Batch Carbonator and Method of Forming a Carbonated Beverage

Abstract

A batch carbonation apparatus includes a housing defining a vessel cavity. The housing includes an agitation mechanism. The pressure vessel includes a cap that has a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet is provided. The pressure vessel also includes a seal. The pressure vessel is moveable into an out of the vessel cavity. A locking mechanism is provided and is attached to the agitation mechanism to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel. A CO2 source is connected to a plurality of valves where each valve has a differing pressure. A selection toggle is attached to the housing. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of valves. A user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level. Also disclosed is a process of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A batch gas infusion apparatus comprising:
 a housing defining a vessel cavity;   a pressure vessel having a cap, the cap including a gas inlet and a gas outlet, wherein the pressure vessel is moveable into and out of the vessel cavity;   an agitation mechanism configured to agitate the pressure vessel;   a seal on the pressure vessel;   a locking mechanism coupled to the agitation mechanism and configured to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel;   a gas source;   a plurality of valves coupled to the gas source, each valve having a differing pressure;   a selection toggle coupled to the housing; and   a control mechanism coupled to the plurality of valves, wherein the apparatus and control mechanism are configured such that when a desired gas level is selected via the selection toggle, a gas from the gas source is introduced into the pressure vessel via at least one of the valves in the plurality of valves, and the agitation mechanism agitates a liquid within the pressure vessel to thereby form a beverage having the desired gas level.   
     
     
         24 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising a pressure vent valve coupled to the gas outlet, wherein the pressure vent valve is configured to vent gas from the pressure vessel following gas infusion of the liquid. 
     
     
         25 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising a door coupled to the housing, the door comprising a latching mechanism that is configured to latch and unlatch in response to pressure within the pressure vessel. 
     
     
         26 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising timers coupled with the plurality of valves, wherein the timers are configured to regulate an amount of time that gas is introduced into the pressure vessel. 
     
     
         27 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising a flow control valve coupled with gas outlet and configured to regulate a venting of gas from the pressure vessel. 
     
     
         28 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the agitation mechanism comprises a platform coupled to a motor that is configured to move the platform in a vertical motion and further comprises springs that are coupled to the platform and configured to affect acceleration and deceleration of a liquid in the pressure vessel. 
     
     
         29 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 28 , wherein the agitation mechanism further comprises an electric motor assembly having a cam coupled to a shaft of the motor and a linkage coupled to the cam. 
     
     
         30 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein the linkage is coupled to a bearing, the bearing comprising reaction springs that stabilize the platform. 
     
     
         31 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising an attachment rod connecting the bearing to the platform. 
     
     
         32 . The batch gas infusion apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising status display toggles positioned on the housing and configured to indicate a status of the pressure vessel.