U.S. patent application number 13/518313 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-01 for device and process for producing pressurized water and their use for producing beverages.
This patent application is currently assigned to NESTEC S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Amol Ashok Bhalerao, Bernard Guillemain, James Peter Herrick, Eugene Scoville. Invention is credited to Amol Ashok Bhalerao, Bernard Guillemain, James Peter Herrick, Eugene Scoville.
Application Number | 20130192227 13/518313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48869047 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130192227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scoville; Eugene ; et
al. |
August 1, 2013 |
DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING PRESSURIZED WATER AND THEIR USE
FOR PRODUCING BEVERAGES
Abstract
A device (1) for producing pressurized hot or cold water
comprising: a water heating and storing tank (5); a steam generator
(6),--a cold water source (13); at least one pressurizable transfer
tank (4) provided with: at least an inlet (14) for filling the tank
(4) with water, an inlet (7) for introducing steam from the steam
generator (6), and an outlet (8) for evacuating pressurized water;
and separate valve means (31, 91, 71) to respectively fill the tank
(4) with water, introduce steam in the tank, and evacuate
pressurized water from the tank (4).
Inventors: |
Scoville; Eugene; (Powell,
OH) ; Herrick; James Peter; (Dublin, OH) ;
Guillemain; Bernard; (Lausanne, CH) ; Bhalerao; Amol
Ashok; (Dublin, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Scoville; Eugene
Herrick; James Peter
Guillemain; Bernard
Bhalerao; Amol Ashok |
Powell
Dublin
Lausanne
Dublin |
OH
OH
OH |
US
US
CH
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NESTEC S.A.
Vevey
CH
|
Family ID: |
48869047 |
Appl. No.: |
13/518313 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 21, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/68948 |
371 Date: |
January 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/643 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01K 7/00 20130101; F22B
1/284 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/643 |
International
Class: |
F01K 7/00 20060101
F01K007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2009 |
EP |
09252822.3 |
Dec 17, 2009 |
GB |
0922011.2 |
Claims
1. Device for producing pressurized hot or cold water comprising: a
water tank; a steam generator; a cold water source; at least one
pressurizable transfer tank comprising: an inlet for filling the
tank with water, an inlet for introducing steam from the steam
generator, and an outlet for evacuating pressurized water; and
separate valve means to respectively fill the tank with water,
introduce steam in the tank, and evacuate pressurized water from
the tank.
2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the pressurizable transfer
tank comprises a first and a second inlet for filling the tank with
water, the first inlet filling the tank with hot water from the
water tank and the second inlet filling the tank with cold water
from the cold water source.
3. Device according to any of claims 1 to 2 comprising a controller
that controls the separate valve means and monitors: the filling of
the pressurizable transfer tank either with cold or hot water; the
introduction of steam to pressurize water filled in the
pressurizable transfer tank; and the evacuation of pressurized
water from the pressurizable transfer tank.
4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3 comprising a fluid line
between the water tank and the steam generator.
5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the inlet for
introducing steam in the pressurizable transfer tank is placed near
the top side of the pressurizable transfer tank and steam
distributor means are provided inside the tank near its top
side.
6. Device according to any of claims 1 to 5 comprising a first and
a second pressurizable transfer tank and the inlet for filling the
tank with water of the first tank is connected to the water tank
and the inlet for filling the tank with water of the second tank is
connected to the cold water source.
7. Machine for producing beverages comprising an apparatus for
preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated ingredient
connected to the outlet of the device for producing pressurized hot
or cold water comprising: a water tank; a steam generator; a cold
water source; at least one pressurizable transfer tank comprising:
an inlet for filling the tank with water, an inlet for introducing
steam from the steam generator, and an outlet for evacuating
pressurized water; and separate valve means to respectively fill
the tank with water, introduce steam in the tank, and evacuate
pressurized water from the tank.
8. Machine according to claim 7 wherein the apparatus for preparing
and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated ingredient comprises:
mixing means; at least a source of concentrated ingredient;
ingredient dosing means; and dispensing means.
9. Machine according to any of claims 7 to 8 wherein the mixing
means, the ingredient dosing means, and the dispensing spout are
integrated in a single cap connected to the source of concentrated
ingredient.
10. Machine according to any of claims 7 to 9 comprising a steam
line connecting the steam generator to the apparatus for preparing
and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated ingredient.
11. Machine according to any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the volume
of the pressurizable transfer tank of the device for producing
pressurized hot or cold water has a volume that is approximately
the same as the smallest beverage to be produced by the
machine.
