GB2558112A

GB2558112A - Beverage dispense

Info

Publication number: GB2558112A
Application number: GB1805317.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Cook Christopher; Barber Peter; Wiemer Klaus
Original assignee: Cornelius Beverage Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Marmon Foodservice Technologies UK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-01
Filing date: 2012-06-01
Publication date: 2018-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-01
Also published as: GB2558112B; GB201805317D0

Abstract

A pump 13 for circulating a coolant between a source 2 and remote location 10 via flow and return lines 11,12; a controller 23 for operating the pump 13 in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode pump speed is sufficient to circulate coolant through a dispense head 15a,15b for creating condensation or ice thereon. The second mode pump speed is lower for reducing energy consumption and may be used during non-trading periods to maintain temperature in the lines. The pump in the first mode may be controlled to maintain ice or condensation to optimise energy consumption. The controller may adjust a device to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head. A common motor 9 may drive an agitator 8 and the pump 13. Modes may be switched in response to coolant temperature in the return line.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2503081 A GB 2291698 A GB 2213246 A

GB 2448621 A GB 2228310 A US 20100269707 A1 (58) Field of Search:

- INT CL B67D

Other: EPODOC, WPI (71) Applicant(s):

Cornelius Beverage Technologies Limited Russell Way, Bradford Road, BRIGHOUSE, Yorkshire,

HD6 4LX, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Christopher Michael Cook Peter Barber Klaus Wiemer (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Barker Brettell LLP

100 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM, B16 8QQ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Beverage dispense

Abstract Title: A coolant pump with energy reducing mode (57) A pump 13 for circulating a coolant between a source 2 and remote location 10 via flow and return lines 11,12; a controller 23 for operating the pump 13 in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode pump speed is sufficient to circulate coolant through a dispense head 15a,15b for creating condensation or ice thereon. The second mode pump speed is lower for reducing energy consumption and may be used during non-trading periods to maintain temperature in the lines. The pump in the first mode may be controlled to maintain ice or condensation to optimise energy consumption. The controller may adjust a device to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head. A common motor 9 may drive an agitator 8 and the pump 13. Modes may be switched in response to coolant temperature in the return line.

Figure 1

1/1

Figure 1

lib

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

BEVERAGE DISPENSE

The present invention relates to beverage dispense systems. More especially dispense systems where cooling means is remote from the point of dispense and in particular, but not exclusively, draught dispense systems where the cooling means is partially utilised to enhance merchandising of the beverage by creating special effects at the point of dispense, such as the formation of condensation on the dispense head or font.

The beverage industry is very competitive and suppliers such as brewers and soft drinks manufacturers are generally restricted by the retailer in the amount of counter space they are allowed for their dispense heads or fonts. Often, other constraints are placed upon them such as maximum height, depth , etc.

In order to make a particular brand of beverage to stand out more than their competitors’ products, beverage suppliers have resorted to a range of enhancements to their point of sale displays which are usually combined with the dispense point or font, such as special lighting effects or even animation. However, one of the most popular enhancements is the formation of condensation, either completely or partially covering the merchandising area. This is generally accepted as creating the perception of a beverage that is both cold and refreshing and, therefore, more appealing to the customer.

Creating condensation on a dispense head or font requires the surface temperature to be chilled to below dew point in order that ambient moisture will condense on it. This often requires significant cooling capacity in warm environments such as crowded bars and where head/font illumination utilises conventional incandescent lamps which create significant heat. It is not unknown for 120 watts of cooling to be required for each condensing dispense point.

Draught beverage dispense systems most commonly employ a cooler at a location remote from the point of dispense and which comprise a water tank having the evaporator of a refrigeration system adjacent to its internal walls and a plurality of product coils, all of which are normally submerged in the water. In operation an ice bank is formed on the evaporator to a predetermined thickness and heat transferred to the water from beverage passing though the product coils is dissipated by melting the ice bank. The water is agitated in order to aid heat transfer and maintain an even temperature within the water tank.

Beverage is conveyed to the dispense location via a number of product tubes contained within an insulated sheath to minimise ambient heat pickup and, in addition, chilled water from the cooler is pumped through tubes contained within the insulated sheath in close contact with the product tubes to the dispense point(s) and back to the cooler. The insulated tube bundle is known as a ‘python’. The pump for recirculating the python cooling water is usually located at or within the cooler and, in the latter case may be driven by the same motor as the agitator via a common shaft.

It is the python coolant water which is utilised for chilling dispense heads and fonts when it is required to form condensation. Such equipment may be connected in parallel between the python coolant flow and return lines or in series, usually in the python coolant flow line. Where several dispense points are installed, parallel connection is preferred as it is easier to regulate the coolant flow to ensure adequate chilling for each font. Various fittings are available which allow connection of the fonts to the python coolant lines which may also incorporate fixed or adjustable restrictors designed to divert sufficient water through the font to create the desired amount of condensation.

Irrespective of the method of connecting condensing dispense heads/fonts to a python cooling system it can be seen that their effectiveness is dependent upon adequate coolant flow and cooling capacity and this may require selection of a larger cooler and/or recirculation pump than would normally be required for beverage cooling along with consequently higher energy costs.

With energy costs constantly rising, elimination of waste becomes more important creating increasing pressure on dispense equipment manufacturers and installers to provide more energy efficient systems.

Switching off the cooler or just the recirculating pump during non-trading periods has been practised but has been proven unsatisfactory as beverage in the python rapidly warms up with the result that, when switching the pump or cooler on, a significant time is required to stabilise the system and a significant number of drinks have to be discarded before satisfactory dispense quality is achieved, negating any energy cost saving. This is a particular problem for dispense of carbonated beverages if the beverage is allowed to warm up during non-trading periods to the point where CO2 breakout occurs in the product lines which affects dispense quality at the start of the next trading period.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the aforementioned problem.

It is a desired aim of the present invention to provide a means of reducing energy consumption during periods of non-dispense in a beverage dispense system.

