CA2324428A1 - Liquid layer machine - Google Patents
Liquid layer machine Download PDFInfo
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- CA2324428A1 CA2324428A1 CA 2324428 CA2324428A CA2324428A1 CA 2324428 A1 CA2324428 A1 CA 2324428A1 CA 2324428 CA2324428 CA 2324428 CA 2324428 A CA2324428 A CA 2324428A CA 2324428 A1 CA2324428 A1 CA 2324428A1
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- liquid
- pouring device
- deflector
- liquor
- actuator
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Abstract
An apparatus for pouring layered drinks comprises a pouring device, for controlled pouring of different density liquids into a vessel, a plurality of liquid holding tanks, each of the plurality of tanks having a first outlet, which is connected to a liquid conduit leading to the pouring device; and liquor valves provided in each liquid conduit, to selectively and controllably open or close each liquid conduit. The pouring device has an inlet for each liquid conduit, and a second outlet cooperating with a deflector arranged at a lower end of the pouring device, to deflect liquid flowing from the second outlet. The deflector is reciprocally movable vertically with respect to the pouring device, to position the deflector at different distances from a lower end of the pouring device.
An actuator is connected to reciprocate the deflector.
An actuator is connected to reciprocate the deflector.
Description
This invention relates to an apparatus for automatically or semi-automatically pouring layered drinks, i.e. drinks comprising different layers of liquid and having discrete boundaries between the different layers (superposed layers).
Superposed layer pouring devices are known from, for example, US 5,163,488 (Basch) and CN 2231685U (Guo Rugeng).
Basch shows a device to be placed on top of a glass, the device having one or more chambers for holding different liquors. Each chamber is connected to a central hole leading to a pouring arm having a spherical float. The amount of liquor poured from a chamber is regulated either manually or automatically using shut-off valves.
When a plurality of chambers is used, liquor pouring from a chamber is selected by pressing a button associated with that chamber. In this way, the shut-off valve is opened and is switched off automatically when the desired layer thickness has been poured.
The sequence of pouring may be automated.
Guo Rugeng shows a similar device to Basch, having one chamber and a spherical float connected to an upper handle.
The known devices have the apparent drawbacks of either not allowing automated pouring of a drink of a certain type, preferably chosen from a list of different drinks, or providing a cumbersome and big device to be placed directly onto or adjacent the top of the drink glass. To keep the device size down, the liquor chambers have to be kept small, which will limit the number of drinks that can be poured before the chambers need to be refilled. This presents a problem when the device is used in a professional setting, such as a bar, where the demand for sustained throughput is larger than for a device used in a domestic environment.
In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for automatically or semi-automatically pouring layered drinks that obviates or mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations. The operator of the apparatus will only have to choose the particular sequence the different layers should be in, place a glass or similar object under a pouring device and then the apparatus will perform the necessary steps for pouring in the right amount of the proper liquid in the proper sequence, without mixing the different layers. The actual knowledge of what layers are to be poured, and in which sequence, is not necessary for the operator to have. This information can be stored in a control means, which regulates the pouring.
In the invention, an apparatus for pouring layered drinks comprises a pouring device, for controlled pouring of different density liquids into a vessel, a plurality of liquid holding tanks, each of the plurality of tanks having a first outlet, which is connected to a liquid conduit leading to the pouring device; and liquor valves provided in each liquid conduit, to selectively and controllably open or close each liquid conduit. The pouring device has - an inlet for each liquid conduit, and a second outlet cooperating with a deflector arranged at a lower end of the pouring device, to deflect liquid flowing from the second outlet. The deflector is reciprocally movable vertically with respect to the pouring device, to position the deflector at different distances from a lower end of the pouring device.
An actuator is connected to reciprocate the deflector.
In one embodiment of the invention, the liquor valves are operable to any position between the closed and the open position. The liquor valves and the actuator are preferably connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes the liquor valves and regulates the position of the actuator, and thus the position of the deflector.
The actuator is preferably an electromagnetic actuator. The liquor valves are advantageously electromagnetic valves.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the contents of the plurality of tanks are set under higher pressure than the ambient pressure by a pressurizing means.
Advantageously, the liquor valves and the actuator are connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes the liquor valves and regulates the position of the actuator , and thus the position of the deflector. The pressurizing means preferably comprises a pump connected to a first manifold, the first manifold being connected to each of the plurality of tanks via pressure conduits. The pressurizing means further may comprise a pressure regulator for controlling the pump to provide a predetermined _2_ pressure in the first manifold. Preferably, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator, and is connected to the first manifold via an actuator valve. Also the liquor valves are preferably pneumatic, i.e. pneumatic valves.
Advantageously, a cleaning tank is connected to the pressurizing means, and further connected to a second manifold via a cleaning valve, the second manifold being connected to each liquor valve, so that, when the cleaning valve is in an open position, pressurised cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning tank to the second manifold and to each liquor valve, the liquor valves being operable to a back-wash cleaning position, in which the liquid enters the pouring device from the liquor valves so cleaning liquid would flow from the second manifold through the liquor valves to the pouring device via the liquid conduits.
In operation, the apparatus according to the invention may be utilized as follows:
a) filling tanks with different liquids, a different liquid in each individual tank;
b) starting a pressurizing means to provide sufficient over-pressure in each tank;
c) placing a glass or other container under a pouring device;
d) lowering a deflector of the pouring device by an actuator means until the deflector is in a desired position relative a bottom of the glass;
e) opening a liquor valve associated with one of the tanks containing a first desired liquid;
f) forcing the first liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from the tank and via the corresponding conduit, to the pouring device, so that the first liquid enters the pouring device and is directed onto the deflector;
h) closing the liquor valve associated with the appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill the glass to a predetermined height with the particular first liquid;
i) raising the deflector a distance sufficient to position the deflector above the just poured layer of liquid;
j) opening a liquor valve associated with a tank containing a second preferred liquid;
k) forcing the second liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from the tank and via the corresponding conduit, to the pouring device, so that the second liquid enters the pouring device and is directed onto the deflector, thus slowing down the liquid flow to keep the second liquid from mixing with other liquid layers;
I) closing the liquor valve associated with the appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill the glass to a predetermined height with the particular second liquid;
m) repeating steps i) to I) as many times as desired, to provide a third, fourth, and so on, layer of different liquids;
n) lifting the pouring device away from the glass;
o) removing the glass.
The steps may be performed manually by the operator, by manipulating controls on a control board for example, or be semi-automated or fully automated by the control means. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator would start the apparatus, place a glass in the correct position relative the pouring device and then choose a desired drink type from a menu on a display device, after which the control means would perform the pouring of the different layers automatically.
Alternatively, a semi-automatic operation is envisioned, wherein the operator manually raises the deflector or manually regulates the time period for pouring of each liquid, for example.
Further features ofthe invention will be described orwill become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquor valve according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.
As is shown in Fig. 1, an apparatus 1 according to the invention has a plurality of liquid holding tanks 7, set under higher pressure than the ambient pressure by a pressurizing means 2, such as an air compressor. The pressurizing means is preferably connected to a pressure equalizing first manifold 5 via a first conduit 12, 13', 14.
Each individual tank is connected to the first manifold, via a second conduit 17, one second conduit for each tank. The pressurizing means shown is common to all the tanks, but an alternative embodiment has a pressurizing means associated with each individual tank, for example, the tanks themselves may be pressure vessels containing a pressurizing gas.
The tanks each have an outlet, which has a third conduit 18, 19 leading to a pouring device 20 common to all tanks. A liquor valve 11 is provided in each third conduit, to selectively open or close the individual third conduit. Thus, one liquor valve is associated with each tank. The liquor valve may be manually operated or remotely operated via valve actuating means (not shown).
The pouring device 20 has an inlet for each third conduit 18, 19, and a deflector 24 arranged at a lower end of the pouring device. The pouring device may be formed as a substantially funnel shaped body 25, having the pointed end down towards the glass to be filled, and further having a top plate and a bottom plate, where each second conduit is connected to a pipe which runs from a first hole in the top plate to a second hole in the bottom plate. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the pouring device may be formed as a substantially cylindrical body 25' having a top plate and a bottom plate, where each second conduit is connected to a pipe which runs from a first hole in the top plate to a second hole in the bottom plate.
The deflector means 24 is reciprocally movable together with the pouring device 20, to position the deflector at different distances from the bottom end of the glass in which the layered drink is to be poured. The movement of the deflector/pouring device is provided by an actuator 22, preferably an air cylinder which is connected to the pressurizing device via a fourth conduit 21. If the tanks contain individual pressurizing means, the actuator will have to be supplied with pressure from its own pressurizing means, for example an air compressor. Alternatively, the actuator may be of the electromagnetic type, for example a solenoid. The deflector preferably has a substantially conical head portion, with the top of the cone pointing upwards, and an elongated stem portion 23. The stem portion is preferably connected to the actuator, for example the piston rod of an air cylinder. The piston rod position is then regulated by the opening and closing of an air regulation valve associated with the air cylinder, to extend or retract the piston to position the piston rod and the deflector inside the glass or to move the deflector up and out of the way after finished pouring.
The actuator may be placed directly above the pouring device or to the side of the pouring device and connect to the pouring device via a rod or cord arrangement, for instance.
The deflector is preferably fastened in a first central hole in the top plate and a second central hole in the bottom plate. The first and second central holes are substantially concentric. Alternatively, the deflector means is arranged as a substantially convex surface of any circumferential geometry, having a stem or other connection means to the actuator. The actuator is alternatively connected to another part of the pouring device, such as a connector mounted on the side of the pouring device.
