WO2014017988A1

WO2014017988A1 - Refrigerated champagne dispensing and preservation system and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2014017988A1
Application number: PCT/TH2012/000026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony VICK
Original assignee: Vick Anthony
Priority date: 2012-07-27
Filing date: 2012-07-27
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A multifunctional unit (102) includes in particular a gas management system (112) for managing dispensing and preservation of carbonated beverages such as sparkling wines and champagne. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gas management system (112) is configured to regulate three solenoid valves (202, 204, 206), for maintaining a first predefined pressure level inside a beverage container thereby allowing the beverage to maintain its sparkle ('pearl') and preventing oxidation of the beverage. Same gas management system (112) further provides a safe a reliable solution for dispensing of the beverage at a second predefined pressure level. After the desired quantity of the beverage has been dispensed, the pressure level inside the beverage container is resumed to the first predefined pressure level. The multifunctional unit further includes a control panel including one or more switches allowing for adjustments of quantity dispensed. The unit is further designed to be refrigerated and compact to minimize foot print.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

REFRIGERATED CHAMPAGNE DISPENSING AND PRESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is generally related to a dispensing unit and more specifically related to a refrigerated dispensing and preservation system for beverages like champagne, sparkling wine and other carbonated beverages and method thereof. BACKGROUND ART

Beverages like champagnes and wines are produced and consumed globally. Further, many champagne houses had promoted the wine's image as a royal and aristocratic drink. The advancement in the popularity of champagne (or sparkling wine) has made such beverages a primary mode of celebrating any occasion among middle and high class society people. Additional point of attraction that champagne gains includes whooshing sound and bubbles that comes out when the champagne is opened.

Generally, bottles of beverage like champagne and other carbonated drinks are sealed tightly so as to preserve the beverages. As a bottle of champagne is opened, it rapidly drops to atmospheric pressure and the main component of the loss is Carbon Dioxide. Bubbles that rush out of the bottle neck are mainly C02, which, due to lack of pressure, convert from being dissolved in the liquid to gaseous form. Due to this, within a short time the wine becomes flat and loses its 'pearl': Further, on opening the bottle, such beverages begin to degrade due to oxidation.

Generally people consume a quantity of such drink based on their interest that may vary from one glass at a time, a glass in a day, in a week or may be in a month. However, once the champagne bottle is opened, the quality of the remaining portion of the champagne deteriorates rapidly.

There are systems that preserve wines from degradation by eliminating Oxygen and preventing oxydation. The Oxygen may be eliminated by removing the air above the beverage in the bottle. Further, a special vacuum pump may be used manually to draw out the air from the bottle. Some manufacturers use a process to preserve still wine by using Argon or Nitrogen gases to prevent the beverages from oxidizing. However, these systems and process do not restore the sparkle ('pearl') in carbonated beverages such as sparkling wines or champagnes. Based on the aforementioned, an efficient and reliable system is required that is capable of preserving and dispensing carbonated beverages automatically without requiring any manual effort and restoring sparkle ('pearl') in carbonated beverages as well as preserving them. SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a multifunctional unit for dispensing and preserving one or more beverages. The multifunctional unit may include a new gas management system for managing usage of one or more gases to perform at least one of preserving and dispensing of one or more beverages contained by one or more containers. The gas management system may be configured to regulate one or more solenoid valves that correspond to each of the containers. The one or more solenoid valves may be regulated to maintain a predefined pressure level inside each of the containers. Further, the multifunctional unit may include a control panel including one or more switches corresponding to each of the containers containing one of the beverages to be preserved. The switches may allow for adjustment of quantity of the preserved beverage for dispensing thereof from the corresponding container, the preserved beverage being dispensed by pressing a pouring switch.

Embodiments of the present invention may further provide a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a gas management system comprising one or more solenoid valves connected to a beverage container for automatic controlling of a pressure level in the beverage container. Herein, the pressure level may be controlled for at least one of: preserving a beverage stored in the beverage container by replenishing a gas in the beverage and dispensing the preserved beverage by reducing the pressure level inside the beverage container.

Further embodiments of the present invention may provide a method for preserving and dispensing a beverage of a beverage container. The method may include replenishing a gas into the beverage container to increase a pressure level therein. The pressure level may be increased to a predefined value for dissolving the gas inside the beverage for replenishing the sparkle ('pearl') of the beverage. The gas may correspond to a type of the beverage contained by the beverage container. The method may further include reducing the pressure in the beverage container by releasing the gas from within. The pressure may be reduced when a pouring switch, of one or more switches, of a control panel is pressed. The one or more switches facilitate for adjusting quantity of the beverage for dispensing thereof. Further, the method may include pressing a valve knob of a nozzle connected to the beverage container for dispensing the beverage at the reduced pressure. Herein, the pressure level inside the beverage container is resumed to the predefined level when the adjusted quantity of the beverage is dispensed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The diagrams are designed to illustrate the essence of the invention as well as a number of different preferred configurations for this invention. However, they shall not limit the range of possible configurations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing system for refrigerated preservation and dispensing of one or more beverages, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 A, 2B and 2C illustrate schematics of a solenoid gas system utilized by a dispensing system, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates time line of events performed by a dispensing system, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate schematics of a solenoid gas system in a dispensing system, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates time line of events performed by a dispensing system, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate solenoid gas systems of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment respectively of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a pictorial view of a multifunctional dispensing unit with four nozzles for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a solenoid gas system of a multifunctional dispensing unit with four nozzles for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a control panel of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a mechanism for a motorized sliding window of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional representation of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a dispensing system for refrigerated preservation and dispensing of one or more beverages, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a pictorial view of a multifunctional dispensing unit with eight nozzles for dispensing various types of beverages, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a solenoid gas system of a multifunctional dispensing unit with eight nozzles for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 A illustrates a pictorial view of a nozzle utilized by a multifunctional dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B illustrates an exploded view of the nozzle utilized by a multifunctional dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13C illustrates a pictorial view of the nozzle with a push type solenoid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate cross-section views of a nozzle representing two different states of valve knobs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a pictorial view of a mechanism for dispensing a beverage through a nozzle of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure describes the subject matter for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

Illustrative embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. The embodiments described herein are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The present invention provides a multifunctional dispensing and preservation unit for carbonated beverages such as champagne or sparkling wines and a method corresponding thereto. The multifunctional dispensing unit may perform various functionalities such as preserving, refrigerating, and dispensing of one or more beverages. The beverages may include, but are not limited to, champagnes (sparkling wine). Further, the multifunctional dispensing unit may preserve, refrigerate and dispense combination of various types of beverages, such as champagne, white wine, red wine and the like. The system utilized by multifunctional dispensing unit may include a gas system (hereinafter may interchangeably be referred to as 'gas management system') that may utilize one or more solenoid valves as well as one or more gases.

In an embodiment of the present invention, C02 may be replenished in the beverage like champagne for preservation of the champagne by enhancing the sparkling characteristics, the 'pearl', while also preventing oxidation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing system 100 for refrigerated preservation and dispensing of one or more beverages, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The one or more beverages may include, but is not restricted to, a champagne (or sparkling wine). As shown, a multifunctional dispensing unit 102 is coupled to a gas cylinder 104 through a gas delivery hose 106. In an embodiment, the unit 102 may be made up of an insulated cabinet 108. The unit 102 may include various components such as, but is not limited to, electronics and dispensing control panel 110, a gas management system 112, a storage compartment 114, and a refrigeration compartment 116.

The electronics and control panel 110 may include, but is not limited to, one or more switches corresponding to each beverage. The one or more switches may include at least one pouring switch for enabling dispensing of a beverage. The control panel 110 is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 7.

Further, the gas management system 112 may manage usage of one or more gases that may be required for preserving and dispensing of one or more beverages contained in one or more beverage containers (hereinafter may be referred to as 'containers'). The gas management system 112 (hereinafter may interchangeably be referred to as a gas system 1 12) may include, but is not restricted to, one or more solenoid valves corresponding to each of the containers. The solenoid valves, corresponding to each container, may be regulated automatically to control pressure inside the beverage container. The solenoid valves may assume open or closed state to allow entry or exit of the gas into or from the beverage container.

In an embodiment, the pressure inside the beverage container may be set to a predefined level for preservation of the beverage based on a type of the beverage contained in the beverage container. For example, if the beverage is champagne, one of the solenoid valves may be opened to replenish carbon dioxide (C02) gas inside the beverage container at a predefined pressure of 4.5 bar. The C02 gas may be released, from the gas cylinder 104, by opening a cylinder valve 118 and a pressure value may be regulated by a regulator 120 attached to the gas cylinder 104. The C02 gas, at the regulated pressure of 4.5 bar may be passed to the dispensing unit 102 through the hose 106. In an embodiment, the solenoid valves may be regulated for dispensing of the beverage based on pressing the pouring switch of the control panel. The gas system 112 is explained further in conjunction with FIG. 2 (2A, 2B, 2C and 2D).

