EP0783433B1 - Gas actuator assembly - Google Patents

Gas actuator assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0783433B1
EP0783433B1 EP95930852A EP95930852A EP0783433B1 EP 0783433 B1 EP0783433 B1 EP 0783433B1 EP 95930852 A EP95930852 A EP 95930852A EP 95930852 A EP95930852 A EP 95930852A EP 0783433 B1 EP0783433 B1 EP 0783433B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
tube
actuator assembly
air
container
Prior art date
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EP95930852A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0783433A1 (en
EP0783433A4 (en
Inventor
George W. Liebmann, Jr.
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Liebmann George W Jr
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Liebmann George W Jr
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Priority claimed from US08/326,040 external-priority patent/US5458165A/en
Application filed by Liebmann George W Jr filed Critical Liebmann George W Jr
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Publication of EP0783433A4 publication Critical patent/EP0783433A4/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D1/0412—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container
    • B67D1/0418—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container comprising a CO2 cartridge for dispensing and carbonating the beverage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to a gas actuator assembly for the injection of a compressed gas into a sealed vessel and the evacuation of air therefrom, for the carbonation of fluids in open or sealed vessels, and for the controlled release of gas from a compressed source.
  • This invention serves as a multipurpose portable tool with three primary applications: to maintain the quality of a partially-consumed container of wine or other oxidizable fluid, to allow simplified carbonation or recarbonation of soft drinks, seltzer or other beverages, and to serve as a convenient portable tool for the displacement of air or other gases from bottles, beakers or other enclosed containers, especially those containing foods.
  • Prior art includes devices for each specific task but does not include devices with similar combined usage. Hence, this device provides a unique efficiency and functionality. Furthermore, this device provides substantial and unique improvements in the accomplishment of each of the aforementioned primary applications.
  • This problem has made the enjoyment of exotic wines such as the first-growth Bordeauxes, economically unattainable for those whose means do not allow them to easily envision consuming a bottle of wine, possibly costing several hundred dollars, at one sitting. Such an individual might find it easier to try a bottle of such wine if he could spread its enjoyment over a longer period of time.
  • This invention would also allow smaller restaurants to offer larger winelists by the glass or carafe, as spoilage of unfinished bottles of wines would cease to become a consideration, thereby allowing people of average means to occasionally sample fine wines without having to make an unaffordably large expenditure on an entire bottle. Before this invention, such opportunities did not exist. Much wine has been wasted and much potential demand for wine has gone unfulfilled.
  • U.S. Pat. 4,475,576 discloses a stoppering apparatus that provides multiple stoppers which are designed to have the "dispensing head of an inert gas dispenser" plugged directly into the stopper.
  • the device makes use of check valves in the stopper to seal the contact point of the injection apparatus and the evacuation aperture.
  • a stopper would take the form of a tapered rubber cork with molded check valves described as "a resilient tubular sleeve with a pinched downstream end permitting gases to pass only from within the tube out through the pinched end.”
  • the stopper due to its small surface area, can also be difficult to remove, as it does allow one's hand to sufficiently grip it and thereby attain much leverage. This problem will be particularly acute with bottles with narrow necks. Finally, this device is limited for use with wine, and cannot be easily used with opened containers of juices, foods, or for other applications.
  • U.S. Patent 4, 477,477 discloses a method and system for preserving wine that includes a source of pressurized, inert gas, and a delivery apparatus to a bottle.
  • the device includes numerous parts and exposed connections and is awkward to use and transport, and is easily susceptible to damage.
  • the device requires several steps in order for it to work that would be undesirable for those consumers who are not mechanically-inclined.
  • the device includes a source of inert gas, a valve, a connecting tube connected to the valve, which in turn is connected to an adjustable nozzle, which in turn is connected to a mounting device similar to a straight stopper, within which its height is adjustable by sliding the nozzle up and down and tightening with a positioning means.
  • the nozzle is required to be positioned directly above the surface of the wine.
  • This mounting device is held in place in the bottle by a "mounting means comprising a plurality of supports projecting in spaced relationship around the perimeter of said mounting means.” The spaces between these mounting means are designed to allow the expelled air to escape.
  • One is supposed to use the device to place an inert gas cover atop the wine and then remove the device and recork the container.
  • This prior art device has several undesirable design features.
  • the tubing connecting the valve on the gas source to the adjustable nozzle is prone to breakage, leakage, and dry rot. This could shorten the lifespan of the device and may allow some air to be sucked into the injection tube and into the bottle.
  • This tubing is also prone to slipping off both the valve and the adjustable nozzle, causing failure of the device.
  • the device also requires that the nozzle be adjusted up and down within the stopper (mounting device). This is undesirable, as it is prone to creating leaks over time as the fit between nozzle and stopper becomes less snug over repeated movement of the nozzle.
  • the device is also intended to position the injection nozzle over the surface of the wine. This method does not provide the benefits of inserting the nozzle beneath the surface of the wine, allowing the gas to bubble upward. Such a method would allow the inert gas to not only displace the air in the bottle more reliably, by assuring a better fill of the headspace, it would also allow much of the air that was dissolved in the wine to be displaced by the inert gas.