The main consideration, when designing the deflector, is that the deflector has to slow down the liquid flow and redirect the flow from vertical to substantially horizontal. For example, the deflector may be a substantially spherical body suspended by a string connecting the deflector to the actuator, the spherical body being pulled by gravitational forces in a downward direction and positioned vertically by the actuator.
Also, a collector, for example a perforated disc, may be arranged between the pouring device and the deflector, to further even out the flow of the liquids poured so that irrespective of which tank is used, the flow of the liquid onto the deflector would be substantially constant and predictable.
The liquor valves and the actuator are all preferably connected to a control means 27, which selectively opens and closes the valves and regulates the position of the actuator, and thus the position of the deflector. The control means may be a computerized means, having a CPU, input means, output means and memory means to store and execute programs containing pre-defined drink recipes. Thus, the user would use the input means to instruct the control means what drink recipe to use, and the control means would look up the actual recipe in its memory means and perform the necessary tasks (choosing tank order, regulating valve means etc.) to fill a glass with the desired layered drink type. Alternatively, the user could specify what type of liquid layers should be poured and in what order, by inputting this information directly via the input means. In this way, any non-stored recipe could be used.
The pouring device 20 is either hand-held by the operator or, preferably, held by a stand to be at a fixed initial position relative to a glass or other holder for liquids, into which the different layers of liquid is to be poured. Hand-held operation requires the operator to hold the pouring device steady (in a fixed position) relative the glass, making a stand held pouring device the preferred embodiment.
The tanks may be mounted in almost any location relative the location of the pouring device, due to the fact that the pressurized tanks provide a steady, predictable flow.
The tanks may even be mounted in a room remote from where the pouring device is placed. In one embodiment, the tanks are provided with their own individual pressurizing means, and can advantageously be sold or rented using a system similar to how beer barrels for bar taps is used today. The tanks may then also utilize an external pressurizing means, as described earlier.
Tanks not having a pressurizing means may be used, but they have to be mounted higher than the pouring device, in order to provide sufficient gravity feed of the liquids.
In this case, the regulation of the liquid feed is more difficult, because the liquid flow will vary more as the level of liquid changes in the tanks. Such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. The tanks 7' are preferably liqueur bottles, held by clamping means 30. Each tank is connected to a flow rate valve 11' via a coupling means 31. The cleaning liquid tank 8 has its own pressurizing means 2', to supply pressurized cleaning liquid to the apparatus as described. All further designations are the same as for the previous embodiments. For this embodiment, it is important to achieve a constant liqueur flow from each tank 7'. This is accomplished by using the flow rate valves 11' in a way already used in bars today. The flow rate valve allows a pre-defined volume to pass per time unit, independent upon the actual level of liquid in the tank 7'.
The pressurizing means 2 is preferably of a low pressure, small output type compressor, making it cheap to purchase and operate. The pressurizing means is advantageously equipped with a regulator valve 3, to regulate the pressure provided to the apparatus. A pressure measuring means 4 is preferably arranged to measure the pressure in the first manifold. The measured pressure is then either used by the control means 27 or by an operator to regulate the pouring process.
The liquor valves 11 are preferably solenoid valves or any other type of suitable actuators.
The materials used in the apparatus are preferably plastic, stainless steel and other materials suitable for a foodstuff apparatus. Pressure conduits (first and second conduits) are preferably pressure hoses made of reinforced rubber or other suitable material. For example, the pouring device is made of either plastic or stainless steel.
Rigid conduits, for example stainless steel tubing, may be employed (not shown) for all pressure conduits, but a movement allowing means (not shown) must, in this case, be arranged between the pouring device and the deflector or within the pouring device.
The movement allowing means would thus allow the pouring device to be moved by the actuator, as described above, although the rigid conduits would permit no movement, as would resilient Tuber conduits.
Preferably, a cleaning tank 8 is filled with a cleaning liquid, such as water.
The cleaning tank is also connected to the pressurizing means via a cleaning pressure conduit 13.
The outlet of the cleaning tank is connected to a cleaning liquid conduit 15, which is connected to a cleaning valve 10, and further to all liquor valves 11 associated with the _g_ tanks for holding liquid. The cleaning valve may be connected in series or in parallel with the liquor valves. When the cleaning valve is opened, all the liquor valves are also opened, so all valves are open together. The cleaning liquid thus flows from the cleaning tank, via the cleaning valve, to the liquor valves associated with the liquid tanks, and to the pouring device, via the third conduits 19. The cleaning liquid is collected after it runs out the pouring device via the deflector, thus cleaning all the conduits and liquid flow passages after the individual liquor valves. To clean the individual tanks, the liquid in each tank will have to be substituted with water, and the tank pressurized and its liquor valve opened, to flow water through the tank and its associated conduits. Preferably, the control means also comprises cleaning programs selectable via the input means. The valves may be operated manually, to allow manual cleaning of the apparatus, for example when all tanks are empty. The operator would then fill all tanks with cleaning liquid, and then open all or selected valves to clean the apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2, the liquor valves 11 have a liquor inlet B, cleaning liquid inlet A and an outlet C. The liquor inlet B is connected to a first part 18 of the third conduit, connecting each tank 7 with its associated liquor valve 11. The cleaning liquid inlet A is connected to a feed conduit 16 from a second manifold 9 for cleaning liquid.
