GB2345280A

GB2345280A - Dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2345280A
Application number: GB9900727A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jon Brown; David Harvey
Original assignee: Scottish and Newcastle Breweries PLC
Current assignee: Heineken UK Ltd
Priority date: 1998-12-29
Filing date: 1999-01-13
Publication date: 2000-07-05
Also published as: GB9828787D0

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing of beverages, for example, beer, ale, porter, stout or lager, comprises a housing defining a conduit through which beverage flows, an inlet connectable in use to a supply of beverage and an outlet, a discharge valve and a flow restrictor 10 provided in the conduit, wherein means are provided for selectably engaging the flow restriction in the flow of beverage. As shown, the flow restrictor is a perforated disc pivoted about a diameter from a position perpendicular to the flow of beverage to a position parallel to the flow. In a modification some, all or none of the beverage may bypass the restrictor via a parallel conduit. The present invention also provides dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage wherein the beverage has a gas dissolved therein and means are provided to remove gas from the beverage and discharge the gas back into the beverage either during or after dispensation to nucleate gas bubbles in the beverage.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to dispensing apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to the dispensing of beverages, for example, beer, ale, porter, stout or lager. The present invention finds particular application for use in dispensing draught beverages where the beverage is stored in a keg or similar container and is transported to a dispensing tap as and when required.

It is common to provide a tap, or other such device, at the point of dispensation of the beverage to allow a user to control the quantity and timing of dispensation of the beverage. Such taps are normally manually operated. It is also known to dispense beverages containing a gas such as carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen in solution in such a way as to produce a close-knit, creamy head on the beverage.

Typical examples of such beverages are stouts and ales. The creamy head has been found to have a pleasing aesthetic effect. A creamy head may be produced on some beverages by providing a fixed orifice plate or other suitable agitation means within the flow path of the tap. The orifice plate comprises a disc-shaped partition disposed substantially perpendicularly to the flow path of the beverage. The partition has a number of apertures through which beverage passes. The reduced size of the apertures in the orifice plate compared to the tap as a whole acts as a restriction on the flow path and induces turbulence in the flow of beverage, leading to bubbles of gas dissolved in the beverage to be nucleated.

These bubbles grow and nucleate further bubbles as the beverage is dispensed into a receptacle such as a glass. As the beverage settles after dispensing, the bubbles rise to form the close-knit, creamy head.

A disadvantage with orifice plates is that all of the beverage passes through the orifice plate. With some beverages, this leads to the nucleation of too many bubbles which results in over-foaming of the beverage (known as fobbing), which is undesired.

These factors affect the degree of fobbing, the temperature, gas pressure and flow speed of the beverage. The presence of an orifice plate or other agitation means requires, for some beverages, lower temperatures, lower gas pressures or lower flow speeds to avoid fobbing.

According to the present invention, there is provided dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a housing defining a conduit through which beverage flows, an inlet connectable in use to a supply of beverage, and an outlet; a discharge valve movable from a first position in which flow of beverage is prevented to a second position in which beverage flows through the conduit; and a flow restriction provided in the conduit; wherein means are provided for selectably engaging the flow restriction in the flow of beverage.

In a first embodiment the flow restriction is engaged in the flow of beverage by rotation of the flow restriction.

Preferably the flow restriction comprises a planar disc rotatable from a position in which the plane of the disc is substantially perpendicular to the flow of beverage to a position in which the plane of the disc is substantially parallel to the flow of beverage.

Optionally the planar disc may further be rotated and held in an intermediate position in which the plane of the disc is at an angle between 1 and 89 to the flow of beverage.

In a second embodiment the flow restriction is engaged with the flow of beverage by diversion of the beverage from a first flow path in which the beverage by-passes the flow restriction to a second flow path in which the beverage engages the flow restriction.

The apparatus comprises two chambers in the conduit, one of which contains the flow restriction; a valve being provided upstream of the chambers movable from a first position in which an inlet to the chamber containing the flow restriction is closed and the inlet to the other chamber is open to a second position in which the inlet to the chamber containing the flow restriction is open and the inlet to the other chamber is closed.

Optionally the valve may further be moved and held in an intermediate position in which a portion of the flow of beverage enters the chamber containing the flow restriction and the remainder enters the other chamber.

Preferably the two chambers are provided adjacent to one another within the conduit separated by a partition.

Typically the flow restriction is an orifice plate having one or more apertures therein.

In a further embodiment there is provided dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a housing defining a conduit through which beverage flows, an inlet connectable in use to a supply of beverage, and an outlet; a discharge valve movable from a first position in which flow of beverage is prevented to a second position in which beverage flows through the conduit; wherein the beverage has a gas dissolved therein and means are provided to remove gas from the beverage and discharge the gas into the beverage either during or after dispensation to nucleate gas bubbles in the beverage.

A chamber is provided, for collecting the gas therein, separated from the conduit by a hydrophobic membrane across which gas may diffuse from the beverage to the chamber.

The chamber is connected to an orifice, at or adjacent to the outlet of the dispensing apparatus, through which the collected gas is discharged.

The gas may be discharged as a jet under the surface of the dispensed beverage.

Alternatively the gas is discharged as a jet into the flow of beverage as it exits the outlet of the apparatus.

Typically, the apparatus is a tap for dispensing beer, ale, lager and other such beverages.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure la is a cross-sectional side elevation of part of a first embodiment of dispensing apparatus according to the present invention in a first position; Figure lb is a perspective view of an orifice plate of the apparatus of Figure la; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the dispensing apparatus of Figure la in a second position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side elevation of a second embodiment of dispensing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation of a third embodiment of dispensing apparatus according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 4.

Figures la, lb and 2 shows a first embodiment of apparatus 1 according to the present invention in which an orifice plate 10 is disposed in a spout 2 of a tap. The tap and spout 2 may be of any conventional type comprising, amongst other parts, a valve for opening and closing the tap, a handle for operating the valve movable from a first position in which the valve is closed to a second position in which the valve is open, and means for connecting the tap to a beverage line. Typically, the spout 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 19 connected upstream to the beverage line through which the beverage is conveyed from a storage point. The other end of the spout 2 terminates in an outlet through which the beverage is dispensed.

The orifice plate 10 may be positioned at any point within spout 2. In particular, the orifice plate 10 may be positioned relatively near the outlet of the spout 2 or relatively far from the outlet.

The orifice plate 10 comprises a partition 11 rotatably mounted on a pivot 12. The partition 11 is shaped to be substantially conformal with the internal surface of the spout 2. Typically, spout 2 is cylindrical and the partition 11 circular.

Preferably, pivot 12 is positioned to pass through the centre of partition 11. Pivot 12 is operably connected to the handle such that operation of the handle rotates partition 11 of orifice plate 10 as well as operating the valve.

The orifice plate 10 includes one or more apertures 18. The number, position and shape of the apertures 18 may be varied.

In use, partition 11 of orifice plate 10 is initially positioned orientated substantially in line with the direction of flow 13 of the beverage as shown in Figure 2. In this orientation, orifice plate 11 presents a shallow profile to the flowing beverage.

Hence, flow of the beverage is not substantially impeded and nucleation of gas bubbles is minimised.

The user of the tap operates the handle from the first position to the second position to open the valve to discharge beverage into a container such as a glass.

Near the end of dispensing the required quantity of beverage, the operator further operates the handle from the second position to a third position to rotate the orifice plate 10 90o about pivot 12 into the position shown in Figure la, wherein partition 11 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flowing beverage. In this position, beverage is forced to flow through the apertures 18 of the orifice plates 10 resulting in nucleation of gas bubbles and the delivery of a creamy head onto the top of the beverage.

Alternatively, the handle may be operated only part-way between the second and third positions such that the orifice plate 10 is rotated only part way between the positions shown in Figure 2 and Figure la such that partitior. 11 is orientated to the direction of flow 13 of the beverage at an angle between 0 and 90 . For example, the partition 11 may be turned to be disposed at an angle of 45 to the direction of flow of the beverage. In such a position, beverage flows partially through the apertures 18 of orifice plate 10 and partially around the orifice plate 10.