  • the supports which surround and hold up the "mounting means" and create spaces for the expelled air to escape are not only awkward and time-consuming to put into place, they also do not address the problems posed by bottles with different neck sizes.
  • a wide neck would mean that these supports would fail or that the stopper would be fit only loosely into the bottle.
  • a small neck may preclude these supports from fitting or may cause the stopper to be so compressed against the supports that many of the ventilation spaces are closed. leading to dangerous pressure levels developing within the bottle as the compressed gas is injected.
  • These spaces also do not allow the bottle to develop a true seal while the stopper is in place, nor is this the intent of the device.
  • the design is such that the user is supposed to remove the entire apparatus and then install a cork or other seal atop the head of inert gas.
  • This method permits air to be trapped above the inert gas and under the cork. This air under the cork still allows the wine to be somewhat compromised by the effects of oxidation. Convection and human agitation of the bottle are likely to allow the air to directly contact the wine, even in the presence of a blanket of inert gas.
  • the stopper due to its small surface area, can also be difficult to remove, as it does allow one's hand to sufficiently grip it and thereby attain much leverage. This problem will be particularly acute with bottles with narrow necks. This device is also limited for use with wine and cannot easily be used to preserve opened containers of juices, foods, or for other applications.
  • a second primary use for the present device is for the carbonation of beverages, including water to make seltzer, and juices to make more nutritious sodas.
  • This device would also allow soft drinks which have gone “flat” to be easily recarbonated. It would also allow previously opened containers of soft drinks to be sealed, preventing decarbonation and spoilage.
  • a third primary use for the present device is for the removal of air from bottles, beakers and other enclosed containers.
  • Those skilled in the food-packing art have long been familiar with the use of various unreactive gases to displace air in the sealing of foods and beverages. Examples of such usage are exemplified by U.S. Pats. 586,632, 1,263,278, 2,204,833, 2,333,898, 2,705,578, 2,758,766, 2,862,528, 3,212,537, 3,406,079, 3,556,174, 3,804,133, 3,837,137, and 4,312,171. These patents are directed toward the sealing of a filled container and not to the particular problems confronted by consumers who open sealed containers and wish to reseal them, particularly when the contents have been partially depleted.
  • US patent No 4 702 396 discloses an apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based.
  • US patent No 4 323 090 discloses a carbonation machine for the production of carbonated beverages.
  • the machine is a counter top model designed to carbonate entire containers of soft drinks, and the machine cannot carbonate individual glasses of drinks or smaller containers, nor does it allow the consumer to quickly and easily carbonate a single glass of a soft drink that is not necessarily in a bottle or closed container.
  • the machine comprises a high pressure system which can allow pressures to exceed 1.2 MPa (175 psi), thereby requiring a special housing (in the event of bottle failure) which would otherwise cause bodily injury to the operator.
  • This known machine is more cumbersome to operate than the present invention in requiring the user to open the housing in order to load the container to be carbonated.
  • the present invention does not allow a high pressure environment to occur within the bottle and thereby eliminates the need for reinforcement.
  • the present invention is directed to a gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly comprising:
  • the assembly is characterized in that the actuation means is adapted for simultaneously enabling compressed gas to travel from the gas source through the compressed gas supply tube into the vessel and air to travel from the vessel through the evacuation tube, said housing including a gas source receiving part with a cap.
  • the present invention is also directed to the use of said gas actuator in combination with a food storage container, as defined in claim 20.
  • Fig. 1 represents a typical embodiment of a gas-source actuator assembly.
  • the assembly is intended to serve as the primary component of the preservation/carbonation system of the present invention, to which attachments can be connected.
  • the bulk of this device is housed inside of an external housing (1) .
  • Said housing serves to protect and position internal components and gas source, while also serving as a simple means for holding and positioning said actuator.
  • a preferred embodiment of the external housing (1) includes a grip for placing the index finger (2) and a handgrip (8) for positioning the third, fourth, and fifth digits of the operator's hand and housing a replaceable seltzer-bottle style gas cartridge or other gas source (9) .
  • the handgrip (8) is provided with screwthreads or other means for securing a positioning cap (10) for the installation and removal of the gas cartridge (9) .
  • a positioning cap 10 for the installation and removal of the gas cartridge (9) .
  • the housing is typically constructed out of a durable hard material, such as plastic or metal. The housing is preferably the approximate size of an adult human hand.
  • a cartridge positioning guide (11) Contained within the housing (1) is a cartridge positioning guide (11) attached by a screw or other means to the screw cap (10) .
  • the cartridge positioning guide (11) contacts the rear end of the gas cartridge (9) , pushing the gas cartridge (9) toward a hollow connecting pin (7) .
  • Further tightening of screwcap causes the hollow connecting pin (7) to puncture the neck-end of the gas cartridge (9) , thereby causing gas to flow from the gas cartridge (9) through the hollow connection pin (7) through a gas transport tube (6B) to an actuator control valve (12) for the gas source, which prohibits further flow of the gas unless the button (5) is pressed.
  • a pliable connector seal (6A) similar to a rubber washer, is affixed to the gas transport tube (6B) , surrounding the base of the hollow connector pin (7) .
  • the pressurized gas cartridge (9) is pushed snugly against the pliable connector seal (6A) , thereby sealing the mouth of the pressurized gas cartridge (9) to prevent leakage of any gas from the connection and to prevent air from leaking into the connection.
  • the actuator button (5) is connected to valve activators (4) of actuator control valves (12) and (13) . Depressing said button causes both valve activators (4) to open valves (12) and (13) , in tandem.
  • the opening of the control valve (12) for the gas source allows source gas to pass from gas transport tube (6B) through the control valve (12) into an actuator gas source lead tube (15) which directs the flow of gas downward to a peripheral attachment, as described hereinafter.
  • On the gas source lead tube there is an emergency pressure release valve (14) which will vent gas from the lead tube (15) to outside of the housing (1) in the event that blockage of gas flow causes dangerous pressure levels to develop in the lead tube (15) .
  • Said emergency release valve (14) preferably opens only under conditions where the pressure in the lead tube far exceeds one atmosphere, where such pressure, if unvented, may pose a danger to the operator of the system or to the structural integrity of the system itself.
  • the simultaneous opening of the air exhaust control valve (13) allows evacuated air to pass upward from an actuator exhaust lead tube (18) through the air exhaust control valve (13) through the exhaust tube for evacuated air (3) .
  • the release of the button (5) causes both actuator control valves (12) and (13) to close.
  • On the bottom of both the actuator gas source lead tube (15) and the actuator gas source lead tube (18) are connectors (16) and (17) , which allow said lead tubes to be easily connected to the tubes of the peripheral accessories described hereinafter.
  • the connectors (16) and (17) are short tubes having diameters sufficiently in excess of the diameters of the lead tubes (15) and (18) and the tubes of the peripheral devices to which the lead tubes are to be connected.
  • each connector is permanently connected and sealed to its respective lead tube (15) or (18) .
  • the inside of each connector (16) or (17) is lined with a pliable material such as rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene, to improve the airtightness of the connection seals when the tubes of the peripheral devices are inserted into the connectors.
  • Figures 2-9 disclose devices which may be attached to the gas actuator assembly in accordance with the present.
  • a bottle injection and sealing apparatus (bottle injector) that operates as a peripheral attachment to the device of Fig. 1 .
  • the apparatus is shown inserted into the neck (25) of a bottle (27) of wine or other fluid (31) .
  • the primary gas injection tip and connector (32) has been immersed below the surface (30) of the wine or other fluid (31) .
  • the device has an external housing (21) which serves to position and protect the valve components (22) , the bottle injector exhaust tube (19) and the bottle injector gas lead tube (20) , while also serving as a convenient handle for the operator to insert and remove the device from a bottle (27) .
  • the external housing (21) is made of a solid material, such as metal or plastic. Attached to an external housing (21) , thereby forming an integral unit, is a tapered bottle corking interface (24) , made of or covered with a pliable resilient material such as rubber. Said corking interface is tapered downward, with the topmost portion wider than the necks of most conceivable wine bottles, with the lower portion sufficiently narrow as to fit into most narrow-necked wine bottles.
  • Such tapering allows the device to easily fit snugly into bottlenecks ranging in size from the very wide to the very narrow.
  • the pliable, resilient material of the corking interface (24) causes said interface to fit snugly against the internal wall of a bottle's neck (25) , thereby creating an airtight seal between the corking interface (24) and the neck of the bottle (25) .
  • a gas lead tube (20) extends from above the external housing, then through the housing into an internal sealing valve (22) . On the bottom of said valve, the flowpath continues into a lower gas lead tube (29) extending into the bottle (27) .
  • a bottle injector exhaust tube (19) extends from above the external housing, then through the housing into an internal sealing valve (22) .
  • the flowpath continues into a lower injector exhaust tube, which shall terminate with an exhaust aperture (26) flush with the bottom of the tapered bottle corking interface (24) .
  • the exhaust aperture (26) is thus positioned within the bottle at the highest point possible.
  • the high positioning of the exhaust aperture (26) serves three advantages: (a) if an inert gas with a molecular weight greater than that of oxygen is used (e.g.
  • the heavier inert gas would naturally tend to push the lighter gas (28) (air or oxygen) upward, hence it is desireable to vent the system at the upwardmost point, (b) placing the exhaust aperture (26) far from the injection tip (32) and at a high position assures that air is initially vented, as the pressure of the incoming and rising gas will tend to force the air in the headspace above the wine (or other liquid) upward, toward the corking interface, and (c) placing the exhaust aperture as high as possible minimizes the chance of wine leaking, splashing, or being propelled into the bottle injection and sealing apparatus.
  • the top of the bottle injector gas lead tube (20) is connected to the gas source component connector (16) of Fig. 1 .
  • the top of a bottle injector exhaust tube (19) is connected to the air exhaust component connector (17) of Fig. 1 , thereby providing a completed circuit for the injection of an inert gas and the removal of air contained within the bottle.
  • the connector (32) may be provided with small holes (50) through the lower portion of the walls of the connector.
