Direct air capture contactor for carbon uptake and method of operation thereof

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to systems, devices, and methods for taking CO2 from ambient air. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a platform having a top portion and a bottom portion, a lift mechanism configured to move the platform vertically, a plurality of apertures defined by the top portion of the platform and configured to dispense liquid toward a tray, and an actuator configured to move laterally along a bottom side of the top portion of the platform, the actuator is configured to urge the tray to move in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, the bottom portion may support the tray as it moves in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism may include at least one of a chain driven by a motor or a linear actuator.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 358,602, filed on July 6, 2022, entitled "Direct Air Capture Contactor For Carbon Uptake, and Methods of Operating the Same", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air. Background Art

[0004] The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has reached 410 parts per million by volume (ppm), an increase of nearly 20 ppm in the past 10 years. Since current emission levels exceed 35 GtCO2 / year, a portfolio of CO2 mitigation technologies must be developed and deployed strategically to avoid a 2°C rise in the Earth's temperature by 2100. Due to the global dependence on fossil fuels, this portfolio must include technologies capable of removing current and future CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, some of which include accelerating natural processes such as the uptake of CO2 by the ocean and terrestrial biosphere (soil, forests, minerals), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and synthetic methods using chemicals, also known as direct air capture and storage (DACS) technologies. Adding moisture to the air capture medium can enhance CO2 uptake. The efficiency of delivering water to the carbon capture medium affects the overall efficiency of the system employing the carbon capture medium. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments described herein relate to systems, devices, and methods for capturing CO2 from ambient air. In some aspects, the device can include a platform having a top portion and a bottom portion, a lifting mechanism configured to move the platform vertically, a plurality of orifices defined by the top portion of the platform and configured to dispense liquid toward a tray, and an actuator configured to move laterally along the bottom side of the top portion of the platform, the actuator being configured to push the tray to move laterally. In some embodiments, the bottom portion can support the tray as the tray moves laterally. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism can include at least one of a chain driven by a motor or a linear actuator. In some embodiments, the tray can include a carbonation medium disposed therein. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium can include at least one of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, or dolomitic lime (calcium magnesium oxide or hydroxide). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a contactor unit for direct air capture (DAC) according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a dispenser incorporated into a DAC system according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figures 3A - 3G is a schematic view of a contactor unit and its various components according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 is a network schematic of a contactor unit according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a dispenser according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figures 7A - 7E is a schematic view of a shelf and its interaction with cables according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a shelf according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a method of operating a dispenser according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The DAC contactor is used to hold, process, distribute, and / or recollect a carbonation medium during a cyclic DAC process. The contactors described herein can hold trays, move the trays within the system, process the carbonation medium in the trays to maintain a high CO2 uptake, fill the trays, distribute and / or dispense / collect the saturated carbonation medium for regeneration. The filling station of the contactor can distribute a thin layer of capture material on the trays. The trays are then picked up by a dispenser. The dispenser can pick up, move, distribute, and process the trays and the material. The contactor can include a series of vertical rods and the dispenser can traverse the rods of the contactor. The processing of the carbonation medium can include adding water to the carbonation medium to increase the CO2 uptake of the carbonation medium.

[0016] The dispenser described herein may include a pick-up tray, a processing tray, and a mechanism for releasing the tray to a specified position within a contactor. The dispenser described herein may also measure the weight of the tray. In some embodiments, the dispenser described herein may encapsulate a weighing platform. The processing of the tray may include adding water, agitating a carbonation medium, and / or any other form of processing. The dispenser may pick up the tray from a tray filling station or a tray filling location and move the tray into the body of the dispenser using a pick-up mechanism. The dispenser may then move vertically to align the tray with a suitable bracket and shelf position on the contactor, and the dispenser may deliver the tray to the appropriate position. This may be repeated until each shelf on the contactor has a tray.

[0017] The frequency of processing the tray may be determined by software and control algorithms. Processing may continue until the carbonation medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. In some embodiments, processing the tray may include atomizing the carbonation medium in the tray or other methods for controlled water distribution, or mechanically agitating the material. Processing may continue until the carbonation medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. In some embodiments, processing the tray may include atomizing water onto the carbonation medium in the tray or other methods for controlled water distribution, or mechanically agitating the material. Processing may continue until the carbonation medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. Once the material has reacted sufficiently, the dispenser may pick up each tray individually and move it to a collection station. At the collection station, the material may be removed from each tray. The tray may then be returned to the filling station. The collected material may be fed into a regeneration process.

[0018] In some embodiments, the contact between the carbonation medium and ambient air can include any strategy described in U.S. Patent Application 18 / 067,896 ("the '897 application"), filed on December 19, 2022, titled "Systems and Methods of Carbon Capture from Cement Production Processes", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium and / or contactor described herein can have any characteristics described in International Patent Publication 2020 / 263910 ("the '910 publication"), filed on June 24, 2020, titled "Systems and Methods for Enhanced Weathering and Calcining for CO2 Removal from Air", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium and / or contactor described herein can have any characteristics described in International Patent Publication WO2022187336 ("the '336 publication"), filed on March 2, 2022, titled "Systems and Methods for Enhanced Weathering and Calcining for CO2 Removal from Air", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The benefits of the interaction between water and the carbonation medium are described in more detail in the '910 publication and the '336 publication.

[0019] As used herein, a "carbonation plot" includes a single continuous plot, as well as semi - continuous or discontinuous plots that are grouped or treated together to effectively act as a single plot. In some embodiments, a carbonation plot includes components that can sequester a target compound (e.g., CO2). In some embodiments, the carbonation plot is positioned and configured to expose the composition to ambient conditions. In some embodiments, a carbonation plot can include components that can sequester a target compound.

[0020] As used herein, a "stream" can refer to a stream that includes solids, liquids, and / or gases. For example, a stream can include solids in particulate form being conveyed on a conveyor device. A stream can also include liquids and / or gases flowing through a pipe. A stream can include a solution.

[0021] As used herein, the "carbonation medium" refers to a medium that can uptake carbon dioxide when exposed to ambient air. This can include, but is not limited to, calcium oxide (CaO), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium hydroxide (MgOH), sodium oxide (Na2O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and / or dolomitic lime (calcium magnesium oxide or hydroxide). The carbonation medium can be from natural sources (e.g., limestone). The carbonation medium can also be regenerated or recycled (i.e., the regenerated carbon dioxide-containing medium from a calciner).

[0022] As used herein, the "carbon dioxide-containing medium" refers to a carbonation medium that has uptaken carbon dioxide from ambient air. This can include, but is not limited to, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), calcium magnesium carbonate mixed phase ((Ca, Mg)CO3). The carbon dioxide-containing medium can be reconverted into a carbonation medium (e.g., via the use of a calciner, a dissolution / precipitation-based system, and / or an electrochemical system).

[0023] As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "member" means a single member or a combination of members, and the term "material" means one or more materials or a combination thereof.

[0024] When the term "substantially" is used in connection with "cylindrical", "linear", and / or other geometric relationships, it is intended to convey that the defined structure is nominally cylindrical, linear, or similar in shape. For example, describing a portion of a support member as "substantially linear" is intended to convey that while linearity of the portion is desired, some non-linearity may be present in the "substantially linear" portion. Such non-linearity may result from manufacturing tolerances or other practical considerations (e.g., pressure or forces applied to the support member). Thus, a geometric structure modified by the term "substantially" includes geometric characteristics within plus or minus 5% tolerance of the stated geometric structure. For example, a "substantially linear" portion refers to a portion of an axis or centerline that defines a linearity error within plus or minus 5%.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "a set of" and "a plurality of" can refer to multiple features or a single feature having multiple parts. For example, when referring to a set of contactors, the set of contactors can be regarded as a single contactor having multiple parts, or the set of contactors can be regarded as multiple different contactors. Thus, a set of parts or a plurality of parts can include multiple parts that are continuous or discontinuous with each other. A plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be made from multiple individually produced articles and then joined together (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method).

[0026] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" generally refer to plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 250 µm includes 225 µm to 275 µm, and about 1,000 µm includes 900 µm to 1,100 µm.

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a contactor unit 100 for a DAC according to one embodiment. The contactor unit includes a frame 110 having a horizontal bar 120 and a vertical bar 130, a cable 140, and a distributor 150. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 is stacked on top of the vertical bar 130. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may include multiple horizontal bars 120 and / or vertical bars 130. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, or about 100 horizontal bars 120 and / or vertical bars 130, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0028] In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 may include a beam. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 may include an I-beam (universal beam), a hip beam, a truss beam, a composite beam, a lattice beam, a cold beam, a reinforced concrete beam, a steel beam, a wooden beam, a curved beam, a straight beam, a tie beam, a cantilever beam, or any other suitable beam type or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 may be composed of metal, steel, carbon steel, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, laminated wood, wood, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, multiple horizontal bars 120 may be arranged in a geometric pattern (such as a square pattern, a rectangular pattern, an arcuate elliptical pattern, an arcuate circular pattern, etc.) on top of the vertical bar 130. In some embodiments, the ratio of the vertical bar 130 to the horizontal bar 120 may be determined according to the number of supports required by the distributor 150. In some embodiments, the ratio of the horizontal bar to the vertical bar may be about 1:10, about 1:9, about 1:8, about 1:7, about 1:6, about 1:5, about 1:4, about 1:3, about 1:2, about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, or about 10:1, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0029] In some embodiments, cable 140 is suspended from horizontal bar 120. Cable 140 may include beads for engaging with shelf 144 suspended from horizontal bar 120. Cable 140 may be rigid and taut. In some embodiments, cable 140 may be composed of steel, carbon steel, non - alloy carbon steel, copper, coated steel wire rope, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the thickness of cable 140 may be at least about 1 mm, at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 1.5 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 2.5 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 3.5 cm, at least about 4 cm, or at least about 4.5 cm. In some embodiments, the thickness of cable 140 may be no more than about 5 cm, no more than about 4.5 cm, no more than about 4 cm, no more than about 3.5 cm, no more than about 3 cm, no more than about 2.5 cm, no more than about 2 cm, no more than about 1.5 cm, no more than about 1 cm, no more than about 9 mm, no more than about 8 mm, no more than about 7 mm, no more than about 6 mm, no more than about 5 mm, no more than about 4 mm, no more than about 3 mm, or no more than about 2 mm. The above combinations of cable 140 thickness are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 mm and no more than about 5 cm, or at least about 5 mm and no more than about 1 cm), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the thickness of cable 140 may be about 1 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, or about 5 cm.

[0030] In some embodiments, beads 142 may be placed along the length of cable 140 at a predetermined spacing. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart by at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, at least about 5 cm, at least about 6 cm, at least about 7 cm, at least about 8 cm, at least about 9 cm, at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, or at least about 90 cm. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart by no more than about 1 m, no more than about 90 cm, no more than about 80 cm, no more than about 70 cm, no more than about 60 cm, no more than about 50 cm, no more than about 40 cm, no more than about 30 cm, no more than about 20 cm, no more than about 10 cm, no more than about 9 cm, no more than about 8 cm, no more than about 7 cm, no more than about 6 cm, no more than about 5 cm, no more than about 4 cm, no more than about 3 cm, or no more than about 2 cm. Combinations of the above bead 142 spacings are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 cm and no more than about 1 m, or at least about 3 cm and no more than about 20 cm), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart by about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bead 142 supports the shelf 144. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can be snap-fitted, bolted, and / or glued to the bead 142. In some embodiments, multiple shelves 144 can be placed on multiple beads 142. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can have a hole with a larger section and a smaller section such that the bead 142 can pass through the larger section and move relative to the hole to be below the smaller section of the hole. This enables the smaller section of the hole to support the bead 142, allowing the shelf 144 to rest on the bead 142. In some embodiments, the bead 142 can have a groove into which the hole in the shelf 144 can fit. In some embodiments, the bead 142 can be a piece of a different material attached to the cable 140 by crimping, welding, brazing, fusing, gluing, or any other suitable attachment method or combination thereof. In some embodiments, a casting or coating can be applied around the exterior of the bead 142 and the cable 140 to form a permanent assembly or permanent connection between the bead 142 and the cable 140. In some embodiments, the casting material can consist of zinc, tin, aluminum, copper, magnesium, tin, iron, low-carbon steel, high-carbon steel, white cast iron, gray cast iron, ductile cast iron, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can be removably coupled to the cable 140. In other words, the shelf 144 can be replaceable.

[0032] The dispenser 150 collects the trays provided with the carbonation medium and pulls the trays into the body of the dispenser 150. In some embodiments, the dispenser 150 can move vertically along the vertical rod 130. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 can include a plurality of dispensers 150 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, or about 100 dispensers 150, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium can include an adsorbent. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium can include calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, or dolomitic lime (calcium magnesium oxide or hydroxide). In some embodiments, the carbonation medium can be in the form of a powder. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium can have any of the properties described in the '910 disclosure or the '336 disclosure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 may include an air conveyor (not shown) that may force air through the trays and shelves 144. The air conveyor may include a fan, louvers, and / or any other similar air movement system. In some embodiments, the air conveyor may be attached to the vertical rod 130. In some embodiments, the air conveyor may be attached to the horizontal rod 120.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a dispenser 250 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the dispenser 250 includes a platform 260 having a top portion 270, a bottom portion 280, and a lifting mechanism 290. The top portion 270 may include apertures 272a, 272b (collectively referred to as apertures 272) and an actuator 274. In some embodiments, the top portion 270 may include an optional agitator 276. In some embodiments, the dispenser 250 may be the same as or substantially similar to the dispenser 150 as described above with reference to Figure 1 those described. Accordingly, certain aspects of the dispenser 250 are not described in more detail herein.

[0035] In some embodiments, the platform 260 includes a top portion 270 (also referred to as a ceiling) and a bottom portion 280 (also referred to as a floor). In some embodiments, the platform 260 may be hollow such that it includes a void space between the bottom portion 280 and the top portion 270. In some embodiments, the top portion 270 may include a plurality of rods extending along the top of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the rods may be arranged parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the rods may include hollow conduits for liquid to flow through. Liquid passes through the top portion 270 and is released from the apertures 272a, 272b in the top portion 270 onto the trays such that the liquid interacts with the carbonation medium in the trays. The bottom portion 280 supports the trays when the trays are pulled to the center of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 280 may include a plurality of rods. In some embodiments, the plurality of rods in the bottom portion 280 may be arranged parallel to each other. In some embodiments, some of the rods in the bottom portion 280 may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0036] In some embodiments, the top portion 270 includes two orifices 272. In some embodiments, the top portion 270 may include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, or at least about 100 orifices 272. In some embodiments, the top portion 270 may include no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, or no more than about 2 orifices 272.

