GAS/LIQUID INFUSION SYSTEM WITH INTELLIGENT LEVEL MANAGEMENT AND ADJUSTABLE ABSORPTION OUTPUT

Abstract

A system features a controller having a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a liquid level of a gas infused liquid in a liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, one or more gas input characteristics of a gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and one or more liquid input characteristics of an incoming non-infused liquid provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump that provides the incoming non-infused liquid to the infusion tank/vessel on demand each time a beverage is dispensed with the gas infused liquid from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel and to maintain a desired liquid level and target equilibrium gas pressure in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel at a given temperature.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a controller having a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a liquid level of a gas infused liquid in a liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, one or more gas input characteristics of a gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and one or more liquid input characteristics of an incoming non-infused liquid provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump that provides the incoming non-infused liquid to the infusion tank/vessel on demand each time a beverage is dispensed with the gas infused liquid from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel and to maintain a desired liquid level and target equilibrium gas pressure in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel at a given temperature.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to provide the corresponding signaling to control the pump by varying one or more pump characteristics, including voltage signaling provided to the pump.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises the pump configured to respond to the corresponding control signaling and provide the incoming non-infused liquid to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a liquid level sensor configured to sense the liquid level of the gas infused liquid in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and provide liquid level signaling containing information about the liquid level sensed.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises one or more gas input characteristic sensors configured to sense the one or more gas input characteristics and provide gas input characteristic signaling containing information about the one or more gas input characteristics sensed.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the gas input characteristic signaling and provide the corresponding signaling.

7. A system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more gas input characteristic sensors comprises a gas flow sensor configured to sense the gas flow of the gas and provide gas flow signaling containing information about the gas flow sensed.

8. A system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more gas input characteristic sensors comprises a gas pressure sensor configured to sense the gas pressure of the gas and provide gas pressure signaling containing information about the gas pressure sensed.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises one or more liquid input characteristic sensors configured to sense the one or more liquid input characteristics and provide liquid input characteristic signaling containing information about the one or more liquid input characteristics sensed.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the liquid input characteristic signaling and provide the corresponding signaling.

11. A system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more liquid input characteristic sensors comprises a liquid flow sensor configured to sense the liquid flow of the gas and provide liquid flow signaling containing information about the liquid flow sensed.

12. A system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more liquid input characteristic sensors comprises a liquid pressure sensor configured to sense the liquid pressure of the liquid and provide liquid pressure signaling containing information about the liquid pressure sensed.

13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive gas infused liquid output characteristic signaling containing information about one or more gas infused liquid output characteristics of the gas infused liquid provided from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel each time the beverage is dispensed, and provide the corresponding signaling.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the system comprises one or more gas infused liquid output characteristic sensors configured to sense the one or more gas infused liquid output characteristics and provide the gas infused liquid output characteristic signaling.

15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a gas pressure/flow control device configured to respond to gas pressure/flow control signaling and control the flow and pressure of the gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the corresponding signaling includes the gas pressure/flow control signaling.

17. A system according to claim 15, wherein the system comprises a non-infused liquid pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure of non-infused liquid provided from a non-infused liquid tank/vessel to the pump, and provide non-infused liquid pressure signaling containing information about the pressure of the non-infused liquid.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the signal processor is configured to receive the non-infused liquid pressure signaling and provide the corresponding signaling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0061] The drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, includes the following Figures:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a standard beverage carbonator that is known in the art.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a standard beverage carbonator system that is known in the art.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a graph of pressure (PSI) versus elapsed time (seconds) showing a vessel filling pressure profile for a nitro coffee application using a traditional carbonator system that is known in the art (e.g., a tank with level switches and a vane pump), including 3 sequential pours, and drawing down until the level switch activates the vane pump.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a gas liquid infusion system with an intelligent level management and adjustable absorption level output.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a graph of pressure (PSI) versus elapsed time (seconds) showing a vessel filling pressure profile for a nitro coffee application, e.g., using an intelligent level management device, including 3 sequential pours, and showing tank equilibrium and dispense pressure at approximately 34 PSI, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system, e.g., such as a pump system having an electronic control logic subsystem with a signal processor or signal processing module for implementing the signal processing functionality, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Similar parts or components in Figures are labeled with similar reference numerals and labels for consistency. Every lead line and associated reference label for every element is not included in every Figure of the drawing to reduce clutter in the drawing as a whole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] FIG. 4 shows an adjustable inline gas infusion system generally indicated as 100 that operates by infusing gas into a liquid or beverage to a desired amount or end products dispense gasification characteristic level.