  • the holes (50) allow bubbles of gas to pass through the sides of the connector to facilitate injection of gas into a bottle. Positioning of the holes (50) on the lower sides of the connector will not interfere with the creation of an airtight seal, should an extension tube (52) as shown in Fig.3 be inserted into the connector, as there will be enough contact surface area above the holes to allow for such a seal.
  • the sealing valve (22) simultaneously opens or closes both the gas lead passages (20) and (29) and the air exhaust passages (19) and (23) . Hence, when the valve (22) is closed, the contents of the bottle are effectively sealed from the outside. Conversely, when the valve (22) is opened, the bottle is unsealed, allowing gas to be injected through the passages (20) and (29) , and air to be evacuated through the passages (23) and (19) .
  • the injection tip (32) Although it is not necessary for the injection tip (32) to be immersed in the wine (or other liquid) for the device to function properly in evacuating air from a bottle, it usually will be preferred to help displace air that has dissolved in the liquid, as well as air in the headspace above the liquid. Nitrogen gas is somewhat soluble in wine. Consequently, should it be used, one may wish to position the injection tip (32) above the wine. However, it should be observed that even if some nitrogen gas is dissolved into the wine, it does not tend to alter its drinkability.
  • the extension tube (52) which is designed to fit into the primary injection tip and connector (32) of the injection and sealing apparatus of Fig. 2 .
  • Such connectors allow the injection site to be lowered in the event that a tall bottle and/or a bottle with a very small amount of wine is used.
  • Such connectors can also be connected in series, one to another, in order to further elongate the gas lead tube (29) .
  • the extension tube (52) attaches directly to the gas source component connector (16) , for use in beverage carbonation as described hereinafter.
  • the extention tube (52) includes a shaft (33) and a gas injection tip and connector (34) , similar in design and attachment to that of the injection tip (32) .
  • the shaft (33) is a tube of similar design and diameter to the tubing used throughout the system and will easily fit snugly inside connectors (16) for carbonation use or the connectors (32) or (34) for bottle injection use.
  • the extension tube (52) may also be provided with small holes (54) on the side of the connector (34) to allow bubbles of gas to pass therethrough.
  • Figs. 4 & 5 illustrate how the components would look if connected together for the preservation of a bottle of wine or other liquid.
  • the actuator assembly shown in Fig.1 is provided with a cartridge (9) of pressurized unreactive or inert source gas, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium. Illustrated is the actuator assembly shown in Fig. 1 properly attached to the bottle injection and sealing apparatus shown in Fig. 2 , which has been snugly placed into a bottle of wine or other fluid.
  • the sealing valve (22) on the bottle injection and sealing apparatus is open, and the button depressed, gas will flow from the pressurized gas cartridge (9) into the bottle through the gas injection tip (32) .
  • the air in the bottle will be exhausted through the exhaust aperture (26) and eventually out through the exhaust tube (3) of the actuator.
  • the pressure release valve (14) is preferably provided (see Figure 1) in the event the operator accidentally fails to open the injector sealing valve (22) before depressing the button (5) . In this event, gas pressure will unacceptably build up between the sealing valve (22) and the cartridge (9) . This hazard is eliminated by the inclusion of an emergency release valve (14) , which provides the gas a controlled means of escape.
  • the valve (14) may be designed to emit a signal (e.g. a hissing sound) if activated to alert the operator of the failure to open sealing valve (22) .
  • Fig. 5 provides for an extension tube (52) to be attached to the primary injection tip and connector (32) of a bottle injection and sealing apparatus.
  • the extension tube (52) allows the injector to be adapted for operative connection to taller bottles.
  • the devices shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can also be used to carbonate a bottle of liquid.
  • a cartridge of compressed carbon dioxide gas is used as the gas source (9) in the actuator assembly. Bubbling carbon dioxide gas through a liquid causes carbonation to occur within 5-10 seconds, for most applications.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention adapted for carbonation of a beverage within a glass.
  • the actuator of Fig. 1 is attached to an extension tube of Fig. 3 at the primary gas injection tip and connector (32) .
  • the extension tube gas injector tip (34) is inserted into the beverage (36) in a glass or other container (35) .
  • the gas source (9) must be compressed carbon dioxide, hence a carbon dioxide cartridge must be inserted into the actuator as described in the discussion of Fig. 1 .
  • Depressing the button (5) will cause carbon dioxide gas to flow from the cartridge (9) in the actuator, through the shaft of the extension tube (33) through the extension tube gas injection tip (34) into the beverage.
  • Carbon dioxide gas vigorously injected into a beverage in the method described, will cause the beverage to become well-carbonated after 5-10 seconds, for most applications.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a specialized container and lid assembly for the preservation of food, beverages, or other perishables (43) , designed to be used in conjunction with an actuator assembly of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 .
  • the container and lid assembly includes a walled storage vessel (42) with an airtight lid (38) with a connection means to an gas actuator on the lid.
  • the preferred embodiment shall have a sealing valve similar to that of the injector sealing valve (22) which simultaneously opens and closes a lid injection tube (41) and lid exhaust tube (40) in a manner comparable to that of the opening and closure of bottle injector lead tube (20) and bottle injector exhaust tube (19) of Fig. 2 , as described earlier. Similar to the arrangement shown in Fig.
  • the lid exhaust tube (40) has its lower aperture flush with the lid (38) of the container.
  • the lid injection tube (41) is presized to extend nearly to the bottom of the container.
  • the application of the actuator and the use of the lid sealing valve (39) is identical to the method described in Figs. 2-3 , with the comparable valve (22) on the bottle injection and sealing apparatus.
  • the lid injection tube (41) is designed to fit snugly into the gas source component connector (16) of the actuator.
  • the lid exhaust tube (40) is designed to fit snugly into the air exhaust component connector (17) of the actuator.
  • the lid (38) is attached to the container (42) in an airtight manner at contact points (37) around the perimeter of the lid.
  • the particle type of lid is well-known in the art including screw-on and snap-on lids.
  • the height and shape of the wall (42) of the specialized container may vary. Both the lid (38) and the container walls (42) are typically made of a solid substance, such as plastic. The preferred design for such a container would place the gas injection tube as close to the wall (42) of the container as possible, so as to maximize storage capacity.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 7 except that attachment for the gas actuator is on the container wall b, instead of on the lid (44) .
  • the valved exhaust tube (47) is typically placed as high as possible on the side of the container, without interfering with the closure of the lid, for the same reasons as those given in the discussion of Fig. 2 .
  • the gas injection tube bends and follows the wall of the container (42) down to near the bottom to maximize capacity.
  • Fig.9 is an illustration of a multipurpose lid (38) which contains a means of connecting an actuator of the type shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the lid is intended to be placed onto original containers of food, thereby eliminating the need to decant the opened containers into specialized vessels, such as those of Figs. 7 & 8 .
  • the lid is comparable to that shown in Fig.7 with two principal differences: (a) it is intended to fit a variety of containers, rather than a single type of container and (b) the specialized lid gas injection tube (41) has a gas injector and connector tip (48) on it that is of the type shown in Fig. 2 .
  • This allows the extension tube (33) (shown in Fig. 3 ) to be attached in a manner similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 5 . Such attachment will allow sizing the injection tip to the container's height in a manner comparable to that described with respect to b.
  • a multi-sized set of lids may be created to fit most major bottle and jar mouths.
  • an elastic sidewall may be provided, allowing one lid to fit jar or bottle mouths of different sizes.
  • Fig. 10 is an illustration of a gas source actuator assembly comparable to the type shown in Fig. 1 , with a modification allowing the housing to hold simultaneously two gas cartridges (9) in a manner similar to that of the actuator assembly shown in Fig. 1 .
  • a gas source selecting switch (58) allows the operator to select one of the gas cartridges as the gas source for injection. This eliminates the need for removal of a gas cartridge in the event that the operator wishes to switch from use of one type of gas to use of another.
  • Fig. 11 is an illustration of a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 7 , except that an inert gas cartridge (9) is enclosed within a housing similar to that of the handgrip (8) shown in Fig.1 , which is operatively connected to the lid (38) of the container.
  • the gas cartridge is operatively attached to the lid sealing valve (39) , in a manner similar to that shown in Fig.1 .
  • Activation of the sealing valve (39) will cause gas to flow from the cartridge (9) , through the gas injection tube (41) and into the container, while the air within the container is simultaneously allowed to be expelled through the exhaust tube (40) .
  • Closing the valve (39) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge.
  • valve (39) eliminates the need for a pressure release valve of the type of valve (14) , as the flow of gas to the container is unobstructed. Placement of the gas source directly on the container (as opposed to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.1 ), reduces the number of steps that the operator need take to expel air from therein and makes the embodiment more compact.
  • Fig. 12 is an illustration of a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 8 , except that an inert gas cartridge (9) is enclosed within a housing similar to that of the handgrip (8) shown in Fig.1 , which is operatively connected to the sidewall (42) of the container.
  • the gas cartridge is operatively attached to the sidewall sealing valve (45) , in a manner similar to that shown in Fig.1 .
  • Activation of the sealing valve (45) will cause gas to flow from the cartridge (9) , through the gas injection tube (46) and into the container, while the air within the container is simultaneously allowed to be expelled through the exhaust tube (47) .
  • Closing the valve (45) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge.
  • valve (45) eliminates the need for a pressure release valve of the type of valve (14) , as the flow of gas to the container is unobstructed. Placement of the gas source directly on the container (as opposed to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.1 ), reduces the number of steps that the operator need take to expel air from therein and makes the embodiment more compact.
  • Fig. 13 is an illustration of a bottle injector and sealing apparatus identical to that shown in Fig. 2 , except that an inert gas cartridge (9) is enclosed within a housing similar to that of the handgrip (8) shown in Fig.1 , which is operatively connected within the handgrip (21) .
  • the gas cartridge is operatively attached to the injector sealing valve (22) , in a manner similar to that shown in Fig.1 .
