System and method for infusing nitrogen via pressurized liquid

Abstract

A beverage machine includes a nitrogen or gas infusion system operable to infuse nitrogen or other gas into a beverage by pressurizing the beverage as it is exposed to the nitrogen and / or gas, e.g., sourced from atmospheric air. The infusion system may include a fluid motive device and an infusion housing receiving a flow of the beverage via the fluid motive device. An obstruction, e.g., a restricting plate, may be positioned in the infusion housing that can exert a shear force on the flow of the beverage and create turbulence in the flow of the beverage in the infusion housing. The shear and turbulence of the flow of the beverage can promote infusion of nitrogen and / or gas into the beverage.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INFUSING NITROGEN VIA PRESSURIZED LIQUIDCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 608,349, filed December 11, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The field of disclosure relates generally to a system and method for infusing nitrogen into a beverage. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a countertop beverage appliance including a nitrogen infusion system operable to pressurize a liquid and infuse the liquid with nitrogen without requiring consumable cartridges, compressed air, or mechanical agitation.BACKGROUND

[0003] People consume cold brew coffee, beer, and other beverages that can be infused with microbubbles which can provide a thick, creamy texture to the beverage. Carbon dioxide is a commonly used gas for infusing microbubbles into beverages, but a recent trend is towards using nitrogen gas in so-called “nitro beverages” or “nitro brews.” Nitrogen gas is generally less soluble in liquid than carbon dioxide, and thus creates relatively smaller bubbles in the beverage that can provide a creamier, mellow texture. Nitrogen is also less acidic than carbon dioxide which can enhance the smoothness of the bubbly beverage.

[0004] Infusing beverages with nitrogen typically requires forcing nitrogen gas into a liquid under relatively high pressure. Some systems may use consumable cartridges filled with compressed nitrogen or use an air compressor to infuse nitrogen into a beverage. Such systems require pressure vessels capable of housing both the beverage to be infused and the compressed gas. Moreover, systems that use consumable cartridges incur the additional expense of purchasing new cartridges and require an operator to swap out the cartridges as they are consumed. Similarly, systems that require an air compressor incur the additional expense associated with the air compressor and a system must be incorporated into a space that can also accommodate an air compressor or otherwise deliver compressed air to the system.

[0005] Some other systems use mechanical agitation (i.e., shaking) to infuse nitrogen into beverages. Thus, existing systems have additional components, such as gas cartridges, a compressor, or a mechanical agitator, that can require additional expense, maintenance, and user expertise to operate. Moreover, existing systems are generally not viable for use in countertop appliances and / or for operation by the end consumer at their convenience, for example, in their home or workplace.

[0006] It is desirable to have a beverage machine capable of infusing nitrogen into a beverage without the need for any of the aforementioned components.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides a nitrogen infusion system that creates a nitrogen infused beverage by exposing a beverage to ambient or atmospheric air inside an infusion chamber. The beverage can be pressurized via a fluid motive device that routes the beverage to an infusion chamber in which nitrogen from the atmosphere is infused into the beverage, and the nitrogen infused beverage can be dispensed from a tap. The nitrogen infusion system includes the fluid motive device and the infusion chamber and can be housed within a countertop beverage appliance, such as a coffeemaker, espresso machine, cappuccino machine, soda machine, beer infuser, or another countertop appliance that operates to transform a flat beverage into a nitrogen infused beverage. Moreover, the nitrogen infusion systems of the present disclosure may require fewer components compared to existing systems and can infuse nitrogen into beverages in a more economical and user-friendly manner. The present disclosure therefore provides a viable means for end consumers to enjoy nitrogen infused beverages at their convenience.

[0008] In some aspects, the infusion chamber communicates with the fluid motive device via an inlet and with a tap for dispensing the beverage via an outlet. An obstruction can be positioned between the infusion chamber and the inlet. The obstruction can obstruct flow of the beverage entering the infusion chamber and can create turbulence in the flow of the pressurized beverage. The turbulent flow can promote infusion of nitrogen from the atmospheric air without requiring pressurization of the nitrogen gas or mechanical agitation to force the nitrogen into the liquid. In some embodiments, the obstruction can be a restricting plate defining an orifice that the pressurized beverage passes through when entering the infusion chamber. The pressurized beverage flowing across the obstruction, e.g., passing through the orifice, can also have a higher velocity when entering the infusion chamber. Theincreased velocity can create a vacuum in the infusion chamber, which draws atmospheric air into the infusion chamber and towards the turbulent beverage flow. In this way, the infusion system can operate to “passively” infuse nitrogen into a beverage, obviating the need for additional components required in existing systems to force nitrogen into the beverage and making the system more economical and user friendly.

[0009] One aspect is a nitrogen or gas infusion system for a beverage machine. The nitrogen or gas infusion system may include a fluid motive device and an infusion housing defining an infusion chamber. The infusion housing may have a beverage inlet that receives a flow of a beverage from the fluid motive device. The infusion housing may also have a nitrogen or gas inlet that receives nitrogen and / or gas into the infusion chamber, for example, from ambient or atmospheric air. The infusion housing may include an obstruction positioned between the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber. The obstruction may be positioned to obstruct the flow of the beverage and create turbulence in the flow of the beverage. The turbulence in the flow of the beverage via the obstruction can promote mixing the nitrogen and / or gas and the beverage in the infusion chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the obstruction may be a restricting plate separating the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber. In some embodiments, the restricting plate may include an orifice, e.g., one orifice or multiple orifices. The flow of the beverage may pass through the orifice into the infusion chamber. In some embodiments, the orifice may have an inner dimension sized to create the turbulence in the flow of the beverage. For example, the inner dimension may be between 0.005 to 0.050 inches.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluid motive device may be a pump, such as a positive displacement pump for example. In some embodiments, the pump may be operable to raise a pressure of the flow of the beverage in a range of 1 bar to 9 bar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the obstruction may increase a velocity of the flow of the beverage. The increased velocity of the flow of the beverage entering the infusion chamber may create a vacuum in the infusion chamber. The vacuum in the infusion chamber may draw the nitrogen and / or gas into the infusion chamber. For example, the vacuum in the infusion chamber may draw ambient or atmospheric air including the nitrogen and / or gas into the infusion chamber via the nitrogen or gas inlet of the infusion chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, a source of the nitrogen and / or gas received via the nitrogen or gas inlet may be ambient or atmospheric air.

[0014] In some embodiments, the infusion housing may include a pressure pot defining a pressurization chamber and an infusion pot defining the infusion chamber. The pressurization chamber may be connected to the beverage inlet and may receive the flow of a beverage from the fluid motive device upstream from the infusion chamber. The pressure pot may include the obstruction. The obstruction, e.g., a restricting plate with one or more orifices, may separate and provide fluid communication between the pressurization chamber and the infusion chamber. The pressure pot may also be positioned within the infusion chamber.

[0015] Another aspect is a countertop beverage machine including a nitrogen or gas infusion system. The countertop beverage machine may include a base, a reservoir seated on the base, the nitrogen or gas infusion system coupled with the reservoir, and a tap coupled with the nitrogen or gas infusion system. The nitrogen or gas infusion system may include a fluid motive device coupled with the reservoir and an infusion housing. The infusion housing may include a beverage inlet and a nitrogen or gas inlet. The beverage inlet may receive a flow of a beverage from the fluid motive device. The nitrogen or gas inlet may receive nitrogen and / or gas, e.g., from ambient or atmospheric air. The fluid motive device may be operable to move the flow of the beverage through the beverage inlet and into mixing engagement with the nitrogen and / or gas within the infusion housing. The flow of the beverage and the nitrogen and / or gas may be mixed to produce a nitrogen or gas infused beverage. The tap may be coupled with an outlet of the infusion housing and can dispense the nitrogen or gas infused beverage.

[0016] In some embodiments, the infusion housing defines an infusion chamber communicating with the beverage inlet and the nitrogen or gas inlet. The infusion housing may include an obstruction positioned between the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber. The obstruction may create turbulence in the flow of the beverage. The turbulence in the flow of the beverage can promote mixing the nitrogen and / or gas and the beverage in the infusion chamber.

[0017] In some embodiments, the reservoir may contain the beverage or a liquid precursor for the beverage. The reservoir may be coupled with the fluid motive device via a low pressure side conduit. The fluid motive device may be coupled with the beverage inlet via a high pressure side conduit. In some embodiments, the low pressure side conduit and the high pressure side conduit may each include tubes positioned in a main body of the beverage machine.

[0018] In some embodiments, the countertop beverage machine may include a controller. The controller may modulate the fluid motive device in response to actuation of the tap. The tap may be operated by a user of the beverage machine and / or the tap may be operated by the controller, for example, autonomously or in response to a user input.

[0019] In some embodiments, the countertop beverage machine is a coffeemaker. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a beverage brewing assembly. The beverage brewing assembly may be operable to produce coffee in the reservoir. For example, the beverage brewing assembly may be operable to produce cold brew coffee in the reservoir.

[0020] Another aspect is a method of operating a beverage machine. The method may include: channeling a flow of a beverage into an infusion housing of the beverage machine using a fluid motive device; obstructing the flow of the beverage in the infusion housing to create turbulence in the flow of the beverage; and infusing nitrogen and / or gas into the turbulent flow of the beverage. The turbulence in the flow of the beverage may promote mixing the nitrogen and / or gas and the beverage.

[0021] In some embodiments, obstructing the flow of the beverage includes passing the flow of the beverage through an orifice of a restricting plate positioned in the infusion housing. In some embodiments, the orifice may have an inner dimension sized to create the turbulence in the flow of the beverage. For example, the inner dimension may be between 0.005 to 0.050 inches.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method may include dispensing the flow of the beverage having the nitrogen and / or gas infused therein via a tap of the beverage machine. The tap may be operated by a user of the beverage machine and / or the tap may be operated by a controller of the beverage machine, for example, autonomously or in response to a user input.

[0023] The features of any one of the above-described aspects can be included in any other one of the above-described aspects, in any combination. The above-described aspects can also incorporate any feature described in the following description. Additional, different, and / or fewer features can be included in the above-described aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The following description and the appended figures set forth certain features for purposes of illustration. Advantages will become more apparent when reading the present disclosure in its entirety.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] So that the manner where the above recited features may be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to example aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0026] FIG. l is a beverage machine including a nitrogen infusion system according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 1 A is schematic diagram of the beverage machine of FIG. 1, showing internal components thereof;

[0028] FIG. IB is another schematic diagram of the beverage machine of FIG. 1, showing internal components thereof;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a section of an infusion housing of the nitrogen infusion system;

[0030] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of fluid flow through the infusion housing;

[0031] FIG. 3 A is a schematic diagram of another beverage machine including a nitrogen infusion system according to an embodiment, showing internal components thereof;

[0032] FIG. 3B is another schematic diagram of the beverage machine of FIG. 3 A, showing internal components thereof;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another beverage machine including a nitrogen infusion system according to an embodiment, showing internal components thereof;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example control system of a beverage machine; and

[0035] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram for operating a beverage machine.

[0036] Corresponding reference numbers in the drawings indicate corresponding parts.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein. These described embodiments are only examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’specific goals, such as compliance with system -related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a beverage machine 100 in accordance with the present disclosure in shown. The beverage machine 100 includes a nitrogen infusion system 102, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1. The nitrogen infusion system 102 is operable to infuse a gas, such as nitrogen from ambient or atmospheric air, into a beverage within an infusion housing 104. The nitrogen infusion system 102 may also be referred to as a gas infusion system 102 or an infusion system 102. The nitrogen infusion system 102 can “passively” infuse nitrogen and / or gas into the beverage using atmospheric air surrounding the infusion housing 104 and / or another source of nitrogen or gas. In this regard, the source of nitrogen and / or gas may not need to be pressurized or forced into the infusion housing 104. Instead, the nitrogen infusion system 102 can draw the source of nitrogen and / or gas, such as air, into the infusion housing 104 via a vacuum created using a pressurized stream of the beverage. The nitrogen infusion system 102 can also create turbulence within the infusion housing 104 to induce mixing between the beverage and the source of nitrogen and / or gas. In this manner, the nitrogen infusion system 102 is operable with relatively fewer parts and can infuse nitrogen and / or gas into beverages in a more economical and user-friendly manner. The nitrogen infusion system 102 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1A and IB.

[0039] The beverage machine 100 can be operable to infuse nitrogen and / or gas into various different beverage types. For example, the beverage machine 100 can be used to infuse nitrogen and / or gas into coffee, espresso, cappuccino, beer, soda, seltzer, among other liquids in which a bubbled or carbonated texture is desired. In various embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may be operable to prepare cold beverages and / or hot beverages. In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 can be used to infuse nitrogen and / or gas in cold brew coffee and / or hot coffee. The coffee can be prepared using the beverage machine 100, for example as described below with reference to FIG. 4, or the coffee may be prepared before it is filled into the beverage machine 100. In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 can be used to infuse nitrogen and / or into espresso, cappuccino, tea, or other suitable beverages.

[0040] For brevity and conciseness, various components of the beverage machine 100 that are included for a particular beverage type may not be shown. The beverage machine 100 can include additional, different, and / or fewer components than those shown and described depending on the particular application of the beverage machine 100. For example, in embodiments where the beverage machine 100 is operable to infuse nitrogen and / or gas into espresso, the beverage machine 100 can include a portafilter, steam wand, and a carafe, and, optionally, a milk frother, a grinder, among other components suitable for use in an espresso machine. In embodiments where the beverage machine 100 is operable to infuse nitrogen and / or into coffee, the beverage machine 100 can include a shower head, a filter basket, a carafe, and a drip tray, and, optionally, a grinder, a steam wand, a frother, among other components suitable for use in a coffeemaker.

