U.S. patent application number 16/572381 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for carbonator.
This patent application is currently assigned to BREVILLE PTY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is BREVILLE PTY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Simon James Chalk, Andrew John Grigor, Chiu Keung Kenneth Lee, Con Psarologos, Sathiaseelan Thangamuthu, Gerard Andrew White.
Application Number | 20200009515 16/572381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52467848 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200009515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thangamuthu; Sathiaseelan ;
et al. |
January 9, 2020 |
CARBONATOR
Abstract
A domestic beverage carbonator for carbonating a liquid in a
bottle comprising temperature and pressure sensors that communicate
with processor to improve the carbonation process. The device
further comprises a CO2 cylinder coupling and a cylinder discharge
valve, an exhaust valve, a fill head and a user interface. The user
interface further comprises user controls and a graphic display and
the fill head has a pressure sensor to sense a pressure in the
attached bottle and communicate a pressure signal to the processor
and the processor uses the pressure signal to regulate the cylinder
valve and the exhaust valve.
Inventors: |
Thangamuthu; Sathiaseelan;
(Telopea, AU) ; Chalk; Simon James; (Redfern,
AU) ; Psarologos; Con; (Bardwell Valley, AU) ;
Grigor; Andrew John; (Kensington, AU) ; White; Gerard
Andrew; (Darlington, AU) ; Lee; Chiu Keung
Kenneth; (St Leonards, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BREVILLE PTY LIMITED |
Alexandria |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
Alexandria
AU
|
Family ID: |
52467848 |
Appl. No.: |
16/572381 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14912090 |
Feb 14, 2016 |
10413872 |
|
|
PCT/AU2014/000804 |
Aug 13, 2014 |
|
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|
16572381 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 3/04801 20130101;
B01F 15/00162 20130101; B01F 3/04815 20130101; B01F 3/04794
20130101; A23L 2/54 20130101; B01F 15/00344 20130101; B67D 1/0072
20130101; B01F 15/00175 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04; B01F 15/00 20060101 B01F015/00; B67D 1/00 20060101
B67D001/00; A23L 2/54 20060101 A23L002/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 13, 2013 |
AU |
2013903050 |
Claims
1. A pressurization device having a microprocessor, the device
adapted to pressurize contents of a bottle containing a liquid, the
bottle having a maximum fill level, comprising: a delivery valve
for attachment to a pressurized gas cylinder; the delivery valve
being adapted to supply gas to a fill head; and the fill head being
adapted to sealingly engage a bottle, and having a pressure sensor
that provides a pressure signal to the microprocessor, the pressure
sensor being located above the maximum fill level of the bottle
when the bottle is in a sealed engagement with the fill head;
wherein the microprocessor is adapted to actuate the delivery valve
in multiple discrete increments, the pressure sensor being adapted
to determine: a) a pressure difference; and b) a period of time
associated with each increment; wherein the microprocessor is
further adapted to, on the basis of the pressure difference and the
period of time, determine: a first rate of a pressure increase
during a first increment, a second rate of pressure increase during
a second increment, and perform a comparison of the first rate to
the second rate to determine an amount of carbon dioxide in the
cylinder on the basis of a difference between the first rate and
the second rate.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the fill head has an exhaust
solenoid valve, the exhaust solenoid valve remaining closed as
carbon dioxide is being supplied to the fill head until an upper
pressure limit is reached, the upper pressure limit being measured
by the microprocessor using the pressure sensor.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein: each increment having
predetermined upper and lower pressure limits and thus defining a
pressure curve over time; the microprocessor summing an integral of
the pressure curve to determine a total delivered
pressurization.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein: the lower pressure limit for an
increment is equal to or greater than 40 psi.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein: an increment is followed by a
predetermined rest interval.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein: the exhaust solenoid valve is
activated between increments.
7. A carbonation device, comprising: a microprocessor, the device
adapted to carbonate the contents of a bottle containing a liquid,
the bottle having a maximum fill level, the device further
comprising: a carbonation delivery valve adapted to be attached to
a carbon dioxide cylinder, the delivery valve having a valve
actuator; the delivery valve supplying carbon dioxide to a fill
head, the fill head being connected to a fill line from the
delivery valve and to a vent that is controlled by an exhaust
solenoid valve; the fill head having a pressure sensor that
provides a pressure signal to the microprocessor, the pressure
sensor located above the maximum fill level of the bottle when the
bottle is in a sealed engagement with the fill head; wherein the
exhaust solenoid valve remains closed as carbon dioxide is being
supplied to the fill head until an upper pressure limit is reached,
the upper pressure limit being measured by the controller using the
pressure sensor; the valve actuator operated by the microprocessor
in multiple discrete increments; wherein the microprocessor is
further adapted to cooperate with the pressure sensor to determine
a first rate of a pressure increase during a first increment, a
second rate of pressure increase during a second increment, and
perform a comparison of the first rate to the second rate and,
based on a rate decrease, to determine an amount of carbon dioxide
remaining in the cylinder; and each increment having predetermined
upper and lower pressure limits and thus defining a pressure curve
over time; the microprocessor summing an integral of the pressure
curve to determine a total delivered carbonation; the exhaust
solenoid valve being activated between increments; and wherein the
vent is operated by the microprocessor to close when the lower
pressure limit is reached.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein: a rest interval comes after the
vent is closed.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein: the controller receives a
temperature input signal that relates to a temperature of the
contents; the controller increasing a delivery volume of carbon
dioxide when the temperature of the contents is below a room
temperature.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein: the amount of carbon dioxide
volume in the cylinder is displayed on a user interface of the
device.
