Patent Description:
Carbonation machines are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias, and other settings. A typical carbonation machine may be operated to inject carbon dioxide into water or another liquid that is in a bottle that may be attached to the machine. Other types of carbonation machines may be configured to dispense carbonated beverages into cups or other containers.

The carbon dioxide gas that is injected into liquid to carbonate the liquid is typically provided in canisters of compressed or liquefied gas. The carbonation machine includes a user-operable mechanism for releasing gas from the cylinder and conducting the gas to the liquid to be carbonated. Typically, operation of the gas release mechanism causes the mechanism to open a valve of the cylinder. When the gas canister is installed in the carbonation machine, a valve head that includes the valve is connected to a gas canister connector of the carbonation machine.

When a cylinder has been emptied of gas, the empty cylinder may be replaced with a full cylinder. This replacement is typically performed by a user of the machine. For example, a valve head of the cylinder may be provided with exterior male threading which may be connected to the gas canister connector by screwing into interior threading of a socket of the connector.

Patent application <CIT> discloses a compressed gas regulator of a piston type, in which a regulator is configured with an input valve situated entirely inside a compressed air canister, in which the regulator is then attached to a paintball gun, marker or other device for providing discrete charges of gas at a predetermined pressure to the attached device. The overall size and weight of the regulator are minimized, which allows increased capabilities to the user. A regulator overpressurization port vents behind a conventional safety gauge for safety purposes. Fill, gage, and canister overpressurization rupture ports are interconnected with a fill channel that extends from the canister to the ports without intersecting or interfering with the regulating components within the regulator. The input valve seat face is surrounded by a shallow generally conical surface within an input plenum. The shallow generally conical surface extends at approximately <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

Document <CIT> discloses a valve for a gas canister whose exterior port opens laterally to the longitudinal axis of the valve.

There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a canister for connection to a carbonation machine, the canister including: a body with an interior to hold a pressurized or liquefied gas for enabling the carbonation machine to carbonate a liquid; a valve comprising: a canister port facing, and open to, an interior of a gas canister; at least two exterior ports that open laterally to a longitudinal axis of the valve for facilitating inflow of the gas into the gas canister and outflow of the gas out of the canister into an annular sealed gap forming a ring about a lateral surface of the valve, when the valve is connected to a connector for connecting the gas canister to a carbonation machine, from which the gas is directed to a carbonation head for carbonating a liquid in a bottle connected to the carbonation head when the valve is in an open position, and to prevent the inflow or the outflow when the valve is in a closed position; a poppet that is slidable along the longitudinal axis, and wherein changing between the closed position and the open position comprises sliding the poppet along the longitudinal axis from the closed position to the open position; a resilient restoring structure configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet to maintain the poppet at the closed position; a plunger with an exterior surface that is exposed to the exterior of a body of the valve and configured, when an inward pushing force that overcomes the restoring force is applied to the plunger, to slide the poppet from the closed position to the open position; and a gasket configured to fluidically isolate the exterior surface of the plunger from being a path of fluidic flow between the at least one exterior port and the canister port.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in the closed position the poppet may be more distal to the canister port than in the open position.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the at least two exterior ports may be substantially equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of the valve.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the at least two exterior ports are maintained stationary with respect to the gas canister at all times while the valve is operated.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the exterior ports are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a valve for a gas canister, the valve comprising: a canister port facing, and open to, an interior of a gas canister; at least two exterior ports that open laterally to a longitudinal axis of the valve for facilitating inflow of the gas into the gas canister and outflow of the gas out of the canister into an annular sealed gap forming a ring about a lateral surface of the valve, when the valve is connected to a connector for connecting the gas canister to a carbonation machine, from which the gas is directed to a carbonation head for carbonating a liquid in a bottle connected to the carbonation head when the valve is in an open position, and to prevent the inflow or the outflow when the valve is in a closed position; a poppet that is slidable along the longitudinal axis, and wherein changing between the closed position and the open position comprises sliding the poppet along the longitudinal axis from the closed position to the open position; a resilient restoring structure configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet to maintain the poppet at the closed position; a plunger with an exterior surface that is configured, when an inward pushing force that overcomes the restoring force is applied to the plunger, to slide the poppet from the closed position to the open position; and a gasket configured to fluidically isolate the exterior surface of the plunger from being a path of fluidic flow between the at least one exterior port and the canister port.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the at least two exterior ports may be maintained stationary with respect to the gas canister at all times while the valve is operated.

In order for the present invention to be better understood and for its practical applications to be appreciated, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereinafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "establishing", "analyzing", "checking", or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium (e.g., a memory) that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms "plurality" and "a plurality" as used herein may include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction "or" as used herein is to be understood as inclusive (any or all of the stated options).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a canister holder of a carbonation machine, or of a canister filling system for filling gas canisters for use with carbonation machines, is configured to enable linear insertion of a valve of the gas canister into a socket of the canister holder so as to enable flow of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) between the gas canister and a machine or system that includes the canister holder. Similarly, the holder is configured to enable linear removal of the valve from the socket. As used herein, linear insertion refers to insertion and connection to the socket that does not include multiple rotations of the canister to screwing threading on the gas canister (e.g., on the valve) into threading of the holder or socket.

For example, a carbonation machine may be operable to open a valve of the gas canister to release the gas from the canister. The carbonation machine includes an arrangement of one or more conduits that are configured to cause the released gas to flow to a carbonation head of the carbonation machine. A bottle or other container of a liquid such as water may be attached to the carbonation head such that the released gas enters, and may carbonate, the liquid.

In this manner, insertion or replacement of a gas canister may be facilitated. Facilitation of canister insertion or removal may enable quick and simple replacement of a canister by unskilled users, without risk of overtightening or otherwise risking damage to a seal between the canister holder and the canister.

In one example, the canister holder may be configured to enable manual (or mechanically assisted) snapping an end of the canister, typically an end that includes a valve that is operable to release gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) from the canister (or to enable filling of the canister from a source of gas). For example, slidable or retractable projections or teeth on the canister holder may be configured to engage one or more corresponding projections from the canister. In another example, insertion may include insertion via an opening when the canister is oriented in one orientation (e.g., with a noncircular projection on the canister aligned with a correspondingly noncircular opening on the canister holder) and afterward rotating the canister to another orientation to hold the canister to the canister holder.

Alternatively or in addition, the canister holder, or a part of a carbonation machine (or canister filling system) that is associated with the canister holder, may include a canister insertion mechanism that couples a canister insertion mechanism to a mechanism for connecting a valve of the canister to the connector of the canister holder.

For example, the canister insertion mechanism may include a handle (e.g., in some cases functioning as a door or cover) that is closed over the canister after placement of a projection from the canister into a yoke. Closing the handle may lift the yoke and the projection, thus inserting the valve into the connector. In another example, the canister may be placed in a tiltable cradle when the cradle is tilted outward. Tilting the cradle inward to an erect orientation may lift the canister and insert the valve into the connector. In another example, the canister may be placed (e.g., erect) on a base. Operating of a mechanism, e.g., rotation of the base, may lift the canister so as to insert the valve into the connector.

