GB2554053A

GB2554053A - Beverage storage and dispensing

Info

Publication number: GB2554053A
Application number: GB1611740.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hughes Martin
Original assignee: FILTON BREWERY PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: FILTON BREWERY PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-05
Filing date: 2016-07-05
Publication date: 2018-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-05
Also published as: GB201611740D0; GB2554053B

Abstract

A cooling device 4 for insertion into the spile hole (32, Fig. 5) of the shive (30) of a cask (3). The cooling device 4 includes first and second pipes 42, 43. The first pipe 42 is received within the second pipe 43 and has a second, open end 42b adjacent a second, closed end 43b of the second pipe 43. This creates a cooling circuit whereby coolant may flow in through the inner pipe and may flow out through the outer pipe. Further, a manifold (41, Fig. 5) to which two pipes are attachable in the above configuration. Further, a heat exchanger (Fig. 17) used to cool or heat a liquid as it is being dispensed; the heat exchanger comprising two pipes, one inside the other with a heat transfer liquid flowing through the one and the liquid to be dispensed through the other. Further, a dispensing tap (Fig. 15) comprising a port (84) upstream of its valve; wherein pressurised gas can be introduced through the port such that the gas in use enters the liquid container to which the tap is attached. Further, a broaching tool (Fig. 4) comprising a peg removably received in a sleeve.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Filton Brewery Products Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

42A Mill Road, HAILSHAM, Sussex, BN27 2HT, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Martin Hughes (56) Documents Cited:

GB 0424060 A DE 029817604 U DE 000624816 C US 2638758 A

CH 000330991 A DE 000856853 C US 3146608 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B67D, F25D, F28D

Other: EPODOC, WPI, Patent Fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

HGF Limited

Document Handling - HGF - (Birmingham),

City Walk, LEEDS, LS11 9DX, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Beverage storage and dispensing

Abstract Title: Cooling and dispensing a beverage stored in a cask (57) A cooling device 4 for insertion into the spile hole (32,

Fig. 5) of the shive (30) of a cask (3). The cooling device 4 includes first and second pipes 42, 43. The first pipe 42 is received within the second pipe 43 and has a second, open end 42b adjacent a second, closed end 43b of the second pipe 43. This creates a cooling circuit whereby coolant may flow in through the inner pipe and may flow out through the outer pipe. Further, a manifold (41, Fig. 5) to which two pipes are attachable in the above configuration. Further, a heat exchanger (Fig. 17) used to cool or heat a liquid as it is being dispensed; the heat exchanger comprising two pipes, one inside the other with a heat transfer liquid flowing through the one and the liquid to be dispensed through the other. Further, a dispensing tap (Fig. 15) comprising a port (84) upstream of its valve; wherein pressurised gas can be introduced through the port such that the gas in use enters the liquid container to which the tap is attached. Further, a broaching tool (Fig. 4) comprising a peg removably received in a sleeve.

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BEVERAGE STORAGE AND DISPENSING

This invention relates generally to beverage storage and dispensing. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to the storage and dispensing of beer and/or cider in casks.

It is known that the shelf life of cask beers is relative short, particularly after the cask is broached. Modern pubs often use at least one of two methods of prolonging the life of such beers, namely cooling and pressurisation of the cask with CO₂. Where CO₂ is used to extend the life of cask beer, this is normally done at relatively low, nearly atmospheric pressure. Higher pressures can be applied, but this compromises the natural state of the beer and is largely frowned upon. Cooling also extends the life of the beer and is regarded as essential in all cases. The two methods of extending the life of cask conditioned ale can be used together to function in concert, but it is quite normal for ales to be cooled only and where turnover is sufficient, the use of CO₂ can be avoided. This invention is concerned with improvements in both of these methods, which can when necessary be made to function in concert to prolong the life of the beer.

Beer casks are normally cooled in a chilled cellar, but out of cellar cooling is also known using a device that is in contact with and/or at least partially surrounds the cask and through which a cooling fluid is circulated. One such device is known as a saddle cooler, which is normally placed on the top of, or around, an upper portion of a cask. However, devices of this type can be problematic because the beer tends to become warm due to the reduced effect of the cooler as the level of the beer in the cask is reduced.

It is also known to provide a cooling device that is inserted into a beer cask via an opening in the cask, particularly the shive hole. One such device, known as a cooling probe, includes a head section having a screw fitting that acts to compress and thereby expand a rubber collar to secure the device within the opening. The cooling probe also includes a pipe section internal to the cask for circulating coolant. This device is expensive to produce and can be difficult to operate, for example it is difficult to prevent the probe from rotating whilst tightening the screw fitting. The device can also become unhygienic due to the difficulty in cleaning the individual component parts.

GB2395254 to the present applicant seeks to overcome these issues by providing a cooling apparatus with a head, at least a portion of which may be tapered and fittable into a beer cask opening, and a length of pipe having two ends which passes through the head. The length of pipe is formed in a loop with each end of the pipe protruding chordially outwardly from the upper head portion and the remaining length of the pipe extends axially downward beyond the lower head portion.

Both of these cooling probes require the shive to be removed and, whilst this arrangement works well, the applicant has observed that it could be further improved to increase the life of beer contained within casks.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a cooling device for insertion into and/or cooperation with, e.g. sealing cooperation with, the spile hole of the shive of a cask.

Thus, the invention provides a convenient yet effective means of cooling the beer contained within the cask without the need to remove the shive, thereby minimising the exposure of the beer to oxygen and increasing the life of the beer. This approach can equally be applied to casks containing cider.

The cooling device may comprise a cooling probe and/or may be sized and dimensioned to be inserted, in use, through and cooperation with, e.g. sealing cooperation with, the spile hole of the shive of a cask to contact and cool a liquid therein. The cooling probe may comprise a cooling circuit. The cooling device may comprise one or more, e.g. two or more, ports. The cooling device or ports may comprise an inlet or inlet port and/or an outlet or outlet port. Alternatively, the cooling device or probe may comprise any other suitable cooling means, for example a thermoelectric or Peltier cooling means or device.

The cooling device may comprise one or more, e.g. two or more, pipes, for example first and second pipes. Each pipe may be fluidly connected to a respective port. One of the pipes, e.g. the first pipe, may be at least partially received within the other pipe, e.g. the second pipe. The pipes may be substantially concentric. A first flow passage may be described, defined or provided within the first pipe. A second flow passage may be described, defined or provided between the pipes. The ports may be connectable, in use, to a source of fluid for inducing a flow through the first and second flow passages.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cooling device comprising first and second pipes each fluidly connected to a respective port, the first pipe being at least partially received within the second pipe such that a first flow passage is described within the first pipe and a second flow passage is described between the pipes, wherein the ports are connectable, in use, to a source of fluid for inducing a flow through the first and second flow passages.

The second flow channel may be described, defined or provided between the first or inner pipe and the second or outer pipe, e.g. between an outer surface of the first or inner pipe and an inner surface of the second or outer pipe. The flow area of the first flow channel may be similar or substantially the same as the flow area of the second flow channel. The flow area of the first or inner pipe may be similar or substantially the same or similar to the flow area between the pipes. The difference between the outer dimension or diameter of the first or inner pipe and the inner dimension or diameter of the second or outer pipe may be selected to provide a substantially constant flow area. Alternatively, the flow areas may be different.

The first fluid passage may be in fluid communication with the second fluid passage. The first and second pipes may each comprise a first end fluidly connected to a respective port. The first pipe may comprise an open end, e.g. a second, open end. The second pipe may comprise a closed end, e.g. a second, closed end, which may be sealed and/or plugged. The open end of the first pipe may be adjacent the closed end of the second pipe. The first flow passage may be in fluid communication with the second flow passage to provide the or a cooling circuit. The ports may be connectable, in use, to a cooling fluid circulation means for cooling a liquid contained in a cask in which the cooling device is inserted.

More specifically, each pipe may comprise a first end connected to a respective port, e.g. a respective one of the inlet and outlet, and the first pipe comprises a second, open end adjacent a second, closed end of the second pipe such that a first flow passage described within the first pipe is in fluid communication with a second flow passage described between the pipes.

Alternatively, each pipe comprises two ports, e.g. an inlet and an outlet, and/or the first and second fluid passages are isolated from one another. The cooling device may comprise heat exchanger, which may be operable or configured to cool liquid dispensed, in use, from a cask. The cooling device may be operable or configured such that a first medium or fluid flows or is able to flow, in use, through the first flow channel and/or a second medium or fluid flows or is able to flow, in use, through the second flow channel. In embodiments, one of the mediums or fluids comprises a cooling medium or fluid and the other of the mediums or fluids comprises a beverage, for example beer or cider. The inlet of one of the pipes of the cooling device or heat exchanger may be fluidly connected or connectable to an outlet or tap of the cask and the outlet thereof may be fluidly connected to a dispensing tap. The inlet and outlet of the other of the pipes of the cooling device or heat exchanger may be fluidly connected or configured for connection with a refrigeration circuit, for example a supply of cooling medium and/or a flow inducing means such as a pump or other flow inducing device.

More specifically, the cooling device may comprise a heat exchanger including a first pipe at least partially received within a second pipe, each pipe comprising an inlet and an outlet with a first flow passage being described within the first pipe and a second flow passage being described between the pipes, wherein the inlet of one of the pipes is fluidly connected to an outlet or tap of the cask and the outlet thereof is fluidly connected to a dispensing tap, the inlet and outlet of the other of the pipes being configured for connection with a refrigeration circuit.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cooling device for insertion into the spile hole of the shive of a cask, the device comprising first and second pipes each including a first end fluidly connected to a respective port, the first pipe being at least partially received within the second pipe and comprising a second, open end adjacent a second, closed end of the second pipe such that a first flow passage described within the first pipe is in fluid communication with a second flow passage described between the pipes to provide a cooling circuit, wherein the ports are connectable, in use, to a cooling fluid circulation means for cooling a liquid contained in a cask in which the cooling device is inserted.

The cooling device may comprise a sealing element, e.g. for sealingly engaging, in use, the spile hole. The seal element may comprise a sleeve, which may be tapered, e.g. a tapered sleeve or a tapered sealing sleeve. The sleeve may at least partially surround the cooling device or the second pipe. The sleeve may comprise a gland ring or O-ring seal, which may be received in a groove, e.g. on an internal surface thereof. The cooling device may comprise a sealing head, which may be received within the sleeve, for example to at least partially captivate the gland ring or O-ring seal between the sealing head and the sleeve.

The device may comprise a guard or shield element, e.g. for inhibiting, in use, ingress of fluid or contaminants into the spile hole. The device or seal element or guard or shield element may comprise a radial flange, which may at least partially surround the second Pipe.

The cooling device may comprise a deployable support, e.g. for selectively unseating the sealing element and/or the shielding element. The deployable support may comprise a hinged arm or any other element, which may be movable or releasably and/or removably secured to the device.

The cooling device may comprise a manifold, which may include at least one of the ports and/or one or more, e.g. a pair of, pipe connectors which may be in fluid communication with the or a respective port. The pipe connectors may be aligned with one another and/or connected to a respective one of the pipes, e.g. such that the first pipe is at least partially received within the second pipe.

Another aspect of the invention provides a manifold comprising a pair of pipe connectors each in fluid communication with a respective port, wherein the pipe connectors are aligned with one another such that a first pipe connected, in use, to one of the port connectors is at least partially received within a second pipe connected to the other of the port connectors.

At least one or each port connector may be adapted, configured or suitable for receiving or being received in the aforementioned pipe. At least one or each port connector may comprise a spigot for insertion into the pipe or a receptacle for receiving the pipe.

The manifold may comprise first and second parts connected together. The first part may comprise a first of the pipe connectors and/or a first of the ports and/or a first channel formed therein. The first channel may fluidly connect the first port to the first pipe connector. The second part may comprise a second of the pipe connectors and/or a second of the ports and/or a second channel formed therein. The second channel may fluidly connect the second port to the second pipe connector.

The first and second parts may comprise cooperating locating features, e.g. for aligning the pipe connectors with one another. The first pipe connector may comprise a hollow stem, which may be sealingly received within a receptacle in the second part, e.g. thereby providing the cooperating locating features.

The manifold may comprise a stem adaptor and/or a multi-way pipe fitting, which may correspond to the first and second parts. The multi-way pipe fitting may comprise first and second opposed push fit receptacles. The multi-way pipe fitting may comprise a third push fit receptacle. The stem adaptor may comprise a push fit receptacle and/or a stem, e.g. extending from the push fit receptacle.

The stem of the stem adaptor may be received within the first push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting. The first pipe may be received within the stem and/or the second pipe may be received within the second push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting, e.g. such that the pipes are concentric.

Another aspect of the invention provides a manifold comprising a stem adaptor and a multi-way pipe fitting, the multi-way pipe fitting comprising first and second opposed push fit receptacles and a third push fit receptacle, wherein the stem adaptor comprising a push fit receptacle and a stem extending from the push fit receptacle and received within the first push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting, wherein a first pipe is receivable, in use, within the stem and a second pipe is receivable within the second push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting, e.g. such that the pipes are concentric.

The stem of the stem adaptor may comprise a first of the pipe connectors and/or may receive the first pipe. The push fit receptacle of the stem adaptor may comprise or provide one of the ports or the inlet or the outlet. The second push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting may comprise a second of the pipe connectors and/or may receive the second pipe, for example such that the pipes are substantially concentric. The third push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting may comprise or provide one of the ports or the inlet or the outlet.