[0037] Combinations of the above - mentioned orifice 272 quantities are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and no more than about 100, or at least about 10 and no more than about 60), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the top portion 270 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, or about 100 orifices 272. In some embodiments, the orifice 272 may include a nozzle. In some embodiments, the nozzle may have a variable spray angle. In some embodiments, the nozzle may be aimed downward and may be adjustable to oblique and / or horizontal aiming. In some embodiments, the orifice 272 may include a flat fan nozzle, a hollow cone nozzle, a full cone nozzle, a spray nozzle, a solid stream nozzle, an air - atomizing nozzle, a return flow nozzle, a deflector nozzle, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In some embodiments, in use, the total flow rate of the liquid through orifice 372 can be at least about 1 mL / min, at least about 2 mL / min, at least about 3 mL / min, at least about 4 mL / min, at least about 5 mL / min, at least about 6 mL / min, at least about 7 mL / min, at least about 8 mL / min, at least about 9 mL / min, at least about 10 mL / min, at least about 20 mL / min, at least about 30 mL / min, at least about 40 mL / min, at least about 50 mL / min, at least about 60 mL / min, at least about 70 mL / min, at least about 80 mL / min, at least about 90 mL / min, at least about 100 mL / min, at least about 150 mL / min, at least about 200 mL / min, at least about 250 mL / min, at least about 300 mL / min, at least about 350 mL / min, at least about 400 mL / min or at least about 450 mL / min. In some embodiments, in use, the total flow rate of the liquid through orifice 272 can be no more than about 500 mL / min, no more than about 450 mL / min, no more than about 400 mL / min, no more than about 350 mL / min, no more than about 300 mL / min, no more than about 250 mL / min, no more than about 200 mL / min, no more than about 150 mL / min, no more than about 150 mL / min, no more than about 100 mL / min, no more than about 90 mL / min, no more than about 80 mL / min, no more than about 70 mL / min, no more than about 60 mL / min, no more than about 50 mL / min, no more than about 40 mL / min, no more than about 30 mL / min, no more than about 20 mL / min, no more than about 10 mL / min, no more than about 9 mL / min, no more than about 8 mL / min, no more than about 7 mL / min, no more than about 6 mL / min, no more than about 5 mL / min, no more than about 4 mL / min, no more than about 3 mL / min or no more than about 2 mL / min.

[0039] The following flow rate combinations of the liquid through the orifice 272 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 mL / min and not more than about 500 mL / min, or at least about 10 mL / min and not more than about 150 mL / min), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, in use, the total flow rate of the liquid through the orifice 272 can be about 1 mL / min, about 2 mL / min, about 3 mL / min, about 4 mL / min, about 5 mL / min, about 6 mL / min, about 7 mL / min, about 8 mL / min, about 9 mL / min, about 10 mL / min, about 20 mL / min, about 30 mL / min, about 40 mL / min, about 50 mL / min, about 60 mL / min, about 70 mL / min, about 80 mL / min, about 90 mL / min, about 100 mL / min, about 150 mL / min, about 200 mL / min, about 250 mL / min, about 300 mL / min, about 350 mL / min, about 400 mL / min, about 450 mL / min or about 500 mL / min.

[0040] The actuator 274 engages the trays on both sides and transfers the trays into the body of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the actuator 274 can include an arm and / or fingers that extend outwardly to engage the trays and bring them into the body of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the actuator 274 can be mounted to the top portion 270 of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the actuator 274 engages the trays on both sides. In some embodiments, the actuator 274 can engage the trays on 1 side, 2 sides, 3 sides, 4 sides or more than 4 sides if the geometry of the dispenser 250 and the contactor unit (not shown) permits such collection. In some embodiments, the platform 260 includes one actuator 274. In some embodiments, the platform 260 can include multiple actuators 274. In some embodiments, the platform 260 can include actuators for each side of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the platform 260 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9 or about 10 actuators 274, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0041] In some embodiments, an optional agitator 276 may agitate the carbonation medium in the tray to facilitate interaction between the liquid and the carbonation medium. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 may include blades, impellers, agitation elements, flushing elements, stirring rods, vibration elements, or any other agitation or stirring mechanism, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 is suspended from the top portion 270 of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 may be attached to the bottom portion 280 of the platform 260. For example, the agitator 276 may include a vibration element that contacts the tray and vibrates the tray. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 280 may include a load cell or scale configured to measure the weight of the tray containing the carbonation medium. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 280 may include a weighing platform.

[0042] The lifting mechanism 290 helps move the platform 260 vertically. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may include an engagement mechanism that engages one cable (such as cable 140) or a plurality of cables. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may include one or more wheels configured to engage one cable or a plurality of cables. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may engage a vertical rod (such as vertical rod 130). In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may include one or more wheels that engage the vertical rod. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may include a chain driven by a motor. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 may include a linear actuator driven by a motor.

[0043] Figures 3A - 3G is a schematic diagram of a contactor unit 300 and its various components according to one embodiment. As shown, the contactor unit 300 includes a frame 310 having horizontal rods 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d (collectively referred to as horizontal rods 320), a filling station 312, a dumping station 314, support rods 325a, 325b (collectively referred to as support rods 325), vertical rods 330a, 330b (collectively referred to as vertical rods 330), cables 340, shelves 344, and a dispenser 350. The dispenser 350 includes a cable management mechanism 352, mounting brackets 354a, 354b, 354c, 354d (collectively referred to as mounting brackets 354), a platform 360 having a top portion 370 and a bottom portion 380, apertures 372a, 372b, 372c, 372d (collectively referred to as apertures 372), and an actuator 374 including an arm 375 and fingers or pins 377. In some embodiments, the frame 310, horizontal rods 320, vertical rods 330, and cables 340 may be related to those referred to above with reference to Figure 1The described frame 110, horizontal bars 120, vertical bars 130, and cables 140 are the same or substantially similar. In some embodiments, the dispenser 350, platform 360, top portion 370, orifice 372, actuator 374, and bottom portion 380 may be the same or substantially similar to the dispenser 250, platform 260, top portion 270, orifice 272, actuator 274, and bottom portion 280 described above with reference to Figure 2 Accordingly, certain aspects of the frame 310, horizontal bars 320, vertical bars 330, cables 340, dispenser 350, platform 360, top portion 370, orifice 372, actuator 374, and bottom portion 380 will not be described in detail herein. Figure 3A A dispenser 350 incorporated into the frame 310 and engaging a tray T is shown. Figure 3B The dispenser 350 within the frame 310, as well as the shelf 344 and tray T, are shown in more detail. Figure 3C The dispenser 350 is shown in more detail. Figure 3D An actuator 374 engaging a tray T is shown. Figure 3E A cross-sectional view of the dispenser 350 interacting with the tray T within the frame 310 is shown.

[0044] Figure 3A A contactor unit 300 having a dispenser 350 is shown. The frame 310 includes a base support bar 325 that supports the vertical bars 330 and horizontal bars 320. The width of the support bar 325 is significantly sufficient to prevent the frame 310 from wobbling and losing balance. In some embodiments, the frame 310 may include the same number of support bars 325 as the vertical bars 330. In some embodiments, the frame 310 may include a plurality of vertical bars 330 attached to each support bar 325. As shown, the horizontal bars 320 are oriented in a rectangular pattern. In some embodiments, the horizontal bars 320 may be oriented in a square pattern, circular pattern, oval pattern, or any other suitable pattern. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 may include an anti-intrusion mechanism surrounding the frame 310. In some embodiments, the anti-intrusion mechanism may prevent external influences from contacting the tray T and the dispenser 350. In some embodiments, the anti-intrusion mechanism may include a sheet of material that is capable of blocking the intrusion of wind or rain or interacting with the carbonated medium in the tray T. In some embodiments, the anti-intrusion mechanism may include a barrier for preventing vandalism. In some embodiments, the anti-intrusion mechanism may include a mesh, netting, fence, and / or chain-link fence.

[0045] Figure 3BAdditional details of the shelf 344 are shown. In some embodiments, the frame 310 may include a number of shelves 344. The shelves 344 provide support for the trays T. The vertical arrangement of the shelves 344 allows materials to be stacked vertically, minimizing the floor space. In some embodiments, each set of vertical bars 330 may include at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 shelves 344. In some embodiments, each set of vertical bars 330 may include no more than about 1000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, or no more than about 3 shelves 344. Combinations of the above shelf 344 quantities are also possible (e.g., at least about 2 shelves 344 and no more than about 1,000 shelves 344, or at least about 10 shelves 344 and no more than about 100 shelves 344), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, each vertical bar 330 may include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 shelves 344.