[0041] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 can include any combination of the elements and components of the beverage makers, or auxiliary machines for beverage makers, described in U.S. Patent No. 7,337,704, issued March 4, 2008, U.S. Patent No. 10,398,257, issued September s, 2019, U.S. Patent No. 10,874,248, issued December 29, 2020, U.S. Patent No. 11,812,896, issued November 14, 2023, and / or U.S. Patent No. 11,627,831, issued April 18, 2023, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0042] The infusion housing 104 may be installed on and / or within a main body 106 of the beverage machine 100. In some embodiments, the infusion housing 104 may be at least partially enclosed within an enclosure 108 on the main body 106. The remaining components of the nitrogen infusion system 102 also can be incorporated with the beverage machine 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 including the nitrogen infusion system 102 can be a stand-alone countertop appliance. In embodiments, the components of the nitrogen infusion system 102 can be incorporated with the body of a countertop appliance. For example, one or more components of the nitrogen infusion system 102 can be housed within one or more chambers of the body, or body assembly, of the countertop appliance, and in addition or in the alternative, one or more components of the nitrogen system 102 can be attached or otherwise fixed to the body, or body assembly, of the countertop appliance. In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 can be used by the end consumer at their home, workplace, or other desired location. Additionally, or alternatively, the beverage machine 100 can be used in commercial or service industry settings, such as coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and the like. In other embodiments, the nitrogen infusion system 102 may be incorporated andused in conjunction with a beverage machine 100. For example, in some embodiments, the nitrogen infusion system 102 may be configured to enable retrofitting an existing beverage machine 100, such as a coffee maker, espresso machine, cappuccino machine, etc. with the nitrogen infusion system 102.

[0043] The beverage machine 100 may include a base 110 that is seated on a countertop. The base 110 may be coupled to the main body 106 or made integral with the main body 106 as a one-piece unit. The main body 106 can be made of metal, plastic, another suitable material, and / or combinations thereof. The base 110 may include a reservoir portion 112 that supports a beverage reservoir 114. The beverage reservoir 114 can be a tank, e.g., made of glass or plastic. The beverage reservoir 114 may be sized for containing a beverage or a precursor liquid for a beverage, such as water. In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include multiple beverage reservoirs 114, such as the embodiment described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0044] The beverage reservoir 114 is fluidly coupled with the infusion housing 104 via one or more conduits 116. The conduits 116 can channel the beverage or other liquid from the beverage reservoir 114 to the infusion housing 104, in which gas infusion, such as nitrogen infusion, takes place. In some embodiments, a precursor liquid, such as water, can be channeled via the conduits 116 into a dilution chamber containing a concentrate or brewing stock for the beverage upstream prior to the nitrogen infusion. In some embodiments, the beverage can be prepared in the beverage reservoir 114, such as the embodiment described below with reference to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the beverage can be prepared prior to be filled in the beverage reservoir 114. The beverage reservoir 114 can be removably connected to the base 110 to enable a user to refill the beverage reservoir 114.

[0045] The base 110 also includes a dispenser portion 118 that can accommodate a cup or other receptacle into which a beverage is dispensed. The dispenser portion 118 may be positioned below a tap 120 that is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the infusion housing 104. Alternatively, the tap 120 can be positioned on a side of the main body 106 and the beverage machine can include an additional spout or tap underneath a hood 126 of the main body 106. The tap 120 is downstream from the nitrogen infusion system 102 and can dispense the nitrogen infused beverage or gas infused beverage. The additional spout or tap underneath the hood 126 may be decoupled from the nitrogen infusion system 102 and dispenses a beverage without nitrogen or gas infusion. For example, the additional spout or tap may be directly fluidlycoupled with the beverage reservoir 114 and / or with a dilution chamber of the beverage machine 100.

[0046] The user may select to include or bypass the nitrogen infusion or gas infusion in the dispensed beverage via a control panel 122 located on the main body 106. The control panel 122 may include one or more controls, such as buttons 124 or other suitable controls or control portions, e.g., knobs, touch screens or portions, such as capacitive touch screens or surfaces, that enable the user to select a beverage option. A first of the buttons 124 may be pressed by the user to select nitrogen or gas infusion, and a second of the buttons 124 may be pressed by the user to bypass the nitrogen or gas infusion. The control panel 122 can have additional or alterative means to enable the user to toggle between different beverage options available from the beverage machine 100, e.g., shown on a display on the main body, such as a LED, LCD, or other illuminated display. The control panel 122 can be connected to a controller 134, shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB, that is operable to control the beverage machine 100.

[0047] The tap 120 for dispensing the nitrogen or gas infused beverage includes a handle 128 and a spout 130. The spout 130 guides and controls the release of the nitrogen infused beverage, and can include any type of spout. For example, the spout 130 can have a wide mouth or a narrow mouth. The type of spout 130 can vary depending on the type of pour that is desired. For example, the spout 130 can have a wider mouth for more laminar flow. A wider mouth may produce less foam in the dispensed beverage. Alternatively, the spout 130 can have a narrow mouth for more turbulent flow. A narrower mouth may produce more foam in the dispensed beverage.

[0048] The handle 128 can be manually actuated by the user to dispense the nitrogen or gas infused beverage from the spout 130. The beverage machine 100 can include an indicator 132, such as a light, that can signal to the user when the nitrogen infused beverage is ready to be dispensed. The indicator 132 can be controlled by the controller 134 of the beverage machine 100. The handle 128 can be actuated to open a valve in the tap 120 to dispense the beverage, and released to close the valve. In some embodiments, the tap 120 may additionally or alternatively be automatically actuated via the controller 134 of the beverage machine 100. For example, in additional or alternative embodiments, the tab can include a solenoid or other electro mechanical fluid control valve that dispenses the beverage in response to one or more signals from the controller 134, such as in response to one or more user inputs on the control panel 122.

[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 1A and IB, the nitrogen infusion system 102 is fluidly coupled to the beverage reservoir 114 via the conduits 116, which include a low pressure side conduit 136 and a high pressure side conduit 138. The low pressure side conduit 136 fluidly couples the beverage reservoir 114 with a fluid motive device 140 of the nitrogen infusion system 102. The fluid motive device 140 is operable to move liquid 142 from the beverage reservoir 114 towards the infusion housing 104.