[0070] The adjustable inline gas Infusion system 100 consists of the following system elements: [0071] A motor driven pump, labeled 1; [0072] A gas liquid absorption vessel/tank, labeled 2; [0073] A liquid level sensing device, labeled 3; [0074] A gas pressure sensing device, labeled 4; [0075] An electronic control subsystem labeled 5; and [0076] Others sensors/devices within the system, labeled 6, e.g., including flow sensors F1, F2, F3 and pressure sensors P1, P2.

[0077] FIG. 4 also shows the following:

[0078] a keg or other vessel, bag in box, etc. configured to contain a non-infused beverage, e.g., such as coffee, tea, syrup, water, milk, etc.;

[0079] a tank configured to couple to the keg, vessel or bag in box, contain pressurized gas, e.g., such as carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen, and pressure the keg or other vessel, bag in box;

[0080] another tank configured to couple to the infusion tank/vessel 2, contain pressurized gas, e.g., such as carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen, and provide the pressurized gas to the infusion tank/vessel 2 for pressurizing the same; and

[0081] a dispenser valve configured to move from a non-dispense position to a dispense position for turning on the dispenser valve, receive an infused beverage from the infusion tank/vessel 1, dispense the infused beverage received to a beverage container, and move to the non-dispense position for turning off the dispenser valve.

[0082] FIG. 4 shows how the incoming liquid stream pressure and flow that is provided to the system may be varied by application. For typical beverage soft drink carbonation applications, the water may be provided from the restaurant or store's commercial building water system. For beer, coffee, teas and other beverages, the incoming liquid may be provided from a Keg or other pressurized vessel, a bag in box, non-pressurized cask, bucket, or any other liquid containing vessel. The nitrogenated coffee example utilized a 3 gallon keg with 15 psi nitrogen input pressure.

[0083] By way of example, in FIG. 4 incoming non-infused liquid may be provided to the motor driven pump 1 via rigid tubing or flexible tubing or hose and fittings used in standard beverage dispense applications and plumbing systems. The function of the motor driven pump 1 is to manipulate the flow and pressure characteristics of the incoming liquid stream based on electronic communication received from the controller 5. The motor driven pump 1 can be any type of pump that is suitable for the liquid and performance desired. By way of example, pump types may include diaphragm, gear, lobe, flexible impeller, vane, centrifugal, etc. The motor driven pump 1 provides adjusted flow and pressure conditions to the infusion tank/vessel where the liquid is then mixed with gas.

[0084] The function of the infusion tank/vessel 2 in the system 100 is to mix the gas and liquid streams for the end result of infusing the gas into the liquid phase at a target equilibrium condition. The pressure and flow characteristics of the incoming fluid and gas streams influence the equilibrium established within the infusion tank/vessel 2 at a given temperature, pressure, and fluid output flow condition. The gas input is a regulated supply typically provided by gas storage cylinders and other types of pressurized vessels via properly rated tubing or hose, and fittings, consistent with that shown in FIG. 4. The gas may consist of 1 or more types of gas, premixed or fed separately into the infusion tank/vessel 2, e.g., provided by tanks, gas generators, or gas blenders. The incoming gas supply flows to the gas pressure sensing device prior to entering the infusion tank/vessel 2.

[0085] The function of the liquid level sensor 3 is to provide a liquid level feedback in the form of an input signal to the electronic control logic system 5. The liquid level sensor 3 can be a separate device in line, or a device that is incorporated as an integral part of the motor driven pump 1, the infusion tank/vessel 2, the gas pressure sensing device 4, the electronic control logic subsystem 5 or other external system component. The liquid level sensor 3 may be directly or indirectly sensing the liquid level and communicating the feedback through various types of process signal communication values and methods. The fluid is then introduced into the Infusion tank/vessel device 2.