It is a further desired aim of the present invention to provide such means in a beverage dispense system which incorporates one or more dispense heads/fonts on which condensation is formed as a merchandising aid.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage dispense system having a beverage dispense point at a first location, a cooler at a second location remote from the beverage dispense point, a supply line through which product from a source remote from the beverage dispense point can flow to the dispense point for dispense, an insulated sheath containing flow and return lines for flow of coolant from the cooler to the first location and back to the cooler, the supply line passing through the insulated sheath in heat exchange relationship with the coolant flow and return lines, a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along the flow and return lines, a controller for controlling the pump, and a dispense head at the dispense point through which coolant can flow to create condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines by-passes the dispense head.

By this aspect of the invention, condensation or ice that is created on the outer surface of the dispense head in the first mode of operation by passing coolant through the dispense head is lost during the second mode of operation when the coolant by-passes the dispense head allowing the dispense head to warm up causing any ice to melt and condensation to evaporate from the surface of the dispense head. The first mode of operation may be employed during trading periods when beverages are being dispensed and the second mode of operation may be employed during non-trading periods when beverages are not being dispensed. By pumping coolant along the flow and return lines in both modes of operation, the product and coolant lines within the insulated sheath are prevented from warming up to any appreciable extent so that beverage quality is maintained within the insulated sheath. As a result, when switching back to the first mode of operation at the start of a trading period, beverage in the python can be dispensed having an acceptable quality and wastage is reduced. Furthermore, pump speed can be reduced during the second mode of operation when coolant is no longer required to create and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense head and the coolant flow is only used to maintain temperature within the insulated sheath. As a result, energy consumption can be significantly reduced while maintaining an acceptable beverage quality in the insulated sheath.

Pump speed in the second mode of operation may be controlled by the controller in response to coolant temperature in the insulated sheath. For example one or more temperature sensors may be employed to monitor coolant temperature within the insulated sheath and provide a signal indicative of the temperature to the controller which can then adjust the pump speed to provide sufficient flow of coolant to maintain the temperature within the insulated sheath to provide an acceptable beverage quality. In one form, a temperature sensor is provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the return line, preferably at or near to where the coolant is returned to the cooler.

Additional energy savings may be possible during the first mode of operation by controlling operation of the pump to form and maintain the desired level of condensation or ice such as by controlling the pump speed and/or by operating the pump intermittently, for example pulsing the pump on and off. In one form the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then pulsed on and off for the remainder of the first mode of operation to maintain the condensation or ice. In another form, the pump is pulsed on and off throughput the first mode of operation. In another form the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then operable continuously at a lower speed sufficient to maintain the condensation or ice.

Flow of coolant through the dispense head may be controlled in a number of ways. In one form a restrictor may be employed so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head. The restrictor may be adjustable manually or by the pump controller via, for example, a stepper motor to provide a range of flow settings. The controller may adjust the restrictor to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed or any other system requirements. In another form a solenoid valve may be employed so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved when the valve is open and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head when the valve is closed. The valve may be adjustable to provide a range of flow settings. The valve may be controlled by the pump controller. The controller may adjust the valve to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed or any other system requirements. In another form a miniature pump may be employed so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved when the miniature pump is switched on and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head when the miniature pump is switched off. The miniature pump may be adjustable to provide a range of flow settings. The miniature pump may be controlled by the pump controller. The controller may adjust the miniature pump to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed or any other system requirements. Any other suitable device for controlling flow of coolant through the dispense head may be employed. Whatever form of control is employed, it is preferred that all or substantially all the flow by-passes the dispense head so that there is little or no flow of coolant through the dispense head in the second mode of operation, i.e. any flow that occurs is trivial and is insufficient to create and/or maintain condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head.

The dispense system may be provided with more than one dispense head through which coolant may flow to create condensation or ice on the outer surface. Multiple dispense heads may be connected to the flow of coolant in series or in parallel. Multiple dispense heads may be provided at the same location or at different locations that are remote from the cooler. For example, the beverage dispense system may supply dispense heads in different bars or different serving areas of the same bar. Multiple dispense heads may be connected to the same source of product or to different sources of the same or different products.

The dispense head may include any other visual or audible devices for aesthetic or other purposes which may enhance the “theatre” of dispense and/or provide the customer with information relating to the product being dispensed. For example, the dispense head may include lighting, for example diodes that only require low power and do not emit significant heat that might impact on formation of condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head. Alternatively or additionally, the dispense head may include a screen for displaying still or moving images, for example a promotional video, and/or a speaker for a soundtrack or music. Any other suitable devices may be employed.

The supply line from the product source may pass through the cooler to cool the product prior to passing through the insulated sleeve. The cooler may be an ice bank cooler wherein an evaporator of a refrigeration system for cooling the coolant is submerged in the coolant and the water content of the coolant freezes and forms an ice bank on the evaporator that provides a thermal reserve for additional cooling by erosion of the ice bank during trading periods when the cooling load is increased due to large volumes of product being dispensed. The cooler may be operable in a normal mode to maintain the ice bank thickness between upper and lower limits during trading periods to meet variations in the cooling load and may be switched to an energy saving mode during non-trading periods in which the ice bank is allowed to erode below the lower limit and may erode completely, for example overnight. Ice bank thickness may be monitored by any suitable means such as conductivity sensors as will be familiar to those skilled in the art. When the ice bank erodes completely, the refrigeration system may be controlled in response to temperature of coolant in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve. For example a temperature sensor may be provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve and provide a signal indicative of temperature to a controller for the refrigeration system. In one form the controllers for the pump and refrigeration system may be combined in a single unit. Alternatively separate units may be provided. The same temperature sensor monitoring the return flow of coolant to the cooler may communicate with the controllers for the pump and the refrigeration system. Alternatively separate temperature sensors may be employed.

