Carbonation machine and method of operating carbonation machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a carbonation machine and a method of operating a carbonation machine. The carbonation machine includes a pneumatic chamber with a movable wall. The wall moves outwardly to depress a pin of a vent valve of a gas tank held in a tank holder of the machine when the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber increases. The air relief valve is closable to retain air in the pneumatic chamber. The air pump is operable to pump air from ambient air into the pneumatic chamber to increase air pressure in the pneumatic chamber. The controller is configured to close the air release valve and to operate the air pump to increase air pressure in the pneumatic chamber to move the movable wall outwardly to open the vent valve of the canister, resulting in release of gas from the canister to carbonate the liquid, and to open the air release valve to enable closing of the vent valve.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application date of March 16, 2017, application number 201780083723.4, and name “Pneumatic valve for carbonation machine” (the application number of the PCT international application corresponding to this application is PCT / IL2017 / 050333). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a carbonation machine and a method of operating a carbonation machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pneumatic valve for a carbonation machine. Background Art

[0003] Carbonation machines are designed to introduce pressurized gas (usually carbon dioxide) into a liquid (usually water). For example, a removable water bottle can be attached to the machine so that a seal is formed between the bottle mouth and the machine. The seal prevents gas from escaping from the water bottle into the ambient atmosphere because the pressurized gas is introduced into the bottle.

[0004] The pressurized gas may be stored in a tank until it is released. For example, the gas may be stored as a liquid in a tank. A valve of the tank may be opened to release the gas from the tank. A piping system may then direct the pressurized gas released from the tank to a nozzle, which directs the gas into a bottle of liquid.

[0005] For example, the valve may release gas from the can when a plunger of the valve is squeezed inwardly. The carbonation machine may include a manual or electric operating mechanism for operating the valve to release gas from the can. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a carbonation machine is provided, which includes: a pneumatic chamber with a movable wall, the movable wall being configured to move outward to cause a pin of a deflation valve of a gas tank held in a tank holder of the machine to be pressed when the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber increases; an air release valve, which can be closed to retain air in the pneumatic chamber; an air pump, which can be operated to pump air from the ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber; and a controller, which is configured to close the air release valve and operate the air pump to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber, thereby causing the movable wall to move outward to open the deflation valve of the tank, causing gas to be released from the tank to carbonate the liquid, and opening the air release valve to enable the deflation valve to be closed.

[0007] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbonation machine includes a plunger configured to be pushed distally by the outward movement of the movable wall to depress the pin.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to stop the operation of the air pump when the air release valve is opened.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to open the air release valve when the carbonation level of the liquid reaches a selected carbonation level.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, achievement of the selected carbonation level is indicated by the length of time during which the purge valve is opened.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to open the air release valve after a predetermined interval after the air release valve is opened.

[0012] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to repeat the operations causing the purge valve to open and the air release valve to open according to a programmed carbonation schedule.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air release valve comprises a normally open solenoid valve.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbonation machine comprises a tilt sensor, wherein the controller is configured to close the air release valve or operate the air pump only when the sensed tilt angle does not exceed a threshold tilt angle.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the movable wall comprises a piston.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pneumatic valve operating mechanism for a carbonation machine is further provided, the mechanism comprising: a pneumatic chamber with a movable wall, the movable wall being configured to move outward when the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber increases; an air release valve, which can be closed to keep air in the pneumatic chamber; and an air pump, which can be operated to pump air from the ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber when the air release valve is closed, wherein the movable wall is configured to cause the gas release valve of the gas tank to open when the movable wall moves outward, thereby directing the released gas to the liquid to be carbonated by the gas.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism includes a plunger configured to be pushed distally by the outward movement of the movable wall, the distal end of the plunger being configured to depress a pin of the deflation valve to open the deflation valve when the plunger is pushed distally.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air release valve comprises a normally open solenoid valve.

[0019] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the movable wall comprises a piston.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a method for operating a carbonation machine through a controller of the machine, the method comprising: closing an air release valve to prevent air from being released from a pneumatic chamber of the machine; opening an air pump to pump air from the ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber, thereby causing a movable wall of the pneumatic chamber to move outward to cause an air release valve of a gas tank attached to the machine to open, thereby releasing gas from the tank, and directing the released gas to a liquid to carbonate the liquid; and opening the air release valve to release air from the pneumatic chamber when a predetermined time interval is completed after the air release valve is opened, thereby enabling the air release valve to be closed.

[0021] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises stopping the operation of the air pump after a predetermined time interval.

[0022] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time interval corresponds to a selected carbonation level.

[0023] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time interval comprises the length of a carbonation pulse during which gas is released from the can.

[0024] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises repeatedly applying carbonation pulses.

[0025] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a series of applied carbonation pulses corresponds to a selected carbonation level, the repeated application of carbonation pulses is terminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to better understand the present invention and recognize its practical application, the following figures are provided and referenced below. It should be noted that these figures are given as examples only and are in no way limiting the scope of the present invention. The same parts are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0027] Figure 1 Components of a carbonation machine with a pneumatic valve according to one embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 2A Schematically shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a carbonation machine is shown with the pneumatic valve operating mechanism causing the release of gas from the tank.

[0029] Figure 2B Schematically shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a carbonation machine is shown in which a pneumatic valve operator enables the tank's purge valve to be closed.

[0030] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 Operation of the pneumatic valve operator of the carbonation machine is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for pneumatically operating a carbonation machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for pneumatically operating a carbonation machine with multiple carbonation pulses according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "establishing," "analyzing," "checking," and the like may refer to operations and / or processing of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or converts data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic quantities) within a computer's registers and / or memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within a computer's registers and / or memory, or other information non-volatile storage media (e.g., memory) that can store instructions to perform operations and / or processing. Although embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, the terms "plurality" and "multiple" as used herein may include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more." The terms "plurality" or "multiple" may be used in the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, and the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. In addition, the method embodiments or portions of their elements may occur or be executed synchronously, at the same point in time, or simultaneously. Unless otherwise stated, the conjunction "or" as used herein should be understood to be inclusive (any or all of the stated options).

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric carbonation machine includes a pneumatic mechanism for releasing pressurized gas from a gas tank. The gas released from the tank can flow to a carbonation head. At the carbonation head, the gas can be injected into the liquid contents of a bottle fixed to the carbonation head to carbonate the liquid contents.

[0036] Although carbonation generally refers to the injection of water or another liquid with pressurized carbon dioxide, the carbonation apparatus and methods as described herein should be understood to include the injection of water or another liquid with carbon dioxide or another gas.

[0037] The pneumatic mechanism includes a pneumatic chamber with a wall that can move outward when the gas pressure in the pneumatic chamber increases. When the wall moves outward, the wall can engage a mating structure of a purge valve of the gas tank to release gas from the tank. For example, the outward movement of the movable wall can cause a pin of the purge valve to be depressed to open the valve.

[0038] As used herein, the movable wall of the pneumatic chamber can refer to a rigidly movable wall or piston, or to a wall or diaphragm comprising at least one outwardly deformable portion. In the latter case, the deformation of the wall causes a portion of the wall to bulge outward or contract inward, also referred to herein as movement of the wall.

[0039] The air pump is operable to pump air from the ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber. As air is pumped into the pneumatic chamber, an air release valve that enables the release of air from the pneumatic chamber may be closed. As air continues to be pumped into the pneumatic chamber, the air in the pneumatic chamber becomes compressed, increasing the air pressure within the pneumatic chamber. The increased pressure in the pneumatic chamber may cause the movable wall to move outward. The outward movement of the movable wall may press on the proximal end of the plunger to cause the plunger to move distally toward the pin of the purge valve of the gas tank. When the distal end of the plunger presses on the pin, the purge valve may open to release gas from the tank. The gas from the tank may then be directed to a bottle or other container of liquid to carbonate the liquid.

[0040] The controller of the carbonation machine may monitor the carbonation level of the liquid. For example, the carbonation level may be indicated by one or more of the following parameters: the duration of the release of carbonation gas from the gas tank, the pressure of the introduced gas in the liquid, the volume of the gas introduced into the liquid, or another related quantity. Thus, the controller may be configured to monitor one or more of the following parameters: the duration of the release of gas from the tank, the speed or volume of the gas flow through the machine conduit, the pressure of the gas introduced into the liquid, or another indication of the degree of carbonation.

[0041] For example, the carbonation level may be selected by a user of the carbonation machine, e.g., by operating a controller of the carbonation machine, or may be fixed or automatically selected.

[0042] When a predetermined carbonation level is reached, for example, when a predetermined period of time corresponding to the desired carbonation level has passed, the controller may stop releasing gas from the gas tank. For example, the air release valve may be opened and the operation of the air pump may be stopped to allow air to leave the pneumatic chamber. Releasing air from the pneumatic chamber may reduce the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber. As a result, a closing mechanism (e.g., a spring or other elastic element) of the deflation valve of the tank may push the pin of the deflation valve outward. The deflation valve may thus be closed. The outward movement of the pin may push the plunger in the proximal direction toward the movable wall of the pneumatic chamber. The proximal movement of the pin may cause the movable wall of the pneumatic chamber to move inward, for example, substantially to its original position before air is pumped into the pneumatic chamber.

