Patent Description:
The water-based liquid supply system disclosed comprises the following components:.

<CIT> discloses a liquid supply system for preparing and dispensing water-based liquids having a faucet connected to hot water dispenser, a chiller and a carbonated water dispenser, which are in turn connected to a control unit. The faucet may have a fixed faucet head or a swivel faucet head.

<CIT> discloses a fluid dispensing system having fluid dispenser that is in fluid communication with a source of first fluid. The identification device is used for identifying user of system. The processor is responsive to user identifier to access database to retrieve user data that is indicative of user preferences. The electrical sensors are configured to sense gesture motion from user and generates local input signal. The actuator system is responsive to control signal. The local input signal is used to dispense first fluid from fluid dispenser with predefined characteristic. Control signal is passed to a series of actuatable valves and one or more fluid modifier devices. The valves selectively direct the water through predetermined ones of the fluid modifier devices based on the control signal. Further, the fluid modifier devices selectively modify the components of the fluid based on the control signal.

The present invention relates to water-based liquid supply system, in particular for under-sink installation, for dispatching one or more water-based liquid(s) such as hot water, chilled water and carbonated water (soda), hot and cold beverages carbonated or non-carbonated from at least one countertop faucet, backed by a sophisticated control system platform that works at a few complexity levels, providing indoor and outdoor connectivity to the system. The indoor connectivity interconnects the system devices as well as connects the system devices to smart devices application(s) suitable for smartphone, tablet or alike. The system may be connected to the internet for outdoor connectivity.

The water-based liquid supply may contain liquids at different temperatures, different tastes and different concentrations. This requires separation of the passages from the supply storage to the outlet, while the passages are thermally isolated from the faucet elements, i.e. separating at a first level the drinking water-based supply from the non-drinking water, e.g. used for dishing and washing, and ata second level separating the various types of drinking water-based liquids from each other.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the problems arising from the prior art, and in particular to specify a multiple flow faucet with a rotatable pivoting spout.

<NUM> Prior Art Different carbonation machines, also called soda machines, are designed to provide carbonated water, also called soda or sparkling water, on demand combined with or without chilled water. Some of them are designed to prepare and dispatch a limited quantity of soda suitable to fill a cup or a bottle. Others are designed to prepare the soda in a removable container, or to prepare the soda continually by injecting water and CO<NUM> simultaneously into the carbonation tank. Typically, such systems comprise a high-pressure carbonation tank with gas communication to a carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) cylinder through a pressure regulator in which the pressure to be supplied to the carbonation tank is reduced from approximately <NUM> bar (at about <NUM>) to approximately <NUM> to <NUM> bar. Furthermore, such communication between the CO<NUM> cylinder and the carbonation tank utilizes an on/off valve to open and close the pipe communications between the CO<NUM> cylinder and the carbonation tank for controlling the supply of the CO<NUM>.

Many other soda systems require a motorized pump to pressurize the water supplied to the CO<NUM> tank to high pressure to overcome the pressure of the CO<NUM> gas contained therein or to increase the mixing process efficiency.

The soda machines are further divided into countertop machines and under-sink machines that are designed to fit specific requirements such as minimum size and low noise.

It is known that water must be cooled to a low temperature prior the carbonation process to achieve higher absorption of CO<NUM> gas into the water. Moreover, in order to further increase the absorption of the CO<NUM> gas, a certain pressure level must be controlled in the tank during the mixing process and later on to keep the CO<NUM> from diffusing. For under-sink water systems, it is further required to dispatch the carbonated water while keeping a smooth flow and preventing it from heating on the way out. Otherwise the absorbed CO<NUM> can easily be diffused from the soda water. Moreover, the soda dispatched usually mixes with any liquid present in the pipes and may be affected.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods for providing carbonated water through a typical kitchen faucet. The faucet-integrated carbonation system includes a carbonated water reservoir coupled to a residential or commercial cold-water supply line as well as a CO<NUM> tank, all of which can be mounted under a kitchen countertop or the like. The water held in the reservoir can be carbonated using the CO<NUM> when a user activates a CO<NUM> activation mechanism. The system can further include a carbonated water on/off valve for dispensing carbonated water from the carbonated water reservoir via a waterway with an outlet disposed at the end of the faucet.

<CIT> describes a system and method for providing different levels of carbonated water on demand. The system includes a pressurized chamber to hold at least one of water and carbonated water, a gas canister to dispense carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) regulated by a pressure regulator into the pressurized chamber via a controlled valve, a controller to control the dispensing of the CO<NUM> according to level of carbonation required and a valve to vent excess gas from the pressurized chamber after carbonation.

<CIT> proposes the use of a valve to inject CO<NUM> at regulated pressure, and then reduce the pressure in the carbonation tank before dispatching the beverage. It further comprises a water separator for separating the water drops released together with the gas.

<CIT> relates to a machine for preparing and dispatching either carbonated or non-carbonated beverage at predefined quantity. It presents a similar process for a soda producing method as described in <CIT>.

<CIT> describes a process of preparing carbonated water by injecting CO<NUM> gas to fill the carbonating tank and then inject water at high pressure into the tank using a pump.

<CIT> describes a water dispensing machine comprising a water container which is connected by pump means to a carbonation container adapted to receive a quantity of water from said water container, and a gas container, which is connected to said carbonation container for dispensing gas into the quantity of water contained in said carbonation container via a magnetic valve that controls the CO<NUM> injection, said carbonation container being connected to a dispensing device for dispensing said quantity of water into an external container adapted to be accommodated at said dispensing device.

<NUM> Invention The proposed invented soda machine offers a new construction, new components, and a new processing cycle utilizing non-regulated, very high-pressure injection of CO<NUM> gas (about <NUM> bar at about <NUM>) with new protection securing methods to protect the system from failure, and provide high quality soda, suitable for personal preferences.

The soda machine according to the present invention presents a different process of soda preparation and dispatching for use. The chilled water container is different and connected to the soda container. The soda machine according to the present invention presents methods of preparing soda, which are different from that of the known soda machine.

<NUM> Prior Art Different liquid level sensors are known in the market. Some of them propose sensing the liquid level by using two electrodes, which sense the change of the resistance when fluid fills the gap between them or by measuring the resonance or capacitance, which changes when water or liquid fills the gap between the electrodes. Other known liquid level sensors offer sensing the liquid level by using a floating device that changes height together with the liquid level or optical sensors that sense the water level optically. A few solutions are offered based on piezoelectric devices by detecting the change of resonance of the piezo device when liquid is detected.

<CIT> discloses a water level sensor which includes a reference electrode comprised of a plurality of electrode plates to detect the electric conductivity of the water filling a space between the electrode plates of the reference electrode.

<CIT> proposes to detect the electrostatic change between two electrodes with peripheries to measures the capacitance between the electrodes.

<CIT> proposes to detect the float movement up and down.

<CIT> proposes on the basis of the magnitude of the change of the frequency when there is water at the part of the water level sensor.

<CIT> proposes a liquid level sensor comprising a piezoelectric receiver having two complementary active area segments for capturing ultrasonic signals emitted from a piezoelectric transmitter.

<NUM> Invention The present invention proposes sensing the liquid level by using a sensor which is based on grounded water (possible by grounding the metal tank) and conductive liquid (e.g. drinking water).

The liquid level sensor according to the present invention uses a charged sensor electrode, the electrical characteristics of which changes when liquid touches the sensor.

Many types of UV light water sterilizing units are used in water systems to make them inhospitable environments to microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, molds and other pathogens. Most of these UV light units are positioned a tank where water is stored before use.

<NUM> Invention The sterilizer according to the present invention comprises an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system and uses a method for treating fluids, in particular purified drinking water, with at least one UV light source or lamp that is either positioned inside a water pipe or outside a transparent water pipe. When the UV light source is positioned inside the water pipe or conduit, the UV light is projected into the surrounding water while flowing towards the faucet. When the UV light source is positioned outside the conduit (along the fluid pipe), the UV light source projects the light into the transparent pipe and the fluid to be treated, while flowing along the UV light source.

According to the prior art, additives may be added either by including an additive device with a reservoir and a mixing chamber for receiving a fixed amount of flavor additive allowing providing the mixture of the flavor additive and water. Some systems may use the option of a mixing capsule of fixed amount of additive to be mixed in the water or soda.

<NUM> Invention The water-based liquid supply system according to the present invention includes the option of an enrichment device enriching the water-based supply with a variety of optional, e.g. liquid-based, additives such as flavor, taste, tea, coffee, vitamins, minerals etc. The system may comprise one or more tanks, preferably consumable tanks, containing the additives selection, a precise pump, a pipe connecting the respective tank to the system pipe in communication with the faucet. The pump may be controlled by the system control or alternatively directly operated by a user to dispatch the enrichment required at a controlled amount whenever desired. The system may further include a mechanism to prevent an uncontrolled flow of material.

<NUM> Prior Art There are many control systems and many applications in the market. Some are specifically designed to control any home appliances (IOT - internet of things) as well as to remotely activate home units. Many applications offer limited remote power on/off activation for a boiler or an air-conditioning device or other devices, others offer the option to monitor the appliances with a camera, for example to remotely view the house or the devices, such as the refrigerator or oven contents.

<CIT> discloses a smart controlling method applied to a smart home system for controlling a number of home appliances which may be activated upon detection that a user is approaching the smart home.

<CIT> which is considered to be closest prior art discloses a smart home control system comprising a home control center and a control terminal that can exchange data. A smart home control module and a router module within the home control center can exchange data with each other, and smart home appliances can exchange data with the router module.

<CIT> discloses a control unit specifically for under-sink kitchen appliances. The control unit is located under a kitchen sink. The control unit controls the timing of the power demand from each device and accommodates sensors and other accessories. The communication is performed either wired or wireless.

Furthermore, document <CIT> shall be mentioned. In addition, document <CIT> discloses a fluid modifying system, in which additives may be added to a beverage, comprising a water supply, a faucet, a water filter, a water boiler, a soda machine, a piping system and a control system.

<NUM> Invention The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for operating and controlling a variety of smart kitchen devices operated by an upgradable "smart control unit".

The system may operate in a few optional modes indoor and/or outdoors, e.g. connected to a cloud and possibly supported by other applications.

Summarizing, the present invention relates to a liquid supply system for preparing and dispensing water-based liquids according to claim <NUM>. Specific embodiments are further claimed in the dependent claims. Some possible further features are also discussed in the following:
The liquid supply system can be adapted to prepare and dispense a wide range of different water based liquids such as water at different temperatures from chilled water, or even ice cubes, to boiling water, differently flavored hot and cold beverages, either carbonated or not, soft drinks, coffee, tea, soup and so on. In particular, the water based liquid supply system can be adapted to prepare and dispense a drink on demand at a desired temperature and/or a desired degree of carbonization and/or a desired concentration of an additive or additives, such as flavors, minerals or vitamins. Those additives can be stored in the system in any convenient form, e.g. as liquid and/or powder and/or pill etc..

Preferably, the faucet is a counter-top faucet with an over-sink outlet and several or most of the other components of the liquid supply system except an optional user interface of the communication and control system are under sink components.

In order to prepare special types of liquids, suitable machines, in particular under-sink machines can be provided in the liquid supply system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Furthermore, at least a part of the piping system may be adapted to be drained and/or to be flushed with a cleaning liquid, preferably boiling water, regularly or on demand or at predetermined occasions, such as a change in the kind of water-based liquid selected by the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the piping system comprises a manifold for handling and distributing liquid and/or gas flow in particular for combining liquids from different sources.

Preferably, at least the manifold and those pipes of the piping system connecting the manifold to the faucet are adapted to be drained and/or flushed with a cleaning liquid in order to avoid a contamination of a currently desired kind of water-based liquid with rests of a previously prepared other kind of water-based liquid.

It is also possible to flush the afore-mentioned part of the piping system for example with cold water after dispensing a hot liquid in order to cool down the piping system so that a cold drink ordered after a hot drink is not unintentionally heated by the piping system.

For hygienic reasons, the liquid supply system preferably comprises at least disinfection device, in particular at least one UV sterilizer adapted to sterilize a liquid in a tank or flowing through a pipe by irradiating it with UV light, e.g. between the manifold and the faucet or between a tank and the manifold. Corresponding UV lamps or UV sources can be provided either inside or outside a tank or pipe. In the latter case it is preferred that the tank or pipe is at least locally transparent. The liquid supply system is preferably adapted to control the UV sterilizer in such a manner that the UV source is only turned on when necessary.

As an alternative, the liquid supply system can be adapted to regularly flush at least one liquid container, preferably all liquid containers, and most preferably also the piping system with boiling water from the water boiler.

Furthermore, several components of the liquid supply system, such as the faucet, the water supply, one or several of the additional devices installed in the liquid supply system, the piping system or parts of the piping system, may be smart appliances adapted to communicate with each other and/or with the user and/or the outside world via the communication and control system, wherein the communication and control system may be adapted to be accessed by the user via a local, proprietary control panel and/or via a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer with a suitable mobile app, and wherein the communication and control system may be adapted to be accessed by the user directly and/or via a local hub or via cloud communication through the internet.

Furthermore, the communication and control system may be adapted to monitor the consumption of at least one consumable part of the system such as a water filter and is preferably furthermore adapted to calculate an expected service life of the at least one consumable part taking into consideration the monitored consumption, and preferably at least one other influencing parameter, such as water quality, in particular water hardness, and/or ambient temperature.

Preferably, data, such as the hardness of water at the specific geographical place of the system can be taken into consideration. These data can be inserted into the system either manually by the user or by connecting the system to the internet and retrieving the data from a suitable web site. The consumption of a water filter as a consumable part can, for example, be monitored by monitoring the quantity of water passing through the filter and by taking the hardness of the water at the current position of the system into consideration.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises components, such as tanks or machines, that require operation parameters, e.g. for temperature or concentration control, and the parameter setting can be provided remotely or on demand, optionally taking into consideration additional data, such as the ambient temperature, seasonal conditions, geographic location, climate etc. As explained above, those additional data can be inserted manually or can be retrieved via the internet. Alternatively, the parameter setting can by defined by a suitable algorithm.

Advantageously the communication and control system may adapted to recognize and react to user voice commands. Preferably, the liquid supply system is connectable or connected to an internal audio assistance provider, such as "Tiana", the applicant's internally developed microphone with supporting software that translates voice commands to action. "Tiana" is similar to "amazon echo" and "google home". But while these two external services were developed to fit many applications, Tiana was specifically developed to support the applicant's systems. However, it is also conceivable to adapt the water-based liquid supply system to an external third party audio system, such as "google home" or "amazon echo".

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the voice commands which may be recognized by the communication and control system comprise, in addition to on/off-commands, at least one further command regarding the desired quantity of the liquid to be dispensed and/or the desired type of liquid (e.g. water, soda, coffee,. ) and/or the desired temperature and/or the desired type of additive, e.g. flavor, and/or the desired additive concentration. In short, it is preferred that the user can order his or her desired drink with detailed specifications by voice command.

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may comprise an expandable manifold having at least one exchangeable board, each board comprising at least one ingoing pipe, preferably a plurality of ingoing pipes, and at least one outgoing pipe, preferably a plurality of outgoing pipes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the manifold for handling and distributing liquid and gas flow is expandable, i.e. at least one further exchangeable board may be added to the manifold. In order to allow for easy expandability, the manifold can comprise at least one exchangeable board. In particular, the manifold can comprise a plurality of slots or mounting positions for exchangeable boards.

Furthermore, the manifold may optionally comprise or be connected to consumable parts, such as a CO<NUM>-cylinder and/or a water filter and/or at least one water flavor device and/or at least one disinfection device. Several or all of those consumable parts can optionally be mounted on the exchangeable board(s).