11. The device of claim 2, wherein: each increment having
predetermined upper and lower pressure limits thus defining a
pressure curve over time; the microprocessor arranged to sum an
integral of the pressure curve to determine a total delivered
carbonation; the exhaust solenoid valve being activated between
increments; and wherein the vent is operated by the microprocessor
to close when the lower pressure limit is reached.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to domestic carbonation devices and
more particularly to a carbonation device that accepts a
replaceable bottle for the purpose of carbonating its contents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Domestic carbonators are well known. These devices operate
by dispensing or injecting pressurized carbon dioxide into a liquid
that is contained in a bottle. The present invention seeks to
improve known devices and methods of domestic carbonation by
simplifying and automating aspects of the carbonation process, by
sensing or obtaining key parameters in the carbonation process and
by using information provided by the sensors and other inputs to
provide enhanced performance, safety or ease of operation.
[0003] The engagement between cylinder of pressurized CO2 and the
device that receives it is sometimes unstable or potentially
unsafe.
[0004] Domestic carbonation devices generally lack the means of
sensing the level of water or other liquid in the bottle that is to
be carbonated. However, the water level in the bottle has an impact
on the performance of the device.
[0005] Carbonation devices generally rely on replaceable
pressurized cylinders of carbon dioxide. However, as the cylinder
is depleted, the cylinder pressure drops. This drop in pressure
over successive carbonation cycles can result in inconsistent
carbonation results.
[0006] Domestic carbonation devices sometimes count the number of
carbonation operations for the purpose of providing an indication
of the remaining carbon dioxide in a replaceable cylinder. However,
failure to reset the counter after a cylinder has been changed, or
if the initial cylinder volume is input incorrectly into the
device, misleading indications of remaining CO2 volume in the
cylinder can cause the consumer to dispose of a cylinder that may
actually have useful amounts of carbon dioxide remaining.
[0007] The solubility of the carbon dioxide in a liquid is
proportional to the time under pressure and inversely proportional
to the temperature. Atypical domestic carbonation device does not
adjust the carbonation time or pressure to compensate for the
actual temperature of the liquid being carbonated. Accordingly,
inconsistent or sub-optimal carbonation results are sometimes
obtained.
[0008] Domestic carbonation devices generally lack any form of
feedback or direct indication of the amount of carbon dioxide that
has been injected into the water or other liquid. Because optimal
carbonation requires the appropriate delivery of carbon dioxide
injection into the liquid, inconsistent carbonation results are
sometimes obtained.
[0009] Domestic carbonation devices are somewhat inflexible in the
volume of CO2 gas that is delivered for injection into the bottle
containing the liquid to be carbonated. in sonic devices, the
smallest volume of gas that the device is able to dispense or
deliver is sometimes more than is actually desired or required by
the consumer.
[0010] When the liquid to be carbonated is flavored or sweetened,
inadvertent discharge of the liquid into the overflow or vent
leading from the bottle comprises a contamination that has the
potential to become moldy over time.
[0011] The contents of PCT patent application PCT/AU2012/000636 are
incorporated herein by referenced.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In some embodiments of the technology, the liquid level in a
bottle to be carbonated is determined by measuring the pressure in
the bottle during carbonation and obtaining an indication of liquid
level based on the time required to reach a particular or target
pressure.
[0013] In other aspects of the technology, consistent carbonation
is achieved by measuring the pressure within a bottle being
carbonated while periodically filling and venting. The periodic
rise and fall of the pressure in the bottle is used as an
indication of when optimum carbonation is obtained.
[0014] In some embodiments of the technology, the residual volume
of CO2 in a cylinder is determined by measuring the time it takes
the pressure in a bottle to be carbonated to reach a target
value.
[0015] In some embodiments of the technology, a liquid beverage
temperature in a bottle to be carbonated is either determined
directly or input by a user. The device then adjusts the volume of
carbon dioxide delivered to the liquid in accordance with the
indicated or determined temperature.