  • Activation of the sealing valve (22) will cause gas to flow from the cartridge (9) , through the gas injection tube (20) and into the bottle, while the air within the bottle is simultaneously allowed to be expelled through the exhaust tubes (23 &19) .
  • Closing the valve (22) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge.
  • valve (22) eliminates the need for a pressure release valve of the type of valve (14) , as the flow of gas to the bottle is unobstructed below the valve. Placement of the gas source directly within the bottle injector and sealing apparatus (as opposed to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.1 ), reduces the number of steps that the operator need take to expel air from within the bottle and makes the embodiment more compact.
  • the user must install a cartridge of pressurized inert or unreactive gas into the gas actuator assembly described in Fig.1 . This is done by unscrewing the screwcap (10) on the handgrip (8) of the gas actuator assembly. Any empty cartridge (9) therein must be removed. Once the screwcap is removed, any cartridge within the handgrip (8) should be easily accessible and removable with one's fingers. After removing the cartridge (9) , if any, a new cartridge of inert or unreactive gas (9) is slid into the handgrip (8) , making sure that the neck-end of the cartridge is inserted first. Resistance to further pushing will be felt as the cartridge's neck contacts the hollow connecting pin (7) .
  • the screwcap is then reinstalled and tightened.
  • the cartridge will have been pushed by the positioning guide (11) into the connecting pin (7) , which will break the foil seal on the cartridge's neck, allowing the pressurized gas to enter the gas transport tube (6B) , thereby rendering the gas actuator ready for use.
  • a bottle injection and sealing apparatus of the type shown in b is installed into the bottle (27) with or without one or more extension tubes as needed.
  • best results are obtained by having the user assure that the gas lead tube (29) is submerged so that the injector tip (32) is approximately 1-3 cm from the bottom of the bottle. Should this not be the case, one should attach an extension tube (52) of the type of Fig. 3 to the primary gas injection tip (32) so that the extension tube gas injector tip (34) is 1-3 cm from the bottom of the bottle. The device will still work even if the injection tube is further from the bottom of the bottle than the recommended distance. The distance is recommended to maximize displacement of any air that is dissolve in the wine or other liquid.
  • the bottle injection and sealing apparatus After the bottle injection and sealing apparatus has been properly sized, it should be inserted into the bottle (27) . This is easily done by gripping the handgrip (21) and twisting the handgrip while pushing down. This will position and lower the tapered bottle corking interface (24) into the neck of the bottle. When substantial resistance to both downward and lateral motion is met, this will indicate that the tapered bottle corking interface (24) is securely fitted within the neck of the bottle. The injector sealing valve (22) is then opened and the bottle injection and sealing apparatus is ready for attachment to the gas actuator assembly.
  • the gas actuator assembly of Fig. 1 is attached to the bottle injection and sealing apparatus of Fig. 2 , simultaneously aligning the actuator gas source component connector (16) above the bottle injector gas lead tube (20) and the actuator air exhaust component connector (17) above the bottle injector exhaust tube (19) and then by pushing down on the actuator assembly.
  • the bottle injector exhaust tube (19) slides snugly inside the air exhaust component connector (17) and the bottle injector gas lead tube (20) slides snugly inside the gas source component connector (16) .
  • the actuator is now attached and the internal system completely sealed.
  • the button (5) on the gas actuator is actuated for 5-10 seconds for most applications, which will open the sealed system, allowing the compressed gas to enter the bottle and the displaced air within the bottle to exhaust. After the 5-10 second interval, the button (5) is released which reseals the newly-airfree system.
  • the next step is to close the valve (22) on the bottle injector apparatus. This seals the bottle system should one choose to remove the actuator. While the actuator is connected, the valves (12) and (13) serve to seal the system.
  • valve (22) on the bottle injector is closed, it is safe to remove the gas actuator, by pulling upward on the actuator with one hand, while holding the gas injector steady at its handgrip (21) with the other hand.
  • the gas injector will be left in the bottle, acting as a seal.
  • the injector is pulled out of the bottle using the handgrip (21) .
  • the procedure for carbonating an open container of a liquid requires that the actuator assembly contain a cartridge (9) of compressed carbon dioxide gas.
  • An extension tube of the type shown in Fig. 3 is connected to the gas source component connector (16) of the actuator assembly of Fig.1 , in the method described earlier.
  • the extension tube gas injector tip (34) is inserted into the beverage or other liquid and the system thereby resembles that depicted in Fig. 6 .
  • the actuator button (5) is depressed for 2-5 seconds for most applications, while stirring the beverage with the immersed extension tube.
  • the carbon-dioxide gas vigorously bubbles out of the extension tube gas injector tip (34) .
  • the button (5) is released and the assembly removed from the liquid.
  • the preservation of food or other perishables in a container is conducted in the following manner.
  • the food or other perishable items (43) are placed into the body of the container (42) and the lid attached thereto.
  • the actuator is provided with an inert or unreactive gas source cartridge (9) , as described in Example 1.
  • the actuator is attached to the exhaust and inlet tubes in the same manner as described in Example 1.
  • the actuator should be positioned over the valve assembly so that the gas source component connector (16) of the actuator is positioned over the specialized lid gas injection tube (41) and the air exhaust component connector (17) is positioned over the specialized lid exhaust tube (40) .
  • the actuator should be positioned over the valve assembly so that the gas source component connector (16) of the actuator is positioned over the specialized lid gas injection tube (41) and the air exhaust component connector (17) is positioned over the specialized lid exhaust tube (40) .
  • the actuator is aligned with the valve assembly so that the actuator's gas source component connector (16) is positioned adjacent to the valved container gas injection tube (46) and the air exhaust component connector (17) is positioned adjacent to the valved container air exhaust tube (47) .
  • the actuator By applying pressure on the actuator toward tubes (40&41) for a container of the type of Fig. 7 or toward tubes (46&47) for a container of the type of Fig. 8 , the tubes on the container or container lid will snugly fit into the component connectors b.
  • the next step is to open the specialized lid sealing valve (39) on a container of the type shown in Fig. 7 or the specialized container sealing valve (45) for a container of the type shown in Fig. 8 .
  • the button (5) on the actuator is depressed for 5-10 seconds. This causes the air in the container to be replaced with inert or unreactive gas, similar to the process used in the preservation of wine. After 5-10 seconds, the button (5) is released to close the sealing valve (39 or 45) and remove the actuator. The container is now sealed and may be stored safely.
  • the preservation of food or other perishables in an original container using a specialized lid is conducted in the following manner.
  • the lid (38) is fit onto the mouth of the original container.
  • the actuator provided with an inert or unreactive source cartridge (9) in the manner described in Example 1, is attached to the specialized lid gas injection tube (41) and the specialized lid exhaust tube (40) .
  • the actuator is positioned over the valve assembly so that the gas source component connector (16) is positioned over the specialized lid gas injection tube (41) and the air exhaust component connector (17) is positioned over the specialized lid exhaust tube (40) .
  • the tubes on the container lid will snugly fit into the component connectors (16 & 17) .
  • the specialized lid sealing valve (39) is then opened.
  • the button (5) on the actuator is depressed for 5-10 seconds. This causes the air in the container to be replaced with inert or unreactive gas, similar to the process used in the preservation of wine. After 5-10 seconds, the button (5) is released to close the sealing valve (39) and remove the actuator. The container is now sealed and may be stored safely.
  • a cartridge (9) of unreactive or inert gas is installed into the housing (60) in a manner similar to that described in Example 1.
  • the food or other perishable items (43) are placed into the body of the container (42) and the lid attached thereto.
  • the sealing valve (39 or 45) is opened for 5-10 seconds. This permits the source gas to flood the interior of the container and the air to be expelled. After 5-10 seconds, the sealing valve (39 or 45) is closed and the container is now sealed and may be stored safely.
  • the preservation of wine or other perishable fluids in a bottle using a bottle injection apparatus of the type illustrated in Fig. 13 is conducted in the following manner.
  • a cartridge (9) of unreactive or inert gas is installed into the housing (21) in a manner similar to that described with regard to the actuator in Example 1.
  • the injector is then sized to the bottle height with extension tubes (52) and inserted into the bottle in the manner described in Example 1.
  • the sealing valve (22) is opened for 5-10 seconds. This permits the source gas to flood the interior of the bottle and the air to be expelled. After 5-10 seconds, the sealing valve (22) is closed and the bottle is now sealed and may be stored safely.
  • the procedure for using a gas actuator of the type illustrated in Fig. 10 is essentially the same as that described in Example 1.
  • the two embodiments differ mainly in that the actuator of Fig. 10 allows two gas cartridges (9) to be housed simultaneously, whereas the actuator of Fig. 1 described in Example 1 allows one cartridge (9) .
  • a cartridge is installed into any one or both tubes of the handgrip, in the same manner as that described in Example 1.
  • the operator Prior to actuation of the button (5) , the operator must switch the selection switch (58) thereby selecting the gas source that is to be used for the given application. All other steps in the use of the actuator of Fig. 10 are identical to that of the actuator of Fig. 1 .
  • the principal advantage of the dual cartridge configuration is that it does not require the operator to remove (and often waste) a cartridge in switching from an inert gas to carbon dioxide gas and vice-versa. It also provides for a doubling of the actuator's gas source capacity, should the operator use two cartridges of one type of gas.
  • the present invention provides a highly useful, inexpensive and portable means of resolving numerous problems encountered by today's consumers in the area of food and liquid preservation. Obvious modifications to the present invention would be apparent to those with ordinary skill in this art and are included within the scope of the invention claimed.
  • the actuator and its accessories may have a plurality of injection passages or exhaust passages. There may also be provided a plurality of valves used to open and close the passages.
  • the tubing need not be made of stainless steel or plastic, but may be made of other metals or organic materials.
  • the actuator may also hold several types of gas sources at once, thereby eliminating the need to remove cartridges when switching from an application that uses one type of gas to an application that uses another type of gas.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates one preferred embodiment of this concept.
  • the actuator may have a variety of shapes and the button (5) may be replaced by a twist valve.
  • the control valves (22, 39, 45) need not be twist activated, but may be activated by a button or similar mechanism.
