WO2010018581A1 - Appareil pour congeler et distribuer une boisson - Google Patents

Appareil pour congeler et distribuer une boisson Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010018581A1
WO2010018581A1 PCT/IL2009/000799 IL2009000799W WO2010018581A1 WO 2010018581 A1 WO2010018581 A1 WO 2010018581A1 IL 2009000799 W IL2009000799 W IL 2009000799W WO 2010018581 A1 WO2010018581 A1 WO 2010018581A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
beverage
dispensing
bottle
outer cabinet
heat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2009/000799
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Eyal Simhon
Original Assignee
Coolmax Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coolmax Ltd. filed Critical Coolmax Ltd.
Publication of WO2010018581A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010018581A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the dispensing of beverages.
  • the invention provides a compact counter-top apparatus for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage, for example vodka, without dilution thereof.
  • Vending and/or dispensing machines have been in use for many decades. In recent years the trend has been to offer the customer a lager choice of foodstuffs, drinks, or whatever is being sold, including such surprising items as insurance policies for air travelers. Modern machines can be coin operated, or by the insertion of a magnetic card. Most machines are complicated, large, heavy and expensive, and are suited mainly to hotels, large offices, hospitals, industrial canteens and public areas. The machines need regular restocking and mechanical/electrical servicing, and are totally unsuitable and not intended for use in private homes, public bars, coffee shops and similar locations.
  • Swanson et al. disclose a beverage dispenser of the cold plate type.
  • the device offers a choice of several different drinks but the user is expected to provide ice cubes which are to be manually broken up.
  • the machine also requires connection to a water line.
  • a somewhat similar device is seen in US Patents 5,249,710 and 5,249,453 to Hassell et al. Again, the user is expected to supply ice-cubes.
  • the fluid lines transverse an L-shaped cold plate.
  • a carbonator is provided.
  • the dispenser is arranged for supplying soft drinks.
  • Yet a further object is to produce a dispenser wherein the base dimensions do not exceed 50 cm. square and height is under 65 cm.
  • the present invention achieves the above objects by providing a compact counter-top apparatus for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage without dilution thereof, and having a freezing capacity for continuous use of the beverage, said apparatus comprising
  • said heat-exchanger is of the brazed plate type exchanger.
  • a dispensing apparatus further provided with a fan arranged for fast expulsion of warm air from around said condenser.
  • a dispensing apparatus further provided with an operating push button causing release to said spout of a selected quantity of cold beverage.
  • a dispensing apparatus further provided with a warning light indicating near exhaustion of said beverage in said bottle.
  • a dispensing apparatus wherein said control means is programmed to automatically prevent dispensing of beverage during the start-up period.
  • an identification system for identifying beverage bottles so as to eliminate placing non authentic beverages.
  • a dispensing apparatus wherein said gripping means for said upturned beverage bottle is flexibly supported to allow some vertical movement thereof in relationship to the weight of said beverage bottle and its contents, and wherein an empty bottle is operationally sensed by a switch to cut off power to said user controls.
  • a dispensing apparatus wherein said apparatus is divided into a counter top portion including all components needed for the flow of beverage from said upturned bottle, through said heat-exchanger (evaporator) for dispensing said beverage said counter top portion being connected by electric cables and flexible tubing to an under-counter portion including the condenser, the compressor, the condenser fan and associated parts needed by these components.
  • the compact design of the dispenser was made possible by eliminating unneeded features such as a dispenser for cups, a coin recognition system, containers of liquids or powders and controls therefore, and a water inlet system.
  • the bottle containing the beverage in which it is marketed is opened and upturned, although no significant flow occurs until the operating button is pushed in.
  • the internal evaporator is preferably made of stainless steel and is thoroughly cleaned before use so as not to impart an unwanted taste to the beverage flowing there through.
  • novel device of the present invention provides an answer to the need for a small dispenser for use in bars, the like locations and in private homes
  • FIG. Ia is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the beverage dispenser according to the invention.
  • FIG. Ib is the same, but showing inner components;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment with the outer cabinet removed and including a condenser fan;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment provided with an additional control
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment responsive to the quantity of beverage remaining in the upturned bottle
  • FIG. 5 is a view of a sectional view of the piping in the vicinity of the output spout
  • FIG. 6 is a detail view of an embodiment provided with a viewing window.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a split embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrate of the plate heat exchanger.
  • FIGS. Ia and Ib There is seen in FIGS. Ia and Ib a compact counter-top apparatus 10 for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage 12.
  • the apparatus 10 has a cooling capacity adequate for continuous use of the cooled beverage.
  • An outer cabinet 14 is provided with apertures to allow projection there through of the following components.
  • a bottle holder 30 is formed in a manner to support the bottle 32 adequately in its upturned position.
  • a relief cut 34 of the support allows convenient changing of an empty bottle for a full bottle 32.
  • a small platform 36 is provided at the front of the apparatus 10 for supporting a drinking vessel
  • outlet spout 40 disposed directly above the center of a drinking vessel 38. It should be noted that although the outlet spout 40 is co-axial with the bottle 32, the only connection between the two is via a heat exchanger 60 as will be explained.
  • a protective grill 42 covers each air passage window
  • Cooling air 48 for the compressor 50 and for the condenser 52 is driven in at one of said windows 46 and the warmed air is discharged through the opposite window.
  • the refrigerant 54 is liquefied by the compressor 56 and most of the heat generated thereby is dispersed by the condenser 58.
  • a further heat-exchanger (evaporator) 60 is housed in the outer cabinet for evaporation internally of the refrigerant 54 such as Freon gas.
  • the preferred type of heat exchanger 60 is the brazed-plate type. The heat needed to evaporate the refrigerant 54 is taken out of the beverage
  • small storage tank 62 holds about one or two "shots" of freezed beverage and provides a reserve supply thereof.
  • An electrically powered pump 64 circulates the beverage through the heat exchange
  • An electronic control card 66 is programmed to activate the electric components such as the beverage circulation pump 64, the compressor 56, the volume control measuring valve 61, the condenser fan and the user controls, and any other electrical components in the cabinet. Further parts seen in the figures are a base plate 74 and a capacitor 75 for assistance in starting the compressor. With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.
  • a dispensing apparatus 70 further provided with a fan 72 arranged for fast expulsion of warm air from around the condenser 52. Fast expulsion of condenser heat is essential for proper operation of the refrigerator circuit.
  • a small storage tank 62 is provided for the beverage.
  • Level sensors and indicator lights 73 are provided at vertically-spaced-apart positions to monitor the height of the beverage in the tank 62 The sensors provide information to the electronic control card 66 regarding fluid level in said tank.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 90 further provided with an operating push button 92 causing release to the spout 40 of a selected quantity of cold beverage.
  • the electronic control card (66 in FIG. Ib) is programmed to automatically prevent dispensing of beverage during the start-up period, as about 2 minutes are needed to chill the beverage before it is to be dispensed.
  • FIG. 4 Seen in FIG. 4 is a detail of a dispensing apparatus 100, further provided with a warning light 101 indicating near exhaustion of the beverage 12 in the bottle 32.
  • the gripping means 102 for the upturned beverage bottle is flexibly supported to allow some vertical movement thereof in relationship to the weight of the beverage bottle and its contents.
  • An empty bottle 32 is operationally sensed by a switch 104 to cut off power to the user controls 16, 92 seen in FIG. 3, and to power the warning light 101.
  • FIG.5 there is seen a detail 80 of the apparatus 10 seen in FIG.1. proximate to the mouth of the beverage bottle 32.
  • a bottle holder 30 is formed in a manner to support the bottle 32 adequately in its upturned position.
  • a relief cut 34 of the support allows convenient changing of an empty bottle for a full bottle 32.
  • Three piping paths are seen in the vicinity of the output spout.
  • Path 82 transfers beverage from the upturned open bottle 32 to the heat exchanger (evaporator) 60 for cooling.
  • Path 84 transfers chilled beverage from the heat exchanger (evaporator) 60 to the spout 40 for consumption.
  • Path 68 transfers atmospheric air into the bottle 32 to prevent formation of a partial vacuum therein.
  • a small one-way valve is seen at 86 which prevents beverage from leaking out through the path 68.
  • the valve 86 can be replaced by a porous block which allows air passage but is impermeable to beverages.
  • FIG. 6 there is seen a detail 120 of an inspection chamber 128 containing a chilled beverage 12 after passing through the heat exchanger 60.
  • a viewing window 122 allows the user to check the quantity being dispensed as well as being able to check transparency and colour.
  • a temperature sensor 126 reports to the electronic control card 66. If the temperature of the beverage 12 outside a predetermined range, for example outside the range 0 - 5 0 C, a normally on LED 130 is ordered by the card 66 to blink.
  • FIG. 7 there is seen an embodiment 110 wherein the part of the apparatus 112 seen on the counter top 114 is more compact than in previous embodiments.
  • the apparatus is divided into a counter top portion 112 including all components needed for the flow of beverage 12 from the upturned bottle 32, through the heat-exchanger (evaporator) 60 for dispensing the beverage.
  • the counter top portion 112 is connected by electric cables 114 and flexible tubing 116 to an under-counter portion 118 including the condenser 52, the compressor 56, the condenser fan and associated parts needed by these components.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a brazed plate heat exchanger 80 having plates 82 in and out lets ports 84, 86 for the beverage and in and out let ports 88, 89 for the refrigerate.
  • the bottle holder will be provided with a bar-cod reader or similar identification means thus when a certain bottle is placed within the holder, it will be identified and prevent placing same bottle once more with a different beverage therein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à la distribution de boissons et concerne un appareil compact de comptoir destiné à congeler et à distribuer des quantités dosées d’une boisson en bouteille, par exemple de la vodka, sans la diluer. L'invention comporte un boîtier extérieur muni de moyens découverts servant à soutenir une bouteille de boisson renversée et à soutenir un récipient à boire; un compresseur actionné logé dans le boîtier extérieur et servant à liquéfier un agent réfrigérant dans un condenseur; un échangeur de chaleur (évaporateur) logé dans le boîtier extérieur en vue d’évaporer intérieurement l’agent réfrigérant; un réservoir de stockage logé dans le boîtier extérieur et destiné à la partie de la boisson qui n’est pas en cours d’utilisation; un moyen de pompage destiné à faire circuler la boisson à travers l’échangeur de chaleur; un dispositif de distribution de liquides; et des moyens de commande servant à actionner des composants électriques présents dans le boîtier extérieur.
PCT/IL2009/000799 2008-08-14 2009-08-13 Appareil pour congeler et distribuer une boisson WO2010018581A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL19348808 2008-08-14
IL193488 2008-08-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010018581A1 true WO2010018581A1 (fr) 2010-02-18

Family

ID=41668761

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2009/000799 WO2010018581A1 (fr) 2008-08-14 2009-08-13 Appareil pour congeler et distribuer une boisson

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2010018581A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4996847A (en) * 1989-12-20 1991-03-05 Melissa Zickler Thermoelectric beverage cooler and dispenser
US5115942A (en) * 1988-12-15 1992-05-26 Imi Cornelius Inc. Method and apparatus for dispensing cold beverage
US5249710A (en) * 1992-07-02 1993-10-05 Imi Cornelius Inc. Beverage dispenser having cold plate with evaporative cooling
US5421159A (en) * 1994-06-21 1995-06-06 Stokes; Patrick F. Beverage cooler and dispenser
US6394179B1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2002-05-28 Alfa Laval Ab Plate heat exchanger
US20040026452A1 (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-02-12 Gema Santiago Cold powder beverage dispenser
US20060000851A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2006-01-05 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
US20080173705A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2008-07-24 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid dispensing system

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5115942A (en) * 1988-12-15 1992-05-26 Imi Cornelius Inc. Method and apparatus for dispensing cold beverage
US4996847A (en) * 1989-12-20 1991-03-05 Melissa Zickler Thermoelectric beverage cooler and dispenser
US5249710A (en) * 1992-07-02 1993-10-05 Imi Cornelius Inc. Beverage dispenser having cold plate with evaporative cooling
US5421159A (en) * 1994-06-21 1995-06-06 Stokes; Patrick F. Beverage cooler and dispenser
US6394179B1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2002-05-28 Alfa Laval Ab Plate heat exchanger
US20040026452A1 (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-02-12 Gema Santiago Cold powder beverage dispenser
US20060000851A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2006-01-05 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
US20080173705A1 (en) * 2004-02-13 2008-07-24 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid dispensing system

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