U.S. patent application number 12/993942 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for cooling apparatus and method for cooling holders.
This patent application is currently assigned to HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.. Invention is credited to Patrick Johannes Blom, Hans-Peter Voss.
Application Number | 20110100029 12/993942 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40193569 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110100029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Voss; Hans-Peter ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COOLING HOLDERS
Abstract
A cooling apparatus for holders such as glasses, provided with a
gas source (2) in which gas under pressure is stored, a pipe (3)
and a spray opening (4), wherein the pipe is included between the
spray opening and the gas source, for passing gas under pressure
from the gas source to the spray opening, wherein a cooling (30) is
provided which extends along and/or around at least a part of the
pipe.
Inventors: |
Voss; Hans-Peter; (Almere,
NL) ; Blom; Patrick Johannes; (Leiden, NL) |
Assignee: |
HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
AMSTERDAM
NL
|
Family ID: |
40193569 |
Appl. No.: |
12/993942 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 20, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL2009/050269 |
371 Date: |
December 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/62 ;
62/426 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 31/008 20130101;
F25D 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/62 ;
62/426 |
International
Class: |
F25D 25/00 20060101
F25D025/00; F25D 17/06 20060101 F25D017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 21, 2008 |
NL |
2001601 |
Claims
1. A cooling apparatus for holders such as glasses, provided with a
gas source in which gas is stored under pressure, a pipe and a
spray opening, wherein the pipe is included between the spray
opening and the gas source, for passing gas under pressure from the
gas source to the spray opening, wherein a cooling is provided
which extends along and/or around at least a part of the pipe.
2. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling
comprises a jacket which extends around a part of the pipe.
3. A cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein through the
jacket, also a beverage line extends, while the jacket is
preferably part of a python line, preferably connected to or
connectable to an in-line cooler.
4. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein between the
spray opening and the pipe a controllable valve is included, with
the spray opening preferably being a nozzle.
5. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a control
device is provided for controlling the amount of gas that is
emitted from the spray opening per unit time and/or the time during
which, per cooling cycle, gas is emitted from the spray
opening.
6. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas is
CO.sub.2 gas or CO.sub.2-containing gas, wherein the cooling is so
configured that the temperature of the pipe and/or gas present
therein can be kept below 10.degree. C., more particularly below
5.degree. C., still more particularly below 0.degree. C.,
preferably between 5 and -4.degree. C.
7. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein near the spray
opening an exhaust is provided.
8. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
is further provided with gas detection means for detecting a gas
level outside the gas source above a limit value.
9. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus,
in particular the pipe, is arranged for passing liquid gas to the
spray opening.
10. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein near and
preferably around at least a part of the spray opening a support is
provided for a holder to be cooled.
11. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein detection
means are provided near the spray opening, for detection of a
holder.
12. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the pipe
and/or between the pipe and the gas source a liquid gas-liquid gas
pressure regulating unit is provided.
13. A cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a gas
discharge device is provided.
14. A method for cooling holders such as glasses, wherein gas in
liquid form is supplied under pressure via a pipe to a spray
opening, for emitting the gas, wherein the gas in the pipe and/or
the pipe is cooled with the aid of a cooling.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the gas in the pipe
and/or the pipe is cooled to a temperature below 10.degree. C.,
more particularly below 5.degree. C., still more particularly below
0.degree. C., preferably between 5 and -4.degree. C.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein as gas, CO.sub.2 is
used.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a cooling apparatus or method for
cooling holders.
[0002] From EP 1 252 472 a cooling apparatus for glasses is known,
which comprises a gas source and an outflow opening, with a pipe
provided for supply of gas from the gas source to the spray
opening. The gas is supplied under high pressure, in liquid form,
and will pass into the gaseous phase adjacent the spray opening. By
holding a glass upside down, hence with the drinking opening facing
down, over the nozzle and then allowing gas to escape from the
nozzle, the glass is cooled.
[0003] When the gas is blown off from the spray opening, the
pressure in the pipe falls, so that gas bubbles are formed in the
pipe. In addition, gas bubbles may form through a rise in
temperature. As a result, with the passage of time, the liquid gas
supply may be hindered, while moreover an irregular flow pattern is
obtained. That is why in this known apparatus, in the pipe, a
buffer reservoir is provided, in which an amount of liquid gas can
be buffered and in which gas forming in the pipe can be captured.