The second manifold is fed cleaning liquid via the cleaning conduit 15. During normal operation, i.e. when a liquor is poured via the liquor valve, the liquor valve opens a passage from the inlet B to the outlet C. When a cleaning liquid is made to flow via the liquor valve to the pouring device, the liquor valve opens a passage from the inlet A to the outlet C. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, no second manifold is used, but the cleaning liquid is directly connected to each liquor valve 11 via a conduit from the cleaning valve 10.
The number of tanks used in the apparatus is only limited by the available space, especially where the third conduits connect to the pouring device. For a large number of tanks, the pouring device will have to be designed with closely packed inlets for the third conduits, and may possibly not be comfortably hand-held. The design of the pouring device is thus also dictated by the number of tanks desired in the apparatus.
Thus, the invention encompasses an apparatus having only two tanks, to provide a very limited number of drink types, to an apparatus having one tank for every known drink _g_ liquid and a control means having been programmed with all known drink recipes.
A further embodiment (not shown) of the invention has the tanks, pressurizing means, pouring device and all conduits and valves mounted on a mobile cart, together with an appropriate power source for the pressurizing means. Using this embodiment, it is possible to serve layered drinks prepared directly at individual tables of a restaurant, for example.
A further advantage with an apparatus according to the invention is that any operator can produce layered drinks, both accurately and fast.
It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
For example, an obvious variation of the invention is to connect a plurality of pouring devices to one set of tanks, making it possible to pour more than one drink simultaneously. In this case, there might be a need for a pressure regulating control means in each tank, to achieve a constant pressure in the tanks for a steady and predictable liquid flow, also during the periods when one tank is pouring liquid into more than one pouring device. Some type of glass centring or placement means might be utilized, to properly position the glass with respect to the pouring device.
Further sensors may be employed to provide the control means with data necessary for a high degree of automation. Examples are position sensors to tell if a glass is placed under the pouring device, and if so, if the glass is properly centred. Other position sensors could detect the height of the glass from the surface on which it is standing.
A sensor could give a signal when the deflector has reached a proper position relative the glass bottom, for starting filling the glass.
Superposed layer pouring devices are known from, for example, US 5,163,488 (Basch) and CN 2231685U (Guo Rugeng).
Basch shows a device to be placed on top of a glass, the device having one or more chambers for holding different liquors. Each chamber is connected to a central hole leading to a pouring arm having a spherical float. The amount of liquor poured from a chamber is regulated either manually or automatically using shut-off valves.
When a plurality of chambers is used, liquor pouring from a chamber is selected by pressing a button associated with that chamber. In this way, the shut-off valve is opened and is switched off automatically when the desired layer thickness has been poured.
The sequence of pouring may be automated.
Guo Rugeng shows a similar device to Basch, having one chamber and a spherical float connected to an upper handle.
The known devices have the apparent drawbacks of either not allowing automated pouring of a drink of a certain type, preferably chosen from a list of different drinks, or providing a cumbersome and big device to be placed directly onto or adjacent the top of the drink glass. To keep the device size down, the liquor chambers have to be kept small, which will limit the number of drinks that can be poured before the chambers need to be refilled. This presents a problem when the device is used in a professional setting, such as a bar, where the demand for sustained throughput is larger than for a device used in a domestic environment.
In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for automatically or semi-automatically pouring layered drinks that obviates or mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations. The operator of the apparatus will only have to choose the particular sequence the different layers should be in, place a glass or similar object under a pouring device and then the apparatus will perform the necessary steps for pouring in the right amount of the proper liquid in the proper sequence, without mixing the different layers. The actual knowledge of what layers are to be poured, and in which sequence, is not necessary for the operator to have. This information can be stored in a control means, which regulates the pouring.
In the invention, an apparatus for pouring layered drinks comprises a pouring device, for controlled pouring of different density liquids into a vessel, a plurality of liquid holding tanks, each of the plurality of tanks having a first outlet, which is connected to a liquid conduit leading to the pouring device; and liquor valves provided in each liquid conduit, to selectively and controllably open or close each liquid conduit. The pouring device has - an inlet for each liquid conduit, and a second outlet cooperating with a deflector arranged at a lower end of the pouring device, to deflect liquid flowing from the second outlet. The deflector is reciprocally movable vertically with respect to the pouring device, to position the deflector at different distances from a lower end of the pouring device.
An actuator is connected to reciprocate the deflector.
In one embodiment of the invention, the liquor valves are operable to any position between the closed and the open position. The liquor valves and the actuator are preferably connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes the liquor valves and regulates the position of the actuator, and thus the position of the deflector.
