gas source activation portion 11b and the premixing portion 11c. Can send. Thereafter, as the plunger 11d is further inserted into the main storage container portion 11a, the plunger 11d forms a seal with the main storage container portion 11a, and a larger amount of liquid 2 is added to the gas source activation portion 11b and the pre- It can prevent being sent into the mixing part 11c. When the plunger 11d is further lowered (and the valve V1 is opened together), the liquid 2 can pass through the contactor 6 from the main storage container portion 11a. Further, the gas source 41 can be activated by pushing the liquid 2 in the gas source activation portion 11b into the first portion 46 of the cartridge via the (open) valve V2. In the state where the valve V2 is closed, the valve V2 is moved to the first portion 46 on the premise that the liquid in the portion 11b can come out with the movement of the plunger 11d so as not to prevent the movement of the plunger 11d. The amount of liquid delivered can be controlled, for example to control the amount of gas released and / or the pressure. Alternatively, or in addition, the pressure of the gas generated by the gas source sent to the contactor 6 can be controlled by the pressure regulating valve V4. Therefore, a desired gas pressure can be maintained on the gas side of the contactor 6. The liquid 2 in the premixing part 11 c can also flow into the second part 47 of the cartridge 4 and be mixed with the beverage medium 42. The mixing of the liquid and the medium is supplemented by physically disturbing the substance in the second part 47 by kneading, stirring, shaking, etc. the second part 47 (eg by elements such as rollers). Can do. This can help to pre-mix the beverage medium 42 and can help make the subsequent mixing with the further precursor liquid 2 more effective. With the valve V3 open, the premixed beverage medium 42 is a mixing nozzle or other chamber (which may be part of the third part 62 of the cartridge 4 or part of the beverage maker, for example). The liquid 2 in which the gas from the contactor 6 is dissolved can also be introduced into the mixing nozzle. (Note that the valve V3 in this and other embodiments includes a valve incorporated in the cartridge 4 such as a rupture valve, a duckbill valve, or a separation partition wall.) Next, the precursor liquid 2 Can be sent to a waiting cup 8 or other container.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system 1 that incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention in a manner similar to that described above. This exemplary embodiment includes a pair of syringe pumps 13a and 13b configured to flow the precursor liquid 2 from one pump 13 through the contactor 6 to the other pump 13 and vice versa. Including. In this way, the system 1 can pass the precursor liquid 2 through the contactor one or more times to increase, for example, the amount of dissolved gas in the precursor liquid 2 as needed. Of course, the system 1 may be passed multiple times through the contactor or other gas dissolving device in other ways, for example using a single pump that flows liquid from the storage vessel 11 back through the contactor 6 to the storage vessel 11. Can also be realized. However, in this embodiment, the syringe pump 13a is configured to suck the precursor liquid 2 from a container such as the cup 8 through the valve V1. Thus, the user can place the cup 8 containing the desired amount or type of precursor liquid 2 in conjunction with the system 1, which uses the precursor liquid 2 in the cup 8 to drink Manufacturing. Providing a filter at valve V1 or elsewhere can help reduce the number of organisms, such as bacteria, that enter system 1, and can help reduce the likelihood of the system becoming contaminated. Syringe pump 13 or other pump configurations may also be configured with a suitable amount, for example by controlling the stroke length of the syringe piston, detecting flow with a flow meter, detecting the liquid level in a pump or other storage container, etc. The liquid 2 can be configured to be sucked from the cup 8.

  If the valve V1 is closed and the valve V2 is opened while the precursor liquid 2 is sucked into the first syringe pump 13a, the pump 13a can push the liquid 2 into the contactor 6. . (Although FIG. 35 shows that gas and liquid 2 can exist in pump 13a, gas may not exist in pump 13a.) Meanwhile, valve V2 (or another valve) is A portion of the liquid 2 can flow into the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 to activate the gas source 41. Thus, the liquid 2 can dissolve the gas released by the gas source 41 as it passes through the contactor 6. The valve V3 can be configured such that the liquid 2 flowing from the contactor 6 enters the second syringe pump 13b and can be temporarily stored therein. When a desired amount of liquid has been transferred from the first syringe pump 13a to the second syringe pump 13b via the contactor 6, the flow is reversed by the second syringe pump 13b and passed through the contactor 6 The flow which flows into the 1 syringe pump 13a can be caused. This cycle can be repeated as many times as desired based on, for example, the output of the carbonation detector to achieve the desired carbonation saturation level of liquid 2. When the carbonation or other gas dissolution is complete, the valve V3 can be configured to send the liquid 2 to the second part 47 of the cartridge, where it is mixed with, for example, the beverage medium 42, and The beverage can be transferred to the cup 8 (via an open valve V4). A system such as that shown in FIG. 33 can allow the user to define the carbonate saturation level or other dissolved gas level of the beverage, either before or after mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid 2. Can also operate to dissolve the gas in the precursor liquid 2 to its set level.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge can be configured to control the flow of activation fluid entering the cartridge for activating the gas source. As mentioned above, one option is to have the beverage maker control the flow of activation fluid entering the cartridge. However, the cartridge itself can help control the activation of the gas source. In such a configuration, the cartridge itself can define a carbonation saturation level or other gas dissolution level to define different gas dissolution levels for different cartridges without changing the operation of the system. Can be able to. For example, FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 that includes a flow control device 76 in the form of a valve (such as a pressure regulator or pressure actuated valve). The activation fluid (eg, water) can be supplied from the activator inlet 46a under a set pressure. When the pressure in the first portion 46 is reasonably low, the flow control device 76 can be opened to allow water to enter the first portion 46, thereby activating the gas source 41. Is done. However, once the pressure in the first portion 46 reaches the threshold level, the flow control device 76 can close and stop the flow of water to the first portion 46. By stopping the flow, the gas is sent to a gas dissolving device such as a contactor or degassed, so that the pressure in the first portion 46 tends to decrease, and when the pressure drops moderately again, The flow control device 76 can be opened again. In this embodiment, the flow control device 76 is shown as including a spring that biases the valve gate in the closing direction so that the spring force provides proper gas pressure control within the first portion 46. Set to However, the configuration seen in the pressure regulating valve and when the pressure in the first portion 46 becomes high, a part of the cartridge expands to sandwich the flow path from the activator inlet 46a (and thereby close the flow path). Other configurations, such as configurations, are possible. FIGS. 37 and 38 show another exemplary embodiment in which the cartridge 4 includes a flow control device 76 similar to that shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the flow control device 76 (specifically an upright post that functions as a spring element) interacts with a portion of the beverage maker. Therefore, when the cartridge 4 of this embodiment is properly interlocked with the beverage maker, the flow control device 76 can be operated to control the activated fluid flow entering the cartridge. Other configurations similar to the configurations shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 are possible, such as a configuration in which the beverage maker can control the opening and closing of the flow control device 76 of the cartridge 4. For example, the configuration shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 can be modified so that the beverage maker moves parts such as the struts of the flow control device 76 (such as valve gates) to open and close the flow control device 76. In this embodiment, other flow control device configurations that can be operated and controlled by the beverage maker, such as membrane valves, flapper valves, plunger valves, are possible.

  FIGS. 39-42 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a configuration for controlling the activation fluid flow entering the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 has a configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. In FIGS. 39 and 40, the cartridge is shown in a posture mounted in a beverage maker. An activation fluid inlet needle or other hole extends into the activator inlet 46a of the cartridge and remains fixed during beverage manufacture. Further, the portion near the upper end of the cartridge 4 is held in a state of being fixed with respect to the fluid inlet needle. When the pressure in the cartridge 4 is relatively low, the distal end of the inlet needle is positioned relative to the activator inlet 46 a of the cartridge 4 so that the activation fluid is delivered to the cartridge 4. . However, as the pressure in the cartridge increases, the cartridge expands and pulls the activator inlet 46a away from the inlet needle. This movement stops the flow of the activation fluid and does not resume until the pressure in the cartridge drops and the cartridge has the positional relationship shown in FIG. 41 and 42 are diagrams showing one configuration of the fluid inlet needle and the activator inlet 46a of this embodiment. The inlet needle has an opening on its side so that the activation fluid flow path opens when the needle extends into the cartridge 4. However, when the inlet needle is withdrawn into the activator inlet 46a, this flow path is blocked and the activation fluid flow stops. Other configurations for opening and closing the flow path of the activation fluid based on the movement of the cartridge are possible, such as providing a valve in the activator inlet 46a that opens and closes based on the movement of the cartridge or a change in pressure.

  43 and 44 are diagrams illustrating another configuration for controlling the activated fluid flow. Also in this embodiment, the cartridge has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. When activation fluid is supplied to the cartridge and the gas source is activated (shown in FIG. 43), the cartridge generates gas, thereby increasing the pressure and expanding the cartridge 4 (shown in FIG. 44). When the size of the cartridge increases at least in part, a switch or other sensor 51 is activated, which allows the system controller 5 to stop the activation fluid flow to the cartridge 4. As the pressure drops, the cartridge can become smaller and the switch or other sensor 51 can be deactivated and the activated fluid flow can be resumed as appropriate.

  FIG. 45 is a diagram showing still another embodiment having the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. However, in this embodiment, the gas outlet conduit 46d and the precursor liquid inlet 47a conduit are both constituted by suitable weld lines joining multiple layers of barrier material 79. That is, the gas outlet and precursor liquid inlet conduits connected to the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, respectively, are composed of only the barrier layer 79 and do not include structures such as tubes. As a result, the flow of activation fluid and / or precursor liquid entering the cartridge can be controlled by sandwiching the cartridge 4 to close one or both of the inlets 46a and 47a. It should be understood that the gas and / or beverage medium outlet from the cartridge can be controlled as well. Flow control can be based on appropriate criteria such as detected gas pressure, elapsed time, detected cartridge or cartridge portion movement (such as that caused by an increase in pressure in the cartridge, etc.).