[0046] In some embodiments, the shelves 344 may be spaced apart by at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, at least about 5 cm, at least about 6 cm, at least about 7 cm, at least about 8 cm, at least about 9 cm, at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, or at least about 90 cm. In some embodiments, the shelves 344 may be spaced apart by no more than about 1 m, no more than about 90 cm, no more than about 80 cm, no more than about 70 cm, no more than about 60 cm, no more than about 50 cm, no more than about 40 cm, no more than about 30 cm, no more than about 20 cm, no more than about 10 cm, no more than about 9 cm, no more than about 8 cm, no more than about 7 cm, no more than about 6 cm, no more than about 5 cm, no more than about 4 cm, no more than about 3 cm, or no more than about 2 cm. Combinations of the above shelf 344 spacings are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 cm and no more than about 1 m, or at least about 10 cm and no more than about 50 cm), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the shelves 344 may be spaced apart by about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m. In some embodiments, the shelves may be spaced apart to allow the tray T to be positioned on the shelves 344, where the air gap is at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm.

[0047] In some embodiments, the length and / or width of the shelf 344 can each be at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, at least about 90 cm, at least about 1 m, at least about 1.5 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 2.5 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 3.5 m, at least about 4 m, or at least about 4.5 m. In some embodiments, the length and / or width of the shelf 344 can each be no more than about 5 m, no more than about 4.5 m, no more than about 4 m, no more than about 3.5 m, no more than about 3 m, no more than about 2.5 m, no more than about 2 m, no more than about 1.5 m, no more than about 1 m, no more than about 90 cm, no more than about 80 cm, no more than about 70 cm, no more than about 60 cm, no more than about 50 cm, no more than about 40 cm, no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 20 cm. Combinations of the above shelf 344 dimensions are also possible (e.g., at least about 10 cm and no more than about 5 m, or at least about 50 cm and no more than about 4 m), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the length and / or width of the shelf 344 can each be about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.5 m, about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, about 3.5 m, about 4 m, about 4.5 m, or about 5 m.

[0048] In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can be composed of plastic, metal, aluminum, stainless steel, or any other weather-resistant material. In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can include reinforcing features in various patterns, such as horizontal ribs, diagonal X-shaped ribs, and / or deep drawbars, to provide structural integrity to the shelf 344. In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can include features such as positioning walls and stoppers to capture the tray T at specific locations. The positioning wall can include a high border on one or more sides (i.e., one side, two sides, three sides, four sides, etc.) of the shelf 344. This can effectively form a cavity that matches the external shape of the tray T to position the tray T in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the stopper can include a threshold height lower than that of the high border or the positioning wall, such that the stopper allows the tray T to pass over it but can prevent accidental collisions or unintentional wall impacts.

[0049] In some embodiments, the carbonated medium held in tray T may have a thickness of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, tray T may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 layers of carbonated medium, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0050] In some embodiments, the length and / or width of tray T may each be at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, at least about 90 cm, at least about 1 m, at least about 1.5 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 2.5 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 3.5 m, at least about 4 m, or at least about 4.5 m. In some embodiments, the length and / or width of tray T may each be no more than about 5 m, no more than about 4.5 m, no more than about 4 m, no more than about 3.5 m, no more than about 3 m, no more than about 2.5 m, no more than about 2 m, no more than about 1.5 m, no more than about 1 m, no more than about 90 cm, no more than about 80 cm, no more than about 70 cm, no more than about 60 cm, no more than about 50 cm, no more than about 40 cm, no more than about 30 cm, or no more than about 20 cm. Combinations of the above tray T dimensions are also possible (e.g., at least about 10 cm and no more than about 5 m, or at least about 50 cm and no more than about 4 m), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the length and / or width of tray T may each be about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.5 m, about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, about 3.5 m, about 4 m, about 4.5 m, or about 5 m.

[0051] In some embodiments, the tray T may have a lip, and the height of the lip may be at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 1.5 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 2.5 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 3.5 cm, at least about 4 cm, or at least about 4.5 cm. In some embodiments, the tray T may have a lip, and the height of the lip may be no more than about 5 cm, no more than about 4.5 cm, no more than about 4 cm, no more than about 3.5 cm, no more than about 3 cm, no more than about 2.5 cm, no more than about 2 cm, no more than about 1.5 cm, no more than about 1 cm, no more than about 9 mm, no more than about 8 mm, no more than about 7 mm, no more than about 6 mm, no more than about 5 mm, no more than about 4 mm, no more than about 3 mm, or no more than about 2 mm. Combinations of the above-described lip heights of the tray T are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 mm and no more than about 5 cm, or at least about 4 mm and no more than about 3 cm), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the lip height of the tray T may be about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, or about 5 cm. In some embodiments, the tray T may have a pattern that enables it to fit directly onto the shelf 344 and inhibits movement of the tray T after being installed in place.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cable 340 can be moved to raise and lower the tray T. In some embodiments, the cable 340 can be coupled to a propulsion mechanism (not shown) housed in the frame 310, which can propel the cable 340 to raise and lower the tray T. As shown, the cable 340 includes beads 342 for engaging with the shelf 344. The cable 342 passes through a hole in the shelf 344, and the shelf 344 rests on top of the beads 342. In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can be moved vertically to raise or lower to the same height as the dispenser 350. As shown, the cable management mechanism 352 is incorporated into the dispenser 350. As shown, the cable management mechanism 352 includes a chain. In some embodiments, the cable management mechanism 352 can include an articulated cable carrier. In some embodiments, the cable management mechanism 352 can include an articulated cable protection device. In some embodiments, the cable management mechanism 352 can include an e-chain®. The cable management mechanism 352 ensures that the cable 340 does not bend beyond a minimum bend radius when the dispenser 350 moves vertically. In some embodiments, the minimum bend radius of the cable 340 can be about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0053] In some embodiments, cable 340 may be coupled to a horizontal support element (not shown) and / or an inclined support element (not shown). The horizontal and / or inclined support elements may minimize the horizontal movement of cable 340 and prevent interference with tray T and the carbonation medium. In some embodiments, the horizontal and / or inclined support elements may include brackets or clamps. In some embodiments, the horizontal and / or inclined support elements may be mounted near or on the ground below frame 310. As shown, contactor unit 300 includes four cables 340 for each dispenser 350. In some embodiments, contactor unit 300 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 cables 340 for each dispenser 350, including all values and ranges therebetween. Cable 340 may be kept in a tensioned state to minimize movement of cable 340 and dispenser 350. In some embodiments, cable 340 may include horizontally spaced supports. In some embodiments, the support spacing may be about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.1 m, about 1.2 m, about 1.3 m, about 1.4 m, or about 1.5 m, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, cable 340 may include diagonal or X-shaped supports from the top to the bottom of contactor unit 300.

[0054] In some embodiments, dispenser 350 may include a lifting mechanism (not shown). In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism may include a motor. In some embodiments, vertical rod 330 may include one or more counterweights disposed therein. A counterweight is a mass having a direction of action opposite to the direction of the force exerted by dispenser 350. By incorporating the counterweight into vertical rod 330, the load on the motor in the lifting mechanism can be reduced. For example, when the motor operates to lift dispenser 350, the counterweight moves downward through vertical rod 330 such that the mass force provided by the counterweight cancels out the mass force of dispenser 350, which may allow for a smaller motor to be used in the lifting mechanism as the total load on the motor is less than when there is no counterweight. In other words, using a counterweight can reduce the energy required to move dispenser 350. In some embodiments, vertical rod 330 may include one or more fiducials configured to fix a height along the vertically oriented rod at which one dispenser 350 or multiple dispensers 350 are fixed when loading tray T onto dispenser 350 and unloading tray T from dispenser 350.