The actuator is preferably an electromagnetic actuator. The liquor valves are advantageously electromagnetic valves.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the contents of the plurality of tanks are set under higher pressure than the ambient pressure by a pressurizing means.
Advantageously, the liquor valves and the actuator are connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes the liquor valves and regulates the position of the actuator , and thus the position of the deflector. The pressurizing means preferably comprises a pump connected to a first manifold, the first manifold being connected to each of the plurality of tanks via pressure conduits. The pressurizing means further may comprise a pressure regulator for controlling the pump to provide a predetermined _2_ pressure in the first manifold. Preferably, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator, and is connected to the first manifold via an actuator valve. Also the liquor valves are preferably pneumatic, i.e. pneumatic valves.
Advantageously, a cleaning tank is connected to the pressurizing means, and further connected to a second manifold via a cleaning valve, the second manifold being connected to each liquor valve, so that, when the cleaning valve is in an open position, pressurised cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning tank to the second manifold and to each liquor valve, the liquor valves being operable to a back-wash cleaning position, in which the liquid enters the pouring device from the liquor valves so cleaning liquid would flow from the second manifold through the liquor valves to the pouring device via the liquid conduits.
In operation, the apparatus according to the invention may be utilized as follows:
a) filling tanks with different liquids, a different liquid in each individual tank;
b) starting a pressurizing means to provide sufficient over-pressure in each tank;
c) placing a glass or other container under a pouring device;
d) lowering a deflector of the pouring device by an actuator means until the deflector is in a desired position relative a bottom of the glass;
e) opening a liquor valve associated with one of the tanks containing a first desired liquid;
f) forcing the first liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from the tank and via the corresponding conduit, to the pouring device, so that the first liquid enters the pouring device and is directed onto the deflector;
h) closing the liquor valve associated with the appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill the glass to a predetermined height with the particular first liquid;
i) raising the deflector a distance sufficient to position the deflector above the just poured layer of liquid;
j) opening a liquor valve associated with a tank containing a second preferred liquid;
k) forcing the second liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from the tank and via the corresponding conduit, to the pouring device, so that the second liquid enters the pouring device and is directed onto the deflector, thus slowing down the liquid flow to keep the second liquid from mixing with other liquid layers;
I) closing the liquor valve associated with the appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill the glass to a predetermined height with the particular second liquid;
m) repeating steps i) to I) as many times as desired, to provide a third, fourth, and so on, layer of different liquids;
n) lifting the pouring device away from the glass;
o) removing the glass.
The steps may be performed manually by the operator, by manipulating controls on a control board for example, or be semi-automated or fully automated by the control means. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator would start the apparatus, place a glass in the correct position relative the pouring device and then choose a desired drink type from a menu on a display device, after which the control means would perform the pouring of the different layers automatically.
Alternatively, a semi-automatic operation is envisioned, wherein the operator manually raises the deflector or manually regulates the time period for pouring of each liquid, for example.
Further features ofthe invention will be described orwill become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquor valve according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.
As is shown in Fig. 1, an apparatus 1 according to the invention has a plurality of liquid holding tanks 7, set under higher pressure than the ambient pressure by a pressurizing means 2, such as an air compressor. The pressurizing means is preferably connected to a pressure equalizing first manifold 5 via a first conduit 12, 13', 14.
Each individual tank is connected to the first manifold, via a second conduit 17, one second conduit for each tank. The pressurizing means shown is common to all the tanks, but an alternative embodiment has a pressurizing means associated with each individual tank, for example, the tanks themselves may be pressure vessels containing a pressurizing gas.
The tanks each have an outlet, which has a third conduit 18, 19 leading to a pouring device 20 common to all tanks. A liquor valve 11 is provided in each third conduit, to selectively open or close the individual third conduit. Thus, one liquor valve is associated with each tank. The liquor valve may be manually operated or remotely operated via valve actuating means (not shown).
The pouring device 20 has an inlet for each third conduit 18, 19, and a deflector 24 arranged at a lower end of the pouring device. The pouring device may be formed as a substantially funnel shaped body 25, having the pointed end down towards the glass to be filled, and further having a top plate and a bottom plate, where each second conduit is connected to a pipe which runs from a first hole in the top plate to a second hole in the bottom plate. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the pouring device may be formed as a substantially cylindrical body 25' having a top plate and a bottom plate, where each second conduit is connected to a pipe which runs from a first hole in the top plate to a second hole in the bottom plate.
The deflector means 24 is reciprocally movable together with the pouring device 20, to position the deflector at different distances from the bottom end of the glass in which the layered drink is to be poured. The movement of the deflector/pouring device is provided by an actuator 22, preferably an air cylinder which is connected to the pressurizing device via a fourth conduit 21. If the tanks contain individual pressurizing means, the actuator will have to be supplied with pressure from its own pressurizing means, for example an air compressor. Alternatively, the actuator may be of the electromagnetic type, for example a solenoid. The deflector preferably has a substantially conical head portion, with the top of the cone pointing upwards, and an elongated stem portion 23. The stem portion is preferably connected to the actuator, for example the piston rod of an air cylinder. The piston rod position is then regulated by the opening and closing of an air regulation valve associated with the air cylinder, to extend or retract the piston to position the piston rod and the deflector inside the glass or to move the deflector up and out of the way after finished pouring.