An agitator may be employed to circulate coolant within the cooler. Such agitator may improve heat transfer between product in the supply line and the coolant and/or between the coolant and the ice bank when present. The cooler may be configured so that water circulated by the agitator washes over the ice bank when present on one or both sides. The arrangement may be such that the ice bank is eroded uniformly. The agitator may be operable at a single speed but more preferably the agitator speed is adjustable. The speed may be adjustable in discrete steps but more preferably is infinitely adjustable between upper and lower limits. Agitator speed may be controlled in response to coolant temperature in or returning to the cooler. For example a temperature sensor may be provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve and provide a signal indicative of temperature to a controller for the agitator. In one form the pump and agitator are combined in a single unit and driven by a common motor. In this arrangement, the pump controller controls both the pump speed and the agitator speed. In another form the agitator is separate from the pump and is driven by a separate motor. The controller for the agitator may be combined with the pump controller and/or the refrigeration system controller. The same temperature sensor monitoring the return flow of coolant to the cooler may communicate with the controllers for the pump, agitator and the refrigeration system. Alternatively separate temperature sensors may be employed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cooling system for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head in a beverage dispense system which includes a dispense head at a first location, a cooler at a second location remote from the first location, an insulated sheath containing flow and return lines for flow of coolant from the cooler to the first location and back to the cooler, a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along the flow and return lines, a controller for controlling the pump, wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines by-passes the dispense head.

By this aspect of the invention, condensation or ice that is created on the outer surface of the dispense head in the first mode of operation by passing coolant through the dispense head is lost during the second mode of operation when the coolant by-passes the dispense head allowing the dispense head to warm up causing any ice to melt and condensation to evaporate from the surface of the dispense head. By pumping coolant along the flow and return lines in both modes of operation, the coolant lines within the insulated sheath are prevented from warming up to any appreciable extent. As a result, pump speed can be reduced during the second mode of operation when coolant is no longer required to create and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense head and the coolant flow is only used to maintain temperature within the insulated sheath. As a result, energy consumption can be significantly reduced.

The cooling system of the second aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a cooler for a beverage dispense system having at least one condensing dispense head, the cooler having a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along a coolant line connected to a condensing dispense head located remotely from the cooler and back to the cooler, and a controller for controlling the pump, wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the coolant line passes through the condensing dispense head to create condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow line by-passes the condensing dispense head.

By this aspect of the invention, the flow of coolant is controlled to pass through or bypass the condensing head according to the mode of operation of the pump. When the flow of coolant by-passes the condensing dispense head, condensation or ice is not formed on the outer surface of the dispense head and/or any condensation or ice present on the outer surface of the dispense head can disappear as the dispense head warms up causing ice to melt and condensation to evaporate. Coolant flow rate can be reduced by reducing pump speed when it is not being used to create and maintain condensation or ice on the outer surface of the condensing dispense head thereby producing a reduction in energy consumption and a saving in energy costs..

The cooler of the third aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention and/or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an ice bank cooler for a beverage dispense system having at least one condensing dispense head, the cooler having a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along a coolant line connected to a condensing dispense head located remotely from the cooler and back to the cooler, a controller for controlling the pump, a refrigeration system including an evaporator located within the cooler on which an ice bank can form from coolant within the cooler, and a controller for controlling the refrigeration system wherein, the pump and refrigeration system are switched between a first mode of operation in which condensation or ice can form on an outer surface of the dispense head and a thickness of ice on the evaporator is maintained between upper and lower limits and, a second mode of operation, in which formation of condensation or ice is inhibited and the ice bank thickness can erode below the lower limit.

By this aspect of the invention, energy consumption can be reduced in the second mode of operation because the coolant flow is no longer required to form and maintain condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and the evaporator is no longer required to maintain the ice bank thickness between upper and lower limits. The second mode of operation may therefore be considered an energy saving mode of operation. The pump and refrigeration system may be switched between the first and second modes at the same time. Alternatively, they may be switched at different times. In one form, a single controller may be provided for controlling both the pump and the refrigeration system. In another form, separate controllers may be provided for the pump and the refrigeration system. Formation of condensation or ice in the second mode may be inhibited by reducing the pump speed so that coolant flow bypasses the condensing dispense head. Alternatively or additionally, a device may be provided to control flow so that little or no coolant can flow through the dispense head in the second mode of operation. Erosion of the ice bank below the lower limit in the second mode may be permitted by using coolant temperature in place of ice bank thickness to control the refrigeration system.

The cooler of the fourth aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention and/or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump for the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention.

The pump of the fifth aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the pump employed in the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention or the coolers of the third and fourth aspects of the invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispense head for dispensing a beverage wherein the dispense head is configured for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head by passing coolant through the dispense head and wherein the dispense head is connectable to a source of coolant provided at a location remote from the dispense head that is pumped from the source along a flow line to the dispense head and back to the source in a return line, wherein the flow and return lines are contained in an insulated sheath between the source and the dispense head, and a pump for pumping the coolant along the flow and return lines is controlled by a controller for switching the pump between a first mode of operation in which the flow of coolant passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and a second mode of operation in which the flow of coolant by-passes the dispense head, wherein the pump speed is lower in the second mode of operation than in the first mode of operation.

By reducing the pump speed in the second mode of operation, a significant saving in energy consumption may be achieved with corresponding cost savings. Thus, the high energy consumption required to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head is only employed in the first mode of operation and, in the second mode of operation, pump speed and thus energy consumption is reduced to allow the condensation or ice to disappear while maintaining the temperature of the coolant circulating in the flow and return lines and thus the temperature within the insulated sheath within acceptable limits. In this way, condensation or ice can be readily re11 formed on the outer surface of the dispense head when switching back to the first mode of operation.

The dispense head of the sixth aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the dispense head employed in the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention or the coolers of the third and fourth aspects of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump for pumping a coolant from a source of the coolant along a flow line to a remote location and back to the source along a return line, and a controller for switching operation of the pump between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein the pump is driven at a lower speed in the second mode of operation than in the first mode of operation for reducing energy consumption and wherein the pump speed in the first mode of operation is sufficient to circulate coolant through a dispense head for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head.

