KR20140060512A - Method and apparatus for cartridgebased carbonation of beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, method and cartridge for carbonizing or otherwise dissolving a precursor liquid such as water to form a beverage are provided. A gas source used to generate a gas dissolved in the precursor liquid may be provided in the cartridge. A beverage medium such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup may be provided in the same or a separate cartridge as the gas source and be mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and / or beverage medium makes it possible to use the system for manufacturing sparkling beverages easily and without problems, for example in a consumer's home.

Description

≪ Desc / Clms Page number 1 > METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRIDGEBASE CARBONATION OF BEVERAGES < RTI ID =

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 514,676 filed on August 3, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 13 / 017,459, filed January 31, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 337,184, filed February 1,

The invention disclosed herein relates to gas dissolution, for example carbonation, in a liquid for use in beverage production. A system for carbonating a liquid to form a beverage and / or for mixing a liquid with a beverage medium is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,025,655; 4,040,342; 4,636,337; 6,712,342; And 5,182,084; And in PCT Publication No. WO 2008/124851.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to carbonizing a precursor liquid such as water or otherwise dissolving a gas within the liquid to form a beverage. In some embodiments, a carbon dioxide or other gas source used to generate carbon dioxide or other gas dissolved into the precursor liquid may be provided in the cartridge. A beverage medium such as a powdered drink mix or a liquid syrup may be provided in the same cartridge as the gas source or in a separate cartridge and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage (before or after carbonation). The use of one or more cartridges for a gas source and / or beverage medium makes it easy to use systems for making carbonated or other sparkling beverages, for example in a consumer's home, and is mess- You will be able to use it. (The term "carbonated" or "carbonated" is used herein to refer generally to beverages having dissolved gas so that the dissolved gas can be sparkling beverages, whether carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are not limited to forming beverages with dissolved carbon dioxide content, but may include any dissolved gas.)

In one aspect of the invention, a beverage manufacturing system includes a beverage precursor liquid supply arranged to provide a precursor liquid. The precursor liquid supply may comprise a reservoir, a pump, at least one conduit, at least one valve, at least one sensor (e.g., for detecting the level of water in the reservoir), and / Other suitable components for providing other precursor liquids may be included. The system may also include a single cartridge having a first and / or second cartridge portion. The first cartridge portion may include a gas source arranged to release gas for use in dissolving into the precursor liquid, e.g., to carbonate the precursor liquid, and the second cartridge portion may form a beverage A beverage medium that is arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor in order to be able to < / RTI > The system may include a cartridge interface, such as a chamber that receives and at least partially encloses the cartridge, a connection port that is arranged to be fluidly coupled with the cartridge, or other arrangement. The gas dissolving device may be arranged to dissolve the gas that is released from the first cartridge portion into the precursor liquid and may include a membrane contactor, for example, a liquid, under pressure, to assist in dissolving the gas in the liquid. A sparger, a sprinkler arranged to introduce water into the pressurized gas atmosphere, or other arrangements. The system may be arranged to form a beverage by mixing the precursor liquid with the beverage medium before or after the gas is dissolved in the liquid. The beverage medium may be mixed with the liquid in the cartridge, within another part of the system, such as a mixing chamber in which the beverage medium from the cartridge is introduced with the precursor liquid, in the user's cup or anywhere.

In one aspect of the invention, a beverage manufacturing system includes a beverage precursor liquid supply arranged to provide a precursor liquid, and a cartridge chamber arranged to hold the first and / or second cartridge portions. The cartridge chamber may have a single cartridge receptacle for receiving one or more cartridges or may include a plurality of cartridge receptacles separated from each other, for example to accommodate two or more cartridges. If a plurality of receiving portions are provided, they may be opened and closed independently of each other at the same time. A first cartridge portion may be provided in the cartridge chamber and the first cartridge portion receives a gas source arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonating the precursor liquid. In some embodiments, the gas source comprises a charged molecular sieve that is in solid form (e.g., pellets) and emits gas in the presence of water, such as a zeolite that has absorbed carbon dioxide or other gases can do. A second cartridge portion may be provided in the cartridge chamber and the second cartridge portion receives a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor to form a beverage. The system can be arranged to carbonate the precursor liquid using the gas emitted by the first cartridge portion and to mix the precursor liquid and the beverage medium of the second cartridge portion. The precursor liquid may be carbonated in the first cartridge portion or in one or more other regions through which gas is delivered (such as a storage vessel or membrane carbonator). The mixing of the beverage medium and the precursor liquid may occur before or after the carbonation and may be at other locations, such as in the second cartridge portion or in a mixing chamber separate from the second cartridge portion.

The system may include a gas activation fluid supply arranged to provide fluid to the cartridge chamber for contact with the gas source to cause the gas supply to release gas. For example, the gas-activating fluid supply may be arranged to control the amount of fluid (such as water in liquid or vapor form) provided to the cartridge chamber to control the amount of gas produced by the gas source . This allows the system to control the gas pressure used to carbonate the precursor liquid. Thus, the cartridge chamber may be arranged to retain at least the first cartridge portion within the cartridge chamber under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. Instead, the first cartridge portion may be arranged to withstand the pressure caused by the gas emitted by the gas source, without a support structure or other enclosure. The gas delivery portion may be arranged to conduct the gas discharged by the gas source under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure to the beverage precursor liquid to carbonate the precursor liquid. The gas may be conducted to a carbonation tank, a membrane contactor or other suitable arrangement for carbonation. For example, the system may include a carbonator, the carbonator including a membrane separating the liquid side from the gas side of the carbonator, the gas being provided to the gas side, The beverage precursor liquid supply provides the precursor liquid to the liquid side, whereby the gas on the gas side is dissolved in the precursor liquid on the liquid side. The pump may move the precursor liquid from the storage vessel through the carbonator to be subsequently discharged as a beverage, or the precursor liquid may be recycled back to the storage vessel to further pass the carbonator one or more times.

In some embodiments, the system may mix the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to form a beverage so that the beverage does not contact the gas source. However, in other embodiments, the precursor liquid can contact the gas source, for example, the liquid passes through the first cartridge portion to be carbonated. The first and second cartridge portions may each be part of a respective first and second cartridge separated from each other, or the cartridge portion may be part of a single cartridge. In the case of a part of a single cartridge, the first and second cartridge parts may be made of a flexible material, such as, for example, by a permeable element such as a filter, By a non-permeable element, such as a wall of a cartridge that is susceptible to breakage, that can be punctured, or that otherwise does not collapse. In order to allow access to the first and second cartridge portions, the cartridge associated with the first and second cartridge portions may be perforated while in the cartridge chamber. For example, if the cartridge portion is in a separate cartridge, the two cartridges may be used to provide fluid to the first cartridge portion and / or to allow gas to escape therefrom, and with the mixed precursor liquid Or by closing the cartridge chamber to allow the beverage media to escape solely from the second cartridge portion.

In some embodiments, the first and second cartridge portions may each have a smaller volume than the volume of the carbonated beverage formed using such cartridge portions. This can provide significant advantages by allowing a user to use relatively small volumes of cartridges or cartridges to form a relatively large volume of beverage. For example, the system may use the first and second cartridge portions over a time period of less than about 120 seconds to form a carbonated liquid having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5 volumes Lt; / RTI > Carbonation may occur at pressures of 20 - 50 psi, or greater. The cartridge portion in this embodiment can have a volume of about 50 ml or less, thereby reducing the amount of waste and / or adding convenience to the system.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for forming a beverage includes providing first and second cartridge portions to a beverage making machine, wherein the first cartridge portion is configured to release gas for use in carbonizing the liquid The second cartridge portion containing a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor to form a beverage. In order to cause the gas source to release gas, a fluid, such as water in liquid form or vapor form, may be provided to the cartridge chamber, and by dissolving at least a portion of the gas released from the gas source into the precursor liquid, The precursor liquid may be carbonated. The precursor liquid may be mixed with a beverage medium to produce a beverage before or after carbonation.

As described above, the gas source may be present in solid form within the first cartridge portion, including, for example, a charged zeolite. The amount of fluid provided to the first cartridge portion may be controlled by controlling the gas production by the gas source to maintain the pressure of the gas produced by the gas source within a predetermined range, . In one embodiment, the gas source comprises charged zeolite, and the amount of fluid provided to the cartridge chamber is controlled such that the loaded zeolite releases gas over a period of at least 30 seconds.

Wherein the carbonation of the precursor liquid comprises providing a gas to a reservoir vessel containing a precursor liquid, providing a gas to the gas side of the membrane such that the gas at the gas side is dissolved in the precursor liquid at the liquid side of the membrane, Spraying the precursor liquid into the space, passing the precursor liquid through the first cartridge portion under pressure, and the like.

As described above, each of the first and second cartridge portions may be part of a respective first and second cartridge separated from each other, or the cartridge portion may be part of a single cartridge. In the case of a part of a single cartridge, the first and second cartridge parts may be separated from one another by, for example, a cartridge wall. The precursor liquid may be mixed before or after carbonization, or may be at another location, such as in the second cartridge portion, or in a mixing chamber separated by the second cartridge portion.

In another embodiment, the step of providing a fluid and the step of carbonating may be carried out in a volume of about 2 to 4 volumes (or, for example, less than or greater than, for example, 1 to 5, (E.g., about 60 seconds) using a gas pressure of 20-50 psi to form a carbonated liquid having a level of carbonation of about < RTI ID = 0.0 > Thus, the system and method according to this aspect will be able to produce a relatively large amount of carbonated beverage within a relatively short time period without requiring high pressures.

In another aspect of the invention, a beverage manufacturing system includes a cartridge comprising a beverage precursor liquid supply for providing a precursor liquid, a cartridge chamber arranged to hold the cartridge, and an internal space for receiving the gas supply. The gas source may be arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid in response to, for example, contact with a fluid, such as water or another activating agent. A gas activation fluid supply portion may be arranged to provide fluid to the cartridge chamber to contact the gas supply to cause the gas supply to release gas, and the activation fluid supply may include, for example, The amount of fluid provided to the cartridge chamber to control the amount of gas emitted by the gas source to control the pressure within the cartridge chamber. The gas delivery portion may be arranged to deliver the gas released by the gas source under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure to the precursor liquid provided through the beverage precursor liquid supply to carbonate the precursor liquid. In a relatively simple manner to control the flow of fluid into the cartridge chamber, the ability to control the production and hence the pressure of the gas may provide the advantage of simple control and system operation.

The beverage precursor liquid supply includes a reservoir containing a precursor liquid, a carbonator containing a membrane separating the liquid side from the gas side of the carbonator, a precursor liquid flowing from the reservoir through the carbonator or other part of the system One or more filters or other liquid handling devices, and the like. The cartridge chamber may be arranged to hold the cartridge within the chamber under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure, for example, within a pressure range suitable for carbonating the precursor liquid. In some embodiments, the gas pressure used for carbonation may be about 20-50 psi, although higher (and lower) pressures are possible.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for forming a beverage includes providing a cartridge having an interior space sealed within the interior space to enclose the gas supply, providing a fluid to the cartridge to cause the gas supply to release gas Controlling an amount of fluid provided to the cartridge over the period of time to control an amount of gas emitted by the gas source for a predetermined period of time, and controlling at least a portion of the gas released from the gas source And carbonating the precursor liquid by dissolving the precursor liquid in a precursor liquid. The precursor liquid may be mixed with a beverage medium to produce a beverage in a cartridge or other area before or after carbonation. In one embodiment, the cartridge may be perforated using a beverage making machine to provide liquid to the cartridge, while in other embodiments the liquid may be provided to the cartridge through a defined port or other arrangement . As with the previous embodiments, the liquid may be carbonated in a cartridge or other area such as a carbonator or a storage container, and the cartridge may comprise a second part or the like comprising the drink medium . (Or the second cartridge could be used with the beverage medium).

In another aspect of the invention, a method for forming a carbonated beverage comprises the steps of providing a cartridge having an interior space sealed to enclose a source of gas in the form of a solid in the interior space, opening the cartridge (e.g., by puncturing) And causing the gas source to release gas, and carbonating the liquid by dissolving at least a portion of the gas emitted from the gas source in the liquid. The liquid may be mixed with the beverage media by passing the liquid through a cartridge chamber containing a beverage medium for producing the beverage. By mixing the liquid with the beverage medium in the cartridge, a separate mixing chamber may not be necessary and the flavor between beverages that are continuously produced (because the cartridge serves as a mixing chamber and is used only once) the flavor mixture may be reduced.

In one embodiment, the cartridge surrounding the gas source also includes the cartridge chamber housing the beverage medium. For example, a liquid may be introduced into a first portion of a cartridge in which a gas source for carbonation is located, and the liquid may be passed from a first portion to a second portion where a beverage medium is located. In another embodiment, a cartridge chamber in which the liquid may be mixed with the beverage medium may be part of a second cartridge separated from the cartridge surrounding the gas source.

The gas from the cartridge may be routed to a region where the gas is dissolved in the liquid, for example, a membrane contactor, a reservoir holding a substantial portion of the liquid, or other arrangements. The pressure of the gas may be controlled by controlling the amount of fluid supplied to the cartridge. As with other aspects of the invention, various embodiments and optional features disclosed herein may be used with this aspect of the invention.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for forming a beverage comprises a first cartridge sealed and having an interior space containing a gas source therein. The gas source may be in solid form or may be stored in the interior space at a pressure of less than 100 psi and may be arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid. The first cartridge may be arranged to have an inlet through which fluid for activating the gas supply is provided and an outlet through which the gas exits the first cartridge. For example, the first cartridge may be punched to form the inlet and outlet, or the first cartridge may have a defined inlet / outlet. The second cartridge of the kit includes a sealed inner space, which receives a beverage medium for use in mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The second cartridge may be arranged to mix the liquid and the precursor liquid in the second cartridge, and thus may be perforated or otherwise arranged to allow the inflow of the liquid and the outflow of the mixed liquid / beverage medium. The first and second cartridges may each have a smaller volume than the volume of the beverage formed using such first and second cartridges, for example, the cartridge may have a volume of about 50 ml, May be used to prepare beverages having a volume of about 500 ml. The first and second cartridges may be coupled together such that the cartridges can not be separated from each other without the use of tools and without damaging at least a portion of the first and second cartridges. In one embodiment, the first and second cartridges may be combined by interlocking a welded joint or a mechanical fastener.

In another aspect of the invention, a cartridge for forming a beverage includes a container having an interior space sealed and containing a gas source therein. The gas source may be in solid form (such as charged zeolite or other molecular sieves) and arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid. In one arrangement, a gas or other gas source may be stored in the sealed space within the cartridge for a long period of time at a pressure of less than about 100 psi, prior to the sealing space being opened. Thus, the cartridge need not necessarily be able to withstand high pressures to store the gas source. The container may be arranged to have an inlet through which fluid for activating the gas source is provided and an outlet through which the gas for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid passes and exits the container. In one embodiment, the container may be perforated, for example, by the beverage making machine to form the inlet and form the outlet at the top, bottom, sides and / or other locations of the cartridge . In one arrangement, the container may include a lid that can be perforated by the beverage machine to form both the inlet and the outlet. The container may have at least a portion that is semi-rigid or flexible, for example, which is not suitable for bearing a pressure of at least about 80 psi inside the cartridge without physical support. The container may comprise a second chamber for receiving a beverage medium for use in flavoring the precursor liquid to form a beverage, the second chamber being adapted to receive the beverage medium from the first chamber, . The container may have a smaller volume than the volume of the carbonated beverage formed using the cartridge.

In another aspect of the invention, a beverage manufacturing system includes a cartridge chamber arranged to hold the cartridge under a pressure higher than ambient pressure, and an internal space for accommodating a gas source arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonising the liquid . The cartridge may have a smaller volume than the volume of the beverage produced using such a cartridge and may be used to carbonize a volume of about 100-1000 ml of liquid with a carbonation level of, for example, about 2 to 4 volumes For example, it may have a volume of 50 ml or less. The beverage precursor liquid supply may be able to provide a precursor liquid to the interior space of the cartridge so that the gas source causes gas to be released and at least a portion of the gas is dissolved in the precursor liquid while in the interior space. The carbonation of the liquid in the cartridge chamber can simplify the operation of the system, for example, by eliminating the need for a carbonation tank or other carbonator. Instead, the cartridge will at least partially function as a carbonator. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a second chamber for receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with a precursor liquid to form a beverage. The second chamber may be isolated from the first chamber in which the gas source is received, or the first and second chambers may be in communication, e.g., the liquid may be introduced into the first chamber to be carbonated And from the first chamber to the second chamber where the beverage medium is located.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for forming a beverage includes providing a cartridge having an interior space sealed within the interior space to enclose a gas source, the cartridge having a volume of beverage produced using such a cartridge Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > volume. The liquid may be provided to the cartridge to cause the gas source to release gas, and while the liquid is in the cartridge, dissolving at least a portion of the gas emitted from the gas source into the liquid, . The liquid may be mixed with the beverage medium to produce the beverage before or after carbonation in the cartridge. In effect, the cartridge may comprise a second chamber for receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage, the cartridge having a volume smaller than the volume of the beverage produced using such a cartridge . The cartridge may be perforated using a beverage making machine to form an inlet and an outlet.

In another aspect of the invention, a beverage manufacturing system includes a beverage precursor liquid supply, a cartridge chamber or other interface arranged to hold the cartridge in the chamber, and a gas supply arranged in a solid form and arranged to emit a gas for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid And an inner space for accommodating the cartridge. A gas activating fluid supply may be provided to the cartridge chamber to cause fluid to contact the gas supply to cause the gas supply to release gas. The system may further comprise a carbonator, wherein the carbonator has a membrane separating the liquid side from the gas side, gas released by the cartridge is provided to the gas side, By providing a precursor liquid at the liquid side, the gas at the gas side is dissolved into the precursor liquid at the liquid side. The cartridge chamber may be arranged to maintain the cartridge within the chamber at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure, e.g., within a pressure range used to carbonate the liquid in the carbonator. The gas supply portion may be arranged to transfer the gas discharged by the gas supply source from the cartridge chamber to a gas side of the carbonator at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. The membrane of the carbonator may comprise a plurality of hollow fibers wherein the interior of the hollow fibers is part of the liquid side and the exterior of the hollow fibers is part of the gas side.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for forming a beverage comprises providing a cartridge having a sealed interior space enclosing a gas source in a solid form and arranged to emit a gas in an interior space, And causing the cartridge to release gas (e.g., by perforation), and carbonating the liquid by dissolving at least a portion of the gas emitted from the gas source in the liquid. The gas may be located on the gas side of the membrane, and the liquid may be located on the liquid side of the membrane. The membrane can be formed by a plurality of hollow fibers, with a liquid side positioned within the fibers, and the gas side positioned outside of the fibers. The gas pressure at the gas side can be controlled based on the control of the amount of liquid provided to the cartridge.

In another embodiment, a cartridge for use in a beverage making machine in beverage forming is attached together and separated by an impermeable barrier, such as a lid or other container part of the first and / or second part The first portion and the second portion. The first portion may comprise a gas source for releasing the gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion may comprise a beverage medium for mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage . The first and second portions may be arranged with respect to each other such that the cartridge has a plane, the first portion being located below the plane and the second portion being located above the plane. For example, the cover portions of the first and second portions may be positioned adjacent to each other, for example, the second portion may be laminated on top of the first portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, a cartridge for use in a beverage making machine in beverage forming is attached to an impermeable barrier that is used to close together the container portions of the first and / or second portions, for example, And a container having first and second portions separated by a foil cover. The first portion may comprise a gas source for releasing the gas to be dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion may comprise a beverage medium for mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage . The second portion may comprise a wall, such as a lid, a side wall such as a container part, a lower end of the container part, a bag wall, etc., 2 < / RTI > The wall may be moved in any suitable manner, such as by air or other gas pressure, a plunger, a piston or other item that contacts the wall and moves the wall.

In this embodiment, the first portion may have an inlet and an outlet, through which fluid may be provided to activate the gas source (e.g., the cover or other part of the first portion may be punctured, And the gas exits the first section through the outlet port for dissolution in the precursor liquid (e.g., the cover or other part of the first section is punctured to form the outlet opening It will be possible). The inlet and outlet may be located on the same side of the first part, for example the upper part of the first part. In one arrangement, the first portion may comprise a surface arranged to receive a perforation for forming an inlet through which fluid is passed to activate the gas source, and wherein the first portion comprises a second portion So that the surface is not exposed. For example, the second portion may be attached to the first portion such that the puncturable portion of the first portion is covered by the second portion. Such an arrangement may help reduce the likelihood that the surface will be punctured too quickly, for example, the possibility of accidental perforation before the cartridge is associated with the beverage production machine. The second part may comprise an outlet through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid and for example one part of the second part is perforated to allow the beverage medium to escape And the second portion may have a weak seal or other element that is open to release the beverage medium or the like.

In one embodiment, the movable wall forms, at least in part, a first portion of the cartridge. For example, the first portion may be formed at least partially by the first chamber wall, and the second portion may be formed at least partially by the second chamber wall forming the second space. The first chamber wall will be able to be received into the second space, such as, for example, a plunger, and be moved relative to the second chamber wall to expel the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge . In some embodiments, the wall may comprise 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 may be defined by a capsule formed by a layer of a metal foil material, such as sheet aluminum. Such that the layer of barrier material is open (e.g., by tearing or puncturing), and when the force is applied to the barrier material, the beverage medium allows the second portion to escape. For example, a cartridge may include a perforation element that opens the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. In another embodiment, the wall includes a corrugation and a weak outlet, and the weak outlet can be opened based on the pressure inside the second portion. The pleats may be, for example, collapsed in a stepwise or sequential manner to press the wall to force the beverage medium through the outlet, and the outlet may be formed by a process (e.g., scoring, (E.g., by partial perforation, etc.). Similar to the second portion, the first portion may be defined by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material, and the first and second portions may be defined by, for example, rims or edges of the barrier material By clamping together, they can be attached together.

Said first and second portions being capable of being sealed from an outer atmosphere and said first portion being arranged to emit carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid for forming a beverage Lt; / RTI > carbon dioxide < RTI ID = 0.0 > source). In one embodiment, the pressure in the first portion may be relatively low prior to destruction of the seal portion of the first portion to expose the gas source and may be less than, for example, 100 psi. However, the gas source may be arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5.

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

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which like numerals represent like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system having a removable storage container.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system having a contactor arranged to circulate a precursor liquid.
Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system in which the liquid is carbonated once through the carbonator.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beverage manufacturing system in which a gas cartridge is located within a carbonated storage container.
Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge chamber.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a gas and beverage media cartridge coupled together.
Figures 7 and 8 respectively show a perspective view and a plan view of the gas and beverage media cartridge.
Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge arranged to carbonate liquid in a cartridge.
Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge arranged to carbonate liquid in a cartridge.
Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge having isolated chambers for receiving a gas source and a beverage medium.
Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge having a movable part for constituting a cartridge for use in forming a beverage.
Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 12 after movement of the movable part.
Figure 14 shows an exploded view of the cartridge of Figure 12;
Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a cartridge having a first portion positioned over a second portion.
Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 15;
17 shows a perspective view of a cartridge having a flat support.
Figure 18 shows an exploded view of the cartridge of Figure 17;
Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 17;
Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 17 with the beverage medium being ejected from the second portion of the cartridge.
Figure 21 shows a top view of the part of the support of the cartridge of Figure 17 below the second part.
Figure 22 shows a schematic view of an arrangement in which the precursor liquid and the beverage medium have a coaxial flow.
Figure 23 shows a modification of the cartridge of Figure 17 in which the second portion is disposed above the first portion.
Figure 24 shows an exploded view of a cartridge having a mixing chamber portion.
Figure 25 shows an assembled perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 24;
Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 24;
Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 24, with the beverage medium being ejected from the second portion.
Figure 28 shows a perspective view of a cartridge including a side-by-side gas supply portion and a beverage media portion.
Figure 29 shows an exploded view of the cartridge of Figure 28;
Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 28;
Figure 31 shows a schematic view of a beverage production system employing a gravity and / or pressure feed of precursor liquid.
32 shows a schematic view of a beverage production system having an ice distribution function.
33 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage production system employing heating or other activation of a gas source.
Figure 34 shows a schematic view of a beverage production system employing a plunger to deliver precursor liquid.
35 shows a schematic view of a beverage manufacturing system arranged to circulate a precursor liquid through a gas dissolving device.
Figure 36 shows a schematic view of a cartridge having an activating fluid flow controller.
37 and 38 show a schematic view of a cartridge having an activating fluid flow controller that interacts with a beverage making machine.
39 and 40 illustrate an arrangement in which the pressure in the cartridge moves the cartridge to control the flow of the activating fluid.
Figures 41 and 42 show an enlarged view of an activation fluid inlet and an activation fluid inlet of a cartridge for use in the embodiment of Figures 39 and 40.
43 and 44 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage making machine.
Figure 45 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge arranged similarly to that shown in Figures 28-30 and arranged to allow pinch control of fluid flow within the cartridge.
46 shows another embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by the beverage making machine.
Figures 47 and 48 illustrate an embodiment in which the pressure in the cartridge is detected by a beverage making machine and the flow of the activating fluid is controlled by a valve actuator of the machine.
Figures 49 and 50 show a schematic diagram of a flow controller arrangement for a cartridge for automated gas pressure control.
51 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge having a filter.
Figure 52 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a cartridge having a filter.
Figures 53 and 54 show respective cross-sectional views of the second portion and the first portion of the embodiment of Figure 52;
Figure 55 shows an incisional perspective view of the insertion end of the cartridge of Figure 52;
56 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cartridge arranged to allow a user to define a beverage characteristic by interaction with the cartridge.
Figure 57 shows a perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 56;
Figure 58 shows an assembled view of a cartridge having first and second parts assembled such that the lid portions are adjacent to each other.
59 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 58 in which the first and second portions are detached.
Figure 60 shows a top view of the arrangement of Figure 59;
61 illustrates a cartridge having a first portion and a second portion that are combined together by a cover section and in a folded configuration.
Figure 62 shows the embodiment of Figure 61 in an unfolded configuration.
63 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge with an inner perforation element.
Figure 64 shows an exploded view of a cartridge having a portion formed as a gusseted bag and another portion received into the gusseted cavity.
65 shows a cartridge with a second portion comprising a beverage medium and a pressurized gas used to discharge the beverage medium.