A gas canister valve that is configured for insertion into a carbonation machine using an insertion motion (e.g., without multiple rotations of the gas canister in order to screw the valve into a canister holder of the carbonation machine) should be designed to avoid generation of thrust that would tend to separate the canister valve from a connector of the machine. Accordingly, the valve is designed, e.g., with ports for release of the gas aimed laterally and substantially equally spaced about the perimeter of the valve (e.g., two ports on substantially opposite sides), to generate minimal (e.g., approximately zero) thrust in a direction away from the connector.

When the valve is connected to a canister holder of a carbonation machine, a mechanism of the carbonation machine may be operated in order to release gas from the canister. The released gas may flow to a carbonation head of the carbonation machine in order to carbonate liquid contents of a bottle or other container that is connected to the carbonation head, or that is otherwise configured to enable injection of the gas into the liquid.

Similarly, the gas canister valve is configured to enable connection of the valve to a canister holder of a filling head of a canister filling system. When connected to the filling head, the canister filling system may be operated to fill the canister with pressurized or liquefied gas.

A proximal (e.g., to a connection of the gas canister valve to the carbonation machine or filling system) end of a body of the gas canister valve is configured to connect to the canister holder. A longitudinal axis of the gas canister valve is considered to be an axis that passes through the gas canister valve along a direction of motion of an activation mechanism of the valve (typically in the form of a slidable poppet that is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis).

A distal end of the gas canister valve may be inserted into and attached (e.g., by threading, welding, or otherwise) to the gas canister. The distal end includes an interior canister port that is insertable into, and open to, the canister.

The body of the gas canister valve also includes two or more exterior ports that open laterally to the longitudinal axis (e.g., each oriented at an angle of at least <NUM>°, and typically of at least <NUM>°, from the direction of the connection to the canister holder) of the valve, and are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about (e.g., two exterior ports substantially on opposite sides of) the (longitudinal axis of) the canister body. The exterior ports are configured to enable escape of the gas from the canister when the valve is opened by a gas release mechanism of the valve is activated (e.g., by causing distal motion of a poppet within the valve). When the valve is opened and the gas canister valve is connected to a canister holder of a filling system, filling of the canister with pressurized or liquefied gas via the exterior ports may be enabled.

The laterally equally spaced locations of the exterior ports may direct any gas that escapes from the canister, whether by intentional operation of the gas release mechanism or otherwise, in equally spaced lateral directions. As a result, the lateral thrust generated by release of the gas through one of the exterior ports may be opposed by the thrust that is generated by release of the gas via the other exterior ports.

The laterally equally spaced arrangement of the exterior ports may be advantageous over a typical arrangement in which the port releases the gas along the longitudinal direction. With a longitudinally arranged port, the released gas may generate a thrust that tends to push the canister away from its connection. Accordingly, with such a longitudinally arranged port, a connection that includes screwing the valve into a threaded socket may be required. The thrust generated by release of gas via a lateral port or ports will not generate a force that tends to separate the gas canister from the canister holder because it is perpendicular to the direction of insertion or removal of the gas canister for the gas canister holder. Accordingly, a canister holder may include a snap-in or other arrangement that does not include a threaded socket. Therefore, connection and removal of a gas canister and valve with a lateral port may be simpler than connection and removal of a canister and valve with a longitudinally arranged port.

The valve is opened or closed by sliding a poppet along a longitudinal axis of the valve. Typically, when the poppet is slid distally away from the canister holder, the valve is open, enabling fluid communication within the body of the valve between the interior of the canister via the canister port and the exterior ports. Conversely, when the poppet is slid proximally toward the canister holder, the valve is closed such that fluid communication between the exterior ports and the interior of the canister is blocked. For example, a proximal end of the poppet may be pressed against a sealing gasket to prevent fluid communication between the canister port and the exterior ports. Opening the valve enables inflow from a fluid source (e.g., of a canister filling system) to the canister via the exterior ports or outflow of fluid from the canister via the canister port and the exterior ports (e.g., to a carbonation machine).

One or more types of sealing structure may be included in the gas canister valve to prevent flow of gas around the plunger. For example, a cross-section of a gasket that surrounds the plunger may be U-shaped. The opening of the U-shape may be oriented toward the interior of the canister. Thus, when the plunger is moved to release gas from the canister, the pressurized gas may fill the opening of the U-shaped gasket so as to push the walls of the gasket outward, reinforcing the seal around the plunger and preventing escape of the released gas around the plunger.

A plunger for causing the poppet of the valve to slide distally is configured to be accessible to an activation mechanism, e.g., of a carbonation machine or canister filling system. Typically, the plunger includes an exterior surface that may be contacted and operated by an actuation mechanism that is located in a canister holder, e.g., of a carbonation machine of a canister filling system. A proximal end of the plunger may include an exterior surface forming a pushbutton. The proximal end of the plunger may be located within an indentation at the proximal surface of the gas canister valve. The indentation may prevent accidental pressing of the plunger, e.g., by a surface that is wider than the indentation.

When a pushing force is applied to the proximal end of the plunger, the plunger is moved distally, e.g., along an axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the poppet. A distal end of the plunger may be configured to contact and press against a proximal end of the poppet when the plunger is pushed distally. Therefore, pushing the pushbutton at the proximal end of the plunger may push the poppet distally to open the gas canister valve. For example, an activation mechanism of a carbonation machine or filling system may include an extendible rod or other component that may press the pushbutton at the proximal end of the gas canister valve. When the activation mechanism applies a force that is at least as great as a predetermined force, the poppet may be slid sufficiently distally in order to enable the fluidic connection between the canister port and the exterior ports.

The plunger may be produced as a separate component from the poppet. Alternatively, the plunger may be manufactured as an integral part of the poppet, e.g., forming a proximal end of the poppet.

Typically, the gas canister valve also includes a restoring structure to maintain the poppet in the (e.g., proximal) closed position when a sufficiently large force is not applied to the exterior surface. For example, a spring may be configured to push the poppet proximally unless the force of the spring is overcome by a distal pushing force that is applied to the poppet, e.g., via the plunger.

The gas canister valve may include structure to enable or facilitate holding of the gas canister by a canister holder, e.g., of a carbonation machine or of a canister filling system. For example, the gas canister valve may include one or more projections that may be fitted into cooperating structure, e.g., one or more grooves or slots, of the canister holder. When the gas canister is held by the canister holder, the canister holder may be configured to connect the exterior ports of the gas canister valve to one or more conduits, e.g., that are associated with the canister holder.

