GAS INFUSION MODULE

Abstract

According to one or exemplary embodiments, there is provided a Gas Infusion Module that is a compact, inexpensive, adjustable, and easy to clean apparatus for infusing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, with a gas. The Gas Infusion Module controls the mixing of the gas with a liquid beverage in a homogenization element. To achieve an enhanced homogenization of gas and liquid, first the Gas Infusion Module regulates the pressure of gas that will enter the homogenization element and mix with the liquid. Additionally, the liquid and gas mixture passes through an outlet check valve which forces greater homogenization of the aerated fluid before it is dispensed for consumption.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A gas infusion module for mixing a gas and a liquid to create an aerated fluid, the gas infusion module comprising: a gas inlet assembly that allows the gas to flow into the gas infusion module; and a homogenization element comprising: a liquid inlet that allows the liquid to flow into the homogenization element; a gas input valve located in a flow path of the liquid such that the liquid entering from the liquid inlet flows over the gas input valve; a chamber that receives the liquid and the gas, the liquid and the gas mixing in the chamber as the liquid flows over the gas input valve to create the aerated fluid; and an outlet port that allows the aerated fluid to exit the chamber.

3. The gas infusion module of claim 2, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that prevents backflow into the gas inlet assembly.

4. The gas infusion module of claim 2, further comprising an opening in the gas input valve that delivers the gas flowing from the gas inlet assembly into the liquid.

5. The gas infusion module of claim 2, further comprising a gas pressure regulator that controls an input pressure of the gas entering the gas infusion module from the gas inlet assembly.

6. The gas infusion module of claim 2, further comprising a liquid check valve located between the liquid inlet and the chamber, wherein the liquid check valve prevents backflow into the liquid inlet.

7. The gas infusion module of claim 2, further comprising an outlet check valve located between the chamber and the outlet port, wherein the outlet check valve allows the aerated fluid to flow out of the chamber and prevents backflow into the chamber.

8. The gas infusion module of claim 7, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that is configured to break breaks large gas bubbles into smaller gas bubbles as the liquid and gas are forced out of the chamber to better homogenize the aerated fluid.

9. A gas infusion module to create an aerated beverage, the gas infusion module comprising: a gas inlet assembly including a gas pressure regulator, the gas inlet assembly allowing a gas to flow into the gas infusion module, and the gas pressure regulator controlling an input pressure of the gas; and a homogenization element comprising: a chamber where the gas mixes with a liquid to create the aerated beverage; a liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to enter the chamber; a gas input valve for allowing the gas from the gas inlet assembly to enter the chamber, the gas input valve in a flow path of the liquid entering the chamber, the gas mixing with the liquid as the liquid flows over the gas input valve creating the aerated beverage, and an outlet port through which the aerated beverage exits the chamber.

10. (canceled)

11. The gas infusion module of claim 9, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that prevents backflow into the gas inlet assembly.

12. The gas infusion module of claim 9, further comprising a liquid check valve located between the liquid inlet and the chamber, wherein the liquid check valve prevents backflow into the liquid inlet.

13. The gas infusion module of claim 9, further comprising an outlet check valve between the outlet port and the chamber, the outlet check valve configured to enhance homogenization of the gas and the liquid before the aerated beverage exits the chamber.

14. The gas infusion module of claim 13, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that enhances homogenization by breaking gas bubbles in the aerated beverage into smaller gas bubbles.

15. (canceled)

16. A gas infusion module for mixing a liquid and a gas to create an aerated beverage, the gas infusion module comprising: a gas inlet assembly including a pressure regulator, the gas inlet assembly allowing the gas to flow into the gas infusion module and the pressure regulator controlling an input pressure of the gas; a homogenization element comprising: a chamber to receive the liquid and the gas, the liquid and the gas mixing to create the aerated beverage; a liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the chamber; a gas input valve for allowing the gas to flow from the gas inlet assembly into the chamber, the gas input valve located in a flow path of the liquid entering the chamber, the gas mixing with the liquid as the liquid flows over the gas input valve creating the aerated beverage; a liquid check valve located between the liquid inlet and the chamber, the liquid check valve preventing backflow of the gas into the liquid inlet; an outlet port through which the aerated beverage exits the chamber; and an outlet check valve located between the outlet port and the chamber, the outlet check valve preventing backflow of the aerated beverage into the chamber.