Further, the one or more beverage containers may be stored in the storage compartment 114. The beverage container may include, but is not restricted to a bottle. The storage compartment 114 may suitably adjust one or more containers therein. The storage compartment 114 may be linked with the gas system 112 (not shown) through one or more suitable means. Further, each of the containers may be connected to solenoid valves for replenishing the gas (such as C02) inside the containers and also to release the gas there from.

Further, the beverages (contained by the beverage containers) stored in the storage compartment 114 may be refrigerated by a refrigerating system of the refrigeration compartment 116. The refrigerating system may produce cold air that may be moved to the storage compartment 114 to refrigerate the beverages stored therein. The refrigerating system is explained further in conjunction with FIG. 9.

The storage compartment 114 may have a motorized sliding window 122 to cover the inside of the container and further to allow access to the beverage containers stored in the storage compartment 114. The motorized sliding window 122 (hereinafter may be referred to as a 'window 122') may be controlled by a motorized window mechanism 124 that may provide one or more control switch for sliding the window 122 for opening and closing thereof. In an embodiment, the window 122 may be activated by an up/down switch to provide access to the beverage containers stored inside the storage compartment 114. The activated window 122 may facilitate the removal of empty bottles of the beverage (such as champagne or sparkling wine) and installation of full bottles. The sliding window 122 is explained further in conjunction with FIG. 8.

Further, each beverage container, stored in the storage compartment 114, may be linked to a nozzle 126. As shown, four nozzles are mounted on the storage compartment may be utilized for separate four beverage containers that may be preserved in the storage compartment 114. The refrigerated and preserved beverages may be dispensed through the nozzle 126. The nozzle 126 is explained further in conjunction with FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that various components of the dispensing system 100 may be connected through one or more means so as to enable proper functioning of the dispensing system 100 to preserve and dispense one or more beverages from the corresponding beverage containers. Further, it may be appreciated that structure of the dispensing unit 102 cannot be considered as restrictive to as shown in FIG. 1 as, in an alternative embodiment, a dispensing system, such as the dispensing system 100, may store, refrigerate, preserve and dispense more number of beverages of various types, as described in conjunction with FIG. 10.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C (may collectively be referred to as 'FIG. 2') illustrate schematics of a solenoid gas system utilized by a dispensing system, such as the dispensing system 100, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 2 A, 2B and 2C illustrate three stages of the dispensing system that utilizes three solenoid valves to regulate the pressure for preserving a beverage, such as champagne, and safe dispensing of the beverage. Further, the dispensing system may perform multiple functions such as, but is not limited to, preserving, refrigerating and dispensing. In an embodiment, to actuate dispensing of the beverage, a pouring switch may be pressed from a control panel, such as the control panel 110 (as explained previously in conjunction with FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, if the system is at rest that is an initial stage when the pouring switch is not pressed, the dispensing system may be operated as shown in FIG. 2A. Here, it may be noted that the dispensing system may not be restricted to dispensing of the beverage.

As shown, the dispensing system may utilize three solenoid valves, such as a first solenoid valve 202, a second solenoid valve 204 and a third solenoid valve 206. Each solenoid valve is connected to a bottle 208 containing the beverage (champagne) as shown by a level 210. As shown, in the initial stage, the first solenoid valve 202 may be in an open state and the second solenoid valve 204 and the third solenoid valve 206 may be in closed state.

- Further, as shown, a gas, such as carbon dioxide (C02), may be passed from a gas cylinder 104 through a regulator 120, when the cylinder valve 118 is opened. The C02 gas may be passed from the first solenoid valve 202 into the bottle 208 to pressurize the inside of the bottle to a predefined level. The predefined pressure of C02, in case of champagne, may be set to 4.5 bar that may allow C02 gas to dissolve in the champagne under the pressure and may restore 'pearl' in the champagne.

In this stage, the first solenoid valve 202 normally remains in open state to pass the C02 gas into the bottle 208 to increase the pressure level and thereby to preserve the champagne. As shown (by arrows), C02 gas may be passed through flexible plastic tubes connected to a nozzle 212 that may be placed inside the bottle 208 and connected therewith through a retention spring (not shown). In an embodiment, the first solenoid valve 202 attains a close state when the pouring switch of the control panel is pressed for dispensing of the beverage (champagne) from the bottle 208 through a nozzle tube 214. The first solenoid valve 202 may attain the close state to stop the entry of the C02 gas in the bottle and thereby to stop pressurizing the inside of the bottle 208 for safe dispensing of the beverage (champagne) contained by the bottle.

If the pouring switch is pressed then the dispensing system may get activated and the dispensing system 100 may enter into a middle stage, as shown in FIG. 2B, for controlling the pressure to enable dispensing of the beverage (hereinafter may be referred to as 'champagne'). To pour the champagne, the pressure inside the bottle 208 may be lowered to atmospheric conditions (such as atmospheric pressure) that may be 0.05 bar. The pressure may be regulated to an atmospheric pressure by a regulator 216. At this stage, the second solenoid valve 204 and the third solenoid valve 206 may be opened subsequent to closing of the first solenoid valve 202 (as explained above).

The second solenoid valve 204 may assume open state to release the C02 gas (as shown) from the bottle to reduce the pressure of C02 in the bottle. The third solenoid valve 206 may allow equalization of the pressure in the bottle to almost an atmospheric pressure. When the pressure is equalized, second solenoid valve 204 may attain closed state and the C02 gas from the second solenoid valve 204 may be stopped from releasing and this may allow the bottle to be pressurized at 0.05 bar that may be suitable for dispensing the champagne.

Further, the last stage (as shown in FIG. 2C) illustrates the end of pressure equalization. At this stage, a push type solenoid 218 (hereinafter may be referred to as solenoid 218) may be activated. The solenoid 218 may be connected to the nozzle 212 through a pivot arm (not shown). On activation, the solenoid 218 may depress a valve knob (not shown) on the nozzle 212 that may be attached to the bottle 208. This depressing of the valve knob allows the champagne to gently dispense from the nozzle tube 214. The third solenoid valve 206 may remain in open state during dispensing of the champagne and assumes close state when the dispensing is completed. The dispensed quantity of champagne may correspond to a preset value that may be set initially through the control panel 110.

At the completion of the dispensing, the solenoid 218 may be deactivated that may close the nozzle's valve and open the nozzle's air valve. This may allow the champagne that may be trapped in the nozzle tube 214 by atmospheric pressure, to drain in a glass 220. This may ensure that the next dispense will be fresh and uncontaminated.

Further, subsequent to dispensing of the beverage (champagne), and closing of the third solenoid valve 206, the first solenoid valve 202 may resume the open state after a slight delay of 0.1 of a second. The reopening of the first solenoid valve 202 may be for replenishing the C02 gas in the bottle and re-pressurizing the inside of the bottle at 4.5 bar. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the slight delay (of 0.1 of a second) in resuming the open state by the first solenoid valve 202 may be to ensure that the C02 gas at the pressure of 4.5 bar is not introduced (into the dispensing system) by re-opening the first solenoid valve 202 while the solenoid 218 is still holding the nozzle valve open. Thus, this further ensures safety in the dispensing system.

FIG. 2D illustrates time line of events performed by a dispensing system, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The timeline events (as shown in FIG. 2D) are based on the description of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C and may be understood in conjunction with description of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. Thus, references to the FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C have been used herein for the sake of clarity. Hereinafter, FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D may collectively be referred to as 'FIG. 2.

Each timeline may correspond to one solenoid valve. The first timeline 222 corresponds to a first solenoid valve, such as the solenoid valve 202. Similarly, the second timeline 224 corresponds to a second solenoid valve, such as the solenoid valve 204. Again similar, the third timeline 226 may correspond to a third solenoid valve, such as the third solenoid valve 206. Further, a fourth timeline 228 may correspond to a push type solenoid such as the push type solenoid 218. As shown, darker shaded portion for any solenoid valve represents that the solenoid valve is closed and lighter portion represents that the solenoid valve is open. Referring to FIG. 2A, when the dispensing system 100 is at rest, the first solenoid valve assumes open state for increasing the gas (C02) pressure in the bottle containing a beverage (champagne).