The part of the pipe that is included between the buffer reservoir
and the spray opening is connected to an underside of the buffer
reservoir. As liquid gas is buffered, a proper separation of gas
and liquid gas can be obtained and any pressure differences may be
smoothed. A gas blow-off valve is provided at the upper side of the
buffer reservoir. The gas blow-off valve is so controlled that when
the liquid level falls below a minimum level and the spray opening
has been closed, gas is blown off, so that liquid gas can be
supplemented.
[0004] This known apparatus is relatively complex in construction
and use. Moreover, much gas is blown off via the gas blow-off
valve, especially if the ambient temperature of the buffer
reservoir is relatively high in proportion to, for instance, the
desired target temperature of the holder. The buffer reservoir will
usually be set up close to the spray opening and have a relatively
high temperature, for instance room temperature. Then gas is blown
off very frequently, for instance every eighth to tenth time after
gas has been emitted through the spray opening, or more frequently,
which can cause nuisance of noise and moreover the gas can give
rise to nuisance or even to health problems.
[0005] One object contemplated by the invention is to provide a
cooling apparatus and method for holders that forms an alternative
to the known cooling apparatus. Another object that may be
contemplated with a cooling apparatus or method is a simplification
of the apparatus and/or operations. Another object may be a
simplification and hence limitation in costs. A further object is
to provide a safe cooling apparatus. Also other objects or effects
can be achieved with a method or apparatus according to this
description.
[0006] In this description, gas should be understood to mean at
least a fluid that is gaseous at atmospheric pressure and room
temperature and upon an increase of the pressure and/or reduction
of the temperature can become liquid. In this description, liquid
gas should be understood to mean at least gas that is in a liquid
state at the relevant prevailing pressure and temperature. Unless
specified otherwise, in this description, the pipe should be
understood to mean at least a pipe suitable for liquid gas.
Wherever in this description gas is mentioned, gas in a gaseous
and/or in a liquid state is meant, unless this is specified
otherwise or the context implies differently, for instance due to
the prevailing pressure and/or temperature.
[0007] In a first aspect, a cooling apparatus is characterized in
that it is provided with a gas source in which gas is stored under
pressure in liquid form, a pipe and a spray opening. The pipe is
included between the spray opening and the gas source, for passing
gas in liquid form under pressure from the gas source to the spray
opening. A cooling is provided which extends along and/or around at
least a part of the pipe.
[0008] In a second aspect, a method is characterized in that gas in
liquid form is supplied under pressure via a pipe to a spray
opening, for emission of the gas. The preferably liquid gas in the
pipe and/or the pipe itself is cooled with the aid of a
cooling.
[0009] To clarify the invention, embodiments of a tapping apparatus
and cooling circuit will be further elucidated with reference to
the drawing. In the drawing:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows schematically a cooling apparatus for holders
such as glasses;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows schematically in side elevation a holder on a
part of a cooling apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in partial cross section a
portion of a cooling apparatus.
[0013] In this description, the same or corresponding parts have
the same or corresponding reference numerals. The embodiments shown
are shown for illustration only and should not be construed as
limiting in any way. Cooling apparatuses and parts thereof can be
used for at least partially removing at least one or more of the
disadvantages of the prior art, or for achieving the advantages
mentioned or other advantages, or offering an alternative. Also
embodiments that do not obviate the disadvantages or do not obviate
all of the disadvantages of the prior art, or do not achieve the
advantages or do not achieve all of the advantages that are
contemplated, can fall within the invention claimed by the
claims.
[0014] In this description, holder should be understood to mean at
least, though not exclusively, a beverage holder which allows
drinking therefrom, such as a glass or cup. Cooling should herein
be understood to mean at least an apparatus or operation by which
the temperature of an object to be cooled, such as pipe or holder,
can be lowered, in particular with respect to the environment or at
least can be set and/or controlled.
[0015] In FIG. 1 there is schematically represented an embodiment
of a cooling apparatus 1, provided with a gas source 2, a pipe 3
and a spray opening 4. The gas source 2 in this embodiment is a gas
cylinder 5 which is represented partly in cross section. The gas
cylinder 5 is provided with a valve 6 and a riser pipe 7 connected
thereto, which extends to near the bottom 8 of the gas cylinder 5.
