Flavorant for Beverage Carbonation System

Abstract

A flavorant container for use in a beverage system is provided. The flavorant container can be retained by a beverage system to dispense flavorant, which can be mixed with carbonated and/or uncarbonated water. In one embodiment, the flavorant container includes a container, a cap, and one or more features located on the cap. The features can include an inlet that is able to receive pressurized air, and an outlet that is able to dispense a flavorant when the inlet receives the pressurized air. The features can also include at least one raised protrusion that is capable of being retained by a complimentary pattern located on a beverage system in order to properly seat the flavorant container in the beverage system.

Claims

1. A flavorant container for use in a beverage system, comprising: a container body defining an interior hollow chamber, the container body having an opening leading to the interior hollow chamber; and a cap coupled to the opening of the container body, the cap having an inlet including a first collar projecting away from the cap and surrounding an inlet valve that is sealed to retain fluid within the interior hollow chamber and that is configured to open to allow gas to be injected into the interior hollow chamber, an outlet including a second collar projecting away from the cap and surrounding an outlet valve that is sealed to retain fluid within the interior hollow chamber and that is configured to open when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds a threshold pressure to allow fluid within the container body to flow through the outlet valve, and an elongate slot defined on an underside thereof; wherein the container body includes a linear orientation element extending radially outward from the opening, the linear orientation element being longitudinally receivable by the elongate slot and configured to prevent rotation of the cap relative to the container body.

2. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the beverage system defines a first flow path along which fluid is dispensed, and the outlet valve defines a second flow path along which fluid flows from the container body when the outlet valve opens, and wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are substantially parallel to each other.

3. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the beverage system defines a first flow path along which fluid is dispensed, and the outlet valve defines a second flow path along which fluid flows from the container body when the outlet valve opens, and wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are angled toward each other.

4. (canceled)

5. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the first raised collar and the second raised collar at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern.

6. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be received by a complimentary retention pattern in a component of the beverage system.

7. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve has a first diameter and the outlet valve has a second diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

8. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an alignment mechanism configured to orient the cap within a component of the beverage system configured to receive the flavorant container.

9. The flavorant container of claim 8, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a protrusion extending radially from an exterior surface of the cap.

10. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the container body is substantially rigid to resist deformation.

11. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the container body includes a plurality of ridges disposed in a sidewall thereof.

12. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve comprises a duckbill valve.

13. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes an end wall extending across the opening to the interior hollow chamber, and wherein the outlet valve is positioned within the interior hollow chamber inward of the end wall.

14. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the outlet valve is recessed within a raised collar.

15. The flavorant container of claim 1, wherein the container body has an oblong configuration having a length longer than a width of the container body, and the cap is offset along the length.

16. A flavorant container, comprising: a container body defining an interior hollow chamber, the container body having an opening leading to the interior hollow chamber configured to contain a liquid; and an exchange assembly coupled to the container body and disposed over the opening, the exchange assembly configured to seal the interior hollow chamber, and the exchange assembly having an outer surface including an inlet valve surrounded by a first collar extending outwardly from the outer surface, an outlet valve surrounded by a second collar extending outwardly from the outer surface, the second collar being separate from the first collar, and at least one recess configured to receive a compatible protrusion of a carriage in a beverage carbonation system; wherein the interior hollow chamber is configured to receive gas through the inlet valve; wherein the interior hollow chamber is configured to dispense fluid through the outlet valve in response to receiving gas through the inlet valve; and wherein the at least one recess is defined by a first outer surface of the first collar and a second outer surface of the second collar such that the compatible protrusion is configured to abut the first and second outer surfaces when the exchange assembly is coupled thereto.

17. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the exchange assembly comprises a cap having a hollow cylindrical body with an end wall positioned within the hollow cylindrical body, the inlet and outlet valves extending through the end wall.

18. The flavorant container of claim 17, wherein the end wall is positioned across a substantial mid-portion of the exchange assembly.

19. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the inlet valve defines a first flow path, and the outlet valve defines a second flow path, and wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are substantially parallel to each other.

20. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the container body is substantially rigid to resist deformation.

21. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the inlet valve comprises a duckbill valve.

22. (canceled)

23. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the first collar and the second collar at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern.

24. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the container body includes a plurality of ridges disposed on a sidewall thereof.

25. (canceled)

26. The flavorant container of claim 16, wherein the exchange assembly is formed by an injection molding process.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] FIG. 1A is a front view of one embodiment of a beverage dispensing device having a water reservoir coupled thereto;

[0073] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1A, having the water reservoir removed;

[0074] FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1B;

[0075] FIG. 1D is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1B, having a door open to reveal a CO.sub.2 cavity;

[0076] FIG. 1E is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1B with a door removed to reveal a CO.sub.2 canister disposed within a canister cavity;

[0077] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a drip tray of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1A;

[0078] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the drip tray of FIG. 2A having a grate removed;

[0079] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a reservoir valve seat of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1A;

[0080] FIG. 3B is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the reservoir valve seat of FIG. 3A;

[0081] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the water reservoir of FIG. 1A;

[0082] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the water reservoir of FIG. 1A;

[0083] FIG. 4C is a side cross-sectional view of a valve section of the water reservoir of FIG. 1A;

[0084] FIG. 5A is a system diagram of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1A, having a carbonation assembly;

[0085] FIG. 5B is a left side view of the carbonation assembly of FIG. 5A, including a mixing assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0086] FIG. 5C is a left side view of the mixing assembly of FIG. 5B;

[0087] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a carriage assembly used with the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments;

[0088] FIG. 6B is a left cross-sectional view of a carriage of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A;

[0089] FIG. 6C is a left cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A;

[0090] FIG. 6D is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A;

[0091] FIG. 6E is a bottom perspective view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A;

[0092] FIG. 6F is a side cross-sectional view of a flavorant container seated on the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A, showing an air line of the carriage assembly;

[0093] FIG. 6G is a perspective view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A, having two flavorant containers seated thereon, according to some embodiments;

[0094] FIG. 6H is a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6A, having air pumps attached to air lines;

[0095] FIG. 6I is a left perspective view of the carriage assembly of FIG. 6H;

[0096] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flavorant container;

[0097] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the flavorant container of FIG. 7A without a cap;

[0098] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the flavorant container of FIG. 7A;

[0099] FIG. 7D is a side cross-sectional view of the flavorant container of FIG. 7A;

[0100] FIG. 7E is a side cross-sectional view of a cap of the flavorant container of FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments;

[0101] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a flavorant container according to another embodiment;

[0102] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a flavorant container according to another embodiment, having an inlet and an outlet angled relative to one another;

[0103] FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view of a flavorant container having a separate inlet and outlet opening in a container, and a lid configured to cover the inlet and the outlet;

[0104] FIG. 8D is an exploded right side view of the flavorant container of FIG. 8C having a separate inlet lid and outlet lid;

[0105] FIG. 9 is a front view of a user interface of a beverage dispensing device according to an embodiment;

[0106] FIG. 10A is a system process diagram for an illustrative control process;

[0107] FIG. 10B is a system process diagram for an illustrative initialization sub-process for the control process of FIG. 10A;

[0108] FIG. 10C is a system process diagram for an illustrative user input sub-process for the control process of FIG. 10A;

[0109] FIG. 10D is a system process diagram for an illustrative carbonation sub-process for the control process of FIG. 10A;

[0110] FIG. 10E is a system process diagram for an illustrative flavoring sub-process for the control process of FIG. 10A;

[0111] FIG. 11 is a system process diagram for an illustrative carbonation and flavoring sub-process.

