RU2789207C1 - Saturation machine and gas cylinder for saturation machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: saturation machines.

SUBSTANCE: saturation machine may include a saturation head, a holder that is configured to hold a gas cylinder and contains a connector with a socket, made to allow straight insertion of the cylinder valve into it and containing a seal with at least one transversely oriented hole to ensure fluid flow between one or a plurality of transversely oriented valve openings and a holder channel to prevent gas leakage from the fluid stream, and a holding mechanism configured to hold the lateral protrusion of the balloon after inserting the valve into the seat so that the valve remains in the seat, and an activation mechanism configured to actuate operation of the valve to bleed the gas from the cylinder when it is inserted into the seat, to allow the gas to flow through the channel to the saturation head.

EFFECT: saturation machine improvement.

37 cl, 15 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to saturation machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a saturation machine and a gas cylinder for the saturation machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Saturation machines are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias, and other places. A typical saturation machine can be powered to introduce carbon dioxide into water or other liquid that is in a bottle that can be attached to the machine. Other types of carbonation machines may be configured to dispense carbonated beverages into cups or other containers.

[0003] Gaseous carbon dioxide, which is introduced into the liquid to saturate it, is usually in cylinders with compressed or liquefied gas. The saturation machine contains a user-operated mechanism for releasing gas from a cylinder and supplying gas to the liquid to be saturated. Normally, actuation of the gas release mechanism causes the mechanism to open the cylinder valve. When the gas cylinder is installed in the saturation machine, the valve head, which contains the valve, is connected to the gas cylinder connector of the saturation machine.

[0004] When the cylinder is emptied of gas, the empty cylinder may be replaced by a full cylinder. This replacement is usually performed by the user of the machine. For example, the cylinder valve head may have an external thread that can be connected to a gas cylinder connector by screwing into the female thread of the connector socket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Thus, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a saturation machine is provided, comprising: a saturation head; a holder adapted to hold a gas cylinder, wherein the holder comprises a connector with a socket that contains a seal with at least one transversely oriented external opening to allow fluid flow between one or more transversely oriented external openings of the cylinder valve into the socket to ensure fluid flow between the valve and the holder channel, preventing gas from leaking out of the fluid stream, and a holding mechanism configured to hold the side protrusion of the container after inserting the valve into the seat so that the valve remains in the seat; and an actuation mechanism configured to actuate a valve to release gas from the balloon when inserted into the seat to allow gas to flow through the channel to the saturation head.

[0006] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the seal contains two gaskets, while the specified transversely oriented hole has a gap between the two gaskets.

[0007] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the two gaskets is in the form of an O-ring with flattened surfaces.

[0008] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the two gaskets has a U-shaped cross-section, oriented so that the openings of the two gaskets face each other.

[0009] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the seal contains a single gasket with one or more holes.

[0010] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the gasket has a U-shaped cross section.

[0011] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the opening of the U-shaped gasket faces inward, and these holes are located on the outwardly facing convex surface of the gasket.

[0012] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the opening of the U-shaped gasket faces outward, and these holes are located on the inwardly facing convex surface of the gasket.

[0013] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the retaining mechanism includes teeth that are slidable outward to allow the insertion of the side tab of the valve, and also configured to slide in to prevent the side tab from protruding beyond the teeth, when This includes a release mechanism that allows the valve to be removed from the seat and is configured to retract outwardly the teeth to allow passage of the lateral lip.

[0014] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the retaining mechanism includes a bracket with a non-circular hole configured to allow a side protrusion containing a non-circular side protrusion to pass through it when the non-circular side protrusion is aligned with the hole, and to be able to prevent the non-circular side protrusion from passing through it. side lip when the cylinder is rotated so that the non-circular side lip is not aligned with the opening.

[0015] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the saturation machine includes a bracket that is configured to support this side ledge, and a handle that is made to be lifted to allow placement of the side ledge on the bracket, and the handle is connected with lifting mechanism to the bracket so that when the handle is lowered, the bracket raises the valve to insert the valve into its seat.

[0016] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the handle includes a cap that is configured to close at least a portion of the balloon when in the lowered position.

[0017] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the base of the carbonation machine has an opening for receiving a cylinder, with a portion of the bottom of the opening raised so that when the cylinder is placed in the opening, tilt it into an orientation substantially coinciding with the socket.

[0018] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the saturation machine includes a stand that can be tilted outward to allow the cylinder to be inserted into the stand, while the stand is configured to insert the valve into the seat when it is rotated inward.

[0019] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the saturation machine includes a platform for supporting the cylinder in an upright position, configured to raise the cylinder to insert the valve into the seat when it is rotated.

[0020] Further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is a cylinder for connection to a saturation machine, the cylinder being configured to store compressed or liquefied gas to enable the machine to saturate the liquid, the cylinder comprising a valve that is configured to retain of gas in the cylinder when it is closed, and providing a flow connection between the cylinder and the saturation machine or gas source when it is open, wherein the valve comprises: a housing that has at one end a cylinder opening oriented along the longitudinal axis of the with the possibility of insertion into the container, and at least two external holes that are open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis and located essentially at the same distance from each other around the longitudinal axis; a poppet valve which is slidable along a longitudinal axis and which, when in the open position, allows communication between the outer orifices and the balloon orifice to allow inflow into the balloon through said at least two outer holes or outflow from the balloon through said at least two outer openings, and which, when in a closed position that is more distant from the balloon opening than the open position, prevents flow communication between the outer openings and the balloon opening; an elastic restoring structure configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet valve to hold the poppet valve in a closed position; a piston with an outer surface facing the outside of the housing and configured to move the poppet valve from a closed position to an open position when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston to overcome a restoring force applied to the piston; and a gasket configured to hydraulically isolate the outer surface of the piston from a fluid flow path between the outer orifices and the balloon orifice.

[0021] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cross section of the gasket has a U-shape, with the opening of the gasket oriented towards the container.

[0022] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the external holes are oriented essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is a valve for closing and opening a gas cylinder, comprising: a housing that has a cylinder opening at one end oriented along the longitudinal axis of the housing and configured to be inserted into a cylinder, and at least two external openings that open sideways to the longitudinal axis and are located essentially at the same distance from each other around the longitudinal axis; a poppet valve that is slidable along a longitudinal axis and that, when open, provides fluid communication between the outer orifices and the balloon orifice to allow inflow into the balloon through said at least two outer holes or outflow from the balloon through said at least at least two outer openings, and which, in a closed position that is more distant from the balloon opening than the open position, prevents fluid communication between the outer openings and the balloon opening; an elastic restoring structure configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet valve to hold the poppet valve in a closed position; a piston with an outer surface that faces the outside of the body and is configured to move the poppet valve from a closed position to an open position when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston that overcomes the restoring force; and a gasket configured to hydraulically isolate the outer surface of the piston from a fluid flow path between the outer orifices and the balloon orifice.

[0024] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cross section of the gasket has a U-shape, and the opening of the gasket is oriented towards the container.

[0025] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an adapter having: an opening shaped to allow the insertion of a gas cylinder valve that is designed to hold a compressed or liquefied gas for saturating a liquid, the valve having an opening at one end for cylinder, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the valve body and made with the possibility of insertion into the cylinder, at least one external hole, which is open in the transverse direction, and a gasket made with the possibility of hydraulic isolation of the outer surface of the valve piston, and the piston is made with the possibility of flow communication between said at least one outer orifice and the balloon orifice when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston that overcomes the restoring force; and at least one channel, which is configured to drain compressed gas from the longitudinally oriented filling hole of the cylinder filling system to one or more transversely oriented channels that are in fluid communication with said at least one external valve hole that is inserted into the hole.

[0026] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the valve includes a structure that allows the adapter to be attached to the filling head of the filling system.

[0027] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the at least one channel contains at least one transversely oriented channel, which is configured to flow communication with the filling hole when the adapter is attached to the filling head.

[0028] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the adapter includes a structure that allows the adapter to be attached to the valve, and the distal end of the adapter is configured to connect to the filling head of the filling system.

[0029] In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the at least one channel contains at the distal end a longitudinally oriented channel, which is configured to flow communication with the filling hole when the distal end is connected to the filling head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical application, the following drawings and references are presented below. It should be noted that the drawings are given by way of example only and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. The same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example gas cylinder valve.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is closed.

[0034] FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is open.

[0035] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas cylinder valve connector with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector comprising a pair of solid gaskets.

[0036] FIG. 4B schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4A.

[0037] FIG. 4C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector for a gas bottle valve with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector comprising a pair of gaskets with a U-shaped cross section.

[0038] FIG. 4D schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4C.