  FIG. 46 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment for controlling the flow of activation fluid entering the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 23 and has a portion such as a flexible wall in the first portion 46 of the cartridge. As a result, the flexible wall can expand outward when the pressure in the first portion 46 rises to or above the threshold level. Movement of parts such as the walls of the cartridge can be detected by the beverage production system 1, such as a switch or other sensor 51. In response, the controller 5 activates to flow into the cartridge 4 until the pressure in the first portion 46 decreases and the movable portion of the cartridge moves, eg, contracts, to show an appropriate pressure drop. The fluid flow can be stopped. In this embodiment, the movable part that exhibits pressure within the first part includes a flexible wall, but other configurations are possible, such as a movable piston or plunger.

  47 and 48 show yet another embodiment relating to the control of the activation fluid within the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes a flow control device 76 in the form of a valve that can be sandwiched and closed by a valve actuator 81 of the beverage production system 1. In this embodiment, the pressure in the cartridge can be sensed by a sensor 51 that detects the pressure in the conduit leading from the first portion 46. If a reasonably high pressure is detected, the system 1 can move the valve actuator 81 and close the valve of the flow control device 76. When a pressure below the threshold is detected, the valve actuator 81 can cause the valve to open. In this embodiment, the valve of the flow control device 76 is a relatively simple structure (eg, the embodiment of FIG. 45) that can move a portion of the cartridge 4 to close the flow path, but includes a movable valve gate. Other configurations are possible, such as a structure that can be actuated by a valve, plunger, or other valve actuator. For example, the flow control device 76 can include a membrane valve that can move the impermeable membrane back and forth relative to the hole to control the flow to the first portion 46.

  49 and 50 illustrate exemplary embodiments in which the cartridge 4 can control the flow of activation fluid flowing into it independently of the beverage maker, for example as shown in FIG. is there. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes a flow control device 76 that includes a valve that can be opened and closed by pressure within the first portion 46. Accordingly, the flow control device 76 can include a pressure regulator type valve that autonomously controls the pressure within the first portion 46 to be within a desired pressure range. In FIG. 49, since the pressure in the first portion is within the desired pressure range or below the desired range, the valve is open and the activation fluid flows into the first portion 46. To be able to. In FIG. 50, the pressure in the first portion 46 rises and exceeds the desired pressure range described above, so the pressure on the right side of the valve (which is fluidly connected to the first portion 46) causes the valve to move to the left. To stop the flow of the activation fluid. In some embodiments, the pressure in the first portion controlled by the flow control device 76 can vary depending on the pressure of the incoming activation fluid. That is, the flow control device 76 can be configured such that the pressure of the activation fluid affects the operation of the valve, for example, in some cases the activation within which the pressure in the first portion 46 enters. It can also be configured so that the fluid pressure must be exceeded so that the flow control valve can be closed to stop the flow. This configuration may allow the system 1 to operate with different gas pressures in the first portion 46 for different cartridges, for example by adjusting the pressure of the incoming activation fluid. . However, in other embodiments, the operation of the flow control device 76 is independent of the presence or absence of the activation fluid so that fluctuations in the pressure of the activation fluid do not affect the control pressure in the first portion 46. It can also be. Such a configuration can be used, for example, if the pump that delivers the activating water has a variable pressure and / or if the pressure control in the cartridge is desired to be affected by the ambient pressure, eg, at sea level, the system 1 May require higher gas pressures, but may be useful at high altitudes when the pressure required for operation is lower. The various configurations that the flow control device 76 can take are generally known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. In addition, the flow control device 76 can operate in a binary manner (on / off) or can implement a variable flow rate.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge can include a filter in the first portion and / or the second portion, and the inlet of the first portion and / or the second portion can be separated from the outlet. For example, a filter may be provided in the first part of the cartridge to help prevent gas source material from coming out of the first part. A filter is provided in the second part of the cartridge to help prevent relatively large undissolved particles from clogging the outlet and to help prevent bacterial contamination of the beverage (eg, the precursor liquid is designated as beverage). It may help to disperse the precursor liquid in the second part (if it contains microorganisms that can be filtered from the precursor liquid previously) and / or (eg to aid lysis).

  FIG. 51 is a view showing a cartridge having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 45. In this embodiment, the first portion includes the filter 46 c and the second portion 47 includes the filter 77. In this embodiment, the filters 46c and 77 are composed of a single filter element straddling the first part 46 and the second part 47, but other parts such as providing individual filter elements for each part. Configuration is also possible. The filter 46c can operate to limit the passage of gas source material to the gas outlet 46b, and the filter 77 helps to reduce contamination of the beverage medium and beverage by microorganisms and is larger in the beverage medium. It can help diffuse the precursor liquid flow over the surface area. 52 to 54 are diagrams showing another exemplary configuration of the filter used in the cartridge as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a layer of moderately permeable material, such as perforated, is inserted between the layers of barrier material 79 so that the activator inlet 46a is permeable to the material (in the first portion 46). The permeable material that forms the filter 46c of the liquid is separated from the gas outlet 46b and the precursor liquid inlet 47a is separated from the beverage medium outlet 47b by the permeable material (the permeable material that forms the filter 77 in the second portion 47). To be. Again, since this is just one of several possible embodiments, the filters 46c and 77 can be formed in other ways. 53 and 54 show how the filters 46c and 77 separate the inlet and outlet of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, respectively. In FIG. 53, how the filter 77 forms a space where the precursor liquid can enter the second portion 47 and permeate the filter 77 to wet the beverage medium 42 uniformly. I understand. In FIG. 54, it can be seen how the filter 46c forms a relatively large surface area for the released gas to pass through the filter 46c to the gas outlet 46b.

  FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing how one piece of permeable material can form filters 46c and 77 in the cartridge as shown in FIGS. As can be seen, the permeable material can cross the inlets 46a and 47a and the outlets 46b and 47b of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 in a zigzag path. In order to maintain the permeable material in the position shown in FIG. 55, the permeable material can be adhered to the insert 74 and / or barrier material 79, leaving the inlet / outlet open.

  As described above, the cartridge can be configured to allow a user to define one or more characteristics of a beverage that is produced by interacting with the cartridge. For example, the user can interact with the cartridge to define the carbonate saturation level and sweetness of the beverage, the amount of beverage medium used to make the beverage, and the like. FIGS. 56 and 57 are similar to that shown in FIG. 45, but with a cartridge configuration that includes a clip 78 that can engage the cartridge 4 to limit the amount of beverage medium 42 that can be used to make a beverage. Show. Clip 78 can be movable relative to the cartridge so that the amount of beverage medium that can be used can be continuously adjusted. A similar mechanism can be used to define the amount of carbonation saturation, such as by limiting the amount of gas source exposed to the activation fluid. Of course, clip 78 is just one example of how a user can interact with a cartridge to define the characteristics of a beverage. For example, the cartridge can have one or more removable tabs, adjustable sliders, holes, or other features that can be removed or covered by the user. The system controller 5 can recognize this adjusted mechanism and control the system 1 accordingly. Alternatively, the tuned cartridge mechanism itself can directly control the operation of the system. For example, breaking the tab of the cartridge can trigger a switch that disables delivery of the activation fluid to the cartridge, thereby causing the beverage maker to produce a non-foamed (or non-foamed) beverage You can also.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the cartridge can include a beverage outlet that extends from the cartridge toward or toward a container, such as a user's cup. Such extended outlets can help deliver the beverage to the cup without splashing, can help reduce carbonation or other dissolved gas loss, and / or beverage And help reduce contact with the beverage maker. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a trouser valve that includes two flat elongate membranes that are sealed at opposite longitudinal edges. The trouser valve can be folded or rolled as required so that the valve is closed by the fold or the contact pressure of the rolled state. In some embodiments, a relatively lightweight film can be used, for example, to help form a suitable seal when the valve is rolled or folded. When pressure is applied to the inner end of the trouser valve, the structure can be deployed from a folded / rolled state into an elongated shape. When the trouser valve is extended into a metering configuration, it can be opened in any folded state so that the seal can be opened to allow beverage to flow along the valve. . This valve creates a smooth beverage flow through the tapered passage and can potentially reduce the possibility of turbulence and loss of carbonation saturation before metering. In other embodiments, the cartridge can include a stiffer outlet conduit that extends from the cartridge and directs the beverage toward the user's cup. For example, the expandable tube of the cartridge can extend with the pressure generated in the cartridge. If necessary, additional mixing action in the beverage outlet flow path, for example by shaping the weld of the trouser valve so that the flow path is serpentine or contains obstacles that facilitate mixing Can be included. Also, the trouser valve can be flattened after beverage delivery, for example by the elasticity of the material that is used to make the valve and allows the valve to collapse, so that the cylindrical shape is at least the same length Compared to the conduit, there can be little or no beverage residue left at the beverage outlet. Thereby, the leakage from the cartridge after use can be reduced, and contamination can be reduced.

  In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge (such as a mixing chamber portion) can include a movable portion such as a mixer that interacts with the beverage medium and / or precursor liquid to facilitate mixing of the beverage. For example, the movable part can be actuated by interaction with the flow of the beverage medium or precursor liquid, such as using elements such as vibrating pieces or rotating blades. In another embodiment, the movable part supplies the cartridge with a direct drive shaft of a motor that interacts with the beverage maker, a magnetic coupling that provides non-contact movement of the movable part, such as a mixer, a drive fluid for driving the mixer, etc. It can be actuated by an external drive, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic drive.

  FIGS. 58-60 are assembly, side and top views illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 58, the cartridge 4 of this embodiment includes a container having portions 46 and 47 that can be assembled such that the lids 45a and 45b of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are adjacent to each other. . For example, the first portion 46 can be configured such that a portion of the lid 45 a is recessed below the upper edge of the rim 462 of the first container portion 461 of the first portion 46. The rim 472 of the second container portion 471 of the second portion 47 fits within this recess and engages the rim 462 so as to couple the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 together. Can be configured. For example, the rim 462 may be a friction fit between the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 so that, for example, the user can pull the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 apart by hand without using a tool. Or it can include a groove that receives the rim 472 for releasable coupling by an interference fit. Alternatively, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 may be made of an adhesive, an overwrap film, a band of shrink wrapping material provided at the joint between the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, It can be joined in the assembly position shown in FIG. 58, such as by a piece of tape or band extending from the portion 46 to the second portion 47.

  Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 include a cartridge in which the first portion 46 is below its plane and the second portion 47 is above its plane. It can comprise so that it may have a plane which is located in. In this case, the plane of the cartridge may be parallel to and defined by a portion of the lid 45a, 45b or may be parallel to a flat portion of a portion of the lid 45a or 45b. The first part 46 and the second part 47 may be used in a beverage maker in the assembled state or may be moved relative to each other, eg separated from each other, to produce a beverage. It may be used on a machine. As described above, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be oriented in various ways, such as the side-by-side arrangement shown in FIG. 59, to interact with the beverage maker. In this embodiment, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are not connected in FIG. 59, but can also be connected by a structure such as a tether as shown in FIGS. This connection can help to properly orient portions 46 and 47 to interact with the beverage production system.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are both impermeable, for example in this embodiment (although both need not necessarily be impermeable). Not) separated by an impermeable barrier, such as lid 45a or lid 45b. Also, as shown in FIG. 60, the lids 45a and 45b of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are configured to accommodate piercing elements for inlets and / or outlets of fluids such as gases. Can do. For example, the lid 45a is formed by a piercing element (for example, a needle or a blade) for putting a fluid such as activation water or water vapor into the first portion 46 in order to cause the gas source 41 to release a gas such as carbon dioxide. There may be an inlet region 451 configured to accommodate the perforations. The lid 45a can also have an outlet region 452 configured to accommodate perforations that allow fluids such as gases to exit the first portion 46. However, as mentioned above, the lid 45a may be pierced in the same location for fluid inlet / outlet, eg if the lid 45a includes a defined hole to be the inlet / outlet or the first container part If other portions of 461 are perforated at the bottom, sidewalls, or elsewhere, it may not be perforated at all.

  The lid 45b is premixed in the user's cup or mixing chamber for mixing with the beverage medium 42 or by extruding the medium 42 from the second part 47, for example through a hole drilled in the bottom of the second part 47. Regardless of whether it is mixed with a liquid, it may have an inlet region 451 configured to accommodate a perforation for receiving a fluid such as activation water or gas. The second portion 47 can also include a filter component 48b that helps keep the beverage medium 42 out of contact with the piercing element that pierces the lid 45. The filter component 48b can include a hydrophobic membrane, a piece of filter paper, or other suitable component and can be attached to the lid 45b or other portion of the second container portion 471. By preventing the beverage medium 42 from contacting the piercing element, unwanted piercing element contamination can be reduced or eliminated. Alternatively or in addition, a piercing element (used to pierce the inlet and / or outlet opening of the first part 46 or pierce the inlet and / or outlet opening of the second part 47) Can be configured to be detachable from the beverage maker (eg, for cleaning or replacement in the beverage maker). Another possibility is to squeeze or squeeze the second part 47 and move the wall (such as the lid 45b or the side wall of the container part 471) to perforate or perforate with a brittleness, for example rupturable. It can also be configured such that the beverage medium 42 can be pushed out of the second part 47 through the hole. For example, the lid 45b can be pressed downward in the orientation shown in FIG. 59 to push the beverage medium 42 out of the second portion 47, for example, through an opening at the bottom of the second portion 47. Such pressing can be performed by a plunger or piston of a beverage production machine that presses the lid 45b downward to crush the second portion 47 and discharge the beverage medium.

  The lid 45a (or the lid 45b) may have a pull tab (for example, as shown in FIG. 60) that assists the user in removing the lid 45a for recycling or the like. For example, the user may wish to remove the lid 45a from the first container portion 461 in order to remove the gas source 41 after use. The gas source 41 can be housed in a permeable bag or other cage, such as a plastic mesh bag or a filter paper pouch. This bag prevents particles of the gas source 41 from exiting the first portion 46 and / or makes it easier to remove and dispose / recycle the material of the gas source 41 in the first portion 46. Can help. The bag may also be used, for example, to keep the gas source 41 spaced from the lid 45a (for example, to avoid contact with the piercing element), or to optimize the activation liquid, or any other desired shape. The gas source 41 is configured within the first portion 46 so as to receive the gas source 41 (eg, the gas source 41 is arranged in a plurality of layers or divided into a plurality of layers for selective wetting). Can also be positioned, for example, to assist in positioning.

  61 and 62 are diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 58, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are parallel to the lids 45a and 45b of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. And on either side of one plane, such as those positions or planes positioned between them. As described above, “upper” and “lower” are expressions used for easy reference, and the cartridge 4 can also be reversed from the posture shown in FIG. It can also be said that the portion 47 is “above” the plane and the first portion 46 is “below” the plane. The first portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be connected to each other by a portion of the lids 45a and 45b, ie, the connector 45c, or other elements. Accordingly, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are relatively relative to each other from the position shown in FIG. 61 to the orientation shown in FIG. 62, for example, for installation and interaction in a beverage maker. Can be moved. The connector 45c or other part of the lid 45 (or cartridge 4) can be read by the beverage production system and can be used to control the operation of the system, for example, control of carbonation levels, beverage volume, etc. An identifier such as a barcode or RFID tag that can be carried can be carried. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 58-60, the first portion 46 may be capped at one or more locations to enter the activation fluid for purposes such as carbonation and / or to release gas. 45a can be drilled. Of course, the first portion 46 receives the activation fluid and / or gas through a portion of the first portion 46 (eg, the bottom of the first portion 46 in the orientation shown in FIG. 62) opposite the lid 45a. May be activated to activate the gas source 41 and release the gas in any suitable manner as described herein. As with other embodiments, the first portion 46 may be composed of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as a metal foil (eg, aluminum) capsule.

  Similarly, the second portion 47 can also be configured in various ways, but in this embodiment, the wall 47a of the second portion 47 is moved so that the beverage medium 42 exits the second portion 47. Configured to be able to. For example, the wall 47a may be collapsed toward the lid 45b (although the lid 45b and the upper rim of the wall 47a are suitably supported by, for example, a beverage maker's chamber) (indicated by arrow 200 in FIG. 61). As such, it can include a sheet of pleated material (such as a sheet of aluminum foil having a set of steps formed in a concentric annular ring) that can be pressed from the bottom. Movement of the wall 47 a increases the pressure in the second portion 47, opens the rupturable seal, and can release the beverage medium 42 along the arrow 202. Of course, instead of opening a brittle seal such as rupture, an opening can be formed in the wall 47 to allow the beverage medium 42 to exit. In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 63, the second portion 47 can include an internal piercing element 203 configured to pierce the wall 47a to form an outlet opening for the beverage medium. For example, the piercing element 203 can be configured such that when a force is applied to the lid 45a in the direction of arrow 204, the piercing element 203 can be moved downward to pierce the wall 47a. In this operation, the lid 45a may or may not be pierced. In one configuration in which the lid 45a is perforated, a fluid such as a gas or precursor liquid can be introduced into the second portion 47 to push the beverage medium 42 out of the opening formed in the wall 47a. The internal piercing element can also be used with other embodiments described herein, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 58 to 60, and can be used with the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4.

  When the wall 47a is pushed in the direction of the arrow 200 in FIG. 61, the radially outer portion of the wall 47a is first crushed, and then the radially inner portion of the wall 47a is stepped toward the center of the wall 47a. It can be configured to collapse. This can help move the beverage medium 42 radially inward and out of the outlet. In other embodiments, the wall 47a can be configured without pleats, or otherwise configured without worrying about how the wall 47a collapses. Instead, the wall 47a can simply be moved towards the lid 45b and the beverage medium 42 can be pushed out of the second part 47 without controlling the flow in the second part 47. If the wall 47a is moved until it is very close to the lid 45b, most or all of the beverage medium 42 can be pushed out of the second portion 47.

  FIG. 64 illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which the second portion 47 of the cartridge 4 is formed as an end gusset bag made of a metal or plastic material, such as an aluminum foil sheet. Such bags are well known in the food packaging art, and the second portion 47 of this embodiment is shown with the gusset portion facing up. The outlet nozzle 47b is disposed on the side (bottom) opposite to the gusset of the bag, and opens when the pressure in the compartment where the beverage medium 42 is held rises due to the second portion 47 being squeezed or the like. An outlet configuration such as a bulkhead can be included. In certain embodiments, the second portion 47 can be throttled by the pressure of a gas, such as air, introduced into the sealed chamber in which the second portion 47 is held. The gas pressure can be supplied into a sealed compartment that applies pressure to the outside of the second portion 47 by an air pump, a pressurized gas source, gas generated by the first portion 46, or other configuration. Accordingly, the second portion 47 can have a wall that moves the beverage medium to push it out of the second portion 47, for example a part of the bag that constitutes the second portion 47. The nozzle 47b may be located outside the chamber into which pressure is introduced, for example so that the beverage medium 42 pushed out of the nozzle 47b can enter the mixing chamber, the user's cup, and the like. The nozzle 47b may also include a mechanism such as a spray opening that helps form a droplet or stream of beverage medium 42, for example as an aid to mixing.

  According to aspects of the present invention, at least a portion of the first portion 46 can be received within the gusset of the second portion 47. For example, the gusset can form a partially spheroid shaped cavity and can have a first portion 46 fitted therein that can have a complementary shape. In certain embodiments, the first portion 46 can fit completely within the gusset, the first portion 46 can form one surface or base of the cartridge 4, and the cartridge is the first portion. It can stand upright on a flat surface surrounded by 46. For example, the lid 45a of the first portion 46 becomes a flat surface on the top of the cartridge 4 when the first portion 46 is received in the gusset cavity of the second portion 47, inverting the cartridge 4 The first portion 46 can be placed on the table so that it can stand on the table. However, this is not essential, and the first portion 46 may protrude from the gusset cavity of the second portion 47 having, for example, a dome-shaped top surface. With the first portion 46 at least partially contained within the gusset cavity, the rim 462 of the first portion 46 is attached to the rim 472 of the second portion 47, such as by crimping, and The portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be engaged with each other. As with other embodiments, the first portion 46 can include an inlet region 415 and / or an outlet region 452 configured to accommodate perforations for the inlet flow and / or outlet flow.

  As described above, the beverage medium 42 can be released by squeezing the second portion 47, for example. During this process, the first portion 46 may be subjected to squeezing forces such as air pressure, opposing chamber walls that move towards each other with the second portion 47 therebetween, or at least partially. May be isolated from the squeezing force. For example, the rim 462 of the first portion 46 can be clamped into the cartridge receiver of the beverage maker and a sealed chamber located below the rim 462 can be formed around the second portion 47. This configuration can help reduce or eliminate the squeezing force associated with the first portion 46.

  FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 comprises a cylindrical container in which a first portion 46 is located on one side (upper region in the figure) and a second portion 47 is located on the opposite side (lower region). including. The first part 46 and the second part 47 can be separated, for example, by a wall that establishes an airtight space in which the beverage medium 42 is located. The first portion 46 can be piercable to allow activation liquid to enter the first portion 46 and / or to allow gas to exit the first portion 46 or as described above. It can also be configured in other forms as follows. However, in this embodiment, the second portion 47 initially holds the pressurized gas in the airtight space together with the beverage medium 42 and moves the outlet valve 47b (eg relative to the second portion 47). When opened (by moving a portion of the valve), the pressurized gas expands and pushes the beverage medium 42 out of the second portion 47 through the valve 47b. Therefore, the beverage production machine using the cartridge 4 does not need to introduce a fluid such as gas or liquid into the second portion 47 in order to discharge the beverage medium 42. Alternatively, the beverage medium 42 can be metered by opening the valve 47b (either automatically by the beverage maker or by the user). In an alternative embodiment, for example, the wall separating the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 can be permeable, and at least the first portion 46 can be under appropriate pressure to The pressurized gas in the second portion 47 is received from the first portion 46, the gas generated by the gas source 41 flows into the second portion 47, and the second portion 47 is pressurized to the beverage medium 42 can be metered. Alternatively, pressurized gas can be introduced into the second portion 47 by a beverage maker, for example, via a piercing needle, hole or other mechanism.

Example 1
The release characteristics of the carbon dioxide adsorbent were measured as follows. 8 × 12 sodium zeolite 13X beads (MOLSIV adsorbent commercially available from UOP, etc.) were prepared. These beads were placed in a ceramic dish and fired in a Ceramco furnace Vulcan D550. The temperature of the furnace containing the beads was increased to 550 ° C. at a rate of 3 ° C. per minute, maintained at 550 ° C. for 5 hours, and the beads were fired and prepared for filling with carbon dioxide.

The bead was removed from the furnace and immediately transferred to a metal container with an interference fit lid and inlet and outlet holes allowing gas circulation. With the bead sealed in the container, the container was flooded with carbon dioxide gas and pressurized to 1.0 × 10 ⁵ PaG (15 psig). (Note, however, that the experiment is performed between 0.34 × 10 ⁵ PaG and 2.2 × 10 ⁵ PaG (5 psig to 32 psig).) The chamber is maintained at this set pressure for 1 hour. During this holding period, the chamber was bleed every 15 minutes. At the end of this period, a certain amount of gas is adsorbed on the bead.

30 g of 13X zeolite feed was measured and the beaker was filled with 250 ml of water at room temperature 22 ° C. This beaker containing water was placed on a balance and the balance was made zero. The filled zeolite 30 was then added to a beaker and the change in weight over time was measured. The weight change became nearly steady after 50 seconds, and it was found that the bead lost about 4.2 g (14 wt%) due to the release of carbon dioxide. Of course, some carbon dioxide is dissolved in water.

Example 2
A filled zeolite 13X was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. A 30 g sample of this filled zeolite was then placed in a metallic chamber having a water inlet at the bottom and a gas outlet at the top. The chamber holding the zeolite has two metal filter disks having a cross section of 34 × 34 mm ² and 64 holes of 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) diameter to hold the zeolite material. The bottom of the chamber was then flooded with tap water perpendicular to the cross section at an average flow rate of 60 ml per minute. Gas was generated from the upper outlet.

The pressure of the gas in the chamber was measured with a pressure gauge and controlled using a needle valve attached to the outlet of the gas chamber. The needle valve was set to maintain the chamber pressure at 2.4 × 10 ⁵ PaG (35 psig) by manually adjusting the charged zeolite in the chamber during exposure to water. Once the valve is set to operating pressure, the system repeatedly performs a similar operation each time a zeolite sample is loaded.

Example 3
A filled zeolite 13X was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, 30 g of this filled zeolite feed was placed in a semi-rigid 50 ml polystyrene polyethylene EVOH laminate cup container and thermally sealed with a foil lid. The sealed zeolite cartridge was then placed in a sealed metal cartridge chamber and the top and bottom were perforated.

Tap water was introduced from the bottom of the cartridge with flow controlled by a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve was actuated via a pressure switch connected to the gas outlet at the top of the cartridge chamber. In three separate tests, there were three pressure switches: 0.34 × 10 ⁵ PaG (5 psig), 1.5 × 10 ⁵ PaG (22 psig), and 2.4 × 10 ⁵ PaG (35 psig), respectively. Set to different operating pressures. The gas obtained at each set pressure was then introduced into the shell side of a hydrophobic membrane contactor (1 × 5.5 Minimodule from Liquidel, Charlotte, NC, USA). The other shell side opening was closed to prevent gas from escaping. Water from a storage container containing 400 ml of water and about 50 g of ice is passed from the storage container through the lumen side of the membrane contactor (eg as shown in FIG. 2) using a vibration pump EAX5 from Ulka (Milan, Italy). And circulated back to the storage container. The pressure in the storage container and contactor was maintained at the same pressure as the gas generated. The system was turned off after generating gas and circulating water for about 60 seconds.

The carbonation level of the resulting carbonated water was then examined using a CarboQC manufactured by Anton-Paar, Ashland, Virginia. The results are shown below.

Thus, it was found that the gas evolves from the zeolite in the cartridge at a controllable rate (based on the delivery of water to the cartridge chamber) and then dissolves in water to produce a carbonated beverage. This further illustrates the concept that by controlling the system pressure, the carbonated saturation level of the finished beverage can be controlled. For example, if the system pressure is 2.8 × 10 ⁵ to 3.4 × 10 ⁵ Pa (40 to 50 psi) higher than the ambient pressure, 4 volumes of carbonated beverage (liquid volume of about 500 ml) can be obtained within about 60 seconds. Expected to be.

  While several aspects of at least one embodiment of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only.
<Appendix>
[1]
A cartridge used by a beverage maker in producing a beverage,
A container that includes a first part and a second part coupled to each other and separated by an impermeable barrier, the first part containing a gas source that emits a gas that dissolves in the beverage precursor liquid; For the second part to contain a beverage medium that mixes with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and for the second part to push the beverage medium out of the second part to mix with the precursor liquid. A container, including a wall that is movable,
A cartridge comprising:
[2]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the first portion includes an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas for dissolving the precursor liquid in the first portion. A cartridge having an outlet for exiting from the portion.
[3]
The cartridge according to the above [2], wherein the inlet and the outlet are located above the first portion.
[4]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the second part is configured to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. Cartridge to be used.
[5]
The cartridge of [1] above, wherein the wall at least partially defines the first portion of the cartridge.
[6]
The cartridge of [5] above, wherein the first portion is at least partially defined by a first chamber wall and the second portion at least partially defines a second space. Defined by a second chamber wall, wherein the first chamber wall is received in the second space and the second chamber wall for discharging the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge. A cartridge that is movable relative to the cartridge.
[7]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the wall includes a layer of a barrier material.
[8]
The cartridge according to [7] above, wherein the second portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of a barrier material.
[9]
The cartridge according to [8] above, wherein the layer of barrier material is configured to open when the force is applied to the barrier material so that the beverage medium exits the second portion. Cartridge.
[10]
The cartridge according to [9] above, comprising a piercing element that opens a second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material.
[11]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the first portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of a barrier material.
[12]
The cartridge according to [11] above, wherein the second part is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of a barrier material, and the first part and the second part are coupled to each other. Features cartridge.
[13]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[14]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[15]
The cartridge according to the above [1], wherein the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the sealing of the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[16]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.
[17]
The cartridge according to [1], wherein the wall includes a pleat and a brittle outlet that can be opened based on the pressure inside the second portion.
[18]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the gas source is accommodated in a permeable bag.
[19]
The cartridge according to [1] above, wherein the first portion includes an inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the container for allowing gas to dissolve in the precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a surface configured to accommodate a perforation to form an outlet for exit, wherein the first portion is attached to a second portion such that the surface is not exposed.
[20]
A cartridge used by a beverage maker in producing a beverage;
A first portion and a second portion coupled to each other and separated by an impermeable barrier, the first portion containing a gas source for releasing a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid; A portion containing a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and wherein the first portion is below and the second portion is above it A cartridge,
The first portion is configured to interact with the beverage maker to activate the gas source and release the gas that the beverage maker dissolves in the precursor liquid; and the second portion includes: A cartridge configured to supply the beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid for interacting with a beverage maker to produce a beverage.
[21]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the first portion has an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas for dissolving the precursor liquid in the first portion. A cartridge having an outlet for exiting from the portion.
[22]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the second part is configured to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. Cartridge to be used.
[23]
The cartridge of [20] above, wherein the second portion is at least partially defined by a movable wall for discharging a beverage medium from the second portion. cartridge.
[24]
The cartridge according to [23], wherein the wall includes a layer of a barrier material.
[25]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the second portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of a barrier material.
[26]
The cartridge according to [25], wherein the layer of the barrier material is configured to open when the force is applied to the barrier material so that the beverage medium exits the second portion. Cartridge.
[27]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[28]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the first portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material, and the second portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material. And the first part and the second part are coupled to each other.
[29]
The cartridge according to the above [20], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[30]
The cartridge according to [20], in which the first part is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first part before breaking the sealing of the first part is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[31]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.
[32]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the plane is defined by a part of the first part or the second part.
[33]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the second portion includes a fold of the movable wall and a brittle outlet that can be opened based on pressure inside the second portion. cartridge.
[34]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the gas source is accommodated in a permeable bag in the first portion.
[35]
The cartridge according to [20] above, wherein the first portion includes an inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the container for dissolving gas in the precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a surface configured to accommodate a perforation to form an outlet for exit, wherein the first portion is attached to a second portion such that the surface is not exposed.
[36]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part partially surrounds the second part and releases a gas that dissolves in a beverage precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a container for receiving and containing a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid for the second part to produce a beverage.
[37]
The cartridge according to [36], wherein the container has an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas is discharged from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to have an outlet.
[38]
[37] The cartridge according to [37], wherein the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[39]
[36] The cartridge according to [36], wherein the container is configured to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid.
[40]
The cartridge according to the above [36], further comprising a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion surrounds the second portion, A cartridge configured to receive a precursor liquid and the beverage medium and to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid.
[41]
The cartridge according to [36], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first portion and the second portion.
[42]
The cartridge of [41] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[43]
The cartridge of [41], coupled to the container, movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[44]
[43] The cartridge according to [43], wherein the perforating element perforates the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[45]
The cartridge according to [43], further including a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion surrounds the second portion, and A cartridge configured to receive a beverage medium and the precursor liquid to mix the precursor liquid and the beverage medium, wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an inlet to the third portion A cartridge characterized by being configured as follows.
[46]
The cartridge according to [45] above, wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, so that the beverage medium is contained in the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[47]
The cartridge of [43] above, further comprising a locking element configured to prevent the piercing element from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid, A cartridge wherein the locking element is configured to allow movement of the piercing element when released.
[48]
The cartridge according to [47] above, wherein the locking element includes a ring portion or a tab portion that can be released when the locking element is removed from the piercing element or the container.
[49]
The cartridge according to [36], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that opens in the presence of pressure exceeding a threshold value to release the beverage medium.
[50]
The cartridge according to [36], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[51]
The cartridge according to the above [36], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[52]
The cartridge according to [36] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[53]
The cartridge according to [36] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[54]
The cartridge according to [36], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the sealing of the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[55]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part, a second part and a third part separated from each other, the first part containing a gas source for releasing a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid; A second part contains a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the third part receives the beverage medium from the second part, and the precursor liquid And a cartridge configured to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium.
[56]
[55] The cartridge according to [55], wherein the container has an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas is discharged from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to have an outlet.
[57]
The cartridge according to [56], wherein the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[58]
The cartridge of [55] above, wherein the container has an outlet from the second portion for allowing the beverage medium to enter the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. A cartridge characterized by being configured as follows.
[59]
The cartridge according to [58], wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[60]
The cartridge according to [55], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion.
[61]
The cartridge according to [60] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form an entrance to the first part, the second part or the third part. A cartridge characterized by.
[62]
The cartridge of [60] above, coupled to the container movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[63]
The cartridge according to [62], wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[64]
The cartridge of [62] above, wherein the piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion and to enter a precursor liquid into the third portion. A cartridge characterized by that.
[65]
The cartridge of [64] above, wherein the piercing element introduces a precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is introduced into the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with a precursor liquid.
[66]
The cartridge of [62] above, further comprising a locking element configured to prevent the piercing element from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid, A cartridge wherein the locking element is configured to allow movement of the piercing element when released.
[67]
The cartridge according to [66], wherein the locking element includes a ring portion or a tab portion that can be released when the locking element is removed from the piercing element or the container.
[68]
The cartridge according to [55], wherein the third portion surrounds the first portion and the second portion.
[69]
The cartridge according to [55] above, wherein the container has a volume less than that of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[70]
The cartridge according to [55] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[71]
The cartridge according to [55], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[72]
The cartridge according to [55], wherein the second part includes a movable element that can move to push the beverage medium from the second part to the third part. Cartridge to be used.
[73]
The cartridge according to [72], wherein the movable element includes a layer of a barrier material.
[74]
74. The cartridge of [73], wherein the second portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material.
[75]
The cartridge of [74] above, wherein the layer of barrier material is opened when a force is applied to the second portion so that the beverage medium can enter the third portion. A cartridge characterized by being configured.
[76]
The cartridge according to [55], wherein the second part is positioned on the third part, and the first part surrounds at least a part of the third part. Features cartridge.
[77]
The cartridge according to [55] above, wherein the third portion has a funnel-shaped portion.
[78]
The cartridge according to [55], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[79]
The cartridge according to [55], wherein the gas source emits a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. Cartridge to be used.
[80]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that emits a gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid, and the second part contains a beverage A container containing a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid for manufacturing, wherein the first part and the second part are closed to the external environment;
A movable part attached to the container for activating the gas source or releasing gas from the first part and / or for introducing liquid into the second part or the second part A movable part capable of moving relative to the container to open one or both of the first part and the second part for discharge of the beverage medium from
A cartridge comprising:
[81]
[80] The cartridge according to [80], wherein the movable part has an inlet of the container for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas for dissolving the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to form an outlet for exiting.
[82]
[81] The cartridge according to [81], wherein the movable part is located in an upper part of the container, and the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[83]
The cartridge of [80] above, wherein the container is configured to have an outlet from the second portion for exiting the beverage medium for mixing with the precursor liquid. Cartridge.
[84]
The cartridge according to [83], wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[85]
The cartridge according to [80], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper part of the first part and the second part.
[86]
The cartridge of [85] above, wherein the lid is piercable by the movable part to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[87]
The cartridge of [85] above, wherein the movable part is movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part, A cartridge comprising a piercing element coupled to a container.
[88]
The cartridge of [87] above, wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form a first part outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[89]
The cartridge according to [87], wherein the third part is configured to receive the beverage medium from the second part and to receive the precursor liquid and to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. The piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion and to contain the precursor liquid in the third portion. cartridge.
[90]
The cartridge according to [89], wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is contained in the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[91]
The cartridge according to [80], wherein the movable part moves relative to the container to activate the gas source or release gas from the first part, and A locking element configured to prevent opening of the first part and the second part for introduction of liquid into the second part or discharge of the beverage medium from the second part The cartridge is further configured to include a cartridge.
[92]
The cartridge according to [91], wherein the locking element includes a ring portion or a tab portion that can be released when the locking element is removed from the piercing element or the container.
[93]
The cartridge according to [80], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[94]
The cartridge according to [80], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage manufactured using the cartridge.
[95]
The cartridge according to [80], wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[96]
The cartridge according to [80] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[97]
The cartridge according to [80], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[98]
The cartridge of [80] above, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.
[99]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that emits a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, and the second part comprises: A container containing a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage;
A movable part attached to the container, the movable part being movable relative to the container so as to constitute the cartridge for use in the production of beverages;
A locking element that prevents movement of the movable part that constitutes the cartridge so that it can be used for the production of beverages,
A cartridge comprising:
[100]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the movable part moves relative to the container, whereby the gas source can be activated or the gas can be released from the first part. And a cartridge capable of introducing liquid into the second portion or discharging the beverage medium from the second portion.
[101]
The cartridge according to [99] above, wherein the movable part moves relative to the container so that an inlet through which fluid can be supplied to activate the gas source is provided in the container. A cartridge is formed wherein an outlet is formed through which gas formed and dissolved in the precursor liquid exits the container.
[102]
The cartridge according to [99] above, wherein the movable part moves relative to the container, and the inlet through which the precursor liquid can be introduced for mixing with the beverage medium is the container A cartridge characterized by being formed.
[103]
The cartridge according to [102], wherein the second portion has an outlet provided with a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[104]
The cartridge according to [99], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first portion and the second portion.
[105]
The cartridge of [104] above, wherein the lid is piercable by the movable part to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[106]
The cartridge of [104] above, wherein the movable part is movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge comprising:
[107]
The cartridge of [106] above, wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form a first portion outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[108]
The cartridge according to [106], wherein the third part is configured to receive the beverage medium from the second part, and to receive the precursor liquid and mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. Wherein the piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion and to contain the precursor liquid in the third portion. Cartridge to be used.
[109]
The cartridge of [108] above, wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is introduced into the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[110]
The cartridge according to [106], wherein the locking element is configured to prevent relative movement of the piercing element with respect to the lid.
[111]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the locking element includes a ring part or a tab part that can be released from the movable part when removed from the movable part.
[112]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the second part is detachable by a force external to the cartridge so that the beverage medium can exit the second part. A cartridge comprising:
[113]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the container has a volume that is less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[114]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[115]
The cartridge according to [99], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[116]
The cartridge according to [99], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[117]
The cartridge of [99] above, wherein the gas source emits a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. Cartridge to be used.
[118]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part, a second part and a third part separated from each other, the first part containing a gas source for releasing a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid; The second part contains a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the third part receives the beverage medium from the second part, and the precursor liquid A cartridge comprising a container configured to receive and mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium;
The first portion of the precursor liquid is sent to the second portion and mixed with a beverage medium, and the mixed first portion of the precursor liquid and the beverage medium are configured to enter the third portion. And a second portion of the precursor liquid is sent directly to the third portion to be mixed with the first portion of the mixed precursor liquid and the beverage medium in the third portion. A cartridge characterized by.
[119]
The cartridge according to [118], wherein the container has an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas is discharged from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to have an outlet.
[120]
[119] The cartridge according to [119], wherein the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container and have the same opening.
[121]
The cartridge of [118] above, wherein the container has an outlet from the second portion for allowing the beverage medium to enter the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. A cartridge characterized by being configured as follows.
[122]
The cartridge according to [121], wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[123]
The cartridge according to [118], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion.
[124]
The cartridge according to [123] above, wherein the lid can be pierced by a beverage maker to form an inlet to the first part, the second part or the third part. A cartridge characterized by.
[125]
The cartridge of [123], coupled to the container, movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first portion and an inlet to the second portion A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[126]