[0016] In some embodiments of the technology a separate and single
purpose user input is provided that causes the device's
microprocessor to activate a pull solenoid or solenoid valve
associated with the carbon dioxide cylinder so that a relatively
small gas volume is discharged. This relatively small volume
corresponds to a volume that is considerably less than the minimum
gas discharge volumes associated with typical domestic carbonation
devices, or the minimum discharge required to carbonate the
smallest bottle that the device is configured to handle.
[0017] In some embodiments of the invention, an exhaust path from a
bottle being carbonated can be opened. Clean water from a bottle is
then forced with carbon dioxide into the exhaust path so that it
flows into the open exhaust line. This has the effect of purging or
cleaning the exhaust line of unwanted residue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0018] In order that the invention be better understood, reference
is now made to the following drawing figures in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a domestic beverage
carbonator.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the carbonator shown in
FIG.1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of a
carbonator.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the base depicted in
FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a CO2 cylinder support.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the device depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a user interface of a beverage
carbonator.
[0027] FIGS. 9 and 9(a) are schematic diagrams of a beverage
carbonator.
[0028] FIG. 10 are graphs illustrating the operation of a
carbonator's solenoid valves in relation to the rise and fall of
pressure within a beverage bottle whose contents are being
carbonated.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a carbonator.
[0030] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of a fill head and bottle
to be carbonated.
[0031] FIG. 13 are cite elevations illustrating the operation of
the fill head shown in FIG. 12.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross section of the fill head shown in FIG.
12.
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates common cross sectional view, the
operation of the fill head shown in FIG. 12.
[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates common cross sectional view, the
operation of the fill head shown in FIG. 12.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a domestic
carbonator.
[0036] FIGS. 18(a) and (b) are perspective and cross sectional
views of baffle apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating pressure thresholds used to
determine bottle fill level.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a
domestic carbonator.
[0039] FIG. 21 illustrates a pressure and temperature indicating
bottle cap end top and cross sectional views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a carbonation device too comprises a
base 101 and a compartment 102 that are interconnected by a body
103. The base 101 contains a plinth and drip tray 104 for
supporting a bottle to be carbonated 105. The bottle makes a
sealing engagement with a fill head 106.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, a rear of the body 103 has a recess 200
that partially can form the shape of a cylinder for receiving a
carbon dioxide gas cylinder 201. The cylinder is inserted by
introducing the bottom 202 of the cylinder 201 into the recess area
200. A reciprocating bottle support 203 is located at the lower
extent of the recess 200. Owing tithe bias of the reciprocating
support 203 the cylinder 200 is urged into engagement with a
cylinder coupling 204 located adjacent to an upper extent of the
recess 200 and preferably within the fill head compartment 102. The
bias assists the user by urging the bottle upward as it is being
manually threaded into engagement.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reciprocating bottle support,
in this example, includes at one end of a cylinder engaging portion
301 and remotely from it, or at an opposite end, One or more pivot
points 302. The support 203 is restrained by the pivot points 302
and rotates about them. In this example, each of the cylinder
supports' pivot points 302 is supported by a leg 306. In this
example, the support has two parallel legs 306, 307 that are each
joined to the cylinder engaging portion 301. The space between the
parallel legs 306, 307 creates a clearance for other parts of the
device. The cylinder support 203, its pivot points 302and the
springs 303 are contained within a base portion 308 having a
sidewall 309 surrounding a bottom surface 310 under which are
located supporting feet 311 for stabilizing the device. The end of
the support having the cylinder engaging portion 203 is urged
upwardly by one or more coil springs 303. The cylinder engaging
portion 301 comprises a circular well 301a, and upstanding and a
circular rim 304 within it. The area within the upstanding lip 304
comprises a circular well or depression 305.
[0043] A sensor or contact switch in the base 401 communicates the
presence of the bottle 201 to the processor 902.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 the circular and upstanding lip 304 may
be eccentric to the outer side wall 501 of the toroidal well 303.
This eccentricity is caused by moving the center of the circular
lip 502 closer to the front of the cylinder supporting portion 503
than the Center 504 of the toroidal well 504
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a cylinder supporting portion 301
in accordance with FIGS. 3 and 5 can accept cylinders of different
diameters.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the base 601 of a smaller cylinder 600
can be accommodated fully within the upstanding lip 304 so that the
underside 602 of the cylinder 600 comes to rest on the upper
surface. of the central well 305.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, a larger CO2 cylinder 701 has an under
surface featuring one or more circular recesses 702. In this
example, the outermost two concentric circular recesses 702
receives the upstanding rim 304.