  • the connection tubes (15 & 18) may be flexible instead of rigid.
  • one or more one-way valves either in passage (19) or in passage (18) that release at pressures suitable above one atmosphere of pressure, allowing air to be exhausted only during injection may also replace the lock-type valving (22) controlling the injection tubes on the gas injector shown in Fig. 2 such that said valve only releases at pressures suitable above one atmosphere of pressure, allowing gas to be injected only during deliberate injection.
  • a gas source (9), especially of the form of a cartridge, may easily be installed directly into the top of the injection valve of the bottle injector of Fig. 2 with attachment means similar to those found in the actuator, namely (6A, 6B, 7, 10, 11). Examples of this concept are shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13. This concept may be extended in a similar manner to other attachments.
  • attachments to the actuator include but are not limited to an attachment for the inflation of party balloons (should one use helium as the gas source), an attachment for the inflation of bicycle tires, a brush attachment allowing the forced gas to be used to dust camera lenses or eyeglasses, or an attachment for the whipping of cream. It is also possible for injection and exhaust means similar to those shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9 to be included on original containers by the manufacturers of foods, cosmetics, or other perishables with the intention that a consumer attach a gas actuator similar to that of Fig. 1 for air displacement in order to extend products shelf lives. Finally, the present device can be constructed as a tabletop model.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Distillation Of Fermentation Liquor, Processing Of Alcohols, Vinegar And Beer (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
EP95930852A 1994-10-19 1995-08-17 Gas actuator assembly Expired - Lifetime EP0783433B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US326040 1994-10-19
US08/326,040 US5458165A (en) 1994-10-19 1994-10-19 Gas actuator assembly
US494341 1995-06-26
US08/494,341 US5566730A (en) 1994-10-19 1995-06-26 Gas actuator assembly
PCT/US1995/010497 WO1996012644A1 (en) 1994-10-19 1995-08-17 Gas actuator assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0783433A1 EP0783433A1 (en) 1997-07-16
EP0783433A4 EP0783433A4 (en) 1998-07-01
EP0783433B1 true EP0783433B1 (en) 2001-03-14

Family

ID=26985220

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95930852A Expired - Lifetime EP0783433B1 (en) 1994-10-19 1995-08-17 Gas actuator assembly

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0783433B1 (da)
JP (1) JPH10507725A (da)
AT (1) ATE199690T1 (da)
AU (1) AU694555B2 (da)
BR (1) BR9509484A (da)
DE (1) DE69520365T2 (da)
DK (1) DK0783433T3 (da)
ES (1) ES2157340T3 (da)
GR (1) GR3036034T3 (da)
NZ (1) NZ292334A (da)
PT (1) PT783433E (da)
WO (1) WO1996012644A1 (da)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19952379B4 (de) * 1999-10-30 2009-06-04 Udo Schreiner Co2-Spender

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10247887A1 (de) * 2002-10-14 2004-05-06 Ingo Gawlitza Wiederbefüllbare Getränke-Zapfvorrichtung
US10631558B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2020-04-28 The Coca-Cola Company Methods and apparatuses for making compositions comprising an acid and an acid degradable component and/or compositions comprising a plurality of selectable components
US8162176B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2012-04-24 The Coca-Cola Company Method and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage
US20150203225A1 (en) * 2012-08-27 2015-07-23 Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. Method of packaging particle-like material, and packaging machine for a particle-like material
US9630153B2 (en) * 2013-07-30 2017-04-25 Douglas Lincoln Wine aerating devices
US9663259B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2017-05-30 Pall Corporation Gas evacuation system and method
GB2609930A (en) * 2021-08-17 2023-02-22 Polykeg S R L Compact beverage dispenser

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2593770A (en) * 1946-07-10 1952-04-22 Kollsman Paul Device for carbonating and dispensing beverages
US4323090A (en) * 1980-05-19 1982-04-06 Bronardi Inc. Apparatus for aerating liquids
US4477477A (en) * 1982-04-02 1984-10-16 Arter William L Wine preservation device and method
US4702396A (en) * 1986-02-10 1987-10-27 Gwiazda Ronald E Apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine
US5069020A (en) * 1990-07-13 1991-12-03 Sanfilippo John E Apparatus for providing containers with a controlled environment

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19952379B4 (de) * 1999-10-30 2009-06-04 Udo Schreiner Co2-Spender

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NZ292334A (en) 1999-06-29
AU694555B2 (en) 1998-07-23
EP0783433A1 (en) 1997-07-16
ATE199690T1 (de) 2001-03-15
WO1996012644A1 (en) 1996-05-02
JPH10507725A (ja) 1998-07-28
MX9702854A (es) 1997-10-31
PT783433E (pt) 2001-10-30
BR9509484A (pt) 1997-10-14
DE69520365D1 (de) 2001-04-19
DE69520365T2 (de) 2001-10-11
ES2157340T3 (es) 2001-08-16
EP0783433A4 (en) 1998-07-01
AU3408195A (en) 1996-05-15
DK0783433T3 (da) 2001-07-23
GR3036034T3 (en) 2001-09-28

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