12. Method for producing pressurized hot or cold water comprising:
providing hot water; providing steam; providing cold water; filling
a pressurizable transfer tank with either cold or hot water, the
tank comprising an outlet; and introducing steam into the tank so
that the steam pushes water in the tank through the tank
outlet.
13. Method according to claim 12 wherein the pressure generated by
the pressurized water is controlled by the pressure of the steam
provided to the tank and/or the volume of the pressurizable
transfer tank.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for producing
pressurized hot or cold water and its use to produce hot and cold
beverages.
[0002] Beverage production machines can produce beverages by mixing
a food ingredient concentrate--either a powder or a liquid
concentrate with a diluent such as hot or cold water. To provide
more hygienic designs of such devices, product contact surfaces,
loose parts requiring cleaning and maintenance, such as seals,
impellers and the like are minimized. These machines beneficially
utilize mixerless means, such as: a) spraying one of more of the
ingredients under pressure thereby creating turbulent agitation to
facilitate mixing; or b) creating a turbulent condition within an
internal static mixing device.
[0003] To accomplish the aforementioned requires the delivery of
water under pressure to enable a good mixing of the diluent with
the food concentrate and sometimes to foam the beverage that is
formed from the dilution. The production of pressurized water is
currently accomplished using mechanical water supply pumps and/or
the pressure from the municipal water supply, in conjunction with
other elements such as check valves, orifice restrictors,
adjustable pressure regulators (all of which can adversely impact
cost, space need and hygiene).
[0004] In very small consumer personal use type beverage
brewing/reconstituting/capsule appliances it is not uncommon for
cold water to be pumped and then heated for the production of hot
beverages. The inexpensive mechanical pumps that are used generate
a lot of noise and although they are able to provide a high
pressure delivery they have very limited flow capability.
Alternatively, pumps capable of supplying pre-heated water are
typically fairly expensive and subject to scaling. For commercial
foodservice production machines that produce a large number of
beverages per day, such as foodservice machines, the pressurization
with such pumps cannot be achieved.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,637 describes a pump that provides hot
water and steam in a single unit. However, this pump can only
provide heated water on a batch dispensing basis and not a
continuous flow of heated water. Due to this batch dispensing, it
is difficult to sustain the delivery of more than 5 cups per
minute. This rate is not an issue when the beverage is produced for
domestic applications using a beverage ingredient cartridge but,
this rate is too low when the beverage is produced from a beverage
ingredient stored in a large container, such as a bag-in-box, for a
foodservice application considering the higher beverage throughput
needs where cups per unit time is a significant factor.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides for the economical delivery
of hot water at a high flow rate and high pressure on a sustained
basis.
[0007] According to an embodiment, a device is provided for
producing pressurized hot or cold water comprising:
[0008] a water tank for heating and storing water;
[0009] a steam generator;
[0010] a cold water source;
[0011] at least one pressurizable transfer tank provided with: at
least an inlet for filling the tank with water; an inlet for
introducing steam from the steam generator; and an outlet for
evacuating pressurized water; and
[0012] separate valve means to respectively fill the tank with
water, introduce steam into the tank, and evacuate pressurized
water from the tank.
[0013] The pressurizable transfer tank is generally linked to the
different sources of water by: at least a water line connecting the
water tank and/or the cold water source to the pressurizable
transfer tank; a cold water line connecting the cold water source
to the pressurizable transfer tank; and a steam line connecting the
steam generator to the pressurizable transfer tank.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the device, the pressurizable
transfer tank can be provided with a first and a second inlet for
filling the tank with water, the first inlet filling the tank with
hot water from the water tank and the second inlet filling the tank
with cold water from the cold water source.
[0015] The device in a preferred embodiment comprises valve means
on each of the lines connected to the pressurizable transfer tank.
The valve means are associated with the inlet for filling or
introducing fluids into the pressurizable transfer tank, admit
fluids into the pressurizable transfer tank, and prevent a reverse
fluid flow. Preferably, a pressure relief valve can be installed at
the outlet pipe of the pressurizable transfer tank.
[0016] A line connection can be provided between the water tank and
the steam generator. Then the steam generator can be fed with the
hot water produced by the water tank acting as a hot water
supply.
[0017] Preferably, the device of the present invention comprises a
controller that controls the separate valve means and monitors: the
filling of the tank either with cold or hot water; the introduction
of steam to pressurize water filled in the tank; and the evacuation
of pressurized water.