17. The gas infusion module of claim 16, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that introduces bubbles of the gas into the liquid as the liquid flows over an opening in the gas input valve.

18. The gas infusion module of claim 16, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that homogenizes the gas and the liquid by further breaking down bubbles of the gas in the liquid before the aerated beverage exits the chamber.

19. The gas infusion module of claim 16, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that prevents backflow of the liquid into the gas inlet assembly.

20. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates the Venturi effect as known in the art.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the core components of the Gas Infusion Module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the components of the homogenization element of the Gas Infusion Module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the Gas Infusion Module within a removable cover according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5 without the removable cover;

[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates a first exemplary configuration of the homogenization element;

[0026] FIG. 8B illustrates a second exemplary configuration of the homogenization element with the check port stem including an extension piece;

[0027] FIG. 8C illustrates a third exemplary configuration of the homogenization element with an extension piece and a shank mount;

[0028] FIG. 8D illustrates a fourth exemplary configuration of the homogenization element with a syrup input assembly; and

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the Gas Infusion Module with a limiting washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present disclosure and accompanying figures presents a nitrogen infusion module that may be very compact, inexpensive, easy to adjust, can be easily cleaned without the need to dismantle, and can infuse liquid such as water or pre-mix, with gas, such as nitrogen, air, or carbon dioxide.

[0031] Now turning to a discussion of the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the Venturi effect where a fluid moving through a constricted area will result in a pressure drop that can be used to draw a second fluid into the first fluid.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates the internal components of the Gas Infusion Module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The Gas Infusion Module 1 includes a homogenization element 12 and a gas pressure regulator 20. The homogenization element 12 includes a liquid inlet assembly 14, a gas inlet assembly 16, and an outlet port 18. The liquid inlet assembly 14 conducts the liquid or beverage into the homogenization element 12 to mix with the gas. The gas inlet assembly 16 conducts the gas into the homogenization element 12 to mix with the liquid. After mixing in the homogenization element 12, the aerated fluid exits the Gas Infusion Module 1 through the outlet port 18. The gas pressure regulator 20 may include an adjustment knob 22, a regulated pressure graduated ring 24, and an adjustment limitation safeguard 26. The adjustment knob 22 allows a user to adjust the pressure of the gas entering the homogenization element 12. The adjustment limitation safeguard 26 provides an additional safety component by preventing the gas pressure from being raised too high. A quick release coupling 28 secures the homogenization element 12 to the gas inlet assembly 16 and allows for easy connection and disconnection of the components for cleaning. Also shown in FIG. 2 are the quick release couplings 13, 15. The quick release couplings 13, 15 allow for quick and easy connection of gas or fluid lines. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the Gas Infusion Module 1 may include fewer or more components than those depicted in FIG. 2.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid inlet assembly 14 includes a quick connect fitting 15 for ease of securing a fluid line to the Gas Infusion Module 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the Gas Infusion Module 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the homogenization element 12 includes a liquid check valve 30, a gas input valve 32, and an outlet check valve 34 (collectively, the check valves). The liquid check valve 30 is located at the junction between the liquid inlet assembly 14 and the mixing chamber 36. The gas input valve 32 is located such that the liquid entering from the liquid inlet assembly 14 flows directly over the gas input valve 32. Finally, outlet check valve 34 is located at the junction between the mixing chamber 36 and the outlet port 18.

[0035] The check valves may only allow one-directional flow, which prevents back flow of any contaminants. The liquid check valve 30 allows liquid to flow into the mixing chamber 36 and prevents back flow into a liquid line. The gas input valve 32 allows gas to flow into the mixing chamber 36 and prevents back flow into a gas line. The liquid and gas enter the mixing chamber 36 to create an aerated liquid. The liquid and gas mixture passes through the outlet check valve 34 to exit the mixing chamber 36. Additionally, placing the gas input valve 32 in the path of flowing liquid may produce smaller bubbles in the aerated fluid. In addition, in a cleaning procedure, placing the gas input valve 32 in the path of flowing liquid may result in the gas input valve 32 being in full contact with a cleaning solution. Finally, the outlet check valve 34 creates a tortuous path and turbulence that breaks up the bubbles resulting in a more homogenized aerated fluid exiting the mixing chamber 36. The aerated fluid or beverage then proceeds out of the outlet port 18.