[0048] As suggested by FIGS. 2 and 8, a forward surface of a
carbonation device 801 may be provided with a user interface
comprising various user operated controls 802 and a graphic display
803 such as an LCD display or other means of electronic display
such as LED indicators. In this example, push button type input
controls with illuminated surrounding rings are used to start and
stop the device 804, to optionally toggle between chilled water and
room temperature water 805 and optionally to request a small volume
delivery of gas 806. A rotating knob allows a user to input liquid
temperature options or carbonation level 807. The display 803 is
used (for example) to indicate user selections, process parameters
and the operational state of the device.
[0049] A domestic carbonation machine may offer various levels of
carbonation to suite a variety of consumer preferences.
Conventionally, distinct levels of carbonation are provided in
discreet stepwise increments. However, a user desiring only a
slight increase in carbonation level, either before or after
carbonation has been completed, is generally left with a single
option, that being re-carbonation or extended carbonation based on
the lowest delivery volume or time setting available on the
machine. However, when a user requires only a slight increase, the
lowest carbonation level available from the machine's control panel
may be excessive. Accordingly, a selector, control or other user
input 806 on the user interface may be used to provide a signal
tithe microprocessor so as to increase the duration of the gas
discharge from the cylinder by an amount that is less than the
lowest discharge setting of a convention domestic carbonation
machine.
[0050] A schematic diagram of an exemplarily device is provided in
FIG. 9. In this example, a CO2 cylinder 900 is associated with a
sensor 901 that indicates to a microprocessor 902 whether or not
the cylinder 900 is in place. The cylinder is attached to an
actuator coupling and valve 903 having an actuating stem 904 that
is triggered (for example) by a lever 905. One end of the lever is
driven by a fill solenoid 906 that is controlled by the
microprocessor 902. A gas fill line 907 leads from the actuator
valve 903 to the replaceable bottle's fill head 908. The fill head
908 includes means for sealing the fill head against the bottle
Tobe filled 909. The fill head 908 further comprises a gas
injection nozzle 910 that is adapted to enter the mouth 911 of the
bottle to be fined 909. The fill head may also incorporate one or
more sensors 912, 912a, 912b) such as temperature or pressure
sensors. The sensor 912a may be located on the nozzle 910. A sensor
912b may be located on the nozzle or fill head above the intended
maximum fill level of the bottle 909. The fill head may have an
exhaust safety valve 913 for relieving excess pressure. The fill
head also has an outlet port 914 that leads to a gas outlet path
915 that terminates in a vent 920. The gas outlet path leads to an
exhaust solenoid valve 916 and, by way of a T junction 917 to a
pressure transducer 918. The pressure transducer supplies
information to the processor 902 relating to the pressure in the
bottle. A micro switch 919 adjacent to the fill head, may be used
to indicate when the bottle 909 is in correct position for filling
and is associated with the microprocessor 902. The exhaust solenoid
valve 916 is controlled by the microprocessor 902. The exhaust
solenoid valve may be normally open type solenoid valve that
controls the discharge from the atmospheric vent 920. The device
may incorporate a tilt switch 921 that cooperates with the
microprocessor 902, thus allowing the microprocessor 902 to stop
the operation of the device and to vent it if the device is not
sufficiently upright.
[0051] It is advantageous to determine the liquid level in the
bottle Tobe carbonated. With reference to FIG. 9, the sensor 912 is
a pressure sensor or transducer. When the liquid level in the
bottle 9 is inadequate or in excess, the internal pressure as
sensed by the transducer 912 will be excessive when compared by the
processor 902 to a stored reference value. When the excess pressure
state is detected by the microprocessor 902, it causes the exhaust
solenoid to open the outlet path to the atmosphere so as to relieve
the internal pressure in the bottle 909. The over pressuring of the
bottle 909 by inadequate as space above the liquids caused when
absorption of injected carbon dioxide by the contents of the bottle
is inadequate for the purpose of dissolving the dose of carbon
dioxide that is provided by the fill head.
[0052] The fill head's pressure transducer 912 can also work with
the microprocessor 909 for the purpose of achieving consistent
carbonation results. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 this is done
by activating the supply solenoid 906 a first time while the
exhaust solenoid 916 disclosed. This causes a rise 1000 in the
bottle's internal pressure. When the internal pressure reaches a
pre-established user selected or other upper limit 1001 the supply
solenoid is switched off 1002. After a rest interval 1003, the
exhaust solenoid is opened 1004. This causes decrease 1005 in the
bottle's internal pressure when undissolved gas is discharged. When
a lower pressure limit 1006 is reached, the exhaust valve is closed
1007. After a second rest interval 1008, the supply solenoid is
activated a second time 1009, This causes a second episode of
carbonation which in turns results in an increase of the internal
pressure 1010 of the bottle 909. This process is repeated thereby
causing further carbonation of the contents of the bottle. The more
times this cycle is repeated, the closer the actual carbonation is
to the desired carbonation limit. This will ensure that the
carbonation level is the same, from one bottle filling operation to
the next, regardless of the actual volume of CO2 gas contained in
the supply cylinder.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9a, the pull solenoid and valve arrangement
903, 904, 905, 906 can be replaced by a direct acting solenoid
valve or actuator 950 that is controlled by the device's processor
902.