Further, 0 second to 1 second illustrates duration of pressure equalization. The duration may be adjusted electronically. In this duration, the first solenoid valve may be closed as represented by the first timeline 222. Further, in this duration, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve may be active and the push type solenoid may be closed. Further, the second and third solenoid valves may remain in open position to reduce the pressure of the bottle from a predefined value (i.e. 4.5 bar) to the atmospheric pressure (0.05 bar). On reducing the pressure, by releasing the gas from the bottle, to 0.05 bar, the second solenoid valve may assume close state after completion of one second. Further, the pressure, in the bottle, may remain equalized by the third solenoid valve until the champagne is dispensed. Thus, after 1 second, the third solenoid valve may remain opened until the dispensing is completed. Further, after completion of one second (at the pressure of 0.05), a push type solenoid may be activated during the period of the beverage (champagne) dispensing. The push type solenoid may assume the closed position on the end of dispensing. Subsequent to the end of dispensing of the beverage (champagne), the first solenoid valve may be re-activated to replenish the C02 gas in the bottle for increasing the pressure to 4.5 bar in the bottle, as shown by the time line 222. Further, explanation regarding the timelines may be understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate schematics of a solenoid gas system in a dispensing system, such as the dispensing system 100, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C (hereinafter may interchangeably be referred to as 'FIG. 3') may illustrate three stages of the dispensing system as explained in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. The three stages, as explained previously in conjunction with FIS. 2A, 2B and 2C may utilize four solenoid valves to regulate the pressure for preserving a beverage, such as champagne, and safe dispensing of the beverage. Further, the dispensing system may perform multiple functions such as, but is not limited to, preserving, refrigerating and dispensing. In an embodiment, to actuate dispensing of the beverage, a pouring switch may be pressed from a control panel, such as the control panel 110 (as explained previously in conjunction with FIG.

1)·

As per FIG. 3A, the dispensing system may be at rest stage (or non-activation stage) that may be an initial stage when the pouring switch is not pressed. Here, it may be noted that the dispensing system may not be restricted to dispensing of the beverage. As shown, the dispensing system may utilize four solenoid valves, such as a first solenoid valve 302, a second solenoid valve 304, a third solenoid valve 306 and a fourth solenoid valve 308. Each solenoid valve is connected to a bottle 310 containing a beverage (say, champagne) as shown by a level 312 in the bottle 310.

As shown, in the initial stage (FIG. 3A), the first solenoid valve 302 may normally be in an open state and the second solenoid valve 304, a third solenoid valve 306, and the fourth solenoid valve 308 may be in closed state. Further, as shown, a gas, such as carbon dioxide (C02), may be passed from a gas cylinder 104 through a regulator 120, when the cylinder valve 118 is opened. The C02 gas may be passed from the first solenoid valve 302 into the bottle 310 to pressurize the inside of the bottle at a predefined level. The predefined pressure of C02, in case of the beverage like champagne, may be set to 4.5 bar that may allow C02 gas to dissolve in the champagne under the pressure and may restore 'pearl' in the champagne, while at the same time the C02 in the void above the beverage stops contact with air, thus preventing oxidation and preserving the quality of the beverage indefinitely. In this resting stage, the first solenoid valve 302 may normally remain in open state to pass the C02 gas into the bottle 310 to increase the pressure level and thereby to preserve the champagne. As shown (by arrows), C02 gas may be passed through flexible plastic tubes, such as a flexible plastic tube 314, connected to a nozzle 316 that may be placed inside the bottle 310 and connected therewith through a retention spring (not shown). In an embodiment, the first solenoid valve 302 may attain a close state, when the pouring switch of the control panel is pressed, for dispensing of the beverage (champagne) there from through a nozzle tube 318. The first solenoid valve 302 may attain the closed state to stop the entry of the C02 gas in the bottle and thereby to stop pressurizing the inside of the bottle 310 for safe dispensing of the beverage (champagne) contained by the bottle.

If the pouring switch is pressed then the dispensing system may get activated for regulating the pressure inside the bottle 310 to dispense the champagne from the nozzle tube 318. At this stage, the dispensing system 100 may enter into a middle stage, as shown in FIG. 3B, for controlling the pressure to enable dispensing of the beverage (hereinafter may be referred to as 'champagne'). To pour the champagne, the pressure inside the bottle 310 may be lowered to atmospheric conditions (such as atmospheric pressure) that may be 0.05 bar. The pressure may be regulated to an atmospheric pressure by a regulator 320. Further, at this stage, the second solenoid valve 304 may be opened subsequent to closing of the first solenoid valve 302 (as explained above) keeping the third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308 in the closed state.

The capacity of the first solenoid valve 302 and the second solenoid valve 304 may be of 4.5 litres per minute at a pressure of 4.5 bar. Similarly, the capacity of the third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308 may be of 1.25 litres per minute at a pressure of 0.05 bar. The fourth solenoid valve 308 may be installed in reverse to stop back pressure.

The second solenoid valve 304 may assume the open state to release the C02 gas (as shown) from the bottle to reduce the pressure of C02 in the bottle by utilizing the regulator 320, when the pressure of C02 is equalized to an atmospheric level (i.e., 0.05 bar), the second solenoid valve 304 may attain a close state and the C02 gas from the second solenoid valve 204 may be stopped from releasing and this may allow the bottle to be pressurized at 0.05 bar that may be suitable for dispensing the champagne.

Further, the last stage (as shown in FIG. 3C) illustrates the duration of dispensing. At this stage, the third solenoid valve 306, the fourth solenoid valve 308, and a push type solenoid 322 (hereinafter may be referred to as solenoid 322) may be activated. The third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308 may remain in open state until the end of the dispensing state of the champagne. The third solenoid valve 306 may be a low pressure solenoid valve that may allow very low pressure for the inside of the bottle. Further, the fourth solenoid valve 308 may be a one way solenoid valve that may be installed in reverse for stopping back pressure. The solenoid 322 may be connected to the nozzle 316 through a pivot arm (not shown).

On activation, the solenoid 322 may depress a valve knob (not shown) on the nozzle 316 that may be attached to the bottle 310. This depressing of the valve knob allows the champagne to gently dispense from the nozzle tube 318. The third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308 may remain in the open state during dispensing of the champagne and assumes closed state when the dispensing is completed. The dispensed quantity of champagne may correspond to a preset value that may be set initially through the control panel 110.

At the completion of the dispensing, the third solenoid valve 306, the fourth solenoid valve 308 and the solenoid 322 may be deactivated. That may close the nozzle's beverage valve and open the nozzle's air valve. This may allow the champagne that may be trapped in the nozzle tube 318 by atmospheric pressure, to drain into a glass 324. This may ensure that the next pour will be fresh and uncontaminated.

Further, subsequent to dispensing of the beverage (champagne) and closing of the third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308, the first solenoid valve 302 may resume the open state after a slight delay of 0.1 of a second. Further, the first solenoid valve 302 may resume the open state for replenishing the C02 gas in the bottle and re-pressurizing the inside of the bottle at 4.5 bar. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the slight delay (of 0.1 of a second) in resuming the open state by the first solenoid valve 302 may be to ensure that the C02 gas at the pressure of 4.5 bar is not introduced (into the dispensing system) by re-opening the first solenoid valve 302 while the solenoid 322 is still holding the nozzle valve open. Thus, this further ensures safety in the dispensing system. FIG. 3D illustrates time line of events performed by a dispensing system, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The timeline events (as shown in FIG. 3D) may be based on the description of FIGS. 3 A, 3B and 3C and thus may be understood in conjunction with description of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. Thus, references to the FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C have been used herein for the sake of clarity. Hereinafter, FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D may collectively be referred to as 'FIG. 3. Each timeline corresponds to one solenoid valve. The first timeline 326 may correspond to a first solenoid valve, such as the solenoid valve 302. Similarly, the second timeline 328 may correspond to a second solenoid valve, such as the solenoid valve 304. Further, the third timeline 330 may correspond to a third solenoid valve and a fourth solenoid valve, such as the third solenoid valve 306 and the fourth solenoid valve 308 respectively. Further, a fourth timeline 332 may correspond to a push type solenoid such as the push type solenoid 322. As shown, darker shaded portion for any duration of a timeline may represent that the corresponding solenoid valve is closed and lighter portion represents that the corresponding solenoid valve is open.

Referring to FIG. 3 A, when the dispensing system 100 is at rest, the first solenoid valve may assume open state for increasing the gas (C02) pressure in the bottle containing a beverage (champagne). As shown, the first solenoid valve is opened till 0 second.