[0112] It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Certain illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape.

[0115] A beverage dispensing device is provided that can carbonate and/or flavor, and dispense beverages. The device can receive user inputs at a user interface, and these inputs can include customization options for creating a beverage, including fluid volume, carbonation level, flavor type, and flavor strength. When the inputs are received, a carbonation system can create carbonated water using water sourced from a water reservoir (or other source) coupled to the device and carbon-dioxide sourced from a carbon-dioxide canister (or other source) coupled to the device. The amounts of water (or other fluid) and carbon-dioxide to be used to create the beverage can be determined based on the received user inputs. The device can also receive one or more flavorant containers at a carriage assembly, each of which can be selected for dispensing by a user in order to flavor the newly-created carbonated water. During a dispensing process, pressurized air can be introduced into a flavorant container via an inlet, and flavorant can be ejected via an outlet. The carbonated water and the flavorant can be ejected from separate nozzles into a drinking glass (or other receiving vessel, e.g., a travel mug) where they are mixed together. In other embodiments, the beverage can contain uncarbonated water and a flavorant to form an uncarbonated flavored beverage. In some embodiments, the flavorant may be dispensed at an angle relative to the flow of the dispensed carbonated water so that the carbonated water and flavorant are combined in flight before reaching the drinking glass.

[0116] With reference now to FIGS. 1A-1E, an illustrative embodiment of a beverage dispensing device 10 is shown. The illustrated beverage dispensing device 10 generally includes a housing assembly 100 having a carbonation assembly (not shown) disposed therein, a carriage assembly 180 configured to hold one or more flavorant containers 200, and a controller (also referred to as a processor, not shown) with a user interface (UI) 300 for receiving instructions from a user. A fluid reservoir 130 is coupled to the housing assembly 100 and is configured to contain a fluid to be delivered to the carbonation assembly. The housing assembly 100 can also include a drip tray 110 configured to support a container, such as a glass, for collecting fluid. In operation, a user can provide various inputs to the UI and the beverage dispensing device 10 can dispense a carbonated or uncarbonated water, as may be desired, and optionally a flavorant to flavor the carbonated or uncarbonated fluid.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the illustrated housing assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having an elongate, upright hollow body with top and bottom ends 102a, 102b, a left side 102c, a right side 102d, a front side 102e, and a back side 102f. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is oblong, and the shape of the housing 102 is longer from the front side 102e to the back side 102f than it is from the left side 102c to the right side 102d. The front side 102e is shown having a flat façade, and the back side 102f is shown having a rounded convex façade, while each of the left and right sides 102c, 102d, is substantially flat. However, the housing 102 can have any shape, and as such, in various embodiments, the shape of the housing 102 can vary to include additional rounded or flat components, or other forms beyond what is shown. The housing 102 can be sized to fit internal components of the beverage dispensing device 10, discussed in further detail below. The housing 102 can be made of any suitable material or materials, and can include various metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), plastics, glass, or other suitable materials known to those skilled in the art, alone or in combination.

[0118] The bottom side of the housing 102 can provide the beverage dispensing device 10 with a flat base, and the bottom side can include supports or feet 103 which can provide additional stability. The feet 103 can be in any form, and in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the feet are elongate and are disposed around an outer edge of the bottom side 102a. To prevent the housing 102 from sliding on a surface, the feet 103 can be made from a higher-friction material, such as rubber, or have a portion of a higher-friction

[0119] As further shown, the housing 102 includes a head assembly 120 located on an upper portion of the front side 102e of the housing 102. The head assembly 120 can be substantially cylindrical in shape, and includes a top side 120a which aligns with the top side 102b of the housing 102, and a bottom side 120c which includes various openings for dispensing fluids used in the creation of drinks. Between the top side 120a and the bottom side 120c is an outer surface 120b, which defines the rounded form of the cylindrical head assembly 120. The head assembly 120 can contain components of a mixing assembly configured to carbonate fluids (e.g., water), which can then be dispensed from the bottom side. Further, the head assembly 120 can be configured to receive one or more flavorant containers 180, which can be utilized in the creation of beverages. The outer surface 120b of the head assembly 120 can include UI 300 for receiving inputs for operating the device. The mixing assembly, dispensing of fluids, and the creation of beverages, including through operation of the UI 300, will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0120] FIG. 1D shows a CO.sub.2 cavity 104 according to the illustrated embodiment. The CO.sub.2 cavity 104 is an opening in the housing, which can receive a CO.sub.2 source used in carbonation processes. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 is located in the rear left side 102c of the housing 102, although the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 can be in other locations. The CO.sub.2 cavity 104 can be closed off by a door 106, as seen in FIG. 1E. The door 106 can extend from the bottom side 102a upward and it can follow a contour of the left side 102c and into the back side 102f. The door 106 can be attached to the housing 102 by a means such as via a hinge or by magnets, or it can be mated using other techniques known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 106 is wholly removable from the housing 102, but it can be secured to the housing in any of a variety of ways, e.g., by several magnets (not shown) disposed in the door 106 and in the housing 102. A cutaway 106a can be formed in the housing 102, which enables a user to grasp and remove the door 106 while maintaining a uniform shape of the overall housing 102.

[0121] The door 106 can be moved between a closed position in which the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 is closed off, and an open position in which the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 is open. When the door 106 is in the open position, the CO.sub.2 source is accessible. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO.sub.2 source is in the form of a canister 161, which will be described in more detail below.

[0122] As introduced above, the housing 102 can include a drip tray 110, which can be seen in detail in FIGS. 2A-2B. The drip tray 110 extends from a lower portion of the front side 102e beneath the head assembly 120. The drip tray 110 can have any shape or form, and in the illustrated embodiment, it is flat and round while also corresponding to the size of the head assembly 120. In some embodiments, the drip tray 110 can be integral with the housing 102, while in other embodiments it can be fully removable from the housing 102. Removing the drip tray 110, or not including a drip tray, may allow taller receiving vessels to fit under the head assembly 120. It may also allow for a shorter overall system 10′ having a head assembly with a lower bottom, while still accommodating a same vessel height that can be accommodated with the system 10 and the drip tray 110.

[0123] The illustrated drip tray 110 includes a trough 112 defining a central cavity 113, and a grate 114 placed atop the trough 112 and covering the central cavity 113. The grate 114 includes a plurality of holes. During operation of the beverage dispensing device 10, the trough 112 can act to catch and retain splashed or dripping fluid, which can pass through the holes in the grate 114 and can be collected within the central cavity 113. The drip tray 110 can be made of any material, similar to the housing 102, and it can be the same material or a different material as the housing. The trough 112 and the grate 114 can also be made from the same material or from different materials. The trough 112 and grate 114 can be removable from the housing to allow a user to discard any collected fluid. In some embodiments, the system 110 may vent fluid into the drip tray 110 for various purposes, so that it can leave the system 10 as needed without resulting in a mess.

[0124] As indicated above, the fluid reservoir 130 can be coupled to the housing 100 for storing fluid to be delivered into the carbonation system. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a reservoir valve seat 116 configured to couple the fluid reservoir 130 to the carbonation system. The illustrate reservoir valve seat 116 extends outward from the right side 102d of the housing 102 at the same level as the bottom side 102a. In this manner, the reservoir valve seat 116 can provide extra support to preventing tipping of the beverage dispensing device 10. In other embodiments, the reservoir valve seat 116 can be located at the back side 102e, left side 102c, or in any other location. The reservoir valve seat 116 can be in the form of a hollow housing 118 having an upward extending valve 119. The upward extending valve 119 can be received by a corresponding valve structure located on the bottom side of a water reservoir. FIG. 3B also shows valve 119 coupled to water tubing 154 inside of the reservoir valve seat 116. This tubing 154 can allow fluid to be delivered to the carbonation assembly 150, which will be discussed later in more detail.

[0125] FIGS. 4A-4B show a water reservoir 130 according to an illustrative embodiment. The water reservoir 130, generally, is a container for holding fluid, such as water, which can interface with the reservoir valve seat 116 to thereby enable fluid communication between the water reservoir 130 and the beverage dispensing device 10 for use in the creation and dispensing of beverages. The water reservoir 130 can have any shape, and it can be designed to complement the shape and size of the housing 102. For example, both the water reservoir 130 and the housing 102 can have flat sides to minimize the overall footprint of the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the water reservoir 130 is shown in the form of a pitcher, and it has a main container 132, a handle 134, and a removable lid 136. A bottom side 132a of the container 130 is recessed, and a support 133 extends around the perimeter of the bottom side 132a.

[0126] On the bottom side 132a is a valve structure 140 which can be received by the upward extending valve 119 of the reservoir valve seat 116. The valve structure 140 includes a central plug 142 seated within a central valve silo 144. Surrounding an upper extent of the central plug 142, within the water reservoir 130, is a valve guard 146. The valve guard 146 is mounted to the water reservoir 130 and blocks off direct access to the central plug, while still allowing fluid to flow through the valve structure 140. When not received on the upward extending valve 119, the central plug 142 is biased downward within the central valve silo 144 to a closed position to retain fluid in the water reservoir 130. When the valve structure 140 is received on the upward extending valve 119, the central plug 142 can be moved upward within the central valve silo 144 to an open position to allow fluid to flow from the water reservoir 130 through the valve structure 140 and into the rest of the beverage dispensing device 10.

[0127] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an illustrative carbonation assembly 150. The carbonation assembly 150 can be contained within the housing 102, and it can be used to create carbonated water for use in beverages. The illustrated carbonation assembly 150 generally includes a water line 152, a gas line 160, and a mixing assembly 170. The mixing assembly 170 receives water from the water line 152 and gas (in the form of CO.sub.2) from the gas line 160 in order to create carbonated water.

[0128] The water line 152 is coupled to the water reservoir 130 and also can include any of: the valve structure 140, the valve seat 116, water tubing 154, a water pump 156, and a flow meter 157. The water tubing 154 runs from the valve seat 116 and through interior of the housing 102 to the mixing assembly 170. Near the point of connection to the mixing assembly, a first check valve 158a and a second check valve 158b can be disposed, which can selectively permit water flow into the mixing assembly 170 and prevent the backflow of water from the mixing assembly 170. Upstream from the second check valve 158b is a purging pump 159, which can be used to send pressurized air into the mixing assembly 170, in order to purge the mixing assembly 170 of still water and carbonated water between uses. A water pump 156 and a flow meter 157 can also be disposed in the water tubing 154 line. The water pump 156 operates to pump water out of the water reservoir 130, through the valve seat 116, through the water tubing 154, and into the mixing assembly 170. The flow meter 157 can measure the amount and/or rate of water passing through the water line 152 and into the mixing assembly 170 in order to accurately measure quantities needed for the creation of drinks. In various embodiments, a flow meter 157 may not be used, and instead a sensor can be placed within the mixing assembly to gauge a total volume of fluid entering the mixing chamber 172. Such a sensor could be a float sensor or other means by which to gauge a volume.

[0129] The gas line 160 can include any of: the CO.sub.2 canister 161 or equivalent source, a regulator 164, a gas solenoid 166, and gas tubing 162. The gas tubing 162 runs from the CO.sub.2 canister 161 to the mixing assembly 170. Similar to the water line 152, the gas line 160 can include a gas check valve 168 at the point of connection with the mixing assembly 170, which can selectively permit gas flow into the mixing assembly 170 and prevent backflow from the assembly 170 into the gas line 160. As mentioned above, the CO.sub.2 canister 161 sits within the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 and can supply carbon-dioxide to the beverage dispensing device. The CO.sub.2 canister 161 can be a replaceable unit containing pressurized carbon-dioxide, and when the canister 161 is empty, the canister 161 can be replaced in order to keep a supply of carbon-dioxide ready for future operation. The canister 161 can be connected to a regulator 164, which can lead to a gas solenoid 166 that is actuatable to open and close the passage of carbon-dioxide along the gas line 160 and into the mixing assembly 170.

[0130] Both the water line 152 and the gas line 160 lead to the mixing assembly 170, which can be used to create carbonated water (or other fluid) from water (or other fluid) inputted via the water line 152 and the gas line 160. The mixing assembly 170 in the illustrated embodiment is disposed in the head assembly 120, and it can include a mixing chamber 172, an agitator 173, a motor 174, a dispenser valve 176, and a nozzle 178. The specific arrangement of the mixing assembly 170 can vary, and its relation to other components contained within the housing 102, as well as its relation to the housing 102, can vary as well. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 173 is disposed within the mixing chamber 172, and the motor 174 is disposed beneath the mixing chamber 172. The dispenser valve 176 is located on an underside of the mixing chamber 172, which leads to the nozzle 178. The nozzle 178 can sit within the bottom side 120a of the head assembly 120 and can dispense carbonated and/or still water (or another fluid) for drinks.

[0131] The mixing chamber 172 can include an emergency pressure relief valve 179, a pressure sensor 175a which can measure an internal pressure of the mixing chamber 172, and a temperature sensor 175b which can measure an internal temperature of the mixing chamber 172. The temperature sensor 175b can be an NTC, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or any other type of sensor capable of measuring temperature. Additionally, the mixing chamber 172 can include a vent solenoid 172a and a back-pressure pressure relief valve 172b, which can each be actuated to regulate an internal pressure of the mixing chamber 172, for example, to release pressure from within the mixing chamber 172 at the end of a carbonation procedure, before dispensing the carbonated fluid. The carbonation procedure will be described in detail below.

[0132] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-61, a carriage assembly 180 and a flavorant container 200 are shown according to one embodiment. The carriage assembly 180 can retain at least one flavorant container 200 including a flavorant, which can be dispensed and combined with carbonated or uncarbonated water (or other fluid) to create flavored beverages.

[0133] The carriage assembly 180 can be located within the head assembly 120, and it is shown having left and right carriages 182L, 182R, which can each retain a flavorant container 200L, 200R. In other embodiments, a different number of carriages can be used to retain a different number of flavorant containers. The left and right carriages 182L, 182R can be structurally the same but mirrored relative to each other, so description will only be provided for one carriage 182R. The carriage 182R can be attached to the head assembly 120 via a pivotal hinge 183a and cam structure 183b arranged in a cam slot 183c, which allows the carriage to move between a raised and a lowered position. For example, as seen in FIG. 6A, the left carriage 182L is in the raised position and the right carriage 182R is in the lowered position. When the carriage 182R is in the lowered position, the flavorant container 200R can be inserted therein. The carriage assembly can further include a biasing element, such as a spring 183d, which can bias the carriage assembly to the raised position.

[0134] On the carriage 182R itself is a retention seat 184, which is sized to seat the flavorant container 200R. The retention seat 184 can be in the form of a rounded depression that is shaped to receive a cap of a flavorant container. The retention seat can further include a keyed slot 184a extending from the rounded depression along a sidewall of the seat. The slot 184a can be sized to receive a complementary portion of the flavorant container in order to properly align the flavorant container 200 within the carriage 182R. The keyed slot 184a can also be generally referred to as an alignment channel. Within the keyed slot 184a, there can be a retention catch 185 in the form of a spring-loaded extension configured to receive and retain a complimentary groove on the flavorant container 200. The retention seat 184 can also include retention projections 184b located within the slot, which provide more areas that a flavorant container 200 can frictionally fit when retained in the carriage 182R. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, retention projections 184b are shown in the form of rounded triangular shapes projecting outward from the retention seat 184, however the retention projections 184b can have any shape or form, for example, a form that conforms to a complimentary and compatible portion on a flavorant container (e.g., flavorant container 200 or 200′, described below), or more specifically, a cap (e.g., 204, 204′, described below) of a flavorant container. The retention-projections 184b can also serve as a means with which certain flavorant containers can be prevented from interfacing with the carriages 182L, 184R. The retention projections 184b can rise out of the retention seat 184 so that a flavorant container (e.g., flavorant container 200, 200′) must have features amounting a complimentary and compatible pattern in order to be properly seated within the carriage (e.g., 182L, 182R), and consequently in order to be capable of properly dispensing flavorant. The complimentary and compatible pattern can be located on a cap of a flavorant container, as will be described in more detail below. A flavorant container without a complimentary pattern of retention projections 184b can be obstructed from properly interfacing with the carriage (e.g., 182L, 182R). The projection 184b and complimentary portions on a cap or other portion of a flavorant container may be constructed (e.g., machined) to have varying desired degrees of fit (e.g., tightness) when coupled together, which may take into account a desired tolerance of the parts.

[0135] The retention seat 184 can further include an inlet receiver 186 and an outlet receiver 188, which can align with an inlet 210 and an outlet 212 located on the flavorant container 200. The inlet receiver 186 features a circular gasket 186a which can seal around an inlet 210 in order to create an isolated path for air to flow into a seated consumable 200. Set within the carriage 182R and leading away from the inlet receiver 186 is an air line 189R, as seen especially in FIG. 6F. The air line 189R can extend through the hinge 183a of the carriage 182R and can eventually lead to an air pump 190R disposed within the head assembly 120. The air pump 190R can also be located elsewhere in the device 10, such as, for example, within the housing assembly 100. In this way, when the flavorant container is seated on the carriage 182R, the air pump 190R is in fluid communication with the flavorant container 200 via the air line 189R and the inlet receiver 186. The outlet receiver 188 can be in the form of an opening which aligns with the outlet 212 and provides a pathway for the dispensing of a flavorant stored within the flavorant container 200. When fluid is dispensed from a seated flavorant container 200, it can exit through the outlet 212 and pass through the outlet receiver 188, which is a simple opening. From there, the dispensed fluid can be received by a vessel, such as a drinking glass. The seating and dispensing process will be described below in greater detail.

[0136] FIGS. 6H and 61 show the carriage assembly 180 with flavorant containers 200L, 200R retained therein. The carriages 182L, 182R are shown with respective air lines 189R, 189L extending upward and coupling with respective air pumps 190R, 190L. In operation, the air pumps 190R, 190L can be used to introduce pressurized air through the air lines 189R, 189L and into seated flavorant containers 200R, 200L, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0137] FIGS. 7A-7F show one embodiment of the flavorant container 200. The flavorant container 200 is configured to contain a flavorant, which can be mixed with carbonated or uncarbonated water in order to create a flavored beverage.

[0138] The illustrated flavorant container 200 includes a container body 202, a cap 204, and a foil seal (not shown). The container body 202 can have any shape, but in the illustrated embodiment, the container body 202 has the form of an extruded ovular shape. The container body 202 includes a base 202a, a sidewall 202b, and a top 202c. The sidewall 202b is shown with a plurality of ridges 203 formed therein, which can increase grip of the flavorant container 200 and/or provide structural reinforcement. In the top 202c and skewed off to one side is an opening 206, which leads to a hollow interior chamber 208 defined by the container body 202. The top 202c can be angled toward the opening 206 to aid in evacuation of the hollow interior chamber 208 during a dispensing operation. Stored within the hollow interior chamber 208 is the flavorant, which can take on any form, such as a liquid, a syrup, a powder, a solid, or another compound.

