Stirrer for carbonation system

Abstract

The present invention provides an agitator (10, 10 ', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) for a carbonation system (100, 200, 1000, 302), the carbonation system comprising an agitator (10, 10', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708), and a method comprising an agitator (10, 10 ', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) for a carbonation system (100, 200, 1000, 302). The stirrer (10, 10 ', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) is configured to rotate in the chamber (104, 204, 1004, 300, 400, 508, 608, 710, 802) to mix together a gas, such as carbon dioxide, and a liquid, such as water, to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator (10, 10 ', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) includes a plurality of arms (14, 14') configured to facilitate mixing of the gas and the fluid by agitating the gas and the liquid during rotation of the agitator. Each arm (14, 14 ') has an angled outer tip to promote effective mixing, The stirrer (10, 10', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) includes a hollow shaft (12) through which gas is configured to flow during rotation of the stirrer, The stirrer (10, 10 ', 102, 202, 1002, 506, 606, 708) may be part of a carbonation system (100, 200, 1000, 302) configured to dispense carbonated fluid as a beverage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to agitators for carbonation systems. Background Art

[0002] Various beverage carbonation systems can be used to dispense carbonated beverages, such as carbonated water. In some cases, carbonated water can be flavored. Such beverage carbonation systems can be used by consumers in various locations (such as homes or offices) to carbonate liquids and dispense the carbonated liquids on demand.

[0003] Beverage carbonation systems can provide carbonated water by mixing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas with water to dissolve CO2 in water. There are various mixing methods. For example, a beverage carbonation system can introduce water from a water source into a chamber, and CO2 can also be introduced into the chamber from a CO2 source. Then, water and CO2 can be mixed together in the chamber. However, this mixing may be inefficient, including in some cases, the amount of CO2 in the chamber that is not desired is not dissolved in the water. Excessive, undissolved CO2 is released from the chamber, and is therefore wasted without being mixed with water for distribution. Therefore, compared with a more effective mixing situation, the CO2 source (such as a tank or other container) of a beverage carbonation system may need to be replaced more frequently, because each mixing operation requires more CO2 than can be mixed with water. In addition, if the mixing operation is inefficient, the speed of forming a carbonated beverage is low. A more effective mixing operation improves the achievable dissolution rate without the need for an unreasonable high CO2 pressure.

[0004] Therefore, there remains a need for improved apparatus, systems, and methods for carbonation systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] Generally speaking, the present invention provides agitators for carbonation systems, systems including agitators for carbonation systems, and methods including agitators for providing carbonation systems.

[0006] In one aspect, an agitator for a carbonation mixing device is provided, and in one embodiment the agitator includes a rotatable elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. The agitator also includes a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the elongated shaft relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft. The plurality of arms are positioned near the lower end of the elongated shaft, and each arm includes a first portion proximate to the elongated shaft and a second portion extending radially outward from the first portion and from the elongated shaft. The first portion extends at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and the second portion extends at a different second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, such that each arm has an angled outer tip.

[0007] The agitator can be varied in a variety of ways. For example, the first portion of each of the plurality of arms can be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft. In some embodiments, the second portion of each of the plurality of arms can be at an acute angle relative to the first portion.

[0008] As another example, the first portion and the second portion of each of the plurality of arms can define a paddle shape of the arm.

[0009] As another example, the second portion of each arm can include a plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers and can be configured to allow gas to pass between adjacent fingers during rotation of the agitator. In some embodiments, the agitator is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0010] As another example, the outer edge of the second portion of each arm can be a continuous, substantially flat edge.

[0011] As another example, the agitator may further include a flange extending radially outward from the elongated shaft, and each arm may be at least partially located below the flange. In some embodiments, a first portion of each arm may abut against a surface of the flange.

[0012] As another example, the agitator may further include at least one inner cavity extending through the elongated shaft and having an upper opening and a lower opening. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms may be positioned near the lower opening; the agitator may further include a central hole extending through the elongated shaft, and the at least one inner cavity may be positioned radially outward of the central hole; and / or the at least one inner cavity may include a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity.

[0013] As another example, the elongated shaft may have a cavity extending therethrough, the cavity may have an upper opening at an upper end, and a lower opening at a lower end. In some embodiments, the cavity may include a central hole extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and may include at least one inner cavity positioned radially outward of the central hole, and the at least one inner cavity may include an upper opening and a lower opening. In some embodiments, the at least one inner cavity includes a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity surrounding the central hole.

[0014] As yet another example, the agitator can further include a central hole extending through the elongated shaft.

[0015] As another example, the elongated shaft and the plurality of arms can be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0016] As another example, the elongated shaft can be configured to be operably coupled to a motor configured to drive rotation of the agitator.

[0017] As another example, the agitator may include at least one inner cavity extending through the elongated shaft, and the at least one inner cavity may have an upper opening and a lower opening. In some embodiments, the gas may be configured to flow through the at least one inner cavity. In some embodiments, the gas may be configured to flow into the at least one inner cavity through the upper opening and leave the at least one inner cavity through the lower opening. The gas may be configured to flow into the at least one inner cavity through the upper opening, so that the gas flows into the at least one inner cavity through the upper opening and leaves the at least one inner cavity through the lower opening and circulates in the chamber.

[0018] As another example, each arm may be attached directly to the elongated shaft.

[0019] As another example, the agitator can further include a radially extending flange with the elongated shaft extending through the flange, and each arm can be at least partially located below the flange.

[0020] In another aspect, a system is provided, in one embodiment, the system includes a chamber configured to receive a liquid from a liquid source and a gas from a gas source. The system also includes an agitator disposed in the chamber, and the agitator has an elongated shaft and has a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the elongated shaft. Each of the plurality of arms has an angled outer tip. When the chamber contains a liquid and a gas and the agitator is partially disposed in the liquid, the agitator is configured to be rotated by a motor to mix the gas and the liquid.

[0021] The system can have any number of variations. For example, each of the plurality of arms can extend from the elongated shaft substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft. In some embodiments, the outer tip of each of the plurality of arms can be at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0022] As another example, each of the plurality of arms may have a paddle shape.

[0023] As another example, the slender shaft of the agitator can have at least one inner cavity extending through between the upper opening and the lower opening, the arm can be positioned near the lower opening, and when the chamber contains liquid and gas and the agitator is partially disposed in the liquid and rotated by the motor to mix the gas and liquid, the gas above the liquid can be configured to flow into the upper opening of the slender shaft, through the at least one inner cavity of the slender shaft, and out of the lower opening so that the gas leaving the lower opening reunites with the liquid.

[0024] As another example, the outer edge of each arm may be defined by a plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers, and the fingers may be configured to allow gas to pass between adjacent fingers during rotation of the agitator.

[0025] As another example, the outer edge of each arm can be a continuous substantially flat edge.

[0026] As another example, the system may also include a motor coupled to the agitator and configured to rotatably drive the agitator, and the motor may include a stator and a rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor may include a plastic magnet and / or the agitator may be magnetically coupled to the motor. In some embodiments, the agitator may be physically coupled to a first portion of the motor, and the first portion of the motor may be magnetically coupled to a second portion of the motor. The first portion may include a rotor, and the second portion may include a stator. In some embodiments, the agitator and the rotor may be disposed in a chamber, and the stator may be disposed outside the chamber. The rotor may include a first magnet, the agitator may include a second magnet, and the rotation of the rotor may be configured to drive the rotation of the agitator by interaction of the second magnet with the first magnet. The agitator may include an upper housing that accommodates the second magnet, and may be located near the rotor. The wall of the chamber may separate the rotor and the stator. A bushing may separate the rotor and the stator. In some embodiments, the agitator may be disposed in a chamber, and the stator and the rotor may be disposed outside the chamber.