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may comprise a water tank connected to the water main line and adapted to store water at a predetermined temperature, wherein the liquid supply system is adapted to calculate a temperature of water in the water main line based on a quantity of water stored at the predetermined temperature in the water tank at a given time, a quantity of line water additionally filled into the tank and the resulting temperature difference of the water in the water tank.

For example, the water tank can be a water boiler, wherein the temperature of water in the main line is calculated from the temperature drop resulting from filling a defined quantity of water from the main line to a known quantity of boiling water in the boiler.

The water tank can also be a water chiller, wherein the temperature of water in the main line is calculated from the temperature rise resulting from filling a defined quantity of water from the main line to a known quantity of chilled water in the water chiller.

Furthermore in order to provide water at a desired temperature, the system can be adapted to mix water from at least two water tanks storing water at different temperatures in suitable proportions.

According to a further embodiment, the faucet may comprise at least two internal conduits, preferably coaxial internal conduits, the internal conduits being separated, and preferably also thermally insulated, from each other. This is especially advantageous when the water main line carries water that is not suitable for drinking without further measures such as filtering and/or sterilizing and/or boiling. In this manner, drinkable liquids can be safely separated from the non-purified main line water.

Preferably, the faucet comprises at least two coaxial conduits. Therein, the inner conduit can for example be adapted to carry drinkable liquids, whereas the outer conduit can be adapted to carry water from the water main line for other purposes than drinking, e.g. washing and dishing.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner conduit can be divided into at least two separate ducts adapted to carry different kinds of drinkable liquids in order to avoid any cross contamination, the at least two separate ducts being optionally also thermally insulated from each other, preferably from the entry point to the outlet of the faucet. These at least two separate ducts can preferably also be provided coaxially to each other and more preferably still also to the outer conduit.

Providing separate conduits or ducts that are arranged coaxially is especially advantageous for a faucet with a swiveling spout. In particular, the cross section of each of the separate coaxially arranged conduits or ducts can be circular at least in the end region in which the swiveling spout is connected to a fixed part of the faucet. With this arrangement, the spout can be swiveled without putting a strain on the internal conduits.

However, as an alternative, a flexible pipe, preferably a flexible pipe for each internal conduit or duct can be inserted in the spout or part of it in order to connect the internal conduit or duct in the spout with a pipe, conduit or duct extending in the faucet base, the flexible pipe being suitable to being twisted in order to prevent damage when the spout is swiveled.

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may be adapted to prepare a predetermined number of different kinds of water-based liquids, each of these different kinds of water-based liquids being associated with a specific predetermined indication, e.g. with a specific predetermined color, and wherein the liquid supply system, preferably the faucet, comprises a display device adapted to display the specific predetermined indication associated with the kind of water-based liquid that is currently being selected, prepared or dispensed.

Here, different kinds of water-based liquids are water-based liquids which are different from each other in at least one of the following qualities: temperature or temperature range, type of additive and additive concentration or concentration range, in particular CO<NUM> concentration.

Preferably, the system may also comprise a selector device that is mechanically adjustable, preferably rotatable, in predefined steps between different positions in order to select one of the predetermined number of different kinds of water-based liquids. Furthermore, the system can comprise a detector device for detecting the current position of the selector device.

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may comprise a selector knob for selecting the desired kind of water-based liquid, the selector knob comprising an outer shell being adapted for, preferably bidirectional, rotation around an axis in predefined steps with respect to a fixed part, e.g. of the faucet, a reflecting element provided on one part, namely the outer shell or the fixed part, an illuminating element provided on the respective other part, namely the fixed part or the outer shell, and adapted to illuminate the reflecting element, and an optical sensor device provided on the respective other part, and adapted to detect the intensity of light reflected from the reflecting element so that a rotation of the outer shell by one step is detected by a change of the intensity of light reflected from the reflecting element.

The reflecting element may be a reflector ring or a reflector disk divided in n sectors of equal form and size having alternatingly high and low reflectivity, n being a natural even number, and each sector covering an circumferential angle of <NUM>°/n around the axis, and wherein the sensor device comprises two sensor elements arranged in a circumferential distance of <NUM>°/n.

In this manner, the rotational direction and the current position of the selector knob may be detected. Furthermore, as not the change in reflectivity is detected but the reflectivity is detected after a one step rotation of the selector knob has been completed, slower sensors can be used.

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may comprise a soda machine adapted to carbonize water from the water supply to a predetermined CO<NUM> concentration, the soda machine comprising a CO<NUM> container containing CO<NUM> at a CO<NUM> container pressure, e.g. a pressure of <NUM> bar at about <NUM>, a soda tank connected to the water supply and to the CO<NUM> container, the connection between the CO<NUM> container and the soda tank being free of a pressure reducer or valve, a CO<NUM> release mechanism for releasing and injecting CO<NUM> gas from the CO<NUM> container directly into the soda tank through a nozzle located in the soda tank, and a check valve installed in the line connecting the CO<NUM> container and the soda tank and preventing CO<NUM> gas or soda water from flowing back from the soda tank to the CO<NUM> container.

Releasing and injecting the non-regulated CO<NUM> gas from the container at high pressure directly through the nozzle into the soda tank results in turbulence thus achieving an efficient mixing of the CO<NUM> gas in the water. The check valve keeps the pressure in the soda tank high and prevents leakage of gas or soda water when the CO<NUM> container is disconnected, e.g. for replacement purposes.

The water supply may comprise a separate tank for storing chilled water, the soda tank in one embodiment being partially submerged in the separate tank, and wherein the soda tank and the separate water supply tank may each be provided with cooling coils for direct cooling.

Furthermore, the soda machine may comprise an auxiliary CO<NUM> circulation system comprising an expansion tank, a pipe connecting the expansion tank to the soda tank via a pressure relief valve that opens when the pressure in the soda tank and the pipe exceeds a preset pressure and a further pipe connecting the expansion tank to the soda tank via a one-directional valve blocking a flow of CO<NUM> gas and water or water droplets from the soda tank to the expansion tank.

Furthermore, the CO<NUM> release mechanism may comprise a gap reducing mechanism adapted to reduce a backlash between components of the CO<NUM> release mechanism and the CO<NUM> container due to accumulated engineering tolerances of these components and/or due to changes in the mounting position of the CO<NUM> container when the CO<NUM> container is exchanged.

Furthermore, the CO<NUM> release mechanism may comprise a lever mechanism for opening the CO<NUM> container against the closing force of a container closing valve, and an actuator with a movable actuator part adapted to move between an activated position and a non-activated position. Advantageously a maximum restoring force of the spring is smaller than the closing force of the container closing valve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the movable actuator part may comprise a main part and an additional part that is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the main part in different mounting positions, e.g. via a threaded joint, wherein the spring is coupled to the additional part. Preferably, the at least one clamping element, e.g. a plurality of clamping jaws, is coupled to the main part of the movable actuator part.

Furthermore, the liquid supply system may comprise a liquid level sensor unit provided in a water tank, said water tank being made from a conductive material and being connected to ground, the liquid level sensor unit comprising a power supply providing a predetermined voltage, a conductive sensor tip provided at a predetermined height over a bottom of the water tank, the sensor tip being electrically connected to the power supply via a resistor, and a device for detecting a voltage at a predetermined point between the resistor and the sensor tip.

When a conductive liquid, e.g. as normal line water including a given concentration of ionic impurities, is filled into the water tank, the supply system is adapted to detect that the liquid has reached the conducting sensor tip by a voltage drop occurring at the predetermined point between the resistor and the sensor tip.

The present invention relates to a water-based liquid supply system, preferably a drinkable tap water-based liquid supply system, in particular in under-sink arrangement. The system may comprise a few or all of the following components, namely a faucet, a manifold, a control unit carrying out at least one software application, a water sterilizing system, and a wide variety of optional water-based supply reservoirs such as for boiling water, for hot water, for cold water, for soda water, flavor liquid tanks, "healthy liquids" reservoirs including healthy ingredients such as minerals, vitamins and others. The system may dispatch each of the selected liquids, but also a mix of the selected liquids, at a selected temperature and/or a selected concentration. For example, a mixture of soda and water for controlling the soda strength or a mixture of water and/or soda with optional liquid storages, such as flavor(s), vitamins, minerals or alike may be dispatched at a controlled concentration and temperature.

Furthermore, the afore-mentioned water-based liquid supply system, including in particular all of its afore-mentioned components, may be controlled by an advanced control system.

The water-based liquid supply system may be operated by an attached controller or a remote controller, and can be upgraded to higher levels of connectivity and operation by adding a local hub, a portable control unit, corresponding software applications, a connection to a cloud and add other additional features.

The water-based liquid supply system further allows direct user intervention, e.g. for controlling the dispatching process. For example, the user may desire to change the soda preparation process, e.g. by injecting CO<NUM>, thus controlling the pressure in the soda tank, to control the soda flow rate and/or strength while dispatching the soda.

Furthermore, the water-based liquid supply system will allow to drain the faucet pipe from the liquid used recently whenever required, to avoid the mixing of two different liquids dispatched one after the other, for example when cold water or chilled water is required after using boiling water or when dispatching plain water after flavored water was used.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the components of a water-based liquid supply system as an example of the present invention.

According to <FIG>, the water-based liquid supply system generally designated <NUM> comprises under-sink tanks <NUM> and machines <NUM>, which are connected to a manifold <NUM> by pipes <NUM>, <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> may contain consumable parts such as a water filter, a CO<NUM> canister and safety elements, like a safety group. The manifold <NUM> is connected to the faucet <NUM> by a pipe <NUM>. A sterilizer <NUM> the operation of which is based on UV light that screens the water flow in the pipe <NUM> is optionally installed on the pipe line <NUM> after the manifold <NUM>.

A pipe <NUM> branching off from the pipe <NUM> between the manifold <NUM> and the sterilizer <NUM> and including a solenoid valve <NUM> connects the pipe <NUM> to the drain <NUM> whenever required. For example, when the liquid selected to dispatch is different from the liquid previously selected, valve <NUM> opens and the liquid remaining in pipe <NUM> is drained by gravity (or optionally by a pump).

A pipe <NUM> connects between the pipe <NUM> and an additive liquid tank <NUM>. A pump <NUM> is positioned on pipe <NUM> to inject the additive component into pipe <NUM> while the water-based liquid is consumed. Such an additive ingredient may be added for influencing the flavor of the liquid (flavor syrup) or for adding minerals, vitamins, coffee grains mix, soup or any other type. The system may contain one or more liquid additive tanks <NUM> for widening the mixing options.

Pipes <NUM> and <NUM> are connecting the water line (hot and cold) to the faucet <NUM>. The faucet base <NUM> is attached to the countertop <NUM>. It comprises a light emitting element <NUM> to indicate the type of water-based liquid dispatched. The faucet <NUM> further comprises a spout <NUM> connected to the fixed faucet base <NUM> and an aerator <NUM>.

In the following, the water-based liquid supply system <NUM> according to the present invention and its components will be explained in more detail.

<FIG> shows a more detailed view of a faucet <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the present claims. The faucet <NUM> is suitable for isolating the different liquids dispatched therefrom, minimizing the heat and/or taste transfer between the various types of liquids dispatched. An isolating pipe <NUM> is inserted into the faucet <NUM> all the way from the inlet <NUM> of the faucet to the outlet <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> inserted into the spout <NUM> may be internally divided in order to increase the number of conduits for better differentiation between the liquids dispatched.

The faucet <NUM> comprises a base unit <NUM> fixed to the countertop <NUM> by a nut <NUM> and a base shoulder <NUM>. The swivel spout <NUM> is connected to the fixed base <NUM> and comprises an aerator <NUM>. The internal conduit comprises an inlet pipe <NUM>, which is connected to a further pipe <NUM> by an adapter <NUM>, said adapter <NUM> and said further pipe <NUM> being designed to hold the drinking liquid and separate it from the line water.

The faucet <NUM> may include one or two knobs. In the embodiment of <FIG>, two knobs are present, namely knob <NUM> for controlling the line water (e.g. non-purified water from the main) and knob <NUM> for selecting the type of liquid and dispatch it.

Knob <NUM> has a light indicator <NUM> indicating the type of liquid chosen and signaling it by changing between a plurality of at least two colors. The light changes when the knob <NUM> is turned. Alternatively or additionally, the knob <NUM> and/or the entire system <NUM> may provide an audio signal in response to a change in selection. The light indicator <NUM> may be a built-in light indicator or may be located on the fixed faucet base <NUM>. According to the present invention, knob <NUM> may be referred to as an "electrical knob" or "e-knob".

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of an e-knob <NUM>. The e-knob <NUM> according to the present invention may perform a bidirectional rotational movement around axis A as indicated by double-arrow P1 as well as a bidirectional axial movement as indicated by double-arrow P2, the rotational movement serving for selecting the type of liquid to be dispatched and the axial movement serving for dispatching the selected liquid.

When turning the outer shell <NUM> of e-knob <NUM>, an internal reflecting element <NUM> is rotated together with the outer shell <NUM> and changes the intensity of the light reflected from its surface. The reflecting element <NUM> may be provided as a reflecting ring, but preferably is provided as a reflecting disc. Light emitted by an LEDs <NUM> positioned on a printed circuit board <NUM> illuminate the rotating reflecting element <NUM>. Optical sensors <NUM> on the printed circuit board <NUM> detect the light reflected from the reflecting element <NUM>, and sense the change of the intensity of the reflected light when the reflecting element <NUM> is turned.

A step mechanism <NUM> including a step element <NUM> biased by a spring <NUM> mechanically divides the circumferential rotation of e-knob <NUM> into a predetermined number of steps, e.g. twelve steps, which may be clearly differentiated from each other by an user. Each step of rotation results in a change of the color displayed on the faucet light ring <NUM> in a predefined sequence representing the available types of liquids. When the desired liquid's color is displayed, an axial movement of the e-knob <NUM> will result in dispatching the selected liquid.

The rotation of the reflecting element <NUM> is synchronized with the circumferential steps of the e-knob <NUM>. Each step of the e-knob <NUM> results in a change of the reflection sensed by at least one of the sensors <NUM> on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The arrangement of the sectors on the reflecting element <NUM> and the position of the LEDs <NUM> result in a change of the reflected beam sensed by the sensors <NUM>, which in turn results in a change of the signal sent to the e-knob's control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> analyzes the direction of rotation of the e-knob <NUM> and the number of steps. Each of the steps results in a change of the selected liquid, and is presented to the user by the light color displayed, for example on the light ring <NUM> of the faucet <NUM>.

An axial movement of the e-knob <NUM> will move a pin <NUM> towards a detector <NUM> placed on the printed circuit board <NUM> and will result in dispatching the type of liquid presented on the light ring <NUM>.

In the following the operation of e-knob <NUM> and the interpretation of the signals output from optical sensors <NUM> by the control unit <NUM> will be discussed in more detail referring to <FIG>.

In order to allow the detection of twelve steps per full rotation of the e-knob <NUM> around axis A, the reflecting element <NUM> is divided into six sectors having alternating high and low reflectivity. In <FIG>, a sector of high reflectivity is indicated by white color, whereas a sector of low reflectivity is indicated by black color. Two optical sensors 178a and 178b are located in close vicinity to the reflecting element <NUM>. As each sector covers a circumferential angle of <NUM>°, i.e. <NUM>° divided by half of the number of steps, the two optical sensors 178a and 178b have a circumferential distance of <NUM>°, i.e. half of the circumferential range covered by one sector. Furthermore, in a starting position shown in <FIG>, the two sensors 178a and 178b are located over one and the same sector having a circumferential distance from the edges of this sector of <NUM>°, i.e. a quarter of the circumferential range covered by the sector. Accordingly, both optical sensors 178a and 178b output a high-level signal to the control unit <NUM>.

