AU2120099A

AU2120099A - Chilling device

Info

Publication number: AU2120099A
Application number: AU21200/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Leon Whitall
Original assignee: BOTTLE CHILL Pty Ltd
Current assignee: BOTTLE CHILL Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1998-03-13
Filing date: 1999-03-15
Publication date: 1999-09-23

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 BOTTLE CHILL PTY LTD 0 0

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Chilling device The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rapid cooling device. In particular, it relates to a device for rapidly cooling foodstuffs and beverages, such as wine, to a temperature at which they are normally consumed.

Background Art An apparatus that can chill beverages and foodstuffs is defined in the present applicant's earlier filed Australian Application No 40846/96. This device comprises a chamber that can receive one or more articles, such as bottles of wine, to be cooled. The chamber is also designed to allow the pumping therethrough of a non-toxic freezing point depressant that has been previously cooled to well below ambient temperature.

0. The present application is directed to a modified version of the applicant's apparatus described in Australian Application No 40846/96.

Disclosure of the Invention 15 According to a first aspect, the present invention consists in a cooling apparatus, the apparatus including: at least one chamber, the chamber being adapted to contain an aqueous solution of non-toxic freezing point depressant; a cabinet having at least one opening, the opening being adapted to be 20 placed at least partially over the chamber; an air moving means adapted to move air over the aqueous solution of freezing point depressant and through the opening into the cabinet; and a refrigeration means for removing heat from the aqueous solution.

In this aspect, the cabinet can comprise a double glazed cabinet. The cabinet can have one or more hinged doors to allow access to the interior of the cabinet. The cabinet can also have a plurality of shelves that are adapted to allow ready movement of the air throughout the cabinet.

Th cabinet can hIlave IurL slwVdllb, a LUtop VVCII CIlU d UUUI In Ullo the sidewalls. The cabinet preferably has a lower end adapted to engage and preferably seal with an upper edge of the chamber containing the aqueous solution. The lower end of the cabinet can define the opening of the cabinet.

The air moving means can comprise a fan. The rotation of the fan is preferably controlled by a motor capable of rotating the fan at various speeds as required. The fan is preferably mounted in the apparatus such that it faces downwardly and in operation directs a flow of air downwardly onto the surface of the aqueous solution contained in the chamber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber comprises a tub with a removable cover, the cover having one or more orifices. Each orifice can have a rubber sleeve attached around the edge thereof if required.

Each chamber can also have a guide plate and a base plate if required placed therein to support any other items apart from the cabinet and air moving means that may be placed in or on the chamber. Such items would normally be placed in or on the chamber after removal of the cabinet and air moving means from the apparatus. The base plate and guide plate are preferably perforated to allow ready movement of the aqueous solution around such items that may extend down into the chamber.

The aqueous solution preferably comprises a liquid comprised of a mixture of propylene glycol, water and industrial methylated spirits. The ratio of propylene glycol to water preferably lies in the range 10:90 to 90:10, more preferably 30:70 to 70:30, and most preferably being 40:60. The o. 15 industrial methylated spirits preferably constitutes 10% of the solution.

In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a pump means in fluid communication with the chamber and the refrigeration means which draws the aqueous solution through at least a portion of the refrigeration means so that the heat can be removed from the aqueous solution. The chamber can 20 have an outlet for the aqueous solution that is in fluid communication with S.the pump means. The chamber can also have two inlets that are in fluid communication with the pump means and preferably arranged such that the aqueous solution moves around the chamber in a swirling action on entering S-the chamber. A swirling action has been found to be very efficient for rapidly cooling any articles placed in the chamber. The two inlets can be located on opposed sidewalls of the chamber.

The tub outlet can be a centrally located drain in the bottom wall of tLel u. vl t b LJ. u, 11CKL IIVcab L11oJfst fllLlrom th3 IeteLllllut;llL UILAct.

In one embodiment, the refrigeration means can include an evaporator, a compressor having a motor, a condenser and a refrigerant pressure converter all in fluid communication so as to allow the flow of refrigerant therebetween.

The evaporator can in one embodiment be located in the chamber and in another embodiment can be located outside the chamber.

