GB2441596A

GB2441596A - Fluid container with built-in thermal reader

Info

Publication number: GB2441596A
Application number: GB0617810A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graeme Stewart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-11
Filing date: 2006-09-11
Publication date: 2008-03-12
Also published as: GB0617810D0

Abstract

A vessel for liquid to be heated such as milk is fitted with a built-in thermal reader unit 5 to monitor and display the temperature of the liquid during the heating process. The reader can also be arranged to sound an alarm when a required temperature is reached. The vessel may comprise a moulded housing with a compartment 4 in its front to contain the unit 5. A temperature probe may extend from the unit 5 into the internal chamber of the vessel. The chamber may be formed of stainless steel, the moulded housing being of polycarbonate.

Description

FLUID CONTAINER WITH BUILT iN THERMAL READER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a fluid container, which is fitted with a thernial reading device.

The application of the thermal reading device allows the fluid to be monitored during the heating procedure enabling prevention of over heating of the liquid in the container.

Background of the Invention

In the last few years there has been a big increase in the number of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants allowing the public greater access to this industry. Many famous coffee chains have set up in towns and cities providing a whole range of products to the consumer. The processes of making coffee in various forms such as cappuccino, espresso and latte have been similar for many years. The art of heating the milk to make the coffee has also been an area of concern for the coffee houses as if the milk is overheated past 60 degrees Celsius then the milk starts to caramelise thus causing the milk to be unusable. An idea for frothing milk in a container was described in detail in the patent EP1 658797 but in no instance does the device measure the temperature of the liquid. The current invention uses the new shape of container to dissipate the heat applied at source throughout the container uniformly thus allowing the liquid being heated to heat up in a uniform pattern. The current invention also allows the temperature of the liquid being heated to be monitored and can allow the user to set an alarm to alert the user when the optimum temperature is reached.

Summary of Invention

The device is designed around a standard size container currently used within the coffee shop industry and is produced for two current available materials. The main container is produced from a high grade stainless steel while the housing containing the thermal reader is produced from polycarbonate which allows heat up to 150 degrees Celsius to be induced without distorting the housings form. The main container is designed with an internal form that will allow the heat to transfer not only to the outside of the container but the inside as well. This design allows the liquid in question to be heated uniformly.

The device is fitted with a thermal reader which in turn is fitted with an external temperature probe. The probe is then fitted within the body of the housing to protect it from damage during use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A specific embodiment of the design will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings Figure 1 -Shows the device in isometric Figure 2 -Shows the housing with reader in an exploded isometric view

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the main container (1) with the moulded housing (2) and the securing bezel (3) fitted to the front of the device. The front of the device is designed with a compartment (4) to fit the thermal reader unit (5).

Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view with the moulded housing (2) in particular reference to the securing bezel (3) that contains the thermal reader unit (5) within the comparlment (4) in conjunction with the four fixing screws (6). The external temperature probe (7) fits within the recess (8) and locates within the main container (10 at the end of the internal recess (9)

Claims

Claims 1) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal

reader to allow the user to heat the fluid e.g. milk to its required temperature.
2) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-tn thermal reader according to claim 1, wherein the middle of the metal jug section it has a risen area, which allows the user to spin the milk, using a centrifugal force, which textures the milk and makes the process of Latte art' easier to the user.
3) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the risen area within the jug also acts as a housing for the electronics and thermal reader.
4) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the thermal reader, reads the temperature of the milk or other fluid, at the same speed in which the fluid used rises in temperature. S...
5) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein if the electronics fail to work, the user will only * require a battery to clip in, instead of requiring a complete new housing and electronics.
6) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the thermal reader reads the temperature of the * * whole jug instead of just the bottom part, for example the current clip on' thermometers used. This allows for an average temperature of the whole fluid within the jug.
7) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the temperature can be set to Fahrenheit or degrees centigrade.
8) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the plastic housing and electronics could be fitted to other style jugs at my discretion.
9) A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the thermal reader can be calibrated to give out a beep (alarm sound) at the users required temperature, so that they know when to stop heating the fluid.

1O)A device capable of containing fluids with a built-in thermal reader according to the above claims, wherein the plastic housing can be designed to a colour of choice for the customer/user. S. * . * S.. S'S. * S *.. * . * S. S

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