[0039] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector for a gas cylinder valve with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector comprising an inwardly curved gasket.

[0040] FIG. 5B schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5A.

[0041] FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas bottle valve connector with transverse bores, the connector including an outwardly curved gasket.

[0042] FIG. 5D schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5C.

[0043] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a gas cylinder and a gas cylinder valve with a round protruding disc.

[0044] FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snap-on bottle holder for holding the gas bottle shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] FIG. 7B schematically illustrates the insertion of a balloon into the snap-on balloon holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[0046] FIG. 7C schematically illustrates the removal of the balloon from the snap-on balloon holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[0047] FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a gas bottle and gas bottle valve with a non-circular side ledge.

[0048] FIG. 8B schematically illustrates the insertion of the gas cylinder shown in FIG. 8A into the bottle holder of the saturation machine.

[0049] FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a gas cylinder locked in the cylinder holder shown in FIG. 8B.

[0050] FIG. 9A schematically illustrates an example of a saturation machine with a bottle holder having a closable lid capable of putting the bottle in place when it is closed.

[0051] FIG. 9B schematically illustrates details of the lifting mechanism of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 9A.

[0052] FIG. 9C is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 9B, with the lid closed.

[0053] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a bottle holder of a saturation machine with a tiltable bottle stand that is configured to put the bottle in place when it is closed.

[0054] FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 10A with the balloon holder fully inserted.

[0055] FIG. 11A schematically depicts a cylinder holder that includes a base configured to lift the gas cylinder into a pivot position, the cylinder holder being shown in a configuration that allows insertion or removal of the cylinder.

[0056] FIG. 11B schematically illustrates the balloon holder shown in FIG. 1A when it is in a configuration in which the cylinder is locked in the operating position.

[0057] FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an example of a saturation machine with a cylinder holder having a handle that rises to allow placement of a gas cylinder.

[0058] FIG. 12B schematically illustrates the placement of the balloon in the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12A.

[0059] FIG. 12C is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12V, with the balloon placed inside the holder.

[0060] FIG. 12D schematically illustrates the lifting mechanism of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12C.

[0061] FIG. 12E schematically illustrates an example of the base of the saturation machine shown in FIG. 12B, which is configured to tilt the balloon valve toward the bracket after the balloon has been inserted into the base.

[0062] FIG. 13A schematically illustrates the saturation machine shown in FIG. 12A with the handle lowered for inserting the gas bottle into the saturation machine.

[0063] FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a balloon inserted into the saturation machine shown in FIG. 13A.

[0064] FIG. 13C is a schematic sectional view of a balloon inserted into the saturation machine shown in FIG. 13V.

[0065] FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a filling head adapter configured to connect a gas cylinder valve with transversely oriented outer holes to a filling head of a cylinder filling system.

[0066] FIG. 14B is a schematic view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A showing the side of the adapter into which the cylinder valve is inserted.

[0067] FIG. 14C is a schematic sectional view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A.

[0068] FIG. 14D is a schematic diagram of a cylinder filling machine incorporating the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A.

[0069] FIG. 14E is a schematic side view of the balloon filling machine shown in FIG. 14D.

[0070] FIG. 15A schematically illustrates a cylinder valve adapter for placement on a cylinder valve with transversely oriented external ports to allow connection of the cylinder valve to the filling head of the cylinder filling system.

[0071] FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 15A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, blocks, and/or circuits are not described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, terms used in discussions such as, for example, "processing", "computer calculation", "calculation", "determination", "establishment", "analysis ”, “validation”, or similar terms, may refer to the operation(s) and/or process(s) of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., , electronic) quantities in registers and / or in computer memory, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in registers and / or in computer memory or in other non-volatile storage media (for example, memory) that can store instructions for performing operations and/or processes. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the term "multiple" as used herein may include, for example, "several" or "two or more". The term "many" can be used throughout the description to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments of the method described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. In addition, some of the described embodiments of the method, or elements thereof, may occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or in parallel. Unless otherwise indicated, the union "or" in the context of the present description should be understood as including (any or all of the specified options).

[0074] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bottle holder of a carbonation machine or bottle filling system for filling a gas bottle for use with carbonation machines is configured to straight-line insertion of a gas bottle valve into a seat of the bottle holder to allow gas (e.g., dioxide) flow carbon) between the gas bottle and the machine or system that contains the bottle holder. In the same way, the holder is made with the possibility of rectilinear removal of the valve from the seat. The term "straight insertion" as used herein refers to insertion and connection to a socket that does not involve repeated turns of the cylinder to screw the threads on the gas bottle (eg, valve) into the threads of the holder or socket.

[0075] For example, the carbonation machine may be activated by opening a gas cylinder valve to release gas from the cylinder. Saturation machine contains a device of one or more pipelines, which are configured to pass the discharged gas to the saturation head of the saturation machine. A bottle or other container containing a liquid, such as water, may be attached to the saturation head so that the escaping gas enters the liquid and can saturate it.

[0076] In this way, the installation or replacement of the gas cylinder can be simplified. Facilitating the insertion or removal of the balloon can allow for quick and easy balloon replacement by unskilled users without the risk of over-tightening or otherwise damaging the seal between the balloon holder and the balloon.

[0077] In one example, the balloon holder may be configured to manually (or mechanically) snap the end of the balloon, typically the end that contains a valve that operates to release gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) from the balloon (or to allow the balloon to be refilled from gas source). For example, the retractable or retractable lugs or serrations on the balloon holder may be configured to engage with one or more corresponding balloon lugs. In another example, insertion may include insertion through an opening while the balloon is oriented in one orientation (e.g., a non-circular protrusion on the balloon is aligned with a corresponding non-circular hole on the balloon holder) and then rotating the balloon into another orientation to hold the balloon on the balloon holder.

[0078] Alternatively or in addition, the balloon holder or part of the saturation machine (or balloon filling system) that is associated with the balloon holder may include a balloon insertion mechanism that connects the balloon insertion mechanism to a mechanism for attaching the balloon valve to the balloon holder connector .

[0079] For example, the balloon insertion mechanism may include a handle (eg, in some cases functioning as a door or lid) that closes over the balloon after the protrusion from the balloon is placed into the bracket. Closing the handle can raise the bracket and lug, thus inserting the valve into the connector. In another example, the balloon may be placed in the tilt stand when the stand is tilted outward. By tilting the stand inward to a vertical position, you can lift the balloon and insert the valve into the connector. In another example, the balloon may be placed (eg vertically) on a base. By actuating a mechanism, such as turning the base, the balloon can be raised to insert the valve into the connector.

[0080] A gas bottle valve that is configured to be inserted into the carbonation machine with an insertion motion (e.g., without repeatedly turning the gas bottle to screw the valve into the bottle holder of the carbonation machine) can be configured to avoid generating a pulling force that could to separate the cylinder valve from the machine connector. Accordingly, the valve may be configured, for example, with gas outlet openings directed transversely and at substantially equal distances around the perimeter of the valve (for example, two openings on substantially opposite sides), to create a minimum (for example, approximately zero) thrust in direction from the connector.

[0081] When the valve is connected to the bottle holder of the saturation machine, the mechanism of the saturation machine can be actuated to release gas from the cylinder. The effluent gas may flow into the saturation head of the saturation machine to saturate the liquid contents of a bottle or other container that is connected to the saturation head, or that is otherwise configured to inject gas into the liquid.

[0082] Similarly, the gas cylinder valve is configured to connect the valve to the cylinder holder of the filling head of the cylinder filling system. When connected to the filling head, the cylinder filling system can be activated to fill the cylinder with compressed or liquefied gas.

[0083] The proximal (eg, to the connection of the gas bottle valve to the saturation machine or filling system) end of the gas bottle valve body is configured to be connected to the bottle holder. The longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder valve is considered to be the axis that passes through the gas cylinder valve in the direction of movement of the valve activation mechanism (usually in the form of a movable poppet valve that is slidable along the longitudinal axis).

[0084] The distal end of the gas bottle valve may be inserted into the gas bottle and attached (eg, by threading, welding, or otherwise). The distal end, containing the internal hole for the balloon, is made with the possibility of insertion into the balloon and is open into it.

[0085] The gas cylinder valve body also includes two or more external ports that are open transverse to the longitudinal axis (e.g., each oriented at an angle of at least 80° and typically at least 90° from the direction of connection to the cylinder holder) of the valve and spaced apart at substantially equal angular intervals around (eg, two outer openings, substantially on opposite sides) (longitudinal axis) of the container body. The external openings are configured to allow gas to be released from the balloon when the valve is opened by the gas release mechanism (eg, causing distal movement of the poppet valve within the valve). When the valve is open and the gas cylinder valve is connected to the cylinder holder of the filling system, it may be possible to fill the cylinder with compressed or liquefied gas through the external openings.