Where the evaporator is outside the chamber, the evaporator can comprise a sealed vessel having a first end and a second end, the vessel having an inlet proximate the first end and an outlet proximate the second end for the aqueous solution, the inlet being in fluid communication with the tub outlet, and the outlet being in fluid communication with the tub inlets via the pump means. The evaporator further has a refrigerant inlet proximate the second end and an outlet proximate the first end. The refrigerant inlet and outlet are preferably connected through a helical coil that allows the movement of refrigerant therethrough. As the refrigerant enters the vessel through the inlet it vaporises thereby drawing heat from the surrounding aqueous solution which is preferably moving slowly past the coil in countercurrent to the flow of the refrigerant. The chilled aqueous solution is drawn out of the vessel and back into the tub through the pump means. The walls of the evaporator preferably include insulation in the form of thick expanded foam. The thickness of the foam is preferably at least i Where the evaporator is located within the chamber, the evaporator 15 preferably comprises a length of coiled pipe disposed proximate the bottom wall of the chamber. In this embodinient, the chamber has a refrigerant inlet and outlet passing through its walls that connects to the respective ends of the coiled pipe in the chamber. As in the other embodiment, refrigerant is pumped through the coil and vaporises thereby drawing heat from the S 20 surrounding aqueous solution. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous :.solution is preferably drawn over the coiled pipe in the chamber by the pump means which draws the aqueous solution from the chamber over the coiled pipe and out the outlet in the bottom wall of the chamnber.

i The refrigerant outlet of the evaporator in either embodiment can be in fluid communication with the compressor which draws the refrigerant out of the evaporator and through the condenser. The compressor increases the pressure of the vaporised refrigerant which, upon entering the condenser, Crn.0nr1niP thflebyi liberating the heat trappcO th-r-in.

The outlet of the condenser can be in fluid communication through a dryer unit with the refrigerant pressure converter means. The converter means preferably comprises a capillary tube through which the condensed high pressure refrigerant is bled thereby lowering its pressure ready to enter the evaporator and repeat the cycle. The capillary tube preferably has a diameter of about 0.8mm and is about 2030mm long.

The operation of the refrigeration means is preferably regulated by a thermostat located in the chamber which controls the operation of the motor of the compressor as needs dictate.

The apparatus can consist of a free-standing unit or the chamber can be mounted under a bench as requirements dictate. The refrigeration and pump means can in another embodiment be located in a different location to that of the cabinet with appropriate tubing extending between the refrigeration and pump means to the chamber to allow the aqueous solution to be pumped between the chamber and the distal refrigeration means. In another embodiment of the invention, more than one chamber can be connected to the one refrigeration means. For example, in a certain establishment there may be only one central refrigeration means that provides suitably cooled aqueous solution to a number of different chambers in different locations in the building. In this case, one chamber may have the S. 15 cabinet and air moving means mounted thereto while another chamber may be adapted to be used as desired for the cooling of other items.

.Where the chamber is mounted under a bench, the chamber is preferably comprised of two portions, a bench top mounting portion and a tub portion. The bench top mounting portion can have the orifices if 20 required. The tub portion, which is preferably fabricated from stainless tub 00. or other suitable material and insulated with expandable foam is mounted to the underneath of the mounting portion and insulated from the mounting portion, preferably by means of caulking insulation tape. The insulation serves to prevent heat conduction between the two portions and serves to prevent condensation. In the above aspect, the cabinet would preferably be sat on the bench top mounting portion and sealed therewith.

Items that can be placed in or on the chamber instead of the cabinet and air moving means include food andr bevrag preparation, storage and 0 u VtaJ. u VIKPCUCaLLLIUII, O)LUI(tr' CIIU presentation containers. Such containers can include wells or bowls for foods such as salads, yoghurt and ice cream and storage units for fruit juice and alcoholic and non-alcoholic icy drinks. In the case of containers for the storage of ice cream, fruit juice and icy drinks, the container can have a mixing unit to ensure even mixing of the contents therein. The degree of cooling of the items can be controlled not only by control of the refrigeration means but also by adjusting the extent to which the item extends if at all into the aqueous solution in the chamber. For example, in the case of a bowl for storing ice cream, it would be envisaged that the bowl would be placed relatively deeper into the aqueous solution than say a bowl that is being used simply to keep salad chilled.

In another embodiment, the item to be cooled can comprise a planar member mounted to or proximate the upper edge of the chamber. The planar member can be used to provide a chilled food preparation or presentation surface. The item to be cooled can also comprise one or more ice cube and ice sculpture moulds that again would be mounted to or proximate the upper edge of the chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings Hereinafter by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: i Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the chilling 15 apparatus according to the present invention depicting the placement of a double glazed cabinet on the chamber; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the chilling apparatus according to the present invention with the cabinet removed; and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment of the 20 chilling apparatus according to the present invention again with the cabinet removed.

Preferred Mode of Carrying Out the Invention A cross-sectional view of an apparatus for the cooling of items placed in a double glazed cabinet is generally shown as 10 in Fig. 1.

The apparatus 10 includes a chamber or tub 11, a refrigeration means generally shown as 12, a pump means 13, and a cabinet 14.

The tub 11 has a cover 15 having a plurality of orifices 16. In operation. the th 11 rnntins an nqueous solution of non-toxic feeng...

S• 1 YV LVIL VI -1.'-LV-at 1IL~l~ll1j point depressant 17. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the aqueous solution 17 comprises a mixture of propylene glycol and water in a ratio of 40:60 and industrial methylated spirits comprising 10% of the solution.

The tub 11 in the depicted embodiment, which as depicted can be mounted under a bench 18, is essentially rectangular in shape having four side walls 19 and a base 21. At the top of the side walls 19 there is a lip 22 in which the cover 15 sits when placed in position. In the depicted embodiment, the tub 11 has a base plate 23. Orifices in the base plate 23 are formed therein so as to allow ready movement of the aqueous solution throughout the entire tub 11.

The tub 11 has two inlets 24 located upon opposed side walls 19 which are so positioned and directed that the aqueous solution emerging from the inlets 24 swirls around the tub 11, when viewed in plan, in an anti-clockwise manner. Such a swirling action has been found by the present applicant to be very efficient in rapidly cooling any items placed within the tub 11.

The tub 11 further has an outlet 25 located within the base 21 which acts as a drain for the aqueous solution.

While the present embodiment has two inlets 24 and one outlet 25, it can be envisaged that the flow of aqueous solution could be easily reversed such that the aqueous solution enters the tub through what is labelled outlet 25 and be drawn out of the tub 11 through what is labelled inlets 24.

15 The depicted tub 11 is fabricated from stainless steel, with the sidewalls 19 and base 21 incorporating a 40mm layer of expanded foam insulation. It can, however, be readily envisaged that the tub could be manufactured from stainless steel or other suitable material. The inlets 24 and the piping leading thereto within the tub 11 are standard copper water 20 grade pipe.

The refrigeration means 12 comprises an evaporator 26 comprised of coiled copper tubing in the tub 11, a compressor 27, a fan condenser unit 28 having a cover 29, a dryer unit 31 and a refrigerant pressure converter 32.

Operation of the refrigeration means 12 is set by the thermostat 41. Each of the components of the refrigeration means 12 are in fluid communication so as to allow the flow of refrigerant therebetween. In operation, the refrigerant moves through the refrigeration means 12 in the direction of arrow A.

e11 U JOOUJ. cp/ s iI Lllb Un 1 UULi ni it iS a Piruy I/lIJP compressorUU unit, however, other compressor units could be used as needs dictate. The refrigerant converter means 32 comprises an helical capillary tube which is 0.8mm in diameter and 2030mm in length. The outlet of the capillary 22 is connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe 33 of coiled copper tubing of the evaporator 26.

In operation, the pump means 13 draws the aqueous solution over the copper tubing of the evaporator 26 and through the tub outlet 25. The chilled aqueous solution is then returned by the pump means back to the tub 11 through inlets 24.

The refrigerant upon entering the evaporator 26 is vaporised thereby drawing heat from the aqueous solution which is flowing past and into the outlet 25. The vaporised refrigerant is drawn by the compressor 27, which increases the pressure of the refrigerant, into the fan condenser unit 28. The condenser 28 liquefies the refrigerant which liberates the heat that has been stored therein. The liquefied refrigerant moves through a dryer unit 31 and into the capillary 32. The capillary 32 drops the pressure of the refrigerant ready for its entry back into the evaporator 26 at which point it repeats the cycle.

~Disposed above the bench 18 and sealed with the lip 22 is the double glazed cabinet 14. The cabinet 14 is fabricated from four sidewalls 34 and a top 35. One sidewall 34 has a door 36 that can be opened to allow access to 15 the interior of the cabinet 14. The cabinet also has two rack shelves 37 upon which can be placed containers and the like (eg. beverage cans) that are to be cooled. As depicted, the cabinet has at its lower end a variable speed motor 38 that drives a fan 39. The fan 39 is designed to draw air from within the cabinet 14 downwardly through orifice 16 onto the surface of the aqueous 20 solution 17 in the tub 11 below. This air is then chilled by the aqueous S"solution before it circulates upwardly into the cabinet 14 through the other orifices 16 covered by the cabinet 14. Adjustments to the temperature within the cabinet 14 can be made by adjusting the speed of rotation of the fan 39.

i An alternative embodiment of the chilling apparatus is generally depicted as 50 in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, where like features of Fig. 1 have been given like labels, the cabinet 14 is shown removed from the top of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus is designed as a free-standing unit and is not designed to be p lcd under a bench.

Further, in this emnbodiment, the evaporator 40 rather than being placed within the tub 11 as depicted in Fig. 1 is instead mounted outside the tub 11. The evaporator 40 in this embodiment comprises a sealed vessel having expanded foam insulation and a first end 51 and a second end 52.

Proximate the first end 51, there is an aqueous solution inlet 53 and a refrigerant outlet 54. Proximate the second end 52, there is a refrigerant inlet 55 and an aqueous solution outlet 56.

The aqueous solution inlet 53 is in fluid communication with the tub outlet 25. The aqueous solution outlet 56 is connected by the pump means 13 to the inlets 24 of the tub 11.

Within the evaporator 40 and interconnecting the refrigerant inlet and outlet 54 there is a helical coil 57 which allows movement of refrigerant therethrough. The helical coil 57 is wound in such a fashion to allow only gradual passing through of the aqueous solution as it rises and circulates around the helical coil before being drawn off chilled and ready for recirculation back into the tub 11.

In operation, the pump means 13 draws the aqueous solution through the outlet 25 and into and through the evaporator 40 before returning it chilled to the inlets 24. The flow of aqueous solution through evaporator is in counter-current to the flow of refrigerant through the helical coil 57.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, a representation of the 15 apparatus as depicted in Fig. 2 is again provided except that in this embodiment, the tub 11 is at some location remote from the refrigeration means 12 and pump means 13. In this embodiment, suitable hosing 60 is provided between the tub outlet 25 and aqueous solution inlet 53 of the evaporator 40 and between the aqueous solution outlet 56 of the evaporator 20 40 and the inlet 24 of the tub 11. By use of suitable hosing 60, it is possible to place the tub 11 at a location quite some distance from the location of the refrigeration means 12. It can also be readily envisaged that more than one tub 11 could be connected to the same refrigeration means 12 if required.

Instead of the cabinet 14 as depicted in Fig. 1, it is possible to place in or on the tub 11 other containers for the preparation, storage and presentation of food and beverages. For example, as depicted in Fig. 2, vessels 70 for the storage of foods such as salads, yoghurt and ice cream can be placed i the tub 11 Also, as depicted in Fig. 3, an icy drink storage v, L' LI 1 LU." CO "ULkL C;U Ili L J.6. CLJ l.,y U il..L OLkJ-.X6 container 71 having an in-built stirrer 72, an outlet tap 73, and chamber 74 for the aqueous solution can be placed over the vessel 70. While not depicted, other items such as planar members, ice moulds, and bain marie dishes can all be readily envisaged as being suitable for placement in the tub 11 as depicted in each of the embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the piping extends through vessel 70 to chamber 74. The chamber 74 when in use remains full of aqueous solution with its level set by the height of the drain It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

*o

Claims

1. A cooling apparatus, the apparatus including: at least one chamber, the chamber being adapted to contain an aqueous solution of non-toxic freezing point depressant; a cabinet having at least one opening, the opening being adapted to be placed at least partially over the chamber; an air moving means adapted to move air over the aqueous solution of freezing point depressant and through the opening into the cabinet; and a refrigeration means for removing heat from the aqueous solution.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cabinet comprises a double glazed cabinet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cabinet has one or more hinged doors to allow access to the interior of the cabinet.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the cabinet 15 has a lower end adapted to engage and preferably seal with an upper edge of the chamber containing the aqueous solution.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the lower end of the cabinet defines the opening of the cabinet.

6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the air 20 moving means comprises a fan. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the fan is mounted in the apparatus such that it faces downwardly and in operation directs a flow of air downwardly onto the surface of the aqueous solution contained in the :chamber.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the chamber comprises a tub with a removable cover, the cover having one or more orifices.

9. The nnpratusQ nf claim 8 wreinr each orific has a rubber sleeve attached around the edge thereof.

10. The apparatus of claims 8 or 9 wherein each chamber has a guide plate and a base plate placed therein to support any other items apart from the cabinet and air moving means that may be placed in or on the chamber.

11. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the aqueous solution comprises a liquid comprised of a mixture of propylene glycol, water and industrial methylated spirits, the ratio of propylene glycol to water lying in the range 10:90 to 90:10. I

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the ratio of propylene glycol to water is in the range 30:70 to 70:30.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the ratio of propylene glycol to water is 40:60.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the industrial methylated spirits constitutes 10% of the solution. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus includes a pump means in fluid communication with the chamnber and the refrigeration means which draws the aqueous solution through at least a portion of the refrigeration means so that the heat can be removed from the aqueous solution.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the chamber has an outlet for the :aqueous solution that is in fluid communication with the pump means.