[0054] The same arrangement depicted in FIG. 9 can be used to
determine or approximate the amount of CO2 as remaining in a CO2
supply cylinder. Thesis done by utilizing the pressure transducer
912 and microprocessor 902 to measure both the pressure rise in the
bottle 909 and the time over which the pressure increase occurs.
When the rate of pressure increase is higher, the gas cylinder 900
is known to be fuller than when the pressure rise time is smaller.
The microprocessor can also compare rise times between any two
carbonation cycles and use the differences in detected pressure and
time to provide information about the fill level of the cylinder
900. Accurate assessment of the fill level of the cylinder prevents
inadvertent waste resulting from premature replacement of cylinder
with a new cylinder.
[0055] The sensor 912b may also cooperate with the device's
processor 902 to determine when the liquid level in a bottle being
filled has reached an acceptable level or volume. To perform this
method, a filled bottle is engaged with the fill head and the
solenoid or mechanism that activates the carbon dioxide has
cylinder is activated for a pre-determined time interval 1901 as
show in FIG. 19. After the interval 1901, the gas flows stopped
1902 and the sensor and processor perform a pressure determination,
this being the pressure of the gaseous head above the liquid. For
this method it is required that the pressure sensor 912b be located
above the liquid level when the bottle is coupled to the fill head.
Once the interior of the bottle is isolated from the source of
pressurized CO2, a pressure reading is taken. If the determined
pressures above a pre-determined threshold level 1903 the liquid
level in the bottle is deemed excessive. If the pressure reading is
below a second threshold 1904 the liquid level in the bottle is
deemed to be inadequate. Where the determined liquid level is
excessive or inadequate, the user is provided with a visible or
audible warning on the device's interface 803. If the determined
pressure is between the first and the second threshold then the
fluid level is deemed to be adequate and the processor allows the
fill process to continue. The activation interval of the solenoid
1901 and the thresholds 1903, 1904 depend on the mechanism used and
the size and configuration of the bottle being filled.
[0056] The solubility of carbon dioxide gas usually decreases as
the temperature of the liquid increases. Thus, liquid that is cold
or may have been refrigerated will generally hold a greater amount
of carbon dioxide gas than a similar volume of water at room
temperature. As suggested by FIG. 8, a user input, preferably in
the form of toggle-like control such as a button or switch can be
used to provide information to the processor 902 regarding water
temperature. By operating the switch or toggle 805, a user can
provide information to the processor as to whether or not the
beverage to be carbonated is chilled. When the user indicator, as
determined by the processor, relates to chilled beverage or a
liquid, the processor can adjust the carbonation time, via the
signal to the pull solenoid 906 to effectively compensate for the
approximate beverage temperature. In the alternative, the processor
can cause an increase in the pressure of the has stream to the
bottle 909 or the duration of the discharge, or both of these in
order to achieve a consistent level of carbonation between chilled
and unchilled liquids.
[0057] In the alternative, and with reference to FIG. 9, a sensor
912 associated with the fill head can directly determine the
temperature of the liquid in the bottle 909 and this temperature
information can be provided to the processor 902. The processor
will act in accordance with the measured temperature so that
consistent carbonation is achieved regardless of the actual
beverage temperature.
[0058] With respect to the graph of pressure versus time at the
bottom of FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that the level of
carbonation in the liquid being carbonated can be related to the
integral or area under the pressure curve during CO2 discharge.
Because the carbonation process proceeds in multiple discrete
increments rather than continuously, the total carbonation is the
sum of the integrals during carbonation periods. For example, and
with reference to FIG. 10 the area under the pressure curve
starting from the initial time at which carbonation is first
initiated 1020 to the time at which the fill solenoid is first
turned off 1021 indicates the extent of carbonation up until the
second of these points in time 1021. Further carbonation is added
at a point in time 1022 when the fill solenoid is next activated
and stops at a point in time when the fill solenoid is next
deactivated 1023. Accordingly, the total delivered carbonation
would be the sum of the areas under the pressure curve between the
first time interval (1020 to 1021) plus the area under the curve
for the second interval (1022 to 1023). The processor can be caused
to increase the carbonation level, for example, by increasing the
range between the upper cut-off pressure limit 1024 and the
pressure cut-off lower limit 1025. A second way of increasing the
carbonation is to increase the length of the time intervals 1026,
1027 that the fill solenoid is activated. Thus for the carbonation
of chilled water and upper pressure limit of 80 psi and a lower
pressure limit of 40 psi maybe adequate Whereas for room
temperature water, an upper limit for pressure may be 100 psi and a
lower limit be 60 psi. In this way, carbonation cycles for chilled
and room temperature liquids may utilize the same solenoid timing
intervals depicted in FIG. 10. In the alternative, both chilled and
room temperature liquids can be carbonated between an upper limit
of 80 psi and a lower limit of 40 psi while changing, particularly
lengthening, the "on" duration of the fill solenoid 1026, 1027
etc.