[0086] The function of the gas pressure sensing device 4 is to provide gas pressure feedback in the form of an input signal to the electronic control logic system 5. The gas pressure sensing device 4 may be a separate device in line, or a device that is incorporated as an integral part of the infusion tank/vessel 2, the liquid level sensing device 3, the electronic control logic subsystem 5, or other external system component (e.g., represented by the various flow and pressure sensors 6). The liquid level sensing device 4 may be directly or indirectly sensing the pressure and communicating the feedback through various types of process signal communication values and methods.

[0087] The function of the electronic control logic system 5 is to receive input communication from the motor driven pump 1, the infusion tank/vessel 2, the liquid level sensor 3, the gas pressure sensing device 4, and other types of sensors in the system (e.g., represented by the various flow and pressure sensors 6) and implement the control logic. The electronic control logic system 5 provides output communication to the motor driven pump 1 for the purposes of achieving and maintaining the gas/fluid target equilibrium pressure conditions. The electronic control logic system 5 also provides output communication to the motor driven pump 1 for purposes of and maintaining level of fluid in the tank and controlling the flow performance of fluid entering the infusion tank/vessel 2. The electronic control logic system 5 also provides output communication to the motor driven pump 1 for purposes of maintaining the pressure between the incoming liquid and gas feed streams for the end intent of maintaining or changing the set point target for gas absorption desired in the liquid output without excessive overshoot of target setpoint pressures. The absorption level set point is achieved by monitoring the gas input pressure and liquid level sensors while maintaining the liquid streams and gas input streams at desired levels entering the infusion tank/vessel 2. This is accomplished by varying the characteristics of the voltage signal output to the motor driven pump 1 during the filling and dispense cycles. Adjustable levels of infusion can be achieved by adjusting the gas input pressure to the infusion tank/vessel 2. The electronic control logic system 5 may receive communication from the other sensors or devices in the system (represented by sensors 6), and use the information to implement control action or output communication to the motor driven pump 1, the infusion tank/vessel 2, the liquid level sensing device 3, the gas pressure sensing device 4, which are internal to the system, as well as other internal or external components or devices such as valves, switches, relays, displays, lights, etc. as needed to support auxiliary functions and other system operational objectives. The electronic control logic system 5 includes both electronic hardware components and software program(s), parameters, variables, and logic that are needed to execute the control algorithm and support the operation of the system.

[0088] The various sensors 6 shown represent various other sensors such as flow and pressure transducers, capacitive sensors, etc. that can be utilized with the logic in electronic control logic system 5 to support the primary function of the device or auxiliary functions of the system.

FIG. 5

[0089] Similar to, and consistent with, that shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 includes a series of steps/events labeled 1 thru 4, e.g., for drink pours labeled #1 thru #3. In FIG. 5, by way of example, the drink pour #1 starts at an elapsed time of about 1.5 seconds and ends at the elapsed time of about 11 seconds; the drink pour #2 starts at the elapsed time of about 23 seconds and ends at the elapsed time of about 33 seconds; and the drink pour #3 starts at the elapsed time of about 45 seconds and ends at the elapsed time of about 55 seconds. The pump is turned ON from the elapsed times of about 1.5 to 11 seconds during drink pour #1, about 24 to 34 seconds during and overlapping most of drink pour #2, and about 44 to 55 seconds during and overlapping drink pour #3, as shown. The pump is turned OFF from the elapsed times of about 11 to 24 seconds, about 34 to 44 seconds, and about 56 to 66 seconds, as shown. During the three drink pours #1, #2 and #3, the pump is basically turned ON, and is turned OFF after or at the end of the drink pours. For each drink pour, the sequence of steps/events labeled steps 1 thru 4 are implemented. See the description in FIG. 3.

[0090] FIG. 5 also shows three pressure functions in relation to the steps 1 thru 4, and also in relation to when the pump is turned ON/OFF. By way of example, the three pressure functions include an NGP function showing the pressure when nitrogen gas is provided into the infusion tank/vessel 2 in FIG. 4 (see the function labeled NGP in FIG. 5), an PCP function showing the pressure when plain coffee is provided into the infusion tank/vessel 2 (see the function labeled PCP in FIG. 5), and an ICP function showing the pressure when infused coffee is provided out of the infusion tank/vessel 2 (see the function labeled ICP in FIG. 5), for each drink pour #1, #2 and #3 in conjunction with when the pump is turned ON and OFF. Consistent with that shown in FIG. 4, the tank containing pressurized nitrogen may be configured to provide nitrogen gas to the infusion tank/vessel 2, and the motor driven pump 1 may be configured to the plain coffee as a non-infused beverage from the pressurized keg, or other vessel, bag in box, etc., to the infusion tank/vessel 2, as shown. Consistent with that also shown in FIG. 4, the infusion tank/vessel 2 may be configured to provide infused coffee to the dispenser valve, as shown.

[0091] In FIG. 5, the pressure for NGP, PCP and ICP functions are summarized as follows:

[0092] NPG: The NPG function is a substantially flat line function running at a substantially constant pressure of about 33 PSI, e.g., having no meaningful dips or increases in pressure during the three drink pours #1, #2 and #3, or the turning ON/OFF of the pump, as shown. Consistent with that shown in FIG. 5, the pressure of the NPG function includes some slight dips in pressure at elapsed times 1.5 seconds, 24 seconds and 46 seconds, e.g., when the pump is turned ON, with some slight dips in pressure at elapsed times 4.5 seconds, 27.5 seconds and 49 seconds, e.g., during the drink pours #1, #2 and #3, and with a slight increase in pressure at an elapsed time of about 51 seconds for about 1 second, all as shown in FIG. 5. The slight dips in pressure at the various elapsed times are about 1 PSI for about 1 second.

[0093] PCP: The PCP function starts at an elapsed time=0 at a PSI of about 34 PSI, and ends at the elapsed time=about 68 seconds at a PSI of about 33. From the elapsed time of 0 to 68 seconds, the pressure of the PCP function decreases/dips to about 33 PSI at the elapsed time of about 1.5 second when drink pour #1 starts, increases to about 37 PSI at the elapsed time of about 2.5 seconds, remains at about 36 PSI during the elapsed times from about 2.5 to 10 seconds during drink pour #1, increases to about 38 PSI after drink pour #1 ends at the elapsed time of about 10.5 seconds, decreases back to about 33 PSI at the elapsed time of about 12 seconds, and remains at about 33 PSI until the elapsed time of 24 second after drink pour #2 starts. After drink pour #2 starts at the elapsed time of about 23 seconds, the PCP function repeats a substantially similar cycle as shown.

[0094] ICP: The ICP function starts at an elapsed time=0 at a PSI of about 33 PSI, and ends at the elapsed time=about 68 seconds at a PSI of about 34. From the elapsed time of 0 to 68 seconds, the pressure of the ICP function decreases/dips to about 31 PSI at the elapsed time of about 1 second about when drink pour #1 starts, increases to about 37 PSI at the elapsed time of about 2.5 seconds, remains at about 34 PSI during the elapsed times from about 2.5 to 10.5 seconds until drink pour #1 ends, increases to about 36 PSI at the elapsed time of about 11 seconds after drink pour #1 ends, decreases back to about 34 PSI at the elapsed time of about 12 seconds, and remains at about 34 PSI until the elapsed time of 23.5 second after drink pour #2 starts. After drink pour #2 starts at the elapsed time of about 23 seconds, the PCP function repeats a substantially similar cycle as shown.

[0095] The NGP, PCP and ICP functions are shown by way of example only. The scope of the invention is intended to include, and embodiments are envisioned having, other types or kinds of NGP, PCP and ICP functions, e.g., having other types of pump ON/OFF times and elapsed time, other PSIs values, other pressure decreases/dips and/or increases, etc.

FIG. 6: Implementation of Signal Processing Functionality

[0096] By way of example, FIG. 6 shows a system generally indicated as 100, such as a gas/liquid infusion system with an intelligent level management and adjustable absorption output, featuring an electronic control logic subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present invention, e.g., having a signal processor or processing module 100a configured at least to: [0097] receive signaling containing information about [0098] a liquid level of a gas infused liquid in a liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, [0099] one or more gas input characteristics of a gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and [0100] one or more liquid input characteristics of an incoming non-infused liquid provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel; and [0101] determine corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump that provides the incoming non-infused liquid to the infusion tank/vessel on demand each time a beverage is dispensed with the gas infused liquid from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel and to maintain a desired liquid level and target equilibrium gas pressure in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel at a given temperature.

[0102] In operation, the signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide the corresponding signaling to control the pump by varying one or more pump characteristics, including voltage signaling provided to the pump.

[0103] By way of example, the functionality of the signal processor or processing module 100a may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In a typical software implementation, the signal processor 10a would include one or more microprocessor-based architectures, e.g., having at least one signal processor or microprocessor. One skilled in the art would be able to program with suitable program code such a microcontroller-based, or microprocessor-based, implementation to perform the signal processing functionality disclosed herein without undue experimentation. For example, the signal processor 100a may be configured, e.g., by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation, to receive the signaling containing information about [0104] a liquid level of a gas infused liquid in a liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, [0105] one or more gas input characteristics of a gas provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, and [0106] one or more liquid input characteristics of an incoming non-infused liquid provided to the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel, consistent with that disclosed herein.

[0107] Moreover, the signal processor 100a may also be configured, e.g., by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation, to determine the corresponding signaling containing information to control a pump that provides the incoming non-infused liquid to the infusion tank/vessel on demand each time a beverage is dispensed with the gas infused liquid from the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel and to maintain a desired liquid level and target equilibrium gas pressure in the liquid/gas infusion tank/vessel at a given temperature.

[0108] The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. The scope of the invention is intended to include implementing the functionality of the signal processor(s) 100a as stand-alone processor, signal processor, or signal processor module, as well as separate processor or processor modules, as well as some combination thereof.

[0109] By way of example, the system 100 may also include, e.g., other signal processor circuits or components generally indicated 100b, including random access memory or memory module (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), input/output devices and control, and data and address buses connecting the same, and/or at least one input processor and at least one output processor, e.g., which would be appreciate by one skilled in the art.

[0110] By way of further example, the signal processor 100a may include, or take the form of, some combination of a signal processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, where the signal processor and at least one memory are configured to cause the system to implement the functionality of the present invention, e.g., to respond to signaling received and to determine the corresponding signaling, based upon the signaling received.

Liquid Level Sensors and Other Devices

[0111] Liquid level sensors are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

[0112] Moreover, techniques are known in the art for arranging and/or implementing liquid/fluid level sensors in relation to tanks/vessels configured to hold a liquid in order to sense the level of the liquid contained therein, e.g., using the known liquid level sensors.

[0113] Motor driven pumps, infusion tank/vessels, gas pressure sensors, etc. are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

Possible Applications

[0114] Possible applications include the following:

[0115] Infusing CO2 or other Gases such as Nitrogen into liquids for beverages like Water, Soda, Beer, Coffee, Tea, Latte, Milk, and Yogurt Based. Infusing CO2 or other Gases such as Nitrogen into liquids for increasing the effectiveness of cleaning, sanitizing, etc. for example General Surface Cleaning, Soil extraction, Beverage Line Cleaning, Water Purification.

The Scope of the Invention

[0116] The embodiments shown and described in detail herein are provided by way of example only; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations, dimensionalities, and/or design details of these parts or elements included herein. In other words, one skilled in the art would appreciate that design changes to these embodiments may be made and such that the resulting embodiments would be different than the embodiments disclosed herein, but would still be within the overall spirit of the present invention.

[0117] It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein.

[0118] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.