Refer now to <FIG>. Turning the outer shell <NUM> by one step, i.e. turning the reflecting element <NUM> by <NUM>°, results in the sensor 178b being positioned over a black sector, while sensor 178a remains over the white sector. As a consequence, optical sensor 178a continues to output a high-level signal to the control unit <NUM>, whereas optical sensor 178a now outputs a low-level signal to the control unit <NUM>. Accordingly, a change from same level output to different level output signals a one step rotation.

Referring to <FIG>, the outer shell <NUM> has been rotated again in the same direction by one step, i.e. by <NUM>°. Now, both optical sensors are located over a black area, and both send low-level signals to the control unit <NUM>.

The afore-described arrangement furthermore allows detecting the direction of rotation. When starting from an equal-level situation, i.e. a high level-high level situation (HH) or a low level-low level situation (LL), the first level indication referring to sensor 178a and the second level indication referring to sensor 178b, a change of the signal level of sensor 178b indicates a clockwise turn (. -HH - HL - LL - LH - HH -. ), as in the afore-described example, whereas a change of the signal level of sensor 178a indicates a counter-clockwise turn (. - HH - LH - LL - HL - HH -. And when starting from a differing-level situation, i.e. a high level-low level situation (HL) or a low level-high level situation (LH), sensor 178b maintaining its signal level indicates a clockwise turn, as in the afore-described example, whereas sensor 178a maintaining its signal level indicates a counter-clockwise turn.

The detection method according to the present invention is different from standard rotation detection methods. While the standard methods detect intensity changes while the reflecting element moves from one sector to another section, i.e. detects the signal transition, the method according to the present invention detects the sector where the LEDs and the sensors are positioned after it has been made sure by the step mechanism <NUM> that the new sector has been reached, i.e. detects the signal in its steady state. As a consequence, slower sensors may be used.

In addition, it should be noted that the division into twelve equal steps by providing three areas of high reflectivity and three areas of low reflectivity as well as two sensor units, is used by way of example only. Other divisions might be used as well.

The separation of the different liquids dispatched in the spout is achieved by inserting a plurality of pipes into the faucet spout <NUM>. However, this option is practically limited and difficult to implement. The faucet spout <NUM> must be kept free for swiveling and the tubes inside may be twisted and damaged. Furthermore, the sealing of the pipes may be challenging. The invented faucet proposes the solution of one pipe divided internally to allow separate flow of different liquids.

The faucet <NUM> includes an aerator142 attached at the tip of the faucet <NUM>, which is specially adopted to the water-based liquid supply system which may provide a wide range of water-based liquids having differing properties. The faucet aerator <NUM> allows maintaining a suitable liquid stream when the liquid is line water (hot and cold), on one hand, or drinking water such as hot or boiling water or soda, on the other hand. Prior art aerators, for example, create a non-splashing stream, shaping the water stream to be centered, and delivering a mixture of water and air. The aerator <NUM> according to the present invention is designed to create a specifically required stream shape for various water-based liquids such as soda or boiling water, while keeping the line water flowing in another stream shape. Soda (carbonated water, or seltzer) contains CO<NUM> gas. Direct splash onto the bottom of the receiving vessel may cause a turbulent flow resulting in CO<NUM> diffusion from the soda or even jumping out of the vessel. Boiling water is provided from a boiler tank that might be under high pressure caused by the water steam in the tank and may result in jumping out of the vessel if directed to the bottom of the receiving vessel.

The aerator <NUM> according to the invention directs the drinking liquid like the soda stream and the boiling water to the vessel spread towards the vessel walls without crossing any obstacle such as a mesh or small plastic halls while flowing into the receiving vessel accumulating the liquid dispatched. Spreading the stream will also slow the liquid velocity and reduce the impact of hitting the bottom of the vessel.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a carbonation machine <NUM>, also called soda machine <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the present claims.

The carbonation machine is proposed for preparing, storing and dispatching soda from an internal permanent vessel to be consumed whenever required. The soda is delivered at a required condition and concentration by controlling the soda preparation process parameters, and optionally mixing it with chilled water or other additive(s) while consuming.

The soda machine may be integrated in the water-based liquid supply system, and optionally include smart control, including short-distance communication capability, such as Bluetooth®, and long-distance communication capability, such as Wi-Fi® connectivity to the internet. The soda machine may be operated either directly using an attached control unit or via a smart device application.

The wide soda preparation options, including parameters setting, operation cycles, pressure and mixture control, allows various soda strength levels and mixing possibilities with chilled water or other ingredients, provides a new way for full flexibility controlled by the user. For example, the user may decide on the soda strength on each portion dispatched by mixing water (or chilled water) to existing stored soda in order to reduce the soda strength or define the amount of soda to be consumed. The proposed process of mixing the soda with water while consuming increases the soda volume available at one preparation cycle.

The soda machine may include a pressure sensor, used e.g. in the context of alerting for CO<NUM> canister or CO<NUM> cylinder replacement, and provides input on the soda on preparation process or the stored pressure.

It is anticipated that the CO<NUM> gas may leak at a certain time from the tank. To maintain the soda stored in the tank at a desired pressure, CO<NUM> gas may be periodically injected. A pressure sensor connected to the soda container may detect the pressure in the soda tank in order to allow for a pressure alert being output.

An optional auxiliary tank may be connected to the soda tank for absorbing excess CO<NUM> gas injected to the soda tank, and returning it to the carbonation tank. A pressure relief safety valve may be used for controlling the pressure in the auxiliary tank, in addition or as an alternative to other safety measures used for controlling the pressure in the CO<NUM> tank.

The use of the auxiliary tank in the secondary cycle provides few advantages such as:.

The soda machine comprises a newly invented liquid level sensor for detecting the water level in the tank.

The soda machine is optionally combined to a water tank. Both tanks may be cooled. A newly invented method called "twin cooling cycle" maintains the desired temperature in each of the tanks.

The system is controlled by one or more of the options described and including among others: A dedicated controller, software applications for smart devices and Wi-Fi® for indoor and outdoor communication. The software applications are designed to follow the system's performance, control it and detect possible failure remotely. The use of consumable parts is followed up and a replacement/end of lifetime alert is provided on time. The unit may also be operated by voice commands, either directly or via a voice assistance device. The proposed process of soda preparation may be controlled by the control unit. However, a manual interruption option is available in order to manually override the electrical control of the unit.

The carbonation tank <NUM> shown in <FIG> is designed to mix water, preferably at low temperature, with CO<NUM> gas. When a user operates the soda machine <NUM>, valve <NUM> on pipe <NUM> opens and water flows into the tank <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> may be connected to the main water line or to a tank of chilled water. To keep the flow fluent and prevent a pressure increase in the tank <NUM> while supplying the water, relief valve <NUM> may be opened to release the air replaced by water flowing in. When the water reaches an upper level the upper level sensor <NUM> detects the water and sends a signal to the control unit to stop the flow of water into the tank <NUM> by closing valve <NUM>. Then, the relief valve <NUM> is closed, and CO<NUM> gas is injected into the pressure vessel <NUM>. The CO<NUM> is injected at high pressure for efficient mixing of the gas in the water.

Alternatively, the system may be designed to work without water level sensors, e.g. when the sensors are damaged or not assembled. When the upper level sensor <NUM> is not active, the water flow into the tank <NUM> may be controlled by a timer.

When too much water flows into the tank <NUM>, it flows out through the relief pipe <NUM> while valve <NUM> remains open. The inlet of relief pipe <NUM> is positioned at a certain level below the upper ceiling of tank <NUM> in order to create a gas trap space <NUM> at the top of the tank <NUM>, i.e. between the inlet of pipe <NUM> and the top of the tank <NUM>.

The gas trap space <NUM> is required for the soda preparation process. The CO<NUM> gas is injected into the water, a part of it being dissolved in the water, while another part of the CO<NUM> is accumulated above the water level in the gas trap space <NUM>. A pressure relief valve <NUM> connected to the tank <NUM> by pipe <NUM> limits the pressure in the tank.

A gas nozzle <NUM> connected to the CO<NUM> canister via a pipe <NUM> is positioned at the top of the carbonating tank <NUM>. For injecting the CO<NUM> into the water, when water fills the soda container <NUM>, the CO<NUM> is injected directly from the CO<NUM> cylinder at a very high pressure held in the CO<NUM> tank (about <NUM> bar). When soda is ready for use valve <NUM> is opened and the soda is forced to flow out of the tank <NUM> by the pressure in the tank <NUM> via pipe <NUM>. The entrance of pipe <NUM> is located at the bottom of the tank <NUM>. When the soda level reaches the lower level sensor <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> sends a signal to the controller <NUM> to have the tank <NUM> refilled with water. When the sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are out of work or not installed, the machine controller <NUM> calculates the accumulated soda consumption and, when it reaches the amount equal to the tank volume, the control unit opens valve <NUM> to refill the tank <NUM>. A one direction valve <NUM>, e.g. constructed as a check valve, is positioned on the pipe <NUM> to prevent backflow, when the pressure in the tank <NUM> is above the line pressure.

A pressure sensor <NUM> assembled in a pipe communicating with tank <NUM>, for example pipe <NUM>, detects the pressure in the tank <NUM>. One reason is to maintain the pressure and the flow of the soda out of the tank <NUM> constant. The sensor <NUM> may regulate the CO<NUM> injection to the level required and maintain the internal pressure, in case gas should leak out. When injection of the CO<NUM> does not result in an increase of the pressure in the tank <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> outputs an alert for need to replace the empty CO<NUM> canister. The pressure sensor <NUM> is used as additional safety device to limit the pressure in the tank <NUM> in parallel to the mechanical safety pressure relief valve <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example including a combination of the soda tank <NUM> with a water tank <NUM>.

The soda tank <NUM> may optionally be merged into a supply tank <NUM> for chilled water built to provide chilled water for consumption or for filling the CO<NUM> container.

The water container <NUM> partially surrounds the soda container <NUM> exposing the upper part thereof for optional direct cooling.

The water tank <NUM> includes a water inlet pipe <NUM> connected to the main water line (preferred filtered). An outlet pipe <NUM> with a valve <NUM> serves as an outlet for water to be consumed. Again the pipe <NUM> with a valve <NUM> connects the water tank <NUM> to the soda tank <NUM> for supplying water to the carbonating tank <NUM> whenever valve <NUM> opens. The main water line fills the water tank <NUM> whenever water is consumed due to one of the valves <NUM> or <NUM> being opened.

The two tanks <NUM> and <NUM> are simultaneously cooled by a refrigeration unit (not shown in <FIG>). Soda is mixed most efficiently at a low temperature, for example <NUM>, while cold water is preferably consumed at a higher temperature, for example <NUM>. In order to satisfy the different temperature requirements of the two tanks <NUM> and <NUM>, the refrigeration unit allows cooling the two tanks at different cooling rates. The cooling power for each of the tanks <NUM> and <NUM> may be controlled in various alternative ways, for example by utilizing different numbers and/or different lengths of coils of the cooling system wrapping each of the tanks <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this arrangement water tank <NUM> is connected to the main water line (preferred filtered) directly via inlet pipe <NUM> keeping the pressure in the water tank <NUM> at the main water line pressure. The water tank <NUM> is filled whenever water from the tank is required to be consumed or to fill the soda tank <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> has two optional outlets. Outlet pipe <NUM> is connected to the faucet <NUM> controlled by valve <NUM>. When valve <NUM> opens, water flows from the water tank <NUM> out to the faucet <NUM>. Moreover, pipe <NUM> connects the water container <NUM> with the soda container <NUM>. Whenever valve <NUM> positioned on pipe <NUM> opens, water flows into the carbonation tank <NUM> and fills it up, while the afore-mentioned air relief valve <NUM> is kept open to prevent a pressure rise in the tank <NUM>, thus eliminating the need for an on/off valve or a pressure regulator.

The CO<NUM> gas is injected via a pipe <NUM> and nozzle <NUM> (see <FIG>). The direct injection of CO<NUM> into the water in the carbonating tank <NUM> results in a high turbulence stream with high efficiency of gas mixing, one direction flow control unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) positioned on pipe <NUM> prevents the CO<NUM> gas or soda water from flowing back from the carbonation container <NUM> towards the CO<NUM> container <NUM> (see <FIG>), e.g. when the CO<NUM> container <NUM> is released for replacement. The pressure relief valve <NUM> located on pipe <NUM> accordingly secures that the maximum pressure in the tank doesn't exceed the pressure relief setup. A pressure sensor on the pipe senses the pressure when injecting CO<NUM> to the tank and, if pressure during injection is low, it sends a signal to the control unit <NUM> to indicate that the CO<NUM> container <NUM> needs to be replaced. However, if the pressure in the tank <NUM> exceeds the maximum set pressure, the sensor sends a signal to the control unit <NUM> to stop the injection of the gas. This arrangement of pressure detection by sensor and relief valve, both optionally located in the manifold still to be described) is required due to the high pressure in the CO<NUM> tank <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows the CO<NUM> gas canister <NUM>, also referred to as CO<NUM> container, which is connected to the carbonation tank <NUM> via pipe <NUM>. A solenoid actuator <NUM> pushes the lever <NUM> and presses the canister paintball <NUM> to release the CO<NUM> gas from canister <NUM> at high pressure and to inject it to the soda tank <NUM>. One direction valve <NUM> (see <FIG>) prevents the gas from flowing back when replacing an empty canister <NUM>.

<FIG> show details of one possible example of the CO<NUM> release mechanism <NUM> for releasing CO<NUM> at high pressure from the canister <NUM> before (<FIG>) and during (<FIG>) releasing the gas.

<FIG> shows the CO<NUM> release mechanism <NUM> before the lever <NUM> is pressed. When the lever <NUM> is pushed down (<FIG>), the lever <NUM> presses the guide pin <NUM> down pressing the paintball <NUM> of CO<NUM> canister <NUM> and releasing CO<NUM> gas stream (illustrated by arrow P3). The one direction valve <NUM> (see <FIG>) located along the pipe <NUM> prevents the CO<NUM> from return back to the CO<NUM> release mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a magazine <NUM> including a plurality of CO<NUM> canisters <NUM> each being equipped with a CO<NUM> release mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. The multi-canister magazine of <FIG> allows reducing the maintenance intervals needed for cylinder replacement. The system controller <NUM> may provide a message to inform the user about the remaining un-used CO<NUM> containers <NUM> in the magazine <NUM>. When only one unused CO<NUM> canister <NUM> is left, the system controller <NUM> sends an alert to the user and optionally to a service provider to prepare a new set of canisters <NUM> to refill the magazine <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional auxiliary CO<NUM> cycle <NUM> connected to the soda tank <NUM>. The auxiliary cycle <NUM> comprises a pipe <NUM> connecting between the carbonation tank <NUM> and expansion tank <NUM>. When the pressure in the carbonation tank <NUM> and the pipe <NUM> exceeds the pressure p1 set in the relief valve <NUM> (connected to the pipe <NUM>), the pressure relief valve <NUM> opens and releases CO<NUM> gas possibly mixed with water drops from the carbonation tank <NUM> into the expansion tank <NUM> until the pressure in tank <NUM> and the pressure p1 set on the relief valve <NUM> exceed the pressure in the carbonation tank <NUM>.

When the pressure in the tank <NUM> is above the pressure in the carbonation tank <NUM> (for example due to the soda consumption or leakage in the system), the CO<NUM> and water drops accumulated in the tank <NUM> flow back to the carbonation tank <NUM> through pipe <NUM> and one-directional valve <NUM> balancing the pressure between tank <NUM> and the carbonation tank <NUM>. The pressure relief valve <NUM> prevents the flow to the carbonation tank <NUM> through pipe <NUM>.

A noise reduction element may optionally be added for reducing the noise level when the CO<NUM> gas and water drops flow into the expansion tank <NUM>. The one-directional flow valve <NUM>, optionally constructed as a check valve, on pipe <NUM> prevents the flow of CO<NUM> gas, soda and water backward from the carbonation tank <NUM> into the expansion tank <NUM> through pipe <NUM>. A second pressure valve <NUM> may be connected to the entry of the auxiliary device <NUM>. It may be set to a pressure p2 higher than the pressure p1 to prevent the pressure in the CO<NUM> tank and auxiliary device <NUM> from exceeding the pressure p2.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the combined soda and chiller system <NUM> including an optional arrangement of the two-level cooling system <NUM> with the carbonation tank <NUM> semi-merged in water chilling tank <NUM>. Coil pipes <NUM> of the cooling system cool the soda tank <NUM> directly, and pipes <NUM> of the cooling system cool the water tank <NUM>. The direct cooling of the soda tank <NUM> also accelerates the cooling of the water tank <NUM> that is now cooled from both sides, namely its external wall and its internal wall, thus minimizing the temperature gradient along the tank radius.

The cooling simultaneously cools the two separate containers, i.e. the water chiller container <NUM> and the carbonation container <NUM>. An adequate amount of cooling is provided to each of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM>. Temperature sensors and microcontroller may be arranged to detect the temperature on each tank <NUM>, <NUM>, thus enabling the system to reach optimal temperatures.

Although the example shown presents cooling of two separate tanks, the concept could be used for further purposes as well, for example the cooling water tank <NUM> and an ice tank etc..

<FIG> shows details of the multi-cooling cycle <NUM>. The refrigerant flows from the compressor <NUM> which rises the refrigerant pressure to the condenser <NUM> where it condenses from vapor to liquid, while releasing heat to the surrounding. Then the refrigerant goes through the expansion valve <NUM>, which causes the refrigerant to experience a pressure drop. Then the refrigerant goes to the "evaporator", i.e. the cooling coil pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, and draws the heat from the tanks <NUM> and <NUM> while vaporizing the refrigerant. The vaporized refrigerant returns to the compressor to restart the cycle.

Thus, an adequate amount of cooling is provided to each of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>. It may be generated by either designing proper cooling pipe lengths for each of the containers to draw the adequate heat amount from each of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, or by any alternative design arrangement.

<FIG> illustrate an gap control mechanism <NUM> for excluding any gap possibly existing in the CO<NUM> injection device.

The soda machine <NUM> requires the injection of CO<NUM> from the CO<NUM> canister <NUM> to the carbonation tank <NUM>. The pressure in the CO<NUM> canister <NUM> is high and therefore the power required for pushing the paintball <NUM> and release the CO<NUM> is very strong. To reduce the power required from the solenoid <NUM>, in order to reduce the solenoid size and the current required, a lever <NUM> may be used. However, the use of the lever <NUM> increases the required solenoid stroke. In addition to this effective stroke required for pushing the paintball <NUM> from its closed position to its opened position, there also is an ineffective stroke for closing the free gap between the solenoid <NUM>, the lever <NUM> and the paintball <NUM>, this gap being due to tolerances accumulated such as changing locations of the CO<NUM> canister <NUM> when replacing a used canister with a new one, paintball <NUM> height in the different CO<NUM> canisters <NUM>, and the mechanism connecting the two parts.

The gap control mechanism <NUM> closes the gaps between the mechanical structure parts between the solenoid <NUM> and the paintball <NUM> whenever the solenoid <NUM> is not activated, for example, when replacing a used CO<NUM> canister <NUM> by a new one.

<FIG> show the gap control mechanism <NUM> in two positions "non-activated" (<FIG>) and "activated" (<FIG>).

When the solenoid coil <NUM>, which is held by a frame <NUM>, is not activated, solenoid pin core <NUM> is pushed back (i.e. to the right in <FIG>) by the closing force of the CO<NUM> paintball <NUM> pin which is transferred to the solenoid pin core <NUM> via the lever <NUM> and the spring <NUM>. Should the CO<NUM> paintball <NUM> pin be closed, before the solenoid pin core <NUM> has reached its end position, the spring <NUM> further expands opening the clamping jaws <NUM> which are pivotably connected to solenoid pin core <NUM>, thus releasing pin <NUM> which is articulated at the end of the lever <NUM>. It should be noted that the force of the spring <NUM> is smaller than the closing force of the CO<NUM> paintball <NUM> pin.

When the solenoid coil <NUM> is activated, the solenoid core pin <NUM> moves forward (i.e. to the left in <FIG>) and pushes the clamping jaws <NUM> into clamping engagement with the pin <NUM> in order to move the pin <NUM> together with solenoid pin core <NUM>. Pin <NUM> pushes the lever arm <NUM>, which in turn presses the paintball <NUM> in order to release the CO<NUM> gas.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the liquid level sensor unit <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the present claims.

<FIG> show the arrangement of the liquid level sensor <NUM> in a situation, in which the liquid level is below the sensor height h (<FIG>), and in a situation, in which the liquid level is above the sensor height h (<FIG>) such that the liquid is in contact with the sensor tip. And <FIG> show the equivalent electrical circuits corresponding to <FIG>, respectively.

The liquid level sensors <NUM>, <NUM> of the liquid sensor unit <NUM> are detecting the liquid height level in a new way based on the Ohm's low. Ohm's law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. Mathematical equation that describes this relationship is: <MAT> where I is the current in units of amperes, V is the voltage in units of volts and R is the resistance in units of ohms.

Existing liquid level sensors mostly rely on detecting the liquid by detecting the liquid's resistance, for example the resistance between two electrodes positioned in the liquid. The detecting of liquid based on resistance value may not present clear results, as the changes of the liquid's purity may cause uncertainty.

The sensor <NUM> proposed is based on an electrical circuit containing a power supply <NUM>, a resistor <NUM>, and a device <NUM> for detecting the voltage at a given point <NUM>, i.e. to detect the voltage drop over the resistor <NUM>. When the liquid is not in contact with the sensor tip 342a, the voltage sensed at the given point <NUM> is similar to the value V of the power supply voltage. However, when the sensor tip 342a is in contact with the liquid, and the liquid is grounded, for example by a grounded metal tank, a certain current will flow through the liquid and a drop in voltage will be sensed at the given point <NUM> due to the voltage drop over the resistor <NUM>.

In particular, the sensor unit <NUM> according to the present invention comprises a conductive sensor tip 342a connected to a power supply <NUM> via an electrically conductive line and resistor <NUM> of fixed resistance R. A voltage detector <NUM> connected to a microcontroller unit <NUM> is attached to line at the given point <NUM> for analyzing the results sensed. An isolating housing <NUM> protects the electrical line which connects between the sensor tip 342a and the power supply <NUM>. The sensor tip 342a is positioned in the vessel <NUM> at a height h required to be detected. The liquid <NUM> is connected to ground via the tank <NUM>.

<FIG> and the corresponding electrical circuit shown in <FIG> represent a situation in which the sensor tip 342a is not in contact with the liquid. Accordingly, the switch <NUM> of the electrical circuit of <FIG> is open. As a consequence, there is no flow of current over the resistor <NUM>, the voltage drop ΔV over the resistor <NUM> is <NUM>, and the voltage sensed at point <NUM> is the voltage V provided by the power supply <NUM>.

<FIG> and the corresponding electrical circuit shown in <FIG> represent a situation in which the sensor tip 342a is in contact with the liquid, e.g. water. As water normally is conductive, unless purified to highest level, the switch <NUM> of the electrical circuit of <FIG> is closed. As a consequence, there is a flow of current over the resistor <NUM> causing a voltage drop ΔV over the resistor <NUM>.

V designating the voltage provided by the power supply <NUM>, R designating the resistance of the resistor <NUM>, and r designating the resistance of the water <NUM>.

If the resistance R of the resistor <NUM> is selected to be substantially equal to the resistance R of the water (R ≈ r), the voltage drop ΔV over the resistor will be about half of the voltage V provided by the power supply <NUM> (ΔV ≈ ½ V).

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a manifold <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the present claims. The manifold <NUM> proposed intends to control and dispatch the chosen liquid to the faucet <NUM> and to hold as many components as required for the operation of the system <NUM>. Since the number of liquids, which may be used, is large, the manifold <NUM> is flexible to be adopted for using a changing variety of liquids.

In addition to its basic purpose to handle the liquid flow in and out, by an organized pipe arrangement with solenoids to control the flow of the different type of water-based liquids out to the faucet, the manifold <NUM> proposed is flexible to a wide variety of liquids, handling safety components, such as safety group, pressure sensor, pressure relief valve, and consumable parts, such as CO<NUM> canister, additive materials, filters, sterilizer UV lamp and the like.

The manifold <NUM> comprises a housing box <NUM>, preferably made from mold-injected plastics, having with inlet and outlet pipes, internal liquid paths, controlled by solenoids assembled on the box in the right places, to manage the distribution of the liquids.

The expandable manifold <NUM> consists of few boards, such as boards <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>. Each of the boards may contain a few ingoing pipes 374a, 376a, and 378a and a few outgoing pipes 374b, 376b, and 378b controlled by solenoid valves, to control the flow of the liquids. A safety group <NUM> may be added when the system contains a boiler. The manifold <NUM> may include consumable parts like CO<NUM> cylinders <NUM>, additive containers <NUM> for enriching the water, such as syrup, flavors drops, minerals, coffee, etc., water filter and water treatment device <NUM> such as UV light sterilizer. <FIG> shows possible locations for arranging a water sterilizing unit <NUM>.

Water sterilizing devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned either between tank <NUM>, i.e. the source of the supplied water, and manifold <NUM> or alternatively between the manifold <NUM> and the faucet <NUM>. Each of the water sterilizing units <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a pipe and an internal UV light source to treat the water coming out of the tank <NUM>. The pipe is integrated in the water-based liquid supply system <NUM> and turned on selectively when sterilizing is required. An alternative arrangement comprises a transparent pipe and an external UV light source.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a flavor unit <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the present claims.

The flavor unit <NUM> proposed provides the option to inject additives to the water-based liquid. Such additives may be water flavor, vitamins, minerals etc. The system may comprise a container <NUM> filled with any additive. The container <NUM> may be connected to the pipe <NUM> which is holding the water flow from the source, e.g. from the manifold <NUM>, to the faucet <NUM>. The connection includes a mixing injection chamber <NUM>. The flavor unit <NUM> further includes the option to wash the pipe <NUM> connecting the container <NUM> to the mixing injection chamber <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> may be connected to the drain <NUM>, and by circulating the pump <NUM> in opposite direction the water-based liquid (for example boiling water) may be frowned from pipe <NUM> to the drain <NUM> through pipe <NUM> and clean it.

According to an example, not falling under the scope of the present claims, a control unit <NUM> for controlling, in general, kitchen smart home appliances, such as the water-based liquid supply system <NUM> according to the present invention, a cooker <NUM>, a hood <NUM>, or other IOT devices <NUM>, <NUM>, such as a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, a dish washer and other devices installed in the kitchen, but also other smart home appliances is disclosed. In the following, the description will, only for the purpose of illustration, concentrate on the control of the water-based liquid supply system <NUM>, the cooker <NUM> and the kitchen hood <NUM>. The use of the control system <NUM> for controlling the home appliances, the such as the water-based liquid supply system <NUM>, the cooker <NUM> and the hood <NUM>, provides a wide range of capabilities.

For example, the use of the control system <NUM> combined with the water-based liquid supply system <NUM> provides the following advantages:.

The communication system <NUM> allows every sub-system to monitor and control every other sub-system, excluding intentionally prevented access due to safety, security and operational aspects. A sub-system may be provided as an IOT device, smartphone app, control panel, speech recognition device, cloud as well as devices through cloud.

The system offers two optional structures.

and provides many advantages and options, such as:.

The control system <NUM> offers many operational options such as:.

<FIG> is a schematic indoor arrangement of the control system <NUM> and its communication system <NUM> for the kitchen appliances without a hub.

<FIG> is a schematic indoor arrangement of the control system <NUM> and its communication system <NUM> for the kitchen appliances including a hub <NUM> and application control.

<FIG> is a schematic arrangement of the control system <NUM> and its communication system <NUM> for the kitchen appliances with outdoor communication. In particular, <FIG> represents a detailed chart including an indoor hub <NUM>, a cloud connection <NUM>, in particular for providing an outdoor virtual hub, and the smart mobile device <NUM>, <NUM>. Optional applications may be video camera devices control system, boot loader, speech recognition, indoor applications connected to the local hub by Bluetooth, and the local hub which is contact with the virtual hub in the cloud. The cloud option opens a wide range of applications, such as availability of data bases, both public and private applications and web personal assistance. The cloud web applications include dashboards service and store, white labelling, monitoring and alerts.

<FIG> shows an example of the dashboard generated by the smartphone application to demonstrate the data collected on "water consumption" and "boiler temperature" from the system.

In the following, a detailed description of the control system <NUM> and its communication system <NUM> will be given.

In particular, an upgradable control system <NUM> for IOT solution is provided, including optional utilization levels of the control system <NUM> of the IOT solution.

Utilization level (<NUM>) refers to the applicant's kitchen devices, which may be controlled by the applicant's proprietary control units. Control units may control/display/communicate with one or more kitchen device(s) simultaneously, and may enable direct connection among kitchen devices themselves. The connection of the control units to the kitchen devices may be wired or wireless (IR, RF (i.e. ZigBee/BLE/Wi-Fi/)).

In addition to or instead of the proprietary control units, the user may prefer to operate his kitchen devices through his smartphone <NUM>. All of the applicant's devices support the connection to wireless smartphone communication, and give the user a very user-friendly, feature-rich real-time opportunity to control his kitchen devices.

Instead of a direct connection of a smartphone <NUM> to the kitchen devices the user may prefer to add a hub <NUM> which enables.

In the same way the applicant's smartphone applications can connect to the applicant's kitchen devices indoors both, directly or indirectly through a hub <NUM>. It can also connect outdoors through the applicant's cloud infrastructure.

Similarly to the hub <NUM>, the applicant's cloud solution is not just limited to smartphone control, it also enables.

The cloud connectivity may be bidirectional and used not only for control (incoming communication), it enables also outgoing communication for the following purposes:.

Claim 1:
A liquid supply system (<NUM>) for preparing and dispensing water-based liquids, such as hot water, chilled water and carbonated water, hot and cold beverages carbonated or non-carbonated, at a desired temperature and with at least one additive at a desired concentration on demand, the liquid supply system comprising:
- a water supply comprising at least one water tank (<NUM>) and/or a connection (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a water main line,
- at least one faucet (<NUM>) having an outlet for dispensing the prepared water-based liquid and comprising:
- a base unit (<NUM>) fixable to a countertop (<NUM>) by a nut (<NUM>) and a base shoulder (<NUM>); and
- a swivel spout (<NUM>) connected to a fixed base (<NUM>) and comprising an aerator (<NUM>), and
- a water filter adapted to filter water from the water supply,
- a water boiler adapted to heat water from the water supply to a predetermined temperature, and/or a water chiller (<NUM>) adapted to cool water from the water supply to a predetermined temperature, and
- a soda machine (<NUM>) adapted to carbonize water from the water supply to a predetermined CO<NUM> concentration,
wherein the system (<NUM>) further comprises
- an additive mixer adapted to mix said at least one additive supplied from at least one additive container (<NUM>) at a predetermined concentration to water from the water supply, wherein the additive mixer comprises a pump (<NUM>) for supplying a predetermined additive or several additives from the respective additive container (<NUM>);
- a piping system connecting the water supply, the faucet (<NUM>), the water filter and the water boiler and/or the water chiller, the soda machine (<NUM>) and the additive mixer installed in the liquid supply system, and
- a communication and control system (<NUM>) adapted to communicate with a user and to control the preparation and dispensing of the water-based liquid based on a communication with the user.