Patent Publication Number: US-11647860-B1

Title: Flavored beverage carbonation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/744,459, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “Flavored Beverage Carbonation System,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/744,462, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “Flavorant for Beverage Carbonation System,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/744,468, filed on May 13, 2022, and entitled “Flavored Beverage Carbonation Process,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     A system for dispensing carbonated and/or flavored beverages is provided. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional beverage dispensing devices operate to carbonate and/or flavor water. Some devices may mix carbonated water and a flavoring compound together in a machine and then dispense the resulting mixture into a receptacle. Unless the devices are thoroughly cleaned, this method can result in contamination occurring over time. Other devices rely on crushing, puncturing, and/or generally compromising flavoring containers in order to access the flavoring compounds inside. These methods of breaching flavoring containers can result in splatter and mess, which, if not thoroughly cleaned, can result in similar contamination. 
     Still other devices rely on carbonating water within a specialized container to be attached to the device, and from which the resulting beverage is served. The container can be pre-filled with water and/or flavoring, and then it can be secured to the devices and pressurized within the container and used to serve the resulting beverage. These devices, however, can create excess plastic waste, as specially adapted bottles must be produced to interface with the device. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a better beverage dispensing device to improve on mess creation and waste production. 
     SUMMARY 
     A beverage system for preparing a flavored and/or carbonated beverage is provided. Related apparatuses and techniques are also provided. 
     In one embodiment, a beverage system for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The beverage system can have a housing. The housing can include a fluid input configured to receive a first fluid from a fluid source and a fluid output configured to emit a second fluid. A carriage assembly can be movably mounted on the housing. The carriage assembly can include a cavity configured to seat a flavorant container. The cavity can have a port configured to interact with an inlet on the flavorant container to allow a pump in the housing to at least one gas from the port through inlet into the flavorant container. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the at least one gas can include air. 
     In another example, the first fluid and the second fluid can be the same. 
     In another example, the first fluid can be water. 
     In another example, the housing can include a mixing chamber configured to fluidly communicate with the fluid source, and the housing can be configured to coupled to a pressurized gas source to allow a gas to be delivered to the mixing chamber to carbonate the first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce the second fluid. 
     In another example, the beverage system can include a pump and a conduit coupled to the pump and the port. The pump can be configured to force air along a path. The path can include the conduit, the port, and the inlet into the flavorant container. 
     In another example, the cavity can include an alignment channel formed in and extending along a sidewall thereof. The cavity can be configured to receive a corresponding projection on a flavorant container to align the flavorant container with the port. 
     In another example, the cavity can include a hole formed therein and configured to receive a projection on the flavorant container, and the cavity can also include at least one projection extending from a surface thereon and configured to extend into a portion of the flavorant container. In other aspects, the portion can be a cap affixed to a main body of the flavorant container. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can be movable between an open configuration to receive a flavorant container, and a closed position in which the carriage assembly prevents removal of the flavorant container. In certain aspects, the carriage assembly can be pivotally coupled to the housing by a hinge and can be movable between the open and closed positions about the hinge. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can include first and second independently movable carriages for seating first and second flavorant containers. 
     In another example, the housing is configured to emit the second fluid in a first stream to emit flavorant in a second stream, and wherein the second fluid and the emitted flavorant form the beverage. In other aspects, the first stream and the second stream are substantially parallel. In still other aspects, the second scream can have a trajectory at an oblique angle from a trajectory of the first stream. The second stream can combine with the first stream in-flight. In further aspects, the housing can include a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the fluid source and coupled to a pressurized gas source to allow a gas to be delivered to the mixing chamber to carbonate the first fluid within the mixing chamber to produce the second fluid. 
     In another example, the beverage system can include a removable pitcher coupled to the housing and having the water reservoir therein. 
     In another example, the cavity can include a first cavity, and the carriage assembly can include a second cavity configured to seat a second flavorant container. In certain aspects, the beverage system can include a user interface configured to receive at least one input. The at least one input can characterize a selection between emitting flavorant from the first flavor container and emitting flavorant from the second flavorant container. 
     In another example, the port can be configured to create a vacuum seal around the inlet when the flavorant container is seated in the cavity. 
