Adapter for Can Filling System and Gas Can Filling Method

Abstract

An adapter for a can filling system includes a body having an opening and at least one channel, the opening allowing insertion of a valve of a gas canister holding pressurized or liquefied gas into an interior space of the body and forming a sealed gap between at least a portion of a lateral side of the valve and an inner surface of the body facing the interior space, the at least one channel configured to guide pressurized or liquefied gas from a can filling system to the sealed gap within the interior space and to reach one or more lateral external ports of the valve of the gas canister that open transversely to a longitudinal axis of the body of the gas canister, and configured to facilitate filling of the gas canister with the pressurized or liquefied gas through the one or more lateral external ports of the gas canister when the valve is inserted into the interior space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a gas cylinder used in a carbonating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an adapter for a can filling system and a method for filling a gas cylinder.

Background Art

[0002] Carbonating devices are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias, and other environments. A typical carbonating device is operated to inject carbon dioxide into water or other liquid in a bottle attached to the device. Other types of carbonating devices are configured to dispense carbonated beverages into cups or other containers.

[0003] The carbon dioxide injected into the liquid to carbonate the liquid is generally provided in a pressurized or liquefied gas cylinder. The carbonating device includes a user-operable mechanism that releases the gas from the cylinder and directs the gas to the liquid for carbonation. Generally, the operation of the gas release mechanism causes the valve of the cylinder to be opened. When the gas cylinder is attached to the carbonating device, the valve head including the valve is connected to the gas cylinder connector of the carbonating device.

[0004] When the gas in the cylinder runs out, the empty cylinder is replaced with a full cylinder. This replacement is generally done by the user of the device. For example, the valve head of the cylinder is provided with an external male thread and is connected to the gas cylinder connector by screwing with the internal thread of the socket of the connector.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, an adapter for a can filling system is provided. The adapter includes a body having an opening configured to allow insertion of a valve of a gas cylinder that holds pressurized or liquefied gas into an internal space of the body, and to leave a sealed gap between at least a part of a lateral surface of the valve and an inner surface of the body facing the internal space. The body also includes at least one channel configured to direct pressurized or liquefied gas from the can filling system into the sealed gap within the internal space and reach one or more lateral external ports of the valve of the gas cylinder that open laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body of the gas cylinder, and is configured to facilitate filling of the gas cylinder with the pressurized or liquefied gas through the one or more lateral external ports of the gas cylinder when the valve is inserted into the internal space.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one channel includes at least one lateral channel configured to be in fluid communication with the one or more lateral external ports of the valve when the adapter is attached to the filling head.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adapter is configured to connect to a filling head of the filling system.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one channel includes a longitudinal channel provided at a distal end and configured to be in fluid communication with a filling port when the distal end is connected to the filling head.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adapter further includes a gasket configured to fluidly isolate an outer surface of a plunger of the valve when the valve is inserted into the internal space from at least a part of the lateral surface of the valve.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adapter further comprises a pin actuator for driving the plunger of the valve when the valve is inserted into the internal space.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the actuator is static.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the static actuator pin extends inwardly into the internal space.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the actuator is dynamic.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the actuator pin is located and movable within a hole of the body.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hole extends from an outer surface of the body to an inner surface facing the internal space.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method of filling a gas cylinder with pressurized or liquefied gas from a can filling system is provided, the gas cylinder including a valve having one or more lateral external ports located at least in part on a lateral side of the valve.

[0017] The method includes inserting the valve of the gas cylinder into an internal space of a body of an adapter, leaving a sealed gap between at least a part of a lateral side of the valve and an inner surface of the body facing the internal space.

[0018] The method further includes, when the valve is inserted into the internal space, guiding pressurized or liquefied gas from the can filling system through at least one channel into the sealed gap within the internal space to reach one or more lateral external ports of the valve of the gas cylinder that open laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of a body of the gas cylinder.

[0019] The method further fills the gas cylinder with the pressurized or liquefied gas through the one or more lateral external ports of the gas cylinder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention and to recognize its practical applications, the following drawings are applied and referred to below. The drawings are provided by way of example only and do not limit the purpose of the invention. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a gas cylinder valve.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is closed.

[0024] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas cylinder valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is open.

[0025] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with a lateral external port, the connector including a pair of solid gaskets.

[0026] FIG. 4B schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4A.

[0027] FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with a lateral external port, the connector including a pair of gaskets having a U-shaped cross-section.

[0028] FIG. 4D schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4C.

[0029] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with a lateral external port, the connector including a gasket curved inward.

[0030] Figure 5B schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in Figure 5A.

[0031] Figure 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector to a gas can valve with a horizontal inner opening, the connector including a gasket curved outward.

[0032] Figure 5D schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in Figure 5C.

[0033] Figure 6 schematically shows a gas can and a gas can valve with a circular protruding disk.

[0034] Figure 7A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a snap-in can holder for holding the gas can shown in Figure 6.

[0035] Figure 7B schematically shows the insertion of the can into the snap-in can holder shown in Figure 7A.

[0036] Figure 7C schematically shows the removal of the can from the snap-in can holder shown in Figure 7A.

[0037] Figure 8A schematically shows a gas can and a gas can valve with a non-circular horizontal protrusion.

[0038] Figure 8B schematically shows the insertion of the gas can shown in Figure 8A into the can holder of a carbonating device.

[0039] Figure 8C schematically shows the gas can fixed to the can holder shown in Figure 8B.

[0040] Figure 9A schematically shows an example of a carbonating device with a can holder having a closable cover configured to lift the can to a predetermined position when closed.

[0041] Figure 9B schematically shows the details of the lifting mechanism of the can holder shown in Figure 9A.

[0042] Figure 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can holder shown in Figure 9B with the cover closed.

[0043] Figure 10A schematically shows the can holder of a carbonation device with an inclinable can cradle configured to lift the can to a predetermined position when closed.

[0044] Figure 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can holder shown in Figure 10A with the can cradle fully inserted.

[0045] Figure 11A schematically shows a can holder shown in a configuration including a base configured to lift the gas can to a predetermined position during rotation and enabling attachment or removal of the can.

[0046] Figure 11B schematically shows the can holder shown in Figure 11A in the case of a configuration where the can is fixed in the operating position.

[0047] Figure 12A schematically shows an example of a carbonation device with a can holder having a handle lifted to enable placement of the gas can.

[0048] Figure 12B schematically shows placement of the can into the can holder shown in Figure 12A.

[0049] Figure 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can holder shown in Figure 12B with the can placed inside the holder.

[0050] Figure 12D schematically shows the lifting mechanism of the can holder shown in Figure 12C.

[0051] Figure 12E schematically shows an example of the base of the carbonation device shown in Figure 12B configured to tilt the can valve into the yoke after insertion of the can into the base.

[0052] Figure 13A schematically shows the carbonation device shown in Figure 12A with the handle lowered to insert the gas can into the carbonation device.

[0053] Figure 13B schematically shows a can inserted into the carbonator shown in Figure 13A.

[0054] Figure 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can inserted into the carbonator of Figure 13B.

[0055] Figure 14A schematically shows a filling head adapter that enables connection of a gas can with a lateral external port to the filling head of a can filling system.

[0056] Figure 14B schematically shows a view of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 14A, showing the side of the adapter into which the can valve can be inserted.

[0057] Figure 14C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 14A.

[0058] Figure 15A schematically shows a can valve adapter that is disposed on a can valve with a lateral external port and enables connection of the can valve to the filling head of a can filling system.

[0059] Figure 15B is a schematic cross-section of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 15A.

[0060] Figure 16A schematically shows another filling head adapter that enables connection of a gas can valve with a lateral external port to the filling head of a can filling system.

[0061] Figure 16B schematically shows a view of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 16A, showing the side of the adapter into which the can valve can be inserted.

[0062] Figure 16C is a top view of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 16A.

[0063] Figure 16D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in Figure 16A.

[0064] FIG. 16E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A, with the upper part of the gas can inserted into and held by the adapter for filling.

[0065] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can valve adapter with a static pin actuator.

[0066] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can valve adapter with a dynamic pin actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, discussions using terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "ascertaining", "analyzing", "inspecting", etc. refer to operations and / or conversions of data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in a computer's registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer's registers and / or memories, operations and / or conversions of data represented as physical quantities in other non-transitory storage media (e.g., memories) capable of storing instructions for performing the operations and / or processes of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing devices, or operations and / or processes of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing devices. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, but the term "plurality" as used herein may include, for example, "a plurality" or "two or more". The term "plurality" may be used throughout this specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, etc. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments of the methods described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. Further, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be executed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction "or" as used herein should be understood to be inclusive (any or all of the recited options).

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, a can holder of a carbonating device or a can filling system for filling a gas cylinder for use with a carbonating device enables a linear insertion of a valve of the gas cylinder into a socket of the can holder, and is configured to enable a flow of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) between the gas cylinder and a device or system including the can holder. Similarly, the holder is configured to enable a linear removal of the valve from the socket. In this case, the linear insertion refers to the insertion and connection into the socket that does not include multiple rotations of the can for screwing a screw on the gas cylinder (e.g., on the valve) onto a screw of the holder or socket.

[0070] For example, the carbonating device is operable to open a valve of the gas cylinder and release the gas from the cylinder. The carbonating device includes an arrangement of one or more conduits configured to direct the released gas to a carbonating head of the carbonating device. A bottle or other container of a liquid such as water is attached to the carbonating head, and the released gas enters to carbonate the liquid.

[0071] In this way, the insertion or replacement of the gas cylinder is facilitated. Facilitating the insertion or removal of the can enables quick and easy replacement of the can by an unskilled user without the risk of the seal between the can holder and the can being overtightened or otherwise damaged.

[0072] As an example, the can holder is configured to enable a snap fit (either manually or assisted mechanically) of an end of the can, generally an end including a valve operable to release gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) from the can (or to enable filling of the can from a gas source). For example, slidable or retractable protrusions or teeth on the can holder are configured to engage one or more corresponding protrusions from the can. In other examples, the insertion can include insertion through an opening when the can is oriented in one direction (e.g., non-circular protrusions on the can are aligned with corresponding non-circular openings on the can holder) and then rotated in another direction to hold the can in the can holder.

[0073] Alternatively or in addition, a can holder, or a part of a carbonation device (or can filling system) associated with the can holder, includes a can insertion mechanism that couples a can insertion mechanism to a mechanism for connecting the valve of the can to a connector of the can holder.

[0074] For example, the can insertion mechanism can include a handle (which may function as a door or cover, for example) that closes over the can after the protrusion from the can to the yoke is positioned. Closing the handle raises the yoke and the protrusion, and the valve is inserted into the connector. In another example, the can may be placed in a tiltable cradle, which may be positioned when the cradle tilts outward. Tilting the cradle inward to an upright orientation raises the can and inserts the valve into the connector. In another example, the can may be placed on a base (e.g., upright). Actuation of the mechanism, such as rotation of the base, may lift the can and insert the valve into the connector.

[0075] A gas can valve configured for insertion into a carbonation device using an insertion motion (e.g., without rotating the gas can multiple times to screw the valve into the can holder of the carbonation device) is designed to avoid generating a thrust that easily separates the can valve from the can of the device. Thus, the valve is designed to generate a minimum (e.g., approximately zero) thrust in a direction away from the connector, for example, by having gas release ports arranged substantially equidistantly laterally around the valve (e.g., two ports on substantially opposite sides).

[0076] When the valve is connected to the can holder of the carbonation device, the mechanism of the carbonation device is actuated to release gas from the can. The released gas flows into the carbonation head of the carbonation device and carbonates the liquid contents of a bottle or other container that is connected to the carbonation head or otherwise configured to allow the gas to be injected into the liquid.

[0077] Similarly, the gas cylinder valve is configured to enable connection of the valve to the can holder of the filling head of the can filling system. When connected to the filling head, the can filling system is actuated to fill the can with pressurized or liquefied gas.

[0078] The proximal end (e.g., the connection of the gas pipe to the carbonator or filling system) of the body of the gas cylinder valve is configured to connect to the can holder. The longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder valve is considered to be an axis passing through the gas cylinder valve along the direction of movement of the valve's drive mechanism (generally in the form of a slidable poppet configured to slide along the longitudinal axis).

[0079] The distal end of the gas cylinder valve is inserted into and attached to the gas cylinder (e.g., by screwing, welding, or other means). The distal end includes an internal can port that is insertable into the can and openable.

[0080] The body of the gas cylinder valve also has two or more external ports that open laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve (e.g., each is at least 80°, generally at least 90° from the connection direction to the can holder) and are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the longitudinal axis of the can body (e.g., two external ports on substantially opposite sides). The external ports are configured to allow gas to escape from the can when the valve is opened by the gas release mechanism of the valve (e.g., by causing distal movement of the poppet within the valve). When the valve is opened and the gas cylinder valve is connected to the can holder of the filling system, the can can be filled with pressurized or liquefied gas through the external ports.

[0081] The laterally equally spaced positions of the external ports can direct the gas escaping from the can in laterally equally spaced directions, regardless of whether it is due to intentional actuation of the gas release mechanism. As a result, the lateral thrust generated by the release of gas through one external port counteracts the thrust generated by the release of gas through the other external port.

[0082] An equidistant arrangement of external ports in the lateral direction can be more advantageous than a general arrangement where the ports release gas along the longitudinal direction. In the case of ports arranged longitudinally, the released gas can generate a thrust that easily pushes the can away from its connection. Therefore, for such longitudinally arranged ports, a connection including screwing the valve into a threaded socket is required. The thrust generated by the release of gas through the lateral ports is perpendicular to the direction of insertion or removal of the gas cylinder for the gas cylinder holder, so it does not generate a force that easily separates the gas cylinder from the cylinder holder. Therefore, the cylinder holder can include a snap-in or other arrangement that does not include a threaded socket. Therefore, the connection and removal of the gas cylinder and the valve with lateral ports are easier than the connection and removal of the cylinder and the valve with longitudinally arranged ports.

[0083] Generally, the valve is opened or closed by sliding the poppet in the longitudinal axis direction of the valve. Generally, when the poppet slides distally away from the cylinder holder, the valve opens, allowing the flow of liquid inside the valve body between the interior and the external port through the can port. On the other hand, when the poppet slides proximally towards the cylinder holder, the valve closes, blocking the flow of liquid between the external port and the interior of the can. For example, the proximal end of the poppet is pressed against a sealed gasket to prevent the flow of liquid between the can port and the external port. When the valve is opened, it allows the inflow of liquid from a liquid source (e.g., of a can filling system) through the external port into the can, or the outflow of liquid from the can through the can port and the external port (e.g., to a carbonating device).

[0084] One or more forms of sealing structure are included in the gas cylinder valve to prevent the flow of gas along the plunger. For example, the cross-section of the gasket surrounding the plunger is U-shaped. The U-shaped opening is directed towards the interior of the can. Thus, when the plunger moves and gas is released from the can, the pressurized gas fills the opening of the U-shaped gasket, pushing the walls of the gasket outwards, strengthening the seal around the plunger, and preventing the released gas from escaping along the perimeter of the plunger.

[0085] The plunger that slides the poppet of the valve is configured to be accessible to a drive mechanism, for example, of a carbonating device or a can filling system. Generally, the plunger has an outer surface that is contacted and actuated by a drive mechanism positioned on a can holder, for example, of a carbonating device or a can filling system. The proximal end of the plunger includes an outer surface that forms a push button. The proximal end of the plunger may be disposed within a recess in the proximal surface of the can valve. The recess prevents accidental pressing of the plunger, for example, by a surface wider than the recess.

[0086] When a pushing force is applied to the proximal end of the plunger, the plunger is moved distally along an axis, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the poppet. The distal end of the plunger is configured to contact and press against the proximal end of the poppet when the plunger is pushed distally. Therefore, pushing the push button at the proximal end of the plunger pushes the poppet distally and opens the gas can valve. For example, the drive mechanism of a carbonating device or a filling system includes a telescoping rod or other element that pushes the push button at the proximal end of the gas can valve. When the drive mechanism applies a force at least equal to a predetermined force, the poppet slides distally sufficiently to allow fluid connection between the canister port and the external port.

[0087] The plunger may be manufactured as a separate part from the poppet. Alternatively, the plunger may be manufactured, for example, as an integral part of the poppet that forms the proximal end of the poppet.

[0088] Generally, the gas can valve also includes a biasing arrangement that maintains the poppet in a closed position (e.g., proximal) when a sufficiently large force is not applied to the outer surface. For example, a spring is configured to bias the poppet proximally unless the force of the spring is overcome by a distal pushing force applied to the poppet, for example, via the plunger.

[0089] The gas cylinder valve may include a structure that enables or simplifies the holding of the gas cylinder by a cylinder holder, for example, of a carbonating device or a cylinder filling system. For example, the gas cylinder valve may include one or more protrusions that fit into a cooperating structure of the cylinder holder, such as one or more grooves or slots. When the gas cylinder is held by the cylinder holder, the cylinder holder is configured to connect the external port of the gas cylinder valve to one or more conduits that are, for example, associated with the cylinder holder.

[0090] For example, a disk-shaped lateral protrusion extends laterally outwardly, for example, in the vicinity of the connection between the gas cylinder valve and the gas cylinder. The disk is configured to be inserted into a corresponding yoke of the cylinder holder. The disk may be inserted as a washer between the gas cylinder valve and the cylinder, or may be manufactured as part of the gas cylinder valve or the cylinder.

[0091] For example, the yoke includes a U-shaped groove having a width sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the disk. When the gas cylinder is not held by the cylinder holder and the yoke is empty, the disk of the gas cylinder slides into the groove of the yoke. When the disk is fully inserted into the yoke, a closing mechanism of the cylinder holder is actuated to insert the proximal end of the gas cylinder valve into a cooperating connector that is associated with (for example, integrated with or adjacent to) the cylinder holder. For example, the closing mechanism includes a handle, lever, or other force transmission structure for lifting the proximal end of the valve of the gas cylinder into a sealed socket of a carbonating device or a cylinder filling system. The operation of the closing mechanism includes, for example, closing a handle (for example, functioning as a cover, door, or shutter) that at least partially covers the gas cylinder when connected to the connector.

[0092] Alternatively or in addition, the yoke may include two or more teeth or arms that are extensible to grip the disk when the gas cylinder valve is inserted into the connector.

[0093] Alternatively or in addition, the disk may be asymmetric. The asymmetry allows the asymmetric disk to be inserted through a corresponding asymmetric opening in the yoke when the asymmetric disk is aligned with the asymmetric opening. Rotating the asymmetric disk to an orientation where it is not aligned with the asymmetric opening (e.g., 90°) allows the asymmetric disk to be retained within the yoke. In this case, the closure mechanism may be configured to rotate the gas cylinder (e.g., 90°) in addition to inserting the proximal end of the gas canister valve into the sealed connector to retain the asymmetric disk within the yoke of the canister holder.

[0094] A connector that enables the flow of gas between a gas canister valve and a carbonating device, canister filling system, or other device may include a socket with a sealed structure. The sealed structure may be configured to allow fluid connection between the external port of the gas canister valve and the gas conduit of the connector while preventing gas leakage in other directions. For example, the sealed structure may include two or more gaskets through which gas flows between the conduit of the connector and the external port of the gas canister valve. Alternatively or in addition, the gasket of the sealed structure may include one or more openings through which gas flows. The gasket may have a U-shaped configuration that expands when filled with pressurized gas, further enhancing the sealing performance.

[0095] To enable filling of a gas canister equipped with a gas canister valve having a laterally oriented external port, a filling head adapter may be attached to the filling head of the canister filling system. For example, the filling head adapter may provide a fluid path between the filling port of the canister filling system that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas canister and the laterally positioned external port of the gas canister valve. The fluid path may include one or more grooves, channels, tubes, or other structures that allow the flow of pressurized gas (or liquefied gas) from the filling port of the canister filling system to the external port of the gas canister valve. For example, the filling head adapter may be bolted or otherwise attached to the filling head.

[0096] The can valve adapter may be attachable to a gas can valve with a lateral external port. When the can valve adapter is fitted into the gas can valve, insertion of the can valve adapter into the filling head of a can filling system with an on-axis (longitudinal axis) filling port enables filling of the gas can. The can valve adapter is configured to provide a fluid path between a filling port of a can filling system coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas can and an external port positioned laterally of the gas can valve. Generally, the fluid path provided by the can valve adapter includes a system of closed tubes or channels between the filling port and the external port of the gas can valve.

[0097] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a gas can valve. Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the gas can valve shown in Figure 1. Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas can valve shown in Figure 1 when the valve is closed.

[0098] The internal elements of the gas can valve 10 are contained within the valve body 12. Generally, the valve body 12 is formed of brass or other metal. The end of the valve body 12 including the can port 14 is configured to be inserted into the gas can 46. The interface surface of the valve body 12 is sealed with a gasket 34. Gas flows from the inner cavity 48 of the gas can 46 through the can port 14 and the gas filter 36 into the central channel 15.

[0099] To control and release gas from the gas can 46 in the event of overpressure, the gas can 46 is provided with a burst disk 40. The burst disk 40 is held in a predetermined position between the burst disk plug 38 and the valve body 12. In the case of overpressure sufficient to rupture the burst disk 40, the gas in the central channel 15 flows out through the burst disk plug 38 after rupturing the burst disk 40 and escapes to the atmosphere through the discharge opening 39 in the burst disk plug 38.

[0100] The disk 44 may be held between the valve body 12 and the gas cylinder 46. The disk 44 may be configured to fit into a corresponding slot or groove of the cylinder holder. Alternatively or in addition to the disk 44, one or more protrusions integral with the valve body 12 may extend laterally from the valve body 12 and engage a cooperating structure of the cylinder holder. Alternatively or in addition, the valve body 12 may include one or more recesses configured to engage one or more cooperating protrusions of the cylinder holder.

[0101] When the gas cylinder valve 10 is inserted into the gas cylinder 46 and the gas cylinder valve 10 is opened, the gas from the gas cylinder 46 is released through a pair of opposed external ports 16. In this way, the net thrust generated by the release of the gas through the pair of external ports 16 approaches zero.

[0102] The gas cylinder valve may include two or more opposed external ports 16. For example, an additional pair of external ports 16 may be oriented to evenly distribute the external ports 16 along the outer periphery of the valve body 12.

[0103] When the gas cylinder valve 10 is closed, as shown, the valve poppet 18 is pressed against the valve seat 24 of the insert 22 (e.g., an annular ridge shape extending from its upper surface) by the spring 20. Therefore, all fluid connections between the inner cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46 and the external ports 16 are blocked.

[0104] The gas cylinder valve 10 is opened by applying a pushing force to the outer surface 26a of the plunger 26. The outer surface 26a is mechanically accessible (e.g., may be pushed thereby) to an actuator of, for example, a carbonating device or a can filling system to which the gas cylinder valve 10 is connected and from which it leaks. Generally, the pushing force may be applied by an actuating rod positioned within or otherwise associated with the can holder. The outer surface 26a may be positioned within the recess 27 at the outer end of the valve body 12. Positioning the outer surface 26a within the recess 27 prevents an unintended or unintentional application of a pushing force to the plunger 26.

[0105] When a pressing force is applied to the outer surface 26a, the plunger 26 is pushed toward the valve poppet 18. If the pushing force applied to the outer surface 26a is sufficient to overcome the counterforce exerted by the spring 20 and the pressure of the gas within the gas cylinder 46, the end 26b of the plunger 26 pushes the valve poppet 18 away from the valve seat 24.

[0106] When the valve poppet 18 is no longer pushed against the valve seat 24, gas begins to flow between the valve poppet 18 and the insert 22. For example, during carbonation, assume that the inner cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46 is filled with pressurized or liquefied gas. If flow between the valve poppet 18 and the insert 22 is possible, the gas can flow outward through the groove 23 of the insert 22 around the sealed housing 30 toward the external port 16. The gas released through the external port 16 is then directed by a connector to a carbonating head where the gas is injected into the liquid to be carbonated. On the other hand, when the external port 16 is connected to a filling system, pressurized or liquefied gas is injected into the external port 16 and flows inward around the sealed housing 30, through the groove 23 of the insert 22 and between the insert 22 and the valve poppet 18, and through the central channel 15 into the inner cavity 48 of the gas cylinder 46.

[0107] The gas is prevented from escaping from the gas can valve 10 along the periphery of the plunger 26 by the sealing gasket 28 (e.g., like a common conventional can where the external port is along the vertical axis of the gas can valve 10). In the example shown, the sealing gasket 28 has a generally U-shaped cross-section with the opening facing the insert 22 and the gas can 46. The sealing gasket 28 is held in place by the sealing housing 30 and the insert retainer 32. Thereby, the pressure of the gas from the direction of the gas can 46 tends to widen the opening of the sealing gasket 28, enhancing the seal that prevents gas escape along the plunger 26. Alternatively or in addition, a sealing gasket having another cross-sectional shape (e.g., V-shaped, W-shaped, or other shapes that allow for gas pressure to enhance the seal, or other shapes), or held in place by other mechanisms, may be used.

[0108] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas can valve shown in FIG. 1 when the valve is open.

[0109] In the example shown, the valve poppet 18 is pushed into the gas can valve 10, away from the valve seat 24, forming a gap 50 between the valve poppet 18 and the insert 22. Thus, the gas flows through the gap 50 between the central channel 15 and the external port 16. The gas is prevented from flowing around the plunger 26 by the sealing gasket 28, e.g., between the plunger 26 and the sealing housing 30. Therefore, the gas is restricted to flow in either direction through a path including the groove 23 and the space between the sealing housing 30 and the valve housing 12 between the central channel 15 and the external port 16.

[0110] The gas cylinder valve 10 may be configured to be inserted into one or more types of connectors without screws for holding the gas cylinder valve 10 and the gas cylinder 46 in a cylinder holder. Additionally, the connector for connecting to the gas cylinder valve 10 may be configured to guide gas to or from the lateral external port 16. Accordingly, the connector may be configured to allow lateral flow of gas between the external port 16 and a gas conduit (e.g., to a carbonation head of a carbonating device or from a gas supply source of a can filling system) while preventing escape of gas in other directions.

[0111] The connector may be configured to exert a sufficiently small frictional force on the gas cylinder valve 10 to allow insertion of the gas cylinder valve 10 into the connector and removal of the gas cylinder valve 10 from the connector. On the other hand, the connector may be configured to allow flow of gas between a conduit (e.g., of a carbonating device or a can filling system) and the external port 16 when the gas cylinder valve 10 is inserted into the connector.

[0112] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with a lateral external port, the connector comprising a pair of solid gaskets. FIG. 4B schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4A.

[0113] The can connector 52 is configured to allow insertion of the gas cylinder valve 10. The can connector 52 is further configured to allow a fluid connection between the external port 16 of the gas cylinder valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 52. For example, in the can connector 52 of a carbonating device, the gas conduit 54 connects the can connector 52 to the carbonation head of the carbonating device. In the can connector 52 of a can filling system, the gas conduit 54 connects the can connector 52 to the gas supply source of the can filling system. Although one gas conduit 54 is shown, other examples of can connectors may include two or more gas conduits 54.

[0114] The can connector 52 includes a socket 51 having a sealing structure in the shape of a pair of solid gaskets 56 with a gap 58 formed therebetween. In the example shown, each gasket 56 is in the shape of an O-ring having a flat annular surface 56a facing the gap 58. In other examples, each gasket may be hollow, may include a complete or partial annular hole, or may have a rectangular shape or an outer shape different from that of the example shown.

[0115] In the example shown, gas may flow through the gap 58 between the fixed gaskets 56 between the external port 16 of the gas can valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 52.

[0116] FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-section of a connector to a gas can valve with a laterally oriented external port, including a pair of gaskets with a U-shaped cross-section. FIG. 4D schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 4C.

[0117] The can connector 53 is configured to allow insertion of the gas can valve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between the external port 16 of the gas can valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 53.

[0118] The can connector 53 includes a socket 51 having a sealing structure in the shape of a pair of U-shaped gaskets 60. Each U-shaped gasket 60 has a U-shaped cross-section surrounding an opening 60a. In the example shown, one of the U-shaped gaskets 60 is oriented in the opposite direction to the other, and the openings 60a of the U-shaped gaskets 60 are facing each other. The U-shaped gaskets 60 are separated by a gap 58.

[0119] In the example shown, gas flows between the external port 16 of the gas can valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 through the gap 58 between the U-shaped gaskets 60. The gas fills the opening 60a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas easily expands the U-shaped gaskets 60, opens the opening 60a, presses the U-shaped gaskets 60 against the surrounding structure, and further prevents gas leakage.

[0120] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-section of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with a lateral external port, the connector including a gasket curved inward. FIG. 5B schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5A.

[0121] The can connector 61 is configured to enable the insertion of the gas cylinder valve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between the external port 16 of the gas cylinder valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 61.

[0122] The can connector 61 includes a socket 51 having a sealing structure in the shape of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 62. The U-shaped gasket 62 has a U-shaped cross-section surrounding an opening 62a. The opening 62a of the U-shaped gasket 62 opens inwardly toward the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped gasket. The outwardly convex surface of the U-shaped gasket 62 is penetrated by an outer opening hole 64. In the example shown, the U-shaped gasket 62 includes four equally spaced outer opening holes 64. In other examples, the U-shaped gasket 62 may include fewer than four or more than four outer opening holes 64.

[0123] In the example shown, gas flows through the outer opening holes 64 within the U-shaped gasket 62 between the external port 16 of the gas cylinder valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 61. The gas fills the opening 62a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas easily expands the U-shaped gasket 62, further opens the opening 62a, and presses the U-shaped gasket 62 against the surrounding structure to further prevent gas leakage.

[0124] FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-section of a connector to a gas cylinder valve with an internal opening in a lateral direction, the connector including a gasket curved outward. FIG. 5D schematically shows the gasket of the connector shown in FIG. 5C.

[0125] The can connector 65 is configured to enable the insertion of the gas cylinder valve 10 and to enable a fluid connection between the external port 16 of the gas cylinder valve 10 and the gas conduit of the can connector 65.

[0126] The can connector 65 includes a socket 51 having a sealing structure in the shape of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket 66. The U-shaped gasket 66 has a U-shaped cross-section surrounding an opening 66a. The opening 66a of the U-shaped gasket 66 opens outwardly away from the symmetry axis of the U-shaped gasket 66. The inward convex surface of the U-shaped gasket 66 is penetrated by an inner opening hole 68. In the example shown, the U-shaped gasket 66 has four equally spaced inner opening holes 68. In other examples, the U-shaped gasket 66 may have less than four or more than four inner opening holes 68.

[0127] In the example shown, gas flows through the inner opening holes 68 of the U-shaped gasket 66 between the external port 16 of the gas can valve 10 and the gas conduit 54 of the can connector 65. The gas fills the opening 66a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas easily expands the U-shaped gasket 66, further opens the opening 66a, and presses the U-shaped gasket 66 against the surrounding structure to further prevent gas leakage.

[0128] The can holder may include a structure for holding the inserted gas can 46. In particular, the structure may be configured to engage with a structure that protrudes outward from the gas can 46, the gas can valve 10, or both. The structure protruding outward may include a circular or other shaped disk 44. The disk may be configured in the shape of a washer held between the gas can valve 10 and the gas can 46 when the gas can valve 10 is generally screwed and attached to the gas can 46.

[0129] FIG. 6 schematically shows a gas can and a gas can valve with a circular protruding disk.

[0130] In the example shown, the disk 44 is circular and held between the gas can 46 and the gas can valve 10.

[0131] FIG. 7A shows a schematic cross-section of a snap-in can holder for holding the gas can shown in FIG. 6.

[0132] In the example shown, the can holder 70 is configured to allow insertion of the gas canister by pressing the outer end (distal to the gas canister 46) of the gas canister valve 10 upward into the can connector 76. FIG. 7 shows that the can holder 76 has a shape similar to that of the can connector 61 (with the U-shaped gasket 62), but the can connector 76 may have the same shape as some of the above-described can connectors or the shape of other types of can connectors.

[0133] The can holder 70 includes at least two slidable teeth 71. An elastic spring or other element (not shown) is configured to press each slidable tooth 71 inward toward each other. Each slidable tooth 71 has an inclined surface 71a that faces outward from the can holder 70. Therefore, when the gas canister 46 with the disk 44 is pushed upward (in the direction shown in FIG. 7) into the can holder 70, the disk 44 presses against the inclined surface 71a, sliding each slidable tooth 71 outward. When the slidable teeth 71 slide outward, the gas canister valve 10 is inserted into the can connector 76. When the disk 44 is inserted beyond the slidable teeth 71, the elastic element presses the slidable teeth 71 inward. The inward position of the slidable teeth 71 prevents outward movement of the disk 44 and holds the gas canister 46 in the can holder 70. The position of the slidable teeth 71 is selected such that when the slidable teeth 71 slide inward after the passage of the disk 44, the gas canister valve 10 is fully inserted into the can connector 76. The circular shape of the disk 44 allows insertion of the gas canister 46 without the need to hold the gas canister 46 in a particular orientation (along its longitudinal axis).

[0134] FIG. 7B schematically shows the insertion of a can into the snap-in can holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[0135] In the example shown, the gas cylinder valve 10 of the gas cylinder 46 is inserted into the can connector 76 by moving it in an upward movement 67a towards the can connector 76. When the gas cylinder valve 10 is inserted into the can connector 76, the slidable teeth 71 are pushed outward by the disk 44. When the gas cylinder valve 10 is fully inserted into the can connector 76, the slidable teeth 71 snap inward below the disk 44, fixing the disk 44, and thus the gas cylinder 46, within the can holder 70.

[0136] In the example shown, the can holder base 73 (e.g., of a carbonation device or a can filling system) has an opening 75. Thereby, the gas cylinder 46 is inserted such that the lower end of the gas cylinder 46 extends downward through the opening 75 and the longitudinal axes of the gas cylinder 46 and the gas cylinder valve 10 are aligned with the upward movement 67a. Thus, the gas cylinder 46 only needs to be moved parallel to the upward movement 67a (e.g., without rotation of the gas cylinder 46) in order to insert the gas cylinder valve 10 into the can connector 76.

[0137] FIG. 7C schematically shows the removal of the can from the snap-in can holder shown in FIG. 7A.

[0138] In the example shown, the disk 44 is fixed to the can holder 70 by the slidable teeth 71. To enable removal of the gas cylinder 46 from the can holder 70, the release mechanism 69 is actuated to pull the slidable teeth 71 outward, allowing the disk 44 to move downward beyond the slidable teeth 71. For example, the release mechanism 69 includes a push button, lever, or other user-operable element that, when actuated, pulls the slidable teeth 71 outward. When the slidable teeth 71 are pulled in, the gas cylinder 46 moves away from the can connector 76 by the downward movement 67b of the gas cylinder valve 10 and is removed from the can holder 70.

[0139] The can holder 70 is provided with a retractable mechanism that can be actuated by a user, for example, by pressing a button or lever, to retract the slidable teeth 71 and enable removal of the gas can 46 from the can holder 70.

[0140] Alternatively or in addition, the mechanism for holding the gas can 46 in the can holder may be configured to operate with a non-circular asymmetric disk that is long along a single axis.

[0141] Figure 8A schematically shows a gas can and a gas can valve with a non-circular lateral protrusion.

[0142] In the example shown, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 is held between the gas can 46 and the gas can valve 10. In the example shown, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 has a double-tipped circular shape. In other examples, the non-circular lateral protrusion may have other non-circular shapes.

[0143] Figure 8B schematically shows the insertion of the gas can shown in Figure 8A into the can holder of the carbonation device.

[0144] In the example shown, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 forms a double-tipped circular shape. In other examples, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 may have any non-circular non-symmetric shape. For example, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 may have a polygonal, elliptical, or other non-circular shape.

[0145] In the example shown, the carbonation device 63 includes a carbonation head 81 and a can holder 74. The can holder 74 includes a yoke 78 with a long opening 77. When the longitudinal surface of the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 on the gas can 46 is aligned with the long opening 77 of the yoke 78, the gas can 46 moves in a linear motion 79a until the gas can valve 10 is inserted into the can connector 76.

[0146] When the gas cylinder valve 10 is inserted into the cylinder connector 76, the gas cylinder 46 is rotated about its axis in a rotational movement 79b (or in the opposite rotational direction). By rotating the gas cylinder 46, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 rotates by a sufficient angle, and the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 is no longer aligned with the long opening 77. When rotated in this way, the yoke 78 prevents the outward movement of the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 (e.g., in a direction opposite to the linear movement 79a). Thereby, the gas cylinder 46 and the gas cylinder valve 10 are fixed within the cylinder holder 74 and the cylinder connector 76.

[0147] In other examples, for instance, when the non-circular lateral protrusion has another shape, the opening of the yoke is formed to match the shape of the non-circular lateral protrusion. Thereby, when the non-circular lateral protrusion aligns with the opening, the non-circular lateral protrusion is inserted into the opening. After insertion, the gas cylinder 46 and the non-circular lateral protrusion are rotated until the opening and the lateral protrusion are no longer aligned. Therefore, after such rotation, the non-circular lateral protrusion and the attached gas cylinder 46 cannot be removed from the yoke.

[0148] FIG. 8C schematically shows a gas cylinder fixed to the cylinder holder shown in FIG. 8B.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 8C, the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 is rotated in a rotational movement 79b of approximately 90° (or in the opposite direction), and the longitudinal plane of the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 becomes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the long opening 77. Thereby, the gas cylinder 46 is fixed to the cylinder holder 74. To enable the removal of the gas cylinder 46 from the cylinder holder 74, the gas cylinder 46 is rotated until the longitudinal plane of the non-circular lateral protrusion 72 is aligned with the longitudinal plane of the long opening 77. When arranged in this way, the gas cylinder 46 is removed from the cylinder holder 74 by pulling the gas cylinder 46 in a direction opposite to the linear movement 79a.

[0150] The can holder may be configured to lift the gas can 46 when the gas can 46 is closed within the can holder. The closing mechanism may include, for example, a handle (e.g., functioning as a door or other cover) that at least partially covers a cavity into which the gas can 46 can be inserted, a tiltable cradle into which the gas can 46 can be inserted, or a base on which the gas can 46 can be stood.

[0151] FIG. 9A schematically shows a carbonation device with a can holder having a closable cover configured to lift the can to a predetermined position when closed. FIG. 9B schematically shows details of the lifting mechanism of the can holder shown in FIG. 9A.

[0152] When a gas can 46 with a disk 44 (circular or rectangular or other polygon, oval, or other shape) is inserted into the can holder 90 of the carbonation device 63, the disk 44 is fitted onto and held on the yoke 94. The can cover 92 is connected to the yoke 94 by a hinge lever mechanism 96 (or by another mechanism including, for example, one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical elements that couple the movement of the yoke 94 to the movement of the can cover 92). Thus, when the can cover 92 is rotated downward and inward (e.g., toward the gas can 46) to cover the gas can 46, the yoke 94 is lifted toward the can connector 76. When the can cover 92 is fully closed, the gas can valve 10 is fully inserted into the can connector 76. When fully inserted, the user operates a gas release control 97 (e.g., a push button in the example shown, or other user-operable control) to activate the gas can valve 10 in the drive mechanism and release gas from the gas can 46.

[0153] FIG. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can holder shown in FIG. 9B with the cover closed.

[0154] When the can cover 92 is fully closed, the gas can valve 10 is fully inserted into the can connector 76. In the example shown, the drive rod 98 is positioned adjacent to the plunger 26 of the gas can valve 10. In the example shown, when the gas release control 97 is pressed, the drive mechanism pushes the drive rod 98 against the plunger 26. Continuing to push in the drive rod 98 and the plunger 26 opens the gas can valve 10, releasing gas from the gas can 46 through the external port into the gas conduit of the can connector 76.

[0155] Figure 10A schematically shows the can holder of a carbonator with a tiltable can cradle configured to lift the can to a predetermined position when closed.

[0156] The gas can 46 with a disk 44 (circular, or rectangular, or other polygon, oval, or other shape) is inserted into or removed from the can cradle 102 of the can holder 100 of the carbonator 63 as the can cradle 102 is tilted outwardly, as shown. The disk 44 of the inserted gas can 46 is fitted onto the yoke 94. Note that in the example shown, the function of the disk 44 and the yoke 94 is to guide the gas can 46 to an appropriate position on the can cradle 102. In other examples, the can cradle 102, the gas can 46, or both may have other structures for guiding the placement of the gas can 46 within the can cradle 102.

[0157] The can cradle 102 is connected to the fixed structure of the can holder 100 by a hinge lever mechanism 104 (or by another mechanism including one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical elements). Therefore, when the gas can 46 is inserted into the can cradle 102 and the can cradle 102 is rotated inwardly (lifted upward so that the gas can 46 stands upright), the can cradle 102 and the gas can 46 are lifted toward the can connector 76.

[0158] Figure 10B is a schematic side view of the can holder shown in Figure 10A with the can cradle fully inserted.

[0159] As shown, the can cradle 102 and the gas can 46 are tilted inward and stand upright. The gas can valve 10 is fully inserted into the can connector 76, enabling the operation of the gas can valve 10 by the operation of the gas release control unit 97, the drive mechanism 99, and the drive rod 98.

[0160] FIG. 11A schematically shows a can holder having a base configured to lift a gas can to a predetermined position when rotated, and having a structure that allows insertion or removal of the can.

[0161] The base 118 of the can holder 110 (e.g., of a carbonation device or a can filling system) includes a can support 112. In the configuration shown, the can support 112 is low enough that a gas can 46 with a gas can valve 10 is fitted between the can support 112 and the can connector 76. In this configuration, the gas can 46 is inserted into or removed from the can holder 110.

[0162] The can support 112 is rotated to lift the gas can 46 so that the gas can valve 10 is inserted into the can connector 76. In the example shown, the can support 112 is rotated so that the tab 114 on the can support 112 rides up on the incline 116 on the base 118. Therefore, when the can support 112 is rotated so that the tab 114 is rotated toward the top of the incline 116, the gas can 46 and the gas can valve 10 are lifted and the gas can valve 10 is inserted into the can connector 76.

[0163] FIG. 11B schematically shows the can holder shown in FIG. 11A when the can is fixed in the operating position.

[0164] As shown in the example, when the gas cylinder valve 10 is inserted into the cylinder connector 76, the space between the cylinder support 112 and the cylinder holder 110 becomes narrow, and the gas cylinder 46 cannot be removed from the cylinder holder 110. When the gas cylinder 46 is rotated so that the tab 114 is rotated in the reverse direction toward the bottom of the inclination 116, the space between the cylinder support 112 and the cylinder connector 76 becomes sufficiently wide, enabling the removal of the gas cylinder 46 and the cylinder connector 76 of the gas cylinder valve 10. The base 118 may include a configuration for preventing accidental or unintentional lowering of the cylinder support 112. For example, the base 118 may include a latch or other structure configured to hold the tab 114 at the uppermost part of the inclination 116 until the release (e.g., unlatch) mechanism is actuated.

[0165] The cylinder holder 110 may include one or more structures for fixing the inserted gas cylinder 46. For example, if the gas cylinder 46 includes a disk 44, the cylinder holder 110 may include a slidable tooth 71 or other structure for holding the disk 44 in place. If the gas cylinder 46 includes a non-circular lateral protrusion 72, the cylinder holder 110 may include a yoke 78 with a long opening 77. The cylinder holder 110 may include other forms of fixing structures.

[0166] FIG. 12A schematically shows an example of a carbonation device with a cylinder holder having a handle that is lifted to enable insertion of a gas cylinder.

[0167] The handle 122 of the carbonation device 120 is lifted or lowered by rotation about the axis 127. In the carbonation device 120, the yoke 94 is connected to the handle 122 by a lifting mechanism (shown in FIG. 12D). When the handle 122 is lifted, as shown in the example, the yoke 94 is lowered away from the cylinder connector 76. The space between the yoke 94 and the cylinder connector 76 is sufficient to allow the placement of the gas cylinder valve 10 between the yoke 94 and the cylinder connector 76.

[0168] FIG. 12B schematically shows the placement of a cylinder in the cylinder holder shown in FIG. 12A.

[0169] As shown, the opening 124 of the base 128 of the carbonator 120 enables placement of the opening 124 of the bottom of the gas cylinder 46 (e.g., the end of the gas cylinder 46 opposite the end to which the gas cylinder valve 10 is attached). When the gas cylinder valve 10 is rotated in the direction of the yoke 94 (as shown by arrow 123), the disk 44 (or other lateral protrusion from the gas cylinder 46) is placed on the yoke 94.

[0170] The opening 124 is configured such that the gas cylinder 46 placed in the opening 124 and the can connector 76 are aligned. For example, alignment includes orienting the axis of the gas cylinder 46 parallel to the axis of the can connector 76 and laterally aligning the axes such that the gas cylinder 46 is coaxial with the can connector 76.

[0171] FIG. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can holder shown in FIG. 12B with a can placed inside.

[0172] In the example shown, the partially raised floor region 124a of the opening 124 is designed to present a non-uniform floor surface 129, tilt the gas cylinder 46 independently towards the yoke, and lean against the inner radius of the yoke, thereby aligning with the socket of the can connector 76.

[0173] The raised floor region 124a covers a part (e.g., an arch-shaped part) of the space of the opening 124. The remaining part of the opening 124 includes a lower region 124b. In the example shown, the opening 124 does not have a floor in the lower region 124b. In other examples, the raised floor region 124a rises above the floor of the lower region 124b.

[0174] The area of the raised floor region 124a is provided with a shape and dimensions such that the center of gravity of the gas cylinder 46 (generally along or near the can cylinder axis 131) is over the lower region 124b. As a result, when the gas cylinder 46 is placed in the opening 124, gravity rotates the gas cylinder 46 towards the inner radius of the yoke and aligns it with the can connector 76 (e.g., its socket).

[0175] Although the opening 124 having the raised floor region 124a is illustrated and described in connection with the carbonator, the raised floor region 124a may be incorporated into other examples (such as the examples shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11).

[0176] FIG. 12D schematically shows the lifting mechanism of the can holder shown in 12C. FIG. 12E schematically shows an example of the base of the carbonator shown in 12B configured to tilt the cylinder valve toward the yoke after inserting the cylinder into the base.

[0177] As shown, the disk 44 of the gas can 46 rides on the yoke 94. The pin 125 is attached to the handle 122 and inserted into the slot 121 on the yoke 94. When the handle 122 is lowered by rotation along the axis 127, the pin 125 rotates outwardly from the carbonator 120. The slot 121 is curved (as in the example shown) or inclined, or non-horizontal and non-vertical, and the outer end of the slot 121 is lower than the inner end of the slot 121. Thus, the outward rotation of the pin 125 by lowering the handle 122 exerts an upward force on the slot 121 and the yoke 94. Therefore, by lowering the handle 122, the yoke 94 and the gas can 46 placed on the yoke 94 are lifted toward the can connector 76.

[0178] FIG. 13A schematically shows the carbonator shown in FIG. 12A with the handle lowered to insert the gas can into the carbonator.

[0179] As shown, the handle 122 is lowered sufficiently. Therefore, the yoke 94 is lifted sufficiently toward the can connector 76.

[0180] FIG. 13B schematically shows the can inserted into the carbonator shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can inserted into the carbonator of FIG. 13B.

[0181] As shown, the handle 122 is lowered onto the gas cylinder 46. When the handle 122 is lowered sufficiently, the handle 122 may provide further shielding or protection of the connection between the gas cylinder valve 10 and the can connector 76.

[0182] As a result of lowering the handle 122, the hinge lever mechanism 96 lifts the gas cylinder valve 10 into the can connector 76. Therefore, the operation of the gas release control unit 97 and the drive mechanism 99 actuates the gas cylinder valve 10 to release gas from the gas cylinder 46 and flow it to the carbonation head of the carbonation device 120.

[0183] After the gas cylinder 46 is inserted into the carbonation device 120, the can cover 126 is inserted into and closed on the base 128.

[0184] FIG. 14A schematically shows a filling head adapter that enables connection of a horizontally oriented gas cylinder with an external port to the filling head of a can filling system. FIG. 14B schematically shows a view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A, showing the side of the adapter into which the can valve can be inserted. FIG. 14C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 14A.

[0185] The filling head adapter 150 is attached to the filling head of the can filling system. For example, the filling head is designed to allow insertion of a can valve whose external port is oriented along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the can before being attached to the filling head adapter 150. When the filling head adapter 150 is attached to the filling head, it provides a fluid path between the vertically oriented filling port of the filling head and the laterally oriented external port 16 of the can valve.

[0186] For example, the filling head adapter 150 has an attachment structure 156 (e.g., holes, screws, one or more brackets, protrusions, or other structures as shown in the example), which enables or facilitates the attachment of the filling head adapter 150 to the filling head. In the example shown, the attachment of the filling head adapter 150 to the filling head includes inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other attachment elements through the attachment structure 156 into the filling head. A sealing structure (e.g., an O-ring, a sealing ring, or other sealing structure) may be attached between the filling head adapter 150 and the filling head, for example, in the seal groove 154.

[0187] When the filling head adapter 150 is attached to the filling head, a fluid path is formed between the filling port of the filling head and the external port 16 of the can valve inserted into the internal space 160 of the filling head adapter 150. When the can valve is inserted into the internal space 160, a valve seal 166 (e.g., an O-ring as shown, or a sealing disk or other sealing structure) prevents gas leakage into the space within the internal space 160 that is in fluid contact with the plunger 26 of the can valve. The can restraint structure 161 facilitates the correct positioning of the gas can 46 into the internal space 160 of the can valve. A can seal 168 (e.g., an O-ring or other form of seal) may also prevent or inhibit gas leakage to the outside of the internal space 160 between the gas can 46 and the filling head adapter 150.

[0188] When the can valve is inserted into the internal space 160 of the filling head adapter 150, pressurized gas (e.g., gaseous or liquefied) is released from the can filling system through the vertically oriented filling port. The lateral channel 152 of the filling head adapter 150 is positioned to be fluidly connected to the filling port. A seal, for example, within the seal groove 154, between the lateral channel 152 and the filling head, can prevent or impede gas leakage or other flow other than along the lateral channel 152. The released pressurized gas flows laterally from the filling port, along the lateral channel 152, to one or more longitudinal channels 162, for example at one or more ends of the lateral channel 152. The pressurized gas flows into the filling head adapter 150 through each longitudinal channel 162 and into the radial channels. Each of the radial channels 164 is oriented radially or otherwise laterally within the filling head adapter 150. The pressurized gas flows laterally inwardly along each radial channel 164 and into the external port 16 of the can valve. The valve seal 166 and the can seal 168 can facilitate the flow of pressurized gas from the radial channels 164 to the external port 16.

[0189] The indentation 158 can facilitate the retention of the filling head adapter 150, for example when attaching to the filling head. The hole 159 within the indentation 158 can facilitate forming the radial channels 164 by drilling, machining, or other means.

[0190] A tube may form a fluid connection between the filling port of the filling head and the hole 159 of the filling head adapter 150.

[0191] The can filling device 180 is a component of the can filling system. The can filling device 180 is configured to fill a gas can 46 with the gas valve 10 inserted into the filling head adapter 150 with pressurized (e.g., liquefied) gas from a gas supply source (not shown). For example, the can filling device 180 can be controlled automatically (e.g., computerized) or manually. The gas flows into the filling head adapter 150 through the filling head 184 in a controlled manner. For example, the filling head 184 may include various adjustment and control units such as an electrically controllable valve (e.g., solenoid), a pressure transducer, or other control units. The can filling device 180 may include monitoring and control elements 186, such as a shut-off valve and a flow meter, for example.

[0192] The can filling device 180 may include a can filling assembly 182. In the example shown, the can filling assembly 182 includes a linear conveyor 188 configured to convey a gas can 46 standing upright (substantially perpendicular to the upward-facing gas valve 10) along a linear track to a position below the filling head adapter 150 and the filling head. When the gas can 46 is positioned below the filling head adapter 150, the linear piston 190 may lift the gas can 46 so that the gas valve 10 is inserted into the filling head adapter 150. In other examples, the orientation of at least some components of the gas filling device and the gas filling assembly may be reversed. In this case, the filling assembly may be configured to lower the inverted gas can 46 and insert the gas valve 10 into the filling head adapter 150 below the gas can 46. In other examples, the gas can valve may be pushed into the filling head adapter 150 along a horizontal or other direction.

[0193] FIG. 15A schematically shows a can valve adapter for installation on a can valve with a lateral external port that enables connection of the can valve to the filling head of the can filling system. FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-section of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 15A.

[0194] The can valve adapter 170 is configured to be placed on and attached to a can valve that includes a laterally oriented external port 16. The can valve adapter 170 enables the filling of a gas can 46 to which the can valve is attached by a filling head with the filling port oriented longitudinally.

[0195] In the example shown, the can valve adapter 170 includes a body 171 and is assembled from two elements, a can valve attachment 151 and a filling head attachment 172. In the example shown, the can valve attachment 151 and the filling head attachment 172 are attached to each other with screws 176. Sealing between the longitudinal channel 174 of the filling head attachment 172 and the lateral channel 152 of the can valve attachment 151 is provided by a seal (e.g., an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing structure) placed within the seal groove 154. In other examples, the filling head attachment 172 may be attached to the can valve attachment 151 by welding or soldering, or by one or more bolts, screws, pins, clips, adhesives, or other attachment structures. The indentation 178 facilitates the operation during assembly or use.

[0196] The filling head attachment 172 is formed to enable the can valve adapter 170 to be fitted into the filling head of a can filling system. For example, at least the distal (with respect to the gas can 46) end of the filling head attachment 172 is formed at the distal end in the same manner as the distal end of a can valve with a longitudinally oriented external port. When the can valve adapter 170 is placed on the can valve, after the distal end of the can valve is inserted through the opening 173, it fits into the internal space 160 within the can valve attachment 151. A valve seal 166 (e.g., an O-ring, seal disk, or other sealing structure as shown) prevents the leakage of pressurized gas into the space within the internal space 160 that is in fluid contact with the plunger 26 of the can valve. A can seal 168 prevents the leakage of pressurized gas at the interface.

[0197] As described above, the can valve attachment 151 is configured in the same manner as the filling head adapter 150. When the can valve adapter 170 is inserted into the filling head of the can filling system, the vertical channel 174 in the filling head attachment 172 is in fluid connection with the filling port of the filling head. The pressurized gas thus flows from the filling port through the vertical channel 174 into the lateral channel 152 of the can valve attachment 151. The pressurized gas flows through the can valve attachment 151 and into the radial channels 164, each of which is oriented radially or in another lateral direction within the can valve attachment 151, through the respective vertical channels 162. The pressurized gas flows laterally inward within each radial channel 164 toward the laterally facing external port 16 of the can valve. The valve seal 166 and the can seal 168 facilitate the flow of the pressurized gas from the radial channel 164 to the external port 16.

[0198] FIG. 16A schematically shows another filling head adapter that enables connection of a gas can valve with a laterally facing external port to the filling head of a can filling system.

[0199] FIG. 16B schematically shows a view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A, showing the side of the adapter into which the can valve can be inserted.

[0200] FIG. 16C is a top view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A.

[0201] FIG. 16D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A.

[0202] FIG. 16E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the can valve adapter shown in FIG. 16A, with the upper portion of the gas can inserted into and held by the adapter for filling.

[0203] The filling head adapter 200 has a cylindrical or other shape and includes a body 201 that is attached to the filling head of a can filling system. For example, the filling head may be designed to allow insertion of a can valve through an opening 203 in the body 201, which may be positioned, for example, at the bottom of the body 201, before attachment of the filling head adapter 200. When the can valve is inserted into the adapter 200, the external port of the valve may be oriented along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the can. When the filling head adapter 200 is attached onto the filling head, a fluid path is provided between the vertical filling port of the filling head and the lateral external port 16 of the can valve.

[0204] For example, the filling head adapter 200 includes an attachment structure 256 (such as holes, screws, or one or more brackets, protrusions, or other structures as shown in the example) that enables or facilitates attachment of the filling head adapter 200 to the filling head. In the example shown, attachment of the filling head adapter 200 to the filling head includes inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other attachment elements through the attachment structure 256 into the filling head. A sealing structure (such as an O-ring, a seal ring, or other sealing structure) may be mounted, for example, in a seal groove 254 between the filling head adapter 200 and the filling head.

[0205] When the filling head adapter 200 is attached to the filling head, a fluid path is formed between the filling port of the filling head and the external port 16 of the can valve that is inserted into the void 260 of the filling head adapter 200 and projects into the internal space 262. When the can valve is inserted into the internal space 262 (only the valve body 12 of the can is shown schematically in the figure), a valve seal 266 (such as an O-ring, a seal ring, or other sealing structure as shown) seals the internal space 262 at the opening where the upper end of the can valve is inserted, preventing leakage of gas from the space into the atmosphere. A can restraint structure 261 facilitates proper positioning of the gas can 46 and the can valve within the internal space 262 and the void 260.

[0206] When the can valve is inserted into the internal space 262 of the filling head adapter 200 (only the valve body 12 of the can is simply shown in this drawing and the following drawings), pressurized gas (e.g., gaseous or liquefied) is released from the can filling system through the vertically oriented filling port. The hole 274 of the filling head adapter 200 is positioned to be in fluid connection with the filling port. The seal surrounds the hole 274 and the filling head, for example, in the seal groove 254, preventing or inhibiting gas leakage and any other flow to the sealed void 260 other than along the hole 274. The released pressurized gas flows into and fills the sealed internal space 262, surrounding the can valve, for example, within the space formed between the can valve and the internal space 262, filling the groove 263, surrounding the can valve at the inlet location, and filling the can through the laterally oriented external port 16.

[0207] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can valve adapter with a stationary pin actuator. The adapter 300 includes a body 301 (e.g., a cylindrical body, other shaped adapter bodies may also be used). The adapter 300 is essentially similar to the adapters shown in FIGS. 14A - 14C, but further includes a static actuator pin 280 that extends inwardly into the internal space 160. The static actuator pin 280 projects from the inner surface facing the internal space 160 when the can is inserted into the adapter (through the opening 303), is located opposite the predicted position of the plunger 26 of the can valve, and when properly positioned and held in place within the adapter, the static actuator pin 280 presses the plunger 26 against the valve body, pushing the valve poppet 18 and facilitating the inflow of gas into the can.

[0208] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can valve adapter with a dynamic pin actuator. Adapter 400 includes a body 401 provided in a cylindrical or other shape. Adapter 400 is essentially the same as the adapter shown in FIG. 17, but in the embodiment shown in the figure, actuator pin 290 is a dynamic actuator pin. Dynamic actuator pin 290 is positioned within a hole 294 that extends from an outer surface applied to cooperate with a filling head of a filling device to an inner surface facing an internal space 160. Dynamic actuator pin 290 is movable within the hole and is longer than the length of the hole, and both ends on the opposite side of the dynamic actuator pin protrude from both ends on the opposite side of hole 294. A seal 292 (e.g., an O-ring as shown, or other seal disk, or other sealing structure) is used to ensure that internal space 160 is properly sealed. When adapter 400 is attached to the filling head, the filling head (e.g., an outer surface or a protrusion) pushes dynamic actuator pin 290 inward, and when the can valve is inserted (through opening 403) and properly positioned within the adapter, dynamic actuator pin 290 drives plunger 26 to assist in the inflow of gas into the can.

[0209] By using an actuator pin (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18), the need for a filling pressure to overcome the counterforce of spring 20 biasing poppet 18 is eliminated, allowing a filling pressure lower than the filling pressure required to move poppet 18.

[0210] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a filling method for filling a gas container, e.g., a carbon dioxide can for use in a carbonating device, is provided.

[0211] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the filling head adapter may be removably coupled to the filling head of a can filling system and / or may be an integral part of the can filling system.

[0212] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. The features of a particular embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Thus, a particular embodiment may be a combination of the features of a plurality of embodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes so as not to fall out of the true scope of the invention.

[0213] Some features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, but many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes so as not to fall out of the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An adapter for a can filling system, comprising: a body, the body having an opening formed to allow insertion of a valve of a gas cylinder holding pressurized or liquefied gas into an internal space of the body, and configured to form a sealed gap that annularly surrounds the valve between at least a part of a lateral surface of the valve and an inner surface of the body facing the internal space when the valve is inserted into the internal space through the opening; the body including at least one channel configured to guide pressurized or liquefied gas from a filling head of the can filling system into the sealed gap within the internal space and to reach one or more lateral external ports of the valve of the gas cylinder that open laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body of the gas cylinder when the valve is inserted into the internal space, facilitating filling of the gas cylinder with the pressurized or liquefied gas through the one or more lateral external ports of the gas cylinder.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is at least one lateral channel configured to facilitate fluid communication between the one or more lateral external ports of the valve and a filling head of the can filling system.

3. The adapter of claim 1, configured to be connected to a filling head of the can filling system.

4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the at least one channel is a longitudinal channel configured to be in fluid communication with the one or more lateral external ports when the adapter is connected to a filling head of the can filling system.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sealed gap includes a gasket configured to fluidly isolate an outer surface of a plunger of the valve from at least the part of the lateral surface of the valve when the valve is inserted into the internal space.

6. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for driving a plunger of the valve when the valve is inserted into the internal space.

7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the actuator is fixed.

8. The adapter of claim 7, wherein the actuator extends inwardly into the internal space.

9. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the actuator is movable.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the actuator is located and movable within a hole of the body.

11. The adapter according to claim 10, wherein the hole extends from an outer surface of the body to an inner surface facing the internal space.

12. A method of filling a gas cylinder with pressurized or liquefied gas from a cylinder filling system, wherein the gas cylinder includes a valve having one or more lateral external ports located at least in part on a lateral side of the valve, the method comprising: inserting the valve of the gas cylinder into an internal space of a body of an adapter to form an annular sealed gap surrounding the valve between at least a part of a side surface of the valve and an inner surface of the body facing the internal space; when the valve is inserted into the internal space, guiding pressurized or liquefied gas from the cylinder filling system through at least one channel into the sealed gap within the internal space to reach one or more lateral external ports of the valve of the gas cylinder that open laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body of the gas cylinder; filling the gas cylinder with the pressurized or liquefied gas through the one or more lateral external ports of the gas cylinder.

13. The at least one channel is at least one lateral channel, the method according to claim 12, comprising facilitating fluid communication between the at least one lateral channel and a filling head of the cylinder filling system.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising connecting the adapter to a filling head of the cylinder filling system.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising, when the adapter is connected to a filling head of the cylinder filling system, a longitudinal channel of the at least one channel being in fluid communication with a filling port.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising, when the valve is inserted into the internal space, fluidly isolating an outer surface of a plunger of the valve from at least a part of a lateral side surface of the valve using a gasket.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising driving a plunger of the valve using an actuator when the valve is inserted into the internal space.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the actuator is fixed.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the actuator is movable.

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