For example, a lateral projection in the form of a disk may extend laterally outward, e.g., at or near a connection of the gas canister valve to the gas canister. The disk may be configured for insertion into a corresponding yoke of the canister holder. The disk may be inserted as a washer between the gas canister valve and the canister or may be manufactured as an integral part of the gas canister valve or canister.

For example, the yoke may include U-shaped groove whose width is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the disk. When no gas canister is held by the canister holder such that the yoke is vacant, the disk of the gas canister may slide into the groove of the yoke. When the disk is fully inserted into the yoke, a closing mechanism of the canister holder may be operated to insert the proximal end of the gas canister valve into a cooperating connector associated with (e.g., integral to or adjacent to) the canister holder. For example, the closing mechanism may include a handle, lever, or other force-transmitting structure to lift the proximal end of the gas canister valve into a sealed socket of a carbonation machine or canister filling system. The operation of the closing mechanism may include closing a handle (e.g., functioning as a cover, door, or shutter) e.g., that may at least partially cover the gas cylinder when it is connected to the connector.

Alternatively or in addition, the yoke may include two or more teeth or arms that are extendible to grasp the disk when the gas canister valve is inserted into the connector.

Alternatively or in addition, a disk may be asymmetric. The asymmetry may enable insertion of the asymmetric disk through a matching asymmetric opening in a yoke when the asymmetric disk is aligned with the asymmetric opening. Rotation of the asymmetric disk (e.g., by <NUM>°) to an orientation where the asymmetric disk is no longer aligned with the asymmetric opening may retain the asymmetric disk in the yoke. In this case, the closing mechanism may be configured to, in addition to insertion of the proximal end of the gas canister valve into a sealed connector, rotate the gas cylinder (e.g., by <NUM>°) to retain the asymmetric disk in the yoke of the canister holder.

A connector for enabling flow of gas between the gas canister valve to a carbonation machine, canister-filling system, or other device may include a socket that includes sealing structure. The sealing structure may be configured to enable a fluid connection between the exterior ports of the gas canister valve and a gas conduit of the connector, while preventing leakage of gas in other directions. For example, the sealing structure may include two or more gaskets between which gas may be flow between a conduit of the connector and the exterior ports of the gas canister valve. Alternatively or in addition, a gasket of the sealing structure may include one or more openings through which gas may flow. The gasket may have a U-shape that may expand when filled with pressurized gas to further enhance the sealing.

In some cases, a filling head adapter may be attached to a filling head of a canister filling system in order to enable filling of gas canister that is provided with a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports. For example, the filling head adapter may provide a fluidic path between a filling port of the canister filling system that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas canister and the laterally positioned exterior ports of the gas canister valve. The fluidic path may include one or more grooves, channels, tubes, or other structure to enable fluidic flow of pressurized gas (or liquefied gas) from the filling port of the canister filling system to the exterior ports of the gas canister valve. For example, the filling head adapter may be bolted or otherwise attached to the filling head.

In some cases, a canister valve adapter may be attachable to a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports. Fitting a canister valve adapter onto the gas canister valve may enable filling of the gas canister by insertion of the canister valve adapter into a filling head of the canister filling system with an axial (longitudinal) filling port. The canister valve adapter is configured to provide a fluidic path between a filling port of the canister filling system that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas canister and the laterally positioned exterior ports of the gas canister valve. Typically, the fluidic path that is provided by the canister valve adapter includes a system of closed tubes or channels between the filling port and the exterior ports of the gas canister valve.

<FIG> is a schematic sectional view of an example of a gas canister valve. <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of the gas canister valve shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the gas canister valve shown in <FIG>, when the valve is closed.

Internal components of gas canister valve <NUM> are enclosed within valve body <NUM>. Typically, valve body <NUM> is made of brass or another metal. An end of valve body <NUM> that includes canister port <NUM> is configured to be inserted into a gas canister <NUM>. An interface between valve body <NUM> may be sealed by gasket <NUM>. Gas may flow from interior cavity <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> into central channel <NUM> via canister port <NUM> and gas filter <NUM>.

In order to enable controlled release of gas from gas canister <NUM> in the event of overpressure, gas canister <NUM> is provided with burst disk <NUM>. Burst disk <NUM> is held in place between burst disk plug <NUM> and valve body <NUM>. In the event of overpressure that is sufficient to rupture burst disk <NUM>, gas within central channel <NUM> may, after rupturing burst disk <NUM>, flow outward through burst disk plug <NUM> and escape to the ambient atmosphere via gas escape opening <NUM> in burst disk plug <NUM>.

In some cases, disk <NUM> may be held between valve body <NUM> and gas canister <NUM>. Disk <NUM> may be configured to fit into a corresponding slot or groove of a canister holder. Alternatively or in addition to disk <NUM>, one or more projections that are integral to valve body <NUM> may extend laterally out of valve body <NUM> to engage cooperating structure of the canister holder. Alternatively or in addition, valve body <NUM> may include one or more indentations that are configured to engage one or more cooperating projections of the canister holder.

When gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM> is opened, gas from gas canister <NUM> may be released via a pair of oppositely oriented exterior ports <NUM>. In this way, the net thrust generated by release of gas via the pair of exterior ports <NUM> may be close to zero.

In some examples, a gas canister valve may include more than two oppositely oriented exterior ports <NUM>. For example, the additional pairs of exterior ports <NUM> may be oriented to evenly distribute exterior ports <NUM> about the perimeter of valve body <NUM>.

When gas canister valve <NUM> is closed, as shown, valve poppet <NUM> is pressed by spring <NUM> against valve seat <NUM> of (e.g., in the form of a circular ridge that extends from the surface of) insert <NUM>. Therefore, all fluidic connection between interior cavity <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> and exterior ports <NUM> is blocked.

Gas canister valve <NUM> may be opened by application of a pushing force to exterior surface 26a of plunger <NUM>. Exterior surface 26a is exposed to, and is mechanically accessible to (e.g., may be pushed by), an actuator, e.g., of a carbonation machine or of a canister filling system, to which gas canister valve <NUM> is connected. Typically, the pushing force may be applied by an activating rod that is located within, or is otherwise associated with, the canister holder. Exterior surface 26a may be located within an indentation <NUM> at an exterior end of valve body <NUM>. Location of exterior surface 26a within an indentation <NUM> may prevent accidental or unintentional application of a pushing force to plunger <NUM>.

Applying a pushing force to exterior surface 26a pushes plunger <NUM> toward valve poppet <NUM>. When the pushing force that is applied to exterior surface 26a is sufficient to overcome the opposing force that is exerted by spring <NUM> and by pressure of the gas within gas canister <NUM>, end 26b of plunger <NUM> may push valve poppet <NUM> away from valve seat <NUM>.