[0050] The fluid motive device 140 can include any suitable device operable to move fluid through the conduits 116. For example, the fluid motive device 140 can include a pump. In some embodiments, the pump can be a positive displacement pump, such as a vibration pump, a rotary vane pump, a peristaltic pump, and the like. In some embodiments, the pump can be controlled via the controller 134 of the beverage machine 100, autonomously and / or in response to user input. Additionally, or alternatively, the fluid motive device 140 can be manually actuated by the user to draw the liquid 142 from the beverage reservoir 114 towards the infusion housing 104. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid motive device 140 can include a hand pump or a foot pump.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fluid motive device 140 creates a suction in the low pressure side conduit 136 to draw the liquid 142 from the beverage reservoir 114 and raises the pressure of the liquid 142 flowing through the high pressure conduit 138. The low pressure side conduit 136 can be made of one or more materials that are compatible with the liquid 142 flowing therethrough. For example, the low pressure side conduit 136 can include silicone tubing, metallic tubing, such as stainless steel tubing, and / or combinations thereof. The high pressure side conduit 138 can also be made of a material compatible with the liquid 142, which can include silicone tubing, metallic, e.g., stainless steel, tubing, and / or combinations thereof. The high pressure side conduit 138 may also include materials that structurally reinforce the conduit 138 to withstand vibrations due to the relatively high pressure of the liquid 142 flowing therethrough. For example, in some embodiments, the high pressure side conduit 138 may include reinforced silicone, stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] The beverage reservoir 114 can be removably connected to the base 110 as described above and may include a removable lid 144 to enable the user to refill the liquid 142 in the beverage reservoir 114. The beverage reservoir 114 may also include a coupling 146 that creates fluid connection with the low pressure side conduit 136 when the beverage reservoir 114 is installed on the base 110. The coupling 146 may include a check valve oranother means for preventing the liquid 142 from leaking out of the beverage reservoir 114 when removed from the base 110. The coupling 146 can mate with an inlet coupling or dock 148 adjacent an inlet of the low pressure side conduit 136 when the beverage reservoir 114 is installed on the base 110. The dock 148 can also include a check valve or another means for preventing the liquid 142 from leaking out of the conduits 116 when the beverage reservoir 114 is removed from the base 110. In some embodiments, the coupling 146 and / or the dock 148 may include a filter. In some embodiments, the beverage reservoir 114 can include a fill sensor that can be coupled with the controller 134 for signaling to the user when additional liquid 142 is needed in the reservoir 114.

[0053] The liquid 142 can include the beverage or a precursor liquid for the beverage as described above. In some embodiments, for example, the beverage can be prepared using the beverage reservoir 114 and is contained in the beverage reservoir 114. In some embodiments, the liquid 142 can include water or another precursor liquid for the beverage, and a dilution chamber 150 can be included in the nitrogen infusion system 102 downstream from the fluid motive device 140 as shown in FIG. IB. The dilution chamber 150 can include beverage concentrate or brewing stock, such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, liquid concentrate, or other means for flavoring water and / or producing a beverage from concentrate. The beverage concentrate may be located with a mixing chamber of the dilution chamber 150 for mixing with the water or other precursor liquid flowing therethrough from the beverage reservoir 114. The dilution chamber 150 can also include a filter to remove any solids, globules, or other particulates from the beverage upstream from the infusion housing 104. In some embodiments, the dilution chamber 150 may be housed in the infusion housing 104 and upstream from where the nitrogen infusion takes place. The nitrogen infusion system 102 equipped with the dilution chamber 150 can enable forming a beverage using inline mixing and infusing the beverage with nitrogen or gas in a single or continuous operation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the beverage machine 100 may include a temperature control module 152 for controlling a temperature of the nitrogen or gas infused beverage before it is dispensed via the tap 120. The temperature control module 152 is illustrated in FIG. IB as adjacent the tap 120, but can additionally or alternatively be positioned at another location, such as upstream from the infusion housing 104. In some embodiments, the nitrogen infusion system 102 can include the temperature control module 152, which can be positioned upstream or downstream from the infusion housing 104. In embodiments, the temperature control module 152 can be positioned adjacent the beverage reservoir 114. For example, thetemperature control module 152 may be operable to control a temperature of the liquid 142 in the beverage reservoir 114. The temperature control module 152 may include a thermoblock or other heating element to heat the beverage and / or the liquid 142. Additionally, or alternatively, the temperature control module 152 may include a refrigeration system or other means of cooling the beverage and / or the liquid 142.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. IB and 2, the nitrogen infusion system 102 operates to infuse nitrogen or gas from a nitrogen or gas source 172 into the beverage flowing into the infusion housing 104. The nitrogen or gas source 172 can include atmospheric air, a nitrogen and / or gas tank or cylinder, or another source of nitrogen and / or gas. The un-infused beverage flowing into the infusion housing 104 is indicated by the arrow 158 in FIG. 2, and exits the infusion housing 104 as a nitrogen or gas infused beverage indicated by the arrow 174 in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 2. The un-infused beverage can be referred to as the beverage 158. The nitrogen or gas flowing into the infusion housing 104 is indicated by the arrow 176 in FIGS. 1A, IB, and 2, and can be interchangeably referred to as nitrogen 176, nitrogen gas 176, or gas 176. The nitrogen 176 is infused into the beverage 158 via interaction between the nitrogen 176 and a turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158 that is created within the infusion housing 104.

[0056] The infusion housing 104 includes a pressurization chamber 154 that receives the beverage 158 flowing from the fluid motive device 140. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressurization chamber 154 may be defined by a pressure pot 156 mounted within the infusion housing 104. The beverage 158 can enter the pressure pot 156 via a beverage inlet 160 in the housing 104. The inlet beverage 160 can be fluidly coupled with the high pressure side conduit 138 and may be defined in a top of the pressure pot 156 or a side of the pressure pot 156. The infusion housing 104 may also include an infusion pot or receptacle 162 that surrounds the pressure pot 156. The pressure pot 156 may be smaller than the infusion pot 162, such that the pressure pot 156 partitions the interior of the infusion pot 162 into the pressurization chamber 154 and an infusion chamber 164 surrounding the pressurization chamber 154.

[0057] A receptacle, bowl, or bottom of the pressure pot 156 may define a restricting plate 166 that separates the pressurization chamber 154 and the infusion chamber 164. The restricting plate 166 can be located opposite the beverage inlet 160 of the pressure pot 156. The restricting plate 166 may include an orifice 168, or multiple orifices 168, that enable fluid communication between the pressurization chamber 154 and the infusion chamber 164. The orifice 168, or the multiple orifices 168, can be sized to restrict flow of the beverage 158 between the pressurization chamber 154 and the infusion chamber 164. As a result, thebeverage 158 can accumulate with the pressurization chamber 154, while the fluid motive device 140 can maintain a motive force on the liquid 142 to flow through the orifice(s) 168 into the infusion chamber 164.

[0058] The orifice(s) 168 and the fluid motive device 140 can cooperate to create a turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158 into the infusion chamber 164. The nitrogen gas 176 flows into the infusion chamber 164 and can interact with the turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158. Nitrogen and / or gas can be infused into the beverage 158 in the infusion chamber 164 via the interaction of the turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158 with the nitrogen gas 176. The nitrogen gas 176 can flow into the infusion chamber 164 via a nitrogen or gas inlet that fluidly connects the infusion chamber 164 with a nitrogen or gas source. The nitrogen or gas inlet can be defined by an inlet fitting 170 mounted on the infusion housing 104 that communicates with the infusion chamber 164. Additionally, or alternatively, the nitrogen or gas inlet may be defined by a hole in the infusion housing 104 adjacent the infusion chamber 164. In some embodiments, the nitrogen or gas inlet, and / or the inlet fitting 170, can be equipped with a one-way passage or one-way valve that allows the nitrogen 176 to enter the infusion chamber 164 and prevents fluid from exiting the infusion chamber 164 via the nitrogen or gas inlet.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2A, the orifice(s) 168 may be sized to create shear as the fluid motive device 140 forces the pressurized flow of the beverage 158 to pass through the orifice(s) 168 into the infusion chamber 164. For example, the orifice(s) 168 may have an inner dimension D, such as a diameter or a width, that is sized to create a shear of the pressurized flow of the beverage 158. The shear force can be exerted on the pressurized flow of the beverage 158 via the restricting plate 166, which obstructs the flow of the beverage 158 between the pressurization chamber 154 and the infusion chamber 164 through the orifice(s) 168.

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner dimension D of the orifice(s) 168 can be between 0.005 to 0.050 inches, including any size or sub-range of sizes within this range. For example, the orifice(s) 168 can have an inner dimension D of greater than or equal to 0.005 inches. Additionally, or alternatively, the orifice(s) 168 can have an inner dimension D of less than or equal to 0.050 inches. In various embodiments, the orifice(s) can have an inner dimension D of 0.005 inches, 0.006 inches, 0.007 inches, 0.008 inches, 0.009 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.011 inches, 0.012 inches, 0.013 inches, 0.014 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.016 inches, 0.017 inches, 0.018 inches, 0.019 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.021 inches, 0.022 inches, 0.023 inches, 0.024inches, 0.025 inches, 0.026 inches, 0.027 inches, 0.028 inches, 0.029 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.031 inches, 0.032 inches, 0.033 inches, 0.034 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.036 inches, 0.037 inches, 0.038 inches, 0.039 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.041 inches, 0.042 inches, 0.043 inches, 0.044 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.046 inches, 0.047 inches, 0.048 inches, 0.049 inches, or 0.050 inches. In embodiments where multiple orifices 168 are included in the restricting plate 166, the orifices 168 can have the same inner dimension D or the inner dimension D can vary between the orifices 168.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pressure of the beverage 158 supplied by the fluid motive device 140 can be between 1 bar to 9 bar, including any pressure or sub-range of pressures within this range. For example, the pressure of the beverage 158 can be greater than or equal to 1 bar. Additionally, or alternatively, the pressure of the beverage 158 can be less than or equal to 9 bar. In various embodiments, the pressure of the beverage 158 can be 1 bar, 1.5 bar, 2 bar, 2.5 bar, 3 bar, 3.5 bar, 4 bar, 4.5 bar, 5 bar, 5.5 bar, 6 bar, 6.5 bar, 7 bar, 7.5 bar, 8 bar, 8.5 bar, or 9 bar. The pressure of the beverage 158 can also be modulated, such as within a range of between 1 bar to 9 bar, during operation of the nitrogen infusion system 102.

[0062] The pressure of the beverage 158 can vary and may be tuned depending on the inner dimension D of the orifice(s) 168. Any combination of the inner dimensions D and ranges thereof and the pressure of the beverage 158 and ranges thereof described above can be used.

[0063] Still referring to FIG. 2A, the shear of the pressurized flow of the beverage 158 through the orifice(s) 168 can create turbulent flow in the pressurized flow of the beverage 158 entering the infusion chamber 164. The turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158 in the infusion chamber 164 can have eddy currents or eddies 178 swirling in the flow. The turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage 158 including the eddies 178 can promote or enhance mixing between the nitrogen 176 and the beverage 158 in the infusion chamber 164. As a result, the infused beverage 174 exiting the infusion chamber 164 can have a sufficient amount of infused gas with a desirable consistency.

[0064] The orifice(s) 168 also can increase a velocity of the flow of the beverage 158 entering the infusion chamber 164. The increased velocity of the flow of the beverage 158 may create a vacuum in the infusion chamber 164. The vacuum can provide a motive force to draw the nitrogen 176 into the infusion chamber 164 via the nitrogen or gas source 172 and the nitrogen or gas inlet. The vacuum created within the infusion chamber 164 may operate to maintain flow of the nitrogen 176 into the infusion chamber 164, preventing exhaustion orusing up of the nitrogen 176. In some embodiments, the vacuum in the infusion chamber 164 may be desirable where the nitrogen or gas source 172 is atmospheric air. The vacuum in the infusion chamber 164 may also obviate the need to provide an additional component for forcing the nitrogen 176 into the infusion chamber 164.

[0065] The nitrogen infusion system 102 therefore is capable of infusing the beverage 158 with the gas or nitrogen 176, e.g., from atmospheric air, while obviating the need for extra components, such as gas cartridges, a compressor, or a mechanical agitator, can greatly reduce the amount of maintenance and user expertise required when using the beverage machine 100. Because the beverage machine 100 uses a "passive" infusion method for nitrogen or gas infusion via the system 102, can be more user friendly (e.g., by not requiring continuous replacement of gas cartridges or supplies) and may be less susceptible to wear and tear over time. Moreover, the beverage machine 100 does not require a large pressure vessel to infuse nitrogen or gas into the beverage 174, as is commonly required in existing systems for creating a nitrogen or gas infused beverage. The nitrogen infusion system 102 can also be installed and / or used in conjunction with the beverage machine 100 in a compact appliance suitable for countertop applications, providing a viable means for users to enjoy the nitrogen or gas infused beverage 174 at their convenience.

[0066] Referring again to FIGS. IB and 2, the nitrogen or gas infused beverage 174 may exit the infusion housing 104 via an outlet 180 of the infusion chamber 164. The outlet 180 may be fluidly coupled to the tap 120 via a conduit 182 that channels the nitrogen or gas infused beverage 174 from the infusion housing 104 to the tap 120. One or more filters can be positioned at the outlet 180, along the conduit 182, and / or adjacent to or within the tap 120 for filtering the nitrogen or gas infused beverage 174 before it is dispensed. In some embodiment, the back pressure created by the filter(s) may further operate to infuse the gas or nitrogen 176 into the beverage 174 before and / or as it is dispensed via the tap 120.

[0067] In some embodiments, the tap 120 can include a contact switch 184 that signals to the controller 134 when the beverage 174 is being dispensed. The controller 134 can control the fluid motive device 140 using feedback from the contact switch 184. Additionally, or alternatively, the nitrogen infusion system 102 may include one or more gauges or sensors 186, such as flow meters, that signal to the controller 134 an increase in fluid flow through the nitrogen infusion system 102. The sensor(s) 186 may be positioned upstream from the fluid motive device 140. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor(s) 186 can be positioned at any suitable location to detect fluid flow through the nitrogen infusion system 102 and / or the tap120. An increase in fluid flow as signaled by the sensors 186 may be indicative of the beverage 174 being dispensed and used as feedback by the controller 134 to control the fluid motive device 140. The controller 134 can control operation of the fluid motive device to ramp up movement of fluid through the nitrogen infusion system 102 when the tap 120 is opened and slow down movement of fluid through the nitrogen infusion system 102 when the tap 120 is closed. This can prevent a large amount of back pressure at the tap 120, which can otherwise negatively affect the pour of the beverage 174 from the tap 120.

[0068] In some embodiments, the infusion pot 162 and / or the pressure pot 156 can be equipped with a pressure gauge and / or a pressure relief device. The pressure relief device may include a check valve or a pressure relief valve, and may be operable to relieve a build up of pressure within the infusion housing. In some embodiments, a pressure gauge may be used by the controller 134 as feedback to relieve pressure within the infusion housing 104 by operating the pressure relief device. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 134 may use feedback from the pressure gauge to slow or terminate operation of the fluid motive device 140.

[0069] Turning now to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, another embodiment of a beverage machine 200 that includes a nitrogen or gas infusion system 202 in accordance with the present disclosure in shown. The beverage machine 200 and the nitrogen or gas infusion system 202 of this embodiment may include similar elements and components as the beverage machine 100 and the nitrogen infusion system 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts. For brevity and conciseness, differences between the beverage machines 100, 200 and the nitrogen or gas infusion systems 102, 202 will be described. Similarities between the beverage machines 100, 200 and the nitrogen infusion systems 102, 202 can be recognized from FIGS. 1-3. Elements and components of the beverage machine 100 and the nitrogen infusion system 102 that are not labeled or explicitly described for the beverage machine 200 and the nitrogen infusion system 202 in FIGS. 3A and 3B are not necessarily excluded. The beverage machine 200 and the nitrogen infusion system 202 can include any element or component of the beverage machine 100 and the nitrogen infusion system 102, and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0070] The beverage machine 200 includes two beverage reservoirs 203, 204 that can each be removably connected to the base 110 of the beverage machine 200. A first beverage reservoir 203 can contain the un-infused beverage 158 and a second beverage reservoir 204 can contain water 206 or another liquid. The water or other liquid 206 can be used to flush the nitrogen infusion system 202 after use. Each reservoir 203, 204 can be equipped with a lid 208that may be removed by the user to refill the respective reservoir 203, 204. The reservoirs 203, 204 may be removable from the base 110 independent of one another, or may be made integral as a one-piece unit.

[0071] The first reservoir 203 may be fluidly coupled to the low pressure side conduit 136 via a first conduit 210. The first reservoir 203 may also include a first coupling 212 that creates fluid connection with the first conduit 210 when the first reservoir 203 is installed on the base 110. The first coupling 212 can be similar to the coupling 146 described above, and can mate with a first dock 214 that may be similar to the dock 148 described above. Similarly, the second reservoir 204 may be fluidly coupled to the low pressure side conduit 136 via a second conduit 216. The second reservoir 204 may also include a second coupling 218 that creates fluid connection with the second conduit 216 when the second reservoir 204 is installed on the base 110. The second coupling 218 can be similar to the coupling 146 described above, and can mate with a second dock 220 that may be similar to the dock 148 described above.

[0072] The nitrogen or gas infusion system 202 can include a shuttle valve 222, or other three-way or switching device, to control flow of the beverage 158 and the water 206 through the nitrogen infusion system 202. The shuttle valve 222 can be manually actuated or controlled via the controller 134. In some embodiments, the shuttle valve 222 can be positioned to route the beverage 158 through the nitrogen infusion system 202 by connecting the low pressure side conduit 136 with the first conduit 210 and isolating the second conduit 216. Once one or more nitrogen infused beverages 174 have been dispensed, the shuttle valve 222 can be positioned to route the water 206 through the nitrogen infusion system 202 by connecting the low pressure side conduit 136 with the second conduit 216 and isolating the first conduit 210.

[0073] The dual reservoirs 203, 204 and the shuttle valve 222 of this embodiment can enable infusing various types of beverages 158 with nitrogen or gas using the beverage machine 200. Moreover, the beverage machine 200 and the nitrogen infusion system 202 can be purged during changeover between different beverage types. In some embodiments, the nitrogen infusion system 202 may not include a dilution chamber, since the beverage 158 is contained in the first reservoir 202. In other embodiments, the nitrogen infusion system 202 may include a dilution chamber, such as the dilution chamber 150 described above, which can be bypassed or purged when the water 206 is routed through the system 202.

[0074] Turning now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a beverage machine 300 that includes the nitrogen or gas infusion system 102 and / or 202 in shown. The beverage machine300 may include similar elements and components as the beverage machines 100, 200 FIGS. 1-3. Like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts. For brevity and conciseness, differences between the beverage machines 100, 200, 300 will be described. Similarities between the beverage machines 100, 200, 300 can be recognized from FIGS. 1-3. Elements and components of the beverage machines 100, 200 that are not labeled or explicitly described for the beverage machine 300 are not necessarily excluded. The beverage machine 300 can include any element or component of the beverage machines 100, 200, and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] The beverage machine 300 may include a beverage reservoir 302 that enables the beverage 158 to be made or prepared in the reservoir 302. For example, the beverage reservoir 302 can be used to prepare cold brew coffee, tea, or another beverage suitable for in situ brewing in the reservoir 302. The beverage reservoir 302, like the reservoirs 114, 203, 204 described above, may include a coupling 304 that creates fluid connection with the low pressure side conduit 136 when the beverage reservoir 302 is installed on in the beverage machine 300. The coupling 304 can be similar to the coupling 146 described above, and can mate with a dock 306 that may be similar to the dock 148 described above. The low pressure side conduit 136 routes the beverage 158 prepared using the beverage reservoir 302 towards the nitrogen infusion system 102, 202. In some embodiments, the beverage reservoir 302 may also include a removable lid 308 that enables the user to refill the reservoir 302 with water or another precursor liquid for the beverage 158.