The manifold or each manifold part may comprise a moulded body. The manifold may comprise a unitary structure.

The sleeve may removably receive the second pipe. The device may comprise or be provided in combination with a broaching tool. The broaching tool may comprise a peg member, which may be removably receivable within the sleeve, e.g. for broaching a cask. The tool may be configured to be driven, in use, into the spile hole of a shive such that the sleeve is forced into interference fit with the spile hole. The peg member may be removable from the sleeve, e.g. after the sleeve is forced into interference fit with the spile hole, to enable the second pipe of the cooling device to be inserted therein. The sealing head may be inserted or insertable after the peg member is removed from the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention provides a broaching tool comprising a peg member removably received within a sleeve, wherein the tool is configured to be driven, in use, into the spile hole of a shive such that the sleeve is forced into interference fit with the spile hole with the peg member being removable from the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention provides a heat exchanger including a first pipe at least partially received within a second pipe, each pipe comprising an inlet and an outlet with a first flow passage being described within the first pipe and a second flow passage being described between the pipes, wherein the inlet of one of the pipes is fluidly connected to an outlet or tap of the cask and the outlet thereof is fluidly connected to a dispensing tap, the inlet and outlet of the other of the pipes being configured for connection with a refrigeration circuit.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cask having a shive installed in its shive hole and a cooling device, e.g. as described above, received within the spile hole of the shive and/or a heat exchanger, e.g. as described above, fluidly connected to an outlet or tap of the cask.

The cooling device may comprise a cooling circuit at least part of which is inside the cask and first and second ports, e.g. an inlet and an outlet, external to the cask for introducing a flow of cooling fluid through the cooling circuit.

The cooling device may comprise an actuator, for example a thermal actuator, e.g. for selectively controlling and/or closing the flow of fluid through the first and/or second flow passages. The actuator may be configured for selectively controlling and/or closing the first flow passage, for example the flow from the first flow passage to the second flow passage. The actuator may be for selectively cooperating with an end, for example the or an open end, of the first pipe, e.g. for selectively controlling and/or closing the first flow passage. The actuator may comprise a thermal activatation means and/or may be configured to operate, in use, in response to a change in temperature. Operation of the actuator may be achieved using an expandable substance, for example a wax material. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may comprise a bimetallic element or member, e.g. a strip or disc, which may provide a predetermined movement with changing temperature for controlling the flow rate of cooling water. The actuator may comprise a body within which is received an expandable substance, such as a wax. The actuator may comprise a piston or pin that may be reciprocable within the body. One end of the piston or pin may be received within the body, for example such that the expandable substance causes the piston or pin to reciprocate within the body. One of the piston or pin and the body may be connected, mounted or secured to the second pipe, for example to an end thereof. The other of the piston or pin and the body may be movable to selectively control and/or close the flow of fluid through the first and/or second flow passages, for example the first flow passage, for e.g. flow from the first flow passage to the second flow passage. The other of the piston or pin and the body may be movable to selectively cooperating with an end, e.g. an open end, of the first pipe.

In embodiments where the cask comprises a heat exchanger as described above, the inlet of one of the pipes is fluidly connected to an outlet or tap of the cask and the outlet thereof is fluidly connected to a dispensing tap, the inlet and outlet of the other of the pipes being configured for connection with a refrigeration circuit.

The cask or heat exchanger may comprise a dispensing tap. The tap may comprise an inlet fluidly connected to an outlet of the cask. The tap may comprise an outlet for dispensing liquid. The tap may comprise valve means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The tap may be configured, operable or adapted to enable pressurised gas to be introduced, in use, into the cask. The tap may comprise a port upstream of the valve means, for example wherein the tap is configured such that pressurised gas introduced, in use, into the port when the valve means is in a closed condition flows into the source of liquid.

Another aspect of the invention provides a dispensing tap, e.g. a cask dispensing tap, comprising an inlet for fluid connection with a source of liquid, an outlet for dispensing liquid, valve means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a port upstream of the valve means, wherein the tap is configured such that pressurised gas introduced, in use, into the port when the valve means is in a closed condition flows into the source of liquid.

The tap may comprise a tap body, which may comprise the inlet and/or the outlet. The tap or tap body may comprise or describe or define a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The port may be fluidly connected to the flow passage, for example upstream the valve means and/or between the valve means and the inlet. The port may comprise a nonreturn or check valve, which may comprise a sprung or floating valve element or member such as a ball. The port may comprise or be provided by or connected to a fitting, which may comprise a push fit fitting, nipple or quick release coupling. The fitting may be threadedly received and/or connected to the tap or the tap body. The fitting may be operable or configured to receive and/or engage with a source of pressurised gas, e.g. CO₂.

The tap may comprise a nozzle, which may be operatively, e.g. threadedly and/or sealingly, connected to the tap or tap body. The nozzle may comprise or provide the outlet of the tap. The nozzle may comprise a jetting disc at or adjacent to the outlet, which may be mounted or secured to the nozzle by a nozzle cap and/or may be captivated therebetween. The jetting disc may be operable or configured to create, in use, a jet or a jet flow out of the outlet. The jetting disc may comprise one or more, e.g. two or more, such as three or four or more, spokes. The spokes of the jetting disc may at least partially describe or define flow passages therebetween. The nozzle cap may comprise an aperture or hole, which may be central and/or may describe or define at least in part the outlet. The nozzle cap may be connected, e.g. releasably connected, to the nozzle by a snap fit or threaded connection.

When CO₂ pressure is applied to the cask via a connection on the tap, a jetting spout on the tap may be used. The jetting mechanism may comprise a spout design which can be attached to a standard cask tap in place of the usual spout. With the tap valve open so that ale can flow out into the glass, the deflecting disc may provide a jet of beer into the glass and so thereby raises a head on the beer which otherwise may appear ‘flat’. The applied gas at low pressure preferably provides the force required to cause the deflection of the disc in the jetting tap spout and the resulting jet of ale.

The tap may comprise an inlet element or member, which may be operatively, e.g. threadedly and/or sealingly, connected to the tap or tap body. The inlet element or member may be hollow and/or may comprise one or more inlet openings. In embodiments, the inlet element or member comprise a tubular element with one or more or a plurality of inlets, e.g. radial inlet holes. At least a portion of the inlet element or member may be tapered or conical. The inlet member may be sized, dimensioned and/or configured to be received within a cask tap, for example sealingly engaged therein such as by an interference fit.

The valve means may comprise a valve member and/or a valve seat. The valve member may be biased, e.g. resiliently biased, toward and/or against the valve seat, for example by biasing means or element. The biasing means or element may be resilient, for example a spring or spring element or any other suitable biasing means or mechanism or member or element. The valve member may comprise a conical sealing surface, which may contact, correspond and/or cooperate with a corresponding conical sealing surface of the valve seat.

The valve member may be operatively connected to a handle for operating the valve means and/or for moving the valve member, e.g. to selectively open and close fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The valve member may be operatively connected to the handle by a cam or cam mechanism or arrangement, which may be operable or configured on movement, e.g. rotation, of the handle to move the valve member between open and closed conditions or positions. The cam or cam mechanism or arrangement may be configured such that movement of the handle in a first direction causes first and second cam surfaces to cooperate with one another such that the valve member is moved away from the valve seat, e.g. to open fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The cam or cam mechanism or arrangement may be configured such that movement of the handle in a second direction, which may be opposite the first direction, causes first and second cam surfaces to cooperate with one another such that the valve member is moved or is able to move toward from the valve seat, e.g. to close fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet.

Another aspect of the invention provides a dispensing system. The dispensing system may comprise two or more of a cooling device as described above, a heat exchanger as described above, a manifold as described above, a broaching tool as described above, a dispensing tap as described above and/or a cask as described above.

The dispensing system may comprise a refrigeration unit for cooling or heating a heat transfer fluid and/or for inducing a flow of a heat transfer fluid, e.g. through the cooling device and/or heat exchanger. The dispensing system may comprise a stand, which may comprise or include one or more stillages, for example wherein each stillage includes a base and a cradle pivotally mounted to the base and/or biased toward a tipping position in which a cask received thereon is tipped to encourage the contents thereof to be dispensed under the influence of gravity. The stillage(s) may comprise a resilient biasing means and/or a stop means, e.g. a chain or other elongate member, which may be operable and/or adjustable to selectively inhibit movement of the cradle relative to the is base. The stand may comprise one or more of a base, a platform, e.g. on which the one or more stillages may be mounted, and a cavity or receptacle or space, e.g. within which the refrigeration unit may be received. The stand may comprise a pair of side walls connecting the base and the platform and/or supporting the platform, e.g. to describe or define the cavity or receptacle or space. The cooling device and/or heat exchanger may be operatively or fluidly connected to the refrigeration unit.

The refrigeration unit may be within the case of a counter top cooling cabinet and may include a water bath. The water may be cooled by the refrigeration unit and circulated by an internal pump (e.g. submersible, partly or wholly external to the water bath) for the purposes of cooling the ale, e.g. with the cooling probe described herein or with other cask internal or external cooling devices that require circulating chilled water.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of cooling liquid in a cask, the method comprising inserting into the spile hole of the shive of the cask a cooling device, e.g. as described above, and cooling the liquid inside the cask with the cooling device.

The method may comprise controlling the temperature of the liquid using an actuator, e.g.

for selectively closing fluid communication through the cooling device.

The method may comprise controlling the temperature of multiple casks, for example using a temperature sensing means or sensor, which may be within a counter top cooler cabinet, e.g. such that circulating cooling air for the refrigeration device is drawn first over the temperature sensing means or sensor. The method may comprise disabling the cooling device when an ambient air temperature falls below a predetermined threshold or level. The method may comprise enabling the cooling device when an ambient air temperature is above the or a further predetermined threshold or level.

The method may comprise opening or closing fluid communication through the cooling device or otherwise enabling or disabling the cooling device using a temperature sensing means or sensor configured to measure the temperature of a return cooling water. Alternatively, the method may comprise opening or closing fluid communication through the cooling device or otherwise enabling or disabling the cooling device using a temperature sensing means or sensor configured to measure each of the ambient air temperature and/or the temperature of the return cooling water.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of transferring heat to or from a liquid as it is dispensed or delivered, the method comprising causing or allowing a liquid to be dispensed or delivered to flow through one of a pair of pipes and causing or allowing a heat transfer medium or liquid to flow through the other of the pair of pipes, wherein one of the pipes is received at least partially within the other pipe, e.g. such that heat is transferred, in use, between the liquid to be dispensed and the heat transfer medium or liquid.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of introducing pressurised gas into a dispensing container, e.g. a cask, the method comprising introducing pressurised gas into a dispensing tap upstream of a valve means thereof via a port thereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the cooling device or manifold according to any one aspect may comprise any one or more features of the cooling device or heat exchanger or manifold according to any other aspect of the invention, provided that such feature(s) is/are not incompatible. The cask may comprise any one of more features of any one or more aspects described above. Moreover, the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the cooling device, heat exchanger, manifold or dispensing tap described above.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a threedimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of the cooling device, heat exchanger, manifold or dispensing tap described above or any component thereof.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a countertop cooling system incorporating elements of the invention;

Figure 2 is a partially segmented perspective view of the cask mounted to the countertop cooling system of Figure 1 with a cooling device according to a first embodiment of the invention installed in the spile hole;

Figure 3 illustrates the assembly of the cooling device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates the broaching of the cask of Figure 2 prior to the introduction of the cooling device;

Figure 5 is a partial section view of the cask of Figures 2 and 4 illustrating the cooling device installed;

Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 5 showing a cooling device according to a second embodiment;

Figure 7 is a similar view to Figure 5 showing a cooling device according to a third embodiment;

Figure 8 is a section view similar to Figure 4 showing an alternative broaching tool according to an embodiment the invention;

Figure 9 is a similar view to Figure 8 with the peg member of the broaching tool removed from the sealing sleeve and replaced with a head member;

Figure 10 illustrates a cooling device installed in the assembly of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a similar view to Figure 5 showing a cooling device according to a fourth embodiment with a deployable arm thereof shown in a retracted condition;

Figure 12 is a similar view to Figure 11 with the arm shown in a deployed condition;

Figure 13 illustrates a variation in the tapered sealing sleeve portion of the cooling device of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 14 illustrates another variation in the tapered sealing sleeve portion of the cooling device of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 15 illustrates a dispensing tap according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 illustrates a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 illustrates a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 illustrates the lower portion of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 illustrates the lower portion of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 20 illustrates the relative flow areas between the pipes of the cooling devices according to the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a countertop cooling system 1 with a pair of stillages 2 and a cask 3 mounted to one of the stillages 2. The countertop cooling system 1 includes a base 10, a platform 11 and sides 12 supporting the platform 11 to define a receptacle within which is received a refrigeration unit 13. The refrigeration unit 13 includes a cooling system with a pair of refrigeration circuits configured to extract heat from and induce a circulation of cooling fluid, in this case water. Each stillage 2 includes a base 20 and a cradle 21 hinged at a first end to the base 20 with a pair of torsion springs 22 interconnecting second ends of the base 20 and cradle 21 to urge them away from one another and a chain 23 also connecting the second ends of the base 20 and cradle 21 for adjustably limiting their movement by engaging an appropriate chain link with the cradle 21.