[0043] The use of an electric pump and valve to release gas from a gas tank and a pneumatic deflation mechanism as described herein may be advantageous over other types of electric mechanisms. For example, a mechanical mechanism may include a mechanical transmission. The mechanical transmission may be configured to convert the rotary motion of a motor into a linear motion of a rod or plunger that squeezes a pin of a deflation valve of a gas tank. For example, such a mechanical transmission may include a cam, a rod, an arm, a lever, and the like. Linear components, such as rods, arms, and levers, may be connected to each other at an articulated joint. Such a mechanical transmission may be prone to failure when a change in the applied force causes a component of force or motion that may block or otherwise affect operation (e.g., the applied force includes a lateral force component, where proper operation requires substantially longitudinal force). Potential changes or tolerances in various components or their connections may require expensive or time-consuming calibration or adjustment procedures to ensure the correct operation of each manufactured carbonation machine.

[0044] On the other hand, the pneumatic transmission of the pneumatic deflation mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention does not require mechanical parts to convert rotary motion into linear motion. Any rotary motion of, for example, a pump is converted into linear motion by the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber. The air pressure applies a normal force on all surfaces, reducing the possibility of lateral forces that could jam the mechanism or reduce the possibility of variation between manufactured carbonation machines.

[0045] Now refer to these figures.

[0046] Figure 1 Components of a carbonation machine with a pneumatic valve according to one embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown.

[0047] The carbonation machine 10 is shown with its outer housing removed to show the components of the carbonation machine 10 covered by the housing.

[0048] The carbonation machine 10 is configured to deliver gas (e.g., carbon dioxide or another gas) from a gas tank 20 to a carbonation head 34. A bottle 36 containing a liquid to be carbonated (e.g., water, an aqueous beverage, or another liquid) may be attached to the carbonation head 34. The gas is delivered to the head inlet 31 and enters the bottle 36.

[0049] The gas tank 20 may have a cylindrical or other shape and may be attached to the carbonation machine 10 at a tank holder 21. The gas tank 20 may be configured to contain liquefied gas, compressed gas, or a combination of the two (e.g., where a portion of the liquefied gas evaporates to form a compressed gas layer above the liquefied gas).

[0050] The user may operate the user control 46 to cause the carbonation machine 10 to initiate carbonation of the liquid in the bottle 36. For example, the operated user control 46 may be selected from a plurality of provided carbonation levels (e.g., Figure 3 46 ). Other types of controls may be provided. The controller 42 of the pneumatic valve operator 40 may operate the components of the pneumatic valve operator 40 according to the selected user control 46.

[0051] The pneumatic valve operator 40 of the carbonation machine 10 can operate the tank purge valve 25 to cause the release of gas from the gas tank 20. The air pump 48 of the pneumatic valve operator 40 can be operated by the controller 42 to draw air from the ambient atmosphere via the air inlet 50 and force the air into the pneumatic chamber 12 via the air inlet conduit 56. For example, the pump 48 may include an air compressor, a fan, a blower, a bellows, a plunger, or other mechanism configured to draw air from the atmosphere and force the air into the pneumatic chamber 12 while compressing the air. While the air pump 48 is operating, the controller 42 may close the air release valve 52 to prevent air from being released from the pneumatic chamber 12 back into the ambient atmosphere via the air outlet 54. For example, the air release valve 52 may include a normally open solenoid valve that remains open unless a voltage is applied. Another type of valve may be used, such as a normally closed valve or a valve based on another operating principle.

[0052] Operation of the air pump 48 while the air release valve 52 is closed can increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12. The increased air pressure can cause the tank purge valve 25 to open, releasing gas to carbonate the liquid contents of the bottle 36.

[0053] When the controller 42 determines that carbonation of the liquid contents of the bottle 36 is complete (e.g., after a period of time has elapsed whose length is determined by operation of the user control 46, or after carbonation is otherwise determined to be complete), or when a carbonation pulse of a programmed carbonation regimen of a series of carbonation pulses is complete (e.g., after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the tank purge valve 25 was opened), air may be released from the pneumatic chamber 12. For example, the air release valve 52 may be opened, and operation of the air pump 48 may be stopped. Thus, air may be exhausted from the pneumatic chamber 12 via the outflow conduit 57 and the air outlet 54, reducing the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12. The resulting reduction in air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12 may enable the closing mechanism of the tank purge valve 25 to close the tank purge valve 25.

[0054] Figure 2A Schematically shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a carbonation machine is shown with the pneumatic valve operating mechanism causing the release of gas from the tank.

[0055] The components of the carbonation machine 10 may be enclosed in a housing 11 or may be mounted to the housing 11. The housing 11 may include one or more portions configured to rotate or otherwise move or displace relative to another portion of the housing 11.