     In another example, the cavity can include at least one projection defining a retention pattern. The retention pattern can be configured to receive a complimentary feature on a flavorant container. In other aspects, the retention pattern can comprise a figure-eight pattern. In further aspects, the complimentary feature on the flavorant container can include two circles of different diameters separated by a space. 
     In another embodiment, a beverage system for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The beverage system can include a fluid dispenser configured to dispense carbonated water and a carriage assembly movably mounted to the fluid dispenser. The carriage assembly can be configured to fixedly seat at least one flavorant container. The fluid dispenser can include an air pump capable of injecting at least one gas into a flavorant container seated in the carriage assembly to cause the at least one flavorant container to dispense flavorant. The carriage assembly can be configured to create a vacuum seal around at least part of the flavorant container before injecting the at least one gas into the flavorant container. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the at least one gas can include air. 
     In another example, the first fluid can include water. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can be configured to seat a plurality of flavorant containers. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can have a cavity formed therein and can be configured to receive the flavorant container. The carriage assembly can have a channel extending along a sidewall of the cavity and configured to receive a projection on the flavorant container. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can include an outlet port formed therein and can be configured to couple to an inlet port on a flavorant container for allowing air to be injected into the flavorant container. 
     In another example, the carriage assembly can include an outlet port formed therein and can be configured to couple to an outlet port on a flavorant container to allow the first fluid within the flavorant container to be ejected from the flavorant container. The outlet port in the carriage assembly can be configured to deliver fluid to a receptacle. 
     In another embodiment, a flavorant container for use in a beverage carbonation system is provided. The flavorant container can include a container defining an interior hollow chamber. The container can have an opening leading to the interior hollow chamber. The flavorant container can also include a cap coupled to the opening of the container. The cap can have an inlet valve that can be sealed to retain fluid within the container and that can be configured to open in response to pressurize air to allow air to be injected into the interior hollow chamber. The cap can also have an outlet valve that can be sealed to retain fluid within the container and that can be configured to open when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds a predetermine threshold pressure to allow fluid within the container to flow out through the outlet valve. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be substantially parallel to each other. 
     In another example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be angled toward each other. 
     In another example, the cap can include a first raised collar extending around the inlet valve and a second raised collar extending around the outlet valve. In other aspects, the first raised collar and the second raised collar can at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern. 
     In another example, the cap can include at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion can be configured to be received by a complimentary retention pattern in a beverage dispensing device. 
     In another example, the inlet valve can have a first diameter and the outlet valve can have a second diameter. The first diameter can be smaller than the second diameter. 
     In another example, the cap can include an alignment mechanism configured to orient the cap within a carriage. In certain aspects, the alignment mechanism can comprise a protrusion extending along an exterior surface of the cap. 
     In another example, the container can be substantially rigid to resist deformation. 
     In another example, the container can include a plurality of ridges disposed in a sidewall thereof. 
     In another example, the inlet valve can be a duckbill valve. 
     In another example, the cap can include an end wall extending across the opening to the interior hollow chamber. The outlet valve can be positioned within the interior hollow chamber inward of the end wall. 
     In another example, the outlet valve can be recessed within a raised collar. 
     In another example, the container can have an oblong configuration and the cap is offset from a mid-portion of the container. 
     In another embodiment, a flavorant container is provided. The flavorant container can include a container defining an interior hollow chamber. The container can have an opening leading to the interior hollow chamber configured to contain a liquid. The flavorant container can also include an exchange assembly fixedly coupled to and projecting from an upper surface of the container and disposed over the opening. The exchange assembly can be configured to seal the interior hollow chamber, and the exchange assembly can include an inlet valve positioned within the interior hollow chamber, an outlet valve, and at least one projection formed thereon. The at least one projection can be configured to aid in alignment of the exchange assembly into a carriage in a beverage carbonation system. The interior hollow chamber can be configured to receive pressurized air through the inlet valve, and the interior hollow chamber can be configured to expel fluid through the outlet valve in response to receiving pressurized air through the inlet valve. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the exchange assembly can include a cap having a hollow cylindrical body with an end wall positioned within the hollow cylindrical body. The inlet and outlet valves can extend across the end wall. In other aspects, the end wall can be positioned across a substantial mid-portion of the exchange assembly. 
     In another example, the inlet valve can define a first flow path and the outlet valve can define a second flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path can be substantially parallel to each other. 
     In another example, the container can be substantially rigid to resist deformation. 
     In another example, the inlet valve can be a duckbill valve. 
     In another example, the exchange assembly can includes a first collar disposed around the inlet valve and a second collar disposed around the outlet valve. In other aspects, the first collar and the second collar can at least partially overlap in a figure-eight pattern. 
     In another example, the container can include a plurality of ridges disposed on a sidewall thereof. 
     In another example, the exchange assembly can be a discrete element. In other aspects, the exchange assembly can be formed by an injection molding process. 
     In another embodiment, a beverage system for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The beverage system can include a housing having a mixing chamber. The housing can be configured to operably couple to a fluid reservoir and a pressurized gas source, and the housing can have a flavorant system configured to operably couple to a flavorant container. The beverage system can also include a processor disposed in the housing and configured to cause, in response to at least one input, a first fluid to be delivered from the fluid source into the mixing chamber and a second fluid to be delivered from the mixing chamber to a receptacle. The processor can also be configured to cause pressurized air to be delivered into the flavorant container to cause a flavorant within the flavorant container to be ejected into the receptacle. Flavorant can be delivered to the container separate from and simultaneously with the carbonated fluid to form a flavored carbonated beverage. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the flavorant can be delivered to the receptacle concurrently to the second fluid being delivered to the receptacle. 
     In another example, the first fluid and the second fluid can be the same. 
     In another example, the processor can be configured to cause, in response to the at least one input, gas to be delivered from the pressurized gas source into the mixing chamber to form the second fluid as a carbonated fluid. 
     In another example, the flavorant can be delivered to the container along a first flow path that is spaced apart from a second flow path of the carbonated fluid being delivered to the container. In other aspects, the first flow path and the second flow path are substantially parallel. In still other aspects, the first flow path is angled toward the second flow path. 
     In another example, the input can characterize an amount of carbonation to be delivered to the mixing chamber. In other aspects, the amount of carbonation to be delivered is zero. 
     In another example, the input can characterize an amount of flavorant to be delivered to the receptacle. 
     In another example, the housing can include a carriage configured to removably seat the flavorant container. 
     In another example, the flavorant container can include a first flavorant container. The flavorant system can be configured to operably couple to a second flavorant container. In other aspects, the processor can be configured to receive an input indicating a selection of one of the first and second flavorant containers, and the processor can be configured to cause, in response to the input, pressurized air to be delivered into the selected one of the first and second flavorant containers. 
     In another example, the flavorant container can include an inlet valve and and outlet valve. Pressurized air can be delivered through the inlet valve and the flavorant can be ejected through the outlet valve. 
     In another embodiment, a carbonated beverage system is provided. The carbonated beverage system can include a housing. The housing can include a mixing chamber fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir and to a pressurized gas source. The mixing chamber can be configured to receive a first fluid from the mixing chamber and deliver a second fluid to a first fluid outlet on the housing. The housing can also include a flavorant receptacle. The flavorant receptacle can be configured to seat a flavorant container such that the flavorant container is configured to receive pressurized air from a pump in the housing and is configured to deliver flavorant to a second fluid outlet on the housing. The second fluid outlet can be spaced apart from the first fluid outlet, and the first and second fluid outlets can be positioned above a platform configured to support a beverage container. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the second fluid can be the first fluid. 
     In another example, the first fluid outlet can be configured to deliver the second fluid concurrently with the second fluid outlet delivering flavorant. 
     In another example, the first and second fluid outlets can define fluid flow paths that are substantially parallel to one another. 
     In another example, the second fluid outlet can define a fluid flow path that extends transverse to a fluid flow path defined by the first fluid outlet such that flavorant flowing from the second fluid outlet is directed into a path of carbonated fluid flowing from the first outlet. 
     In another example, the fluid reservoir can be a water pitcher removably coupled to the mixing chamber. 
     In another example, the housing can include a user interface configured to receive at least one input. The at least one input can control at least one characteristic of the carbonated fluid. In other aspects, the at least one characteristic can be at least one of a fluid volume and a carbonation level. 
     In another embodiment, a method for preparing a flavored carbonated beverage is provided. The method can include receiving at a processor an input from a user and, in response to the input, causing gas from a pressurized gas source to be delivered into a mixing chamber containing a fluid to thereby form a carbonated fluid. The method can also include causing the carbonated fluid to be delivered into a container, and causing a flavorant to be delivered into the container along a fluid flow path that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to a fluid flow path of the carbonated fluid being delivered into the container. 
     One or more of the following features can be included in any feasible combination. For example, the at least one input can characterize at least one of a flavor type, a carbonation level, a volume of carbonated fluid to be delivered into the container, and a volume of flavorant to be delivered into the container. 
     In another example, the method can include, in response to the input, causing a fluid from a fluid storage tank to be delivered into the mixing chamber. In other aspects, the fluid storage tank can be a water pitcher removably coupled to the mixing chamber. 
     In another example, the method can include seating a flavorant container containing the flavorant in a carriage assembly. 
     The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of one embodiment of a beverage dispensing device having a water reservoir coupled thereto; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a front perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 A , having the water reservoir removed; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a bottom perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  1 D  is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 B , having a door open to reveal a CO 2  cavity; 
         FIG.  1 E  is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 B  with a door removed to reveal a CO 2  canister disposed within a canister cavity; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front perspective view of a drip tray of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a front perspective view of the drip tray of  FIG.  2 A  having a grate removed; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front perspective view of a reservoir valve seat of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the reservoir valve seat of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a front perspective view of the water reservoir of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a bottom perspective view of the water reservoir of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  4 C  is a side cross-sectional view of a valve section of the water reservoir of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a system diagram of the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 A , having a carbonation assembly; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a left side view of the carbonation assembly of  FIG.  5 A , including a mixing assembly, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a left side view of the mixing assembly of  FIG.  5 B ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a front perspective view of a carriage assembly used with the beverage dispensing device of  FIG.  1 A , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a left cross-sectional view of a carriage of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 C  is a left cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 D  is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 E  is a bottom perspective view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 F  is a side cross-sectional view of a flavorant container seated on the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A , showing an air line of the carriage assembly; 
         FIG.  6 G  is a perspective view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A , having two flavorant containers seated thereon, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  6 H  is a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 A , having air pumps attached to air lines; 
         FIG.  6 I  is a left perspective view of the carriage assembly of  FIG.  6 H ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flavorant container; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of the flavorant container of  FIG.  7 A  without a cap; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a perspective view of the flavorant container of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 D  is a side cross-sectional view of the flavorant container of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 E  is a side cross-sectional view of a cap of the flavorant container of  FIG.  7 A , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of a flavorant container according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of a flavorant container according to another embodiment, having an inlet and an outlet angled relative to one another; 
         FIG.  8 C  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; 
         FIG.  8 D  is an exploded right side view of the flavorant container of  FIG.  8 C  having a separate inlet lid and outlet lid; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of a user interface of a beverage dispensing device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a system process diagram for an illustrative control process; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a system process diagram for an illustrative initialization sub-process for the control process of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  10 C  is a system process diagram for an illustrative user input sub-process for the control process of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  10 D  is a system process diagram for an illustrative carbonation sub-process for the control process of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  10 E  is a system process diagram for an illustrative flavoring sub-process for the control process of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  11    is a system process diagram for an illustrative carbonation and flavoring sub-process. 
     
    
    
     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 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , 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. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , the illustrated housing assembly  100  includes a housing  102  having an elongate, upright hollow body with top and bottom ends  102   a ,  102   b , a left side  102   c , a right side  102   d , a front side  102   e , and a back side  102   f . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is oblong, and the shape of the housing  102  is longer from the front side  102   e  to the back side  102   f  than it is from the left side  102   c  to the right side  102   d . The front side  102   e  is shown having a flat façade, and the back side  102   f  is shown having a rounded convex façade, while each of the left and right sides  102   c ,  102   d , 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. 
     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.  1 C , the feet are elongate and are disposed around an outer edge of the bottom side  102   a . 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 
     As further shown, the housing  102  includes a head assembly  120  located on an upper portion of the front side  102   e  of the housing  102 . The head assembly  120  can be substantially cylindrical in shape, and includes a top side  120   a  which aligns with the top side  102   b  of the housing  102 , and a bottom side  120   c  which includes various openings for dispensing fluids used in the creation of drinks. Between the top side  120   a  and the bottom side  120   c  is an outer surface  120   b , 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  120   b  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. 
       FIG.  1 D  shows a CO 2  cavity  104  according to the illustrated embodiment. The CO 2  cavity  104  is an opening in the housing, which can receive a CO 2  source used in carbonation processes. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO 2  cavity  104  is located in the rear left side  102   c  of the housing  102 , although the CO 2  cavity  104  can be in other locations. The CO 2  cavity  104  can be closed off by a door  106 , as seen in  FIG.  1 E . The door  106  can extend from the bottom side  102   a  upward and it can follow a contour of the left side  102   c  and into the back side  102   f . 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  106   a  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 . 
     The door  106  can be moved between a closed position in which the CO 2  cavity  104  is closed off, and an open position in which the CO 2  cavity  104  is open. When the door  106  is in the open position, the CO 2  source is accessible. In the illustrated embodiment, the CO 2  source is in the form of a canister  161 , which will be described in more detail below. 
     As introduced above, the housing  102  can include a drip tray  110 , which can be seen in detail in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B . The drip tray  110  extends from a lower portion of the front side  102   e  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 . 
     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. 
     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.  3 A- 3 B  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  102   d  of the housing  102  at the same level as the bottom side  102   a . 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  102   e , left side  102   c , 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.  3 B  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. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  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  132   a  of the container  130  is recessed, and a support  133  extends around the perimeter of the bottom side  132   a.    
     On the bottom side  132   a  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 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  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 2 ) from the gas line  160  in order to create carbonated water. 
     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  158   a  and a second check valve  158   b  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  158   b  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. 
     The gas line  160  can include any of: the CO 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 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 2  canister  161  sits within the CO 2  cavity  104  and can supply carbon-dioxide to the beverage dispensing device. The CO 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 . 
     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  120   a  of the head assembly  120  and can dispense carbonated and/or still water (or another fluid) for drinks. 
     The mixing chamber  172  can include an emergency pressure relief valve  179 , a pressure sensor  175   a  which can measure an internal pressure of the mixing chamber  172 , and a temperature sensor  175   b  which can measure an internal temperature of the mixing chamber  172 . The temperature sensor  175   b  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  172   a  and a back-pressure pressure relief valve  172   b , 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. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  6 A- 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. 
     The carriage assembly  180  can be located within the head assembly  120 , and it is shown having left and right carriages  182 L,  182 R, which can each retain a flavorant container  200 L,  200 R. In other embodiments, a different number of carriages can be used to retain a different number of flavorant containers. The left and right carriages  182 L,  182 R can be structurally the same but mirrored relative to each other, so description will only be provided for one carriage  182 R. The carriage  182 R can be attached to the head assembly  120  via a pivotal hinge  183   a  and cam structure  183   b  arranged in a cam slot  183   c , which allows the carriage to move between a raised and a lowered position. For example, as seen in  FIG.  6 A , the left carriage  182 L is in the raised position and the right carriage  182 R is in the lowered position. When the carriage  182 R is in the lowered position, the flavorant container  200 R can be inserted therein. The carriage assembly can further include a biasing element, such as a spring  183   d , which can bias the carriage assembly to the raised position. 
     On the carriage  182 R itself is a retention seat  184 , which is sized to seat the flavorant container  200 R. 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  184   a  extending from the rounded depression along a sidewall of the seat. The slot  184   a  can be sized to receive a complementary portion of the flavorant container in order to properly align the flavorant container  200  within the carriage  182 R. The keyed slot  184   a  can also be generally referred to as an alignment channel. Within the keyed slot  184   a , 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  184   b  located within the slot, which provide more areas that a flavorant container  200  can frictionally fit when retained in the carriage  182 R. In  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , retention projections  184   b  are shown in the form of rounded triangular shapes projecting outward from the retention seat  184 , however the retention projections  184   b  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  184   b  can also serve as a means with which certain flavorant containers can be prevented from interfacing with the carriages  182 L,  184 R. The retention projections  184   b  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.,  182 L,  182 R), 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  184   b  can be obstructed from properly interfacing with the carriage (e.g.,  182 L,  182 R). The projection  184   b  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. 
     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  186   a  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  182 R and leading away from the inlet receiver  186  is an air line  189 R, as seen especially in  FIG.  6 F . The air line  189 R can extend through the hinge  183   a  of the carriage  182 R and can eventually lead to an air pump  190 R disposed within the head assembly  120 . The air pump  190 R 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  182 R, the air pump  190 R is in fluid communication with the flavorant container  200  via the air line  189 R 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. 
       FIGS.  6 H and  61    show the carriage assembly  180  with flavorant containers  200 L,  200 R retained therein. The carriages  182 L,  182 R are shown with respective air lines  189 R,  189 L extending upward and coupling with respective air pumps  190 R,  190 L. In operation, the air pumps  190 R,  190 L can be used to introduce pressurized air through the air lines  189 R,  189 L and into seated flavorant containers  200 R,  200 L, as will be described in greater detail below. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 F  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. 
     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  202   a , a sidewall  202   b , and a top  202   c . The sidewall  202   b  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  202   c  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  202   c  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. 
     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  204   a  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  207   a , 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  204   a . The inlet  210  can be in the form of a generally hollow elongate tubular projecting from opposed sides of the end wall  204   a , 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  182 L,  182 R), such as by having protruding portions located on the cap  204  which correspond and compliment features on the carriage, such as the retention projections  184   b.    
     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  204   a  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.  7 E  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 1  which is smaller in the external portion of the cap  204  than a radius R 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  204   a ; however the outlet  212  can be significantly shorter and larger than the inlet  210 . The outlet  212  can include a valve  212   a  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  212   a  is shown to be positioned slightly inward relative to the end wall  204   a  when the valve  212   a  is in a neutral position, but it can be positioned to be even with or slightly outward of the end wall  204   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the valve  212   a  is a cross-slit valve, however any suitable type of valve could be used. 
     While the inlet valve  214  and the inlet pathway  216  are shown in  FIGS.  7 D and  7 E  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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
       FIG.  8 A- 8 D  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.  8 A , 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  182 L,  182 R) 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  184   b , 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  182 L,  182 R), while also preventing the alignment and retention of other types of containers which may lack complimentary features. 
       FIG.  8 B  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  182 L,  182 R), 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. 
       FIGS.  8 C and  8 D  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  206   a ′″ and an outlet opening  206   b ′″, which are each disposed in the container  202 ′″. The inlet opening  206   a ′″ and the outlet opening  206   b ′″ can be covered by a single cap  204 ′″, as seen in  FIG.  8 D , or by separate inlet and outlet caps  204   a ′″,  204   b ′″, respectively. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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  304   a  pertaining to carbonation level. The indicator  304   a  is labeled “sparkling” and features an image of bubbles. The indicator  304   a  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  304   b ,  304   c  are also shown for “flavor strength” and flavor type. Flavor strength is associated with indicator  304   b , the words “flavor strength,” and an image of a slice of citrus fruit. Flavor type is shown with indicator  304   c  as being either a “1” or a “2,” which correspond to a selection between a left flavorant container and a right flavorant container. 
     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. 
     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 2  canister  161  within the CO 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. 
     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  184   a , 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. 
     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  180   d.    
     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  182 L and a flavorant container stored in the right carriage  182 R. 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  200 L,  200 R. 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  200 L,  200 R are selected to dispense a flavorant, the flavor strength can be individually selected for each of the flavorant containers  200 L,  200 R, 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  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. 
     The illustrative beverage-making process  400  starts at starting point  402  and proceeds through several sub-processes as shown in  FIG.  10 A . 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 . 
       FIG.  10 B  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 . 
     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. 
       FIG.  10 C  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. 
       FIG.  10 D  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  172   a  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. 
     If, during a mixing process, such as at block  458 , an internal pressure is measured by the pressure sensor  175   a  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  175   b  that exceeds a safe threshold, the mixing chamber can be ventilated as well. 
     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  158   b , permitting one-way flow into the mixing chamber  172 . 
       FIG.  10 E  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  182 L and a flavorant container seated in the right carriage  182 R. 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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
       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  190 L,  190 R, 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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.