[0055] Figure 3CThe dispenser 350 is shown in more detail. As shown, the dispenser 350 includes an orifice 372. As shown, the orifice 372 dispenses liquid onto a tray T in which a carbonation medium is disposed. When the dispenser 350 is moved vertically, the mounting bracket 354 keeps the dispenser horizontal. As shown, the wheel mounting bracket 354 is offset from the centerline or center of gravity of the dispenser 350. The mounting bracket 354 contacts the tray T on both sides of the dispenser, and the tray T acts as a backstop with which the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 interact to maintain balance. In some embodiments, the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 may face inward such that the mounting bracket 354 contacts the vertical rod 330. In such a configuration, the vertical rod 330 provides the backstop with which the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 interact to maintain balance.

[0056] Figure 3D The detailed interaction between the actuator 374 and the tray T is shown. As shown, the actuator 374 includes an arm 375 and a finger or pin 377 attached to the arm 375. The arm 375 extends outward from the center of the actuator 374, and the finger 377 points downward and descends into a hole H in the tray T. In some embodiments, the finger 377 may point upward and the finger 377 may engage the hole H from below the hole H. As shown, the actuator 374 includes a single finger 377 and the tray T includes a single hole H. In some embodiments, the actuator 374 may include multiple fingers 377 to engage multiple holes H in the tray T. In some embodiments, the actuator 374 may include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 fingers 377, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the tray may include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 holes H, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0057] After engaging with the tray T, the actuator 374 pushes the tray T towards the center of the dispenser 350 such that the orifice 372 dispenses liquid onto the tray T. In some embodiments, the arm 375 may extend relative to the stationary actuator 374 such that the finger 377 aligns with the hole H to engage with the tray T. In some embodiments, the arm 375 may have a fixed length relative to the center of the actuator 374, and the actuator 374 may move relative to the center of the dispenser 350 to engage the tray T. As shown, the actuator 374 includes two arms 375 and two fingers 377. In some embodiments, the first finger may be positioned to engage with a tray on the first side of the dispenser 350, and the second finger may be positioned opposite the first finger such that the second pin may engage with a tray on the second side of the dispenser 350, the second side being opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the dispenser 350 may include a plurality of actuators 374, and each actuator 374 may include a single arm 375 and a single finger 377. In some embodiments, the movement of the dispenser 350, the orifice 372, and the actuator 374 may be automatically accomplished and guided by an algorithm.

[0058] Figure 3E A cross-sectional view of the contactor unit 300 having a filling station 312 and a dumping station 314 is shown. In use, the dispenser 350 moves the tray T from the filling station 312 to the dumping station 314. In some embodiments, the dispenser 350 may pull the tray from the filling station 312 and push it into the dumping station 314. The filling station 312 and the dumping station 314 are optional features that facilitate the efficient movement of the tray T. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 may include a caddy dock (not shown). The caddy dock may be incorporated into the filling station 312 or may also be near the filling station 312. The caddy dock may serve as a location to place or dock the filled tray T onto the contactor 300 before the dispenser 350 places the tray T inside the contactor unit 300.

[0059] In use, a thin layer of carbonation medium is distributed on each tray T in the filling station 312. The dispenser 350 transports the tray T from the filling station 312 to a designated location (e.g., the dumping station 314) in the contactor unit 300. In some embodiments, the dispenser 350 can move vertically to align the tray T with the desired shelf 344, and then the dispenser 350 distributes the tray T onto the shelf 344. In some embodiments, the above steps can be repeated until a tray T is placed on each shelf 344. Then, the dispenser 350 brings the tray T into the body of the dispenser 350 and processes the tray T (e.g., via adding water, stirring, and / or other methods) at a frequency that can be specified by software and control algorithms. The processing continues until the carbonation medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. Once the carbonation medium has fully reacted, the dispenser 350 can individually retrieve each tray T and move each tray T to the dumping station 314. In the dumping station 314, the carbonation medium is removed from each tray T. Then, each tray T is sent back to the filling station 312. Then, the collected carbonation medium can be sent to a carbonation facility (e.g., the carbonation facility described in the '336 disclosure) to capture carbon from the ambient air.

[0060] In some embodiments, the filling station 312 can include a feeding mechanism for dispensing the carbonation medium into the tray T. In some embodiments, the filling station 312 can include a vibratory bowl feeder, a rotary meter, and / or a linear translation rolling shaft. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 can include a device for collecting material from the tray T. This can include: one or more rotating arms for rotating the tray T between approximately 0 degrees and 180 degrees; a stirrer for stirring the carbonation medium in the tray T; and / or a vacuum device for vacuuming the carbonation medium from the tray T.

[0061] In some embodiments, the filling station 312 and / or the dumping station 314 can be located outside the contactor unit 300. In some embodiments, the filling station 312 and / or the dumping station 314 can be placed on a mobile platform (e.g., an automated guided vehicle) to serve multiple contactor units. In this case, the dispenser 350 can place the tray T into a mobile module to fill the tray T with the carbonation medium or dump the carbonation medium from the tray T, and then place the tray T back into the contactor unit 310. Alternatively, two mobile modules (e.g., a filling module and a dumping module) can approach the contactor unit 310, and the dispenser 350 can load the full tray T into the dumping module, and the full tray from the filling module can move into the dispenser 350.

[0062] The design of the contactor unit 300 allows the carbonation medium to come into contact with ambient air, maximizing the exposed surface area of the carbonation medium and limiting land use. The shelf and tray structure of the contactor unit 300 can utilize natural convection (i.e., wind) on the Earth's surface instead of forced air flow to allow the carbonation medium to uptake CO2. Additionally, the contactor unit 300 can periodically process the carbonation medium in an automated manner to maintain a high CO2 capture (i.e., accelerate the carbonation rate). The contactor unit 300 can also automatically fill the carbonation medium into the tray T and automatically collect the carbonation medium from the tray. This enables bulk materials to pass through the contactor unit 300 rather than individual trays T.

[0063] In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 can include one or more sensors (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensors can be inside and / or outside the frame 310. In some embodiments, the sensors can be mounted to the frame 310, shelf 344, tray T, vertical rod 330, horizontal rod 320, and / or dispenser 350. In some embodiments, the sensors can include load cells, temperature sensors, wind speed sensors, humidity sensors, precipitation sensors, and / or solar irradiance sensors.

[0064] Figure 3F A detailed view of the shelf 344 is shown. As shown, the shelf 344 includes a tray alignment feature 345 and a cable mounting feature 343. The tray alignment feature 345 allows the tray to be placed securely on the shelf 344. The tray alignment feature 345 can include ridges that mate with grooves on the bottom of the tray. The cable mounting feature 343 can be fixed to the bead 342 of the cable 340. In some embodiments, the cable mounting feature 343 can include a snap feature such that the shelf 344 can snap into the cable 340.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mass of the tray T can be measured on the contactor unit 300 (e.g., when the tray T is suspended from the cable 340 and placed on the shelf 344). For example, sensors can be placed on the horizontal rod 320, vertical rod 330, and / or cable 340 to measure deformation and the corresponding weight. In some embodiments, a load cell can be incorporated into the dispenser 350 to measure the mass of the tray T. In some embodiments, the load cell can be placed on top of the base. In some embodiments, the load cell can be positioned on the shelf 344 with the tray T. In some cases, the mass of the tray T can be measured outside the contactor unit 300.

[0066] Figure 4The network 4000 of contactor units 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d (collectively referred to as contactor unit 400) according to one embodiment is shown. As shown, the contactor unit 400 includes a horizontal rod 420, a cross bar 421, a vertical rod 430, a cable 440, a shelf 444, and a distributor 450. In some embodiments, the horizontal rod 420, the vertical rod 430, the cable 440, the shelf 444, and the distributor 450 may be the same as or substantially similar to the horizontal rod 320, the vertical rod 330, the cable 340, the shelf 344, and the distributor 350 described above with reference to Figures 3A - 3E Therefore, certain aspects of the horizontal rod 420, the vertical rod 430, the cable 440, the shelf 444, and the distributor 450 are not described in more detail herein.

[0067] The cross bar connects the contactor units 400 to each other. Figure 4 The proportion of a person is shown. As shown, the height of the contactor unit 400 is approximately 10 m. In some embodiments, the height of the contactor unit 400 may be at least about 1 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 4 m, at least about 5 m, at least about 6 m, at least about 7 m, at least about 8 m, at least about 9 m, at least about 10 m, at least about 20 m, at least about 30 m, at least about 40 m, at least about 50 m, at least about 60 m, at least about 70 m, at least about 80 m, or at least about 90 m. In some embodiments, the height of the contactor unit 400 may not exceed about 100 m, not exceed about 90 m, not exceed about 80 m, not exceed about 70 m, not exceed about 60 m, not exceed about 50 m, not exceed about 40 m, not exceed about 30 m, not exceed about 20 m, not exceed about 10 m, not exceed about 9 m, not exceed about 8 m, not exceed about 7 m, not exceed about 6 m, not exceed about 5 m, not exceed about 4 m, not exceed about 3 m, or not exceed about 2 m. Combinations of the above heights of the contactor unit 400 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 m and not exceeding about 100 m, or at least about 5 m and not exceeding about 50 m), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, about 1 m, about 2 m, about 3 m, about 4 m, about 5 m, about 6 m, about 7 m, about 8 m, about 9 m, about 10 m, about 20 m, about 30 m, about 40 m, about 50 m, about 60 m, about 70 m, about 80 m, about 90 m, or about 100 m. At higher heights, the contactor unit 400 may include tension supports to support the frame material of the contactor unit 400. In some embodiments, the contactor units 400 may rely on each other for structural support.

[0068] Figure 5Illustrated is a dispenser 550 interacting with vertical rods 530a, 530b (collectively referred to as vertical rod 530) and a tray T suspended from a cable 540. As shown, the dispenser 550 includes mounting brackets 554a, 554b, 554c, 554d (collectively referred to as mounting brackets 554) and an orifice 572. In some embodiments, the vertical rod 530, the cable 540, the dispenser 550, the mounting brackets 554, and the orifice 572 may be the same as or substantially similar to the vertical rod 330, the cable 340, the dispenser 350, the mounting brackets 354, and the orifice 372 referred to above. Accordingly, certain aspects of the vertical rod 530, the cable 540, the dispenser 550, the mounting brackets 554, and the orifice 572 are not described in more detail herein. Figures 3A - 3E The vertical rod 330, the cable 340, the dispenser 350, the mounting brackets 354, and the orifice 372 described above are the same or substantially similar.

[0069] As shown, the mounting bracket contacts the vertical rod 530. The dispenser 550 moves vertically up and down along the vertical rod 530, and the wheels on the mounting brackets 554 contact the vertical rod 530 to maintain the balance of the dispenser 550. As shown, the mounting brackets 554 are in a fixed position relative to the dispenser 550. As shown, the wheels of the mounting brackets 554 face the center of the dispenser 550. As shown, the dispenser 550 includes 4 mounting brackets 554. In some embodiments, the dispenser 550 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 mounting brackets 554, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0070] Figure 6 Illustrated is a dispenser 650 according to an embodiment. As shown, the dispenser engages a cable 640 that supports a tray T. In some embodiments, the dispenser 650 and the cable 640 may be the same as or substantially similar to those referred to above with reference to Figures 3A - 3EThe dispenser 350 and the cable 340 are the same or substantially similar. Accordingly, certain aspects of the dispenser 650 and the cable 640 are not described in more detail herein. As shown, the dispenser 650 includes a position actuator 653. The position actuator 653 defines the position of a shelf (not shown) relative to the dispenser 650 in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the dispenser 650 may be held in a fixed position and the shelf may be pushed to move via a dedicated actuator to achieve a desired shelf position. In other words, the position actuator 653 may detect whether the dispenser is at a desired distance from the tray T such that an actuator (not shown) may extend and engage the tray T. In some embodiments, if the position actuator 653 detects that the dispenser 650 is not in a desired position relative to the tray T, the horizontal position of the dispenser 650 may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 may include a rotary electric motor that drives a linear actuation mechanism, which includes a belt, a chain, a linkage, a lead screw, a ball screw, and / or any other suitable components. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 may include a linear electric motor. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 may include a linear pneumatic cylinder. In some embodiments, a second position actuator (not shown) may facilitate the horizontal movement of the dispenser 650 to move the dispenser 650 to a desired horizontal position.

[0071] Figures 7A - 7E is a schematic view of a shelf 744 and its interaction with a cable 740 according to one embodiment. As shown, the cable 740 is suspended from horizontal bars 720a, 720b (collectively referred to as the horizontal bar 720). Beads 742 are attached to the cable 740 to provide support for the shelf 744. The shelf 744 includes cable mounting features 743a, 743b, 743c, 743d (collectively referred to as the cable mounting features 743). In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 720, the cable 740, the beads 742, the cable mounting features 743, and the shelf 744 may be the same or substantially similar to the horizontal bar 320, the cable 340, the beads 342, the cable mounting features 343, and the shelf 344 described above with reference to Figures 3A - 3G the horizontal bar 320, the cable 340, the beads 342, the cable mounting features 343, and the shelf 344. Accordingly, certain aspects of the horizontal bar 720, the cable 740, the beads 742, the cable mounting features 743, and the shelf 744 are not described in more detail herein.

[0072] Figure 7AIllustrates the interaction between the shelf 744 and the cable 740. As shown, the shelf 744 is suspended from the cable 740 by being placed on the beads 742. As shown, four cables 740 are suspended from the horizontal bar 720 (two cables 740 are suspended on each horizontal bar 720). In some embodiments, the shelf 744 may be supported by about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 cables 740. As shown, the beads 742 are swaged onto the cable 740 at specific intervals.

[0073] Figure 7B Illustrates a detailed view of the cable 740. As shown, the beads 742 are swaged onto the cable 740, and the puck 749 is positioned on the beads 742 to increase the surface area on which the shelf 744 rests. In some embodiments, the puck 749 may snap into place on the beads 742. As shown, the puck 749 is circular in shape and has a groove for placement on the beads 742. In some embodiments, the puck 749 may have a rectangular or square shape. In some embodiments, the puck 749 may have an oval shape.

[0074] Figure 7C Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shelf 744. The design of the shelf 744 can be customized to optimize for weight, stiffness, durability, and cost. As shown, the horizontal center of the shelf 744 is thicker than the horizontal edges of the shelf 744. This can minimize deformation of the bracket 744 and alleviate concerns related to picking up the bent tray without the need for a large amount of reinforcing material.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness at the horizontal edge of shelf 744 can be at least about 1, at least about 1.1, at least about 1.2, at least about 1.3, at least about 1.4, at least about 1.5, at least about 1.6, at least about 1.7, at least about 1.8, at least about 1.9, at least about 2, at least about 2.5, at least about 3, at least about 3.5, at least about 4, at least about 4.5, at least about 5, at least about 5.5, at least about 6, at least about 6.5, at least about 7, at least about 7.5, at least about 8, at least about 8.5, at least about 9, or at least about 9.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness at the horizontal edge of shelf 744 can be no more than about 10, no more than about 9.5, no more than about 9, no more than about 8.5, no more than about 8, no more than about 7.5, no more than about 7, no more than about 6.5, no more than about 6, no more than about 5.5, no more than about 5, no more than about 4.5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3.5, no more than about 3, no more than about 2.5, no more than about 2, no more than about 1.9, no more than about 1.8, no more than about 1.7, no more than about 1.6, no more than about 1.5, no more than about 1.4, no more than about 1.3, no more than about 1.2, or no more than about 1.1. Combinations of the above ratios are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and no more than about 10, or at least about 1.5 and no more than about 5), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness at the horizontal edge of shelf 744 can be about 1, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, about 4, about 4.5, about 5, about 5.5, about 6, about 6.5, about 7, about 7.5, about 8, about 8.5, about 9, about 9.5, or about 10.

