System for generating a beverage

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to systems and methods related to a capsule containing a liquid concentrate and an apparatus capable of generating a gas-injected liquid, such as a nitrogen-charged cold drink or ice coffee. The apparatus may include a cold water tank and a cooling system that cools cold water. The apparatus may also include a gas reservoir containing a gas. The apparatus may also include a fluid capsule connector including a capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber in the cavity of the capsule, the pressurized chamber removably connected to the capsule connector, and a liquid inlet valve configured to connect the capsule connector to the pressurized chamber. The liquid inlet valve may be configured to provide cold water and a flow of gas to the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector may also include a dispensing port configured to direct a flow of gas injected liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 429,935, filed on December 2, 2022, entitled "AN IMPROVED SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING A BEVERAGE", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of generating and dispensing beverages from liquid concentrates, and more particularly to a removable capsule and an apparatus for generating cold - brew beverages. Background Art

[0004] Cold coffee or iced coffee, cold brewed coffee, and cold brew - type beverages are increasingly popular coffee categories. To date, iced coffee has mainly been produced by brewing hot coffee and then adding ice. This indirect approach requires more time and effort, risks being inadvertently diluted, and inherently produces a beverage that has been allowed to age.

[0005] In contrast, cold brewing is a process of slowly and selectively extracting flavor elements at low temperature. Cold brewing allows for an increased relative extraction of preferred elements and can avoid extracting certain other unpleasant flavors, such as those that cause bitterness. However, cold brewing can require long preparation times (typically 12 - 24 hours) and special equipment as well as careful filtration and dilution. At the same time, these true cold - brew beverages have become popular offerings in the retail environment but remain largely inaccessible to home consumers.

[0006] Cold brewing typically requires batch processing, i.e., producing a large volume of concentrated extract at one time and then diluting and dispensing it in individual portions. As a result, retail establishments typically do not offer a choice of coffee origin, roast characteristics, (de)caffeination, or strength.

[0007] Recent developments in commercial - scale cold brewing have achieved high - quality, high - concentration extracts suitable for long - term stable packaging. This has created the possibility of directly preparing cold brew from the concentrate.

[0008] In some examples, the availability of high - concentration cold - brew extracts has created a need for precise water cooling and dilution of the beverage. Existing commercial and retail distribution methods do not allow for the selection of many different types of extracts. Additionally, existing foaming processes cannot produce the foam density required for a fully satisfactory beverage experience. None of these are available in the consumer's kitchen. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This embodiment relates to systems and methods associated with a capsule for containing a liquid concentrate and a device capable of generating an infused liquid with a gas such as nitrogenated cold drinks or iced coffee. The device may include a cold water tank and a cooling system for cooling the cold water. The device may also include a gas reservoir containing a gas. The device may further include: a fluid capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber in the cavity of the capsule, the pressurized chamber being removably connected to the capsule connector; a liquid inlet port configured to supply a cold water stream to the pressurized chamber; and a gas inlet port or nitrogen port for delivering a gas to the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector may further include a liquid dispensing valve configured to direct the flow of the gas-infused liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

[0010] In a first example embodiment, a device is provided. The device may include a cold water tank and a cooling system configured to cool an input quantity of water and maintain the temperature of the cold water held in the cold water tank. The device may also include a gas reservoir containing a quantity of gas.

[0011] The device may further include a fluid capsule connector configured to generate a gas-infused liquid. The fluid capsule connector may include a capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber in the cavity of the capsule that is removably connected to the capsule connector. The fluid capsule connector may further include a liquid inlet port connected to the capsule connector and configured to supply a cold water stream from the cold water tank and create turbulent conditions in the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector may further include a gas inlet port connected to the gas reservoir and configured to provide a jet of gas and introduce a stream of fine bubbles into the pressurized chamber. The gas-infused liquid may be formed by mixing the liquid concentrate from the capsule with the cold water and gas in the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector may further include a dispensing port configured to direct the flow of the gas-infused liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

[0012] In some instances, the device may further include an input reservoir accessible from the exterior of the device and configured to receive input water. The device may also include a pump configured to pump the input water from the input reservoir to the cold water tank. The cold water tank may be insulated with insulating material. The device may further include one or more temperature sensors disposed in the cold water tank. The device may further include a heat exchange component extending within the cold water tank. The heat exchange component may be configured to receive one or more thermoelectric coolers configured to transfer heat from the cold side to the hot side of the heat exchange component.

[0013] In some instances, the heat exchange component includes two thermoelectric coolers arranged adjacent to each other.

[0014] In some instances, the heat exchange component includes a heat exchange coil cooled by a vapor compression refrigeration system.

[0015] In some instances, the capsule connector includes a protrusion that extends from the capsule connector to rupture an ejection element in the capsule and form a pressurized chamber between the fluid capsule connector and a cavity formed in the capsule.

[0016] In some instances, the device may further include an air valve disposed adjacent to the gas reservoir. The device may further include a water valve disposed between the gas reservoir and the cold water tank. Additionally, during dispensing, the air valve may be closed and the water valve may be opened to drive a pressurized mixture of gas and cold water into the pressurized chamber via the liquid inlet valve.

[0017] In some instances, the fluid capsule connector further includes a flow restrictor disposed adjacent to the dispensing port, the flow restrictor controlling the flow of gas-injected liquid entering the dispensing port.

[0018] In some instances, the capsule includes a body and a lid portion, the body including a cavity and a liquid concentrate in the cavity, the lid portion including a hatch, wherein the ejection element is disposed on the outer surface of the lid portion. In some instances, the hatch includes a circular or oval shape, and wherein the lid portion is fixed to the body using a crimp ring formed around the lid portion or a curled seam.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, a capsule is provided that is configured to store a liquid concentrate and generate a gas-injected liquid when connected to a fluid capsule connector that provides water and gas. The capsule may include a body that includes a substantially cylindrical shape. A cavity may be formed in the body, wherein the liquid concentrate is disposed in the cavity. The capsule may further include a lid portion formed around a flange that is disposed around an end of the body, wherein the flange forms a surface that provides a sealing surface. The lid portion may include a hatch on an outer surface. The hatch may include an ejection element that at least partially extends from the outer surface of the lid portion and is allowed to rupture due to the force of the fluid capsule connector to allow the liquid concentrate to mix with water and gas to generate a gas-injected liquid.

[0020] In some instances, a neck portion is disposed between the lid portion and the end of the body, the neck portion including a width that decreases toward the lid portion.

[0021] In some instances, the lid portion is fixed to the body using a crimp ring formed around the lid portion or by a seam-forming operation. In some instances, the lid portion is fixed by a seam curling operation.

[0022] In some instances, the hatch includes a raised portion having a height that increases at an angle across the length of the hatch.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system can include a capsule that houses a liquid concentrate. The capsule can include a body and a lid portion, the body including a cavity and the liquid concentrate within the cavity, the lid portion including a hatch, wherein an ejection element is disposed on an outer surface of the lid portion.

[0024] The system can further include a device for generating a gas-injected liquid. The device can include a cold water tank and a cooling system configured to cool an input quantity of water and maintain the temperature of the cold water held in the cold water tank. The device can further include a gas reservoir that houses a quantity of gas and a fluid capsule connector configured to generate the gas-injected liquid.

[0025] The fluid capsule connector can include a capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber within the cavity of the capsule. The fluid capsule connector can further include a liquid inlet port and a gas inlet port, the liquid inlet port being connected to the capsule connector and configured to provide a cold water stream from the cold water tank, the gas inlet port being configured to provide a jet of gas from the reservoir to the pressurized chamber. The gas-injected liquid can be formed by mixing the liquid concentrate from the capsule with the cold water and gas within the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector can further include a dispensing port configured to direct a stream of the gas-injected liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

[0026] In some instances, the system can further include an input reservoir that is externally accessible to the device and configured to receive input water. The system can further include a pump configured to pump the input water from the input reservoir to the cold water tank. The cold water tank can be insulated with insulation material. The system can further include one or more temperature sensors disposed within the cold water tank and a heat exchange component extending within the cold water tank. The heat exchange component can be configured to receive one or more thermoelectric coolers configured to transfer heat from a cold side of the heat exchange component to a hot side.

[0027] In some instances, the heat exchange component includes two thermoelectric coolers arranged adjacent to each other.

[0028] In some instances, the heat exchange component includes a sealed refrigerant cooled by a vapor compression refrigeration system.

[0029] In some instances, the capsule connector includes a protrusion that extends from the capsule connector to rupture the ejection element in the capsule and form a pressurized chamber between the fluid capsule connector and the cavity formed in the capsule.

[0030] In some instances, the system may further include an air valve disposed adjacent to the gas reservoir. The system may also include a water valve disposed between the gas reservoir and the cold water tank. During dispensing, the air valve may be closed and the water valve may be opened to drive a pressurized mixture of gas and cold water into the pressurized chamber via the liquid inlet valve.

[0031] In some instances, the gas includes nitrogen.

[0032] In some instances, the fluid capsule connector further includes a flow restrictor disposed adjacent to the dispensing port, and the flow restrictor controls the flow of the liquid into which the gas is injected into the dispensing port.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of generating a liquid with gas injection is provided. The method may include obtaining gas at a gas reservoir. The method may also include obtaining water in a warm water tank. The method may further include obtaining water in a cold water tank and cooling the water in the cold water tank using a cooling system.

[0034] The method may further include obtaining a capsule. The capsule may include a body and a lid portion. The body includes a cavity and a liquid concentrate in the cavity. The lid portion includes a hatch, and an ejection element is disposed on the outer surface of the lid portion. The lid portion may be fixed to the body using a crimping ring formed around the lid portion.

[0035] The method may further include generating a liquid with gas injection through a fluid capsule connector. The fluid capsule connector may include a capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber removably connected to the capsule connector in the cavity of the capsule. The method may also include providing a cold water flow from the cold water tank and generating turbulent conditions in the pressurized chamber from a liquid inlet port connected to the capsule connector. The method may further include providing a jet of gas and introducing a stream of fine bubbles into the pressurized chamber through a gas inlet port connected to the gas reservoir. The liquid with gas injection may be formed by mixing the liquid concentrate from the capsule with the cold water and gas in the pressurized chamber. The method may also include guiding the flow of the liquid with gas injection from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet via a dispensing port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1A is a diagram of a beverage dispensing system showing the main components and subsystems according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1B is an isometric view of the system showing the main external features according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 2A is an illustration of a beverage concentrate capsule with a crimped lid according to some embodiments.

[0039] Figure 2B Figure of another beverage concentrate capsule with a crimped seam lid, according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3A Figure of a system using a thermoelectric cooler to chill a water supply.

[0041] Figure 3B Figure of a system using a vapor compression system to chill water, according to some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 4 Figure of a process for nitriding a liquid, according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 5A Figure of a nitriding system operative in a nitriding chamber downstream of concentrate dilution, according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 5B Figure of a nitriding system in which nitriding occurs within a beverage concentrate capsule, according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 5C Figure of another nitriding system in which nitriding occurs within a beverage concentrate capsule, according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 5D Illustration of elements of a nitriding system, according to some embodiments.

[0047] Figure 5E Illustrates a first cross-sectional image depicting the interaction of a capsule and a capsule connector, according to some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 5F Illustrates a second cross-sectional image depicting the interaction of a capsule and a capsule connector, according to some embodiments.

[0049] Figure 5G Illustrates a third cross-sectional image depicting the interaction of a capsule and a capsule connector, according to some embodiments.

[0050] Figure 5H Illustrates a fourth cross-sectional image depicting the interaction of a capsule and a capsule connector, according to some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 5I Illustrates an example isometric view of a portion of a fluid capsule connector, according to some embodiments.

[0052] Figure 5J Illustrates an example isometric view of a portion of a dispensing faucet, according to some embodiments.

[0053] Figure 6Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a fluid system for dispensing beverages according to some embodiments.

[0054] Figure 7 An example networking system that can be used in the systems and methods described herein is shown.

[0055] Figure 8 An example computing device that can be used to practice the example embodiments described herein is shown. Detailed Description

[0056] Embodiments will now be referred to in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter presented herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, the specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these specific embodiments. In other instances, well-known data structures, timing protocols, software operations, programs, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Cold Brew and Nitrogenation Cold Brew and Nitrogenation

[0058] Cold brew coffee can be enhanced through nitrogenation. Nitrogenation (nitrogen) can refer to the process of injecting a beverage with fine bubbles of a gas (e.g., nitrogen gas or any other gas) such that the bubbles remain suspended in the beverage and / or in a foam layer. This nitrogen can impart benefits to the beverage: Firstly but not limited to, the suspended bubbles change the physical properties of the liquid, for example by reducing density and by altering viscosity and / or surface tension. This is experienced as a taste that is a preferred characteristic. Secondly but not limited to, the presence of the gas (e.g., nitrogen or air) mixed with the beverage can change and improve the olfactory perception of the beverage. In some examples, these sensory changes are experienced throughout the consumption of the beverage. Thirdly but not limited to, when the bubbles are injected into the beverage in a particular manner, the resulting cascade provides a pleasing visual effect and a clear indication that the beverage has been successfully nitrogenated.

[0059] Beverages may be nitrogenated primarily through a process similar to carbonation - by dissolving a gas into the liquid. The term carbonation can refer to the dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2), while the term nitrogenation can refer to the dissolution or injection of nitrogen gas (N2). In the context of the present disclosure, the term nitrogen or nitrogen gas may be used to refer to nitrogen gas or ordinary air. Ordinary air contains approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases.

[0060] Gases can dissolve to varying degrees in liquids depending on the temperature and pressure of the specific gas and liquid. Carbon dioxide is highly soluble in water and can thus release large volumes of gas when depressurized. Carbon dioxide also has a tendency to react with water to form carbonic acid: carbonic acid is the sour chemical that gives beverages their crisp and refreshing feel. This is desirable in some beverages such as soda water, beer, or sparkling wine.

[0061] In contrast, nitrogen has different properties. Its solubility is less than 1 / 100 of that of CO2 and can thus produce smaller volumes of bubbles when depressurized. Notably, nitrogen bubbles tend to be smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles. Oxygen is also relatively less soluble in water and is present in air in a relatively smaller amount than nitrogen. However, oxygen reacts strongly with many components in beverages, a process called oxidation, which can quickly and unfavorably affect the taste. Oxygen is particularly known for producing bitterness in coffee. However, nitrogen is chemically inert (we are referring here to nitrogen in its diatomic form N2), and nitrogen neither acidifies nor oxidizes beverage components.

[0062] For example, while carbon dioxide is effective and indeed preferred for carbonating some beverages, nitrogen is particularly suitable for nitrogenating certain other beverages. Oxygen is only suitable for limited and short-term nitrogenation. Its limited presence in ordinary air is not considered a problem.

[0063] The properties of nitrogen bubbles can affect the development of long-lasting suspended bubbles and subsequent cream layers. This desired result depends on obtaining bubbles of a very small size, for example but not limited to less than 50 micrometers and in some examples less than 10 micrometers. These small bubbles resist shrinking by redissolving into the surrounding liquid and also resist Ostwald ripening, where small bubbles are absorbed into larger, unstable bubbles. Additionally, these very small bubbles can participate in the well-known cascade effect, where their small buoyancy is overcome by the viscous drag of the downward-flowing liquid.

[0064] For these reasons, it is desirable to nitrogenate certain beverages in large quantities. However, the physicochemical behavior of nitrogen or air presents challenges when attempting to inject sufficient amounts of bubbles into beverages. In some examples, beverages have been nitrogenated by two commercial processes:

[0065] The first example is kegging, where the beverage is pressurized with nitrogen, refrigerated, and stored for a long time. This allows nitrogen to slowly dissolve into the liquid until equilibrium is reached. Refrigeration greatly increases the solubility. Then, this kegged beverage can be dispensed through a faucet that depressurizes the beverage, thus allowing nitrogen to come out of solution, and the faucet agitates and disperses the bubbles. This method is suitable for large retail or commercial establishments that have the time, space, and financial investment in this equipment and process.

[0066] A second example is nitrogen canning: Another method again involves pressurizing (with nitrogen) a single serving of beverage in a small container such as a single-serve can. This follows a chemical process similar to kegging, but is not dispensed through a faucet like a kegging system. As a result, the degree of nitrogenation is generally reduced.

[0067] The beverage container can be equipped with a so-called widget, similar to those used in canned draft beer. This widget device can consist of a hollow chamber with a small orifice. The beverage can be canned with nitrogen, and when pressurized, a small amount of pressurized liquid and gas are forced into the chamber. When the can is opened and thus suddenly depressurized, this widget chamber emits a jet of agitated liquid and causes a rapid formation of bubbles. Although this method can produce a larger volume of bubbles than simply pressurizing with nitrogen, the volume of the bubbles is limited by the dissolved nitrogen and the small amount of gas introduced from the chamber.

[0068] Each of the above methods has limitations on the amount of nitrogen that can be dissolved into the beverage (and subsequently released as bubbles) or introduced as bubbles. This generally results in a large number of bubbles or a layer of foam that is not sufficient to produce a fully enjoyable drinking experience. In contrast, a larger number of bubbles can be generated and suspended in the beverage. This embodiment describes a method for doing so.

[0069] Overview of system examples

[0070] This embodiment relates to systems and methods associated with a capsule containing a liquid concentrate and a device capable of mixing the liquid concentrate with cold water and injecting gas to generate a gas-injected liquid (or multiphase gas-liquid fluid) such as nitrogen-injected cold drink or coffee.

[0071] The device can include a cold water tank and a cooling system for cooling the cold water. In such examples, cold water can be generated and refrigerated in the system. The cold drink or cold water tank can receive the liquid, then refrigerate the liquid to a cold temperature, and hold the liquid at a temperature less than 10 degrees Celsius (°C), such as for example 1 degree Celsius or 5 degrees Celsius. The water in the cold water tank can be kept close to freezing without freezing, and a recirculation pump at the cold water tank can prevent the water in the cold water tank from freezing.

[0072] The device may also include a gas reservoir to contain and dispense gas for mixing into the liquid, as described herein. The device may also include a fluid capsule connector configured to connect to a disposable or recyclable capsule containing a liquid concentrate and to establish a pressurized chamber within the cavity of the capsule. Such a capsule will be capable of being inserted by the user into the system, and the capsule connector may connect to the capsule, where a liquid inlet port may be configured to supply a stream of cold water into the pressurized chamber, and a gas inlet port or nitrogen port may be configured to supply a jet of gas into the pressurized chamber. The fluid capsule connector may also include a dispensing port configured to direct the flow of gas-injected liquid out of the pressurized chamber and to a dispensing faucet.

[0073] Example hardware system

[0074] Figure 1A An overall overview of an example device 100A for dispensing cold nitrogenated beverages as depicted herein is shown. In this example, the water supply system 102 may consist of one or more reservoirs coupled to a cooling system 104 that may refrigerate or cool and maintain a supply of water (or any other liquid) at a low temperature for dispensing. In some examples, the chiller system may be configured to cool the water down to near 0 degrees Celsius. In some examples, the chiller system may be configured to cool the water down to 5 degrees Celsius. In some examples, the chiller system may be configured to cool the water down to 1 degree Celsius. In some examples, the refrigeration reservoir includes a recirculation pump that keeps the water in the reservoir moving to reduce the risk of freezing.

[0075] As shown in the example, the electrical power and control system 106 may supply power to components of the device 100A such as pumps, valves, sensors, indicators, etc. The control electronics of the control system 106 may provide control over the system components, allowing the interface to input / output data to the user. In Figure 1A the wiring or connections for all the different power and control supplies are not depicted, but the lines within the system will be followed for electrical connections to operate and control the system described herein.

[0076] As described herein, the described system is configured to accept a disposable or otherwise removable capsule containing a concentrated liquid and to generate a gas-injected liquid beverage. As Figure 1A shown in, a capsule 112 containing a liquid concentrate may be inserted into a capsule holder or capsule carrier 114. The capsule holder may be a component of a mechanism suitable for providing a high clamping force to achieve a fluid seal.

[0077] Once inserted, the nitriding system 116 can establish a fluid connection with the capsule 112 via the mechanical and fluid capsule connector 118. Once the connection between the system and the capsule is made, jets of cold water and gas can be injected or inserted into the capsule as described herein and then dispensed. For example, a gas injection port can connect a gas reservoir 606 to the capsule connector 118. When gas is released as described herein, the gas can generate a large number of fine bubbles such as bubbles having a diameter of less than 50 microns (e.g., 10 microns, 20 microns or less) via the gas reservoir 606 and enter the capsule 112. Additionally, the mechanical and fluid capsule connector 118 can establish a fluid connection with the capsule. The fluid system 108 can deliver pressurized cooled water to the capsule as described. There, the nitriding system 116 can generate a large number of fine bubbles and dispense the beverage into a drinking container 122 through a dispensing faucet 120.

[0078] Figure 1B is an isometric view of an example system 100B showing the main external features of the device as described herein. Elements of the user interface 130, such as lighting indicators, buttons, knobs, auditory indicators, and graphics, etc., can be located in visible, tactile, and prominent positions, such as on the front surface of the system. One example can be a button that, when pressed, sends a command to the control system to start activating the system to mix and dispense a gas-injected liquid as described herein. When a beverage is to be dispensed, the beverage container 122 can be placed in a similar position such as in front of the system. This position can allow the user to easily place the container and retrieve the dispensed beverage and can allow the user to observe the progress of the dispensing operation.

[0079] A drip tray 140 can be provided to collect excess liquid generated by the beverage dispensing operations described herein, such as residual liquid in the system components or spills inadvertently caused by the user. The drip tray can be positioned in a location that facilitates liquid collection, such as by allowing discharge towards the bottom of the system 100A - B, and can be positioned in a user-accessible location, such as in front of the system. This can easily allow monitoring of the drip tray and easy removal and replacement of the drip tray for cleaning.

[0080] A warm water or room temperature reservoir 602 can be positioned in an accessible location that is accessible, for example, from the front of the system. This can allow the user to access the reservoir for the purpose of providing a fresh water supply without being disturbed by adjacent objects. This can also allow the warm water or room temperature water reservoir 602 to be positioned in a prominent location such as in front of the system since the state of the reservoir (e.g., fill level) can be easily seen by the user.

[0081] In some embodiments, the system can have a very narrow ratio in one dimension, e.g., in width. This width can be 125 mm or 150 mm or 175 mm or other dimensions. This can allow the system to occupy a small footprint, e.g., on a countertop.

[0082] The body of system 603 can house internal components as Figure 1A described therein.

[0083] Capsule example

[0084] As described herein, individual capsules (e.g., Figure 1A 112 in ) can be positioned, inserted, or otherwise introduced into the nitrogenation system 116 to provide a liquid concentrate for generating a gas-infused beverage. Figure 2A and Figure 2B show example views of capsules suitable for dispensing beverages from a concentrated liquid. Such relative dimensions illustrated in the examples of Figure 2A and Figure 2B are merely illustrative and can apply to the system, e.g., the length, width, and diameter of the capsule can vary depending on the desired amount of liquid concentrate and the volume of the desired mixing chamber.

[0085] Such example capsules can house and preserve the liquid contents during transportation and long-term storage, establish a secure fluid connection with the dispensing device, and withstand the dispensing pressure. This capsule can accommodate a variety of beverage types, including nitrogenated beverages, non-nitrogenated beverages, and different volumes and concentrations.

[0086] For example, in Figure 2A , a first view of capsule 200A can include a body 202 and a lid portion 204. Capsule 200 can also include an angled portion 206 or a neck portion between the body 202 and the lid portion 204. In some instances, the angled portion 206 can bend inward and have a smaller diameter than the body 202 to manipulate the fluid concentration and movement through the capsule.

[0087] If the capsule maintains a sufficient internal volume, the capsule can take on various shapes or ratios (e.g., diameter and length). This volume can be selected to accommodate a sufficient amount of liquid concentrate and empty space (headspace) as is preferred for the nitrogenation process described herein. In some examples, the capsule can be lined with a coating to help preserve the contents. The internal shape can be formed to permit the discharge of liquid during operation.

[0088] The capsule can have a specific shape and size to provide the necessary capacity and fit within the dispensing and mixing device. For example, the diameter of the body 202 can be 30 mm; the length can be 40 mm; the diameter of the lip 210 can be 30 mm; the narrowed neck 206 can have a diameter of 27 mm or 28 mm. These dimensions can be formed with particularly tight tolerances (such as but not limited to 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm or other numbers) to assist in aligning the capsule with the nitrogenation system or preventing misuse.

[0089] The capsule can be formed of aluminum, other metals, plastics, resins, composite materials, organic materials, paper, ceramics, or other materials alone or in combination. An example advantage of an aluminum capsule can be that it is suitable for recycling.

[0090] The body 202 has a chamber of suitable volume (such as but not limited to, 15 mL or 20 mL or 25 mL or 30 mL or other volumes). The body 202 can have a lining or coating to assist in preserving the liquid contents. Additionally, as shown in view 200B, an opening 208 can be formed within the body 202 and closed via the lid portion 204.

[0091] As shown in view 200B, the capsule can be fitted with a lid 204 that forms a liquid-tight seal relative to the body 202. This lid 204 can be made of a recyclable material such as aluminum or plastic. The lid 204 can be attached to the capsule by, for example but not limited to, crimping, by welding, or by bonding, or by another fastening method. The lid 204 can have a lining or coating to assist in making the seal and preserving the liquid contents. In one example, the lid portion 204 can have an external crimp 212 that is configured to fit around the flange 210 of the body 202. This crimp 212 can be crimped or rolled to fasten the lid 204 to the body 202. Such crimping can be performed during production after the capsule has been filled with any desired liquid concentrate such as but not limited to espresso, juice, tea, soft drinks, sports drinks, alcohol, or any other liquid concentrate.

[0092] As Figure 2AThe view 200C shown can show the top portion of the lid 204. In an example embodiment, the lid 204 includes a thinning or frangible ejection element or hatch 216 that can be ruptured by an applied force. This hatch can be designed to be opened with a relatively low and / or predictable force such as the force applied by the system when inserted as described herein. An example advantage of this ejection hatch is that it can maintain the integrity of the parent material and thus the integrity of the capsule. This hatch can be designed with a hinge feature 218 that has features that control the way the hatch opens and prevent the hatch from shifting when it might impede fluid flow, interfere with mechanisms, or pose a potential danger to the user. Keeping the hatch connected can also ensure that it is recovered with the remainder of the capsule.

[0093] The hatch can be formed by stamping a thinning section in the form of a groove 220 around a preferred profile. This profile can be circular or partially circular or another shape that will permit entry of the capsule connector. The thinning section functions by locally weakening the material and thus reducing the force required to open the hatch. Unlike similar grooves in so-called easy-open lids, this groove may have sufficient strength to resist manual opening and thus requires a specific mechanism to pierce it.

[0094] The hatch can include a raised or formed section 224 that has the purpose of defining a contact point with the capsule connector and concentrating force or stress on the hatch so that the groove 220 fails at the intended location or in the intended manner (see Figure 5C and Figures 5E to 5H ). The height of this force concentrator 224 can determine the timing of contact with the fluid capsule connector 116 when both are forced together to open the hatch and connect the capsule connector to the capsule during the operations disclosed herein.

[0095] The force concentrator 224 may have a profile suitable for reinforcing the hatch such that the hatch can maintain its shape during puncture and thus swing open under the force of the fluid connector. For example, the force concentrator 224 may be rectangular, oval, or other elongate shape. The protruding surface of the force concentrator 224 may have a height angled relative to the other flat surfaces of the hatch 216. This can have the advantage of causing a piercing object such as a capsule connector to reliably contact the force concentrator at the same location regardless of the orientation of the capsule 112 about its axis. The hinge 218 may be positioned such that the hatch 216 swings upward and into the capsule body 202 and clears the inserted capsule connector (shown below) when punctured. For example, the hinge 218 may act about a line positioned outside the diameter of the engagement portion of the capsule connector. The scored groove 220 may be circular or semi-circular within the top of the lid, with a diameter of 20 mm or 21 mm or 22 mm, or may be other shapes or sizes. The groove may have a depth resulting in a residual material thickness of 0.06 mm or 0.08 mm or 0.1 mm or another thickness for achieving the described destructive force herein.

[0096] Other methods of piercing the capsule may be utilized, such as a diaphragm pierced by a capsule connector or a separate piece pressed into the capsule opening 208.

[0097] The form of the capsule body 202 may be any shape that is, for example but not limited to, generally cylindrical. The capsule body 202 may be generally cylindrical or axisymmetric in shape, or may have any desired cross-sectional shape such as, but not limited to, a square cross-section, an oval cross-section, an octagonal cross-section, or other desired geometric shapes. This example may have the advantage of using the least amount of material to withstand internal pressure or external forces. This form may also be used for the dense packing of capsules for transportation and storage. This form is also useful for operation in a typical liquid filling machine. An axisymmetric form such as a cylinder may have the advantage of not requiring a specific orientation when inserted into a dispensing device. When driven together, any orientation of the capsule relative to the connector may be arranged such that the user does not have to worry about rotating the capsule to align it correctly. As Figure 5C and Figures 5E to 5H shown, any angle of the hinge and force concentrator will still function in the operation of the connector.

[0098] Figure 2B depicts another capsule 112 having an aspect ratio of different heights and diameters and that may be assembled by a crimped seam method. Similar to Figure 2AA capsule that can include a body 202 and a cap portion 204. The body can be substantially cylindrical and include a neck 206 with a reduced diameter. Similarly, the cap portion 204 can include a recessed section having a hatch 216, a raised force concentrator 224, a score line 220, and a hinge 218 as described. This cap portion can include a formed flange 230 that is configured to fit over the flange 210 of the body. These flanges 210 and 230 can be configured to be curled into an interlocking seam 231 to create an airtight and hygienic seal. A sealing compound can be provided to further ensure a hygienic seal. The resulting seam 231 can provide a smooth and continuous surface, such as an edge 232 and an inner diameter 233 suitable for forming a seal.

[0099] Example of a cold water refrigeration system

[0100] As described above, the described system is configured to inject both a jet of gas and also a stream of cold water into the capsule chamber for mixing with the gas-injected liquid. As Figure 1A shown, the cooling system 104 can cool or chill or otherwise refrigerate the water (or any other liquid) provided in the reservoir used in the systems and methods described herein. Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an example diagram of a system 300 for efficiently generating and maintaining a supply of cold water in other systems described herein.

[0101] For some types of dispensed beverages, it may be useful to maintain the water supply at an easily cooled temperature (e.g., just above freezing). This can present challenges in terms of both the maximum power required to initially cool the water supply and the steady-state power required to maintain the cooled water ready. Refrigeration systems are typically large, inefficient, and noisy, which conflicts with the demand for compact, quiet, and energy-efficient devices.

[0102] A warm or room temperature water reservoir 302 can be configured to be accessible on the exterior of the dispensing device and can be filled by the user. In this context, warm or room temperature water can refer to water added by the user with an uncontrolled temperature. Such water can include tap water at the municipal water supply temperature (e.g., 15 degrees Celsius) or room temperature (e.g., 22 degrees Celsius) water. As Figure 3A shown, the cold reservoir 304 can consist of an enclosed chamber 306 surrounded by an insulator 308. The size of this cold reservoir 304 can be designed to hold a large quantity of water sufficient to dispense a limited number of 355 mL or 235 mL beverages, such as 1 serving or 2 servings or possibly 3 servings or 4 servings. In some examples, the reservoir can be large enough to dispense even more beverages, such as 10 or 15 cups of 355 mL beverages. Any example reservoir can be connected to the system.

[0103] Still referring to Figure 3A , one or more water level sensors 310 can use a float sensor, a liquid sensor, or other sensors appropriately placed at a predetermined fill line to detect whether the cold water level is sufficient to dispense a beverage. Such sensors can communicate with an indicator and / or command system on the system user interface to indicate that the water is at a programmed temperature. If additional water is needed, the pump 312 can be moved from the warm reservoir 302 to the cold reservoir 304. Alternatively, when released through a valve, warm water can flow into the cold reservoir by gravity. The water temperature sensor 314 can be configured to detect the temperature of the hottest spot in the cold reservoir and can be used to signal that a portion of the water is ready. In some instances, another temperature sensor 316 can be configured to monitor the temperature at the coldest location and can be used to control the thermoelectric cooling system. When multiple beverages are to be dispensed in quick succession, it may be desirable to maintain the lowest possible temperature in the cold reservoir even if the beverages are replenished from a warm water supply. In some embodiments, both the temperature and supply of the cold reservoir can be monitored and (warm) water can be gradually added in an amount barely sufficient to supply subsequent beverages. In this way, the extended cooling time of a newly filled cold reservoir can be avoided.

[0104] A heat exchange component, which can be referred to as a cold radiator 318, can be located inside the cold reservoir. In use, the cold radiator 318 can be interfaced with the water in the cold reservoir 304. The cold radiator 318 can include a number of features to maximize its surface area, including but not limited to fins 320 that contact and are exposed to any water in the cold reservoir 304 and a base 322 that penetrates or otherwise extends through or around the insulated wall of the reservoir 308. The cold radiator 318 can be constructed of a highly conductive material such as aluminum or copper and can be designed with dimensions such as fin length and thickness to conduct heat from the water to the cold radiator base 322 with maximum efficiency. For example, the fins can be very long compared to their thickness to allow penetration into a volume of water, thereby creating a large surface area for convective heat transfer and efficiently conducting heat to the base 322.

[0105] The outer surface of the cold heat sink base may be configured to receive one or more thermoelectric coolers (TECs) 333. A thermoelectric cooler (TEC), also known as a Peltier cooler, heater, Peltier device, Peltier heat pump, solid state refrigerator, thermoelectric battery, or thermoelectric heat pump, is a solid state active heat pump that consumes electrical energy based on the direction of current flow to transfer heat from one side of the device to the other. These solid state devices operate by transferring heat between parallel planes when an electric current is applied and using separate devices to move this heat away from the "hot" side of the device. The thermoelectric cooler 333 is disposed between the cold heat sink 318 and the heat distribution plate 324 such that the cold heat sink 318 is placed within a cold insulated cold reservoir and the heat distribution plate 324 is placed outside the insulated reservoir. The heat distribution plate 324 is further coupled to a heat pipe that is part of the heat sink 352. In this arrangement, heat is conducted from the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler 333 to the heat sink. One or more fans 353 circulate air through the heat sink 352 to discharge the extracted heat to the local environment. The external heat surface of the TEC may be mated to a heat exchanger 352, such as a heat pipe based heat sink system.

[0106] The cold heat sink 320 may be used to transfer heat from the relatively hot water 302 to the relatively cold TEC 333. The cold heat sink 320 may be configured to utilize convection in a large volume of water and conduct the heat to a small footprint of the TEC 333. In the example shown, the cold heat sink may accommodate a single TEC 333. In another example, the cold heat sink 320 may accommodate a dual TEC 333 module arranged side by side, either individually or in combination. This has the advantage of allowing more than one TEC to operate, each at their most efficient operating level. The TEC 333 may be configured to transfer heat from the cold side 304 to the hot side. The special operating characteristics of the TEC allow for maximum efficiency to be achieved at reduced operating currents.

[0107] Initial cooling of the entire volume of water in the cold reservoir 304 may require a large amount of cooling power, which may result in poor TEC 333 efficiency, while subsequent maintenance of the low temperature or recovery of the low temperature after additional water is added may require less power and can thus be accomplished at higher TEC efficiency. For this reason, it may be advantageous to incorporate more than one TEC 333 into the cold heat sink 320. These multiple TECs may be used when transferring maximum thermal power, and then when transferring low power, only one TEC 333 may be active. This configuration can result in a more versatile system that can have strong performance and excellent energy efficiency.

[0108] In another preferred embodiment, the cold water reservoir 304 can be vertically partitioned into more than one chamber, e.g., two chambers. These vertically partitioned chambers can each be adapted with a cold radiator and a corresponding TEC. This can have the advantage of allowing the cooling system to rapidly cool a smaller volume of water (e.g., sufficient for a single serving of beverage) without the time required to cool the entire reservoir. When this first vertically partitioned chamber is depleted, the cooling system can be controlled to cool the second chamber, and thus this subsequent portion of water can be cooled in a shorter time.

[0109] As Figure 3A illustrated by the example of, if desired, water from the warm reservoir 302 can be transferred to the cold reservoir 304 by the pump 312. Alternatively, the warm water reservoir can be an external reservoir and can be positioned above the cold water reservoir, allowing water to be transferred by opening a valve and allowing the water to flow under gravity. A control system in combination with a water level sensor and a temperature sensor can transfer water to replenish the cold water supply.

[0110] The water pump 312 can be positioned to pump water from the cold reservoir into the mixing system during beverage dispensing as described herein.

[0111] Figure 3B is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment in which the cold reservoir 304 can be cooled by a vapor compression refrigeration system 360. In this embodiment, the cold reservoir 304 is cooled by direct heat exchange with a refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid can be cooled by the compressor 362 and then can pass through the pipe 366 to the coil 368 that can be immersed in the cold reservoir 304. In some examples, the coil 368 can be a metal tube coil such as but not limited to copper, steel, aluminum, or an alloy of copper or aluminum or steel. The material of the coil 368 can be thermally conductive. In such a manner, the cold refrigerant liquid moves through the coil 368 of the pipe, which is immersed in the water to be cooled by the system. In some exemplary embodiments, the coil of the pipe 368 can be further wound to be in close contact with the measurement chamber 604, which itself can be immersed in the cold reservoir, and the measurement chamber 604 is described in more detail in Figure 6 In

[0112] The heat extracted from this arrangement and the compressor 362 can be dissipated to the local environment through the radiator 364. This cooling system can be equipped with temperature sensors and level sensors as described above. This embodiment can have the advantage of allowing the cooling mechanism to be completely turned off after the cold reservoir has been initially cooled, for example, to minimize potential power consumption.

[0113] Control Unit Example

[0114] Referring again to Figure 3A, The above paragraphs describe a physical system for transporting, cooling, and pressurizing water, pressurized gas, moving and piercing a capsule, and controlling valves to direct the flow of water and gas. These actions can be automatically controlled by a computerized system to achieve the desired results. The control and power system 342 can be provided in the form of electronics, sensors, and actuators.

[0115] It may be useful to use various sensors in the systems described herein. The sensors can detect such signals, such as but not limited to: the temperature of the cold radiator; the temperature of the water in the cold water reservoir, such as a thermometer; the water levels in the warm and cold water reservoirs, such as float sensors; the presence of a capsule in the capsule holder, such as proximity sensors, opto-electronic breakers, reflective sensors, or cameras; the pressure in the air reservoir, such as piezoelectric sensors, aneroid barometer pressure sensors, manometer pressure sensors, bourdon tube pressure sensors, vacuum (Pirani) pressure sensors, sealed pressure sensors, and strain gauge pressure sensors to sense the pressure inside the capsule, the nitriding chamber, or any pipe or tank; the position of the capsule relative to the capsule connector, such as proximity sensors, flow meters that penetrate any or all pipes or valves or chambers. These sensors have been described above and can be used in any combination or arrangement.

[0116] The control and power system 342 can accept input from a user in the form of switches or sensors, computer commands, in any shape or form, for example, through a user interface 130 as shown in Figure 1B . These inputs can allow selection of device options, such as the type or quantity of a beverage. Indicators can provide feedback to the user in the form of LEDs, audio signals, or graphics to provide information or confirmation to the user.

[0117] The control and power system 342 can supply power to the control system and various electrical devices in the system, such as motors, fans, valves, pumps, and coolers. A dedicated power supply can be provided for the thermoelectric cooler 333, which may require a large amount of continuous power over a wide range of voltages and currents to suit its specific function. To be consistent with the goal of minimizing power consumption, an efficient power supply can be used.

[0118] In some example systems, as described in Figures 5A to 5I , an actuator can be activated to drive a new capsule onto the capsule connector, thereby piercing the capsule and establishing a fluid connection. Optionally, the capsule connector can be driven to partially engage the capsule such that the seal engages the sealing surface on the capsule closure. Figure 6The nitrogen valve 624 therein can be opened by an automatic or computerized command to start pressurizing the space between the capsule connector and the capsule closure. A pressure sensor can monitor the pressure in this space and can be used to detect leaks. When this leak check is complete, the capsule carried by the capsule carrier can be driven downward to then pierce the capsule closure, as described in this document including Figures 5A to 5I as described herein.

[0119] Nitriding system example

[0120] As described above, the described system is configured to inject both a cold water stream and also a jet of gas into the capsule chamber for liquid for gas injection. As Figure 1A shown, the gas reservoir 606 can communicate with the capsule connector 118 for use in the systems and methods described herein.

[0121] Such systems can utilize the presence of substances capable of forming thin films to generate persistent bubbles. These can include lipids (fats), oils, proteins, polypeptides, surfactants, emulsifiers, etc. These substances occur naturally in many beverages or can be added to enable the desired results.

[0122] As described above, there are natural physical limitations on the amount of gas that can dissolve into a liquid and thus be released as bubbles upon depressurization. This limited amount is completely insufficient to achieve the desired nitriding.

[0123] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example nitriding process that can be carried out, for example, within a replaceable capsule of the system described herein. The chamber 400 can include a liquid under pressure. In a first example embodiment, the chamber 400 is formed within a replaceable capsule. In another example embodiment, the chamber 400 is a part of the device configured to create a sealed connection with the capsule to produce a liquid for gas injection as described herein.

[0124] In some examples, the liquid for gas injection can be coffee concentrate or another concentrated beverage. In some examples, the pressure can be, for example, between 30 psi and 80 psi. The chamber 400 can include a liquid inlet 402 and a liquid chamber 404 such that the liquid can flow continuously. The liquid entering the chamber, such as the cold water described above, can be forced into the chamber under pressure to maintain a high internal pressure within the chamber. In some examples, the chamber can be shaped to prevent trapped volumes or vortices and promote turbulence. As shown in the example, the orifice 406 can be connected to a pressurized gas source 408 (e.g., from Figure 1AIn the gas reservoir 606), the pressurized gas source 408 can be arranged to inject a fine jet of gas 410 (such as nitrogen or ambient air) into the liquid in the chamber 400. The orifice 406 can have a very small size: for example but not limited to, the diameter at the gas outlet is 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm. The orifice 406 can be made of a hydrophobic material (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK)) and can have a length (3 mm, 2 mm, etc.) sufficient to resist the entry of the aqueous liquid due to surface tension. The chamber 400 and the jet 410 of pressurized gas bubbles from the orifice 406 can be positioned such that the jet 410 of gas can penetrate completely into the liquid in the chamber 404, so that the jet 410 of gas can be completely entrained into the moving liquid without first impinging on the wall of the chamber 400. The dispenser 416 can include a flow restrictor 412, such as an orifice that can allow a higher pressure to be maintained in the chamber 400 and create a substantially lower pressure in the dispenser 416. The flow restrictor 412 can have a hole or orifice with a size of, for example, 2 mm or 2.5 mm or another size.

[0125] This arrangement can generate very small bubbles using multiple processes. When the gas jet 410 is injected into the pressurized liquid, the jet 410 can be broken up by turbulent conditions (e.g., a Reynolds number exceeding 3500) to generate a continuous stream of bubbles. Turbulence in the chamber 400 can prevent the bubbles from coalescing. The high pressure can promote the dissolution of the bubbles into the liquid concentrate in the chamber 400. This resulting multiphase flow of bubbles in the liquid can then leave the chamber through the flow restrictor 412. The flow through this restrictor 412 can result in a situation of simultaneous decompression, acceleration, increased turbulence, and high liquid shear. This situation can continue to break the bubbles into smaller bubbles and prevent coalescence into large bubbles. The decompression and shear conditions cause the dissolved gas to come out of solution to form new bubbles. The chamber 400 can have a size and shape that contribute to the formation and preservation of ultra-fine bubbles and avoid trapped bubbles. For example, the chamber 400 can have a sufficient length to allow the gas jet 410 to fully develop and break down into bubbles without hitting the chamber wall. This length can be 40 mm or 30 mm or other lengths. Similarly, the width or diameter of the chamber 400 can be wide enough to permit the simultaneous injection of water through the water port 402, the injection of gas through the nitrogen port 406, and the discharge of the gas-injected liquid through the dispensing port 404, without these flow paths interfering with each other.

[0126] For example, chamber 400 may allow water flowing in from water port 402 to enter the capsule chamber 400 and mix with the concentrated liquid in the capsule chamber 400 before leaving discharge port 404, and does not perform a short - circuit to the dispensing port 404. Chamber 400 may have a width or diameter of 20 mm or 25 mm or 30 mm or 35 mm or another size. The shape of this chamber may help generate turbulence and avoid trapped air pockets; for example, the shape may be generally cylindrical with a rounded transition between surfaces. Chamber 400 may also be shaped in a way that allows natural drainage during and after the nitriding process, for example, having a generally conical transition between the main chamber 404 and the lower part of chamber 404. The surface of chamber 400 may generally be smooth to allow the liquid to flow out and give a rinse. In some examples, as discussed, chamber 400 may be a disposable and removable cartridge or capsule.

[0127] This arrangement helps to use ordinary air as the gas to nitride 410 the beverage or liquid concentrate in the capsule or chamber 400. This has the exemplary advantage of an unlimited supply of gas without the need for another supply or additional components or additional waste. This process may also be implemented using pure nitrogen as the gas. This may have the exemplary advantage of eliminating oxygen and its oxidation and generating a protective layer of nitrogen foam on top of the beverage.

[0128] Figure 5A Examples are shown where nitriding occurs in a chamber 400 connected to the capsule (e.g., Figure 1A in 112), and where the beverage concentrate is first combined with water and then forced into the nitriding chamber 400. This is a different example from when mixing occurs within the capsule itself. Instead, in Figure 5A the example, the capsule is only used to supply the concentrated liquid and is not used for mixing as in other example embodiments.

[0129] In Figure 5A the example, a capsule 502 for making a beverage may be filled with a liquid concentrate. A capsule connector 504 is provided to be inserted into the capsule 502, establish a sealed connection with the interior of the capsule, and conduct liquid and gas into and out of the capsule. In the example, the capsule may be oriented such that the port or openable section is at the bottom so that the liquid can drain naturally by gravity. Other capsule embodiments are also possible, such as having fluid connectors at opposite ends of the capsule such that fluid passes through the capsule (not shown).

[0130] As Figure 5AAs shown in, when the capsule is placed in the exemplary device, the capsule connector 504 can penetrate the capsule 502, thereby exposing the liquid concentrate and establishing a seal. The water valve can be opened to expose the capsule to pressurized water 506. The dispensing valve 508 can be opened to allow pressurized cold supply water to flow into the capsule, mix with the beverage concentrate in a separate chamber 404, and flow out through the dispensing valve 508 via a flow restrictor 412. The flow restrictor 412 at the chamber outlet can block this flow and thus maintain a high pressure within the chamber. The nitrogen valve ( Figure 6 624 in) can be opened to allow pressurized air to flow through the nitrogen orifice 406 and into the chamber. This example is configured to produce a jet of fine bubbles 410 in the turbulence within the chamber 400. As described above, further nitridation can occur when this mixture exits the chamber via the flow restrictor. After such nitridation, the beverage can flow into the dispensing faucet 508.

[0131] Figure 5B Shows an example in which nitridation occurs within the beverage concentrate capsule itself rather than in a separate mixing tank as described in Figure 5A In the example of Figure 5B , the capsule 112 can be filled with a liquid concentrate and a relatively large volume of headspace (e.g., purged with an inert gas such as nitrogen). The headspace can be 25% of the total capsule volume, or another amount sufficient to be compressed when pressurized, thus allowing the introduction of nitriding gas. The capsule connectors 510, 612, 116 can be shaped to insert into the capsule 112, establish a liquid seal with the capsule, and conduct liquid and gas into and out of the capsule 112, as described herein.

[0132] The capsule carrier 114 can be shaped to receive the capsule 112 and permit the user to insert and remove the capsule carrier within the entire body of the system for operation. The capsule carrier 114 can be configured to be driven by a mechanism to engage the capsule connector, and the capsule carrier and the mechanism can withstand the hydrostatic force generated by the pressurization of the capsule. In Figure 5B , the capsule 112 is shown as having engaged with the capsule connector 510 and ready for mixing and discharge.

[0133] In some examples, the water valve can be opened to expose the capsule 112 to pressurized water. The dispensing valve 508 can be opened to allow pressurized cold supply water to flow into the capsule, mix with the beverage concentrate, and flow out through the dispensing outlet. Similarly, opening the dispensing valve 508 can allow compressed gas to flow through the nitrogen orifice 406 from an air pressure reservoir via a gas line 408. The flow restrictor 412 can block this flow and thus maintain a high pressure within the capsule. The airflow through the nitrogen orifice 406 can produce a jet of bubbles 410 in the turbulence, and this jet of bubbles 410 exits the capsule via the dispensing port 404 and the flow restrictor 412.

[0134] Figure 5C depicts an example interaction between the capsule 112 and the fluid connector 116. The capsule 112 can be forced against the fluid connector by means of a mechanical mechanism. As shown in the Figure 2B described in the capsule shown, the seal 512 can contact the sealing surface 232 or the sealing surface 233 on the lid portion 204 of the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, the seal 512 can move relative to the capsule connector 116 to allow the seal 512 to form a liquid-tight connection with the capsule before further movement of the capsule. As shown in the capsule described as herein Figure 2B described in, further movement of the capsule relative to the capsule connector can contact and pierce the hatch 216.

[0135] As shown in the capsule Figure 2B described in, the seal 512 can be shaped to contact the edge surface 232 of the lid portion 204 of the capsule. In another embodiment, as shown in the capsule Figure 2B described in, the seal 512 can be shaped to contact the inner surface 233 of the lid portion 204 of the capsule. In either embodiment, the seal 512 can include a funnel-shaped inner surface to allow liquid to be discharged toward the dispensing port of the capsule connector 116.

[0136] Figure 5D shows the main elements of the capsule driving mechanism and the nitriding system. As shown in this example, the capsule 112 can be placed in a capsule carrier 114, which is configured to move, e.g., translate, to connect with the capsule connector 520. This movement can be accomplished by a capsule driving mechanism 414, which is capable of applying a high enough force to engage the capsule 112 with the seal 512 and counteract such forces that may be generated by the internal pressure of the capsule 112. The mechanism 414 can also include sensors to confirm the presence of the capsule 112, the correct position of the capsule 112, and the proper compression of the seal. When the capsule 112 is placed in the device, the capsule 112 can be driven into engagement with the capsule connector 510 by the operation of the driving mechanism 414. The seal 512 can be loaded toward the capsule by a spring and positioned such that the seal engages the sealing surface 232 or 233 on the capsule lid portion (see Figure 2A ) before the protrusion 520 contacts the detachment section of the hatch 216 (see Figure 2A ). As the mechanism 414 continues to drive the capsule 112 into place, the protrusion 520 can break through the hatch 216 (see Figure 2A ), thereby establishing a sealed chamber between the inside of the capsule 112 and the capsule connector 118 and releasing the contents of the capsule, such as liquid concentrate. When subjected to the internal pressure of the capsule 112, the seal 512 can become fully compressed against the body of the capsule connector by a high force sufficient to maintain the liquid seal.

[0137] The drive mechanism 414 can be a gear system that allows for automatic or manual clamping operations to secure the capsule 112 to the sealing device 512 and the capsule connector 118. Thus, due to the high forces inherent in the pressurization of the capsule 112 as described herein and the forces required to pierce the seal (as described such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B etc.), the drive mechanism can include a force multiplier, such as a gear reduction, a lead screw, or a lever, to generate high forces from a compact motor. This can have the advantage of providing a force higher than what a user could reasonably provide in manual operation. An apparatus with a high mechanical advantage can also have the advantage of being non-backdrivable (i.e., it can hold its position and not retreat when subjected to high applied forces such as the hydrostatic forces from a pressurized capsule). The drive mechanism 414 can include relatively high stiffness components so that the components do not deflect when subjected to the hydrostatic pressure of the nitriding system, which could reduce the amount of engagement with the seal on the fluid capsule connector 118. The power mechanism can also have the advantage of allowing sensors to confirm a high clamping force, which can be beneficial for the proper operation of the system. The mechanical drive described can provide high forces and positive engagement of the capsule, but with a high mechanical advantage, it may move at a low speed and require an excessive amount of time to move the capsule into position. Thus, in some embodiments, the movement of the capsule mechanism 414 can include a manually driven portion and a mechanically driven portion of the action, the manually driven portion being actuated by the user at a user-selected speed and time, and the mechanically actuated portion being automatically actuated by the control system 106 according to an encoded algorithm and associated signals. The mechanism 414 can include sensors (such as reflective sensors, optical interrupters, mechanical switches, force sensors, etc.) to detect the presence of the capsule, the position of the capsule within the mechanism, the position of the mechanism components, the force applied by the mechanism, or other parameters of the mechanism 414. This can have the advantage of confirming the proper placement of the capsule, the proper operation of the mechanism 414, and the readiness of the system for dispensing operations.

[0138] Figures 5E to 5H An example sequence of another angle of a cross-sectional image is illustrated, depicting the interaction of the capsule 112 and the capsule connector 520 to dispense the gas-injected liquid when the capsule 112 and the capsule connector 520 can be engaged by the action of the mechanism 414 to form a chamber capable of being pressurized to mix gas and liquid as described.

[0139] When the capsule 112 is first inserted into the device by a user, for example, the capsule 112 can be held by the capsule carrier 114 and driven by the mechanism 414 (from Figure 5D)。In some embodiments, the initial insertion of the capsule 112 (e.g., by a user) can be in a lateral direction perpendicular to the axis of the capsule such that the inserted capsule can thereafter be constrained to move in the axial direction relative to the capsule carrier 114. In some embodiments, the mechanism can move in a linear direction parallel to the axis of the capsule 112.

[0140] The drive mechanism (from Figure 5D 414) can have both or either of the manual actuation motion and the mechanical drive motion as described above. This can allow the user to unobstructedly insert the capsule into, for example, the capsule carrier and move the capsule carrier into tight engagement with the capsule connector.

[0141] As mentioned above, the axisymmetric form of a cylinder such as a cartridge has the advantage that no specific orientation is required when inserting into the dispensing device. When driven together, any orientation of the capsule relative to the connector can be arranged such that the user does not have to worry about rotating the capsule to be properly aligned. Because Figures 2A to 2B the force concentrator 224 in Figure 5C and Figures 5E to 5H provides a surface that can contact and interact with the capsule connector and bounce off or otherwise unseal the cartridge during operation as described above, any angle of the hinge and the force concentrator will still work in the operation of the connector as shown in

[0142] As Figure 5E shown in Figure 5F the capsule 112 has been positioned in the capsule carrier 114 and this combination reaches close proximity to the capsule connector 520 before the hatch is ruptured or opened by the connector. Further, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B the capsule 112 has been driven or moved until contact is made between the sealing surface of the capsule (e.g., surface 232 or 233 in

[0143] etc.) and the seal 512 on the capsule connector before the capsule is ruptured or opened. The seal 512 can be in a spring-loaded connection with the fixed part of the capsule connector while the protrusion 520 remains stationary. Figure 5G In Figure 5H the capsule can continue to be driven into contact with the capsule connector when the protrusion 520 can contact the raised section 224 of the lid portion 204 of the capsule 112. In Figure 2A and Figure 2Betc.), thereby exposing the liquid contents of the capsule and creating a sealed chamber between the capsule 112 and the fluid capsule connector 118. The movement of the capsule 112 held by the capsule carrier and driven by the mechanism 414 can cause the spring-loaded seal to contact a hard stop on the fixed portion of the capsule connector. Then, a small amount of subsequent movement of the capsule can compress the seal, thereby forming a very tight seal against the sealing surface of the capsule. In some examples, the capsule is driven onto the capsule connector as described, but in other examples, the capsule can remain stationary and the capsule connector can move to pierce the lid and create a mixing chamber as described.

[0144] Figure 5I An example isometric view of a portion of a fluid capsule connector without a capsule is shown. The water inlet port 406, the gas inlet port 402, and the dispensing port 404 can be seen arranged on the protrusion 520 of the capsule connector in a manner consistent with the desired mixing of beverage concentrate, water, and gas as described herein. The connections to the fluid lines 408 and 506 can be seen at the other end of the capsule connector.

[0145] Figure 5J An example dispensing faucet is depicted that can be used in a system as depicted herein to further condition the beverage and direct it into a beverage container. The gas-injected beverage generated as described in the mixing chamber can contain undesirable cavitation and / or dispense in an irregular manner. Since the established goal is to maximize the fine structure of the suspended bubbles and the resulting foam layer on the beverage, it is desirable to prevent flow degradation during final dispensing. The dispensing faucet can perform this function while directing the fluid from the dispensing port 404 of the capsule connector 118 into the drinking container 122.

[0146] The dispensing faucet 120 can include a nozzle 125 into which a restrictor plate 127 can be fitted. This restrictor plate 127 can accommodate one or more orifices configured to allow the flow of a gas-injected beverage including the fine bubbles described herein, block or delay the passage of large bubbles or cavitation (e.g., greater than 0.5 mm in size), and create a final condition of liquid shear that can break up the larger bubbles and thus generate finer bubbles. The dispensing faucet 120 can also include a flow regulator 126 that can be used to mitigate fluctuations in flow rate and thus prevent interference with the dispensed beverage and the foam thereon.

[0147] Fluid system example

[0148] As described above, the dilution and carbonation of the desired liquid concentrate can use a water and pressurized gas flow introduced into the mixing chamber to generate a gas-injected liquid beverage under controlled flow rate and pressure conditions.

[0149] Figure 6 Shows the components of an exemplary fluid system 600 arranged to provide these conditions as described herein. As previously discussed, the cold reservoir 616 can provide a supply of chilled water. Water can be drawn from this reservoir and into a metering chamber 604 of a specific volume. This can have the advantage of directly measuring an appropriate volume of water with which to dilute a liquid beverage concentrate to produce a specific dispensed beverage.

[0150] Controlling water flow, measurement, and pressure simultaneously is inherently difficult. As an example solution, a pneumatic reservoir 606 can be used to pump the previously metered water in the metering chamber 604. This has the further advantage of using a single air pump for multiple purposes. An air pump 608 and a valve 610 can be used to pressurize this air reservoir 606 until it reaches the desired operating pressure. When the system is requested to dispense a beverage, the air valve 610 can be opened and the water valve 612 can be opened, at which time the pressurized air can drive the previously measured portion of water out of the metering chamber 604 through the capsule connector during the dispensing operation. This has the further advantage of purging residual water in the fluid system at the end of the dispensing operation. During the dispensing operation, the pressure in the combined air chamber and water chamber can naturally decrease, but the initial high pressure of the air reservoir can be selected according to the needs of the dispensing and nitrogenation systems to provide suitable start and end pressures.

[0151] A warm water or room temperature water reservoir 602 containing ambient temperature water can be pumped into the cold reservoir 616 via a pump 618. A second pump 620 can pump water from the reservoir 616 to the metering chamber 604. This transfer flow can be via a three-way valve 622. As described above, the pump 620 in combination with the valve 622 can also be used to recirculate the chilled water within the cold reservoir 616. In addition, a gas such as nitrogen can flow via a valve 624 to the gas inlet port 406. The dispensing port 508 can output the output liquid to the dispensing faucet 120.

[0152] When a specific type of beverage is to be dispensed, a measured volume of water can be drawn from the cold reservoir 616 and pumped into the metering chamber 604. This can have the exemplary advantages of dispensing a controlled volume suitable for the desired beverage preparation and isolating the remainder of the cold reservoir from the dispensing process. The portion of water can be measured by flow control of the water pump, by a sensor configured to detect any number of selectable volumes, or by the fixed capacity of the chamber 604, or by another method.

[0153] When the measured volume of water has moved into the metering chamber, the air pump 608 can be activated and the air valve 610 closed to pressurize the reservoir 606.

[0154] After the capsule ruptures, the water valve 612 can open to connect the air reservoir to the measurement chamber. Since the measurement chamber is pressurized, water can be forced through the capsule connector 118 and into the capsule. The nitrogen valve 624 can also open to allow pressurized gas to flow through the nitrogen jet orifice. The dispensing valve can also open to permit flow through the capsule connector and through the flow restrictor. As described above, the flow restrictor 412 can have the primary function of impeding flow and thus maintaining an elevated pressure in the capsule, for example, by having an orifice or opening smaller than the chamber. This flow restrictor 412 can have the exemplary advantage of maintaining a high local pressure in the liquid into which gas, such as nitrogen, is injected by a jet of the gas. In an example where the dispensing valve is open, the beverage can flow through the flow restrictor at high pressure and high speed. If a nitrogenated beverage is selected, the flow through the flow restrictor can result in high turbulence and high shear conditions that can create additional bubbles and shear existing bubbles into smaller bubbles.

[0155] Then, under the action of the remaining system pressure and gravity, the beverage can continue to flow through the flow restrictor 412 and thus continue to flow out of the dispensing faucet 120. This flow will continue at the trapping pressure of the air reservoir until all the water in the measurement chamber is drained.

[0156] When water and gas are forced into the capsule 112, they can both combine with the liquid concentrate and drive the resulting mixture out through the dispensing port 404 in Figure 5I . As fresh water continues to enter the capsule, the concentration of the capsule contents may continuously decrease. When the last measured water enters the capsule, the liquid concentrate may have been mostly washed away, leaving only a faint residue. Pressurized air can continue to flow into the capsule through both the water inlet port and the nitrogen jet orifice and can flow out relatively unimpeded through the flow restrictor and the dispensing faucet 120. This has the advantage of purging the fluid components of the residual liquid and reducing the likelihood of residual flavor buildup, blockage, or transfer to subsequent beverages.

[0157] After a specified time of purging first with water and then with gas, the dispensing valve 120 can close, thus terminating the dispensing process and preventing any further discharge into the container. In an example, the dispensing valve can divert the residual flow into an alternative discharge path for treatment.

[0158] At this point, dispensing can be considered complete. The water valve 612 and the nitrogen valve 624 can close to release the pressure on the measurement chamber. When the pressure is released, the capsule connector mechanism can be activated to disconnect from the capsule (disengage the capsule connector and seal). The capsule can now be removed from the system.

[0159] A portion of the cold water has been withdrawn from the cold reservoir, and the valve and / or pump 618 can be activated to transfer water from the warm reservoir 602 to the cold reservoir 616. As described above, a control system incorporating temperature and water level sensors can command the cooling system to cool the contents of the cold reservoir to the desired temperature.

[0160] The pump 620 can be combined with a valve 622 that can permit the cold water to recirculate through the cold box 616. This can have the advantage of mixing the cooled water and preventing overcooling and the possible freezing of the water in contact with the cooling element.

[0161] In another example dispensing operation, either alone or in combination, when a non-nitrogenated beverage is desired and a suitable user selection has been made, the above process can be repeated except that the nitrogenated air input is omitted. In this still beverage mode, the nitrogen valve 624 will remain closed during the dispensing operation. The cooled water will be measured and forced through the capsule in the same manner as described above. This non-nitrogenated beverage can also be dispensed under reduced pressure to reduce turbulence and entrainment of air and thus minimize the formation of foam.

[0162] In yet another example dispensing operation, beverages of different concentrations can be dispensed. In this mode, different volumes of cooled water can be measured into the measuring chamber 604 and then the dispensing operation can proceed as above. Any kind of concentrate can be used in the systems and methods described herein, so that the examples of nitrogen fixation and coffee described are not intended to be limiting.

[0163] Examples of Computers and Computer Networks

[0164] In the example systems described herein, various computing components can be used to operate the system, including turning on and off components such as pumps and compressors, opening valves, and dispensing beverages. These can be done by automated components that communicate with computer components to send and receive messages to the automated components. In some examples, alternatively or additionally, the system can be networked via a communication system such as, but not limited to, a WiFi system / cellular system / Bluetooth system or any other communication system, where an appropriate antenna system and the processors and memories described herein can be used on the sub-components. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the hardware can include a single integrated circuit that houses processor cores, memory, and programmable input / output peripherals.

[0165] Figure 7 An example networking system that can be used in the systems and methods herein is shown. In Figure 7Among them, the computer system 702 described herein includes processing any images from various sensors, including a camera that captures images of a beverage cup or capsule or a dispensing component portion. Such image data may include pixel data of the captured images. The computer 702 can be any number of various computers, such as those included in the camera itself, an automatic valve, a pump, a system, a short-range sensor system, and / or any other computer arrangement including those examples described Figure 8 in those examples described.

[0166] As Figure 7 shown, various computing systems can communicate with a backend computing system 730 and / or a data storage device 732 to send and receive data as described herein. For example, as Figure 7 shown, the captured image data can be transmitted to the backend computer system 730 and the associated data storage device 732 for storage and analysis. In some examples, the communication can be a wireless transmission 710 via radio, cellular, or WiFi transmission with relevant routers and hubs. In some examples, the transmission can be carried out through a wired connection 712.

[0167] In some examples, the transmission of data can include transmission over a network such as the Internet 720 to a remote operator, a backend server computer 730, and the associated data storage device 732.

[0168] Figure 8 An example computing device 800 that can be used to practice the example embodiments described herein is shown. Figure 8 Computers such as 702, 730 can be described or other systems such as Figure 7 described in those examples. In Figure 8Among them, the computing device can be a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server computer, or any other type of computing device. This example shows a processor CPU 810, which can be any number of processors that communicate via a bus 812 or communicate with a user interface 814. The user interface 814 can include any number of display devices 818, such as a screen. The user interface also includes input components, such as a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a pointer, a button, a joystick, or other input devices. Also included is a network interface 820, which can be used to interface with any wireless or wired network to transmit and receive data. For example, such an interface can allow a smart phone to interface with a cellular network and / or a WiFi network and thus connect to the Internet. The example computing device 800 also shows a peripheral device 824, which can include any number of other additional features, such as but not limited to a camera, a sensor 825, and / or an antenna 826 for wireless communication, such as via cellular, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, infrared, or any combination of these or other wireless communications. The computing device 800 also includes a memory 822, which includes any number of operations that can be executed by the processor 810. Figure 8 The memory in it shows an operating system 832, a network communication module 834, instructions 838 for other tasks such as sending / receiving message data 840 and / or an SMS text message application 842, and applications 838. A data storage device 858 is also included in this example. Such data storage can include a data table 860, a transaction log 862, user data 864, and / or encrypted data 870. The computing device 800 also includes one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) for the purpose of accelerating computationally intensive tasks in hardware, such as executing and / or evaluating a neural network engine and operating on the collected multimodal images with an enhanced image development algorithm. For the purpose of hardware acceleration of computationally intensive tasks, the computing device 800 can also include one or more reconfigurable hardware elements, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0169] Conclusion

[0170] As invented herein, features in accordance with the present invention can be implemented by computer hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms including, for example, a data processor such as a computer that further includes a database, digital electronic circuitry, firmware, software, a computer network, a server, or a combination thereof. Additionally, although some of the disclosed implementations describe specific hardware components, the systems and methods consistent with the innovations herein can be implemented with any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Moreover, the above-described features and other aspects and principles of the innovations herein can be implemented in a variety of environments. Such environments and associated applications can be specifically constructed to perform various routines, processes, and / or operations in accordance with the present invention, or such environments and associated applications can include a general-purpose computer or computing platform selectively activated or reconfigured by code to provide the necessary functionality. The processes disclosed herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, network, architecture, environment, or other apparatus, and can be implemented with a suitable combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, various general-purpose machines can be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, or it may be more convenient to construct a special-purpose device or system to perform the required methods and techniques.

[0171] Aspects of the methods and systems described herein, such as logic, can be implemented as functions programmed into any of a variety of circuits, including programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), such as field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), programmable array logic (“PAL”) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices, standard cell-based devices, and application specific integrated circuits. Some other possibilities for implementing aspects include: memory devices, microcontrollers with memory (such as 1PROM), embedded microprocessors, graphics processing units (GPUs), firmware, software, and the like. Additionally, aspects can be implemented in a microprocessor having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinational), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Underlying device technologies can be provided in a variety of component types, for example, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (“MOSFET”) technology, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”), bipolar technology, such as emitter coupled logic (“ECL”), polymer technology (e.g., silicon conjugated polymers and metal conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, and the like.

[0172] It should also be noted that, depending on their behavior, register transfers, logic components, and / or other characteristics, the various logics and / or functions disclosed herein can be enabled using hardware, firmware, and / or any number of combinations of data and / or instructions implemented in various machine-readable or computer-readable media. Computer-readable media that can implement such formatted data and / or instructions include, but are not limited to, various forms of non-volatile storage media (e.g., optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that can be used to transmit such formatted data and / or instructions via wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examples of transmitting such formatted data and / or instructions via carrier waves include, but are not limited to, transmission (uploading, downloading, emailing, etc.) over the Internet and / or other computer networks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.).

[0173] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural shall also correspondingly include the plural or singular. Additionally, the words "herein", "hereinafter", "above", "below", and words of similar import refer to the application as a whole and not to any particular part of the application. When the word "or" is used to refer to a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0174] Although certain presently preferred implementations of the present invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that various changes and modifications can be made to the various implementations shown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the scope required by the applicable laws and regulations.

[0175] For purposes of illustration, the foregoing description has been made with reference to specific embodiments. However, the foregoing illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. For purposes of illustration, the foregoing description has been made with reference to specific embodiments. However, the foregoing illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated etc.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: A cold water tank; A cooling system configured to cool an input quantity of water and maintain the temperature of the cold water held in the cold water tank; A gas reservoir configured to contain a quantity of pressurized gas; And A fluid capsule connector configured to generate gas-injected liquid, the fluid capsule connector comprising: A capsule connector configured to connect to a capsule and establish a pressurized chamber removably connected to the capsule connector in the cavity of the capsule; A liquid inlet port connected to the capsule connector and configured to provide a cold water stream from the cold water tank and generate turbulent conditions in the pressurized chamber; and A gas inlet port connected to the gas reservoir and configured to provide a jet of the gas and introduce a stream of fine bubbles into the pressurized chamber, wherein the gas-injected liquid is formed by mixing a liquid concentrate from the capsule with the cold water and the gas in the pressurized chamber; A dispensing port configured to direct a stream of the gas-injected liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An input reservoir accessible from outside the apparatus and configured to receive input water; A pump configured to pump the input water from the input reservoir to the cold water tank, wherein the cold water tank is insulated with insulating material; One or more temperature sensors disposed in the cold water tank; One or more level sensors disposed in the cold water tank; And A heat exchange component extending within the cold water tank and configured to transfer heat from the cold side to the hot side of the heat exchange component.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The heat exchange component includes two thermoelectric coolers arranged adjacent to each other.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The capsule connector includes a protrusion extending from the capsule connector to rupture an ejection element in the capsule and form the pressurized chamber between the fluid capsule connector and the cavity formed in the capsule.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An air valve disposed adjacent to the gas reservoir; And A water valve disposed between the gas reservoir and the cold water tank, wherein during dispensing, the air valve is closed and the water valve is opened to drive a pressurized mixture of gas and cold water into the pressurized chamber via a liquid inlet valve.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The gas includes nitrogen.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid capsule connector further includes a flow restrictor disposed adjacent to the dispensing port, the flow restrictor controlling the flow of the gas-injected liquid entering the dispensing port.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein The capsule includes: A body including a cavity and the liquid concentrate in the cavity; and A lid portion including a hatch, wherein an ejection element is disposed on the outer surface of the lid portion.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The lid portion is fixed to the body using a crimping ring formed around the lid portion.

10. A capsule configured to store a liquid concentrate and generate a gas-injected liquid when connected to a fluid capsule connector that provides water and gas, the capsule comprising: A body having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein a cavity is formed in the body, and wherein the liquid concentrate is disposed in the cavity; and A cap portion formed around a flange disposed around an end of the body, the flange forming a surface providing a sealing surface, wherein a hatch is disposed on an outer surface of the cap portion, the hatch including an ejection element that extends at least partially from the outer surface of the cap portion and is configured to rupture due to the force of the fluid capsule connector and allow the liquid concentrate to mix with water and gas to generate a gas-injected liquid.

11. The capsule according to claim 10, wherein, A neck portion is disposed between the cap portion and the end of the body, the neck portion including a width that decreases toward the cap portion.

12. The capsule according to claim 10, wherein, The cap portion is secured to the body using a crimp ring formed around the cap portion or by seam forming operations.

13. The capsule according to claim 10, wherein, The hatch includes a height that increases angularly across the length of the hatch.

14. A system comprising: A capsule that houses a liquid concentrate, the capsule comprising: A body including a cavity and the liquid concentrate in the cavity; and A cap portion including a hatch, wherein an ejection element is disposed on an outer surface of the cap portion; and An apparatus for generating a gas-injected liquid, the apparatus comprising: A cold water tank; A cooling system configured to cool an input quantity of water and maintain the temperature of the cold water held in the cold water tank; A gas reservoir that houses a quantity of gas; and A fluid capsule connector configured to generate a gas-injected liquid, the fluid capsule connector comprising: A capsule connector configured to connect to the capsule and establish a pressurized chamber in the cavity of the capsule; A liquid inlet valve connected to the capsule connector and configured to supply a cold water stream from the cold water tank and the gas from the reservoir to the pressurized chamber, wherein a gas-injected liquid is formed by mixing the liquid concentrate from the capsule with the cold water and the gas in the pressurized chamber; A distribution port configured to direct a stream of the gas-injected liquid from the pressurized chamber to a dispensing faucet.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: An input reservoir accessible from outside of the apparatus and configured to receive input water; A pump configured to pump the input water from the input reservoir to the cold water tank, wherein the cold water tank is insulated with insulation material; One or more temperature sensors disposed in the cold water tank; and A heat exchange component extending within the cold water tank, wherein the heat exchange component is configured to receive one or more thermoelectric coolers configured to transfer heat from a cold side of the heat exchange component to a hot side.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein The heat exchange component includes two thermoelectric coolers arranged adjacent to each other.

17. The system according to claim 14, wherein The capsule connector extends from the capsule connector to rupture the ejection element in the capsule and form the pressurized chamber between the fluid capsule connector and the cavity formed in the capsule.

18. The system according to claim 14, further comprising: An air valve disposed adjacent to the gas reservoir; And A water valve disposed between the gas reservoir and the cold water tank, wherein, during dispensing, the air valve is closed and the water valve is opened to drive a pressurized mixture of gas and cold water into the pressurized chamber via the liquid inlet valve.

19. The system according to claim 14, wherein The gas includes nitrogen.

20. The system according to claim 14, wherein The fluid capsule connector further includes a flow restrictor disposed adjacent to the dispensing port, and the flow restrictor controls the flow of the liquid injected with gas entering the dispensing port.

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