[0056] When the tank purge valve 25 is open, gas may be delivered from the gas tank 20 to a bottle 36 attached to the carbonation head 34 .

[0057] The pneumatic valve operator 40 of the carbonation machine 10 may operate the tank purge valve 25 to cause the release of gas from the gas tank 20 .

[0058] The gas canister 20 may be attached to the carbonation machine 10 via a canister holder 21. For example, the canister holder 21 may include threads 23a or other structures configured to mate with corresponding threads 23b, or with other structures on a canister purge valve 25 of the gas canister 20 to secure the gas canister 20 to the carbonation machine 10.

[0059] Gas can be released from the gas tank 20 by operating the tank purge valve 25 through the pneumatic valve operating mechanism 40. For example, the valve plunger 24 of the tank purge valve 25 can be pressed into the gas tank 20 so that the pressurized gas can be released through the gas fitting 28. When the inward squeezing force is no longer applied to the valve plunger 24, the tank valve closer 26 can push the valve plunger 24 outward to prevent the gas from being released. For example, the tank valve closer 26 may include a spring that is compressed when the valve plunger 24 is pushed inward, or another type of elastic element.

[0060] In some cases, the tank holder 21 may be provided with an overpressure device. The overpressure device may be configured to prevent gas from flowing out of the gas tank 20 in the event that the tank purge valve 25 fails to close. For example, if the tank valve closer 26 is damaged or otherwise malfunctions, if the valve plunger 24 is damaged, bent or tilted to prevent proper movement, or if foreign matter is introduced into the tank purge valve 25 to prevent proper movement of the valve plunger 24, the tank purge valve 25 may fail to close. The overpressure device may include a system of seals (e.g., constructed of plastic or constructed of another suitable material) that closes the gas flow path when the valve plunger 24 (or plunger 18) is not depressed. The overpressure device may enable gas to flow again when the valve plunger 24 is depressed, and to stop the flow again when the valve plunger 24 is no longer depressed.

[0061] The pneumatic valve operator 40 may include a pneumatic chamber 12. The pneumatic chamber 12 includes a movable wall. In the example shown, the movable wall includes a piston 14.

[0062] When the controller 42 operates the pneumatic valve operator 40 to open the tank purge valve 25, the air pump 48 may be operated to draw air from the ambient atmosphere through the air inlet 50. The air may be forced into the pneumatic chamber 12 through the air inlet conduit 56 and the air inlet 15. The air release valve 52 may be closed to prevent the air from being exhausted to the air outlet 54 and the ambient atmosphere through the air outlet 16 and the outflow conduit 57.

[0063] When air is forced into the pneumatic chamber 12 and compressed therein, the air pressure within the pneumatic chamber 12 may increase, and the increased pressure causes the piston 14 to move outwardly through the outward movement 19. The outward movement 19 ( Figure 3 ) may be laterally constrained by the side chamber wall 13. For example, the piston 14 may have a circular shape, and the side chamber wall 13 may be a cylindrical wall. The cross-section of the piston 14 and thus the side chamber wall 13 may have another shape (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, or another shape). The shape or structure of the piston 14 may be configured so that the piston 14 can slide along the side chamber wall 13 without tilting or otherwise changing its direction relative to the side chamber wall 13. The piston 14 may also be configured to reduce or eliminate air from escaping from the pneumatic chamber 12 between the piston 14 and the side chamber wall 13 (e.g., through a low-friction sealing structure, such as a low-friction gasket or brush). Instead of the piston 14, or in addition to the piston 14, the movable wall may include a deformable or elastic diaphragm that can bulge outward when the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12 increases.

[0064] The bottle 36 (or other container of liquid to be carbonated) can be attached to the carbonation head 34. For example, the carbonation head 34 can include a bottle holder 35. The bottle holder 35 can include a structure for fixing the bottle 36 to the carbonation head 34, for example, a retractable clamp as shown. Alternatively or additionally, the bottle holder 35 can include threads or other structures for fixing the bottle 36 to the carbonation head 34. The bottle holder 35 is configured to fix the bottle 36 to the carbonation head 34 when the pressurized gas is injected into the bottle 36 via the distal opening 33 of the gas injection rod 32. The bottle holder 35 can be configured to fix one or more specific types of bottles 36, each of which is configured to have a structure designed to engage the bottle holder 35. The bottle 36 can be configured to withstand a predetermined pressure that may be formed in the bottle 36 during the carbonation process. When such a bottle 36 is fixed by the bottle holder 35 and the bottle 36 is filled with liquid to a predetermined level (usually marked on the bottle 36), at least the distal opening 33 of the gas injection rod 32 is immersed in the liquid contents of the bottle 36.