As a result, the degree of nucleation of gas bubbles and hence the quantity of creamy head deposited on the beverage may be varied.

In addition, a user of the tap may alter the amount of head deposited on the beverage by altering the timing at which the handle is operated from the second position towards the third position to rotate the orifice plate 10.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of dispensing apparatus according to the present invention in which the spout of the tap comprises a portion 2a of relatively narrow diameter and a portion 2b of relatively enlarged diameter. As in the first embodiment, one end of the tap is connected to a beverage line and the other end terminates in an outlet through which the beverage is dispensed.

A vertical partition 3 is positioned within portion 2b of the spout, extending across the full diameter of the spout to divide the portion 2b into two chambers 14 and 15.

An orifice plate 10 is provided in chamber 14 extending between partition 3 and the housing 19 of the spout. There is no orifice plate positioned in chamber 15.

A flap valve 16 rctatably mounted on a hinge 17 at an upper end of vertical partition 3 is provided to act as an inlet valve. The flap valve 16 and hinge 17 arrangement is preferably operatively connected to the handle of the tap. The flap valve 16 may be rotated from the position shown in solid lines in Figure 3 in which the inlet to chamber 15 is closed and beverage is constrained to flow through chamber 14 along the path indicated by arrow 13a, to a second position shown in dotted lines in Figure 3 in which the inlet to chamber 14 is closed and beverage is constrained to flow through chamber 15 following the path of arrow 13b by operation of the handle from the second to third positions.

Orifice plate 10, as in the first embodiment, contains one or more apertures 18.

In use, flap valve 16 is initially in the second position as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3 such that the inlet to chamber 15 is open and chamber 14 is closed. The handle of the tap is then operated from the first to second positions to discharge beverage through chamber 15 into the receptacle. At the appropriate time, the handle is further operated from the second to the third position to move flap valve 16 into its first position shown in solid lines in Figure 3 such that the beverage is diverted through chamber 14 and hence through orifice plate 10 where gas bubbles are nucleated. As a result, a creamy head is deposited on the beverage.

Alternatively, the flap valve 16 may be rotated part way between its first and second positions such that a proportion of the beverage dispensed passes through chamber 15 whilst the remainder passes through chamber 14 by operation of the handle only part-way between the second and third positions. As a result, the operator may vary the quantity of creamy head deposited.

In addition, the user may vary the amount of creamy head deposited by altering the timing at which the flap valve 16 is moved.

As a result of the orifice plate 10 of the first and second embodiments being selectably utilised beverages with higher dissolved gas content may be dispensed without fobbing. For example, the level of carbon dioxide in a beverage such as lager may be increased leading to an improved, refreshing taste. A further benefit is that beverages with known levels of dissolved gas may be dispensed at higher temperatures than previously possible. This reduces the complexity and cost of the equipment used to chill the beverage.

The orifice plate 10 of the first and second embodiments may be replaced by other known agitation means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which, as in the second embodiment, the spout has a portion 2a of relatively narrow diameter and a portion 2b of relatively enlarged diameter.

An annular hydrophobic membrane 4 is provided in portion 2b of the spout to define an annular chamber 5 separated from the main flow path of the beverage to be dispensed, indicated by arrow 13. The membrane 4 allows gas to diffuse from the beverage into chamber 5 whilst preventing beverage from passing through.

Chamber 5 is connected to the discharge spout downstream of the portion 2b of the spout by means of a conduit 22 which extends from chamber 5 to an inlet 23 in a side wall of the spout. A valve 21 is provided in conduit 22 to allow the conduit 22 to be opened or shut. Preferably, the valve 21 is operatively connected to the handle. Together, the conduit 22 and valve 21 form a bypass route 20.

In use, the beverage is dispensed through the spout. Gas, such as carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen, dissolved in the beverage diffuses across hydrophobic membrane 4 into chamber 5 until an equilibrium state is attained in which the gas pressure in chamber 5 equalises with the gas level in the beverage line.

Typically a pressure of around 20 PSI may be developed. Initially, on dispensation of beverage, valve 21 is shut to close the bypass route 20.

Beverage is dispensed along path 13 into the receptacle. At the appropriate time, valve 21 is operated by the user by, for example, moving the handle from the second to third positions.

Pressurised gas from chamber 10 passes along conduit 22 and exits inlet 23 into the flow of beverage. The dimensions of conduit 22 and inlet 23 may be varied such that the gas is jetted into the flow of beverage resulting in nucleation of gas bubbles in the beverage.

Inlet 23 may be positioned near the outlet of the spout or, alternatively, may be positioned at the outlet of the spout to jet gas either into the beverage as it exits the spout or under the surface of the beverage already dispensed into the glass.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, chamber 5 may be housed in a separate housing 30, such as a barmounted font 31, and the beverage line 32 channelled through the housing 30 to allow collection of gas.

This embodiment allows the potential surface area of the membrane 4 to be significantly increased.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with both the valve for opening and closing the top and the operation of the orifice plate 10, flap valve 16 or valve 21 being controlled from the same handle. Alternatively, the orifice plate 10, flap valve 16 or valve 21 may be controlled by operation of a second handle. Alternatively, the orifice plate 10, flap valve 16 or valve 21 may incorporate the valve for opening and closing the tap.

The present invention has the benefit over prior devices that a separate source of gas is not required.

Instead the gas supply is constantly replenished from the dispensed beverage. This reduces the cost and maintenance requirements of the dispensing equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS :- 1. Dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a housing defining a conduit through which beverage flows, an inlet connectable in use to a supply of beverage, and an outlet; a discharge valve movable from a first position in which flow of beverage is prevented to a second position in which beverage flows through the conduit; and a flow restriction provided in the conduit; wherein means are provided for selectably engaging the flow restriction in the flow of beverage.
2. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flow restriction is engaged in the flow of beverage by rotation of the flow restriction.
3. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the flow restriction comprises a generally planar disc rotatable from a position in which the plane of the disc is substantially perpendicular to the flow of beverage to a position in which the plane of the disc is substantially parallel to the flow of beverage.
4. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the planar disc may further be rotated and held in an intermediate position in which the plane of the disc is at an angle between 1 and 89 to the flow of beverage.
5. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flow restriction is engaged with the flow of beverage by diversion of the beverage from a first flow path in which the beverage by-passes the flow restriction to a second flow path in which the beverage engages the flow restriction.
6. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the apparatus comprises two chambers in the conduit, one of which contains the flow restriction; a valve being provided upstream of the chambers movable from a first position in which an inlet to the chamber containing the flow restriction is closed and the inlet to the other chamber is open to a second position in which the inlet to the chamber containing the flow restriction is open and the inlet to the other chamber is closed.
7. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the valve may further be moved and held in an intermediate position in which a portion of the flow of beverage enters the chamber containing the flow restriction and the remainder enters the other chamber.
8. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claims 6 or 7 wherein the two chambers are provided adjacent to one another within the conduit separated by a partition.
9. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flow restriction is an orifice plate having one or more apertures therein.
10. Dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a housing defining a conduit through which beverage flows, an inlet connectable in use to a supply of beverage, and an outlet; a discharge valve movable from a first position in which flow of beverage is prevented to a second position in which beverage flows through the conduit; wherein the beverage has a gas dissolved therein and means are provided to remove gas from the beverage and discharge the gas into the beverage either during or after dispensation to nucleate gas bubbles in the beverage.
11. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a chamber, for collecting the gas therein, separated from the conduit by a hydrophobic membrane across which gas may diffuse from the beverage to the chamber.
12. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the chamber is connected to an orifice, at or adjacent to the outlet of the dispensing apparatus, through which the collected gas is discharged.
13. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the gas is discharged as a jet under the surface of the dispensed beverage.
14. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the gas is discharged as a jet into the flow of beverage as it exits the outlet of the apparatus.
15. Dispensing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is a tap for dispensing beer, ale, lager and other such beverages.
16. Dispensing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.