[0139] The cap 204 can be coupled to the container body 202 over the opening 206 to close off the hollow interior chamber 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 204 is snap-fitted to the container body 202, however any removable or irremovable coupling known in the art can be used, such as threads, welding, adhesives, or the like. The illustrated cap 204 can be round and can have a cylindrical outer wall 205 defining an opening therethrough. An end wall 204a extends across the opening and can be positioned at a mid-portion of the cylindrical outer wall 205. On an external surface of the cap 204 and surrounding the outlet 212 can be a collar 218, which can act to provide the outlet with increased structure, as well as to provide the carriage assembly with an easier point of contact when the flavorant container is retained therein. Disposed on an outer side of the cap 204 can be an alignment tab 207, which can protrude radially outward from the cap 204 and extend along a length of the cap. The alignment tab 207 can enable proper alignment and orientation with the carriage assembly, as explained above. The alignment tab can include a clip detail 207a, which can couple with the retention catch 185 in order to retain the consumable 200 within the carriage assembly 180. The cap 204 can also include an inlet 210 and an outlet 212 positioned in the end wall 204a. The inlet 210 can be in the form of a generally hollow elongate tubular projecting from opposed sides of the end wall 204a, and the inlet 210 can have a diameter that is less than, greater than, or equal to a diameter of the outlet 212. The cap 204, including the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 can be arranged and designed to be accommodated by a carriage (e.g., carriage 182L, 182R), such as by having protruding portions located on the cap 204 which correspond and compliment features on the carriage, such as the retention projections 184b.

[0140] On an external portion of the cap 204, facing away from the hollow interior chamber 208, the inlet 210 can take the form of a cylindrical extension protruding from the end wall 204a of the cap 204, and on an interior portion of the cap 204 locating within the interior chamber 208, the inlet 210 can include an inlet valve 214 to allow for the inflow of fluid through the cap 204 and into the hollow interior chamber 208. The inlet valve 214 is shown in FIG. 7E in the form of a duckbill valve, but any suitable form of a valve could be used. The inlet 210 therefore can form a cylindrical inlet pathway 216, and, due to the shape and structure of the inlet 210, the cylindrical inlet pathway 216 can have a radius R.sub.1 which is smaller in the external portion of the cap 204 than a radius R.sub.2 in the internal portion of the cap 204. The outlet 212 likewise can include a hollow tubular structure in the form of a collar 218 that extends outward from the end wall 204a; however the outlet 212 can be significantly shorter and larger than the inlet 210. The outlet 212 can include a valve 212a extending thereacross that is biased to a closed configuration, however the valve can be configured to open when a pressure differential across the outlet 212 exceeds a predetermined pressure. The valve 212a is shown to be positioned slightly inward relative to the end wall 204a when the valve 212a is in a neutral position, but it can be positioned to be even with or slightly outward of the end wall 204a. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 212a is a cross-slit valve, however any suitable type of valve could be used.

[0141] While the inlet valve 214 and the inlet pathway 216 are shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E extending beyond the outer rim 205, they can also have a shorter form so as to be recessed more within the cap 204. This can enable the outer rim 205 to protect the inlet valve 214 and the inlet pathway 216, as well as the inlet 210 generally, during transportation, handling, and use.

[0142] The flavorant container 200 can also include a plug seal (not shown), which can be disposed between the container 202 and the cap 204 to aid in sealing the hollow inner chamber 208. The plug seal can be especially useful if the hollow inner chamber 208 has an increased interior pressure, such as during a dispensing operation.

[0143] The foil seal (not shown) can adhere to an upper extent of the outer wall 205 to cover the entirety of the cap 204, including the inlet 210 and the outlet 212. In this way, the foil seal can hermetically seal the flavorant to prolong shelf-stability and maintain freshness. The foil seal can also cover only the inlet 210 and/or the outlet 212. The foil seal can be peeled off by a user prior to a first use.

[0144] The flavorant container 200 can be made from a variety of materials, including plastics, resins, metals, rubbers, and more. These materials can feature environmentally-friendly materials such as, for example, reclaimed and recycled plastics, fibers, and other materials known in the art, in order to limit waste production resulting from operation of the beverage dispensing device 10.

[0145] FIG. 8A-8D depict various embodiments of the flavorant container 200. The illustrative embodiments can include similar features and characteristics as the flavorant container 200, and as such, to avoid being needlessly redundant, descriptions may not be repeated. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8A, a flavorant container 200′ including a cap 204′. The cap 204′ further includes an alignment pattern 220′. The alignment pattern 220′ can take the form of protrusions located on the cap 204′, which can include or be separate from the collar 218′ or other features described above. The alignment pattern 220′, as depicted, takes the form of a figure-eight shape, which is shown as essentially linked collars around both the inlet 210′ and the outlet 212′. The carriage (e.g., carriages 182L, 182R) can have a cavity with a complimentary figure-eight shaped depression that receives the alignment pattern 220′ on the container. The depression can be defined at least in part by the retention projections 184b, as explained above, such that the depression and the pattern can be complimentary to each other. The inclusion of this alignment pattern 220′ can allow for further stability when retaining the flavorant container 200′ within the carriage assembly 180. The alignment pattern 220′ can also take the form of indentations or any other surface features that aid in aligning the flavorant container with the carriage (e.g., carriages 182L, 182R), while also preventing the alignment and retention of other types of containers which may lack complimentary features.

[0146] FIG. 8B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a flavorant container 200″ including a container 202″ and a cap 204″. The cap 204″ can have an inlet 210″ and an outlet 212″ angled relative to each other. Consequently, when the flavorant container 200″ is seated in a carriage (e.g., carriage 182L, 182R), and flavorant is dispensed therefrom, the flavorant can be emitted from the outlet 212″ at an angle relative to a dispensing stream of fluid (e.g., carbonated water) from the nozzle 178. In this way, the flavorant and fluid dispensed from the nozzle 178 can mix in-flight, rather than in a disposed receptacle, such as a drinking glass.

[0147] FIGS. 8C and 8D depict an illustrative embodiment of a flavorant container 200′″ having separate openings for an inlet 210′″ and an outlet 212′″. These separate openings are delineated as an inlet opening 206a′″ and an outlet opening 206b′″, which are each disposed in the container 202′″. The inlet opening 206a′″ and the outlet opening 206b′″ can be covered by a single cap 204′″, as seen in FIG. 8D, or by separate inlet and outlet caps 204a′″, 204b′″, respectively.

[0148] The illustrative embodiments of the flavor containers 200, 200′, 200″, and 200′″ are depicted with specific features and arrangements of features, however the features and arrangements of features described herein can be applicable to and interchangeable with any embodiment.

[0149] With reference now to FIG. 9, a UI 300 is shown which can be used to operate the beverage dispensing device 10. The UI 300 can be used to interface with a controller (not shown). The UI 300 is shown located on the head assembly 120; however, it could be located anywhere on the beverage dispensing device 10, such as on the housing 102. Further, the beverage dispensing device 10 could also be operated remotely, such as through a remote application on a computer, smart phone, or other similar device.

[0150] The UI 300 can receive inputs to operate and control aspects of a creation process for a beverage. For example, a user can select and control parameters of the beverage they desire, such as liquid volume, carbonation level, flavor choice, and flavor strength. Liquid volume pertains to the overall size of the drink. Carbonation level pertains to the amount of carbon-dioxide dissolved in the water, which affects how “bubbly” the drink is. Flavor choice pertains to the type of flavorant added to the beverage, e.g., lemon, lime, etc. Flavor strength pertains to the amount of flavorant added to the beverage.

[0151] The UI 300 is shown having a central display 302 in the form a circular screen. The central display 302 can also operate as a dial to move between options. Above and below the central display 302 are indicators 304, which can light up and correspond to what a user selects at the central display. For example, depicted in FIG. 9 above the central display 302 is an indicator 304a pertaining to carbonation level. The indicator 304a is labeled “sparkling” and features an image of bubbles. The indicator 304a also includes a meter, which is lit up according to the carbonation level selected by the user. If the user selects the maximum carbonation level, the meter will be entirely filled up, whereas if the user selects a carbonation level equal to half of what is possible, the meter will be half-filled. Separate indicators 304b, 304c are also shown for “flavor strength” and flavor type. Flavor strength is associated with indicator 304b, the words “flavor strength,” and an image of a slice of citrus fruit. Flavor type is shown with indicator 304c as being either a “1” or a “2,” which correspond to a selection between a left flavorant container and a right flavorant container.

[0152] The previously described components of the beverage dispensing device 10 can operate together to create and dispense custom beverages. In an illustrative process, preparing a beverage with the beverage dispensing device 10 can involve several processes, including water preparation, gas preparation, flavorant container preparation, and customization at the UI 300. With these preparations and customizations complete, the beverage dispensing device 10 can then operate to mix and dispense carbonated water and flavorant as desired.

[0153] Water preparation can include filling the water reservoir 130 with water and then seating the water reservoir 130 onto the valve seat 116. This ensures that the water within the water reservoir 130 is now ready to be drawn upon during a carbonation procedure. Gas preparation can involve adding or replacing the CO.sub.2 canister 161 within the CO.sub.2 cavity 104 when the canister has run out. This can require the door 106 to be opened and a new canister 161 to be hooked up to the gas regulator in order to enable carbon-dioxide within the canister 161 to be used during a carbonation procedure.

[0154] Loading a flavorant container 200 into the carriage assembly 180 will allow for a flavorant stored within the flavorant container 200 to be added to the beverage in order to provide flavor. The carriage 182 can be moved to the lowered position by applying a force to the carriage 182 to overcome the spring-biased maintaining the carriage assembly in the raised position, and the flavorant container 200 can be oriented so that all features of the cap 204 align within the retention seat 184. The alignment tab 207 can be slid down into the keyed slot 184a, such that the retention catch 185 clicks into place and secures the flavorant container 200. The inlet 210 can be received by the inlet receiver, which creates an air-tight seal around the inlet 210. The outlet 212 can be aligned with the outlet receiver, which positions the outlet 212 over the opening in preparation for the dispensing of a flavorant. Once the flavorant container 200 is secured in the carriage 182, the carriage 182 can be moved to the raised position. A second flavorant can likewise be added to the other carriage assembly.

[0155] If the cap 204 includes an alignment pattern 220′, like the figure-8 pattern shown on the cap 204′ in FIG. 7, the alignment pattern 220′ can be further relied upon to guide the flavorant container 200′ into position within the carriage assembly 180d.

[0156] When the above preparation steps are complete as needed, a vessel (not shown), such as a drinking glass, can be placed upon the drip tray 110 beneath the nozzle 178 and the outlet receiver 188 of the carriage assembly 180. At the UI 300, aspects of the beverage can be selected, including fluid volume, carbonation level, flavor type, and flavor strength. Fluid volume can be selected by a user in preset sizes, such as, for example, 8 fluid ounces, 10 fluid ounces, 12 fluid ounces, and the like. Fluid volume can also be precisely selected by a user to even include fractional fluid ounces, or can be selected to operate in another unit, such as milliliters and the like. When a desired volume is selected, the UI 300 can prompt the user for the next input. Carbonation level can be selected by a user in preset sizes, which can be presented as levels to the user, such as 0-5, where a “0” can refer to no carbonation and a “5” refers to the maximum amount of carbonation dissolvable in the water. Other levels of carbonation can be assigned to the numbers presented, or the numbers presented can vary, i.e., a user is presented with a 1-10 instead of a 0-5. Flavor type can be selected to offer a choice between a flavorant container stored in the left carriage 182L and a flavorant container stored in the right carriage 182R. A choice can also be made by a user to skip flavor selection if an unflavored beverage is desired, or the user may be able to select both the left and right flavorant containers 200L, 200R. Flavor strength can be selected by a user to customize the amount of flavorant dispensed from the flavorant container 200. More flavorant will lead to a stronger drink. In some embodiments, if both the left and right flavorant containers 200L, 200R are selected to dispense a flavorant, the flavor strength can be individually selected for each of the flavorant containers 200L, 200R, resulting in potentially the same amount of each flavorant or a different amount of each flavorant. The beverage dispensing device 10 can determine a default amount of flavorant to be added based on a selected fluid volume and/or a selected carbonation level. The user can accept the default amount of flavorant, or they can also change the default amount of flavorant to a custom amount.

[0157] Once any or all of the above selections have been made, a user can select a “start” button to begin the dispensing process. In some embodiments, the central display 302 can act as a start button, and in other embodiments, the start button can be located elsewhere on the beverage dispensing device 10, or on a remote application. Although the inputs are presented here in a certain order, a user may be able to input them in any order desired, or may also be able to select only some of the inputs before initiating the dispensing process. For example, a user can select options to dispense a drink omitting one or all of the selections, or even can omit carbonation and/or flavoring altogether.

[0158] When a user has initiated the dispensing process, the beverage dispensing device 10 will coordinate several processes together in order to properly create and dispense the desired beverage. These processes can include a mixing process and/or a flavoring process, for example, depending on user selection.

[0159] The mixing process generally involves the mixing assembly 170 receiving water through the water line 152 and carbon-dioxide through the gas line 160, mixing the received water and carbon-dioxide under pressure to create carbonated water, and dispensing carbonated water through the nozzle 178. In an illustrative embodiment, based on the user-selected fluid volume and carbonation level, corresponding amounts water and carbon-dioxide will be pumped and/or vented into the mixing chamber 172. The mixing chamber 172 has a finite volume, which can limit the amount of carbonated water that can be made in a single batch, and so if a user selected fluid-volume exceeds the volume of the mixing chamber 172, more than one batch can be made to reach the total desired volume. In one embodiment, the mixing chamber 172 can produce six fluid-ounces of carbonated water in a single batch.

[0160] FIGS. 10A-10E depict an illustrative control process 400, as well as sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470, which can be followed to create and dispense a carbonated flavored beverage. The process 400 and sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470 can vary, and, for example, may include additional sub-processes or omit sub-processes. Additionally, any and all of the sub-processes 410, 430, 450, and 470 can vary to add or omit individual steps.

[0161] The illustrative beverage-making process 400 starts at starting point 402 and proceeds through several sub-processes as shown in FIG. 10A. These sub-processes can include an illustrative initialization process 410, an illustrative user input process 430, an illustrative carbonation process 450, and an illustrative flavoring process 470. A beverage can be dispensed at 490.

[0162] FIG. 10B depicts an illustrative initialization sub-process 410, which can be used to prepare the beverage dispensing system 10. The sub-process can run separately from, or concurrently with, other sub-processes or processes. The sub-process 410 can begin at block 411 and proceed to block 412. At block 412, the system 10 can determine whether there is enough water present in the water reservoir 130. If the system 10 determines that there is not enough water present in the water reservoir 130, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 413, where the system 10 can prompt a user to supply water to the water reservoir 130. The system 10 can also prevent drink creation until the system 10 determines that water has been supplied. If, at block 412, the system 10 detects that enough water is present, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 414. At block 414, the system 10 can run a check to determine whether a user desires carbonation in a beverage. As explained above, the system 10 via UI 300 can receive a user input determining a carbonation level. If the user has indicated that they want carbonation in a beverage, a check can be performed at block 414 before the sub-process 410 proceeds to block 415. At block 15, the system 10 can check to see if there is enough carbon-dioxide in the gas source, for example, in canister 162, before allowing a beverage dispensing process to proceed. If, at 415, the system 10 detects that there is not enough carbon-dioxide available, the system 10 can prompt a user to refill the carbon-dioxide source. If, at 415, the system 10 detects that there is enough carbon-dioxide available, the sub-process 410 can continue to block 417. Referring again to block 414, if a user has indicated that they do not want carbonation in a beverage, the sub-process 410 can proceed directly to block 417 and skip the check at block 415. At block 417, the system 10 can run a check to determine whether a user desires flavor. This check can be based on a user input received at UI 300, for example. If, at block 417, the system 10 determines a user does not want flavoring, the sub-process 410 can finish. If, at block 417, the system 10 determines a user does want flavoring, the system can run a check at block 418 to see if enough flavoring is available to flavor a beverage. If the system 10 determines that there is not enough flavoring available, the system 10 can prompt a user to refill flavoring and, until flavoring is refilled, prevent drink creation which attempts to use flavoring. If the system 10 determines that there is enough flavoring, the system can 10 finish the initialization sub-process 410.

[0163] After some or all of initialization sub-process 410 has finished, process 400 can proceed to user input process 430. As explained above, some of sub-process 410 can be informed by inputs received at a UI 300, which can occur during user input process 430. Accordingly, sub-process 410 may not necessarily finish before user input process 430 begins.

[0164] FIG. 10C depicts an illustrative user input sub-process 430. At block 432, a user can be prompted for an input or inputs, which can result in a customized beverage dispensed from beverage dispensing device 10 based at least partially on the received input or inputs. The inputs can be received in any order, and some inputs may be added in addition to what is described. Further, inputs may be skipped. At block 434, an input can be received for a liquid volume of a dispensed drink. The received input could be representative of several options, such as, for example, 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz., etc., or the received input could be representative of sizes, such as small, medium, or large. At block 436, an input can be received for a carbonation level of a dispensed drink. As explained previously, this user could be prompted to enter a carbonation level between 0-5, where “0” represents no carbonation and “5” represents maximum carbonation. A received input at block 436 can be informative of other processes and checks run by the system, such as the check performed at 414 of sub-process 410, for example. At block 436, an input can be received representing a type of flavor. The system 10 can hold at least one flavorant container 200, as explained above, and in some embodiments, it can hold at least two flavorant containers 200. A user input can be received at 438, which selects between a first or a second flavorant container held in the system 10. A user input can also be received that selects both the first and second flavorant container 200, or no flavorant container 200. Similar to the operation at block 436 for a carbonation level, if a user input at 438 is received that indicates no flavor is desired, flavoring protocols and operations can be skipped. At block 440, a user input can be received indicating a flavorant strength. Depending on the input received, the system 10 can dispense more or less flavorant from a flavorant container 200. If a user input is received at block 438 that flavorant is not desired, block 440 can be skipped.

[0165] FIG. 10D depicts an illustrative carbonation sub-process 450, which can occur if a user has indicated that they would like some level of carbonation in their beverage, as shown in block 452. The sub-process 450 can continue to block 454. At block 454, water can be pumped into the mixing chamber 172 by the water pump 156 via the water line 152, based on a user-selected fluid volume, as explained previously. The flow meter 157 can measure the amount of water flowing through the water line 152, and water volume can be determined by pumping for a set amount of time and measuring a flow rate with the flow meter 157. The vent solenoid 172a then can close. At block 456, gas (e.g., carbon-dioxide) can be added via the gas line 160, according to the desired carbonation level. The gas solenoid 166 can be actuated and regulated carbon-dioxide can be allowed to flow into the mixing chamber 172. At block 458, the agitator 173 can be powered on to begin to churn the water and the carbon-dioxide within the mixing chamber 172. The agitator 173 can run longer than the time that carbon-dioxide flows into the mixing chamber 173, for example, for between five and ten seconds after. Mixing can occur within the mixing chamber 172, and then, at block 460, the pressure relief valve 179 can open to release excess pressure in the mixing chamber 172. At block 462, the dispensing valve 177 can be opened to allow the newly created carbonated water to exit the mixing chamber 172 and be dispensed by the nozzle 178. If, at block 464, more carbonated water is needed, the carbonation sub-process 450 can proceed back to block 454, and carbonation can occur again until the total volume desired has been dispensed. If no more carbonated water is required, the sub-process 450 can proceed to block 468, indicating that the sub-process 450 is complete.

[0166] If, during a mixing process, such as at block 458, an internal pressure is measured by the pressure sensor 175a that exceeds a safe threshold (e.g., 100 psi), the mixing chamber can be ventilated through actuation of a pressure release valve 179. If an internal temperature is measured by the temperature sensor 175b that exceeds a safe threshold, the mixing chamber can be ventilated as well.

[0167] After a dispensing operation, a purging pump 159 coupled to the mixing assembly 170 can introduce pressurized air into the mixing chamber 172 to clear it out of excess fluid. The pressurized air can be introduced through a check valve 158b, permitting one-way flow into the mixing chamber 172.

[0168] FIG. 10E depicts an illustrative flavoring sub-process 470, which can occur if a user has indicated that they would like flavoring in their beverage, as shown in block 472. The flavoring process generally involves introducing pressurized air into a flavorant container (e.g., flavorant container 200) to force a flavorant to dispense from the flavorant container. Based on a user selection, a flavorant can be selectively dispensed by the system 10. At block 747 of sub-process 470, this can be presented as a choice between a flavorant container 200 seated in the left carriage 182L and a flavorant container seated in the right carriage 182R. When the flavorant container 200 is properly seated on the carriage 182, the air pump 190 can be in fluid communication with the inlet 210. The air pump 190 will send pressurized air down the air line 189 and into the inlet 210. The introduction of pressurized air will force the duckbill valve to open, and, as a result, an internal pressure of the hollow interior chamber 208 will increase. In an attempt to eliminate the pressure differential, the outlet 212 will open and a flavorant will be forced out of the outlet 212, out of the head assembly 120, and into a placed vessel (e.g., a drinking glass). The amount of flavorant dispensed depends on the amount of pressurized air forced into the hollow interior chamber 208. This amount of pressurized air is dependent upon the input received at the UI 300 from a user indicating their desired flavor level. This dispensing process can be seen in the remainder of sub-process 470, which includes blocks 476 and 480 if a user selects a left container 200, and which includes blocks 478 and 480 if a user selects a right container 200. When flavorant has been dispensed at 480, the sub-process can be completed at block 482.

[0169] The flavoring sub-process 470 can be coordinated with the carbonation sub-process 450, such that carbonated water and a flavorant can be dispensed at the same time. In an illustrative embodiment, the carbonated water and the flavorant are dispensed substantially parallel to each other, such that they mix in a placed drinking glass. In another embodiment, the carbonated water and the flavorant are dispensed such that their flow paths collide in mid-air, above the drinking glass. In this way, the carbonated water and the flavorant can begin to mix in midair, which can result in a more thoroughly mixed beverage. Note in other embodiments, the flavorant can be dispensed along with uncarbonated water to form an uncarbonated flavor beverage.

[0170] The injection of air through the inlet 210 can be accomplished through a single burst of at least one pressurized gas, or through several bursts of at least one pressurized gas. In total, a flavoring sub-process can take a short time, e.g., less than one second. In some embodiments, the process can be less than 250 ms, and in some embodiments, as low as approximately 130 ms.

[0171] FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative dispensing process 500, including an example time sequence for various operations within the dispensing process 500. The process 500 can begin at block 501 and proceed to block 502. At block 502, the mixing chamber 172 can be filled to a specified volume. For example, if the mixing chamber 172 has a maximum capacity of 6 oz. and a user has selected a volume less than 6 oz., the selected volume will be pumped into the mixing chamber 172. If the user has selected a volume greater than 6 oz., then 6 oz. can be pumped into the mixing chamber 172 during a first operation. At block 504, carbon-dioxide can be supplied to the mixing chamber 172, and at block 510, supply of carbon-dioxide can end. At block 506, the motor 174 can be activated to drive the agitator 173 within the mixing chamber 172, and at block 510, the motor 174 can be deactivated. The block 504-508 link can occur for a first period of time, and the 506-510 link can occur for a second period of time that is different than the first period of time. The first period of time and the second period of time may occur in succession, or they may occur in parallel—either fully in parallel or partially in parallel. For example, each of the first and second periods of time can operate at a LOW cycle, a MED cycle, and a HIGH cycle. For the LOW cycle, the first period of time can be three seconds and the second period of time can be 2 seconds. For the MED cycle, the first period of time can be four seconds and the second period of time can be eight seconds. For the HIGH cycle, the first period of time can be six seconds and the second period of time can be ten seconds. The process 500 can continue to block 512. At block 512, the mixing chamber 172 can be ventilated for a time before the mixing chamber 172 is sealed again at block 514. For example, the mixing chamber 172 can be vented for various times as needed to reduce an internal pressure of the mixing chamber 172, and in an illustrative example, the mixing chamber 172 can be vented for approximately 3.2 seconds. At block 516, the mixing chamber 172 can dispense stored fluid via the outlet valve 176. At block 518, the purging pump 159 can be activated to assist in dispensing stored fluid from the mixing chamber 172. This dispensing operation can take time depending on the amount of stored fluid to be ventilated, and in an illustrative example can take approximately twelve seconds. At block 520, the outlet valve 176 can be closed, and at block 522, the purging pump 159 can be deactivated. If a volume of fluid is required which exceeds the maximum capacity of the mixing chamber, the process 500 can begin again at block 501 as is necessary to produce and dispense the desired volume. At block 524, an air pump, e.g., air pump 190L, 190R, etc., can be activated to begin a flavorant dispensing process. At block 526, the air pump can be deactivated to end the flavorant dispensing process. The time the air pump is activated between block 524 and block 526 can vary, depending on an amount of flavorant to be dispensed. For example, if LOW flavor is desired, the time can be approximately one second; if MED flavor is desired, the time can be approximately 1.2 seconds; if HIGH flavor is desired, the time can be approximately 1.4 seconds. The flavorant dispensing process depicted in blocks 524 and 526 can operate in parallel with or in succession with any other portion of the dispensing process 500.

[0172] The flavorant container 200 can be made using various manufacturing processes. In an example manufacturing process, the container 202 can be made by a first process and the cap 204 can be made by a second process.

[0173] The first process can include manufacturing the container 202 through Extrusion Blow Molding. This could be accomplished with polypropylene (PP) and/or could involve injection molding and blow molding, either separately or in combination. An orientation feature can be used to ensure that a cap 204 is fitted in a desired orientation.

[0174] The second process can include manufacturing the cap 204 through injection molding. A first orientation feature can be used to ensure a desired alignment relative to the container 202. A second orientation feature can be used to ensure correct placement during a manufacturing process (e.g., the first process, the second process, or another process). A third orientation feature can be used to provide a correct orientation when the flavorant container 200 is placed within the carriage assembly 180. A latching feature, such as the alignment tab 207, can be included to ensure that the flavorant container 204 can be secured within the carriage assembly 180. The inlet 210 and the outlet 212 can also be included for the reasons stated above. The inlet 210 can include a silicone duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, or other types of valves. The outlet 212 can include a silicone dispense valve, a cross-slit valve, or other types of valves. In some manufacturing processes, the cap 204, including the inlet 210 and the outlet 212, can be a single, discrete element. The valves associated with the inlet 210 and/or 212 can be made from other materials known to those skilled in the art as well, including other molded flexible materials, including various plastics, rubbers, and others.

[0175] Certain illustrative implementations have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these implementations have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative implementations and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative implementation may be combined with the features of other implementations. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the implementations generally have similar features, and thus within a particular implementation each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

[0176] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0177] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described implementations. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.