[0059] The apparatus suggested by FIGS. 9 and 11 may also be
employed to provide a self-cleaning mode. In a self-cleaning mode,
the vent solenoid 198 is opened while a carbonation operation is
conducted on a bottle 909 having clean water in it. This action
will cause clean water to enter the gas discharge line 19, the
water eventually exiting the discharge vent 920, preferably into a
drip tray 930 located under or accessible from under the bottle
being carbonated (see FIG. 2).
[0060] As shown in FIG. 12, an alternate style fill head 1200
comprises an upper part 1201 that reciprocates relative to a lower
part 1202. The lower part of the fill bead 1202 has a collar with
an open side 1203 that incorporates a "U" shaped groove 1204 that
is adapted to receive circumferential flange 1205 located in the
neck area of a bottle 1206 that is suitable for carbonation. The
groove 1204 is spaced away from the main platform 1207 of the lower
part by, for example, a "U" shaped channel 1208.
[0061] The main platform 1207 has a central opening 1209 supported
by a number of upright guide puts 1210. In this example, there are
four guide posts 2010 located on an upper surface of the main body
1207 and perpendicular to it. The upper part 1201 of the fill head
comprises reciprocating platform 1211 in which is formed a number
of through holes 1212. The through holes 1212 are equal in number
to the number of posts 1210 and arranged to slid ably receive each
of the guide posts 1210. The reciprocating platform 1211 has a
guide cylinder 1213 located above the upper surface of the platform
1211 and a sealing plug 1214 having an internal bore that is
co-extensive with the internal bore of the guide cylinder 1213. As
the reciprocating platform 1211 moves toward the main body 1217,
the plug 1214 passes through the central opening 1209 of the lower
platform 1207 and is able to enter into and seal against the inside
of the spout or neck area 1214 of the bottle 1206. The bore through
the guide cylinder 1213 and plug 1214 receives a reciprocating
carbonation needle or injector 1215. The carbonation needle is
biased into an upper position by a compression spring 1216. The
upper part of the compression spring 1216 bears against the lower
edge 1217 of an enlarged portion 1218carried by the carbonation
needle 1215. The enlarged portion 1218 also has a circumferential
groove 1219. As the carbonation needle 1215 is lowered into the
bottle 1206, the groove 1219 is captured by a latch assembly 1220.
As will be explained, the motion of the reciprocating platform 1211
is governed by the insertion of the bottle 1206 into the collar of
the fill head by a user.
[0062] As suggested by FIGS. 12 and 13, a forward portion 1300 of
the lower platform 1202 is pivotally attached to the chassis or
frame of the carbonator. In the example, the lower platform is
provided with a stub shaft or post 1221 on either side. Thus, the
lower platform pivots around the post 1221, the pivoting motion of
the lower platform is moderated by a pair of flexible beams 1222.
In this example, each beam has a circular collar at each end. One
collar 1223 attaches to the rear portion of the lower platform 1301
by means of a stub 1302 located above the upper surface of the
lower platform 1207. As suggested by FIG. 13, rotation of the lower
platform from its initial or inclined platform position 1303causes
the beams 1222 to bend and causes the reciprocating platform 1211
to move toward the lower platform. The motion of the reciprocating
platform 1211 is governed by a pair of links 1304. The links 1304
are attached to pivot stubs 1305 carried on the lateral edges of
the reciprocating platform, toward the rear of the platform, that
is, behind the center line of the plug 1214. When the fill head
reaches a fully engaged orientation 1306 the beams 1222 are able to
extend fully and contribute to the rotation of the fill head into
position in accordance with the effort they exert on the stubs
1302. In the fully engaged orientation 1306 the reciprocating
platform's links 1304 are essentially vertical and thus resist
upward vertical forces on the plug 1214. After being fully engaged,
the bottle becomes disengaged from the fill head only by tilting
the bottle toward the initial or insertion position. This causes a
reversal of the motions shown in FIG. 13 and returns the fill head
to the initial orientation in which the plug 1214 is withdrawn from
the bottle 1206. Once the plug 1214 is retracted from the bottle
1206, the bottle can be removed from the collar 1203.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 14, the upper and reciprocating part of the
fill head 1201 incorporates a pivoting spring loaded latch assembly
1401. The pivoting latch assembly 1401 rotates about a pair or
pivots or stubs 1402 located opposite one another on an exterior of
the assembly 1401. The stubs engage with and pivot about openings
1403 formed into the sidewalls of a recess 1404 formed through a
side wall of the plug 1214. The recess has a lower slanted floor
1415 that limits the rotation of the pivoting latch assembly 1401.
