Beverage carbonation system

Abstract

Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods for a beverage carbonation system are provided. Generally, the carbonation system is configured to form a carbonation fluid and to dispense the carbonation fluid into a container, such as a bottle, cup, or other container. A carbonation system is one example of a processing system to which the systems, devices, and methods described herein apply.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 120, to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 099,690, filed on January 20, 2023, entitled “Venting a Chamber in a Beverage Carbonation System,” U.S. patent application No. 18 / 099,702, filed on January 20, 2023, entitled “Determining the Amount of Carbon Dioxide in a Gas Source in a Carbonation System,” and U.S. patent application No. 18 / 099,712, filed on January 20, 2023, entitled “Selectively Releasing Carbon Dioxide from a Gas Source in a Carbonation System,” the entire contents of each of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to beverage carbonation systems. Background Art

[0005] Various beverage carbonation systems can be used to dispense carbonated beverages, such as carbonated water. In some cases, the carbonated water can be flavored. Such beverage carbonation systems can be used by consumers in various locations, such as homes or offices, to carbonate liquids and dispense the carbonated fluid into containers as needed.

[0006] Beverage carbonation systems can provide carbonated fluids by mixing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas with water in a mixing chamber to dissolve the CO2 in the water. Dissolution occurs at significantly increased pressure to achieve a desired dissolved CO2 concentration. Thereafter, the carbonated fluid leaves the mixing chamber to be distributed to users. However, when the carbonated fluid begins to be distributed, the pressure in the mixing chamber cannot be too high, otherwise the pressure in the mixing chamber will cause the carbonated fluid to leave the mixing chamber at too high a rate, causing the carbonated fluid to spray out of the carbonation system and cause a messy splash and / or causing at least some of the carbonated fluid to not be distributed cleanly into the container.

[0007] CO2 can be supplied to the mixing chamber from a pressurized CO2 tank that is removably connected to the carbonation system. Each time a carbonated fluid is formed, CO2 is supplied from the tank to the mixing chamber, and thus the amount of CO2 in the tank decreases. At some point, the tank must be replaced so that a sufficient amount of CO2 is available to form a carbonated beverage with a satisfactory amount of carbonation. However, it is difficult for a user to know when the CO2 level of the tank is low because the CO2 tank used for the carbonation system typically does not include any indication of the current amount of CO2 contained therein. Some systems include a flow meter or weighing device to determine the CO2 level, but flow meters and weighing devices are relatively expensive components and therefore increase the cost of the system, as well as components that take up valuable space in the carbonation system. Therefore, a user may not know when to order a new CO2 tank to be ready for use and / or when to replace the CO2 tank currently connected to the carbonation system.

[0008] Additionally, for each carbonated fluid to be formed, only a certain amount of CO2 is supplied from the tank to the mixing chamber. Therefore, the tank only needs to be opened at certain times to release CO2 therefrom, such as when CO2 is being supplied to the mixing chamber to form the carbonated fluid. However, the CO2 contained in the tank is under high pressure. Therefore, if the tank were always open to allow CO2 to escape from the tank when needed, there is a risk that the high pressure from the CO2 tank could be inadvertently introduced into the carbonation system, potentially seriously damaging the system.

[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for carbonation systems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Generally, systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for beverage carbonation systems.

[0011] In one aspect, a system is provided, which in one embodiment includes: a chamber configured to receive a liquid and a pressurized gas therein, the liquid and the pressurized gas mixing together in the chamber to form a processed fluid; one or more vents operably connected to the chamber and configured to move from a closed position to an open position to allow pressure in the chamber to be released through the one or more vents; and a processor configured to control movement of the one or more vents between the closed position and the open position such that the release of pressure occurs during a first vent period, during which flow through the one or more vents is restricted, and then the release of pressure occurs during a second vent period, during which flow through the one or more vents is not restricted.

[0012] The system can have any number of variations. For example, the one or more drain ports can include a first drain port and a second drain port. Furthermore, the system can include a flow restrictor configured to be in fluid communication with the first drain port and not in fluid communication with the second drain port; and / or draining of the chamber can occur through only one of the first and second drain ports at a time. Furthermore, the processor can be configured to control movement of the first and second drain ports such that, during a first drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the first drain port and the flow restrictor, and, during a second drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the second drain port; and / or the flow restrictor can include tubing having a smaller diameter than tubing in fluid communication with the second drain port. Furthermore, during the first drain period, draining of the chamber cannot occur through the second drain port, and during the second drain period, draining of the chamber cannot occur through either the first drain port or the flow restrictor.

[0013] For another example, the one or more discharge ports may include a single discharge port. In addition, the processor may be configured to control the movement of the single discharge port so that in the first discharge period, the single discharge port is repeatedly opened and closed, and in the second discharge period, the single discharge port remains continuously open.

[0014] As another example, venting may occur after the processed fluid has been formed in the chamber.

[0015] As another example, the system may further include a liquid source configured to supply a liquid to the chamber, and a gas source configured to supply a gas to the chamber.

[0016] By further example, the gas may be carbon dioxide and the treated fluid may be a carbonated fluid.

[0017] In another embodiment, a system includes a processor configured to: determine an amount of pressurized CO2 released from a CO2 source for use by a carbonation system in forming a single carbonated fluid; determine a current total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source based at least in part on the determined amount of pressurized CO2; and cause a notification to be provided to a user of the carbonation system indicating the current total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source.

[0018] The system can have any number of variations. For example, determining the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source can include using a lookup table, and the lookup table can relate the amount of CO2 released to at least one of the carbonated fluid carbonation level, the carbonated fluid volume, the liquid temperature, and the duration of the supply of CO2.

[0019] For another example, determining the total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source may include one of: subtracting the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source from the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before the amount of pressurized CO2 was released, and adding the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source to the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before the amount of pressurized CO2 was released.

[0020] For another example, the processor may be configured to determine whether the determined total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source is less than a threshold amount, and the processor may be configured to provide a notification only when the determined total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source is less than the threshold amount. Furthermore, the threshold amount may correspond to an amount of CO2 remaining in the CO2 source, wherein the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system degrades after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system using CO2 from the CO2 source, and / or the threshold amount may be based on a remaining amount of carbonated fluid that the carbonation system can form using CO2 from the CO2 source. Furthermore, the remaining amount may be based on at least one of a volume of carbonated fluid, a carbonation level of the carbonated fluid, a temperature of the liquid mixed with the gas, and a duration of the supply of CO2.

[0021] As another example, notifications may be configured to be provided to the user continuously.

[0022] As another example, the notification may include at least one of a visual notification and an audible notification.

[0023] Further for example, a notification may be provided to the user via at least one of a user interface of the carbonation system and a user interface of the external device.

[0024] For another example, the processor can be configured to determine the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source in response to receiving a signal indicating the start of a process by the carbonation system to form a single carbonated fluid. Additionally, the processor can be configured to determine the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source before the pressurized CO2 is released from the CO2 source or after the pressurized CO2 has been released from the CO2 source.

[0025] As another example, the system may include a CO 2 source containing pressurized CO 2 therein.

[0026] In another embodiment, a system includes a CO2 source that contains pressurized CO2 therein and includes a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position. The pressurization applies a force to the pin toward the first position. The system also includes a motor and a cam, the cam being configured to be driven by the motor to move in a first direction relative to the CO2 source, thereby moving the pin from the first position to the second position. The cam is also configured to be driven by the motor to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the CO2 source, thereby moving the pin from the second position to the first position. The pin being in the first position corresponds to the CO2 source being closed, so that the CO2 contained in the CO2 source cannot be released from the CO2 source, the pin being in the second position corresponds to the CO2 source being open, so that the CO2 contained in the CO2 source can be released from the CO2 source, and the CO2 released from the CO2 source being configured to be used by the carbonation system to form a carbonated fluid.

[0027] The system can be varied in any number of ways. For example, the pin can be configured so that during movement of the cam relative to the CO2 source, the top surface of the pin slides along the cam.

[0028] As another example, the cam may have a tapered shape in which a first end of the cam is wider than a second end of the cam, and the pin in the first position may engage the first end of the cam and the pin in the second position may engage the second end of the cam.

[0029] For another example, the cam may be formed in a drive member operatively coupled to the motor. In addition, the system may further comprise a gear train operatively coupling the motor and the drive member, and the cam may be configured to be driven by the motor driving the gear train.

[0030] As a further example, the system may also include a processor operably connected to the motor, the processor may be configured to transmit a first control signal to the motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive the cam to move in a first direction, and the processor may be configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive the cam to move in a second direction. In addition, the processor may be configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor a predetermined amount of time after the processor has transmitted the first control signal to the motor; the processor may be configured to receive a signal indicating the start of a process of forming a carbonated fluid, and the processor may be configured to transmit the first control signal to the motor in response to receiving the signal indicating the start of a process of forming a carbonated fluid; and / or the system may further include a first switch operably coupled to the processor, the system may further include a second switch operably coupled to the processor, the system may further include a gear configured to be driven by the motor to move between a first position and a second position, in the first position the gear engages the first switch and does not engage the second switch, and in the second position the gear engages the second switch and does not engage the first switch, the gear becoming engaged with the first switch may be configured to cause the processor to transmit the first control signal, and the gear becoming engaged with the second switch may be configured to cause the processor to transmit the second control signal. In addition, the processor may receive a signal from a user interface of the carbonation system, or the processor may receive a signal from an external device.

[0031] As another example, the system may further include a liquid source containing liquid therein, and a mixing chamber in which the carbonation system is configured to mix the liquid from the liquid source and the CO2 from the CO2 source to form a carbonated fluid.

[0032] In another embodiment, a system includes a motor. The system also includes a CO2 source that contains pressurized CO2 therein and is configured to move from a closed state, where CO2 cannot be released from the CO2 source, to an open state, where CO2 can be released from the CO2 source and used to form a carbonated fluid. The system also includes: a drive member operably coupled to the motor and the CO2 source; and a processor configured to transmit a first control signal to the motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive the drive member to rotate in a first direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from closed to open, and the processor configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive the drive member to rotate in an opposite second direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from open to closed.

[0033] The system can have any number of variations. For example, the CO2 source can include a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position, pressurized CO2 contained in the CO2 source can force the pin toward the first position, the CO2 source can be closed with the pin in the first position, the CO2 source can be opened with the pin in the second position, a drive member rotating in a first direction can push the pin to force the pin to move from the first position to the second position, and a drive member rotating in a second direction can allow the pin to automatically move from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, the drive member can include a cam that engages with the pin, and rotation of the drive member can be configured to cause the top surface of the pin to slide along the cam. Furthermore, the cam can have a tapered shape in which a first end of the cam is wider than a second end of the cam, the pin in the first position can engage the first end of the cam, and the pin in the second position can engage the second end of the cam.

[0034] As another example, the system may further include a gear train operably coupling the motor and the drive member, and the drive member may be configured to be rotated by the motor driving the gear train.

[0035] For further example, the processor may be configured to receive a signal indicating the start of a process to form a carbonated fluid, and the processor may be configured to transmit a first control signal to the motor in response to receiving the signal indicating the start of a process to form a carbonated fluid. Furthermore, the processor may receive the signal from a user interface of the carbonation system, or the processor may receive the signal from an external device.

[0036] For another example, the system may further include a first switch operably connected to the processor, the system may further include a second switch operably connected to the processor, and the system may further include a gear configured to be driven by a motor to move between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the gear is engaged with the first switch and not engaged with the second switch, in the second position, the gear is engaged with the second switch and not engaged with the first switch, the gear that becomes engaged with the first switch may be configured to cause the processor to transmit a first control signal, and the gear that becomes engaged with the second switch may be configured to cause the processor to transmit a second control signal.

[0037] By further example, the system may include a liquid source containing a liquid therein, and a mixing chamber in which the carbonation system is configured to mix the liquid from the liquid source and the CO 2 from the CO 2 source to form a carbonated fluid.

[0038] In another aspect, a method is provided, which in one embodiment includes forming a treated fluid in a chamber by mixing a liquid and a gas together under pressure, and after forming the treated fluid, controlling, using a processor, movement of one or more exhaust ports between a closed position and an open position such that pressure release in the chamber occurs during a first exhaust period, during which flow through the one or more exhaust ports is restricted, and then pressure release in the chamber occurs during a second exhaust period, during which flow through the one or more exhaust ports is not restricted.

[0039] This method can have any number of variations. For example, the one or more drain ports can include a first drain port and a second drain port. Furthermore, the restrictor can be in fluid communication with the first drain port and not in fluid communication with the second drain port, and / or draining of the chamber can occur through only one of the first and second drain ports at a time. Furthermore, the processor can control the movement of the first and second drain ports such that, during a first drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the first drain port and the restrictor, and, during a second drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the second drain port; and / or the restrictor can include tubing having a smaller diameter than tubing in fluid communication with the second drain port. Furthermore, during the first drain period, draining of the chamber cannot occur through the second drain port, and during the second drain period, draining of the chamber cannot occur through either the first drain port or the restrictor.

[0040] For another example, the one or more discharge ports may include a single discharge port. In addition, the processor may control the movement of the single discharge port so that in the first discharge period, the single discharge port is repeatedly opened and closed, and in the second discharge period, the single discharge port remains continuously open.

[0041] As another example, forming the processed fluid may include agitating the liquid and pressurized gas using an agitator that rotates within the chamber.

[0042] As a further example, the method may further include supplying a liquid from a liquid source to the chamber, and supplying a gas from a gas source to the chamber.

[0043] As another example, the gas may be carbon dioxide and the treated fluid may be a carbonated fluid.

[0044] In another embodiment, a method includes forming a treated fluid in a chamber by mixing a liquid and a gas together under pressure; and after forming the treated fluid, controlling, using a processor, exhausting pressure from the chamber such that, after a predetermined period of time has passed since the liquid and the gas were mixed together, exhausting the chamber begins at a first pressure release rate in a first exhaust period, and thereafter, exhausting the chamber at a second, higher pressure release rate in a second exhaust period.

[0045] The method can be varied in any number of ways. For example, the processor that controls pressure venting can include a processor that controls the opening and closing of at least one vent through which pressure is released from the chamber. In some embodiments, the at least one vent can include a first vent and a second vent. Furthermore, a restrictor can be in fluid communication with the first vent and not with the second vent, and / or pressure can be vented from the chamber through only one of the first and second vents at a time. Furthermore, the processor can control the movement of the first and second vents such that, during a first venting period, venting of the chamber occurs through the first vent and the restrictor, and during a second venting period, venting of the chamber occurs through the second vent; and / or the restrictor can include tubing having a smaller diameter than tubing in fluid communication with the second vent. Furthermore, during the first venting period, venting of the chamber cannot occur through the second vent, and during the second venting period, venting of the chamber cannot occur through either the first vent or the restrictor. In some embodiments, the at least one vent can include a single vent. Furthermore, the processor may control opening and closing of the single discharge port such that in the first discharge period, the single discharge port is repeatedly opened and closed, and in the second discharge period, the single discharge port remains continuously opened.

[0046] As another example, forming the processed fluid may include agitating the liquid and pressurized gas using an agitator that rotates within the chamber.

[0047] As a further example, the method may further include supplying a liquid from a liquid source to the chamber, and supplying a gas from a gas source to the chamber.

[0048] As another example, the gas may be carbon dioxide and the treated fluid may be a carbonated fluid.

[0049] In another embodiment, a method includes determining, using a processor of a carbonation system, an amount of pressurized CO2 supplied from a CO2 source to a mixing chamber of the carbonation system to form a single carbonated fluid. The method also includes determining, using the processor, a total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source after the amount of pressurized CO2 has been supplied. The method also includes providing, using the processor, a notification to a user of the carbonation system indicating the total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source.

[0050] This method can have any number of variations. For example, determining the amount of pressurized CO2 can include using a lookup table, and the lookup table can relate the amount of released CO2 to at least one of the carbonated fluid carbonation level, the carbonated fluid volume, and the liquid temperature.

[0051] For another example, determining the total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source may include one of: subtracting the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source from the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before the amount of pressurized CO2 was supplied, and adding the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source to the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before the amount of pressurized CO2 was supplied.

[0052] For another example, the method may further include determining, using the processor, whether the determined total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source is less than a threshold amount, and providing a notification only when the determined total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source is less than the threshold amount. Furthermore, the threshold amount may correspond to an amount of CO2 remaining in the CO2 source, wherein the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system degrades after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system using CO2 from the CO2 source, and / or the threshold amount may be based on a remaining amount of carbonated fluid that the carbonation system can form using CO2 from the CO2 source. Furthermore, the remaining amount may be based on at least one of a volume of the carbonated fluid, a carbonation level of the carbonated fluid, and a temperature of the liquid mixed with the gas.

[0053] As a further example, notifications may be configured to be provided to the user continuously.

[0054] As another example, the notification may include at least one of a visual notification and an audible notification.

[0055] As another example, a notification may be provided to the user via at least one of a user interface of the carbonation system and a user interface of the external device.

[0056] For another example, the processor may determine the amount of pressurized CO2 supplied from the CO2 source in response to receiving a signal indicating the start of a process by the carbonation system to form a single carbonated fluid. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to determine the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source before the pressurized CO2 is released from the CO2 source or after the pressurized CO2 has been released from the CO2 source.

[0057] In another embodiment, a method includes: transmitting a first control signal from a processor to a motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive a drive member to rotate in a first direction, thereby moving a CO2 source from closed to open, so that pressurized CO2 contained in the CO2 source is released from the CO2 source for forming a carbonated fluid; and transmitting a second control signal to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive a drive member to rotate in an opposite second direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from open to closed.

[0058] The method can be varied in any number of ways. For example, rotation of the drive member in a first direction can cause the cam of the drive member to push downward on a pin of the CO2 source and counteract the force applied to the pin by the pressurized CO2 contained in the CO2 source, and rotation of the drive member in a second direction can allow the pin to automatically move upward. Furthermore, rotation of the drive member can cause the pin to slide along the cam of the drive member. Furthermore, the cam can have a tapered shape in which the first end of the cam is wider than the second end of the cam, rotation of the drive member in the first direction can cause the pin to slide along the cam toward the second end of the cam, and rotation of the drive member in the second direction can cause the pin to slide along the cam toward the first end of the cam.

[0059] For another example, the method may further include receiving a signal at the processor indicating the start of a process to form a carbonated fluid, and the processor may transmit a first control signal to the motor in response to receiving the signal indicating the start of a process to form a carbonated fluid. Furthermore, the processor may receive the signal from a user interface of the carbonation system, or the processor may receive the signal from an external device.

[0060] For another example, the motor that drives the rotation of the drive member may include a motor that drives the rotation of a gear, and the gear may be constructed to move between a first position and a second position, in which the gear is engaged with the first switch and not engaged with the second switch, and in the second position, the gear is engaged with the second switch and not engaged with the first switch, and the gear that becomes engaged with the first switch may be constructed to cause the processor to transmit a first control signal, and the gear that becomes engaged with the second switch may be constructed to cause the processor to transmit a second control signal.

[0061] As another example, the method may further include triggering, using the processor, the formation of a carbonated fluid by mixing the liquid released from the liquid source and the CO2 released from the CO2 source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0065] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0067] Figure 5A is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0068] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Another perspective view of the carbonation system;

[0069] Figure 6A is a front view of another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0070] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A partial perspective view of the carbonation system;

[0071] Figure 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carbonation system;

[0072] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A a perspective view of a carbonation system with the gas source chamber cover removed from the carbonation system and the liquid source released from the carbonation system;

[0073] Figure 7C yes Figure 7B A perspective view of a carbonation system with the gas source removed from the gas source chamber;

[0074] Figure 7D yes Figure 7C A three-dimensional diagram of a gas source;

[0075] Figure 7E yes Figure 7A a perspective view of a portion of a carbonation system;

[0076] Figure 7F yes Figure 7A a perspective view of another portion of the carbonation system;

[0077] Figure 7G yes Figure 7A a cross-sectional view of a portion of a carbonation system;

[0078] Figure 7H yes Figure 7A a cross-sectional view of another portion of the carbonation system;

[0079] Figure 7I yes Figure 7A a perspective view of another portion of the carbonation system;

[0080] Figure 7J yes Figure 7A a perspective view of another portion of a carbonation system;

[0081] Figure 7K yes Figure 7A A perspective view of a driving component of a carbonation system;

[0082] Figure 7L yes Figure 7K Another perspective view of the driving member;

[0083] Figure 7M yes Figure 7A A perspective view of the gears of the carbonation system;

[0084] Figure 7N yes Figure 7A A perspective view of a partial portion of a carbonation system;

[0085] Figure 7O is communicatively connected to an external device Figure 7A Schematic diagram of the carbonation system;

[0086] Figure 8 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for selectively activating the release of CO2 from a gas source;

[0087] Figure 9 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of determining the amount of CO2 in a gas source;

[0088] Figure 10 is a graph that plots chamber pressure versus time;

[0089] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a carbonation system; and

[0090] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a carbonation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components of the same name in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, in a particular embodiment, each feature of each component of the same name may not necessarily be fully illustrated. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometric shape.

[0093] Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods are provided for beverage carbonation systems. Typically, a carbonation system is configured to form a carbonated fluid and dispense the carbonated fluid into a container, such as a bottle, cup, or other container.

[0094] The systems, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to carbonation systems in which a liquid is mixed with CO2 to form a treated fluid in the form of a carbonated fluid intended to be a beverage. A beverage carbonation system is an example of a treatment system to which the systems, devices, and methods described herein are applicable. Other treatment systems are generally constructed and used in a manner similar to the carbonation systems described herein, except that a different gas is mixed with the liquid instead of mixing CO2 with the liquid. The resulting fluid is a treated fluid, but not a "carbonated" fluid.

[0095] Carbonation system

[0096] Figure 1 One embodiment of a carbonation system 100 configured to form a carbonated fluid is illustrated. The carbonation system 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes an agitator (in Figure 1 The agitator 102 is disposed in a mixing chamber 104 and is configured to rotate to form a carbonated fluid. Various embodiments of the agitator and chamber are described, for example, in International Patent Application No. PCT / CN2022 / 092688, filed May 13, 2022, and entitled "Agitator for a Carbonation System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] Carbonation system 100 also includes a liquid source (also referred to herein as a "liquid reservoir") 106 configured as a source of liquid for mixing in chamber 104; a flow meter 108 configured to regulate the amount of liquid flowing from liquid source 106 to chamber 104; and a high-pressure pump 110 configured to pump liquid from liquid source 106 to chamber 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, and thus liquid source 106 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, may be used. In the illustrated example, the pump for the liquid is high-pressure pump 110, but it may be another type of pump, such as a low-pressure, high-flow pump.

[0098] The carbonation system 100 also includes a gas source 112 configured to provide a source of gas for mixing in the chamber 104; a gas regulator 114 configured to regulate the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 112 to the chamber 104; and a gas solenoid valve 116 configured to open and close to selectively allow gas to flow from the gas source 112 to the chamber 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas is CO2, and thus the gas source 112 is a CO2 source in the form of a CO2 cylinder (also referred to herein as a "CO2 tank"), although another gas may be used (in which case, as described above, the fluid dispensed would not be a "carbonated" fluid, but rather a processed fluid). In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 114 is a 0.8 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators may also be used. For example, the gas regulator 114 may be a 0.65 MPa gas regulator. The gas regulator 114 may be configured to allow a high flow rate of gas when opened, thereby allowing the process to operate in less time than when using a lower flow rate of gas. As discussed herein, the carbonation system 100 can be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 112 and trigger an alarm to provide to the user indicating that the amount of gas in the gas source 112 has reached a predetermined threshold level. Also as discussed herein, the carbonation system 100 can be configured to selectively open the gas source 112 to supply gas to the mixing chamber 104 as needed for the beverage forming and dispensing process.

[0099] The carbonation system 100 also includes an air pump 118 that is configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of the chamber 104 through an outlet valve 128. The outlet valve 128 is configured to selectively open to allow the carbonated fluid to exit the chamber 104 and exit the carbonation system 100, for example, for dispensing into a container such as a cup, bottle, or the like. The outlet valve 128 can be of a type that allows the flow path through the outlet valve 128 to be regulated, such that the outlet valve 128 can serve as a control element configured to manage the flow rate. In particular, the opening of the outlet valve 128 can be configured to avoid creating a sudden jet or burst of flow at the beginning of dispensing. The air pump 118 is configured to pump air into the chamber 104 so that when the outlet valve 128 is open, the carbonated fluid in the chamber 104 is forced out of the chamber 104 and out of the carbonation system 100 through the outlet valve 128.

[0100] In some embodiments, the pressure within chamber 104, combined with the resistance of the output passage, can be configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of chamber 104 through outlet valve 128 before air pump 118 is actuated to pump air into chamber 104. Various embodiments of such flow control are described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 821,212, filed Aug. 22, 2022, entitled “Beverage Carbonation System Flow Control,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The carbonation systems described herein (e.g., Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C Various embodiments of the carbonation system 700, etc. may include such flow control.

[0101] The carbonation system 100 also includes a discharge solenoid valve 120 configured to allow excess pressure to be released from the chamber 104 when the discharge solenoid valve 120 is open; a pressure relief valve (PRV) 122; a pressure sensor 124 configured to measure the pressure in the chamber 104; and a temperature sensor 126 configured to measure the temperature in the chamber 104. As in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 126 may be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, but another type of temperature sensor may be used. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 is omitted.

[0102] The carbonation system 100 may also include a motor 130 configured to drive rotation of the agitator 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 130 is shown as being disposed outside and above the chamber 104, but a first portion of the motor 130 may be disposed inside the chamber 104, and a second portion of the motor 130 may be disposed outside the chamber 104. Various embodiments of the motor are described, for example, in the aforementioned International Patent Application No. PCT / CN2022 / 092688, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “Agitator for a Carbonation System.”

[0103] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a carbonation system 200 configured to form a carbonated fluid is illustrated. The carbonation system 200 of this illustrated embodiment includes an agitator (in Figure 2 The agitator 202 is labeled "Impeller" in FIG. 2 and includes a mixing chamber 204 in which the agitator 202 is disposed and configured to rotate to form a carbonated fluid. Figure 2 The carbonation system 200 is typically operated in a manner similar to Figure 1 2. The carbonation system 100 is constructed and used in the manner of FIG. 1 , for example, including a liquid source 206, a flow meter 208, a pump 210, a gas source 212, a gas regulator 214 configured to regulate the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 212 to the chamber 204, a gas solenoid valve 216, an outlet valve 224, a first air pump 218 configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of the chamber through the outlet valve 224, a discharge solenoid valve 220, a PRV 222, and a motor 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, and thus the liquid source 206 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, may be used.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the gas is CO2, and thus the gas source 212 is a CO2 source in the form of a CO2 cylinder, but another gas may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 214 is a 0.65 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators (e.g., as described above) may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the container into which the carbonated fluid is dispensed via the outlet valve 224 is a cup, but another type of container may be used. As discussed herein, the carbonation system 200 may be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 212 and trigger an alarm to provide an indication to the user that the amount of gas in the gas source 212 has reached a predetermined threshold level. Also as discussed herein, the carbonation system 200 may be configured to selectively open the gas source 212 to supply gas to the mixing chamber 204 as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0105] The carbonation system 200 further includes a first check valve 226 disposed between the high pressure pump 210 and the chamber 204. The first check valve 226 is configured to allow liquid to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 204.

[0106] The carbonation system 200 also includes a second check valve 228 disposed between the first air pump 218 and the chamber 204. The second check valve 228 is configured to allow air to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 204.

[0107] Carbonation system 200 also includes a backpressure PRV 232, connected in series with discharge solenoid valve 220, configured to regulate the headspace pressure in chamber 204 at a selected value even if discharge solenoid valve 220 remains open. In this manner, the timing of closing discharge solenoid valve 220 may not be critical to proper operation of the system for dispensing. That is, backpressure PRV 232 is configured to limit the rate at which gas escapes from chamber 204, thereby avoiding very high decompression rates that could cause agitation as residual bubbles expand in the fluid in chamber 204. Backpressure PRV 232 is also configured to limit the pressure in chamber 204 even if air pump 218 is unregulated, which can allow for a lower-cost air pump 218 or the use of a separate pump control circuit via a pressure sensor. In this manner, backpressure PRV 232 can enable a lower system cost, wherein the system is configured to efficiently control dispensing.

[0108] The carbonation system 200 also includes a second air pump 234, a first consumable 236, a third air pump 238, and a second consumable 240. Each of the first consumable 236 and the second consumable 240 can include one or more additives, including any of a variety of ingredients, such as flavorings, colorants, vitamins, minerals, chemicals, other ingredients, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The second air pump 234 is configured to dispense the first additive(s) contained in the first consumable 236 (e.g., a cup, a pouch, etc.) into the cup (or other container). The third air pump 238 is configured to dispense the second additive(s) contained in the second consumable 240 (e.g., a cup, a pouch, etc.) into the cup (or other container). The carbonation system 200 can be configured to allow the user to select which one or both of the first and second additives to dispense into the cup (or other container) and / or to select the amount of the selected additive(s) to be dispensed into the cup (or other container). The user can select no additive. The selected additive(s) can be dispensed into the cup (or other container) before, after, or simultaneously with dispensing the carbonated fluid. For example, various embodiments of carbonation systems configured to add additive(s) are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 744,459, filed on May 13, 2022, entitled "Flavored Beverage Carbonation System," and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 989,640, filed on November 17, 2022, entitled "Ingredient Container for Use with a Beverage Dispenser," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] Figure 2The carbonation system 200 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to add one or more additives, but in other embodiments, the carbonation system 200 can be configured not to add any additives. Figures 5A to 7B Other examples of carbonation systems 500, 600, 700 configured to add additives are illustrated. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 Examples of carbonation systems 100, 300, 400 are illustrated without the addition of any additives, although such systems may be configured to add additives.

[0110] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Carbonation systems 100, 200 (and discussed below) Figure 4 Each of the carbonation systems 400 includes an air pump 118, 218 configured to introduce air into its respective chamber 104, 204 to drive the flow of carbonated fluid for dispensing through the outlet valve 128, 224. The use of air when dispensing the carbonated fluid causes the chamber 104, 204 to be enriched with air again during each mixing cycle, which then affects the next mixing cycle. In the next mixing cycle, the chamber 104, 204 is mostly filled with air during the filling cycle with liquid, so that carbon dioxide gas cannot begin to dissolve in the chamber 104, 204 during the filling cycle, but can only begin to dissolve when the gas regulator 114, 214 supplies gas (e.g., high-pressure gas) to the chamber 104, 204 in the next stage of the process. The air pump 118, 218 is generally low-cost, but the flow rate provided by the air pump 118, 218 must be equal to or greater than the dispensing flow rate, for example, greater than or equal to 2 L / min, to effectively dispense the carbonated fluid. In some embodiments, air may be vented from the chamber during liquid filling, for example using a vent solenoid valve 120 , 220 .

[0111] In other embodiments, rather than using air (including its constituent gases), the carbonation system may be configured to introduce a gas other than air from a gas source into the chamber to dispense the carbonated fluid through the outlet valve. In such embodiments, the pressure within the chamber is configured to be constant at the gas source (e.g., Figure 1 Gas source 112, Figure 2 Gas source 212, Figure 4 412, etc.) is actuated to utilize a gas regulator (e.g., Figure 1 Gas regulator 114, Figure 2 Gas regulator 214, Figure 4Before the gas is introduced into the chamber by a gas regulator (e.g., a gas regulator 414) that controls the injection rate of the gas into the chamber, the treated fluid is driven out of the chamber through the outlet valve. In an illustrative embodiment, the gas source for introducing the gas into the chamber for the purpose of dispensing the carbonated fluid is the same gas source, such as a CO2 tank, that supplies gas to the chamber to treat (e.g., mix) the liquid in the chamber. When a treatment gas is used for dispensing rather than air, agitation can last for a shorter amount of time because once the liquid begins to be introduced into the chamber, any treatment gas remaining in the chamber from the previous carbonation-dispensing cycle can begin to dissolve in the chamber without having to wait until filling with water is complete and / or agitation has begun. For example, when air is used for dispensing, sufficient agitation can last for 12 seconds, but only for 10 seconds when gas from another gas source is used for dispensing. In addition, in the absence of dilution, residual air introduced into the chamber during an earlier cycle can increase the effective concentration of gas in the headspace of the chamber to aid dispensing.

[0112] The valve used to introduce gas into the chamber for mixing purposes can be the same valve as the valve used to introduce gas into the chamber for dispensing purposes, or a different valve can be used. If the same valve is used, it can be a proportional valve with a set of flow settings or a digital valve that opens in pulses to accommodate the different introduction of gas for mixing and dispensing. Using different valves can allow the valve used to introduce gas into the chamber for dispensing purposes to be used at a much lower target pressure than the valve used to introduce gas for mixing purposes, since the gas introduced for dispensing is typically less than that for mixing, and a larger amount of gas is typically introduced into the chamber very quickly during mixing.

[0113] Figure 3 One embodiment of a carbonation system 300 configured to form a carbonated fluid and configured to use gas when dispensing the carbonated fluid is illustrated. The carbonation system 300 includes an agitator (in Figure 3 The agitator 302 is agitated and includes a mixing chamber 304 in which the agitator 302 is disposed and configured to rotate to form a carbonated fluid. Figure 3 The carbonation system 300 is typically operated in a manner similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2The carbonation system 100, 200 is constructed and used in the manner described above, for example, and includes a liquid source 306, a flow meter 308, a pump 310 (e.g., a high-pressure pump), a gas source 312, a gas regulator 314 configured to regulate the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 312 to the chamber 304, a first gas solenoid valve 316, an air pump 318, a first check valve 320, a discharge solenoid valve 322, a pressure relief valve (PRV) 324, a pressure sensor 326, a temperature sensor 328, a backpressure pressure relief valve (PRV) 330, an outlet valve 332, a motor 334, and a second check valve 336. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, and thus the liquid source 306 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 328 is an NTC thermistor, but another type of temperature sensor may be used, or the temperature sensor may be omitted. In embodiments where gas from a non-air source (eg, from a CO 2 tank) is used to assist in dispensing the carbonated fluid, the air pump 318 and the first check valve 320 may be omitted.

[0114] The gas is CO2 in the illustrated embodiment, and thus the gas source 312 is a CO2 cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, but another gas may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 314 is a 0.8 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators may be used (e.g., as described elsewhere herein). As discussed herein, the carbonation system 300 can be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 312 and trigger an alarm to provide a user with an indication that the amount of gas in the gas source 312 has reached a predetermined threshold level. As also discussed herein, the carbonation system 300 can be configured to selectively open the gas source 312 to supply gas to the mixing chamber 304 as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0115] The carbonation system 300 also includes a second gas solenoid valve 338 and a flow control needle valve 340 that are configured to allow gas to flow from the gas source 312 into the chamber 304 so that the carbonated fluid exits the chamber 304 through the outlet valve 332 for dispensing. The pressure within the chamber 304 is configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of the chamber 304 through the outlet valve 332 before the gas source 312 is actuated to introduce gas into the chamber 304. Various embodiments of such flow control are described, for example, in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 821,212, filed on August 22, 2022, entitled “Flow Control for a Beverage Carbonation System.”

[0116] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a carbonation system 400 configured to form a carbonated fluid is illustrated. The carbonation system 400 of this illustrated embodiment includes an agitator (in Figure 44 (labeled "Impeller") 402 and includes a mixing chamber 404 in which an agitator 402 is disposed and configured to rotate to form a carbonated fluid. Figure 4 The carbonation system 400 is typically similar to Figures 1 to 3 4. The carbonation system 100, 200, 300 is constructed and used in the manner described above, for example, including a liquid source 406, a pump 410, a gas source 412, a gas regulator 414 configured to regulate the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 412 to the chamber 404, a gas solenoid valve 416, an outlet valve 424, a first air pump 418 configured to drive the carbonated fluid out of the chamber through the outlet valve 424, and a motor 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid is water, and thus the liquid source 406 is a water reservoir, but another liquid, such as juice, may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the container into which the carbonated fluid is dispensed via the outlet valve 424 is a cup, but another type of container may be used.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the gas is CO2, and thus the gas source 412 is a CO2 source in the form of a CO2 cylinder, but another gas may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas regulator 414 is a 0.65 MPa gas regulator, but other gas regulators (e.g., as described above) may be used. As discussed herein, the carbonation system 400 can be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 412 and trigger an alarm to provide a user with an indication that the amount of gas in the gas source 412 has reached a predetermined threshold level. As also discussed herein, the carbonation system 400 can be configured to selectively open the gas source 412 to supply gas to the mixing chamber 404 as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 430 is located on the bottom side of the chamber 404, but may be located elsewhere, such as on the top side of the chamber 404. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment of FIG, the motor 130 , 230 , 330 is located on the top side of the chamber 104 , 204 , 304 , but may be located elsewhere, such as on the bottom side of the chamber 104 , 204 , 304 .

[0119] The carbonation system 400 further includes a first check valve 426 disposed between the high pressure pump 410 and the chamber 404. The first check valve 426 is configured to allow liquid to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 404.

[0120] The carbonation system 400 also includes a second check valve 428 disposed between the first air pump 418 and the chamber 404. The second check valve 428 is configured to allow air to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 404.

[0121] The carbonation system 400 also includes a third check valve 432 disposed between the gas solenoid 416 and the chamber 404. The third check valve 432 is configured to allow gas (eg, CO2) to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 404.

[0122] The carbonation system 400 may include a flow meter (not shown) as discussed herein, a pressure sensor (not shown) as discussed herein, and / or a temperature sensor (not shown) as discussed herein.

[0123] The carbonation system 400 also includes a venting system configured to vent the chamber 404. The venting system includes a first vent solenoid valve 434, a second vent solenoid valve 420, a vent restrictor (also referred to herein as a "restrictor") 436, and a PRV 422. When pressure is vented from the mixing chamber 404, a sudden drop in pressure can result in a loss of carbonation in the carbonated fluid, thereby reducing the carbonation level from its desired level. As further discussed herein, the venting system is configured to reduce the extent of this pressure drop and thereby improve the retention of carbonation in the carbonated fluid.

[0124] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another embodiment of a carbonation system 500 configured to form a carbonated fluid is illustrated. Figure 5A The cover 502 of the carbonation system 500 is omitted in order to illustrate the mixing chamber 504 of the carbonation system 500. For example, various embodiments of the mixing chamber are described in the aforementioned International Patent Application No. PCT / CN2022 / 092688, filed on May 13, 2022, entitled "Agitator for Carbonation System". The carbonation system 500 can have various configurations, such as similar to Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700, or other carbonation system configurations described herein.

[0125] The carbonation system 500 includes a liquid reservoir 506 in the form of a tank that is configured to be releasably coupled to a housing 508 of the carbonation system 500 in which the chamber 504 is located. Other liquid reservoirs may be used, and the tank 506 may have any of a variety of configurations. A check valve (such as Figure 2 The first check valve 226, Figure 3 The second check valve 336, or Figure 4The first check valve 426 of the carbonation system 500 can be configured to automatically open in response to the reservoir 506 being placed in the base or dock (not shown) of the carbonation system 500 to allow liquid (e.g., water) in the reservoir 506 to flow out of the reservoir 506 and into the chamber 504. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir can be integral to the carbonation system 500, such as by being a built-in refillable tank or other refillable reservoir, rather than being configured to be releasably coupled to the carbonation system 500. For example, various embodiments of carbonation systems configured to be in selective fluid communication with a liquid source are described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 744,459, filed May 13, 2022, entitled “Flavored Beverage Carbonation System,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 989,640, filed November 17, 2022, entitled “Ingredient Container for Use with a Beverage Dispenser.”

[0126] The chamber 504 is configured to receive liquid therein via a liquid inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a liquid source 506 (e.g., via liquid piping and / or other components), and is configured to receive gas therein via a gas inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a gas source (obscured in the figure) of the carbonation system 500 (e.g., via gas piping and / or other components). Excess gas not dispensed from the chamber 504 via the outlet valve is configured to exit the chamber 504 via an outlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a discharge solenoid (obscured in the figure), such as Figure 1 The vent solenoid 120, Figure 2 The exhaust solenoid 220, Figure 3 The discharge solenoid 322, Figure 4 The exhaust solenoids 420, 434, etc.

[0127] As discussed herein, the carbonation system 500 can be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source and trigger an alarm to provide a user with an indication that the amount of gas in the gas source has reached a predetermined threshold level. Also as discussed herein, the carbonation system 500 can be configured to selectively open the gas source to supply gas to the mixing chamber 504 as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the carbonation system 500 is configured to selectively dispense a first additive and a second additive from a first consumable 510 and a second consumable 512, respectively, into a container placed on a container base 514 of the carbonation system 500, which also serves as a drip tray. However, as described above, the carbonation system 500 can be configured to not add additives or to add additives in different amounts. As discussed herein, the discharge from the mixing chamber 504 can be discharged to the drip tray 514 to collect excess moisture.

[0129] The carbonation system 500 also includes a processor disposed in the housing 508 ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B 508 (obscured in the figure), such as a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, or other type of processor. Typically, the processor is configured to execute the memory stored in the housing 508 (in the Figure 5A and Figure 5B ), to cause various actions to occur, such as opening an outlet valve of the carbonation system 500, causing first additive(s) to be dispensed from the first additive consumable(s) 510, causing second additive(s) to be dispensed from the second consumable 512, causing an alert to be provided to a user (e.g., an illuminated (solid or flashing) light, a sound to be emitted, etc.) when carbonated fluid has completed dispensing from the carbonation system 500, causing an alert to be provided to a user (e.g., an illuminated light, a sound to be emitted, etc.) when an amount of CO2 in a gas source of the carbonation system is determined to be equal to or below a threshold amount of CO2, causing an alert to be provided to a user (e.g., an illuminated light, a sound to be emitted, etc.) when a temperature of a liquid in a liquid source is below a threshold minimum temperature and / or above a threshold maximum temperature, etc. The processing systems described herein (e.g., Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C Other embodiments of the carbonation system 700, etc.) similarly include a processor.

[0130] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another embodiment of a carbonation system 600 configured to form a carbonated fluid is illustrated. Figure 6B A portion of the housing 608 of the carbonation system 600 is omitted in order to illustrate the interior of the carbonation system 600. The carbonation system 600 may have various configurations, such as similar to Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700, or other carbonation system configurations described herein.

[0131] The carbonation system 600 includes a liquid source 606 in the form of a tank configured to be releasably coupled to the carbonation system 600, which includes a mixing chamber 604 in which the liquid can be mixed with the gas. Other liquid sources can be used, and the tank 606 can have any of a variety of configurations. A check valve (such as Figure 2 The first check valve 226, Figure 3 The second check valve 336, or Figure 4 The first check valve 426 of the carbonation system 600 can be configured to automatically open in response to the reservoir 606 being placed in the base 616 of the carbonation system 600 to allow liquid (e.g., water) in the reservoir 606 to flow out of the reservoir 606 and into the mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir can be integral to the carbonation system 600, such as by being a built-in refillable tank or other refillable reservoir, rather than being configured to be releasably coupled to the carbonation system 600. For example, various embodiments of carbonation systems configured to be in selective fluid communication with a liquid source are described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 744,459, filed on May 13, 2022, entitled "Flavored Beverage Carbonation System," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 989,640, filed on November 17, 2022, entitled "Ingredient Container for Use with a Beverage Dispenser."

[0132] The carbonation system 600 includes a gas source 612 in the form of a CO2 tank 612 that is configured to be removably coupled to the carbonation system 600 including the mixing chamber 604. Other gas sources may be used, and the CO2 tank 612 may have any of a variety of configurations. As discussed herein, the carbonation system 600 may be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 612 and trigger an alarm to provide an indication to a user (e.g., via a user interface 622) that the amount of gas in the gas source 612 has reached a predetermined threshold level. Also as discussed herein, the carbonation system 600 may be configured to selectively open the gas source 612 to supply gas to the mixing chamber 604 as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0133] The carbonation system 600 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to selectively dispense the first additive and the second additive from the first consumable 610a and the second consumable 610b, respectively, into a container 618 (shown as a cup in the illustrated embodiment) placed on a container base 614 of the carbonation system 600, which can also serve as a drip tray. The carbonation system 600 includes a bracket assembly 620 configured to receive the first consumable 610a and the second consumable 610b. However, as described above, the carbonation system 600 can be configured to not add additives or to add additives in different amounts. As discussed herein, the discharge of the mixing chamber 604 can be discharged to the drip tray 614 to collect excess moisture.

[0134] The carbonation system 600 includes a user interface 622 that is configured to receive input from a user regarding one or more aspects of the carbonation system 600 (e.g., the volume of carbonated fluid to be dispensed, the carbonation level, specific additives, additive amounts, etc.) and / or is configured to provide the user with (e.g., audible and / or visual) alerts as described herein regarding one or more aspects of the carbonation system 600 (e.g., the amount of gas in the gas source 612, the status of whether the carbonated fluid has completed dispensing from the carbonation system 600, the temperature of the liquid in the liquid source 606, the power on / off status of the carbonation system 600, etc.).

[0135] The mixing chamber 604 is configured to receive liquid therein via a liquid inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a liquid source 606 (e.g., via a liquid line and / or other component), and is configured to receive gas therein via a gas inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a gas source 612 (e.g., via a gas line and / or other component). Excess gas not dispensed from the chamber 604 via the outlet valve is configured to exit the chamber 604 via an outlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a discharge solenoid (obscured in the figure), such as Figure 1 The exhaust solenoid 120, Figure 2 The exhaust solenoid 220, Figure 3 The discharge solenoid 322, Figure 4 The exhaust solenoids 420, 434, etc.

[0136] 7A to 7C Another embodiment of a carbonation system 700 configured to form a carbonated fluid is shown. The carbonation system 700 can have various configurations, such as similar to Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The carbonation system 600, or other carbonation system configurations described herein.

[0137] The carbonation system 700 includes a liquid source 706 in the form of a bottle configured to be releasably coupled to the carbonation system 700, which includes a mixing chamber (obscured in the figure) in which the liquid can be mixed with the gas. Other liquid sources can be used, and the bottle 706 can have any of a variety of configurations. A check valve (such as Figure 2 The first check valve 226, Figure 3 The second check valve 336, or Figure 4 The first check valve 426 can be configured to automatically open in response to the liquid source 706 being placed in the base 716 of the carbonation system 700 to allow liquid (e.g., water) in the storage tank 706 to flow out of the liquid source 706 and into the mixing chamber. Figure 7A A liquid source 706 is shown removably coupled to the carbonation system 700 via a base 716 . Figure 7B and Figure 7C The liquid source 706 is shown as a separate element that is not coupled to the carbonation system 700. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir can be integral to the carbonation system 700, such as by being a built-in refillable tank or other refillable reservoir, rather than being configured to releasably couple to the carbonation system 700. For example, various embodiments of carbonation systems configured to be in selective fluid communication with a liquid source are described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 744,459, filed on May 13, 2022, entitled “Flavored Beverage Carbonation System,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 989,640, filed on November 17, 2022, entitled “Ingredient Container for Use with a Beverage Dispenser.”

[0138] The carbonation system 700 includes a gas source 712 configured to be removably coupled to the carbonation system 700 including the mixing chamber. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas source 712 is in the form of a CO2 tank. Figure 7B and Figure 7C7 , a gas source chamber cover 724, which forms part of and is releasably coupled to the housing 708 of the carbonation system 700, is released from the housing 708 to reveal a gas source chamber 726 of the carbonation system 700, which is configured to removably receive the gas source 712 therein. In this illustrated embodiment, the gas source chamber cover 724 is shown as being fully releasable from the housing 708, but in other embodiments, may be partially releasable to open and provide access to the gas source chamber 726, for example, by being a hinged door, by being slidable onto a portion of the housing 702, etc. Figure 7B A gas source 712 is shown located in a gas source chamber 726 and removably coupled to the carbonation system 700 . Figure 7C and Figure 7D The gas source 712 is shown as a separate element located outside of the gas source chamber 726 and not coupled to the carbonation system 700. Other gas sources may be used. As discussed herein, the carbonation system 700 can be configured to determine the amount of gas in the gas source 712 and trigger an alert to the user (e.g., via the user interface 722) indicating that the amount of gas in the gas source 712 has reached a predetermined threshold level. As also discussed herein, the carbonation system 700 can be configured to selectively open the gas source 712 to supply gas to the mixing chamber as needed for the beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0139] like Figure 7D As shown, the gas source 712 includes a pin 712p, such as a valve pin, at an upper end of the gas source 712. The pin 712p is configured to move between an extended position, in which the gas source 712 is closed so that gas cannot be released therefrom, and a compressed position, in which the pin 712p has moved to open the valve, such that the gas source 712 is open so that gas can be released therefrom. With the gas source 712 open, gas is configured to be released therefrom to the gas regulator 718 (see FIG. 1 ) of the carbonation system 700. Figure 7F and Figure 7G ).

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the carbonation system 700 is configured to selectively dispense a first additive and a second additive from a first consumable 710a and a second consumable 710b, respectively, into a container (not shown) placed on a container base 714 of the carbonation system 700, which also serves as a drip tray. The carbonation system 700 includes a bracket assembly 720 configured to receive the first consumable 710a and the second consumable 710b. However, as described above, the carbonation system 700 can be configured to not add additives or to add different amounts of additives. As discussed herein, the discharge from the mixing chamber can drain to the drip tray 714 to collect excess moisture.

[0141] The carbonation system 700 includes a user interface 722 that is configured to receive input from a user regarding one or more aspects of the carbonation system 700 (e.g., the volume of carbonated fluid to be dispensed, the carbonation level, specific additives, additive amounts, etc.) and / or is configured to provide the user with (e.g., audible and / or visual) alerts as described herein regarding one or more aspects of the carbonation system 700 (e.g., the amount of gas in the gas source 712, the status of whether the carbonated fluid has completed dispensing from the carbonation system 700, the temperature of the liquid in the liquid source 706, the power on / off status of the carbonation system 700, etc.).

[0142] The mixing chamber of the carbonation system 700 is configured to receive liquid therein via a liquid inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a liquid source 706 (e.g., via liquid piping and / or other components), and is configured to receive gas therein via a gas inlet (obscured in the figure) operably coupled to a gas source 712 (e.g., via gas piping and / or other components). Excess gas not dispensed from the mixing chamber via the outlet valve is configured to exit the chamber 704 via an outlet (obscured in the figure) that is operably coupled to a discharge solenoid (obscured in the figure), such as a gas inlet. Figure 1 The exhaust solenoid 120, Figure 2 The exhaust solenoid 220, Figure 3 The exhaust solenoid 322, Figure 4 The exhaust solenoids 420, 434, etc.

[0143] like Figure 7N As shown, the carbonation system 700 also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 748 disposed within the housing 702 and including various components, such as a processor (e.g., a microcontroller or other type of processor including a processor and memory) and memory, configured to facilitate operation of the carbonation system 700. The PCB 748 can have various configurations, and in some embodiments, a processor can be included in a carbonation system 700 that does not utilize a PCB. Generally, the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to cause various actions to occur, such as opening an outlet valve of the carbonation system 700 to dispense carbonated fluid, causing a first additive(s) to be dispensed from a first additive consumable 710a, causing a second additive(s) to be dispensed from a second consumable 710b, causing an alert to be provided to a user (e.g., an illuminated (steady or flashing) light, an audible sound, etc.) when carbonated fluid has completed dispensing from the carbonation system 700, and the like. Other embodiments of the processing systems described herein similarly include a processor.

[0144] Selectively activates the release of gas from a gas source

[0145] In some embodiments, methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for selectively releasing CO2 from a gas source in a beverage carbonation system. As described above, the methods, systems, and apparatus can be implemented in a processing system similar to the carbonation system described herein, except that a different gas is mixed with the liquid instead of mixing CO2 with the liquid.

[0146] Typically, carbonation systems (e.g. Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700, etc.) can be configured to selectively activate the release of gas from the gas source of the carbonation system. As discussed herein, for each carbonated fluid to be formed in the mixing chamber of the carbonation system, only a certain amount of CO2 is supplied from the gas source to the mixing chamber. In addition, the CO2 is configured to be supplied to the mixing chamber as needed to form and dispense beverages in response to user input to the carbonation system (e.g., via its user interface). Thus, the gas source only needs to be turned on at certain times to release CO2 therefrom, such as when CO2 is being supplied to the mixing chamber to form the carbonated fluid. However, the gas source (e.g., Figure 1 CO2 tank 112, Figure 2 CO2 tank 212, Figure 3 CO2 tank 312, Figure 4 CO2 tank 412, Figure 6B CO2 tank 612, Figures 7B to 7D The CO2 in the CO2 tank 712 (e.g., a CO2 tank 712) can be at high pressure. Selectively activating the release of CO2 from the gas source can allow the gas source to be turned off when CO2 release is not required and turned on when CO2 release is required. Thus, the risk of high pressure from the CO2 tank being inadvertently introduced into the carbonation system can be reduced, thereby helping to prevent inadvertent high pressure release that could seriously damage the system.

[0147] According to the methods, systems and apparatus described herein for selectively releasing gas from a gas source, in a processing system (e.g., Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C Carbonation system 700, etc.) automatically controls the gas source (e.g., Figure 1 CO2 tank 112, Figure 2 CO2 tank 212, Figure 3 CO2 tank 312, Figure 4 CO2 tank 412, Figure 6B CO2 tank 612, Figures 7B to 7D 2 tank 712, etc.) can prevent the gas source and gas regulator (e.g., Figure 1 Gas regulator 114, Figure 2 Gas regulator 214, Figure 3 Gas regulator 314, Figure 4 Gas regulator 414, Figure 7G , and / or between a gas source and a mixing chamber (e.g., Figure 1 Mixing chamber 104, Figure 2 Mixing chamber 204, Figure 3 Mixing chamber 304, Figure 4 Mixing chamber 404, Figure 5A Mixing chamber 504, Figure 6B Preventing pressure buildup can prevent damage to the processing system.

[0148] In some embodiments, the motor of the carbonation system is configured to drive a cam with a first drive motion that moves the cam to push a pin coupled to a gas source of the carbonation system. The pin is forced upward due to the pressurized contents of the gas source. The cam pushes the pin of the gas source to open the gas source, such as by pushing a valve, and thereby releases gas to a gas regulator of the carbonation system so that gas can be supplied to a mixing chamber of the carbonation system. The motor is configured to drive the cam with a second drive motion that moves the cam back to its initial position, which removes the force on the pin so that the forced pin can return to its initial position. Thus, the gas source is closed so that gas cannot be released from the gas source until the cam is moved again, such as during a subsequent carbonated fluid formation process.

[0149] In some embodiments, the carbonation system is configured to automatically turn on a gas source for the carbonation system in response to the initiation of a carbonated fluid formation process. The initiation of the carbonated fluid formation process can be manually triggered by a user, such as by the user providing an input to a user interface of the carbonation system to initiate beverage formation. A processor of the carbonation system is configured to receive a signal indicating the initiation of the carbonation process, such as from the user interface, from an external device communicatively coupled to the carbonation system, or the like. Receipt of the signal by the processor triggers the processor to transmit a first control signal to a motor, which causes the motor of the carbonation system to drive a cam in a first drive motion. Thereafter, the processor is configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor, which causes the motor to drive the cam in a second drive motion. The length of time between the first and second control signals is determined by the amount of gas supplied from the gas source to the mixing chamber, for example, based on one or more parameters such as a user-selected carbonation level, a user-selected volume, and the temperature of the liquid to be mixed with the gas. Thus, the gas source is only turned on for the amount of time necessary to release an appropriate amount of gas for the formation of a particular carbonated fluid.

[0150] Reference below 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700 depicts one embodiment of a carbonation system configured to selectively activate the release of gas from a gas source of the carbonation system, but other carbonation systems may similarly be configured to selectively activate the release of gas from a gas source.

[0151] like Figures 7E to 7I As shown, the carbonation system 700 includes a motor 728 and a drive member 730 (also referred to herein as a "shaft" or "drive shaft") that is operably coupled to the motor 728 and configured to be driven by the motor 728. The drive member 730 is also operably coupled to the gas source 712, as shown. Figures 7F to 7H As further discussed below, the motor 728 is configured to drive the drive member 730 relative to the gas source 712 to open or close the gas source 712. Whether the gas source 712 is opened or closed depends on the direction of rotation of the drive member 730 relative to the gas source 712. Therefore, the motor 728 drives the drive member 730 relative to the gas source 712 in a first direction D1 (see FIG. Figure 7H ) is configured to turn on the gas source 712, and the motor 728 drives the driving member 730 to rotate in the opposite second direction D2 relative to the gas source 712 is configured to turn off the gas source 712. Therefore, the gas source 712 can be selectively turned on or off.

[0152] The motor 728 can have various configurations. As in the illustrated embodiment, the motor 728 can include a rotary motor configured to rotate to drive an element, such as the drive member 730. The motor 728 is configured to rotate in one direction to rotate the drive member 730 in a first direction D1 (see FIG. Figure 7L ), thereby turning on the gas source 712. The motor 728 is configured to rotate in the opposite direction to rotate the drive member 730 in the second direction D2 (see FIG. Figure 7L ), thereby closing the gas source 712.

[0153] The motor 728 is operably coupled to the processor of the carbonation system 700. The processor is configured to transmit control signals to the motor 728 that control activation of the motor 728 and, therefore, the opening and closing of the gas source 712.

[0154] The motor 728 is operably coupled to the drive member 730 via a gear train. Figure 7F 、 Figure 7I and Figure 7J As shown, the gear train includes a driving gear 732 and a driven gear 734. The driven gear 734 is Figure 7M The driving gear 732 and the driven gear 734 are shown as separate elements. Figure 7E 736. The drive gear 732 is operably coupled to the motor 728 and the driven gear 734. The driven gear 734 is operably coupled to the drive member 730. The motor 728 is configured to rotate to drive the rotation of the drive gear 732 via the gear box 752. The rotation of the drive gear 732 is configured to cause the rotation of the driven gear 734 due to the meshing teeth of the drive gear 732 and the driven gear 734. The rotation of the driven gear 734 is configured to drive the rotation of the drive member 730.

[0155] The driven gear 734 is configured to rotate between a first or home position and a second or activated position. Figure 7F 、 Figure 7I and Figure 7J The driven gear 730 is shown in FIG. 1 and corresponds to the gas source 712 being closed, while the second or activated position corresponds to the gas source 712 being open. Figure 7J ) is configured to cause the drive member 730 to rotate in a first direction D1, which is the same direction as the first rotation direction D3 of the driven gear. Rotation of the driven gear 734 in an opposite second direction D4 is configured to cause the drive member 730 to rotate in a second direction D2, which is the same direction as the second rotation direction D4 of the driven gear.

[0156] The driven gear 734 is configured to engage each of a first switch 738 (e.g., a micro switch or other type of switch) and a second switch 740 (e.g., a micro switch or other type of switch). The driven gear 734 is configured to engage only one of the first switch 738 and the second switch 740 at a time. The driven gear 734 in the home position is configured to engage the first switch 738. The driven gear 734 in the activated position is configured to engage the second switch 740. The driven gear 734 is configured not to engage either the first switch 738 or the second switch 740 during rotation of the driven gear 734 from the home position to the activated position or vice versa.

[0157] The first switch 738 and the second switch 740 are both operably coupled to a processor of the carbonation system. The first switch 738 and the second switch 740 are each configured to transmit a signal to the processor. The processor is configured to transmit a control signal to the motor 728 in response to receiving the signal from the first switch 738 and the second switch 740. As discussed herein, the processor is further configured to transmit a control signal to the motor 728 based on user input to the carbonation system to cause the driven gear 734 to move from the home position to the activated position.

[0158] The driven gear 734 includes an opening 742 configured to receive the drive member 730 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 730 is configured to be received within the opening 742 in a press-fit manner, but the drive member 730 may be received within the opening 742 in other manners, such as by being welded thereto, adhered thereto using an adhesive, etc. The opening 742 has a non-circular shape, which may help ensure that the drive member 730 rotates with the driven gear 734, rather than the driven gear 734 rotating relative to the drive member 730. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular shape is a D-shape, but other non-circular shapes may be used, such as a triangle, square, oval, hexagon, etc.

[0159] The drive member 730 can have various configurations. As in the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 730 can include an elongated rod 744. Figure 7K and Figure 7L are shown as separate elements.

[0160] The first portion 744a at one end of the elongated rod 744 is configured to be seated in the opening 742 of the driven gear 734. Thus, the first portion 744a of the elongated rod 744 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the non-circular shape of the opening 742 of the driven gear, so that the drive member 730 is press-fitted to the driven gear 734. Thus, the first portion 744a in the illustrated embodiment has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0161] The drive member 730 is configured to engage the gas source 712 in a second portion 744b at an end of the elongated rod 744 opposite the first portion 744a. The elongated rod 744 includes a cam 746 configured to slidably engage the gas source 712, such as a pin 712p of the gas source. Figures 7F to 7G As discussed further below, the cam 746 is configured to move relative to the pin 712p of the gas source, thereby moving the pin 712p to move the gas source 712 between open and closed.

[0162] like Figure 7H and 7L As shown, the cam 746 extends around a portion of the circumference of the drive member 730. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 744b of the elongated rod 744 has a circular cross-sectional shape, so the cam 746 extends around a portion of the circumference of the drive member 730.

[0163] The cam 746 is defined by a notch formed in the drive member 730 (e.g., at the end in the second portion 744b of the elongated rod 744). The cam 746 has a tapered shape in which a first end 746a of the cam 746 defined by the notch has a wider width than a second end 746b of the cam 746 defined by the notch.

[0164] Figure 8 The selective activation of a gas source removably coupled to a carbonation system (e.g., Figure 1 CO2 tank 112, Figure 2 CO2 tank 212, Figure 3 CO2 tank 312, Figure 4 CO2 tank 412, Figure 6B CO2 tank 612, Figure 7B An embodiment of a method 800 for releasing CO2 from a CO2 tank 712, etc. 7A to 7C The method 800 is described with reference to the carbonation system 700 of FIG. 8 , but may similarly be described with reference to another carbonation system (e.g., Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, etc.) performs method 800.

[0165] The method 800 includes starting 802 a carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process. As discussed herein, the carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process can be initiated by a user providing input to the carbonation system 700, such as via the user interface 722 (e.g., pressing a START button, selecting an icon on a touch screen, moving a switch similar to a light switch, etc.). In some embodiments, as Figure 7O As shown, the carbonation system 700 is configured to communicatively couple with an external device 750 (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, etc.), such as via Bluetooth or other wireless connection, and a user can provide input to the external device 750, which then transmits a signal to the carbonation system 700 to initiate the carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process. Other embodiments of the carbonation systems described herein may be configured to communicatively couple with external devices.

[0166] Reference again Figure 8 , the processor of the carbonation system 700 receives a start signal indicating the start 802 of the carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process, such as a signal from the user interface 722, a signal from a transceiver or other communication interface that receives a signal from a user device, etc. Thus, the processor knows that beverage formation should begin. In response to receiving the start signal, the processor activates 804 the motor 728 to open the gas source 712 so that gas can be supplied to the mixing chamber of the carbonation system.

[0167] To activate 804 motor 728, the processor transmits a first control signal to motor 728, causing motor 728 to begin rotating in a direction that rotates drive gear 732, thereby rotating driven gear 734 from its original or initial position in a first direction D3. The rotation of driven gear 734 in the first direction D3 causes drive shaft 730 to rotate from its original or initial position in the first direction D1. When driven gear 734 moves from its original position by rotating in the first direction D3, driven gear 734 becomes disengaged from first switch 738. When drive shaft 730 moves from its original position by rotating in the first direction D1, the top surface of pin 712p slides along drive shaft 730 from first end 746a of cam 746 toward second end 746b of cam 746, causing cam 746 to force gas source pin 712p downward. That is, when the drive shaft 730 rotates in the first direction D3, the physical contact between the top surface of the pin 712p and the surface of the cam 746 moves from the first end 746a to the second end 746b.

[0168] When the drive shaft 730 has rotated in the first direction D1 far enough to be in its activated position, the cam 746 has pushed the pin 712p downward far enough to open the gas source 712, causing gas to be released 806 from the gas source 712 to the gas regulator 718. As discussed herein, the gas regulator 718 regulates the amount of gas flowing from the gas source 712 to the mixing chamber of the carbonation system. Figure 7G The flow of gas through the outlet towards the mixing chamber is shown.

[0169] The drive shaft 730 in its activated position corresponds to the driven gear 734 having rotated sufficiently in the first direction D3 to be in its activated position. When the driven gear 734 has rotated sufficiently in the first direction D3 to reach its activated position, the driven gear 734 engages the second switch 740 and has fully rotated in the first direction D3. In response to the engagement of the driven gear with the second switch 740, the second switch 740 transmits a signal to the processor. Thus, the processor knows when the gas source 712 has been turned on, because the driven gear 734 in its activated position corresponds to the gas source 712 being turned on. The processor knows how much gas should be supplied from the gas source 712 to the mixing chamber to form a particular carbonated fluid. In some embodiments, the same amount of gas is supplied to the mixing chamber for each carbonated fluid to be formed. In other embodiments, as discussed herein, different amounts of gas can be supplied to the mixing chamber based on one or more parameters (such as the carbonated fluid volume, the carbonation level, and the liquid temperature) to form different carbonated fluids. The processor also knows the gas flow rate leaving the gas source 712, because the gas source has a known flow rate. Different gas sources may have different flow rates, which may be stored in the memory of the carbonation system 700. Thus, the processor may be configured to calculate the amount of time the gas source 712 should remain open to allow the appropriate amount of gas to be supplied to the mixing chamber for forming the particular beverage to be dispensed during the carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process.

[0170] Once an amount of time has elapsed, such as determined by a counter, timer, or the like in communication with the processor, the processor activates 808 the motor 728 to turn off the gas source 712. The processor transmits a second control signal to the motor 728, which causes the motor 728 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which the motor 728 was previously rotated to turn on the gas source 712. Rotating the motor 728 in the opposite direction causes the drive gear 732 to rotate, thereby causing the driven gear 734 to rotate in the second direction D4. Rotation of the driven gear 734 in the second direction D4 from its activated position toward its home position causes the driven gear 734 to disengage from the second switch 740. The rotation of the driven gear 734 in the second direction D4 causes a corresponding rotation of the drive member 730 in the second direction D2. When the drive member 730 rotates in the second direction D2, the pin 712p moves upward due to the upward force applied by the pressurized contents of the gas source 712 because the pressure applied to the pin 712p by the cam 746 decreases as the top surface of the pin 712p slides along the drive member 730 from the second end 746b of the cam 746 toward the first end 746a of the cam 746. That is, when the drive shaft 730 rotates in the second direction D4, the physical contact between the top surface of the pin 712p and the surface of the cam 746 moves from the second end 746b to the first end 746a.

[0171] When the drive member 730 has rotated in the second direction D2 sufficiently to return to its original position, the pin 712p has moved back to its initial position and the gas source 712 is turned off.

[0172] The drive shaft 730 in its home position corresponds to the driven gear 734 having rotated sufficiently in the second direction D4 to return to its home position. When the driven gear 734 has rotated sufficiently in the second direction D4 to reach its home position, the driven gear 734 engages the first switch 738 and has fully rotated in the second direction D4. In response to the engagement of the driven gear with the first switch 738, the first switch 738 transmits a signal to the processor. Thus, the processor knows when the gas source 712 has been shut off because the driven gear 734 in its home position corresponds to the gas source 712 being shut off. The gas source 712 remains shut off, the shaft 730 remains in its home position, and the driven gear 734 remains in its home position until another carbonated fluid formation and dispensing process 802 begins.

[0173] Determine the amount of gas in the gas source

[0174] In some embodiments, methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining the amount of CO2 in a gas source in a carbonation system. As described above, the methods, systems, and apparatus can be implemented in a processing system similar to the carbonation system described herein, except that a different gas is mixed with the liquid instead of mixing CO2 with the liquid.

[0175] In some embodiments, as described above, a carbonation system configured to determine the amount of CO 2 in a gas source may also be configured to selectively release CO 2 from the gas source.

[0176] Typically, carbonation systems (e.g. Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700 (e.g., a carbonation system 700) can be configured to determine the amount of CO2 in a gas source (e.g., a CO2 tank) that is removably coupled to the carbonation system. The carbonation system can also be configured to provide a notification (e.g., an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm) to a user of the carbonation system indicating the determined amount of CO2. The user can be informed via the notification that it is time to order a new gas source to be ready for use (and / or verify that the new gas source is ready for use) because the gas source may soon need to be replaced to maintain the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system, and / or the user can be informed via the notification that the gas source should now be replaced to maintain the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system.

[0177] Figure 9 Illustrated is a diagram of a device that is removably coupled to a carbonation system (e.g., Figure 1 Carbonation system 100, Figure 2 Carbonation system 200, Figure 3 Carbonation system 300, Figure 4 Carbonation system 400, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Carbonation system 500, Figure 6A and Figure 6B Carbonation system 600, 7A to 7C Carbonation system 700, etc.) of the gas source (e.g., Figure 1 CO2 tank 112, Figure 2 CO2 tank 212, Figure 3 CO2 tank 312, Figure 4 CO2 tank 412, Figure 6B CO2 tank 612, Figure 7B One embodiment of a method 900 for determining the amount of CO2 in a CO2 tank 712, etc. The method 900 includes supplying 902 CO2 from a gas source to a mixing chamber of a carbonation system. Figure 9 904. Although not shown, liquid is also supplied to the mixing chamber from a liquid source. With the liquid and gas in the mixing chamber, a carbonated fluid is formed 904 in the mixing chamber by dissolving CO2 in the liquid (e.g., by agitating the CO2 and liquid using an agitator in the mixing chamber), and the carbonated fluid is then dispensed 904 into a cup, bottle, or other container.

[0178] After dispensing 904 the carbonated fluid, the carbonation system (e.g., a processor thereof) determines 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source. In other embodiments, the determination 906 may be performed after the CO2 has been supplied 902 to the mixing chamber but before the carbonated fluid has been formed 904 and / or before the carbonated fluid has been dispensed 904. In some embodiments, the determination 906 may be performed before the CO2 has been supplied 902 to the mixing chamber (e.g., before starting 802). Figure 8 Determine 906 after the carbonated fluid is formed and dispensed).

[0179] Determining the amount of CO2 in the gas source 906 may include subtracting an amount of CO2 corresponding to the amount of CO2 used to form the carbonated fluid 904, e.g., the amount of CO2 released from the gas source into the mixing chamber, from the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. The initial starting value of the current total amount corresponds to the size of the gas source, e.g., 410 g for a 410 g CO2 tank, 80 g for an 80 g CO2 tank, etc. Instead of subtracting the amount of CO2 from the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source to determine the amount of CO2 in the gas source 906, a running total of CO2 in the gas source may be calculated to determine the amount of CO2 in the gas source 906. In such embodiments, determining the amount of CO2 in the gas source 906 may include adding an amount of CO2 corresponding to the amount of CO2 used to form the carbonated fluid 904, e.g., the amount of CO2 released from the gas source into the mixing chamber, to the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. The final value of the current total amount corresponds to the size of the gas source, e.g. 410 g for a 410 g CO2 tank, 80 g for an 80 g CO2 tank, etc.

[0180] The amount of CO2 corresponding to the amount of CO2 used to form the carbonated fluid 904 can be a known value based on one or more parameters of the carbonated fluid formed 904. The carbonation system can be configured to store (e.g., in its memory) a lookup table that associates each of the one or more parameters with CO2 usage. This correlation can be determined experimentally. Examples of parameters include the volume of the carbonated fluid formed 904, the carbonation level of the carbonated fluid formed 904, and the temperature of the liquid used to form the carbonated fluid 904. Each of the carbonated fluid volume, the carbonated fluid carbonation level, and the liquid temperature is a factor that can affect how much CO2 is supplied 902 to the mixing chamber and, therefore, how much CO2 is released from the gas source into the mixing chamber. In other embodiments, the amount of CO2 corresponding to the amount of CO2 used to form the carbonated fluid 904 can be a known value based on one or more parameters of the CO2 supplied 902. An example of the one or more parameters includes the duration of the supply 902 of CO2. In other embodiments, the amount of CO2 corresponding to the amount of CO2 used to form 904 the carbonated fluid can be a known value based on a combination of one or more parameters of the CO2 supplied 902 and one or more parameters of the carbonated fluid formed 904.

[0181] In embodiments where the carbonation system can only dispense one size of carbonated fluid, the volume of carbonated fluid that forms 904 may be a predetermined volume. In other embodiments, the carbonation system is configured to allow a user to select a volume (e.g., small, medium, large; 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, etc.), such as via a user interface of the carbonation system or via an external device (e.g., via a user interface thereof), prior to forming 904 of the carbonated fluid.

[0182] In embodiments where the carbonation system can only provide one carbonation level of carbonated fluid, the carbonation level of the carbonated fluid formed 904 may be a predetermined carbonation level. In other embodiments, the carbonation system is configured to allow a user to select a carbonation level (e.g., high, medium, or low; high or low, etc.) via a user interface of the carbonation system prior to forming 904 the carbonated fluid.

[0183] As described above, the carbonation system can include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in a mixing chamber of the carbonation system. The sensed temperature can be considered to be the temperature of the liquid used to form 904 the carbonated fluid. Additionally, the carbonation system can include a temperature sensor (e.g., an NTC thermistor or other temperature sensor) configured to sense the temperature of the liquid. The temperature sensor can be configured to be in direct contact with the liquid, such as when a check valve (e.g., Figure 2 The first check valve 226, Figure 3 The second check valve 336 or Figure 4 When a first check valve 426, etc.) is opened in response to a liquid source being placed in a base of the carbonation system that is configured to releasably place the liquid source, or when a temperature sensor is included in the liquid line through which liquid flows from the liquid source to the mixing chamber.

[0184] Table 1 below shows one embodiment of a lookup table that correlates carbonation levels (high, medium, and low in this embodiment) and volumes (6 ounces and 12 ounces in this embodiment) with the amount of CO2 released from a gas source (a 410g, 60L CO2 tank in this illustrated embodiment). For example, Table 1 shows that 1.54g of CO2 is released from the gas source for a 6 ounce beverage with a low carbonation level. Table 1 also correlates beverage formation cycles with carbonation levels and volumes. For example, Table 1 shows that 410g of a CO2 source can be used to form 266.2 beverages, each with a 6 ounce volume and a low carbonation level.

[0185] Table 1

[0186]

[0187] Using the embodiment of Table 1 as an example, if a 6-ounce beverage with a low carbonation level is formed 904 as the first beverage in which a gas source is used, determining 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source may include subtracting 1.54 from 410, such that 408.46 g is determined 906 as the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. If the next beverage formed 904 is a 12-ounce beverage with a medium carbonation level, determining 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source may include subtracting 4.12 from 408.46, such that 404.34 g is determined 906 as the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source.

[0188] Table 2 below shows one embodiment of a lookup table that relates carbonation levels (in this embodiment, high, medium, and low) to liquid temperatures (in this embodiment, 40° F., 45° F., and 50° F.) for a 6 ounce volume of beverage. The variables x, y, z, a, b, and c in Table 2 are values ​​determined experimentally and indicate that less CO2 is released from the gas source when the liquid is at a temperature less than 45° F., and more CO2 is released from the gas source when the liquid is at a temperature greater than 45° F.

[0189] Table 2

[0190]

[0191] Using the embodiment of Table 2 as an example, if a 6-ounce beverage with a low carbonation level is formed 904 using a 45°F liquid as the first beverage in which a gas source is used, determining 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source may include subtracting 1.54 from 410, such that 408.46 g is determined 906 as the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. If the next beverage formed 904 using a 45°F liquid is a 6-ounce beverage with a medium carbonation level, determining 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source may include subtracting 2 from 408.46, such that 406.46 g is determined 906 as the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source.

[0192] Carbonation level and volume can be fixed parameters because the carbonation system can be constructed to allow only certain selections of carbonation level and volume. Liquid temperature is not a fixed parameter because any number of temperatures are possible. It is possible but impractical to provide all possible liquid temperatures in a lookup table. Therefore, the carbonation system (e.g., its processor) can be constructed to infer CO2 release information for a specific liquid temperature based on the data present in the lookup table. For example, using the embodiment of Table 2 as an example, if the sensed liquid temperature is 42.5°F, which is halfway between 40°F and 45°F for a 6-ounce beverage with a low carbonation level, the carbonation system can be constructed to calculate an appropriate CO2 release amount, which is halfway between the values ​​of 40°F and 45°F for a 6-ounce beverage with a low carbonation level in the lookup table.

[0193] Reference again Figure 9 After determining 906 the amount of CO2 in the gas source, the carbonation system (e.g., a processor thereof) determines 908 whether the determined 906 amount of CO2 in the gas source is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold amount. In other embodiments, it may be determined 908 whether the determined 906 amount of CO2 in the gas source is less than a predetermined threshold amount of CO2. The predetermined threshold amount of CO2 is discussed further below.

[0194] If it is determined 908 that the amount of CO2 in the gas source is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold amount, the carbonation system (e.g., its processor) does not cause a notification indicating the amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source to be provided 910. The carbonation system remains on standby until the next carbonation process begins and CO2 is again supplied 902 to the mixing chamber from the gas source (the same gas source or another gas source that replaces the gas source, as the user can replace the gas source at any time of the user's choosing).

[0195] If it is determined 908 that the amount of CO2 in the gas source is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold amount, the carbonation system (e.g., its processor) causes a notification indicating the amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source to be provided 910. The carbonation system then remains on standby until the next carbonation process begins and CO2 is again supplied 902 to the mixing chamber from the gas source (the same gas source or another gas source that replaces the gas source, as the user can replace the gas source at any time of the user's choosing).

[0196] As described above, the notification can have various configurations. One or more different types of notifications can be provided 910 as the notification. In some embodiments, the notification indicates the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. Thus, the user can fully understand the CO2 level of the gas source, which can help the user decide when to replace the gas source. Over time, the user can learn when a new gas source should be ordered and / or when the gas source should be replaced to maintain the user's preferred carbonation quality by looking at the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. In some embodiments, the notification indicates a binary condition, i.e., whether the gas source should or should not be replaced, indicating or not indicating the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source. Thus, the user can proactively learn when to replace the gas source.

[0197] For example, the notification may include a visual indication by illuminating a light on a user interface of the carbonation system. The color of the light may indicate the information being conveyed by the illumination of the light, such as the light changing from one color (e.g., white or another color) to a different color (e.g., orange or another color) to indicate that the gas source needs to be replaced or may need to be replaced soon.

[0198] As another example, the notification may include a visual indication on a display screen of a user interface of the carbonation system. Text (letters and / or numbers) and / or a symbol on the display screen may indicate that the gas source needs to be replaced or may need to be replaced soon. For example, the symbol may include a graphical depiction of a tank with a line or shading therein to indicate the fill level of the gas source. As another example, the symbol may include a graphical gauge showing the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source, with the line pointing to the level on a scale, similar to a fuel gauge in a car. The text may include, for example, a percentage of the gas source corresponding to the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source, such as 25% indicating that the gas source is 25% full. Another example of text includes a number indicating the predicted number of carbonated beverages that can be formed and dispensed given the current gas source fill level determined 906. If the carbonation system is configured to dispense beverages of varying volumes, multiple numbers may be provided, with each number corresponding to a different beverage volume. In embodiments where the notification is provided continuously 910, the number may be configured as a countdown that decreases each time a carbonated beverage is formed and dispensed. Another example of text includes a number indicating the predicted number of days remaining that a carbonated beverage can be formed and dispensed given the currently determined 906 gas source fill level and historical daily usage of the carbonation system. If the carbonation system is configured to dispense beverages of varying volumes, multiple numbers may be provided, with each number corresponding to a different beverage volume. In embodiments where the notification is provided continuously 910, the numbers may be configured as a countdown.

[0199] As a further example, the notification may include a visual indication on a mechanical meter showing the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source, with a needle pointing to a level on a scale, similar to a fuel gauge in a car. As another example, the notification may include an audible indication provided via a speaker of the carbonation system. The audible indication may be a spoken word and / or a beep, tone sequence, or other non-spoken sound.

[0200] As another example, the notification can be a visual indication and / or an audible indication provided via an external device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.), such as via its user interface, that is communicatively coupled to the carbonation system, such as via Bluetooth or other wireless connection. In addition to or in lieu of providing notifications via the carbonation system, notifications can be provided via the external device. The carbonation system can be configured to provide notifications via the external device, similar to how the carbonation system itself can provide notifications as discussed herein. Figure 7O An embodiment is shown in which 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700 is communicatively coupled to the external device 750 , but as described above, other carbonation systems described herein may similarly be communicatively coupled to the external device 750 .

[0201] As in Figure 9 In some embodiments, the carbonation system can be configured to provide 910 a notification only when the amount of CO2 is determined 908 to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold amount of CO2. In other embodiments, the carbonation system can be configured to provide 908 a notification continuously. In such embodiments, determining 908 whether the amount of CO2 in the gas source is equal to or less than (or only less than) the predetermined threshold amount of CO2 is omitted. The notification 908 can be provided continuously only when the carbonation system has power, such as via a light on a display screen and / or powered user interface, or can be provided continuously regardless of the power status of the carbonation system, such as via a mechanical meter showing the current total amount of CO2 in the gas source with a needle pointing to a level on a scale.

[0202] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold amount may correspond to an amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source, after which the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will degrade, e.g., because insufficient CO2 will be supplied to the mixing chamber of the carbonation system to achieve a desired carbonation level. Thus, the user may be informed via the notification that it is time to replace the gas source currently coupled to the carbonation system to maintain carbonation quality.

[0203] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold amount of CO2 can correspond to the amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source, wherein after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system using gas from the gas source, the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will decrease. Thus, the user can be informed via the notification that it is time to order a new gas source to be ready for use (and / or verify that the new gas source is ready for use) because the gas source currently connected to the carbonation system may need to be replaced soon to maintain carbonation quality. In such embodiments, the predetermined threshold amount of CO2 can be, for example, 25% of the total amount of CO2 in the gas source when the gas source is new, e.g., 102.5g for a 410g CO2 canister, 20g for an 80g CO2 canister, etc.

[0204] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold amount can be a preset threshold based on, for example, a known (e.g., experimentally known) amount of carbonated fluid that can be formed with an appropriate carbonation quality given the amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source. For example, the known amount of carbonated fluid can be conservatively based on a maximum size (e.g., maximum volume) of carbonated fluid that can be formed by the carbonation system.

[0205] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold amount can be a variable threshold value based on the usage history of the carbonation system. Thus, the predetermined threshold amount can be based on the previous use of a particular carbonation system, which can make the predetermined threshold amount more accurately indicate when the gas source of a particular carbonation system should be replaced. The previous use can be based on information about one or more characteristics of the carbonated fluid previously formed by the carbonation system. As described above, the carbonation system can be configured to allow the user to select one or more aspects of the carbonation system (e.g., the volume of carbonated fluid to be dispensed, the carbonation level, etc.). The carbonation system can be configured to store a history of user selections in its memory, for example. Thus, the carbonation system can be configured to maintain historical data of the use of the carbonation system, which historical data can be used to predict future use of the carbonation system because it is relevant to predicting how much more carbonated fluid the carbonation system can form given the specific amount of CO2 determined 906 to remain in the gas source.

[0206] For example, the carbonation system can be configured to determine the average selected volume across all previous user selections and determine the amount of carbonated fluid with the average selected volume that the carbonation system can form with appropriate carbonation quality given the CO2 level determined 906 for the gas source. If the determined amount of carbonated fluid is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold amount, the carbonation system can be configured to set the predetermined threshold amount to the current CO2 level determined 906 for the gas source. Some users may select a particular size of beverage more frequently than others, such as 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, etc. Larger sizes generally require more CO2 to be supplied 902 to the mixing chamber than smaller sizes. Therefore, a predetermined minimum threshold amount based on historical volume selections can take into account the beverage volume preferences of a particular user of the carbonation system.

[0207] In some embodiments, instead of considering all previous use selections, a predetermined number of recent previous user selections may be considered. More recent use of the carbonation system may be more indicative of future use than considering all previous use of the carbonation system.

[0208] In some embodiments, instead of considering multiple previous usage selections, whether all or only a certain number of previous usage selections, multiple previous user selections within a predetermined amount of time may be considered. The amount of time may be, for example, a specific number of days prior to the current day, including or excluding the current day. More recent usage of the carbonation system may be more indicative of future usage than considering all previous usage of the carbonation system.

[0209] For another example, the carbonation system can be configured to determine the average carbonation level across all previous user selections (or across a predetermined number of previous user selections, or across multiple previous user selections within a predetermined amount of time), and determine the quantity of carbonated fluid having the average selected carbonation level that the carbonation system can form with appropriate carbonation quality given the CO2 level determined 906 for the gas source. If the determined quantity of carbonated fluid is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold quantity, the carbonation system can be configured to set the predetermined threshold quantity to the current determined 906 CO2 level for the gas source. Some users may select beverages with more carbonation more frequently than other users. A higher level of carbonation requires more CO2 to be supplied 902 to the mixing chamber than a lower level of carbonation. Thus, the predetermined minimum threshold quantity selected based on historical volumes can take into account the beverage carbonation preferences of a particular user of the carbonation system.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first predetermined threshold amount may correspond to an amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source, wherein after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system, the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will decrease, and the second predetermined threshold amount may correspond to an amount of CO2 remaining in the gas source, after which the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will decrease. The carbonation system may be configured to provide 910 a first notification in response to the first predetermined threshold amount being met, which may provide a warning to the user that the gas source may soon need to be replaced to maintain the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system. The carbonation system may be configured to provide 910 a second notification in response to the second predetermined threshold amount being met, which may provide a warning to the user that the gas source should now be replaced to maintain the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system. In such embodiments, determining 908 whether the amount of CO2 in the gas source is equal to or less than (or only less than) the predetermined threshold amount may include comparing the determined amount of CO2 906 to each of the first predetermined threshold amount and the second predetermined threshold amount. In some cases, only the second predetermined threshold amount may be compared to the determined 906 amount of CO 2 because if the determined 906 amount of CO 2 is equal to or less than the second predetermined threshold amount, it must also be equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold amount.

[0211] In some embodiments, determining 908 that the amount of CO2 is equal to or less than (or just less than) a predetermined threshold amount can trigger the carbonation system (e.g., its processor) to place an order for a new gas source. The user can opt in or out of such automatic reordering. For example, the carbonation system can be configured to communicate over a network to place an online order with a predetermined merchant for a predetermined type of gas source. For another example, the carbonation system can be configured to transmit instructions to an external device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.) that is communicatively coupled to the carbonation system (such as via Bluetooth or other wireless connection) to place an order in a manner similar to that discussed above. Figure 7O An embodiment is shown in which 7A to 7C The carbonation system 700 is communicatively coupled to the external device 750 , but as described above, other carbonation systems described herein may similarly be communicatively coupled to the external device 750 .

[0212] In some embodiments, when a gas source is newly connected to the carbonation system, a user provides manual input to the carbonation system, e.g., via a user interface of the carbonation system or via an external device communicatively coupled to the carbonation system, indicating that a new gas source has been connected to the carbonation system. In other embodiments, when a gas source is newly connected to the carbonation system, the carbonation system is configured to automatically detect that a gas source has been connected to the carbonation system. Automatic detection of gas source connection can be achieved in various ways, such as by using a microswitch configured to detect the gas source in a gas source chamber of the carbonation system, by a weight sensor configured to sense the weight of the gas source thereon, etc. Thus, whether manually or automatically notified of the newly connected gas source, the carbonation system can be aware that the current gas source fill level is 100% and can accordingly, for example, begin subsequent determinations 906 of the CO2 amount starting from a fill level of 100%.

[0213] exhaust system

[0214] In some embodiments, methods, systems, and apparatus for venting a chamber in a carbonation system are provided. As described above, the methods, systems, and apparatus can be implemented in a processing system similar to the carbonation system described herein, except that a different gas is mixed with the liquid instead of mixing CO2 with the liquid.

[0215] In some embodiments, a carbonation system configured to vent a chamber in the carbonation system may also be configured to determine the amount of CO2 in the gas source as discussed above, and / or selectively release CO2 from the gas source as discussed above.

[0216] Typically, a carbonation system may include a discharge system configured to discharge a mixing chamber of the carbonation system in which a carbonated fluid is configured to be formed. The carbonated fluid is formed in the mixing chamber wherein the pressure in the chamber is higher (e.g., significantly higher) than atmospheric pressure due to the use of pressurized gas (carbon dioxide) in forming the carbonated fluid. If the carbonated fluid is dispensed from the chamber and out of the carbonation system while the pressure in the chamber is too high above atmospheric pressure, the carbonated fluid will flow out of the chamber and out of the carbonation system too quickly, resulting in a messy splash and / or preventing at least some of the carbonated fluid from being dispensed cleanly into the container. Alternatively, a valve configured to open despite the high chamber pressure may be used, but such a valve may require an expensive and high-power actuator, which, in addition to increasing the cost, may substantially impair the functionality of the carbonation system.

[0217] To address this potential problem, some pressure can be vented from the chamber before dispensing of the carbonated fluid begins. However, when pressure is vented from the mixing chamber, the sudden pressure drop can result in a loss of carbonation in the carbonated fluid, thereby reducing the carbonation level from its desired level. The vent system is configured to reduce the extent of this pressure drop and can thereby improve the retention of carbonation in the carbonated fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the vent system is configured to provide a flow restriction (also referred to herein as a "vent restriction") that is configured to provide a restriction to the vent flow path, which can reduce the extent of this pressure drop.

[0218] After the carbonated fluid has formed in the mixing chamber, larger CO2 bubbles will rise or float into the headspace of the chamber above the carbonated fluid faster than smaller CO2 bubbles. If the chamber is vented too quickly and / or too much after the carbonated fluid has formed, the carbonated fluid will suffer a loss of carbonation due to the growth of small bubbles still present in the bulk of the carbonated fluid. Bubble growth can cause the carbonated fluid to have less carbonation than the user desires and expects.

[0219] Discharging the mixing chamber toward atmospheric pressure may include a first discharge period, followed by a second discharge period. During the first discharge period, discharge may occur through a discharge flow path configured to provide flow restriction. During the first discharge period, larger CO2 bubbles in the headspace of the chamber may be discharged from the chamber while allowing time for smaller bubbles to rise or float into the headspace. Some smaller bubbles may also be discharged during the first discharge period because some smaller bubbles may have risen or floated into the headspace. The first discharge period may begin after a rest period of a predetermined time period (e.g., two seconds or other time period) from the end of mixing of the liquid and gas (e.g., the end of agitation) and the beginning of discharge, or the end of gas injection into the mixing chamber or any other carbonation method and the beginning of discharge. Alternatively, the end of the rest period may be defined by the time when the mixing chamber pressure drops below the saturation pressure of the carbonated fluid, which occurs at a specific point in the discharge process. Therefore, in some embodiments, the rest period and the discharge period may overlap, and in other embodiments, the rest period and the discharge period may be sequential. Waiting for a period of time before commencing venting the chamber can reduce the number of residual bubbles within the carbonated fluid at the point where the fluid pressure drops below the saturation pressure of the carbonated fluid and can allow larger CO2 bubbles to be located in the headspace when venting begins. Subsequently, during a second venting period, venting can occur via a venting flow path that does not provide flow restriction. Thus, during the second venting period, venting the chamber can occur faster than during the first venting period. Consequently, carbonation losses in the carbonated fluid can be reduced compared to a venting process without a flow restrictor.

[0220] In some embodiments, a carbonation system exhaust system in fluid communication with a mixing chamber of the carbonation system includes a first exhaust flow path and a second exhaust flow path. The first exhaust flow path includes a flow restrictor configured to provide flow restriction. The second exhaust flow path does not include a flow restrictor and is not configured to provide flow restriction. Exhausting the mixing chamber may include exhausting through the first flow path during a first exhaust period and then exhausting through the second flow path during a second exhaust period.

[0221] Figure 4 An embodiment of an exhaust system including a first exhaust flow path and a second exhaust flow path is illustrated in FIG. As described above, Figure 4The discharge system of the illustrated carbonation system 400 includes a first discharge solenoid valve 434, a second discharge solenoid valve 420, a flow restrictor 436, and a PRV 422. The discharge system in this illustrated embodiment also includes a first T-junction 438, a second T-junction 440, and a third T-junction 442. The open / closed positions of the first and second discharge solenoid valves 434, 420, and the PRV 422 define the flow path through which discharge can occur. The processor of the carbonation system 400 is configured to be operably coupled to the first and second discharge solenoid valves 434, 420, and the PRV 422 and to control their open / closed positions.

[0222] The first discharge flow path from the mixing chamber 404 includes flow through the restrictor 436 and the first discharge solenoid valve 434. The first discharge flow path also includes flow through the first tee 438, the second tee 440, and the third tee 442. The first discharge flow path leads to a drip pan 444 of the carbonation system 400, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture.

[0223] The restrictor 436 is configured to restrict the flow of gas out of the mixing chamber 404, allowing the exhaust flow rate through the first exhaust flow path to be lower than the exhaust flow rate through the second exhaust flow path. The restrictor 436 can include tubing having a smaller diameter than the tubing along the remainder of the first flow path and the tubing along the second flow path. Thus, when the flow encounters the reduced diameter portion of the first flow path, such as when the flow passes through the restrictor 436, the fluid flow along the first exhaust flow path will be reduced.

[0224] The second drain flow path from the mixing chamber 404 includes flow through the second drain solenoid valve 420. The second drain flow path also includes flow through the first tee 438, the second tee 440, and the third tee 442. The second drain flow path leads to a drip pan 444, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture.

[0225] The exhaust system in the illustrated embodiment also includes a third flow path from the mixing chamber 404. The third flow path includes flow through the PRV 422. The third exhaust flow path also includes flow through the first T-junction 438. The third exhaust flow path leads to a drip pan 444, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture.

[0226] The third flow path is configured as an emergency vent flow path through which venting of chamber 404 can occur in response to the occurrence of an emergency condition. The processor of carbonation system 400 is configured to open flow through the third flow path in response to the occurrence of an emergency condition, such as by controlling the open / closed position of first vent solenoid valve 434 and second vent solenoid valve 420 (each closed when flow through the third flow path is possible) and PRV 422 (open when flow through the third flow path is possible). For example, the emergency condition may include the pressure within chamber 404 equaling or exceeding a predetermined maximum threshold pressure. For example, a pressure sensor ( Figure 4 ) to measure the pressure within chamber 404.

[0227] Figure 10 A graph illustrating one embodiment of chamber pressure versus time is shown. Curve 1000 in the graph is an example of restricted flow that can be achieved using a vent system including a first vent flow path and a second vent flow path, such as Figure 4 , and a first and second exhaust flow paths for the exhaust system. As shown by curve 1000, CO2 begins to be added to mixing chamber 404 at approximately time = 5 seconds, and the liquid in chamber 404 mixes with the CO2 in chamber 404 until approximately time = 26 seconds, at which point curve 1000 shows that the gas pressure in chamber 404 is substantially constant at approximately 600 kPa until approximately time = 28 seconds. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to any number of factors, such as the sensitivity of the measuring equipment, the value may not be exactly at this value, but it is still considered to be approximately this value. The first exhaust flow path opens at approximately time = 28 seconds. Therefore, in this illustrated embodiment, there is a wait time of approximately two seconds between the end of mixing and the start of exhaust, which, as described above, can allow larger bubbles to rise or float to the headspace of mixing chamber 404. Exhaust occurs through the first exhaust flow path for a short period of time before the exhaust flow path changes from the first exhaust flow path to the second exhaust flow path, as shown by the downward shift of curve 1000 (shown at line portion 1002). Thus, the pressure in chamber 404 decreases until approximately time = 46 seconds, at which time the carbonated fluid in chamber 404 begins to be dispensed from chamber 404 into a cup (or other container) and the pressure in chamber 404 drops to approximately zero.

[0228] Figure 11 Another embodiment of a vent system for a carbonation system including a first vent flow path and a second vent flow path is illustrated in FIG. Figure 11 The carbonation system 1100 is generally constructed and used in a manner similar to the carbonation systems discussed herein, but Figure 11In the simplified form shown. Figure 11 As shown, the carbonation system 1100 includes a discharge system, a power board 1102 (e.g., a printed circuit board including a processor and other electronic components), a liquid pump 1104 (which is a water pump in the illustrated embodiment), a mixing chamber 1106, and a drip pan 1108. Figure 11 As shown, the exhaust system includes a first exhaust solenoid 1110, a flow restrictor 1112, and a second exhaust solenoid 1114. The exhaust system in this illustrated embodiment also includes a first T-junction 1116 and a second T-junction 1116. The open / closed position of the first exhaust solenoid 1110 and the second exhaust solenoid 1114 defines through which flow path exhaust can occur. Figure 11 As shown, the power board 1102 (eg, the processor thereof) is configured to be operably coupled to the first exhaust solenoid 1110 and the second exhaust solenoid 1114 and control their open / closed positions.

[0229] The first exhaust flow path from the mixing chamber 1106 includes flow through the first exhaust solenoid valve 1110 and the flow restrictor 1112. The flow restrictor 1112 is constructed similarly to the flow restrictor 1112 described above. Figure 4 The first discharge flow path also includes flow through the first T-junction 1116 and the second T-junction 1118. The first discharge flow path leads to the drip pan 1108, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture. In the illustrated embodiment, the first discharge flow path passes through the first discharge solenoid valve 1110 before the flow restrictor 1112, which is similar to the Figure 4 The first flow path is different, Figure 4 In the first flow path, the first exhaust flow path passes through the restrictor 436 before the first exhaust solenoid valve 434 .

[0230] The second drain flow path from mixing chamber 1106 includes flow through second drain solenoid 1114. The second drain flow path also includes flow through first T-junction 1116 and second T-junction 1118. The second drain flow path leads to drip pan 1108, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture.

[0231] like Figure 11 The carbonation system 1100 shown does not include an exhaust flow path for emergency flow, but may include a similar exhaust flow path as described above with respect to FIG. Figure 4 Such exhaust flow paths are discussed.

[0232] Figure 10 The curve 1000 can also be used Figure 11 An example of restricted flow achieved with the first exhaust flow path and the second exhaust flow path of the carbonation system 1100.

[0233] In some embodiments including a first exhaust flow path and a second exhaust flow path, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 11 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG, flow occurs through the first discharge flow path but not through the second flow path during a first discharge period, and flow occurs through the second discharge flow path but not through the first flow path during a second discharge period. Thus, as discussed herein, restricted flow can be achieved by allowing flow through the first flow path and then allowing flow through the second flow path. In other embodiments including a first discharge flow path and a second discharge flow path, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 11 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG, flow occurs through the first discharge flow path but not through the second flow path during a first discharge period, and flow occurs through both the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path during a second discharge period. Thus, as discussed herein, restricted flow can be achieved by allowing flow through the first flow path and then allowing flow through both the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0234] In other embodiments, a discharge system of a carbonation system in fluid communication with a mixing chamber of the carbonation system includes a single discharge flow path. The single discharge flow path is configured to selectively provide flow restriction. Discharging the mixing chamber may include a pulsed or regulated discharge through the single flow path during a first discharge period, followed by a non-pulsed discharge through the single flow path during a second discharge period. Thus, the single flow path can provide functionality similar to the first and second discharge flow paths discussed above, but with fewer components and, therefore, at a lower cost and / or with the discharge system occupying less space in the carbonation system.

[0235] Figure 12 One embodiment of a vent system for a carbonation system including a single vent flow path is illustrated in FIG. Figure 12 The carbonation system 1200 is generally constructed and used in a manner similar to the carbonation systems discussed herein, but Figure 12 In the simplified form shown. Figure 12 As shown, the carbonation system 1200 includes a discharge system, a power board 1202 (e.g., a printed circuit board including a processor and other electronic components), a liquid pump 1204 (which is a water pump in the illustrated embodiment), a mixing chamber 1206, and a drip pan 1208. Figure 12 As shown, the drain system includes a drain solenoid 1210. The drain flow path from the mixing chamber 1206 includes flow through the drain solenoid 1210. The drain flow path leads to a drip pan 1208, which can allow for clean collection of excess moisture.

[0236] like Figure 12 As shown, the processor of the carbonation system 1200 is configured to be operably coupled to the discharge solenoid valve 1210 and to control the open / closed position of the discharge solenoid valve. During a first discharge period, the processor is configured to repeatedly and rapidly open and close the discharge solenoid valve 1210 to provide a pulsed discharge flow through the discharge flow path, wherein discharge quickly begins (the discharge flow path is open) and stops (the discharge flow path is closed). During a second discharge period, the processor is configured to continuously open the discharge solenoid valve 1210, thereby continuously opening the discharge flow path. The pulsed discharge in the first flow period is configured to provide a restricted flow because the flow is less than the flow when the discharge solenoid valve 1210 is continuously open. In the embodiments discussed above in which the discharge system includes a first discharge flow path and a second discharge flow path, pulsed discharge is not necessary because each flow path defines a different flow rate therethrough due to the presence of a restrictor (the first discharge flow path) or the absence of a restrictor (the second discharge flow path). Instead of the processor being configured to repeatedly and rapidly open and close the discharge solenoid valve 1210 to provide a pulsed discharge flow, the carbonation system 1200 can include a discharge valve with a proportional opening. The discharge valve is configured to adjust the effective flow resistance in the discharge path. In such an embodiment, the processor is configured to set the valve opening position to provide a small orifice for a first discharge period, thereby providing a high flow resistance through the discharge valve. During a second discharge period, the processor is configured to set the valve opening position to a larger orifice, thereby providing a lower flow resistance through the discharge valve than during the first discharge period. Different types of proportional orifice valves can be used as the discharge valve.

[0237] It is shown that a single exhaust flow path (such as Figure 12 The curve for the restricted flow achieved by the exhaust system with a single flow path of the exhaust system is similar to Figure 10 However, for a single exhaust flow path, the pressure during the first time period will not be shown as Figure 10 The pressure during the first time period will be substantially straight as shown by line portion 1002. In contrast, the pressure during the first time period will have repeated small decreases, similar to steps, representing the repeated opening and closing of the single exhaust solenoid valve 1210.

[0238] like Figure 12 The carbonation system 1200 shown does not include an exhaust flow path for emergency flow, but may include a carbonation system similar to that described above with respect to FIG. Figure 4 The type of discharge flow path discussed. In this case, different from Figure 4 and Figure 11(which each include two exhaust flow paths for normal use), the exhaust system still includes a single exhaust flow path for normal use of the carbonation system 1200.

[0239] exist Figures 1 to 3 Other embodiments of exhaust systems including a single exhaust flow path are illustrated in FIG. As described above, Figure 1 The exhaust system includes a single exhaust solenoid 120, Figure 2 The exhaust system includes a single exhaust solenoid 220, and Figure 3 The exhaust system includes a single exhaust solenoid 322. Therefore, Figures 1 to 3 The exhaust system can be constructed to provide a similar Figure 12 Restricted flow is discussed, although any of these discharge systems can be used without providing restricted flow, such as by discharging without any pulses. Figures 1 to 3 Also shown are exhaust systems each including an emergency exhaust flow path, wherein Figure 1 The exhaust system includes PRV 122, Figure 2 The exhaust system includes PRV 222, and Figure 3 The exhaust system includes PRV 324.

[0240] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuits, digital electronic circuits and / or computer software, firmware or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or a combination thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer or multiple computers) or for controlling the operation of the data processing device. A computer program (also referred to as a program, algorithm, software, software application or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that stores other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines or code portions).

[0241] The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0242] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, to receive data from or transmit data to, or to receive data from and transmit data to. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0243] One or more modules can be used to implement the technology described herein. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware and / or its various combinations. However, at least, a module should not be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable recordable storage medium (that is, a module is not the software itself). In fact, a "module" should be interpreted as always including at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a part of a computer or processor. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (for example, two different modules can use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated and / or copied to support various applications. In addition, alternatively to or in addition to the functions performed at a specific module, the functions described herein as performed at a specific module can be performed at one or more other modules and / or performed by one or more other devices.

[0244] Those skilled in the art will appreciate other features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods based on the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0245] The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a chamber configured to receive a liquid and a pressurized gas therein, the liquid and pressurized gas mixing together in the chamber to form a treated fluid; one or more vents operably coupled to the chamber and configured to move from a closed position to an open position to allow pressure in the chamber to be released through the one or more vents; as well as a processor configured to control movement of the one or more vents between the closed position and the open position such that the release of the pressure occurs during a first vent period in which flow through the one or more vents is restricted, and then the release of the pressure occurs during a second vent period in which flow through the one or more vents is not restricted. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more drains include a first drain and a second drain.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a flow restrictor configured to be in fluid communication with the first drain port; The flow restrictor is not in fluid communication with the second discharge port.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to control movement of the first drain port and the second drain port such that, during the first drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the first drain port and the restrictor, and during the second drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the second drain port.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein during the first drain period, draining of the chamber does not occur through the second drain port; and During the second drain period, draining of the chamber does not occur through the first drain port or the flow restrictor.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein draining of the chamber is configured to occur through only one of the first drain port and the second drain port at a time.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more drains comprises a single drain.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to control movement of the single discharge port such that, in the first discharge period, the single discharge port is repeatedly opened and closed, and in the second discharge period, the single discharge port remains continuously open.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide and the treated fluid is a carbonated fluid.

10. A method comprising: forming a processed fluid in the chamber by mixing a liquid and a gas together under pressure; as well as After forming the treated fluid, controlling movement of one or more vents between a closed position and an open position using a processor such that pressure release in the chamber occurs during a first vent period in which flow through the one or more vents is restricted, and then pressure release in the chamber occurs during a second vent period in which flow through the one or more vents is not restricted.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more drains include a first drain and a second drain.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a flow restrictor is in fluid communication with the first drain port, and the flow restrictor is not in fluid communication with the second drain port.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the processor controls movement of the first and second drain ports such that during the first drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the first drain port and the restrictor, and during the second drain period, draining of the chamber occurs through the second drain port.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein during the first drain period, draining of the chamber does not occur through the second drain port; and During the second drain period, draining of the chamber does not occur through the first drain port or the flow restrictor.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein exhausting of the chamber occurs through only one of the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port at a time.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more drains comprise a single drain. 17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the processor controls movement of the single discharge port such that, in the first discharge period, the single discharge port is repeatedly opened and closed, and in the second discharge period, the single discharge port remains continuously open.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the gas is carbon dioxide and the treated fluid is a carbonated fluid.

19. A method comprising: forming a processed fluid in the chamber by mixing a liquid and a gas together under pressure; as well as After forming the treated fluid, the pressure of the chamber is controlled using a processor so that after a predetermined period of time has passed since the liquid and the gas have been mixed together, the chamber begins to be discharged at a first pressure release rate in a first discharge period and thereafter, the chamber is discharged at a second, higher pressure release rate in a second discharge period.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the processor controlling the venting of pressure comprises the processor controlling the opening and closing of at least one vent through which pressure is released from the chamber.

21. A system comprising: A processor configured to: determining the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source for use by the carbonation system in forming a single carbonated fluid, determining a total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source based at least in part on the determined amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source, and Such that a notification is provided to a user of the carbonation system indicating the total amount of pressurized CO 2 remaining in the CO 2 source.

22. The system of claim 21 , wherein determining the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the CO2 source comprises using a lookup table; and The lookup table relates the amount of CO 2 released to at least one of a carbonated fluid carbonation level, a carbonated fluid volume, a liquid temperature, and a duration of supply of CO 2 .

23. The system of claim 21 , wherein determining the total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source comprises one of: subtracting the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source from the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before releasing the amount of pressurized CO2, and The amount of pressurized CO 2 released from the gas source is added to the total amount of pressurized CO 2 in the CO 2 source before releasing the amount of pressurized CO 2 .

24. The system of claim 21 , wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the determined total amount of pressurized CO 2 remaining in the CO 2 source is below a threshold amount; and The processor is configured to provide notification only when the determined total amount of pressurized CO 2 remaining in the CO 2 source is below the threshold amount.

25. A system according to claim 24, wherein the threshold amount corresponds to the amount of CO2 remaining in the CO2 source, and wherein after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system using CO2 from the CO2 source, the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will decrease.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the threshold amount is based on a remaining amount of carbonated fluid that the carbonation system can form using CO2 from the CO2 source.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the remaining amount is based on at least one of a carbonated fluid volume, a carbonated fluid carbonation level, a temperature of a liquid mixed with the gas, and a duration of supply of CO2.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein the notifications are configured to be provided to the user continuously.

29. The system of claim 21, wherein the notification comprises at least one of a visual notification and an audible notification.

30. The system of claim 21, wherein the notification is provided to the user via at least one of a user interface of the carbonation system and a user interface of an external device.

31. A method comprising: determining, using a processor of the carbonation system, an amount of pressurized CO2 to supply from a CO2 source to a mixing chamber of the carbonation system to form a single carbonated fluid; determining, using the processor, a total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source after the amount of pressurized CO2 has been supplied; as well as A notification is provided, using the processor, to a user of the carbonation system, the notification indicating the total amount of pressurized CO 2 remaining in the CO 2 source.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein determining the amount of pressurized CO2 comprises using a lookup table; and The lookup table relates the amount of CO2 released to at least one of a carbonated fluid carbonation level, a carbonated fluid volume, and a liquid temperature.

33. The method of claim 31 , wherein determining the total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source comprises one of: subtracting the amount of pressurized CO2 released from the gas source from the total amount of pressurized CO2 in the CO2 source before supplying the amount of pressurized CO2, and The amount of pressurized CO 2 released from the gas source is added to the total amount of pressurized CO 2 in the CO 2 source before supplying the amount of pressurized CO 2 .

34. The method of claim 31 , further comprising determining, using the processor, whether the determined total amount of pressurized CO2 remaining in the CO2 source is below a threshold amount; and Notification is provided only when the determined total amount of pressurized CO 2 remaining in the CO 2 source is below the threshold amount.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the threshold amount corresponds to the amount of CO2 remaining in the CO2 source, and wherein after a certain amount of carbonated fluid is formed by the carbonation system using CO2 from the CO2 source, the carbonation quality of the carbonated fluid formed by the carbonation system will decrease.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the threshold amount is based on a remaining amount of carbonated fluid that the carbonation system is able to form using CO2 from the CO2 source.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the remaining amount is based on at least one of a carbonated fluid volume, a carbonated fluid carbonation level, and a temperature of a liquid mixed with the gas.

38. The method of claim 31 , wherein the notifications are configured to be provided to the user continuously.

39. The method of claim 31 , wherein the notification comprises at least one of a visual notification and an audible notification.

40. The method of claim 31 , wherein the notification is provided to the user via at least one of a user interface of the carbonation system and a user interface of an external device.

41. A system comprising: a CO2 source containing pressurized CO2 therein and including a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position, the pressurization urging the pin toward the first position; motor; as well as a cam configured to be driven by the motor to move in a first direction relative to the CO2 source to move the pin from the first position to the second position, and configured to be driven by the motor to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the CO2 source to move the pin from the second position to the first position; wherein the pin being in the first position corresponds to the CO 2 source being closed such that the CO 2 contained in the CO 2 source cannot be released from the CO 2 source; The pin being in the second position corresponds to the CO 2 source being open, such that the CO 2 contained in the CO 2 source can be released from the CO 2 source; and The CO 2 released from the CO 2 source is configured to be used by a carbonation system to form a carbonated fluid.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the pin is configured such that a top surface of the pin slides along the cam during movement of the cam relative to the CO2 source.

43. The system of claim 41 , wherein the cam has a tapered shape in which a first end of the cam is wider than a second end of the cam; The pin in the first position engages the first end of the cam; and The pin in the second position engages the second end of the cam.

44. The system of claim 41, wherein the cam is formed in a drive member operably coupled to the motor.

45. The system of claim 44, further comprising a gear train operatively coupling the motor and the drive member; The cam is configured to be driven by the motor driving the gear train.

46. ​​The system of claim 41 , further comprising a processor operatively coupled to the motor; wherein the processor is configured to transmit a first control signal to the motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive the cam to move in the first direction; and The processor is configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive movement of the cam in the second direction.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the second control signal to the motor a predetermined amount of time after the processor has transmitted the first control signal to the motor.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the processor is configured to receive a signal indicating the start of a process of forming the carbonated fluid; and The processor is configured to transmit the first control signal to the motor in response to receiving a signal indicating initiation of a process of forming the carbonated fluid.

49. The system of claim 46, further comprising a first switch operatively coupled to the processor; a second switch operatively coupled to the processor; as well as a gear configured to be driven by the motor to move between a first position in which the gear is engaged with the first switch and not engaged with the second switch, and a second position in which the gear is engaged with the second switch and not engaged with the first switch; wherein the gear becoming engaged with the first switch is configured to cause the processor to transmit the first control signal; and The gear becoming engaged with the second switch is configured to cause the processor to transmit the second control signal.

50. The system of claim 41 , further comprising a liquid source containing a liquid therein; and A mixing chamber in which the carbonation system is configured to mix liquid from the liquid source and CO2 from the CO2 source to form the carbonated fluid.

51. A system comprising: motor; a CO2 source containing pressurized CO2 therein and configured to move from a closed state, wherein CO2 cannot be released from the CO2 source, to an open state, wherein CO2 can be released from the CO2 source and used to form a carbonated fluid; a drive member operatively coupled to the motor and the CO2 source; as well as a processor configured to transmit a first control signal to the motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive rotation of the drive member in a first direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from off to on, and the processor configured to transmit a second control signal to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive rotation of the drive member in an opposite second direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from on to off.

52. The system of claim 51 , wherein the CO2 source comprises a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position; the pressurized CO 2 contained in the CO 2 source urging the pin toward the first position; the CO2 source is turned off when the pin is in the first position; the CO2 source is turned on with the pin in the second position; The drive member rotating in the first direction pushes the pin to force the pin to move from the first position to the second position; and Rotating the drive member in the second direction allows the pin to automatically move from the second position to the first position.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the drive member includes a cam engaged with the pin, and the rotation of the drive member is configured to slide the top surface of the pin along the cam.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the cam has a tapered shape in which a first end of the cam is wider than a second end of the cam; The pin in the first position engages the first end of the cam; and The pin in the second position engages the second end of the cam.

55. The system of claim 51 , further comprising a gear train operatively coupling the motor and the drive member; wherein the drive member is configured to be rotated by the motor driving the gear train.

56. The system of claim 51 , wherein the processor is configured to receive a signal indicating the start of a process of forming a carbonated fluid; and The processor is configured to transmit the first control signal to the motor in response to receiving a signal indicating initiation of a process of forming the carbonated fluid.

57. The system of claim 51 , further comprising a first switch operatively coupled to the processor; a second switch operatively coupled to the processor; as well as a gear configured to be driven by the motor to move between a first position in which the gear is engaged with the first switch and not engaged with the second switch, and a second position in which the gear is engaged with the second switch and not engaged with the first switch; wherein the gear becoming engaged with the first switch is configured to cause the processor to transmit the first control signal; and The gear becoming engaged with the second switch is configured to cause the processor to transmit the second control signal.

58. The system of claim 51 , further comprising a liquid source containing a liquid therein; and A mixing chamber in which a carbonation system is configured to mix liquid from the liquid source and CO2 from the CO2 source to form the carbonated fluid.

59. A method comprising: transmitting a first control signal from the processor to the motor, the first control signal causing the motor to drive the drive member to rotate in a first direction, thereby moving the CO2 source from closed to open, such that pressurized CO2 contained in the CO2 source is released from the CO2 source for forming a carbonated fluid; as well as A second control signal is transmitted to the motor, the second control signal causing the motor to drive the drive member to rotate in a second, opposite direction, thereby moving the CO 2 source from on to off.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein rotation of the drive member in the first direction causes a cam of the drive member to push downwardly on a pin of the CO2 source and counteract a force applied to the pin by pressurized CO2 contained in the CO2 source; and Rotation of the drive member in the second direction allows the pin to automatically move upward.

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