When valve poppet <NUM> is no longer pressed against valve seat <NUM>, gas may begin to flow between valve poppet <NUM> and insert <NUM>. For example, during carbonation, interior cavity <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> is assumed to be filled with pressurized or liquefied gas. When flow is enabled between valve poppet <NUM> and insert <NUM>, gas may flow outward via grooves <NUM> of insert <NUM> around seal housing <NUM> to exterior ports <NUM>. The gas that is released via exterior ports <NUM> may then be directed by a connector to a carbonation head where the gas is injected into a liquid to be carbonated. On the other hand, when exterior ports <NUM> are connected to a filling system, pressurized or liquefied gas may be injected into exterior ports <NUM>, to flow inward around seal housing <NUM>, via grooves <NUM> of insert <NUM>, and between insert <NUM> and valve poppet <NUM> via central channel <NUM> to interior cavity <NUM> of gas canister <NUM>.

Gas may be prevented from escaping from gas canister valve <NUM> around plunger <NUM> (e.g., as in a typical prior art canister where the exterior port is along the longitudinal axis of gas canister valve <NUM>) by sealing gasket <NUM>. In the example shown, sealing gasket <NUM> has an approximately U-shaped cross section, with the opening facing toward insert <NUM> and gas canister <NUM>. Sealing gasket <NUM> is held in place by seal housing <NUM> and insert retainer <NUM>. Thus, pressure of gas from the direction of gas canister <NUM> may tend to widen the opening of sealing gasket <NUM>, thus enhancing the seal preventing the escape of gas around plunger <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, sealing gaskets having other types of cross sections (e.g., V-shaped, W-shaped, or another shape that enables the gas pressure to enhance the seal, or other shapes), or that are held in place by other mechanisms, may be used.

<FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the gas canister valve shown in <FIG>, when the valve is open.

In the example shown, valve poppet <NUM> has been pushed into gas canister valve <NUM> and has been separated from valve seating <NUM> to form gap <NUM> between valve poppet <NUM> and insert <NUM>. Accordingly, gas may flow through gap <NUM> between central channel <NUM> and exterior ports <NUM>. Gas is prevented from flowing around plunger <NUM>, e.g., between plunger <NUM> and seal housing <NUM>, by sealing gasket <NUM>. Therefore, gas is constrained to flow between central channel <NUM> and exterior ports <NUM>, in either direction, via a path that includes grooves <NUM> and a space between seal housing <NUM> and valve housing <NUM>.

Gas canister valve <NUM> may be configured for insertion into one or more types of connectors that do not include threading for holding gas canister valve <NUM> and gas canister <NUM> to a canister holder. In addition, a connector for connecting to gas canister valve <NUM> may be configured to conduct gas to or from laterally oriented exterior ports <NUM>. Accordingly, the connector may be configured to enable lateral flow of gas between exterior ports <NUM> and a gas conduit (e.g., to the carbonation head of a carbonation machine, or from a gas source of a canister filling system), while preventing the escape of gas in other directions.

The connector may be configured to exert a sufficiently low friction force on gas canister valve <NUM> to enable insertion of gas canister valve <NUM> into the connector, and removal of gas canister valve <NUM> from the connector. On the other hand, the connector is configured, when gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into the connector, to enable gas flow between a conduit (e.g., of a carbonation machine or canister filling system) and exterior ports <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including a pair of solid gaskets. <FIG> schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown in <FIG>.

Canister connector <NUM> is configured to enable insertion of gas canister valve <NUM>. Canister connector <NUM> is further configured to enable a fluid connection between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> of canister connector <NUM>. For example, in a canister connector <NUM> of a carbonation machine, gas conduit <NUM> may connect canister connector <NUM> to a carbonation head of the carbonation machine. In a canister connector <NUM> of a canister filling system, gas conduit <NUM> may connect canister connector <NUM> to a gas source of the canister filling system. Although a single gas conduit <NUM> is shown, other examples of a canister connector may include two or more gas conduits <NUM>.

Canister connector <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes sealing structure in the form of a pair of solid gaskets <NUM> with a gap <NUM> between the two solid gaskets <NUM>. In the example shown, each solid gasket <NUM> is in the form of an O-ring with flattened annular faces 56a that border gap <NUM>. In other examples, each gasket may be hollow, or include a full or partial annular bore, or may have an exterior shape that is rectangular or that otherwise differs from that of the example shown.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> of canister connector <NUM> via gap <NUM> between solid gaskets <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports, the connector including a pair of gaskets with U-shaped cross sections. <FIG> schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown in <FIG>.

Canister connector <NUM> is configured to enable insertion of gas canister valve <NUM> and to enable a fluid connection between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> of canister connector <NUM>.

Canister connector <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes sealing structure in the form of a pair of U-shaped gaskets <NUM>. Each U-shaped gasket <NUM> has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds an opening 60a. In the example shown, one of U-shaped gaskets <NUM> is inverted relative to the other such that openings 60a of U-shaped gaskets <NUM> are oriented to face one another. U-shaped gaskets <NUM> are separated by gap <NUM>.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> via gap <NUM> between U-shaped gaskets <NUM>. The gas may fill openings 60a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas may tend to expand U-shaped gaskets <NUM> and open openings 60a, thus pressing U-shaped gaskets <NUM> against surrounding structure to further prevent leakage of the gas.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior openings, the connector including an inwardly curved gasket. <FIG> schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown in <FIG>.

Canister connector <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes sealing structure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket <NUM>. U-shaped gasket <NUM> has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds an opening 62a. Opening 62a of U-shaped gasket <NUM> opens inward, toward the axis of symmetry of U-shaped gasket <NUM>. The outward facing convex surface of U-shaped gasket <NUM> is perforated by exterior opening holes <NUM>. In the example shown, U-shaped gasket <NUM> includes four evenly spaced exterior opening holes <NUM>. In other examples, a U-shaped gasket <NUM> may include less than or more than four exterior opening holes <NUM>.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> of canister connector <NUM> via exterior opening holes <NUM> in U-shaped gasket <NUM>. The gas may fill opening 62a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas may tend to expand U-shaped gasket <NUM> to further open opening 62a, pressing U-shaped gasket <NUM> against surrounding structure to further prevent leakage of the gas.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section of a connector to a gas canister valve with laterally oriented interior openings, the connector including an outwardly curved gasket. <FIG> schematically illustrates a gasket of the connector shown in <FIG>.

Canister connector <NUM> includes a socket <NUM> that includes sealing structure in the form of a single U-shaped (or C-shaped) gasket <NUM>. U-shaped gasket <NUM> has a U-shaped cross section that surrounds an opening 66a. Opening 66a of U-shaped gasket <NUM> opens outward, away from the axis of symmetry of U-shaped gasket <NUM>. The inward facing convex surface of U-shaped gasket <NUM> is perforated by interior opening holes <NUM>. In the example shown, U-shaped gasket <NUM> includes four evenly spaced interior opening holes <NUM>. In other examples, a U-shaped gasket <NUM> may include less than or more than four interior opening holes <NUM>.

In the example shown, gas may flow between exterior ports <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM> and gas conduit <NUM> of canister connector <NUM> via interior opening holes <NUM> in U-shaped gasket <NUM>. The gas may fill opening 66a. Therefore, the pressure of the gas may tend to expand U-shaped gasket <NUM> to further open opening 66a, pressing U-shaped gasket <NUM> against surrounding structure to further prevent leakage of the gas.

A canister holder may be provided with structure to hold an inserted gas canister <NUM>. In particular, the structure may be configured to engage structure that projects outward from gas canister <NUM>, gas canister valve <NUM>, or both. The outwardly projecting structure may include a circular or otherwise shaped disk <NUM>. In some cases, disk <NUM> may be constructed in the form of a washer that is held between gas canister valve <NUM> and gas canister <NUM> when gas canister valve <NUM> is attached to, typically screwed into, gas canister <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valve with a circular projecting disk.

In the example shown, disk <NUM> is circular and held between gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross section of a snap-in canister holder for holding the gas canister shown in <FIG>.

In the example shown, canister holder <NUM> is configured to enable insertion of a gas canister by pressing an exterior end of gas canister valve <NUM> (an end distal to gas canister <NUM>) upward toward and into canister connector <NUM>. Although in <FIG> canister connector <NUM> is shown having a form similar to canister connector <NUM> (with a U-shaped gasket <NUM>), canister connector <NUM> may have a form similar to any of the canister connectors described above, or another type of canister connector.

Canister holder <NUM> includes at least two slidable teeth <NUM>. A resilient spring or other element (not shown) is configured to push each slidable tooth <NUM> inward, toward one another. Each slidable tooth <NUM> has a sloped surface 71a that faces outward from canister holder <NUM>. Therefore, when a gas canister <NUM> with a disk <NUM> is pushed into (upward in <FIG>) canister holder <NUM>, disk <NUM> may push against sloped surface 71a and cause each slidable tooth <NUM> to slide outward. The outward sliding of slidable teeth <NUM> may enable insertion of gas canister valve <NUM> into canister connector <NUM>. Once disk <NUM> has been inserted past slidable teeth <NUM>, the resilient element may push slidable teeth <NUM> inward. The inward position of slidable teeth <NUM> may prevent outward movement of disk <NUM>, thus holding gas canister <NUM> to canister holder <NUM>. The position of slidable teeth <NUM> may be selected such that, when slidable teeth <NUM> slide inward after passage of disk <NUM>, gas canister valve <NUM> may be fully inserted into canister connector <NUM>. A circular shape of disk <NUM> may enable insertion of gas canister <NUM> without having to hold gas canister <NUM> in a particular orientation (about its longitudinal axis).

<FIG> schematically illustrates insertion of a canister into the snap-in canister holder shown in <FIG>.

In the example shown, gas canister valve <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> may be inserted into canister connector <NUM> by moving gas canister valve <NUM> toward canister connector <NUM> with upward motion 67a. As gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into canister connector <NUM>, slidable teeth <NUM> may be pushed outward by disk <NUM>. When gas canister valve <NUM> is fully inserted into canister connector <NUM>, slidable teeth <NUM> may snap inward below disk <NUM> to secure disk <NUM>, and thus gas canister <NUM>, within canister holder <NUM>.

In the example shown, canister holder base <NUM> (e.g., of a carbonation machine or of a canister filling system) includes an opening <NUM>. Thus, gas canister <NUM> may be inserted so that the longitudinal axis of gas canister <NUM> and of gas canister valve <NUM> is aligned with upward motion 67a, with a lower end of gas canister <NUM> extending downward through opening <NUM>. Accordingly, gas canister <NUM> need only be translated parallel to upward motion 67a (e.g., without rotation of gas canister <NUM>) in order to insert gas canister valve <NUM> into canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates removal of a canister from the snap-in canister holder shown in <FIG>.

In the example shown, disk <NUM> is secured to canister holder <NUM> by slidable teeth <NUM>. In order to enable removal of gas canister <NUM> from canister holder <NUM>, release mechanism <NUM> may be operated to cause outward retraction of slidable teeth <NUM> to enable downward movement of disk <NUM> past slidable teeth <NUM>. For example, release mechanism <NUM> may include a pushbutton, lever, or other user operable component that, when operated, causes slidable teeth <NUM> to be retracted outward. When slidable teeth <NUM> are retracted, gas canister <NUM> may be removed from canister holder <NUM> by moving gas canister valve <NUM> away from canister connector <NUM> with downward motion 67b.

Canister holder <NUM> may include a retraction mechanism that is operable by a user, e.g., by pressing a button or lever, to retract slidable teeth <NUM> to enable removal of gas canister <NUM> from canister holder <NUM>.

Alternatively or in addition, a mechanism for holding a gas canister <NUM> in a canister holder may be configured to cooperate with a noncircular asymmetric disk that is elongated along one axis.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a gas canister and gas canister valve with a noncircular lateral projection.

In the example shown, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> is held between gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM>. In the example shown, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> has the form of doubly truncated circle. In other examples, a noncircular lateral projection may have another noncircular shape.

<FIG> schematically illustrates insertion of the gas canister shown in <FIG> into a canister holder of a carbonation machine.

In the example shown, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> is in the form of a doubly truncated circle. In other examples, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> may have any form that is not circularly symmetric. For example, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> may have a polygonal, oval, or other noncircular shape.

In the example shown, carbonation machine <NUM> includes a carbonation head <NUM> and canister holder <NUM>. Canister holder <NUM> includes a yoke <NUM> with an elongated opening <NUM>. When the long dimension of noncircular lateral projection <NUM> on gas canister <NUM> is aligned with elongated opening <NUM> of yoke <NUM>, gas canister <NUM> may be moved with linear motion 79a until gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into canister connector <NUM>.

When gas canister valve <NUM> has been inserted into canister connector <NUM>, gas canister <NUM> may be rotated about its axis with rotation motion 79b (or with an opposite rotation). Rotation of gas canister <NUM> may rotate noncircular lateral projection <NUM> by a sufficient angle such that noncircular lateral projection <NUM> is no longer aligned with elongated opening <NUM>. When so rotated, yoke <NUM> may prevent outward motion (e.g., in the direction opposite to linear motion 79a) of noncircular lateral projection <NUM>. Thus, gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM> may be locked within canister holder <NUM> and canister connector <NUM>.

In other examples, e.g., where a noncircular lateral projection has another shape, an opening of the yoke may be shaped to match the shape of the noncircular lateral projection. Thus, when the noncircular lateral projection is aligned with the opening, the noncircular lateral projection may be inserted into the opening. After insertion, gas canister <NUM> and the noncircular lateral projection may be rotated such that the opening and the noncircular lateral projection are no longer aligned. Therefore, after such rotation, the noncircular lateral projection and the attached gas canister <NUM> cannot be removed from the yoke.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a gas canister locked in the canister holder shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, noncircular lateral projection <NUM> has been rotated with rotation motion 79b (or its opposite) by approximately <NUM>° such that the long dimension of noncircular lateral projection <NUM> is approximately perpendicular to that of elongated opening <NUM>. Thereby, gas canister <NUM> is locked within canister holder <NUM>. In order to enable removal of gas canister <NUM> from canister holder <NUM>, gas canister <NUM> may be rotated until the long dimension of noncircular lateral projection <NUM> is aligned with that of elongated opening <NUM>. When so aligned, gas canister <NUM> may be removed from canister holder <NUM> by pulling gas canister <NUM> in a direction opposite to that of linear motion 79a.

In some examples, a canister holder may be configured to lift gas canister <NUM> when gas canister <NUM> is closed into the canister holder. The closing mechanism may include, for example, a handle (e.g., functioning as a door or other cover) that, in some examples, may at least partially cover a cavity into which gas canister <NUM> is insertable, a tiltable cradle into which gas canister <NUM> is insertable, or a base on which gas canister <NUM> may stand.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a carbonation machine with a canister holder having a closable cover configured to raise the canister into position when closed. <FIG> schematically illustrates details of the lifting mechanism of the canister holder shown in <FIG>.

When gas canister <NUM> with disk <NUM> (which may be circular, or may have a rectangular or other polygonal shape, an oval shape, or another shape) is inserted into canister holder <NUM> of carbonation machine <NUM>, disk <NUM> may fit above, and may be held by, yoke <NUM>. Canister cover <NUM> is connected to yoke <NUM> by hinged lever mechanism <NUM> (or by another mechanism, e.g., that includes one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical components, that links motion of yoke <NUM> to that of canister cover <NUM>). Thus, when canister cover <NUM> is rotated downward and inward (e.g., toward gas canister <NUM>) to cover gas canister <NUM>, yoke <NUM> is lifted toward canister connector <NUM>. When canister cover <NUM> is fully closed, gas canister valve <NUM> may be fully inserted into canister connector <NUM>. When fully inserted, a user operating gas release control <NUM> (e.g., a pushbutton as in the example shown, or another user-operable control) to cause an activation mechanism to operate gas canister valve <NUM> to release gas from gas canister <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown in <FIG>, with the cover closed.

With canister cover <NUM> fully closed, gas canister valve <NUM> is fully inserted into canister connector <NUM>. In the example shown, activation rod <NUM> is positioned adjacent to plunger <NUM> of gas canister valve <NUM>. In the example shown, when gas release control <NUM> is pressed, an activation mechanism pushes activation rod <NUM> against plunger <NUM>. Continued pushing on activation rod <NUM> and plunger <NUM> may open gas canister valve <NUM> to release gas from gas canister <NUM> via exterior ports into gas conduit of canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a canister holder of a carbonation machine with a tiltable canister cradle that is configured to raise the canister into position when closed.

A gas canister <NUM> with disk <NUM> (which may be circular, or may have a rectangular or other polygonal shape, an oval shape, or another shape) may inserted into, or removed from, canister cradle <NUM> of canister holder <NUM> of carbonation machine <NUM> when canister cradle <NUM> is tilted outward, as shown. Disk <NUM> of an inserted gas canister <NUM> may fit over yoke <NUM>. It may be noted that, in the example shown, the function of disk <NUM> and yoke <NUM> may be to guide gas canister <NUM> to a correct position on canister cradle <NUM>. In other examples, canister cradle <NUM>, gas canister <NUM>, or both may have other structure for guiding placement of gas canister <NUM> in canister cradle <NUM>.

Canister cradle <NUM> is connected to stationary structure of canister holder <NUM> by hinged lever mechanism <NUM> (or by another mechanism, e.g., that includes one or more hinges, levers, gears, pulleys, or other mechanical components). Therefore, when a gas canister <NUM> is inserted into canister cradle <NUM> and canister cradle <NUM> is rotated inward (so as to tilt gas canister <NUM> upward until it is erect), canister cradle <NUM> and gas canister <NUM> are lifted toward canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown in <FIG>, with the canister cradle fully inserted.

As shown, canister cradle <NUM> and gas canister <NUM> have been tilted inward and are erect. Gas canister valve <NUM> is fully inserted into canister connector <NUM> to enable operation of gas canister valve <NUM> by operation of gas release control <NUM>, activation mechanism <NUM>, and activation rod <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a canister holder that includes a base that is configured to raise a gas canister into position when rotated, the canister holder shown in a configuration that enables insertion or removal of a canister.

Base <NUM> of canister holder <NUM> (e.g., of a carbonation machine or of a canister filling system) includes canister support platform <NUM>. When in the configuration shown, canister support platform <NUM> is sufficiently low such that a gas canister <NUM> with its gas canister valve <NUM> may fit between canister support platform <NUM> and canister connector <NUM>. In this configuration, gas canister <NUM> may be inserted into canister holder <NUM> or removed from canister holder <NUM>.

Canister support platform <NUM> may be rotated in order to lift gas canister <NUM> such that gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into canister connector <NUM>. In the example shown, canister support platform <NUM> may be rotated such that tab <NUM> on canister support platform <NUM> climbs incline <NUM> on base <NUM>. Therefore, rotating canister support platform <NUM> such that tab <NUM> is rotated toward the uppermost part of incline <NUM> may lift gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM> such that gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a canister holder shown in <FIG> when in a configuration in which a canister is locked into an operating position.

When, as in the example shown, gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into canister connector <NUM>, the space between canister support platform <NUM> and canister holder <NUM> has been decreased such that gas canister <NUM> cannot be removed from canister holder <NUM>. Rotation of gas canister <NUM> such that tab <NUM> is rotated back toward the lowermost part of incline <NUM> may lower canister support platform <NUM> such that the space between canister support platform <NUM> and canister connector <NUM> is sufficiently large to enable removal of gas canister <NUM> and gas canister valve <NUM> from canister connector <NUM>. In some cases, base <NUM> may include structure to prevent accidental or unintentional lowering of canister support platform <NUM>. For example, base <NUM> may include a latch or other structure that is configured to hold tab <NUM> at the uppermost part of incline <NUM> until a release (e.g., an unlatching) mechanism is operated.

Canister holder <NUM> may include one or more other structures to secure an inserted gas canister <NUM>. For example, when gas canister <NUM> includes a disk <NUM>, canister holder <NUM> may include slidable teeth <NUM> or other structure to hold disk <NUM> in place. When gas canister <NUM> includes a noncircular lateral projection <NUM>, canister holder <NUM> may include a yoke <NUM> with an elongated opening <NUM>. A canister holder <NUM> may include other types of securing structure.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of a carbonation machine with a canister holder having a handle that is raised to enable insertion of a gas canister.