The cartridge according to [125], wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[127]
The cartridge of [125] above, wherein the piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion and to put the precursor liquid directly into the third portion. A cartridge characterized by being made.
[128]
The cartridge according to [127] above, wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, so that the beverage medium is contained in the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[129]
The cartridge of [125] above, further comprising a locking element configured to prevent the piercing element from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid, A cartridge wherein the locking element is configured to allow movement of the piercing element when released.
[130]
The cartridge according to [129], wherein the locking element includes a ring portion that can release the locking element when removed from the piercing element or the container.
[131]
The cartridge according to [118], wherein the second part is surrounded by the third part, and the third part has a funnel-shaped part.
[132]
The cartridge according to the above [118], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[133]
The cartridge according to [118] above, wherein the gas source is a filled zeolite.
[134]
The cartridge according to [118], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[135]
The cartridge according to [118], wherein the first portion is positioned around the third portion, and the third portion is positioned around the second portion. Features cartridge.
[136]
The cartridge according to the above [118], wherein the pressure in the first part before the first part is sealed from an external environment and the sealing of the first part is broken is 6.9 × 10 ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[137]
The cartridge of [118] above, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.
[138]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a beverage medium portion and a mixing chamber portion separated from each other, the beverage medium portion containing a beverage medium used for mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the mixing chamber portion Is constructed and configured to produce the beverage by mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid, and the mixing chamber portion is configured to have a plurality of inlets for receiving the precursor liquid. Cartridge.
[139]
The cartridge according to [138], further comprising a gas source portion that houses a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in the precursor liquid.
[140]
The cartridge according to [139], wherein the container has an inlet for supplying a fluid for activating the gas source, and a gas is discharged from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to have an outlet.
[141]
The cartridge according to [140] above, wherein the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[142]
The cartridge according to [138], further comprising a lid that hermetically closes and closes an upper portion of the beverage medium portion and the mixing chamber portion.
[143]
The cartridge of [142] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form the plurality of inlets to the mixing chamber portion.
[144]
The cartridge of [142] above, further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container movable to pierce the lid to form the plurality of inlets to the mixing chamber portion. Features cartridge.
[145]
The cartridge according to [144] above, wherein the piercing element forms an inlet in the beverage medium portion for piercing the lid and introducing the precursor liquid into the beverage medium portion. cartridge.
[146]
The cartridge according to [138], wherein the mixing chamber portion surrounds the beverage medium portion.
[147]
The cartridge according to [138], wherein the mixing chamber portion is located below the beverage medium portion.
[148]
The cartridge according to [138], wherein the beverage medium portion includes an outlet closing device that opens to release the beverage medium when pressure exceeding a threshold value is present in the beverage medium portion. Cartridge to be used.
[149]
The cartridge according to [138] above, wherein the beverage medium portion includes an outlet closing device that can be opened by a force external to the cartridge.
[150]
The cartridge according to [138] above, wherein the mixing chamber portion includes a funnel-shaped portion.
[151]
The cartridge of [138] above, wherein the inlet to the mixing chamber portion is located adjacent to the outlet of the beverage medium portion where the beverage medium enters the mixing chamber portion.
[152]
The cartridge according to [138], wherein the beverage medium portion includes a movable wall so as to discharge the beverage medium from the beverage medium portion to the mixing chamber portion.
[153]
The cartridge according to [152], wherein the wall includes a layer of a barrier material.
[154]
The cartridge of [152] above, wherein the beverage medium portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material.
[155]
The cartridge of [154] above, wherein the layer of barrier material is configured to open when the force is applied to the barrier material so that the beverage medium can exit the beverage medium portion. A cartridge characterized by being made.
[156]
The cartridge according to [155], further comprising a piercing element that opens the beverage medium portion when a force is applied to the barrier material.
[157]
The cartridge according to [138] above, wherein the container has a volume less than that of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[158]
The cartridge according to [138], further including a gas source portion that houses a gas source that discharges a gas to be dissolved in the precursor liquid, and the gas source is a filled zeolite. Cartridge.
[159]
The cartridge according to [158], wherein the gas source part is sealed from an external environment, and the gas source part releases carbon dioxide gas used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form carbon dioxide source configured to do so.
[160]
The cartridge according to the above [138], further comprising a gas source part that houses a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in the precursor liquid, wherein the gas source part is sealed from an external environment, and the gas The pressure in the gas source part before the seal of the source part is broken is 6.9 × 10 ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[161]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, the first part containing a gas source that releases gas through a gas outlet of the container for dissolving in a beverage precursor liquid; A cartridge comprising a container in which the second part contains a beverage medium mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the beverage medium exiting the container via a beverage medium outlet;
A cartridge wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet are located on the same side of the container.
[162]
The cartridge according to [161] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[163]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the container for mixing with the beverage medium, and the precursor liquid inlet is the container The cartridge is located on the same side as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[164]
The cartridge according to [163] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet and the precursor liquid inlet.
[165]
The cartridge according to [164], wherein the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet, the activator inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a bottom side of the container.
[166]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the second portion is configured such that the beverage medium can be pushed out from the second portion through the beverage medium outlet by a force external to the cartridge. A cartridge characterized by that.
[167]
The cartridge of [166] above, wherein the second portion is configured to at least partially squeeze the beverage medium through the beverage medium outlet. A cartridge defined by
[168]
The cartridge of [161] above, wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second portion for mixing with the beverage medium, the precursor liquid inlet being A cartridge comprising a perforated conduit extending into the second portion configured to introduce the precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit.
[169]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the container includes a pair of opposing barrier layers joined together to form the first portion and the second portion.
[170]
The cartridge of [169] above, wherein the container includes an insert attached to the barrier layer that defines the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[171]
The cartridge according to [169], wherein the barrier layers are joined to each other in a pattern forming a filter in the first portion.
[172]
[171] The cartridge according to [171], wherein the gas source includes particles of prefilled zeolite, and the filter has a gas outlet of the first part from the gas source part of the first part. A cartridge configured to prevent movement to a part.
[173]
[172] The cartridge according to [172], wherein the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the first part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the first part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[174]
The cartridge according to [173], wherein the conduit includes a conduit filter that filters gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet.
[175]
The cartridge according to [169] above, wherein the barrier layer includes a flexible foil laminate.
[176]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet are closed and can be opened by being perforated.
[177]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet each include an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[178]
The cartridge according to [161] above, wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage manufactured using the cartridge.
[179]
The cartridge according to [161], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[180]
The cartridge according to [161], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the sealing of the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[181]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that releases gas through the gas outlet of the container for dissolution in a beverage precursor liquid The second portion contains a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second portion; and a mixed beverage medium; A cartridge comprising a container having a beverage medium outlet for the precursor liquid to exit said second portion;
A conduit having a plurality of openings, wherein the precursor liquid inlet extends into the second portion and is configured to introduce the precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit. A cartridge comprising the cartridge.
[182]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source.
[183]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the precursor liquid inlet is located on the same side of the container as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[184]
The cartridge according to [183], wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet and the precursor liquid inlet.
[185]
The cartridge according to [184], wherein the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet, the activator inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a bottom side of the container.
[186]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the second portion is configured to be able to push the beverage medium from the second portion through the beverage medium outlet by a force external to the cartridge. A cartridge characterized by that.
[187]
The cartridge according to [186], wherein the second portion is configured to at least partially squeeze the beverage medium through the beverage medium outlet. A cartridge defined by
[188]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the container includes a pair of opposing barrier layers joined together to form the first portion and the second portion.
[189]
The cartridge of [188] above, wherein the container includes an insert attached to the barrier layer that defines the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[190]
The cartridge according to [188], wherein the barrier layers are joined to each other in a pattern forming a filter in the first portion.
[191]
The cartridge according to [190] above, wherein the gas source includes particles of filled zeolite, and the filter has a gas outlet from the gas source part of the second part to the gas outlet of the second part. A cartridge configured to prevent movement to a part.
[192]
The cartridge according to [191], wherein the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the second part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the second part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[193]
The cartridge according to [192] above, wherein the conduit includes a conduit filter that filters gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet.
[194]
The cartridge according to [188] above, wherein the barrier layer includes a flexible foil laminate.
[195]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet are closed and can be opened by being perforated.
[196]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein each of the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[197]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[198]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[199]
The cartridge according to [181], wherein the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[200]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, the first part containing a gas source that releases gas through a gas outlet of the container for dissolving in a beverage precursor liquid; The gas outlet has an outlet conduit extending from the bottom of the container to near the top of the container, the second portion containing a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the beverage medium A cartridge comprising a container having a beverage medium outlet for exiting said second portion.
[201]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source.
[202]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the second part includes a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second part.
[203]
The cartridge according to [202] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet and the precursor liquid inlet.
[204]
The cartridge according to [203], wherein the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet, the activator inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a bottom side of the container.
[205]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the second portion is configured such that the beverage medium can be pushed out of the second portion through the beverage medium outlet by a force external to the cartridge. A cartridge characterized by that.
[206]
The flexible pouch according to [205], wherein the second portion is configured to at least partially squeeze the beverage medium through the beverage medium outlet. A cartridge defined by
[207]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the container includes a pair of opposing barrier layers joined together to form the first portion and the second portion.
[208]
The cartridge of [207] above, wherein the container includes an insert attached to the barrier layer that defines the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[209]
The cartridge according to [207], wherein the barrier layers are bonded to each other in a pattern forming a filter in the first portion.
[210]
[209] The cartridge according to [209], wherein the gas source includes particles of filled zeolite, and the filter has a gas outlet of the second part from the gas source part of the second part. A cartridge configured to prevent movement to a part.
[211]
The cartridge according to [210], wherein the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the second part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the second part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[212]
The cartridge according to [211] above, wherein the conduit includes a conduit filter that filters gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet.
[213]
The cartridge according to [207], wherein the barrier layer includes a flexible foil laminate.
[214]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet are closed and can be opened by perforation.
[215]
The cartridge according to [200], wherein each of the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[216]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[217]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with a beverage precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[218]
The cartridge according to [200], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[219]
The cartridge according to [200] above, wherein the second part includes a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second part, and the precursor liquid inlet contains the precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a perforated conduit extending into the second portion configured to be introduced into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit.
[220]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that releases gas through the gas outlet of the container for dissolution in a beverage precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a container in which the second part contains a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage and the beverage medium has a beverage medium outlet for exiting the second part Yes,
The container includes a pair of barrier layers joined together to form at least a portion of the first portion, the barrier layer including a gas source portion of the first portion as a gas of the first portion. A cartridge that is joined together in a pattern that forms a filter in the first portion that separates from the outlet portion.
[221]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source.
[222]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the second part includes a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second part.
[223]
The cartridge of [222] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet and the precursor liquid inlet.
[224]
The cartridge according to [223] above, wherein the gas outlet, the beverage medium outlet, the activator inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on the bottom side of the container.
[225]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the second portion is configured to be able to push a beverage medium from the second portion through the beverage medium outlet by a force external to the cartridge. A cartridge characterized by.
[226]
The cartridge of [225] above, wherein the second portion is configured to at least partially squeeze the beverage medium through the beverage medium outlet. A cartridge defined by
[227]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the pair of barrier layers are bonded to each other to form the first portion and the second portion.
[228]
The cartridge of [227] above, wherein the container includes an insert attached to the barrier layer that defines the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[229]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the pattern includes an array of regions where the barrier layers are joined separated by regions where the barrier layers are not joined.
[230]
The cartridge according to [229] above, wherein the gas source includes particles of filled zeolite, and the filter has a gas outlet from the gas source portion of the second portion to the gas outlet of the second portion. A cartridge configured to prevent movement to a part.
[231]
The cartridge according to [230] above, wherein the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the second part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the second part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[232]
The cartridge according to [231], wherein the conduit includes a conduit filter that filters gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet.
[233]
The cartridge according to [227], in which the barrier layer includes a flexible foil laminate, and the cartridge is attached between the barrier layers so that a gas storage portion is provided in the first of the cartridge. A cartridge further comprising a porous filter element separating from the gas outlet portion of the portion.
[234]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet are closed and can be opened by being perforated.
[235]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein each of the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet includes an outlet closing device operable by a force external to the cartridge.
[236]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the container has a volume less than that of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[237]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[238]
The cartridge according to [220], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[239]
The cartridge according to [220], wherein the second part has a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second part, and the precursor liquid inlet contains the precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a perforated conduit extending into the second portion configured to be introduced into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit.
[240]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source for releasing a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid and activates the gas source An activator inlet for introducing a fluid into the first part for gas release, the activator inlet having a conduit for sending the fluid towards the bottom of the first part A cartridge, wherein the second part comprises a container containing a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage.
[241]
The cartridge according to [240], wherein the activator inlet extends from an upper portion of the container to a bottom portion of the first portion.
[242]
The cartridge according to [241], wherein the container includes a gas outlet through which the gas released from the gas source exits the first portion, and the activator inlet and the gas A cartridge characterized in that an outlet is located at the top of the container.
[243]
The cartridge according to [240], wherein the container is configured to receive a beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. Including a third portion, wherein the container is configured to have an outlet from the second portion for the beverage medium to enter the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. Cartridge.
[244]
The cartridge according to [243], wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[245]
The cartridge according to [240], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first part or the second part.
[246]
The cartridge of [245] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[247]
The cartridge of [245] above, coupled to the container, movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[248]
The cartridge according to [247], wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[249]
The cartridge according to [247], wherein the container receives the beverage medium from the second portion and receives the precursor liquid, and mixes the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. A third portion, wherein the piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion to allow the precursor liquid to enter the third portion. Cartridge.
[250]
The cartridge of [249] above, wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is introduced into the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[251]
The cartridge of [247] above, further comprising a locking element configured to prevent the piercing element from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid, A cartridge wherein the locking element is configured to allow movement of the piercing element when released.
[252]
The cartridge according to [251], wherein the locking element includes a detachable element capable of releasing the locking element when removed from the piercing element or the container.
[253]
The cartridge according to [240], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[254]
The cartridge according to the above [240], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[255]
The cartridge according to [240] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[256]
The cartridge according to [240], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[257]
The cartridge according to [240] above, wherein the second part includes a movable element capable of moving to push the beverage medium from the second part to the third part. Cartridge.
[258]
The cartridge according to [240], in which the second portion includes a spiral or other meandering path for containing the beverage medium, and the precursor in which the beverage medium is introduced into the serpentine path A cartridge configured to mix with a liquid.
[259]
The cartridge according to [258] above, wherein the first portion is located on the second portion.
[260]
The cartridge according to [240], in which the first part is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first part before breaking the seal of the first part is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[261]
The cartridge of [240] above, wherein the gas source emits a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. Cartridge to be used.
[262]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that emits a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, and the second part comprises: Containing a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, the second part mixed with a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second part; A spiral containing a beverage medium and an outlet for the precursor liquid to exit the second portion, the second portion containing the beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid fed from the precursor liquid inlet A cartridge comprising a container including a spiral, zigzag or other serpentine channel.
[263]
The cartridge according to [262] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and a gas from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge having a gas outlet for exiting.
[264]
The cartridge according to [263] above, wherein the activator inlet and the gas outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[265]
The cartridge according to [262] above, wherein the container includes a third portion configured to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. A cartridge characterized by.
[266]
The cartridge according to [265] above, wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[267]
The cartridge according to [262], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first part or the second part.
[268]
The cartridge of [267] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[269]
The cartridge of [267] above, coupled to the container, movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[270]
The cartridge according to [269], wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[271]
The cartridge according to [269] above, wherein the container is configured to receive a beverage medium from the second portion and to receive a precursor liquid and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. 3, wherein the piercing element is configured to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the third portion to allow the precursor liquid to enter the third portion. cartridge.
[272]
The cartridge according to [271], wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is introduced into the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[273]
The cartridge of [269] above, further comprising a locking element configured to prevent the piercing element from moving relative to the container and piercing the lid, A cartridge wherein the locking element is configured to allow movement of the piercing element when released.
[274]
The cartridge according to [262], in which the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[275]
The cartridge according to the above [262], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[276]
The cartridge according to [262] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[277]
The cartridge according to [262], wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[278]
The cartridge according to [262], wherein the first portion is located on the second portion.
[279]
The cartridge according to [262], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[280]
The cartridge of [262] above, wherein the gas source emits a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. Cartridge to be used.
[281]
The cartridge according to [262], further comprising a sleeve that covers outer surfaces of the first part and the second part and connects the first part and the second part. Cartridge.
[282]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part and a second part separated from each other, wherein the first part contains a gas source that emits a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, and the second part is Containing a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, wherein the second part is a cartridge having an outlet for the beverage medium to exit the second part; A cartridge wherein the first part is movable relative to the second part to push the beverage medium from the second part through the outlet of the second part.
[283]
The cartridge according to [282] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and a gas from the container for dissolving in the precursor liquid A cartridge having a gas outlet for exiting.
[284]
The cartridge according to [283], wherein the activator inlet and the gas outlet are located in an upper part of the container and have a common opening.
[285]
The cartridge according to [282] above, wherein the container includes a third portion configured to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. A cartridge characterized by.
[286]
The cartridge according to [285], wherein the outlet from the second portion has a closing device that is opened by pressure in the second portion.
[287]
The cartridge according to [282], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first part or the second part.
[288]
The cartridge of [287] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to open an entrance to the first part or the second part.
[289]
The cartridge according to [282], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[290]
The cartridge according to [282], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage manufactured using the cartridge.
[291]
The cartridge according to [282], wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[292]
The cartridge according to [282] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[293]
The cartridge according to [282] above, wherein the first portion is located on the second portion.
[294]
The cartridge according to [282], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[295]
The cartridge of [282] above, wherein the gas source emits a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. Cartridge to be used.
[296]
The cartridge of [282] above, wherein the first portion is at least partially defined by a first chamber wall, and the second portion at least partially defines a second space. A cartridge defined by a defining second chamber wall, wherein the first chamber wall is received in the second space and the beverage medium is evacuated from the second portion of the cartridge for discharging a beverage medium. A cartridge which is movable relative to the second chamber wall.
[297]
The cartridge according to [296] above, wherein the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall have a cup shape, and the first chamber wall is at least partly the second chamber. A cartridge received in said second space defined by a wall.
[298]
The cartridge according to [297], further including a third portion configured to receive the precursor liquid and the beverage medium from the second portion and to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. A cartridge, wherein the second portion is positioned within the third portion.
[299]
The cartridge of [298] above, wherein the third portion is one or both of a vane, channel or other feature that facilitates mixing of the beverage medium and the precursor liquid and a funnel-shaped portion. A cartridge comprising:
[300]
The cartridge according to [298], further including an inlet to the third portion for receiving the precursor liquid.
[301]
The cartridge according to [296], wherein the first chamber wall forms a plunger in the second space and pushes the beverage medium to the outlet of the second portion. Cartridge.
[302]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container including a first portion containing a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid;
A flow control device attached to the container and configured to control a flow of an activation fluid flowing into the cartridge for activating the gas source to release gas;
A cartridge comprising:
[303]
The cartridge of [302] above, further comprising a second portion containing a beverage medium configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage.
[304]
The cartridge according to [302], wherein the container has an inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and gas exits the container to dissolve in the precursor liquid. A cartridge configured to have an outlet.
[305]
The cartridge according to [304], wherein the inlet and the outlet are located in an upper part of the container.
[306]
The cartridge of [303] above, wherein the container is configured to have an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid.
[307]
The cartridge according to [303], further including a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion surrounds the second portion, and A cartridge configured to receive a precursor liquid and the beverage medium and to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid.
[308]
The cartridge according to [303], further including a lid that hermetically closes an upper portion of the first portion and the second portion.
[309]
The cartridge of [308] above, wherein the lid is piercable by a beverage maker to form an inlet to the first part or the second part.
[310]
The cartridge of [308] above, coupled to the container, movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet to the first part and an inlet to the second part A cartridge further comprising a piercing element.
[311]
The cartridge of [308] above, wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an outlet for gas release by the gas source.
[312]
The cartridge according to [308], further including a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion surrounds the second portion, and A cartridge configured to receive a precursor liquid and the beverage medium to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid, wherein the piercing element pierces the lid to form an inlet to the third portion The cartridge is configured as described above.
[313]
The cartridge of [312] above, wherein the piercing element introduces the precursor liquid into both the second part and the third part, and the beverage medium is introduced into the third part. A cartridge configured to be mixed with the precursor liquid.
[314]
The cartridge according to [303], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that opens in the presence of a pressure exceeding a threshold value to release the beverage medium.
[315]
The cartridge according to [303], wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing device that can be attached and detached by a force external to the cartridge.
[316]
The cartridge according to [302], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage produced using the cartridge.
[317]
The cartridge according to [302] above, wherein the gas source is filled zeolite.
[318]
The cartridge according to [303] above, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas used.
[319]
The cartridge according to [303], in which the first part is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first part before breaking the sealing of the first part is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[320]
The cartridge according to [302] above, wherein the flow control device includes a valve.
[321]
The cartridge of [320] above, wherein the valve is controllable by a beverage maker adapted to use the cartridge to produce a beverage.
[322]
The cartridge according to [320], wherein the valve controls an activated fluid flow flowing into the cartridge to maintain an appropriate gas pressure in the cartridge.
[323]
The cartridge according to [320] above, wherein the valve includes a flexible portion of the container operable by a beverage maker to open and close the valve.
[324]
The cartridge according to [323], wherein the flexible portion includes a portion of opposing barrier layers that are movable toward or away from each other.
[325]
The cartridge according to [320] above, wherein the valve is a pressure adjusting valve.
[326]
The cartridge according to [320] above, wherein the valve includes a gate movable by a beverage maker to open and close the valve.
[327]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A container comprising a first part containing a gas source for releasing gas through a gas outlet of the container for dissolving in a beverage precursor liquid, wherein the gas outlet is near the top of the first part from the bottom of the container A cartridge comprising a container having an outlet conduit extending to the top.
[328]
The cartridge according to [327], wherein the cartridge contains a beverage medium to be mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and has a beverage medium outlet through which the beverage medium exits the second portion. A cartridge, further comprising:
[329]
The cartridge of [327] above, wherein the container includes a barrier layer configured to define the first portion.
[330]
The cartridge according to [327], in which the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the first activator. A cartridge for feeding fluid toward the bottom of a part.
[331]
The cartridge according to [328] above, wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and the activator inlet is the container of the container. A cartridge on the same side as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[332]
The cartridge according to [331], wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the container for mixing with the beverage medium, and the precursor liquid inlet is the container The cartridge is located on the same side as the gas outlet and the beverage medium outlet.
[333]
The cartridge according to [327], wherein the gas source includes particles of filled zeolite, and the cartridge has a gas outlet of the first part from the gas source part of the first part. A cartridge further comprising a filter configured to prevent movement to the portion.
[334]
The cartridge according to [333], in which the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the first part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the first part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[335]
The cartridge according to [327], wherein the container has a volume less than a volume of a beverage manufactured using the cartridge.
[336]
The cartridge according to [327], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[337]
A cartridge for producing a beverage,
A cartridge comprising a container including a first portion containing a gas source that releases gas through a gas outlet of the container for dissolving in a beverage precursor liquid;
The container includes a pair of barrier layers joined together to form at least a portion of the first portion, the barrier layer including a gas source portion of the first portion as a gas of the first portion. A cartridge that is joined together in a pattern that forms a filter in the first portion that separates from the outlet portion.
[338]
The cartridge according to [337], wherein the container has an activator inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source.
[339]
The cartridge according to [337], wherein the cartridge contains a beverage medium mixed with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and has a beverage medium outlet for allowing the beverage medium to exit the second portion. A cartridge, further comprising:
[340]
The cartridge according to [339], wherein the pair of opposing barrier layers are bonded to each other to form the first portion and the second portion.
[341]
The cartridge according to [337], wherein the pattern includes an array of regions where the barrier layers are joined separated by regions where the barrier layers are not joined.
[342]
The cartridge according to [341], wherein the gas source includes particles of filled zeolite, and the filter has a gas outlet from the gas source part of the second part to the gas outlet of the second part. A cartridge configured to prevent movement to a part.
[343]
The cartridge according to [342] above, wherein the gas outlet passes from the gas outlet through the gas source part of the second part and the filter into the gas outlet part of the second part. A cartridge comprising an extending conduit.
[344]
The cartridge according to [337], wherein the barrier layer includes a flexible foil laminate.
[345]
The cartridge according to [337], in which the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa.
[346]
A cartridge for producing a beverage, containing a gas source that releases a gas to be dissolved in a beverage precursor liquid, and introducing a fluid into the first portion to activate the gas source to release the gas A container comprising a first portion having an activator inlet for the activator, wherein the activator inlet comprises a vessel comprising a conduit for delivering the fluid toward the bottom of the first portion. cartridge.
[347]
The cartridge according to [346], wherein the activator inlet extends from an upper part of the container to a bottom part of the first part.
[348]
The cartridge according to [347], in which the container is configured to have a gas outlet through which the gas released from the gas source exits the first portion, and the activator inlet and the gas A cartridge characterized in that an outlet is located at the top of the container.
[349]
The cartridge according to the above [346], further comprising a second portion that contains a beverage medium used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage.
[350]
The cartridge according to [349], wherein the container receives the beverage medium from the second portion and receives the precursor liquid, and mixes the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. A third portion, wherein the container is configured to have an outlet from the second portion for the beverage medium to enter the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. Features cartridge.
[351]
The cartridge according to [346] above, wherein the first part is sealed from an external environment, and the first part is used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form of a carbon dioxide source configured to release gas.
[352]
The cartridge according to [346], wherein the second part includes a movable element that can move to push the beverage medium from the second part to the third part. Cartridge.
[353]
The cartridge according to [346], wherein the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is less than 100 psi. A cartridge characterized by.
[354]
The cartridge of [346] above, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonate saturation level of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.
[355]
A beverage precursor liquid supply system configured to supply the precursor liquid;
A single cartridge having a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion, the first cartridge portion containing a gas source configured to release a gas used for dissolution in the precursor liquid And wherein the second cartridge portion contains a beverage medium configured to be mixed with a liquid precursor to produce a beverage;
A gas dissolving device configured to dissolve the gas from the first cartridge portion in the precursor liquid;
A beverage production system comprising:
A beverage production system configured to produce a beverage by mixing the precursor liquid with the beverage medium.
[356]
The system according to [355], wherein the pressure in the first portion before the first portion is sealed from an external environment and the sealing of the first portion is broken is 6.9 × 10 6. ^Five A system characterized by being less than Pa.
[357]
The system according to [355] above,
The system further comprising a gas activated fluid supply system configured to supply fluid to the first portion and contact the gas source to cause the gas source to release gas.
[358]
The system according to [355] above, wherein the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid so that the beverage does not come into contact with the gas source to produce the beverage.
[359]
The system of [358] above, wherein the system is configured to send the precursor liquid through the second chamber to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium.
[360]
The system according to [355] above,
The system further comprising a gas supply system configured to send the gas released from the gas source to the gas dissolving device under a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure.
[361]
The system according to [355], wherein the gas dissolving device includes a carbonic acid saturator having a membrane that separates a liquid side of the carbonic acid saturator from a gas side, and gas is supplied to the gas side, The precursor liquid supply system supplies the precursor liquid to the liquid side such that the gas on the gas side is dissolved in the precursor liquid on the liquid side.
[362]
[361] The system according to [361], wherein the beverage precursor liquid supply system includes a storage container and a pump that moves the precursor liquid from the storage container through the carbonic acid saturator.
[363]
The system of [355] above, further comprising a chamber configured to hold at least the first cartridge portion therein under a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.
[364]
[355] The system according to [355], wherein the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are respectively a part of different first cartridge and second cartridge. .
[365]
The system of [355] above, wherein the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are part of a single cartridge and are separated from each other.
[366]
The system according to [365] above, wherein the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are separated by a permeable element.
[367]
The system according to [365] above, wherein the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are separated by an impermeable element.
[368]
The system according to [355] above,
And further comprising a gas activated fluid supply system configured to control the amount of fluid supplied to the first cartridge portion to control the amount of gas released by the gas source. system.
[369]
The system according to [355], wherein each of the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion has a volume less than a volume of a beverage manufactured using the cartridge.
[370]
The system of [355] above, wherein the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are used for a period of less than about 120 seconds, using a volume of 100 ml to 1000 ml and a carbonation saturation of about 2 to 4 A system characterized by producing a carbonated beverage having a level.
[371]
The system according to [355] above, wherein the carbon dioxide source is in a solid form.
[372]
The system of [355] above, further comprising a cartridge interface including a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion for receiving the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion, respectively. System.
[373]
The system according to [372], wherein the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are separated and can be opened and closed independently of each other.
[374]
The system of [355] above, wherein the cartridge associated with the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion is pierced to form at least one inlet or at least one outlet. System.

Claims (19)

A cartridge used by a beverage maker in producing a beverage,
A container that includes a first part and a second part coupled to each other and separated by an impermeable barrier, the first part containing a gas source that emits a gas that dissolves in the beverage precursor liquid; The second portion contains a beverage brewing material that mixes with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage, and the second portion pushes from the second portion to mix the beverage brewing material with the precursor liquid. including the walls of the movable be out, container,
With
The beverage production material is a material for producing a beverage different from the precursor liquid by mixing with the precursor liquid.
cartridge.   The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes an inlet for supplying a fluid to activate the gas source, and a gas for dissolving the precursor liquid in the first portion. And a outlet for exiting from the cartridge.   3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the inlet and the outlet are located above the first portion. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second portion is configured to have an outlet for the beverage making material to exit the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. Cartridge to be used.   The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the wall at least partially defines the first portion of the cartridge. 6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first portion is at least partially defined by a first chamber wall and the second portion is at least partially defined a second space. Defined by two chamber walls, wherein the first chamber wall is received in the second space and the second chamber wall for discharging the beverage brewing material from the second portion of the cartridge. A cartridge that is movable relative to the cartridge.   The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a layer of barrier material.   8. A cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the second portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material. 9. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the layer of barrier material is configured to open when the force is applied to the barrier material to allow the beverage brewing material to exit the second portion. Cartridge.   10. A cartridge according to claim 9, comprising a piercing element that opens a second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material.   The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first portion is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material.   12. A cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the second part is defined by a capsule formed of a layer of barrier material, and the first part and the second part are joined together. Cartridge.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the gas source is a filled zeolite.   2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part are sealed from an external environment, and the first part is used for mixing with the precursor liquid to produce a beverage. A cartridge containing a solid form carbon dioxide source configured to release the carbon dioxide gas to be discharged. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is sealed from an external environment, and the pressure in the first portion before breaking the sealing of the first portion is 6.9 × 10 ^5. A cartridge characterized by being less than Pa. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the gas source is configured to emit a gas suitable for producing a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonated saturated volume of about 1 to 5. A cartridge characterized by that.   2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the wall has a pleat and a brittle outlet that can be opened based on the pressure inside the second part.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the gas source is accommodated in a permeable bag.   The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first portion exits the container for supplying fluid to activate the gas source and gas for dissolving in the precursor liquid. A cartridge comprising a surface configured to correspond to a perforation to form an outlet for, wherein the first portion is attached to a second portion such that the surface is not exposed.

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