[0086] The equidistant transversely spaced positions of the outer openings can direct any gas that exits the container, whether by deliberate actuation of a gas release mechanism or otherwise, into evenly spaced transverse directions. As a result, the lateral thrust force generated by the gas outlet through one of the outer holes can be resisted by the axial thrust force generated by the gas outlet through the other outer holes.

[0087] The arrangement of the outer openings at the same transversely oriented intervals can be advantageous over a typical design in which the channel releases gas in the longitudinal direction. With a longitudinal arrangement of the holes, the escaping gas can create a traction force that tends to push the balloon away from its connection. Accordingly, with such a longitudinal opening, a connection may be required which involves screwing the valve into a threaded seat. The force generated by the release of gas through the transverse hole or holes will not create a force that tends to separate the gas bottle from the bottle holder, because for the gas bottle holder it is perpendicular to the direction of insertion or withdrawal of the gas bottle. Accordingly, the balloon holder may include a latch or other structure that does not include a threaded socket. Therefore, the connection and removal of the gas cylinder and the cross bore valve may be easier than the connection and removal of the cylinder and the longitudinal bore valve.

[0088] Typically, the valve can be opened or closed by sliding the poppet valve along the longitudinal axis of the valve. Typically, when the poppet valve is slid distally from the balloon holder, the valve opens allowing fluid communication within the valve body between the interior of the balloon through the balloon port and the outer ports. Conversely, when the poppet valve is moved proximally to the balloon holder, the valve closes so that flow communication between the outer openings and the interior of the balloon is blocked. For example, the proximal end of the poppet valve may be pressed against a seal to prevent fluid communication between the balloon port and the outer ports. Opening the valve allows the fluid source (eg, from the cylinder filling system) to flow into the cylinder through the external openings, or to flow out of the cylinder through the cylinder opening and the external openings (eg, into a saturation machine).

[0089] One or more types of sealing structure may be included in the gas cylinder valve to prevent gas flow around the piston. For example, the cross section of the gasket surrounding the piston may be U-shaped. The U-shaped opening may be oriented inside the container. Thus, when the piston is moved to release gas from the cylinder, pressurized gas can fill the opening of the U-shaped gasket to push the walls of the gasket outward, strengthening the seal around the piston and preventing leakage of the released gas around the piston.

[0090] The piston causing the valve poppet to move distally is configured to be accessible to a drive mechanism such as a carbonation machine or balloon filling system. Typically, the piston has an outer surface that can be contacted by and actuated by a drive mechanism located in a cylinder holder, such as in a saturation machine of a cylinder filling system. The proximal end of the piston may have an outer surface forming a push button. The proximal end of the piston may be located within a recess in the proximal surface of the gas cylinder valve. The recess may prevent accidental depression of the piston, for example, by a surface that is wider than the recess.

[0091] When a pushing force is applied to the proximal end of the piston, the piston can move distally, for example, along an axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the poppet valve. The distal end of the plunger may be configured to contact and push against the proximal end of the poppet when the plunger is pushed distally. Therefore, pressing the button at the proximal end of the piston can push the poppet valve in a distal direction to open the gas cylinder valve. For example, the actuation mechanism of a saturation machine or filling system may include a retractable stem or other component that may actuate a button at the proximal end of a gas cylinder valve. When the actuator mechanism applies a force that is at least equal to the predetermined force, the poppet valve can move distally enough to provide fluid communication between the balloon port and the outer ports.

[0092] The piston may be provided as a separate component from the poppet valve. Alternatively, the piston may be manufactured as an integral part of the poppet valve, such as forming the proximal end of the poppet valve.

[0093] Typically, the gas cylinder valve also includes a return structure for holding the poppet valve in a (eg, proximal) closed position when a sufficiently large force is not applied to the outer surface. For example, the spring may be configured to push the poppet valve in a proximal direction if the force of the spring is not overcome by a distal push force that is applied to the poppet valve, such as through a piston.

[0094] The gas bottle valve may include a structure to allow or facilitate the holding of a gas bottle by a bottle holder, such as a carbonation machine or bottle filling system. For example, a gas cylinder valve may include one or more protrusions that may be inserted into the cooperating structure, such as one or more grooves or slots in the cylinder holder. When the gas bottle is held by the bottle holder, the bottle holder may be configured to connect the outer openings of the gas bottle valve to one or more conduits that are connected to the bottle holder, for example.

[0095] For example, a disc-shaped lateral protrusion may project transversely outward, for example, at or near the connection of the gas cylinder valve to the gas cylinder. The disc may be configured to be inserted into a suitable balloon holder bracket. The disc may be inserted as a washer between the gas cylinder valve and the cylinder, or may be manufactured as an integral part of the gas cylinder valve or the cylinder itself.

[0096] For example, the bracket may include a U-groove that is wide enough to fit the thickness of the disk. When the gas cylinder is not held by the cylinder holder so that the bracket is free, the disc of the gas cylinder may slide into the groove of the bracket. When the disc is fully inserted into the bracket, the cylinder holder closing mechanism may be operated to insert the proximal end of the gas cylinder valve into an interoperable connector associated with (eg, integral to or adjacent to) the cylinder holder. For example, the closure mechanism may include a handle, lever, or other force-transmitting structure for lifting the proximal end of the gas cylinder valve into a sealed seat of a saturation machine or cylinder filling system. The operation of the closing mechanism may include closing a handle (eg, functioning as a lid, door, or damper), for example, which may at least partially close the gas cylinder when connected to the connector.

[0097] Alternatively or in addition, the bracket may include two or more prongs or levers that can be extended to grip the disk when the gas bottle valve is inserted into the connector.

[0098] Alternatively, or in addition, the disk may be asymmetrical. The asymmetry may allow the asymmetric disk to be inserted through a corresponding asymmetric hole in the bracket when the asymmetric disk is aligned with the asymmetric hole. Rotating the asymmetric disk (eg, 90°) to an orientation where the asymmetric disk is no longer aligned with the asymmetric hole can hold the asymmetric disk in the bracket. In this case, the closure mechanism may be configured to, in addition to inserting the proximal end of the gas bottle valve into the sealed connector, rotate the gas bottle (eg 90°) to hold the asymmetric disk in the bottle holder bracket.

[0099] A connector for providing gas flow between a gas cylinder valve and a saturation machine, cylinder filling system, or other device may include a socket that contains a sealing structure. The sealing structure may be configured to provide a fluid connection between the outer openings of the gas cylinder valve and the gas port of the connector, while preventing gas leakage in other directions. For example, the sealing structure may include two or more gaskets between which gas can pass between the connector channel and the outer openings of the gas cylinder valve. Alternatively or in addition, the gasket of the sealing structure may include one or more holes through which gas can pass. The gasket may have a U-shape that can expand when filled with compressed gas to further improve the seal.

[00100] In some instances, a filling head adapter may be attached to the filling head of a cylinder filling system to allow filling of a gas cylinder that has a valve with transversely oriented external ports. For example, the filling head adapter may provide a path for fluid to pass between a filling port of the cylinder filling system that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder and transversely positioned outer openings of the gas cylinder valve. The fluid path may include one or more grooves, channels, tubes, or other structure to allow compressed gas (or liquefied gas) fluid to flow from the filling port of the cylinder filling system to the external openings of the gas cylinder valve. For example, the fill head adapter may be bolted or otherwise attached to the fill head.

[00101] In some cases, a cylinder valve adapter may be attached to a gas cylinder valve with transversely oriented outer openings. Fitting a cylinder valve adapter to a gas cylinder valve may allow the gas cylinder to be filled by inserting the cylinder valve adapter into a cylinder filling head with an axial (longitudinal) filling port. The cylinder valve adapter is configured to provide a fluid path between the filling port of the cylinder filling system, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder, and the transversely oriented outer openings of the gas cylinder valve. Typically, the fluid path provided by the cylinder valve adapter comprises a system of closed tubes or passages between the filling port and the external openings of the gas cylinder valve.

[00102] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example gas bottle valve. Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is closed.

[00103] The internal components of the valve 10 are enclosed in a housing 12. Typically, the valve body 12 is made of brass or other metal. The end of the valve body 12, which contains the cylinder opening 14, is adapted to be inserted into the gas cylinder 46. The interface between the valve body 12 can be sealed with a gasket 34. Gas can flow from the interior 48 of the gas cylinder 46 to the central channel 15 through the cylinder opening 14 and gas filter 36.