[0018] Preferably, the inlet for introducing steam into the
pressurizable transfer tank is placed near the top side of the
pressurizable transfer tank and steam distributor means are
provided inside the tank near its top side. The steam distributor
means evenly distributes the steam across the entire surface of the
water thereby minimizing steam mixing with the water. It also
minimizes the heating of ambient or chilled water in the tank. The
steam distributor means can be a mesh screen or a manifold.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the device, it comprises
a first and a second pressurizable transfer tank and the inlet for
filling the tank with water of the first tank is connected to the
water tank and the inlet for filling the tank with water of the
second tank is connected to the cold water source. This embodiment
provides the advantage of constantly generating pressurized hot
water and pressurized cold water either in the first or in the
second tank. In contrast, the previous embodiment of the device
only enables the successive production of pressurized hot water and
then of pressurized cold water due to the existence of only a
single tank. The tank must be totally empty before the temperature
of the pressurized water can be modified.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the present invention
provides a machine for producing beverages comprising an apparatus
for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated
ingredient connected to the outlet of the device for producing
pressurized hot or cold water as described above.
[0021] The apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a
concentrated ingredient can comprise: mixing means; at least a
source of concentrated ingredient; ingredient dosing means; and
dispensing means.
[0022] The mixing means can be a mixing chamber with or without a
whipper. Due to the pressure of the water introduced into the
mixing chamber, efficient mixing can occur by a simple whirling of
the water and food ingredient.
[0023] In an embodiment, the mixing means, the ingredient dosing
means and the dispensing spout can be integrated into a single cap
connected to the source of concentrated ingredient, to the
pressurizable transfer tank and to a motor. Such a cap is described
in the application WO 2006/005401. The motor is connected to the
ingredient dosing device to deliver a dose of ingredient.
[0024] According to another embodiment, the machine can comprise a
steam line connecting the steam generator of the device for
producing pressurized hot or cold water also to the apparatus for
preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated ingredient.
The steam line enables the delivery of steam, at the beverage
machine side, to froth the beverage during or further to its
production.
[0025] Preferably, the volume of the pressurizable transfer tank of
the device for producing pressurized hot or cold water is about the
same volume of the intended size for the specific application to be
produced by the machine, for example, a cup size. In that situation
the pressurizable transfer tank can be totally emptied each time a
beverage is produced. For larger cups, the beverage can be produced
according to a batch procedure.
[0026] According to an embodiment, the device of the present
invention can comprise more than one pressurizable transfer tank,
each presenting a different volume. The volume can depend on the
type of beverage it is intended to deliver. For example, one
pressurizable transfer tank can be defined for producing both
espresso and long coffee; then the volume can be about 50 ml.
Another pressurizable transfer tank can be defined for producing
long coffee and Carafe's; then the volume can be about 250 ml. And
another channel pressurizable transfer tank can be defined for
producing carafe and catering; then the volume can be at least 1
l.
[0027] According to another embodiment, the device of the present
invention can comprise a pressurizable transfer tank wherein the
volume can be adjusted for the type of beverage that is intended to
be delivered by the machine.
[0028] In an embodiment, the invention provides a method for
producing pressurized hot or cold water comprising: providing hot
water; providing steam; providing cold water; filling a
pressurizable transfer tank with either the cold or hot water, the
tank comprising an outlet; and introducing steam into the tank so
that steam pushes water in the tank through the tank outlet.
[0029] The steam pushes the water in the tank through the tank
outlet as it expands in the tank.
[0030] The amount of pressure generated by the pressurized water is
generally controlled at least by the pressure of the steam provided
to the tank and/or the volume of the pressurizable transfer
tank.
[0031] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a machine
for producing beverages integrating an embodiment of a device for
producing hot and cold pressurized water according to the present
invention,
[0033] FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded views of a cap integrating mixing
means, ingredient dosing means and a dispensing spout connectable
to an embodiment of a device for producing hot and cold pressurized
water according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a
device 1 comprising a water tank 5 for heating and storing water
having a cold water source 3 that can be, for example, domestic
cold water from an ordinary pressurized utility water supply line.
The water tank 5 can be any kind of boiler that heats water without
pressurizing it. The water tank provides hot water through line 10
to a steam generator 6.
[0035] In an embodiment, the device comprises a pressurizable
transfer tank 4 connected to: the cold water source 3 through an
inlet 14 to provide cold water to the pressurizable transfer tank
4; the water tank 5 through an inlet 9 to provide hot water to the
pressurizable transfer tank 4; and the steam generator 6 through an
inlet 7 to provide steam to the pressurizable transfer tank 4.
[0036] The pressurizable transfer tank also comprises an outlet
pipe 8. This outlet can be placed near the bottom of the tank 4 so
that all the water in the tank can be pressurized and dispensed.
The orientation of the discharge tube and its position relative to
the other parts of the device can be selected to adjust the
quantity of the water being delivered.
[0037] Valve means are provided to control the intake of the
different fluids in the different parts of the device 1 of the
present invention: valve means 11 and 31 control the intake of cold
water respectively in the water tank 5 and in the pressurizable
transfer tank 4; valve means 101 and 91 control the intake of hot
water respectively in the steam generator 6 and in the
pressurizable transfer tank 4; and valve means 71 control the
intake of steam in the pressurizable transfer tank 4.
[0038] Valve means 81 are also provided on the pipe 8 for
evacuating pressurized water from the pressurizable transfer tank
4. The valve means 81 are preferably a pressure relief valve. The
valve means 91 for the intake of hot water in the pressurizable
transfer tank 4 and the valve means 31 for the intake of cold water
in the pressurizable transfer tank 4 can be typical open
valves.
[0039] The pressurizable transfer tank 4 functions as follows.
Depending on if hot or cold pressurized water must be produced,
either intake valve means 31 or 91 is opened to fill the
pressurizable transfer tank with hot or cold water coming either
from the cold water source 3 or from the water tank 5. Then when
there is a need for pressurized water, valve means 71 are opened to
introduce steam in the pressurizable transfer tank and valve means
81 are opened to allow pressurized water to flow out of the
pressurizable transfer tank.
[0040] Preferably, the pressurizable transfer tank 4 comprises a
distributor device 12 to distribute steam coming from the inlet 7
across the entire surface of the water in the tank 4. This
distributor device can be a grid.
[0041] The pressure at which the water is evacuated from the outlet
8 depends from the amount of steam pressure introduced into the
pressurizable transfer tank 4. Typically, water with a pressure of
at least 2 bar can be obtained at the outlet of the pipe 8. The
delivered pressure can be adjusted based on the steam pressure and
temperature conditions.
[0042] The device of the present invention preferably comprises a
controller 13 that controls the opening and closing of the
different valve means 11, 101, 91, 31, 71, and 81. The controller
13 particularly monitors: the filling of the pressurizable transfer
tank 4 either with cold or hot water; the introduction of steam to
pressurize water filled in the pressurizable transfer tank 4; and
the evacuation of pressurized water from the pressurizable transfer
tank 4.
[0043] According to an embodiment, two tanks 4 can be used with one
being connected only to the water tank as a water source, and the
other being connected only to the cold water source as a water
source.
[0044] The device 1 for producing pressurized water, such as
described above, can be a part of a machine for producing beverages
2. The machine can comprise at least mixing means 21 into which the
pressurized water is introduced and mixed with a dose of a
concentrated food ingredient delivered from a concentrated food
ingredient container 23 using the dosing means 22. The concentrated
food ingredient can be either a powder or a liquid concentrate. The
invention particularly concerns food ingredients that are either
cold, chilled or hot, such as coffee, milk, chocolate, soup, tea,
etc. Depending on the liquid or powder form of the concentrated
food ingredients, the container 23 can be either a canister, a box
or a pouch, such as a bag-in-box. The dosing means can be an auger
or a rotating pierced plate or any other dosing means known for
dosing powder. For liquid ingredients, the dosing means can be a
pump that applies pressure on a flexible tube connecting the
container 23 to the mixing means 21.
[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
mixing means, the ingredient dosing means and the dispensing spout
can be integrated in a single cap connected to the source of
concentrated ingredient. The cap provides a connection to the
pressurizable transfer tank 4 that dilutes the pressurized water.
The cap can also provide a connection to a motor to activate the
dosing means.
[0046] Because the water is pressurized, the mixing chamber can be
a static mixing chamber without any whipping means. However,
whipping means can also be present according to the present
invention. The mixing chamber can comprise dispensing means 24 to
evacuate the beverage, such as a nozzle, which can improve the
texture of the beverage or simply orient its flow to the final
beverage container 25.
[0047] Optionally, the mixing chamber 21 can be connected to at
least the cold water source 3, the cold water generator 5 and/or
the steam generator 6 by connecting the mixing chamber 21,
respectively, to the pipe 17 that is connected to the cold water
source 3, to the pipe 16 that is connected to the water tank 5 and
to the pipe 15 that is connected to the steam generator 6, in order
to control: the temperature of the final beverage; the volume of
the final beverage; or the texture of the beverage. Valve means
102, 92, and 32 can be controlled by the controller 13 depending of
the desired properties of the final beverage. Texture essentially
refers to the frothing/foaming of the beverage.
[0048] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a metering and mixing device 100,
in the form of a cap, which seals the opening of the container 23
when the container is in an inverted position with its opening
facing downwardly. The cap also replaces the mixing chamber 21 and
the dispensing means 24. The cap has a tubular connecting portion
101 equipped with connecting means such as an internal screw thread
that complements connecting means on the container, that are also
of a screw thread type, for example. The device 100 is preferably
made of, among other things, two half-shells 100A, 100B assembled
to one another along a parting line running more or less in the
longitudinal direction of the ducts, particularly of the liquid
duct and of the mixing chamber, circulating within the device. The
cap 100 comprises a built-in metering pump for metering the liquid
passing through the opening 103.
[0049] The pump is preferably a gear pump as described in
WO-A-2006/005401. The pump is defined by a chamber 104 equipped
with bearings at the bottom of each lateral surface of the chamber
and able to guide two rotary elements 105, 106 cooperating in a
geared fashion in order to form the moving metering elements of the
pump in the chamber. The rotary element 106 is a "master" element
equipped with a shaft that is associated with a coupling means that
is able to engage with complementary coupling means in the base
station. The rotary element 105 is the "slave" element which is
driven in a direction that is opposite to that of the rotation of
the master element so as to meter the liquid through the chamber
104.
[0050] The half-shells as so constructed and arranged such that the
chamber 104 is defined by assembly of the two parts 100A, 100B. The
chamber 104 may have a hollow frontal part 100B with a bottom
surface defining one of the lateral surfaces. The other part
encloses the chamber via a more or less flat surface portion.
Liquid is thus metered through the liquid outlet duct.
[0051] The device comprises a duct 102 for supplying water which
intersects the liquid food ingredient duct 107. This duct 102 is
connected to the outlet pipe 8 of the pressurizable transfer tank 4
so that pressurized water can be introduced in the cap to mix with
the food ingredient.
[0052] According to an embodiment, the water duct 102 can also be
connected to the cold water source 3, the cold water generator 5
and/or the steam generator 6 by connection of the mixing chamber
21, respectively, to the pipe 17 connected to the cold water source
3, to the pipe 16 connected to the water tank 5, and to the pipe 15
connected to the steam generator 6. The water duct 102 and the food
ingredient metering duct 107 are not directly positioned so as to
intersect one another, but meet in the mixing chamber 108. The
water duct 102 nevertheless is positioned such that its flow is
directed toward the liquid flow, i.e., in the direction of the
liquid outlet or slightly below. Alternatively, the liquid and
diluent ducts can meet upstream of the chamber 108 so that the same
duct transports the fluids to the chamber 108. Such a duct may be
widened as to reduce the pressure drop and allow for an increase in
the volume of the fluid before it extends into the mixing chamber
108 proper. Restricting the width allows one to accelerate the
water flow causing, due to the venturi phenomenon, a pressure at
the meeting point that is lower than or equal to the pressure of
the liquid in the liquid outlet duct 107. When the pump is switched
off, the equilibrium or differential pressures, ensures that the
water crosses the metering point and travels as far as the chamber
without moving back up inside the liquid duct. The liquid pump
stops while the diluent continues to pass through the device, for
example, towards the end of the drink preparation cycle in order to
obtain the desired dilution of drink. Likewise, the diluent is used
to regularly rinse the device. Thus the liquid, for example, a
coffee or cocoa concentrate, is prevented from being contaminated
in the container or the pump due to diluent being sucked back
through the duct 107.
[0053] An air intake, defined by an air duct 109 open to the
outside, via a hole provided in half shell 100A is preferably used
when frothing of the liquid-diluent mixture is desired. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the air intake or channel 109 can be
positioned to intersect the water duct 102. Therefore, it is placed
before the intersection of the liquid stream and diluent stream.
The air intake 109 may be positioned in the region of the
restriction 110. The water speed is such in that region that air is
sucked in the water stream before the stream meets the liquid
stream. Such a design reduces the risk of the air intake being
contaminated with the diluted product coming in the air intake by
accident.
[0054] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments
illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled
in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments
without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word
"comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps
other than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding
an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such
elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in
mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a
combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
[0055] The device of the present invention provides the advantage
of not only providing hot and/or cold pressurized water, but also
steam and non pressurized cold or hot water. When it is coupled to
a machine for producing beverages, it enables the production of a
wide range of different beverages either hot or not, frothed or
not, long or short.
[0056] In the present application, "cold water" means ambient
temperature water or chilled water.
[0057] Pressurized water produced by the pressurization device of
the present invention is also helpful in beverage producing machine
comprising venturi devices to drawn in air for foaming.
[0058] The device of the present invention in an embodiment can
produce hot water at high flow rate (15-30 ml/s) on a sustained
basis and at a pressure greater than 1 bar.
[0059] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *