Systems and methods for producing gas-infused beverages

Abstract

Variations of the present invention generally relate to producing beverages, and more specifically a versatile beverage device (3010), utility dock (3500), and beverage making system (3000) adapted to produce a wide variety of different gas-infused beverages in the home environment.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING GAS-INFUSED BEVERAGES

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to producing beverages, and more specifically a versatile beverage device, utility dock, cartridge, tap assembly, adaptor, kit, and beverage making system adapted to produce a wide variety of different gas-infused beverages in the home environment.

[0003] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] The desire to make beverages (e.g., craft beer, ciders, seltzers, nitrogenated coffees, carbonated flavoured waters, sodas, teas, etc.) at home has become increasingly popular in recent years. The rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors, for instance, the desire to make and drink freshly made beverages (e.g., freshly brewed beer) while decreasing waste by reducing the number of beverage containers disposed of in landfills. However, the ability to produce certain beverages at home is impractical based on the space, temperature, equipment, and utility requirements needed therefor.

[0005] For example, if carbonating a beverage, it can be costly to get and difficult to handle large canisters of carbon dioxide gas or beer gas. It can also take some time to remove an empty canister and replace it (whether for carbon dioxide or beer gas or nitrogen gas), which can cause unwanted delays, for example if serving a customer in a bar.

[0006] When nitrogenating a beverage such as a stout, it is important to ensure that oxygen is not allowed to enter the beverage that is or remains in the system. Otherwise, oxidation quickly and irreversibly contaminates the beverage (particularly beer) and worsens its taste. It can also be costly to get and difficult to handle large canisters of nitrogen gas. There are so-called “infuse and shake” products where the entirety of the beverage is oxidised, although this can be acceptable where the whole beverage is drunk immediately or in a short timeframe, given that this means the extent of oxidation is relatively limited and so the taste of the beverage is not noticeably impaired.

[0007] Home brews can vary in quality despite the best efforts of the person or people brewing them, and it is difficult for a home brewer to consistently brew gas-containing beverages at a consistently high quality. Even if brewed at a high quality, the beverage may deteriorate in quality when dispensing or tapping it into a glass, so that it is inadvertently a lower quality beverage at the point of a person being able to drink it.

[0008] Furthermore, it can be expensive to obtain and run the different machines required to make various different nitrogenated and carbonated beverages, and space must be allocated for the different machines required to prepare these beverages. This may be feasible in a bar or restaurant for example, but is generally less practical for most people when it comes to their home.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed inter alia to a beverage making system including a beverage device and a utility dock adapted to produce a wide variety of beverages within the home environment. STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0011] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description. This summary is not an extensive overview. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0012] Beverage making systems including beverage devices, utility docks, tap assemblies, and methods for producing gas-infused beverages are disclosed herein.

[0013] In accordance with an aspect, a beverage device includes a vessel defining an internal volume. An inlet is fluidly connected to the internal volume and defines an opening. A tap assembly is attached to the inlet and is configured to dispense a beverage in the interior volume to an outlet of said tap assembly. The tap assembly includes a handle operable to adjust a flow rate of the beverage dispensed from the beverage device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the beverage device includes a gas cylinder configured to supply gas into said internal volume to pressurise the beverage.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gas cylinder is inserted into the beverage device to fluidly connect the gas to the vessel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tap assembly further includes an adapter attachable to the outlet. The adapter is configured to receive the beverage and induce bubble formation in the fluid flowing therethrough.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, a method of making a beverage with the brewing device includes adding ingredients into the vessel, infusing gas into the vessel to produce a gas-infused beverage, and dispensing the gas-infused beverage via the tap assembly.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, a beverage device comprises a brewing device with a tap assembly, a cartridge containing a gas supply, and an ingredient kit for making a gas-infused beverage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the beverage device further includes an adapter attachable to the tap assembly and configured to alterthe flow characteristics of the gas-infused beverage dispensed from the tap assembly.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a beverage making system comprising a beverage device including a vessel for beverage ingredients, and a utility dock configured to receive the beverage device to supply utilities thereto.

[0021] In some embodiments, the utility dock comprises a controller comprising logic to control a temperature or pressure of the vessel based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller is operatively connected to a gas control unit and a temperature control unit respectively operable to control the temperature or the pressure of the vessel. In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a beverage device for producing beverages. The beverage device comprises a vessel for beverage ingredients, a tap assembly comprising an inlet extending into the vessel, an outlet configured to dispense a beverage from the vessel, and an infusion device disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The infusion device is fluidly connected to a gas supply or an air supply, and is configured to infuse gas into a beverage dispensed through the tap assembly.

[0023] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.

[0024] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device as set out in claim 1. This is particularly advantageous because it allows gas to be infused into the beverage during the process of dispensing or tapping the beverage, particularly in a domestic environment or in a retail environment. This way, oxygen from the air does not enter the rest of the beverage that remains in the beverage device, noting that oxidation can adversely alter the taste of the beverage quickly and irreversibly.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device as set out in claim 14. This is particularly advantageous in that carbon dioxide evolved during a fermentation process can be harvested or captured instead of exhausted to atmosphere. Not only is this a greener way of dealing with CO2 from the device, but that captured CO2 can also be utilised in gassing or carbonating the beverage at a later stage. This is particularly useful in a domestic environment or in a retail environment.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device as set out in claim 19. This is particularly advantageous in that a single device can be utilised to make a plurality of different beverages which are either nitrogenated and / or carbonated. This provides much greater versatility and flexibility for an end user in the variety of gassed beverages that they can make, particularly in a domestic environment (e.g. a person’s home) or potentially in the hospitality sector, such as a restaurant or bar or hotel (e.g. a hotel room). In particular, it provides versatility / flexibility because it is no longer necessary to own or provide multiple different beverage making devices in order to make different nitrogenated and / or carbonated beverages.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making, or infusing gas into, a beverage as set out in claim 27. The advantages are similar to those of the preceding aspects.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device as set out in claim 28. This is particularly advantageous in that the beverage device can be easily replenished with gas via the cartridge, and also that it can be used to make different beverages by use of different cartridges and different ingredient kits.

[0029] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device, or a utility dock (also known as a plinth or utility plinth) therefor, as set out in claim 30. This is particularly advantageous in that pressure and / or temperature can be controlled or managed when making a beverage, for example during any one, some or all of fermentation, conditioning and dispensing of the beverage. This can result in higher quality beverages, particularly home brews (i.e. in a domestic environment), where it has conventionally been more difficult for an amateur brewer (even if experienced) to consistently achieve the same quality of beverage as that made and provided by a commercial entity.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage making system as set out in claim 42. The advantages are similar to those of the sixth aspect.

[0031] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tap assembly for a beverage device as set out in claim 45. The advantages are similar to the first aspect, with the addition that an existing beverage device may be serviced, repaired, upgraded or otherwise altered or improved by retrofitting the tap assembly to it (e.g. in place of an existing tap assembly). This can substantially improve the quality of a beverage dispensed from a beverage device, particularly in a domestic environment or in a retail environment, e.g. as set out in another of the aspects.

[0032] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter or nozzle for removably attaching to an outlet or spout as set out in claim 51 . The advantages are similar to the first aspect, with the addition that an existing beverage device or tap assembly may be serviced, repaired, upgraded or otherwise altered or improved by retrofitting the adapter or nozzle to it (optionally in place of an existing adapter or nozzle). This can substantially improve the quality of a beverage dispensed from a beverage device, particularly in a domestic environment or in a retail environment, e.g. as set out in another of the aspects.

[0033] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for a beverage device as set out in claim 55. This is particularly advantageous in that a beverage device can be easily replenished with gas via the cartridge, and also that it can be used to make different beverages by use of different cartridges. Both of these are useful in a domestic environment or in a retail environment. That is, by changing the cartridge, the user can change the gas supplied to the beverage device without necessarily having to change the gas supply (e.g. cylinder or canister), and so they can more easily switch between making different beverages, e.g. that respectively require nitrogenation and carbonation.

[0034] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a cartridge and brewing ingredients corresponding to a beverage recipe as set out in claim 64. The advantages are similar to the tenth aspect.

[0035] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a beverage as set out in claim 66. This is particularly advantageous because a beverage device can automatically prepare a given beverage without the end user needing to have detailed knowledge of a particular brewing procedure or ingredients. A person may just provide an input to the device and the device does the rest, making and dispensing the person’s beverage, e.g. gas-infused beverage, of choice.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas regulator assembly for a beverage device platform comprising: a switch, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and a regulator configured to supply gas to an internal volume of a vessel of said beverage device platform; said switch is operable to select between said first pressure relief valve and said second pressure relief valve, with said first pressure relief valve having a fixed lower pressure relief setting than said second pressure relief valve, said second pressure relief valve having a higher fixed higher pressure relief setting than said first pressure relief valve; said regulator being operatively connected to a gas supply source configured to supply gas into and maintain a regulated pressure of said internal volume of said vessel.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage device platform comprising: a brewing device with a tap assembly, a gas regulator assembly, and a vessel having an internal volume; said gas regulator assembly comprising: a switch, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and a regulator configured to supply gas to said internal volume of said vessel; said switch is operable to select between said first pressure relief valve and said second pressure relief valve, with said first pressure relief valve having a fixed lower pressure relief setting than said second pressure relief valve, said second pressure relief valve having a higher fixed higher pressure relief setting than said first pressure relief valve; said regulator being operatively connected to a gas supply source configured to supply gas into and maintain a regulated pressure of said internal volume of said vessel; said tap assembly comprising: a handle that regulates a flow rate of a beverage dispensed from said internal volume of said vessel, wherein said beverage flows out of said tap assembly from an outlet of said tap assembly; said handle having a hold-open position that provides a fixed flow rate and pressure of said beverage flowing from said spout; an adapter attachable to said spout, said adapter being comprised of a plate configured to impinge said beverage to introduce microbubbles into said beverage flowing past said plate at a fixed flow rate and pressure prior to said beverage exiting said spout; wherein said gas is infused into said beverage using said gas regulator assembly prior to said beverage being impinged.

[0038] In any aspect of the invention, the gas canister or cylinder may be reusable or refillable.

[0039] Various aspects of the invention may be considered as providing an upgrade or upgrades to an existing beverage device for enhancing the versatility and / or functionality thereof.

[0040] In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for fermenting a beverage may be about 2.2 bar for a normal brew (e.g. a carbonated beverage).

[0041] In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for fermenting a beverage may be about 0.2 bar for a nitro brew (e.g. a nitrogenated beverage).

[0042] In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for conditioning a beverage may be about 2.2 bar for a normal brew (e.g. a carbonated beverage) such as at the start of conditioning, and / or about 1 .2 bar for a normal brew (e.g. a carbonated beverage) such as at the end of conditioning. In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for conditioning a beverage may be about 2.5 bar for a nitro brew (e.g. a nitrogenated beverage) such as at the start and / or end of conditioning. The pressure may be maintained substantially constant during conditioning.

[0043] In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for tapping or dispensing a beverage may be about 1.2 bar for a normal brew (e.g. a carbonated beverage) such as at the initial tapping or dispensing of the beverage.

[0044] In any aspect of the invention, a pressure (e.g. in the vessel) used for tapping or dispensing a beverage may be about 2.5 bar for a nitro brew (e.g. a nitrogenated beverage) such as at the initial tapping or dispensing of the beverage.

[0045] In each aspect, optional features are set out in the dependent claims. However, it will be appreciated that the aspects are all interrelated to varying degrees, and any single feature or independently selected combination of features presented with respect to a given aspect or aspects of the invention may be provided in any other aspect of the invention.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example beverage device according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the beverage device of FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the beverage device taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 with a tap assembly of the beverage device removed therefrom.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second end of the beverage device.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates an example cap and collector according to an embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 6A illustrates an example gas supply and regulator assembly according to an embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 6B illustrates a sectional view of a beverage device according to another embodiment, taken along line 6B-6B in FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 7A illustrates a partial, front perspective view of an example vessel of a beverage device.

[0056] FIG. 7B illustrates partial, rear perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 7A.

[0057] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an example tap assembly of a beverage device.

[0058] FIG. 8B illustrates a sectional view of the tap assembly of FIG. 8A taken along plane 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C illustrates an exploded perspective view of the tap assembly of FIG. 8A.

[0059] FIG. 8D illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example actuator assembly.

[0060] FIG. 8E illustrates a sectional view of the tap assembly of FIG. 8A taken along line 8E-8E in FIG. 8A.

[0061] FIGS. 8F and 8G illustrate sectional views of the tap assembly and the beverage device taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0062] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side views of an example tap assembly.

[0063] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective views of an example adapter of a tap assembly according to embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 10C illustrates a sectional view of an example spout and adapter of a tap assembly according to an embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 10D illustrates a sectional view of the tap assembly taking along line 10D-10D of FIG. 8B.

[0066] FIG. 10E illustrates a sectional view of the tap assembly taken along line 10E-10E of FIG. 10D.

[0067] FIG. 11 A illustrates a side, sectional view of a beverage device according to another embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 11 B illustrate a side view of a beverage device according to another embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 1 1 C illustrates an example gas supply compartment and door for a beverage device according to an embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 11 D illustrates an example gas supply compartment and cover or flap for a beverage device according to an embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 12A illustrates a front view of an example beverage device according to another embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom, perspective view of an example beverage device according to another embodiment, wherein the beverage defines a storage compartment.

[0073] FIG. 12C illustrates a bottom, perspective view of an example beverage device according to another embodiment, wherein the beverage device defines a storage compartment.

[0074] FIG. 13A illustrates a side, sectional view of an example beverage device according another embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 14A illustrates a side view of an example beverage device shown in relation to a gas supply assembly therefor.

[0076] FIG. 14B-18E illustrate various examples of gas supply cartridges for beverage devices according to embodiments.

[0077] FIG. 19 illustrates an example methodology of making a beverage according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates another example methodology of making a beverage according to another embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 21 illustrates another example methodology of making a beverage according to another embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 22A illustrates a beverage device according to another embodiment, schematically depicting a beverage device, ingredients for the beverage device, hopper attachments for the beverage device, spout attachments for the beverage device, a cartridge and a gas canister for the cartridge.

[0080] FIG. 22B illustrates an example platform of kits, accessories, and cartridges compatible with the beverage device of FIG. 22A.

[0081] FIG. 23A illustrates another example of spout attachment for a beverage device or beverage making system.

[0082] FIG. 23B illustrates various examples of interchangeable spout attachments for a beverage device or beverage making system.

[0083] FIG. 24 illustrates other example methodologies of making a beverage according to embodiments.

[0084] FIG. 25 illustrates another example methodology of making a beverage according to an embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of beverage device according to an embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 27 illustrates a sectional view of the beverage device of FIG. 26.

[0087] FIG. 28 illustrates the beverage device of FIG. 26 on a refrigerator shelf.

[0088] FIG. 29A illustrates an example beverage making system including a beverage device and a utility dock according to an embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 29B illustrates a bottom view of the utility dock, illustrating feet thereof.

[0090] FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic representation of the beverage making system of FIG. 29A.

[0091] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the example beverage making system of FIG. 29A.

[0092] FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a beverage making system according to another embodiment.

[0093] FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a beverage making system according to another embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of a utility dock according to another embodiment.

[0095] FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate a lower perspective view of a beverage device compatible with the utility dock of FIG. 34.

[0096] FIG. 35C illustrates a front view of an example beverage making system with a utility dock and a beverage device, wherein the vessel of the beverage device is shown exposed.

[0097] FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate various examples of gas inlet ports of vessels according to embodiments.

[0098] FIGS. 37A-37C illustrate schematic representations of a tap assembly for a beverage device with an in-line gas diffusion device, according to embodiments.

[0099] FIG. 38 illustrates an example beverage making system with a utility dock configured to support a beverage device in an upright orientation.

[0100] FIG. 39 illustrates an example utility cap and measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 40 illustrates an example methodology of producing a beverage according to an embodiment.

[0102] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0103] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

[0105] Furthermore, as herein disclosed, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and variations thereof are intended to note that the described features are equal or approximately equal to a value or characteristic, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors. For example, the term “substantially” is intended to denote values or characteristics that are exact or within 15% of exact, for example within 10% of exact, or within 5% of exact. As another example, the term “about” can denote values within .5 of a degree to 1 degree of exact.

[0106] “Signal,” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more electrical signals, including analogue or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

[0107] “Logic," synonymous with "circuit" as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and / or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device and / or controller. Logic may also be fully embodied as software.

[0108] "Software", as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more computer readable and / or executable instructions that cause a computer, logic, or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, and / or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system or other type of executable instructions. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, and / or the desires of a designer / programmer or the like.

[0109] While the above exemplary definitions have been provided, it is Applicant's intention that the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with this specification be used for these and other terms.

[0110] The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing (e.g., brewing) gas-infused beverages (e.g., carbonated or nitrogenated beverages), for example, gas-infused beers (e.g., a nitrogenated stout), ciders, nitrogenated coffees, sodas, teas, carbonated flavoured waters, hard seltzers, kombucha, sparkling wines, and the like. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the beverage device 10 may include a first end 12 and a second end 14 spaced apart and connected via a sidewall 16. In the embodiment shown, the wall 16 is a circumferential side wall extending between the first end 12 and the second end 16 about a longitudinal axis x of the beverage device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the beverage device 10 includes a vessel 15 therein defining first and second openings 12a, 12b at the first end 12 thereof. Fermentation ingredients (e.g., malt, yeast, water, etc.) may be supplied into an interior volume 20 of the vessel 15 via the first opening 12a. A cap 22 or collector 24 (FIG. 5) may be provided to close and seal the first opening 12a. In some embodiments, the cap 22 and collector 24 may comprise a first thread pattern, and the first opening 12a may define a second thread pattern configured to rotatably engage the first thread pattern to secure the cap 22 or collector 24 to the beverage device 10. The collector 24 embodies structure for capturing waste, for example, yeast, during a fermentation process when the beverage device is in an upright configuration, e.g., wherein the first end 12 is facing toward a support surface. The second opening 12b is configured to receive an inlet 102 (FIG. 7 A) of a tap assembly 100, as discussed in detail below.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second end 14 of the beverage device 10 may define a first opening 14a and a second opening 14b extending between an internal volume 20 of the vessel 15 and the second end 14. The first opening 14 may be dimensioned to receive a first valve 26 (e.g., a pressure relief valve) operable to expel gas from the internal volume 20 of the vessel 15 when the pressure therein (e.g., in a head space - FIG. 6B) attains or exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold or pressure relief setting. In some embodiments, the first valve 26 may be operable to adjust the corresponding pressure relief setting thereof. For example, it is contemplated that the first valve 26 may be operable at a plurality of pressure settings via a rotatable actuator or dial. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the first valve 26 may comprise a rotatable actuator configured to vary the resistance of the valve (and corresponding pressure relief setting thereof), for example, valve 770 disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0267701 , which is incorporated by reference for all that it contains. The second opening 14b may be dimensioned to receive a second valve 28 (e.g., a pressure relief valve). The second valve 28 may comprise features similar to the first valve 26, or alternatively may be set to a fixed pressure relief setting. In some embodiments, the second opening 14b may define a port for supplying additional beverage ingredients into the internal volume 20, for example, ingredients (e.g., hops, flavourings) required after fermentation has begun. In other embodiments, the first or second opening 14a or 14b may be dimensioned and define a contour configured to engage with and receive an accessory (e.g., a pressure gauge, a thermometer, a timer, a heater, a threaded bottle containing ingredients (e.g., hop oils, flavourings, etc.)) comprising a mating contour. In some embodiments, the first or the second opening 14a or 14b may comprise a thread pattern, or a female quick-connect coupler (e.g., a spring-loaded quick connect fitting) configured to engage with a male quickconnect coupler on the accessory.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the first or the second opening 14a or 14b (FIG. 4), may instead receive or be operatively connected to a regulator assembly 50 that is configured to supply gas into the internal volume 20 of the vessel 15 and regulate a pressure therein. The regulator assembly 50 may include some or all of a switch 52, a first pressure relief valve 54, a second pressure relief valve 56, and a regulator 58. The switch 52 may be operable to switch between the first pressure relief valve 54 and the second pressure relief valve 56. In some embodiments, the switch is a manual switch, although it is contemplated that an automatic switch may be used for this purpose, as discussed in detail below. The first pressure relief valve 54 may be operable at a fixed, low-pressure relief setting, and the second pressure relief valve 56 may be operable at a fixed, high-pressure relief setting. The regulator 58 may be operably connected to a gas supply source 60 configured to supply gas into and maintain a regulated pressure of the internal volume 20 of the vessel 15. In such embodiments, the gas supply source may comprise a nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a nitrogen / carbon dioxide mixture, e.g., a beer gas such as 70% N2 and 30% CO2. Referring to FIG. 6B, another example of a beverage device 13 is shown that defines an internal compartment 13a therein for accommodating a gas supply assembly 70 comprising a regulator assembly 55 and a gas supply source 65, e.g., a small, reusable cylinder, as discussed in detail below. In such embodiments, the gas supply assembly 70 may be fluidly connected to the internal volume 20 via a supply conduit or pipe 75. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that a regulator assembly (e.g., 50 in FIG. 6A) may be fluidly connected to the internal volume 20 through openings (e.g., 17a, 17b in the embodiment shown) in the beverage device 13 that traditionally are provided to receive a pressure relief valve (e.g., 26) therethrough. It is also contemplated that one of the openings may be closed via a plug 23 when drawing gas from the gas supply assembly 70.

[0113] Turning now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, partial front views of the vessel 15 of the beverage device 10 of FIG. 1 are shown with the tap assembly 100 attached thereto such that an inlet 102 thereof is extended through the second opening 12b (FIG. 3). In the embodiment shown, the tap assembly 100 is attached to an inlet 11 of the vessel 15 that defines the second opening 12b (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, a connector 106 may be used to connect the tap assembly 100 to the inlet 11 . The connector 106 defines an internal thread pattern that is configured to rotatably engage a mating thread pattern formed on a flange 11 a of the inlet 11 . Yet, it is contemplated that the tap assembly 100 may be connected to the inlet 11 in other ways, for example, via removable fasteners (e.g., set screws, self-locking fasteners), removable pins, resilient snaps, clips, quick connect couplers or fittings, spring loaded detent pins, and the like. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8G, the tap assembly 100 includes a body 108 (FIG. 8A) comprising a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130. The first portion 110 includes a spout 112 extending downward therefrom that defines an outlet 104 of the tap assembly 100. An annular, threaded opening 112a (FIG. 8F) extends into the spout 112 and is configured to rotatably engage a mating, thread of an adapter 150 (FIG. 10B), as discussed in detail below. A pair of protrusions 176 (FIG. 8A) are disposed on opposite sides of the first portion 110. Each protrusion 176 may be shaped and dimensioned to engage with a mating slot 142 formed in a respective arm 144 of a removable handle 140, e.g., that may be removed when the beverage device is in an upright configuration and connected to a collector (e.g., 24 in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the protrusions 176 and slots 142 may be dimensioned and configured such that the protrusions 176 are snapped into place when the protrusions 176 are fully extended into and received by the slots 142.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, an actuator assembly 170 may be arranged in the body 108 (e.g., the first portion 110 thereof) and be operable to adjust a flow rate of fluid (e.g., beer, a carbonated seltzer) flowing through the tap assembly 100. Specifically, the actuator assembly 170 may include a pair of opposing arms 172 (FIG. 8D) each defining openings 172a, 172b dimensioned to receive and engage with a respective end of a guide pin 180a, 180b. In the embodiment shown, the protrusions 176 are formed on opposite sides of the arms 172 and extend laterally outward therefrom and through openings 110a (FIG. 8C) formed in the first portion 110 of the body 108 (on opposing sides thereof).

[0115] The tap assembly 100 may also include a shank 196 (FIG. 8B) with a piston 200 attached thereto, and a plate 190 formed on a distal end 196a of the shank 196. The plate 190 may define guide slots 190a, 190b (FIG. 8D) dimensioned to receive a respective guide pin 180a, 180b of the actuator assembly 170 therethrough. The actuator assembly 170 is operable to at least partially extend or retract the shank 196 (and the piston 200 connected to the shank 196) out of or into the third portion 130 of the body 108, as discussed in detail below.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the piston 200 defines a cavity 200a (FIG. 8C) dimensioned to receive a portion of the shank 196 therein. The shank 196 may be secured to the piston 200 via fasteners (e.g., a set screw, a crimped fitting, or any other suitable fastener) or an adhesive. In the embodiment shown, the piston 200 defines a contoured surface 200b that is dimensioned to be received by a cavity 130a (FIG. 8C) of the third portion 130, wherein the cavity 130a defines a mating contoured inner surface 130b. In some embodiments, the contoured surfaces are conical surfaces, although it is contemplated that the contoured surfaces may comprise other shapes (e.g., curved mating surfaces).

[0117] A spring 210 is attached to the shank 196 and is biased to urge the shank 196 (and the piston 200) in a first direction D1 (e.g., toward a high-pressure zone inside the vessel). A receiving element or seal 211 may be disposed between the piston 200 and the spring 211 and define a space 211a for receiving the spring 210. In the embodiment shown, the seal 211 includes a lip 211 b that engages a proximal end 200c of the piston 200 and is configured to preclude liquid in the tap assembly 100 from entering the space where the spring is arranged. In such embodiments, the spring 210 urges the seal 211 , the piston 200, and the shank 196 in the first direction D1 , e.g., toward a resting or closed position to preclude fluid in the vessel from flowing through the tap assembly 100. A gasket or seal 202 may be disposed about a periphery of the piston 200 to provide a leak-tight seal when the piston 200 is fully extended or nested into the third portion 130, i.e., to the closed position.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8E, the second portion 120 may define a wall 122 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis x of the tap assembly 100. The wall 122 at least partly demarcates an annular chamber 124 of the tap assembly 100. A plurality of openings 120a extend through the wall 122. The openings 120a are positioned radially about a central opening 120b and are configured to permit air (from an external environment) to pass through the wall 122 and into the annular chamber 124, for example, when there is a pressure differential between opposing sides of the wall 122, e.g., when the volume of fluid under gravity creates a negative pressure inside the chamber 124 drawing air therein through the openings 120a. A valve 124 (e.g., an umbrella valve or other suitable one-way valve) may be disposed in the central opening 120b to preclude liquid in the annular chamber 124 from leaking out of the annular chamber 124 when the piston 200 is urged toward the resting or closed position, i.e., when the piston 200 is biased into the third portion 130 of the body 108. This aspect of the present disclosure is advantageous insofar as it precludes the tap assembly 100 from leaking, for example, when residual liquid remains in the annular chamber 124 after the piston 200 has been fully extended or nested into the third portion 130 to preclude fluid from flowing therethrough.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 9A, the handle 140 may be pivoted outwardly (e.g., away from the beverage device) when it is desired to dispense a beverage from the beverage device 10. Specifically, rotating the handle 140 will cause the arms 144 (FIG. 8A) thereof to rotate and urge the protrusions 176 of the actuator assembly (FIG. 8D) to concurrently rotate. The foregoing rotation will cause the arms 172 of the actuator assembly 170 to simultaneously rotate, thereby urging the guide pins 180a, 180b (FIGS. 8D, 8F) of the actuator assembly 170 to move from a first position (FIG. 8F) toward a second position (FIG. 8G). Specifically, the guide pins 180a, 180b will move within the slots 190a, 190b of the plate 190 and concurrently urge the plate 190 and the shank 196 to extend out of the third portion 130 and move forward (e.g., away from the beverage device 10). In the embodiment shown, pin 180a is a driver pin (e.g., configured to urge the shank 196 to extend (forward) or retract (rearward)), and pin 180b embodies a pivot pin, enabling the handle 140 to pivot. The forward motion of the shank 196 will cause the piston 200 to also move forward by virtue of their connection, thereby permitting a liquid (e.g., a pressurised liquid in the vessel 20 - FIG. 3) to flow into the inlet 102 (FIG. 7B) of the tap assembly and through an annular channel 134 that is created between the piston 200 and the third portion 130 (e.g., between an outer, contoured surface of the piston and an inner, contoured surface ofthe third portion 130). As the handle 140 is rotated, the piston 200 will continue to move forward, thereby enlarging the annular channel 134 such that the flow rate of liquid flowing therethrough is gradually increased based on the corresponding rotation of the handle 140, i.e., as the gap between the piston 200 and the inner surface of the third portion 130 is gradually increased. Yet, it should be understood that rotating the handle 140 in the opposite direction will decrease the flow rate of fluid flowing through the annular channel 134, as the annular channel 134 is reduced, i.e., as the gap between the piston 200 and inner surface of the third portion is gradually decreased. In this manner, the tap assembly of the present disclosure provides for a variable flow rate control of fluid flowing through the tap assembly 100, which is particularly advantageous in such embodiments wherein the pressure in the vessel is gradually decreased (as the head space is increased), which otherwise would cause the flow rate of fluid through the tap assembly to decrease progressively as the pressure decreases (absent flow rate control).

[0120] When the guide pins 190a, 180b reach distal ends 191 a, 191 b of the slots 190a, 190b, the piston 200 will be positioned at a maximum flow rate setting (FIG. 9B), as discussed in detail below. In the embodiment shown, slot 190a defines a seat 190c configured to receive pin 180a as it is moved downward via the rotation of the handle 140. When pin 180a is received by the seat 190c, it will lock the handle to prevent the spring 210 from urging the piston 200 back into a retracted or nested position in the third portion 130, i.e., to facilitate maintaining the maximum flow rate setting when the handle 140 is let go. As shown in FIG. 8G, liquid flowing through the annular channel 134 is deposited into an annular chamber 124 of the second portion 110, whereupon it continues to flow into a channel 114 of the first portion 110. The channel 114 includes a first portion 114a that opens to the annular chamber 124 (to fluidly connect the annular chamber to the channel), and a second portion 114b fluidly connected to the first portion 110 and defining the outlet 104 of the tap assembly 100 (i.e., an outlet of the spout 112 thereof).

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, an adaptor or nozzle 150 may be removably attached to the spout 112 of the tap assembly 100 to alter the pressure and flow characteristics of a liquid dispensed through the spout 112. In particular, the nozzle 150 may include a proximal portion 152 (FIG. 10B), a distal portion 154, and a central portion 156 therebetween. The central portion 156 may define a thread pattern configured to rotatably engage the annular, threaded opening 112a (FIG. 10C) of the spout 112 to secure the nozzle 150 to the spout 120. In some embodiments the nozzle 150 may be integrally formed with the spout 112, e.g., instead of being provided as a separate component. It is also contemplated that the nozzle 150 may be connected to the spout 112 in different ways, for example, via resilient snaps, magnets, clips, spring loaded detent pins, quick-coupler fittings (e.g., spring-loaded quick connect fittings), and the like.

[0122] The proximal portion 152 defines an upright 158 that is shaped and dimensioned to extend into the channel 114 (second portion 114b thereof - FIG. 10C) of the spout 112. A pair of notches 160 (FIG. 10B) may be formed on opposite sides of the upright 158. Each notch 160 may define one or more openings 160a for defining inlets for introducing a pressurised, gas-infused beverage into the nozzle 150 from the channel 114. In addition, an opening 154a may extend through the distal portion 154 of the nozzle 150 to define an outlet for tapping a beverage flowing out of the nozzle 150.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 10D, the openings 160a of the upright 158 may be fluidly connected to channels 160b extending through a pair of, oppositely disposed walls 162 inside the upright 158. A plate 166 (FIG. 10E) may be disposed between the walls 162. Beneath the plate 166, the nozzle 150 may define a chamber 164a delimited by a circumferential wall 164 of the nozzle 150.

[0124] An example operation of the tap assembly 100 and nozzle 150 will now be described with respect to tapping a pressurised, gas-infused beverage, e.g., a nitrogenated stout. As noted above, rotating the handle 140 outward (FIG. 9A) will cause the piston 200 in the tap assembly 100 to extend out (FIG. 8G) of the third portion 130 of the body 108. A continuing rotation of the handle 140 will cause the flow rate of the pressurised, gas-infused beverage to increase, namely as the annular channel 134 between the piston 200 and the third portion 130 is enlarged via the forward extension of the piston 200, e.g., in a second direction D2. When the handle 140 is rotated to a maximum, fixed position, the flow rate of the tap assembly 100 will be at a maximum, flow rate setting. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the maximum, flow rate setting may be set and maintained via resilient snaps, clips, magnets, spring loaded detent pins, and the like, to restrain the piston 200 from being urged back toward a rest or closed position via the spring 210.

[0125] At the maximum flow rate setting, the pressurised, gas-infused beverage will flow through the annular channel 134 (FIG. 8G), whereupon it enters the annular chamber 124 and continues to flow into the channel 114. The gas-infused beverage flowing through the channel 114 will enter the nozzle 150 (FIG. 10D) and be forced into the openings 160a of the upright 158 thereof and into the channels 160b therein, whereupon it impinges the plate 166 (FIG. 10E) upon exiting the channels 160b. In some embodiments, the openings 160a and the channels 160b may have a diameter between about 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, or between about 0.4 and 0.6 mm, or about 0.5 mm. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that a gas supply source (e.g., 60 in FIG. 6A or other examples of gas supply assemblies described herein) may be operatively connected to the vessel 15 (FIG. 3) to pressurise the head space (FIG. 6B) of the interior volume 20, and infuse gas into the beverage contained therein, e.g., to infuse carbon dioxide, nitrogen or gas mixture, including, but not limited to beer gas (e.g., a nitrogen / carbon dioxide mixture).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 10E, the pressurised, gas-infused beverage impinging the plate 166 will flow down into an enlarged volume of the nozzle 150, defined by the chamber 164a thereof. This aspect of the present disclosure is particularly beneficial for producing microbubbles in the resulting beverage that is dispensed from the adapter 150. For example, a stout beer (e.g., a dark beer) is typically pressurised and infused with a beer gas, for example, a nitrogen / carbon dioxide mixture, e.g., 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide. As the pressurised, gas infused stout is forced into the channels 160b, the beer gas (e.g., nitrogen) dissolved in the liquid will escape at the outlet of the channels 160b, thereby encouraging the formation of microbubbles in the resulting stout flowing through the chamber 164a. The formation of microbubbles in the dispensed stout will give it a velvety / frothy texture and a cascading effect as it settles into a beverage container receiving the stout as it is dispensed from the tap assembly 100. In such embodiments, the chamber 164a embodies a flow-straightening section (via its enlarged cross-sectional area), that facilitates changing a turbulent flow of liquid exiting the channels 160b into a slow, clean, continuous column of liquid before being dispensed into a beverage container below.

[0127] While the foregoing example relates to an adapter 150 for tapping a nitrogenated stout, it should be understood that other types of adapters 150 may devised and utilised to produce other types of beverages, for example, a carbonated water, a nitro-infused coffee, a carbonated cider, etc. In this manner, it should be understood that the tap assembly 100 of the present disclosure is versatile, insofar as it may be configured to receive different types of adapters, corresponding to different beverages (e.g., seltzers, stouts, lagers, IPAs, coffees (e.g., nitrogen cold brewed coffees), and the like.

[0128] Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 14B, various examples of a regulated gas supply for pressurising the vessel 15 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B - the head space therein) and infusing gas into the beverage therein (e.g., carbonating or nitrogenating a beverage) will now be described. As noted above, a gas supply source (e.g., 60 in FIG. 6A) and a regulator assembly (e.g., 50 in FIG. 6A) may be operatively connected to the beverage device 10 (FIG. 3) to pressurise the head space (FIG. 6B) and infuse gas into the beverage therein. In some embodiments, the regulator assembly may be configured to pressurise the fluid, e.g., by including a conduit that supplies pressurised gas directly into the fluid (to agitate the fluid), as discussed in detail below. Pressurising the head space (or the fluid) in this manner is particularly beneficial for dissolving or infusing gases having a low solubility into the beverage, for example, nitrogen, which has a low solubility at atmospheric pressure. For instance, when brewing a nitrogenated stout, the pressure in the head space of the vessel preferably is regulated and maintained at a low or first pressure between about .1 bar and .04 bar, or about .2 bar during fermentation, and at a high or second pressure between about 2.0 to 3.0 bar, or at about 2.5 bar when conditioning and tapping the beer. Maintaining a high pressure in the head space of the vessel 15 encourages the infusion of gas (e.g., a beer gas such as 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide) into the beverage (e g., beer) therein. Because the head space increases (see, e g., dotted lines in FIG. 6B) as the gas-infused beverage is tapped from the beverage device 10, additional gas must be supplied to the vessel 15 to maintain the pressure and composition of gas in the head space and in the beverage in the vessel, e.g., to maintain a fixed proportion of nitrogen and carbon dioxide that is infused into the beer when the pressure in the head space is regulated via a gas supply assembly or regulator assembly.

[0129] For this purpose, in one embodiment, the regulator assembly 50 (FIG. 6A) may be operable in a low- pressure relief setting (e.g., during fermentation), and in a high-pressure relief setting (e.g., during condition and tapping). For instance, the regulator assembly 50 may be manually switched from the first pressure relief valve 54 (e.g., set at a low-pressure relief setting during fermentation), to the second pressure relief valve 56 (e.g., set at a high-pressure relief setting when conditioning and / or tapping the stout) via the switch 52 (FIG. 6A). In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the switch 52 (FIG. 6A) may automatically switch the regulator assembly 50 from the first pressure relief valve 54 to the second pressure relief valve 56, for example, when a component of the beverage device 10 is altered or removed in between fermentation and conditioning. In some embodiments, the automatic switchover may be prompted (via a switch) when the collector 24 (for yeast - FIG. 5) is removed from the beverage device 10 after fermentation. In such embodiments, the regulator assembly (FIG. 6A) may be plumbed to an external environment to expel gas exceeding the predetermined pressure relief settings of the first and second pressure relief valves 54 and 66. For this purpose, the beverage device 10 may comprise internal conduit or pipes (see, e.g., 76 in FIG. 6B) extending between the first and second pressure relief valves 54 and 56 to an external environment through a side wall of the beverage device 10. Alternatively, the first and second pressure relief valves 54 and 56 may be disposed about a wall of the beverage device 10 (e.g., like 26 in FIG. 3) and fluidly connected to the interior volume 20 of the vessel 15 or head space (FIG. 6B) thereof this purpose.

[0130] The regulator 58 (FIG. 6A) may be operable to maintain the pressure within the vessel 15 (FIG. 3). Specifically, the regulator 58 may include an inlet port 58a (FIG. 6A) fluidly connected to the gas supply 60, and an outlet port 58b fluidly connected to a conduit or pipe (e.g., 75 in FIG. 6B) extending in a space between the vessel 15 and exterior wall of the beverage device 10 (or extending through one of the first and second openings 14a, 14b (FIG. 4) of the beverage device 10 in such embodiments where the regulator assembly 50 is arranged outside of the beverage device 10). The regulator 58 may include a valve actuating diaphragm that is deflected when pressure in the head space of the vessel 15 rises to a predetermined value or regulated pressure setting (e.g., 2.5 bar), thereby closing the outlet 58b to discontinue the flow of gas into the vessel 15. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a single or double stage regulator may be used for this purpose. As the pressure in the vessel 15 decreases (e.g., below the predetermined value), the regulator 58 of the regulator assembly will open the outlet 58b to supply additional gas (e.g., a beer gas) into the vessel 15, thereby maintaining the regulated pressure in the head space (FIG. 6B). In some embodiments, the regulator 58 may be set to a first regulated pressure (e.g., a low-pressure during fermentation), and a second regulated pressure (e.g., a high-pressure during conditioning and tapping). The first and second regulated pressure settings are preferably set to values slightly below the first and second pressure relief settings of the first and second pressure relief valves 54, 56, respectively, to avoid expelling gas from the head space wastefully. In some embodiments, the beverage device may automatically switch from the first regulated pressure to the second regulated pressure when the beverage device is altered, or a component is removed therefrom, for example, when the collector 24 (FIG. 5) is removed after fermentation. It is contemplated that a switch (e.g., a magnetic switch such as a reed switch) may be used for this purpose to detect when the collector 24 has been removed.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 1 1A-11 D, another example of a beverage device 100 is shown wherein the device 100 includes a regulator assembly 150 and a gas supply 160 in a compartment 100a therein. In such embodiments, the gas supply 160 is a reusable cylinder that contains an appropriate gas mixture for the desired beverage to be brewed, e.g., carbon dioxide for a seltzer, nitrogen for a cold-brew coffee, a beer gas for a stout, etc. For instance, when brewing a nitrogenated stout, the gas supply 160 may comprise a nitrogen / carbon dioxide mixture (e.g., 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide) that is connected to the regulator assembly 150. An outlet of the regulator assembly 150 may be fluidly connected to an internal pipe or conduit 170 extending between the vessel 150 and an exterior wall of the beverage device. The pipe or conduit 170 may be configured to supply gas to an opening (see, e.g., 79 in FIG. 6B) of the vessel 150. In some embodiments, the beverage device 100 may include a flap or cover 180 that may be opened or removed to grant access to the gas supply 160 and the regulator assembly 150 in the compartment 100a. In such embodiments, the beverage device 100 may include a pressure selector 182 (e.g., a dial) that is operable or rotatable to select from a plurality of regulated pressure settings, for example, a low, an intermediate, or a high regulated pressure setting. As shown in FIG. 11C, the cover may embody a door 190 that pivots open about a pivot axis 190a to grant access to the compartment 100a.

[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, another example of a beverage device 200 is shown that defines a compartment 200a that may be accessed by opening a door 200a that pivots about a pivot axis 280a. In this embodiment, the compartment 200a is located adjacent to a bottom of the beverage device, for example, when the beverage device is arranged in a horizontal orientation (e.g., during conditioning). In some embodiments, the compartment 200a may define space for other components of the beverage device 200, including, but not limited to, a tap assembly 300 (FIG .12C) or brewing ingredients. In this manner, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of arrangements are contemplated for accommodating the gas supply, regulator assembly, and other components of the beverage device.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 12A, the beverage device 200 may include a switch 290 operable to select a desired brewing process, for example, to select between a nitrogenated brew (e.g., Nitro) or a carbonated brew. In the embodiment shown, the switch is a slider. It is contemplated that the switch may take on different forms, for example, a rocker switch. In such embodiments, actuating the switch 290 will adjust a regulated pressure setting of the regulator assembly (e.g., 150 in FIG. 11 A). In this manner, actuating the switch 290 may effect a pressure adjustment by adjusting a position of a valve actuating diaphragm. In some embodiments, actuating the switch 290 may change between a first pressure relief valve (operable in a low-pressure relief setting) and a second pressure relief valve (operable in a high-pressure relief setting). In some embodiments, the beverage device 200 may also include a switch (e.g., a slider, a rocker switch) or dial 292 to turn on / off the regulated gas supply. For instance, in some embodiments, a brewer may desire to brew a carbonated beverage that does not require a regulated pressure setting, e.g., wherein carbon dioxide generated during fermentation of brewing ingredients (e.g., yeast, a malt extract, water) is harvested to carbonate the beverage (e.g., beer) in the vessel.

[0134] Turning now to FIGS. 13A-15, other examples of gas supply arrangements will be described. As shown in FIG. 13A, a beverage device 400 (according to another embodiment) may include a cradle 450 dimensioned to accommodate and receive a gas supply assembly 470, including a reusable cylinder 472 and a regulator 474. In such embodiments, the regulator 474 may be shaped and dimensioned to be received by the cradle 450, for example, in a snap-fit manner. For this purpose, the cradle 450 may comprise a receiving dock 450a (e.g., comprising a swivel fitting, a quick-connect coupler (e.g., a spring- loaded coupler, a cam-lock, push-to-connect fitting, a socket and sleeve-lock style, a quick-connect hose coupling, and the like) to connect to the regulator 474 to the receiving dock 450a. This aspect of the present disclosure enables an easy changeover of the gas supply assembly, for example, when it is desired to use a different gas mixture (e.g., a 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide blend versus 100% nitrogen) based on the particular beverage to be brewed. In such embodiments, the regulator 474 may include mating features or fittings that enable the regulator to be snapped into the cradle 450a, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the gas in the cylinder 472 and the pipe or conduit 470 of the vessel 400.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 14A, another example of a beverage device 500 is shown wherein the exterior wall has been partially-sectioned to expose a compartment 500a therein. In this embodiment, the beverage device 500 includes a receiving dock 550 that is shaped and dimensioned to engage and mate with the external contour of a cartridge 570, comprising a reusable gas cylinder 572 and a regulator 574. The cartridge 570 may contain a designated gas mixture and regulator (configured to regulate at a predetermined pressure setting) based on the desired beverage to be brewed. In some embodiments, the cartridge 570 may comprise a beer gas (e.g., 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide) with a regulator that is configured to regulate the pressure in the head space (FIG. 6B) at a predetermined pressure setting (e.g., at about 2.5 bar), for example, when conditioning and tapping a nitrogenated beverage. In other embodiments, the cartridge 570 may comprise a 100% nitrogen mixture, for example, when nitrogenating a coffee, or a 100% carbon dioxide mixture, when carbonating a beverage contained in the beverage device, e.g., to produce seltzer water. In some embodiments, the cartridge 570 may include a switch 576 (FIG. 14B) operable to turn on the gas supply and initiate a flow of gas into the vessel. In such embodiments, the cartridge 570 preferably comprises a reusable gas cylinder that may be recycled or sent back to the manufacturer or distributor, for example, after collecting a predetermined number of used cartridges. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the manufacturer of the beverage device and / or supplier of brewing ingredients may incentivise the user to collect the used cartridges via a discount, a free cartridge, or beverage ingredient kit (e.g., for a future brew) to encourage recycling. In some embodiments, the reusable gas cylinder 572 is a compressed-gas cylinder (e.g., a lightweight gas cylinder made from steel, stainless steel, or a composite material (e.g., carbon fibre reinforced polymer)) that has a fitting (e.g., one or more protrusions, grooves, openings dimensioned or arranged in a distinct pattern) configured to engage a mating fitting (e.g., one or more protrusions, grooves, openings dimensioned or arranged in a distinct pattern in the regulator). In some embodiments, when the fitting engages the mating fitting, the regulator and the cylinder may be fluidly connected.

[0136] Turning now to FIG. 15, another example of a cartridge 670 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the cartridge 670 includes a door 672 that pivots about a pivot axis 672a to restrict or grant access to an internal compartment 670a therein. The door 672 may include a contoured surface or wedge 674 configured to engage a mating contoured surface or wedge 676 in the compartment 670a to urge a reusable gas cylinder 682 therein into engagement with a regulator 684 ofthe cartridge 674 (e.g., in a direction T1), thereby fluidly connecting the gas in the gas cylinder 682 to the regulator 684. Although it is contemplated that the cartridge may take on other forms. For example, referring to FIG. 16, a cartridge 770 according to another embodiment may include a sliding door 772 configured to slide relative to a housing 774 that partly accommodates a reusable gas cylinder 682 therein. The housing 774 and the door 772 may comprise an internal contour corresponding to the shape of a gas cylinder, thereby precluding the cylinder from moving when received by the cartridge. Sliding the door 772 closed may prompt a switch (e.g., a magnetic reed switch or other suitable switch) to fluidly connect the cylinder to a regulator therein. The cartridge 770 of the present embodiment may be used to pressurise the head space in the vessel, for example, during fermentation (when the beverage device is in an upright orientation to encourage the collection of yeast in a collector (e.g., 5), or conditioning, when the beverage device is in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the beverage device (see, e.g., 700 in FIG. 16) may include an access port (e.g., 770) for the cartridge, which fluidly connects gas in the cylinder to the vessel in the beverage device when it is received by the access port, e.g., when extended into the access port and secured or snapped into place. In such embodiments, the gas cylinder 682 may be removed from the cartridge 770 after a brewing phase, e.g., after fermentation, and replaced with another gas cylinder (comprising the same or another gas mixture) for conditioning. It is contemplated that the gas cylinder may include a mating feature, prompting the regulator in the cartridge to automatically switch from a first pressure setting to a second pressure setting, e.g., a protrusion that engages a switch in the cartridge 770 when conditioning, e.g., to activate a high-pressure setting. It is contemplated that each cartridge may include a unique mating feature, for example, a protrusion disposed at a certain location that is configured to contact a switch, prompting the beverage device to regulate at a certain pressure setting, corresponding to a certain beverage type. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that each cartridge (or cylinder therein) may be colour coded, or comprise unique indicia distinguishing the cartridge (or cylinder) from others based on the gas infused beverage that is brewed or made, e.g., a red for an IPA, a brown for a stout, etc.

[0137] Turning now to FIGS. 17A-18C, other various examples of cartridges are shown. As shown in FIG. 17A, a cartridge 870 may include a pivoting door 872 configured to pivot about a pivot axis 872a between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the door 872 urges a cylinder 874 therein into engagement with a regulator 876 for fluidly connecting gas in the cylinder to the regulator. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 17B, a cartridge 970 may include a housing 972 (containing a regulator therein) and a cradle 974 defining an internal contour conforming to the shape of a gas cylinder 976. In such embodiments, the cradle 974 may be slid into the housing, thereby causing the gas cylinder to fluidly connect with the regulator, for example, when the cradle is fully extended into the housing.

[0138] Turning now to FIGS. 18A-18E, another example of a cartridge 980 is shown. In this embodiment, the cartridge 980 includes a cradle 984 for a cylinder 974. The cradle 984 may be shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a contour of the cylinder 974.

[0139] In some embodiments, the cartridge 980 may include a regulator 986 and a needle 983 (FIG. 18E) configured to pierce a seal (e.g., at distal end thereof) sealing an outlet of the cylinder 974 when the cylinder 974 is received by the cartridge 980, e.g., to fluidly connect the cylinder 974 to the regulator 986. It is contemplated that the gas cylinder 974 may include a mating feature or protrusion 974a configured to engage with or prompt the regulator 986 to automatically switch to a pressure setting corresponding to the type of gas in the cylinder, for example, a pressure setting of 2 bar for carbon dioxide, or a pressure setting of 2.5 bar for nitrogen. For example, the protrusion may be dimensioned to deflect a valve actuating diaphragm to a certain degree or extent corresponding to the pressure setting.

[0140] In the embodiment shown, the cartridge 980 includes an input device (e.g., a slider 985) operable to open an access valve (e.g., to fluidly connect the regulator 986 to a pipe or conduit (e.g., 470 in FIG. 13A) that supplies gas into the vessel). It is contemplated that the input device may take on other forms, for example, any suitable example of an input device disclosed herein.

[0141] In some embodiments, a detector (e.g., a mechanical trigger, a switch (e.g., a reed switch, a plunger switch, a limit switch), a sensor (e.g., an electromagnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, an optical or capacitive proximity sensor, an infrared detector, and the like) inside the beverage device (e.g., 10, 13, 100, 200, 400, 500, 2000, 3010, 4010) may detect when the beverage device is connected to the collector (e.g., 24, 3024), for example, to determine when the beverage device is being used to ferment a beverage. In some embodiments, the detector may detect when the cartridge 980 is received by the beverage device. The detector may engage or actuate a pressure relief valve 987 (with a variable pressure relief setting) inside the cartridge 980, thereby causing the cartridge to control the pressure relief setting of the regulator 986. For instance, the detector (when actuated via the collector attached to the beverage device) may engage or actuate the pressure relief valve 987 to operate at a low-pressure setting, for example, of about .2 bar when fermenting a nitrogenated stout. In other examples, the detector may detect when the collector is removed, for example, to actuate the pressure relief valve 987 to operate at a higher pressure setting (e.g., about 2.5 bar), for example, when conditioning or tapping the beverage.

[0142] Turning now to FIGS. 19-20, example methodologies of producing a beverage (e.g., a beer) will now be described. In one embodiment, a method 1000 may include fermenting beverage ingredients (e.g., ingredients from a kit including wart and yeast) during a fermentation step 1002, wherein the beverage ingredients are inserted into the vessel 2015 (FIG. 22A). In some embodiments, the vessel may be shaken to induce fermentation. In such embodiments, the beverage device (e.g., 2000 in FIG. 22A) may be oriented in an upright orientation, to facilitate the capture of yeast in a collector (e.g., 2024 in FIG. 22A). In such embodiments, a pressure in the head space of the vessel may be associated with the natural fermentation of the beverage ingredients (e.g., the fermentation of yeast, malt, and water, which expels carbon dioxide gas into the head space that may be harvested to carbonate the beverage therein. At step 1004, the beverage device (e.g., 10 in FIG. 3) may be oriented in a horizontal orientation, to commence a conditioning step 1004 (e.g., at a refrigerated temperature), prior to tapping the beverage during a tapping step 1006.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 20, a method 2000 of producing a gas-infused beverage may include similar steps as the method 1000 of FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the method may include a gas infusion step 2008, wherein a pressure in the head space (FIG. 22A) of the vessel 2015 (FIG. 22A) is regulated via a gas supply / gas supply assembly that supplies gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mixture thereof) into the head space or directly into the fluid therein (e.g., via a gas supply port 2017) for example, any example of a gas supply / gas supply assembly disclosed herein. In such embodiments, the gas infusion 2008 may commence before conditioning 2004 the beverage, and continue through tapping 2006, for example, at a regulated, high pressure (e.g., of about 2.5 bar). The gas infusion step 2008 may include supplying a gas (e.g., 100% carbon dioxide, 100% nitrogen, or a beer gas (e.g., 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon)) into the head space (FIG. 22A) of the vessel to maintain the regulated, high pressure and composition of infused gas in the beverage therein. In such embodiments, colder temperatures associated with conditioning step 2004 help encourage the infusion of gas into the beverage, e.g., via a high pressure and low temperature (e.g., a refrigerated temperature of about 30-40 °F). When tapping certain beverages such as a nitrogenated stout, the introduction of a high-pressure gas (e.g., a beer gas) into the head space (or directly into the liquid) of the vessel promotes dissolving the gas into the beer therein, while increasing the flow rate of the beer as it is tapped, e.g., to increase the flow through the nozzle 150 (e.g., FIG. 10E) and encourage the formation of microbubbles in the resulting beer.

[0144] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the gas infusion step 2008 may optionally or alternatively commence during fermentation, for example, at regulated, low pressure (e.g., between about .1 and .6 bar). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the pressure relief valve settings may be set to a value that is slightly higher than the regulated pressure settings, for example, to preclude the loss of valuable gas (e.g., nitrogen or carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof) in the vessel to the atmosphere.

[0145] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that fermentation may be done in a vacuum, to increase the rate of fermentation. For this purpose, it is contemplated that a pump (e.g., a vacuum pump) may be fluidly connected to an opening (e.g., 14A) of the vessel to create a vacuum therein. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that gas (e.g., naturally produced during fermentation) in the head space of the vessel may be harvested while the pressure in the vessel is below atmospheric pressure (e.g., in a vacuum).

[0146] In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the method may not include a fermentation or conditioning step, for example, when carbonating water in the vessel (e.g., 2015) to produce a seltzer, or when producing a beverage (e.g., a beer produced from concentrate (containing alcohol) that is mixed with water). For example, referring to FIG. 25, in some embodiments, making a beverage (e.g., a beer from concentrate) may include inserting beverage ingredients (e.g., concentrate and water) into the vessel (e.g., 2015 in FIG. 22A) during step 9002, and infusing gas (e.g., nitrogen, or carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof) into the vessel (e.g., into the head space, or directly into the liquid as shown in FIG. 22A). The method 9000 may include tapping the beverage at step 9006, for example, via any example of a tap assembly disclosed herein.

[0147] In some embodiments, step 9002 may include inserting water into the vessel (or flavoured water), and then infusing gas into the water at step 9004. In some embodiments, the method 9000 may include inserting a refrigerated, caffeinated product (e.g., coffee) into the vessel at step 9002, and then infusing the caffeinated product with gas to produce, for example, a nitro cold brew. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the pressure relief valve settings may be set to a value that is slightly higher than the regulated pressure settings, for example, to preclude the loss of gas to the atmosphere.

[0148] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a receiving tank or cylinder may be connected to a pressure relief valve, for example, to harvest gas that is produced naturally in the vessel during fermentation (e.g., gas exceeding a pressure relief valve setting) that may subsequently be reintroduced into the vessel, for example, at a regulated pressure requirement that is lower than the pressure of harvested gas in the receiving tank. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the harvested gas may be used to carbonate or nitrogenate beverages (i.e., liquids or fluids) in the vessel. In such embodiments, the receiving tank or cylinder may embody a cylinder (e.g., 682 in FIG. 16) defining an inlet fluidly connected to an opening in the vessel or a pressure relief valve disposed in the opening.

[0149] Referring now to FIG. 22A, an example beverage device 2000 according to another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the beverage device 2000 includes a vessel 2015 defining a gas inlet port 2017 extending through a wall of the vessel 2015. The gas inlet port 2017 is fluidly connected to a gas supply 2070. The gas supply 2070 may include any of a reusable gas cylinder (e.g., any example of a gas cylinder disclosed herein), a regulator or regulator assembly (e.g., any example of a regulator or regulator assembly disclosed herein), or a cartridge, for example a cartridge including a switch 2052, a regulator 2058, a reusable gas canister or cylinder, and a pressure relief valve 2054. The switch 2052 may be operable to switch between the pressure relief valve 2054 and another pressure relief valve 2026 extending through the wall of the vessel 2015. For example, when making a carbonated beverage, pressure relief valve 2026 may be selected (via the switch 2052) and adjusted (to a specific pressure relief setting) to effect a corresponding level of carbonation in the beverage being made. In some embodiments, the carbonation level may be attributed to harvesting carbon dioxide in the vessel 2015 (generated during fermentation) for carbonating the beverage (e.g., beer) therein. In such embodiments, the pressure relief valve 2026 may be set between a plurality of pressure relief settings, e.g., between about .1 bar and 3 bar. The vessel may include a safety valve 2027 that is preset to a fixed pressure relief setting that is slightly higher than the maximum pressure relief setting of pressure relief valves 2054, 2026.

[0150] The location of the gas inlet port 2017 in a bottom wall of the vessel 2015 (as viewed when the beverage device 2000 is in a horizontal orientation) is particularly advantageous to increase the solubility of gas (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof) into the beverage or liquid in the vessel 2015, irrespective of the increasing head space (FIG. 6B) of the vessel. This is because the gas is directly infused into the beverage proximate a bottom wall, such that the increasing head space (and decreasing liquid level in a vertical, downward direction (see, e.g., FIG. 6B)) will not affect the infusion of gas that is in direct contact with the beverage in the vessel 2015. That is, the location of the inlet port maximises direct contact (e.g., surface area contact / agitation) between the pressurised gas (supplied into the vessel 2015 at a high velocity) and the beverage or liquid therein, increasing the level of dissolved gas in the liquid. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that an infusion stone may be used to encourage the infusion of gas into the beverage.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the beverage device 2000 may be configured to receive gas supply cartridges 3020 corresponding to a variety of different beverages, including, but not limited to, cartridges for seltzer water, nitrogenated stout beer, carbonated IPAs or lagers, nitrogenated coffee, etc. In such embodiments, the cartridges may include gas cylinders therein with fittings or mating features compatible with the regulator in the cartridge. This aspect of the present disclosure may preclude the possibility that a gas supply cylinder (containing an unknown mixture from an unknown source) is used with the beverage device, compromising the quality of the resulting beverage made therefrom. Forthis purpose, the cylinders may include a fitting or mating feature (e.g., including, but not limited to, a particular thread / diameter, pattern, protrusion, coupler, or groove) configured to mate with a corresponding mating feature (e.g., a corresponding thread / diameter, pattern, protrusion, coupler, or groove) disposed on the regulator 2058 of the cartridge 2070.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 22B, the beverage device 2000 may be made available as a platform comprising compatible kits and accessories, for example, kits corresponding to beverage recipes 3000 associated with corresponding brewing ingredients (e.g., malt extract for a dark stout, a kit for lager, session IPA, scoby, etc.), adapters 3010 (e.g., 150, 250 in FIGS. 10E, 10F) and cartridges 3020 therefor. As an example, a first kit (or beverage recipe for producing a nitrogenated stout) may call for a ‘A Dark Stout Malt Extract” kit 3000a and a corresponding adapter 3010a suited for the “Dark Stout Malt Extract” kit to be brewed, for example, adapter 150 (FIG. 10E) configured to induce the formation of microbubbles in the stout as nitrogen gas is expelled through the adapter under high pressure conditions (e.g., about 2.5 bar).

[0153] It should be noted that various features in FIG. 22B are linked to corresponding parts of FIG. 22A. In particular:

[0154] The first column of features (indicated at 3000) relates to the features associated with the fresh press, hop oils, malt extract, yeast and cleaning suds, and the arrows to and from those parts.

[0155] The second column of features (indicated at 3010) relates to the features associated with the spout attachments.

[0156] The third column of features (indicated at 3020) generally relate to the features associated with the cartridge and arrows to and from the cartridge and related parts (and also to the bypass setting noted in relation to the variable valve). However, it should be noted that the topmost item in the third column may or may not be associated with the cartridge features in various embodiments.

[0157] The fourth column of features (not indicated perse) relates to specific gases or gas mixtures which are associated with the gas canister indicated in FIG. 22A.

[0158] The fifth column of features (indicated at 3030) relates to features associated with the hopper attachments.

[0159] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that certain cartridges 3020 may be made available corresponding to certain types of beverages, e.g., a Dark Stout Cartridge configured to supply beer gas and regulate a pressure in the vessel at about 2.5 bar for conditioning and tapping the “Dark Stout Malt Extract” recipe. It is also contemplated that a nitrogen cartridge may be configured to infuse nitrogen gas into other types of beverages, for example, a nitrogen infused caffeinated beverage, e.g, at about 1 .5 bar. In some embodiments, the cartridge may embody a carbon dioxide cartridge configured to supply carbon dioxide into the vessel for infusing a beer or water. For instance, a carbon dioxide beer cartridge may be configured to supply carbon dioxide into the vessel, and regulator a pressure thereof between 1 .5 to 2.1 bar, for example, when brewing an IPA or a lager. In some embodiments, the cartridge may be a general purpose carbon dioxide cartridge configured to supply carbon dioxide into the vessel to infuse water or flavoured water. In this manner, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of kits and accessories (compatible with the beverage device 2000) may be made available, making the beverage device versatile for making a variety of gas-infused beverages / recipes. In some embodiments, a beverage recipe 3000 may not require an adapter, for example, such that the beverage being brewed or made directly exits the tap assembly at an outlet 104 (FIG. 10C) of the spout 112.

[0160] In some embodiments, the adapter 3010a may embody an extension configured to reach into a beverage containerwhen brewing a beverage such as an English ale (e.g., a glass receiving the tapped beverage), where the resulting taste and quality of the beverage is associated with the outlet of the tap assembly being in close proximity to a bottom of the beverage container (via the extension). In some embodiments, the adapter may comprise a decanter attachment (see, e.g., FIG. 23A) with a tube 4010 for expelling air in the tapped beverage to an external environment. In this manner, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of adapters may be made available (and be compatible) with the beverage device. In some embodiments, the beverage device may include meters, sensors, timers, or gauges, for instance, to provide the user with feedback concerning the pressure in the vessel, an alcoholic beverage content of the beverage therein, a thermometer sensing the temperature in the vessel, or a timer that may prompt the user to take action, e.g., to switch from fermentation to conditioning. As noted above, the meter (e.g., a gas meter), sensors (e.g., pressure sensor), timers, or gauges (e.g., pressure gauge) may be disposed into an opening of the beverage device, for example, 14a or 14b in FIG. 4.

[0161] Other examples of spout attachments are shown in FIG. 23B.

[0162] The left-most image in FIG. 23B depicts a second example of a spout attachment for in-line gas infusion is like the adapter or nozzle discussed previously.

[0163] The middle-left image in FIG. 23B depicts a second example of a spout attachment intended for use in dispensing a beverage at or close to the base of a beverage container, such as a beer tankard or glass (e.g. pint glass). This spout attachment has an inlet, an outlet, and an internal conduit (e.g. cylindrical or conical, such as tapering conical, in cross-section) between the inlet and outlet. This spout attachment is preferably long enough (i.e. has a major length of sufficient magnitude) to span most or all of a depth of a given beverage container, e.g. in may be between 5cm to 10cm long, preferably around 7cm to 9cm long. This spout attachment can assist in better dispensing of a beverage such as beer.

[0164] The middle-right image in FIG. 23B depicts a third example of a spout attachment intended for use as a hopper for in-line infusion of a beverage as it is dispensed. The spout attachment

[0165] The right-most image in FIG. 23B depicts a fourth example of a spout attachment is similar to the decanter attachment of FIG. 23A, but adapted (e.g. sized and / or shaped) to fit into or to the top of a bottle, such as a wine bottle or beer bottle, for filling the bottle with beverage. This spout attachment has an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber or hopper for receiving fruit (e.g. fresh and / or dried fruit) and / or other infusion ingredients (e.g. any one some or all of: one or more herbs, one or more spices, one or more nuts, one or more roots, one or more woods, one or more vegetables, etc.). The chamber may be cylindrical in shape, although any suitable shape may be used. The chamber may be small enough to fit in a person’s hand. For example, the chamber may have a volume of any of: up to 250 cubic centimetres, or up to 200 cubic centimetres, or up to 150 cubic centimetres, or up to 100 cubic centimetres, or up to 50 cubic centimetres, or up to 25 cubic centimetres. There is a suitable flow path (e.g. provided by one or more conduits) for beverage to pass from the inlet to the outlet via the chamber or hopper. One or more aeration holes may be provided in or through a wall of the spout attachment, e.g. a wall of the chamber or hopper, for allowing air from the atmosphere into the chamber or hopper.

[0166] Turning now to FIG. 24, examples of other methodologies of making gas-infused beverages will now be described. According to one method, beverage ingredients (e.g., water, a beerfrom concentrate with water, water / yeast / malt, cold coffee, and the like) are introduced into a beverage device (e.g., a vessel thereof) at step 5002. At step 5004, a pressure setting is changed based on the corresponding beverage to be brewed, for example, a “Nitro” pressure setting of 2.5 bar. At step 5006, a gas cylinder is inserted into the beverage device, whereupon the beverage is conditioned (e.g., refrigerated) at step 5008, and tapped at step 5010.

[0167] According to another method 6000, at step 6002, beverage ingredients are introduced in the beverage device, and a gas supply (e.g., a gas cylinder) is connected to a regulator assembly. In such embodiments, the regulator assembly may be disposed in the beverage device, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, and the gas cylinder may comprise a fitting that is threaded into a female threading. In other embodiments, the gas cylinder may comprise a quick-connect fitting (any suitable example disclosed herein) that may be received by a mating quick-connect fitting. At step 6004, a mode is selected corresponding to the type of beverage to be made, for example, Nitro for a nitrogenated beverage. In such embodiments, selecting the mode will cause the gas cylinder to fluidly connect with the regulator, and open gas into the vessel. At steps 6006 and 6008, the beverage is conditioned and tapped, respectively.

[0168] According to another method 7000, steps 7002, 7004, 7006, and 7008 may be the same as steps 6002, 6004, 6006, and 6008, except that step 7002 may stipulate inserting a cartridge (e.g., 670 in FIG. 15) into the beverage device. In such embodiments, the brewing device may include a receiving dock (e.g., 450 in FIG. 13A). In such embodiments, the cartridge is fluidly connected to the vessel in the beverage device when selecting a mode, e.g., a nitrogen mode, a beer gas mode, a carbon dioxide mode, etc.

[0169] According to another method 8000, at step 8002, beverage ingredients are added into the vessel, and a gas supply (e.g., a cartridge) is inserted into the vessel. At step 8004, a collector (e.g., 24 in FIG. 5) is removed from the beverage device. The removal of the collector from the beverage device may automatically cause the cartridge to fluidly connect with the vessel during conditioning 8004 and / or tapping 8006.

[0170] Turning now to FIGS. 26 and 27, an example beverage device 3010 according to another embodiment is shown. The beverage device 3010 is configured to produce a large variety of beverages, including, but not limited to, carbonated flavoured waters (e.g., carbonated lemonade), sodas, teas, beers (e.g., lagers, stouts, pilsners, IPAs), ciders, wines, kombucha, nitrogenated coffees, and the like. The beverage device 3010 may include features similar to those of beverage devices 10, 13, 100, 200, 400, 500, 2000 disclosed herein. For example, the beverage device 3010 may include a compartment with a gas supply (e.g., a gas cylinder, a regulator assembly, a cradle or a cartridge, etc.), a tap assembly with an adapter or nozzle, and a container or vessel 3015 (FIG. 27) for receiving beverage ingredients to produce a beverage.

[0171] In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients may include, but not be limited to, water, gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mixture thereof infused into the beverage to produce a carbonated or nitrogenated beverage), a pre-made beverage (e.g., coffee), yeast, a malt extract, fruit, juices, dried herbs, hops, oils, spices, honey, soda syrup, flowers, fruit, leaves, sugar, alcohol, a pre-fermented concentrate to produce an alcoholic beverage (e.g., a hard seltzer or a beer), a liquid malt extract, a dry malt extract, and the like. In this manner, it should be understood that the various examples of beverage devices disclosed herein are versatile to produce beverages made from a wide variety of different beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredients may be introduced into the vessel 3015 through an opening 3012a thereof, e.g., when the collector 3024 is removed. In some embodiments, some of the beverage ingredients may be introduced into the vessel 3015 during a beverage making procedure, for example, through a port 3028 thereof. In such embodiments, the port 3028 (e.g., a hopper or ingredient port) could include a cap (sealingly engaging the port 3028) that may be removed to insert beverage ingredients into the vessel 4015, for example, but not limited to yeast, concentrate, dry hops, hop oils, flavourings (e.g., spices, fruits, or other examples of beverage ingredients disclosed herein. In some embodiments, alcohol may be introduced into the vessel 3015 via the port 3028, for example, when a non-alcoholic concentrate is in the vessel. It is also contemplated that instruments may be connected to or inserted into the port 3028, for example, a gauge (e.g., a pressure gauge), a thermometer, a thermocouple, a digital timer, a pH reader, a sensor (e.g., gas sensor or pressure sensor), an alcohol measuring device, etc. For example, a user may desire to introduce alcohol into the port 3028 and then measure the resulting alcohol content with an alcohol measuring device, e.g., an alcohol meter. In the embodiment shown, the beverage device 3010 includes a valve 3026 (e.g., a pressure relief valve) which may include similar features to the valve 26 disclosed above.

[0172] As noted above, the beverage device 3010 may be used to ferment beverage ingredients (e.g., yeast added to a malt extract) to produce a beverage (e.g., beer), whereupon the beverage is conditioned before being dispensed via the tap assembly 3100 (FIG. 28). In the embodiment shown (FIG. 26), the beverage device 3010 is situated in an upright orientation to encourage waste (e.g., yeast) to settle toward a bottom of the vessel 3015 and deposit into an interior volume 3024a of a collector 3024 (e.g., via an opening 3012a of the vessel 3015).

[0173] Fermentation is generally performed at an ambient temperature range between about 50°F and 110°F or between about 57°F and 104°F. For this purpose, the beverage device 3010 may be placed in a regulated temperature environment, for example, in a home. Conditioning is generally performed at colder temperatures, for example, between about 30°F and 40°F. For this purpose, the beverage device may be placed in a refrigerated environment, for example, on a shelf 4a (FIG. 28) of a refrigerator 2.

[0174] However, some users may desire to produce beverages in an unregulated temperature environment (e.g., in a garage) at temperatures generally unsuitable for fermentation and / or conditioning, or may not have adequate shelf space for conditioning in a refrigerated environment. Further still, some users may not have sufficient counter or tabletop space to support the beverage device 3010 such that it is elevated relative to a ground surface, e.g., when it is desired to dispense beverages from the beverage device 3010.

[0175] Turning now to FIGS. 29A-30, an example beverage making system 3000 including the beverage device 3010 and a utility dock 3500 will now be described. In general, the utility dock 3050 is configured to elevate, support, and interface with the beverage device 3010 to provide and control utilities (e.g., gas, temperature, and the like) thereto. FIG. 29A illustrates a side view of the beverage making system 3000, and FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic representation of the beverage making system 3000 with a block diagram of various components of the utility dock 3500.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 30, in some embodiments, the utility dock 3500 may include some or all of a controller 3600, a gas control unit 3610, a temperature control unit 3620, a communications device 3630, and one or more sensors 3608 and 3609 configured to monitor, receive, and send operating data to the controller 3600, as discussed in detail below.

[0177] In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may comprise a processor 3602 and a storage device 3604. The processor 3602 may be configured to execute the disclosed methodologies and processes for producing beverages described herein. The storage device 3604 may include one or more beverage making procedures or methods for making one or more beverage recipes stored therein.

[0178] In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may be operatively connected to some or all of the gas control unit 3610, the temperature control unit 3620, the communications device 3630, and one or more sensors (e.g., 3608 and 3609) disposed about or within the vessel 3015 of the beverage device 3010. In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may be operatively connected to a weighing cell (e.g., 3501 in FIG. 29A) configured to determine a weight (and therefore a remaining volume of beverage, i.e., fill status) of the beverage device 3010 in real-time, e.g., relative to a tare weight of the beverage device 3010. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the weighing cell 3501 may embody a load cell or other suitable form of weighing technology, and that the controller 3600 may receive the weight data to derive the remaining content (volume) of a beverage in the vessel 3015 based on the recorded weight and density of the type of beverage being produced. In some embodiments, feet 3507 (e.g., rubber feet) extending from a lower surface (FIG. 29B) of the utility dock 3500 may include a sensor configured to measure a compressive load to determine a weight (in real time), and therefore a corresponding content (volume) of a beverage in the vessel 3015. In the embodiment shown, there are three feet (e.g., a tripod or 3-point support), which the Applicant has discovered is a stable configuration for reliably detecting the weight. In particular, a sensor may be disposed on foot 3507a (i.e., the offset foot), whereas feet 3507b effectively define a pivot axis. In this manner, the stiffness of the beverage device does not affect the weight distribution. This configuration also obviates the need for multiple sensors for measuring weight.

[0179] The controller 3600 may control the gas control unit 3610 and the temperature control unit 3620 to produce one or more beverage recipes defined by the one or more beverage making procedures. In various nonlimiting examples, a first beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a lager, a second beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a stout (e.g., a nitrogenated or dark stout), a third beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a pilsner, a fourth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce an India Pale Ale, a fifth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a cider, a sixth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a wine (e.g., sparkling wine), a seventh beverage making procedure may include control data to produce kombucha, an eighth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a soda, a ninth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce seltzer water, a tenth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a nitrogenated coffee, an eleventh beverage making procedure may include control data to produce hard seltzer, a twelfth beverage making procedure may include control data to produce a tea. Moreover, the control data may be associated with a particular beverage making phase, for example, control data for fermentation, control data for conditioning a beverage, or control data for dispensing or tapping a beverage.

[0180] In such embodiments, the processor 3602 may retrieve the control data (from the storage device 3604) for each beverage making procedure to control the gas control unit and the temperature control unit based on the control data. The control data may include one or more parameters associated with producing a beverage recipe. For example, the control data may include, but not be limited to, one or more temperature setpoints, one or more vessel pressure setpoints, one or more gas flow rates, a gas supply composition or mixture, one or more gas supply pressure setpoints, an operating time, a residence or dwell time, beverage ingredients, one or more input signals (e.g., to modulate the position of a solenoid valve) and the like. For instance, a beverage making procedure (for producing a nitrogenated stout) may specify beverage ingredients (e.g., a malt extract, yeast, water), a first vessel pressure setpoint during fermentation, a second vessel pressure setpoint during conditioning and tapping, 100% carbon dioxide gas, a first operating time for fermentation, and a second operating time for conditioning. As another non-limiting example, another beverage making procedure (for producing nitrogenated coffee) may specify beverage ingredients (e.g., pre-made coffee), 100% nitrogen, a pressure setpoint for dispensing / tapping the beverage. In this manner, it should be understood that a wide variety of beverage making procedures specifying one or more examples of control data may fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0181] The processor 3602 may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices such as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The storage device 3604 may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM, which can include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, and any other suitable forms); non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), unalterable memory (e.g., EPROMs), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage devices (e.g., hard drives, solid state drives, etc). In some examples, the storage device 3604 includes multiple kinds of memory, particularly volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The storage device 3604 may comprise computer readable media on which one or more sets of instructions, such as the software for executing the one or more beverage making procedures or methods, can be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In some embodiments, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within any one or more of the storage device 3604, the computer readable medium, and / or within the data processor 3602 during execution of the instructions.

[0182] The controller 3600 may utilise various computing environments for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including, for example, a computer, wherein the computer includes a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus. The system bus couples system components including but not limited to the storage device 3604 to the processor 3602.

[0183] Moreover, the controller 3600 may be communicatively coupled to a user interface 3640 operable to receive inputs and display outputs concerning an operational status of the beverage device 3010. In particular, the user interface 3640 provides an interface between the user (e.g., a beverage maker) and the controller 3600. The user interface 3640 may include digital and / or analogue interfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) to receive inputs from the user (e.g., a command data, for example, a beverage recipe specifying a beverage making procedure (and therefore control data therefor), a stop command, a pause command, a start command, and the like) and display the operating data of the beverage device 3010, including, but not limited to, the current beverage making phase (e.g., fermentation, conditioning, tapping), the beverage recipe selected (via the command recipe), a temperature of the vessel 3015, a pressure of the vessel (e.g., a headspace pressure at first port 3016), a hydrostatic pressure at a second port 3017 (e.g., the gas inlet port), the time remaining until the beverage is ready for dispensing, the time remaining for the beverage making phase, the type of gas being infused (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof), the current alcohol content, the type of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) being harvested from the vessel 3015, the time, the total number of beverage making hours for the beverage device, a beverage fill status, a serial number of the beverage device, the current firmware / software version, brewing instructions (e.g., for each brewing phase), and the like.

[0184] The input devices may include, for example, a control knob, buttons, a slider, a touch screen, a camera (for image capture (of a tag or QR code on a beverage ingredient package corresponding to a beverage recipe) and / or visual command recognition), an audio input device (e.g., a microphone), and / or a touchpad. In some embodiments, scanning a code (e.g., a QR code in front of the user interface 3640 may cause the controller 3600 to unlock the beverage device 3010, and commence a beverage making procedure, e.g., load a beverage making procedure from the storage device 3604.

[0185] The output devices may include dials, lighting devices, a display (e.g., LCD, OLED), and / or speakers. Additionally, the user interface 3640 may embody a graphic user interface (GUI) to present and receive information (from and to) the user of the beverage making system 3000.

[0186] Furthermore, the beverage making system 3000 may be configured to receive inputs from and transmit outputs to a remote device 3690 (e.g., a user’s smart phone, tablet, or smart watch, etc.) and / or a host device 3692 (e.g., a smart phone or laptop, etc.) belonging to a manufacturer or distributor of the beverage making system. For example, the remote device 3690 (e.g., a smartphone) may be operable to capture an image of a tag or QR code on a beverage ingredient package to transmit command data to the beverage device. In some embodiments, the user may input command data specifying a custom beverage recipe devised by the beverage maker or shared with the beverage maker from another beverage maker (e.g., via an App. provided by the maker or distributor of the beverage device). In some embodiments, the remote device 3690 (or host device) may be configured to unlock the beverage device 3010 and commence a beverage making procedure retrieved from the storage device 3604, for example, by scanning a QR code on a beverage ingredient package or a QR code displayed on a website or television screen.

[0187] Moreover, functions of the beverage making system 3000 may be accessible via an App. on the remote device 3690 or the host device 3692. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the App. may be used for data tracking (e.g., to access operating data retrieved from sensors (e.g., pressure sensors measuring a headspace pressure, hydrostatic pressure, gas sensor, etc.) or instrument measuring devices (e.g., flow meters, alcoholmeters, etc.) disposed about or within the beverage device) in real time. The App. may be operable to send command data to the beverage device (as noted above) or to review beverage making procedures or feedback from a community of beverage makers. In some embodiments, the App. may be operable to receive alerts (e.g., indicating that the beverage making procedure has transitioned to another phase (e.g., conditioning or dispensing), or that the beverage is ready to be tapped / dispensed). It is also contemplated that the remote device may be operable to retrieve a tasting guide (e.g., a procedure on taste testing), a scheduler (for scheduling a beverage making procedure via a calendar), or to retrieve software / firmware updates (e.g., that may be transmitted to the beverage device via the remote device or the host device).

[0188] It is also contemplated that the App. may be operable to initiate gas harvesting (described below), generate nitrogen, perform gas infusion (e.g., via a gas port 3017 on the vessel), or in-line gas diffusion (via a tap assembly as discussed below). It is also contemplated that the App. may be operable to initiate a sterilisation session (e.g., in embodiments where the beverage device includes a UV light source to sterilise the vessel), or to initiate pasteurisation of the vessel as later described. It is also contemplated that the App. may be communicatively coupled with a Smart Home device operable to send command data to the remote device and / or the beverage device, e.g., via a communication protocol such as Wi-Fi, BLE, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Ethernet, and Z-wave. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the host device 4692 may initiate a diagnostic procedure (e.g. when troubleshooting an error code).

[0189] To facilitate communication between the remote device, the host device, and the beverage making system, the communications device 3630 may comprise telemetry or telematics for sending operating data to the remote device 3690 and / or the host device 3692, or for receiving commands (e.g., command data) therefrom. In some examples, the communications device 3630 may include one or more controllers for standards-based networks (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE, CDMA, WiMax, etc.), satellite communication networks, and / or wireless local area networks (e.g., WiFi®, Wireless Gigabit, etc.). In some examples, the communications device 3630 includes a controller for personal area networks (e.g., Bluetooth®, ZigBee® (“IEEE 802.15.4), Near Field Communication (“NFC”) to communicatively couple the beverage making system 3000 to the remote device 3690 and / or the host device 3692.

[0190] In some embodiments, the communications device 3630 may communicate with the remote device 3690 and / or the host device 3692 via a communications network 3680 that facilitates communication between the remote device 3690, the host device 3692, and the beverage making system 3000. The communications network 3680 may embody a wireless network to facilitate communication over a wide area network (e.g., such as a cellular network (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), etc.), a satellite communication network, WiMAX (“IEEE 802.16m), etc.), and / or a location area network (e.g., IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, etc.). In some examples, the communications device 3630 may be communicatively coupled to the communication network 3680 over a public network, such as the Internet; a private network, such as an intranet; or combinations thereof. Still referring to FIG. 30, the gas control unit 3610 is configured to perform several control functions (based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure) when the beverage device 3010 is received by the utility dock 3500, for example, pressure regulation (e.g., maintaining a positive or negative pressure), flow control (e.g., for gas infusion), gas harvesting, and in-line gas infusion (discussed below). In this manner, the controller 3600 is configured to control various units or aspects of the gas control unit 3610 based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure. For example, the controller 3600 may send a signal to the gas control unit 3610 specifying the amount (e.g., volume) of gas that should be supplied to the vessel 3015. In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may send one or more signals specifying vessel pressure set points (e.g., values) during each phase of the beverage making process (e.g., fermentation, conditioning, and tapping) based on control data for the beverage making procedure. In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may send a signal to the gas control unit 3610 to draw a vacuum in the vessel 3015 (via the first port 3016) based on control data for a beverage making procedure, for example, when it is desired to ferment a beverage in a slight vacuum (e.g., to accelerate fermentation, put less stress on yeast, or perform vacuum distillation to reduce alcohol content). Moreover, the controller 3600 may be configured to control the gas control unit 3600 based on operating data (e.g., in real time) during the beverage making process. For instance, the controller 3600 may receive operating data (retrieved via one or more sensors or measurement instruments (e.g., pressure sensors (e.g., hydrostatic pressure sensors), flow meters, gas sensors, and the like) disposed about or within the vessel 3015) indicating the current headspace pressure, hydrostatic pressure, flow rate, gas composition, or operating time remaining (or any other example of operating data disclosed herein), and adjust the gas control unit 3600 based on the operating data, for example, to attain a pressure setpoint value, flow rate value, gas composition or other examples of parameters specified by the control data associated with a beverage making procedure.

[0191] In some embodiments, the gas control unit 3610 may comprise any or all of a gas supply unit 3612 and a gas harvesting unit 3616.

[0192] The gas supply unit 3612 may control the type (e.g., composition), pressure, and amount of gas supplied to the vessel 3015 (e.g., via the second port 3017). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that a check valve CV may be disposed at the second port 3017 to preclude fluid in the vessel 3015 from flowing through the conduit C connecting the gas control unit 3612 to the beverage device 3010.

[0193] In some embodiments, the gas supply unit 3612 is configured to supply gas to a pressure value (corresponding to a pressure setpoint specified by the control data) for the type of beverage being produced. The pressure set points may comprise a first pressure set point (e g., during fermentation where applicable), a second pressure set point (e.g., during conditioning where applicable), and a third pressure set point (e.g., during dispensing / tapping).

[0194] For instance, the gas supply unit 3612 may regulate the pressure of the vessel 3015 based on a pressure set point of about .2 bar when fermenting a stout, about 2.2 bar when fermenting a lager, about 2.2 bar when conditioning a lager, or about 2.5 bar when conditioning a stout. For this purpose, referring to FIG. 32, the gas supply unit 3612 may include a regulator assembly 3614 including one or more pressure regulators, for example, any suitable example of a regulator or regulator assembly disclosed herein. The regulator assembly 3614 may be configured to regulate the pressure of gas supplied from one or more gas supply sources, for example, a nitrogen gas supply source 3672 (FIG. 32) located inside (or operatively connected) to the utility dock 3500, a carbon dioxide gas supply source 3670 (discussed below), or a gas supply source located within the beverage device 3015, for example, inside a compartment thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 6B, 11A, 110, 11 D, 13A, etc.).

[0195] Moreover, the gas supply unit 3612 may be configured to control the amount of gas supplied to the vessel 3015 via the second port 3017. This may be done via a gas mixing assembly 3615 including a mass flow meter, a pressure sensor (for monitoring a partial pressure of gas supplied to the vessel 3015), and / or one or more solenoid valves, as discussed in detail below. In such embodiments, the pressure sensor may send the controller 3600 operating data (e.g., a current pressure value), whereupon the controller 3600 may adjust the flow of gas supplied to the vessel 3015 based on a comparison between the operating data and the control data specifying a pressure setpoint based on the beverage making procedure, e.g., for each phase (fermentation, conditioning, tapping) thereof.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 30 and 32, the gas harvesting unit 3616 is configured to withdraw excess gas from the headspace (e.g., via the first port 3016) of the vessel 3015, whereupon the excess gas may be purified, stored, and subsequently supplied to the vessel 3015, for example, when carbonating another beverage at a later time or date. For example, the gas harvesting unit 3616 may withdraw gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) generated during fermentation (e.g., based on fermentation of yeast, malt extract, water), purify, and store the purified gas, which may be subsequently reintroduced to the vessel 3015 to carbonate a beverage based on control data specifying carbon dioxide for a carbonated lager or carbonated water, for example. In some embodiments, the purified gas may be supplied to the vessel 3015 to replenish the headspace as a beverage is being dispensed from the beverage device (e.g., to maintain the headspace pressure based on a pressure setpoint value), or to maintain a dispensing / tapping pressure value (e.g., to provide for a consistent pour quality).

[0197] In some embodiments, the gas harvesting unit 3616 may be operable to withdraw gas from the headspace of the vessel 3016 when the pressure therein attains or exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, for example, when exceeding a pressure setpoint during a beverage making procedure (e.g., a first pressure setpoint during fermentation (where applicable), a second pressure setpoint during conditioning, and a third pressure setpoint during dispensing, respectively).

[0198] In some embodiments, the gas harvesting unit 3616 may include a purification assembly 3617, a pump or compressor 3619, and a receiving cylinder or canister 3670 for gas storage. The purification assembly 3617 may include any or all of a filter and a moisture collector to purify the gas and withdraw moisture therefrom. The compressor 3619 may be operable to draw gas from the headspace and induce a flow thereof through the purification assembly 3617 and into a gas canister or cylinder 3670 inside of or fluidly connected to the utility dock 3500. In some embodiments, the gas control unit 3610 may also comprise an air supply unit (discussed below) configured to supply air to a tap assembly of the beverage device 3010 (for inline gas infusion), as discussed in detail below.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 32, the cylinder 3670 fluidly communicates with the regulator assembly 3614 and the gas mixing assembly 3615. In some embodiments, the cylinder 3670 may be a removable cylinder, that may be replaced when it is expired, e.g., indicating that the cylinder requires hydrostatic testing.

[0200] Alternatively, the gas cylinder 3670 may be replaced with a gas cylinder full of gas, for example, when it is desired to bypass the gas harvesting unit 3616 and use gas that has already been purified via an external source, for example, via an industrial gas supplier.

[0201] The controller 3600 may send a signal to the temperature control unit 3620 to control the temperature of the vessel 3015 based on control data for each applicable phase of a beverage making procedure (e.g., during fermentation, conditioning, and dispensing). For example, the control data associated with a beverage making procedure may specify a temperature set point value for each phase of the beverage making procedure. In this manner, the controller 3600 may control the temperature control unit 3620 to attain or maintain a first temperature setpoint during fermentation, a second temperature setpoint during conditioning, and a third temperature setpoint during dispensing based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure.

[0202] For this purpose, the temperature control unit 3620 may include a heating unit 3622 and a cooling unit 3624. The heating unit 3622 may comprise one or more sources for transferring thermal energy to the vessel 3015, for example, one or more heating elements 3629a (e.g., conductive plates, heating coils, and the like). It is also contemplated that the heating elements may comprise inductive heating elements, for example, when the vessel 3015 comprises a metallic element attached to or forming part of the vessel 3015.

[0203] In some embodiments, the heating unit 3622 may be operable to heat the vessel during fermentation to soften the beverage ingredients (e.g., a liquid malt extract) to facilitate homogenisation with water, and the generation of convection currents to encourage mixing of the beverage ingredients, e.g., without having to shake the beverage device 3010 for this purpose. In some embodiments, the heating component unit 3622 may heat the beverage ingredients (e.g., a malt extract with water) in the vessel 3015 to a high temperature (e.g., about 110°F to 160°F, or about 145°F) to facilitate pasteurisation, e.g., to eliminate pathogens, microorganisms, or enzymes from the vessel. Heating the vessel 3015 to such high temperatures may advantageously obviate the need to sterilise the beverage device 3010, for example, with a liquid cleaning solution. Moreover, heating the vessel 3015 to high temperatures may facilitate the use of special yeasts, for example, a Kveik yeast when fermenting a beverage. In some embodiments, yeast may be added to the vessel 3015 (e.g., via a port 3028) after the beverage device 3010 has cooled.

[0204] The cooling unit 3624 may be operable to cool the vessel 3015, for instance, during conditioning and dispensing. For this purpose, the cooling unit 3624 may comprise a cooling element 3629b, for example, a thermoelectric device 3629b (e.g., a Peltier device). It is also contemplated that the cooling element 3629b may comprise an evaporator coil (for conveying a refrigerant) to cool the vessel 3015.

[0205] Still referring to FIGS. 30 and 32, the temperature control unit 3620 may comprise one or more thermocouples 3625 operatively connected to the vessel 3015, for instance, to measure a temperature of the vessel 3015 (e.g., the vessel wall) or of the beverage ingredients therein, e.g., a temperature of a mixture of water and malt extract, a mixture of water and a concentrate mixed with alcohol, etc. In this manner, the controller 3600 may receive operating data (e.g., temperature measurement) from the thermocouples, whereupon the controller 3600 may adjust the heating unit 3622 and / or the cooling unit 3624 based on the operating data and the control data. In some embodiments, the controller 3600 may adjust the heating unit 3622 and / or the cooling unit 3624 based on a comparison between the operating data and the control data (e.g., a temperature setpoint specified thereby) to adjust the heating unit 3622 and / or the cooling unit 3624 to attain and / or maintain the temperature setpoint.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 30, in some embodiments, the utility dock 3500 may include one or more vibrators 3692 operatively connected to the controller 3600 and configured to generate vibrations to induce or accelerate fermentation. In some embodiments, control data for a particular beverage making procedure may specify that the vibrator be turned on for at least a part of the fermentation process / phase to vibrate the beverage device 3010 (to mix the beverage ingredients in the vessel 3015). The vibrator 3692 may take on several forms, for example, a small vibration motor, a piezo device. In some embodiments, the vibrator 3692 (see FIG. 27) may embody one or more magnetic paddles disposed in an interior of the vessel, for example, disposed on the vessel wall (e.g., 3015) to facilitate mixing the beverage ingredients based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure.

[0207] Referring now to FIG. 33, another example of a beverage making system 4000 will now be described. The beverage making system 4000 may include a beverage device 4010 and a utility dock 4500 (shown schematically via a block diagram). The beverage device 4010 may include features similar to those of beverage devices 10, 13, 100, 200, 400, 500, 2000, 3010, and the utility dock 4500 may include features similar to those of utility dock 3500.

[0208] The beverage system 4000 may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, thermocouples, timers for recording the elapsed or current time). The plurality of sensors may monitor and send operating data to the controller 4600 in real time, for example, during a beverage making process and for each phase thereof (e.g., fermentation, conditioning, dispensing). The controller 4600 may receive the operating data, and adjust or control any or all of the gas control unit 4610 and the temperature control unit 4620 based on the operating data and the control data. In some embodiments, the controller 4600 may adjust or control at least one of the gas control unit 4610 and the temperature control based on a comparison between the control data and the operating data for a particular beverage making procedure. For example, the controller 4600 may adjust the supply of gas and / or a temperature to attain setpoint values specified by the control data based on a disparity between the control data and the operating data. The setpoint values may include any or all of a pressure setpoint, a gas volume setpoint, a gas mixture setpoint, an air flow / pressure setpoint, a temperature setpoint, and the like. In such embodiments, the control data may specify setpoint values for each applicable phase (fermentation, conditioning, dispensing) of the beverage making process based on the beverage making procedure executed by the controller 4600.

[0209] In the embodiment shown, the sensors include a first pressure sensor P1 , a second pressure sensor P2, a third pressure sensor P3, a fourth pressure sensor P4, a fifth pressure sensor P5, a first thermocouple T1 , and a second thermocouple T2. It is contemplated that there may be a lesser or greater amount of sensors in other embodiments based on the particular configuration of the beverage device and beverage making procedures executed thereby. It is also contemplated that the sensors may include a hydrometer for measuring alcohol (e.g. by volume), an electrochemical pH sensor or probe (for measuring acidity and alkalinity), or a timer (for determining the amount of time gas should be supplied, or for determining how long and when certain controls (e.g., one or more solenoids, flow meters, pressure regulators, temperature control devices, pumps, and the like) should be operated during the beverage making procedure).

[0210] The sensors may also include a gas sensor for measuring the gas composition of gas in the headspace. It is also contemplated that one or more gauges may be disposed about the beverage device 4010, for example, gauges to display operating data (e.g., pressure, flow rate or volume of gas being supplied, gas composition). In addition or alternatively, the user interface 4640 may display operating data (e.g., in real time) during a beverage production process, or the controller 3600 may transmit the operating data to a remote device 4690 or host device 3692 communicatively coupled thereto, for instance, to transmit example of operating data disclosed herein in real time.

[0211] The gas control unit 4610 and the temperature control unit 4620 may include similar features and perform similar functions as the gas control unit and temperature control unit 3610 and 3620 disclosed above. For instance, the gas control unit 4610 may include a gas supply unit 4612 and a gas harvesting unit 4616, and the temperature control unit 4620 may include a heating unit 4622 and a cooling unit 4624. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that some or all of the features of the gas harvesting unit may form part of the gas supply unit (and vice versa), and that some or all of the features of the heating unit may form part of the cooling unit (and vice versa).

[0212] As shown in FIG. 33, the gas supply unit 4612 includes a regulator assembly including a first pressure regulator 4802 and a second pressure regulator 4804. The first pressure regulator 4802 may be connected to a canister or cylinder containing purified carbon dioxide gas, e.g., carbon dioxide purified via the gas harvesting unit 4616, or carbon dioxide gas made available in a replaceable canister or cylinder compatible for use with the first pressure regulator 4802, e.g., carbon dioxide gas commercially made available from the manufacturer or distributor of the beverage making system or from an industrial gas supplier. The second pressure regulator 4804 may be connected to a canister or cylinder of nitrogen gas, for example, nitrogen gas made available in a replaceable canister or cylinder compatible for use with the second pressure regulator 4804. In other embodiments, the second pressure regulator 4804 may be connected to a portable nitrogen generator for producing nitrogen from the air (e.g., using Carbon Molecular Sieve technology, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology, or any other suitable nitrogen generation technology). In some embodiments, the nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide gas supply sources (e.g., canisters, cylinders, or generator) may be arranged in a gas supply storage 4950 located away from the first and second pressure regulators 4802 and 4804, for example, at a separate location in the utility dock 4500 or at a location outside an envelope of the utility dock 4500, e.g., beneath a countertop. In such embodiments, the gas supply storage 4950 may be fluidly connected to the first and second pressure regulators 4802 and 4804 via any suitable form of a conduit or piping C configured to supply pressurised / compressed gases.

[0213] The gas supply unit 4612 may also include a pressure sensor P1 (i.e., a first pressure sensor) arranged downstream of the first pressure regulator 4802. It is also contemplated that a pressure sensor may be arranged downstream of the second pressure regulator 4804. The first pressure sensor P1 may be configured to monitor and record operating data in real time (e.g., pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure) in gas (carbon dioxide in the embodiment shown) flowing through a conduit or piping C arranged between the first pressure regulator 4802 (or second pressure regulator) and a first solenoid valve S1 . The controller 4600 may utilise the operating data to determine the pressure of gas supplied to the headspace of the beverage device 4010 and to a flowmeter 4806 (e.g., a mass flow meter) located downstream of the first pressure sensor P1 . In such embodiments, the controller 4600 may utilise the operating data (recorded pressure) to calculate a volume of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) that should be supplied to the headspace of the beverage device 4010 to maintain a partial pressure of the corresponding gas based on the desired gas mix specified based on the control data, e.g., control data specifying a beer gas comprising 70% nitrogen and 30% carbon dioxide (e.g., for a nitrogenated stout). In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the controller 4600 may be operatively connected to a pressure sensor arranged downstream of the nitrogen supply for this purpose.

[0214] The gas supply unit 4612 may include a first solenoid valve S1 and a second solenoid valve S2 located downstream of the first and second pressure regulators 4802 and 4804, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the first solenoid valve S1 is a three-position solenoid valve and is connected to an outlet of the first pressure regulator 4802. In a first position, the solenoid valve S1 is configured to purge carbon dioxide gas (e.g., harvested from the gas harvesting unit 4616) to eradicate low quality gas (e.g., gas containing unwanted byproducts such as sulphur or sulphurous compounds that would undesirably affect the taste of the beverage). For this purpose, the first position may embody a vent position V operable to purge low quality gas (harvested during an initial part of fermentation) during a specified time period (recorded via timer), e.g., the first 16 to 36 hours of fermentation, etc.

[0215] In a second position, the first solenoid valve S1 may be closed (i.e., a closed position) to build up pressure in the conduit C supplying gas to the gas supply canister or cylinder (e.g., to fill the gas supply canister or cylinder with harvested, purified carbon dioxide). In the third position, the first solenoid valve S1 may be opened (i.e., an open position) to supply carbon dioxide gas (via the conduit C) to the flow meter 4806 and then to the beverage device 4010 via the second solenoid valve S2.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 33, the second solenoid valve S2 is a three-position solenoid valve with a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the embodiment shown, the second solenoid valve S2 may be operable to supply carbon dioxide or nitrogen to the flow meter 4806 based on control data for a particular beverage making procedure. For example, in the first position, the second solenoid valve S2 may supply nitrogen gas (supplied from an outlet of the second pressure regulator 4804) to the flow meter 4806, and then to the beverage device 4010. In the first position, the supply of carbon dioxide may be terminated via the second solenoid S2 valve. In the second position, the second solenoid valve S2 may terminate the supply of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and in the third position, it may supply carbon dioxide gas to the flowmeter 4806, and then to the beverage device 4010. In the third position, the supply of nitrogen may be terminated via the second solenoid valve S2.

[0217] The gas supply unit 4612 may also include a second pressure sensor P2 adapted to sense, monitor, and record operating data (e.g., a hydrostatic pressure at a gas inlet port 4017).

[0218] The gas harvesting unit 4616 may include a third pressure sensor P3 and a fourth pressure sensor P4. In the embodiment shown, the third pressure sensor P3 may be arranged about a conduit C connected to a headspace port 4016 of the beverage device 4010, or it may be disposed in the headspace port 4016 itself. The third pressure sensor P3 may be configured to monitor and record operating data in real time (e.g., pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure) in the gas withdrawn (harvested) from the headspace of the beverage device 4010. In the embodiment shown, the gas harvesting unit 4616 may include a compressor or a pump 4619 (e.g., an oil-free vacuum pump) to induce the suction of gas from the headspace of the beverage device 4010. For instance, the pump 4619 may be configured to operate when a pressure (sensed via P3) of the headspace exceeds a pressure setpoint. The pressure setpoint may be defined as control data that may be retrieved via the controller 4600 when performing a gas harvesting procedure. In this manner, the pump 4619 may be operable to suction or expel gas from the headspace when the pressure is above the pressure setpoint, and deactivated (via the controller) when the pressure matches or is substantially close to the pressure setpoint, e.g., within +5% or +10% thereof. In some embodiments, the pump 4619 may be operable to expel gas from the headspace to maintain a negative pressure setpoint defined by the control data, e.g., to establish a vacuum for vacuum distillation (to reduce and manage alcohol content), or when fermenting a beverage in a vacuum (to enhance the taste of the beverage). In this manner, it should be understood that the gas harvesting unit 4616 may be operable to maintain a variety of pressure setpoints (e.g., both positive and negative pressure setpoint values).

[0219] Still referring to FIG. 33, the gas harvesting unit 4616 may also include a moisture filter or trap 4618b (e.g., containing a desiccant (e.g., silica gel), activated charcoal, and the like) to adsorb moisture from gas harvested from the headspace. Further still, the gas harvesting unit 4616 may include a filter 4618a to remove particles or debris (e.g., sediment from fermentation). It is contemplated that the filter 4618b may be a 1 , 5, or 10 micron filter. When the harvested gas is purified via the moisture trap 4618b and filter 4618a, the first solenoid S1 may be adjusted to a closed position, thereby increasing pressure in the conduit C supplying carbon dioxide gas to the canister or cylinder containing the carbon dioxide gas. This may be done, for example, after an initial purge cycle (where the first solenoid is set to the first position, as described above). The gas harvesting unit 4616 may also include a fourth pressure sensor P4 configured to monitor and record operating data (e.g., pressure) of purified gas (exiting the filter) in real time. The controller 4640 may utilise this operating data to determine the pressure the gas canister or cylinder is charging to (e.g., current pressure thereof and volume thereof in real time). For instance, the controller 4600 may deactivate the pump 4619 when the pressure (sensed via P4) attains a pressure setpoint indicating that the gas canister or cylinder is full. In some embodiments, the controller 4600 may utilise this operating data to control the first solenoid S1 , for example, to purge gas (in the first position) when the operating data indicates that the pressure exceeds the pressure setpoint indicating that the gas canister or cylinder is full.

[0220] In some embodiments, the controller 4600 may be configured to manage the composition and volume of gas supplied to the beverage device 4010 based on molar weights of the constituent gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen) being supplied to the beverage device based on the control data. In particular, the controller 4600 may receive operating data (e.g., pressure values) from the second pressure sensor P2 and the third pressure sensor P3 to determine an actual beverage level (e.g., beer level) remaining in the beverage device 4010, e.g., via a hydrostatic pressure value recorded via the second pressure sensor P2, and a pressure value recorded via the third pressure sensor P3 (i.e., indicating the pressure of the headspace). In such embodiments, the operating data received from the second pressure sensor P2 and the third pressure sensor P3 may also be used to determine a headspace volume. In this manner, the controller 4600 may comprise logic to determine both an actual amount of beverage remaining and the current headspace volume in real time, whereupon this information (i.e., operating data) may be displayed to the user via the user interface 4640 or via a remote device 4690, e.g., via an App. In such embodiments, the controller 4600 may use the current headspace volume (derived via pressure sensors P2 and P3) to determine the amount (volume) of gas supplied to the beverage device 4010. In such embodiments, the flowmeter (e.g., a mass flow meter) may determine the appropriate volume of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide or nitrogen) that should be supplied to the beverage device (via the gas inlet port 4017) to attain the desired gas mixture based on the control data for the type of beverage making procedure executed by the controller 3600, e.g., 70% nitrogen / 30% carbon dioxide. By using a flow meter, and particularly a mass flow meter, it is possible to control the mix ratio per weight (based on a molar weight), regardless of the supply pressure from the gas sources. This aspect of the present disclosure is beneficial to precisely control the gas constituents supplied to the beverage device at a nominal cost (e.g., based on the cost associated with using pressure sensors and a mass flowmeter for this purpose).

[0221] In the embodiment shown, the beverage making system 4000 includes an air supply unit 4970 configured to supply compressed air to a tap assembly 4100 of the beverage device 4010, for example, when it is desired to perform in-line gas diffusion (e.g., forced aeration of in-line pours) of beverages dispensed from the tap assembly 4100 in real time, e.g., on a single serve basis. For this purpose, the tap assembly 4100 may embody a tap assembly with an air inlet port, as discussed in detail below. In some embodiments, the air supply unit 4970 may form part of the gas control unit 4610 (instead of being a separate component). The air supply unit 4970 may include an air inlet 4971 (for drawing air from the environment), a moisture trap 4972 (e.g., any suitable example of a moisture trap disclosed herein), an air supply source 4974 (e.g., an oil free pump or oil free compressor), and a filter 4976 to remove particles or debris (e.g., sediment from fermentation) from the air. The air supply unit 4970 may provide an alternative option for infusing gas into a beverage after conditioning. For instance, the air supply unit 4970 may infuse air into a beverage (e.g., a dark stout) at the tap assembly 4100 as the beverage is dispensed to nitrogenate the beverage (e.g., via a 78.08% nitrogen I 20.95% oxygen mixture derived from the air). Because the beverage is infused with a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen in real time, the oxidisation effects of oxygen will not affect the taste of the beverage, namely because it takes time (e.g., several hours) for the dissolved oxygen to react chemically with the beverage to the point where a user may perceive a noticeable effect (difference in taste). But because a user generally drinks a beverage soon after it is dispensed (e.g., within an hour), the oxidisation effects will be imperceptible to the taste of the beverage. This aspect of the present disclosure is particularly beneficial to provide an alternative option for supplying or infusing gas into a beverage, e.g., when producing a nitrogenated beverage. In some embodiments, the air supply unit 4970 may be fluidly connected to the gas harvesting unit 4616, for example, to withdraw or expel gas from the headspace of the vessel 4015, e.g., instead of requiring a separate pump or compressor for this purpose.

[0222] Turning now to FIG. 34, an example of a utility dock 5500 according to another embodiment is shown. The utility dock 5500 may include an upper surface 5500a configured to receive and accommodate the beverage device (e.g., 3010, 4010) thereon. In the embodiment shown, a plurality ofwalls 5510 extend upward from the upper surface 5500a of the utility dock 5500 and delimit a recessed, receiving area 5512 shaped and dimensioned to receive and accommodate a lower end 5005 (FIG. 35A) of the beverage device 5010. In some embodiments, the receiving area 5512 may be contoured to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a lower end 5005. In the embodiment shown, there are four walls 5510 extending upward from the upper surface 5500a. It is contemplated that there may be fewer than four walls (e.g., only side walls or front walls), or that the utility dock 5500 may not include any walls 5510 at all.

[0223] The upper surface 5500a may define one or more openings 5502 dimensioned to align with one or more openings 5002 extending into a lower surface 5010a of the beverage device 5010. The openings 5502 and 5002 may define access for supplying and connecting opposing conduits or conduction elements for supplying gas (e.g., via the gas control unit 3610 / 4610) for controlling temperature (e.g., via the temperature control unit 3620 / 4620), water supplied to the vessel 3015 / 3015 (via a water utility conduit), and the like. For this purpose, distal ends of opposing utility conduits (e.g., any suitable example of piping or conduit disclosed herein or for conveying gases, water, and the like) may include connectors 5690 (or 3690 in FIG. 30) configured to perform a quick connect function to connect the utilities when the beverage device 3010 / 4010 / 5010 is received by the utility dock 3500 / 4500 / 5500. It is also contemplated that one or more of the opposing conduits may be used to connect sensors (e.g., pressure sensors or thermocouples, or any example of sensors disclosed in reference to FIG. 33) via connectors 3690 / 5690. The connectors may embody any or all of female quick-connect couplers (e.g., a spring-loaded quick connect fittings) configured to engage with male quick-connect couplers. It is also contemplated that each of the beverage device 5010 and the utility dock 5500 may comprise features to removably secure the beverage device 5010 to the utility dock 5550, for example, removable fasteners (e.g., set screws, self-locking fasteners), removable pins, resilient snaps, magnets, clips, quick connect couplers or fittings, spring loaded detent pins, and the like. In some embodiments, the utility dock may comprise self-guided features (e.g., rails, grooves) to facilitate connecting the beverage device to the utility dock, whereupon it may be secured in place, for example, via removable fasteners, for example, any suitable example of a removable fastener disclosed herein.

[0224] As shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the openings 5002 of the beverage device 5010 may be concealed or closed via a removable cover or door 5008, that when opened or removed, enables the utility dock 5500 to engage with the beverage device 5010 to control and override the functions (e.g., pressure regulation functions) of the beverage device 5010. In some embodiments, the utility dock may include conductive elements 5902 to transfer heat to or away from the vessel 5010 (accessible via the opening 5002). For instance, the conductive elements 5902 may be arranged and dimensioned to “hug” a contour of the vessel 5015 (see FIG. 35C) when the beverage device 5010 is received by the utility dock 5500, for example, to conduct heat to the vessel (e.g., to warm the vessel based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure), or to cool the vessel (e.g., to cool the vessel and contents thereof during a conditioning and / or tapping phase of the beverage making procedure). One of the conductive elements 5902 may embody a thermoelectric cooling element (e.g., a Peltier device connected to a heat sink to transmit heat away from the vessel 5015, whereas the other of the conductive elements 5902 may embody a thermal conductor plate that is heated via an electrical current (e.g., joule heating), whereby the heat is transmitted to the vessel 5010 via conduction. In some embodiments, the beverage making system 5000 may include a power cell 5507 (FIG. 35) configured to power some or all of the electrical components of the utility dock. The power cell 5507 may embody a removable battery (e.g., a 12V or 24V battery) to enable the user to utilise the beverage making system 3000 / 4000 / 5000 in a remote location (e.g., where power is inaccessible). Referring to FIGS. 36A-36C, various examples of utility connections between the utility dock 3500 / 4500 / 5500 and the beverage device 3010 / 4010 / 5010 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 36A, the inlet ports (e.g., gas inlet port 5017) in the vessel 5015 wall may include a one-way valve (e g., a check valve or an umbrella valve) to allow fluid (e.g., gas supplied via the gas control unit 3610 / 4610 / 5610) to flow into the vessel 3015 / 4015 / 5015, but preclude the beverage therein from flowing back through the conduit C connecting the gas control unit 3610 / 4610 / 5610 to the vessel 3015 / 4015 / 5015.

[0225] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 36B, there may be a plurality of gas inlet ports 6017 in FIGS. 36A- 36C extending through the vessel 6015 wall. Each inlet port 6017 may be fluidly connected to the gas control unit 3610 / 4610 / 5610 via utility conduits to supply or infuse gas into the beverage in the vessel 3015 / 4015 / 5015 / 6015, for example, when carbonating or nitrogenating a beverage based on control data associated with a particular beverage making procedure. In some embodiments, each inlet port may help facilitate forced aeration (to encourage turbulence via jets of streamed gas), for example, to aid in mixing the beverage ingredients before fermentation (e.g., where the effects of oxidisation are not an issue).

[0226] In some embodiments, gas infusion stones 6018 may be disposed in the respective inlet ports 6017 to uniformly enhance the dispersion / infusion of gas in the beverage contained in the vessel 3015 / 4015 / 5015 / 6015. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 36C, the infusion stone 7018 and inlet port 7017 may extend horizontally through the vessel 7015 wall. In some embodiments, the infusion stone 7018 may be secured to the vessel 7105 wall via a mounting bracket 7019 secured to the vessel 7015 via removable fasteners, (e.g., set screws, self-locking fasteners, removable pins, resilient snaps, clips, quick connect couplers or fittings, spring loaded detent pins, and the like). It is also contemplated that the infusion stone may be provided in a removable cradle or cartridge that may be slid into the inlet opening 7017 and snapped in place, e.g., via resilient snaps, clips, quick connect couplers or fittings, and the like. In some embodiments, a tool 7020 with a pair of receiving arms 7022 may be configured to snap onto the bracket, cradle, or cartridge to remove the gas infusion stone 7018 from the vessel 7015 wall. In this manner, it should be understood that a wide variety of arrangements are contemplated for inserting or removing the infusion stone from the gas inlet port. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to remove the gas infusion stone when replacing the gas infusion stone orcleaning it, e.g., when the pores of an existing infusion stone become blocked due to sediment from beverage ingredients.

[0227] Turning now to FIGS. 37A-37B, an example tap assembly 8100 with an infusion tap will now be described. In general, the tap assembly 8100 may be operable to perform in-line gas diffusion, for example, as described above with respect to the beverage making systems 3000 and 4000 discussed above.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 37A, the gas control unit 3610 / 4610 or the air control unit 3970 / 4970 may be fluidly connected to the tap assembly 8100 to supply gas thereto (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a mixture thereof, air) when performing in-line gas diffusion. For the purpose of this disclosure, in-line gas diffusion is intended to refer to diffusing a beverage flowing through the tap assembly 8100 of the beverage device 8010, e.g., on a serving-by-serving basis. For example, gas may be supplied to the tap assembly 8100 to carbonate a beverage (e.g., water) or nitrogenate a beverage (e.g., a stout).

[0229] In the embodiment shown, the tap assembly 8100 includes an in-line gas infusion device 8120. The in-line gas infusion device 8120 may include a membrane 8121 (e.g., a porous / fibre membrane) with a gas inlet port 8123 therein. Beverage flowing through the tap assembly 8100 may flow along a flow path A (as shown), whereupon gas (injected into the membrane via the gas inlet port 8123) is dissolved / infused into the beverage (through the membrane). When the gas infused beverage flows past the membrane 8121 , it may impinge a restrictor plate 8150 downstream therefrom to induce bubble formation in the beverage, giving the beverage a velvety and froth like texture as it is dispensed from the spout 8112. The restrictor plate 8150 may comprise similar features as those found on plate 166 discussed above (see, e.g., FIG. 10E). A one-way valve 8125 (e.g., a check valve or an umbrella valve) may be arranged upstream of the gas inlet port 8123 to preclude beverage from flowing back to the gas control unit 8610 or the air control unit 8970.

[0230] In some embodiments, the in-line gas infusion device 8100 may be fluidly connected to the gas control unit 3610 / 4610 / 8610 or the air control unit 3970 / 4970 / 8970 and activated to supply gas as the handle 8140 is actuated by the user (i.e., to induce a beverage flowthrough the tap assembly 8100). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the controller 8160 may be operatively connected to the handle 8140 (to detect motion via a switch (e.g., a reed switch)) such that when the handle 8140 is moved, it will send a signal to the controller (e.g., 3600 / 4600 / 8600) to open a solenoid valve S3 between the in-line gas diffusion device 8120 and the gas control unit (e.g., 3610 / 4610 / 8610) or the air control unit (e.g., 3970 / 4970 / 8970).

[0231] In some embodiments, the in-line gas diffusion device 8120 may be operable when command data (derived from a user input via the user interface 3640 or a remote device 3690 / 4690) indicates the user prefers to bypass the vessel infusion inlet port (e.g., 3017 in FIG. 32), and instead diffuse gas directly into a beverage flowing through the tap assembly 8100. In some embodiments, an existing tap assembly (e.g., 100, 3100) may be removed from the beverage device (e.g., 10, 3010) and replaced with the tap assembly 8100 including the in-line gas infusion device 8120. In some embodiments, the in-line gas infusion device 8120 may disposed in a horizontal portion of the tap assembly 8100, or in a vertical portion thereof, e.g., when disposed adjacent to a spout of the tap assembly 8100.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 38, a beverage making system 9000 may include a utility dock 9500 configured to receive a beverage device 9010 disposed thereon in a vertical orientation. This may be advantageous if, for example, a user desires to provide and manage utilities (heating / cooling) to the beverage device 9010 during fermentation when the collector 9024 is attached thereto (e.g., to collect waste such as excess yeast)). In this manner, it should be understood that a wide variety of configurations are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the utility dock (e.g., 3500 / 4500 / 5500 / 8500 / 9500, etc.) may be configured to override the respective functions of the beverage device (e.g., 10, 13, 100, 200, 400, 500, 2000, 3100, 4100, 5100, etc.) when the beverage device is docked or received by the utility dock. For example, the first valve (e.g., 26, 3026), which is operable to define a pressure setting for the beverage device, may be bypassed by adjusting the first valve to a utility dock setpoint (e.g., a maximum pressure relief setting) such that the utility dock may regulate the pressure of the beverage device below the utility dock pressure setpoint.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 39, in another embodiment, utilities may be provided to the vessel 10015 of the beverage device 10010 via a utility cap 10013 operatively connected to a power source 10061 and a controller 10060. In this embodiment, the utility cap 10013 (e.g., instead of a utility dock) may be configured control the temperature of the vessel via a heating and cooling device 10092 comprising a heating element and a cooling element, for example, any suitable example of a heating element or cooling element described herein. Moreover, a measuring instrument 10100 may be inserted into the vessel 10015 (e.g., via another opening 10012b (e.g., where the tap assembly is traditionally inserted). In such embodiments, the measuring instrument 10100 may embody any of a thermocouple, a pressure sensor, an alcoholmeter, pH meter, and the like, each configured to send operating data to the controller 10060 when executing a beverage making procedure.

[0234] Turning now to FIG. 40, an example method 11000 of producing beverages with a beverage making system (e.g., 3000, 4000, etc.) will now be described with reference to the example beverage making systems 3000 and 4000. Although it should be understood that the following method may also be applicable to other examples of beverage making systems disclosed herein.

[0235] At step 11002, the method may include receiving, via the controller 3600 / 4600, command data, for example, derived from a command input (e.g., by a user via the user interface 3640 or a remote device 3690). As noted above, the command data may specify a desired beverage recipe or a custom beverage recipe. At step 11004 the controller 1 1004 may retrieve a beverage making procedure based on the command data, for example, from a storage device 3604 of the controller 3600. The beverage making procedure may specify control data for each phase of a beverage making procedure, e.g., fermentation, conditioning, dispensing, etc. At step 11006, the controller 11006 may control at least one of the gas control unit 3610 / 4610, the temperature control unit 3620 / 4620, and the air control unit 3970 / 4970 based on the control data during the beverage making procedure. At step 11008, the controller 3600 / 4600 may receive operating data from one or more sensors or measuring instruments disposed about or inside of the vessel 3015 / 4015, for example, any suitable example of a sensor or measuring instrument described herein. At step 11010, the controller may adjust at least one of the gas control unit 3610 / 4610, the temperature control unit 3620 / 4620, and the air control unit 3970 / 4970 based on the operating data and the control data, for example, based on a comparison therebetween.

[0236] The various examples of a beverage system (e.g., 3500 / 4500 / 5500 / 8500) utility dock (e.g., 3500 / 4500 / 5500 / 8500) disclosed herein are versatile insofar as they enable users provide and manage utilities to the beverage device, for example, to heat, cool, pressurise, or infuse gas into a vessel thereof. Moreover, the cost of operating the various examples of beverage making systems and beverage devices are economically advantageous because the utility docks (e.g., 3500 / 4500) may be configured to generate or harvest gas in the home environment (e.g., nitrogen via a portable generator, carbon dioxide harvested from the vessel), instead of requiring the user to purchase one or more canisters or cylinders of gas, e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof.

[0237] Although the disclosed technology has been shown and described with respect to a certain aspect, embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, units, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspect, embodiment or embodiments of the disclosed technology. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosed technology may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated aspects or embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0238] While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems, devices, apparatus, and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

[0239] Further still, in some embodiments, features of one unit may instead form part of another unit. For instance (as non-limiting examples), the gas control unit (e.g., 3610) and the temperature control unit (e.g., 3620) may form part of the same component or unit, and some or all of the pressure sensors (e.g., P1-P5 in FIG. 33) may form part of the gas control unit (e.g., 3610), the temperature control unit (e.g., 3620) or a single component or unit that encompasses the gas control and temperature units. In this manner, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of configurations are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0240] The terms “includes,” “including,” and “include” are inclusive and have the same scope as “comprises,” “comprising,” and “comprise” respectively. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

[0241] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A beverage device for producing one or more beverages, comprising: a vessel for beverage ingredients; a tap assembly comprising an inlet extending into the vessel; and the tap assembly comprising an outlet configured to dispense a beverage from the vessel; characterised in that the tap assembly includes an infusion device fluidly connected to a gas supply or an air supply, the infusion device is configured to infuse gas or air into a beverage dispensed through the tap assembly, and one or both of: a) the infusion device is disposed between the inlet and the outlet; and b) an adaptor or nozzle is integrally formed with or removably attached at the outlet of the tap assembly for altering pressure and flow characteristics of a liquid dispensed through the outlet.

2. A beverage device as claimed in claim 1 , in which where b) is provided: the nozzle includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central portion therebetween, the proximal portion defines an upright that is shaped and dimensioned to extend into the outlet, the upright has one or more openings fluidly connected to channels extending through a pair of oppositely disposed walls inside the upright, and a plate is disposed between the walls for beverage flow to impinge on, and a chamber is disposed beneath the plate, the chamber being delimited by a circumferential wall of the nozzle, for producing microbubbles in the beverage dispensed from the adapter or nozzle.

3. A beverage device as claimed in claim 2, in which the chamber includes an area of enlarged crosssection to provides a flow-straightening section for facilitating changing a turbulent flow of liquid exiting the channels into a slow, clean, continuous column of liquid to be dispensed into a beverage container.

4. A beverage device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which, where b) is provided, the adaptor or nozzle is made of plastic and optionally includes a rubber seal.

5. A beverage device as claimed in claim 1 , in which where a) is provided, the infusion device is an in-line gas infusion device including a membrane with a gas inlet port therein, and a restrictor plate downstream of the membrane for beverage flow to impinge on for inducing bubble formation in the beverage.

6. A beverage device as claimed in claim 5, in which a one-way valve, such as a check valve or an umbrella valve, is arranged upstream of the gas inlet port.

7. A beverage device as claimed in any of claims 1 , 5 or 6, comprising a flow meter or a mass flow meter to determine appropriate volumes of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to be supplied to the beverage device via the gas inlet port for attaining a desired gas mixture based on control data for a given beverage making procedure.

8. A beverage device according to any preceding claim, comprising: i) an opening in the vessel; or ii) a pressure relief valve disposed in an opening in the vessel; the beverage device further comprising a gas cylinder configured to supply gas into the vessel to pressurise the beverage, the gas cylinder defining an inlet fluidly connected to the opening or to the pressure relief valve for harvesting gas or carbon dioxide produced naturally in the vessel during fermentation, and optionally to reintroduce said harvested gas or carbon dioxide into the vessel for carbonating the beverage.

9. A beverage device according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the vessel defines a gas inlet port extending through a wall of the vessel, and the gas inlet port in the vessel is fluidly connected to a gas supply provided by a cartridge, the cartridge includes a switch, a regulator, a reusable gas canister or cylinder, and a first pressure relief valve, and the vessel includes a second pressure relief valve which extends through the wall of the vessel, in which the switch is operable to switch between the first pressure relief valve and the second pressure relief valve for effecting a corresponding level of carbonation when making a carbonated beverage.

10. A beverage device according to claim 9, in which the second pressure relief valve is adjustable to a specific pressure relief setting.11 . A beverage device according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the vessel defines a gas inlet port extending through a wall of the vessel, and the gas inlet port in the vessel is fluidly connected to a gas supply provided by a regulator assembly for supplying gas into an internal volume of the vessel and regulating a pressure therein, the regulator assembly includes a switch, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and a regulator, and the switch is operable to switch between the first pressure relief valve and the second pressure relief valve.

12. A beverage device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 , in which the first and second pressure relief valves have first and second maximum pressure relief settings, and the vessel includes a safety valve that is preset to a fixed pressure relief setting that is higher, preferably slightly higher, than the maximum pressure relief settings.

13. A beverage device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a gas supply is connected or connectable to the vessel or to a regulator or regulator assembly for supplying gas into the vessel, and the beverage device is operable in a plurality of modes, each mode corresponding to a type of beverage to be made, the plurality of modes including at least two of: a nitrogen mode for making a first nitrogenated beverage, a beer gas mode for making a second beverage, and acarbon dioxide mode for making a third carbonated beverage; optionally including one of: selection of a given mode is configured to cause the gas supply to fluidly connect with the regulator or regulator assembly or, where an insertable cartridge comprises the gas supply, with the vessel; the beverage device includes a collector for capturing waste, the beverage device includes an insertable cartridge which comprises the gas supply, and removal of the collector from the beverage device is configured to cause the gas supply in the cartridge to fluidly connect with the vessel for conditioning and / or tapping of the beverage.

14. A beverage device comprising: a vessel defining an internal volume and including an inlet fluidly connected to the internal volume, the inlet defining a first opening, and the vessel including a second opening; a tap assembly attached to the inlet and configured to dispense a beverage in the internal volume to an outlet of the tap assembly, the tap assembly including a handle operable to adjust a flow rate of the beverage dispensed from the beverage device; and a gas canister or cylinder; characterised in thatthe gas canister or cylinder defines an inlet fluidly connected to the opening for harvesting gas or carbon dioxide produced naturally in the vessel during fermentation.

15. A beverage device as claimed in claim 14, configured to reintroduce said harvested gas or carbon dioxide into the vessel for gassing or carbonating the beverage.

16. A beverage device as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, in which the vessel includes a pressure relief valve is disposed in the second opening, and the inlet of the gas canister or cylinder is fluidly connected to the pressure relief valve.

17. A beverage device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, in which a cartridge comprises the gas canister or cylinder, a switch, a regulator, and a pressure relief valve, and the switch is operable to switch between the pressure relief valves of the vessel and the cartridge for effecting a corresponding level of carbonation when making a carbonated beverage, optionally in which the pressure relief valve of the vessel is adjustable to a specific pressure relief setting.

18. A beverage device as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, in which a regulator assembly comprises the gas canister or cylinder, a switch, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and a regulator, in which the switch is operable to switch between the first pressure relief valve and the second pressure relief valve.

19. A beverage device comprising a vessel defining an internal volume and including an inlet fluidly connected to the internal volume, the inlet defining an opening; and a tap assembly attached to the inlet and configured to dispense a beverage in the internal volume to an outlet of said tap assembly; and a gas supply connected or connectable to the vessel or to a regulator or regulator assemblyfor supplying gas into the vessel; characterised in that the beverage device is operable in a plurality of modes, each mode corresponding to a type of beverage to be made, and the plurality of modes includes at least two of: a nitrogen mode for making a first nitrogenated beverage, a beer gas mode for making a second beverage, and a carbon dioxide mode for making a third carbonated beverage.

20. A beverage device as claimed in claim 19, in which selection of a given mode is configured to cause the gas supply to fluidly connect with the regulator or regulator assembly or, where an insertable cartridge comprises the gas supply, with the vessel.

21. A beverage device as claimed in claim 19, in which the beverage device includes a collector for capturing waste, the beverage device includes an insertable cartridge which comprises the gas supply, and removal of the collector from the beverage device is configured to cause the gas supply in the cartridge to fluidly connect with the vessel for conditioning and / or tapping of the beverage.

22. A beverage device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a controller comprising logic to control a temperature and / or pressure of the vessel based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure, a gas control unit and / or a temperature control unit operatively connected to the controller, and one or more sensors configured to monitor, receive, and send operating data to the controller, in which the controller is configured to receive the operating data and adjust or control any or all of the gas control unit and the temperature control unit based on the operating data and the control data.

23. A beverage device as claimed in claim 22, comprising a storage device including one or more beverage making procedures or methods for making one or more beverage recipes stored therein, and a processor configured to execute the one or more stored procedures or methods.

24. A beverage device as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, in which the gas control unit comprises any or all of: a gas supply unit configured to supply gas to a pressure value or set point for the type of beverage being produced, optionally in which the set point comprises a first pressure set point for during fermentation where applicable, a second pressure set point for during conditioning where applicable, and a third pressure set point for during dispensing / tapping; and a gas harvesting unit configured to withdraw excess gas from the headspace of the vessel for purification, storage, and optionally subsequent supply to the vessel; and an air supply unit configured to supply air to a tap assembly of the beverage device for inline gas infusion, in which the air supply unit includes an air inlet for drawing air from the environment, a moisture trap, an air supply source, and a filter for removing particles or debris from the air; optionally in which the air supply unit is fluidly connected to the gas harvesting unit.

25. A beverage device as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, in which the controller is configured to send a signal to the temperature control unit to control the temperature of the vessel based on control data and optionally a temperature set point value for each applicable phase, such as duringfermentation, conditioning, and dispensing, of a beverage making procedure.

26. A beverage device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 or 19 to 25, in which the tap assembly includes a handle operable to adjust a flow rate of the beverage dispensed from the beverage device.

27. A method of making, or infusing gas into, a beverage using a beverage device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: adding ingredients into the vessel; infusing gas into the vessel to produce a gas-infused beverage; and dispensing the gas-infused beverage via the tap assembly.

28. A beverage device comprises: a brewing device with a tap assembly, optionally in which the brewing device comprises the features of a beverage device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26; a cartridge containing a gas supply, optionally in which the cartridge is as claimed in any of claims 55 to 63; and an ingredient kit for making a gas-infused beverage.

29. A beverage device as claimed in claim 28, comprising a detector in the beverage device which is configured to perform at least one of the following: i) detect when the beverage device is connected to a collector or when the collector is removed; ii) detect when the cartridge is received by the beverage device; iii) engage or actuate a pressure relief valve with a variable pressure relief setting inside the cartridge, thereby causing the cartridge to control the pressure relief setting of the regulator, and optionally one or both of: when actuated via the collector attached to the beverage device, the detector is configured to engage or actuate the pressure relief valve to operate at a low-pressure setting or about .2 bar for fermenting a beverage such as nitrogenated stout; and the detector is configured to actuate the pressure relief valve to operate at a higher pressure setting or about 2.5 bar for conditioning or tapping a beverage.

30. A beverage device, or a utility dock for receiving said beverage device to supply utilities thereto, the beverage device comprising a vessel defining an internal volume and an inlet fluidly connected to the internal volume, the inlet defining an opening, and a tap assembly attached to the inlet and configured to dispense a beverage in the internal volume to an outlet of the tap assembly, characterised in thatVne beverage device or utility dock comprises: a controller comprising logic to control a temperature and / or pressure of the vessel based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure, a gas control unit and / or a temperature control unit operatively connected to the controller, and one or more sensors configured to monitor, receive, and send operating data to the controller, in which the controller is configured to receive the operating data and adjust or control any or all of the gas control unit and the temperature control unit based on the operating data and the control data.

31. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in claim 30, comprising a storage device including one or more beverage making procedures or methods for making one or more beverage recipes stored therein, and a processor configured to execute the one or more stored procedures or methods.

32. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31 , in which the controller is configured to send a signal to the temperature control unit to control the temperature of the vessel based on control data and optionally a temperature set point value for each applicable phase, such as during fermentation, conditioning, and dispensing, of a beverage making procedure.

33. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 32, in which the temperature control unit includes a heating unit for transferring thermal energy to the vessel and / or a cooling unit; and optionally one or more thermocouples to measure a temperature of the vessel or of the beverage ingredients therein for providing corresponding operating data.

34. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 33, in which the gas supply unit includes a regulator assembly including a first pressure regulator connected to a canister or cylinder containing purified carbon dioxide gas, and a second pressure regulator connected to a canister or cylinder of nitrogen gas or a portable nitrogen generator for producing nitrogen from the air.

35. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in claim 34, in which the gas supply unit includes a first pressure sensor arranged downstream of the first pressure regulator; optionally in which the first pressure sensor is configured to monitor and record operating data in real time in gas flowing through a conduit or piping arranged between the first pressure regulator and a first solenoid valve, and the controller is configured to utilise the operating data to determine the pressure of gas supplied to the headspace of the beverage device and to a flow meter located downstream of the first pressure sensor.

36. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 35, in which the controller is configured to manage the composition and volume of gas supplied to the beverage device based on molar weights of the constituent gases being supplied to the beverage device based on the control data, the controller being configured to receive operating data from a second pressure sensor and a third pressure sensor to determine an actual beverage level remaining in the beverage device, for example via a hydrostatic pressure value recorded via the second pressure sensor and a pressure value recorded via the third pressure sensor.

37. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 36, in which the controller is communicatively coupled to a user interface operable to receive inputs and display outputs concerning an operational status or operational data of the beverage device.

38. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 37, comprising a flow meter or a mass flow meterto determine the appropriate volume of gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen that should be supplied to the beverage device to attain a desired gas mixture based on the controldata for the type of beverage making procedure executed by the controller.

39. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 38, in which the gas control unit is configured to perform several control functions based on control data associated with a beverage making procedure when the beverage device is received by the utility dock, for example, pressure regulation such as maintaining a positive or negative pressure, flow control such as for gas infusion, gas harvesting, and in-line gas infusion.

40. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 39, in which the gas control unit comprises any or all of: a gas supply unit configured to supply gas to a pressure value or set point for the type of beverage being produced, optionally in which the set point comprises a first pressure set point for during fermentation where applicable, a second pressure set point for during conditioning where applicable, and a third pressure set point for during dispensing / tapping; and a gas harvesting unit configured to withdraw excess gas from the headspace of the vessel for purification, storage, and optionally subsequent supply to the vessel; and an air supply unit configured to supply air to a tap assembly of the beverage device for inline gas infusion, in which the air supply unit includes an air inlet for drawing air from the environment, a moisture trap, an air supply source, and a filter for removing particles or debris from the air; optionally in which the air supply unit is fluidly connected to the gas harvesting unit.

41. A beverage device or a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 40, comprising a communications device configured to receive inputs from and transmit outputs to a remote device, such as a user’s smart phone, tablet, or smart watch, and / or a host device such as a smart phone or laptop.

42. A beverage making system comprising: a beverage device including a vessel for beverage ingredients, optionally in which the beverage device is as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26 or 28 to 41 ; and a utility dock configured to receive the beverage device to supply utilities thereto, optionally in which the utility dock is as claimed in any of claims 30 to 41 .

43. A beverage making system as claimed in claim 42, in which the utility dock comprises an upper surface configured to receive and accommodate the beverage device thereon, and the upper surface defines one or more openings dimensioned to align with one or more openings extending into a lower surface of the beverage device for supplying and connecting opposing conduits or conduction elements for any of supplying gas, connecting sensors and controlling temperature and / or water supplied to the vessel.

44. A beverage making system as claimed in claim 42 or claim 43, in which inlet ports in the vessel wall include a one-way valve, such as a check valve or an umbrella valve, to allow fluid to flow into the vessel but preclude the beverage therein from flowing back through a conduit connecting the gas control unit to the vessel.

45. A tap assembly for a beverage device, comprising: an inlet for receiving beverage from a vessel; an outlet configured to dispense the beverage; and one or both of: a) an infusion device fluidly connectable to a gas supply or an air supply, in which the infusion device is configured to infuse gas or air into the beverage dispensed through the tap assembly, and the infusion device is disposed between the inlet and the outlet as an in-line gas infusion device; and b) an adaptor or nozzle which is integrally formed with or removably attachable at the outlet of the tap assembly for altering pressure and flow characteristics of a liquid dispensed through the outlet.

46. A tap assembly as claimed in claim 45, in which where b) is provided: the nozzle includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central portion therebetween, the proximal portion defines an upright that is shaped and dimensioned to extend into the outlet, the upright has one or more openings fluidly connected to channels extending through a pair of oppositely disposed walls inside the upright, and a plate is disposed between the walls for beverage flow to impinge on, and a chamber is disposed beneath the plate, the chamber being delimited by a circumferential wall of the nozzle, for producing microbubbles in the beverage dispensed from the adapter or nozzle.

47. A tap assembly as claimed in claim 46, in which the chamber includes an area of enlarged crosssection to provides a flow-straightening section for facilitating changing a turbulent flow of liquid exiting the channels into a slow, clean, continuous column of liquid to be dispensed into a beverage container.

48. A tap assembly as claimed in any of claims 45 to 47, in which, where b) is provided, the adaptor or nozzle is made of plastic and optionally includes a rubber seal.

49. A tap assembly as claimed in claim 45, in which, where a) is provided, the in-line gas infusion device includes a membrane with a gas inlet port therein, and a restrictor plate downstream of the membrane for beverage flow to impinge on for inducing bubble formation in the beverage.

50. A tap assembly as claimed in claim 49, in which a one-way valve, such as a check valve or an umbrella valve, is arranged upstream of the gas inlet port.

51. An adapter or nozzle for removably attaching to an outlet or spout of a beverage device, the adaptor or nozzle comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central portion therebetween, the proximal portion defining an upright that is shaped and dimensioned for extending into the outlet, the upright has one or more openings fluidly connected to channels extending through a pair of oppositely disposed walls inside the upright, and a plate is disposed between the walls for beverage flow to impinge on, and a chamber isdisposed beneath the plate, the chamber being delimited by a circumferential wall of the nozzle, for producing microbubbles in the beverage dispensed from the adapter or nozzle when attached to the outlet or spout.

52. An adaptor or nozzle as claimed in claim 51 , in which the chamber includes an area of enlarged cross-section to provides a flow-straightening section for facilitating changing a turbulent flow of liquid exiting the channels into a slow, clean, continuous column of liquid to be dispensed into a beverage container.

53. An adaptor or nozzle as claimed in claim 51 or claim 52, which is made of plastic and optionally includes a rubber seal.

54. An adaptor or nozzle as claimed in any of claims 51 to 53, in which the central portion defines a thread pattern configured for rotatably engaging an annular, threaded opening of the outlet or spout for securing the nozzle thereto.

55. A cartridge for a beverage device including a vessel, the cartridge comprising a reusable gas cylinder or canister for containing a gas or gas mixture such as nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas or a beer gas, and a regulator configured to regulate pressure at a predetermined pressure setting based on a desired beverage to be brewed.

56. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55, in which the cartridge includes a switch operable to turn on a gas supply and initiate a flow of gas into the vessel.

57. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, in which the cartridge includes a door pivotable about a pivot axis for restricting or granting access to an internal compartment therein; optionally in which the door includes a contoured surface or wedge 674 configured for engaging a mating contoured surface or wedge in the compartment to urge the reusable gas cylinder into engagement with the regulator, thereby fluidly connecting the gas in the gas cylinder to the regulator.

58. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, in which a sliding door configured to slide relative to a housing that partly accommodates the reusable gas cylinder therein; optionally in which the housing and the door comprise an internal contour corresponding to the shape of the gas cylinder, thereby precluding the gas cylinder from moving when received by the cartridge.

59. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, comprising a pivoting door configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the door is configured to urge the gas cylinder into engagement with the regulator for fluidly connecting gas in the gas cylinder to the regulator.

60. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, comprising a housing containing the regulator therein, and a cradle defining an internal contour conforming to the shape of the gas cylinder; optionally in which the cradle is slidable into the housing, thereby causing the gas cylinder to fluidly connect with the regulator.

61. A cartridge as claimed in claim 60, in which the cartridge includes a needle configured to pierce a seal sealing an outlet of the gas cylinder when the cylinder is received by the cartridge for fluidly connecting the gas cylinder to the regulator.

62. A cartridge as claimed in claim 55 or any of claims 57 to 61 when dependent on claim 55, for the beverage device which further includes a pressure relief valve extending through a wall of the vessel, in which the cartridge comprises a second pressure relief valve, and a switch operable to switch between the pressure relief valves for effecting a corresponding level of carbonation when making a carbonated beverage.

63. A cartridge as claimed in claim 56, or any of claims 57 to 61 when dependent on claim 56, or claim 62, in which the gas cylinder includes a mating feature configured to prompt the regulator to either automatically switch from a first pressure setting to a second pressure setting or to regulate at a certain pressure setting corresponding to a certain beverage type; optionally in which the mating feature is a protrusion configured to engage the switch in the cartridge for when conditioning a beverage, and / or optionally in which the protrusion is dimensioned to deflect a valve actuating diaphragm to a certain degree or extent corresponding to the pressure setting.

64. A kit comprising brewing ingredients corresponding to a beverage recipe, and a cartridge as claimed in any of claims 55 to 63.

65. A kit as claimed in claim 64, in which the brewing ingredients and the cartridge are selected from one of the following: dark stout malt extract brewing ingredients corresponding to a dark stout malt extract recipe for producing a nitrogenated stout, and a dark stout cartridge configured to supply beer gas and regulate a pressure in the vessel at about 2.5 bar for conditioning and tapping the dark stout malt extract recipe, optionally including a corresponding adapter configured to induce the formation of microbubbles in the stout as nitrogen gas is expelled through the adapter at about 2.5 bar; lager or India Pale Ale (IPA) brewing ingredients corresponding to a lager or IPA recipe for producing a lager or IPA, and a carbon dioxide beer cartridge configured to supply carbon dioxide into the vessel and regulate a pressure in the vessel between 1 .5 barto 2.1 bar.

66. A method of producing a beverage comprising: receiving command data at a beverage device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26 or 28 to 41 or at a utility dock as claimed in any of claims 30 to 41 ; retrieving a beverage making procedure based on the command data, said beverage making procedure specifying control data for the beverage device or the utility dock; and controlling a gas supply unit or a temperature control unit based on the control data.

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