The actuator may be placed directly above the pouring device or to the side of the pouring device and connect to the pouring device via a rod or cord arrangement, for instance.
The deflector is preferably fastened in a first central hole in the top plate and a second central hole in the bottom plate. The first and second central holes are substantially concentric. Alternatively, the deflector means is arranged as a substantially convex surface of any circumferential geometry, having a stem or other connection means to the actuator. The actuator is alternatively connected to another part of the pouring device, such as a connector mounted on the side of the pouring device.
The main consideration, when designing the deflector, is that the deflector has to slow down the liquid flow and redirect the flow from vertical to substantially horizontal. For example, the deflector may be a substantially spherical body suspended by a string connecting the deflector to the actuator, the spherical body being pulled by gravitational forces in a downward direction and positioned vertically by the actuator.
Also, a collector, for example a perforated disc, may be arranged between the pouring device and the deflector, to further even out the flow of the liquids poured so that irrespective of which tank is used, the flow of the liquid onto the deflector would be substantially constant and predictable.
The liquor valves and the actuator are all preferably connected to a control means 27, which selectively opens and closes the valves and regulates the position of the actuator, and thus the position of the deflector. The control means may be a computerized means, having a CPU, input means, output means and memory means to store and execute programs containing pre-defined drink recipes. Thus, the user would use the input means to instruct the control means what drink recipe to use, and the control means would look up the actual recipe in its memory means and perform the necessary tasks (choosing tank order, regulating valve means etc.) to fill a glass with the desired layered drink type. Alternatively, the user could specify what type of liquid layers should be poured and in what order, by inputting this information directly via the input means. In this way, any non-stored recipe could be used.
The pouring device 20 is either hand-held by the operator or, preferably, held by a stand to be at a fixed initial position relative to a glass or other holder for liquids, into which the different layers of liquid is to be poured. Hand-held operation requires the operator to hold the pouring device steady (in a fixed position) relative the glass, making a stand held pouring device the preferred embodiment.
The tanks may be mounted in almost any location relative the location of the pouring device, due to the fact that the pressurized tanks provide a steady, predictable flow.
The tanks may even be mounted in a room remote from where the pouring device is placed. In one embodiment, the tanks are provided with their own individual pressurizing means, and can advantageously be sold or rented using a system similar to how beer barrels for bar taps is used today. The tanks may then also utilize an external pressurizing means, as described earlier.
Tanks not having a pressurizing means may be used, but they have to be mounted higher than the pouring device, in order to provide sufficient gravity feed of the liquids.
In this case, the regulation of the liquid feed is more difficult, because the liquid flow will vary more as the level of liquid changes in the tanks. Such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. The tanks 7' are preferably liqueur bottles, held by clamping means 30. Each tank is connected to a flow rate valve 11' via a coupling means 31. The cleaning liquid tank 8 has its own pressurizing means 2', to supply pressurized cleaning liquid to the apparatus as described. All further designations are the same as for the previous embodiments. For this embodiment, it is important to achieve a constant liqueur flow from each tank 7'. This is accomplished by using the flow rate valves 11' in a way already used in bars today. The flow rate valve allows a pre-defined volume to pass per time unit, independent upon the actual level of liquid in the tank 7'.
The pressurizing means 2 is preferably of a low pressure, small output type compressor, making it cheap to purchase and operate. The pressurizing means is advantageously equipped with a regulator valve 3, to regulate the pressure provided to the apparatus. A pressure measuring means 4 is preferably arranged to measure the pressure in the first manifold. The measured pressure is then either used by the control means 27 or by an operator to regulate the pouring process.
The liquor valves 11 are preferably solenoid valves or any other type of suitable actuators.
The materials used in the apparatus are preferably plastic, stainless steel and other materials suitable for a foodstuff apparatus. Pressure conduits (first and second conduits) are preferably pressure hoses made of reinforced rubber or other suitable material. For example, the pouring device is made of either plastic or stainless steel.
Rigid conduits, for example stainless steel tubing, may be employed (not shown) for all pressure conduits, but a movement allowing means (not shown) must, in this case, be arranged between the pouring device and the deflector or within the pouring device.
The movement allowing means would thus allow the pouring device to be moved by the actuator, as described above, although the rigid conduits would permit no movement, as would resilient Tuber conduits.
Preferably, a cleaning tank 8 is filled with a cleaning liquid, such as water.
The cleaning tank is also connected to the pressurizing means via a cleaning pressure conduit 13.
The outlet of the cleaning tank is connected to a cleaning liquid conduit 15, which is connected to a cleaning valve 10, and further to all liquor valves 11 associated with the _g_ tanks for holding liquid. The cleaning valve may be connected in series or in parallel with the liquor valves. When the cleaning valve is opened, all the liquor valves are also opened, so all valves are open together. The cleaning liquid thus flows from the cleaning tank, via the cleaning valve, to the liquor valves associated with the liquid tanks, and to the pouring device, via the third conduits 19. The cleaning liquid is collected after it runs out the pouring device via the deflector, thus cleaning all the conduits and liquid flow passages after the individual liquor valves. To clean the individual tanks, the liquid in each tank will have to be substituted with water, and the tank pressurized and its liquor valve opened, to flow water through the tank and its associated conduits. Preferably, the control means also comprises cleaning programs selectable via the input means. The valves may be operated manually, to allow manual cleaning of the apparatus, for example when all tanks are empty. The operator would then fill all tanks with cleaning liquid, and then open all or selected valves to clean the apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2, the liquor valves 11 have a liquor inlet B, cleaning liquid inlet A and an outlet C. The liquor inlet B is connected to a first part 18 of the third conduit, connecting each tank 7 with its associated liquor valve 11. The cleaning liquid inlet A is connected to a feed conduit 16 from a second manifold 9 for cleaning liquid.
The second manifold is fed cleaning liquid via the cleaning conduit 15. During normal operation, i.e. when a liquor is poured via the liquor valve, the liquor valve opens a passage from the inlet B to the outlet C. When a cleaning liquid is made to flow via the liquor valve to the pouring device, the liquor valve opens a passage from the inlet A to the outlet C. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, no second manifold is used, but the cleaning liquid is directly connected to each liquor valve 11 via a conduit from the cleaning valve 10.
The number of tanks used in the apparatus is only limited by the available space, especially where the third conduits connect to the pouring device. For a large number of tanks, the pouring device will have to be designed with closely packed inlets for the third conduits, and may possibly not be comfortably hand-held. The design of the pouring device is thus also dictated by the number of tanks desired in the apparatus.
Thus, the invention encompasses an apparatus having only two tanks, to provide a very limited number of drink types, to an apparatus having one tank for every known drink _g_ liquid and a control means having been programmed with all known drink recipes.
A further embodiment (not shown) of the invention has the tanks, pressurizing means, pouring device and all conduits and valves mounted on a mobile cart, together with an appropriate power source for the pressurizing means. Using this embodiment, it is possible to serve layered drinks prepared directly at individual tables of a restaurant, for example.
A further advantage with an apparatus according to the invention is that any operator can produce layered drinks, both accurately and fast.
It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
For example, an obvious variation of the invention is to connect a plurality of pouring devices to one set of tanks, making it possible to pour more than one drink simultaneously. In this case, there might be a need for a pressure regulating control means in each tank, to achieve a constant pressure in the tanks for a steady and predictable liquid flow, also during the periods when one tank is pouring liquid into more than one pouring device. Some type of glass centring or placement means might be utilized, to properly position the glass with respect to the pouring device.
Further sensors may be employed to provide the control means with data necessary for a high degree of automation. Examples are position sensors to tell if a glass is placed under the pouring device, and if so, if the glass is properly centred. Other position sensors could detect the height of the glass from the surface on which it is standing.
A sensor could give a signal when the deflector has reached a proper position relative the glass bottom, for starting filling the glass.
Claims (13)
1. An apparatus for pouring layered drinks, said apparatus comprising:
a pouring device, for controlled pouring of different density liquids into a vessel;
liquid holding tanks, each of said tanks having a first outlet, which is connected to a liquid conduit leading to said pouring device; and liquor valves provided in each said liquid conduit, to selectively and controllably open or close each said liquid conduit;
said pouring device having an inlet for each said liquid conduit, a second outlet cooperating with a deflector arranged at a lower end of said pouring device, to deflect liquid flowing from said second outlet, said deflector being reciprocally movable vertically with respect to said pouring device, to position said deflector at different distances from a lower end of said pouring device, and an actuator connected to reciprocate said deflector.
a pouring device, for controlled pouring of different density liquids into a vessel;
liquid holding tanks, each of said tanks having a first outlet, which is connected to a liquid conduit leading to said pouring device; and liquor valves provided in each said liquid conduit, to selectively and controllably open or close each said liquid conduit;
said pouring device having an inlet for each said liquid conduit, a second outlet cooperating with a deflector arranged at a lower end of said pouring device, to deflect liquid flowing from said second outlet, said deflector being reciprocally movable vertically with respect to said pouring device, to position said deflector at different distances from a lower end of said pouring device, and an actuator connected to reciprocate said deflector.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said liquor valves are operable to any position between said closed and said open position.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said liquor valves and said actuator are connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes said liquor valves and regulates the position of said actuator, and thus the position of said deflector.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents of said tanks are set under higher pressure than the ambient pressure by a pressurizing means.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said liquor valves and said actuator are connected to a control means, which selectively opens and closes said liquor valves and regulates the position of said actuator, and thus the position of said deflector.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said pressurizing means comprises a pump connected to a first manifold, said first manifold being connected to each of said tanks via pressure conduits.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said pressurizing means further comprises a pressure regulator for controlling said pump to provide a predetermined pressure in said first manifold.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said actuator is a pneumatic actuator, and is connected to said first manifold via an actuator valve.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuator is an electromagnetic actuator.