The pressure in the gas cylinder 5 can be relatively high, for
instance 50 to 60 bar when the gas cylinder 5 has just been filled.
In another embodiment, the gas cylinder can contain gas under a
pressure of more than 10 bar, preferably more than 20 bar, more
particularly more than 30 bar. The gas in the gas cylinder 5 is
hence substantially liquid. In an advantageous embodiment the gas
is CO.sub.2. The gas will preferably be chosen such that it can be
emitted directly into the atmosphere or at least is a gas that is
naturally present in the atmosphere. In particular in an embodiment
in which a gas has been chosen that cannot be emitted directly into
the atmosphere, or where such is not desired, an exhaust 9 may be
provided, as will be further elucidated hereinafter. As gas
cylinder 5, for instance a gas cylinder 5 of the type 2506 of the
firm ACP, Heusden-Zolder may be used, with a connection for
instance according to DIN477/NBN226. Naturally, also other types of
gas cylinders can be used, whether or not with riser pipe and/or
valve. A gas cylinder 5 for use in an apparatus 1 according to the
invention can for instance have a content of 10 liters, 25 liters
or 50 liters or other content.
[0016] The pipe 3 is connected to the gas cylinder 5 via the valve
6. The valve 6 can be a shut-off whose passage can be controlled or
which may for instance have only two positions: completely open or
completely closed. In another embodiment, several positions can be
chosen. Between the valve 6 and the pipe 3, a regulating valve 10
or similar pressure regulating unit may be provided, in particular
a liquid gas-liquid gas reduction valve, with which a desired
pressure can be set, in principle regardless of the pressure in the
gas cylinder 5 and/or in the pipe 3. In the pipe 3, for instance a
pressure may be set of a few tens of bars, for instance
approximately 20 or 30 bar. Such a regulating valve 10 may for
instance be designed as type HPR 800, a one-stage regulating valve
for inert, reactive, combustible and oxidizing gases and gas
mixtures of medium to high purity, resistant to an input pressure
of 230 bar. Also other types of reduction devices may be used. With
the pressure regulating unit, the pressure with which the liquid
gas is introduced into the pipe 3 can be set such that it does not
fluctuate or fluctuates only minimally. Between the reduction
device 10 and the pipe 3, further a non-return valve 11 may be
included, with which gas can be prevented from flowing back from
the pipe 3 in the direction of the gas cylinder 5. If pipe 3 is
uncoupled from the gas cylinder 5, at the non-return valve 11,
moreover, gas is prevented from flowing out of the pipe 3 into the
atmosphere, which may be undesired especially when for instance
CO.sub.2 gas is used, for instance in view of health.
[0017] At the end 12 of the pipe 3 remote from the gas cylinder 5,
the spray opening 4 is provided. Spray opening 4 should herein be
understood to mean at least, though not exclusively, an opening
through which gas can be emitted from the pipe, while the gas can
be emitted in both liquid and gaseous form, or as a combination.
Especially upon outflow of the gas, it may pass from the liquid
form into the gaseous form, as a result of pressure reduction. The
spray opening 4 may for instance be provided in a nozzle 13 and may
for instance be formed by a substantially straight, open passage
having a diameter of, for instance, a few tenths of millimeters or
less. The nozzle 13 can be chosen simply, for instance depending on
the desired amount of gas that is to be emitted per unit time, the
desired outflow rate, the desired outflow direction and/or a
desired outflow pattern. For instance, with a nozzle 13 there may
be emitted between approximately 2 and 15 grams of CO.sub.2 per
second, in particular between approximately 4 and 10 grams of
CO.sub.2 per second, more particularly between approximately 6 and
7 grams per second. The nozzle 13 may for instance be chosen so as
to give substantially a jet or spray configuration as an outflow
pattern directly upon the outflow. An example of a nozzle suitable
for this application is an oil combustion nozzle, for instance
Delavan types A, B, or W, for instance in the range of 1.00 and
10.00 GPH, with different spray angles, to be chosen depending
inter alia on the shape and/or dimensions of the holders. Such
nozzles are for instance supplied by Delavan Spray Technologies,
Bamberg, S.C., USA. As a valve, for instance a direct-acting
solenoid valve may be used, for instance as obtainable via M&M
International, Bedford, GB.
[0018] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the spray opening 4
is included in a housing 14. In the housing 14, between the second
end 12 of the pipe 3 and the spray opening 4 and/or nozzle 13, a
control valve 15 is included, with which the gas passage between
the pipe 3 and the spray opening 4 can be opened and closed. The
control valve 15 may be connected to a control device 16, with
which the control valve 15 can be opened and closed. On or at the
housing 14 and/or at or on the control device 16, a control panel
17 may be provided, with which for instance a control behavior of
the control valve 15 can be controlled, set and/or adjusted.
Moreover, instead or additionally, control buttons 18 may be
provided, with which the control valve 15 can be operated.
[0019] Near the spray opening 4 a support 19 is provided, on which
an edge of a holder 20, here shown as a glass, can be placed, so
that the holder 20 is placed upside down above and/or over the
spray opening. In the embodiment shown, the spray opening 4 can
have an outflow direction P which is approximately parallel to and
may substantially coincide with a longitudinal axis L of the holder
20 when placed on the support 19. This can be advantageous in view
of symmetry.
[0020] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, at the spray opening 4 an
exhaust 9 is provided. The exhaust 9 is here designed, by way of
example, in the form of a ring 22 extending, at least in top plan
view, partly around the spray opening and defining at least a
suction surface 23 which, in side elevation, is situated below the
spray opening 4. Connected to the exhaust is a discharge such as a
discharge pipe 24, with which exhausted gas can be removed to the
atmosphere, preferably outside the space R in which the apparatus 1
is set up.
[0021] Gas detection means 25 may be connected to the control
device 16, allowing for instance the pressure regulating device 10,
the non-return valve 11, the control valve 15 and/or the valve 6 to
be closed when for instance the gas concentration in the
environment of the apparatus 1 runs up above a limit value. In this
way, hazard can be prevented. Also, one or more of the valves and
devices 6, 10, 11, 15 may be closed by the control device 16 when
the pressure in the pipe 3 falls below a minimum limit value or
rises above a maximum limit value.
[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support 19 is
so configured that the control valve 15 can be operated with it. To
this end, the support 19 is for instance coupled to a shaft 27,
with which a switch 28 can be operated, whereby, via the control
device 16, the control valve 15 is activated and, for instance,
opened as long as the support 19 is being pressed down by the
holder, or for a time inputted in the control device 16, for
instance, though not limited to, a few seconds. Thus, for instance,
for a beer glass of average size, for instance approximately 250 to
350 ml, the control valve may be opened for a time of between
approximately 5 seconds and 12 seconds, more particularly for
instance approximately 7 seconds, so that during that time for
instance between approximately 15 and 75 grams of CO.sub.2 are
squirted out, more particularly between approximately 20 and 75
grams, for instance between approximately 20 and 40 grams of
CO.sub.2, more particularly between approximately 30 and 35 grams
or, for instance, between 30 and 75 grams, more particularly
between 45 and 75 grams, such as 60 grams, for relatively large or
heavy glasses. The time between one time opening of the control
valve 15 and following closure thereof can be designated as a
cooling cycle. With an apparatus according to the invention, the
cooling cycle can preferably be set, for instance the duration
thereof, for instance between 0 and 60 seconds, and depending on,
for instance, the holder to be cooled, the desired temperature of
the holder and/or the ambient temperature. Thus, with an apparatus
according to the invention, for instance a glass can be cooled to
an average temperature of less than 4.degree. C. or to a
temperature below 0.degree. C., so that ice formation on the glass
can occur. For instance, the temperature can be controlled between
5 and -4.degree. C. This can be done, for instance, in a time of a
cycle of less than 10 sec. The temperatures and times mentioned are
naturally mentioned for illustration only and should not be
construed as limiting in any way. The control valve 15 may also be
driven on the basis of the amount of gas that is emitted through
the spray opening in a cooling cycle.
[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, detection means 26 are
arranged near the spray opening 4, with which the presence of a
holder 20 near the spray opening 4 can be determined. On the basis
of a signal from the detection means 26, the control device 16 can
then be controlled for opening the control valve 15 and starting a
cooling cycle. This can for instance be executed and controlled in
a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2.
Alternatively, the cycle can last as long as a holder 20 is being
detected near the spray opening 4.
[0024] In an embodiment, indication means 29 may be provided on the
housing, with which it can for instance be indicated that a cycle
is in progress, that the apparatus 1 is switched on and/or what
temperature has been set and/or has been reached. Further, lighting
means V may be provided, for instance around the spray opening 4,
with which a holder can be lighted during cooling.
[0025] In an apparatus 1 according to the invention, a cooling 30
is provided, with which at least a part of the pipe 3 can be
cooled. With the cooling 30, the pipe 3 and the gas therein can be
cooled, to which end the cooling 30 extends at least along and/or
around at least a part of the pipe. The cooling 30 in the
embodiment shown comprises a jacket 31 which extends around the
most part of the length of the pipe 3. Between a part of the jacket
31 and the outside of the pipe 3, a channel 32 is provided which is
connected to a cooler 33. The cooler 33 can be an in-line cooler.
With it, a cooling medium can be pumped through the channel 32, for
instance glycol, a glycol mixture or water or other suitable
cooling medium, with which the pipe 3 can be cooled. Indirectly,
the gas is thereby cooled as well. In this way, the formation of
gas bubbles in the pipe 3 is largely prevented, so that venting of
the pipe 3 during use is not necessary or in any case is necessary
only very sporadically. A venting device and/or a buffer reservoir
are thus not necessary. In particular, this can prevent formation
of gas bubbles which adversely affect the operation of the cooling
apparatus 1.
[0026] In an apparatus 1 according to the invention, the gas source
2 can be set up relatively far from the spray opening 4, for
instance a few meters, without gas bubble formation becoming a
problem.
[0027] With an apparatus 1 according to the invention, a holder 20
can be cooled as follows.
[0028] The valve 6 is opened, for instance wholly, and with the
pressure regulating device 11 a desired pressure in the pipe 3 is
set, for instance above 30 bar. The pressure of the liquid gas in
the pipe is high as far as the closed control valve 15. With the
control device 16, an optimum cooling cycle can be set, for
instance depending on the holder 20 to be cooled and the desired
cooling temperature, for instance 0.degree. C. If a holder 20 is
pressed onto the support 19, a cooling cycle is started and gas
squirts out of the spray opening into the inner space 20A of the
holder, against the walls thereof. Vaporizing gas draws heat from
the air in the holder 20 and from the wall 20B thereof, so that
cooling occurs. The gas such as CO.sub.2, which is heavier than
air, will sink and be suctioned out by the exhaust. After a desired
cooling time and/or a desired amount of gas which has been passed
into the holder 20, the control valve 15 is closed and cooling is
stopped.
[0029] With the cooling 30, for instance a temperature of the pipe
3 is set that is lower than the temperature of the gas source 2, in
particular the gas cylinder 5 or the gas present therein. In
particular, for instance a temperature of the pipe or the gas
therein can be set below 10.degree. C., more particularly below
5.degree. C., still more particularly below 0.degree. C.
Surprisingly, it has been found that in this way gas bubble
formation in the gas can be considerably limited or even prevented,
especially at the lower temperature, also when the apparatus and/or
the gas cylinder 5 are set up, for instance, at room
temperature.
[0030] In the embodiments shown, within the jacket 31, furthermore,
a beverage line 34 is provided, which is also cooled by the cooling
liquid in the channel 32. The beverage line 34 can for instance
extend between a keg or other container 37 to a point near or in a
countermount 38. The jacket 31 with pipe 3, channel 32, beverage
line 34 and possibly a return channel 35 for the cooling liquid may
be included in or designed as a line 36, for instance as a python
line which is commonly used in, for instance, beer tapping
apparatuses.
[0031] The invention is not in any way limited to the apparatuses
and methods shown and described in the description and drawing.
Alternative embodiments that fall within the claims are understood
to be included in this description, among which at least
combinations of parts of the embodiments shown and alternatives
thereto. Other temperature ranges and cooling times can be set
and/or used. Multiple pipes and/or beverage lines may be combined
in one apparatus 1, while moreover multiple spray openings 4 may be
provided on a pipe and/or in a housing. Other gases than CO.sub.2
can be used.
* * * * *