Handle <NUM> of carbonation machine <NUM> may be raised or lowered by rotation about axis <NUM>. In carbonation machine <NUM>, yoke <NUM> is coupled to handle <NUM> by a lifting mechanism (visible in <FIG>). When handle <NUM> is raised, as in the example shown, yoke <NUM> is lowered away from canister connector <NUM>. The space between yoke <NUM> and canister connector <NUM> is sufficient to enable placement of a gas canister valve <NUM> between yoke <NUM> and canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates placing a canister into the canister holder shown in <FIG>.

As shown, opening <NUM> in base <NUM> of carbonation machine <NUM> enables placement of a bottom end of gas canister <NUM> (e.g., an end of gas canister <NUM> that is opposite the end to which gas canister valve <NUM> is attached) into opening <NUM>. Rotation of gas canister valve <NUM> toward yoke <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM>) may place disk <NUM> (or other lateral projection from gas canister <NUM>) above yoke <NUM>.

Opening <NUM> may be configured to align a gas canister <NUM> that is placed into opening <NUM> with canister connector <NUM>. For example, the alignment may include orienting an axis of gas canister <NUM> to be parallel with an axis of canister connector <NUM>, and laterally aligning the axes such that gas canister <NUM> is coaxial with canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the canister holder shown in <FIG> with the canister placed inside.

In the example shown, a partially raised floor region 124a of opening <NUM> is designed to present an uneven floor surface <NUM> so as to cause gas canister <NUM> to independently tilt towards the yoke, and lean on the internal radius of the yoke, thereby aligning with the socket of the canister connector <NUM>.

Raised floor region 124a covers part of (e.g., an arced segment of) the space of opening <NUM>. The remainder of opening <NUM> may include a lower region 124b. In the example shown, opening <NUM> has no floor in lower region 124b. In other examples, raised floor region 124a may be raised above a floor of lower region 124b.

The area of raised floor region 124a is shaped and sized such that the center of gravity of gas canister <NUM> (typically along or near canister cylinder axis <NUM>) is over lower region 124b. As a result, when gas canister <NUM> is placed in opening <NUM>, gravity may rotate gas canister <NUM> to lean against the internal radius of the yoke and align with (e.g., a socket of) canister connector <NUM>.

It may be noted that, although an opening <NUM> with raised floor region 124a is shown and described in connection with carbonation machine <NUM>, a raised floor region 124a may be incorporated into other examples (e.g., the examples shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

<FIG> schematically illustrates a lifting mechanism of the canister holder shown in 12C. <FIG> schematically illustrates an example of a base of the carbonating machine shown in 12B that is configured to tilt the cylinder valve into the yoke after insertion of the cylinder in the base.

As shown, disk <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> is resting on yoke <NUM>. Pin <NUM> is attached to handle <NUM> and is inserted into slot <NUM> on yoke <NUM>. Lowering of handle <NUM> by rotation about axis <NUM> rotates pin <NUM> outward from carbonation machine <NUM>. Slot <NUM> is curved (as in the example shown) or slanted or is otherwise non-horizontal and non-vertical such that an outer end of slot <NUM> is lower than an inner end of slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the outward rotation of pin <NUM> due to lowering of handle <NUM> exerts an upward force on slot <NUM> and yoke <NUM>. Therefore, lowering of handle <NUM> may raise yoke <NUM>, and a gas canister <NUM> that is placed on yoke <NUM>, toward canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the carbonation machine shown in <FIG> with the handle lowered to insert a gas canister into the carbonation machine.

As shown, handle <NUM> has been fully lowered. Therefore, yoke <NUM> is fully raised toward canister connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a canister inserted into the carbonation machine shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic sectional view of the canister inserted in the carbonation machine in <FIG>.

As shown, handle <NUM> has been lowered over gas canister <NUM>. In some cases, when handle <NUM> is fully lowered, handle <NUM> may provide further shielding or protection to the connection between gas canister valve <NUM> and canister connector <NUM>.

As a result of the lowering of handle <NUM>, hinged lever mechanism <NUM> lifts gas canister valve <NUM> into canister connector <NUM>. Therefore, operation of gas release control <NUM> and activation mechanism <NUM> may operate gas canister valve <NUM> to release gas from gas canister <NUM> to flow to a carbonation head of carbonation machine <NUM>.

After insertion of gas canister <NUM> into carbonation machine <NUM>, canister cover <NUM> may be inserted into base <NUM> and closed.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a filling head adapter to enable connection of a gas canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports to filling head of a canister filling system. <FIG> schematically illustrates a view of the canister valve adapter shown in <FIG>, showing a side of the adapter into which the canister valve is insertable. <FIG> is a schematic cross sectional view of the canister valve adapter shown in <FIG>.

Filling head adapter <NUM> may be mounted on a filling head of a canister filling system. For example, the filling head, prior to mounting of filling head adapter <NUM>, may be designed to enable insertion of a canister valve in which the exterior port of the valve is oriented along, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the canister. Mounting of filling head adapter <NUM> on the filling head provides a fluidic path between a longitudinally oriented filling port of the filling head and the laterally oriented exterior ports <NUM> of the canister valve.

For example, filling head adapter <NUM> may include mounting structure <NUM> (e.g., holes as in the example shown, threading, or one or more brackets, projections, or other structure), to enable or facilitate mounting of filling head adapter <NUM> onto the filling head. In the example shown, mounting filling head adapter <NUM> onto the filling head may include inserting bolts, screws, rivets, clips, or other mounting elements through mounting structure <NUM> and into the filling head. Sealing structure (e.g., an O-ring, sealing disk, or other sealing structure) may be mounted, e.g., within sealer groove <NUM>, between filling head adapter <NUM> and the filling head.

When filling head adapter <NUM> is mounted on the filling head, a fluidic path may be formed between a filling port of the filling head and exterior ports <NUM> of a canister valve that is inserted into interior space <NUM> of filling head adapter <NUM>. When the canister valve is inserted into interior space <NUM>, valve seal <NUM> (e.g., an O-ring as shown, or a sealing disk or other sealing structure) may prevent leakage of gas to a space within interior space <NUM> that is in fluidic contact with plunger <NUM> of the canister valve. Canister limiting structure <NUM> may facilitate proper positioning of gas canister <NUM> and the canister valve within interior space <NUM>. In some cases, canister seal <NUM> (e.g., an O-ring or other type of seal) may prevent or inhibit leakage of gas to the outside of interior space <NUM> between gas canister <NUM> and filling head adapter <NUM>.

When the canister valve is inserted into interior space <NUM> of filling head adapter <NUM>, pressurized gas (e.g., in gaseous or liquefied form) may be released from the canister filling system via a longitudinally oriented filling port. The lateral channel <NUM> of filling head adapter <NUM> may be located so as to be in fluidic connection with the filling port. A seal between lateral channel <NUM> and the filling head, e.g., within sealer groove <NUM>, may prevent or impede leakage or any other flow of the gas other than along lateral channel <NUM>. The released pressurized gas may flow laterally from the filling port along lateral channel <NUM> to one or more longitudinal channels <NUM>, e.g., at one or more ends of lateral channel <NUM>. The pressurized gas may flow into filling head adapter <NUM> via each longitudinal channel <NUM> to a radial channel <NUM>, each of which is oriented radially or otherwise laterally within filling head adapter <NUM>. The pressurized gas may flow laterally inward within each radial channel <NUM> to exterior ports <NUM> of the canister valve. Valve seal <NUM> and canister seal <NUM> may facilitate the flow of pressurized gas from radial channels <NUM> into exterior ports <NUM>.

Indentations <NUM> may facilitate holding of filling head adapter <NUM>, e.g., when mounting to the filling head. Bores <NUM> in indentations <NUM> may also facilitate drilling, machining, or otherwise forming radial channels <NUM>.

In some examples, a tube may form a fluidic connection between the filling port of the filling head to a bore <NUM> of filling head adapter <NUM>.

14D schematically illustrates a canister filling machine incorporating the canister valve adapter shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic side view of the canister filling machine shown in <FIG>.

Canister filling machine <NUM> may be a component of a canister filling system. Canister filling machine <NUM> is configured to fill a gas canister <NUM> whose gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into filling head adapter <NUM> with compressed (e.g., liquefied) gas from a gas source (not shown). For example, canister filling machine <NUM> may be controllable by an automatic (e.g., computerized) control system or a manually. The gas may flow in a controlled manner to filling head adapter <NUM> via filling head <NUM>. For example, filling head <NUM> may include various regulation and control units, such as electrically controllable valves (e.g., solenoid valves), pressure transducers, or other control units. Canister filling machine <NUM> may include monitoring and control components <NUM>, e.g., including a shutoff valve and a mass flow meter.

Canister filling machine <NUM> may include canister-loading assembly <NUM>. In the example shown, canister-loading assembly <NUM> includes a linear conveyor <NUM> that is configured to convey an upright (e.g., substantially vertical with gas canister valve <NUM> oriented upward) gas canister <NUM> to along a linear track to a position below filling head adapter <NUM> and filling head. When gas canister <NUM> is positioned below filling head adapter <NUM>, linear piston <NUM> may lift gas canister <NUM> so that gas canister valve <NUM> is inserted into filling head adapter <NUM>. In other examples, the orientations of at least some components of the canister filling machine and the canister-loading assembly may be inverted. In this case, the loading assembly may be configured to lower an inverted gas canister <NUM> to insert gas canister valve <NUM> into a filling head adapter <NUM> below the gas canister <NUM>. In other examples, gas canister valve may be pushed horizontally or in another orientation into filling head adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a canister valve adapter for placement on canister valve with laterally oriented exterior ports to enable connection of the canister valve to a filling head of a canister filling system. <FIG> is a schematic cross section of the canister valve adapter shown in <FIG>.

Canister valve adapter <NUM> is configured for placement over and attachment to a canister valve that includes laterally oriented exterior ports <NUM>. Canister valve adapter <NUM> may then enable filling of a gas canister <NUM> to which the canister valve is attached by a filling head whose filling port is oriented longitudinally.

In the example shown, canister valve adapter <NUM> is assembled from two components, canister valve fitting <NUM> and filling head fitting <NUM>. In the example shown, canister valve fitting <NUM> and filling head fitting <NUM> are attached to one another by threading <NUM>. Sealing between longitudinal channel <NUM> of filling head fitting <NUM> and lateral channel <NUM> of canister valve fitting <NUM> may be provided by a seal (e.g., O-ring, gasket, or other sealing structure) that is placed within sealer groove <NUM>. In other examples, filling head fitting <NUM> may be attached to canister valve fitting <NUM> by welding or soldering, or by using one or more bolts, screws, pins, clips, adhesives, or other attachment structure. Indentations <NUM> may facilitate assembly or handling during use.

Filling head fitting <NUM> is shaped to enable canister valve adapter <NUM> to fit into a filling head of a canister filling system. For example, at least a distal (to gas canister <NUM>) end of filling head fitting <NUM> may be shaped similarly to a distal end of a canister valve with a longitudinal exterior port at its distal end. When canister valve adapter <NUM> is placed on a canister valve, the distal end of the canister valve may fit within interior space <NUM> within canister valve fitting <NUM>. Valve seal <NUM> (e.g., an O-ring as shown, a sealing disk, or other sealing structure) may prevent leakage of pressurized gas to a space within interior space <NUM> that is in fluidic contact with plunger <NUM> of the canister valve. Canister seal <NUM> may prevent leakage of pressurized gas at the interface between.

Canister valve fitting <NUM> is constructed similarly to filling head adapter <NUM>, as described above. When canister valve adapter <NUM> is inserted into the filling head of a canister filling system, longitudinal channel <NUM> within filling head fitting <NUM> may be in fluidic connection with the filling port of the filling head. Pressurized gas may therefore flow from the filling port, via longitudinal channel <NUM>, to lateral channel <NUM> of canister valve fitting <NUM>. The pressurized gas may flow within canister valve fitting <NUM> via each longitudinal channel <NUM> to a radial channel <NUM>, each of which is oriented radially or otherwise laterally within canister valve fitting <NUM>. The pressurized gas may flow laterally inward within each radial channel <NUM> to the laterally oriented exterior ports <NUM> of the canister valve. Valve seal <NUM> and canister seal <NUM> may facilitate the flow of pressurized gas form radial channels <NUM> into exterior ports <NUM>.

Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus, certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claim 1:
A canister (<NUM>) for connection to a carbonation machine comprising:
a body with an interior to hold a pressurized or liquefied gas for enabling the carbonation machine to carbonate a liquid;
a valve (<NUM>) comprising:
a canister port (<NUM>) facing, and open to, an interior of a gas canister;
at least two exterior ports (<NUM>) that open laterally to a longitudinal axis of the valve for facilitating inflow of the gas into the gas canister and outflow of the gas out of the canister into an annular sealed gap (<NUM>) forming a ring about a lateral surface of the valve, when the valve is connected to a connector for connecting the gas canister to a carbonation machine, from which the gas is directed to a carbonation head for carbonating a liquid in a bottle connected to the carbonation head, when the valve is in an open position, and to prevent the inflow or the outflow when the valve is in a closed position;
a poppet (<NUM>) that is slidable along the longitudinal axis, and wherein changing between the closed position and the open position comprises sliding the poppet along the longitudinal axis from the closed position to the open position;
a resilient restoring structure (<NUM>) configured to apply a restoring force to the poppet to maintain the poppet at the closed position;
a plunger (<NUM>) with an exterior surface that is exposed to the exterior of a body of the valve and configured, when an inward pushing force that overcomes the restoring force is applied to the plunger, to slide the poppet from the closed position to the open position; and
a gasket (<NUM>) configured to fluidically isolate the exterior surface of the plunger from being a path of fluidic flow between the at least one exterior port and the canister port.