[0076] Figure 7D A top view of shelf 744 and cable mounting features 743 is shown. The cable mounting features 743 are designed to simplify the installation of shelf 744 and its removal from a stack of shelves. As shown, the cable mounting features 743c, 743d are located further from the horizontal center of shelf 744 than the cable mounting features 743a, 743b. This allows shelf 744 to be slid into or out of the stack of shelves without releasing the tension of cable 740 or removing any other part of the contactor.

[0077] Figure 7EShows a tray T placed on a shelf 744. In some embodiments, the shelf 744 can be composed of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the shelf 744 can be thermoformed. The shelf 744 has ribs that are shaped and optimized to facilitate manufacturing and reduce material weight and cost. The tray can be designed to have a minimum hardness while maximizing the surface area. In some embodiments, the tray can be designed to maintain the uniformity of the powder thickness in the tray. In some embodiments, the tray T can rest on a bracket 744 without any interlocking features between the bracket 744 and the tray. Interlocking features may potentially limit the tray handover between the dispenser and the shelf 744. In some embodiments, the tray T can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker capable of identifying each tray. Thus, the tray can be tracked by software that can store metadata about the tray. In some embodiments, the tray T can include slots machined on its lip for pick-and-place between the dispenser and the shelf 744 for all tolerance stack-up cases.

[0078] Figure 8 Shows the design of a shelf 844 according to one embodiment. As shown, the tray 844 includes horizontal ribs 841 and cable mounting features 843. In some embodiments, the cable mounting features 843 can be the same as or substantially similar to the cable mounting features 743 referred to above Figures 7A - 7E described. Therefore, certain aspects of the cable mounting features 843 are not described in more detail herein. As shown, the horizontal ribs 841 can support the tray placed on the shelf 844 without a large amount of material. The void space of the shelf 844 helps to minimize the amount of material used to produce the shelf 844. In some embodiments, the tray 844 can be composed of composite plastic. In some embodiments, the tray 844 can be composed of glass-filled polypropylene.

[0079] Figure 9It is a block diagram of method 10 of an operating dispenser according to an embodiment. As shown, method 10 includes: moving the dispenser in a vertical direction along a vertically oriented rod in step 11; and fixing the vertical position of the dispenser along the vertically oriented rod in step 12. Method 10 optionally includes: moving the actuator horizontally away from the centerline of the dispenser in step 13. Method 10 further includes: fixing the actuator to a tray positioned on a shelf in step 14; pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser in step 15; dispensing a liquid onto the carbonation medium tray via an orifice in step 16; and pushing the tray horizontally onto the shelf in step 17. Method 10 optionally includes: dispensing the liquid onto the carbonation medium tray again in step 18; and separating the actuator from the tray and moving the actuator horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser in step 19.

[0080] Step 11 includes moving the dispenser in a vertical direction along a vertically oriented rod. In some embodiments, the movement of the dispenser can be an upward movement. In some embodiments, the movement of the dispenser can be a downward movement. In some embodiments, the movement of the dispenser can be guided by a cable attached to the dispenser, which can move the dispenser up and down. In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the dispenser can include balancing the dispenser via one or more guide wheels. In some embodiments, the dispenser can include one or more mounting brackets to orient the guide wheels in a working position.

[0081] Step 12 includes fixing the vertical position of the dispenser along the vertically oriented rod. In some embodiments, the fixed vertical position can be such that the dispenser is vertically aligned with a shelf in a contactor. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be detected by a position encoder. In some embodiments, a position actuator can extend outward from the dispenser, and the vertical position of the dispenser relative to the shelf and / or tray can be detected via the position actuator. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be detected via a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be detected via one or more targets. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be detected via a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be detected via a camera or an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the dispenser can be fixed via a locking or latching mechanism.

[0082] Step 13 is optional and includes moving the actuator horizontally away from the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the actuator may remain in contact with the top portion of the dispenser as it moves away from the centerline of the dispenser. Moving the actuator horizontally away from the centerline of the dispenser can assist in capturing the tray. The tray may be provided with a carbonation medium. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement direction of the actuator may be towards the tray to capture the tray. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuator may be towards the outer edge of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuator may extend beyond the outer edge of the dispenser. In some embodiments, step 13 may include: moving a first actuator or a first actuated portion in a first horizontal direction away from the centerline of the dispenser; and moving a second actuator or a second portion of the actuator in a second direction away from the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the second horizontal direction may form an angle of approximately 180 degrees with the first horizontal direction.

[0083] Step 14 includes securing the actuator to a tray positioned on a shelf. In some embodiments, the shelf may be suspended from a cable. In some embodiments, the actuator may engage the tray via an arm and finger mechanism included in the actuator. In some embodiments, the fingers of the actuator may engage holes in the tray and abut the actuator against the tray. In some embodiments, the fingers may point downward and may engage holes in the tray by first moving horizontally until the fingers are positioned above the holes in the tray and then inserting the fingers into the holes by lowering the fingers into the holes. In some embodiments, step 14 may include: securing a first actuator or a first portion of the actuator to a first tray; and securing a second actuator or a second portion of the actuator to a second tray. In some embodiments, the second tray may be positioned on the side of the centerline opposite the first tray.

[0084] Step 15 includes pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser. In other words, the tray is pushed and / or pulled into the body of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the tray may slide along the bottom portion of the dispenser towards the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the tray may be achieved by the horizontal movement of the fingers relative to the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the tray may be achieved by the horizontal movement of the actuator relative to the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, step 15 may include: pushing a first tray in a first horizontal direction towards the centerline of the dispenser; and pushing a second tray in a second horizontal direction towards the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, the second horizontal direction may form an angle of approximately 180 degrees with the first horizontal direction.

[0085] Step 16 includes dispensing liquid onto the carbonation media tray via one or more orifices. When dispensing, the liquid interacts with the carbonation media in the tray. In some embodiments, the liquid may include water. In some embodiments, the dispensing of the liquid may be performed via spraying, atomizing, dripping, perfusion, and / or any other suitable liquid delivery means. In some embodiments, the liquid may be pressurized after being released from the orifice. In some embodiments, the liquid may be at atmospheric pressure after being released from the orifice. In some embodiments, the liquid may be dispensed at an angle of about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 90 degrees relative to the downward vertical direction, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the liquid may be dispensed at controlled intervals.

[0086] In some embodiments, the process of pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser may be at least partially simultaneous with the process of dispensing liquid onto the carbonation media tray. In other words, step 16 may be at least partially simultaneous with step 15. In some embodiments, step 16 may be performed completely synchronously with step 15.

[0087] Step 17 includes pushing the tray horizontally back onto the shelf. After the liquid delivery is completed, the tray is placed back onto the shelf. In some embodiments, the tray may be placed back onto the same shelf retrieved in steps 14 - 15. In some embodiments, the tray may be placed back onto a shelf different from the shelf retrieved in steps 14 - 15.

[0088] Step 18 is optional and includes dispensing liquid onto the carbonation media tray via the orifice. After placing the tray back in its original position on the shelf, liquid may be dispensed onto the carbonation media. In some embodiments, the dispensing may be performed in a horizontal or diagonal direction away from the centerline of the dispenser such that the liquid may fall into the tray and interact with the carbonation media.

[0089] Step 19 is optional and includes disengaging the actuator from the tray and moving the actuator horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser. In some embodiments, step 19 may include returning the actuator to its original position. In some embodiments, the actuator may remain in its original position throughout method 10 and the arms and fingers of the actuator may retract towards the centerline of the dispenser.

[0090] The various concepts can be embodied as one or more methods, with at least one example provided. The actions performed as part of the method can be sequenced in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments can be constructed that perform the actions in a different order than shown in the figures, which may include performing some actions simultaneously, even if shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments. In other words, it should be understood that these features are not necessarily limited to a particular order of execution, but rather any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and / or the like can perform serially, asynchronously, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and / or in a similar manner in a way that is consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, some of these features may be contradictory as they cannot occur in a single embodiment simultaneously. Similarly, some features apply to one aspect of the innovation and not to others.

[0091] In addition, the present disclosure may also include other innovations not yet described. The applicant reserves all rights to these innovations, including the right to implement these innovations, file supplementary applications, continuation applications, partial continuation applications, divisional applications, and / or similar applications. Thus, it should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, logic, operations, organizations, structures, topologies, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations to the present disclosure defined by the embodiments or to the equivalent forms of the embodiments. Depending on the specific expectations and / or features of individual and / or enterprise users, database configurations and / or relational models, data types, data transmissions, and / or network frameworks, syntax structures, and / or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein can be implemented with great flexibility and customization in the manner described herein.

[0092] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to be prior to dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated-by-reference documents, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0093] As used herein, in a particular embodiment, the term "about" or "approximately" before a numerical value means a range of plus or minus 10% of that numerical value. In cases where a numerical range is provided, each intermediate value (in tenths of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise) between the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as any other specified value or intermediate value within the range, is included in the present disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can be independently included in the smaller ranges, which is also included in the disclosed content, subject to any specific excluded limits of the stated range. If the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges that do not include one or both of the limits are also included in the disclosed range.

[0094] As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" used in the specification and embodiments should be understood to mean "at least one" unless there is a clear contrary indication.

[0095] As used herein in the specification and examples, the phrase "and / or" shall be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements joined together, that is, elements that are joined together in some cases and not joined together in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" shall be construed in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of such joined elements. Other elements may optionally exist in addition to the elements specifically recited in the "and / or" clause, whether or not these other elements are related or unrelated to the specifically recited elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when "A and / or B" is used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising", in one embodiment, it may refer only to A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, it may refer only to B (optionally including elements other than A); in another embodiment, it may refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0096] As used herein in the specification and examples, "or" shall be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted inclusively, that is, including at least one, but also including more than one number or list of elements, as well as optionally other unlisted items. Only terms that expressly state the contrary, such as "only one" or "exactly one", or when used in an example, "consisting of...", refer to exactly one element of a quantity or series of elements. In general, the word "or" as used herein shall be interpreted to denote exclusive alternatives (i.e., "either or the other but not both") only when preceded by exclusive terms such as "any one", "one of", "only one of", or "exactly one of". As used in this example, "consisting essentially of..." shall have the ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0097] As used herein in the specification and examples, the phrase "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements shall be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence, in addition to the specifically recited elements, of other elements in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to the specifically recited elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can, in one embodiment, mean at least one, optionally including more than one A, with no B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, mean at least one, optionally including more than one B, with no A (optionally including elements other than A); in another embodiment, mean at least one, optionally including more than one A, and at least one, optionally including more than one B (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0098] In this embodiment as well as in the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "consisting of", etc., shall be understood to be open-ended, i.e., including but not limited to. Only the two transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases respectively, as defined in section 2111.03 of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[0099] While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The methods and steps described above indicate that certain events occur in a certain order, but one of ordinary skill in the art benefiting from the present disclosure will recognize that the order of certain steps may be modified, and such modification is consistent with variations of the invention. Additionally, where possible, certain steps may be performed simultaneously in a parallel process or in the order described above. Specific embodiments have been shown and described in particular, but it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a platform, the platform including a top portion and a bottom portion; a lifting mechanism configured to move the platform vertically; a plurality of orifices defined by the top portion of the platform, the plurality of orifices configured to dispense liquid onto a tray; and an actuator configured to move laterally along the bottom side of the top portion of the platform, the actuator configured to push the tray to move laterally, wherein when the tray moves laterally, the bottom portion is configured to support the tray.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism includes at least one of a chain driven by a motor or a linear actuator.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tray includes a carbonation medium disposed therein.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the carbonation medium includes at least one of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, or dolomitic lime (calcium magnesium oxide or hydroxide).

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of orifices includes spray nozzles configured to spray liquid onto the tray.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the spray nozzles have variable spray angles.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a pin configured to be fixed in a hole in the tray to engage the actuator with the tray.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the pin is a first pin and the tray is a first tray, and the actuator further includes a second pin configured to be fixed in a hole in a second tray to engage the actuator with the second tray and push the second tray to move in a direction parallel to the movement of the first tray, the second tray being positioned opposite the first tray relative to the actuator.

9. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: a counterweight configured to minimize the load requirements of the motor.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the platform includes a load cell configured to measure the weight of the tray.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the platform includes a mechanical stirrer configured to stir the contents of the tray.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the mechanical stirrer includes at least one of a flushing device, a stirring element, and / or a vibrating element.

13. An apparatus, comprising: a frame including a plurality of vertically oriented rods and a plurality of horizontally oriented rods; a plurality of cables including beads, the plurality of cables being connected to the horizontally oriented rods in a tensioned state and suspended from the horizontally oriented rods; a plurality of shelves connected to the cables and supported by the beads, the plurality of shelves configured to support a plurality of trays; and A plurality of dispensers, each of the plurality of dispensers being configured to move vertically, each of the plurality of dispensers being configured to contact and push one of the plurality of trays to move the one tray horizontally into and out of the dispenser.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of shelves includes a cable mounting feature configured to be coupled to the bead.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: A plurality of cable reels placed on the beads and configured to increase the surface area for shelving for each of the plurality of shelves.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of shelves includes an alignment feature configured to engage one of the plurality of trays and prevent the one tray from sliding horizontally.

17. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: An air conveyor configured to force air through the plurality of shelves and the plurality of trays.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of vertically oriented rods includes a series of targets configured to fix a height along the vertically oriented rod, and the plurality of dispensers are fixed at the height during loading and unloading.

19. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: At least one of a horizontal support element or an inclined support element configured to contact at least a portion of the plurality of cables to minimize horizontal movement of the plurality of cables and the plurality of shelves.

20. A method, comprising: Moving a dispenser in a vertical direction, the dispenser including an actuator and an orifice; Fixing the vertical position of the dispenser; Fixing the actuator to a tray positioned on a shelf, the tray including a carbonation medium; Pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser via the actuator; and Dispensing a liquid onto the carbonation medium in the tray via the orifice.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Pushing the tray horizontally onto the shelf via the actuator.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Separating the actuator from the tray and moving the actuator horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Moving the actuator horizontally away from the centerline of the dispenser before fixing the actuator to the tray.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser is at least partially simultaneous with dispensing.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein the tray is a first tray, the shelf is a first shelf, the horizontal direction is a first horizontal direction, and the method further comprises: Pushing a second tray horizontally towards the centerline of the dispenser via the actuator in a second horizontal direction.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein pushing the first tray and pushing the second tray are at least partially simultaneous.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein the second horizontal direction forms an angle of approximately 180 degrees with the first horizontal direction.

Images