The cask 3 is generally cylindrical and includes a shive hole 30 at a central position through its circumferential wall within which is installed a plastic shive 31 having a spile hole 32 within which is installed a tut 33. Traditionally, the shive 31 is made of wood and many ale casks are still provided with wooden shives. In such designs, the tut 33 is a separate sealing plug (normally plastic) which can be knocked into the cask 3 leaving behind a clean spile hole 32, normally of about 11mm diameter. If the shive 31 is formed of plastic, the tut 33 is moulded integrally with the shive 31, generally defined by a thin section annular ring in the centre of the shive 31. This, thin section provides a weakened portion (or tut 33) such that when the centre of the shive 31 is struck, the weak plastic ring gives way and the centre (or tut 33) of the shive 31 falls into the ale. With a plastic shive

31, the resultant spile hole 32 has a thin torn edge that has been stretched to the point of breaking. The diameter of the resulting spile hole 32 can be inconsistent across different plastic shives 31 and is usually less than the diameter of spile holes 32 in wooden shives. The cask 3 also includes an outlet 34 adjacent the periphery of one of its ends on the opposite side of the cask 3 to the shive hole 30 such that, in a dispensing orientation, the shive hole 30 is uppermost and the outlet 34 is lowermost to enable its contents to flow under the influence of gravity.

Each stillage 2 is configured such that a full cask 3 received on the cradle 21 causes the cradle 21 to lower to a position in which it is nearly parallel to the base 20. As the contents of the cask 3 are dispensed, the cradle 21 gradually rises, thereby tipping the cask 1 to encourage flow of its contents toward the outlet 34.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a cooling device 4 inserted into the spile hole 32 of the shive 31 of the cask 3. The cooling device 4 includes a cooling probe 40 inserted through the spile hole 32 into the cask 3 such that it is submersed in beer contained therein. The cooling device 4 also includes a manifold 41 for connection with one of the refrigeration circuits of the refrigeration unit 13.

As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the cooling probe 40 includes a pair of pipes 42, 43 including a first pipe 42 and a second pipe 43 having a larger diameter than the first pipe 42. The first pipe 42 is open at both ends 42a, 42b, while the second pipe 43 is open at a first end 43a, but closed at its second end 43b. The manifold 41 includes a first part 44 and a second part 45 each of which receives the first end 42a, 43a of a respective one of the first and second pipes 42, 43.

The first part 44 of the manifold 41 includes first and second elbow-type stem adaptors 44a, 44b each including a push fit receptacle 44c and a stem 44d extending orthogonally from the push fit receptacle 44c. The first pipe 42 is received within the stem 44d of the first stem adaptor 44a and the stem 44d of the second stem adaptor 44b is received within the push fit receptacle 44c of the first stem adaptor 44a.

The second part 45 of the manifold 41 includes a three-way push fit fitting 45a and a third elbow-type stem adaptor 45b, similar to the first and second stem adaptors 44a, 44b wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The three17 way push fit fitting 45a includes first and second opposed push fit receptacles 45c, 45d and a third push fit receptacle 45e orthogonal to the first and second push fit receptacles 45c, 45d. The second pipe 43 is received within the first push fit receptacle 45c and the stem 44d of the third stem adaptor 45b is received within the third push fit receptacle 45e.

The cooling device 4 is assembled by inserting the first pipe 42 into the second pipe, as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 3, with the stem 44d of the first stem adaptor 44a being received within the second push fit receptacle 45d of the three-way push fit fitting 45a of the second part 45 of the manifold 41. It will be appreciated that this arrangement results in the first pipe 42 being received within and concentric with the second pipe 43, with the second, open end 42b of the first pipe 42 being adjacent the second, closed end 43b of the second pipe 43. Thus, a first flow passage is described by the first pipe 42, while a second flow passage is described between the pipes 42, 43. These flow passages are in fluid communication with one another by virtue of the second, open end 42b of the first pipe 42.

In order to install the cooling device 4 into the spile hole 32 of the shive 31, it is necessary to remove the tut 33. This can be done using a broaching tool 5, shown more clearly in Figure 4, which is in the form of a tapered peg 50 extending from a driving handle 51. The peg 50 is placed over the tut 33 and driven thereagainst, for example using a mallet (not shown), to drive the tut 33 into the cask 3. For plastic shives 31, the peg 50 of the broaching tool 5 may include a stepped edge to ream the thin torn edge of the spile hole 32 to the correct size. The cooling device 4 is then inserted into the spile hole 32, as shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the second pipe 43 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the spile hole 32 to enable air to enter in through the spile hole 32 to facilitate dispensing through the outlet 34 in use. It will be appreciated that the use of the second and third stem adaptors 44b, 45b enables fluid connections to be made at virtually any orientation, since they may be rotated about their stems 44d. It will also be appreciated that the second and third stem adaptors 44b, 45b may be dispensed with for simplicity.

In use, the manifold 41 of the cooling device 4 is fluidly connected to one of the refrigeration circuits of the refrigeration unit 13. More particularly, the push fit receptacles

44c of each of the second and third stem adaptors 44b, 45b is connected to a respective one of the inlet and outlet of the refrigeration circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the push fit receptacle 44c of the second stem adaptor 44b is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration circuit and the push fit receptacle 44c of the third stem adaptor 45b is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration circuit such that cooling fluid flows through the first pipe 42 and back through the second pipe 43.

Whilst not wishing to be bound by any theory, the applicants believe that this arrangement results in more effective cooling, since the temperature of cooling fluid flowing between the pipes 42, 43 along the second flow path is cooled by the cooling fluid flowing through the first pipe 42, thereby ensuring a more uniform temperature along the cooling probe

40. It is, of course, envisaged that the opposite arrangement may provide other benefits.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a cooling device 104 according to a second embodiment similar to the first embodiment, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The cooling device 104 according to this embodiment differs from the cooling device 4 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a shielding element 106 in the form of a radial flange 160 extending from the cooling probe 40. In this embodiment, the flange 160 is formed of a resilient, e.g. elastomeric, material and includes a hole slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the probe 40 such that the probe 40 is received therein in an interference fit. The flange 160 inhibits ingress of fluid or contaminants into the spile hole, for example cooling fluid that may drip or leak from the manifold 41 in use or during installation.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a cooling device 204 according to a third embodiment similar to the first and second embodiments, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The cooling device 204 according to this embodiment differs from the cooling device 104 according to the second embodiment in that the shielding element 106 is replaced with a sealing element 206, which includes the flange 160 and a tapered sleeve 260 extending downwardly from the flange 160. In use, the sleeve 260 is urged into the spile hole 32 to sealingly engage therewith.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cask 3 may be provided with a wooden shive 331 in place of the plastic shive 31. In such instances, and indeed also with a plastic shive 31, it may be advantageous to provide a separate sealing element 306 that is more firmly installed within the spile hole 32. The sealing element 306 according to this embodiment includes a sleeve member 360 with a tapered sealing portion 361 at one end, a receptacle portion 362 at the other end and a handle 363 extending radially from the receptacle portion 362. The sealing element 306 also includes a head member 364 with a spigot portion 365 and a receptacle portion 366 with a handle 367 extending radially from the receptacle portion 366. The spigot portion 365 of the head member 364 is received in the receptacle portion 362 of the sleeve member 360 with a gland ring 368 captivated therebetween.

As shown in Figure 8, the sleeve member 360 may be configured to receive the peg member 350 of a modified broaching tool 305. The broaching tool 305 according to this embodiment includes a handle portion 351 extending from the peg member 350, an axial venting passage 352 extending from the free end of the peg member 350 into the handle portion 351 and a radial tube 353 extending into the handle portion 351 and in fluid communication with the venting passage 352.

In use, the peg member 350 of the broaching tool 305 is received within the sleeve member 360, the peg member 350 is placed over the tut 33 and driven thereagainst, for example using a mallet (not shown), to drive the tut 33 into the cask 3 and simultaneously wedging the sleeve member 360 into the spile hole 32. It will be appreciated that the venting passage 352 enables any pressurised gases present within the cask 3 to be vented, thereby ensuring that the sleeve member 360 is driven into a suitable interference fit with the spile hole 32.

The tube 353 of the broaching tool 305 and the handle 363 of the sleeve member 360 are then used to remove the broaching tool 305 from the sleeve member 360, after which the head member 364 is inserted into the sleeve member 360 with the gland ring 368 captivated therebetween. As illustrated in Figure 10, the cooling probe 40 of the cooling device 4 according to the first embodiment (or indeed any of the other embodiments) can then be inserted into the receptacle portion 366 of the head member 364 such that it extends therethrough and through the sleeve member 360 such that it sealingly engages with the gland ring 368.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a cooling device 404 according to a fourth embodiment similar to the first three embodiments, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The cooling device 404 according to this embodiment differs from the cooling devices 4, 104, 204 according to earlier embodiments in that the manifold 441 is formed of two parts 442, 443 secured together and a deployable arm 7 secured to the parts 442, 443. The manifold 441 also includes a tapered sealing sleeve portion 460 similar to the tapered sleeve 260 of the cooling device according to the third embodiment. The cooling device 404 according to this embodiment also includes a stepped reaming portion 403 for reaming the thin torn edge of the spile hole 32 of plastic shives 31.

The first part 442 includes a moulded body 444 with a first flow channel 445 formed therein and a first pipe connector 446 having a tubular portion 446a and a flange portion 446b moulded integrally with the body 444. The first flow channel 445 fluidly connects a port 445a open at one side of the body 444 to the first pipe connector 446. The tubular portion 446a of the first pipe connector 446 extends downwardly from the body 444 and perpendicularly with respect to the first flow channel 445.

The second part 443 includes a moulded body 447 with a second flow channel groove

448 formed in an upper surface thereof and a second pipe connector 449 having a tubular portion 449a and a flange portion 449b moulded integrally with the body 447. The second flow channel groove 448 extends from a port 448a open at one side of the body 444 to the second pipe connector 449. The tubular portion 449a of the second pipe connector

449 extends downwardly from the body 447 and perpendicularly with respect to the second flow channel 448.

The first and second parts 442, 443 are secured together such that the upper surface of the second part 443 abuts the bottom of the first part 442, wherein the tubular portion 446a of the first pipe connector 446 extends into the tubular portion 449a of the second pipe connector 449 and such that the parts are aligned so that the tubular portions 446a, 446b are concentric. In addition, the bottom of the first part 442 closes the second flow channel groove 448 to provide a second flow channel 448.

The tubular portion 449a of the second part 443 includes a closed end 420 and a reaming portion 403. The reaming portion 403 in this embodiment is in the form of a stepped sleeve 403 for reaming the torn edge of the spile hole 32 of plastic shives.

The deployable arm 7 is pivotally secured to a flange 70 of a top plate 71 that is secured to the first and second parts 442 by a plurality of fasteners 72. The fasteners 72 extend through holes in the first part 442 and thrreadedly engage with holes in the second part 443 to secure the manifold 441 together.

In use, the arm 7 is deployable from the position shown in Figure 11 to the position shown in Figure 12 to inhibit the tapered sealing sleeve portion 460 from sealingly engaging the spile hole 32. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous where the cask 3 is to be sealed when it is not in use, whilst facilitating venting of the spile hole 32 when the contents of the cask 3 are to be dispensed. This is achieved simply by removing the sealing sleeve portion 460 of the manifold 441 from the spile hole 32, deploying the arm 7 to support the manifold in the position shown in Figure 12.

Figures 13 and 14 show variations in the tapered sealing sleeve portion 460a, 460b. In the variation shown in Figure 13, the external tube is swaged, whilst in the variation shown in Figure 14 the taper is integral with the fixing plate, which is either moulded integrally or machined from a common material, e.g. stainless steel.

The applicant has observed that the introduction of CO₂ into the cask requires an inlet, which can be particularly challenging when the spile hole receives a cooling device 4, 104, 204, 404 according to the invention. The applicants have observed that it would be desirable to provide a means for introducing the CO₂ into the cask when a cooling probe is fitted into the spile hole.

Figure 15 shows a dispensing tap 8 for insertion into the outlet 34 of the cask 3 which enables the introduction of pressurised gas. The dispensing tap 8 includes a tubular inlet member 80, a tap body 81, a nozzle 82, a valve mechanism 83 and a compressed gas fitting 84. The inlet member 80 is sized and dimensioned to be received within the inlet 34 of the cask 3 and has a tapered first end 80a having a plurality of radial inlets 80b and a threaded second end 80c. The tap body 81 includes a blind axial passage 81a and a radial passage 81b that extends through the tap body 81 at an obtuse angle relative to the axial passage 81a an includes a threaded lower portion and an undersized upper portion. The open end of the axial passage 81a includes an internal thread that threadedly engages the threaded second end 80c of the inlet member 80. The nozzle 82 is tubular with a first threaded end 82a which threadedly engages the lower portion of the axial passage 81a and a second end 82b with a nozzle cap 82c and a jetting disc 82d. The nozzle cap 82c includes a disc with an outlet hole 82e and a skirt with an inwardly extending radial lip 82f received within a circumferential groove 82g adjacent the second end 82b of the nozzle 82. The jetting disc 82d is captivated between the nozzle cap 82c and the second end 82d of the nozzle 82 and is substantially star shaped with four spokes to create, in use, a jet or a jet flow out of the outlet hole 82e.