17. The apparatus of claims 15 or 16 wherein the chamnber has two inlets 15 that are in fluid communication with the pump means and arranged such that the aqueous solution moves around the chamber in a swirling action on entering the chamber. *18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the two inlets can be located on opposed sidewalls of the chamber. 20 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the tub outlet is a centrally located drain in a bottom wall of the tub. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the refrigeration means includes an evaporator, a compressor having a motor, a condenser and a refrigerant pressure converter all in fluid communication so as to allow the flow of refrigerant therebetween.

21. Tfhe apparatus of claim 20 wherein the evaporator is located outside the chamber.

22. The annaratuis of claimn 21 -vhore;i theeaoatrcxpnsssae vessel having a first end and a second end, the vessel having an inlet proximate the first end and an outlet proximate the second end for the aqueous solution, the inlet being in fluid communication with the tub outlet, and the outlet being in fluid communication with the tub inlets via the pump means.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the evaporator further has a refrigerant inlet proximate the second end and an outlet proximate the first end, the refrigerant inlet and outlet being connected through a helical coil that allows the movement of refrigerant therethrough, such that as the refrigerant enters the vessel through the inlet it vaporises thereby drawing heat from the surrounding aqueous solution which is moving slowly past the coil in counter-current to the flow of the refrigerant.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the evaporator is located within the chamber. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the evaporator comprises a length of coiled pipe disposed proximate the bottom wall of the chamber, the chamber having a refrigerant inlet and outlet passing through its walls that connects to the respective ends of the coiled pipe in the chamber, such that refrigerant can be pumped through the coil and vaporised therein thereby drawing heat from the surrounding aqueous solution.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the aqueous solution is drawn over i the coiled pipe in the chamber by the pump means which draws the aqueous 15 solution from the chamber over the coiled pipe and out an outlet in the bottom wall of the chamber.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 26 wherein the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is in fluid communication with the compressor which draws the refrigerant out of the evaporator and through the condenser. 20 28. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 27 wherein the outlet of the condenser is in fluid communication through a dryer unit with the refrigerant pressure converter means.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the converter means comprises a capillary tube through which the condensed high pressure refrigerant is bled thereby lowering its pressure ready to enter the evaporator and repeat the cycle. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 29 wherein the operation of the. refrigeratin means is icregltenrl by a thrmot locte in the chamber -b -jCIU LU Y LII X OL LL 1, LILU 11 I~II~ which controls the operation of the motor of the compressor.

31. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus comprises a free-standing unit.

32. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one chamber is connected to the one refrigeration means.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein one chamber has the cabinet and air moving means mounted thereto while another chamber is adapted to be used for the cooling of other items.

34. A cooling apparatus, the apparatus including: at least one chamber, the chamiber being adapted to contain anl aqueous solution of non-toxic freezing point depressant; a bowl adapted to be placed at least partially over the chamber and having a mixing unit mounted therein; anl air moving means adapted to move air over the aqueous solution of freezing point depressant and into contact with an underside of the bowl; and a refrigeration means for removing heat from the aqueous solution. A cooling apparatus, the apparatus including: at least one chamber, the chamber being adapted to contain anl aqueous solution of non-toxic freezing point depressant; a planar member mounted to or proximate the upper edge of the chamber, the planar member providing a chilled food preparation or presentation surface; anl air moving means adapted to move air over the aqueous solution of freezing point depressant and into contact with an underside of the planar member; and *a refrigeration means for removing heat from the aqueous solution.

36. A cooling apparatus, the apparatus including: at least one chamber, the chamber being adapted to contain an aqueous solution of non-toxic freezing point depressant; one or more ice cube or ice sculpture moulds mounted to or proximate .~.the upper edge of the chamber; an air moving means adapted to move air over the aqueous solution of freezing point depressant and into contact with anl underside of the mnoulds; and a refrigeration means for removing heat from the aqueous solution. moving means is as defined in claims 6 or 7.

38. The cooling apparatus as defined in any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the aqueous solution is as defined in any one of claims 11 to 14.

39. The cooling apparatus as defined in any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein the apparatus further includes a pump means as defined in claim The cooling apparatus as defined in any one of claims 34 to 39 wherein the refrigeration means is as defined in any one of claims 20 to Dated this fifteenth day of March 1999 BOTTLE CHILL PTY LTD Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F BRICE &CO a a.