FIG. 14 also illustrates that the lower end of the plug is tapered
1416 to facilitate its insertion into the mouth of the bottle 1206.
A circumferential elastomeric seal 1417 is located in a groove
above the taper 1416. Pressurized carbon dioxide introduced into
the guide cylinder 1213 drives the CO2 needle 1215 down and into a
fill orientation. In this orientation, the enlarged portion's
circumferential groove 1219 captures the latch assembly 1401. The
enlarged portion 1218 has a circumferential seal in a groove
located above the capture groove 1219 and a tapered lower end 1418
that both helps the enlarged portion initially clear the latch,
also limiting the downward travel of the enlarged portion when it
bears against a narrowed portion of the central bore 1419. In this
example, the narrowing of the central bore 1419 occurs in the area
of the recess 1404. In this example, the compression spring 1260 is
captured between the floor 1420 of the plug and the lower part of
the enlarged portion 1218. A second or auxiliary bore 1421 extends
through the reciprocating platform 1211 and the plug 1214 are thus
providing a second through bore for communicating with an interior
of the bottle.
[0064] As suggested in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pivoting latch assembly
1401 comprises a pivoting body 1501 within which is contained a
reciprocating pin 1502 that is urged toward the CO2 injector pin
1215 by a compression spring 1503. As the pin 1215 descends under
the influence of pressurised CO2 1510, the tapered portion 1415
urges the pin 1502 to retract, then engage the groove 1219, with
the reciprocating latch in a generally horizontal orientation. As
shown in FIGS. 16, the tilting action 1601that initiates the
withdrawal of the bottle 1206 and the pivoting of the fill head
1200 is also associated with a depressurization of the CO2 in the
guide cylinder 1213. Depressurizing the guide cylinder 1213 allows
the compression spring 1216 to bear on the enlarged portion 1218
and drive it upward and away from the bottle 1602. The action of
the groove 1219 on the reciprocating pin 1502 causes the pivoting
latch assembly 1401 to rotate about its pivot points and thus clear
the groove 1219,1603. Unrestrained by the pivoting latch mechanism
1401, the compression spring 1216 drives the needle 1215 until it
is fully contained within the plug, 1604. As suggested by FIGS. 14
and 16, the movement of the pivoting latch assembly 1401 is limited
by those parts of the plug that are below it, namely the inclined
floor 1415 and a horizontal shoulder 1605 located above and
radially inward of the inclined floor 1415.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 17, gaseous exhaust expelled from the CO2
fill system are carried downward by a vertical exhaust tube 1700
located between the bottle being filled 1701 and the CO2 bottle
1702. The exhaust tube 1700 leads to a baffle apparatus 1703. The
baffle apparatus 1703muffles the sounds otherwise made by exhaust
gasses and prevents the pressure of the exhaust gasses and liquids
from discharging at high velocities. In this example, the baffle
apparatus 1703 has an exhaust port 1704 that discharges into the
drip tray 1705 of the carbonator 1706.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 18, the baffle apparatus 1703 comprises an
outer housing 1801 that removably receives as perforated or porous
silencer 1802. In this example, the silencer is carried by a
threaded cap 1803 that engages and seals against a co-operating
threaded opening 1804 that passes through the housing 1801. Gasses
and liquids entering the baffle apparatus from the exhaust tube
1700 pass through a horizontally oriented entry port 1805. A bend
in the port 1806 redirects the flow of gas and liquid to the
interior chamber of the generally cylindrical or hollow baffle
1802. Gasses are collected within the housing and are vented upward
through a tortuous channel 1807 having a gas vent opening 1808 at
its upper extremity. Liquids fall through or are propelled through
the baffle and accumulate above the interior floor 1809. The liquid
discharge opening 1704 collects and discharges the accumulated
liquid into, for example, the drip tray 1705. The baffle 1802 can
be removed by unscrewing the cap 1803, for cleaning replacement or
maintenance.