10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said liquor valves are pneumatic valves.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said liquor valves are electromagnetic valves.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a cleaning tank is connected to said pressurizing means, and further connected to a second manifold via a cleaning valve, said second manifold being connected to each said liquor valves, so that, when said cleaning valve is in an open position, pressurised cleaning liquid flows from said cleaning tank to said second manifold and to each said liquor valve, said liquor valves being operable to a back-wash cleaning position, in which the liquid enters said pouring device from said liquor valves so cleaning liquid would flow from said second manifold through said liquor valves to said pouring device via said liquid conduits.
13. A method of operating an apparatus for pouring layered drinks, said method comprising the following steps:
a) filling tanks with different liquids, a different liquid in each individual tank;
b) starting a pressurizing means to provide sufficient over-pressure in each said tank;
c) placing a glass or other container under a pouring device;
d) lowering a deflector of said pouring device by an actuator means until said deflector is in a desired position relative a bottom of said glass;
e) opening a liquor valve associated with one of said tanks containing a first desired liquid;
f) forcing said first liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from said tank and via said corresponding conduit, to said pouring device, so that said first liquid enters said pouring device and is directed onto said deflector;
h) closing said liquor valve associated with said appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill said glass to a predetermined height with said particular first liquid;
i) raising said deflector a distance sufficient to position said deflector above the just poured layer of liquid;
j) opening a liquor valve associated with a tank containing a second preferred liquid;
k) forcing said second liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from said tank and via said corresponding conduit, to said pouring device, so that said second liquid enters said pouring device and is directed onto said deflector, thus slowing down the liquid flow to keep said second liquid from mixing with other liquid layers;
l) closing said liquor valve associated with said appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill said glass to a predetermined height with said particular second liquid;
m) repeating steps i) to l) as many times as desired, to provide a third, fourth, and so on, layer of different liquids;
n) lifting said pouring device away from said glass;
o) removing said glass.
a) filling tanks with different liquids, a different liquid in each individual tank;
b) starting a pressurizing means to provide sufficient over-pressure in each said tank;
c) placing a glass or other container under a pouring device;
d) lowering a deflector of said pouring device by an actuator means until said deflector is in a desired position relative a bottom of said glass;
e) opening a liquor valve associated with one of said tanks containing a first desired liquid;
f) forcing said first liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from said tank and via said corresponding conduit, to said pouring device, so that said first liquid enters said pouring device and is directed onto said deflector;
h) closing said liquor valve associated with said appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill said glass to a predetermined height with said particular first liquid;
i) raising said deflector a distance sufficient to position said deflector above the just poured layer of liquid;
j) opening a liquor valve associated with a tank containing a second preferred liquid;
k) forcing said second liquid, at a steady and controllable rate, from said tank and via said corresponding conduit, to said pouring device, so that said second liquid enters said pouring device and is directed onto said deflector, thus slowing down the liquid flow to keep said second liquid from mixing with other liquid layers;
l) closing said liquor valve associated with said appropriate tank, after a desired time period, sufficient to fill said glass to a predetermined height with said particular second liquid;
m) repeating steps i) to l) as many times as desired, to provide a third, fourth, and so on, layer of different liquids;
n) lifting said pouring device away from said glass;
o) removing said glass.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16136699P | 1999-10-26 | 1999-10-26 | |
| US60/161366 | 1999-10-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2324428A1 true CA2324428A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
Family
ID=22580905
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2324428 Abandoned CA2324428A1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2000-10-25 | Liquid layer machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2324428A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20130014857A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2013-01-17 | Diederik Jasper Kinds | Injecting Device and Method of Filling a Holder with Separated Liquid Layers |
| AT15778U1 (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2018-06-15 | Filgertshofer Rainer | Auxiliary for the preparation of layered cocktails |
| GB2619751A (en) * | 2022-06-16 | 2023-12-20 | Antonio Dammaro | Machine that produces drinks with distinctive layers |
-
2000
- 2000-10-25 CA CA 2324428 patent/CA2324428A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20130014857A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2013-01-17 | Diederik Jasper Kinds | Injecting Device and Method of Filling a Holder with Separated Liquid Layers |
| US8931525B2 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2015-01-13 | Layernation Beverage Solutions B.V. | Injecting device and method of filling a holder with separated liquid layers |
| AT15778U1 (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2018-06-15 | Filgertshofer Rainer | Auxiliary for the preparation of layered cocktails |
| GB2619751A (en) * | 2022-06-16 | 2023-12-20 | Antonio Dammaro | Machine that produces drinks with distinctive layers |
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