[0065] When the tank purge valve 25 is opened to release gas from the gas tank 20, the released gas may flow out from the gas fitting 28 to the gas injection wand 32 via the gas conduit 30. Thus, the gas released from the gas tank 20 may carbonate the liquid contents of the bottle 36 fixed to the carbonation head 34.

[0066] The controller 42 may include circuitry or one or more processing units. Power for operating the controller 42 may be provided via a power connection, such as a converter, which converts the AC line voltage into a DC voltage suitable for operation of the controller 42. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 42 may be powered by a DC power source (e.g., a battery, or other power source). The controller 42 may include a controllable switch, contact, or other component for controllably supplying electrical power to components of the pneumatic valve operator 40 (e.g., the air pump 48, the air release valve 52, the sensor 44, or other components).

[0067] Figure 2B Schematically shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a carbonation machine is shown in which a pneumatic valve operator enables the tank's purge valve to be closed.

[0068] The piston 14 retracts into the pneumatic chamber 12 , thereby enabling the tube valve closer 26 to close the tank purge valve 25 .

[0069] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 Operation of the pneumatic valve operator of the carbonation machine is shown.

[0070] The user may operate the user control 46 to cause the carbonation machine to initiate carbonation of the liquid in the bottle attached to the carbonation head 34. For example, the operated user control 46 may select a desired carbonation level from a plurality of provided carbonation levels, such as high (H), medium (M), or low (L). Other types of controls may be provided. The controller 42 of the pneumatic valve operator 40 may operate other components of the pneumatic valve operator 40 based on the selected user control 46.

[0071] The controller 42 may operate a component based on one or more sensed conditions, which are sensed by one or more sensors 44. When the sensor 44 senses one or more conditions, the operation of the pneumatic valve operator 40 to release gas may be limited or prevented. For example, if a tilt sensor of the sensor 44 indicates that the tilt of the carbonation machine 10 exceeds a threshold tilt angle or deviates from a predetermined range of tilt angles, the release of gas may be prevented. Alternatively or in addition, other sensed conditions may result in preventing the release of gas (e.g., sensed conditions indicating the following phenomena: a missing bottle or improperly secured bottle in the carbonation head 34, a missing gas tank 20 in the tank holder 21 or improperly secured gas tank, a blocked opening or conduit (e.g., a gas conduit 30, an air inlet 50, or an air outlet 54), an operational failure of a component, excessive gas pressure in the bottle, or another indicated condition).

[0072] One or more of the sensors 44 may include one or more pressure sensors (e.g., for detecting the release of gas from the gas tank 20, the release of gas in the gas conduit 30, detecting carbonation of the contents of a bottle secured in the carbonation head 34 or elsewhere), timers (e.g., for measuring the duration of a process, such as measuring different time periods of active carbonation corresponding to obtaining different carbonation levels), contacts or other mechanical sensors (e.g., for sensing the position of the gas tank 20 secured by the tank holder 21, the bottle secured in the carbonation head 34, the valve pin 22, or another mechanical sensor), a temperature sensor or other environmental condition sensor, or other sensors.

[0073] When the controller 42 initiates the carbonation process, the air release valve 52 may be closed and the air pump 48 may be operated to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12. When the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12 increases, the increased pressure may cause the piston 14 to move outwardly through the outward movement 19.

[0074] When the piston 14 is moved outward from the pneumatic chamber 12 by the outward movement 19, the piston 14 can push the proximal end of the plunger 18. For example, the distal end of the piston 14 can include a structure configured to engage the proximal end of the plunger 18. Thus, the plunger 18 can move distally toward the tank purge valve 25 of the gas tank 20.

[0075] The distal movement of the plunger 18 can press the valve pin 22 (e.g., the valve pin 22 refers to the end of the valve plunger 24 that can be accessed from the outside of the gas tank 20) ​​of the valve plunger 24 of the tank purge valve 25 into the gas tank 20. The inward depression of the valve plunger 24 can cause the release of gas from the gas tank 20. The released gas can flow through the gas fitting 28 as a gas outflow 62. The gas outflow 62 can flow through the gas conduit 30 into the gas injection rod 32 and out of the distal opening 33. Thus, the gas outflow 62 can carbonate the liquid contained in the bottle 36 fixed in the carbonation head 34, and the distal opening 33 is immersed in the liquid. The tank holder 21 can include a sealing structure 17 (e.g., an O-ring or other gasket, or other sealing structure) to prevent gas from escaping through the components of the tank holder 21 except through the gas fitting 28.

[0076] The gas flow 62 may continue until the carbonation level of the liquid contents of the bottle 36 reaches a predetermined carbonation level, or until a carbonation pulse of a programmed carbonation regimen of a series of carbonation pulses is completed. For example, the end of the predetermined carbonation level or carbonation pulse may be determined based on a user selection of the user control 46. The selected carbonation level may determine the duration of the release of gas from the gas tank 20. Alternatively or additionally, reaching the carbonation level may be indicated based on the reading of one or more sensors 44 (e.g., a gas flow meter, a sensor for measuring the gas content of the liquid in the bottle 36, or another sensor).

[0077] The carbonation head 34 may include a pressure relief valve (not shown) that allows the gas to escape into the ambient atmosphere when the gas pressure in the bottle 36 exceeds a predetermined level. For example, the pressure relief valve may include an elastic member (e.g., a valve flap, a valve cover, a spring, or other elastic or resilient member) that may be opened by the pressure of the carbonation gas in the bottle 36.

[0078] When the predetermined carbonation level is indicated, the controller 42 may stop the operation of the air pump 48. The controller 42 may open the air release valve 52 to stop applying the closing voltage to the air release valve 52 before, simultaneously with, or after the operation of the air pump 48 is stopped, thereby enabling the air release valve 52 to open. The air held in the pneumatic chamber 12 at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure may escape from the pneumatic chamber 12 into the ambient atmosphere via the air outlet 17, the outflow conduit 57, and the air outlet 54.

[0079] When the pressure in the pneumatic chamber 12 is reduced, the tank valve closer 26 can push the valve plunger 24 outward from the gas tank 20. The outward movement of the valve pin 22 of the valve plunger 24 can push the plunger 18 and the piston 14 into the pneumatic chamber 12. Pushing the piston 14 into the pneumatic chamber 12 can further force air to leave the pneumatic chamber 12 through the air outlet 54. The valve plunger 24 can be pushed outward until the tank purge valve 25 closes the gas tank 20 to prevent any further outflow of gas from the gas tank 20.

[0080] Once the tank vent valve 25 (or overpressure device) stops the gas flow 62, the bottle 36 can be removed from the carbonating head 34. For example, the locking mechanism can be released to enable the bottle to be removed from the bottle holder 35. The carbonating head 34 can be provided with a mechanism that prevents the bottle holder 35 from releasing the bottle 36 until the gas pressure in the bottle 36 is reduced to a pressure close to atmospheric pressure. For example, the bottle holder 35 can be configured to secure the bottle 36 until the bottle 36 is tilted forward, or a mechanical mechanism or other gas release mechanism is otherwise operated to release excess gas. Once the gas pressure has been reduced, the bottle 36 can be removed from the bottle holder 35.

[0081] The controller 42 may be configured to execute a method for pneumatically operating the carbonation machine 10. For example, the controller 42 may include circuitry designed to cause components of the carbonation machine 10 to execute the method. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 42 may include a processor configured to operate according to programmed instructions (e.g., stored on a data storage unit or memory of the controller 42).

[0082] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for pneumatically operating a carbonation machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] With respect to any flow charts mentioned herein, it should be understood that, for convenience and clarity only, the method shown has been chosen to be divided into discrete operations represented by the blocks of the flow chart. Alternative ways of dividing the method shown into discrete operations may have equivalent results. Such alternative ways of dividing the method shown into discrete operations should be understood to represent other embodiments of the method shown.

[0084] Similarly, it should be understood that, unless otherwise noted, the illustrated order of execution of the operations represented by the blocks of any flowchart mentioned herein has been selected for convenience and clarity only. The operations of the illustrated method may be performed in an alternative order, or simultaneously, with equivalent results. Such reordering of the operations of the illustrated method should be understood to represent other embodiments of the illustrated method.

[0085] The pneumatic operation method 100 may be executed by the controller 42 of the carbonation machine 10 upon receiving an instruction to carbonate the liquid contents of the bottle 36 connected to the carbonation head 34 (block 110). For example, the instruction may be generated by or in response to the operation of the user control 46 by a user of the carbonation machine 10. The instruction may indicate the carbonation level at which the contents of the bottle 36 are to be carbonated. Alternatively or additionally, the instruction may be received when it is sensed that a bottle 36 of non-carbonated liquid is secured in the carbonation head 34.

[0086] The controller 42 may cause the air release valve 52 to close (block 120 ). For example, the controller 42 may apply current to a solenoid valve or otherwise cause the air release valve 52 to close.

[0087] Before, simultaneously with, or after closing the air release valve 52 , the controller 42 may operate the air pump 48 to draw air from the ambient atmosphere and compress the air in the pneumatic chamber 12 (block 130 ).

[0088] The combination of operation of the air pump 48 and closing of the air release valve 52 can increase the air pressure within the pneumatic chamber 12 to push the piston 14 outward. The outward movement of the piston 14 can open the tank purge valve 25 (e.g., via the plunger 18 squeezing the valve pin 22 inward) to release gas from the gas tank 20, thereby carbonating the contents of the bottle 36.

[0089] The controller 42 may be configured to close the air release valve 52, operate the air pump 48, or perform both operations to carbonate the contents of the bottle 36 only when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the carbonation process may continue only when the sensor 44 does not indicate a condition that deviates from a predetermined condition or range of conditions. For example, the controller 42 may be configured so that the carbonation process does not continue when the tilt sensor of the sensor 44 detects a tilt that does not exceed a predetermined tilt. The carbonation process may depend on other conditions sensed by the sensor 44.

[0090] The carbonation process may continue until a predetermined time interval has elapsed (block 140). The duration of the time period during which gas is released from the gas tank 20 may be monitored (e.g., after the tank purge valve 25 has been opened, or after a time when the tank purge valve 25 is expected to have been opened, e.g., after the air pump 48 begins to operate when the air release valve 52 is closed) until the predetermined time interval has elapsed. The predetermined time interval may correspond to the selected carbonation level. Alternatively or additionally, the time interval of a single carbonation pulse may be predetermined according to a programmed carbonation scheme (in which case the carbonation level may be determined by a series of carbonation pulses, wherein gas is released from the gas tank 20 during each pulse). For example, the duration of the release of gas from the gas tank 20 may be monitored by a timer, which is contained in the controller 42 or the sensor 44, or which may be otherwise obtained by the controller 42.

[0091] If the predetermined time interval has not elapsed, operation of the air pump 48 and closing of the air release valve 52 continue (returning to block 120 ).

[0092] When carbonation is complete, the controller 42 may cause the air release valve 52 to open (block 150). For example, the controller 42 may interrupt the current in the solenoid valve of the air release valve 52, or may cause the air release valve 52 to open in other ways.

[0093] Before, simultaneously with, or after opening the air release valve 52 , the controller 42 may stop operation of the air pump 48 .

[0094] Thus, air may be exhausted from the pneumatic chamber 12 to the ambient atmosphere, allowing the gas pressure within the pneumatic chamber 12 to be reduced. As a result, the tank air release valve 52 may be allowed to close to stop the flow of gas from the gas tank 20 to the liquid. For example, the tank valve closer 26 may be allowed to close the tank purge valve 25. The closing of the tank purge valve 25 may also push the piston 14 (e.g., via the valve pin 22 and plunger 18) inwardly into the pneumatic chamber 12. In some cases (e.g., when the tank valve closer 26 fails to operate properly), the overpressure device may close the tank purge valve 25.

[0095] When the tank purge valve 25 is closed, the bottle 36 may be enabled to be removed from the carbonating head 34. For example, the bottle holder 35 may be configured to secure the bottle 36 until the bottle 36 is tilted forward, or a mechanical mechanism or other gas release structure is otherwise operated to release excess gas from the bottle 36. Once the gas pressure in the bottle 36 has been reduced, the bottle 36 may be removed from the bottle holder 35.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, achieving the selected carbonation level may be determined by a programmed scheme of a series of carbonation pulses. Each carbonation pulse comprises the injection of gas from the gas tank 20 into the liquid contents of the bottle 36 for a duration of a certain time interval. For example, the duration of each time interval may be determined according to a programmed scheme associated with the selected carbonation level.

[0097] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for pneumatically operating a carbonation machine with multiple carbonation pulses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The pneumatic operation method 200 may be executed by the controller 42 of the carbonation machine 10 upon receiving an instruction to carbonate the liquid contents of the bottle 36 connected to the carbonation head 34 to a selected carbonation level (block 210). For example, the instruction may be generated by or in response to operation of the user control 46 by a user of the carbonation machine 10.

[0099] The controller 42 may cause the carbonation pulse to begin by causing the air release valve 52 to close and compress the air in the pneumatic chamber 12 while operating the air pump 48 to draw air from the ambient atmosphere (block 220). The combination of the operation of the air pump 48 and the closing of the air release valve 52 may increase the air pressure within the pneumatic chamber 12 to push the piston 14 outward. The outward movement of the piston 14 can open the tank purge valve 25 (e.g., via the plunger 18 squeezing the valve pin 22 inward) to release gas from the gas tank 20, thereby carbonating the contents of the bottle 36 held in the carbonation head 34.

[0100] The controller 42 may be configured to close the air release valve 52, operate the air pump 48, or perform both operations to carbonate the contents of the bottle 36 only when a predetermined condition is met, for example, as sensed by one or more sensors 44. For example, the controller 42 may be configured so that the carbonation process does not proceed when the tilt sensor of the sensor 44 detects a tilt that does not exceed a predetermined tilt.

[0101] After a predetermined time interval determined by the programmed carbonation protocol, the controller 42 may end the carbonation pulse by causing the air release valve 52 to open (block 230). Before, simultaneously with, or after opening the air release valve 52, the controller 42 may stop the operation of the air pump 48.

[0102] Thus, air may be exhausted from the pneumatic chamber 12 to the ambient atmosphere, allowing a reduction in the gas pressure within the pneumatic chamber 12. As a result, the tank purge valve 25 may be allowed to close, stopping the flow of gas from the gas tank 20 to the liquid.

[0103] The sequence of applied carbonation pulses (the application of each carbonation pulse comprising the operations depicted by blocks 220 and 230) may be monitored to determine whether the sequence of repeatedly applied pulses corresponds to completion of a regimen of carbonation pulses corresponding to the selected carbonation level (block 240).

[0104] If the sequence of applied carbonation pulses does not complete the programmed carbonation regimen, another carbonation pulse may be performed (repeating the operations of blocks 220 and 230).

[0105] If the executed carbonation pulse completes the carbonation regimen associated with the selected carbonation level, execution of the carbonation pulse may end (block 250). The bottle 36 may be removed from the carbonation head 34. For example, the bottle holder 35 may be configured to secure the bottle 36 until the bottle 36 is tilted forward, or a mechanical or other gas release mechanism is otherwise operated to release excess gas from the bottle 36. Once the gas pressure in the bottle 36 has been reduced, the bottle 36 may be removed from the bottle holder 35.

[0106] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; therefore, certain embodiments may be a combination of features of multiple embodiments. The above description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0107] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A carbonation machine comprising: Plunger, a pneumatic chamber with a movable wall configured to move outwardly to push the plunger distally to depress a pin of a purge valve of a gas canister held in a canister holder of the carbonation machine when gas pressure in the pneumatic chamber increases; an air release valve closable to retain air in the pneumatic chamber; an air pump operable to pump air from ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber to increase air pressure in the pneumatic chamber; as well as a controller configured to close the air release valve and operate the air pump to increase the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber, thereby causing the movable wall to move outward to open the purge valve of the gas tank, causing gas to be released from the gas tank to carbonate the liquid in a removable bottle held by the bottle holder to the carbonation head, and opening the air release valve to enable the purge valve to be closed, thereby enabling the bottle to be removed from the carbonation head, wherein the controller is configured to open the air release valve when the carbonation level of the liquid reaches a selected carbonation level.

2. The carbonation machine according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to stop operation of the air pump when the air release valve is opened.

3. The carbonation machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: in, Achievement of the selected carbonation level is indicated by the length of time that the air release valve is open.

4. The carbonation machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The controller is configured to open the air release valve after a predetermined interval after opening the purge valve.

5. The carbonation machine according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is configured to repeat operations causing the purge valve to open and opening the air release valve according to a programmed carbonation schedule.

6. The carbonation machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The air release valve comprises a normally open solenoid valve.

7. The carbonation machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tilt sensor, wherein The controller is configured to close the air release valve or operate the air pump only when the sensed tilt angle does not exceed a threshold tilt angle.

8. A carbonation machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The movable wall comprises a piston.

9. A method of operating a carbonation machine via a controller of the carbonation machine, the method comprising: closing an air release valve to prevent release of air from a pneumatic chamber of the carbonation machine; operating an air pump to pump air from ambient atmosphere into the pneumatic chamber to increase air pressure in the pneumatic chamber, thereby causing a movable wall of the pneumatic chamber to move outwardly to push a plunger distally to depress a pin of a purge valve of a gas tank attached to the carbonation machine, thereby opening the purge valve to release gas from the gas tank, the released gas being directed to liquid in a removable bottle held by a bottle holder to the carbonation head to carbonate the liquid; Upon completion of a predetermined time interval after opening the purge valve, the air release valve is opened to release air from the pneumatic chamber when the carbonation level of the liquid reaches a selected carbonation level, thereby enabling the purge valve to be closed to enable the bottle to be removed from the carbonation head.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Achievement of the selected carbonation level is indicated by the length of time that the air release valve is open.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, further comprising stopping operation of the air pump after the predetermined time interval.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The predetermined time interval corresponds to a selected carbonation level.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The predetermined time interval comprises the length of a carbonation pulse during which gas is released from the gas canister.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The carbonation pulses are applied repeatedly.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of repeatedly applying carbonation pulses is terminated when the series of applied carbonation pulses corresponds to the selected carbonation level.

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