[0067] The flow chart of FIG. 20 illustrates a typical operational
cycle of a beverage carbonator made in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention. The process begins with the
powering up of the device. Checking for the presence of the bottle
to be carbonated is not required during the power up. Thereafter, a
bottle containing liquid to be carbonated is coupled to the fill
head 2000. The processor looks for signal from the presence sensor
or switch 401 to determine if the bottle to be filled is present
2001. If this check fails, the user is alerted by a warning or
indicator on the user interface, for example, by an or using the
display 803. This will cause the user to reinsert or reattach the
bottle 2002. If the processor confirms the presence of the bottle
the user can input a carbonation level using the control 807 and
initiate carbonation cycle using the start/cancel button 804. This
initiates carbonation cycle 2003. Thereafter, the processor
determines the temperature of the liquid in the bottle 2004 or
receives a signal from the user's toggle switch 805. This causes
the exhaust solenoid, otherwise open, to close 2005. The actuator
valve or solenoid is then opened or activated for single pulse
2006. The processor uses the resultant pressure level determination
from within the bottle to be carbonated as at indication of the
actual fluid level in the bottle to be filled 2007. If the water
level is determined to be inadequate, the user is provided with an
audible or visible warning on the user interface 2008. If the water
level is determined to be acceptable, the liquid is carbonated by
the addition of pressurized carbon dioxide gas as previously
outlined. The carbonation pressure and time are adjusted to suit
the indicated water temperature 2009. The delivered gas volume is
determined by the processor 2010. If the determined volume of gas
actually delivered is lower than the volume required the user
receives an error message from the interface 2011. The delivered
gas volume is detected by the processor 2012. When the delivered
gas volume is adequate the delivery of pressurized CO2 is stopped
by the processor 2013. The processor continuously cheek for the
presence of the bottle from the time that the liquid temperature is
determined 2004 until the CO2 supply is turned off 2013. If the
bottle is not detected, at any point during that portion of the
process, the supply of CO2 is ceased by activating the pull
solenoid and the exhaust valve is opened to the atmosphere. A
warning will be provided to the user with the interface. The user
will then reinsert or reseat the bottle to be carbonated and start
the process again by selecting a carbonation level and activating
the start switch 2003. If, for example, the processor determines
that the bottle is not correctly positioned or is not in position
at all, the processor will cause the exhaust valve or exhaust
solenoid previously closed in step 205 to open and vent the
pressure in the head space above the liquid in the bottle. It may
remain open for example, for 2 seconds in order to vent the
headspace. Thereafter, the exhaust valve will close for an interval
of for example, 30 seconds 2014 to prevent unnecessary discharge of
dissolved gas from the liquid being carbonated. The user will be
unable to remove the bottle or will be advised against removing the
bottle whenever there is excessive pressure in the head space. If
the process has proceeded without error, the beverage is ready
2015.
[0068] Even after the beverage is nominally ready for consumption,
the user may use an activator or controller on the interface to
request an additional but small amount of further carbonation 806,
2016. This causes the exhaust solenoid to close to the environment
2017 and the pull solenoid to be activated for a brief interval,
say 1 second 2018. Thereafter, the carbonation cycle is terminated
2013. The additional carbonation sequence 2016 can also be accessed
from the activator 806 outside of or in parallel with the
processors that determine the primary carbonation sequence 2019 so
long as the processor has determined that the bottle to be
carbonated is correctly retained by the device 2001.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 21, a cap 2100 capable of sealing a
carbonated beverage bottle 201 comprises a body 2101 within which
is located source of power such as a battery and processor 2101
adapted to receive signals from, for example, a pressure sensor
2103 or a temperature sensor 2104 (or both of these) located on an
underside 2105 of the cap 2100. The underside 2105 is isolated from
the environment by internal site walls 2106 of the cap which may be
threaded 2107 or otherwise adapted to make sealing engagement with
a bottle. An upper surface 2108 or an external side wall 2109 of
the cap may be provided with a graphic display 2110,2111. The
display would provide a user with information about the temperature
and pressure as sensed by the sensors 2103, 2104.
[0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the mention may be embodied in many other forms.
[0071] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the
ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a
common object, merely indicate that different instances of like
objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that
the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either
temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in another manner.
[0072] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" or "example" means that a particular feature,
structure or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included inapt least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or
"in an example" in various places throughout this specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example,
but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure,
in one or more embodiments.
[0073] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above
description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various
features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in as
single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose
of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of
one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of
disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed invention requires more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Any claims following the
Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment of this invention.
[0074] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining" or the like, refer to the
action and/or processes of as microprocessor, controller computer
or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that
manipulates and/or transforms data.
[0075] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include
some but not other features included in other embodiments,
combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be
within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments,
as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the
following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any
combination.
[0076] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be
the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the
art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it
is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall
within the scope of the invention.
[0077] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to particular details of construction, these should be
understood as having been provided by way of example and not as
limitations to the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *