Patent Publication Number: US-11045040-B2

Title: Technologies for sanitizing beverage makers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/969,427, filed May 2, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/498,884 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,986,871), filed Apr. 27, 2017. The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to technologies for sanitizing beverage makers, including but not limited to hot beverage makers such as coffee and tea making machines. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and systems for sanitizing a water reservoir of a beverage maker (and optionally any water therein) with a sanitizing gas such as ozone. Methods of sanitizing a beverage maker are also disclosed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hot beverage makers (e.g., coffee and tea making machines such as the commonly used KEURIG® coffee maker) often have one or more reservoirs for holding water. In response to an input from a user, water in the reservoir may be drawn into a hot beverage maker and used to make a hot beverage of the user&#39;s choice. 
     Although many hot beverage makers are infrequently cleaned, users of such machines often assume that they are safe to drink from because the water they use is heated prior to being dispensed. This understanding may be incorrect, however, as many hot beverage makers do not heat water to a sufficiently high temperature (e.g. boiling) to adequately kill bacteria in the water prior to it being dispensed for consumption. Live bacteria and/or other contaminants may therefore remain in water that is dispensed by a hot beverage maker for consumption. Moreover, water in the reservoir of a hot beverage maker may also remain stagnant for long periods (e.g. days) before it is replaced or replenished with fresh water. This can provide an opportunity for mold and bacteria to build up on the walls and bottom of the reservoir, as well as in the water itself. Despite this risk, users of hot beverage makers often do not clean the reservoir or replenish the reservoir with fresh water when the water therein has been sitting for a long period of time. 
     The foregoing issues are compounded by the fact that many commonly recommended methods for cleaning hot beverage makers can be messy, time consuming, and inconvenient. For example, the user guide of some hot beverage makers may recommend cleaning the reservoir and/or other components of the machine using a cleaning solution that is a mixture of water and vinegar. Such methods can be inconvenient, as they often require the user to prepare the cleaning solution themselves. Moreover, such a cleaning solution may not effectively kill some types of water born mold and/or bacteria, and therefore may inadequately sanitize the reservoir of a hot beverage maker. Other commonly recommended methods of cleaning a hot beverage maker include manual washing, scrubbing, and drying of the reservoir, which are often time consuming and considered to be undesirable to consumers. 
     The inventors have, therefore, identified that there is a continued interest in the development of novel devices, systems, and methods for sanitizing all or a portion of a beverage maker, including but not limited to the water reservoir of a beverage maker and any water therein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference is now made to the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between a reservoir sanitization system and a reservoir, consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of one example of a reservoir sanitization system consistent the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of one example of a double wall connector unit consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another example of a double wall connector unit consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the double wall connector unit of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the double wall connector unit of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4D  is a front view of the double wall connector unit of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4E  is an exploded perspective view of the double wall connector unit of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of a first connector portion consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4G  is a perspective view of a second connector portion consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4H and 4I  are perspective views of the distal and proximal sides of an optional locking element consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4J  is a perspective view of a third connector portion consistent with the present disclosure 
         FIG. 4K  is a perspective view of a fourth connector portion consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example reservoir sanitization system including the double wall connector unit of  FIGS. 4A-4K . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective exploded view of another double wall connector unit consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the double wall connector unit of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart of example operations of one example of a reservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Consumers often believe that beverage makers (and in particular hot beverage makers) are safe to drink from, even though such machines may be rarely cleaned and may provide conditions that facilitate the growth of mold and/or bacteria. Although there are various known methods for cleaning beverage makers, such methods are often inconvenient, messy, time-consuming, etc., and therefore may be rarely performed by consumers. Such methods may also inadequately sanitize a beverage maker, and in particular the reservoir thereof and any water therein. The inventors have, therefore, identified that there is a need in the art for technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) that enable convenient, easy and effective sanitization of a beverage maker and, in particular, the reservoir of a beverage maker and any water therein. 
     With the foregoing in mind, aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods that utilize a sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone) to sanitize all or a portion of a beverage maker, such as but not limited to a reservoir thereof. For the sake of illustration the present disclosure focuses on embodiments in which the technologies described herein are employed to sanitize a water reservoir of a hot beverage maker. It should be understood that such examples are for the sake of illustration only, and that the technologies described herein may be used to sanitize a wide variety of reservoirs that may be used in applications other than a hot beverage machine. The technologies described herein are not limited to such applications, however, and can be utilized to sanitize any type of reservoir, such as those that may be used in soda fountains, animal watering machines, and the like. 
     Although the technologies described herein can be used with many sanitizing gases, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone as a sanitizing gas. This is because ozone (O 3 ) gas is an effective sanitizer, yet is relatively safe for consumer use. Indeed because of its strong oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill or otherwise remove a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants such as yeasts, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens, and/or pollutants with which it comes into contact, e.g., via oxidation. Yet naturally over time and/or as it oxidizes contaminants, ozone may be chemically reduced to oxygen (O 2 ), which is safe for human consumption and for release into the environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generate on site (and thus does not require the use of a storage tank), and leaves little or no chemical residue. For those and other reasons, ozone has been identified as a safe and effective sanitizing gas for use in the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the technologies described herein are not limited to the use of ozone, and may be employed with a wide variety of sanitizing gases. 
     As used herein, the term “hot beverage maker” refers to any of a wide variety of machines that may be utilized to produce beverages for human or animal consumption, wherein the beverages are produced using water that is at a temperature that is greater than about 25 degrees Celsius, and which include a reservoir for holding water to be used by the machine. Non-limiting examples of hot-beverage makers include coffee making machines (e.g., the well-known KEURIG® coffee makers), espresso making machines, tea making machines, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     As used herein, the term “fluidly coupled” means that two or more components are connected to one another such that a gas may be conveyed between them. In contrast, the term “coupled” when used alone means that two or more components are connected to one another chemically (e.g., via an adhesive), mechanically (e.g., via fasteners, mechanical interference, etc.), or by other means. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems for sanitizing a reservoir, such as but not limited to a reservoir of a beverage maker. As will be described further below, the systems described herein generally include a gas supply system, a connector unit, and an exhaust system. 
     The connector unit includes an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway, wherein the inlet passageway has a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the outlet passageway includes a second proximal end and a second distal end. The connector unit is configured to be installed within a portion of a reservoir, such as but not limited to a wall, cover, or bottom thereof. When so installed, the connector unit spans through a thickness of the portion of the reservoir such that the first and second distal ends are within an interior of the reservoir, and the first and second proximal ends are outside the reservoir. In embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The gas supply system is configured to generate a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) and to fluidly couple to the first proximal end, such that sanitizing gas is conveyed through the inlet passageway into an interior of the reservoir. The exhaust system is configured to couple to the second proximal end, and to draw sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone) from the interior of the reservoir through the outlet passageway via the second distal end. In embodiments, the exhaust system includes a filter for converting or destroying the sanitizing gas that is removed from the interior of the reservoir. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating one example of the flow of sanitizing gas between a reservoir sanitization system consistent with the present disclosure and a reservoir. As shown, the reservoir sanitization system  100  includes a sanitizing gas system  101  and a connector unit  103 . The sanitizing gas system  101  is fluidly coupled to the connector unit  103  such that it can provide a gas inflow (gas in) to the connector unit  103  and receive a gas outflow (gas out) from the connector unit  103 . The connector unit  103  is fluidly coupled to a reservoir  105  including a liquid (e.g., water)  107 . As shown, the sanitizing gas system  101  may supply an inflow of sanitizing gas (Gas in) such as ozone to the connector unit  103 . The inflow of sanitizing gas passes through the connector unit  103  into the reservoir  105 . More particularly, in embodiments the inflow of sanitizing gas is conveyed from the connector unit  103  to beneath a surface of the liquid  107  in the reservoir  107 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     At least a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may sanitize the liquid  107 , as well as portions of the reservoir that are below the level of the liquid  107 . In addition, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may evolve from the liquid into the air  108  within the reservoir  105  and sanitize the portion of the reservoir  105  that is above the level of the liquid  107 . Excess sanitizing gas within the reservoir  105  may be converted to another composition and/or be removed from the interior of the reservoir  105  via a gas outflow (gas out) through connector unit  103 . More specifically, excess sanitizing gas may be conveyed via the gas outflow through the connector unit  103  and back to the sanitization gas system  101 , as shown. In embodiments, the sanitizing gas system may be configured to remove the sanitizing gas and/or convert the excess sanitizing gas to another composition. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of one example of a reservoir sanitization system  200  consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the reservoir sanitization system includes a sanitizing gas system  101  that is fluidly coupled to a connector unit  103 ′. In this embodiment, the sanitizing gas system  101  includes a gas supply  201  including a pump  202  and a gas generator  203 . The gas generator  203  is configured to generate a sanitizing gas, such as ozone or another sanitizing gas. The pump  202  (e.g., an air pump) is configured to generate a flow of air to convey the sanitizing gas to a proximal end  211  of supply line  209 . 
     The connector unit  103 ′ includes an inlet passageway  215  and an outlet passageway  221 , wherein the inlet passageway includes first proximal and distal ends, and the outlet passageway  221  includes second proximal and distal ends. The connector unit  103 ′ is generally configured to be installed within a portion of a reservoir, such as but not limited to a wall, bottom, top, or cover of a reservoir. When so installed, the connector unit  103 ′ may span through a thickness of a portion of a reservoir, such that the first and second distal ends (of the inlet and outlet passageways  215 ,  221  respectively) are disposed within the interior of the reservoir, whereas the first and second proximal ends (of the inlet and outlet passageways) are disposed outside the reservoir. 
     That concept is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , which illustrates the connector unit  103 ′ as being installed within a wall  251  of a reservoir  250  such that the distal ends (not labeled) of the inlet and outlet passageways  215 ,  221  are disposed within an interior of a reservoir  250 , and the proximal ends (not labeled) of the inlet and outlet passageways ( 215 ,  221 ) are disposed outside the wall  251 . As further shown, the reservoir may further include a bottom  253  and a cover  255 , either of which may be acceptable locations for the installation of connector unit  103 ′. In embodiments, the cover  255  may not form a gas tight seal with the walls of the reservoir  250 . In such embodiments the connector unit may be particularly configured for installation just below the cover  255  of reservoir  250 , so as to enable the outlet channel  221  to remove sanitizing gas from the reservoir  250  prior to it can escape into the atmosphere through one or more openings/gaps in the connection/seal between the cover  255  and the walls of the reservoir  250 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the sanitizing gas system  101  (and, more particularly, the gas supply  201 ) is fluidly coupled to the connector unit  103 ′ and/or the interior of the reservoir  250  via a supply line  209 . In some embodiments the supply line  209  is configured to pass through the inlet passageway  215 , such that a distal end  213  of the supply line is disposed within the interior of the reservoir  250 . In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the distal end  213  may be located below a surface  217  of any liquid  107  that may be within the reservoir  250 . 
     Alternatively in some embodiments first and second supply lines  209 ′,  209 ″ may be used instead of a single supply line  209 . In such instances, the first supply line  209 ′ may fluidly couple gas supply  201  with the first proximal end of the inlet passageway  215 , and a proximal end of the second supply line  209 ″ may be fluidly coupled to the first distal end of the inlet passageway  215 . Coupling of the first and second supply lines  209 ′,  209 ″ to the inlet passageway  215  may be facilitated by optional first and second inlet connectors  241 ,  243 , which are integral with or otherwise fluidly coupled to the first proximal and distal ends of the inlet passageway  215 . 
     An optional check valve  231  may be provided on a distal portion of supply line  209  or on second supply line  209 ″. When used, the optional check valve is generally configured to prevent a backflow of liquid  107  into the supply line  209  (or first and second supply lines  209 ′,  209 ″). An optional sensor  233  may also be provided to sense a presence and/or concentration of sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone gas) within the interior of reservoir  250  and/or within connector unit  103 ′. In some embodiments the sensor  233  (when used) may be configure to provide a signal to a user interface, wherein the signal causes the user interface to indicate whether or not a safe level of the sanitizing gas is present in the reservoir  250 , and/or to indicate when a beverage maker including the reservoir is safe to use. 
     The sanitizing gas system  101  further includes an exhaust system  207 , which is fluidly coupled to a proximal end  224  of the outlet passageway  221  in the connector unit  103 ′, in this case via a return line  225 . The exhaust system includes a pump  205  and a filter  229 . As shown, the return line  225  includes a proximal end  226  fluidly coupled to the exhaust system  207  (or, more particularly, to pump  205 ), and a distal end  227  coupled to the proximal end  224  of the outlet passageway  221 . Coupling of the distal end  227  of the return line  225  to the proximal end of the outlet passageway  221  may be facilitated by an optional outlet connector  245  that is integral with or otherwise fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the outlet passageway  221 . 
     In operation, gas generator  203  may generate a sanitizing gas  219  (e.g., ozone). Pump  202  (e.g., an air pump) may generate a flow of air to convey a sanitizing gas  219  into the supply line  209  (or first supply line  209 ′, when used). In instances where a single supply line  209  is used, the sanitizing gas may  219  may flow through the supply line  209  such that it passes through the inlet passageway  215  and into the interior of the reservoir  250 . Alternatively where first and second supply lines  209 ′,  209 ″ are used, the sanitizing gas  219  may flow through the first supply line  209 ′, into the inlet passageway  215 , and then into the second supply line  209 ″. In either case, the sanitizing gas  219  may exit the distal end  213  of the supply line  209  (or second supply line  209 ″). 
     When the distal end  213  is disposed beneath a surface  217  of a liquid  107  within the reservoir  250 , the sanitizing gas  219  may be introduced into liquid  107 . A portion of the sanitizing gas  219  may sanitize the liquid  107  and the parts of reservoir  250  that are below surface  217 . At least a portion of the sanitizing gas  219  may also evolve from the liquid  107  into the air  220  within the reservoir  250 , whereupon the sanitizing gas  219  may sanitize the air  220  and the interior surfaces of the walls  251  and cover  255 . In instances where the distal end  213  is be disposed above surface  217 , and/or no liquid  107  may be present within reservoir  250 , the sanitizing gas  219  may sanitize the air and exposed surfaces of the walls  251 , cover  255 , and bottom  253 . 
     During the sanitization of reservoir  250 , all or a portion of the sanitizing gas  219  may be converted to another composition. For example in instances where the sanitizing gas is ozone, all or a portion of the ozone may be converted to oxygen during the sanitization of the reservoir  250 . When excess sanitizing gas  219  is present within the air  220 , it may need to be removed in order for the reservoir to be safely used. In that regard, pump  205  (e.g., a vacuum pump) may be configured to draw excess sanitizing gas  219  from the air  220  into the distal end  223 , through the outlet passageway  221 , and through the return line  114 . The distal end  223  may be or include an opening that is fluidly coupled to (or configured to be fluidly coupled to) the interior of the reservoir  250 . Sanitizing gas  219  removed from the interior of the reservoir  250  by the pump  205  may be conveyed to the filter  229 . 
     The filter  229  may be configured to remove all or a portion of the sanitizing gas  219  conveyed thereto. For example, the filter  229  may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the sanitizing gas  219 . Alternatively or additionally, the filter  229  may be configured to convert the sanitizing gas  219  to another composition, such as a composition that is safe for human inhalation and/or exhaust into the environment. In instances where the sanitizing gas  219  is ozone, for example, the filter  229  may be configured to convert all or a portion of the sanitizing gas to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of suitable filters that may be used as filter  229  include activated carbon filters, magnesium oxide filters, combinations thereof, and the like. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a reservoir  250  in combination with the reservoir sanitization system  200  for the sake of clarity and ease of understanding. It should be understood, however, that the reservoir sanitization systems described herein need not include the reservoir. The systems described herein may also be used with any suitable reservoir, and are not limited to use with reservoirs consistent with those illustrated in the figures. 
       FIG. 2  also depicts one example embodiment of a system utilizing a connector unit  103 ′ that includes inlet and outlet passageways  215 / 2211  that are laterally offset from one another. It should be understood that such illustration is for the sake of example only, and that other connector units may be used in the technologies of the present disclosure. Indeed as will be described later in connection with  FIGS. 3-6B , the technologies described herein may include and/or utilize a connector unit that includes an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway, wherein at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. For ease of reference, such connector units are referred to herein as a “double wall connector unit.” 
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional diagram of one example of a double wall connector unit consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, double wall connector unit  300  includes an outer wall  301  and an inner wall  313 , both of which are tubular or cylindrical in shape. An inlet passageway  315  is defined in the inner wall  313  and extends from a first inlet connector  317  to a second inlet connector  319 . The outer wall  301  includes an inner surface  303  and the inner wall  313  has an outer surface  314 . An outlet passageway  305  is defined between the inner surface  303  and the outer surface  314 . Thus, at least a portion of the outlet passageway  305  is disposed radially around the inlet passageway  315 . 
     The outlet passageway  305  extends from an opening  307  at a distal end thereof to an outlet connector  311 , which is disposed near a proximal end of the connector unit  300 . In some embodiments, optional spacer elements  325  may be disposed between the inner wall  313  and the outer wall  301 . When used, the optional spacer elements  325  may be configured to maintain a gap forming a portion of the outlet passageway between the inner wall  313  and the outer  301 . 
     The double wall connector unit  300  further includes a flange  321  and coupling elements  323 . The coupling elements  323  are generally configured to facilitate the installation of the double wall connector unit  300  into a portion of a reservoir. To illustrate that concept,  FIG. 3  depicts double wall connector unit  300  as installed into a wall  251  of a reservoir. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling elements  323  are configured as teeth, threads, or other mechanical coupling elements that engage with an inward facing surface of an opening (not shown separately) in the wall  251 . 
     In some embodiments the coupling elements  323  are self-tapping threads that are configured to form and threadably engage with threads in an inward facing surface of the wall  251  or another portion of a reservoir. For example, following the provision of an unthreaded pilot hole in wall  251 , distal end of the double wall connector unit  300  may be inserted into the pilot hole. During such insertion the double wall connector unit  300  may be rotated about an axis extending through and parallel with the inlet passageway  317 . While the double wall connector unit  300  is rotated the coupling elements  323  (e.g., self-tapping threads) may engage the inward facing surface of the pilot hole and form corresponding threads therein as the double wall connector unit  300  is advanced therein. Advancement of the double wall connector unit  300  may continue until a distal surface of the flange  321  contacts a portion of the wall  251  about the hole, at which time the double wall connector unit  300  may be considered to be in an installed position. 
     Of course, use of self-tapping threads and an unthreaded pilot hole is not required. For example, in some embodiments a pre-threaded pilot hole may be provisioned in wall  251 . In such instances the distal end of the double wall connector unit  300  may be inserted in the pre-threaded hole. The double wall connector unit  300  may then be rotated to threadably engage the coupling elements  323  with the threads of the pre-threaded hole, so as to advance the distal end of the double wall connector unit  300  until the distal surface of the flange  321  contacts a portion of the wall  251  about the pre-threaded hole. 
     While the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is useful (particularly in instances where a double wall connector unit is to be installed by a manufacturer of a reservoir), consumers may be unable to provide a pilot hole in a reservoir or may find it inconvenient to do so. Connector units that are capable of forming their own hole in a portion of a reservoir own may therefore be desired. Such connector units are referred to herein as a “self-drilling” connector unit. It is noted that the term “self-drilling” is used herein to refer to the general capability of a connector unit to form a hole in a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, but is not used to limit the manner in which that hole is formed. Thus while in some embodiments the self-drilling connector units described herein may be configured to form a hole in a reservoir by “drilling,” they are not limited to such modalities. For example, the self-drilling connector units may be configured to form a hole in a reservoir by cutting, drilling, punching, coring, combinations thereof, and the like. 
       FIGS. 4A-4K  depict various views of one example of a self-drilling double wall connector unit  400  (hereinafter, connector unit  400 ) consistent with the present disclosure, as well as components thereof. As best shown in  FIG. 4E , connector unit  400  includes a first connector portion  401 , a second connector portion  403 , a third connector portion  405 , a fourth connector portion  407 , and an optional locking element  409 . Such components are generally configured to provide an inlet passageway for the provision of a sanitizing gas into a reservoir, and an outlet passageway for the removal of the sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In addition, the connector unit  400  is configured such that it forms a hole in a portion of a reservoir as it is installed therein. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4F , the first connector portion  401  includes a first (e.g., tubular, circular or cylindrical) body  415  having a proximal end P 1  and a distal end D 1 . An opening  417  is defined at least in part by an inner surface  419  of a wall of the first body  415  and extends from the proximal end P 1  to the distal end D 1 . In general, the first connector portion  401  is configured to couple or be coupled to a wall (e.g., wall  251 ) or another portion of a reservoir, e.g., via an adhesive, tape, mechanical fasteners, or some other means (not shown). 
     In some embodiments the first connector portion  401  includes an inward facing surface  421  and an outward facing surface  423 . The inward facing surface  421  is configured to face toward a portion of a reservoir, such as but not limited to wall  251  when the first connector portion  401  is coupled thereto. In contrast, the outward facing surface  423  is configured to face away from the (e.g., wall of) reservoir. Although not shown, the first connector portion  401  may also include a first sealing element that is configured to be disposed between the inward facing surface  421  and a wall of a reservoir. When used, the first sealing element may be configured to form a liquid and/or gas tight seal between the first connector portion  401  and a wall of the reservoir when the first connector portion  421  is urged against that wall. One example of a suitable first sealing element is an O-ring seal, which may be at least partially disposed within a groove (not shown) in the inward facing surface  421  of the first connector portion that is formed around the opening  417 . Of course, other types of sealing elements may also be used. 
     The opening  417  may include first guide elements  425  therein. The first guide elements  425  are generally configured to guide at least a portion of the second connector portion  403  when it is inserted into the opening  417 . For example and as shown in  FIG. 4F , the first guide elements  425  may be internal female threads formed in at least a portion of the inner surface  419 . In such instances the first guide elements  425  may be configured to threadably couple with corresponding second guide elements  439  (e.g., outer male threads) on the second connector portion  403 , as best shown in  FIG. 4C . More specifically, the first guide elements  425  may be configured to threadably engage second guide elements  439  of the second connector portion  403 , thereby coupling the first connector portion  401  to the second connector portion  403  and drawing the second connector portion  403  into the opening  417 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4E, and 4G , the second connector portion  403  includes a second (e.g., tubular, circular or cylindrical) body  427  that has a proximal end P 2  and a distal end D 2 . A first passageway  429  is defined at least in part by an inner surface  429  of a wall  433  of the second body  427 , and extends from the proximal end P 2  to the distal end D 2  of the second body  427 . Self-drilling elements  435  may be coupled to or integral with at least a portion of the distal end D 2 /edge of the second body  427 , as best shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4D, 4E, and 4F . For example and as best shown in  FIG. 4A , the distal end D 2  of the second body  427  may include a circumferential edge  437  that extends around the distal end D 2  of the first passageway  429  (and, hence, outlet passageway  413 ), wherein self-drilling elements  435  (e.g., cutting/drilling/abrading teeth, blades, surfaces, etc.) may be disposed on or integral with a facing surface of the circumferential edge  437 . 
     At least a portion of the second body  427  is configured to be disposed within the opening  417  of the first connector portion  401 . In that regard at least a portion of the opening  417  of the first connector portion  401  may have an inside diameter ID 1  that is larger than an outside diameter OD 2  of at least a portion of the second body  427 . As a result, at least a portion of the second body  427  may be inserted into the opening  417  of the of the first connector portion  401 . 
     Second guide elements  439  (e.g., male or female threads) may be disposed on or integral with a portion of an outer surface of the second body  427 . The second guide elements  439  are generally configured to interact with the first guide elements  425  of the first connector portion  401 , as best shown in  FIG. 4C . In that manner, the first and second guide elements  425 ,  439  may guide and urge the self-drilling elements  435  into contact with a wall (e.g., wall  251 ) or another portion of a reservoir. 
     For example when the first and second guide elements  425 ,  439  are female and male threads, respectively, the second connector portion  403  may be configured such that when the distal end D 2  is inserted into the opening  417  and the second connector portion  403  is rotated, the second guide elements  439  threadably engage with the first guide elements  425  so as to draw the distal end D 2  into the opening  417  and ultimately into contact with a portion (e.g., wall  251 ) of a reservoir. Further rotation of the second connector portion  403  may cause the self-drilling elements  435  to form a hole in a portion (e.g., wall  251 ) of the reservoir, wherein the hole has an inward facing surface. 
     Rotation of the second connector portion  403  may also cause the second guide elements  439  to engage and/or contact at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the hole formed in the reservoir by the self-drilling elements  435 . For example, in instances where the second guide elements  439  are male threads (e.g., self-tapping threads), such threads may create and engage with corresponding female threads in the inward facing surface of the hole, e.g., during or after formation of the hole by the self-drilling elements  435 . 
     The second connector portion (and, more particularly, the second guide elements  439 ) may thus be configured to form and engage with corresponding threads on the inward facing surface of a hole through a wall, bottom, or lid of a reservoir, thereby coupling the second connector portion  403  to the reservoir. The second connector portion (and, in particular, the second guide elements  439 ) may also be configured to urge the first connector portion  401  against an outer surface of the reservoir (e.g., an outer surface of wall  251 ) that is around the hole. 
     The second connector portion  403  may also include a handle. The handle may be configured to help a user to grip and rotate the second connector portion  403  during its installation into a reservoir. The type and nature of the handle is not limited, provided it can facilitate the rotation of the second connector portion  403  about an axis extending through and parallel to the first passageway  429 . With that in mind, the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-4K  depict one example of a connector unit that includes a knurled handle  441  that is integral with or coupled to an intermediate portion of the second body  427 , extends around the circumference of the second body  427 , and is located proximal to the second guide elements  439 . 
     The use of knurled handle  441  is of course for the sake of example only, and it should be understood that any suitable handle may be used, and that handle  441  (or another handle) may be positioned at any suitable location. Without limitation, in some embodiments the second connector portion  403  includes a handle that is coupled with or integral to an intermediate portion of second body  427 , such that the handle is disposed outside a reservoir when the second connector portion  403  is in an installed position. 
     The second connector portion  403  further includes one or more abutment surfaces  443 . The abutment surface  443  is generally configured to abut against a corresponding engagement surface  485  of the fourth connector element  407  when the fourth connector element is in an installed position, as will be further described below. That concept is best shown in  FIG. 4C , which depicts abutment surface  443  abutting (e.g. contacting) engagement surface  485  of the fourth connector portion  407  when the fourth connector portion is in an installed position. 
     The second connector portion  403  further includes at least one proximal opening formed in a wall  433  of the second body  427 . In general, the proximal opening is configured to fluidly couple to an outlet port, so as to provide at least a portion of the outlet passageway  413  for the removal of gas (e.g., ozone) from a reservoir. That concept is shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4E , which illustrate an embodiment in which a plurality of proximal openings  445  are formed through the wall  433 , wherein at least one of the proximal openings is in fluid communication with an outlet port  457  on the third connector portion  405 . 
     The connector units described herein may of course include greater or fewer proximal holes. When more than one proximal hole is used, all or less than all of such proximal holes may be in fluid communication with an outlet port. That concept is shown in  FIG. 4G , which depicts four proximal openings  445  in the second body  427 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , some the proximal opening(s)  445  are fluidly coupled to outlet port  457 , e.g., via a circumferential gap between an inner surface of the second body portion  403  and an outer surface of the third body portion  405 . 
     The location and configuration of the proximal opening(s) formed in the second body  427  is not particularly limited, provided that it is (or they are) positioned such that it remains (or they remain) on the outside of a reservoir when all elements of the connector unit  400  are in an installed position, and provided that one or more than one proximal opening is in fluid communication with an outlet port and at least a portion of an outlet passageway that is present between the second connector portion  403  and the fourth connector portion  409 . Put in other terms, the second connector portion  403  may include at least one proximal opening  445  that fluidly couples at least a portion of an outlet passageway  413  that is present between the second connector portion and the fourth connector portion to one or more outlet ports. 
     It is noted that in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-4K , outlet port  457  and the third body  463  are depicted as components that are separate from the second connector portion  403 . In such instances it should be understood that the outlet port  457  and third body  463  may be integral with or coupled to the third connector portion  405 . As shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4E  for example, the third connector portion  405  may comprise the third body  463  and the outlet port  457 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third body  463  has a hollow tubular shape with an inside diameter ID 3  that is larger than the outside diameter OD 2  of a proximal portion of the second connector portion  403 . 
     At least a portion of the third body  463  may thus be configured such that it may slide over a proximal portion of the second connector portion  403 , e.g., until a distal facing surface (not labeled) thereof abuts a proximal facing surface of a portion of the second connector portion, e.g., a proximal facing surface (not labeled) of handle  441 . Put in other terms, the third body  463  may include or be in the form of a collar having an outer wall and an opening, wherein the collar is configured to be disposed around a proximal end P 2  of the second connector portion  403 . 
     The third body  463  may also include an outlet opening  459  that is fluidly coupled to outlet port  457 , which is integral with or coupled to third body  463  in any suitable manner. As best shown in  FIG. 4C , when the third connector portion  405  is in an installed position (e.g., after third body  463  is slid over a proximal portion of the second connector portion  403  such that a distal face of the third body  463  abuts a proximal face of the handle  435  of the second connector portion  403 ), the outlet opening  459  may be aligned with one or more of the proximal openings  445  in the second body  427 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, one, more than one, or all of the proximal openings  445  may be in fluid communication with the outlet port opening  459 , regardless of whether they are aligned with the outlet port opening or not. In that regard, one or more spacer elements  465  may be disposed within the opening in the third body  463 , e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 4E and 4J . The spacer elements  465  may be laterally spaced from one another, and may be generally configured to abut with a portion of an outer surface of the second body  427 . In addition, the spacer elements  465  may be configured such that a gap is maintained between them, and also between an inward facing surface  467  of the third body  463  and an outward facing surface  434  of a proximal portion of the wall  33  of the second connector portion  403 . Put in other terms, the spacer elements  465  may facilitate the maintenance of a circumferential gap between the inward facing surface  467  the outward facing surface  434 , wherein the circumferential gap may form part of the outlet passageway  413  for the removal of gas (e.g., ozone) from a reservoir. 
     Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments the third connector portion  405  may be omitted. In such embodiments the third body  463  and outlet port may be integral with or otherwise coupled to second connector portion  403  in any suitable manner. For example, the outlet port  457  and third body  463  may be mechanically coupled to the second connector portion  403 , e.g., with one or more adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welds, interference fittings press fittings, combinations thereof, and the like. In such instances, one or more spacer elements may be disposed between the inward facing surface of the third body  463  and the outward facing surface  434  so as to maintain a circumferential gap between such elements, as previously described. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet port  457  and third body may be integral with the second connector portion  403 , in which case they may be configured to maintain the circumferential gap in any suitable manner. 
     In some embodiments the connector unit  400  may include an optional first locking portion  409 . When used, the first locking portion  409  is configured to fix (i.e., lock) the position of the first connector portion  401  relative to the second connector portion  403 , e.g., once the second connector portion  403  is in an installed position. In addition, in some embodiments the first locking portion  409  may also serve to further urge and/or secure the first connector portion  401  against and/or to an outside surface of the reservoir, such as the outside of a wall  251  of a reservoir as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
       FIG. 4E  illustrates one example of a connector unit  400  that includes an optional first locking element  409 . In the illustrated embodiment the first locking element  409  is in the form of a threaded nut that is includes an opening  469  and threads  471  on an inward facing surface thereof. The threads  471  are configured to engage with the second guide elements  439  (e.g., threads) on an outer surface of the second body  427 . That is, threads  471  may threadably coupled to second guide elements  439 . Prior to insertion of the second connector portion  403  into the opening  417 , first locking element may be positioned relatively close to the proximal end P 2  of the second body. This may be accomplished, for example, by rotating the first locking element  409  relative to the second connector portion  403  while the threads  471  are engaged with the second guide elements  439 . 
     Following insertion of the second connector portion  403  into the opening  417 , the second connector portion  403  may be rotated to form a hole in a portion of a reservoir (e.g., wall  251 ). Subsequently (e.g., when the second connector portion is in an installed position), the first locking element  409  may be rotated about an axis extending through and parallel to the second body  427 , so as to draw the first locking element  409  towards the distal end D 2  of the second connector portion  403  until a surface of the first locking element  409  is adjacent to and/or in contact with a portion of the outward facing surface  423  of the first connector portion  401 . Once the first locking element  409  is so positioned, movement of the first connector portion  401  relative to the second connector portion  403  may be hindered and/or prevented. In that way, first locking element  409  may “lock” the position of the first connector portion  401  relative to the second connector portion  403 . 
       FIGS. 4H and 4I  show the distal and proximal ends, respectively, of one example of a first locking element  409  consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the first locking element  409  may further include a sealing element  410  disposed on or in proximity to the radial edge of the distal end of the locking element  409 . In general, the sealing member (e.g., an O-ring) may be configured to facilitate sealing of the distal end of the locking element  409  against a proximal surface of the first connector portion  401 , e.g., to form a gas tight seal. 
     In some embodiments the connector units described herein may include multiple locking elements. As one example of that concept reference is made to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Such FIGS. depict a connector unit  400 ′ that is substantially similar to connector unit  400 , except that it includes both a first locking element  409  and a second locking element  409 ′. 
     Similar to connector unit  400 , installation of the connector unit  400 ′ may begin by coupling first connector portion  401  to a portion (e.g., wall  251 ) of a reservoir. First locking element  409  may be moved (or may have been previously moved) to a proximal position along the outside surface of the distal portion of the second connector portion  403 , as previously described. The distal end D 2  of the second connector portion  403  may be inserted into an opening in the first connector portion  401 , and the second connector portion  403  may be rotated to cause self-drilling elements  435  to form a hole in the (e.g., wall  251 ) of the reservoir. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  the second connector portion  403  may be configured such that rotation of the second connector portion  403  eventually causes the distal end D 2  thereof to protrude into the reservoir. To accomplish this, the length of the distal end D 2  of the second connector portion may be configured such that it is greater than a thickness of the wall, bottom, or lid of a reservoir. That concept is shown in  FIG. 6B , which depicts connector unit  400 ′ as installed through a wall  251  of a reservoir. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  the second locking element  409 ′ is configured in substantially the same manner as the first locking element  409 . As a result, the second locking element  409 ′ may include an opening having an inward facing surface with threads or other guide elements that are configured to engage second guide elements  439 . 
     In instances where the second guide elements (on an outward facing surface of a wall of the second connector portion  403 ) are threads, the second locking element  409 ′ may (like the first locking element  409 ) include corresponding threads. In such instances, the threads of the second locking element  409 ′ may engage with the second guide elements  439 , such that rotation of the second locking element  409 ′ draws it along the outside of second body  427 , e.g., until the second locking element  409 ′ abuts and/or is in contact with an inward facing surface of the reservoir (e.g., and inward facing surface of wall  251 . That concept is shown in  FIG. 6B , which shows connector unit  400 ′ installed in a wall  251  of a reservoir, with first and second locking elements  409 ,  409 ′ disposed on outer and inward facing sides of the wall  251 . An optional sealing element  410  may also be disposed on one side of the second locking element  409 ′ to facilitate the formation of a seal with an inward facing surface of the reservoir, e.g., in the same manner shown in  FIG. 4H . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 4A-4K , the connector unit  400  further includes a fourth connector portion  407 . The fourth connector portion  407  is generally configured to be inserted into or otherwise retained within the second connector portion  403 , and to provide the inlet passageway  411  for the supply of gas (e.g., ozone) into a reservoir. In addition, the fourth connector portion is configured to provide a portion of the outlet passageway  413  for the removal of gas (e.g., ozone) from the reservoir. 
       FIG. 4K  depicts one example of a fourth connector portion  407  consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the fourth connector portion  407  includes a third body  473  having a proximal end P 3  and a distal end D 3 . A first inlet connector  475  is disposed at the proximal end P 3 , a second inlet connector  477  is disposed at the distal end D 3 , and a flange  483  is disposed near the proximal end P 3 . As best shown in  FIG. 4C , the inlet passageway  411  is formed through the fourth connector portion and extends between first and second inlet connectors  475 ,  477 . Thus, a proximal end  489  of the inlet passageway  411  is present within the first inlet connector  475 , and a distal end  491  of the inlet passageway is present within the second inlet connector. A gas supply (e.g., ozone device  101 ) may therefore be coupled to first inlet connector  475 , and may be used to provide gas (e.g., ozone) to the first inlet connector  475  for conveyance through the inlet passageway  411  and to the second inlet connector  477 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4E , the third body  473  has an outer diameter OD 3  (not labeled) that is smaller than the inner diameter ID 2  of the proximal portion of the second connector portion  403 . As a result, a distal portion of the third body  473  (e.g., distal of the flange  483 ) may be inserted into the first passageway  429  of the second connector portion  403 . The distal portion of the third body  473  may be configured such that when it is fully inserted into the first passageway  429 , the second inlet connector  477  extends past the circumferential edge  437  of the second connector portion  403 . In that position, an engagement surface  485  of the fourth connector portion  407  (e.g., a portion of the flange  483 ) may abut a corresponding abutment surface  443  of the second connector portion  403 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flange  483  may also abut and/or contact a portion of the third connector portion  405 , e.g., a proximal circumferential edge  468  thereof. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4C  when the fourth connector portion  407  is fully inserted into the first passageway  429 , a gap is present between the inner surface  431  of the wall  433  of the second connector portion  403  and the outer surface  479  of the third body  473  of the fourth connector portion  407 . That gap forms a portion of an outlet passageway  413  for the removal of gas from a reservoir. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-4K  the distal end  493  of the outlet passageway  413  is or includes opening that is present between the outer surface  479  of the third body  473  and the circumferential edge  437  of the second connector portion  403 , and the proximal end  495  of the outlet passageway  413  is present in the outlet port  457 . From the distal end  493  the outlet passageway  413  extends, via the gap between the inner surface  431  and the outer surface  479 , proximally towards the flange  483 . At least a portion of the outlet passageway  413  is therefore disposed radially around the inlet passageway  411 . Near the flange  483  the outlet passageway extends through one or more proximal openings  445  in the second connector portion  403  and into the circumferential gap between the inward facing surface  467  of the third body  463  and the outward facing surface  434  of the second body  427 . The outlet passageway  413  then continues via the gap to outlet opening  459 , which is coupled to outlet port  457 . 
     Accordingly, a gas inflow  497  may be supplied from the first inlet connector  475  to the second inlet connector  477  via the inlet passageway  411  and into a reservoir. Similarly, a gas outflow  499  may be drawn from a reservoir into the distal end  493  of the outlet passageway  413 , to the proximal end  495  of the outlet passageway, and ultimately out of the connector unit  400 . 
     To maintain the gap between the inner surface  431  and the outer surface  479 , in some embodiments the fourth connector portion may include one or more standoff elements. That concept is shown in  FIGS. 4D, 4E, and 4K , which depict fourth connector portion  407  as including a plurality of standoff elements  481 . As shown, the each of the standoff elements  481  extends from an outer surface  479  of the third body  473 . 
     The standoff elements  481  are each configured to partially or fully bridge the gap between the inner surface  431  and outer surface  479  when the fourth connector portion  407  is inserted into the first passageway  429  of the second connector portion  403 . In such instances a channel  482  may be present between a respective two of the plurality of standoff elements  481 . As shown in  FIG. 4E , the fourth connector portion  407  may be aligned such that when it is inserted into the first passageway  429 , at least one proximal opening  445  in the second connector portion  403  is disposed between two of the standoff elements  481 , i.e., such that it is in fluid communication with a channel  488 . A gas in gas outflow  499  may then travel from a channel  488  into a proximal opening  445 , into the circumferential gap (described above), and then into the outlet opening  459 . 
     As noted above the fourth connector portion  407  includes a flange  483  that abuts at least a portion of the second connector portion  403  when the fourth connector portion  407  is fully inserted therein. In some embodiments, the flange  483  may include a plug  488 . The plug  488  may be have an outside diameter OD 4  (not shown) that is less than the inside diameter ID 2  of the proximal end P 2  of the second connector portion  403 . Thus when the fourth connector portion  407  is fully inserted into the second connector portion  403 , an outward facing surface of the plug  488  may abut and/or contact the inner surface of wall  433 , as shown in  FIG. 4C . In addition, one or more sealing elements  490  (e.g., O-rings, adhesive, polymers, or other sealing elements) may be disposed between the plug  488 , flange  483 , and the inward facing surface  433 , e.g., to provide a gas-tight seal between such elements. 
     In some embodiments the fourth connector portion  407  may also include one or more retention elements. When used, the retention elements may be configured to facilitate retention of the fourth connector portion  407  within the second connector portion  403 . More particularly, in some embodiments the retention elements may be configured to hinder or prevent lateral movement of the fourth connector portion  407  once it is fully inserted into the second connector portion  403 . Non-limiting examples of suitable retention elements that may be used include detents, protuberances, other engagement elements, combinations thereof, and the like. With that in mind,  FIGS. 4A-4E, 4K, 6A, and 6B  depict embodiments in which the fourth connector portion  407  includes retention elements in the form of deformable protrusions  487  (e.g., deformable wings). 
     As will be appreciated from the figures, the deformable protrusions  487  may be configured to bend, collapse, or otherwise deform in a first direction (e.g., proximally towards first inlet connector  475 ) from an expanded position into a compressed position. In the expanded position the deformable protrusions  487  may be larger than the inside diameter ID 2  of the first passageway  429  in the second connector portion  403 . As a result, the deformable protrusions  487  may deform into the compressed position when the fourth connector portion is inserted and urged into the proximal end of the first passageway  429 . 
     The deformable protrusions  487  may remain in the collapsed/compressed position until they are advanced past the distal end of the first passageway  429 , at which time they may return to the expanded (e.g., decompressed) position. Thereafter, removal of the fourth connector portion  407  from the first passageway  429  may be hindered and/or prevented by the deformable protrusions  429 . Moreover, the deformable protrusions may resist deformation in a second direction (e.g., distally in a direction towards second inlet connector  477 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts one example of a reservoir sanitization system utilizing the self-drilling double wall connector unit  400  of  FIGS. 4A-4K . The nature and function of many of the elements of  FIG. 5  are the same as those shown in  FIG. 2  and described above, so a detailed description of such elements is not reiterated in the interest of brevity. As shown, system  500  includes an ozone device  101  and a self-drilling, double wall connector unit  400 , which in this embodiment is depicted as installed within a wall  251  of a reservoir  250 . 
     Installation of the connector unit  400  into wall  251  may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example and consistent with the foregoing description of  FIGS. 4A-4K , installation of the connector unit  400  may begin by coupling a first connector portion  401  thereof to the wall  251  (e.g., via an adhesive). A distal end of a second connector portion  403  may be inserted into an opening in the first connector portion  401 . The second connector portion  403  may then be rotated to advance the distal end thereof through the opening in the first connector portion, until self-drilling elements on the distal end contact an outer surface of the wall  251 . The second connector portion  403  may then continue to be rotated to cause the self-drilling elements to form a hole in the wall  251 . In some embodiments at least a portion of the distal end of the second connector portion may be disposed within an interior of the reservoir  250  following the formation of the hole. One or more locking elements may then be employed to lock the position of the second connector portion  203  and the first connector portion  201  relative to one another. 
     After the hole is formed a third connector portion  405  may be disposed over the proximal end second connector portion  403 . A fourth connector portion  407  may then be inserted into a proximal end of a first passageway extending through the second connector portion. The fourth connector portion  407  may include retaining elements that deform from an expanded to a compressed position while a distal end of the fourth connector portion  407  is inserted into the first passageway in the second connector portion  403 . When the fourth connector portion  407  is fully inserted, the retaining elements may return to the expanded position, hindering or preventing retraction of the fourth connector portion  407  through the first passageway. A flange on the fourth connector portion  407  may abut and form a gas tight seal with one or more portions of the proximal end of the second connector portion  403  and the third connector portion  405 . 
     As previously described, an inlet passageway  411  is provisioned in the fourth connector portion and extends between a first inlet connector  475  and a second inlet connector  477 . In addition, an outlet passageway  413  is provisioned as previously described, and extends between a distal end of the second connector portion and an outlet connector  457 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , sanitizing gas system  101  includes a gas supply  201  and an exhaust system  207 . The gas supply  201  includes a pump  202  and a gas generator  203 , and the exhaust system  207  includes a pump  205  and a filter  229 . The gas supply  201  is fluidly coupled to the inlet passageway  411  by a first supply line  209 ′, the distal end of which is coupled to the first inlet connector  475 . A second supply line  209 ″ is coupled to the second inlet connector  477 . The exhaust system  207  is fluidly coupled to the outlet passageway  413  via return line  225 , the distal end of which is coupled to the outlet connector  457 . 
     In operation, the gas generator  203  generates sanitizing gas  219  (e.g., ozone). The pump  202  (e.g. an air pump) generates an air flow that causes the sanitizing gas to be conveyed to the first supply line  209 ′, into the inlet passageway  411 , and into the second supply line  209 ″. The sanitizing gas  219  exits the distal end  213  of the second supply line  209 ″ to sanitize the interior of the reservoir  250  and any liquid therein, as described above in connection with  FIG. 2 . The pump  205  (e.g., a vacuum pump) operates to draw excess sanitizing gas  219  from the interior of the reservoir  250  into a distal end  493  of the outlet passageway  413 , through the outlet passageway  413 , through outlet connector  457 , and into return line  225 . The excess sanitizing gas  219  may then be conveyed to the filter  229 , which may remove the excise sanitizing gas  219  or convert it to another composition. For example where the sanitizing gas  219  is ozone, the filter  229  may be configured to convert at least a portion of the ozone to oxygen. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods for sanitizing a reservoir, such but not limited to a reservoir of a (e.g., hot) beverage maker. In that regard reference is made to  FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart of example operations of one example of a reservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the method  700  begins at block  701 . The method may then advance to optional block  703 , pursuant to which a connector unit consistent with the present disclosure may be installed in a portion of a reservoir (e.g., of a hot beverage maker). For example, operations pursuant to block  703  may include installing a double wall connector unit or a self-drilling, double wall connector unit consistent with the present disclosure into a wall, bottom, top, or lid of a reservoir, as previously described. 
     Following the operations of block  703  or if block  703  is omitted (e.g. where a connector unit has been previously installed), the method may proceed to block  705 . Pursuant to block  705  a sanitizing gas may be provided into a reservoir via an inlet passageway of the connector unit, e.g., as described above. Operations pursuant to block  705  may therefore include generating a sanitizing gas with a gas generator, causing the sanitizing gas to flow into a first supply line, into the inlet passageway, into a second supply line, and into the interior of the reservoir, as previously described. At least a portion of the sanitizing gas so provided may sanitize the interior of the reservoir, including any liquid (e.g., water therein). 
     The method may then advance to block  707 , pursuant to which excess sanitizing gas may be removed from the interior of the reservoir. Operations pursuant to block  707  may therefore include drawing sanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir into a distal opening of the outlet passageway, through the outlet passageway, through an outlet connector, and to a return line. The operations pursuant to block  707  may also include conveying the sanitizing gas to a filter, as discussed above. 
     Following the operations of block  707  the method may proceed to block  709 , pursuant to which a decision may be made as to whether the method is to continue. The outcome of the decision block  709  may be contingent on a sensor signal provided, e.g., by an optional sensor  233  or on some other criteria. In any case if the method is to continue it may loop back to block  705 . But if not, the method may proceed to block  711  and end. 
     The following examples pertain to additional non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Example 1 
     According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a hot beverage maker with a water reservoir including: a gas supply system configured to supply a sanitizing gas; a connector unit including an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway, the inlet passageway including a first proximal end and first distal end and the outlet passageway including a second proximal end and a second distal end; and an exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas; wherein: at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway; the gas supply system is configured to fluidly couple to the inlet passageway and the exhaust system is configured to fluidly couple to the outlet passageway; the connector unit is configured to be installed into and span a portion of a reservoir such that the first and second proximal ends are located outside the reservoir and the first and second distal ends are located inside the reservoir when the connector unit is installed; and the gas supply system is configured to supply the sanitizing gas to an inside of the reservoir via the inlet passageway and the exhaust system is configured to remove the sanitizing gas from the inside the reservoir via the outlet passageway. 
     Example 2 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, and further includes: a first inlet connector coupled to the first proximal end; a second inlet connector coupled to the first distal end; a first supply line configured to fluidly couple the gas supply system to the inlet passageway via the first inlet connector; and a second supply line configured to couple to the second inlet connector. 
     Example 3 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, wherein the second supply line includes a proximal end configured to couple to the second connector and a distal end configured to be disposed beneath any liquid in the reservoir. 
     Example 4 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, and further includes: an outlet connector configured to couple to the second proximal end; and a return line configured to couple to the outlet connector so as to fluidly couple the exhaust system to the outlet passageway. 
     Example 5 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the second distal end is located proximal to the first distal end. 
     Example 6 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, wherein the second inlet connector includes the first distal end, and the second distal end is located proximal to the first distal end. 
     Example 7 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the connector unit is a self-drilling connector unit. 
     Example 8 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein: the connector unit includes a second connector portion including a first passageway and a fourth connector portion configured to be inserted into the first passageway; the fourth connector portion includes a first body and a flange, the first body including an outer surface; and the inlet passageway is formed through the first body. 
     Example 9 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 8, wherein: the second connector portion includes a second body including a wall having an inward facing surface that defines at least a portion of the first passageway; wherein when the fourth connector portion is inserted into the first passageway, a gap is present between the outer surface of the first body and the inward facing surface of the wall of the second body; and the gap defines at least a portion of the outlet passageway 
     Example 10 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, further including at least one standoff element extending from the outer surface of the first body, the at least one standoff element to maintain the gap between the outer surface of the first body and inward facing surface of the second body when the fourth connector portion is inserted in the first passageway. 
     Example 11 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein: the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion; the second connector portion includes an abutment surface at an edge of proximal portion of the wall of the second body; and an engagement surface of the flange is configured to abut the abutment surface of the second connector portion when the fourth connector portion is inserted into the first passageway 
     Example 12 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 11, wherein: the flange further includes a plug; and the connector unit further includes at least one sealing element; wherein: when the fourth connector portion is inserted into the first passageway: the plug is disposed within a proximal end of the first passageway; and the at least one sealing element is disposed between an inward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall of the second body and at least a portion of the plug, so as to form a gas-tight seal between at least the plug and the second body. 
     Example 13 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein: the first passageway includes a proximal opening and a distal opening; the second connector portion includes self-drilling elements disposed about the distal opening; and the self-drilling elements are configured to form a hole in a portion of the reservoir when the second connector portion is rotated. 
     Example 14 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein: the connector unit further includes a first connector portion that is configured to couple to a portion of the reservoir; the first connector portion includes an opening; and the second connector portion is configured to be inserted into the opening of the first connector portion. 
     Example 15 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 14, wherein: the first connector portion includes first guide elements within the opening; the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion; second guide elements are formed on an outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of the second body; and the second guide elements and first guide elements are configured to draw the distal portion of wall of the second body into the opening of the first connector portion. 
     Example 16 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 15, wherein: the first guide elements are first threads; and the second guide elements are second threads configured to threadably engage with the first threads to draw the second body into the opening of the first connector portion when the second connector portion is rotated about an axis that is parallel to and extends through the first passageway. 
     Example 17 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, and at least one proximal hole is present through the proximal portion, the at least one proximal hole forming at least a portion of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 18 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 17, and further includes: a third connector portion including a collar defining an opening, the collar including a proximal edge, at least one spacer element disposed within the opening, and at least one outlet opening; wherein: the collar is configured to be disposed over the proximal portion of the wall of the second body; when the collar is disposed over the proximal portion of the wall of the second body, the at least one spacer element is disposed between an inward facing surface of the collar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall, such that a circumferential gap is present between the inward facing surface of the collar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall, the circumferential gap fluidly coupling the at least one proximal hole with the at least one outlet opening; the circumferential gap and the outlet opening form at least a portion of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 19 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 18, wherein: the collar of the third connector portion includes a proximal circumferential edge; and when the collar is disposed over the proximal portion of the wall of the second body and the fourth connector portion is inserted into the first passageway, at least a portion of the flange of the fourth connector portion abuts the proximal circumferential edge. 
     Example 20 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 15, and further includes at least one locking element configured to be disposed on the outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of the second body, wherein the at least one locking element is configured to lock the relative position of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. 
     Example 21 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 20, wherein the second connector portion includes a handle, and the at least one locking element is between the handle and the first connector portion. 
     Example 22 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 20, wherein: the at least one locking element includes a first locking element and a second locking element; the first locking element configured to be disposed distally from the first connector portion; and the second locking element is configured to be disposed proximally from the first connector portion. 
     Example 23 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone. 
     Example 24 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the gas supply system includes a sanitizing gas generator and an air pump, the air pump configured to generate an air flow for advancing the ozone gas to the inlet passageway and into the reservoir. 
     Example 25 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 24, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone and the sanitizing gas generator is an ozone generator. 
     Example 26 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein the exhaust system includes a vacuum pump and a filter, wherein the vacuum pump is configured to draw the sanitizing gas into the second distal end, through the outlet passageway, and to the filter. 
     Example 27 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 26, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone, and the filter is configured to convert ozone to oxygen. 
     Example 28 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 27, wherein the filter is a magnesium oxide filter, an activated carbon filter, or a combination thereof. 
     Example 29 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, and further includes a sanitizing gas system, the sanitizing gas system including a housing, the gas supply system, and the exhaust system, wherein the gas supply system and the exhaust system are disposed within the housing. 
     Example 30 
     According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing a hot beverage maker, the system including: a gas supply including an ozone generator; an exhaust system; and a self-drilling connector unit configured to traverse a wall of a water reservoir of the hot beverage maker; wherein: the self-drilling connector unit includes a first wall and a second wall; the first wall includes an inlet passageway to provide ozone gas to an interior of the reservoir, the inlet passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the self-drilling connector unit; the self-drilling connector unit further includes an outlet passageway between the first wall and the second wall, the outlet passageway to remove ozone gas from the interior of the reservoir; a proximal end of the inlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the ozone generator; and a proximal end of the outlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the exhaust system. 
     Example 31 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, wherein at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. 
     Example 32 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, and further includes self-drilling elements disposed on a distal edge of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 33 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, further including first threads on an outside surface of the second wall. 
     Example 34 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 33, wherein: the connector unit further includes a flange configured to couple to the wall of the reservoir; the flange including an opening and second threads within the opening; and the second threads and first threads are threadably coupled with one another such that at least a portion of the second wall is disposed within the opening of the flange. 
     Example 35 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, wherein the exhaust system includes a pump for drawing ozone gas from the interior of the reservoir through the outlet passageway and a filter for converting ozone gas removed from the reservoir to oxygen. 
     Example 36 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 35 wherein the filter is an activated carbon filter, a magnesium oxide filter, or a combination thereof. 
     Example 37 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, and further includes a sensor for sensing ozone gas in the water reservoir. 
     Example 38 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, and further includes a sensor for sensing contaminants in the water reservoir. 
     Example 39 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, wherein the proximal end of the inlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the ozone generator by a first inlet line and a distal end of the inlet passageway is coupled to a second inlet line, and the system further includes a check valve to prevent backflow of liquid in the reservoir into the connector unit via the second inlet line. 
     Example 41 
     According to this example there is provided a method of sanitizing a water reservoir of a hot beverage maker, including: coupling a connector unit to a wall, lid, or bottom of the reservoir, the connector unit including an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway, the inlet passageway including a first proximal end and first distal end and the outlet passageway including a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway, the first and second proximal ends are disposed outside the reservoir, and the first and second distal ends are disposed inside the reservoir; fluidly coupling the first proximal end to a gas supply; fluidly coupling the second proximal end to an exhaust system; generating a sanitizing gas with the gas supply; supplying the sanitizing gas to an interior of the reservoir via the inlet passageway; and removing, with the exhaust system, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir via the outlet passageway. 
     Example 41 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein the connector unit further includes a first inlet connector coupled to the first proximal end and an outlet connector coupled to the second proximal end; wherein: fluidly coupling the first proximal end includes fluidly coupling a first supply line to the first inlet connector and to the gas supply; and fluidly coupling the second proximal end includes fluidly coupling a return line to the outlet connector and to the exhaust system. 
     Example 42 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 41, wherein the connector unit further includes a second inlet connector coupled to the first distal end, and the method further includes fluidly coupling a second supply line to the second inlet connector. 
     Example 43 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 42, further including disposing a distal end of the second supply line below a surface of any water in the reservoir. 
     Example 44 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein the second distal end is located proximal to the first distal end. 
     Example 45 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein the connector unit is a self-drilling connector unit. 
     Example 46 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein: the connector unit includes a second connector portion including a first passageway and a fourth connector portion configured to be inserted into the first passageway; the fourth connector portion includes a first body and a flange, the first body including an outer surface; and the inlet passageway is formed through the first body. 
     Example 47 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, wherein: the second connector portion includes a second body including a wall having an inward facing surface that defines at least a portion of the first passageway; wherein a gap is present between the outer surface of the first body and the inward facing surface of the wall of the second body; and the gap defines at least a portion of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 48 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, wherein the connector unit further includes at least one standoff element extending from the outer surface of the first body, the at least one standoff element configured to maintain the gap between the outer surface of the first body and the inward facing surface of the second body. 
     Example 49 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, wherein: the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion; the second connector portion includes an abutment surface at an edge of proximal portion of the wall of the second body; and an engagement surface of the flange abuts the abutment surface of the second connector portion. 
     Example 50 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 49, wherein: the flange further includes a plug; and the connector unit further includes at least one sealing element; the plug is disposed within a proximal end of the first passageway; and the at least one sealing element is disposed between an inward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall of the second body and at least a portion of the plug and forms a gas-tight seal between at least the plug and the second body. 
     Example 51 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, wherein: the first passageway includes a proximal opening and a distal opening; the second connector portion includes self-drilling elements disposed about the distal opening; and the self-drilling elements are configured to form a hole in a portion of the reservoir when the second connector portion is rotated. 
     Example 52 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, wherein: the connector unit further includes a first connector portion; the first connector portion includes an opening; and at least part of the second connector portion is disposed within the opening of the first connector portion; wherein coupling the connector unit to the wall includes coupling the first connector portion to the wall. 
     Example 53 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 52, wherein: the first connector portion includes first guide elements within the opening; the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion; second guide elements are formed on an outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of the second body; and coupling the connector unit to the wall of the reservoir includes drawing the distal portion of wall of the second body into the opening of the first connector portion via the first and second guide elements. 
     Example 54 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 53, wherein: the first guide elements are first threads; the second guide elements are second threads; and coupling the connector unit to the wall includes threadably engaging the second threads with the first threads and rotating the second connector portion to draw the second body into the opening of the first connector portion. 
     Example 55 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, wherein the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, and at least one proximal hole is present through the proximal portion, the at least one proximal hole forming at least a portion of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 56 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 55, wherein the connector unit further includes: a third connector portion including a collar defining an opening, the collar including a proximal edge, at least one spacer element disposed within the opening, and at least one outlet opening; wherein: the collar is disposed over the proximal portion of the wall of the second body with the at least one spacer element disposed between an inward facing surface of the collar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall; a circumferential gap is present between the inward facing surface of the collar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall, the circumferential gap fluidly coupling the at least one proximal hole with the at least one outlet opening; and the circumferential gap and the outlet opening form at least a portion of the outlet passageway. 
     Example 57 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 56, wherein: the collar of the third connector portion includes a proximal circumferential edge; and at least a portion of the flange of the fourth connector portion abuts the proximal circumferential edge. 
     Example 58 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 48, wherein: the connector unit further includes at least one locking element disposed on the outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of the second body; and coupling the connector unit to the wall of the reservoir includes locking the relative position of the first connector portion and the second connector portion with the at least one locking element. 
     Example 59 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 58, wherein the second connector portion includes a handle and the at least one locking element is between the handle and the first connector portion. 
     Example 60 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 58, wherein: the at least one locking element includes a first locking element and a second locking element; the first locking element configured to be disposed distally from the first connector portion; and the second locking element is configured to be disposed proximally from the first connector portion. 
     Example 61 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone. 
     Example 62 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 61, wherein: the gas supply system includes an ozone gas generator and an air pump; generating the sanitizing gas includes generating ozone gas with the ozone gas generator; supplying the sanitizing gas to the interior of the reservoir includes generating an air flow with the air pump to cause the ozone gas to advance through the inlet passageway into the interior of the reservoir. 
     Example 63 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein: the exhaust system includes a vacuum pump and a filter; removing at least a portion of the sanitizing gas includes drawing, with the vacuum pump, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir through the outlet passageway and to the filter. 
     Example 64 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 63, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone, and the method further includes converting the ozone to oxygen with the filter. 
     Example 65 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 64, wherein filter is a magnesium oxide filter, an activated carbon filter, or a combination thereof. 
     Example 66 
     This example includes any or all of the features of example 64, wherein filter is a magnesium oxide filter, an activated carbon filter, or a combination thereof. 
     The technologies described herein may also be configured to provide an easy to install entry port into a reservoir of a beverage maker. For example, a connector unit consistent with the present disclosure may be embedded in an ozone device. The ozone device may be configured to automatically insert the connector unit into a portion (e.g., sidewall) of the reservoir in response to a user input. Connector units consistent with the present disclosure may also be manually or automatically inserted into a wall or other portion of a reservoir, with a saddle shaped valve or other similar valve that includes openings or otherwise configured to provide additional ports and/or connectors that enable the placement of one or more distribution lines into the reservoir. While the above described FIGS. depict certain configurations of connector units that may be used, any suitable connector unit having an entry channel for a sanitizing gas and an exit channel for the sanitizing gas may be used. 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.