It is to be understood that aspects of the invention are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be necessarily drawn to all embodiments consistent with the invention, but rather are used to illustrate only a few exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed as being construed in light of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid (such as water, vapor, etc.) is provided to a source of carbon dioxide or other gas in the cartridge to cause the gas source to release gas used for carbonic acid chemistry or otherwise dissolving the liquid . In one embodiment, the beverage production machine may include a gas-activating fluid supply arranged to provide fluid to the cartridge chamber in contact with the gas supply to cause the gas supply to release gas. In other arrangements, it may be possible to induce the gas source to release the gas in other ways, such as heating, exposure to the source of microwave or other electromagnetic radiation, and the like. The gas supply of the machine may be arranged to deliver the gas discharged by the gas source under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure to the precursor liquid to carbonate the precursor liquid. In some embodiments, the gas source may be in solid form, such as zeolite charged with carbon dioxide or other gas, activated carbon or other molecular sieves, and utilization of the cartridge may be accomplished by contacting the gas source with a charged zeolite As well as potentially allowing the user to avoid touching or otherwise directly handling the carbon dioxide source. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 >

The provision of a gas-activated fluid supply may enable the use of other aspects of the invention, that is to say, to control the amount or rate of gas produced by the gas supply, The volume or other amount may be controlled. This feature may enable the use of some gas sources, such as charged zeolite material, without requiring gas storage or high pressure components. For example, zeolite charged with gas tends to release gas very rapidly and relatively large amounts (e.g., charged zeolites having a mass of 30 g can be converted into zeolites having a mass of less than 1 atmospheric pressure within a few seconds in the presence of less than 30 to 50 ml of water. - It is easy to produce 2 liters of gas). In some situations, this rapid release can make the use of zeolites unrealistic in producing relatively large amounts of carbonated liquid such as carbonated water carbonated at two or more volume levels. For example, the amount of one liter of "two-volume" carbonated water is such that 2 liters of carbon dioxide is dissolved in 1 liter of carbon dioxide dissolved in the same volume of liquid, Similarly, one liter of "four volume" carbonated water contains one liter of water in which 4 liters of carbon dioxide is dissolved therein. The volume of gas may be at or near atmospheric pressure and at ambient temperature In other words, the dissolution of carbon dioxide or other gases in the liquid typically takes a certain amount of time and is carried out at a temperature of approximately + -40 to 50 [deg.] C The dissolution rate can only be increased by a limited amount under extreme conditions, such as within about 150 psi of atmospheric pressure. By controlling the rate of production of carbon dioxide (or other gas) from a carbon dioxide (or other gas) source, the total time that the carbon dioxide (or other gas) source releases carbon dioxide (or other gas) can be extended, Allowing time for the gas to dissolve without requiring high pressure.

For example, when employing one exemplary embodiment that includes one or more aspects of the invention, the inventors have found that at a pressure of less than about 40 psi and at a temperature of about 0 캜, less than 60 seconds at least up to about 3.5 volumes of carbonated Liquid < / RTI > This capability allows the carbonated beverage machine to operate at relatively uncompromising temperatures and pressures, thereby potentially providing a relatively high pressure tank, conduit and other components, as well as large pressure relief, containment, In particular, it excludes the need for other safety features that may be required in a machine used in a consumer's home. Of course, as described above and elsewhere herein, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the use of carbon dioxide, but instead any suitable gas may be dissolved in the liquid in accordance with all aspects of the present disclosure .

In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the precursor liquid used to form the beverage may be used to activate the gas source. This feature may help to simplify the operation of the beverage making machine, for example, by eliminating the need for special activation materials. As a result, the method for forming a beverage making machine or sparkling beverage can be made inexpensively and / or without special purpose components. For example, in the case of a carbonated water producing machine, only a portion of the water used to form the beverage will be able to fully activate the carbon dioxide source. However, other aspects of the invention do not require the use of a portion of the precursor liquid to activate the carbon dioxide source, but instead utilize any suitable activator, such as citric acid in aqueous form, added as a bicarbonate material, activating a thermal, microwave or zeolite source Such as, for example, electromagnetic radiation, etc., which are used to make it possible. For example, a cartridge containing a carbon dioxide source may include an activator (as part of the source) in which addition to other components of the carbon dioxide source is controlled to control carbon dioxide production.

1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling the flow of a fluid to control gas production as well as providing fluid to a cartridge and / or cartridge chamber to activate a gas source, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > The beverage preparation system 1 of Fig. 1 comprises beverage precursor liquid 2 contained in a storage vessel 11. The beverage precursor liquid 2 may be water (e.g., flavored or otherwise treated water, such as sweetened, filtered, deionized, softened, carbonated, etc.) or heated Or may be any suitable liquid used to form beverages such as milk, juice, coffee, tea, and the like, which may or may not be cooled. The reservoir 11 is part of the beverage precursor supply 10 which also includes a lid 12 in combination with the reservoir 11 to form a sealed enclosure, a pump for circulating the precursor liquid 2 13), and a nozzle, showerhead or other component (14) serving to disperse the precursor liquid (2) in the upper space of the storage vessel (11). Of course, the precursor supply 10 may be arranged in other ways, for example, to include additional or different components. For example, the storage vessel 11 and the lid 12 may be replaced by a closed tank having a suitable inlet / outlet port, and the pump 13 and / or nozzle 14 may be omitted, / RTI >

In this embodiment, the reservoir 11 is initially provided with a precursor liquid 2, for example, by a user providing liquid 2 from a faucet or other source to the reservoir 11 . In order to cool the finally made beverage, the user may also provide ice or other cooling medium to the storage container 11 as needed. In another embodiment, the system 1 may be used to cool the liquid 2 before, during and / or after carbonation (such as in a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a thermoelectric cooling unit, or other A refrigeration system (such as in a device) or other cooling system. In some arrangements, the cooling of the precursor liquid 2 may help the carbonation process because low temperature liquids tend to dissolve carbon dioxide or other gases more rapidly and / or dissolve large amounts of gas will be. However, in one aspect of the invention, after the carbonation process is completed, the carbonated liquid may be cooled, for example, just prior to discharge, using flow through a chiller. This feature allows the system 1 to cool only the beverage, and not the other part of the system, such as the storage vessel 11, the carbonator, the pump, etc., thereby reducing the heat emission by the system 1. Initially the user supplies the beverage precursor liquid 2 to the storage vessel 11 but the precursor supply unit 10 has a plumbed water line and a controllable valve and reservoir 11 at a predetermined level, Other components for providing the liquid 2 to the reservoir 11, such as a liquid level sensor for automatically filling the reservoir 11, a second water reservoir or other reservoir fluidly connected to the reservoir 11, (E. G., A removable water tank visible in some coffee making machines, including a pump and conduit for routing water from the removable tank to the storage container 11), and other arrangements will be.

The beverage manufacturing system 1 also includes a carbon dioxide activation fluid supply 20 for providing fluid to the cartridge 4 to activate the carbon dioxide source 41 to release carbon dioxide gas. In this embodiment, the gas supply source 41 is located within a portion of the cartridge 4 and is capable of supplying carbon dioxide gas, which is released in the presence of water, whether in the form of charged adsorbents or molecular sieves, And a zeolite material absorbing some amount. Of course, it is also possible to use charcoal or other molecular sieve materials, carbon nanotubes, metal organic frameworks, covalently bonded organic frameworks, porous polymers, or sodium bicarbonate (with added water if the bicarbonate and acid are initially dried) And other carbon dioxide source materials such as source materials that generate carbon dioxide by chemical means such as citric acid, etc. may be used. Also, embodiments of the invention are not necessarily limited to being used with carbon dioxide gas, but may be used with any suitable gas, such as nitrogen dissolved in some beer or other beverage, oxygen, air, Accordingly, references to "carbonation "," carbon dioxide source ", "carbon dioxide activation fluid source ", and the like should not be construed as limiting the aspect of the invention and / or any embodiment should be construed as using only carbon dioxide. Instead, aspects of the invention may be used with any suitable gas. In one embodiment, the loaded adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of antiperspirant, chabazite, clinoptilolite, heulandite, soda natrolite, phillipsite, stilbite. The zeolite may be naturally occurring or synthesized, and may retain up to about 20% by weight of carbon dioxide by weight. The zeolite material may be arranged in any suitable form such as a solid block (e.g. in the form of a disc), spherical particles, cubic particles, irregular particles or other suitable shaped particles, Arrangements that allow the zeolite to flow or flow, for example, spherical particles, may be useful in packaging zeolites within each cartridge. Such an arrangement would allow the zeolite to flow from the hopper into the cartridge container, for example, to simplify the manufacturing process. The surface area of the zeolite particles may be arranged to assist in controlling the rate at which the zeolite releases carbon dioxide gas, since a large surface area typically increases the gas production rate. Generally, the zeolite materials will emit absorbed gas when there is liquid or vapor-like water, and the zeolite may be activated to release carbon dioxide gas by the addition of liquid water to the zeolite.

In this embodiment, the gas activation fluid supply 20 includes a conduit fluidly coupled to the pump 13 and a valve (not shown) that can be controlled to control or open / close the flow of the precursor liquid 2 to the cartridge 4 (21). As can be seen, the circulation of the liquid 2 by the pump 13 is controlled such that the activating fluid supply 20 is connected to the precursor liquid 2 (for example, (E.g., the first portion) of the cartridge chamber 3 into the cartridge chamber 3. An appropriate size orifice in the conduit extending from the pump 13 outlet to the cartridge 4, the pressure reducing element in the conduit, the flow restrictor in the conduit, the amount and / or flow rate of liquid to the cartridge 4 Other arrangements or additions for the carbon dioxide-activating fluid supply 20, such as a flow meter for displaying, are possible. In addition, the liquid source 20 need not use the precursor liquid 2 to activate the gas source 41, but instead may use a dedicated activation fluid source. For example, the carbon dioxide-activating fluid supply 20 may be a syringe, a piston pump, or other positive (positive) material capable of measuring a given amount of liquid (e.g., water, citric acid or other material) positive displacement device. In another embodiment, the activating fluid supply 20 may be a gravity feeder having a controllable delivery rate, such as, for example, a drip-type liquid supply system used with an intravenous line to deliver liquid to hospital patients Liquid supply, or atomized water or other liquid to atomize the cartridge 4 to provide water vapor or other gaseous-activating fluid. 1 also shows that the activating fluid supply 20 provides liquid to the top of the cartridge 4, but the liquid supply 20 can overfill the bottom of the cartridge or other suitable location, for example, Thereby providing a fluid to the lower portion of the cartridge 4. It will also be appreciated that the activation liquid may be provided as a cartridge with a carbon dioxide source 42, for example, as a chamber drilled to allow liquid to contact the source 42.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 4 (with one or more parts) may be located in the cartridge chamber 3 in the production of gas carbon dioxide. As a result, the cartridge 4 can be made of a relatively flexible material or the cartridge 4 can be configured to withstand a relatively large pressure gradient between the inside and the outside of such a cartridge 4. [ That is, the cartridge chamber 3 can receive any pressure generated by the carbon dioxide supply 41 and support the cartridge 4 as needed. In this exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 4 is received in a closed and sealed chamber 3 having a space or gap surrounding all or most of such cartridge 4. The pressure between the inner space of the cartridge 4 and the outside of the cartridge 4 becomes equal by allowing a part of the gas emitted by the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to be "leaked" into the space around the cartridge 4 So that even if the cartridge 4 is made of a relatively stiff, flexible or weak material, such a cartridge 4 will not rupture or collapse. In an alternative arrangement the cartridge 4 is manufactured to fit the receiving space of the cartridge chamber 3 so that the chamber 3 supports the cartridge 4 when pressure builds up inside the cartridge 4 It will be possible. This support may be suitable for preventing the cartridge 4 from rupturing or otherwise preventing the cartridge 4 from functioning as needed. In yet another embodiment, the cartridge 4 may be suitably robust manufactured to withstand (at least partially) a relatively high pressure (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 atm) of the cartridge interior space. In such a case, the cartridge chamber 3 does not need to function much more than the physical support for holding the cartridge 4 in place, or the gas output by the cartridge 4 and / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > cartridge < / RTI > For example, the cartridge chamber 3 in such an arrangement may simply include a connection port that serves to fluidically and physically couple the cartridge 4 to the system 1. Thus, in some embodiments, the cartridge may be mechanically robust enough to withstand pressures of up to 90 psig, such as, for example, a conventional carbonated soft drink can, May be fluidly coupled, but is not physically supported from the system 1 to prevent the cartridge 4 from rupturing during use (e.g., the cartridge may be exposed and the chamber wall It may not be surrounded).

The carbon dioxide supply part 30 may be arranged to provide carbon dioxide from the cartridge chamber 3 to the area where the liquid is used to carbonate the liquid 2. [ The carbon dioxide supply 30 may be arranged in any suitable manner and in this exemplary embodiment a conduit 31 fluidly connected between the cartridge chamber 3 and the storage vessel 11 and a carbon dioxide source 41 And a filter 32 that helps to remove materials that can contaminate the precursor liquid 2, such as particles from the liquid. The gas supply 30 may be a pressure regulator, a safety valve, a control valve, a compressor or pump (e.g., to increase the pressure of the gas) (e.g., to maintain a relatively constant gas pressure and / (For example, to assist in the operation of the system), and the like. (The use of accumulators or similar gas storage devices may preclude the need to control the rate of gas output by the cartridge.) Alternatively, the gas supply may be allowed to release gas in an uncontrolled manner , Such released gas is stored in the accumulator for later delivery and is used in the production of sparkling beverages. The gas released from the accumulator is discharged in a controlled manner, e.g., at a controlled pressure and / or flow rate In this embodiment, the conduit 31 extends below the surface of the precursor liquid 2 in the storage vessel 11 such that the carbon dioxide is injected into the liquid 2 for dissolution. The conduit 31 may comprise a spray nozzle or other arrangement for facilitating dissolution, for example, by creating relatively small bubbles in the liquid 2 to increase the rate of dissolution. Alternatively, the conduit 31 will be able to deliver the gas to the upper space (if present) in the storage vessel 11, not below the surface of the liquid 2. [

The carbonation of the precursor liquid 2 may be through one or more mechanisms or processes and is therefore not limited to one particular process. For example, carbon dioxide transferred to the storage vessel 11 by the conduit 31 may serve to help dissolve the carbon dioxide in the liquid 2, but other system components may additionally assist in the carbonation process . In this exemplary embodiment, the precursor supply 10 may be capable of helping liquid carbonation by circulating the liquid through the pump 13 and the nozzle 14. That is, the liquid 2 may be drawn from the storage vessel 13 through a dip tube 15 and sprayed into the upper space of the carbon dioxide-filled storage vessel 11 by the nozzle 14 . As is known in the art, such a process may help the liquid 2 to dissolve carbon dioxide, for example, by increasing the surface area of the liquid 2 exposed to the gas. In this embodiment the diptube 15 is separate from the reservoir 11 and extends below the surface of the precursor liquid 2 but the diptube 15 is made integral with the wall of the reservoir 11 And the like. The connection of the storage vessel 11 and the lid 12 can form a fluid connection between the dip tube 15 and the pump 13 when the dip tube 15 is manufactured integrally with the storage vessel 11 There will be. The integral formation of the storage vessel 11 and the diptube 15 enables the system 1 to accommodate the storage vessels 11 of different sizes (and thus different volumes). In addition, such an arrangement may help to ensure that only properly configured storage vessels 11 (e.g., containers arranged to withstand system pressure) are used. Alternatively, the dip tube 15 may be made flexible or may otherwise accommodate the storage vessel 11 having different heights. The diptube 15 may be a filter, a strainer or other arrangement that helps prevent small particles such as ice chips from being drawn into the pump 13, whether integrated with the storage vessel 11 or not. . ≪ / RTI > In some embodiments, the storage vessel 11 may function not only as a storage vessel 11 in the system 1, but also as a drinking cup. That is, the user may provide a storage container / drinking cup 11 (e.g., containing a predetermined amount of water, ice and / or drink medium) to the system 1 and, after completion of carbonation, The storage container / drinking cup 11 may be used. The storage container 11 may be made to withstand the appropriate pressure to be received, for example, as it is used with the system 1, as well as being insulated, for example, to help keep the beverage cool.

The various components of the system 1 may be controlled by the controller 5, which may be a programmed general purpose computer and / or other data processing device, such as software and / or other operations A temperature and liquid level sensor, a pressure sensor, an RFID interrogation device (not shown) for the controller 5 and / or other system components , An input / output interface (e.g., for displaying information to and / or receiving input from a user), a communication bus or other link, a display, a switch, a relay, a triac, And / or actuators, or other components necessary for performing certain inputs / outputs or other functions It will be. In this exemplary embodiment, the controller 5 controls the operation of the valve 21 of the activating fluid supply 20 as well as the pump 13 of the precursor liquid supply 10. In addition, a sensor 51 representative of one or more sensors used by the controller 5 is shown in Fig. For example, the sensor 51 may include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the precursor liquid in the storage vessel 11. This information can be used to control the operation of the system, for example, the warm precursor liquid temperature may cause the controller 5 to increase the amount of time allowed for the gas to dissolve in the precursor liquid 2 will be. In other arrangements, the temperature of the precursor liquid 2 may be used to determine whether the system 1 will operate to carbonate the liquid 2 or not. For example, in some arrangements, the user may be asked to add moderately cool liquid 2 (and / or ice) to the storage vessel 11 before the system 1 operates. (In some embodiments, the temperature of the relatively warm precursor liquid 2 may insufficiently carbonate the liquid, as described above.) In another embodiment, the sensor 51 detects the pressure in the reservoir 11 A pressure sensor may be included. This information may be used to determine whether the storage container 11 is improperly sealed against the lid 12 or other pressure leaks and / or whether enough gas is being produced by the cartridge 4 It will be possible. For example, a low detected pressure may cause the controller 5 to cause more fluid to be delivered to the cartridge 4 by the activating fluid supply 20, The user can be instructed to check whether it is properly coupled. Similarly, a high pressure would allow the flow of liquid from the activating fluid supply 20 to be slowed down or stopped. The controller 5 therefore controls the gas pressure in the storage vessel 11 and / or other areas of the system 1 by controlling the amount of liquid delivered to the cartridge 4 and / It will be possible. The sensor 51 may alternatively or additionally be able to detect whether the storage container 11 is in place and / or whether the storage container 11 is properly engaged with the lid 12 . For example, when the storage container 11 is properly seated on the seal of the lid 12, the switch may be closed, indicating proper engagement. In another embodiment, the storage container 11 may comprise an RFID tag or other electronic device capable of communicating the identity or other characteristics of the storage container 11 to the controller 5. This information may be limited by certain operating conditions (e.g., depending on the type of storage vessel in which the operating pressure is used, and the precursor liquid may be carbonated to a level corresponding to the storage vessel 11, etc.) The storage container 11 may be used to verify that it is suitable for use with the system 1, for example, and / or for other uses. In addition, the sensor 51 may be able to detect the presence of the cartridge 4 in the chamber 3, for example, through an RFID tag, optical sensing, physical sensing, or the like. If it is detected that the cartridge 4 has not been detected or that the cartridge 4 has been consumed by the controller 5, the controller 5 will be able to guide the user to insert a new or other cartridge 4. For example, in some embodiments, a single cartridge 4 may be used to carbonate the volume of multiple precursor liquids 2. The controller 5 will be able to track the number of times the cartridge 4 has been used and will be able to guide the user to replace the cartridge once the limit (e.g., 10 drinks) is reached. The presence of a container suitable for receiving the level of carbonation of the precursor liquid 2 (which may be used to control the carbonation process), the level of carbonation (e.g., to prevent overfilling of the beverage) The presence of water or other precursor liquid 2 at any location within the reservoir 11 or precursor supply 10, the flow rate of liquid at the pump 13 or associated conduit, The valve may be activated to emit an upper space gas if, for example, an upper space is not needed, or if only carbon dioxide is required in the upper space, release the air in the upper space, (For example, a snifting valve may be activated to replace the sensor), and so on.

The controller 5 may also be arranged to allow the user to define the level of carbonation (i.e., the amount of dissolved gas in the beverage, whether carbon dioxide or otherwise). For example, the controller 5 may be configured to allow the user to select a carbonation volume level of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, or by selecting a low, medium, A touch screen display or other user index that allows the user to define a level. Although all cartridges used by the system 1 may have sufficient gas source material to allow the highest level of carbonation to be selected, the controller 5 may be configured to dissolve the amount of gas in the beverage to a selected level You will be able to control the system. For example, all of the cartridges may be arranged for use in producing "high" carbonated beverages, and the controller 5 may be configured to use less available gas in carbonating beverages To cause the system 1 to emit light. The carbonation level may be controlled based on the level of carbonation detected by the sensor 51, the detected pressure in the storage vessel or any location, the amount of gas output by the cartridge 4, or other characteristics. In another embodiment, the cartridge 4 may include an RFID tag, bar code, alphanumeric string, etc. that indicates the level of carbonation used for the beverage readable by the controller, e.g., beverage. After determining the level of carbonation from the cartridge 4, the controller 5 will then be able to control the system 1 accordingly. Thereby, the user does not need to select the carbonation level by interaction with the system 1, but instead the carbonation level can be automatically adjusted based on the selected beverage. In another embodiment, the user may select a gas source cartridge 4 that matches the level of carbonation required by the user. (By having different amounts of gas sources in the cartridge 4, different levels of carbonation may be provided in different cartridges.) For example, cartridges that provide low, medium, And pick up a cartridge that matches the desired carbonation level, and provide the selected cartridge to the system 1. [0050] Thus, a gas source cartridge labeled "low" may be selected and used with the system to produce a low level carbonated beverage.

Instead, the user may define the characteristics of the beverage to be produced by interaction with the cartridge 4 to be used by the system 1 in a predetermined manner. For example, taps, notches, or other physical characteristics of the cartridge may be altered or formed by the user to inform the desired beverage characteristics. For example, the level of carbonation desired by the user, such as the broken tab, the slider display, the covered or uncovered protrusions on a portion of the cartridge, etc., the amount of beverage medium to use in forming the beverage (system 1) is controllable to use less than all of the beverage media in the cartridge to form the beverage), and the like. A feature in the cartridge 4 may also be employed by the controller 5 to detect the characteristics of the cartridge, the beverage to be formed, or other components of the system 1. [ For example, the light guide in the cartridge 4 can be configured so that the controller 5 can control 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., Allowing detection of the position of the piston, the position of the piston, the valve or other cartridge component, the absence of a beverage medium in the cartridge (to indicate completion of beverage formation, etc.) Lt; / RTI > An electrical sensor contact (e.g., to provide a conduction measurement indicative of the carbonation level or other properties of the precursor liquid), an acoustic sensor (to detect gas emissions, fluid flow, or other characteristics of the cartridge) Other sensor features may be incorporated into the cartridge.

In order for the beverage manufacturing system 1 to produce a carbonated beverage, the user must first provide the desired amount of precursor liquid 2 with the optional ice and / or beverage medium to the storage container 11 will be. Alternatively, the carbonated liquid may be flavored after the carbonation is completed by automatic or manual means. The storage container 11 is then engaged with the lid 12 by engaging the lid 12 with the threads on the storage container 11 or by activating the clamping mechanism. A cartridge 4 containing a carbon dioxide source 41 (e.g. in the form of a solid such as charged zeolite) can be placed in the cartridge chamber 3 and the chamber 3 closed. In another embodiment, the cartridge 4 may be fluidically coupled differently to the system 1, for example, by coupling the threaded portion of the cartridge 4 with a corresponding port of the system . The cartridge chamber 3 may be operable in any suitable manner, for example, as can be seen in many cartridge-based coffee or other beverage machines. For example, a passive lever may be actuated to raise the lid of the chamber 3, thereby exposing the cartridge receptacle portion of the chamber 3. When the cartridge 4 is located in the chamber 3, the lever can be activated again to close the lid, so that the chamber 3 is closed and sealed. With the cartridge 4 associated with the system 1, then, for example, the controller 5 may activate the system 1, so that carbon dioxide is generated and delivered to the chamber 3. The controller 5 may be configured to perform an automated method based on the detection of the presence of the cartridge 4 in the chamber 3, the presence of the liquid 2 in the storage container 11 and the closure of the chamber 3, for example. Lt; / RTI > Alternatively, the controller 5 may be able to initiate system operation in response to a user providing input (e.g., by voice activation) to press the start button or otherwise start the beverage production. The controller 5 can start the operation of the pump 13 and thereby draw the liquid from the diptube 15 and discharge the liquid 2 from the nozzle 14. [ The valve 21 may be opened to deliver a suitable portion of the precursor liquid 2 to the chamber 3 and the resulting gas may be provided to the storage vessel 11 by the gas supply 30. The operation may continue for a predetermined amount of time or may continue based on other conditions, such as detected carbonation level, gas production degradation by the cartridge 4, or other parameters. During operation, the amount of liquid provided to the chamber 3 to control the gas output by the cartridge 4 may be controlled. Control of the liquid provided to the cartridge 4 may be based on a timing sequence (e.g., valve 21 may be open for a predetermined period of time and then valve closed for a predetermined period of time) (For example, if the pressure in the chamber 3 and / or the storage vessel 11 exceeds a threshold, the liquid supply is stopped and may be resumed if the pressure falls below a threshold or other value) (For example, a specified volume of liquid may be delivered to the cartridge 4), or other arrangement based on the volume of the activation liquid delivered to the chamber 3. Upon completion, the user will be able to remove the beverage and storage container 11 from the lid 12.

Fig. 1 shows only one exemplary embodiment of the beverage production system 1, and other arrangements are possible including systems incorporating other aspects of the invention. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the flavoring of the sparkling beverage may be accomplished in an automated manner and may occur in a cartridge. This feature may not only make the beverage forming process easier and convenient for the user, but may also help to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination between beverages and / or the need to rinse the mixing chamber. That is, by mixing the precursor solution and the beverage medium in a cartridge (which can be disposable), each beverage produced by the system 1 can be effectively produced using its own mixing chamber. For example, when the carbonated cherry beverage and subsequently the lemon beverage are prepared using the system 1, there is a possibility that the cherry flavor remaining in the mixing chamber is transferred to the subsequent lemon beverage. Rinsing or other cleaning of the mixing chamber may help eliminate or reduce the crossover of such flavors but will completely eliminate the need to rinse the mixing chamber or other system components by mixing each beverage in one cartridge. Mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid may be done in a dedicated mixing chamber of the cartridge (s), in a cartridge portion that holds a beverage medium, and / or in a cartridge portion that holds a gas source. It should be understood, however, that the beverage media may be mixed with the precursor liquid in other ways, such as directing the beverage media from the cartridge into the user's cup or other container, or into the mixing chamber of the beverage production machine. Thus, the beverage medium may be directly mixed with sparkling water or other liquid in the user ' s cup.

In another aspect of the invention, the precursor liquid is carbonated using a contactor (a type of carbonator or gas dissolver) including a porous membrane having a gas side and a liquid side (e.g., at least porous about gas) It will be possible. Because the precursor liquid at the liquid side of the carbonator can be exposed to gas at the gas side of the membrane and the membrane can be arranged to increase the surface area of the liquid that is exposed to the gas, Fusing can be done more quickly than using other techniques. In one embodiment, the carbonator may include a contactor having a hollow fiber array in which hollow fibers made of a hydrophobic material, such as polypropylene, transport the precursor liquid. Fibers are porous and have holes that, in combination with the hydrophobicity of the material, allow contact of the liquid with the gas outside the fibers, while preventing liquid from escaping from the fiber interior. Membrane contactors suitable for such applications are manufactured by Membrana of Charlotte, North Carolina. Of course, other "membrane" arrangements may be used, such as an arrangement that allows the gas to pass through the barrier for dissolution in the liquid, while preventing bulk flow of liquid across the barrier. For example, membranes having flat, spirally wound and / or flat, interdigitated arrangements may be used instead of hollow fiber arrays. Also, in some arrangements, for example, the flow of gas through the contactor may generally be opposite to the flow of liquid through the contactor, to assist in heat exchange. However, other flow arrangements are possible.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a cartridge chamber of a beverage production system may be arranged to hold first and second cartridge portions, wherein the first cartridge portion comprises a gas arranged to emit carbon dioxide for use in carbonizing the precursor liquid The second cartridge portion receiving a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor to form a beverage. The cartridge chamber may have a single cartridge receiving portion for receiving both cartridge portions or may have a plurality of cartridge receiving portions for receiving two or more cartridges respectively associated with the first or second cartridge portions, The cartridge receiving portion of the cartridge. Such an arrangement can help simplify the use of the system, and the cartridge portion is arranged for only one use, for example, after forming a single beverage and then discarded. For example, it is possible for a user to insert the first and second cartridge portions < RTI ID = 0.0 > (1) < / RTI > into the receiving portion of the cartridge chamber without having to build pressure, tight, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > Instead, the cartridge portion can simply be placed in the receiver, and the cartridge chamber closed, allowing the system to be ready for beverage production.

Figure 2 illustrates the use of a membrane contactor to carbonate a precursor liquid with a cartridge-provided gas, to mix liquid and beverage media within the cartridge, and to accommodate first and second cartridge portions, respectively, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > embodiment < / RTI > This embodiment is similar in many ways to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and can be modified to have more than one component similar to that of FIG. However, in order to illustrate some other ways in which the beverage manufacturing system 1 may be modified in accordance with aspects of the invention, certain alternative arrangements are shown in Fig. In this embodiment, the storage vessel 11 is a closed tank without a removable cover. The precursor liquid 2 is pumped in any suitable manner, for example by a piped water connection (not shown), to a pump 13 (not shown) for pumping liquid from a separate storage tank (not shown) Or other pump), by a gravity feed of liquid through a valve (not shown) that is controllable from a separate reservoir tank, or the like. The reservoir 11 may have any suitable volume and may include a pump 13 capable of circulating the precursor liquid 2 through the contactor 6 and back to the reservoir 11 via the nozzle 14. [ Lt; / RTI > (Such cycling characteristics would be useful in any beverage manufacturing system 1 that would be helpful in dissolving gas in the precursor liquid 2 and that are within the scope of this disclosure or described herein The precursor liquid 2 can pass through the hollow fibers in the contactor 6 to pick up carbon dioxide or other gas around the fibers, but this arrangement allows the gas to flow into the fibers, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > liquid 2 < / RTI > A filter 16 may be provided to block pores in the fibers or fibers or to remove material in the precursor liquid 2 that may otherwise interfere with the operation of the contactor 6. [ Alternatively or additionally, the filter 16 may be used to remove or soften alkalin or other elements that tend to raise the pH of the liquid 2, for example, By removing the elements that may interfere with the formation, the liquid 2 will be able to be conditioned. For example, the filter 16 may comprise activated charcoal and / or other components found in commonly used water filters. The contactor 6 may be arranged to have a plurality of hollow fibers extending inside the closed tube or other chamber so that the inner passage of the fibers connects the fluid inlet of the contactor 6 to the fluid outlet. The gas space around the fibers will be able to communicate with the gas supply 30 through one or more ports of the gas side of the contactor 6. It should be understood, however, that the contactor 6 may be arranged in other ways, such as having one or more membranes in the form of flat sheets or other forms other than tubular to define the liquid side and gas side of the contactor 6 something to do.

An activating fluid supply 20 is arranged similar to the supply of Fig. 1, and a controllable valve 21 is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the pump 13. In this embodiment, however, the activating fluid supply portion 20 introduces the liquid into the vicinity of the lower end of the cartridge 4 and the cartridge chamber 3. Such an arrangement may be helpful in enabling the activation fluid supply 20 to better control the gas release from the gas source 41. [ For example, water falling from the top portion onto the carbon dioxide source 41 allows such water to diffuse over a large area so that charged zeolite or other source material diffused over a large area emits gas . By providing a liquid from below, the activation fluid supply 20 can overflow the cartridge 4 and / or the chamber 3, thereby allowing water to contact the source material 41 starting from below . This allows for closer control of the volume of the source material 41 that is activated to release the gas. In the case where the carbon dioxide source 41 is capable of wicking (or by capillary action, for example) wicking or otherwise moving the water upward, portions of the source 41 may be non-wicking agents from each other. For example, the source 41 may comprise a series of stacked discs of zeolite material separated by non-wicking materials such as metal or solid plastic separators. This would allow the fluid supply 20 to step up the fluid level in the cartridge 4 over a period of time to sequentially activate each of the disks.

The gas produced by the cartridge 4 is routed by the gas supply 30 to the gas side of the contactor 6 (through the optional filter 32 and conduit 31). The conduit 31 may include a water-buoy check valve or other arrangement that allows movement of gas to the contactor 6 but prevents liquid from escaping from the cartridge chamber 3. For example, the floating ball in the cartridge chamber 3 generally maintains the opening of the conduit 31 so that the gas is free to flow freely, but, for example, when the activating fluid supply 20 provides an excess of the activating fluid, It will be able to rise upwardly from the liquid surface in the cartridge 4 to close the opening. The controller 5 can monitor the gas pressure within the chamber 3, within the conduit 31, and / or the gas side of the contactor 6, to control the activation fluid supply 20 and gas production will be. In one embodiment, the activating fluid supply 20 may be controlled to provide a gas pressure of approximately 35 to 45 psi to the gas side of the contactor 6. This pressure may be sufficient to at least suitably function in carbonizing about 400-500 ml of water at a temperature of about 0 캜 within about 30-60 seconds using a hollow fiber contactor, as more fully described in the examples that follow . As the carbon dioxide in the contactor dissolves into the precursor solution 2 the pressure on the gas side will drop so that the controller 5 provides additional liquid 2 to the cartridge 4a, do. Similar to the system of Figure 1, such a process can be used to detect a certain amount of time, a certain level of liquid (2) carbonation detection, a carbon dioxide supply The amount of liquid delivered to the cartridge 4a, and the like.

Upon completion of the carbonation of the precursor liquid 2, the controller 5 will be able to transfer the liquid 2 to the beverage media cartridge 4b in the cartridge chamber 3. Precursor liquid 2 may be directed from the storage vessel 11 in any suitable manner (such as by gravity, pumps, etc.), but in this embodiment, the precursor liquid 2 is introduced into the cartridge chamber The controller 5 activates the air pump 7 which pressurizes the storage container 11 so as to be forced to flow into the beverage cartridge 4b and the beverage media cartridge 4b. In another embodiment, the gas pressure produced by the carbon dioxide source 41 may be utilized to pressurize the storage vessel 11 and direct the flow of the precursor liquid to the beverage media cartridge 4b. For example, when carbonation is complete, gas from the cartridge 4a may be directly routed to the storage vessel 11 instead of the contactor 6 to pressurize the storage vessel 11. Although valves are not shown in the conduit which fluidly couples the storage container 11 and the cartridge 4b, a controllable valve, pump or other suitable component may be added to control the flow as needed . By using air or other gas to move the liquid 2 through the cartridge 4b (or to discharge the beverage medium from the cartridge 4b), the system 1 may be at or near the end of the beverage process To " blow down "the cartridge 4b in the cartridge 4b, for example, to remove any residual material from the cartridge 4b. This may be useful in making the handling of the cartridge 4b less complicated (e.g., by reducing the likelihood that the cartridge 4b drips when removed from the chamber 3). For example, using a gas or air pump produced by the source 41, a similar process for blowing down the cartridge 4a may be used.

The flow of the precursor liquid 2 through the beverage media cartridge 4b can induce the liquid 2 to mix with the beverage medium 42 before being released, for example, to the waiting cup 8 or other container. There will be. The beverage media cartridges 4b may be made from concentrated syrup, ground coffee or liquid coffee extract, tea leaves, dried herbal tea, powdered drink concentrate, dried fruit extract or powder, natural and / or artificial flavoring or coloring agents, (Powdered vitamins, minerals, physiologically active inclusions, medicaments or other additives), such as, for example, water, acid, aroma, viscous modifier, clouding agent, antioxidant, powdered or liquid concentrated bouillon or other soup (Beverage media) such as powdered or liquid medicinal materials, powder or liquid milk or other creams, sweeteners, thickeners, and the like (such as pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals and the like). (As used herein, a "mixing" of a beverage medium with a liquid may involve dissolving the material of the beverage medium in the liquid, extracting the material from the beverage medium, and / The liquid 2 may be introduced into the cartridge 4b in any suitable manner and / or the cartridge 4b may be dispensed from the beverage media 42 and liquid Lt; / RTI > may be arranged in any suitable manner to aid in the mixing of the substrate 2. For example, the precursor liquid 2 may be introduced into the cartridge 4b to induce a spiral or other flow pattern, and the cartridge 4b may include other turbulent flows Path, and the like. One potential advantage of mixing the precursor fluid 2 in the beverage media cartridge 4b is that the mixing chamber 2 used for mixing the liquid 2 and the beverage medium for all beverages produced by the system 1, To avoid cross-contamination of the beverage media, which may occur due to the use of the beverage media. However, the space in which the beverage medium 42 provided from the cartridge 4b and the precursor liquid 2 are mixed together in a manner much the same as that in which the soft drink is formed by the reusable mixing chamber, for example a commercial drinking machine The system 1 may be modified to employ. For example, the suction force generated by gravity, by an adductor pump, by a venturi, another arrangement, or the like, by an air pressure, such as a carbon dioxide pressure produced by the cartridge 4a, The beverage media 42 may be driven from the cartridge 4b into the mixing chamber or the cup of the user into which the precursor liquid 2 is also introduced. For example, to prevent cross contamination between beverages, it may or may not be necessary to rinse the mixing chamber. In some arrangements, the entire volume of beverage medium 42 may be vented to the mixing chamber, which induces the initial amount of flavored precursor liquid 2 exiting the mixing chamber to have a high 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 will be able to effectively rinse the mixing chamber. In some embodiments in which the beverage media 42 is a dry material such as a powder, some precursor liquid may be introduced into the cartridge to pre-wet the media 42 or the media 42 may be pre- 2). ≪ / RTI > The wetted media 42 may be mixed with the additional precursor liquid 2 in the cartridge or the wetted media 42 may be mixed with the precursor liquid 2 from the cartridge by, for example, pressure, plunger, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > mixing chamber or other location for mixing. For example, to improve the mixing rate using a low flow rate to reduce the loss of dissolved gas, the liquid 2 may be introduced into the mixing chamber using a plurality of streams.

The flow of the precursor liquid 2 exiting the contactor 6 is directed to the beverage media cartridge 4b or to the beverage media 42 to the carbonated precursor liquid 2, The embodiment of Figure 2 may be modified such that it is directly routed to another mixing chamber that is mixed with the mixing chamber. That is, in this exemplary embodiment, instead of the carbonated precursor liquid 2 from circulating from the storage vessel 11 through the contactor 6 back to the storage vessel 11, (6) and then proceeds to mix with the beverage medium (42) in the mixing chamber (9) and is discharged into the cup (8). The arrangement of FIG. 3, however, also includes a circulation circuit (not shown) which allows the liquid 2 to be returned from the reservoir 11 or from another reservoir, through the contactor 6, back to the reservoir 11, . ≪ / RTI > The mixing chamber 9 may take any suitable form and may for example be capable of inducing the precursor liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 to move in a spiral, And may have one or more motor-driven blades, impellers or other elements for mixing the contents in the chamber 9, and the like. The mixing chamber 9 can be integrated into the cartridge 4, although the mixing chamber 9 can be separated from the cartridge 4. [ The mixing chamber 9 may also be cooled, for example, by a refrigeration system, to help cool the beverage served in the cup 8. Alternatively, the precursor liquid 2 may be cooled in the storage vessel 11 and / or at any other location of the system 1. When the carbonated liquid 2 is not flavored or the liquid 2 is mixed with the beverage medium 42 before passing through the carbonator 6 the mixing chamber 9 may be omitted or the liquid May be arranged to mix the precursor liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 upstream. Alternatively, the precursor liquid supply 10 may be arranged to mix the beverage medium 42 and the precursor liquid 2 in the cartridge 4b prior to routing the liquid 2 to the contactor 6 . In this embodiment, the beverage medium 42 is introduced into the beverage medium 42 by any suitable means, e.g., air or other gas pressure (e.g., as supplied by an air pump, gas source 41, etc.) To the mixing chamber 9 by introducing all or part of the precursor liquid 2 used to make the beverage into the second cartridge 4b (for example by opening the valve or the door) By compressing the cartridge 4b to force the media 42 to flow, or the like. The controller 5 detects the gas pressure on the gas side of the contactor 6 and controls the supply of fluid to the cartridge 4a accordingly, for example, in order to maintain a suitable gas pressure in the contactor 6 It will be possible. The storage vessel 11 may be an unpressurized water storage tank in this embodiment and may be removed from the system 1, for example, to facilitate filling by the user. If desired, the user may add ice and / or beverage medium to the precursor liquid 2 in the storage container 11. Alternatively, the storage vessel 11 and the pump 13 may be replaced by a connection piped to the pressurized water supply and the optional control valve and / or decompressor. Of course, as in other embodiments, the system 1 may be provided with a housing having a visible display, a user input button, a handle or a touch screen, a user operating device for opening and closing the cartridge chamber, and other features present in the beverage making machine It can be properly enclosed within.

As shown in Fig. 4, other arrangements of the beverage forming system 1 are possible. In this exemplary embodiment, the cartridge chamber 3 is combined with the storage container 11 such that the cartridge 4a having the gas supply source 41 is placed in the storage container 11. [ By removing the lid 12 from the storage container 11, the cartridge 4a will be able to be placed in the storage container 11 / cartridge chamber 3. Any suitable activating fluid supply 20, such as an arrangement similar to that of Figure 1, may be provided with a cartridge 4a, such as by a syringe or piston pump that delivers a metered amount of liquid to the cartridge 4a will be. In this embodiment, the gas supply 30 is combined with the storage vessel 11 so that a portion of the storage vessel serves to transfer the gas to the precursor liquid 2. The pump 13 will be able to assist in the carbonation process by circulating the liquid 2 and spraying the liquid 2 into the carbon dioxide-filled top space in the storage vessel 11. In an alternative embodiment, the contactor 6 may be arranged in the storage vessel (not shown) such that the liquid 2 is allowed to flow through the hollow fibers extending downwardly from the lid 12 while the carbon dioxide in the upper space is absorbed by the liquid passing through the fibers. 11) (e.g., at the location of the nozzle 14). In another arrangement, the membrane portion of the contactor 6 may be at least partially submerged into the precursor liquid 2, and gas from the source 41 may pass through the hollow fibers of the contactor 6. As a result, liquid 2 outside the fibers will be able to pick up carbon dioxide from the gas passing through the fibers. In such an arrangement, the fibers of the contactor 6 may be located in the storage vessel 11 or other tank as shown, or may be located in the user's cup 8. In this example, the liquid 2 may be carbonated or otherwise have a dissolved gas while in the cup 8.

5 shows an exemplary embodiment in which both the gas supply source cartridge 4a and the beverage media cartridge 4b can be received by the same cartridge chamber 3, although the cartridge chamber 3 can be arranged in any suitable manner, FIG. In this embodiment, the cartridges 4a, 4b (each having a portion that receives the gas supply source 41 and the beverage medium 42) are accommodated in the separated cartridge receptacle 33, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 34 < / RTI > Perforated elements 34, which may include hollow needles, spikes, blades, knives or other arrangements, may form openings in each cartridge 4. Alternatively, the cartridge 4 may have one or more ports including elements in the form of diaphragms or other valves that permit defined openings, e. G., Outflow and / or entry into the cartridge 4. Similarly, the lid 12 may include a perforation element 35 that forms an opening in the top of each cartridge 4, for example when the lid 12 is closed. When closed, the lid 12 may form a sealed chamber in which the cartridges 4a, 4b are located and isolated from each other. The openings formed in the cartridges 4a, 4b may allow communication with the internal spaces of the cartridges 4a, 4b, as schematically shown in Fig. For example, the opening at the upper end of the cartridge 4a may allow carbon dioxide or other gas to escape from the cartridge chamber 3, while the opening at the lower end of the cartridge 4a may contain water or other activating fluid So that it can be allowed to flow into the cartridge 4a. Of course, the openings may be formed at different locations, such as openings that cause fluid input to be generated at the top or side of the cartridge. Similarly, gas may exit the cartridge through the bottom, side, or otherwise located opening. As described above, the gas is supplied from the cartridge 4a to the space in the cartridge chamber 3 around the cartridge 4a through the opening of the cartridge 4a, the hole of the perforation element 35, It may be allowed to leak. This helps prevent the rupture of the cartridge 4a by allowing the pressure around the cartridge to equalize with the pressure inside the cartridge during the gas production process. Alternatively, the cartridge 4a may be tightly fitted to the cartridge receptacle 33 such that the cartridge chamber 3 can support the cartridge 4a (if necessary). The openings in the upper end of the beverage media cartridge 4b allow the precursor liquid 2 to be introduced into the cartridge 4b (for example, for mixing with a beverage medium) ) And to force the beverage media 42 into the mixing chamber or cup) to allow pressurized air or other gas to be introduced into the cartridge. The opening at the lower end of the cartridge 4b may allow the beverage to be released into a waiting cup or other container or allow the beverage media to move into the mixing chamber or cup. As in the cartridge 4a, the openings in the beverage media cartridge 42 may be arranged in any suitable position or locations.

The cartridge chamber 3 may be opened and closed in any suitable manner so that the cartridge 4 can be located in and / or removed from the chamber 3. [ 5 the lid 12 is pivotally mounted with respect to the receiving portion of the chamber 3 and is manually or by means of a motor drive such as by a handle and link arrangement to close the cartridge receptacle 33. In this embodiment, As shown in Fig. In another embodiment, lid 12 may have two or more sections, each associated with a respective cartridge receptacle 33. Thus, the lid sections can be moved independently of each other to open / close the cartridge receptacle 33. Of course, by engaging with the receptacle 33 by, for example, a threaded connection (such as a screw cap), the lid 12 can be moved away from the lid 12 and toward the lid 12 The lid 12 can be arranged in a different manner by the moving receptacle 33, by moving both the lid and the receptacle, and so on. In addition, the cartridge chamber 3 need not necessarily have a cover and receiver arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 5, but instead may have suitable members or members that interact to open and close the cartridge . For example, a pair of clamshell members may be relatively movable relative to each other for receiving the cartridge and physically supporting the cartridge. Some other exemplary cartridge chamber arrangements are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,142,063; 6,606,938; 6,644,173; And 7,165,488. As described above, the cartridge chamber 3 is configured such that the user does not have to take special steps to build pressure-tight, leak-proof or other special connections between the cartridge and other parts of the system 1, (3). ≪ / RTI > Instead, in some embodiments, the user would be able to simply place the cartridge within the containment space and close the cartridge chamber.

The cartridge 4 used in various embodiments is shown in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,840,189, as described in Reading, Mass, et al., As a relatively simple truncated conical cup-shaped container with a lid attached to the top of the container Such as in some beverage cartridges sold by Keurig, Incorporated, < / RTI > In one embodiment, a frusto-conical cup-shaped container and cartridge having a lid have a diameter of about 30-50 mm, a height of about 30-50 mm, an internal volume of about 30-60 ml, and a rupture resistance of about 80 psi That is, resistance to cartridge rupture when there is a pressure gradient of about 80 psi from the inside of the cartridge to the outside without any physical support for the cartridge). However, as used herein, a "cartridge" is intended to include a pod (e.g., opposing layers of filter paper that encapsulates the material), a capsule, a sachet, a package, And may take any suitable form, such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > The cartridge may have a defined shape or may not have a defined shape (such as in the case of some bags or other packages made entirely of a flexible material). The cartridge may be impermeable to air and / or liquid, or may allow water and / or air to pass through such a cartridge. For example, in a beverage cartridge 4b and / or to assist in preventing carbon dioxide source material from being introduced into the beverage or other system components to prevent that a beverage formed of a portion of the beverage medium is provided, In the gas cartridge 4a, a cartridge or filter or other arrangement may be included.

In an aspect of the invention, the cartridges or cartridges used to form the beverage using the beverage production system may have a volume that is smaller than, and in some cases substantially smaller than, the beverage produced using such cartridge (s) will be. For example, if carbon dioxide and beverage media cartridges 4 are used, the cartridges may each have a volume of about 50 ml or less and may be used to form a beverage having a volume of about 200 - 500 ml or more. The inventor has found that the amount of carbon dioxide (such as carbon dioxide) charged to about 30 g (having a volume of less than 30 ml) to produce about 400-500 ml of carbonated water having a level of carbonation of up to about 3.5 volumes It has been found that the amount of adsorbent (e.g., charged zeolite) can be used. It is also well known that beverage-making syrups or powders having a volume of less than about 50 ml, or less than about 100 ml can be used to produce a suitably flavored drink having a volume of about 400-500 ml have. Thus, to form a carbonated beverage having a volume of about 100 to 1000 ml and a carbonation level of at least about 1.5 to 4 volumes within less than 120 seconds, for example, within about 60 seconds, using a gas pressure of 50 psi, (or a single cartridge in some of the arrangements) having a volume of from about 1 ml to about 250 ml or less may be used.

Although the gas and beverage media cartridges 4 may be provided separately, in one embodiment, the cartridges 4 may be coupled together as shown in Fig. The cartridges 4a and 4b may be connected together by any suitable arrangement such as tabs 43 extending from the respective cartridges 4a and 4b and may be joined together such as by thermal welding, They are attached together by mechanical fasteners or the like that are interlocked. Such an arrangement may allow the cartridges 4a, 4b to be manufactured separately in the manufacturing settings, for example, because the cartridges require very different manufacturing processes. For example, the beverage cartridge 4b may require a highly aseptic environment, while the gas cartridge 4a may not need to be manufactured in such an environment. In contrast, the beverage cartridge 4b may not need to affect such a requirement, while the gas cartridge 4a needs to be manufactured in a steam-free environment. After manufacture of the cartridges 4a, 4b, the cartridges may be attached together in such a way that they can not be detached without using tools (such as scissors) and / or without damaging one or both of the cartridges will be. The cartridge chamber 3 can be arranged to receive the attached cartridges, which allows the user to position a single item in the chamber 3 for the formation of a beverage. The manner in which the cartridge 4 and / or the cartridge is attached ensures that the gas cartridge 4a and the beverage media cartridge 4b together with the arrangement of the cartridge chamber 3 are located in the appropriate cartridge receptacle 33 You can help. For example, the cartridge 4 may have a different size, shape or other configuration so that the combined cartridges 4 can not be positioned in the chamber 3 in the wrong orientation. Alternatively, the controller 5 can detect that the cartridge is improperly placed (e.g., by communicating with the RFID tag of one or both of the cartridges, by optically or otherwise identifying the cartridge, etc.) And may guide the user to make changes if necessary.

Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment in which a pair of cartridges are joined together in such a way as to help prevent improper placement of the cartridge within the chamber and / or allow the cartridge to operate in different orientations have. The cartridges 4a and 4b are attached by the connection 43 so that the cartridges 4a are positioned in such a manner that the lower end 44 of such a container faces downwardly and covers the upper end of the container And the cartridge 4b is positioned on the side of the cartridge 4a with the lid 45 of the cartridge 4b facing the side. Figure 8 shows a top view of an embodiment in which the lid 45 of the cartridge 4a faces towards the observer and the lid 45 of the cartridge 4b faces downward. Such an arrangement may be useful in embodiments where the cartridge 4 is perforated only in the lid area, e.g., in the lower end 44 of the container or other parts. That is, the gas cartridge 4a may be punctured in the lid 45 so that liquid can be introduced into the cartridge 4a and gas can be discharged. In some embodiments, the inlet for the introduction of the activation fluid (liquid and / or gas) may be the same opening as the outlet for the gas emitted by the gas source. For example, a single hole can be drilled in the lid 45, water is introduced through such a single hole, and gas released by the gas source through such a single hole escapes. Similarly, the lid 45 of the cartridge 4b is punched so that the liquid can be introduced into the cartridge 4b for mixing with the beverage medium 42 and the flavored drink can exit the cartridge 4b. . Avoiding perforation of the container may be useful in an arrangement in which the container is made of a relatively thick and / or rigid material (e.g., to withstand the operating pressure of the cartridge 4).

In another aspect of the invention, a single cartridge may be used to provide a carbon dioxide gas as well as a beverage medium. Indeed, in some embodiments, both the carbonation and the flavor of the precursor liquid in the same cartridge may be achieved. For example, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 4 including both a gas supply 41 (e.g., a zeolite gas source) and a beverage medium 42. In one embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes first and second chambers 46, 47 (or portions) that respectively receive the gas source 41 and the beverage media 42. The first and second chambers 46, 47 (or portions) may be separated from each other by a non-permeable element such as a permeable element such as a filter or a wall molded with a cartridge container. In this embodiment, the first and second chambers 46, 47 (or portions) are separated by a filter 48 attached to the lid 45, but may be arranged in a different manner. The precursor liquid and / or the activating liquid may be introduced into the first chamber 46 by another arrangement such as a port formed as a part of the perforation element 35 or cartridge 4. [ The internal space of the cartridge 4 is maintained under a pressure of 30 to 150 psi or more than the ambient pressure, for example, so that the dissolution of the carbon dioxide gas emitted by the supply source 41 takes place more quickly than at low pressure It will be possible. It is also contemplated that the system 1 arranged to use such cartridges may include a back pressure valve or other arrangement to assist in maintaining the proper pressure in the cartridge 4, for example, to aid in carbonation . As described above, the cartridge chamber 3 holding the cartridge 4 may be arranged to tightly fit the cartridge 4, as needed, to support the cartridge and prevent the cartridge from rupturing. Alternatively, in order to equalize the pressure inside and outside the cartridge, the pressure in the cartridge 4 may be allowed to leak into the space around the cartridge 4, It can be made to withstand. The carbonated precursor liquid 2 and / or the liquid / gas bubble mixture may be passed through the filter 48 to the second chamber 47 for mixing with the beverage medium 42. The mixture of precursor liquid 2 and beverage medium 42 may then exit the cartridge 4 through the perforation element 34 of the container bottom end 44, for example. The mixing of the liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 as well as the dissolution of carbon dioxide into the precursor liquid 2 may continue even after the material exits the cartridge 4. [ For example, if necessary, the mixing chamber may be located downstream of the cartridge 4 to help more thoroughly mix the liquid and the beverage media. In addition, the conduit downstream of the cartridge will be able to assist the continuous dissolution of the gas, for example, by maintaining the pressure in the liquid.

9 and 10 illustrate arrangements in which the gas source 41 and the beverage medium 42 are separated by the filter 48, but in other embodiments, for example, the precursor liquid 2 may, at the same time, The gas supply source 41 and the beverage medium 42 may be mixed together so as to be mixed with the beverage medium 42 and exposed to the gas from the gas supply source 41. [ In some cases, a gas which is not dissolved into the liquid 2 is exposed to the liquid 2 in the upstream or downstream position and dissolved into the liquid 2, for example in order to increase the level of the dissolved gas. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > (6). ≪ / RTI > In one embodiment, the particles of gas source material 41 may be coated with beverage media 42.

In the above-described embodiment, in the state in which the cartridge operates in the upright configuration, the cartridge 4 has been described as having the prescribed upper and lower ends. However, as presented with respect to Figures 7 and 8, the cartridge may be operated in any suitable orientation. For example, FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which a cartridge configured similar to that used in FIG. 9 is used, while the cartridge 4 is placed on its side. (Note that cartridge 4b of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be used in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 10). If precursor liquid (e.g., through perforation element 35) Or portion) 46, thereby causing the gas source 41 to discharge gas and at least partially overflow the internal space of the cartridge 4. [ The liquid may be carbonated and mixed with the beverage media 42, for example, through the perforation element 34, before exiting the cartridge, as in the embodiment of FIG.

In addition, as described above, a single cartridge 4 may be arranged to have first and second chambers 46, 47 (or portions) that are isolated from or separated from each other. FIG. 11 illustrates one such embodiment in which the first and second chambers 46, 47 (or portions) are separated by a wall 49. FIG. It may be necessary for the cartridge chamber 3 to be modified to accommodate a single cartridge 4, but for example, in a system 1 similar to that shown in Figure 2, a cartridge similar to that shown in Figure 11 may be used There will be. 11, in one embodiment, an activating liquid may be provided through the perforation element 35 at the top of the first chamber (or portion) 46, and gas may be introduced through the same or another opening It can be discharged. Alternatively, the activation liquid may be provided through the perforation element 34 at the lower end of the first chamber (or portion) 46 and the gas may be exhausted through the perforation element 35 at the upper end. In another embodiment, the precursor liquid may be introduced at the upper end perforation element 35 and the carbonated liquid may be exhausted through the lower end perforation element 34. For example, the first chamber (or portion) 46 may include a filter or other suitable component to help prevent the gas source 41 from escaping the chamber (or portion) 46 . With respect to the second chamber (or portion) 47, air or other gas may be introduced through the perforation element 35 at the upper end of the second chamber (or portion) 47, ) To move out of the perforation element 34 at the lower end of the second chamber (or portion) 47 to the outside, for example, into the mixing chamber or the cup of the user. Alternatively, a precursor liquid may be introduced through the perforation element 35 at the upper end of the second chamber 47, mixed with the beverage medium 42, and delivered to the outside of the perforation element 34, You will be able to escape. As mentioned above, the perforation element 34,35 arrangement of this exemplary embodiment should not be construed as limiting the aspect of the invention in any way. That is, the perforation element does not need to be used, and instead, the inlet / outlet flow of the cartridge 4 may be made through a prescribed port or other opening in the cartridge 4. Also, a flow port or other opening in the cartridge need not necessarily be located at the top, bottom or other specific location.

The cartridge (s) may be made of any suitable material and may not be limited to the container and cover structure shown herein. For example, the cartridge (s) may be made of or otherwise comprise a material that provides a barrier to moisture and / or gases such as oxygen, water vapor, and the like. In one embodiment, the cartridge (s) may be made of a polymer laminate and may be formed from a sheet comprising, for example, a layer of polystyrene or polypropylene and another layer of a barrier such as EVOH and / or metal foil will be. In addition, the cartridge (s) material and / or structure may vary depending on the materials contained in such a cartridge. For example, the gas cartridge 4a may require a robust moisture barrier, while the beverage media cartridge 4b may not require such a high moisture resistance. Thus, the cartridge may be manufactured in a different material and / or in a different manner. Further, the inside of the cartridge may be configured differently depending on a desired function. For example, the beverage cartridge 4b may include a baffle or other structure that directs the liquid / beverage medium along a serpentine path to enhance mixing. For example, to help control the wetting of the source 41 by the activation liquid, the gas cartridge 4a may be arranged to hold the gas source 41 at a specific location or in another arrangement of the interior space .

The cartridge may also be arranged to provide a visible or other detectable indication in relation to the fit of the cartridge for use in beverage formation. For example, the cartridge may include a pop-up display, a chromatic display or other feature to show that the gas source is at least partially activated. Upon viewing such a display, the user would be able to determine whether the cartridge was not fitted for use in a beverage making machine. In another embodiment, an RFID tag can be associated with a sensor, such a sensor can be activated (e.g., through a pressure increase), gas source activation , ≪ / RTI > increase), or other characteristics of the cartridge. The machine will be able to display such conditions to the user and / or prevent activation of the machine to use the cartridge for beverage formation.

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may include a gas supply portion, a beverage media portion, and a mixing chamber portion (also referred to as first, second and third portions, respectively) separated from each other. Thus, as described above, the cartridge may include a mixing chamber that is separate from the portion that is used to hold the beverage medium prior to use of the cartridge. The first portion may receive a gas source for releasing the gas dissolved in the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion may receive a beverage medium for use in mixing with the beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage, , And a third portion may be arranged 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 may enter the third portion with the beverage medium and / or enter the third portion through a separate flow path. Thus, the cartridge will be able to mix the beverage medium with the precursor liquid (e. G., Carbonated or otherwise) and output the mixed beverage (for example for later carbonation). This can help to avoid the need to clean the mixing chamber because, for example, the cartridge can be made disposable and therefore each beverage is made using its own mixing chamber to be. 12, 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views, respectively, of a cartridge 4 having first, second and third portions prior to a configuration prepared for producing a beverage, a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 4 after being configured to manufacture a beverage, 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, and the first portion 46, for example, And a part disposed around the second portion 47 and the third portion 62 in at least one plane. Also, the third portion 62 partially surrounds the second portion 47. However, this specific arrangement of the first, second and third portions 46, 47, 62 is not required because these portions can be arranged in any suitable manner with respect to each other. The upper ends of the first, second and third portions 46, 47 and 62 are closed by a lid 45, for example by a foil laminate which is part of a cartridge container. (In one embodiment, the lid 45 may include two or more separate portions, e.g., a first part that covers the second portion 47 after the beverage media is disposed, and a second portion that covers the second portion 47 after the gas supply source 41 is disposed One portion 46 (and possibly also the second portion 47) of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. This may include the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, As a result, in order to help the gas source 41 resist resistance to contact with moisture or other materials, the first portion 46 may, for example, It will be able to be isolated. Due to the closure at the beverage media outlet 47b of the second part, the second part 47 is likewise isolated from the outside atmosphere, for example due to a rupturable or breakable membrane, septum, And, if necessary, help to prevent the beverage media 42 from being damaged. The upper end region of the third portion 62 may be closed by the lid 45 while the lower end region of the third portion 62 may be kept open or by another element such as a second lid or other cover It can be covered.

This embodiment may include other aspects of the invention, i. E. A movable part that is arranged to be moved to configure the cartridge so that it can be used for beverage production. For example, the movable part may be moved relative to the cartridge container to open the gas supply portion and / or the beverage media portion, for example, as shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 12, the movable part 61 includes a plurality of perforation elements 34,35 arranged to form one or more openings in the lid 45, although other arrangements are possible. For example, to open the inlet or outlet of the cartridge 4 to open the valve, to break the tab or other fragile element to open the inlet or outlet, to couple the pair of conduits together, Shaped portion 61 can be moved. In this embodiment, the movable part 61 is moved into the first part 46 into the activator inlet (not shown) to allow introduction of fluid (liquid water or water vapor) to activate the gas source 41, 46a. ≪ / RTI > The movable part 61 also includes a perforation element 34 for forming a gas outlet 46b into the first part 46 so that the gas emitted by the gas source 41 is, , For dissolution into the precursor liquid and for the formation of a beverage. In addition, for example, when the same hole in the lid 45 serves for the inflow of the activating fluid and the release of gas, a single perforation element 34/35 forms the inlet 46a and the outlet 46b It will be able to do the function for. A precursor liquid to assist in the movement of the beverage medium 42 for mixing with the beverage medium 42 and from the second portion 47 into the third portion 62, There is also included a perforation element 35 so as to form a precursor liquid inlet 47a in the second portion 47 to permit the introduction of the precursor liquid inlet 47a. The precursor liquid may also be introduced into the third portion 62 by one or more perforation elements 35 for mixing with the beverage medium 42. Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for directing a portion of a precursor liquid used to make a beverage through a beverage media portion, and to direct or otherwise direct the remainder of the precursor liquid to the mixing chamber portion of the cartridge. The cartridge 4 may be oriented. In one embodiment, about 10-40% of the precursor liquid used to form the beverage can be introduced into the second portion 47 and about 60-90% of the precursor liquid is introduced into the third portion 62 . Of course, other relative amounts may be used appropriately. A precursor liquid may be introduced into the third portion 62 to create a vortex, turbulence, or other motion to assist in mixing the precursor liquid and the beverage medium. A portion of the precursor liquid that is introduced into the second portion 47 may help wet the beverage medium 42, for example, if the beverage medium 42 is a powdered material, It will be possible.

According to an aspect of the invention, the cartridge 4 may comprise a lock element to prevent movement of the movable part, which movable part can be moved to form a cartridge suitable for forming a drink And the lock element may be released by the user. 12, the cartridge container or movable part 61 may include a locking ring (not shown) for preventing the movable part 61 from moving relative to the container, for example to puncture the lid 45 71). The lock ring 71 may be removed or otherwise released by the user, for example, by pulling the tab to induce the lock ring 71 to separate from the container at perforations or other weak lines. The lock element may take other arrangements, such as one or more disruptive-fin or tabs, a removable plug, or other structure. In other arrangements, for example, after the cartridge 4 is associated with the machine and the closed door, the lock element may be removed or otherwise released by the beverage making machine.

In another aspect of the invention integrated into the cartridge of Figure 12, the gas supply portion at least partially surrounds the beverage media portion and / or the mixing chamber portion. This feature allows the gas source portion to store gas released by the gas source without experiencing a large pressure change that may be present, for example, in a small volume chamber, without unnecessarily expanding the cartridge, It may help to enlarge the volume of the part. That is, a somewhat larger gas source chamber volume will be able to provide the gas source chamber with the ability to store the gas emitted by the gas source while smoothing the pressure fluctuations. Thus, the gas supply portion may be arranged to function as a kind of accumulator that stores the gas emitted by the gas supply source.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes a movable part 61 having a perforation element, the cartridge 4 includes a movable part 61 that moves to form a cartridge for forming a beverage no need. Instead, the cartridge 4 would be able to be arranged without the movable part 61, and that the beverage machine using the cartridge could communicate with a suitable set of perforation elements or, if appropriate, with the inlets and / And other components that are arranged to interact with the cartridge for purposes of the present invention.

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may include an activation fluid inlet directing the activation fluid to the lower end of the gas supply portion. Such an arrangement may allow for improved control of gas release because, for example, the gas source may be exposed to the activating fluid from the lower end to the upper end. Thus, if the activating fluid is water, the lower part of the gas supply portion may be flooded with water, which may lead to activation of the lower layer of the gas supply. However, the higher layer of the gas source can be kept inactive, since the activation does not reach the lower portion of the gas source. In order to activate the upper layer of the gas supply, more water will be provided to the gas supply portion, thereby raising the upper end of the level of the activating fluid in the gas supply portion. The flooding of the gas source portion will continue at a controlled rate and thus control the gas release of the gas source. Such an arrangement may help to avoid wetting of the gas source from the top surface of the source, such as sparkling water on the top surface of the charge of the zeolite material. Such sparkling may lead to uncontrolled wetting of the source, thereby causing uncontrolled activation of the source, and thus inducing the gas source to release the gas in a less controlled manner.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 that includes an activation fluid inlet that provides an activation fluid to the lower end of the gas source portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the first portion 46 includes a gas supply source 41 and an activation inlet (not shown) along with a conduit extending from near the upper end of the first portion 46 to near the lower end of the first portion 46 46a. Thus, for example, the beverage manufacturing machine would be able to drill a cover 45 that closes the first portion 46 and the activation inlet 46a to close and introduce water into the activation inlet 46a. Water will flow below the conduit of the inlet 46a and into the lower end of the first portion 46 to wet the lower layer of the gas source and induce the gas source to release the gas. Of course, other activating fluids, such as citric acid, water vapor, and the like, may be used. Also, in this embodiment, while the activation inlet 46a includes a conduit molded into the side wall of the container body, a conduit extending from the lower end wall of the first portion 46, a conduit extending downwardly from the perforation element, As such, the activation inlets 46a may be arranged in other manners. The released gas may escape through other openings in the first portion 46 (such as a molded port or perforated opening), or the gas may escape ) Through a small hole in the inlet 46a near the top or through a trap such as an "S" shaped conduit that provides resistance to liquid water flow) You will be able to escape through.

Other ways of controlling gas release, such as encapsulating the gas source material 41 in a structure that ruptures, disintegrates, or otherwise degrades to expose an internal gas source to the activation fluid, may be utilized within the cartridge . For example, the capsules containing gas source 41 may be arranged to dissolve at different rates, thereby releasing the gas source material for activation in a time-release manner. Other arrangements are also possible, such as the first portion 46 having a plurality of stepped portions or platforms over which the gas source 41 is located. As the first portion 46 floods with water or other activator, the gas source 46 at each step can be exposed to each other in turn, thereby leading to a gradual gas release.

Another embodiment of the invention incorporated in the embodiments of Figures 15 and 16 is a spiral-shaped, vortex-shaped, zigzag-shaped, spiral-shaped, Or another meandering flow path channel. For example, the cartridge 4 may be configured to direct the precursor liquid into the outer region of the spiral-shaped channel (in this case, a downwardly extending conduit extending from the upper end of the first portion 46 to the second portion 47) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 47a < / RTI > The beverage media 42 may be arranged in a spiral-shaped channel to partially fill the depth of the channel, so that the precursor liquid may flow on the beverage medium and / or in the beverage medium. As the precursor liquid flows through the spiral-shaped channels, the beverage medium will mix with the liquid to form a beverage. For example, to help reduce the loss of carbonic acid in the precursor liquid or, in the presence of other dissolved gases, the loss of such other dissolved gas, a spiral-shaped channel is arranged to provide a laminar flow It will be possible. Alternatively, a helical shape or other serpentine channel may be arranged to provide turbulent flow, potentially helping to mix liquid and beverage media. The mixed beverage medium and the precursor liquid exiting the cartridge near the center of the spiral-shaped channel can be delivered directly into the user's cup or enter the mixing chamber (whether or not part of the beverage making machine or cartridge) You can do it. A flow channel configuration other than helical, e.g., vortex, zigzag, serpentine, may be arranged to provide laminar flow characteristics or other flow characteristics. Thus, the cartridge second portion containing the beverage medium may comprise any suitable flow arrangement for assisting mixing of the precursor liquid and the beverage medium.

The embodiment of Figs. 15 and 16 may also be used to remove the second portion 47 from the enclosure (e. G., The second portion 47 is arranged to be punched, removed or otherwise opened such that the outlet of the second portion 47 is broken by the user and / , Cap). ≪ / RTI > Therefore, the outlet need not necessarily be opened by the presence of the pressure in the second portion 47. Also, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 of this embodiment can be made as separate parts, and such parts are held together by a sleeve 75 that wraps the portions 46, 47. Sleeve 75 may also serve to seal the sides of precursor inlet 47a and / or activator inlet 46a. It should be understood, however, that the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are manufactured as a single, integral piece and that no need for the sleeve 75 is excluded.

According to another aspect of the invention, the beverage media portion of the cartridge may comprise a wall that can be moved to discharge the beverage medium from the beverage media portion. For example, the beverage media portion may be formed by a barrier layer (e. G., A foil laminate) arranged to surround the beverage medium. The barrier layer can be flexible, whereby the second portion of the cartridge can be squeezed, pressed, or otherwise reduces the volume of the second portion to force the beverage medium from the second portion It will be able to have the force applied to it. For example, the barrier layer will be able to form a pouch containing the beverage medium, and the beverage medium will be forced into the other location where, for example, the user's cup, the mixing chamber of the cartridge, or the beverage medium is mixed with the liquid precursor The pouch can be squeezed to do so. In another exemplary arrangement, the second portion may comprise a syringe-type arrangement wherein the plunger is moved within the second portion to force the beverage medium from the second portion. Other arrangements are possible, as will be further described below.

Figs. 17-20 illustrate a perspective view, an exploded view, a cross-sectional view, and a cross-sectional view during a beverage mix in an exemplary embodiment having a movable element for ejecting a beverage medium from the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge container includes a planar support 72 that supports a first portion 46 located below the support portion 72 and a second portion 47 located over the support portion 72. The planar support 72 is shown in FIG. The first portion 46 is integrally formed with the support portion 72 and is molded as a part integral with the support portion 72 but may be molded in a different manner such as by a separate part attached to the support portion 72, Lt; / RTI > The first portion 46 has a hemispherical shape having an active agent inlet 46a near the lower end of the first portion 46 and a gas outlet 46b on the upper end side of the planar support 72. [ (As in all embodiments described herein, relative terms such as "top," " bottom, "and the like are used for ease of explanation and understanding, Thus, to controllably flood the first portion 46 with, for example, the gas emitted by the gas source 41 exiting through the port on the support portion 72, , Water or other activating fluid may be introduced near the lower end of the first portion 46. The activator inlet 46a and the gas outlet 46b may be opened by a perforation element, a physical action to remove the break taps, removal of the release foil, and the like.