Further, 0 second to 1 second illustrates duration of pressure equalization that may be adjusted electronically. In this duration, the first solenoid valve may be closed as represented by timeline 326. Further, in this duration, the second solenoid valve may be active. Further, the third solenoid valve and the push type solenoid may be closed for this duration. Further, the second solenoid valve may be in open position to reduce the pressure of the bottle, by releasing the C02 gas from the bottle (such as the bottle 310), from a predefined value (i.e. 4.5 bar) to almost atmospheric pressure (0.05 bar). On reducing the pressure, by releasing the gas from the bottle, to 0.05 bar, the second solenoid valve may assume closed state after completion of one second. Further, the pressure, in the bottle, may remain equalized by the second solenoid valve for duration of one second (0 second to 1 second).

Further, after completion of one second (at the equalized pressure of 0.05), the third solenoid valve, the fourth solenoid valve and a push type solenoid may be activated during the period of dispensing of the beverage (champagne). The third solenoid valve, the fourth solenoid valves and the push type solenoid may assume the close position on the end of dispensing. Subsequent to the end of dispensing of the beverage (champagne), the first solenoid valve may be re-activated to replenish the C02 gas in the bottle for increasing the pressure to 4.5 bar in the bottle for preservation of the champagne therein, as shown by the time line 326. Further, explanation regarding the timelines may be understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C.

It may be appreciated that the first solenoid valve may resume the open state after a slight delay of 0.1 of one second subsequent to closing of the third solenoid valve, fourth solenoid valve and the push type solenoid valve. This delay may ensure not to allow the gas (C02) pressure in the system when the push type solenoid is still holding the nozzle valve open. Based on the above description of FIGS. 2 and 3, it may be noted that the pressure of 0.05 bar may be equalized (before dispensing) by the second and the third solenoid valves in FIG. 2 and further, the pressure of 0.05 bar may be equalized, in FIG. 3, by the second solenoid valve only. In an embodiment, the above description may correspond to functioning of a gas management system, such as the gas management system 112 (as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1). Also, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the description of the dispensing system is not restrictive to explanation of the FIGS. 2 and 3 as the dispensing system may have various embodiments based on number of types of beverages and accordingly gases and pressure maintenance for those beverages may be different.

FIGS. 4 A and 4B illustrate solenoid gas systems of a multifunctional dispensing unit, such as the dispensing unit 100, in accordance with the first embodiment and the second embodiment respectively of the present invention. The first embodiment and the second embodiment are explained previously in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 respectively. In first embodiment of the present invention (as described in FIG. 2), three solenoid valves (such as the first solenoid valve 202, the second solenoid valve 204 and the third solenoid valve 206 as used in FIG. 2) may be utilized for maintaining a predefined pressure for preserving and dispensing a beverage. Similarly, in second embodiment of the present invention, four solenoid valves (such as the first solenoid valve 302, the second solenoid valve 304, the third solenoid valve 306, and the fourth solenoid valve 308 as used in FIG. 3) may be utilized for maintaining a predefined pressure for preserving and dispensing of the beverage.

FIG. 4A shows a single station, having one nozzle for one beverage container, for three solenoid valves gas system. The gas may be C02 for a beverage such as champagne. As shown, a first solenoid valve 402, a second solenoid valve 404, a third solenoid valve 406 may be interconnected through one or more hoses. As explained previously (in conjunction with FIGS. 2 A and 3 A), the first solenoid valve 402 may be kept normally for passing high pressure to a beverage container (such as bottle 208 or 310 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The high pressure may be passed to the beverage container through a flexible plastic hose 408 coupled to a nozzle 410 through a hose coupling 412. In an embodiment, the initial pressure may be set to 4.5 bar to preserve the beverage that may be champagne or wine. At initial state, the second solenoid valve 404 and the third solenoid valve 406 may be in closed state when the first solenoid valve 402 is in open state. The second solenoid valve 404 and the third solenoid valve 406 may be activated when a pouring switch of a control panel, such as the control panel 110, is pressed for dispensing of the beverage from the container. The second solenoid valve 404 and the third solenoid valve 406 may be activated to reduce pressure inside the bottle to around atmospheric pressure that may be 0.05 bar. The pressure may be regulated to an atmospheric pressure by a regulator 412.

The second solenoid valve 404 may be activated to release the gas (such as C02) from the bottle, through the flexible plastic hose 408, to reduce the pressure of C02 in the bottle. The third solenoid valve 206 may allow equalization of the pressure in the bottle to 0.05 bar. The second solenoid valve 204 may attain close state and the C02 gas from the second solenoid valve 204 may be stopped from releasing when the pressure is equalized.

On maintaining the pressure at 0.05 bar, a push type solenoid 414 (hereinafter may be referred to as solenoid 414) may be activated. The solenoid 414 may be connected to the nozzle 410 through a pivot arm 416. The solenoid 414 may depress a valve knob (not shown) on the nozzle 410 for dispensing the champagne from the nozzle tube 418. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that such dispensing from the nozzle tube 418 may be gentle as the pressure is already equalized to the atmospheric conditions.

Further, the third solenoid valve 406 may remain in open state during dispensing of the champagne and assumes closed state when the dispensing is completed. The dispensed quantity of champagne may correspond to a preset value that may be set initially through the control panel.

At the completion of the dispensing, the solenoid 414 may be deactivated that may close the nozzle's beverage valve and open the nozzle's air valve. This may allow the champagne that may be trapped in the nozzle tube 418 by atmospheric pressure, to drain out and thereby may ensure that the next pour will be fresh and uncontaminated.

The first solenoid valve 402 may resume to the open state after a slight delay of 0.1 of a second from the time when the third solenoid valve 406 closes. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the first solenoid valve 402 may resume the open state with a slight delay of 0.1 of a second to prevent passing of the C02 gas at the pressure of 4.5 bar in case the solenoid 414 is still holding the nozzle valve open. The first solenoid valve 402 may be re-activated to replenish C02 gas in the bottle for ensuring preservation of the champagne (or wine) stored in the bottle.

Further, in FIG. 4B, four solenoid valve system with single station is shown. The same reference numerals in FIGS. 4A and 4B represent the same components of a gas system of the dispensing unit. As most of the components of FIG. 4B is shown and explained in FIG. 4A, such components having same functionalities are not explained repeatedly, herein, for the sake of brevity.

In addition to components of FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B represents a fourth solenoid valve 420. The implementation of the first solenoid valve 402 may remain the same and thus the corresponding description is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. Further, when the pouring switch is pressed from the control panel, then the dispensing system may be activated for dispensing functionality thereof.

For safe dispensing of the beverage (champagne or wine) from the bottle, the pressure inside the bottle may need to be reduced to an atmospheric pressure. The pressure may be regulated by the regulator 412. On activation of the dispensing system for dispensing functionality, the second solenoid valve 404 may be activated to release the C02 gas (as shown) from the bottle to reduce the pressure of C02 in the bottle by utilizing the regulator 412. The pressure may be reduced to atmospheric pressure for safe dispensing of the champagne or the wine from the bottle. Further, at this stage, the third solenoid valve 406 and the fourth solenoid valve 420 may remain deactivated.

The second solenoid valve 404 may attain the closed state when the pressure is equalized to the atmospheric pressure (0.05 bar). At this time, the third solenoid valve 406, the fourth solenoid valve 420, and a push type solenoid 414 (hereinafter may be referred to as solenoid 414) may be activated. The third solenoid valve 406 and the fourth solenoid valve 420 may remain in open state till the time beverage is not dispensed. The third solenoid valve 406 may be a low pressure solenoid valve that may allow very low pressure inside the bottle. Further, the fourth solenoid valve 420 may be a one way solenoid valve that may be installed in reverse to stop back pressure entering into the solenoid gas system. As the back pressure may enter the system in an opposite direction to the normal flow, the inlet of the fourth solenoid valve 420 may be installed on an outlet side of the system. If the solenoid gas system uses a non return valve, then it will be installed in the normal manner to allow normal flow and to stop back-pressure.

On activation, the solenoid 414 may depress a valve knob of the nozzle 410 to gently dispense from the nozzle tube 418. The third solenoid valve 406 and the fourth solenoid valve 420 may remain in the open state during dispensing of the champagne and assumes closed state when the dispensing is completed.

At the completion of the dispensing, the third solenoid valve 406, the fourth solenoid valve 420 and the solenoid 414 may be deactivated that may close the nozzle's valve and open the nozzle's air valve. Further, on completion of the dispensing function of the dispensing system, the first solenoid valve 302 may resume the open state after a slight delay of 0.1 of a second for replenishing the C02 gas (at the pressure of 4.5 bar) in the bottle.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the capacity of the first solenoid valve 402 and the second solenoid valve 404 may be of 4.5 litres per minute at a pressure of 4.5 bar. Similarly, the capacity of the third solenoid valve 406 and the fourth solenoid valve 420 may be of 1.25 litres per minute at a pressure of 0.05 bar, but these values may change subject to the type of system being utilized. The fourth solenoid valve 420 may be installed in reverse for stopping back-pressure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pictorial view of a multifunctional dispensing unit 500 with four nozzles for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunctional dispensing unit 500 may be understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIG. 1.

As shown, the multifunctional dispensing unit 500 may include, but is not limited to, dispensing control panel 502, a gas management system 504, a storage compartment 506 and a refrigeration compartment 508. In an embodiment, each bottle may have an electronic control system such as the control panel 502. The control panel 502 may provide one or more electronic switches for enabling selection of a particular quantity of the beverage that needs to be dispensed. For example, the switches may be provided for small quantities or for tasting and for full glass pouring. These quantities may be infinitely adjustable by easily and quickly programming each electronic control system corresponding to each bottle. Further, the control panel may provide a price display that may also be quickly programmed by a user. Further, the gas system 504 may include solenoid valves connected to each beverage container for automatic controlling of a pressure level in the beverage container. The pressure level may be controlled for preserving a beverage (such as champagne, wine or other carbonated drinks) or dispensing the preserved beverage. The beverage may be preserved by replenishing a gas, such as C02, in the beverage. In an embodiment, the gas may be selected for raising the pressure inside the beverage container based on a type of the beverage. For example, if the beverage is champagne, the gas may be C02 and further, if the beverage is still wine then the gas may be Nitrogen or Argon.

The pressure of the gas may be increased to a predefined value for preserving the gas in the beverage container. For example, C02 gas may be passed to the champagne at a high pressure of 4.5 bar so as to dissolve the gas inside the beverage. Due to this, the beverage may keep the bubble for longer. Also, the C02 is replenished inside the beverage container every time after the beverage is dispensed. This prevents oxidation of the beverage and further ensures that the special characteristics of the beverage (such as the sparkle of the champagne) are not diminished.,

Further, the beverage may be dispensed at reduced pressure level for safe handling thereof. Thus, the pressure may be reduced to a predefined value. In an embodiment, the pressure may be reduced to around atmospheric pressure. The pressure may be controlled for preserving and dispensing by utilizing solenoid valves. The description corresponding to solenoid valves and pressure control for preserving and dispensing the beverage is explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and thus not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Further, the beverage containers (such as bottles) may be stored in the storage compartment 506 having a motorized sliding window (not shown) for allowing access to one or more beverage containers. The beverage containers may be housed in the storage compartments 506 for at least one of storage and refrigeration thereof. The stored beverages may be refrigerated by a refrigerating system implemented inside the refrigerating compartment 508. In the refrigerated compartment, the refrigerated system may be implemented that may produce cold air that may be extracted from the storage compartment 506 through ventilation holes that may be equipped with fans, such as fan 510 (as shown). Further, the cold air may - be circulated by fans. The cold air may pass through sub-zero evaporator blades and may be forced from top to bottom into the storage compartment 506.

It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not restricted to only one storage compartment. Further many compartments may be provided for storing beverages of various types. The dispensing unit with more than one compartment is explained later in this document in conjunction with FIG. 11.

Further, the dispensing unit 500 depicts four nozzles, such as a nozzle 512, for dispensing the beverage from the unit when a user selects a particular quantity of beverage for dispensing. Each nozzle may be connected through the bottle for dispensing of the beverage stored therein. The concept of nozzles is described later in this disclosure in conjunction with FIGS. 13, H and 15.

FIG. 6 illustrates a solenoid gas system 600 of a multifunctional dispensing unit with four nozzles for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The solenoid gas system may include one or more solenoid valves for each beverage container, such as a bottle. The solenoid gas system 600 may correspond to four stations that may be connected to four bottles of the beverages. The solenoid gas system 600 may include four solenoid valves systems for four different stations of the beverage containers. As shown, the solenoid gas system 600 may include a first solenoid valve system 602, a second solenoid valve system 604, a third solenoid valve system 606 and a fourth solenoid valve system 608. Each solenoid valve system may be linked with a low pressure regulator 610 to maintain the pressure almost equal to atmospheric pressure (0.05 bar) inside the beverage container. Further, a C02 gas may be provided at a pressure of 4.5 bar from a gas delivery hose 612.

Further, each solenoid valve system may include three solenoid valves, such as a first solenoid valve 614, a second solenoid valve 616 and a third solenoid valve 618. The solenoid valves may maintain a pressure value inside the beverage container for preserving the beverage contained in the beverage container and further when the beverage needs to be dispensed. The solenoid valve system for single station is explained earlier in conjunction with FIG. 4A. Thus, the functioning of the solenoid valves of each solenoid valve system corresponding to a beverage container is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Further, to maintain the pressure in the beverage container to preserve the beverage or prior to dispensing the beverage, each solenoid valve system (having three valves) may be connected to a nozzle 620 through a flexible plastic tube 622. The flexible plastic tube 622 may be connected to the nozzle 620 through hose coupling to a gas nipple 624. Further, the nozzle 620 may be connected to the beverage container (bottle) through a retention spring 626. Further, when a user presses a pouring switch of a control panel, such as the control panel 110, a push type solenoid 628 may depress a valve knob of the nozzle 620 to allow dispensing of the beverage from the beverage container that is fixed to the nozzle 620 though the retention spring 626.

Further, description corresponding to the second solenoid valve system 604, the third solenoid valve system 606 and the fourth solenoid valve system 608 may be similar to the first solenoid valve system 602, thus not repeated here for the sake of brevity. Further, the functioning of each solenoid valve system is explained earlier in conjunction with FIG. 4A and thus not repeated here for the sake of brevity. Further, each solenoid valve system may be clearly understood when read in conjunction with FIG. 4A. Additionally, the solenoid gas system 600 may not be restricted to four solenoid valves system. Further, eight solenoid valve system is also explained later in this disclosure in conjunction with FIG. 12. Moreover, each solenoid valve system is not restricted to three solenoid valves. For example, a single solenoid valve system with four solenoid valves is explained earlier in conjunction with FIG. 4B. FIG. 7 illustrates a control panel 700 of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The control panel 700 may include electronic circuits to support functioning of the control panel. In an embodiment, each beverage container (such as a bottle) may have an individual electronic control system such as the control panel 502. The control panel 502 may provide one or more electronic switches for enabling selection of a particular quantity of the beverage that needs to be dispensed. A switch of the control panel 700 may include, but is not restricted to, a button and a touch screen for receiving inputs from a user. For example, a switch 702 may be provided for testing small quantity of the corresponding beverage. Similarly, a switch 704 may be provided for dispensing a full glass of the beverage. Further, the control panel 700 may include a pouring switch that may be pressed by the user to pour/dispense the beverage from the beverage container. In an embodiment, each of the switch 702 and the switch 704 may represent a pouring switch for dispensing of the beverage from the beverage container.

These quantities may be infinitely adjustable by easily and quickly programming each electronic control system corresponding to each bottle. Further, the control panel may provide a price display 706 that display price to the user based on the quantity of the beverage dispensed from the dispensing unit. Further, the price display 706 may also be quickly programmed by a user.

Further, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the control panel 700 of the multifunctional dispensing unit cannot be considered as restrictive to the features and functionalities as described in conjunction with FIG. 7. Further, many other display features and controls may be programmed for an efficient dispensing of the beverage from the multifunctional dispensing unit.

FIG. 8 illustrates a mechanism for a motorized sliding window 800 of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The motorized sliding window 800 (hereinafter may be referred to as 'sliding window 800') may be utilized to cover the refrigerated storing compartment. Further, the sliding window 800 may provide access to beverage containers (such as bottles) that may be stored, refrigerated and preserved in the storage compartment, such as the storage compartment 114. The sliding window 800 may utilize a motor mechanism to slide up and down for providing access to the beverage containers.

The sliding window may include a double glazed panel 802 (or glass 802), with hermetically sealed edges that may slide up and down within a sliding track 804 at either side. The cavity between the glass may be filled with argon gas that may displace air and thus may prevent the formation of condensation in the cavity.

The up and down motion of the sliding window may be provided by a scissor mechanism, as shown in FIG. 8. This mechanism may be propelled by a cable system connected to a drum 806 rotated by a 12V DC motor 808, enabling the sliding window 800 to travel up and down by means of activating a rocker switch. Limiting switches at the top and bottom (limiting switch 810 and limiting switch 812), stop the sliding window 800 in the correct place. It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that because of extremely limited space, the whole system of sliding window 800 is designed to fit into a 20mm wide cavity.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional representation of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the multifunctional dispensing unit may include, but is not limited to, a dispensing control panel and electronics 902, a gas management system 904, an insulated storage compartment 906, and a refrigerating plant 908.

The dispensing control panel and electronics 902 (hereinafter may be referred to as 'control panel 902') may include one or more switches to control dispensing of beverages (such as champagne or wine) from one or more beverage containers (such as a bottles). Each beverage container (hereinafter may be referred to as 'bottle') may have a separate control system that may be provided by the control panel 902 for allowing dispensing of champagne (or wine) from the bottle. The control panel 902 is already explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 7, thus the description of various components of the control panel 902 is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Further, the gas management system 904 may utilize solenoid valves to maintain a predefined pressure based on the type of the beverage for preserving the beverage in the bottle. The gas management system 904 may utilize a push type solenoid 910 that may be connected to a nozzle 912 through a pivot arm 914. On pressing a pouring switch through the control panel 902, the gas management system 904 may be activated to reduce the pressure from inside of the bottle containing the champagne. Hereinafter the bottle containing champagne may be referred to as 'champagne bottle'. The pressure from inside of the champagne bottle may be reduced for enabling safe dispensing of the champagne from the champagne bottle.

On reducing the pressure to a predefined level (such as 0.05 bar), the solenoid 910 may press the valve knob of the nozzle 912 for allowing the dispensing of the champagne. The gas management system is explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, thus complete implementation of the gas management system 904 is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Further, the insulated storage compartment 906 may include a spring loaded retention piston 918 that may be used to retain the bottle safely. Further, the storage compartment 906 may have a double glazed sliding window 920 (hereinafter may be referred to as 'sliding window 920') that may slide up and down to provide access to the bottles stored in the storage compartment 906. The sliding window 920 may utilize a scissor mechanism (shown as 922) that may be implemented using a DC motor 924.

Further, the bottles stored and preserved in storage compartment 906 may be refrigerated inside the storage compartment through a refrigerating system implemented by the refrigeration plant 908. The cold air may be produced by the refrigerated system of the refrigeration plan 908. The produced cold air may be circulated by fans 926. The cold air may then pass through sub-zero evaporator blades of a cooling evaporator 928 and may be forced from top to bottom into the storage compartment 906. In an embodiment, the cold air may be extracted from the refrigerated storage compartment 906 through ventilation holes (not shown) that may be equipped with fans, such as fans 926. The cold air in the storage compartment 906 may be replaced approximately every five seconds. Due to this, when the sliding window 920 is opened for changing a bottle, the temperature of other bottles may not be affected as the temperature recovery time takes seconds.

FIG. 10 illustrates a dispensing system for refrigerated preservation and dispensing of one or more beverages, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dispensing system 1002 may be connected to more than one gas cylinder for more than one type of beverages. As shown, the dispensing system 1002 may be connected to two gas cylinders, the first gas cylinder 1004 may contain carbon dioxide gas for replenishing beverages like champagne and a second gas cylinder 1006 may contain gas like Nitrogen or Argon for beverages like still wine. The first gas cylinder 1004 and the second gas cylinder 1006 are shown as connected to the dispensing system 1002 through a hose 1008 and a hose 1010 respectively. As described previously, the dispensing system 1002 may include a control panel 1012, a gas management system 1014 and two bottle storage compartments 1016A and 1016B. Hereinafter, the storage compartment 1016A and the storage compartment 1016B may collectively be referred to as 'storage compartment 1016'.

The bottle storage compartment 1016A and the bottle storage compartment 1016B may store bottles containing beverages of same or different types. For example, the bottle storage compartment 1016A may store two bottles of champagne and two bottles of white wine. Further, the bottle storage compartment 1016B may store four bottles corresponding to red wines.

In an embodiment, the bottle storage compartment 1016A may store bottles at a temperature of 5 degree centigrade. Further, the bottle storage compartment 1016B may store bottles at 16 degree centigrade. Furthermore, the gas management system 1014 may include one gas system for champagne using C02 gas and another gas system for 2 white wines and 4 red wines. In an embodiment, the dispensing system 1002 may have one compartment, such as a storage compartment 1016, for storing bottles of different beverages.

Further, the gas management system 1014 may be based on C02 to preserve the sparkle (pearl) as well as displacing air in the container, thus preventing oxidation in the beverage such as champagne. Further, the system 1014 may depressurize the bottle to 0.05 bar for allowing dispensing from the bottle. On completing the dispensing of the beverage from the bottle, the bottle may be re-pressurized by replenishing the gas inside the bottle to allow preservation of the beverage. The gas management system 1014 for each carbonated beverage may be similar to a gas management system as explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, thus not repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

Further, in case of 2 white wines and 4 red wines, the pressure of the gas (such as Nitrogen or Argon) is reduced in the bottle containing the beverage, by the low pressure regulator (not shown) to just above atmospheric pressure (0.05 bar) ready for dispensing. Further, the dispensing system 1002 may include a refrigerating unit 1018 for passing a cold air inside the storage compartment 1016. Additionally, the dispensing system 1002 may include eight ('8') nozzles (as shown) and each nozzle may be connected to a bottle for dispensing of the beverage contained therein. For example, a nozzle 1020 and a nozzle 1022 may be utilized for dispensing champagne from two champagne bottles stored in the storage compartment 1016.

Similarly, a nozzle 1024 and a nozzle 1026 may be used for two bottles of white wine, and remaining four nozzles (such as a nozzle 1028, a nozzle 1030, nozzle 1032, and nozzle 1034) may be used for dispensing red wines. The concept of nozzles is described later in this disclosure in conjunction with FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

Further, the bottles stored in the storage compartment 1016A and the storage compartment 1016B may be accessed through a motorized sliding window of the storage compartment 1016. Further, the sliding window may be controlled through control switches 1036.

FIG. 11 illustrates a pictorial view of a multifunctional dispensing unit 1100 with eight nozzles for dispensing various types of beverages, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunctional dispensing unit 1100 may include, but is not restricted to, a control panel 1102, a gas system 1104, a storage compartment 1106, a refrigerator 1108 and a control switch 1110. The components of the dispensing unit 1100 that are explained previously in this disclosure are not repeated here for the sake of brevity. Herein, the storage compartment 1106 may have a sliding window for allowing access to the bottles inside the storage compartment 1106.

The storage compartment 1106 may include a spring loaded bottle retention piston 1112 to hold the bottles in place. In an embodiment, the storage compartment 1106 may include two bottles of champagne, two bottle of white wine, and four bottles of red wine. To preserve the two bottles of champagne, a C02 gas system may be used by the dispensing system 1100. Further, for preserving wines (white wines and red wines), Nitrogen or Argon gas system may be used by the dispensing system 1100. Each bottle may be connected to a nozzle such as a nozzle 1114. As the dispensing system 1100 may utilize eight bottles of beverages, the dispensing system 1100 may have eight nozzles, as shown. Further, below the nozzles, a drip tray is placed so as to collect the dripped beverage.

Further, the bottles of beverages in the storage compartment 1106 may be refrigerated by passing cold air from top to bottom of the beverage bottle. The refrigerated storage compartment may be understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIG. 9. The storage compartment 1106 may be provided with a motorized sliding window that may be controlled (through up or down movement) by the control switch 1110 of the dispensing unit 1100.

Further, the gas system 1104 of the dispensing unit 1100 may utilize a solenoid valve system for controlling the pressure of the gas inside the bottle. The gas system 1104 is explained further in conjunction with FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates a gas system based on C02, as well as a separate Argon or Nitrogen gas system. The C02 system is used in conjunction with sparkling wine and the Argon or Nitrogen gas system is used in conjunction with still wine. The C02 gas system utilizes solenoid valves for each champagne or sparkling wine container, while the Argon or Nitrogen gas system requires no solenoid valves. The eight nozzles of the gas system of FIG. 12 may facilitate dispensing of eight different types of beverages.

As shown, the gas system of FIG. 12 may include, but is not restricted to, a first solenoid valve system 1202 for carbonated beverage (such as sparkling wine or champagne) and a second solenoid valve system 1204 also for carbonated beverage, and a regulator 1206. Each solenoid valve system, such as the first solenoid valve system 1202, may include, but is not restricted to, solenoid valves that may control the pressure of a gas, such as C02, in the beverage container through the regulator 1206. Further, the C02 may be replenished in the beverage (champagne) through the gas pipe 1208 to preserve the champagne. The first solenoid valve system 1202 may be connected to a nozzle 1210 through a flexible plastic tube 1212. Further when a pouring switch of a control panel is pressed, the pressure of the beverage container may first be reduced to around atmospheric conditions using the low pressure regulator 1206 and then a push type solenoid 1214 may be pressed automatically to press a valve knob (not shown) of the nozzle 1210 for dispensing of the beverage (champagne) from a nozzle tube 1216.

Similarly, the second solenoid valve system 1204 may be implemented for another carbonated beverage (such as sparkling wine or champagne) that may be stored in a bottle. The bottle may be fixed within a retention spring (not numbered) of a nozzle 1218. The second solenoid valve system 1204 may be connected to a nozzle 1218 through a flexible tube 1220. Further, a push type solenoid 1222 may press the valve knob of the nozzle 1218 for dispensing the champagne from the bottle corresponding to the second solenoid valve system 1204. The low pressure regulator 1206 may equalize the pressure of both the champagne bottles (connected with the nozzle 1210 and the nozzle 1218) to atmospheric conditions (i.e., 0.05 bar) prior to dispensing the champagne.

Further, as shown in the gas system of Fig 12, a separate Argon or Nitrogen gas system can be provided for preserving and dispensing still wines. Gases like Nitrogen or Argon may be passed into containers of beverages like still wines through a gas hose 1226. Furthermore, a low pressure regulator 1228 may be used to regulate pressure inside the beverage containers for beverages like white wines or red wine for safe dispensing thereof. A push type solenoid may be used for dispensing of the beverage from the dispensing container. The push type solenoid attached to a nozzle may hereinafter be referred to as 'nozzle system'.

A nozzle system 1230 and a nozzle system 1232 may be used for two containers containing white wines. Further, the nozzle systems 1230 and 1232 may dispense the white wines from the containers. Similarly, a nozzle system 1234, a nozzle system 1236, a nozzle system 1238, a nozzle system 1240 may be used for beverages like red wine that may be dispensed after regulating the pressure to almost atmospheric conditions (0.05 bar).

As solenoid valve system for single station with one nozzle (that may be utilized for one beverage container) is explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B, the solenoid valve system 1202 and the solenoid valve system 1204 may be understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIGS. 4 A and 4B. Further, the dispensing system may not be considered as limited based on the embodiments and explanation provided above in this disclosure. Further, the dispensing system of the present invention may perform a method for preserving and dispensing a beverage from a beverage container. The method may include replenishing a gas into the beverage container to increase a pressure level therein. The pressure level may be increased to a predefined value for restoring the sparkle ("pearl") of a carbonated beverage such as sparkling wine or champagne as well as displacing the dispensed beverage with C02 in the void above the beverage in the container, preventing oxidation and therefore preserving the beverage in the container. The method may further include reducing the pressure level in the beverage container by releasing the gas from therein. The pressure may be reduced when a pouring switch of a control panel is pressed. The control panel may include one or more switches to allow adjustment of quantity of the beverage for dispensing thereof. Further, the method may include pressing a valve knob of a nozzle connected to the beverage container to allow dispensing the beverage at the reduced pressure. Herein, the pressure level inside the beverage container is resumed to the predefined level when the beverage is dispensed. Further, the method may include refrigerating the beverage for preservation thereof.

FIG. 13 A illustrates a pictorial view of a nozzle utilized by a multifunctional dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle may be utilized by the dispensing unit to dispense a beverage from a beverage container, such as a bottle. Each nozzle may contain components such as a valve knob 1302 that may be pressed by a push type solenoid (not shown) for dispensing of beverage from the bottle containing the beverage. Further, the nozzle may include, but is not restricted to, a beverage valve 1304, a nozzle tube 1306, an upper body of the nozzle 1308, a gas nipple 1310, a lower body 1312, a seal housing 1314 and a pick up tube 1316.

The nozzle may receive the beverage from the bottle (that may be attached to the nozzle) through the pickup tube 1316. Further, the beverage may be drained through the nozzle tube 1306 subsequent to reducing a pressure from inside of the beverage container (as explained previously). The gas nipple 1310 may be used for hose coupling for automatically allowing /closing the flow of gas into/from the beverage container.

FIG. 13B illustrates an exploded view of the nozzle utilized by a multifunctional dispensing unit for dispensing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 13B depicts components of a nozzle as shown in FIG 13 A. As shown, a valve knob 1302 may be placed at a top portion of the nozzle. The valve knob 1302 may be pressed to dispense beverage from a container that may be attached to the nozzle. Further, an Ό' ring 1318 may be placed just below the valve knob 1302. To change a bottle in the dispensing system, a hose coupling may be disconnected from a gas nipple by laterally pulling on the serated Ό' rings on the coupling. Once the hose coupling is disconnected from the gas nipple, a valve inside the coupling may automatically close the flow of gas.

Further, the '0' ring may be placed over an air valve 1320. The air valve 1320 may include air inlet grooves 1320a running verticaly. The air valve 1320 may be connected to beverage valve 1322. Further, beverage valve 1322a has a screw driver slot at the bottom portion thereof for easy dismantling for cleaning. Further, the bottom portion of the beverage valve 1322 may be connected to Ό' ring 1324. Further, the 'Ο' ring 1324 may be linked to an upper body 1304 (of the nozzle) to which nozzle tube 1306 may be attached. Further, the upper body 1304 (of the nozzle) may be fixed to joining rings 1308 having threads thereon as shown threaded ring 1308a.

The joining ring 1308 may be placed over another '0' ring 1326 that may be attached to the lower body 1312 of the nozzle. As shown, a gas nipple 1310 may be attached to the lower body 1312 by means of threaded connection. Further, the lower body 1312 may be welded together with a pick up tube 1316. Further, the lower body 1312 may be welded with a seal housing 1314. Another view of the housing is a seal housing 1314a. Further, a retention spring lugs 1328 (or 1328a) may be used for retention spring that may be used to fix a nozzle to the beverage bottle. . The nozzle is further described in conjunction with FIGS. 13C, 14 and 15.

FIG. 13C illustrates a pictorial view of the nozzle with a push type solenoid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a push type solenoid 1330 may be attached to an upper portion of the nozzle covering a valve knob inside. When the push type solenoid presses inside, beverage may be dispensed from the nozzle tube 1306. Further, a gas nipple 1310 is shown that may be connected to a hose coupling 1332 for allowing movement of gas (such as C02) through a flexible plastic tube 1334 at the nozzle.

The hose coupling 1332 may be disconnected from the gas nipple 1310 by laterally pulling on the serrated Ό' rings on the coupling. For example, the hose coupling 1332 may be disconnected for changing a bottle in the dispensing system. Once, the hose coupling 1332 is disconnected from the gas nipple 1310, a valve inside the coupling automatically closes the flow of gas. The bottle may then be free to slide forward out of the refrigerated cabinet. Further, retention springs 1316 may be rotated to disconnect the nozzle from the bottle neck. The nozzle may then be placed into a new bottle. The retention spring 1316 may be rotated to lock the nozzle on to the bottle neck and the bottle is placed into the refrigerated cabinet. The hose coupling 1332 may be re-connected to the gas nipple 1310 to allow the valve in the coupling to open and thereby allows the flow of the gas. The coupling may be used further for re-pressurizing the bottle. FIGS. 13 A, 13B and 13C may collectively be referred to as FIG. 13.

FIGS. 14A and 14B (hereinafter may collectively be referred to as FIG. 14) illustrate cross- section views, of a nozzle, representing two different states of valve knobs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14A and 14B represent the nozzle for dispensing beverages from a bottle. A valve knob 1402 is shown as not pressed in FIG. 14A and the valve knob 1402 is depressed in FIG. 14B. Depressing the valve knob 1402 may allow dispensing of the champagne (or any other beverage) from the bottle.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14A (i.e., when the valve knob 1402 is not pressed), an air access valve 1404 may be opened allowing air to enter the nozzle through an air inlet 1414 and through vertical air inlet grooves 1320a as shown in FIG. 13B. Further, when the valve knob 1402 is not pressed, beverage access valve 1406 may be closed. The air access valve 1404 may allow clearing the nozzle tube 1408 by passing the air through the nozzle tube when the beverage access valve 1406 is closed. In FIG. 14B, as the valve knob 1402 is shown as pressed, the air access valve 1404 may be closed and thus preventing an entry of air. On pressing the valve knob 1402, the beverage access valve 1406 may be opened and thus enable dispensing of the beverage from the nozzle through a nozzle tube 1408. Further, FIGS. 14A and 14B show a gas nipple 1410 and a bottle retention spring 1412. The gas nipple 1410 may be used for a hose coupling that may be attached to the nozzle to allow movement of a gas into/out of the bottle . Further, the retention spring 1412 may be used to hold the nozzle in place on the bottle. The gas nipple 1410 and the retention spring 1412 are already explained in conjunction with FIG. 13.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a pictorial view of a mechanism for dispensing a beverage through a nozzle of a multifunctional dispensing unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15A and 15B may collectively be referred to as FIG. 15. The FIG. 15 may easily be understood when read in conjunction with description of FIG. 14. As shown a beverage bottle 1502 may be fixed with a retention spring 1504 of a nozzle. A push type solenoid 1506 is shown as connected to an outer portion of a valve knob 1508 through a pivot arm 1514. Initially, the solenoid 1506 may be inactive due to initial pressure in the bottle 1502. Prior to dispensing a beverage from the bottle 1502, the pressure, inside the bottle, may be reduced to atmospheric conditions. In FIG. 15 A, the solenoid 1506 may not be pressed when the pressure in the bottle is high. Due to this, a nozzle valve inside a portion 1510 may be closed and thus the beverage may not be dispensed from a nozzle tube 1512.

Further, in FIG. 15B, when the pressure inside the bottle is reduced to the atmospheric conditions (0.05 bar), the solenoid 1506 may be pressed automatically and thereby pressing through a pivot arm 1514 a nozzle valve knob inside the portion 1508. This may further result in opening the nozzle valve inside the portion 1510 and thus dispensing the beverage from the nozzle tube 1512.

It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the description provided above with the help of drawings. Further, positions of various components, as shown in drawings, may not be considered as limiting. Various other embodiments in light of the scope of the present invention may be implemented. Further, the terms like first, second, up, down and the like should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

Advantageously, the present invention may provide a system using a multifunctional dispensing unit and method thereof. Specifically, the multifunctional dispensing unit may be utilized for refrigerated preserving and dispensing of sparkling wines (champagnes) based on C02 replenishment. Further, the present invention is not limited to beverages like champagnes, many other carbonated beverages or still wines may be used for safe dispensing thereof. Further, the preservation provided to beverages like champagnes may be indefinite in terms of taste and carbonation characteristics such as the 'pearl'. Also, the present invention ensures safe dispensing of the beverages by controlling pressures using solenoid valves.

Further, the multifunctional dispensing unit may be compact in construction with the smallest bar top foot print. Further, the multifunctional unit provides a motorized sliding window mechanism in a very narrow space. This may further provide a simple system of changing bottles and cleaning thereof. Furthermore, the multifunctional unit may provide a user friendly system with an easy to use electronics and programming as well. Moreover, the present invention may provide an optimized refrigeration system for refrigerating the beverages that may be stored in storage compartment.

Also, the present invention may prevent oxidation of beverages, such as champagne and wine. Additionally, the present invention may replenish C02 in sparkling wine and thus preserving the sparkle in the wine. Further, no additional equipment may be required for programming of the electronics. The dispensing unit may be reprogrammed as and when required with ease. Further, the present invention may provide safety to users of the dispensing system. After dispensing the beverage from the dispensing unit, the replenishment of C02 may start, after a slight delay, for starting increasing the pressure inside a beverage container. This slight delay may be implemented to ensure that the C02 gas at high pressure may not be introduced while the nozzle valve is open. Thus, this may further provide safety in the dispensing system.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the example method described herein can be modified. For example, certain steps can be omitted, certain steps can be carried out concurrently, and other steps can be added. Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multifunctional unit for dispensing one or more beverages comprising:

a gas management system comprising a regulator for managing usage of one or more gases to perform at least one of preserving and dispensing of one or more beverages contained by one or more containers, the gas management system being configured to regulate one or more solenoid valves, corresponding to each of the containers, to maintain a predefined pressure level inside each of the containers; and

a control panel comprising one or more switches corresponding to each of the containers containing one of the preserved beverages, the switches allow for adjustment of quantity of the preserved beverage for dispensing thereof from the corresponding container, the preserved beverage being dispensed by pressing a pouring switch from the one or more switches corresponding to the preserved beverage,

wherein, by pressing the pouring switch corresponding to the preserved beverage one time only, the gas management system maintains the predefined pressure level inside each of the containers for dispensing the preserved beverage from the container.

2. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more beverages comprise at least one of wine and champagne.

3. The multifunctional unit of claim 1 further comprising a storage compartment for storing the one or more containers containing the one or more beverages.

4. The multifunctional unit of claim 3 further comprising a motorized sliding window to access the containers stored in the storage compartment.

5. The multifunctional unit of claim 4 further comprising a motorized window control unit containing one or more switches to control the motorized sliding window.

6. The multifunctional unit of claim 1 further comprising a refrigerating system for refrigerating the beverages stored in a storage compartment.

7. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein the gas management system receives each of the one or more gases from one or more gas cylinders coupled to the gas management system through a gas delivery hose.

8. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more beverages being preserved by replenishing a gas in a container corresponding to the beverage, the gas being replenished in the container at a predefined pressure value based on the type of the beverage.

9. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more gases comprise at least Carbon Dioxide when the beverage is champagne.

10. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more solenoid valves are regulated to perform at least one of:

maintaining a first predefined pressure level to dissolve a gas in the beverage of the container corresponding to the one or more solenoid valves, the predefined pressure to dissolve the gas in the beverage is maintained to replenish and maintain sparkle of the beverage in the container;

de-pressurizing the beverage from the first predefined pressure level to a second predefined pressure level to allow dispensing of the beverage from the container; and

re-pressurizing the beverage from the second predefined pressure level to the first predefined pressure level subsequent to dispensing of the beverage from the container, wherein the beverage is re-pressurized to the first predefined level to replenish and maintain sparkle of the beverage in the container.

11. The multifunctional unit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more solenoid valves comprise at least one of:

a first solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve assumes an open state for passing a gas into the container to increase pressure therein, wherein the pressure of the gas is increased to replenish and maintain sparkle of the beverage in the container;

a second solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve assumes an open state when the pouring switch is pressed to dispense the beverage from the container, wherein the second solenoid valve assumes an open state to release the gas from the container to reduce the pressure therein, and wherein the second solenoid valve assumes the open state subsequent to closing of the opened first solenoid valve; and

a third solenoid valve assumes an open state when the second solenoid valve assumes the open state, the third solenoid valve assumes the open state to allow equalizing the pressure inside the container based on an atmospheric condition, the second solenoid valve assumes the closed state when the pressure is equalized,

wherein the first solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve resume the open state and the closed state respectively subsequent to completion of the dispensing of the beverage.

12. The multifunctional unit of claim 1 further comprising a solenoid for depressing a knob positioned on a nozzle to allow dispensing the beverage.

13. The multifunctional unit of claim 1, wherein the control panel further comprising a display for displaying price based on type and/or quantity of the dispensed beverage.

14. A beverage dispensing system comprising:

a gas management system comprising a regulator and one or more solenoid valves connected to a beverage container for automatic controlling of a pressure level in the beverage container, wherein the pressure level being controlled for at least one of:

preserving a beverage stored in the beverage container by replenishing a gas in the beverage wherein such gas additionally fills the void above the beverage in the container and stops contact with air, thus preventing oxidation and preserving the quality of the beverage; and

dispensing the preserved beverage by reducing the pressure level inside the beverage container.

15. The beverage dispensing system of claim 14 further comprising one or more storage compartments having at least one motorized sliding window for allowing access to one or more beverage containers, the beverage containers housed in the storage compartments for at least one of storage and refrigeration thereof.

16. The beverage dispensing system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the solenoid valves is further configured to increase the pressure level inside the beverage container when at least a portion of the preserved beverage is dispensed.

17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 14 further comprising a solenoid for depressing a knob positioned on a nozzle to allow dispensing of the beverage.

18. A method for preserving and dispensing a beverage of a beverage container, the method comprising:

passing a gas into the beverage container to increase a pressure level therein, the pressure level being increased to a first predefined pressure level for dissolving a gas inside the beverage for replenishing and maintaining sparkle of the beverage and wherein such first predefined pressure level allows for the gas to fill the void above the beverage in the container in order to stop contact with air, thus preventing oxidation of the beverage and preserving the quality of the beverage;

, reducing the pressure level from the beverage container by releasing the gas there from, the pressure being reduced to a second predefined pressure level when a pouring switch, of one or more switches, of a control panel is pressed, the one or more switches facilitate for adjusting quantity of the beverage for dispensing thereof; and pressing a valve knob of a nozzle connected to the beverage container for dispensing the beverage at such second predefined pressure level ,

wherein the pressure level inside the beverage container is resumed to the first predefined pressure level by replenishing the gas therein, after the desired quantity of the beverage has been dispensed.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising refrigerating the beverage.