Method and apparatus for cartridge-based carbonation of beverages

US9327900B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Enrico Raffaele Cafaro · Beverly, US
• Ralph K. Maider, Jr. · Medfield, US
• Michael Sack · North Reading, US
• Steven Raphaelson · Watertown, US
• J. Corey Michal · Beverly, US
• Kevin Sweeney · Fort Myers, US
• Brian B. Johnson · Newfields, US
• James Passemato · Arlington, US
• Peter Peterson · Waterbury, US
• Richard Estabrook · Milford, US
• Thomas Fedorka · Billerica, US
• Scott Grubb · Cambridge, GB
• Wai Ting Chan · Cambridge, GB
• Christopher Covey · Cambridge, GB
• Gary Stacey · Cambridge, GB
• Raymond Carroll · Marlton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 2015
• Grant date: May 3, 2016
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01F23/237621
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.