[0076] The beverage reservoir 302 may include a beverage brewing assembly 310 positioned in the reservoir 302 for brewing the beverage 158. The beverage brewing assembly 310 may include a cup or receptacle 312 with a body, e.g., made of plastic, glass, or other suitable material for retaining liquids, that contains a beverage concentrate or brewing stock. For example, the cup 312 may contain coffee grounds, tea leaves, liquid concentrate, or other means for flavoring and / or producing the beverage 158 from concentrate. The cup 312 extends down into the reservoir 302, and may be mounted on and / or integral with the lid 308. The body of the cup 312 may be situated below a level of precursor liquid in the reservoir 302 so as to be at least partially immersed in the liquid. The cup 312 includes openings 314 that allow the precursor liquid to contact the contents of the cup 312 for producing the beverage 158. Filters or mesh 316 can be positioned in the openings 314 to reduce or inhibit solids, globules, or other particulates of a certain size or diameter (e.g., solids with a diameter of greater than 10 microns, a diameter greater than 20 microns, etc.) from exiting the cup 312 and becoming entrained inthe beverage 158. The cup 312 can reside in the precursor liquid for a sufficient duration to allow the contents of the cup 312 to mix with the precursor liquid and produce the beverage 158. The cup 312 can be removed, replaced, and / or refilled with the beverage concentrate or brewing stock once the contents are spent. The reservoir 302 further can be removably attached to the beverage machine 300, e.g., for placing the reservoir 302 in a refrigerator for cold brewing of coffee. In this regard, the reservoir 302 can include a valve, such as a one way valve that has an open configuration when the reservoir 302 and / or beverage brewing assembly 310 is attached to and / or docks with the beverage machine 300 to allow for supply of brewed beverage to the machine 300 and a closed configuration when the reservoir 302 and / or beverage brewing assembly 310 is removed from the appliance (e.g., when being stored in a refrigerator for brewing cold brew).

[0077] Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram 500 of one embodiment of a controller 502 communicating with components of a beverage machine is shown. The controller 502 can incorporated as the controller 134 of any of the beverage machines 100, 200, 300 described above. In this embodiment, the controller 502 includes a processing unit or processor 504, a memory 506, and an input output (I / O) unit 508. The processing unit 504 can be, for example, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or another suitable electronic device. The memory 506 (for example, one or more non-transitory computer- readable storage mediums), may also include data storage of any suitable type. The controller 502, via the processing unit 504, the memory 506, and the I / O unit 508, may communicate to external devices over one or more data connections or buses, and / or a combination thereof.

[0078] The controller 502 depicted in FIG. 5 represents one example, and, in some embodiments, the controller 502 can include fewer, additional, or different components in different configurations than shown in FIG. 5. Also, in some embodiments, the controller 502 may include functionality in addition to the functionality described herein without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

[0079] The I / O unit 508 allows the controller 502 with devices and components of the beverage machine that may be external to or remote from the controller 502. For example, the controller 502 may communicate with one or more components of a beverage machine, such as sensor(s) 510, a control panel 512, a fluid motive device or pump 514, an infusion housing 516, and / or a tap 518. In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-3 above, the sensor(s) 510 can include the pressure sensors or flow sensors 186, the control panel 512 can include the control panel 122, the fluid motive device 514 can include the fluid motive device 140, theinfusion housing 516 can include the infusion housing 104, and / or the tap 518 can include the tap 120.

[0080] The I / O unit 508 may include ports for receiving a wired connection to an external device (for example, a universal serial bus (“USB”) cable and the like), a transceiver for establishing a wireless connection to an external device (for example, over one or more communication networks, such as the internet, LAN, a WAN, and the like), and / or any suitable combination thereof without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

[0081] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the controller 502 can receive signals or data from one or more components of the beverage machine and execute functions in response to the received signals or data. For example, the controller 502 can receive a signal indicative of a request for a nitrogen or gas infused beverage via the control panel 512. In some embodiments, the controller 502 may receive a signal indicative of flow of fluid through a nitrogen or gas infusion system, such as the system 102 and / or 202, and / or the beverage machine via the sensor(s) 510 and / or the tap 518. In some embodiments, the controller 502 may receive a signal of pressure in the infusion housing 516. Additional data or signals can be received, processed, discerned, and / or determined by the controller 502 without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

[0082] The data received by the controller 502 may be stored in the memory 506, e.g., in the data storage, and can be accessed by the processing unit 504 for making one or more determinations and / or generating one or more outputs for controlling components of the beverage machine. The processing unit 504 may also access and execute computer-readable instructions (“software”) stored in the memory 506 that configure the processing unit 506 to perform one or more control functions for the beverage machine. For example, the processing unit 504 can access the memory 506 and, based on signals received from the beverage machine, control operation of the fluid motive device 514. In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 may control operation of the tap 518. In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 may control one or more pressure relief devices in the infusion housing 516. The software stored in the memory 506 can include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. In certain embodiments, the software may include instructions and associated data for performing a set of functions, including the methods described herein.

[0083] In some embodiments, the processing unit 504 can cause display of information to a user of the beverage machine via the I / O unit 508. The I / O unit 508 can include and / or be in communication with one or more display devices, indicators, alert devices, etc. For example, the processing unit 504 can cause the I / O unit 508 to display a signal, e.g., via the indicator 132 of FIG. 1, that the nitrogen or gas infused beverage is ready to be dispensed. Other information can be displayed and / or provided to the user via the processing unit 504 and the VO unit 508 without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

[0084] Referring now to FIG. 6, an example process flow diagram 600 for operating a beverage machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. One, some, or all the operations of the flow diagram 600 may be executable by a beverage machine, e.g., the beverage machines 100, 200, 300 described above. The operations may be performed and / or controlled without user intervention, e.g., autonomously via the controller 134, 502. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or some of the operations can be controlled by a user and / or in response to user input.

[0085] The process 600 can be implemented to infuse nitrogen or gas into a beverage. The beverage can include any type of beverage suitable for nitrogen or gas infusion, including those described above. The beverage can be prepared in conjunction with the process 600 for nitrogen or gas infusion, or may be prepared prior to initiating the process 600. The beverage can be prepared in conjunction with the process 600 using the techniques described herein, for example, with reference to FIG. 4.

[0086] The process 600 includes channeling 602 the beverage towards a first chamber, e.g., the pressurization chamber 154. The first chamber may be defined within an infusion housing, e.g., the infusion housing 104. The beverage may be channeled 602 to the first chamber using a fluid motive device, such as the fluid motive device 140. In some embodiments, the fluid motive device may channel 604 the beverage from a beverage reservoir, such as the reservoir 114, 203, 204, 302, of the beverage machine and / or a dilution chamber, such as the dilution chamber 150, of the beverage machine. The fluid motive device may also raise a pressure of the beverage when channeling 602 the beverage towards the first chamber.

[0087] The process 600 also includes passing 604 from the first chamber into a second chamber, e.g., the infusion chamber 164. The second chamber may be defined within the infusion housing with the first chamber. The beverage is also passed 604 through a restricting plate, e.g., the restricting plate 166, into the second chamber. In some embodiments, therestricting plate includes one or more orifices, e.g., the orifice(s) 168 through which the beverage is passed 604 into the second chamber. The orifice(s) are sized to create turbulent, pressurized flow of the beverage within the second chamber, as described above for the orifice(s). Concurrently, the beverage can be forced through the orifice(s) using the fluid motive device.

[0088] The process 600 also includes infusing 606 nitrogen or gas into the beverage within the second chamber. The nitrogen or gas can be supplied from a nitrogen or gas source, such as atmospheric air. The beverage being passed 604 into the second chamber has a turbulent flow with eddies swirling in the flow that can promote or enhance mixing between the nitrogen or gas and the beverage. In some embodiments, the orifice(s) through which the beverage is passed 604 into the second chamber can raise the velocity of the beverage, creating a vacuum within the second chamber that draws the nitrogen or gas, e.g., via atmospheric air, into the second chamber.

[0089] The nitrogen or gas infused beverage produced at 606 can be dispensed via a tap of the beverage machine, e.g., the tap 120. In some embodiments, channeling 602 the beverage towards the first chamber can be controlled, for example by modulating the fluid motive device, when the nitrogen or gas infused beverage is dispensed. For example, the fluid motive device can be controlled to increase flow of the beverage through the infusion housing when the tap is opened, and slow down flow of the beverage when the tap is closed.

[0090] The process 600 can include additional and / or different operations, including any operations described herein for the beverage machines 100, 200, 300.

[0091] The phrases, unless otherwise specified, “consists essentially of’ and “consisting essentially of’ do not exclude the presence of other steps, elements, or materials, whether or not, specifically mentioned in this specification, so long as such steps, elements, or materials, do not affect the basic and novel characteristics of the present disclosure, additionally, they do not exclude impurities and variances normally associated with the elements and materials used.

[0092] Numerical ranges used herein include the numbers recited in the range. For example, the numerical range “from 1 wt % to 10 wt %” includes 1 wt % and 10 wt % within the recited range.

[0093] For the sake of brevity, only some ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any otherlower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, within a range includes every point or individual value between its end points even though not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

[0094] All numerical values within the detailed description herein are modified by “about” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0095] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms of “upstream” and “downstream” are understood relatively to the normal direction of circulation of a fluid in a conduit.

[0096] All documents described herein are incorporated by reference herein, including any priority documents and or testing procedures to the extent they are not inconsistent with this text. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and the specific embodiments, while forms of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereby. Likewise, the term “comprising” is considered synonymous with the term “including” for purposes of United States law. Likewise whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising,” it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” “selected from the group of consisting of,” or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements and vice versa.

[0097] The specific embodiments described herein have been illustrated by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0098] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for (perform)ing (a function)...” or “step for (perform)ing (a function)...”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0099] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a number of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A nitrogen infusion system for a beverage machine, the system comprising: a fluid motive device; and an infusion housing defining an infusion chamber, the infusion housing having a beverage inlet receiving a flow of a beverage from the fluid motive device and a nitrogen inlet receiving nitrogen gas into the infusion chamber, the infusion housing including an obstruction positioned between the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber and creating turbulence in the flow of the beverage to promote mixing the nitrogen gas and the beverage in the infusion chamber.

2. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 1, wherein the obstruction is a restricting plate separating the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber.

3. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 2, wherein the restricting plate includes an orifice, the flow of the beverage passing through the orifice into the infusion chamber.

4. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 3, wherein the orifice has an inner dimension sized to create the turbulence in the flow of the beverage.

5. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 4, wherein the inner dimension is between 0.005 to 0.050 inches.

6. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 1, wherein the fluid motive device is a pump.

7. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 6, wherein the pump is operable to raise a pressure of the flow of the beverage in a range of 1 bar to 9 bar.

8. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 1, wherein the obstruction increases a velocity of the flow of the beverage creating a vacuum in the infusion chamber drawing the nitrogen gas into the infusion chamber.

9. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 1, wherein a source of the nitrogen gas received via the nitrogen inlet is atmospheric air.

10. The nitrogen infusion system of claim 1, wherein the infusion housing includes: a pressure pot defining a pressurization chamber connected to the beverage inlet; and an infusion pot defining the infusion chamber, wherein the pressure pot includes the obstruction and is positioned within the infusion chamber.

11. A countertop beverage machine comprising: a base; a reservoir seated on the base; an infusion system coupled with the reservoir, the infusion system comprising: a fluid motive device coupled with the reservoir; and an infusion housing including a beverage inlet receiving a flow of a beverage from the fluid motive device and a gas inlet receiving gas, the fluid motive device being operable to move the flow of the beverage through the beverage inlet and into mixing engagement with the gas within the infusion housing to produce a gas infused beverage; and a tap coupled with an outlet of the infusion housing, the tap dispensing the gas infused beverage.

12. The countertop beverage machine of claim 11, wherein the infusion housing defines an infusion chamber communicating with the beverage inlet and the gas inlet, the infusion housing including an obstruction positioned between the beverage inlet and the infusion chamber and creating turbulence in the flow of the beverage to promote mixing the gas and the beverage in the infusion chamber.

13. The countertop beverage machine of claim 11, wherein: the reservoir contains the beverage or a liquid precursor for the beverage,the reservoir is coupled with the fluid motive device via a low pressure side conduit, and the fluid motive device is coupled with the beverage inlet via a high pressure side conduit.

14. The countertop beverage machine of claim 13, wherein the low pressure side conduit and the high pressure side conduit each include tubes positioned in a main body of the beverage machine.

15. The countertop beverage machine of claim 11, further comprising a controller modulating the fluid motive device in response to actuation of the tap.

16. The countertop beverage machine of claim 11, wherein the countertop beverage machine is a coffeemaker.

17. The countertop beverage machine of claim 16, wherein the reservoir includes a beverage brewing assembly operable to produce coffee in the reservoir.

18. A method of operating a beverage machine, the method comprising: channeling a flow of a beverage into an infusion housing of the beverage machine using a fluid motive device; obstructing the flow of the beverage in the infusion housing to create turbulence in the flow of the beverage; and infusing nitrogen gas into the turbulent flow of the beverage, wherein the turbulence promotes mixing the nitrogen gas and the beverage.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein obstructing the flow of the beverage includes passing the flow of the beverage through an orifice of a restricting plate positioned in the infusion housing.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising dispensing the flow of the beverage having the nitrogen gas infused therein via a tap of the beverage machine.10

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