The valve mechanism 83 includes a frustoconical valve member 83a incorporating a seal material and engages a conical valve seat 83b at the first end 82a of the nozzle 82 and a handle 83c extending through the upper portion of the radial passage 81b of the tap body 81 and connected to the valve member 83a. The valve member 83a is biased against the valve seat 83b by a spring 83d that surrounds a lower portion of the handle 83c and is captivated between the valve member 83a and a surface surrounding the upper, undersized portion of the radial passage 81 b. The handle 83c and an upper surface of the body 81c include cooperating cam surfaces 83e that cooperate such that rotation of the handle 83c about its axis causes the valve member 83a to retract from the valve seat 83b against the biasing force of the spring 83d, thereby opening fluid communication between the inlets 80b of the inlet member 80 and the outlet hole 82e of the nozzle 82. Release of the handle 83c causes it to return to its original orientation under the influence of the spring 83d, which forces the valve member 83a back against the valve seat 83b.

The compressed gas fitting 84 is in the form of a quick release fitting 84 with a circumferential groove 84a about its free end and incorporating a ball check valve therein for allowing compressed gas to be introduced whilst preventing escape of gas or liquid. The compressed gas fitting 84 is threadedly received within a port 84b of the tap body 81 upstream of the radial passage 81b. The compressed gas fitting 84 enables the tap 8 to be connected with a source of pressurised gas, e.g. CO₂. It will be understood that when the valve mechanism 83 is in a closed condition, pressurised gas introduced at the compressed gas fitting 84 will pass through the inlet member 80, through the radial holes 80b and into the cask 3.

Referring now to Figure 16, there is shown a cooling device 9 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the cooling device is in the form of a heat exchanger 9 including a pair of open ended concentric pipes 90, only one of which is shown, and a manifold 91 at each end of the pipes 90. Each manifold 91 is similar to the manifold 41 of the cooling devices 4, 104, 204 described above with the exception of the omission of the second and third stem adaptors 44b, 45b. More particularly, each manifold 91 includes an elbow-type stem adaptor 92 and a three-way push fit fitting 93. The stem adaptor 92 includes a push fit receptacle 94 and a stem 95 extending orthogonally from the push fit receptacle 94. The three-way push fit fitting 93 includes first and second opposed push fit receptacles 96, 97 and a third push fit receptacle 98 orthogonal to the first and second push fit receptacles 96, 97.

Assembly of the heat exchanger 9 is achieved first by inserting the outermost pipe 90 into the first push fit receptacle 96 of each of the three-way push fit fitting 93. The innermost pipe (not shown) is then inserted into the stem 95 of one of the stem adaptors 92. The io stem 95 is then inserted into the second push fit receptacle 97 of one of the three-way push fit fittings 93 such that the other end of the innermost pipe (not shown) is visible within the second push fit receptacle 97 of the other three-way push fit fitting 93. The stem of the other stem adaptor 92 is then inserted into the second push fit receptacle 97 of the other three-way push fit fitting 93 such that the other end of the innermost pipe (not shown) is received therein.

Thus, the heat exchanger 9 includes a first flow passage described within the innermost pipe (not shown) and a second flow passage described between the pipes 90. The push fit receptacle 94 of the stem adaptors 92 provide an inlet and outlet for the first flow passage, while the third push fit receptacle 98 provide an inlet and outlet for the second flow passage. In use, the outlet 34 of the cask 3 or, more likely, keg of beer, such as a lager fluidly connected to one of the push fit receptacles 94 and the other push fit receptacle 94 is fluidly connected to a dispensing tap (not shown), while the third push fit receptacles 98 are fluidly connected to a second of the refrigeration circuits of the refrigeration unit 13. Thus, the contents of the cask 3 or keg are cooled as they are dispensed. It is also envisaged that the cooler may be used with dispensing other drinks.

A heat exchanger 109 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated at Figure 17, which is similar to the heat exchanger 9 of Figure 16, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further herein. Figure 17 is a section view, in which the innermost pipe 90a is visible and which illustrates more clearly the connections in relation to the heat exchanger 9 described above. The heat exchanger 109 according to this embodiment differs in that the elbow-type stem adaptors 92 are replaced with straight stem adaptors 192 that include a push fit receptacle 194 and a stem 195 extending from and coaxially with the push fit receptacle 194. Other variations are also envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Turning now to Figure 18, there is shown the lower portion of a cooling device 504 according to a fifth embodiment similar to the first four embodiments, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The cooling device 504 according to this embodiment includes a thermal actuator 520 at its lower end. The actuator 520 includes a body 521, a pin 522, a spring 523 and an end sleeve 524.

The body 521 is hollow and cylindrical in shape with a first, closed end 521a and a second end 521b with a radial flange 525 extending outwardly. The second end 521b also includes a hole that is smaller than the diameter of a hollow cavity 526 defined by the body 521. The hollow cavity 526 contains an expandable material, which is a wax in this embodiment. The pin 522 is secured at one end to the first pipe 42 by a cross member 542. The other end of the pin 522 extends through the hole in the second end 521 b of the body 521 and into the hollow cavity 526.

The end sleeve 524 is enlarged at one end with an internal groove that receives an O-ring seal 527. The end sleeve 524 is secured within an open end of the second, outermost pipe 543 such that the enlarged end abuts the end of the second pipe 543. The body 521 is slidingly received within the sleeve 524 with the flange 525 between the sleeve 524 and the open end 42b of the first pipe 42 such that it is able to translate therein whilst the Oring seal 527 ensures a fluid-tight seal. The spring 523 is captivated and compressed between the sleeve 524 and the flange 525 such that the flange 525 is urged toward the open end 42b of the first pipe 42, thereby closing off a flow of water out of the open end 42b.

In use, when the temperature within the cask 3 increases above a predetermined threshold the wax expands, urging the body 521 away from the open end 42b of the first pipe 42 and opening the flow from the first pipe 42 and into the second pipe 543 to cool the contents of the cask 3. When the temperature within the cask 3 drops below the predetermined threshold, the wax contracts to close off the fluid communication.

Turning now to Figure 19, there is shown the lower portion of a cooling device 604 similar to the cooling device 504 according to the fifth embodiment, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The actuator 620 of the cooling device 604 according to this embodiment differs in that the sleeve 524 is replaced with an intermediate sleeve 624a and a cap 625b covering the previously exposed end of the body 521. This reduces the risk of the cooling fluid leaking from the cooling device 604 and into the cask 3.

Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of the relative flow areas A₂, A₃ of each of the flow channel through the first pipe 42, the flow channel between the first and second pipes 42, 543 and the flow channel between the open end 42b of the first pipe 42 and the second io end 521b of the body 521. It is preferable that these flow areas are similar or even substantially the same when the thermal actuator 520 is fully open, that is to say after the full travel T of the pin 522. Whilst the invention has been described in relation to casks containing beer, it may also be used for casks containing cider.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. Such variations may be explicitly or implicitly mentioned herein. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A cooling device comprising first and second pipes each fluidly connected to a respective port, the first pipe being at least partially received within the second pipe

5 such that a first flow passage is described within the first pipe and a second flow passage is described between the pipes, wherein the ports are connectable, in use, to a source of fluid for inducing a flow through the first and second flow passages.

2. Device according to claim 1 configured for insertion into and cooperation with the io spile hole of the shive of a cask, the first and second pipes each including a first end fluidly connected to a respective port, the first pipe comprising a second, open end adjacent a second, closed end of the second pipe such that the first flow passage is in fluid communication with the second flow passage to provide a cooling circuit, wherein the ports are connectable, in use, to a cooling fluid circulation means for

15 cooling a liquid contained in a cask in which the cooling device is inserted.

3. Device according to claim 2 comprising a thermal actuator configured to cooperate, in use, with the second, open end of the first pipe for selectively controlling and/or closing the first flow passage.

4. Device according to claim 2 or claim 3 comprising a sealing element for sealingly engaging, in use, the spile hole.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the seal element comprises a tapered sleeve

25 at least partially surrounding the second pipe.

6. Device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the seal element comprises a radial flange at least partially surrounding the second pipe.

30

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6 comprising a deployable support for selectively unseating the sealing element.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the deployable support comprises a hinged arm.

9. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 comprising a shield element for inhibiting, in use, ingress of fluid or contaminants into the spile hole.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the shield element comprises a radial flange at least partially surrounding the second pipe.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a heat exchanger and each pipe comprises an inlet port and an outlet port.

12. Device according to any preceding claim comprising a manifold including the ports and a pair of pipe connectors each in fluid communication with a respective port, wherein the pipe connectors are aligned with one another and connected to a respective one of the pipes such that the first pipe is at least partially received within the second pipe.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the manifold comprises first and second parts connected together, the first part comprising a first of the pipe connectors, a first of the ports and a first channel formed therein and fluidly connecting the first port to the first pipe connector, the second part comprising a second of the pipe connectors, a second of the ports and a second channel formed therein and fluidly connecting the second port to the second pipe connector, wherein the first and second parts comprise cooperating locating features for aligning the pipe connectors with one another.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the first pipe connector comprises a hollow stem sealingly received within a receptacle in the second part, thereby providing the cooperating locating features.

15. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the manifold comprises a stem adaptor and a multi-way pipe fitting, the multi-way pipe fitting comprising first and second opposed push fit receptacles and a third push fit receptacle, the stem adaptor comprising a push fit receptacle and a stem extending from the push fit receptacle and received within the first push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting, the stem of the stem adaptor comprising a first of the pipe connectors and receiving the first pipe and the second push fit receptacle of the multi-way pipe fitting comprising a second of the pipe connectors and receiving the second pipe such that the pipes are concentric.

16. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the manifold or each manifold part comprises a moulded body.

17. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 14 or claim 16, wherein the manifold comprises a unitary structure.

18. Device according to claim 5, wherein the tapered sleeve removably receives the second pipe.

19. Device according to claim 18 in combination with a broaching tool comprising a peg member removably receivable within the tapered sleeve, wherein the tool is configured to be driven, in use, into the spile hole of a shive such that the tapered sleeve is forced into interference fit with the spile hole with the peg member being removable from the tapered sleeve to enable the second pipe of the cooling device to be inserted therein.

20. A cooling device for insertion into the spile hole of the shive of a cask, the device comprising first and second pipes each including a first end fluidly connected to a respective port, the first pipe being at least partially received within the second pipe and comprising a second, open end adjacent a second, closed end of the second pipe such that a first flow passage described within the first pipe is in fluid communication with a second flow passage described between the pipes to provide a cooling circuit, wherein the ports are connectable, in use, to a cooling fluid circulation means for cooling a liquid contained in a cask in which the cooling device is inserted.

21. A cooling device comprising a cooling probe sized and dimensioned to be inserted, in use, through the spile hole of the shive of a cask to contact and cool a liquid therein.

22. A cask having a shive installed in its shive hole and a cooling device according to claim 20 or claim 21 received within the spile hole of the shive.

23. Cask according to claim 22 comprising a heat exchanger including a first pipe at least partially received within a second pipe, each pipe comprising an inlet and an outlet with a first flow passage being described within the first pipe and a second

5 flow passage being described between the pipes, wherein the inlet of one of the pipes is fluidly connected to an outlet or tap of the cask and the outlet thereof is fluidly connected to a dispensing tap, the inlet and outlet of the other of the pipes being configured for connection with a cooling circuit.

io

24. Cask according to claim 22 or claim 23 comprising a dispensing tap with an inlet fluidly connected to an outlet of the cask, an outlet for dispensing liquid, valve means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a port upstream of the valve means, wherein the tap is configured such that pressurised gas introduced, in use, into the port when the

15 valve means is in a closed condition flows into the source of liquid.

25. A manifold comprising a pair of pipe connectors each in fluid communication with a respective port, wherein the pipe connectors are aligned with one another such that a first pipe connected, in use, to one of the port connectors is at least partially

20 received within a second pipe connected to the other of the port connectors.

26. A broaching tool comprising a peg member removably received within a sleeve, wherein the tool is configured to be driven, in use, into the spile hole of a shive such that the sleeve is forced into interference fit with the spile hole with the peg member

25 being removable from the sleeve.

27. A dispensing tap comprising an inlet for fluid connection with a source of liquid, an outlet for dispensing liquid, valve means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a port upstream of the valve

30 means, wherein the tap is configured such that pressurised gas introduced, in use, into the port when the valve means is in a closed condition flows into the source of liquid.

28. A method of cooling liquid in a cask, the method comprising inserting into the spile hole of the shive of the cask a cooling device and cooling the liquid inside the cask with the cooling device.

5

29. A method of transferring heat to or from a liquid as it is dispensed or delivered, the method comprising causing or allowing a liquid to be dispensed or delivered to flow through one of a pair of pipes and causing or allowing a heat transfer medium or liquid to flow through the other of the pair of pipes, wherein one of the pipes is received at least partially within the other pipe such that heat is transferred, in use, io between the liquid to be dispensed and the heat transfer medium or liquid.

30. A method of introducing pressurised gas into a dispensing container, the method comprising introducing pressurised gas into a dispensing tap upstream of a valve means thereof via a port thereof.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1611740.0 Examiner: Sybren ten Cate