[0027] As another example, the agitator may further include a radially extending flange, and each arm may be at least partially located below the flange.

[0028] As another example, as the agitator rotates, the gas can be configured to circulate within the chamber by flowing into and out of the elongated shaft.

[0029] As another example, the agitator can be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0030] As another example, the gas may be carbon dioxide and the liquid may be water.

[0031] As another example, the system can include a dispensing system configured to dispense a carbonated fluid formed by mixing a gas and a liquid.

[0032] In another aspect, a method is provided, which in one embodiment includes starting a motor and thereby driving rotation of an agitator disposed in a sealed chamber having a liquid and a gas therein, such that the gas mixes with the liquid in the chamber to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator includes a plurality of arms extending radially outward at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of an elongated shaft, each of the plurality of arms having an outer tip extending at a different second angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and the plurality of arms are configured to promote mixing of the gas and the liquid.

[0033] This method can be varied in many ways. For example, the gas located above the liquid can flow into the upper opening on the elongated shaft of the agitator and out of the lower opening of the elongated shaft of the agitator, so that the gas mixes with the liquid in the chamber to form a carbonated fluid.

[0034] As another example, the first angle may be approximately 90°.In some embodiments, the second angle may be an acute angle.

[0035] As another example, the motor may include a stator and a rotor, the agitator and the rotor may be disposed within the chamber, and the stator may be disposed outside the chamber.

[0036] As another example, the motor may drive the rotation of the stirrer through the interaction between the first magnet of the motor and the second magnet of the stirrer.

[0037] As another example, the motor may drive rotation of the agitator by rotating a drive shaft operably coupled to the agitator.

[0038] As another example, the gas may be repeatedly flowed into the upper opening of the elongated shaft of the agitator and out of the lower opening of the elongated shaft to circulate in the chamber.

[0039] As another example, the method may also include dispensing the carbonated fluid into a container of the user using the dispensing system.

[0040] As another example, the gas may be carbon dioxide and the liquid may be water.

[0041] As another example, the agitator may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft of the agitator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present disclosure will be more fully understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an agitator;

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the blender;

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the agitator;

[0046] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the agitator;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the blender;

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of a stirrer;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 1A bottom view of a blender;

[0050] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an agitator;

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0052] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0053] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0054] Fig.11 It is set with Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a chamber of an agitator;

[0055] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Another perspective view of the chamber;

[0056] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 The chamber and Figure 1 Another cross-sectional perspective view of the agitator;

[0057] Fig.14 Yes Fig.11 The chamber and Figure 1 A partial perspective view of one embodiment of a carbonation system with an agitator;

[0058] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Another perspective of the carbonation system;

[0059] Fig.16 It is set with Figure 1 A perspective view of another embodiment of a chamber of an agitator;

[0060] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of a chamber having another embodiment of an agitator disposed therein and operably coupled to an embodiment of a motor;

[0061] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of a chamber having another embodiment of an agitator disposed therein and operably coupled to another embodiment of a motor;

[0062] Fig.19 It is set with Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of a chamber having an agitator and operably coupled to another embodiment of a motor;

[0063] Fig. 20 It is set with Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a chamber having an agitator and operably coupled to another embodiment of a motor;

[0064] Fig.21 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of mixing a liquid and a gas in a chamber using an agitator to form a carbonated fluid;

[0065] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.21 an embodiment of a graph of pressure versus time of the method; and

[0066] Fig.23 It is shown Fig.21 Another embodiment of a method of plotting pressure versus time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the devices, systems and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. The features shown or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0068] In addition, in the present disclosure, components of the same name of the embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, each feature of each component of the same name is not necessarily fully described. In addition, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, these dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with these systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for any geometric shape, dimensions equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can be easily determined.

[0069] Various exemplary agitators for carbonation systems, systems including agitators for carbonation systems, and methods including agitators for carbonation systems are provided. Generally speaking, an agitator (also referred to herein as an "impeller") is configured to rotate in a chamber to mix a gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and a liquid, such as water, together to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator includes a plurality of blades (also referred to herein as "arms") configured to promote mixing of the gas and fluid by stirring the gas and liquid during rotation of the agitator. Each arm has a shape configured to allow efficient mixing of the gas and liquid, wherein most or all of the gas and liquid are mixed together, thereby wasting a small amount of gas and liquid in each mixing operation. Each arm has an angled outer tip to promote efficient mixing.

[0070] The agitator includes a hollow shaft through which gas is configured to flow during rotation of the agitator. The gas flowing through the hollow shaft of the agitator can increase the efficiency of the agitator compared to using paddles alone to mix gas and fluid because the flow through the hollow shaft helps circulate the gas within the chamber and into the liquid during the mixing process. Therefore, less gas can be wasted during the mixing process because the agitator can allow more gas to be mixed into the liquid.

[0071] The agitator can be part of a carbonation system that is configured to dispense carbonated fluid as a beverage, such as by dispensing the carbonated fluid into a cup, bottle, or other container. The agitator can be configured to rotate according to user demand, for example, in response to a user pressing a button on the carbonation system or otherwise providing input to the carbonation system, so as to freshly prepare carbonated fluid for the user. In some embodiments, the carbonation level of the carbonated fluid is preset so that the carbonated fluid has a predetermined amount of carbonation. In this case, the same amount of CO2 is introduced into the chamber for each mixing process. The agitator can effectively mix gas and liquid with minimal CO2 waste each time. In other embodiments, the carbonation system can be configured to allow the user to select a carbonation level so that the carbonated fluid has an amount of carbonation according to the user's personal preference. In this case, for each mixing process, different amounts of CO2 are introduced into the chamber, for example, more CO2 is used for more carbonation, and less CO2 is used for less carbonation. An agitator including a hollow shaft can efficiently mix gas and liquid with minimal CO2 waste every time, regardless of the selected carbonation level, because gas can flow through the hollow shaft of the agitator during the mixing process to promote mixing with the relatively small headspace volume in the chamber. A central vortex can be formed around the rotating axis of the agitator, without the need for gas to be directed by exiting the hollow shaft, so that gas can also be promoted by the agitator to dissolve into the liquid by being directed into the liquid by the vortex.

[0072] Similarly, in some embodiments, the amount of liquid used to form the carbonated fluid is preset, while in other embodiments the carbonation system can be configured to allow the user to select the amount of liquid, such as the amount of carbonated fluid to be dispensed to the user. The hollow shaft of the blender can allow the blender to efficiently mix the gas and liquid with minimal CO2 waste each time, regardless of the amount of liquid being mixed with the gas, because the gas can flow through the hollow shaft of the blender during the mixing process to facilitate mixing, even if the chamber is substantially full of liquid and only a small amount of head space is available.