The pump of the seventh aspect of the invention may include any of the features of the pump employed in the beverage dispense system of the first aspect of the invention or the cooling system of the second aspect of the invention or the coolers of the third and fourth aspects of the invention or the dispense head of the sixth aspect of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head for dispensing a beverage, the method including providing a dispense head at a first location, providing a cooler at a second location remote from the first location, providing flow and return lines for coolant contained in the cooler within an insulated sheath between the first and second locations, providing a pump to pump coolant along the flow and return lines, operating the pump in a first mode at a speed that is sufficient to pump coolant along the flow and return lines and through the dispense head when condensation or ice is required on an outer surface of the dispense head, and operating the pump in a second mode at a speed that is lower than the speed in the first mode so that coolant is pumped along the flow and return lines only when condensation or ice is not required on the outer surface of the dispense head.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a beverage employing the beverage dispense system according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head for dispensing a beverage employing the cooling system according to the second aspect of the invention or the coolers of the third and fourth aspects of the invention.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a condensing dispense head for a beverage dispense system, the condensing dispense head being connectable to a source of coolant for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head, where in a device is provided for controlling flow of coolant through the dispense head.

The control device may a restrictor or a valve or a miniature pump. Other features of the dispense head are described herein and the dispense head may be employed in any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 depicts a beverage dispense system embodying the invention; and

Figures 2a and 2b depict alternative condensing dispense heads/fonts.

Referring to Figure 1, a beverage dispense system includes a beverage cooler 1 located remotely from a dispense location 10 at which one or more beverage dispense points 15 are provided. The dispense location 10 may be a bar and the cooler 1 may be located in a cold room or cellar. The cooler 1 includes a water bath 2 having around its internal walls an evaporator 3 of a refrigeration system (not shown) such that operation of the refrigeration system causes an ice bank 4 to form on the evaporator 3 from the water content 5 of the water bath 2. In this embodiment the water bath 2 contains water but any other suitable coolant may be employed as will be familiar to those skilled in the art such as an aqueous mixture of ethylene glycol. The coolant may contain additives such as corrosion inhibitors.

One or more product lines 6 containing beverage pass from a beverage storage source (not shown) through the cooler 1 to an insulated bundle of tubes commonly referred to as a python 7. The beverage source and cooler 1 are typically provided at the same location remotely from the dispense location 10. Heat from the beverage in the product line(s) 6 submerged in the water bath 2 is conducted to the ice bank 4 via the water 5 to cool the beverage. The water is preferably agitated by an agitator 8 driven by a motor 9. Agitation improves heat transfer from the beverage in the product tube(s) 6 to the ice bank 4.

The refrigeration system (not shown) is controlled in a first mode of operation to maintain the ice bank thickness between upper (maximum) and lower (minimum) thicknesses for normal trading operation during periods of beverage dispense. For example, control means (not shown) may be operable in response to an ice bank sensor (not shown) such that, when a predetermined maximum thickness of ice has formed on the evaporator 3, the refrigeration system is switched off and, when the ice bank thickness has been eroded by the transfer of heat from the beverage to a predetermined minimum thickness, the refrigeration system is restarted. The control means may be adjustable to allow the settings of maximum and/or minimum thicknesses of the ice bank 4 to be altered.

The control means may also be switchable, either manually or by programmable control, into a second mode of operation during which the ice bank 4 may be allowed to erode below its normal preset minimum thickness or even completely for energy saving operation during extended periods of non-dispense such as between trading periods or overnight. In the energy saving mode of operation the cooler 1 may be controlled in response to water bath temperature until the control means is switched back to the first mode operation for normal trading operation.

Beverage flows from the cooler 1 to the dispense location 10 via product line(s) 6 contained within the python 7. Also contained within the python 7 are flow line(s) 11 and return line(s) 12 which conduct chilled water 5 from the water bath 2 to the extreme end of the python 7 and return it to the water bath 2. A pump 13 driven by motor 9 and a shaft 14 provides the means for water recirculation via the flow line(s) 11 and return line(s) 12. The motor 9 is capable of operating at different speeds either pre-set speeds or preferably infinitely variable through its speed range.

In this embodiment, the agitator 8 is also driven by the motor 9 via the shaft 14. This is not essential however and the agitator 8 may be driven by a separate motor. Where the agitator 8 is driven by a separate motor such motor may be capable of operating at different speeds either pre-set speeds or preferably infinitely variable through its speed range.

Any number of dispense points 15 may be connected to the python 7 depending upon the capacity of the cooler 1. There may be one product line 6 for each dispense point 15 or more than one dispense point 15 may be connected to a single product line 6 using appropriate fittings. In this embodiment, two dispense points 15a and 15b are shown connected to a single product line 6 but it will be understood this is for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting on the number of dispense points 15 and/or product lines 6 that may be provided.

The dispense points 15a, 15b each comprise a condensing dispense head or font configured so that chilled water 5 from the python 7 can flow through the dispense head 15a, 15b in order to chill all or part of its surface to a temperature below dew point allowing moisture in the ambient air to condense on the chilled surface. The condensation that forms on the surface may freeze to form ice depending on the temperature of the chilled water circulating through the python 7. For example, the freezing point of the chilled water may be lowered by the addition of a freeze point suppressant to the water in the cooler 1.

The condensing dispense heads 15a, 15b may be connected to the python 7 in a variety of ways for circulating chilled water through the dispense heads 15a, 15b to create condensation or ice on the surface of the dispense heads 15a, 15b. For instance, dispense head 15a is shown with a coolant inlet 16a and coolant outlet 17a connected to the python flow line 11 by tee pieces 18a and 19a respectively and dispense head 15b is shown with a coolant inlet 16b and coolant outlet 17b connected to the python flow line 11 and return line 12 by tee pieces 18b and 19b respectively.

Flow of chilled water through the condensing dispense heads 15a, 15b may be controlled to regulate the percentage of total pump output which flows through the dispense heads 15a, 15b. For instance, dispense head 15a is shown with a restrictor 20a between the tee pieces 18a, 19a and dispense head 15b is shown with a restrictor

20b downstream of the tee piece 18b connected to the coolant inlet 16b. The restrictors 20a, 20b are preferably variable to enable the flow to several dispense heads to be balanced and may be combined into a single fitting connected to the flow or return lines 11, 12. The restrictors 20a, 20b may be of any suitable type and may be adjustable by means (not shown) incorporated within the dispense heads 15a or 15b or from a remote control unit (not shown) for example via a stepper motor.

Other methods of controlling flow of chilled water through condensing dispense heads 15 may be employed. For instance, Figure 2a shows a condensing dispense head 15c with a miniature pump 21 and Figure 2b shows a condensing dispense head 15d with a solenoid valve 22 for controlling water flow. Pump(s) 21 or solenoid valve(s) 22 may be controlled by means (not shown) incorporated within the dispense heads 15c or 15d or from a remote control unit (not shown).

Where flow of chilled water is controlled, for example via a remote control unit, such control may have the facility to control a number of condensing dispense heads to achieve the required level of condensation in response to sensors (not shown) measuring, for instance, humidity, beverage flow rate/dispense volume or dispense head surface temperature either singly or in combination.

Control of flow may be by on/off operation, pulsing or speed control/modulations and a remote control unit may have the ability to be programmed to operate, for instance, at certain times and may also be capable of storing information relating to equipment operation for retrieval by a PC, PDA, etc either by direct connection or by an internet link. Programming may also be effected by the same means or both programming and or data retrieval may be by means of a keypad/display within individual condensing dispense heads 15.

As mentioned above, condensing dispense heads consume larger amounts of energy than non-condensing dispense heads and previous proposals for reducing energy consumption to a minimum during periods of non trading by simply switching off the cooler or the recirculation pump are unsatisfactory as they allow the product line(s) 6 and coolant lines 11, 12 in the python 7 to warm up and, in extreme cases, where the product is a carbonated beverage, CO2 breakout may occur in the product line(s) within the python 7. Also when the cooler is switched off, erosion of the ice bank and increase in temperature of the water in the water bath is no longer controlled. Recovery from this situation is excessively energy demanding and may result in considerable waste of beverage before satisfactory dispense is achieved.

In order to reduce energy consumption without the problems associated with previous proposals, a pump controller 23 is provided and water recirculation pump 13 may operate in a number of modes as now explained for operation of the dispense system during trading and non-trading periods:Mode 1 (startup)

Pump controller 23 operates the motor 9 to drive the pump 13 at maximum speed (100% output) for a fixed pre-determined time, for instance 10 minutes, on each occasion the cooler 1 is powered up to ensure that the python 7 and all dispense heads 15 are fully primed and without air pockets.

Mode 2 (normal operation)

After the fixed pre-determined start-up time has elapsed, pump controller 23 switches to mode 2 and operates the motor 9/pump 13 to reduce pump output from the level in mode 1 to a level (less than 100% output) wherein python cooling water flow is sufficient to maintain product line(s) 6 within the python 7 at an acceptable temperature to preserve beverage quality and cooling water flows through all the condensing dispense heads 15 to create the desired amount of condensation or ice on the surface of the dispense heads 15 during normal trading operation when drinks are being dispensed. Optionally, in this operating mode, the pump controller 23 may cause the motor 9/pump 13 to pulse on and off for instance in a ten minute cycle, to further reduce energy consumption. Pulsing operation of the motor 9/pump 13 may start after a time delay so that the first part of mode 2 provides a rapid build up of condensation or ice while the second, pulsing, part of mode 2 is sufficient to maintain the level of condensation or ice without creating wasteful excess. Alternatively, pulsing operation of the motor 9/pump 13 may start concurrently with initiation of mode 2 so that buildup of condensation or ice is more gradual. Other control routines to form and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense heads in this mode of operation to reduce energy consumption may be employed.

Mode 3 (energy saving operation)

On cessation of a trading period, the dispense system is switched into energy saving mode, for example by switching the ice bank control from maintenance of the ice bank thickness between predetermined limits to possible total erosion and thereafter temperature control of the water bath. Such an event may provide a signal to the pump controller 23 causing it to switch to mode 3 and operate the motor 9/pump 13 in an energy saving mode by further reducing pump output from the level in mode 2 to a level wherein python cooling water flow is sufficient to maintain product line(s) 6 within the python 7 at an acceptable temperature to preserve beverage quality but little or no flow occurs within the condensing dispense heads 15 due to the pressure drop within them being greater than in the python flow and return lines 11 and 12 respectively and thus the water will take the route of least resistance and by-passes the dispense heads 15. As a result, the condensing dispense heads 15 gradually warm up to ambient temperature and condensation or ice present on the outer surface is lost by evaporation and considerable energy savings can be achieved. Optionally, motor 9/pump 13 may be controlled by controller 23 in response to a temperature sensor 24 located in python return line 12 to provide sufficient python water flow in mode 3 to maintain temperature within the python 7 to prevent the product line(s) 6 and coolant lines 11, 12 warming up so that beverage quality is maintained. Location of temperature sensor 24 is preferably before the return flow of water enters the water bath 2 and is mixed with its contents, so that sensor 24 is responsive to the temperature of the return flow of water leaving the python 7 which is indicative of the temperature within the python 7.

At the start of the next trading period, the beverage dispense system is switched into normal mode, for example by switching the ice bank control to maintenance of the ice bank thickness between upper and lower limits. Such an event may provide a signal to the pump controller 23 causing it to switch to mode 2 and operate the motor 9/pump 13 in normal mode by increasing pump output from the level in mode 3 back to the level in mode 2 so that python cooling water again flows through the condensing dispense heads 15 whereby condensation or ice is reformed and maintained on the dispense heads 15.

The beverage dispense system may be switched between normal mode and energy saving mode manually or automatically, for example by a timer. Timer control may be programmable to allow the switching times to be altered according to requirements. Manual control may be permitted to over-ride timer control to switch between normal and energy saving modes without re-setting the timer. When the beverage dispense system is shut-down completely for any reason, for example, for carrying our repairs, servicing or maintenance, the start-up routine is again employed when the cooler is again powered up.

It will be appreciated that every dispense system has particular requirements and therefore variables such as times and flow rates should where possible, be adjustable in order that they may be determined by practical experience.

It will also be appreciated that pump control may be employed in conjunction with intelligent dispense heads/fonts as previously described.

The energy saving enhancements described above may be incorporated retrospectively or during manufacture/installation of new systems and it will be further appreciated that control means may range from manual switching through single timers to sophisticated programmable logic controllers, PCs, PDAs etc either by direct connection or through telephone or internet link.

While in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the beverage dispense system has condensing dispense heads 15 connected to the python, it will be appreciated that a beverage dispense system could include a combination of condensing and noncondensing dispense heads connected to the python. It will also be appreciated that the product line(s) may contain carbonated beverages which may be alcoholic such as draught beer, lager, cider or non-alcoholic such as cola, soda water (flavoured and unflavoured) or still beverages which may be alcoholic such as wine or non alcoholic such as fruit juice. Carbonated soft drinks such as colas may be supplied to the dispense point pre-mixed or separate components may be supplied to the dispense point and mixed at the dispense point for dispense, for example product line(s) may contain concentrates, syrups or flavours and a diluent such as soda water for mixing at the dispense point.

Any of the features of the beverage dispense system described herein may be employed separately or in combination with any other feature and the invention extends to and includes any novel feature or combination of novel features for any purpose described herein.

There now follow a series of clauses (not claims) setting out statements of the invention.

1. A beverage dispense system having a beverage dispense point at a first location, a cooler at a second location remote from the beverage dispense point, a supply line through which product from a source remote from the beverage dispense point can flow to the dispense point for dispense, an insulated sheath containing flow and return lines for flow of coolant from the cooler to the first location and back to the cooler, the supply line passing through the insulated sheath in heat exchange relationship with the coolant flow and return lines, a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along the flow and return lines, a controller for controlling the pump, and a dispense head at the dispense point through which coolant can flow to create condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines by-passes the dispense head.

2. The system of clause 1 wherein the first mode of operation is employed during trading periods when beverages are being dispensed and the second mode of operation is employed during non-trading periods when beverages are not being dispensed.

3. The system of clause 1 or clause 2 wherein pumping coolant along the flow and return lines in both modes of operation is controlled so that product and coolant lines within the insulated sheath are prevented from warming up to any appreciable extent and beverage quality is maintained within the insulated sheath.

4. The system of any preceding clause wherein pump speed is reduced during the second mode of operation when coolant is no longer required to create and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense head and the coolant flow is only used to maintain temperature within the insulated sheath.

5. The system according to any preceding clause wherein pump speed in the second mode of operation is controlled by the controller in response to coolant temperature in the insulated sheath.

6. The system according to clause 5 wherein one or more temperature sensors is employed to monitor coolant temperature within the insulated sheath.

7. The system according to clause 6 wherein the temperature sensor(s) provide a signal indicative of the temperature to the controller which can then adjust the pump speed to provide sufficient flow of coolant to maintain the temperature within the insulated sheath to provide an acceptable beverage quality.

8. The system according to any of clauses 5 to 7 wherein a temperature sensor is provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the return line.

9. The system according to clause 8 wherein the temperature sensor is provided at 15 or near to where the coolant is returned to the cooler.

10. The system according to any preceding clause wherein operation of the pump in the first mode of operation is controlled to form and maintain the desired level of condensation or ice so as to optimise energy consumption.

11. The system according to clause 10 wherein the pump is controlled to optimise 20 energy consumption by controlling the pump speed and/or by operating the pump intermittently.

12. The system according to clause 10 or clause 11 wherein the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then pulsed on and off for the remainder of the first mode of operation to maintain the condensation or ice.

13. The system according to clause 10 or clause 11 wherein the pump is pulsed on and off throughout the first mode of operation.

14. The system according to clause 10 or clause 11 wherein the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then operable continuously at a lower speed sufficient to maintain the condensation or ice.

15. The system according to any preceding clause wherein flow of coolant through the dispense head is controlled by a device.

16. The system according to clause 15 wherein the device is adjustable to vary the flow.

17. The system according to clause 15 or clause 16 wherein the device is a restrictor arranged so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head.

18. The system according to clause 17 wherein the restrictor is adjustable manually or by the pump controller to provide a range of flow settings.

19. The system according to clause 18 wherein the pump controller adjusts the restrictor to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed.

20. The system according to clause 15 or clause 16 wherein the device is a solenoid valve arranged so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved when the valve is open and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head when the valve is closed.

21. The system according to clause 20 wherein the valve is adjustable to provide a range of flow settings.

22. The system according to clause 20 or clause 21 wherein the valve is controlled by the pump controller.

23. The system according to clause 22 wherein the pump controller adjusts the valve to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed.

24. The system according to clause 15 or clause 16 wherein the device is a 5 miniature pump arranged so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved when the miniature pump is switched on and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the dispense head when the miniature pump is switched off.

25. The system according to clause 24 wherein the miniature pump is adjustable to 10 provide a range of flow settings.

26. The system according to clause 24 or clause 25 wherein the miniature pump is controlled by the pump controller.

27. The system according to clause 26 wherein the pump controller adjusts the miniature pump to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed.

28. The system according to any preceding clause wherein more than one dispense head is provided through which coolant may flow to create condensation or ice on the outer surface.

29. The system according to clause 28 wherein multiple dispense heads are 20 connected to the flow of coolant in series or in parallel.

30. The system according to clause 28 or clause 29 wherein multiple dispense heads are provide at the same location or at different locations that are remote from the cooler.

31. The system according to any of clauses 28 to 30 wherein multiple dispense 25 heads are connected to the same source of product or to different sources of the same or different products.

32. The system according to any preceding clause wherein the dispense head includes one or more visual or audible devices.

33. The system according to any preceding clause wherein the supply line from the product source passes through the cooler to cool the product prior to passing through the insulated sleeve.

34. The system according to any preceding clause wherein the cooler is an ice bank cooler.

35. The system according to clause 34 wherein an evaporator of a refrigeration system for cooling the coolant is submerged in the coolant and the water content of the coolant freezes and forms an ice bank on the evaporator.

36. The system according to clause 35 wherein the ice bank provides a thermal reserve for additional cooling by erosion of the ice bank during trading periods when the cooling load is increased due to large volumes of product being dispensed.

37. The system according to any of clauses 34 to 36 wherein the cooler is operable 15 in a normal mode to maintain the ice bank thickness between upper and lower limits during trading periods to meet variations in the cooling load and is switched to an energy saving mode during non-trading periods in which the ice bank is allowed to erode below the lower limit and can erode completely.

38. The system according to clause 37 wherein ice bank thickness is monitored by 20 one or more sensors.

39. The system according to clause 38 wherein the sensor(s) are conductivity sensor(s).

40. The system according to any of clauses 37 to 39 wherein, when the ice bank erodes completely, the refrigeration system is controlled in response to temperature of coolant in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve.

41. The system according to clause 40 wherein a temperature sensor is provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve and provide a signal indicative of temperature to a controller for the refrigeration system.

42. The system according to clause 41 wherein the controllers for the pump and 5 refrigeration system are combined in a single unit.

43. The system according to clause 42 wherein the same temperature sensor monitoring the return flow of coolant to the cooler communicates with the controllers for the pump and the refrigeration system.

44. The system according to any of clauses 34 to 43 wherein an agitator is 10 employed to circulate coolant within the cooler.

45. The system according to clause 44 wherein the cooler is configured so that water circulated by the agitator washes over the ice bank when present on one or both sides.

46. The system according to clause 44 or clause 45 wherein the ice bank is eroded 15 uniformly.

47. The system according to any of clauses 44 to 46 wherein the agitator is operable at a single speed.

48. The system according to any of clauses 44 to 46 wherein the agitator speed is adjustable.

49. The system according to clause 48 wherein the agitator speed is adjustable in discrete steps or is infinitely adjustable between upper and lower limits.

50. The system according to any of clauses 44 to 49 wherein agitator speed is controlled in response to coolant temperature in or returning to the cooler.

51. The system according to clause 50 wherein a temperature sensor is provided to 25 monitor the coolant temperature in the cooler or in the insulated sleeve and provide a signal indicative of temperature to a controller for the agitator.

52. The system according to clause 51 wherein the pump and agitator are combined in a single unit and driven by a common motor.

53. The system according to clause 52 wherein the pump controller controls both the pump speed and the agitator speed.

54. The system according to clause 51 wherein the agitator is separate from the pump and is driven by a separate motor.

55. The system according to clause 54 wherein the controller for the agitator is combined with the pump controller and/or the refrigeration system controller.

56. The system according to any of clauses 51 to 55 wherein the same temperature sensor monitoring the return flow of coolant to the cooler communicates with the controllers for the pump, agitator and the refrigeration system.

57. The system according to any preceding clause wherein there is little or no flow of coolant through the dispense head in the second mode of operation.

58. A cooling system for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head in a beverage dispense system includes a dispense head at a first location, a cooler at a second location remote from the first location, an insulated sheath containing flow and return lines for flow of coolant from the cooler to the first location and back to the cooler, a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along the flow and return lines, a controller for controlling the pump, wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow and return lines by-passes the dispense head.

59. The system of clause 58 wherein condensation or ice that is created on the outer surface of the dispense head in the first mode of operation by passing coolant through the dispense head is lost during the second mode of operation when the coolant bypasses the dispense head allowing the dispense head to warm up causing any ice to melt and condensation to evaporate from the surface of the dispense head.

60. The system according to clause 58 or clause 59 wherein the coolant lines within the insulated sheath are prevented from warming up to any appreciable extent by pumping coolant along the flow and return lines in both modes of operation.

61. The system according to clause 60 wherein pump speed is reduced during the second mode of operation when coolant is no longer required to create and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense head.

62. A pump for the beverage dispense system of any of clauses 1 to 57 or the cooling system of any of clauses 58 to 61.

63. A cooler for a beverage dispense system having at least one condensing dispense head, the cooler having a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along a coolant line connected to a condensing dispense head located remotely from the cooler and back to the cooler, and a controller for controlling the pump, wherein, in a first mode of operation, coolant pumped along the coolant line passes through the condensing dispense head to create condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head and, in a second mode of operation, coolant pumped along the flow line by-passes the condensing dispense head.

64. An ice bank cooler for a beverage dispense system having at least one condensing dispense head, the cooler having a pump to pump coolant from the cooler along a coolant line connected to a condensing dispense head located remotely from the cooler and back to the cooler, a controller for controlling the pump, a refrigeration system including an evaporator located within the cooler on which an ice bank can form from coolant within the cooler, and a controller for controlling the refrigeration system wherein, the pump and refrigeration system are switched between a first mode of operation in which condensation or ice can form on an outer surface of the dispense head and a thickness of ice on the evaporator is maintained between upper and lower limits and, a second mode of operation, in which formation of condensation or ice is inhibited and the ice bank thickness can erode below the lower limit.

65. A dispense head for dispensing a beverage wherein the dispense head is configured for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head by passing coolant through the dispense head and wherein the dispense head is connectable to a source of coolant provided at a location remote from the dispense head that is pumped from the source along a flow line to the dispense head and back to the source in a return line, wherein the flow and return lines are contained in an insulated sheath between the source and the dispense head, and a pump for pumping the coolant along the flow and return lines is controlled by a controller for switching the pump between a first mode of operation in which the flow of coolant passes through the dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of the dispense head and a second mode of operation in which the flow of coolant by-passes the dispense head, wherein the pump speed is lower in the second mode of operation than in the first mode of operation.

66. A pump for pumping a coolant from a source of the coolant along a flow line to a remote location and back to the source along a return line, and a controller for switching operation of the pump between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation wherein the pump is driven at a lower speed in the second mode of operation than in the first mode of operation for reducing energy consumption and wherein the pump speed in the first mode of operation is sufficient to circulate coolant through a dispense head for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head.

67. A method of creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head for dispensing a beverage, the method including providing a dispense head at a first location, providing a cooler at a second location remote from the first location, providing flow and return lines for coolant contained in the cooler within an insulated sheath between the first and second locations, providing a pump to pump coolant along the flow and return lines, operating the pump in a first mode at a speed that is sufficient to pump coolant along the flow and return lines and through the dispense head when condensation or ice is required on an outer surface of the dispense head, and operating the pump in a second mode at a speed that is lower than the speed in the first mode so that coolant is pumped along the flow and return lines only when condensation or ice is not required on the outer surface of the dispense head.

68. A method of creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of a dispense head for dispensing a beverage employing the cooling system according to any of clauses 58 to 61 or the cooler of clause 63 or clause 64.

Claims

1. A pump for pumping a coolant from a source of the coolant along a flow line to a remote location and back to the source along a return line, and a controller for switching operation of the pump between a first mode of operation and a second

5 mode of operation wherein the pump is driven at a lower speed in the second mode of operation than in the first mode of operation for reducing energy consumption and wherein the pump speed in the first mode of operation is sufficient to circulate coolant through a dispense head for creating condensation or ice on an outer surface of the dispense head.

10

2. The pump of claim 1 wherein the first mode of operation is employed during trading periods when beverages are being dispensed from a dispense point comprising the dispense head, and the second mode of operation is employed during non-trading periods when beverages are not being dispensed.

3. The pump of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein pumping coolant along the flow and

15 return lines in both modes of operation is controlled so that the flow and return lines are prevented from warming up to any appreciable extent.

4. The pump of any preceding claim wherein pump speed is reduced during the second mode of operation when coolant is no longer required to create and maintain condensation or ice on the dispense head and the coolant flow is only used to

20 maintain temperature within the flow line and the return line.

5. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein operation of the pump in the first mode of operation is controlled to form and maintain the desired level of condensation or ice so as to optimise energy consumption.

6. The pump according to claim 5 wherein the pump is controlled to optimise

25 energy consumption by controlling the pump speed and/or by operating the pump intermittently.

7. The pump according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then pulsed on and off for the remainder of the first mode of operation to maintain the condensation or ice.

8. The pump according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the pump is pulsed on and off throughout the first mode of operation.

5

9. The pump according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the pump is operable continuously at the start of the first mode of operation for sufficient time to create a desired level of condensation or ice and is then operable continuously at a lower speed sufficient to maintain the condensation or ice.

10. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein the controller is 10 configured to adjust a device to alter the flow of coolant through the dispense head during the first mode of operation in response to changes in the pump speed.

11. The pump according to claim 10 wherein the device is arranged so that, in the first mode of operation, a required flow of coolant through the dispense head can be achieved and, in the second mode of operation, the flow of coolant may by-pass the

15 dispense head.

12. The pump according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the device is a restrictor adjustable by the pump controller to provide a range of flow settings.

13. The pump according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the device is a solenoid valve adjustable by the pump controller to provide a range of flow settings.

20

14. The pump according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the device is a miniature pump adjustable by the pump controller to provide a range of flow settings.

15. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein the pump is configured such that coolant may flow through more than one dispense head to create condensation or ice on the outer surface of any or each of the dispense heads.

25

16. The pump according to claim 15 wherein multiple dispense heads are connected to the flow of coolant in series or in parallel.

17. The pump according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein multiple dispense heads are provided at the same location or at different locations that are remote from the coolant source.

18. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein there is little or no flow 5 of coolant through the dispense head in the second mode of operation.

19. The pump according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow line and the return line are contained within an insulated sheath.

20. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein pump speed in the second mode of operation is controlled by the controller in response to coolant temperature

10 in the insulated sheath or the return line.

21. The pump according to claim 20, wherein the pump controller is configured to adjust the pump speed in response to signals provided by one or more temperature sensors employed to monitor coolant temperature within the insulated sheath or the return line.

15

22. The pump according to claim 21, wherein the pump controller is configured to adjust the pump speed to provide sufficient flow of coolant to maintain the temperature within the insulated sheath or within the return line in response to signals indicative of the temperature provided by the temperature sensor(s).

23. The pump according to claim 22, wherein the temperature sensor(s) are

20 provided at or near to where the coolant is returned to the coolant source

24. The pump according to any preceding claim wherein: the coolant source is an ice bank cooler; and an agitator is employed to circulate coolant within the cooler;

wherein agitator speed is controlled in response to coolant temperature

25 returning to the cooler;

wherein the pump and agitator are combined in a single unit and driven by a common motor; and wherein the pump controller is configured to control both the pump speed and the agitator speed.

25. The pump according to claim 24, wherein the agitator is operable at a single speed.

26. The pump according to claim 24, wherein the agitator speed is adjustable.

27. The pump according to claim 26, wherein the agitator speed is adjustable in 5 discrete steps or is infinitely adjustable between upper and lower limits

28. The pump according to any of claims 25 to 27 wherein the pump controller is configured to control the agitator speed and the pump speed in response to signals indicative of temperature provided by a temperature sensor provided to monitor the coolant temperature in the insulated sheath or in the return line.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1805317.3 Examiner: Dr S. ten Cate