The second portion 47 of this embodiment includes a blister pouch formed by a layer of barrier material, such as a foil laminate. The second portion 47 may have any shape or size, but in this embodiment it has a generally disc-like shape with a dome-like top surface. The lower portion of the blister pouch covers a substantial part of the upper end surface of the support 72, for example to close the first portion 46, as well as to form the lower end of the second portion 47 Including layers of barrier material, but may be arranged in other manners. If the blister pouch places the spikes 73 on the supports 72 so that if the blister pouches are urged toward the supports 72, the spikes 73, for example, Will be able to puncture the second portion 47, which will be able to release the beverage medium. Thus, the movement of the wall of the second portion 47 (e.g., the upper portion of the blister pouch) may induce the beverage media to exit the second portion 47. The movement of the wall may be caused by the plunger of the beverage making machine that presses the second portion 47 downward (as shown in Fig. 20) or otherwise. For example, the gas pressure generated by the gas source 41 may be routed to a suitable position (such as in the second portion 47, in a pneumatic bladder, or for a plunger of a beverage making machine) , The beverage medium may be forced from the second portion 47.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a beverage medium exiting the second portion 47 may be directed to a precursor liquid inlet 47a, for example, where carbonated water is introduced into the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes four precursor inlet ports, although other numbers of ports may be used. In addition, the upper surface of the support 72 around the spike 73 is arranged to provide a flow path for the beverage medium, thereby directing the beverage medium to a region near the precursor liquid inlet 47a. For example, FIG. 21 shows a top view of a portion of the support 72 that lies beneath the second portion 47. In this embodiment, the support portion 72 forms four flow paths for the beverage medium 42 for movement from the vicinity of the spike 73 to each of the precursor liquid inlets 47a. As a result, when the second portion 47 is punctured by the spike 73 and the beverage medium is drained, the beverage medium will flow out to the inlet 47a. (The flow of beverage medium 42 may consist of both liquid and solid (e.g., powdered) beverage media.) Thus, the beverage medium may be promoted to dissolve more rapidly and / or completely For example, the beverage medium can be divided into relatively small portions to increase its surface area and contact with the precursor liquid. It will be appreciated that other arrangements may be used to route the beverage media transfer to the precursor liquid inlet 47a. For example, four spikes 73 may be provided on the support 72, and one spike 73 may be located near each inlet 47a. Thus, the second portion 47 can be perforated at a location adjacent each of the inlets 47a, thereby directing the beverage medium to exit directly from the second portion 47 into the inlet 47a. In another embodiment, spikes 73 may each include a flow channel (e.g., including a hollow perforation needle), such that beverage media 42 is introduced through spike 73 into inlet 47a Lt; / RTI > to a desired location adjacent to the desired location. Other configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

One feature of the arrangement shown in Fig. 21 is that the beverage medium can be introduced into the precursor liquid in a direction transverse to the flow of the precursor liquid, which is sufficient to break the flow of the beverage medium into smaller particles, It may be helpful in raising the rate. For example, the beverage media 42 introduced at each of the inlets 47a may flow generally vertically relative to the flow of the precursor liquid into the inlets 47a. Instead, the beverage medium will be able to be directed into the flow of the precursor liquid in a coaxial manner, for example the central flow of the beverage medium may be surrounded by the coaxial flow of the precursor liquid. For example, FIG. 22 shows the precursor liquid 2 in a plurality of positions where the beverage medium 42 is discharged from the second portion 27, for example, by a plurality of spikes 73 on the support portion 72, And the supporting portion 72 includes a flow channel for directing the fluid. The region where the precursor liquid 2 and the beverage medium 42 meet may be configured such that the liquid 2 generally surrounds the beverage medium 42 in a co-axial flow, for example. The flow rate of each flow may be adjusted to help improve mixing or to help improve other properties of beverage production such as foam formation, air entrainment, and the like. For example, a rapidly flowing precursor liquid 2 may help draw the beverage media 42 and thin the beverage media 42, thereby exposing the beverage media 42 to liquid It may be helpful to increase the surface area of the beverage medium. For example, by providing a gradual elongated flow, the mixing chamber may be arranged to help improve this effect. Providing a coaxial flow of the precursor liquid and the beverage medium, in addition to potentially assisting the mixing, also prevents the beverage medium (which may have a relatively greater viscosity) from contacting the walls or other conduits of the mixing chamber And may help to reduce the opportunity for the beverage medium to stick to the wall. Indeed, a less viscous material (precursor liquid) may be directed to the wall or other conduit of the mixing chamber, and a more viscous material (beverage medium) may be located away from the wall. Additionally or alternatively, prior to introduction of the beverage medium, a less viscous material may be introduced into the mixing chamber to assist in preventing the beverage medium from sticking to the chamber wall, Lt; / RTI >

The embodiment of FIGS. 17-20 also includes a support portion 72 and a third portion 62 located below the second portion 47. The precursor liquid introduced through the precursor liquid inlet 47a and the beverage medium 42 forced from the second portion 47 may be used for other processing, And may enter the third portion 62. In this embodiment, for example, the third portion 62 may include a funnel shape, but may be arranged in other manners, to induce swirl movement of the precursor liquid and beverage medium to aid mixing. For example, the third portion 62 may be an eductor (e.g., for incorporating air, liquids, or other materials into the beverage), e.g., a speed of the beverage medium flow and / A jet (e.g., to increase contact with the cartridge), a flow straightener (e.g., to help dispense the beverage from the cartridge in a predictable and desired manner), and the like. Similar to the first portion 46, the third portion 62 may be integrally formed with the support portion 72 or may be made of separate components and coupled to the support portion 72. Of course, if, for example, the beverage making machine using the cartridge 4 comprises a mixing chamber or other feature, the third part 62 does not require a cartridge.

17-20 illustrate an arrangement 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 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge, similar to FIGS. 17-20, but with the first chamber 46 positioned directly beneath the second portion 47. Also, for example, the first portion 46 may be arranged around a portion of the third chamber 62 to help the cartridge become more compact. 23 has a first portion 46 around the part of the third portion 62 as well as a second portion 47 below the plane and a first portion 46 below the plane It will be possible to integrate aspects of the invention in relation to having. In order to facilitate the handling of the cartridge 4 by the user, for example, as in the cartridges of Figures 17-20, and / or to assist in protecting the portion of the cartridge 4 from damage, and / The cartridge of Figure 23 may include sidewalls extending around the periphery of such cartridge 4 to assist in properly orienting the cartridge 4 when associated with the cartridge 4. 17-23 may include other physical features such as features to help ensure proper orientation and placement of the cartridge 4 when associated with a beverage making machine. For example, the cartridge of Figs. 17-23 may include a vertical sidewall extending around the support 72, for example, forming a wall around a portion of the other cartridge 4. Such a configuration may help to protect the cartridge component from damage (e.g., accidental puncturing of the second portion 47) and may facilitate handling of the cartridge (e.g., Table), and / or may assist in properly positioning the cartridge with respect to the beverage machine.

In another aspect of the invention, the second portion of the cartridge may comprise two or more sub-portions, each of which maintains a corresponding volume of the beverage media 42, respectively. For example, in order to allow different amounts of beverage media to be used in the manufacture of beverages, to provide a gradual discharge of different beverage media (e.g., the resulting beverage has a foam provided on top of the beverage (E.g., a flavored beverage medium may be dispensed prior to the forming medium), incompatible components (e.g., components that are not well mixed with each other, or beads in an undesirable manner prior to beverage formation For example, to accommodate separation of the beverage media (e.g., components that react together), etc., the controllable number of lower-portions may lead to delivering the corresponding filling of the beverage media. For example, the second portion 47 of the embodiment of FIG. 23 may include two or more pouches formed in the interior of the second chamber 47, for example, separated from each other by a fragile impermeable membrane will be. Thus, the plunger of the beverage making machine will be able to depress the second portion 47, with a corresponding amount to induce delivery of the appropriate number of lower portions. For example, the sub-portions may be laminated and separated by a respective membrane, such as a layer of cake. The initial depression of the second portion 47 will cause the lowest subportion to be opened and deliver its contents. Additional depressions by the plunger may induce the next subportion to open and direct its contents to be delivered, and so forth. In this manner, any desired number of sub-portions may be deployed or not deployed, as selectively set by the user of the machine itself. By having the separate lower portion, less of all the beverage media in the cartridge can be used for the formation of beverage, while the leakage of unused beverage media can be minimized when the cartridge is removed from the beverage production machine will be.

In another aspect of the invention, the first portion of the cartridge may be moved relative to the second portion to force the beverage medium to exit the second portion. For example, FIGS. 24-27 each illustrate an exploded view, perspective view, and cross-sectional view along with the beverage media in the second portion and a cross-sectional view of the beverage medium being ejected from the second portion of the cartridge, 1 portion may act as a plunger for driving the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge. The first portion 46 may be at least partially formed by a cup-shaped element received within the first chamber wall, for example, the second portion 47. The second portion may be at least partially formed by a second chamber wall forming a second space, e.g., where the beverage media is located. To eject the beverage media from the second portion of the cartridge, the first chamber wall of the first portion 46 would be received into the second space and moved relative to the second chamber wall. For example, Figures 26 and 27 illustrate how the first portion 46 is moved downward relative to the second portion 47 to further receive the first portion into the second portion to force the beverage medium from the second portion Show. In essence, the first portion 46 will function as a plunger in the second space of the second portion 47 to force the beverage medium 42 into the outlet of the second portion. The movement of the first portion 46 relative to the second portion 47 may be controlled by the beverage making machine including a motor drive for moving the first portion 46 in any manner, The second portion 47 is moved to the first portion 46 (the first portion 46) by introducing the gas pressure into the bladder which causes the gas pressure to expand and cause movement of the first portion 46 By moving it upward with respect to the object (s) that will be maintained (s). The cartridge 4 may also include a lock element that prevents relative movement of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 until released by the user and / or the beverage making machine. The second portion 47 may include an outlet closure in the beverage media outlet 47b that is open in response to mechanical breakage in response to the increased pressure in the second portion 47, . As such, the outlet 47b of the second portion 47 may be opened in any suitable manner to allow the beverage media 42 to escape the second portion 47.

Another aspect of the invention that is incorporated in this embodiment is that the mixing chamber portion (third portion) of the cartridge may partially surround the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. Such an arrangement may help not only to make the cartridge 4 more compact, but also to provide a larger space through which the precursor liquid and beverage medium can be moved to facilitate mixing. Further, the total size of the cartridge may be reduced when the first portion is coupled with the arrangement contained within the second portion, particularly after use of the cartridge. Also, the third portion may be made reusable, for example, if necessary, the user may remove and clean the third portion, and for each new beverage to be made, the first and second You will be able to replace the parts. This feature provides the possibility of allowing the user to replace only the third part used with the cartridge, while helping to reduce the waste, and if necessary, as well. In this embodiment, the third portion 62 is arranged with a vane, pin or other feature to aid in inducing movement of the precursor liquid and the beverage medium, for example to aid mixing. However, other arrangements are possible. (As with any feature described herein, vanes, pins, or other features may be used with any suitable cartridge configuration to assist in inducing mixing.) It is also contemplated that a different, Arrangements may be provided for different beverages. For example, in order to help reduce the loss of carbonic acid due to turbulent flow of liquid, a large amount of carbonated beverage made from a readily soluble beverage medium, for example, Three portions may be provided. However, in other beverages such as hot chocolate, to help mix and without worrying about loss of carbonates (because the beverage is not carbonated), more turbulent movements may be induced in the third chamber. Accordingly, by providing, at least in part, different cartridge arrangements, the beverage making machine may still be configured to produce a wide variety of hot, cold, carbonated and other beverages.

The proximity of the gas supply source 41 and the beverage medium 42 within the cartridge 4 will be able to provide the cartridge 4 with the possibility of controlling or utilizing the heat generated by the gas supply source 41. [ For example, the heat generated by the zeolitic gas source material during gas release may be absorbed by the beverage media 42. If the beverage medium 42 is a relatively viscous liquid at low temperature, the heating of the beverage medium 42 by the gas source 41 will lower the viscosity of the beverage medium and improve the dissolution into the precursor liquid There will be. Additionally or alternatively, the intake of the heat from the gas source 41 by the beverage medium 42 or other portion of the cartridge 4 may help prevent or otherwise prevent excessive heat from accumulating in the cartridge 4 . This may help to reduce the risk of thermal damage to the cartridge and / or may cause the gas supply 41 to release gas more efficiently, for example, when a high heat level interferes with the gas discharge You can help.

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may be arranged to have a gas outlet and a beverage media outlet on the same side of the cartridge container. In some embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise an activator inlet and / or a precursor liquid inlet, wherein fluid is provided through such activator inlet to activate the gas source, and precursor liquid is introduced into the container through the precursor liquid inlet And mixed with the beverage medium on the side of the same container as the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. Such an arrangement would allow the cartridge to be conveniently handled and utilized. For example, by providing the inlet (s) and outlet (s) on the same side of the cartridge, the interface between the beverage making machine and the cartridge may be simplified. For example, in some cases, the cartridge may be simply plugged into the beverage preparation machine in a simple manner, with a necessary connection made in one localized area on the single side of the cartridge, will be.

28-30 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge including a gas outlet, a beverage media outlet, an active agent inlet, and a precursor liquid inlet, all located on the same side of the container. In this embodiment, the first and second portions 46, 47 of the cartridge container may be combined together to form the first and second portions 46, 47, For example, a pair of foil laminates, which forms a pair of pouches for the barrier layer 79. The barrier layer 79 is formed by a pair of foil laminates. Of course, the containers may be arranged differently and may be arranged by a molded plastic body forming first and second portions 46, 47 having, for example, a shape similar to that shown in FIG. A layer of barrier material 79 is bonded together to form the first and second portions 46 and 47 and at least partially to the gas outlet 46b, the activator inlet 46a, the precursor liquid inlet 47a, And an insert 74 forming a beverage media outlet 47b. In this embodiment, the insert 74 includes a pair of molded plastic parts arranged to improve the bonding of the barrier layer to the insert 74 as well as to form the inlet / outlet. For example, the inner part of the insert 74 may be bonded to the barrier material 79 to allow the cartridge 4 to include the gas source 41 and the beverage media 42, (Which may form an inlet / outlet interface to the beverage production apparatus) to be able to close the first and second portions 46, 47. However, other arrangements may be possible, such as the insert 74 is omitted and a layer of barrier material 79 is punched as needed to form the inlet / outlet, or a single piece insert 74. In this embodiment, the insert 74 is arranged to close the inlet / outlet with a foil cover, for example, and requires perforation of each inlet / outlet to open the inlet / outlet. Alternatively, at least one of the inlets / outlets may include a closure, which closes the inlet / outlet to an appropriate pressure threshold value for destroying the tab, peeling the foil cover from the inlet / outlet, Opening the outlet, or the like.

By forming the first and second portions 46, 47 in a side-by-side arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 28-30, the surface area between the first and second portions 46, 47 can be reduced and / The moisture permeability will be reduced so that the movement of moisture from the beverage medium 42 in the second portion 47 into the first portion 46 may be reduced. That is, if the beverage medium has moisture (like in some concentrated syrups), water will be able to travel from the beverage medium 42 into the first portion 46, It may be possible to activate the partial activation of the gas source 41 (if it can be activated by the gas source 41). This may cause problems when the wall or other element separating the beverage media 42 from the gas source 41 is relatively transmissive. However, a side-by-side arrangement such as that shown in Figures 28-30 may allow adjustment of the width of the barrier layer seals between the portions 46,47, thereby allowing control of the permeability of the joint . The relative position of the first and second portions 46, 47 (e.g., in the embodiment of Figures 12 and 17, the moisture is not most likely to migrate from the beverage media 42 to the gas source, (For example, due to the physical separation of such portions), etc., other arrangements may be used to reduce the transfer of moisture between the first and second portions 46, 47 (or other cartridge portions) It can be used.

Another aspect of the invention that is incorporated into this embodiment is that the gas outlet 46b is connected to the gas outlet of the first portion (through which the gas source 41 is located), through the filter 46c, and And a conduit 46d extending into the gas outlet portion of the first portion. Although conduit 46d is formed by a tube in this embodiment, conduit 46d may be formed by the barrier layer itself, for example, by joining the barrier layer in a manner to form conduit 46d. There will be. According to another aspect of the invention and as can be seen in Figures 28-30, it may be helpful to keep the gas source material 41 in the gas source portion of the first portion and to allow the primary gas to pass through the filter 46c The barrier layer is joined together in a pattern to form a filter 46c that allows it to pass through the gas outlet portion of the first portion and in the gas outlet portion of the first portion the gas enters the conduit 46d, And can pass through the gas outlet 46b. (Or other suitable) shape and gas source material 41 (or other suitable shape) that are separated from each other by a suitable distance, although the barrier layer 79 may be coupled together to form a filter 46c, At a location that has a configuration that helps to prevent it from passing between bonded regions. However, a piece of filter paper, a hydrophobic non-woven material that allows gas passage but inhibits liquid passage, or a gas that allows gas to travel towards conduit 46d, but which inhibits movement of the gas source material and / Such as other elements, such as, for example, other elements. In addition or alternatively to the filter 46c, a filter element, such as a filter plug in the conduit 46d, may be provided to assist in further preventing the gas source material 41 from moving out of the gas outlet 46b The conduit 46d may be included. According to another aspect of the invention, the conduit of the gas outlet 46b may extend from the lower end of the first portion 46 to the upper end of the first portion 46, without the presence of the filter 46c. Instead, it may be possible to rely on gravity to keep the gas source material 41 moving toward the top of the first portion 46 and not entering the conduit 46d. Alternatively, a filter (as described above) in conduit 46d may serve to prevent gas source material from entering conduit 46d. Thus, the distal end of the conduit at the upper end of the first portion 46 will be able to receive the released gas and will be able to conduct the gas to the gas outlet 46b.

The manner in which the barrier layer 79 is combined together to form the first chamber 46 including for example the filter 46c helps to maintain the gas source material 41 in a fixed bed arrangement . That is, the gas supply source 41 can be relatively reliably maintained such that the gas supply source 41 does not move freely in the first portion 46. [ This will help control the wetting of the gas source 41 because it will be able to perceive the distribution of the gas source in the first portion 46 and it will predict the interaction of the activating fluid with the gas source And can be repeated. For example, the gas source 41 can be arranged to allow free movement of gas through a fixed bed of material, by sizing and shaping the particles of the gas source material to prevent it being packed extremely tightly There will be. In an alternative embodiment, instead of arranging the cartridge to apply a force onto the gas source 41 to form a fixed bed of material, an external force is applied onto the first portion 46 to form a fixed bed of material . ≪ / RTI > For example, the gas supply source 41 may be squeezed within the first portion 46 using the air bladder arrangement described above, whereby the gas supply source 41 within the first portion 46 It will be prevented from flowing. 24, a first portion 46 may be provided in the upper end of the gas source 41 to assist in maintaining the gas source 41 in a fixed bed arrangement. For example, in another cartridge embodiment, Such as a resilient sponge material or permeable membrane that is disposed on the first portion 46 and is attached to the wall of the first portion 46.

Another aspect of the invention that is incorporated into this embodiment includes a precursor liquid inlet 47a that includes a conduit extending into a second portion 47 that is arranged to introduce precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit I can do it. For example, such an arrangement, as can be seen in FIG. 30, would be able to assist in better distribution of the liquid in the second portion and would be able to pass through the second portion 47 through the beverage media outlet 47b Be able to help mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. Help to prevent the beverage media 42 from entering the conduit and its perforations or other openings, for example, to help ensure that the precursor liquid flows more uniformly and predictably into the second portion 47 Feature may be provided. For example, a perforated conduit in a vulnerable cover that separates the conduit from the beverage media 42 prior to use, but which may be broken, dissolved or otherwise opened to allow precursor liquid to enter the second portion 47, It will be able to be sheathed. In other embodiments, the conduit may include a plug, filter, or other component to help prevent the beverage media from entering the conduit and / or its perforation. To form a flow path extending along the length of the second portion 47, for example, as in the gas outlet conduit, and by having a plurality of outlets along its length, to distribute the fluid into the second portion 47 A precursor liquid inlet conduit may be formed by the barrier layer, which may be combined to assist. Such an outlet may be configured to be closed prior to use of the cartridge, but may be ruptured or otherwise opened by introduction of the precursor liquid into the second portion 47. Such an arrangement may also provide additional features that allow the second portion 47 to be squeezed to release the beverage medium. In yet another embodiment, the precursor inlet 47a may include a trouser valve, e.g., a flat, relatively flexible tube, which may be folded or rolled in the second portion prior to use of the cartridge will be. With the introduction of the precursor liquid into the inlet 47a, the trouser valve will be unrolled and unfolded, thereby allowing the precursor liquid to enter the second portion 47. However, the rolled / folded configuration of the valve prior to deployment may prevent the beverage media from entering the precursor liquid inlet 47a.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement that allows the second portion 47 to be squeezed or otherwise manipulated by an external force to induce the beverage medium to exit from the beverage media outlet 47b. This feature may be used whether a precursor liquid is introduced into the second portion 47 or not. For example, the cartridge may be modified to exclude the precursor liquid inlet 47a, and instead, the second portion 47 may be compressed to form a mixture with the precursor liquid outside the cartridge 4, for example, The beverage medium 42 may be forced to escape through the beverage media outlet 47b. Alternatively, to assist in reducing liquid removal from the second portion, for example, and to help reduce dripping of the cartridge when removed from the beverage making machine, after the precursor liquid has been introduced into the second portion 47 , The second portion 47 may be squeezed. In yet another arrangement, the cartridge holder of the beverage making machine may apply force to the cartridge, which tends to squeeze the second portion 47 and discharge the beverage media 42, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > liquid < / RTI > Thus, the second portion 47 can be inflated to receive the precursor liquid 2, but when the pressure liquid 2 is stopped, the cartridge holder presses the second portion 47 to substantially empty the contents It will be possible. It will be possible to apply a compression force using the cartridge holder in any of a variety of ways, for example employing an air bladder to which a suitable air pressure is applied to squeeze the cartridge in the cartridge holder. For example, the force of the air bladder or other component may be varied to assist in the mixing of the beverage media and / or the release of the beverage medium from the second portion 47. For example, the pressure applied to the bladder may be relatively high to release the beverage medium from the second portion 47 and reduce the volume of the second portion 47 during the initial portion of the beverage production. Thereafter, the pressure of the bladder may be released or otherwise reduced, allowing the precursor liquid to be introduced into the second portion 47 and enlarging its volume. Again, the pressure of the bladder will be increased to release the mixed liquid and beverage medium from the second portion 47, and reduce the volume of the second portion 47. This circulation of the bladder pressure may be repeated to achieve more mixing and / or complete discharge of the beverage medium 42 in the second portion 47. Again, other arrangements such as motor driven walls, plungers, rollers, etc. may be used, so that the air bladder does not need to perform this function. Briefly, the cartridge may be manipulated by an external force before, during, or after the introduction of the precursor liquid, to aid in mixing, emptying the drink medium and / or reducing dripping of the cartridge after use.

As described above, the system schematic diagram shown in Figs. 1-4 is merely a few possible arrangements with respect to the beverage manufacturing system 1. For example, Figure 31 is another schematic diagram of a beverage production system 1 that can utilize any of the cartridge arrangements or alternative cartridge arrangements described herein. In this embodiment, the reservoir 11 is arranged to provide the precursor liquid 2 to the contactor 6 by gravity feed and / or gas pressure. Of course, other arrangements, such as for example using a pump, would be able to transfer liquid from the reservoir 11 to the contactor 6. In addition, although the contactor 6 is shown in this exemplary embodiment and the other embodiments described below, other carbonation or gas dissolving devices, such as carbonated tanks, may be used instead. The system 1 of Figure 31 will be able to operate as follows: valves V1 and V2 are opened so that the gravity feed through the contactor 6 to the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 2 < / RTI > The liquid 2 can activate the gas source 41 and such gas source emits gas directed to the contactor 6. A portion of the gas introduced into the contactor 6 may be dissolved into the liquid 2 in the contactor 6 while another part of the gas may be directed to the storage container 11. [ The gas provided to the reservoir 11 may increase the pressure in the reservoir 11 and thereby force the liquid 2 to flow towards the contactor 6. [ The pressure in the storage vessel 11 may help to raise the overall carbonation level of the precursor liquid, for example by pre-carbonating the water as the storage vessel 11 acts as a carbonation tank. The increased acidity of the liquid 2 in the storage vessel 11 may also help reduce scale buildup and / or bacterial growth in the storage vessel. By controlling the valve V3 to control the amount of gas entering the storage vessel 11, the pressure in the storage vessel 11 may be controlled. In addition, it will be possible to control the amount of liquid 2 entering the first portion 46 by controlling the valve V2, thereby controlling the activation of the gas source 41. Valve V2 is operated such that liquid 2 (e.g. carbonated liquid 2) having an appropriate amount of dissolved gas is introduced into second portion of cartridge 4 for mixing with beverage media 42, (47). ≪ / RTI > If desired, other valves may be provided in this and other embodiments to vent gas from a gas dissolving device (e.g., contactor 6). The optional valve V4 will be opened to allow the formed beverage to flow into the waiting cup or other holder 8 and the optional valve will open allowing the gas pressure to be vented from the gas side of the contactor 6 . By feeding the gas emitted by the gas supply source 41 to the storage vessel 11 it is possible to dispense the liquid to the outside of the storage vessel 11, the contactor 6 and the second part 47 of the cartridge 4, By pushing gas, the system will be flushed with liquid. This may help prevent dripping of the cartridge 4 when the cartridge is removed from the system 1 and / or prevent stagnating liquid in the system 1 between uses It can help to prevent. For example by providing the desired amount of liquid to the storage vessel 11 or by the system 1 itself, for example, to fill the storage vessel 11 with an appropriate level The volume level of the liquid used to form the beverage may be controlled by the fill level sensor, by a flow meter that detects the volume of water delivered to the second portion 47, and so on.

Fig. 32 shows a schematic view of another beverage production system 1, and such beverage production system 1 can again be used with any suitable cartridge arrangement. In this embodiment, the storage vessel 11 provides the precursor liquid 2 to the contactor 6 under the control of the valve V4. Although gravity is employed in this embodiment, the liquid 2 may flow into the contactor 6 by gravity, pump, gas pressure, or the like. The liquid provided to the gas supply source 41 for activating the gas supply source 41 is controlled by the valve V1 and the valve V1 is controlled by the elapsed time, the sensed gas pressure, the detected volume in the cartridge 4 , ≪ / RTI > and the like. With the appropriate gas released by the gas source 41 and routed to the contactor 6, the valve V4 is opened and now the carbonated liquid or other liquid with dissolved gas is mixed with the beverage medium 42 The second portion 47 of the cartridge 4, as shown in FIG. Again, the liquid need not be routed to the second portion 47, but instead the beverage medium may be routed to the mixing chamber portion or other region of the cartridge in which it is mixed with the liquid 2. Instead, the liquid 2 may be directly delivered to the cup 8 where the liquid is mixed with the beverage medium. The valve V3 will be open allowing the beverage to flow from the cartridge 4 into the cup 8. At appropriate timing, for example, before, during or after beverage formation, valve V5 may be opened to allow ice 2a to be delivered to cup 8. The ice 2a may play an additional role in helping to cool the precursor liquid 2 in the storage vessel 11 prior to being transferred to the cup 8. For example, a filter or other separator may be employed within the storage vessel 11 between the ice and the precursor liquid 2 to help reduce bacterial contamination of the precursor liquid 2 using ice 2a. There will be. That is, for example, the ice 2a may be stored in the storage vessel 11 in the compartment separated from the liquid 2 by a permeable or impermeable barrier, and when the valve V5 is opened, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 8 < / RTI > It should also be noted that any gas pressure in the contactor 6 may be vented by a valve or other suitable arrangement before, during or after beverage formation.

33 shows another schematic view of a beverage forming system 1 that can be used with any suitable number and / or combination of different features or aspects of the invention, similar to the others. In this embodiment, the storage vessel 11 will be able to maintain the same volume of precursor liquid 2 as some beverages. Thus, the system 1 will be able to produce a plurality of beverages without the need to add liquid to the storage container 11. The pump 13 and the valve V1 control the flow of liquid through the contactor 6 and into the second portion 47 of the cartridge 4. The gas source 41 may be activated in any suitable manner to release the gas routed to the gas side of the contactor 6 under the control of the valve V2. For example, the gas source 41 may emit gas in response to exposure to microwave, thermal heating energy, other electromagnetic radiation, liquid water, water vapor, or the like. The gas released by the gas source 41 will be able to dissolve into the liquid 2 in the contactor 6 and then the liquid can be mixed with the beverage medium 42 in the cartridge 4, There will be. For example, it may be incorporated into the cartridge and assist in further mixing of the liquid and beverage media, help direct the beverage into the cup 8, and assist in foaming or aerating in the beverage V3 can control the flow of the beverage from the system 1, through a nozzle that can assist with,

Although Figs. 31-33 have been described with respect to the orientation of all or substantially all of the precursor liquid 2 used to form the beverage through the cartridge 4, other arrangements are possible. For example, as described above, only a portion of the liquid 2 may be dispensed into the cartridge 4 (e.g., a dispenser) to dispense the beverage media 42 from the cartridge 4 While the rest of the liquid 2 may be routed directly into the cup 8 (or other mixing chamber). Also included in the system 1 is a cooler circuit comprising, for example, a thermoelectric device, a refrigerating device, a heat exchanger using user-supplied ice, or other arrangements so that the gas before, during, and / And / or cool the precursor liquid 2 before, during, and / or after mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid.

Fig. 34 shows another exemplary embodiment of the beverage production system 1. Fig. In this embodiment, the storage vessel 11 includes three portions: a main storage vessel portion 11a, a gas source activation portion 11b, and a pre-mix portion 11c. Initially, the main storage vessel portion 11a can be filled to the desired level, and the gas source activation portion 11b and the pre-mixing portion 11c can be emptied. At the start of the beverage forming cycle, the plunger 11d may be lowered into the main reservoir portion 11a, which causes the controlled amount of the precursor liquid 2 to reach the gas source activating portion 11b and the pre- 11c < / RTI > Thereafter, as the plunger 11d is additionally inserted into the main storage container portion 11a, the plunger 11d will be able to form a seal with the main storage container portion 11a, and accordingly any additional amount of liquid (2) is prevented from being transmitted into the gas supply source activating portion (11b) and the pre-mixing portion (11c). The liquid 2 may be guided from the main storage container portion 11a through the contactor 6 by further lowering the plunger 11d (and opening the valve V1). In addition, the liquid 2 in the gas supply activating portion 11b will be forced through valve V2 (opened) and into the first portion 46 of the cartridge to activate the gas supply 41. For example, valve V2 may control the amount of liquid delivered to first portion 46 to control the amount and / or pressure of the gas being released, and if valve V2 is closed, The liquid in the portion 11b is allowed to escape when the plunger 11d is moved so as not to inhibit the movement of the plunger 11d. The pressure of the gas emitted by the gas source delivered to the contactor 6 is additionally or alternatively controlled by the pressure regulating valve V4. Thus, the desired gas pressure may be maintained within the gas side of the contactor 6. The liquid 2 in the pre-mixing portion 11c may also be forced to flow into the second portion 47 of the cartridge 4 for mixing with the beverage medium 42. [ By physical disturbance of the material in the second portion 47, such as by kneading, stirring, shaking, etc., of the second portion 47 (e.g., by a roller or other element) Mixing of media may be considered. This may help pre-mix beverage media 42 and make subsequent mixing with additional precursor liquid 2 more effective. With the valve V3 open, the pre-mixed beverage media 42 may be part of a mixing nozzle or other chamber (e.g., the third portion 62 of the cartridge 4) The liquid 2 with the dissolved gas from the contactor 6 may also be introduced into the mixing nozzle. (Valve V3 in these and other embodiments may include a valve that is integrated into cartridge 4, such as a burst valve, duckbill valve, split diaphragm, or the like.) The mixed precursor liquid The beverage media 2 and beverage media 42 may be routed to a waiting cup 8 or other container.

35 shows another exemplary embodiment of a beverage production system 1, including one or more aspects of the invention, similar to the previous embodiments. This exemplary embodiment includes a pair of syringe pumps 13a and 13b which are connected to the precursor liquid 13a through one of the pumps 13 and through the contactor 6 and into the other pump 13 and vice versa, (2). In this manner, the system 1 may pass the precursor liquid 2 more than once through the contactor 6, as desired, for example to increase the amount of dissolved gas in the precursor liquid 2 . Of course, the system 1 may be connected to the contactor or other gas dissolving device 11 in a different manner, such as by a single pump directing the liquid from the storage vessel 11, through the contactor 6 and back to the storage vessel 11, It is possible to achieve a plurality of passing through. However, in this embodiment, the syringe pump 12a is arranged to draw the precursor liquid 2 through the valve V1 from the cup 8 or other container. The user will thus be able to place the cup 8 containing the desired quantity or type of precursor liquid 2 in relation to the system 1 and the system 1 will be able to dispense the precursor liquid 2 2) may be used to form the beverage. Valve V1 or any location filter may help to reduce the number of bacteria or other organisms entering system 1 and thereby help to reduce potential system contamination. Further, by controlling the stroke length of the syringe piston, by detecting the flow in the flow meter, by detecting the level of the liquid in the pump or other storage vessel, etc., the syringe pump 13 or other pump The arrangement may be configured to draw an appropriate volume of liquid 2 from cup 8.

The valve V1 can be closed with the precursor liquid 2 sucked into the first syringe pump 13a and the valve 13a can be closed by the valve 13a so as to force the liquid 2 into the contactor 6. [ (V2) may be opened. (Fig. 35 shows that there may be a gas as well as the liquid 2 in the pump 13a, but there may be a case where no gas is present in the pump 13a.) On the other hand, (Or other valve) may allow some liquid 2 to flow into the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 to activate the gas source 41. Thus, as the liquid 2 passes through the contactor 6, the liquid will be able to dissolve the gas emitted by the gas source 41. Valve V3 may be arranged to allow liquid 2 flowing from the contactor 6 to enter the second syringe pump 13b for temporary storage. When the desired amount of liquid is delivered from the first syringe pump 13a to the second syringe pump 13b through the contactor 6, the flow may be reversed by the second syringe pump 13b, Flow through the contactor 6 and into the first syringe pump 13a may be induced. For example, to achieve the desired level of carbonation of liquid 2, based on the output of the carbonated detector, this cycle may be repeated as many times as desired. Once the carbonation or other gas dissolution is complete, the liquid is introduced into the second portion 47 of the cartridge for mixing with the beverage medium 42 (for example, through valve V4 opening) The valve V3 may be arranged so as to communicate with the valve 8. A system such as that shown in Figure 33 may allow a user to define a carbonic acid or other dissolved gas level for the beverage and prior to or after mixing the beverage medium with the precursor liquid 2, It may be operated to dissolve the gas into the precursor liquid 2 to a set level.

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may be arranged to control the flow of the activating fluid into the cartridge for activation of the gas source. As mentioned above, one option is for the beverage making machine to have a flow control of the activating fluid into the cartridge. However, the cartridge itself may also help control the activation of the gas source. Such an arrangement would allow the cartridge itself to define a carbonation or other gas dissolution level, thus allowing different cartridges to define different gas dissolution levels, without altering system operation. For example, FIG. 36 shows a schematic view of a first portion 46 of a cartridge 4 including a flow controller 76 in the form of a valve (such as a pressure regulator or a pressure activated valve). An activating fluid (e.g., water) may be provided at the activator inlet 46a under the set pressure. When the pressure in the first portion 46 is suitably low, the flow controller 76 may be opened to allow water to enter the first portion 46, which induces activation of the gas source 41 . However, once the pressure in the first portion 46 reaches the threshold level, the flow controller 76 will close and stop the flow of water into the first portion 46. This interruption of flow will have a tendency to lower the pressure in the first portion 46 as the gas is routed or vented to the contactor or other gas dissolving device and when the pressure is again properly lowered, (76) may be opened again. In this embodiment, a flow controller 76 is shown as including a spring that urges the valve gate to close, wherein the force of the spring is set to provide adequate gas pressure control within the first portion 46 . However, as found in the regulator valve, other arrangements, such as an arrangement in which the high pressure in the first portion 46 expands the part of the cartridge to tighten (thereby closing) the flow path from the active agent inlet 46a It is possible. 37 and 38 illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which cartridge 4 includes a flow controller 76 similar to the flow controller of Fig. However, in this embodiment, the flow controller 76 (specifically, the upright strut functioning as a spring element) interacts with the part of the beverage production machine. Accordingly, when the cartridge 4 of this embodiment is properly associated with the beverage making machine, the flow controller 76 may be enabled to control the flow of the activated fluid into the cartridge. Other arrangements similar to those shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 are possible, including arrangements in which the beverage making machine can control the opening and closing of the flow controller 76 of the cartridge 4. For example, the arrangement of Figures 37 and 38 may be modified so that the beverage making machine moves the strut or other portion of the flow controller 76 (such as the valve gate) to allow the flow controller 76 to open and close will be. Other flow controller arrangements, such as membrane valves, flapper valves, plunger valves, etc., that can be operated and controlled by the beverage making machine are possible in such embodiments.

FIGS. 39-42 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for controlling the flow of an activating fluid into a cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 has an arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 38-30. The cartridges are shown in Figures 39 and 40 in an orientation mounted within the beverage making machine. An activating fluid inlet needle or other port extends into the activator inlet 46a of the cartridge and remains stationary during beverage formation. Also, the part of the cartridge 4 near the upper end is held stationary with respect to the fluid inlet needle. The distal end of the inlet needle is positioned with respect to the active agent inlet 46a of the cartridge 4 so that the activation fluid is delivered to the cartridge 4 when the pressure in the cartridge 4 is relatively low. However, when the pressure in the cartridge is increased, the cartridge is inflated, pulling the activator inlet 46a away from the inlet needle. This movement stops the flow of the activating fluid, and such flow is not resumed until the pressure in the cartridge drops and until the cartridge moves to the orientation shown in FIG. Figures 41 and 42 illustrate one arrangement of fluid inlet needles and activator inlet 46a for this embodiment. When the needle extends into the cartridge 4, the inlet needle has an opening on its side so that the activating fluid flow path is open. However, the retraction of the inlet needle into the activator inlet 46a blocks the flow path, thereby stopping the flow of the activating fluid. Other arrangements are possible for opening and closing the activated fluid flow path based on cartridge movement, such as valve within the activator inlet 46a that is opened and closed based on cartridge movement or pressure changes, and others.

43 and 44 show another arrangement for controlling the activation fluid control. In this embodiment, the cartridge again has an arrangement similar to that of Figures 28-30. When the activating fluid is supplied to the cartridge and when the gas source is activated (as shown in Figure 43), the cartridge will generate gas, which will accumulate in the pressure accumulation and cartridge 4 (as shown in Figure 44) . An increase in the size of the cartridge in at least one portion may activate the switch or other sensor 51 and such activation will cause the system controller 5 to stop the flow of the activation fluid to the cartridge 4. [ When the pressure is reduced, the size of the cartridge can be reduced and the switch or other sensor 51 will be deactivated, which allows the activation fluid flow to be resumed, if appropriate.

Figure 45 illustrates yet another embodiment having an arrangement similar to that of Figures 28-30. However, in this embodiment, both the gas outlet conduit 46d and the precursor inlet 47a conduit are formed by a suitable weld line joining the layers of barrier material 79. [ That is, the conduits for the precursor inlet and the gas outlet into the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, respectively, are formed only with the barrier layer 79, and do not include tubes or other structures. As a result, by tightening the cartridge 4 to close either or both of the inlets 46a, 47a, the flow of the activation fluid and / or the precursor liquid into the cartridge will be controllable. It will be appreciated that the gas from the cartridge and / or the outlet of the beverage medium may similarly be controlled. The flow control may be based on any suitable criteria, such as the detected gas pressure, an elapsed timer, a detected movement of a portion of the cartridge or cartridge (e.g., caused by an increase in pressure within the cartridge) will be.

46 shows another exemplary embodiment relating to the control of the flow of the activating fluid into the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 has an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 23 and has a flexible wall or other part in the first portion 46 of the cartridge. As a result, when the pressure in the first portion 46 is increased to or above the threshold level, the flexible wall may expand outwardly. Movement of the cartridge wall or other part may be detected by the beverage manufacturing system 1, such as by a switch or other sensor 51, for example. In response, the controller 5 can stop the flow of the activating fluid into the cartridge 4 until the pressure in the first portion 46 is reduced, and the movable part of the cartridge reacts or otherwise moves Appropriate pressure drop is indicated. In such an embodiment, the movable part representing the pressure in the first part will comprise a flexible wall, and other configurations, such as a movable piston or plunger, will be possible.

Figures 47 and 48 show another embodiment relating to control of activation in the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes a flow controller 76 in the form of a valve that can be tightened by the valve actuator 81 of the beverage manufacturing system 1 and closed. In this embodiment, the pressure in the cartridge is sensed by a sensor 51 that detects the pressure in the line connected from the first portion 46. If an appropriately high pressure is detected, the system 1 will be able to guide the valve actuator 81 to move and tighten the valve of the flow controller 76 to close. If a threshold or lower pressure is detected, the valve actuator 81 will be able to cause the valve to open. In this embodiment, the flow controller 76 has a relatively simple configuration in which a portion of the cartridge 4 can be moved to close the flow path (e.g., as in the embodiment of Figure 45) Other arrangements are possible, such as a valve having a valve gate, plunger, or other structure that can be activated by a valve actuator. For example, the flow controller 76 may include a membrane valve that controls the flow of the impermeable membrane toward and into the port and into the first portion 46.

49 and 50 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the cartridge can control the flow of the activating fluid into the cartridge 4 independently of the beverage making machine, for example, as in Fig. In this embodiment, the cartridge includes a flow controller 76 that includes a valve that can be opened and closed by the pressure in the first portion 46. Accordingly, the flow controller 76 may include a pressure regulator-type valve that automatically controls the pressure within the first portion 46 to be within the desired pressure range. 49, since the pressure in the first portion is within or below the desired pressure range, the valve is opened to allow the flow of the activating fluid into the first portion 46. In Figure 50, the pressure in the first portion 46 has risen above the desired pressure range, and thus the pressure on the right side of the valve (fluidly connected with the first portion 46) To stop the flow of the activating fluid. In this embodiment, the pressure in the first portion controlled by the flow controller 76 can be highly dependent on the pressure of the incoming activated fluid. That is, for example, in one case, the pressure in the first portion 46 necessarily exceeds the pressure of the inlet fluid into which the flow controller valve is closed so that the pressure of the activating fluid affects the operation of the valve The flow controller 76 may be arranged so as to be able to stop and stop the flow. This arrangement may allow the system 1 to operate different cartridges at different gas pressures within the first portion 46, for example by adjusting the pressure of the incoming activating fluid. In another embodiment, however, the operation of the flow controller 76 may be independent of the pressure of the activating fluid, and accordingly variations in the activation fluid pressure may not affect the controlled pressure in the first portion 46 . Such an arrangement can be used, for example, when the pump delivering the activator has a variable pressure, and / or when the pressure control in the cartridge is affected as desired by the ambient pressure, it may be useful if the operation of the system 1 at sea level requires a higher gas pressure, but operation at a higher altitude requires lower pressure. Possible valve configurations for the flow controller 76 are generally known in the art and are not described in detail herein. In addition, the flow controller 76 may operate in a binary manner (on / off), or may provide a variable flow rate.

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may include a filter in the first and / or second portion to separate the inlet from the outlet of the first and / or second portion. For example, a filter may be provided in the first portion of the cartridge to help prevent gas source material from escaping from the first portion. A filter is provided in the second portion of the cartridge such that a relatively large, undissolved particle (e.g., if the precursor liquid comprises an organism that can be filtered out of the precursor liquid prior to being fed as a beverage) (E.g., to help dissolve) and / or to assist in dispensing the precursor liquid within the second portion (e.g., to aid dissolution).

Figure 51 shows a cartridge having an arrangement similar to that of Figure 45, but this embodiment includes a filter (46) in the first portion and a filter (77) in the second portion (47). In this embodiment, filters 46c and 77 are formed by a single filter element that spans first and second portions 46 and 47, but other arrangements such as individual filter elements for each portion are also possible Do. The filter 46c is operative to prevent gas source material from being delivered to the gas outlet 46b while the filter 77 reduces microbial contamination of the beverage medium and beverage and / Of the surface area of the substrate. Figs. 52-54 illustrate another exemplary arrangement of filters used in a cartridge, similar to that in Fig. In this embodiment, a perforated or other layer of a suitable permeable material is interposed between the layers of the barrier material 79 such that the activator inlet 46a is permeable to the permeable material (the filter 46c in the first portion 46) And the precursor liquid inlet 47a is communicated with the beverage media outlet 47b by a permeable material (which forms the filter 77 in the second portion 47) . Again, the filters 46c and 77 may be formed in other ways, since the filter is only one of several possible embodiments. Figures 53 and 54 show how the filters 46c and 77 separate the respective inlets and outlets of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47. [ In Figure 53 it can be seen how the filter 77 provides space and into which the precursor liquid can enter the second portion 47 and penetrate through the filter 77 and into the beverage medium 42 It can be uniformly wetted. In Figure 54, it can be seen how the filter 46c provides a relatively large surface area for delivering the released gas through the filter 46c and to the gas outlet 46b.

Figure 55 shows a perspective view similar to Figures 52-54 showing how a single piece of permeable material forms the filters 46c and 77 in the cartridge. Permeable material can traverse the jig-jag path for the inlets 46a, 47a and the outlets 46b, 47b of the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, as can be seen. 55, a permeable material may be bonded to the insert 74 and / or the barrier material 79 to keep the inlet / outlet clean.

As described above, the cartridge may be configured to allow a user to interact with the cartridge to define one or more characteristics of the beverage to be produced. For example, a user may interact with a cartridge to define the level of carbonation, the sugar content of the beverage, the amount of beverage medium to use in making the beverage, and the like. Figures 56 and 57 illustrate an arrangement of cartridges, similar to Figure 45, but including a clip 78, wherein the clip is combined with the cartridge 4 to form an amount of beverage medium 42 Can be limited. In order to provide a continuously adjustable amount of beverage media that can be used, the clip 78 may be movable relative to the cartridge. For example, by limiting which portion of the gas source is exposed to the activating fluid, similar features may be used to define the amount of carbonation. Of course, the clip 78 is just one example of how the user interacts with the cartridge to define the beverage characteristics. For example, the cartridge may have one or more removable tabs, adjustable sliders, holes, or other features that may be removed or covered, etc., which may be adjusted by a user. The system controller 5 will be able to recognize the adjusted characteristics and thus control the system 1. Alternatively, the calibrated cartridge feature may itself be able to directly control the operation of the system. For example, a broken tab of the cartridge will be able to trigger the switch, such triggering will disable transmission of the activating fluid to the cartridge, thereby causing the machine to produce non-sparkling (or still) .

In another aspect of the invention, the cartridge may include a beverage outlet extending from the cartridge, for example, to a user's cup or other container or to a user's cup or other container. Such an extended outlet would help deliver the beverage to the cup in a non-splashing manner, help reduce the loss of carbonated or other dissolved gas, and / or allow the beverage to contact the beverage making machine It can help to reduce things. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge may include a trouser valve that includes two flat, elongate membranes that are sealed at opposite edges of the membrane along the length. If necessary, the trouser valve may be folded or rolled so that the fold or contact pressure at the rolled position closes the valve. In one embodiment, a relatively lightweight film can be used, for example, to help the valve form a proper seal when rolled or folded. When pressure is applied to the inner end of the trouser valve, the structure may be unfolded / unrolled and expanded in a triangular shape. The expansion of the trouser valve into the dispensing configuration will open any seals formed by the valve in the retracted state and allow the beverage to flow along the valve. The valve can be arranged to provide a smooth flow of the beverage through the tapered passages, potentially reducing the turbulence and the loss of carbonic acid losses prior to dispensing. In other embodiments, the cartridge may include a more rigid outlet conduit extending from the cartridge to conduct the beverage towards the user ' s cup. For example, a retractable tube in the cartridge will be able to extend under pressure accumulated within the cartridge. If desired, additional mixing may be included in the beverage outlet flow path, for example, by shaping the welded portion of the trouser valve to include an obstruction to enhance flow, for example, have. Also, due to the elasticity of the material used to manufacture the valve to induce valve folding, for example, the tracer valve can have a flat configuration after delivery of the beverage, so that when preparing for a cylindrical conduit of at least equal length, The outlet may or may not have residual drink. This will reduce leakage from the cartridge after use and will reduce the mess.

In another aspect of the invention, a cartridge (such as a mixing chamber portion) may comprise a mixer or other movable part that interacts with the beverage medium and / or the precursor liquid to enhance mixing of the beverage. For example, the movable part may be operated by interaction with the flow of the beverage medium or precursor liquid, such as a vibrating reed, a rotating blade, or other element. In another embodiment, a magnetic coupling that provides contactless movement of a direct drive shaft, mixer, or other movable part of a motor of a beverage making machine, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive that provides a transfer fluid to the cartridge to drive the mixer The movable part can be operated by an external driving part,

58-60 illustrate an assembly view, side view, and plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 that includes one or more aspects of the invention. 58, the cartridge 4 of this embodiment includes a first portion 46 and a second portion 46 which can be assembled such that the covers 45a and 45b of the portions 46 and 47 are adjacent to each other, 47). For example, the first portion 46 may be arranged such that the portion of the lid 45a is recessed below the top edge of the rim 462 of the first container portion 461 of the first portion 46 will be. So that the rim 472 of the second container part 471 of the second part 47 is fitted into the recess and is engaged with the rim 462 to hold the first part 46 and the second part 47 together Lt; / RTI > For example, a first portion 46 and a second portion 47 may be provided with friction or interference fit, such that the user can pull the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 apart by hand and without a tool, A rim 462, for example, may be included to receive the rim 472 to releasably retain the rim 462. As shown in Fig. Instead, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 may be formed of an adhesive, an overwrap film, a shrink-wrapping material at the junction between the first portion 46 and the second portion 47, In the assembled position shown in FIG. 58 by a band of tape, a piece of band or band extending from the first portion 46 to the second portion 47, or the like.

Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are positioned such that the first portion 46 is positioned below the plane and the second portion 47 is located above the plane, 47 may be arranged. In this case, the plane of the cartridge may be parallel and with respect to the portions of the covers 45a, 45b, or may be parallel to the planar portions of the parts of the covers 45a, 45b. The first portion 46 and the second portion 47 may be used with the beverage manufacturing machine on an assembled condition or may be separated from each other for example, It can be moved. As described above, the first and second portions 46, 47 may be oriented in different ways for interaction with the beverage making machine, such as in the side-by-side configuration shown in FIG. In this embodiment, although the first and second portions 46, 47 are not connected in Figure 59, similar to that shown in Figures 6-8, the first and second portions 46, It can be connected by a structure. Such a configuration may help to properly orient portions 46, 47 for interaction with the beverage production system.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first and second portions 46, 47 are separated by an impermeable barrier, for example, a lid 45a or a lid 45b, (However, the sheathing is not necessarily impermeable). 60, the lids 45a, 45b of the first and second portions 46, 47 may be arranged to receive a perforation element for the inlet and / or outlet of a gas or other fluid will be. (E. G., A needle, blade, etc.) for causing an activation, water vapor or other fluid to enter the first portion 46 and cause the gas source 41 to emit carbon dioxide or other gas. The lid 45a may be provided with an inlet region 451 arranged to receive perforations by the lid 45a. The lid 45a may also have an outlet region 452 arranged to receive a perforation to allow gas or other fluid to exit the first portion 46. However, as described above, if the lid 45a can be drilled at the same location for the fluid inlet / outlet, or if, for example, the lid 45a includes a defined port for the inlet / Or other portion of the first container part 461 is punctured at the lower end, the sidewall, or any point, such cover 45a may not be punctured at all.

Gas or other fluid, whether or not for mixing with the beverage media 42, or for mixing with a precursor liquid such as, for example, a user's cup, mixing chamber, The lid 45b may be provided with an inlet region 451 arranged so as to push the medium 42 out of the second portion 47 through the perforated hole in the lower end of the second portion 47, There will be. The second portion 47 may also include a filter component 48b to help prevent the beverage media 42 from contacting the perforation element that punctures the lid 45b. The filter component 48b may comprise a hydrophobic membrane, a piece of filter paper, or other suitable components, and may be attached to the cover 45b or other portion of the second container part 471. By avoiding the beverage media 42 from contacting the perforation element, unwanted contamination of the perforation element may be reduced or eliminated. Alternatively, or additionally (whether or not to be used to puncture the inlet and / or outlet opening of the first or second portion 46, 47, for example, The perforation element may be removably arranged from the beverage making machine. The second portion 47 may be crimped or crushed, or may be formed, for example, through a rupturable or otherwise vulnerable outlet or perforated hole The second portion 47 has a wall (e.g., a lid 45b or a side wall of the container portion 471) that is moved to press the beverage medium 42 to exit the second portion 47. [ The lid 45b can be down-pressed into the orientation shown in Figure 59 so that the beverage medium 42 can be pressed against the lower end of the second portion 47, for example, Through the opening in the part, to the outside of the second portion 47 Such pressing may be accomplished by a plunger or piston of a beverage making machine that presses down onto the lid 45b, thereby crushing the second portion 47 and releasing the beverage medium.

To help the user remove cover 45a for recycling or other purposes, cover 45a (or cover 45b) may have a pull tab (e.g., as shown in Figure 60) will be. For example, a user may wish to remove lid 45a from first container part 461 to remove gas source 41 after use. The gas source 41 may be received within a permeable bag or other holder, such as a plastic mesh bag, a filter paper pouch, or the like. This bag may help prevent the gas source 41 particles from escaping the first portion 46 and / or remove and recycle / dispose of the gas source 41 material within the first portion 46 It will be easy to do. Also, for example, in order to keep the gas supply 41 away from the lid 45a (for example, to avoid contact with the perforation element), a gas The gas supply source 41 is connected to the first portion (not shown) for arranging the source 41 (for example, to arrange the gas supply 41 in the layer or in the compartment for selective wetting) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 46, < / RTI >

Figures 61 and 62 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 4 comprising one or more aspects of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, similar to Fig. 58, the first and second portions 46, 47 are provided on the covers 45a, 45b of the planar, e.g. first and second portions 46, And may be arranged on opposite sides of a plane that is parallel and disposed in or between the covers. As described above, the terms "upper" and "lower" have been used for ease of illustration and because the cartridge 4 can be reversed from the position shown in FIG. 61, The first portion 46 may be referred to as being "above " the plane and the first portion 46 may be referred to as being" below " The first and second portions 46, 47 may be connected together by a portion of the lid 45a, 45b, i.e., the connector 45c, or other element. Thus, for example, for introduction into the beverage making machine and interaction with the beverage making machine, the first and second portions 46, 47 are moved from the position shown in Fig. Lt; / RTI > The connector 45c or other portion of the lid 45 (or of the cartridge 4) can be read by the beverage production system and controlled by the system operation to determine, for example, the level of carbonation, the beverage volume, Such as a barcode, RFID tag or other device, which may be used to control the device. Similar to the embodiment of Figs. 58-60, the first portion 46 is provided with a cover 45a perforated at one or more locations for introducing the activating fluid for carbonation or other purposes and / . Of course, it is of course advantageous to use an activating fluid and / or to protect the part of the first part 46 against the lid 45a (e.g., the lower end of the first part 46 when oriented as in FIG. 62) The first portion 46 may be operated to activate the gas supply source 41 and discharge the gas, in any suitable manner as described herein, such as to release the gas through the gas supply source 41. [ As in other embodiments, the first portion 46 may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as metal foil (e.g., aluminum) capsules.

Likewise, although the second portion 47 may be arranged in a number of different ways, in this embodiment the wall 47a of the second portion 47 moves so that the beverage medium 42 is in contact with the second portion 47 ) To be driven out. For example, a sheet of corrugated material (e.g., concentric) may be pressed from the lower end (as shown by arrow 200 in FIG. 61) so that wall 47a may collapse toward lid 45b (E.g., a sheet of aluminum foil having a set of stepped portions arranged as an annular ring) (e.g., the top edge of the lid 45b and the wall 47a) Lt; / RTI > The movement of the wall 47a may cause a pressure rise in the second portion 47 so that the rupturable seal is opened for example to discharge the beverage medium 42 along the arrow 202 . Of course, instead of having a rupturable or other fragile seal opening, the wall 47a may be drilled to form an opening to allow the beverage media 42 to escape. 63, the second portion 47 includes an inner perforation element 203 arranged to puncture the wall 47a to form an outlet opening for the beverage medium 42. In other exemplary embodiments, It will be possible. The perforation element 203 may be arranged such that the perforation element 203 can be moved downward to puncture the wall 47a with a force applied to the lid 45a along the direction of the arrow 204 will be. In this operation, the cover 45a may not be perforated or perforated. In one arrangement in which the lid 45a is perforated, a gas, precursor liquid or other fluid may be introduced into the second portion 47 to pressurize the beverage medium 42 out of the opening formed in the wall 47a . It should also be understood that the inner perforation element may be used herein with other embodiments as described for example in Figures 58-60 and may be utilized within the first portion 46 of the cartridge 4 something to do.

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 collapsed and the radially inner portion of the wall 47a is subsequently removed in a step- The wall 47a may be arranged to collapse toward the center of the wall 47a. This may help pressurize the beverage media 42 to move radially inward and out of the outlet. In another embodiment, the walls 47a may be arranged without wrinkles, or may be otherwise arranged without concern for how the walls 47a collapse. Instead of this, the wall 47a can simply be moved towards the lid 45b and the beverage medium 42 can be forced from the second portion 47 without the control of the flow in the second portion 47 There will be. Most or all of the beverage media 42 may be forced from the second portion 47 if the wall 47a is moved in close proximity to the lid 45b.

Figure 64 shows another exemplary embodiment in which the second portion 47 of the cartridge 4 is formed, for example, as an end-gusset bag formed of sheet aluminum foil or other metal or plastic material. Such a bag is well known in the field of food packaging and is shown with a gusset portion in which the second portion 47 faces upward. An outlet nozzle 47b is arranged on the side (lower end) of the bag opposite the gusset and is opened when the second portion 47 is squeezed or when the beverage media 42 experiences different increases in pressure in the compartment in which it is held , A rupturable diaphragm or other outlet arrangement. In one embodiment, the second portion 47 may be squeezed by air or other gas pressure introduced into the enclosed chamber in which the second portion 47 is held. Gas pressure may be provided into the closed compartment by an air pump, a source of compressed gas, a gas produced by the first portion 46, or other arrangement, which may cause pressure to be applied to the exterior of the second portion 47 . Thus, the second portion 47 may have a portion of the bag forming a wall, e.g., a second portion 47, such that the wall moves and the beverage media exits the second portion 47 . For example, the nozzle 47b may be located outside the chamber into which the pressure is introduced such that the forced beverage medium 42 from the nozzle 47b may enter the mixing chamber, the user's cup, and the like. The nozzle 47b may include an atomizing orifice or other feature that helps to form a small droplet or stream of beverage medium 42, for example, as a supplement for mixing.

According to an aspect of the invention, at least a part of the first part 46 may be received in the gusset of the second part 47. For example, the gusset will be able to form a cavity of a shape that is partially elliptical, and a first portion 46 that may have a complementary shape into such a cavity may be fitted. In one embodiment, so that the first portion 46 can form the surface or base of the cartridge 4, so that the cartridge can be erected on a flat surface with the first portion 46 supporting such cartridge, The first portion 46 may be entirely fitted into the gusset. For example, when the first portion 46 is received in the gusseted cavity of the second portion 47, the lid 45a of the first portion 46 may provide a flat surface at the top of the cartridge 4 So that the cartridge 4 can be inverted and stand on the table top with the first portion 46 lying on the table. However, this is not essential, and the first portion 46 may protrude from the gusset cavity of the second portion 47, for example, with a dome shaped top surface. The rim 462 of the first portion 46 is clamped against or otherwise attached to the rim 472 of the second portion 47 so that the first portion 46 is at least partially received within the gusset cavity, And the second portion 46, 47 together. As in other embodiments, the first portion 46 may include an inlet and / or outlet region 451, 452 arranged to receive a perforation for inlet and / or outlet flow.

The second portion 47 may be squeezed or otherwise collapsed for release of the beverage media 42, as described above. During this process, the first portion 46 may receive a compressive force, such as air pressure, movement of opposing chamber walls toward each other with the second portion 47 positioned between the chamber walls, or the like It will be at least partially isolated from the compression force. For example, the rim 462 of the first portion 46 may be clamped within the cartridge receiver of the beverage making machine such that a sealed chamber located below the rim 462 may be formed around the second portion 47 It will be possible. Such an arrangement may help reduce or eliminate the compression force on the first portion 46.

65 shows another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 includes a first portion 46 positioned on one side (top region as shown) of the container and a second portion 47 positioned on the opposite side (bottom region) The branch includes a cylindrical container. For example, the first and second portions 46, 47 may be separated by a wall that establishes an airtight space in which the beverage media 42 is located. The first portion 46 may be pierced to allow the activating fluid to enter the first portion 46 and / or to allow the gas to escape from the first portion 46, or in another manner as described above Lt; / RTI > However, in this embodiment, the second portion 47 is arranged so as to initially hold the gas under pressure within the airtight space with the beverage medium 42, so that (for example, When the outlet valve 47b is opened, the pressurized gas expands and forces the beverage medium 42 to be delivered to the outside of the second portion 47 through the valve 47b . Thus, the beverage making machine using the cartridge 4 will not need to introduce gas, liquid or other fluid into the second portion 47 to discharge the beverage medium 42. Instead, the opening of the valve 47b, which can be made automatically by the machine or by the user, may be induced to dispense the beverage medium 42. [ In an alternative embodiment, pressurized gas in the second portion 47 may be received from the first portion 46 and the wall separating the first and second portions 46, 47, for example, So that the gas produced by the gas source 41 can flow into the second portion 47 at least with the first portion 46 under the appropriate pressure and thus the distribution of the beverage medium 42 The second portion 47 can be pressed. Alternatively, pressurized gas may be introduced into the second portion 47 by the beverage forming machine, for example, through a perforation needle, port or other mechanism.

Example 1

The release characteristics of the carbon dioxide adsorbent were measured in the following manner: 8 x 12 beads of sodium zeolite 13X (such as commercially available from UOP MOLSIV Adsorbents) were obtained. The beads were placed in a ceramic dish and fired in a Vulcan D550 furnace manufactured by Ceramco. For heat treatment and preparation of the beads for carbon dioxide loading, the temperature in the furnace containing beads was raised to 550 DEG C at a rate of 3 DEG C / min and held at 550 DEG C for 5 hours.

The beads were removed from the furnace and immediately thereafter transferred to a metal container having an inlet port and an outlet port allowing tight circulation of the gas and gas tightly fitted. With the beads sealed in the container, the container was flooded with carbon dioxide gas and pressurized to 15 psig. (However, it should be noted that such experiments were carried out at 5 - 32 psig). The chamber was maintained at set pressure for 1 hour. The chamber was bled every 15 minutes during this maintenance period. At the end of this period, a certain amount of gas was absorbed into the beads.

A 30 g sample of charged zeolite 13X was measured and filled in a 250 ml beaker of water at room temperature of 22 < 0 > C. The beaker and water were placed on the balance and the balance was balanced to zero. Then 30 g of charged zeolite was added to the beaker and the weight change over time was measured. After a period of 50 seconds the change in weight was approximately stable and it was found that due to the release of carbon dioxide the beads lost a weight of about 4.2 g (14 wt%). Of course, some of the carbon dioxide could have been dissolved in water.

Example 2

The charged zeolite 13X was prepared as in Example 1. A 30 g sample of charged zeolite was then placed in the metal chamber, which had a water inlet port at its lower end and a gas outlet port at its upper end. The chamber holding the zeolite was 34 x 34 mm in cross section and had two metal filter discs having 64 1/16 "diameter holes to hold the zeolite material. Then, at an average flow rate of 60 ml / min, The water was overflowed vertically into the lower portion of the chamber with the gas discharged through the upper outlet port.

The pressure of the gas in the chamber was measured with a pressure gauge and controlled using a needle valve attached to the outlet port of the gas chamber. The needle valve was set to maintain the chamber at a pressure of 35 psig by manually adjusting the valve over the exposure process of charged zeolite in the chamber for water. Once the valve is set to operating pressure, the system will repeatedly perform with the charged zeolite sample in the same manner.

Example 3

The charged zeolite 13X was prepared as in Example 1. A 30 g sample of charged zeolite was placed in a semi-rigid 50 ml polystyrene-polyethylene-EVOH laminate cup container and then thermally sealed with a foil cover. The sealed zeolite cartridge was then placed in a sealed metal cartridge chamber and perforated at the top and bottom.

Tap water was introduced at the bottom of the cartridge while controlling the flow with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve was operated through a pressure switch connected to the upper gas outlet of the cartridge chamber. In three different tests, the pressure switch was set to three different working pressures of 5, 22 and 35 psig. The resulting gas at the set pressure was introduced into the shellside of a hydrophobic membrane contactor (1 x 5.5 Minimodule from Liquicel, Charlotte, North Carolina). Another shell side port was plugged to prevent gas escape. Using an Ulka (Italy, Milan) type EAX 5 vibration pump through a lumenside of the membrane contactor, water from a storage vessel containing 400 ml of water and about 50 g of ice is withdrawn from the storage vessel, through the contactor , And back into the storage vessel (e. G., As shown in FIG. 2). The pressure of the storage vessel and the contactor was maintained at the same pressure as the pressure at which the gas was produced. Before stopping, the system produced gas for about 60 seconds and circulated the water.

Subsequently, carbonation levels were tested using CarboQC from Anton-Paar, Ashland, VA. The results are shown in the table below.

It has thus been ascertained that gas is released from the zeolite in the cartridge at a controllable rate (based on water delivery to the cartridge chamber) and that it is dissolved into water to produce carbonated beverages. It also shows the concept that by controlling the system pressure, the level of carbonation of the finished beverage can be controlled. For example, it is expected that a system pressure of about 40-50 psi higher than the ambient pressure can produce 4 volumes of carbonated beverage (with a liquid volume of about 500 ml) for about 60 seconds or less.

Thus, while several aspects of at least one embodiment of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications, and improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of the disclosure, and are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims (374)

CLAIMS 1. A cartridge for use by a beverage making machine in beverage forming, comprising:
A container including first and second portions attached together and separated by an impermeable barrier,
The first portion receiving a gas source that releases a gas intended to dissolve into the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion receiving a beverage medium for mixing with a precursor liquid for the formation of a beverage, And a movable wall for forcing the beverage medium to exit the second portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first portion is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet and a fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and to allow gas to escape through the outlet portion for dissolution in the precursor liquid , cartridge. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on an upper end of the first portion. The method according to claim 1,
The second portion is arranged to have an outlet and through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. The method according to claim 1,
The wall forming, at least in part, a first portion of the cartridge. 6. The method 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 by a second chamber wall defining a second space, And is movable relative to the second chamber wall to release the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the wall comprises a layer of barrier material. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the second portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the beverage medium is arranged to allow the layer of barrier material to open and to allow the beverage medium to exit the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the cartridge includes a perforation element, the perforation element opening the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the second portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material, and wherein the first and second portions are attached together. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. The method according to claim 1,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the wall includes a corrugation and a weak outlet, the weak outlet being openable based on a pressure inside the second portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gas source is received within a permeable bag. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first portion comprises a surface arranged to receive an inlet and a perforation to form an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and to cause the gas to flow into the precursor liquid And the first portion is attached to the second portion so that the surface is not exposed. CLAIMS 1. A cartridge for use by a beverage making machine in beverage forming, comprising:
The first and second portions being attached together and separated from each other by an impermeable barrier,
A second portion receiving a beverage medium for mixing with a precursor liquid for the formation of a beverage, said cartridge having a planar surface, Wherein the first portion is located below the plane and the second portion is located above the plane,
The first portion being arranged to interact with a beverage production machine to activate the gas supply to exhaust gas dissolved into the precursor liquid by the beverage production machine, and wherein the second portion interacts with the beverage production machine To provide a beverage medium for mixing with a precursor liquid for beverage formation. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the first portion is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet and a fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and to allow gas to escape through the outlet portion for dissolution in the precursor liquid , cartridge. 21. The method of claim 20,
The second portion is arranged to have an outlet and through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. 21. The method of claim 20,
Said second portion being at least partially defined by a wall, said wall being movable to discharge a beverage medium from said second portion. 24. The method of claim 23,
Wherein the wall comprises a layer of barrier material. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the second portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material. 26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein the beverage medium is arranged to allow the layer of barrier material to open and to allow the beverage medium to exit the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the first portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material and the second portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material and the first and second portions are attached together , cartridge. 21. The method of claim 20,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. 21. The method of claim 20,
Said plane being formed by parts of said first and second portions. 21. The method of claim 20,
The second portion including a wrinkle in the movable wall and a weak outlet, the weak outlet being openable based on the pressure inside the second portion. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the gas supply is received within a permeable bag in the first portion. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the first portion includes a surface arranged to receive a perforation for forming an inlet and an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and to cause the gas to flow into the precursor liquid for dissolution in the precursor liquid. And the first portion is attached to the second portion so that the surface is not exposed. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
Said first portion receiving a gas source partially surrounding said second portion and for releasing a gas for dissolving in beverage precursor liquid, said second portion comprising a beverage for mixing with a precursor liquid for beverage forming, Accommodating the cartridge. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and gas exiting the container through the outlet for dissolution in the precursor liquid. 39. The method of claim 37,
Wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on an upper end of the container. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an outlet and through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. 37. The method of claim 36,
Further comprising a third portion between the first and second portions, the third portion surrounding the second portion and adapted to receive the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together. . ≪ / RTI > 37. The method of claim 36,
Further comprising a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first and second portions. 42. The method of claim 41,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 37. The method of claim 36,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 44. The method of claim 43,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 44. The method of claim 43,
Further comprising a third portion between the first and second portions, the third portion surrounding the second portion and adapted to receive the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together. And the puncturing element is arranged to puncture the cover to form an inlet into the third portion. 46. The method of claim 45,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 44. The method of claim 43,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent the perforation element from moving relative to the container to puncture the lid, the lock element being arranged to be released to allow movement of the perforation element. 49. The method of claim 47,
Wherein the lock element comprises a ring portion or tab portion removable from the perforation element or container to release the lock element. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing portion and the outlet closing portion is opened to discharge the beverage medium in the presence of a pressure equal to or greater than a threshold value. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 37. The method of claim 36,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
Second and third portions separated from each other, said first portion receiving a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid, said second portion A beverage medium for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage, the third portion being adapted to receive a beverage medium from the second portion and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium, ≪ / RTI > 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and gas exiting the container through the outlet for dissolution in the precursor liquid. 57. The method of claim 56,
Wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on an upper end of the container. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an outlet from the second portion and through which the beverage medium enters the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. 59. The method of claim 58,
And an outlet from the second portion has a closed portion that is opened by a pressure in the second portion. 56. The method of claim 55,
And a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first, second and third portions. 64. The method of claim 60,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second or third portion. 64. The method of claim 60,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 63. The method of claim 62,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 63. The method of claim 62,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to puncture the lid to form an inlet into the third portion for entry into the third portion of the precursor liquid. 65. The method of claim 64,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 63. The method of claim 62,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent the perforation element from moving relative to the container to puncture the lid, the lock element being arranged to be released to allow movement of the perforation element. 67. The method of claim 66,
Wherein the lock element comprises a ring portion or tab portion removable from the perforation element or container to release the lock element. 56. The method of claim 55,
And the third portion surrounds the first and second portions. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 56. The method of claim 55,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the second portion comprises a movable element and the movable element is moveable to force the beverage medium from the second portion into the third portion. 73. The method of claim 72,
Wherein the movable element comprises a layer of barrier material. 77. The method of claim 73,
Wherein the second portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material. 75. The method of claim 74,
Wherein the beverage medium is arranged to allow the beverage medium to enter the third portion when the layer of barrier material is open and when a force is applied to the second portion. 56. The method of claim 55,
The second portion being disposed over the third portion, and the first portion surrounding at least a portion of the third portion. 56. The method of claim 55,
And the third portion comprises a funnel shape. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container comprising first and second portions separated from each other, said first portion receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid, said second portion comprising a first portion A container for receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with beverage precursor liquid, said first and second portions being closed against an outer atmosphere; And
A movable part attached to the container, the movable part being configured to allow activation of the gas source or release of gas from the first part, and / or for introduction of the liquid, or for allowing the beverage medium to escape the second part Wherein the movable part is movable relative to the container to open the first and / or second portion to permit movement of the movable part relative to the container. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the movable part is arranged to form an inlet and an outlet in the container and a fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and to allow gas to escape through the outlet for dissolution in the precursor liquid , cartridge. 83. The method of claim 81,
Wherein the movable part is located at an upper end of the container and the inlet and outlet are located on an upper end of the container. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an outlet from the second portion and through which the beverage medium escapes for mixing with the precursor liquid. 85. The method of claim 83,
And an outlet from the second portion is provided with a sealing portion that is opened by pressure in the second portion. 79. The method of claim 80,
Further comprising a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first and second portions. 92. The method of claim 85,
The cover being pierced by the movable part to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 92. The method of claim 85,
Wherein the movable part includes a perforated element that is coupled to the container and movable to puncture the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 88. The method of claim 87,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the cover to form an outlet of the first portion for gas discharge by the gas source. 88. The method of claim 87,
Further comprising a third portion arranged to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together, And to puncture the lid to permit entry of precursor liquid into the third portion. 90. The method of claim 89,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 79. The method of claim 80,
To open the first and second portions to activate the gas source or to release gas from the first portion and to introduce liquid into the second portion or from the second portion to the beverage medium Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent the movable part from moving relative to the container, in order to allow the movable part to escape. 92. The method of claim 91,
Wherein the lock element comprises a ring portion or tab portion removable from the perforation element or container to release the lock element. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 79. The method of claim 80,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 79. The method of claim 80,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container comprising first and second portions separated from each other, said first portion receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid, said second portion comprising a first portion A container for receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with beverage precursor liquid;
A movable part attached to the container and movable relative to the container to form a cartridge for use in beverage forming; And
A lock element for preventing movement of said movable part for constituting a cartridge for use in beverage formation, said lock element including a lock element releasable by a user. The method of claim 99,
Wherein movement of the movable part relative to the container permits activation of the gas source or release of gas from the first part and wherein introduction of liquid into the second part or withdrawal of the beverage medium from the second part Which allows the cartridge. The method of claim 99,
Wherein movement of the movable part relative to the container forms an inlet in the container and forms an outlet, a fluid may be provided through the inlet for activation of the gas source, and gas for dissolution in the precursor liquid And out of the container through the outlet. The method of claim 99,
Wherein movement of the movable part relative to the container forms an inlet in the container and through the inlet the precursor liquid can be introduced for mixing with the beverage medium. 103. The method of claim 102,
The second portion having an outlet having a closure opening by the pressure in the second portion. The method of claim 99,
Further comprising a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first and second portions. 105. The method of claim 104,
The cover being pierced by the movable part to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 105. The method of claim 104,
Wherein the movable part includes a perforate element movable to perforate the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 107. The method of claim 106,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the cover to form an outlet of the first portion for gas discharge by the gas source. 107. The method of claim 106,
Further comprising a third portion arranged to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together, And to puncture the lid to permit entry of precursor liquid into the third portion. 108. The method of claim 108,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 107. The method of claim 106,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent said perforation element from moving relative to said lid. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the lock element includes a ring portion or tab portion removable from the movable portion to release the lock element. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge to permit the beverage media to exit the second portion. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. The method of claim 99,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. The method of claim 99,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container comprising first, second and third portions separated from each other, said first portion receiving a gas source for releasing a gas for dissolving in beverage precursor liquid, said second portion containing a beverage The beverage medium for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a precursor liquid, the third portion being adapted to receive a beverage medium from the second portion and to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium The container comprising:
The cartridge is arranged so that a first portion of the mixed precursor liquid and a beverage medium enter the third portion, to receive a first portion of the precursor liquid into the second portion for mixing with the beverage medium, and Wherein the cartridge is arranged to directly receive a second portion of the precursor liquid into the third portion for mixing with the first portion of the mixed precursor liquid and the beverage medium within the third portion. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and gas exiting the container through the outlet for dissolution in the precursor liquid. 120. The method of claim 119,
Wherein the inlet and outlet are located on top of the container and are the same opening. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an outlet from the second portion and through which the beverage medium enters into the third portion for mixing with the precursor liquid. 124. The method of claim 121,
And an outlet from the second portion is opened by a pressure in the second portion. 121. The method of claim 118,
And a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first, second and third portions. 124. The method of claim 123,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second or third portion. 124. The method of claim 123,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 126. The method of claim 125,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 126. The method of claim 125,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to puncture the lid to form an inlet into the third portion for allowing precursor liquid to directly enter the third portion. 127. The method of claim 127,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 126. The method of claim 125,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent said perforation element from moving relative to said container to puncture said lid, said cartridge being arranged to release said lock element to allow movement of said perforation element. 129. The method of claim 129,
Wherein the lock element includes a ring portion removable from the perforation element or container to release the lock element. 121. The method of claim 118,
The second portion being surrounded by the third portion, and the third portion including a funnel shape. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 121. The method of claim 118,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 121. The method of claim 118,
The first portion being disposed about the third portion, and the third portion being disposed about the second portion. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 121. The method of claim 118,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container comprising a beverage medium portion and a mixing chamber portion separated from each other,
Wherein the beverage media portion is adapted to receive a beverage medium for use in mixing with beverage precursor liquid for beverage forming and the mixing chamber portion is configured and arranged to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid to form a beverage, Wherein the mixing chamber portion is arranged to have a plurality of inlets for receiving the precursor liquid into the mixing chamber portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Further comprising a gas supply portion for receiving a gas supply for releasing gas for dissolving in the precursor liquid. 144. The method of claim 139,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the inlet to activate the gas source and gas exiting the container through the outlet for dissolution in the precursor liquid. 143. The method of claim 140,
Wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on an upper end of the container. 136. The method of claim 138,
Further comprising a cover that seals the upper end of the beverage media portion and the mixing chamber portion. 143. The method of claim 142,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form a plurality of inlets into the mixing chamber portion. 143. The method of claim 142,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form a plurality of inlets into the mixing chamber portion. 144. The method of claim 144,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an inlet into the beverage media portion for introducing the precursor liquid into the beverage media portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the mixing chamber portion surrounds the beverage media portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the mixing chamber portion is located below the beverage media portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein said beverage media portion includes an outlet closure and said outlet closure is opened to eject a beverage medium in the presence of a pressure above a threshold in said beverage media portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the beverage media portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the mixing chamber portion comprises a funnel shape. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein an inlet into the mixing chamber portion is located adjacent the outlet of the beverage media portion and a beverage medium enters the mixing chamber portion from an outlet of the beverage media portion. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the beverage media portion comprises a wall, the wall being movable to discharge a beverage medium from the beverage media portion and into the mixing chamber portion. 153. The method of claim 152,
Wherein the wall comprises a layer of barrier material. 153. The method of claim 152,
Wherein the beverage media portion is formed by a capsule formed by a layer of barrier material. 156. The method of claim 154,
Wherein the beverage medium is arranged to allow the layer of barrier material to open and to allow the beverage medium to exit the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. The method of claim 155,
Wherein the cartridge includes a perforation element, the perforation element opening the second portion when a force is applied to the barrier material. 136. The method of claim 138,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 136. The method of claim 138,
Further comprising a gas source portion for receiving a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the precursor liquid, wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 153. The method of claim 158,
Wherein the gas supply portion is sealed from an external atmosphere and the gas supply portion receives a solid carbon dioxide source and the carbon dioxide source is arranged to emit carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage Being, cartridge. 136. The method of claim 138,
Further comprising a gas supply portion for receiving a gas supply source for releasing gas for dissolving in the precursor liquid, wherein the gas supply portion is sealed from the outside atmosphere and before the destruction of the seal of the first portion, A cartridge having a pressure of less than 100 psi. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
The first portion receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid through the gas outlet of the container and the second portion being used in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage Wherein said beverage media exits said container through a beverage media outlet,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet are located on the same side of the container. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and a fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and the active agent inlet is located on a side of the same container as the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. . 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet and a precursor liquid is introduced into the container for mixing with a beverage medium through the precursor liquid inlet and wherein the precursor liquid inlet is located on a side of a container identical to the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet Is positioned on the cartridge. 169. The method of claim 163,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and wherein the active agent inlet is located on the side of the same container as the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, and the precursor liquid inlet Located, cartridge. 174. The method of claim 164,
Wherein the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, the active agent inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a lower side portion of the container. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the second portion is arranged to allow the beverage medium to be forced out of the second portion and through the beverage media outlet by an external force on the cartridge. 169. The method of claim 166,
Wherein the second portion is formed at least in part by a flexible pouch arranged to allow compression of the pouch to force the beverage medium through the beverage media outlet. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet and a liquid is introduced into the second portion for mixing with the beverage medium through the precursor liquid inlet, the precursor liquid inlet comprising a precursor liquid inlet at a plurality of locations along the conduit, And a perforated conduit arranged to be introduced into the second portion and extending into the second portion. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of opposed barrier layers joined together to form the first and second portions. 169. The method of claim 169,
Wherein the container comprises an insert forming the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet and attached to the barrier layer. 169. The method of claim 169,
Wherein the barrier layer is coupled together in a pattern for forming a filter within the first portion. 170. The method of claim 171,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the filter is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the first portion to the gas outlet portion of the first portion. 172. The method of claim 172,
Wherein the gas outlet comprises a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the first portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the first portion. 172. The method of claim 173,
Wherein the conduit comprises a conduit filter for filtering the gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet. 169. The method of claim 169,
Wherein the barrier layer comprises a flexible foil laminate. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet are closed and can be perforated to open the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet each include an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 169. The method of claim 161,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 169. The method of claim 161,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other
The first portion receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid through the gas outlet of the container and the second portion being a beverage for use in mixing with a precursor liquid for forming a beverage A precursor liquid inlet and a beverage media outlet for receiving the medium and for introducing a precursor liquid into the second portion, the mixed beverage media and the precursor liquid exiting the second portion through the beverage media outlet,
Wherein the precursor liquid inlet comprises a conduit arranged to introduce precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit and extending into the second portion and having a plurality of openings. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the precursor liquid inlet is located on a side of the same container as the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. 190. The method of claim 183,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and wherein the active agent inlet is located on the side of the same container as the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, and the precursor liquid inlet Located, cartridge. 184. The method of claim 184,
Wherein the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, the active agent inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a lower side portion of the container. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the second portion is arranged to allow the beverage medium to be forced out of the second portion and through the beverage media outlet by an external force on the cartridge. 189. The method of claim 186,
Wherein the second portion is formed at least in part by a flexible pouch arranged to allow compression of the pouch to force the beverage medium through the beverage media outlet. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of opposed barrier layers joined together to form the first and second portions. 190. The method of claim 188,
Wherein the container comprises an insert forming the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet and attached to the barrier layer. 190. The method of claim 188,
Wherein the barrier layer is coupled together in a pattern for forming a filter within the first portion. 203. The method of claim 190,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the filter is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the second portion to the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 193. The method of claim 191,
Wherein the gas outlet includes a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the second portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 222. The method of claim 192,
Wherein the conduit comprises a conduit filter for filtering the gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet. 190. The method of claim 188,
Wherein the barrier layer comprises a flexible foil laminate. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet are closed and can be perforated to open the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet each include an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 190. The method of claim 181,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 190. The method of claim 181,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
The first portion containing a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid through the gas outlet of the container, Wherein the outlet has an outlet conduit extending from a lower end of the container to a vicinity of an upper end of the container and the second portion comprises a beverage medium and a beverage media outlet for mixing with a precursor liquid for forming a beverage, The beverage medium exiting the second portion through the outlet. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the second portion comprises a precursor liquid inlet for introducing a precursor liquid into the second portion. 203. The method of claim 202,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and wherein the active agent inlet is located on the side of the same container as the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, and the precursor liquid inlet Located, cartridge. 203. The apparatus of claim 203,
Wherein the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, the active agent inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on a lower side portion of the container. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the second portion is arranged to allow the beverage medium to be forced out of the second portion and through the beverage media outlet by an external force on the cartridge. 203. The method of claim 205,
Wherein the second portion is formed at least in part by a flexible pouch arranged to allow compression of the pouch to force the beverage medium through the beverage media outlet. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of opposed barrier layers joined together to form the first and second portions. 207. The method of claim 207,
Wherein the container comprises an insert forming the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet and attached to the barrier layer. 207. The method of claim 207,
Wherein the barrier layer is coupled together in a pattern for forming a filter within the first portion. 219. The method of claim 209,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the filter is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the second portion to the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 214. The method of claim 210,
Wherein the gas outlet includes a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the second portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 213. The method of claim 211,
Wherein the conduit comprises a conduit filter for filtering the gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet. 207. The method of claim 207,
Wherein the barrier layer comprises a flexible foil laminate. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet are closed and can be perforated to open the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet each include an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 214. The apparatus of claim 200,
The second portion comprising a precursor liquid inlet for introducing a precursor liquid into the second portion and the precursor liquid inlet being arranged to introduce precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit, And a perforated conduit extending into the two portions. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
The first portion receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid through the gas outlet of the container and the second portion being a beverage medium for mixing with the precursor liquid to form a beverage, A beverage medium outlet through which the beverage medium exits the second portion,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of barrier layers coupled together to form at least a part of the first portion, the first portion being a gas outlet portion of the first portion, Wherein the barrier layer is bonded together in a pattern for forming a filter. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the second portion comprises a precursor liquid inlet for introducing a precursor liquid into the second portion. 222. The apparatus of claim 222,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and wherein the active agent inlet is located on a side of a container identical to the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, and the precursor liquid inlet . ≪ / RTI > 229. The method of claim 223,
Wherein the gas outlet, the beverage media outlet, the active agent inlet, and the precursor liquid inlet are located on the lower end side of the container. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the second portion is arranged to allow the beverage medium to be forced out of the second portion and through the beverage media outlet by an external force on the cartridge. 222. The method of claim 225,
Wherein the second portion is formed at least in part by a flexible pouch arranged to allow compression of the pouch to force the beverage medium through the beverage media outlet. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of barrier layers joined together to form the first and second portions. 227. The method of claim 227,
Wherein the container comprises an insert forming the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet and attached to the barrier layer. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the pattern comprises an array of areas in which the barrier layers are bonded together and wherein an array of areas to which the barrier layers are bonded together is separated by areas where the barrier layers are not bonded together. 229. The method of claim 229,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the filter is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the second portion to the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 230. The method of claim 230,
Wherein the gas outlet includes a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the second portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 240. The method of claim 231,
Wherein the conduit comprises a conduit filter for filtering the gas output from the gas outlet portion to the gas outlet. 227. The method of claim 227,
Wherein the barrier layer comprises a flexible foil laminate and wherein the cartridge is attached between the barrier layers to separate the gas storage portion from the gas outlet portion of the first portion of the cartridge. 229. The method of claim 220,
The gas outlet and the beverage media outlet being closed and being openable to open the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet each include an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 229. The method of claim 220,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 229. The method of claim 220,
Wherein the second portion comprises a precursor liquid inlet for introducing precursor liquid into the second portion and the precursor liquid inlet is arranged to introduce precursor liquid into the second portion at a plurality of locations along the conduit, And a perforated conduit extending into the second portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
Said first portion receiving a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid and an activator inlet for introducing fluid into said first portion for activating said gas source for gas release, The inlet portion including a conduit directing fluid to a lower end of the first portion, the second portion receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the activator inlet extends from an upper end of the container to a lower end of the first portion. 249. The method of claim 241,
Wherein the container is arranged to have a gas outlet and wherein gas released by the gas source through the gas outlet exits the first portion and the active inlet and the gas outlet are located on top of the container, cartridge. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein said container comprises a third portion arranged to receive a beverage medium from said second portion and to receive a precursor liquid for mixing said precursor liquid and said beverage medium, Wherein the beverage medium enters the third section for mixing with the precursor liquid through an outlet from the second section. 249. The method of claim 243,
And a discharge port of the second portion is opened by a pressure in the second portion. 241. The method of claim 240,
Further comprising a cover that seals the upper end of the first or second portion. 26. The method of claim 245,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 26. The method of claim 245,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 26. The method of claim 247,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 26. The method of claim 247,
The container comprising a third portion arranged to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid for mixing of the beverage medium with the precursor fluid, And is configured to puncture the lid to form an inlet into the third portion for introducing liquid. 259. The method of claim 249,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 26. The method of claim 247,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent the perforation element from moving relative to the container to puncture the lid, the lock element being arranged to be released to allow movement of the perforation element. 259. The method of claim 251,
Wherein the lock element comprises a removable element removable from the perforation element or container to release the lock element. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 241. The method of claim 240,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the second portion comprises a movable element and the movable element is movable to force the beverage medium from the second portion into the third portion. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the second portion is arranged to include a spiral or other serpentine path for receiving the beverage medium and to introduce the beverage medium and the precursor liquid into the serpentine path. 259. The method of claim 258,
Wherein the first portion is positioned over the second portion. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 241. The method of claim 240,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
The first portion receiving a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage, Wherein the second portion comprises a precursor liquid inlet and an outlet for introducing the precursor liquid into the second portion and wherein the beverage media and precursor liquid mixed through the outlet exit the second portion, A spiral, swirling, jig-reed or other serpentine flow path for receiving a beverage medium mixed with a precursor liquid directed from the precursor liquid inlet to a serpentine flow path. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an active agent inlet and a gas outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source, and wherein gas is supplied to the container The cartridge, exiting. 26. The method of claim 263,
Wherein the activator inlet and the gas outlet are located on an upper end of the container. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the container includes a third portion arranged to receive a beverage medium from the second portion to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. 264. The method of claim 265,
And an outlet from the second portion has a closed portion that is opened by a pressure in the second portion. 264. The method of claim 262,
Further comprising a cover that seals the upper end of the first or second portion. 26. The method of claim 267,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 26. The method of claim 267,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 269. The method of claim 269,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 269. The method of claim 269,
The container comprising a third portion arranged to receive the beverage medium from the second portion and to receive the precursor liquid for mixing of the beverage medium with the precursor fluid, And is configured to puncture the lid to form an inlet into the third portion for introducing liquid. 27. The method of claim 271,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 269. The method of claim 269,
Further comprising a lock element arranged to prevent the perforation element from moving relative to the container to puncture the lid, the lock element being arranged to be released to allow movement of the perforation element. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 264. The method of claim 262,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the first portion is positioned over the second portion. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 264. The method of claim 262,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. 264. The method of claim 262,
Further comprising a sleeve covering the outer surface of the first and second portions and connecting the first and second portions together. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including first and second portions separated from each other,
The first portion receiving a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid and the second portion receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage, Wherein the second portion comprises an outlet and through which the beverage medium exits the second portion and forcing the beverage medium to exit the second portion through the outlet of the second portion, Wherein the second portion is movable relative to the second portion. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an active agent inlet and a gas outlet, wherein fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source, and wherein gas is supplied to the container The cartridge, exiting. 29. The method of claim 283,
Wherein the activator inlet and the gas outlet are located on top of the container and have a common opening. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the container includes a third portion arranged to receive a beverage medium from the second portion to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium. 284. The method of claim 285,
And an outlet from the second portion has a closed portion that is opened by a pressure in the second portion. 283. The method of claim 282,
Further comprising a cover that seals the upper end of the first or second portion. 298. The method of claim 287,
Wherein said cover is pierced by a beverage making machine to open an inlet into said first or second portion. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 283. The method of claim 282,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the first portion is positioned over the second portion. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. 283. The method of claim 282,
Wherein the first portion is at least partially defined by a first chamber wall and the second portion is at least partially defined by a second chamber wall defining a second space, And is movable relative to the second chamber wall to release the beverage medium from the second portion of the cartridge. 29. The method of claim 296,
Wherein the first and second chamber walls have a cup shape and the first chamber wall is at least partially received within the second chamber defined by the second chamber wall. 298. The method of claim 297,
Further comprising a third portion arranged to receive the beverage medium and the precursor liquid from the second portion to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together, the second portion being disposed within the third portion. 298. The apparatus of claim 298,
Wherein the third portion comprises a funnel shape and / or includes a vane, channel or other feature for enhancing mixing of the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. 298. The apparatus of claim 298,
And an inlet into the third portion for receiving the precursor liquid. 29. The method of claim 296,
Wherein the first chamber wall forms a plunger within the second space to force the beverage medium to the outlet of the second portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including a first portion that receives a gas source for releasing gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid; And
And a flow controller attached to the container and arranged to control the flow of the activation fluid into the cartridge for activating the gas source for gas release. 312. The method of claim 302,
Further comprising a second portion for receiving a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor to form a beverage. 312. The method of claim 302,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an inlet and an outlet and wherein fluid is provided for activation of the gas source and gas exiting the container for dissolution in the precursor liquid through the outlet, cartridge. 41. The method of claim 304,
The inlet and the outlet being located on an upper end of the container. 41. The method of claim 303,
Wherein the container is arranged to have an outlet and through which the beverage medium exits the container for mixing with the precursor liquid. 41. The method of claim 303,
Further comprising a third portion between the first and second portions, the third portion surrounding the second portion and adapted to receive the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together. . ≪ / RTI > 41. The method of claim 303,
Further comprising a cover for sealingly sealing the upper ends of the first and second portions. 31. The method of claim 308,
Wherein the lid is perforated by a beverage making machine to form an inlet into the first or second portion. 31. The method of claim 308,
Further comprising a piercing element coupled to the container and movable to pierce the lid to form an inlet into the first portion and an inlet into the second portion. 31. The method of claim 308,
Wherein the perforation element punctures the lid to form an outlet for gas discharge by the gas source. 31. The method of claim 308,
Further comprising a third portion between the first and second portions, the third portion surrounding the second portion and adapted to receive the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to mix the beverage medium and the precursor liquid together. And the puncturing element is arranged to puncture the cover to form an inlet into the third portion. 312. The method of claim 312,
Wherein the perforation element is arranged to introduce a precursor liquid into both the second and third portions so that the beverage medium is mixed with the precursor liquid in the third portion. 41. The method of claim 303,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closing portion and the outlet closing portion is opened to discharge the beverage medium in the presence of a pressure equal to or greater than a threshold value. 41. The method of claim 303,
Wherein the second portion includes an outlet closure removable by an external force on the cartridge. 312. The method of claim 302,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 312. The method of claim 302,
Wherein the gas source is a charged zeolite. 41. The method of claim 303,
Said first and second portions being sealed from an external atmosphere and said first portion receiving a solid form of a carbon dioxide source, said carbon dioxide source comprising carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage The cartridge being arranged to discharge. 41. The method of claim 303,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 312. The method of claim 302,
Wherein the flow controller comprises a valve. 33. The method of claim 320,
Wherein the valve is controllable by a beverage making machine configured to use the cartridge to form a beverage. 33. The method of claim 320,
Wherein the valve automatically controls an activation fluid flow into the cartridge to maintain a suitable gas pressure within the cartridge. 33. The method of claim 320,
Wherein the valve comprises a flexible portion of the container operated by the beverage making machine to open and close the valve. 329. The method of claim 323,
Wherein the flexible portion includes a portion of an opposing barrier layer that is movable toward and away from each other. 33. The method of claim 320,
Wherein the valve is a pressure regulating valve. 33. The method of claim 320,
Wherein the valve includes a gate that can be moved by the beverage making machine to open and close the valve. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including a first portion for receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid from the gas outlet of the container,
Wherein the gas outlet has an outlet conduit extending from a lower end of the container to a vicinity of an upper end of the first portion. 327. The method of claim 327,
Further comprising a second portion including a beverage medium and a beverage media outlet arranged to mix with a liquid precursor to form a beverage, wherein the beverage medium exits the second portion through the beverage media outlet. 327. The method of claim 327,
Wherein the container comprises a barrier layer arranged to form the first portion. 327. The method of claim 327,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and a fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and the active agent inlet directs the fluid towards the lower end of the first section. 328. The method of claim 328,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and a fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source and the active agent inlet is located on a side of the same container as the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet. . 34. The method of claim 331,
Wherein the container has a precursor liquid inlet and a precursor liquid is introduced into the container for mixing with a beverage medium through the precursor liquid inlet and wherein the precursor liquid inlet is located on a side of a container identical to the gas outlet and the beverage media outlet Is positioned on the cartridge. 327. The method of claim 327,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the cartridge is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the first portion to the gas outlet portion of the first portion , cartridge. 34. The method of claim 333,
Wherein the gas outlet comprises a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the first portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the first portion. 327. The method of claim 327,
Wherein the container has a volume less than the volume of the beverage formed using the cartridge. 327. The method of claim 327,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container including a first portion for receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid from the gas outlet of the container,
Wherein the container comprises a pair of opposed barrier layers joined together to form at least a part of the first portion, the first portion of the first portion of the gas outlet portion separating from the gas outlet portion of the first portion Wherein the barrier layer is bonded together in a pattern for forming a filter in the portion. 34. The method of claim 337,
Wherein the container has an active agent inlet and fluid is provided through the active agent inlet to activate the gas source. 34. The method of claim 337,
Further comprising a second portion including a beverage medium and a beverage media outlet arranged to mix with a liquid precursor to form a beverage, wherein the beverage medium exits the second portion through the beverage media outlet. 34. The method of claim 339,
Said pair of opposed barrier layers being joined together to form a first and a second portion. 34. The method of claim 337,
Wherein the pattern comprises an array of areas in which the barrier layers are bonded together and wherein an array of areas to which the barrier layers are bonded together is separated by areas where the barrier layers are not bonded together. 34. The method of claim 341,
Wherein the gas source comprises particles of charged zeolite and the filter is arranged to prevent particles from moving from the gas source portion of the second portion to the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 34. The method of claim 342,
Wherein the gas outlet includes a conduit extending from the gas outlet, through the gas supply portion of the second portion, through the filter, and into the gas outlet portion of the second portion. 34. The method of claim 337,
Wherein the barrier layer comprises a flexible foil laminate. 34. The method of claim 337,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. A cartridge for forming a beverage, comprising:
A container comprising a first portion for receiving a gas source for discharging gas for dissolving in the beverage precursor liquid and an active inlet for introducing fluid into the first portion for activating the gas source for gas release, Including,
Wherein the activator inlet includes a conduit directing the fluid to a lower end of the first portion. 34. The method of claim 346,
Wherein the activator inlet extends from an upper end of the container to a lower end of the first portion. 34. The method of claim 347,
Wherein the container is arranged to have a gas outlet and wherein gas released by the gas source through the gas outlet exits the first portion and the active inlet and the gas outlet are located on the top of the container , cartridge. 34. The method of claim 346,
Further comprising a second portion for receiving a beverage medium for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage. 35. The method of claim 349,
Wherein said container comprises a third portion arranged to receive a beverage medium from said second portion and to receive a precursor liquid for mixing said precursor liquid and said beverage medium, Wherein the beverage medium enters the third section for mixing with the precursor liquid through an outlet from the second section. 34. The method of claim 346,
The first portion is sealed from the outside atmosphere and the first portion receives a solid carbon dioxide source and the carbon dioxide source is arranged to emit carbon dioxide gas for use in mixing with a beverage precursor liquid to form a beverage Being, cartridge. 34. The method of claim 346,
Wherein the second portion comprises a movable element and the movable element is movable to force the beverage medium from the second portion into the third portion. 34. The method of claim 346,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to breaking of the seal of the first portion. 34. The method of claim 346,
Wherein the gas source is arranged to emit a gas suitable for forming a carbonated beverage having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 1-5. A beverage manufacturing system comprising:
A beverage precursor liquid supply arranged to provide a precursor liquid;
A single cartridge having first and second cartridge portions, said cartridge portion receiving a gas source arranged to emit a gas for use in dissolving the first cartridge portion into the precursor liquid, said second cartridge portion forming a beverage A single cartridge receiving a beverage medium arranged to be mixed with a liquid precursor; And
And a gas dissolution device arranged to dissolve gas from the first cartridge portion into the precursor liquid,
Wherein the system is arranged to mix the precursor liquid with the beverage medium to form a beverage. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the first portion is sealed from the outer atmosphere and the pressure in the first portion is less than 100 psi prior to disruption of the seal of the first portion. 35. The method of claim 355,
Further comprising a gas activation fluid supply configured to provide fluid to the first portion to contact the gas source to direct the gas source to release gas. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the system mixes the precursor liquid and the beverage medium to form a beverage so that the beverage does not contact the gas source. 35. The method of claim 358,
Wherein the system is arranged to pass a precursor liquid through the second chamber for mixing the beverage medium and the precursor liquid. 35. The method of claim 355,
Further comprising a gas supply section arranged to conduct gas discharged by the gas supply source to the gas dissolving apparatus under a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the gas dissolving apparatus comprises a carbonator having a membrane, the membrane separating the liquid side from the gas side of the carbonator, a gas being provided to the gas side, and the beverage precursor liquid feed comprising a precursor liquid, Side of the liquid side, whereby gas on the gas side is dissolved into the precursor liquid on the liquid side. 36. The method of claim 361,
Wherein the precursor liquid supply portion comprises a reservoir vessel and a pump, wherein the pump moves the precursor liquid from the reservoir vessel through the carbonator. 35. The method of claim 355,
Further comprising a chamber arranged to maintain at least the first cartridge portion within the chamber under a pressure greater than ambient pressure. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the first and second cartridge portions are respective parts of respective first and second cartridges separated from each other. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the first and second cartridge portions are part of a single cartridge and the first and second cartridge portions are separate from each other. 35. The method of claim 365,
Wherein the first and second cartridge portions are separated by a permeable element. 35. The method of claim 365,
Wherein the first and second cartridge portions are separated by an impermeable element. 35. The method of claim 355,
Further comprising a gas activation fluid supply arranged to control an amount of fluid provided to the cartridge portion to control an amount of gas emitted by the gas source. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein each of the first and second cartridge portions has a volume that is less than a volume of the beverage to be formed using the cartridge portion. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the system is arranged to use the first and second cartridge portions over a time period of less than about 120 seconds to form a carbonated liquid having a volume of 100-1000 ml and a carbonation level of about 2-4 volumes, Beverage manufacturing system. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the carbon dioxide source is in solid form. 35. The method of claim 355,
Further comprising a cartridge interface including first and second receiving portions for respectively receiving said first and second cartridge portions. 37. The method of claim 372,
Wherein the first and second receiving portions are separate and can be opened and closed independently of each other. 35. The method of claim 355,
Wherein the cartridge associated with the first and second cartridge portions is perforated to form at least one inlet or at least one outlet.

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