[0073] The motor is configured to drive the rotation of the agitator. The carbonation system may also include a motor. When producing carbonated fluids for drinking (e.g., carbonated beverages), the mixing of gas and liquid in the chamber must be a food-safe environment. Therefore, if the motor driving the agitator uses a lubricant, the lubricant must be prevented from entering the chamber or being exposed to the gas and / or liquid in other ways, because the lubricant is generally not food-safe. In addition, during the mixing of the gas and liquid, the chamber is at high pressure. Over time, the high pressure may cause damage, such as by weakening or destroying the seal between the motor and the chamber. For example, the rotating shaft of the motor may extend into the chamber to rotate the agitator in the chamber, and a seal such as rubber, silicone, etc. may be provided between the motor shaft and the chamber. Over time, the seal may be corroded due to friction between the rotating shaft and the seal, high pressure in the chamber, and / or the seal is exposed to the gas and / or liquid in the chamber. If the seal corrodes a sufficient amount, the gas and / or liquid in the chamber may escape from the chamber, which may make the carbonation system unusable.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the motor configured to drive the agitator includes a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, which includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor may include a permanent magnet, and the stator may include a metal coil electrically coupled to a DC source. The DC current provided to the stator is configured to create an electromagnetic field, which is configured to rotate the rotor so that the motor can provide a rotational driving force. The rotor is operably coupled to the agitator, thereby providing a rotational driving force to the agitator, thereby causing the rotation of the agitator. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotor is located inside the chamber (the agitator is located in the chamber), and the stator is located outside the chamber. Since no seal is required between the motor and the chamber, the rotor and the agitator are both located in the chamber, which can provide a lower risk of seal corrosion. In addition, since the rotor and the agitator are both located in the chamber, no lubricant is required, which helps to protect a food-safe environment.

[0075] In other embodiments, a motor configured to drive the agitator can be disposed outside the chamber. For example, such a motor location can be desirable when modifying an existing carbonation system design, where the motor is located outside the mixing chamber, to include the agitator described herein. Thus, the modified carbonation system can achieve one or more of the various advantages of the agitator described herein.

[0076] Figures 1 to 7 One embodiment of an agitator 10 for a carbonation system is shown. The agitator 10 includes an elongated shaft 12, a plurality of arms 14, and a flange 16.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the blender 10 is rigid, wherein each of the elongated shaft 12, the arm 14, and the flange 16 are formed of a rigid material (the same material or one or more different materials), such as a metal or a rigid polymer. The rigidity of the blender 10 may help the blender 10 to rotate stably in a chamber where gas and liquid are being mixed to form a carbonated fluid.

[0078] The elongated shaft 12 defines the central spindle of the agitator 10. The elongated shaft 12 has an inner cavity extending therethrough. The inner cavity is configured to flow gas through during the mixing process, wherein the agitator rotates in the mixing chamber to mix the gas with the liquid, thereby forming a carbonated fluid. The inner cavity extends longitudinally through the elongated shaft 12, extending from the upper (e.g., proximal) opening of the elongated shaft 12 to the lower (e.g., distal) opening of the elongated shaft 12. The upper opening of the elongated shaft 12 is configured as an inlet for gas to enter the inner cavity, and the lower opening of the elongated shaft 12 is configured as an outlet for gas to leave the inner cavity. As further discussed herein, the gas in the chamber where the agitator is located can circulate through the inner cavity by repeatedly entering and leaving the inner cavity during the mixing process. The inner cavity in the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of inner cavities 18a, 18b, so that the elongated shaft 12 includes a pair of upper openings 20a, 20b and a pair of lower openings 22a, 22b. In the illustrated embodiment, each lumen 18a, 18b has a C-shape, but may have other shapes. In other embodiments, the lumen may be a single lumen, or may include more than two lumens. In some embodiments, the number of lumens may be equal to the number of agitator arms. Thus, each arm may have an independent flow path along the elongated axis of the agitator and have a dedicated lumen, which may help each arm dissolve gas into the liquid more efficiently because the agitator rotates more independently in the chamber as determined by the individual fluid conditions of the arm at any given moment during the mixing operation, and each arm may receive gas from the headspace in the chamber.

[0079] The elongated shaft 12 includes a stabilizing member 24 that extends longitudinally through the elongated shaft 12 and across the diameter of the elongated shaft 12 along the longitudinal length of the elongated shaft. The stabilizing member 24 forms a barrier between a pair of lumens 18a, 18b along the longitudinal length of the elongated shaft 12. The stabilizing member 24 is configured to provide stability to the agitator 10 during rotation of the agitator. The stabilizing member 24 can have a variety of shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing member 24 has a generally I-shaped cross-sectional shape with a circular shape at the center of the "I".

[0080] The elongated shaft 12 also has a central hole 26 extending therethrough. The central hole 26 defines the longitudinal axis A of the agitator 10 and defines a hollow core of the agitator 10. The central hole 26 is formed at the center of the stabilizing member 24, for example, at the central circular shape of the stabilizing member. The central hole 26 is configured to receive a drive rod ( Figures 1 to 7 ), the drive rod is configured to operably couple the agitator 10 to a motor (not shown) configured to drive the agitator 10 Figures 1 to 7 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the central hole 26 has a cylindrical and circular cross-sectional shape to accommodate a cylindrical drive rod therein, but may also have other shapes, for example, corresponding to a non-cylindrical drive rod, such as a drive rod having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, having a square cross-sectional shape, having an irregular shape, etc. As discussed further below, the motor is configured to rotate the drive rod, thereby rotating the agitator 10. The agitator 10 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A of the agitator.

[0081] In embodiments where the lumen of the agitator 10 is a single lumen, the stabilizing member 24 cannot extend through the diameter of the elongated shaft 12, such that the single lumen is annular about the cylindrical stabilizing member 24 through which the central hole 26 extends. In embodiments where the lumen of the agitator 10 includes more than two lumens, the stabilizing member 24 may have more than two spokes 28a, 28b, Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment they are defined as a pair of cavities 18a, 18b.

[0082] The plurality of arms 14 of the agitator 10 extend radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis A of the agitator 10. The arms 14 are configured to promote mixing of the gas and the fluid by agitating the gas and the liquid during rotation of the agitator. The arms 14 are equally spaced about the elongated shaft 12, and therefore about the longitudinal axis A of the agitator and about the central hole 26. Being equally spaced from one another can help the arms 14 to evenly mix the gas and the liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 10 includes ten arms 14, but other multiple arms may also be included.

[0083] The arm 14 is located at the lower (e.g., distal) portion of the agitator 10. As further discussed herein, the agitator 10 is configured to be disposed in a chamber for mixing gas and liquid. The arm 14 located at the lower portion of the agitator 10 can help the arm 14 contact the liquid in the chamber and at least partially immerse therein, and due to gravity, the liquid tends to settle at the bottom of the chamber, thereby helping the rotating arm 14 to stir the liquid to form a carbonated fluid. The arm 14 is also located above (e.g., the proximal end) the lower openings 22a, 22b of the inner chambers 18a, 18b of the elongated shaft 12. Therefore, the gas leaving the inner chambers 18a, 18b through the lower openings 22a, 22b will enter the liquid and rise in the liquid in the chamber where the agitator 10, the liquid, and the gas are located. Therefore, the rising gas will encounter the arm 14, thereby helping the rotating arm 14 to stir the gas to form a carbonated fluid.

[0084] The agitator 10 and the chamber are relatively sized such that the agitator 10 is configured to be at least partially disposed within the liquid in the chamber. In other words, the liquid level in the chamber is configured to be at an axial position along the agitator 10, or at or below the uppermost end of the agitator 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the arm 14 is configured to be at least partially disposed within the liquid in the chamber such that the arm 14 will be able to contact the liquid for effective mixing. The carbonation system including the agitator 10 and the chamber can be configured to cause a minimum amount of liquid to enter the chamber during each mixing operation, such that the arm 14 is at least partially disposed within the liquid in the chamber, and therefore the arm 14 will be able to contact the liquid for effective mixing during each mixing operation.

[0085] Each arm 14 has the same shape, which can help the arm 14 to evenly stir the gas and liquid in the chamber. The shape of the arm 14 can vary in different embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, each arm 14 includes a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b radially outward from the first portion 14a. The first portion 14a extends at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated shaft 12, the agitator 10 and the central hole 26. The second portion 14b extends at a different second angle relative to the longitudinal axis A, so that each arm 14 has an angled outer tip. The angled outer tip of each arm 14 can help promote the movement of the liquid and gas in the chamber, thereby helping to form a carbonated fluid. The first portion 14a and the second portion 14b of the agitator 10 define the paddle shape of each arm 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle is substantially 90°, so that each arm 14 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Those skilled in the art will understand that the value may not be an exact value, and the two elements may not be exactly perpendicular to each other, but due to many factors (such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of the measuring equipment), it is still considered to be substantially at this value or substantially perpendicular. Thus, arms 14 each extend transversely from elongated axis 12, and in this embodiment are substantially perpendicular to elongated axis 12. The second angle may be any angle greater than 0° and less than 180°. In an exemplary embodiment, the second angle is an acute angle, as in the illustrated embodiment, which may better help to promote more movement of liquid and gas in the chamber than a larger angle.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, as discussed above, the second portion 14b of each arm 14a is radially angled relative to the first portion 14a, but is not axially angled relative to the first portion 14a. In other embodiments, the second portion 14b of each arm 14a can be axially angled relative to the first portion 14a so as to point upward (proximally) or downward (distally).

[0087] The arm 14 extends radially outwardly directly from the elongated shaft 12 of the agitator 10, which can allow the arm 14 and the elongated shaft 12 to be integrally formed as a single piece, such as by molding. In other embodiments, a connector element can be used to fixedly connect the arm 14 to the elongated shaft 12, which can allow the arm 14 and the elongated shaft 12 to be formed of different materials.

[0088] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 10 includes alternating gaps 32 between the arms 14 below the flange 16. The gaps 32 are configured to allow gas exiting the lower openings 22a, 22b to pass therethrough. Thus, the agitator 10 is configured to direct gas between alternating spaces 34 between adjacent arms 14. In other embodiments, a gap 32 may exist between each arm 14, such that the agitator 10 is configured to direct gas between each space between adjacent arms 14.

[0089] The flange 16 of the agitator 10 extends radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis A of the agitator 10. The flange 16 is configured to provide structural rigidity to the arm 14 and to help stabilize the arm 14, particularly during rotation of the arm 14 about the longitudinal axis A of the agitator. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 16 is an annular disk and has a central hole. The elongated shaft 12 extends through the central hole of the flange 16. The elongated shaft 12 thus extends through the flange 16, wherein a first portion of the elongated shaft 12 extends above the flange 16 (proximal end), and a second portion of the elongated shaft 12 extends below the flange 16 (distal end).

[0090] The flange 16 is located at the lower (e.g., distal) portion of the agitator 10. Each arm 14 is at least partially located below the flange 16. The flange 16 is configured to promote the mixing of liquid and gas in the chamber where the agitator 10 is located by promoting the arm 14 to stir the gas and liquid below the flange 16. The flange 16 is also configured to guide the gas leaving the inner cavity away from the lower opening through which the gas leaves, so as to promote the gas to re-enter the inner cavity away from the lower opening, and to push the gas in the direction of the area towards high shear and efficient bubble crushing. As mentioned above, the liquid will tend to be deposited at the bottom of the chamber, and the gas flowing through the inner cavity 18a, 18b of the agitator is configured to leave the inner cavity 18a, 18b through the lower openings 22a, 22b located below the flange 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 14 is not located above the flange 16.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 16 is directly attached to the arm 14. The arm 14 extends radially outward from the peripheral edge of the flange 16 and the bottom (underside) surface 30 of the flange 16. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the flange 16, the arm 14, and the elongated shaft 12 are integrally formed as a single piece. In other embodiments, a connector element may be used to fixedly connect the arm 14 to the flange 16, which may allow the arm 14 and the flange 16 to be formed of different materials.

[0092] The flange 16 may include a plurality of channels extending therethrough, wherein the channels of each flange correspond to one of the lumens of the elongated shaft and are in fluid communication therewith. Thus, the number of flange channels is equal to the number of lumens of the elongated shaft. The channels of the flange define the outlet openings of the lumens of the elongated shaft, for example, instead of the gas leaving the first lumen 18a and the second lumen 18b through the lower openings 22a, 22b of the elongated shaft 12, the gas will leave the first lumen 18a, enter the first channel formed in the flange 16, and leave from the open end of the first channel, and the gas will leave the second lumen 18b, enter the second channel formed in the flange 16, and leave from the open end of the second channel. The flange including multiple channels allows the gas to leave radially more outward (compared to leaving from the lumen of the elongated shaft), which may help to deliver the gas to the liquid in which the gas is dissolved.

[0093] The agitator 10 is configured to promote the formation of carbonated fluid and can be part of a carbonation system that is configured to distribute carbonated fluid to a user for drinking. The carbonation system can have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the carbonation system can be configured to add an enhancer, such as a flavoring agent, to the carbonated fluid.

[0094] Figures 1 to 7 The arms 14 of the illustrated agitator 10 each have a substantially flat edge 14e that is the outer edge of the second portion 14b of the arm. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to many factors (such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of the measuring equipment), the surface may not be a precise plane, but still be considered substantially planar. In other embodiments, each arm of the agitator may have a non-planar edge.

[0095] Fig. 7A An embodiment of an agitator 10' is shown, which is generally Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10 is similarly configured and used, except that each arm 14' ( Fig. 7A ) has a non-planar edge 14e'. Fig. 7A Only two arms 14' are shown (one of which is partially obscured), but the agitator 10' includes multiple arms 14', similar to the above description of Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10 is discussed with respect to the arm. Fig. 7A The agitator 10' also includes a flange 16', similar to Figures 1 to 7 The flange 16 of the stirrer 10. Each arm 14' of the stirrer has a Figures 1 to 7 The first portion 14a and the second portion 14b of the arm 14 of the stirrer 10 are similar to the first portion and the second portion. Fig. 7AThe non-planar edge 14e' is similarly the outer edge of the second portion of the arm. The non-planar edge 14e' includes a plurality of fingers, each of which extends radially outwardly so that the second portion of the arm 14' has teeth similar to a comb. The toothed configuration of the arm 14' is configured such that the agitator 10' rotates in the chamber to mix the liquid and gas, as described herein, generating a series of counter-rotating vortices. Therefore, bubbles passing through the gaps between each finger can be broken up into smaller bubbles. In general, smaller bubbles are preferred in terms of enhancing gas dissolution to quickly and efficiently form a carbonated fluid.

[0096] Figure 8 One embodiment of a carbonation system 100 is shown, which includes an agitator disposed in a chamber 104 (in Figure 8 The agitator 102 is configured to rotate therein to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator 102 may be Figures 1 to 7 The carbonation system 100 also includes a liquid source 106 configured as a source of liquid to be mixed in the chamber 104, a flow meter 108 configured to regulate the amount of liquid flowing from the liquid source 106 to the chamber 104, and a high-pressure pump 110 configured to pump liquid from the liquid source 106 to the chamber 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, so that the liquid source 106 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, may also be used.

[0097] The carbonation system 100 also includes a gas source 112 configured for mixing in the chamber 104, a gas regulator 114 configured to regulate the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 112 to the chamber 104, and a gas solenoid valve 116 configured to open and close to selectively allow gas to flow from the gas source 112 to the chamber 104. The gas is CO2, so that the gas source 112 is a CO2 cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, but another gas can also be used (in this case, the final fluid of the mixing operation is not a "carbonated" fluid, but a processed fluid). In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 114 is a 0.8 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators can also be used.

[0098] The carbonation system 100 also includes an air pump 118 configured to drive the carbonation fluid out of the chamber 104 through an outlet valve 128, an exhaust solenoid valve 120 configured to allow excess pressure to be released from the chamber 104 when the exhaust solenoid valve 120 is open, a pressure relief valve (PRV) 122, a pressure sensor 124, and a temperature sensor 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 126 is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, but another type of temperature sensor may be used.

[0099] The carbonation system 100 also includes an outlet valve 128 that is configured to be selectively opened to allow carbonated fluid to exit the chamber 104, for example, for dispensing into a container such as a cup, bottle, or the like.

[0100] The carbonation system 100 also includes a motor 130 configured to drive rotation of the agitator 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 130 is shown as being disposed outside and above the chamber 104, however, as discussed further below, a first portion of the motor 130 may be disposed inside the chamber 104 and a second portion of the motor 130 may be disposed outside the chamber 104.

[0101] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a carbonation system 200 is shown, which includes an agitator ( Fig. 9 The agitator 202 is configured to rotate therein to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator 202 may be the agitator 10 or other agitators described herein. Fig. 9 The carbonation system 200 is typically used with Figure 8 The carbonation system 100 is similarly configured and used, for example, including a liquid source 206, a flow meter 208, a high pressure pump 210, a gas source 212, a gas regulator 214, a gas solenoid valve 216, an outlet valve 224, a first gas pump 218 configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of the chamber through the outlet valve 224, an exhaust solenoid valve 220 and a PRV 222, and a motor 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, so that the liquid source 206 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, can also be used. The gas is CO2, so that the gas source 212 is a CO2 cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, but another gas can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 214 is a 0.65 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the container for dispensing the carbonated fluid via the outlet valve 224 is a cup, but another type of container can also be used.

[0102] The carbonation system 200 further includes a first check valve 226 disposed between the high pressure pump 210 and the chamber 204. The first check valve 226 is configured to allow liquid to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 204.

[0103] The carbonation system 200 also includes a second check valve 228 disposed between the first air pump 218 and the chamber 204. The second check valve 228 is configured to allow air to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 204.

[0104] The carbonation system 200 also includes a back-pressure PRV 232 fluidly coupled in parallel with the exhaust solenoid valve 220 that is configured to independently facilitate safe escape of overpressure from the chamber 204 if an overpressure condition occurs.

[0105] The carbonation system 200 also includes a second air pump 234, a first flavoring consumable 236, a third air pump 238, and a second flavoring consumable 240. The second air pump 234 is configured to allow the first flavoring consumable contained in the first flavoring consumable 236 (e.g., a cup, a bag, etc.) to be dispensed into a cup (or other container). The third air pump 238 is configured to allow the second flavoring consumable contained in the second flavoring consumable 240 (e.g., a cup, a bag, etc.) to be dispensed into a cup (or other container). The carbonation system 200 may be configured to allow the user to select which one or both of the first flavoring and the second flavoring to be dispensed into the cup (or other container), and / or to allow the user to select the amount of one or more selected flavorings to be dispensed into the cup (or other container). The user may not select a flavoring. One or more selected flavorings may be dispensed into a cup (or other container) before dispensing a carbonated fluid, after dispensing a carbonated fluid, or simultaneously with dispensing a carbonated fluid.

[0106] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The carbonation systems 100, 200 each include an air pump 118, 218 configured to drive the flow of carbonated fluid to dispense the carbonated fluid through the outlet valve 128, 224. The use of air when dispensing the carbonated fluid re-enriches the chamber 104, 204 with air in each mixing cycle and then affects the next mixing cycle. In the next mixing cycle, the chamber 104, 204 is mainly filled with air during the filling of the liquid, so the gas cannot begin to dissolve in the chamber 104, 204 during the filling cycle, but can only begin to dissolve in the next stage of the process when the gas regulator 114, 214 supplies high-pressure gas to the chamber 104, 204. The air pump 118, 218 is generally low in cost, but the flow rate provided by the air pump 118, 218 must be equal to or greater than the dispensing flow rate, for example, greater than or equal to 2L / min, to effectively dispense the carbonated fluid.

[0107] In other embodiments, the carbonation system may be configured to introduce gas from a gas source into the chamber to dispense carbonated fluid through an outlet valve. The gas source is the same gas source that supplies gas to the chamber to mix with the liquid in the chamber. Using gas instead of air for dispensing, stirring can last for a shorter time because the gas can begin to dissolve in the chamber as soon as the liquid begins to be introduced into the chamber, and it will not be wasted because it can begin to dissolve in the liquid in the chamber before stirring begins with the agitator rotation. In addition, in the absence of residual air dilution, the effective concentration of gas in the head space of the chamber can be increased. For example, when gas is used for dispensing, sufficient stirring can last for 10 seconds, and when air is used for dispensing, stirring can last for 12 seconds.

[0108] Fig.10 One embodiment of a carbonation system 1000 configured to use gas when dispensing carbonated fluid is shown. The carbonation system 1000 includes an agitator disposed in a chamber 1004 ( Fig.10 The agitator 1002 is configured to rotate therein to form a carbonated fluid. The agitator 1002 may be the agitator 10 or other agitators described herein. Fig.10 The carbonation system 1000 is typically used with Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The carbonation system 100, 200 is similarly configured and used, except that gas is used for dispensing, for example, including a liquid source 1006, a flow meter 1008, a high pressure pump 1010, a gas source 1012, a gas regulator 1014, a first gas solenoid valve 1016, an air pump 1018, a first check valve 1020, an exhaust solenoid valve 1022, a PRV 1024, a pressure sensor 1026, a temperature sensor 1028, a back pressure PRV 1030, an outlet valve 1032, a motor 1034, and a second check valve 1036. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, so that the liquid source 1006 is a water reservoir, but another liquid such as juice can also be used. The gas is CO2, so that the gas source 1012 is a CO2 cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, but another gas can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 1014 is a 0.8 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators can also be used.

[0109] The carbonation system 1000 also includes a second gas solenoid valve 1038 and a flow control needle valve 1040 that are configured to allow gas to flow from the gas source 1012 into the chamber 1004 to allow carbonated fluid to exit the chamber 1004 for dispensing through the outlet valve 1032 .

[0110] Fig.11 and Fig.12One embodiment of a chamber 300 is shown in which an agitator is configured to be arranged to mix a liquid and a gas to form a carbonated fluid. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10 in Fig.11 and Fig.13 300 , but another agitator described herein may also be disposed in chamber 300 .

[0111] Fig.14 The chamber 300 is shown as part of a carbonation system 302, which is also Fig.15 In Fig.14 The lid 304 of the carbonation system 302 is omitted to show the chamber 300. The carbonation system 302 can have various configurations, such as similar to Figure 8 Carbonation system 100, Fig. 9 Carbonation system 200 or Fig.10 Configuration of the carbonation system 1000. Fig.14 and 15 As shown, the carbonation system 302 includes a liquid source 306 in the form of a tank that is configured to be releasably coupled to a housing 308 of the carbonation system 302 in which the chamber 300 is located. Other liquid sources may be used, and the tank 306 may have any of a variety of configurations. A check valve (such as Fig. 9 The first check valve 226 or Fig.10 The second check valve 1036 of the carbonation system 302 can be configured to automatically open in response to the tank 306 being placed in the base (not shown) of the carbonation system 302 to allow the liquid (e.g., water) in the tank 306 to flow out of the tank 306 and into the chamber 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the carbonation system 302 is configured to selectively dispense the first flavoring agent and the second flavoring agent from the first flavoring consumable 322 and the second flavoring consumable 324, respectively, into a container placed on the container base 310 of the carbonation system 302, which container can also serve as a drip tray.

[0112] like Fig.12 As shown, the chamber 300 is configured to receive liquid therein through a liquid inlet 312 operably coupled to a liquid source 306 (e.g., via a liquid tube and / or other component), and is configured to receive gas therein through a gas inlet 314 operably coupled to a gas source (obscured in the figure) of the carbonation system 302 (e.g., via a gas tube and / or other component). Excess liquid and gas that are not dispensed from the chamber 300 through the outlet valve are configured to exit the chamber 300 through an outlet 316, which is operably coupled to an exhaust solenoid valve (obscured in the figure), such as Figure 8 Exhaust solenoid valve 120, Fig. 9 Exhaust solenoid 220 or Fig.10Exhaust solenoid valve 1022.

[0113] like Fig.13 As shown, a drive rod 318 extends through the central aperture 26 of the blender 10. The drive rod 318 is fixedly associated with the blender 10 such that rotation of the drive rod 318 is configured to cause rotation of the blender 10. The drive rod 318 is configured to be operably coupled to a motor to drive rotation of the blender 10 via rotation of the drive rod 318.

[0114] Fig.16 Another embodiment of a chamber 400 is shown in which an agitator is configured to be arranged to mix a liquid and a gas to form a carbonated fluid. Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10 is shown as being arranged at Fig.16 The chamber 400 is generally located in the chamber 400, but another agitator described herein may also be disposed in the chamber 400. The chamber 400 is generally located in the chamber 400. Figures 11 to 14 The chamber 300 of the embodiment is similarly configured and used. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 400 includes a plurality of baffles (also referred to herein as "ribs") 402. The baffles 402 are configured to further promote the breakup of bubbles in the chamber 400 and inhibit the overall rotation of the liquid in the chamber 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 400 includes six baffles 402, but may also include other multiple baffles 402 (e.g., two, three, four, etc.).

[0115] The baffle 402 is configured to cooperate with the blender 10 (e.g., the arm 14 of the blender 10) to form a carbonated fluid by mixing a liquid and a gas in the chamber 400. While the blender 10 (and therefore its arm 14) is configured to move in the chamber 400 during the liquid and gas mixing process, the baffle 402 is configured to remain stationary within the chamber 400 during the mixing process.

[0116] The baffles 402 each extend radially inward from the inner wall of the chamber 400. Thus, the baffles 402 each extend in a direction toward the agitator 10 in the chamber 400. Thus, the baffles 402 extend radially inward, while the arms 14 extend radially outward, e.g., in a direction opposite to the baffles 402. The baffles 402 also each extend longitudinally along the inner wall of the chamber 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffles 402 do not extend completely from the top to the bottom of the chamber 400, but may do so in other embodiments.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, each baffle 402 has a semi-elliptical shape to conform to the curved inner wall of the chamber 400. The baffles 402 can have other shapes. For example, each rib 402 can have a triangular wedge shape, wherein the wider base of the wedge is toward the bottom of the chamber 400, so that the ribs 402 taper radially inward in a downward direction. As another example, the baffles 402 can each have a semi-circular shape.

[0118] configured to drive an agitator (e.g. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10, Figure 8 Agitator 102, Fig. 9 Agitator 202, Fig.10 The motor that rotates the agitator 1002 or other agitators described herein) can have various configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor configured to drive the agitator includes a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor.

[0119] Fig.17 One embodiment of a BLDC motor 500 is shown including a stator 502 and a rotor 504. In the illustrated embodiment, the BLDC motor 500 allows for a contactless magnetic drive system. The motor 500 is configured to drive the rotation of an agitator 506, which is typically coupled to a rotor 504. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10, Figure 8 Agitator 102, Fig. 9 Agitator 202, Fig.10 Agitator 506 is disposed in chamber 508 of the carbonation system, such as Figure 8 Chamber 104, Fig. 9 Chamber 204, Fig.10 Chamber 1004, Figures 11 to 14 Chamber 300 or other chambers described herein, such as Figure 8 Carbonation system 100, Fig. 9 Carbonation system 200, Fig.10 Carbonation system 1000, Fig.14 and 15 The carbonation system 300 or other carbonation systems described herein.

[0120] The rotor 504 includes permanent magnets, and the stator 502 includes a metal coil electrically coupled to a DC power source (not shown). The DC current provided to the stator 502 is configured to create an electromagnetic field that is configured to rotate the rotor 504, causing a drive shaft (obscured in FIG. 1176 ) that is part of the motor 500 and operably coupled to the rotor 504 to rotate, and thereby causing the agitator 506 operably coupled to the drive shaft to rotate. In an exemplary embodiment, the permanent magnets are plastic, making the rotor 504 less susceptible to corrosion, unlike metal permanent magnets that are susceptible to corrosion.

[0121] like Fig.17As shown, the rotor 504 is disposed in the chamber 508, and the stator 502 is disposed outside the chamber 508. The chamber 508 includes an upper (e.g., proximal) cavity 508c configured to place the stator 502 therein. Therefore, the wall of the chamber 508 separates the stator 502 and the rotor 504. As described above, the rotor 504 and the agitator 506, each located in the chamber 508, can provide a smaller risk of seal corrosion because the rotating shaft between the motor 500 and the chamber 508 does not need to be sealed. Similarly, since the rotor 504 and the agitator 506 are each located in the chamber 508, no lubricant is required, thereby helping to protect a food-safe environment.

[0122] The agitator 506 includes a magnet at its upper end, such as in a housing 506h of the agitator. The housing 506h of the agitator 506 is disposed near the rotor 504 so that the magnet of the agitator 560 is within the effective distance of the rotor permanent magnet. The magnet of the agitator is configured to interact with the rotor 504 (e.g., a permanent magnet). In response to the rotation of the rotor 504, the magnet and therefore the housing 506h of the agitator 506 are configured to rotate, thereby rotating the agitator 506 within the chamber 508. Therefore, the motor 500 is "non-contact" with the agitator 506.

[0123] The relative positions of the magnets of the agitator 506 and the magnets of the rotor 504 can vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnets are positioned in the housing 506h of the agitator and relative to the magnets of the rotor 504 to ensure balanced forces and predominant radial forces on the agitator 10, as this arrangement can reduce the total axial forces on the agitator 10 and the rotor 504 and the total frictional energy consumption of the rotating parts (e.g., the agitator 10 and the rotor 504).

[0124] Fig.18 Another embodiment of a BLDC motor 600 is shown including a stator 602 and a rotor 604. The motor 600 is configured to drive the rotation of an agitator 606, which is typically connected to a motor 604. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10, Figure 8 Agitator 102, Fig. 9 Agitator 202, Fig.10 Agitator 606 is disposed in chamber 608 of the carbonation system, such as Figure 8 Chamber 104, Fig. 9 Chamber 204, Fig.10 Chamber 1004, Figures 11 to 14 Chamber 300 or other chambers described herein, such as Figure 8 Carbonation system 100, Fig. 9 Carbonation system 200, Fig.10 Carbonation system 1000, Fig.14 and 15 or other carbonation systems described herein. The rotor 604 and the stator 602 are disposed outside of the chamber 608. As mentioned above, such a location of the motor 600 may be desirable, for example, when modifying an existing carbonation system design. A drive rod 610 operably coupled to the rotor 604 extends from outside the chamber 608 to inside the chamber 608 through an opening 612 formed in the chamber 608. A seal 614 (e.g., a seal of rubber, silicone, etc.) is disposed in the opening 612 around the drive rod 610. Over time, the seal 614 may corrode due to the rotating drive rod 610 rubbing against the seal 614, the high pressure in the chamber 608, and / or the seal being exposed to gas and / or liquid in the chamber 608.

[0125] Fig.19 Another embodiment of a BLDC motor 700 is shown including a stator 702 and a rotor 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the BLDC motor 700 allows for a contactless magnetic drive system. Fig.19 The motor 700 is usually with Fig.16 The motor 700 is configured and used similarly to the motor 500. The motor 700 is shown as being operably coupled to an agitator 708 disposed in a chamber 710. The stator 702 is disposed outside the chamber 710, and the rotor 704 is disposed inside the chamber 710. In the illustrated embodiment, a bushing 706 of the motor 700 separates the stator 702 and the rotor 704. A drive rod 712 of the agitator 708 is operably coupled to an upper housing 708h of the agitator 708, which houses a magnet located within an effective distance of the rotor 704. The upper housing 708h is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the rotor 704, thereby causing rotation of the drive rod 712 and the rest of the agitator 708. In an exemplary embodiment, the permanent magnets of the rotor 704 are plastic, making the rotor 704 less susceptible to corrosion, unlike metal permanent magnets that are susceptible to corrosion.

[0126] Fig.19 Also shown is one embodiment of an outlet valve 714 through which the carbonated fluid is configured to exit the chamber 710 .

[0127] Fig. 20 Another embodiment of a BLDC motor 800 is shown, which includes a stator ( Fig. 20 is obscured) and the rotor ( Fig. 20 is obscured in the image). Fig. 20 The motor 800 is usually with Fig.18 The motor 600 is similarly configured and used. The motor 800 is shown as being operably coupled to Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10. The stator and the rotor are each disposed outside the chamber 802, Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10 is disposed in the chamber 802. The drive rod 804 is operably coupled to the rotor and is configured to rotate in response to the rotational drive force from the rotor and thereby cause rotation of the agitator 10 operably coupled to the drive rod 804. A seal 806 (e.g., a seal of rubber, silicone, etc.) is disposed in an opening 808 formed around the drive rod 804 in the chamber 802.

[0128] Configured to drive a stirrer (e.g. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10, Figure 8 Agitator 102, Fig. 9 Agitator 202, Fig.10 Another embodiment of a BLDC motor for rotating the agitator 1002 or other agitators described herein) is provided in a chamber (e.g., Figure 8 Chamber 104, Fig. 9 The chamber 204, Fig.10 Chamber 1004, Figures 11 to 14 A standard magnetic drive system is allowed within a chamber 300 in the agitator or other chamber described herein. The motor includes a drive rod including a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward therefrom. The number of protrusions is equal to the number of blades of the agitator. The agitator includes a housing at its upper end, the housing including magnets. The housing of the agitator surrounds the housing of the motor. The magnets in the housing of the agitator are configured to interact with a rotor of the motor, which also includes a stator. In response to the rotation of the rotor, the magnets of the agitator are configured to rotate, thereby causing the agitator to rotate within the chamber in which the agitator is disposed.

[0129] Fig.21 The use of a stirrer (e.g. Figures 1 to 7 Agitator 10, Figure 8 Agitator 102, Fig. 9 Agitator 202, Fig.17 Agitator 506, Fig.18 Agitator 606, Fig.19 agitator 708 or other agitators described herein) in a chamber (e.g., Figure 8 Chamber 104, Fig. 9 The chamber 204, Fig.10 Chamber 1004, Figures 11 to 14 The chamber 300, Fig.15 The chamber 400, Fig.17 Chamber 508, Fig.18 Chamber 608, Fig.19 The chamber 710, Fig. 20An embodiment of a method 900 of mixing a liquid (e.g., water, juice, etc.) and a gas (e.g., CO2) in a chamber 802 in a carbonation system (e.g., a chamber 802 in a carbonation system or other chambers described herein) to form a carbonated fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber and agitator are part of a carbonation system (e.g., Figure 8 Carbonation system 100, Fig. 9 Carbonation system 200, Fig.10 Carbonation system 1000, Fig.14 and Fig.15 Carbonation system 302 or other carbonation system described herein). Fig. 22 and Fig.23 Discussion Method 900, Fig. 22 and Fig.23 A diagram showing example operation of method 900 where the gas is CO 2 is shown. Fig. 22 The graph plots pressure (absolute bar) versus time (seconds) for one mixing cycle. Fig.23 The graphs plot pressure (kPa) versus time for one mixing cycle for two example runs.

[0130] The method 900 includes adding 902 a liquid from a liquid source into a chamber starting at a time zero t0 and adding 904 a gas from a gas source into the chamber starting at a first time t1. Fig. 22 It is shown that between time zero t0 and a first time t1, before gas begins to be added 904 at the first time t1, there is a pressure of about 1 bar in the chamber (e.g., in its head space). Before the first time t1, this overpressure in the chamber may reduce the maximum achievable gas concentration. In the illustrated embodiment, liquid begins to be added 902 to the chamber before gas begins to be added 904, and stops being added 902 to the chamber before gas begins to be added 904. In other embodiments, gas may begin to be added 904 to the chamber before liquid begins to be added 902. In other embodiments, gas and liquid may be added 902, 904 to the chamber at overlapping times that completely overlap or partially overlap.

[0131] With liquid and gas in the chamber, the motor is started 906 at a first time t1 (e.g., Figure 8 Motor 130, Fig. 9 Motor 230, Fig.10 Motor 1034, Fig.17 Motor 500, Fig.18 Motor 600, Fig.19 Motor 700, Fig. 20800 or other motors described herein) to drive rotation of the agitator in the chamber and form the carbonated fluid. After the gas has begun to be added 904 to the chamber, the motor can be activated 906. The rotation of the agitator causes the gas and liquid in the chamber to mix, as described herein, so that the gas dissolves in the liquid. The motor can be activated 906 in any number of ways. For example, in response to the end of each of the liquid and gas being added 902, 904 to the chamber, the motor can be automatically activated 906 (e.g., by a microcontroller or other processor of the motor or carbonation system including the motor) to ensure that all of the gas and liquid intended to be in the chamber are in the chamber where mixing with the agitator begins.

[0132] During agitation, gas is stopped from being added 904 to the chamber at a second time t2. Stopping the addition of gas to the chamber 904 allows the headspace in the chamber (e.g., the space above the liquid fill level in the chamber) to partially equalize in pressure. The motor is then stopped 908 at a third time t3 to stop causing the agitator to rotate. Fig. 22 It is shown that stirring continues for a period of time exceeding the third time t3, while the mass of the agitator and the stirred liquid slows down to completely stop rotating and settles before dispensing. Allowing the mixed fluid to settle can separate the bubbles from the liquid before the headspace pressure in the chamber is released. The motor can be configured to stop 908 in any of a variety of ways. For example, the motor can be configured to drive the rotation of the agitator within a predetermined amount of time. As another example, the motor can be configured to drive the rotation of the agitator until at least one measured parameter (such as the temperature in the chamber or the pressure in the chamber) reaches a threshold condition.

[0133] After the motor has been stopped 908 and the agitator has completely stopped rotating, and before pressure is released 910 from the chamber (e.g., by an exhaust solenoid valve) at a fourth time t4, the pressure in the headspace continues to partially balance. The pause between completely stopping the rotation of the agitator and the start of pressure release 910 can calm the carbonated fluid in the chamber, where bubbles have risen to the headspace of the chamber. Thereafter, at a fifth time t5, the carbonated fluid is dispensed 912 from the chamber to a container (e.g., a cup, bottle, etc.) through an outlet valve in communication with the chamber fluid. Thus, the fill level in the chamber begins to drop at the fifth time t5. Before dispensing 912 begins, pressure is released 910 from the chamber, and the carbonated fluid helps prevent the carbonated fluid from leaving the chamber at a very high rate, which would prevent the carbonated fluid from being neatly dispensed into the container. Dispensing 912 stops at a sixth time t6.

[0134] The method 900 may be repeated any number of times to form the carbonated fluid.

[0135] Example

[0136] The mixing of gases and liquids can be explained by considering k L a (volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient or solubility constant), which indicates the volume transfer rate. The coefficient "k L ” is the mass transfer coefficient, and the coefficient “a” is the amount of surface area per unit volume. Generally speaking, the higher the k L a indicates more efficient mixing, ie more gas has been mixed into the liquid.

[0137] The mixing of gas and liquid can also be evaluated by considering the power of the motor driving the agitator. Generally speaking, lower motor power allows for the use of a smaller motor. A smaller motor can allow for a smaller overall carbonation system and / or can free up space for other components in the carbonation system including the motor.

[0138] Therefore, high k is achieved while minimizing motor power. L a can generally provide efficient mixing of gas and liquid to form a carbonated fluid while allowing the use of a smaller motor.

[0139] Table 1 shows the three tests 1, 2, 3 for various motor settings of voltage, current, speed, power and torque and the corresponding k L a. Tests 1, 2, and 3 are performed using something like Figures 1 to 7 The agitator 10 and the use of the agitator allow similar Fig.17 and 19 The motors 500 and 700 are driven by a BLDC motor of a non-contact magnetic drive system.

[0140] Table 1

[0141]

[0142] Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the devices, systems and methods based on the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, unless otherwise indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0143] The present disclosure is described above by way of example only in the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a chamber configured to receive a liquid from a liquid source and a gas from a gas source; and an agitator disposed within the chamber and having an elongated shaft and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the elongated shaft, each of the plurality of arms having an angled outer tip; Wherein, when the chamber contains the liquid and the gas and the agitator is partially disposed within the liquid, the agitator is configured to be rotated by the motor to mix the gas and the liquid.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of arms extends from the elongated shaft substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: An outer tip of each of the plurality of arms is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of arms has a paddle shape.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The elongated shaft of the agitator has at least one lumen extending therethrough between the upper opening and the lower opening; The arm is positioned adjacent the lower opening; and When the chamber contains the liquid and the gas, and the agitator is partially disposed within the liquid and rotated by the motor to mix the gas and the liquid, the gas above the liquid is configured to flow into the upper opening of the slender shaft, through at least one inner cavity of the slender shaft, and out of the lower opening, so that the gas leaving the lower opening reunites with the liquid.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer edge of each of the arms is defined by a plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers, and the fingers are configured to allow the gas to pass between adjacent fingers during rotation of the agitator.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer edge of each of the arms is a continuous substantially flat edge.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to the agitator and configured to rotatably drive the agitator; The motor comprises a stator and a rotor.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The rotor includes plastic magnets.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The stirrer is magnetically coupled to the motor.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The agitator is physically coupled to the first portion of the motor; and The first portion of the electric machine is magnetically coupled to the second portion of the electric machine.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first portion includes the rotor and the second portion includes the stator.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The agitator and the rotor are disposed inside the chamber, and the stator is disposed outside the chamber.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The rotor includes a first magnet, the stirrer includes a second magnet, and rotation of the rotor is configured to drive rotation of the stirrer through interaction of the second magnet with the first magnet.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The stirrer includes an upper housing that accommodates the second magnet and is located adjacent to the rotor.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein: The walls of the chamber separate the rotor and the stator.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising a bushing separating the rotor and the stator.

18. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The agitator is disposed inside the chamber, and the stator and the rotor are disposed outside the chamber.

19. A stirrer for a carbonation mixing device, the stirrer comprising: a rotatable elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end; and a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly from the elongated shaft relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, the plurality of arms being positioned proximate a lower end of the elongated shaft, Each of the arms includes a first portion proximate to the slender shaft and a second portion radially outward from the first portion and from the slender shaft, the first portion extending at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the slender shaft, and the second portion extending at a different second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, so that each of the arms has an angled outer tip.

20. The agitator according to claim 19, wherein The first portion of each of the plurality of arms is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

21. The agitator according to claim 20, wherein The second portion of each of the plurality of arms is at an acute angle relative to the first portion.

22. The agitator according to claim 19, wherein The first portion and the second portion of each of the plurality of arms define a paddle shape of the arm.

23. The agitator according to claim 19, wherein The second portion of each of the arms includes a plurality of fingers extending radially outwardly and is configured to allow gas to pass between adjacent fingers during rotation of the agitator.

24. The agitator according to claim 19, wherein The outer edge of the second portion of each of the arms is a continuous substantially flat edge.

25. The agitator of claim 19, further comprising a flange extending radially outward from the elongated shaft, each of the arms being at least partially located beneath the flange.

26. The agitator according to claim 25, wherein The first portion of each arm abuts against a surface of the flange.

27. The agitator of claim 19, further comprising at least one lumen extending through the elongated shaft and having an upper opening and a lower opening.

28. The agitator according to claim 27, wherein The plurality of arms are positioned adjacent the lower opening.

29. The agitator of claim 27, further comprising a central hole extending through the elongated shaft; in, The at least one lumen is positioned radially outward of the central bore.

30. The agitator of claim 27, wherein: The at least one lumen includes a first lumen and a second lumen.

31. The agitator of claim 19, wherein: The elongated shaft has a cavity extending therethrough, the cavity having an upper opening at an upper end and a lower opening at a lower end.

32. The agitator of claim 31, wherein: The cavity includes a central bore extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft and includes at least one lumen positioned radially outward of the central bore, the at least one lumen including the upper opening and the lower opening.

33. The agitator of claim 32, wherein: The at least one lumen includes a first lumen and a second lumen surrounding the central hole.

34. The agitator of claim 19 further comprising a central hole extending through the elongated shaft.

35. The agitator of claim 19, wherein: The elongated shaft and the plurality of arms are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

36. The agitator of claim 19, wherein: The elongated shaft is configured to be operably coupled to a motor configured to drive rotation of the agitator.

37. A method comprising: activating a motor and thereby driving rotation of an agitator disposed in a sealed chamber having a liquid and a gas therein, such that the gas mixes with the liquid in the chamber to form a carbonated fluid; wherein the agitator comprises a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft; each of the plurality of arms having an outer tip extending at a second different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft; and The plurality of arms are configured to facilitate mixing of the gas and the liquid.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein: Gas located above the liquid flows into the upper opening in the elongated shaft of the agitator and out of the lower opening of the elongated shaft of the agitator, so that the gas mixes with the liquid in the chamber to form the carbonated fluid.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein: The first angle is substantially 90°.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein: The second angle is an acute angle.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein: The motor includes a stator and a rotor, the agitator and the rotor are disposed inside the chamber, and the stator is disposed outside the chamber.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein: The motor drives the rotation of the stirrer through the interaction between the first magnet of the motor and the second magnet of the stirrer.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein: The motor drives rotation of the agitator by causing rotation of a drive shaft operably coupled to the agitator.

44. The method of claim 37, wherein: The gas repeatedly flows into the upper opening of the elongated shaft of the agitator and out of the lower opening of the elongated shaft so as to circulate in the chamber.

45. The method of claim 37, further comprising dispensing the carbonated fluid into a container of a user with a dispensing system.

46. ​​The method of claim 37, wherein: The gas is carbon dioxide and the liquid is water.

Images