[0036] In addition to providing homogenization of gas and liquid, the addition of the outlet check valve 34 allows a cleaning fluid passing through the system to sanitize the entire mixing chamber 36 unlike a Venturi device, which leaves areas adjacent to the throat 30 untouched by a cleaning solution.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outlet port 18 is in fluid connection, via a hose or other suitable means, to a beverage dispensing mechanism or a beverage container (not shown).

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view showing the components of the homogenization element 12. The homogenization element 12 includes the liquid inlet assembly 14, the gas inlet assembly 16, the outlet port 18, the check valves 30, 32, and 34, and the quick release coupling 28. The liquid inlet assembly 14 is comprised of an input fitting 17 and the liquid check valve 30. The gas inlet assembly 16 is comprised of a check port stem 19 and the gas input valve 32. A quick release coupling 28 secures the gas inlet assembly 16 to the homogenization element 12. As shown in FIG. 5, a series of O-rings 38 may be used to secure the various connections.

[0039] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the Gas Infusion Module 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer casing 40 is made of 20 GA #4 satin stainless steel. The Gas Infusion Module 1 includes a removable cover 42, the homogenization element 12, the gas pressure regulator 20, a gas quick connect fitting 13, and a liquid quick connect fitting 15.

[0040] FIG. 8A illustrates one configuration of the homogenization element 12 of the Gas Infusion Module 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, liquid, such as tea, coffee, juice, etc., enters the input fitting 17 at approximately 30-40 pounds per square inch (PSI). Any liquid can be used, and not only the aforementioned liquids. Further, 30-40 PSI is merely an exemplary pressure for this embodiment, and other pressures may also be used. Gas, e.g., nitrogen or air, enters the check port stem 19 and is adjustable via the pressure regulator 20 (shown for example in FIG. 8). Typical input pressure is, in one exemplary embodiment, 10 PSI. The liquid and gas meet in the mixing chamber 36 and homogenization is caused by the pressure differential created by the outlet check valve 34. Aerated fluid then flows through the outlet port 18 to a beverage container, faucet, or tap (not shown).

[0041] In some embodiments, the Gas Infusion Module 1 can be mounted within, for example, 36 inches of the faucet to avoid gas separation between pours. This distance is exemplary only, and other distances may be used.

[0042] FIG. 8B illustrates another exemplary configuration of the homogenization element 12 having an extension piece 46. In this figure, an extension piece 46 is attached to the check port stem 19 to allow different orientation of the gas entry line. In this in-line exemplary embodiment, the Gas Infusion Module 1 attaches to a beverage tube inside the tower pedestal (or leg).

[0043] FIG. 8C illustrates another exemplary configuration of the homogenization element 12 having an extension piece 46 and a shank mount 48. In this tower shank mount configuration, a mount is configured inside a tower (e.g., a 3 inch tower) and the shank mount 48 is connected directly to a faucet shank (not shown). In one non-limiting embodiment, the faucet shank is a Kool-rite faucet shank.

[0044] FIG. 8D illustrates another exemplary configuration of the homogenization element 12 having two extension pieces 46 and a syrup input assembly 50. In this exemplary dual input gas/syrup configuration (shown with a shank mount 48), the Gas Infusion Module 1 includes a syrup input assembly 50 where gas, a liquid, and another liquid (i.e., syrup concentrate) are injected and mixed in the homogenization element 12.

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the Gas Infusion Module 1 utilizing a limiting washer 52 to prevent radical adjustments of the gas pressure by limiting the range of rotation of the adjustment knob 22. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the limiting washer 52 may be mounted behind the adjustment knob 22. This can be used, for example, as an adjustment guardrail to limit the adjustment to less than one turn so that an operator cannot make radical adjustments. The adjustment knob 22 may turn a regulator that may have several revolutions between two stops. When the adjustment knob 22 is mounted, an initial knob setting is established. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the limiting washer 52 may work in conjunction with a knob retaining screw 54 to put the ideal adjustment in the center of available rotation.

[0046] Although the inventive concepts of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts.