Direct air capture contactor for carbon capture and method of operating the same

Abstract

The embodiments described in this specification relate to systems, devices, and methods for capturing CO2 from ambient air. In some aspects, the device may include a platform having a top and a bottom, a lifting mechanism configured to move the platform vertically, a plurality of orifices defined by the top of the platform and configured to discharge a liquid onto a tray, and an actuator configured to move laterally along the bottom side of the top of the platform and configured to push and move the tray laterally. In some embodiments, the bottom may support the tray as the tray moves laterally. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism may include at least one of a chain or a linear actuator driven by a motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 358,602, filed on July 6, 2022, entitled "Direct Air Capture Contactor For Carbon Uptake, and Methods of Operating the Same", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air.

Background Art

[0003] The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has reached 410 parts per million by volume and has increased by approximately 20 ppm over the past decade. Current emission levels exceed 35 GtCO2 / year, and in order not to increase the Earth's temperature by 2°C by 2100, a diverse portfolio of CO2 mitigation technologies must be developed and strategically deployed. Due to the global dependence on fossil fuels, this portfolio must include technologies that can remove current and future CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, some of which include accelerating natural processes such as CO2 uptake by the ocean and terrestrial biosphere (soil, forests, minerals), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and synthetic approaches using chemicals, also known as direct air capture with storage (DACS) technology. Incorporating moisture into the air capture medium can improve CO2 capture. The supply efficiency of water to the carbon capture medium affects the overall efficiency of a system using the carbon capture medium.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The embodiments described in this specification relate to systems, devices, and methods for capturing CO2 from ambient air. In some aspects, the device may include a platform having a top and a bottom, a lifting mechanism configured to move the platform vertically, a plurality of orifices defined by the top of the platform and configured to discharge liquid onto a tray, and an actuator configured to move laterally along the bottom side of the top of the platform and configured to push and move the tray laterally. In some embodiments, the bottom may support the tray when the tray moves laterally. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism may include at least one of a chain or a linear actuator driven by a motor. In some embodiments, the tray may include a carbonate medium disposed therein. In some embodiments, the carbonate medium may include at least one of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, or dolomite lime (calcium-magnesium oxide or hydroxide). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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Figures 3A-3G

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Detailed Description The DAC contactor is used to hold, process, distribute, and / or recover carbonate media in a cyclic DAC process. The contactors described herein can hold trays, move trays within the system, process the carbonate media within the trays to maintain high CO2 uptake, fill, distribute, and / or distribute / collect saturated carbonate media for regeneration. The filling station of the contactor can distribute a thin layer of the recovered material onto the tray. Thereafter, the tray is picked up by the distributor. The distributor can pick up, move, distribute, and process trays and materials. The contactor can include an assembly of vertical bars, and the distributor can cross the bars of the contactor. The treatment of the carbonate media can include adding water to the carbonate media to improve the CO2 uptake of the carbonate media.

[0015] The distributor described in this specification can include a mechanism for removing a tray, processing the tray, and discharging the tray to a predetermined position within a contactor. The distributor described in this specification can also measure the weight of the tray. In some embodiments, the distributor described in this specification can accommodate a weighing platform. The processing of the tray can include the addition of water, agitation of a carbonating medium, and / or any other form of processing. The distributor can remove a tray from a tray filling station or a tray filling location and use a picking mechanism to move the tray into the interior of the distributor. Thereafter, the distributor can move vertically to align the tray at an appropriate rack and shelf position on the contactor, and the distributor provides the tray at that appropriate position. This can be repeated until trays are lined up on each shelf of the contactor.

[0016] The frequency of tray processing can be determined by software and control algorithms. The processing can continue until the carbonating medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. In some embodiments, the processing of the tray can include spraying of the carbonating medium within the tray, or other methods for controlled water distribution, or mechanical agitation of the materials. The processing can continue until the carbonating medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. In some embodiments, the processing of the tray can include spraying water onto the carbonating medium in the tray, or other methods for controlled water distribution, or mechanical agitation of the materials. The processing can continue until the carbonating medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. Once the materials have reacted sufficiently, the distributor can remove each tray individually and move it to a recovery station. At the recovery station, the materials can be removed from each tray. Thereafter, the trays are sent back to the filling station. The recovered materials can be sent to a regeneration process.

[0017] In some embodiments, the contact between the carbonation medium and the ambient air can include any of the strategies described in U.S. Patent Application 18 / 067,896, filed December 19, 2022, titled "Systems and Methods of Carbon Capture from Cement Production Processes" (the "'897 application"), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium and / or contactor described herein can have any of the characteristics described in International Publication No. WO 2020 / 263910, filed June 24, 2020, titled "Systems and Methods for Enhanced Weathering and Calcining for CO2 Removal from Air" (the "'910 publication"), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the carbonation medium and / or contactor described herein can have any of the characteristics described in International Publication No. WO 2022 / 187336, filed March 2, 2022, titled "Systems and Methods for Enhanced Weathering and Calcining for CO2 Removal from Air" (the "'336 publication"), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The advantages of the interaction of water with the carbonation medium are described in more detail in the '910 publication and the '336 publication.

[0018] As used herein, a "carbonation plot" includes not only a single continuous plot, but also semi - continuous or discontinuous plots that are subsequently grouped or batch - processed and function as a substantially single plot. In some embodiments, a carbonation plot includes a composition that sequesters a target compound (e.g., CO2). In some embodiments, a carbonation plot is arranged and configured to expose the composition to ambient conditions. In some embodiments, a carbonation plot can include a composition that sequesters a target compound.

[0019] As used herein, "stream" can refer to a stream containing solids, liquids, and / or gases. For example, a stream can include solids in particulate form being conveyed on a conveyor apparatus. A stream can also include liquids and / or gases flowing through a pipe. A stream can include a solution.

[0020] As used herein, "carbonating medium" refers to a medium that can take up carbon dioxide when exposed to ambient air. This can include, but is not limited to, calcium oxide (CaO), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)), sodium oxide (Na₂O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and / or dolomitic lime (calcium-magnesium oxides or hydroxides). The carbonating medium can be derived from natural sources (e.g., limestone). The carbonating medium can be regenerated or recycled (i.e., regenerated carbonating medium from a calciner).

[0021] As used herein, "carbonated medium" refers to a carbonating medium that has taken up carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. This can include, but is not limited to, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), calcium-magnesium mixed carbonate phases ((Ca,Mg)CO₃), etc. The carbonated medium can be converted back to the carbonating medium (e.g., via the use of a calciner, a dissolution / precipitation-based system, and / or an electrochemical system).

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "member" is intended to mean a single member or combination of members, and the term "material" is intended to mean one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

[0023] The term "substantially", when used in connection with "cylindrical", "linear", and / or other geometric relationships, is intended to convey that the structure so defined is nominally cylindrical, linear, etc. As an example, a portion of a support member described as "substantially linear" is intended to convey that while it is desirable for that portion to be linear, some non-linearity can occur in the "substantially linear" portion. Such non-linearity can result from manufacturing tolerances, or other practical considerations (such as pressure or force applied to the support member). Thus, a geometric structure modified by the term "substantially" includes such geometric characteristics within a plus or minus 5% tolerance of the described geometric structure. For example, a "substantially straight" portion is a portion that defines an axis or centerline within plus or minus 5% of being straight.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "set" and "plurality" can refer to a single feature having a plurality of characteristics, or a plurality of parts. For example, when referring to a set of contacts, the set of contacts can be considered as one contact having a plurality of parts, or the set of contacts can be considered as a plurality of separate contacts. Thus, a set of parts or a plurality of parts can include a plurality of parts that are either continuous or discontinuous with each other. A plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be made from a plurality of elements that are manufactured separately and later joined together (e.g., via mixing, adhesives, or any suitable method).

[0025] The terms "about" and "substantially" as used herein generally mean plus or minus 10% of the recited value, e.g., about 250 μm includes 225 μm to 275 μm, and about 1,000 μm includes 900 μm to 1,100 μm.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a contact unit 100 for a DAC according to an embodiment. The contact unit includes a frame 110 having a horizontal bar 120 and a vertical bar 130, a cable 140, and a distributor 150. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 is stacked on top of the vertical bar 130. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may include a plurality of horizontal bars 120 and / or vertical bars 130. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, or about 100 horizontal bars 120 and / or vertical bars 130, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0027] In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 can include a beam. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 can include an I-beam (universal beam), a hip beam, a truss beam, a composite beam, a lattice beam, a channel beam, a reinforced concrete beam, a steel beam, a wooden beam, a curved beam, a straight beam, a tee beam, a cantilever beam, or any other suitable beam type or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 120 and / or the vertical bar 130 can be composed of metal, steel, carbon steel, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, laminated wood, wood, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a plurality of horizontal bars 120 can be arranged on top of the vertical bar 130 in a geometric pattern (e.g., a square pattern, a rectangular pattern, a curved elliptical pattern, a curved circular pattern, etc.). In some embodiments, the ratio of the vertical bar 130 to the horizontal bar 120 can be based on the number of supports required for the distributor 150. In some embodiments, the ratio of the horizontal bar to the vertical bar can be about 1:10, about 1:9, about 1:8, about 1:7, about 1:6, about 1:5, about 1:4, about 1:3, about 1:2, about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, or about 10:1, and all values and ranges therebetween are included.

[0028] In some embodiments, cable 140 is suspended from horizontal bar 120. Cable 140 can include beads for engaging a shelf 144 suspended from horizontal bar 120. Cable 140 can be made to be strong and under tension. In some embodiments, cable 140 can be composed of steel, carbon steel, non-alloy carbon steel, copper, coated wire rope, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, cable 140 can have a thickness of at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 1.5 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 2.5 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 3.5 cm, at least about 4 cm, or at least about 4.5 cm. In some embodiments, cable 140 can have a thickness of about 5 cm or less, about 4.5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, about 3.5 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, about 2.5 cm or less, about 2 cm, about 1.5 cm or less, about 1 cm or less, about 9 mm or less, about 8 mm or less, about 7 mm or less, about 6 mm or less, about 5 mm or less, about 4 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, or about 2 mm or less. Combinations of the above thicknesses of cable 140 (e.g., at least about 1 mm and about 5 cm or less, or at least about 5 mm and about 1 cm or less) are also possible and include all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, cable 140 can have a thickness of about 1 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, or about 5 cm.

[0029] In some embodiments, beads 142 may be disposed at predetermined intervals along the length of cable 140. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart at intervals of at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, at least about 5 cm, at least about 6 cm, at least about 7 cm, at least about 8 cm, at least about 9 cm, at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, or at least about 90 cm. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart at intervals of about 1 m or less, about 90 cm or less, about 80 cm or less, about 70 cm or less, about 60 cm or less, about 50 cm or less, about 40 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, about 9 cm or less, about 8 cm or less, about 7 cm or less, about 6 cm or less, about 5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, or about 2 cm or less. Combinations of the above intervals for beads 142 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 cm and about 1 m or less, or at least about 3 cm and about 20 cm or less), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, beads 142 may be spaced apart at intervals of about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m.

[0030] In some embodiments, the bead 142 supports the shelf 144. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can be snap-fixed, bolt-fixed, and / or adhered to the bead 142. In some embodiments, a plurality of shelves 144 can be arranged on a plurality of beads 142. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can have a hole having a large section and a small section, and the bead 142 can be passed through the large section and moved relative to the hole to be under the small section. Thereby, the small section of the hole supports the bead 142, and the shelf 144 can rest on the bead 142. In some embodiments, the bead 142 can have a groove into which the hole of the shelf 144 fits. In some embodiments, the bead 42 can be a separate piece of material attached to the cable 140 by crimping, welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive, or any other suitable attachment method or combination thereof. In some embodiments, a casting or coating can be applied around the outside of the bead 142 and the cable 140 to form a permanent assembly or permanent connection between the bead 142 and the cable 140. In some embodiments, the casting material can be composed of zinc, tin, aluminum, copper, magnesium, tin, iron, low-carbon steel, high-carbon steel, white cast iron, gray cast iron, ductile cast iron, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shelf 144 can be removably coupled to the cable 140. In other words, the shelf 144 can be replaceable.

[0031] The distributor 150 retrieves a tray in which a carbonating medium is disposed and draws the tray into the interior of the distributor 150. In some embodiments, the distributor 150 can move vertically along the vertical bar 130. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 can include a plurality of distributors 150 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, or about 100 distributors 150, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the carbonating medium can include an adsorbent. In some embodiments, the carbonating medium can include calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, or dolomite lime (calcium-magnesium oxide or hydroxide). In some embodiments, the carbonating medium can be in powder form. In some embodiments, the carbonating medium can have any of the properties described in Publication No. ’910 or Publication No. ’336.

[0032] In some embodiments, the contactor unit 100 can include an air conveyor (not shown) that forces air through the trays and shelves 144. The air conveyor can include a fan, louvers, and / or any other similar air moving system. In some embodiments, the air conveyor can be attached to the vertical bar 130. In some embodiments, the air conveyor can be attached to the horizontal bar 120.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a distributor 250 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the distributor 250 includes a platform 260 having a top 270, a bottom 280, and a lifting mechanism 290. The top 270 may include orifices 272a, 272b (collectively referred to as orifice 272), and an actuator 274. In some embodiments, the top 270 can include an optional agitator 276. In some embodiments, the distributor 250 can be identical or substantially similar to the distributor 150 as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Accordingly, specific aspects of the distributor 250 are not described in more detail herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the platform 260 includes a top 270 (also referred to as a ceiling) as well as a bottom 280 (also referred to as a floor). In some embodiments, the platform 260 can be hollow such that it includes a void between the bottom 280 and the top 270. In some embodiments, the top 270 can include a plurality of bars extending along the top of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the bars can be arranged parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the bars can include hollow conduits for the movement of liquid therethrough. Liquid passes through the top 270 and is discharged onto a tray from the orifices 272a, 272b of the top 270 and interacts with the carbonating medium within the tray. The bottom 280 supports the tray when the tray is drawn into the center of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the bottom 280 can include a plurality of bars. In some embodiments, the plurality of bars of the bottom 280 can be arranged parallel to each other. In some embodiments, some of the bars within the bottom 280 can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0035] In some embodiments, two orifices 272 are included in the top 270. In some embodiments, the top 270 may include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, or at least about 90 orifices 272. In some embodiments, the top 270 may include about 100 or less, about 90 or less, about 80 or less, about 70 or less, about 60 or less, about 50 or less, about 40 or less, about 30 or less, about 20 or less, about 10 or less, about 9 or less, about 8 or less, about 7 or less, about 6 or less, about 5 or less, about 4 or less, about 3 or less, or about 2 or less orifices 272.

[0036] The above combinations of numbers of orifices 272 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and about 100 or less, or at least about 10 and about 60 or less), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the top 270 may include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, or about 100 orifices 272. In some embodiments, the orifice 272 may include a nozzle. In some embodiments, the nozzle may have a variable spray angle. In some embodiments, the nozzle can be directed downward and can be adjusted to direct in an oblique direction and / or a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the orifice 272 may include a flat fan nozzle, a hollow cone nozzle, a full cone nozzle, a mist nozzle, a solid stream nozzle, an air atomizing nozzle, a spillback nozzle, an eductor nozzle, or any combination thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, during use, the total flow rate of liquid through orifice 372 can be at least about 1 mL / min, at least about 2 mL / min, at least about 3 mL / min, at least about 4 mL / min, at least about 5 mL / min, at least about 6 mL / min, at least about 7 mL / min, at least about 8 mL / min, at least about 9 mL / min, at least about 10 mL / min, at least about 20 mL / min, at least about 30 mL / min, at least about 40 mL / min, at least about 50 mL / min, at least about 60 mL / min, at least about 70 mL / min, at least about 80 mL / min, at least about 90 mL / min, at least about 100 mL / min, at least about 150 mL / min, at least about 200 mL / min, at least about 250 mL / min, at least about 300 mL / min, at least about 350 mL / min, at least about 400 mL / min, or at least about 450 mL / min. In some embodiments, during use, the total flow rate of liquid through orifice 372 can be about 500 mL / min or less, about 450 mL / min or less, about 400 mL / min or less, about 350 mL / min or less, about 300 mL / min or less, about 250 mL / min or less, about 200 mL / min or less, about 150 mL / min or less, about 150 mL / min or less, about 100 mL / min or less, about 90 mL / min or less, about 80 mL / min or less, about 70 mL / min or less, about 60 mL / min or less, about 50 mL / min or less, about 40 mL / min or less, about 30 mL / min or less, about 20 mL / min or less, about 10 mL / min or less, about 9 mL / min or less, about 8 mL / min or less, about 7 mL / min or less, about 6 mL / min or less, about 5 mL / min or less, about 4 mL / min or less, about 3 mL / min or less, or about 2 mL / min or less.

[0038] Combinations of the above flow rates of liquid through orifice 272 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 mL / min and up to about 500 mL / min, or at least about 10 mL / min and up to about 150 mL / min), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, during use, the total flow rate of liquid through orifice 272 can be about 1 mL / min, about 2 mL / min, about 3 mL / min, about 4 mL / min, about 5 mL / min, about 6 mL / min, about 7 mL / min, about 8 mL / min, about 9 mL / min, about 10 mL / min, about 20 mL / min, about 30 mL / min, about 40 mL / min, about 50 mL / min, about 60 mL / min, about 70 mL / min, about 80 mL / min, about 90 mL / min, about 100 mL / min, about 150 mL / min, about 200 mL / min, about 250 mL / min, about 300 mL / min, about 350 mL / min, about 400 mL / min, about 450 mL / min, or about 500 mL / min.

[0039] Actuator 274 engages the trays on both sides and transfers the trays into the platform body 260. In some embodiments, actuator 274 can include arms and / or fingers that extend outwardly to engage the tray to insert the tray into the platform body 260. In some embodiments, actuator 274 can be attached to the top 270 of platform 260. In some embodiments, actuator 274 engages the tray on two sides. In some embodiments, actuator 274 can engage the tray on one side, two sides, three sides, four sides, or five or more sides of the tray when the geometric configuration of the distributor 250 and contact unit (not shown) enables such engagement. In some embodiments, platform 260 includes one actuator 274. In some embodiments, platform 260 can include a plurality of actuators 274. In some embodiments, platform 260 can include actuators on each side of platform 260. In some embodiments, platform 260 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 actuators 274, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0040] In some embodiments, an optional agitator 276 can stir the carbonated medium in the tray to promote interaction between the liquid and the carbonated medium. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 can include a blade, an impeller, a stirring element, an irrigation element, a star bar, a vibrating element, or any other agitating or stirring mechanism, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 is suspended from the top 270 of the platform 260. In some embodiments, the agitator 276 can be added to the bottom 280 of the platform 260. For example, the agitator 276 can include a vibrating element that contacts the tray and shakes the tray. In some embodiments, the bottom 280 can include a load cell or scale configured to measure the weight of the tray having the carbonated medium therein. In some embodiments, the bottom 280 can include a weighing platform.

[0041] The lifting mechanism 290 assists in vertically moving the platform 260. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can include an engagement mechanism that engages a cable (e.g., cable 140) or a plurality of cables. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can include one or more wheels configured to engage a cable or a plurality of cables. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can engage a vertical bar (e.g., vertical bar 130). In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can include one or more wheels that engage the vertical bar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can include a chain driven by a motor. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 290 can include a linear actuator driven by a motor.

[0042] Figures 3A - 3G are diagrams showing a contactor unit 300 and its various components according to an embodiment. As shown, the contactor unit 300 includes a frame 310 having horizontal bars 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d (collectively referred to as horizontal bar 320), a filling station 312, a disposal station 314, support bars 325a, 325b (collectively referred to as support bar 325), vertical bars 330a, 330b (collectively referred to as vertical bar 330), a cable 340, a shelf 344, and a distributor 350. The distributor 350 includes a cable management mechanism 352, mounting brackets 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d (collectively referred to as mounting bracket 354), a platform 360 having a top 370 and a bottom 380, orifices 372a, 372b, 372c, and 372d (collectively referred to as orifices 372), and an actuator 374 including an arm 375 and fingers or pins 377. In some embodiments, the frame 310, horizontal bar 320, vertical bar 330, and cable 340 may be the same as or substantially similar to the frame 110, horizontal bar 120, vertical bar 130, and cable 140 as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the distributor 350, platform 360, top 370, orifices 372, actuator 374, and bottom 380 may be the same as or substantially similar to the distributor 250, platform 260, top 270, orifices 272, actuator 274, and bottom 280 as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Accordingly, specific aspects of the frame 310, horizontal bar 320, vertical bar 330, cable 340, distributor 350, platform 360, top 370, orifices 372, actuator 374, and bottom 380 are not described in more detail herein. FIG. 3A shows the distributor 350 incorporated into the frame 310 and engaging with the tray T. FIG. 3B shows the distributor 350 incorporated into the frame 310, the shelf 344, and the tray T in more detail. FIG. 3C shows the distributor 350 in more detail. FIG. 3D shows the actuator 374 engaging with the tray T.FIG. 3E shows a cross-sectional view of the distributor 350 interacting with the tray T within the frame 310.

[0043] FIG. 3A shows the contact unit 300 comprising the distributor 350. The frame 310 includes a base support bar 325 that supports the vertical bars 330 and the horizontal bar 320. The support bar 325 has a width sufficient to prevent rocking or loss of balance by the frame 310. In some embodiments, the frame 310 can include the same number of support bars 325 as the vertical bars 330. In some embodiments, the frame 310 can include a plurality of vertical bars 330 attached to each of the support bars 325. As shown, the horizontal bar 320 is oriented in a rectangular pattern. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 320 can be oriented in a square pattern, a circular pattern, an oval pattern, or any other suitable pattern. In some embodiments, the contact unit 300 can include an intrusion prevention mechanism surrounding the frame 310. In some embodiments, the intrusion prevention mechanism can prevent external influences from contacting the tray T and the distributor 350. In some embodiments, the intrusion prevention mechanism can include a sheet of material that can block wind or rain from entering or interacting with the carbonated medium within the tray T. In some embodiments, the intrusion prevention mechanism can include a barrier to prevent vandalism. In some embodiments, the intrusion prevention mechanism can include a mesh, a net, a fence, and / or a chain link fence.

[0044] FIG. 3B shows further details of the shelf 344. In some embodiments, the frame 310 can include a number of shelves 344. The shelves 344 provide support for the trays T. The vertical arrangement of the shelves 344 allows materials to be stacked vertically and can minimize the required floor area requirements. In some embodiments, each set of vertical bars 330 can include at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 shelves 344. In some embodiments, each set of vertical bars 330 can include at most about 1000, at most about 900, at most about 800, at most about 700, at most about 600, at most about 500, at most about 400, at most about 300, at most about 200, at most about 100, at most about 90, at most about 80, at most about 70, at most about 60, at most about 50, at most about 40, at most about 30, at most about 20, at most about 10, at most about 9, at most about 8, at most about 7, at most about 6, at most about 5, at most about 4, or at most about 3 shelves 344. The above combinations of the number of shelves 344 are also possible (e.g., at least about 2 and at most about 1000 shelves 344, or at least about 10 and at most about 100 shelves 344), and all values and ranges therebetween are included. In some embodiments, each of the vertical bars 330 can include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1000 shelves 344.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shelves 344 can be spaced at least about 1 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 4 cm, at least about 5 cm, at least about 6 cm, at least about 7 cm, at least about 8 cm, at least about 9 cm, at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, or at least about 90 cm apart. In some embodiments, the shelves 344 can be spaced about 1 m or less, about 90 cm or less, about 80 cm or less, about 70 cm or less, about 60 cm or less, about 50 cm or less, about 40 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, about 20 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, about 9 cm or less, about 8 cm or less, about 7 cm or less, about 6 cm or less, about 5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, or about 2 cm or less apart. Combinations of the above intervals for the shelves 344 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 cm and about 1 m or less, or at least about 10 cm and about 50 cm or less), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the shelves 344 can be spaced about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m apart. In some embodiments, the shelves can be spaced such that the tray T can rest on the shelf 344 with a gap of at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, each of the shelves 344 can have a length and / or width of at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, at least about 90 cm, at least about 1 m, at least about 1.5 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 2.5 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 3.5 m, at least about 4 m, or at least about 4.5 m. In some embodiments, each of the shelves 344 can have a length and / or width of about 5 m or less, about 4.5 m or less, about 4 m or less, about 3.5 m or less, about 3 m or less, about 2.5 m or less, about 2 m or less, about 1.5 m or less, about 1 m or less, about 90 cm or less, about 80 cm or less, about 70 cm or less, about 60 cm or less, about 50 cm or less, about 40 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, or about 20 cm or less. Combinations of the above dimensions of the shelves 344 are also possible (e.g., at least about 10 cm and about 5 m or less, or at least about 50 cm and about 4 m or less), and all values and ranges therebetween are included. In some embodiments, each of the shelves 344 can have a length and / or width of about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.5 m, about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, about 3.5 m, about 4 m, about 4.5 m, or about 5 m.

[0047] In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can be constructed of plastic, metal, aluminum, stainless steel, or any other weather-resistant material. In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can include various patterns of reinforcing features, such as horizontal ribs, diagonal X ribs, and / or deep draws, to provide structural integrity to the shelf 344. In some embodiments, the shelf 344 can include features such as positioning walls and detents for capturing the tray T in a specific position. The positioning wall can include a raised boundary on one or more sides of the shelf 344 (i.e., one side, two sides, three sides, four sides, etc.). Thereby, a cavity that matches the outer shape of the tray T can be effectively formed to position the tray T in a horizontal manner. In some embodiments, the detent can include a threshold that is lower in height than the raised boundary or positioning wall, allowing the tray T to pass over the detent while providing resistance to unwanted collisions or unintended walls.

[0048] In some embodiments, the carbonate-containing medium held in the tray T can have a thickness of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm, including all values and ranges therebetween.. In some embodiments, the tray T can include about 1 layer, about 2 layers, about 3 layers, about 4 layers, about 5 layers, about 6 layers, about 7 layers, about 8 layers, about 9 layers, or about 10 layers of the carbonate-containing medium, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0049] In some embodiments, each of the trays T can have a length and / or width of at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm, at least about 40 cm, at least about 50 cm, at least about 60 cm, at least about 70 cm, at least about 80 cm, at least about 90 cm, at least about 1 m, at least about 1.5 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 2.5 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 3.5 m, at least about 4 m, or at least about 4.5 m. In some embodiments, each of the trays T can have a length and / or width of about 5 m or less, about 4.5 m or less, about 4 m or less, about 3.5 m or less, about 3 m or less, about 2.5 m or less, about 2 m, about 1.5 m or less, about 1 m or less, about 90 cm or less, about 80 cm or less, about 70 cm or less, about 60 cm or less, about 50 cm or less, about 40 cm or less, about 30 cm or less, or about 20 cm or less. Combinations of the above dimensions of the tray T are also possible (e.g., at least about 10 cm and about 5 m or less, or at least about 50 cm and about 4 m or less), and all values and ranges between these are included. In some embodiments, each of the trays T can have a length and / or width of about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.5 m, about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, about 3.5 m, about 4 m, about 4.5 m, or about 5 m.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tray T can have a rim height of at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 1 cm, at least about 1.5 cm, at least about 2 cm, at least about 2.5 cm, at least about 3 cm, at least about 3.5 cm, at least about 4 cm, or at least about 4.5 cm. In some embodiments, the tray T can have a rim height of about 5 cm or less, about 4.5 cm or less, about 4 cm or less, about 3.5 cm or less, about 3 cm or less, about 2.5 cm or less, about 2 cm, about 1.5 cm or less, about 1 cm or less, about 9 mm or less, about 8 mm or less, about 7 mm or less, about 6 mm or less, about 5 mm or less, about 4 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, or about 2 mm or less. Combinations of the above rim heights of the tray T are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 mm and about 5 cm or less, or at least about 4 mm and about 3 cm or less), and all values and ranges therebetween are included. In some embodiments, the tray T can have a rim height of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, or about 5 cm. In some embodiments, the tray T can have a pattern that can be directly fitted onto the shelf 344 and can suppress the movement of the tray T once placed in a fixed position.

[0051] In some embodiments, cable 340 can move to raise and lower tray T. In some embodiments, cable 340 can be coupled to an advancing mechanism (not shown) housed in frame 310 that can advance cable 340 to raise and lower tray T. As shown, cable 340 includes bead 342 for engaging shelf 344. Cable 342 is passed through a hole in shelf 344 and shelf 344 rests on top of bead 342. In some embodiments, shelf 344 can move vertically to raise and lower to the same height as distributor 350. As shown, cable management mechanism 352 is incorporated into distributor 350. As shown, cable management mechanism 352 includes a chain. In some embodiments, cable management mechanism 352 can include an articulated cable carrier. In some embodiments, cable management mechanism 352 can include an articulated cable protection device. In some embodiments, cable management mechanism 352 can include an e-chain (registered trademark). Cable management mechanism 352 ensures that cable 340 is not bent beyond its minimum bend radius while distributor 350 moves vertically. In some embodiments, the minimum bend radius of cable 340 can be about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, or about 1 m, and all values and ranges therebetween are included.

[0052] In some embodiments, cable 340 can be coupled to a horizontal brace element (not shown) and / or a diagonal brace element (not shown). The horizontal and / or diagonal brace elements can minimize the horizontal movement of cable 340 and prevent interference with tray T and the carbonation medium. In some embodiments, the horizontal brace element and / or the diagonal brace element can include a brace or a spring. In some embodiments, the horizontal brace element and / or the diagonal brace element can be embedded near frame 310 or in the ground below frame 310. As shown, contact unit 300 includes four cables 340 for each distributor 350. In some embodiments, contact unit 300 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 cables 340 per distributor 350, including all values and ranges therebetween. Cable 340 can hold tension and minimize the movement of cable 340 and distributor 350. In some embodiments, cable 340 can include horizontal braces at brace intervals. In some embodiments, the brace interval can be about 50 cm, about 60 cm, about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 1 m, about 1.1 m, about 1.2 m, about 1.3 m, about 1.4 m, or about 1.5 m, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, cable 340 can include a diagonal or X brace from the top to the bottom of contact unit 300.

[0053] In some embodiments, the distributor 350 may include a lifting mechanism (not shown). In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism may include a motor. In some embodiments, the vertical bar 330 can include one or more counterweights disposed therein. A counterweight is a mass that acts in a direction opposite to the force applied by the distributor 350. By incorporating the counterweight into the vertical bar 330, the load on the motor in the lifting mechanism can be reduced. For example, while the motor is operating to raise the distributor 350, the counterweight moves downward via the vertical bar 330, and the mass force provided by the counterweight opposes the mass force of the distributor 350, so that the total load on the motor is smaller than when no counterweight is used, making it possible to use a smaller motor in the lifting mechanism. In other words, the use of the counterweight reduces the amount of energy required to move the distributor 350. In some embodiments, the vertical bar 330 can include one or more references configured to fix the height along a vertically oriented bar to which the distributor 350 or a plurality of distributors 350 are fixed while loading the tray T onto the distributor 350 and while removing the tray T from the distributor 350.

[0054] Figure 3C shows the distributor 350 in more detail. As shown, the distributor 350 includes an orifice 372. As shown, the orifice 372 disperses liquid onto the tray T using a carbonated medium disposed on the tray T. The mounting bracket 354 keeps the distributor horizontal when the distributor 350 moves vertically. As shown, the wheel mounting bracket 354 is oriented away from the centerline or the center of gravity of the distributor 350. The mounting bracket 354 contacts the tray T on both sides of the distributor, and the tray T functions as a backstop against which the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 interact to maintain balance. In some embodiments, the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 can face inward such that the mounting bracket 354 contacts the vertical bar 330. In such a configuration, the vertical bar 330 provides a backstop against which the wheels of the mounting bracket 354 interact to maintain balance.

[0055] Figure 3D shows the detailed interaction between the actuator 374 and the tray T. As shown, the actuator 374 includes an arm 375 and a finger or pin 377 attached to the arm 375. The arm 375 extends outward from the center of the actuator 374, and the finger 377 faces downward and is lowered into the hole H of the tray T. In some embodiments, the finger 377 can face upward and the finger 377 can engage the hole H from below the hole H. As shown, the actuator 374 includes a single finger 377 and the tray T includes a single hole H. In some embodiments, the actuator 374 can include multiple fingers 377 to engage multiple holes H on the tray T. In some embodiments, the actuator 374 can include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 fingers 377, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the tray can include about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 holes H, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0056] After engaging with the tray T, the actuator 374 moves the tray T towards the center of the distributor 350 such that the orifice 372 discharges liquid onto the tray T. In some embodiments, the arm 375 can extend relative to the stationary actuator 374 such that the finger 377 aligns with the hole H for engaging the tray T. In some embodiments, the arm 375 can have a length fixed relative to the center of the actuator 374, and the actuator 374 can move relative to the center of the distributor 350 for engaging the tray T. As shown, the actuator 374 includes two arms 375 and two fingers 377. In some embodiments, the first finger can be positioned to engage the tray at a first side of the distributor 350, and the second finger can be positioned on the opposite side of the first finger such that the second pin can engage the tray at a second side of the distributor 350 opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the distributor 350 can include a plurality of actuators 374, and each of the actuators 374 can include a single arm 375 and a single finger 377. In some embodiments, the movement of the distributor 350, the orifice 372, and the actuator 374 can be automated and guided by an algorithm.

[0057] Figure 3E shows a cross-sectional view of a contact unit 300 having a filling station 312 and a disposal station 314. In use, the distributor 350 moves the tray T from the filling station 312 to the disposal station 314. In some embodiments, the distributor 350 can pull the trays out of the filling station 312 and push them into the disposal station 314. The filling station 312 and the disposal station 314 are optional features that assist in the efficient movement of the tray T. In some embodiments, the contact unit 300 can include a caddy dock (not shown). The caddy dock can be integrated with or disposed in the vicinity of the filling station 312. The caddy dock can function as a location where filled trays T can be deposited or moored onto the contact 300 before the distributor 350 places the tray T into the contact unit 300.

[0058] In use, a thin layer of the carbonation medium is distributed over each tray T within the filling station 312. The distributor 350 transports the tray T from the filling station 312 to a designated location (e.g., the discharge station 314) within the contactor unit 300. In some embodiments, the distributor 350 can move vertically to align the tray T with the desired shelf 344, and then the distributor 350 distributes the tray T onto the shelf 344. In some embodiments, this can be repeated until all the shelves 344 have a tray T placed thereon. The distributor 350 then loads the tray T into the body of the distributor 350 and processes the tray T (e.g., via addition of water, agitation, and / or other means) at a frequency that can be determined by software and control algorithms. The processing continues until the carbonation medium reaches an appropriate degree of reaction. When the carbonation medium has sufficiently reacted, the distributor 350 can individually retrieve each tray T and move each tray T to the discharge station 314. At the discharge station 314, the carbonation medium is removed from each tray T. Each tray T is then returned to the filling station 312. The recovered carbonation medium can then be sent to a carbonation section (e.g., the carbonation section described in Publication No. ’336) for carbon capture from ambient air.

[0059] In some embodiments, the filling station 312 can include a supply mechanism for disposing the carbonation medium onto the tray T. In some embodiments, the filling station 312 can include a vibrating pan feeder, a rotary doser, and / or a rolling shaft that translates linearly. In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 can include an apparatus for collecting material from the tray T. This can include one or more rotating arms for rotating the tray T between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 180 degrees, an agitator for agitating the carbonation medium within the tray T, and / or a vacuum for sucking the carbonation medium from the tray T.

[0060] In some embodiments, the filling station 312 and / or the disposal station 314 can be arranged outside the contactor unit 300. In some embodiments, the filling station 312 and / or the disposal station 314 are arranged on a mobile platform (e.g., an automated guided vehicle) and can correspond to a plurality of contactor units. In such a configuration, the distributor 350 can place the tray T on a mobile module to fill the tray T with a carbonated medium or to dispose of the carbonated medium from the tray T, after which the tray T is returned to the contactor unit 310. Alternatively, two mobile modules (e.g., one filling module and one disposal module) can approach the contactor unit 310, and the distributor 350 can load a full tray T into the disposal module, and a full tray from the filling module can move to the distributor 350.

[0061] Due to the design of the contactor unit 300, the carbonated medium can be prevented from contacting the ambient air while maximizing the exposed surface area of the carbonated medium and reducing the land usage. The configuration of the shelves and trays of the contactor unit 300 does not require forced air flow; rather, it allows the carbonated medium to take in CO2 by utilizing natural convection (i.e., wind) across the ground surface. Additionally, the contactor unit 300 can process the carbonated medium in an automated manner, enabling the maintenance of a high CO2 recovery rate (i.e., an accelerated carbonation rate). Also, the contactor unit 300 enables the automatic filling of the carbonated medium into the tray T and the automatic recovery of the carbonated medium from the tray. This allows for the movement of bulk materials through the contactor unit 300 rather than individual trays T.

[0062] In some embodiments, the contactor unit 300 may include one or more sensors (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensors can be provided inside and / or outside the frame 310. In some embodiments, the sensors can be attached to the frame 310, the shelf 344, the tray T, the vertical bar 330, the horizontal bar 320, and / or the distributor 350. In some embodiments, the sensors can include load cells, temperature sensors, wind speed sensors, humidity sensors, rainfall sensors, and / or solar irradiance sensors.

[0063] FIG. 3F is a detailed view of the shelf 344. As shown, the shelf 344 includes a tray alignment function 345 and a cable attachment function 343. The tray alignment function 345 enables the tray to be securely positioned on the shelf 344. The tray alignment function 345 may include a ridge that fits into a groove at the bottom of the tray. The cable attachment function 343 secures to the bead 342 of the cable 340. In some embodiments, the cable attachment function 343 can include a snap-in function so that the shelf 344 can snap onto the cable 340.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mass of the tray T can be measured on the contactor unit 300 (e.g., while the tray T is suspended from the cable 340 and placed on the shelf 344). For example, sensors can be placed on the horizontal bar 320, the vertical bar 330, and / or the cable 340 to measure deformation and the corresponding weight. In some embodiments, a load cell can be incorporated into the distributor 350 to measure the mass of the tray T.. In some embodiments, the load cell can be placed on top of the caddy dock. In some embodiments, the load cell can be placed in the same position as the tray T on the shelf 344. In some embodiments, the mass of the tray T can be measured outside the contactor unit 300.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a network 4000 of contactor units 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d (collectively referred to as contactor unit 400) according to one embodiment. As shown, contactor unit 400 includes a horizontal bar 420, a crossbar 421, a vertical bar 430, a cable 440, a shelf 444, and a distributor 450. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar 420, the vertical bar 430, the cable 440, the shelf 444, and the distributor 450 may be the same as or substantially similar to the horizontal bar 320, the vertical bar 330, the cable 340, the shelf 344, and the distributor 350 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A - 3E. Accordingly, specific aspects of the horizontal bar 420, the vertical bar 430, the cable 440, the shelf 444, and the distributor 450 will not be described in further detail herein.

[0066] The crossbar connects the contact units 400 to each other. In FIG. 4, a person is shown for scale. As shown, the contact unit 400 has a height of about 10 m. In some embodiments, the contact unit 400 can have a height of at least about 1 m, at least about 2 m, at least about 3 m, at least about 4 m, at least about 5 m, at least about 6 m, at least about 7 m, at least about 8 m, at least about 9 m, at least about 10 m, at least about 20 m, at least about 30 m, at least about 40 m, at least about 50 m, at least about 60 m, at least about 70 m, at least about 80 m, or at least about 90 m. In some embodiments, the contact unit 400 can have a height of about 100 m or less, about 90 m or less, about 80 m or less, about 70 m or less, about 60 m or less, about 50 m or less, about 40 m or less, about 30 m or less, about 20 m or less, about 10 m or less, about 9 m or less, about 8 m or less, about 7 m or less, about 6 m or less, about 5 m or less, about 4 m or less, about 3 m or less, or about 2 m or less. The above combinations of heights of the contact unit 400 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 m and about 100 m or less, or at least about 5 m and about 50 m or less), including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, it is about 1 m, about 2 m, about 3 m, about 4 m, about 5 m, about 6 m, about 7 m, about 8 m, about 9 m, about 10 m, about 20 m, about 30 m, about 40 m, about 50 m, about 60 m, about 70 m, about 80 m, about 90 m, or about 100 m. At higher heights, the contact unit 400 can include tension braces for supporting the frame material of the contact unit 400. In some embodiments, the contact units 400 can depend on each other for structural support.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a distributor 550 that interacts with a tray T suspended from vertical bars 530a, 530b (collectively referred to as vertical bar 530) and a cable 540. As shown, the distributor 550 includes mounting brackets 554a, 554b, 554c, 554d (collectively referred to as mounting bracket 554), and an orifice 572. In some embodiments, the vertical bar 530, the cable 540, the distributor 550, the mounting bracket 554, and the orifice 572 may be the same as or substantially similar to the vertical bar 330, the cable 340, the distributor 350, the mounting bracket 354, and the orifice 372 described above with reference to FIGS. 3A - 3E. Accordingly, specific aspects of the vertical bar 530, the cable 540, the distributor 550, the mounting bracket 554, and the orifice 572 are not described in more detail herein.

[0068] As shown, the mounting bracket is in contact with the vertical bar 530. The distributor 550 moves up and down the vertical bar 530, and the wheels on the mounting bracket 554 contact the vertical bar 530 to maintain the balance of the distributor 550. As shown, the mounting bracket 554 is in a fixed position relative to the distributor 550. As shown, the wheels of the mounting bracket 554 face the center of the distributor 550. As shown, the distributor 550 includes four mounting brackets 554. In some embodiments, the distributor 550 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 mounting brackets 554, including all values and ranges therebetween.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows a distributor 650 according to one embodiment. As shown, the distributor engages a cable 640 that supports a tray T. In some embodiments, the distributor 650 and the cable 640 can be the same as or substantially similar to the distributor 350 and the cable 340 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E. Accordingly, specific aspects of the distributor 650 and the cable 640 are not described in more detail herein. As shown, the distributor 650 includes a position actuator 653. The position actuator 653 defines the position of a shelf (not shown) relative to the distributor 650 in the horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the distributor 650 remains in a fixed position and can be pushed to move the shelf via a dedicated actuator to achieve a desired shelf position. In other words, the position actuator 653 can detect whether the distributor is at a desired distance from the tray T, thereby enabling an actuator (not shown) to reach and engage the tray T. In some embodiments, when the position actuator 653 detects that the distributor 650 is not in a desired position relative to the tray T, the horizontal position of the distributor 650 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 can include a rotary electric motor that drives a linear actuator mechanism including a belt, a chain, a linkage, a lead screw, a ball screw, and / or any other suitable component. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 can include a linear electric motor. In some embodiments, the position actuator 653 can include a linear pneumatic cylinder. In some embodiments, a second position actuator (not shown) can facilitate the horizontal movement of the distributor 650 to move the distributor 650 to a desired horizontal position.

[0070] Figures 7A - 7E are diagrams of the interaction between shelf 744 and cable 740 according to an embodiment. As shown, cable 740 is suspended from horizontal bars 720a, 720b (collectively referred to as horizontal bar 720). Bead 742 is attached to cable 740 and provides support for shelf 744. Shelf 744 includes cable attachment functions 743a, 743b, 743c, 743d (collectively referred to as cable attachment function 743). In some embodiments, horizontal bar 720, cable 740, bead 742, cable attachment function 743, and shelf 744 may be the same as or substantially similar to horizontal bar 320, cable 340, bead 342, cable attachment function 343, and shelf 344 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A - 3G. Accordingly, specific aspects of horizontal bar 720, cable 740, bead 742, cable attachment function 743, and shelf 744 are not described in more detail herein.

[0071] FIG. 7A shows the interaction between shelf 744 and cable 740. As shown, shelf 744 is suspended from cable 740 via its placement on bead 742. As shown, four cables 740 are suspended from horizontal bar 720 (two cables 740 are suspended from each of the horizontal bars 720). In some embodiments, shelf 744 may be supported by about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 cables 740. As shown, bead 742 is swaged onto cable 740 at a specific pitch.

[0072] Figure 7B is a detailed view of cable 740. As shown, bead 742 is swaged onto cable 740, while cable pack 749 is placed on bead 742 to increase the surface area on which shelf 744 rests. In some embodiments, cable pack 749 can be snap - fastened in a predetermined position on bead 742. As shown, cable pack 749 has a round shape with a groove for placement on bead 742. In some embodiments, cable pack 749 can have a rectangular or square shape. In some embodiments, cable pack 749 can have an elliptical shape.

[0073] Figure 7C is a side view of shelf 744. The design of shelf 744 can be adjusted to optimize weight, rigidity, durability, and cost. As shown, the horizontal central portion of shelf 744 is thicker than the horizontal edges of shelf 744. This can minimize the deflection of shelf 744 and reduce concerns regarding the extraction of a bent tray without the need for large reinforcements.

[0074] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness at the horizontal edge of shelf 744 can be at least about 1, at least about 1.1, at least about 1.2, at least about 1.3, at least about 1.4, at least about 1.5, at least about 1.6, at least about 1.7, at least about 1.8, at least about 1.9, at least about 2, at least about 2.5, at least about 3, at least about 3.5, at least about 4, at least about 4.5, at least about 5, at least about 5.5, at least about 6, at least about 6.5, at least about 7, at least about 7.5, at least about 8, at least about 8.5, at least about 9, or at least about 9.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness at the horizontal edge of shelf 744 can be about 10 or less, about 9.5 or less, about 9 or less, about 8.5 or less, about 8 or less, about 7.5 or less, about 7 or less, about 6.5 or less, about 6, about 5.5 or less, about 5 or less, about 4.5 or less, about 4 or less, about 3.5 or less, about 3 or less, about 2.5 or less, about 2 or less, about 1.9 or less, about 1.8 or less, about 1.7 or less, about 1.6, about 1.5, about 1.4 or less, about 1.3 or less, about 1.2 or less, about 1.1 or less. Combinations of the above ratios are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and about 10 or less, or at least about 1.5 and about 5 or less), and all values and ranges therebetween are included. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of shelf 744 at the horizontal center of shelf 744 to the thickness of shelf 744 at its horizontal edge is about 1, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, about 4, about 4.5, about 5, about 5.5, about 6, about 6.5, about 7, about 7.5, about 8, about 8.5, about 9, about 9.5, or about 10.

[0075] FIG. 7D is a top view of the shelf 744 and the cable attachment function 743. The cable attachment function 743 is designed so that the shelf 744 can be easily installed and removed from the stack of shelves. As shown, the cable attachment functions 743c, 743d are arranged at positions farther from the horizontal center of the shelf 744 than the cable attachment functions 743a, 743b. Thereby, the shelf 744 can be slid into or removed from the shelf stack without releasing the tension of the cable 740 or removing other parts of the contactor.

[0076] FIG. 7E shows a tray T disposed on the shelf 744. In some embodiments, the shelf 744 may be composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the shelf 744 can be thermoformed. The shelf 744 can have ribs that are shaped and optimized for ease of manufacture and reduction of the weight and cost of the material. The tray can be designed to have minimal rigidity while maximizing the surface area. In some embodiments, the tray can be designed to maintain the uniformity of the thickness of the powder within the tray. In some embodiments, the tray T can be placed on the shelf 744 without an interlock function between the shelf 744 and the tray. The interlock function may potentially restrict the transfer of the tray between the distributor and the shelf 744. In some embodiments, the tray T can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker that can identify each tray. Thus, the tray can be tracked through software, and the software can store metadata regarding the tray. In some embodiments, the tray T can include slots machined in its edges, and these slots enable pickup and placement between the distributor and the shelf 744 for all tolerance accumulation cases.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows the design of the shelf 844 according to one embodiment. As shown, the tray 844 includes horizontal ribs 841 and a cable attachment feature 843. In some embodiments, the cable attachment feature 843 may be the same as or substantially similar to the cable attachment feature 743 as described above with reference to FIGS. 7A-7E. Accordingly, specific aspects of the cable attachment feature 843 are not described in more detail herein. As shown, the horizontal ribs 841 enable support of the tray disposed on the shelf 844 without a large amount of material. The voids in the shelf 844 help minimize the amount of material used to manufacture the shelf 844. In some embodiments, the tray 844 can be composed of composite plastic. In some embodiments, the tray 844 can be composed of glass-filled polypropylene.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a method 10 of operating a distributor according to one embodiment. As shown, the method 10 includes, in step 11, moving the distributor vertically along a vertically oriented bar, and in step 12, fixing the vertical position of the distributor along the vertically oriented bar. The method 10 optionally includes, in step 13, moving the actuator horizontally away from the centerline of the distributor. The method 10 further includes, in step 14, attaching the actuator to a tray disposed on the shelf, in step 15, pushing the tray horizontally toward the centerline of the distributor, in step 16, discharging a liquid through an orifice into a carbonate medium tray, and in step 17, pushing the tray horizontally on the shelf. The method 10 optionally includes, in step 18, discharging the liquid again onto the carbonate medium tray, and in step 19, removing the actuator from the tray and moving the actuator horizontally toward the centerline of the distributor.

[0079] Step 11 includes moving the distributor vertically along a vertically oriented bar. In some embodiments, the movement of the distributor can be an upward movement. In some embodiments, the movement of the distributor can be a downward movement. In some embodiments, the movement of the distributor can be induced by a cable attached to the distributor that moves the distributor upward and downward. In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the distributor can include balancing the distributor via one or more guide wheels. In some embodiments, the distributor can include one or more mounting brackets for orienting the guide wheel(s) to a working position.

[0080] Step 12 includes fixing the vertical position of the distributor along the vertical bar. In some embodiments, the fixed vertical position can be such that the distributor is vertically aligned with the contact shelves. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the distributor can be detected by a position encoder. In some embodiments, a position actuator can reach outward from the distributor, and the vertical position of the distributor relative to the shelves and / or trays can be detected via the position actuator. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the distributor can be detected via a global positioning system (GPS) device. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the distributor can be detected via one or more references. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the distributor can be detected via a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the distributor can be detected via a camera or an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the fixing of the vertical position of the distributor can be performed via a locking mechanism or a latching mechanism.

[0081] Step 13 is optional and includes horizontally moving the actuator away from the centerline of the distributor. In some embodiments, the actuator can remain in contact with the upper portion of the distributor even as it moves away from the centerline of the distributor. Horizontally moving the actuator away from the centerline of the distributor can assist in capturing the tray. The tray can have a carbonate-containing medium disposed therein. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the actuator can be in a direction toward the tray to capture the tray. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuator can be in a direction toward the outer edge of the distributor. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuator can extend beyond the outer edge of the distributor. In some embodiments, Step 13 can include moving a first actuator or a first portion of the actuator in a first horizontal direction away from the centerline of the distributor and moving a second actuator or a second portion of the actuator in a second direction away from the centerline of the distributor. In some embodiments, the second horizontal direction can be at an angle of about 180 degrees from the first horizontal direction.

[0082] Step 14 includes attaching an actuator to a tray disposed on a shelf. In some embodiments, the shelf can be suspended from a cable. In some embodiments, the actuator can engage with the tray via an arm and a finger mechanism included in the actuator. In some embodiments, the fingers of the actuator can engage with holes in the tray to position the actuator adjacent to the tray. In some embodiments, the fingers point downward and move horizontally until they are first positioned above the holes in the tray and then inserted into the holes by lowering the fingers into the holes, thereby engaging with the holes in the tray. In some embodiments, step 14 can include attaching a first actuator or a first portion of the actuator to a first tray and attaching a second actuator or a second portion of the actuator to a second tray. In some embodiments, the second tray can be disposed on the opposite side of the center line as viewed from the first tray.

[0083] Step 15 includes horizontally pushing and moving the tray toward the center line of the distributor. In other words, the tray is pushed and / or pulled into the body of the distributor. In some embodiments, the tray can slide along the bottom of the distributor toward the center line of the distributor. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the tray can be continued by the horizontal movement of the fingers relative to the center line of the distributor. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the tray can be continued by the horizontal movement of the actuator relative to the center line of the distributor. In some embodiments, step 15 can include pushing and moving a first tray in a first horizontal direction toward the center line of the distributor and pushing and moving a second tray in a second horizontal direction toward the center line of the distributor. In some embodiments, the second horizontal direction can form an angle of approximately 180 degrees with the first horizontal direction.

[0084] Step 16 includes discharging a liquid onto a carbonation medium tray through one or more orifices. Upon discharge, the liquid interacts with the carbonation medium within the tray. In some embodiments, the liquid may include water. In some embodiments, the discharge of the liquid can be performed via spraying, atomizing, dripping, pouring, and / or any other suitable conveyance means of the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid can be pressurized as it is discharged from the orifice(s). In some embodiments, the liquid can be at atmospheric pressure as it is discharged from the orifice(s). In some embodiments, the liquid can be discharged at an angle of about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 90 degrees with respect to the downward vertical direction, including all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the liquid can be discharged at controlled intervals.

[0085] In some embodiments, pushing the tray horizontally towards the centerline of the distributor can occur at least partially simultaneously with discharging the liquid onto the carbonation medium tray. In other words, Step 16 can be at least partially simultaneous with Step 15. In some embodiments, Step 16 can be completely simultaneous with Step 15.

[0086] Step 17 includes pushing the tray horizontally back onto the shelf. After the liquid supply is complete, the tray is returned to the shelf. In some embodiments, the tray can be returned to the same shelf from which it was removed in Steps 14 - 15. In some embodiments, the tray can be returned to a different shelf from which it was removed in Steps 14 - 15.

[0087] Step 18 is optional and includes discharging a liquid through an orifice onto a carbonation media tray. The liquid can be discharged onto the carbonation media after the tray has returned to its original position on the shelf. In some embodiments, the discharge can be in a horizontal or diagonal direction away from the centerline of the distributor such that the liquid falls onto the tray and can interact with the carbonation media.

[0088] Step 19 is optional and includes removing the actuator from the tray and horizontally moving the actuator toward the centerline of the distributor. In some embodiments, step 19 can include returning the actuator to its original position. In some embodiments, the actuator can remain in its original position throughout method 10, and the arm and fingers of the actuator can be retracted toward the centerline of the distributor.

[0089] Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, and at least one example is provided. The acts performed as part of a method can be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different from that shown, and an exemplary embodiment shows acts as continuous, but may include performing some acts simultaneously. In other words, such features are not necessarily limited to a particular order of execution, but rather can be performed in any number of threads, processes, services, servers, etc., continuously, asynchronously, concurrently, simultaneously, synchronously, etc., in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, some of these features may be mutually contradictory in that they cannot coexist in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features may be applicable to one aspect of an innovation and not to others.

[0090] Furthermore, the present disclosure can include other innovations not currently described. The applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embody such innovations, file additional applications, continuation applications, partial continuation applications, and divisional applications. Accordingly, it should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, characteristic, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be regarded as limitations of the present disclosure as defined by the embodiments, or limitations of equivalents of the embodiments. Depending on the specific requirements and / or characteristics of individual and / or corporate users, database configurations and / or relational models, data types, data transmission and / or network frameworks, syntax structures, and / or the like, the various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in ways that allow for a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0091] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated-by-reference documents, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0092] As used herein, in certain embodiments, the term "about" or "substantially" when preceding a numerical value indicates a value that is plus or minus 10% of the range. When a numerical range is provided, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range, to one tenth of the unit of the lower limit, and other recited values or intervening values within the recited range are understood to be included within the present disclosure. It is also expressly provided that the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, except where specifically excluded limits exist within the recited range. When the recited range includes one or both of the limiting values, ranges excluding one or both of the included limiting values are also included in the present disclosure.

[0093] As used in this specification and the embodiments, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless expressly indicated to the contrary.

[0094] As used in this specification and the embodiments, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that may be present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. A plurality of elements listed with "and / or" should likewise be construed as "one or more" of the elements so combined. Other elements may optionally be present whether or not they are specifically related to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, reference to "A and / or B", when used in combination with open-ended language such as "comprising", may in one embodiment refer to only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment may refer to only B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment may refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so forth.

[0095] As used in this specification and the embodiments, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" is inclusive, that is, it includes the number of elements or at least one of the lists, or two or more, and optionally includes items not further listed. Only terms that clearly indicate the opposite, such as "only one of", "exactly one only", or "consisting of" when used in the embodiments, refer to including exactly one element of the number of elements or the list. In general, the term "or" as used in this specification indicates an exclusive option (i.e., "either one or the other, but not both") only when preceded by exclusive terms such as "any one of", "one of", "only one of", or "exactly one of". When used in this embodiment, "consisting essentially of" shall have the ordinary meaning used in the field of patent law.

[0096] As used in this specification and the embodiments, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, nor does it exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one", whether or not such other elements are related to the specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can, in one embodiment, refer to at least one, optionally two or more, A's where B is absent (and optionally includes elements other than B); in another embodiment, it can refer to at least one, optionally two or more, B's where A is absent (and optionally includes elements other than A); and in yet another embodiment, it can refer to at least one, optionally two or more, A's and at least one, optionally two or more, B's (optionally including other elements).

[0097] In the above embodiments and this specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", etc. are to be understood as open-ended, i.e., including but not limited to. As defined in the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Examination Handbook Section 2111.03, only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0098] The specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above. However, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. If the above methods and steps indicate specific events occurring in a specific order, those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure will recognize that the order of the specific steps may be changed, and such changes will follow the variations of the present invention. Additionally, the specific steps may not only be executed sequentially as described above, but may also be executed simultaneously in parallel processes where possible. Although the embodiments have been specifically shown and described, it will be understood that various changes may be made in form and detail.

Claims

1. A platform including a top and a bottom; A lifting mechanism configured to move the platform vertically; A plurality of orifices defined by the top of the platform and configured to discharge liquid toward a tray; An actuator configured to move horizontally along the bottom side of the top of the platform and configured to push and move the tray horizontally; A device comprising the above, wherein the bottom is configured to support the tray when the tray moves horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. A counterweight configured to minimize the load requirement for the motor The device according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

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

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

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

13. A frame including a plurality of vertically oriented bars and a plurality of horizontally oriented bars; A plurality of cables including beads, the plurality of cables being coupled to and suspended from the horizontally oriented bars in a tensioned state; A plurality of shelves coupled to the cables and supported by the beads, the plurality of shelves being configured to support a plurality of trays; A plurality of distributors, each distributor of the plurality of distributors being configured to move vertically, contact a tray from the plurality of trays, and push and move the tray to move horizontally in and out of the distributor. An apparatus comprising.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of shelves includes a cable attachment function configured to couple to the beads.

15. A plurality of cable packs disposed on the beads and configured to increase the surface area on which each of the plurality of shelves rests. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising.

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

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

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of vertically oriented bars includes a series of reference points configured to fix a height along the vertically oriented bar, the height at which the plurality of distributors are fixed during loading and unloading.

19. At least one of a horizontal brace element or a diagonal brace element configured to contact at least a portion of the plurality of cables so as to minimize horizontal movement of the plurality of cables and the plurality of shelves The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising the same.

20. Moving a distributor including an actuator and an orifice in a vertical direction; Fixing the vertical position of the distributor; Attaching the actuator to a tray disposed on a shelf and containing a carbonating medium; Pushing the tray horizontally toward the center line of the distributor via the actuator; A method comprising discharging a liquid onto the carbonating medium in the tray via the orifice.

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

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising removing the actuator from the tray and moving horizontally toward the center line of the distributor.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising moving the actuator horizontally away from the center line of the distributor before attaching the actuator to the tray.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein pushing the tray horizontally toward the center line of the distributor is performed at least partially simultaneously with the discharging.

25. The tray is a first tray, the shelf is a first shelf, the horizontal direction is a first horizontal direction, and the method comprises: Pushing a second tray horizontally toward the center line of the distributor in a second horizontal direction via the actuator. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the same.

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

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

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