[00104] In order to provide controlled release of gas from the gas bottle 46 in the event of overpressure, the gas bottle 46 has a rupture disc 40. The rupture disc 40 is held in place between the cover 38 and the valve body 12. In the event of overpressure sufficient to rupture the bursting disc 40, the gas in the central passage 15 may, after bursting the bursting disc 40, flow out through the bursting disc cover 38 and exit to the surrounding atmosphere through the gas outlet 39 in the cover 38.

[00105] In some cases, disc 44 may be held between valve body 12 and gas cylinder 46. Disc 44 may be configured to fit into an appropriate slot or groove in the cylinder holder. Alternatively, or in addition to disc 44, one or more protrusions that are integral to valve body 12 may project transversely from valve body 12 to engage with an associated container holder structure. Alternatively, or in addition, body 12 may have one or more recesses that are configured to engage with one or more cooperating protrusions of the container holder.

[00106] When the gas bottle valve 10 is inserted into the gas bottle 46 and the valve 10 is open, the gas from the gas bottle 46 can be vented through a pair of oppositely oriented outer holes 16. Thus, the net tractive force generated by releasing the amount of gas through the pair of outer holes 16 , may be close to zero.

[00107] In some examples, the gas cylinder valve may have more than two oppositely oriented external openings 16. For example, additional pairs of external openings 16 may be oriented to evenly distribute the external openings 16 around the perimeter of the valve body 12.

[00108] When the valve 10 is closed, as shown, the poppet valve 18 is pressed by the spring 20 against the valve seat 24 (for example, in the form of a round protrusion protruding from the surface) of the liner 22. Therefore, all fluid connection between the internal cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46 and the external holes 16 blocked.

[00109] The valve 10 can be opened by applying a pushing force to the outer surface 26a of the piston 26. The outer surface 26a is exposed to a drive mechanism, such as a saturation machine or cylinder filling system, to which the valve 10 is connected, and is mechanically accessible (for example, it can be push) for this mechanism. Typically, the pushing force may be applied by an actuator stem that is located within or otherwise associated with the cylinder holder. The outer surface 26a may be located within the recess 27 at the outer end of the valve body 12. Positioning outer surface 26a within recess 27 may prevent accidental or unintended application of a pushing force to piston 26.

[00110] The application of a pushing force to the outer surface 26a pushes the piston 26 towards the poppet valve 18. When the pushing force applied to the outer surface 26a is sufficient to overcome the counter force generated by the spring 20 and the gas pressure inside the gas cylinder 46, the end 26b of the piston 26 can push the poppet valve 18 away from the valve seat 24.

[00111] When the poppet 18 is no longer pressed against the valve seat 24, gas can begin to flow between the poppet 18 and the insert 22. For example, during saturation, it is assumed that the internal cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46 is filled with compressed or liquefied gas. When flow is enabled between poppet valve 18 and insert 22, gas can flow outward through grooves 23 of insert 22 around seal housing 30 to external ports 16. The gas that is vented through external ports 16 can then be directed through a connector to the saturation head, into which the gas is introduced into the liquid to be saturated. On the other hand, when the outer holes 16 are connected to the filling system, compressed or liquefied gas can be injected into the outer holes 16 to flow inward around the seal housing 30, through the grooves 23 of the liner 22, and between the liner 22 and the poppet valve 18 through the central passage 15 in the inner cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46.

[00112] It is possible to prevent leakage of gas from the valve 10 around the piston 26 (for example, as in a typical cylinder of the prior art, where the external opening is located along the longitudinal axis of the valve 10) using a gasket 28. In the example shown, the gasket 28 has approximately U- shaped cross-section, with the opening facing the liner 22 and the gas bottle 46. The seal 28 is held in place by the seal body 30 and the liner holder 32. Thus, the pressure of the gas towards the gas cylinder 46 may tend to expand the opening of the seal 28, thereby improving the seal against leakage of gas around the piston 26. Alternatively or in addition, seals having a cross-section of other types (for example , V-shaped, W-shaped, or other shape that allows gas pressure to tighten the seal, or other shapes), or that are held in place by other mechanisms.

[00113] FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is open.

[00114] In the example shown, poppet 18 is inserted into valve 10 and separated from valve seat 24 to form a gap 50 between poppet 18 and insert 22. Accordingly, gas can flow through gap 50 between central passage 15 and outer ports 16. With this prevents the flow of gas around the piston 26, for example, between the piston 26 and the seal housing 30, by means of a seal 28. Therefore, the flow of gas between the central channel 15 and the outer holes 16 is limited in any direction, through the channel, which contains the grooves 23 and space between the seal body 30 and the valve body 12.

[00115] The valve 10 may be configured to be inserted into one or more types of connector that do not include threads to retain the valve 10 and gas bottle 46 in the bottle holder. In addition, the connector for connecting to the valve 10 may be configured to supply gas to or from the transversely oriented outer holes 16. Accordingly, the connector may be configured to allow crossflow of gas between the outer openings 16 and the gas conduit (eg, to the saturation head of a saturation machine or from the gas source of a cylinder filling system) preventing gas from leaking in other directions.

[00116] The connector may be configured to exert a sufficiently low friction force on the valve 10 to allow the valve 10 to be inserted into the connector and the valve 10 to be removed from the connector. On the other hand, the connector is configured to allow gas flow between the conduit (eg, carbonation machine or cylinder filling system) and the outer openings 16 when the valve 10 is inserted into the connector.

[00117] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas bottle valve connector with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector including a pair of solid gaskets. Fig. 4B schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4A.

[00118] Cylinder connector 52 is configured to receive valve 10 therein. Connector 52 is further configured to flow-through between external ports 16 of valve 10 and gas port 54 of connector 52. For example, in connector 52 of a saturation machine, gas port 54 may connect connector 52 with the saturation head of the saturation machine. In the connector 52 of the cylinder filling system, the gas passage 54 may connect the connector 52 to the gas source of the cylinder filling system. Although one single gas passage 54 is shown, other examples of a cylinder connector may include two or more gas passages 54.

[00119] The connector 52 has a socket 51 which comprises a sealing structure in the form of a pair of solid gaskets 56 with a gap 58 between two solid gaskets 56. In the example shown, each solid gasket 56 is in the form of a sealing ring with flattened annular surfaces 56a bordering the gap 58. In other examples, each spacer may be hollow or have a complete or partial annular opening, or its outer shape may be rectangular or otherwise different from the shape shown in the example shown.

[00120] In the example shown, gas can flow between the outer openings 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 52 through the gap 58 between the solid gaskets 56.

[00121] FIG. 4C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector for a gas bottle valve with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector comprising a pair of gaskets with a U-shaped cross section. Fig. 40 schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4C.

[00122] The cylinder connector 53 is configured to insert the valve 10 and provide a fluid connection between the outer openings 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 53.

[00123] The connector 53 has a socket 51 that contains a sealing structure in the form of a pair of U-shaped gaskets 60. Each U-shaped gasket 60 has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds the opening 60a. In the example shown, one of the U-shaped pads 60 is reversed relative to the other so that the openings 60a of the U-shaped pads 60 are oriented opposite each other. U-shaped gaskets 60 are separated by a gap 58.

[00124] In the example shown, the gas may flow between the outer openings 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 through the gap 58 between the U-shaped gaskets 60. The gas may fill the openings 60a. Therefore, gas pressure may tend to expand the U-grommets 60 and open the openings 60a, thereby pressing the U-grooves 60 against the surrounding structure to further prevent gas leakage.

[00125] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector for a gas cylinder valve with transversely oriented outer holes, the connector having an inwardly curved gasket. Fig. 5B schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5A.

[00126] The cylinder connector 61 is configured to insert the valve 10 and provide a fluid connection between the outer openings 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 61.

[00127] Connector 61 has a socket 51 that includes a sealing structure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 62. U-shaped gasket 62 has a U-shaped cross-section that surrounds opening 62a. The opening 62a of the U-shaped gasket 62 opens inwards towards the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped gasket 62. The outwardly convex surface of the U-shaped gasket 62 is perforated with outer holes 64. In the example shown, the U-shaped gasket 62 has four evenly spaced outer holes. 64. In other examples, the U-shaped gasket 62 may have fewer or more than four outer holes 64.

[00128] In the example shown, gas may flow between the outer holes 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 61 through the outer holes 64 in the U-shaped gasket 62. The gas may fill the opening 62a. Therefore, gas pressure may tend to expand the U-shaped gasket 62 to further open the opening 62a, pressing the U-shaped gasket 62 against the surrounding structure to further prevent gas leakage.

[00129] FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas bottle valve connector with transverse bores, the connector including an outwardly curved gasket. Fig. 50 schematically illustrates the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5C.

[00130] The cylinder connector 65 is configured to insert the valve 10 and provide a fluid connection between the outer openings 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 65.

[00131] Connector 65 has a socket 51 that includes a sealing structure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 66. U-shaped gasket 66 has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds the opening 66a. Opening 66a of the U-shaped gasket 66 is open outward, in the direction from the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped gasket 66. Internal holes 68 are perforated on the inwardly convex surface of the U-shaped gasket 66. In the example shown, the U-shaped gasket 66 has four evenly spaced other internal holes 68. In other examples, the U-shaped gasket 66 may contain fewer or more than four internal holes 68.

[00132] In the example shown, gas can flow between the outer holes 16 of the valve 10 and the gas passage 54 of the connector 65 through the inner holes 68 in the U-shaped gasket 66. The gas can fill the opening 66a. Therefore, gas pressure may tend to expand the U-shaped gasket 66 to further open the opening 66a, pressing the U-shaped gasket 66 against the surrounding structure to further prevent gas leakage.

[00133] The cylinder holder may be structured to hold the inserted gas cylinder 46. In particular, the structure may be configured to cooperate with a structure that protrudes outwardly from the gas cylinder 46, from the valve 10, or both. The outwardly projecting structure may comprise a disk 44 of a circular or other shape. In some cases, disc 44 may be in the form of a washer that is held between valve 10 and gas bottle 46 when valve 10 is attached to (usually screwed on) gas bottle 46.

[00134] In Fig. 6 schematically shows a gas cylinder and a gas cylinder valve with a round protruding disc.

[00135] In the example shown, disk 44 is circular and is held between gas bottle 46 and valve 10.

[00136] In Fig. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snap-on bottle holder for holding the gas bottle shown in FIG. 6.

[00137] In the illustrated example, the bottle holder 70 is configured to insert a gas bottle by pushing the outer end of the valve 10 (the distal end to the bottle 46) up towards and into the bottle connector 76. Although in FIG. 7, connector 76 is shown having a shape similar to connector 61 (with U-shaped gasket 62), connector 76 may have a shape similar to any of the balloon connectors described above, or a different type of balloon connector.

[00138] The holder 70 has at least two movable teeth 71. An elastic spring or other element (not shown) is configured to push each movable tooth 71 inward towards each other. Each sliding prong 71 has an inclined surface 71a that faces outward from the container holder 70. Therefore, when the gas cylinder 46 with disc 44 is pushed (upward in FIG. 7) into holder 70, disc 44 can press against ramp 71a and cause each movable prong 71 to move outward. The outward sliding of the sliding teeth 71 may allow the valve 10 to be inserted into the connector 76. After the disk 44 is inserted behind the sliding teeth 71, the resilient element can push the sliding teeth 71 inward. The inward position of the sliding teeth 71 may prevent disc 44 from moving outward, thereby holding the gas bottle 46 to the holder 70. The position of the sliding teeth 71 may be chosen such that when the sliding teeth 71 slide inward after passing the disc 44, the valve 10 can be fully inserted into the cylinder connector 76. The circular shape of the disc 44 may allow the gas bottle 46 to be inserted without having to hold the gas bottle 46 in a specific orientation (around its longitudinal axis).

[00139] FIG. 7B schematically illustrates the insertion of a balloon into the snap-on balloon holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[00140] In the example shown, the valve 10 of the gas cylinder 46 can be inserted into the cylinder connector 76 by moving the valve 10 towards the connector 76 in an upward motion 67a. When the valve 10 is inserted into the connector 76, the sliding teeth 71 can be pushed outward by the disk 44. When the valve 10 is fully inserted into the connector 76, the sliding teeth 71 can snap inward under the disk 44 to secure the disk 44, and thus the gas bottle 46 inside holder 70.

[00141] In the example shown, the base 73 of the bottle holder (e.g., carbonation machine or bottle filling system) has an opening 75. Thus, the gas bottle 46 can be inserted so that the longitudinal axis of the gas bottle 46 and valve 10 are aligned with the upward direction of movement 67a, wherein the lower end of gas bottle 46 extends downward through opening 75. Accordingly, in order to insert valve 10 into connector 76, gas bottle 46 only needs to be moved parallel to upward movement 67a (eg, without rotating gas bottle 46).

[00142] FIG. 7C schematically illustrates the removal of the balloon from the snap-on balloon holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[00143] In the example shown, disc 44 is attached to holder 70 by movable teeth 71. To enable gas cylinder 46 to be removed from holder 70, release mechanism 69 can be operated to cause movable teeth 71 to retract outward to allow disc 44 to move downward past sliding teeth 71. For example, the release mechanism 69 may include a button, lever, or other user-operated component that, when pressed, causes the sliding teeth 71 to retract outward. When the sliding teeth 71 are retracted, the gas bottle 46 can be removed from the holder 70 by moving the valve 10 away from the connector 76 with a downward movement 67b.

[00144] The holder 70 may include a retraction mechanism that is operated by the user, such as by pressing a button or lever, to retract the sliding teeth 71 to allow the gas cylinder 46 to be removed from the holder 70.

[00145] Alternatively or in addition, the mechanism for retaining the gas cylinder 46 in the cylinder holder may be configured to engage with a non-circular, asymmetrical disk that extends along one axis.

[00146] FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a gas bottle and gas bottle valve with a non-circular side ledge.

[00147] In the example shown, the non-circular side boss 72 is held between the gas bottle 46 and the valve 10. In the example shown, the non-circular side boss 72 is in the shape of a doubly truncated circle. In other examples, the non-circular side protrusion may have a different non-circular shape.

[00148] FIG. 8B schematically illustrates the insertion of the gas cylinder shown in FIG. 8A into the bottle holder of the saturation machine.

[00149] In the example shown, the non-circular side ledge 72 has the shape of a doubly truncated circle. In other examples, the non-circular side projection 72 may have any shape that is not circularly symmetrical. For example, the non-circular side ledge 72 may have a polygonal, oval, or other non-circular shape.

[00150] In the example shown, saturation machine 63 includes a saturation head 81 and a bottle holder 74. The cylinder holder 74 includes a bracket with an elongated opening 77. When the long dimension of the non-circular side projection 72 on the gas cylinder 46 is aligned with the elongated opening 77 of the bracket 78, the gas cylinder 46 can move in a straight motion 79a until the valve 10 is inserted into the connector 76 for the balloon.

[00151] When the valve 10 is inserted into the cylinder connector 76, the gas cylinder 46 can be rotated around its axis by the pivoting movement 79b (or by turning in the opposite direction). Rotation of the gas bottle 46 may rotate the non-circular side projection 72 through a sufficient angle such that the non-circular side projection 72 no longer aligns with the elongated opening 77. In this rotation, the bracket 78 may prevent outward movement (e.g., in a direction opposite to the straight-line movement 79a) of the non-circular side projection. protrusion 72. Thus, gas bottle 46 and valve 10 can be locked inside bottle holder 74 and connector 76.

[00152] In other examples, for example, when the non-circular side protrusion has a different shape, the bracket opening may be shaped to match the shape of the non-circular side protrusion. Thus, when the non-circular side protrusion is aligned with the hole, the non-circular side protrusion can be inserted into the hole. After insertion, the gas cylinder 46 and the non-circular side protrusion can be rotated so that the opening and the non-circular side protrusion are no longer aligned with each other. Therefore, after such a rotation, the non-circular side protrusion and the gas cylinder 46 attached thereto cannot be removed from the bracket.

[00153] FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a gas cylinder locked in the cylinder holder shown in FIG. 8B.

[00154] As shown in FIG. 8C, the non-circular side lip 72 has been rotated by the pivoting movement 79b (or rotated in the opposite direction) by about 90° so that the long dimension of the non-circular side lip 72 is approximately perpendicular to the elongated opening 77. Thus, the gas bottle 46 is locked inside the bottle holder 74. To allow the gas bottle 46 to be removed from the holder 74, the gas bottle 46 can be rotated until the long dimension of the non-circular side projection 72 is aligned with the long dimension of the elongated opening 77. With this alignment, the gas bottle 46 can be removed from the holder 74 by pulling the gas cylinder 46 in the direction opposite to the direction of the rectilinear movement 79a.

[00155] In some examples, the bottle holder may be configured to lift the gas bottle 46 when the gas bottle 46 is closed in the bottle holder. The closing mechanism may include, for example, a handle (for example, operating as a door or other lid), which in some examples may at least partially close a cavity into which the gas cylinder 46 can be inserted, a tilt stand into which the gas cylinder 46 can be inserted gas bottle 46, or a base on which gas bottle 46 can stand.

[00156] FIG. 9A schematically illustrates a saturation machine with a balloon holder having a closable lid capable of lifting the balloon into place when it is closed. Fig. 9B schematically illustrates details of the lifting mechanism of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 9A.

[00157] When the gas cylinder 46 with disc 44 (which may be round, may be rectangular or other polygonal, oval or other shape) is inserted into the cylinder holder 90 of the carbonation machine 63, the disc 44 may be located above it and may be held by the bracket 94 Cylinder cap 92 is connected to bracket 94 by a toggle mechanism 96 (or other mechanism, such as one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical components that couples movement of bracket 94 to movement of cap 92). Thus, when cap 92 pivots downward and inward (eg, toward gas bottle 46) to close gas bottle 46, bracket 94 rises toward bottle connector 76. When the bottle cap 92 is fully closed, the valve 10 can be fully inserted into the bottle connector 76. When the valve is fully inserted, the user actuates the gas release control 97 (for example, a button as in the example shown, or other user actuated control) so that the actuator actuates the valve 10 to release gas from the gas cylinder 46 .

[00158] FIG. 9C is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 9B, with the lid closed.

[00159] With cap 92 fully closed, valve 10 is fully inserted into balloon connector 76. In the example shown, actuator stem 98 is positioned adjacent to piston 26 of valve 10. In the example shown, when gas release control 97 is depressed, the actuator pushes actuator stem 98 against piston 26. Continued depression of actuator stem 98 and piston 26 can open valve 10, to release the gas from the cylinder 46 through the external openings into the gas passage of the cylinder connector 76.

[00160] In Fig. 10A is a schematic illustration of a bottle holder of a carbonation machine with a tiltable bottle stand that is configured to raise the bottle to a position when it is closed.

[00161] A gas cylinder 46 with disc 44 (which may be round or may be rectangular or other polygonal, oval, or other shaped) can be inserted into or removed from the bottle stand 102 of the holder 100 of the saturation machine 63 when the stand 102 is tilted outward , as shown. The disk 44 of the inserted gas bottle 46 may fit over the bracket 94. It may be noted that in the example shown, the function of the disk 44 and the bracket 94 may be to guide the gas bottle 46 into the correct position on the stand 102. In other examples, the stand 102, gas bottle 46, or both, may be of a different design to guide the placement of the gas bottle 46 in the stand 102.

[00162] The pedestal 102 is connected to the fixed holder structure 100 by a hinged link mechanism 104 (or other mechanism, such as one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical components). Therefore, when the gas bottle 46 is inserted into the stand 102 and the stand 102 rotates inward (to tilt the gas bottle 46 up until it stands up), the stand 102 and the gas bottle 46 are lifted towards the connector 76.

[00163] FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 10A, with balloon holder fully inserted.

[00164] As shown, stand 102 and gas bottle 46 are tilted inward and are in a vertical position. The valve 10 is fully inserted into the connector 76 to operate the valve 10 by actuating the gas release control element 97, the actuator 99 and the actuator stem 98.

[00165] In Fig. 11A is a schematic illustration of a cylinder holder that includes a base configured to lift the gas cylinder into a pivot position, the cylinder holder being shown in a configuration that allows insertion or removal of the cylinder.

[00166] The base 118 of the cylinder holder 110 (eg, carbonation machine or cylinder filling system) includes a cylinder support platform 112. In the configuration shown, support platform 112 is low enough that gas bottle 46 with its valve 10 can be installed between support platform 112 and connector 76. In this configuration, gas bottle 46 can be inserted into holder 110 or removed from holder 110.

[00167] The support platform 112 is rotatable to lift the gas bottle 46 so that the valve 10 is inserted into the bottle connector 76. In the example shown, the support platform 112 can be rotated such that the protrusion 114 on the support platform 112 rises up the ramp 116 onto the base 118. Therefore, rotating the support platform 112 so that the protrusion 114 rotates toward the uppermost part of the slope 116 can lift the gas cylinder 46 and valve 10 so that valve 10 is inserted into connector 76.

[00168] In Fig. 11B is a schematic illustration of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 11A when it is in a configuration in which the cylinder is locked in the operating position.

[00169] When, as in the example shown, the valve 10 is inserted into the connector 76, the space between the support platform 112 and the holder 110 is reduced so that the gas cylinder 46 cannot be removed from the holder 110. Rotating the gas cylinder 46 so that the protrusion 114 rotates back to the lowest part of the slope 116, can lower the support platform 112 so that the space between the support platform 112 and the connector 76 is large enough to allow the gas bottle 46 and valve 10 to be removed from the connector 76. In some cases, the base 118 may include structure to prevent accidental or unintentional lowering of support platform 112. For example, base 118 may include a latch or other structure that is designed to hold tab 114 at the topmost portion of slope 116 until an unlock mechanism (e.g., disengagement) is operated.

[00170] The holder 110 may include one or more other structures for securing the inserted gas cylinder 46. For example, when the gas cylinder 46 includes a disk 44, the holder 110 may include movable teeth 71 or other structure for holding the disk 44 in place. When the gas cylinder 46 includes a non-circular side projection 72, the holder 110 may include a bracket 78 with an elongated hole 77. The holder 110 may include other types of mounting structure.

[00171] FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an example of a saturation machine with a bottle holder having a handle that rises to allow the gas bottle to be inserted.

[00172] The handle 122 of the saturation machine 120 can be raised or lowered by rotation about the axis 127. In the machine 120, the arm 94 is connected to the handle 122 by a lifting mechanism (visible in Fig. 12D). When handle 122 is raised, as in the example shown, bracket 94 is lowered from connector 76. The space between bracket 94 and connector 76 is sufficient to accommodate valve 10 between bracket 94 and connector 76.

[00173] FIG. 12B schematically illustrates the placement of the balloon in the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12A.

[00174] As shown, the opening 124 in the base 128 of the saturation machine 120 allows the lower end of the gas bottle 46 (for example, the end of the gas bottle 46 that is opposite the end to which the valve 10 is attached) to be placed in the opening 124. to bracket 94 (as indicated by arrow 123) may place disk 44 (or other side protrusion from gas bottle 46) above bracket 94.

[00175] Orifice 124 may be configured to align gas cylinder 46 that is placed in opening 124 with connector 76. For example, alignment may include orienting the axis of gas cylinder 46 parallel to the axis of connector 76, and aligning the axes transversely so that the gas balloon 46 was coaxial with connector 76.

[00176] FIG. 12C is a schematic sectional view of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12V, with a balloon placed inside.

[00177] In the example shown, the raised bottom portion 124a of opening 124 is configured to have an uneven bottom surface 129 so that gas bottle 46 independently slopes toward the bracket and rests on the inside radius of the bracket, thus aligning with connector socket 76.

[00178] Raised lower portion 124a covers a portion (eg, an arcuate segment) of the space of opening 124. The remainder of opening 124 may comprise a lower region 124b. In the example shown, hole 124 does not have a bottom in the lower region 124b. In other examples, the raised lower portion 124a may be raised above the bottom of the lower region 124b.

[00179] The area of the raised lower portion 124a is shaped and sized such that the center of gravity of the gas cylinder 46 (generally along or near the cylinder axis 131) is above the lower region 124b. As a result, when gas bottle 46 is placed in opening 124, gravity can rotate gas bottle 46 to lean against the inner radius of the bracket and mate with (e.g., socket) connector 76.

[00180] It may be noted that while opening 124 with raised bottom portion 124a is shown and described in connection with saturation machine 120, raised bottom portion 124a may be included in other examples (e.g., the examples shown in FIG. 8 , 9 and 11).

[00181] FIG. 12D schematically illustrates the lifting mechanism of the balloon holder shown in FIG. 12C. Fig. 12E schematically illustrates an example of the base of the saturation machine shown in FIG. 12B, which is configured to tilt the balloon valve toward the bracket after the balloon has been inserted into the base.

[00182] As shown, disk 44 of gas bottle 46 rests on bracket 94. Stem 125 is attached to handle 122 and inserted into slot 121 on bracket 94. As handle 122 is lowered by pivoting around axis 127, stem 125 rotates outward from saturation machine 120. Slot 121 is curved (as in the example shown) or inclined or otherwise non-horizontal and non-vertical such that the outer end of slot 121 is lower than the inner end of slot 121. force on slot 121 and bracket 94. Therefore, lowering handle 122 can lift bracket 94 and gas bottle 46, which is placed on bracket 94, towards bottle connector 76.

[00183] FIG. 13A schematically illustrates the saturation machine shown in FIG. 12A with the handle lowered for inserting the gas bottle into the saturation machine.

[00184] As shown, handle 122 is fully down. Therefore, bracket 94 is fully raised to connector 76.

[00185] FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a balloon inserted into the saturation machine shown in FIG. 13A. Fig. 13C is a schematic sectional view of a balloon inserted into the saturation machine shown in FIG. 13V.

[00186] As shown, handle 122 is lowered over gas bottle 46. In some cases, when handle 122 is fully lowered, handle 122 may provide additional shielding or protection for the connection between valve 10 and connector 76.

[00187] As a result of lowering the handle 122, the toggle mechanism 96 lifts the valve 10 into the connector 76. Therefore, the operation of the gas release control element 97 and the actuator 99 can actuate the valve 10 to release gas from the gas cylinder 46 for supply to the saturation head machines 120.

[00188] After the gas bottle 46 is inserted into the saturation machine 120, the bottle cap 126 can be inserted into the base 128 and closed.

[00189] FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a filling head adapter allowing connection of a gas cylinder valve with transversely oriented external ports to a filling head of a cylinder filling system. Fig. 14B is a schematic view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A showing the side of the adapter into which the cylinder valve is inserted. Fig. 14C is a schematic sectional view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A.

[00190] The filling head adapter 150 may be mounted on the filling head of the cylinder filling system. For example, the filling head may be configured to allow the installation of a cylinder valve, in which the outer opening of the valve is oriented along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, before the filling head adapter 150 is installed. Mounting the adapter 150 on the filling head provides a fluid path between the longitudinally oriented filling port of the filling head and the transversely oriented outer openings 16 of the cylinder valve.

[00191] For example, filling head adapter 150 may include a mounting structure 156 (eg, holes, as in the example shown, threads, or one or more brackets, lugs, or other structure) to allow or facilitate installation of adapter 150 to filling head. In the example shown, mounting adapter 150 to the filling head may include inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other fasteners through mounting structure 156 into the filling head. A sealing structure (eg, an o-ring, sealing disc, or other sealing structure) may be installed, for example, within the sealing groove 154 between the adapter 150 and the filling head.

[00192] When the adapter 150 is installed on the filling head, a fluid path can be formed between the filling port of the filling head and the outer openings 16 of the cylinder valve, which is inserted into the interior space 160 of the adapter 150. When the cylinder valve is inserted into the interior space 160, the seal 166 valve (eg, an o-ring as shown, or a sealing disc or other sealing structure) can prevent gas from escaping into the space in interior space 160 that is in fluid contact with the cylinder valve piston 26. Cylinder restraint 161 may assist in proper placement of gas cylinder 46 and cylinder valve within interior space 160. In some instances, cylinder seal 168 (e.g., an O-ring or other type of seal) may prevent or prevent gas from leaking out of interior space 160 between the gas cylinder. 46 and adapter 150.

[00193] When the cylinder valve is inserted into the interior 160 of adapter 150, pressurized gas (eg, in gaseous or liquefied form) can be discharged from the cylinder filling system through the longitudinally oriented filling port. The transverse channel 152 of the adapter 150 may be positioned so that it is fluidly connected to the filling port. Exhaust compressed gas may flow transversely from the filling port along the transverse channel 152 to one or more longitudinal channels 162, such as at one or more ends of the transverse channel 152. Compressed gas may flow into the adapter 150 through each longitudinal channel 162 into the radial channel 164 , each of which is oriented radially or otherwise laterally within the filling head adapter 150. Pressurized gas can flow laterally inward in each radial passage 164 to the outer openings 16 of the cylinder valve. The valve seal 166 and the cylinder seal 168 can facilitate the flow of pressurized gas from the radial passages 164 into the outer openings 16.

[00194] The recesses 158 may facilitate holding the adapter 150, for example, when mounted on a filling head. The holes 159 in the recesses 158 may also facilitate drilling, machining, or otherwise forming the radial channels 164.

[00195] In some examples, the fluid connection between the filling port of the filling head and the port 159 of the adapter 150 may form a tube.

[00196] FIG. 140 schematically depicts a cylinder filling machine including the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A. Fig. 14E is a schematic side view of the balloon filling machine shown in FIG. 140.

[00197] The balloon filling machine 180 may be a component of a balloon filling system. The machine 180 is configured to fill the gas cylinder 46, the valve 10 of which is inserted into the adapter 150 with compressed (eg, liquefied) gas from a gas source (not shown). For example, machine 180 may be controlled by an automatic (eg, computerized) control system, or manually. The gas may be controlled to the adapter 150 through the filling head 184. For example, the filling head 184 may include various controls and controls, such as electrically operated valves (eg, solenoid valves), pressure sensors, or other control units. The cylinder filling machine 180 may include monitoring and control components 186 such as a check valve and a mass flow meter.

[00198] The cylinder filling machine 180 may include a cylinder loading assembly 182. In the illustrated example, cylinder loading assembly 182 includes a linear conveyor 188 that is configured to move a vertical (eg, substantially vertical with valve 10 oriented upwards) gas cylinder 46 in a straight path to a position below adapter 150 and filling head. When the gas cylinder 46 is located below the adapter 150, the linear piston 190 may raise the gas cylinder 46 so that the valve 10 is inserted into the adapter 150. In other examples, the orientation of at least some components of the cylinder filling machine and the cylinder loading assembly may be reversed. In this case, the loading assembly may be configured to lower the inverted gas cylinder 46 to insert the valve 10 into the adapter 150 below the gas cylinder 46. In other examples, the gas cylinder valve may be slid horizontally or in another orientation into the adapter 150.

[00199] FIG. 15A schematically illustrates a cylinder valve adapter for placement on a cylinder valve with transversely oriented external ports to allow connection of the cylinder valve to the filling head of the cylinder filling system. Fig. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylinder valve adapter shown in FIG. 15A.

[00200] The cylinder valve adapter 170 is configured to be positioned above and attached to a cylinder valve that has transversely oriented outer openings 16. The adapter 170 may then allow filling of the gas cylinder 46 to which the cylinder valve is attached by a filling head whose filling port is longitudinally oriented.

[00201] In the example shown, the adapter 170 is assembled from two components, a fitting 151 for the cylinder valve and a fitting 172 for the filling head. In the example shown, fittings 151 and 172 are connected to each other by threads 176. The seal between the longitudinal bore 174 of filling head fitting 172 and the transverse bore 152 of cylinder valve fitting 151 may be provided by a seal (e.g., an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing structure) , which fits into the sealing groove 154. In other examples, the filling head fitting 172 may be attached to the cylinder valve fitting 151 by welding or soldering, or by one or more bolts, screws, pins, clips, adhesive, or other fastening structure. Notches 178 may facilitate assembly or manipulation during use.

[00202] The filling head fitting 172 is shaped to allow the adapter 170 to be inserted into the filling head of the cylinder filling system. For example, the at least distal (with respect to gas bottle 46) end of fitting 172 may have a shape similar to that of the distal end of a bottle valve with a longitudinal outer opening at its distal end. When the adapter 170 is placed on the balloon valve, the distal end of the balloon valve may extend into the interior space 150 within the balloon valve fitting 151. A valve seal 166 (eg, an o-ring as shown, a sealing disc, or other sealing structure) can prevent pressurized gas from leaking into space in interior space 160 that is in fluid contact with cylinder valve piston 26. The cylinder seal 168 can prevent leakage of pressurized gas at the interface.

[00203] The cylinder valve fitting 151 is similar to the filling head adapter 150 as described above. When the adapter 170 is inserted into the filling head of the cylinder filling system, the longitudinal passage 174 within the filling head fitting 172 may be in fluid communication with the filling port of the filling head. Thus, pressurized gas can flow from the filling port through the longitudinal channel 174 into the transverse channel 152 of the cylinder valve fitting 151. Pressurized gas may flow within the fitting 151 through each longitudinal passage 162 into a radial passage 164, each oriented radially or otherwise transversely within the fitting 151. Pressurized gas may flow laterally inward within each radial passage 164 to the transversely oriented outer openings 16 of the valve balloon. The valve seal 166 and the cylinder seal 168 may facilitate the flow of pressurized gas from the radial passages 164 into the outer openings 16.

[00204] Various embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of some embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus, certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, variations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents are possible in light of the foregoing. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[00205] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents can now be devised by those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims (45)

1. Saturation machine (63, 120) containing: saturation head (81), a holder (70, 74) configured to hold a gas cylinder (46), wherein the holder (74) comprises a connector (52, 53, 61, 65, 76) with a seat (51) configured to allow the valve to be inserted straight into it (10) of a container (46) and containing a seal (56, 60, 62) with at least one transversely oriented hole to ensure fluid flow between one or more transversely oriented holes (16) of the valve (10) and the channel of the holder (70, 74) with the prevention of gas leakage from the fluid stream, and a holding mechanism (71, 78) configured to hold the side protrusion (44, 72) of the cylinder (46) after inserting the valve (10) into the seat (51) so that the valve (10) remains in the seat (51), and an activation mechanism (99) configured to actuate the valve (10) to release gas from the cylinder (46) when it is inserted into the seat (51), allowing gas to flow through the channel to the saturation head (81). 2. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, in which the seal contains two gaskets, while in the specified transversely oriented hole there is a gap (58) between the two gaskets. 3. Saturation machine according to claim 2, wherein each of said two gaskets is in the form of an O-ring with flattened surfaces. 4. Saturation machine according to claim 2, wherein said two pads each have a U-shaped cross-section oriented so that the openings of the two pads face each other. 5. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, in which the seal contains a single gasket with one or more holes. 6. Saturation machine according to claim. 5, in which the gasket has a U-shaped cross section. 7. Saturation machine according to claim. 6, in which the opening of the U-shaped gasket faces inward, and these holes are located on the outwardly facing convex surface of the gasket. 8. Saturation machine according to claim. 6, in which the opening of the U-shaped gasket faces outward, and these holes are located on the inwardly facing convex surface of the gasket. 9. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, in which the holding mechanism contains teeth (71), made with the possibility of sliding in the outward direction to enable the insertion of the side ledge (44, 72), and also with the possibility of sliding in the inner direction to prevent the exit lateral protrusion (44, 72) behind the teeth (71), while the release mechanism that allows the valve (10) to be removed from the socket (51) is made with the possibility of retracting the teeth (71) in the outward direction to ensure the passage of the lateral protrusion (42, 72). 10. Saturation machine according to claim 1, in which the holding mechanism comprises a bracket (78) with a non-circular hole (77) made to allow a side protrusion containing a non-circular side protrusion (72) to pass through it when the non-circular side protrusion (72) aligned with opening (77) and preventing the non-circular side projection (72) from passing when the balloon (46) is rotated such that the non-circular side projection (72) is not aligned with the opening (77). 11. Saturation machine according to Claim. 1, further comprising a bracket (94), which is configured to support the side ledge (44, 72), and a handle (122), which is made to be lifted to allow placement of the side ledge on the bracket, and the handle is connected by means of a lifting mechanism to the bracket in such a way that when the handle is lowered, the bracket lifts the valve (10) to insert the valve (10) into the seat (51). 12. Saturation machine according to claim 11, wherein the handle (122) comprises a lid (92) which is configured to close at least a portion of the balloon (46) when the handle (122) is lowered. 13. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, in which the base (128) of the saturation machine has a hole (124) for accommodating a cylinder (46), while at least part of the bottom (124a) of the hole is raised (129) to allow the cylinder to tilt ( 46) into an orientation substantially matching the seat (51) when the balloon is placed in the hole (51). 14. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, further comprising a stand (102), made with the possibility of inclination in the outward direction to enable insertion of the cylinder (46) into the stand (102), while the stand (102) is configured to insert the valve (10 ) into the seat (51) by turning it inward. 15. Saturation machine according to claim. 1, further comprising a platform (112) for supporting the cylinder (46) in a vertical position, made with the possibility of lifting the cylinder (46) to insert the valve (10) into the seat (51) when it is rotated. 16. Cylinder (46) for connection with the saturation machine, configured to store compressed or liquefied gas to enable the machine to saturate the liquid, while the cylinder contains a valve (10) configured to retain gas in the cylinder (46) when it is closed , and providing a flow connection between the cylinder (46) and the saturation machine or gas source, when it is open, and the valve includes a body, which has at one end a hole (14) for the cylinder, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the valve (10), characterized in that the flow entering the container (46) or the flow leaving the container (46) passes through at least one external opening (16) of the valve, which is open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 17. The cylinder (46) according to claim 16, in which the valve (10) contains a poppet valve (18), which is slidable along the longitudinal axis and, when in the open position, allows communication between the specified at least one external opening ( 16) and an opening (14) for the cylinder to provide incoming flow into the cylinder (46) through the specified at least one external opening (16) or outflow from the cylinder (46) through the specified at least one external opening (16), and when in the closed position, which is more distant from the balloon opening (14) than the open position, prevents flow communication between said at least one outer opening (16) and the balloon opening (14). 18. The balloon (46) of claim 17, wherein the valve (10) comprises a resilient return structure (20) configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet valve (18) to hold it in the closed position. 19. The cylinder (46) according to claim 18, in which the valve (10) contains a piston (26), the outer surface (26a) of which, facing the outer side of the body (12) of the valve (10), is configured to move the poppet valve ( 18) from a closed position to an open position when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston (26) overcoming said restoring force. 20. The cylinder (46) according to claim 19, in which the valve (10) contains a gasket (28) configured to hydraulically isolate the outer surface (26a) of the piston from being a fluid flow path between the specified at least one outer hole (16) and a hole (14) for the balloon. 21. A container according to claim 20, wherein the cross section of the gasket (28) is U-shaped, with the opening of the gasket (28) oriented towards the container (46). 22. A container according to claim 16, wherein said at least one external opening (16) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 23. The balloon (46) according to any one of paragraphs. 16-22, containing at least two external holes (16), which are open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 24. A container (46) according to claim 23, wherein said at least two outer openings (16) are substantially equidistant from each other around the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 25. Valve (10) for closing and opening a gas cylinder (46), made with the possibility of holding compressed or liquefied gas in the specified cylinder (46) when it is closed, and providing a flow connection with the cylinder (46) when it is open, while the valve (10) contains: body (12), which has at one end a hole (14) for the balloon, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the valve (10), characterized in that the flow entering the container (46) or the flow leaving the container (46) passes through at least one external opening (16) of the valve (10), which is open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 26. The valve (10) according to claim 25, containing a poppet valve (18), which is slidable along the longitudinal axis and, when in the open position, allows flow communication between the specified at least one external opening (16) and the opening ( 14) for the cylinder to provide incoming flow to the cylinder (46) through the specified at least one external opening (16) or outflow from the cylinder (46) through the specified at least one external opening (16), and when in the closed position , which is more distant from the balloon opening (14) than the open position, prevents flow communication between said at least one external opening (16) and the balloon opening (14). 27. The valve (10) according to claim 26, comprising an elastic return structure (20) configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet valve (18) to hold it in a closed position. 28. The valve (10) according to claim 27, comprising a piston (26), the outer surface (26a) of which, facing the outer side of the housing (12), is configured to move the poppet valve (18) from a closed position to an open position when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston (26) overcoming said restoring force. 29. The valve (10) according to claim 28, comprising a gasket (28) configured to hydraulically isolate the outer surface (26a) of the piston (26) from being a fluid flow path between said at least one outer opening (16) and hole (14) for the balloon. 30. The valve according to claim 29, wherein the cross section of the gasket (28) is U-shaped, with the opening of the gasket (28) oriented towards the balloon (46). 31. Valve (10) according to any one of paragraphs. 25-30, containing at least two external holes (16), which are open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 32. A valve (10) according to claim 31, wherein said at least two outer openings (16) are substantially equidistant from each other around the longitudinal axis of the valve (10). 33. Adapter (150, 170), containing: an opening, the shape of which makes it possible to insert a valve (10) of a gas cylinder (46) intended for storing compressed or liquefied gas for saturating a liquid, moreover, the valve (10) includes a body (12) having an opening (14) for the cylinder at one end, oriented along the longitudinal axis of the valve (10), at least one external hole (16), which is open in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the valve (10), and a gasket (28) configured to hydraulically isolate the outer surface (26a) of the piston ( 26) of the valve (10), wherein the piston (26) is configured to flow between said at least one outer orifice (16) and the balloon orifice (14) when an inward pushing force is applied to the piston (26) that overcomes restoring force, and at least one channel (152), which is configured to drain compressed gas from the longitudinally oriented filling hole of the cylinder filling system (180) to one or more channels (162, 164), which are in fluid communication with said at least one external hole ( 16) valve (10), which is inserted into the specified hole. 34. An adapter according to claim 33, in which the valve (10) comprises a structure that allows the adapter to be attached to the filling head (184) of the filling system (180). 35. An adapter according to claim 34, wherein said at least one channel comprises at least one transversely oriented channel that is configured to flow with the filling port when the adapter is attached to the filling head (184). 36. An adapter according to claim 33, comprising a structure that allows the adapter to be attached to the valve (10), and the distal end of the adapter is configured to attach to the filling head (184) of the filling system (180). 37. An adapter according to claim 36, wherein said at least one channel comprises at its distal end a longitudinally oriented channel (174) that is configured to flow with the filling port when the distal end is connected to the filling head (184).

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