WO2010018581A1

WO2010018581A1 - Apparatus for freezing and dispensing a beverage

Info

Publication number: WO2010018581A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000799
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eyal Simhon
Original assignee: COOLMAX Ltd
Current assignee: COOLMAX Ltd
Priority date: 2008-08-14
Filing date: 2009-08-13
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to the dispensing of beverages. The invention provides a compact counter-top apparatus for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage, for example vodka, without dilution thereof. The invention comprises an outer cabinet provided with exposed means for supporting an upturned beverage bottle; and for supporting a drinking vessel; and an electrically powered compressor housed in the outer cabinet for liquefying a refrigerant in a condenser; a heat-exchanger (evaporator) housed in the outer cabinet for evaporation internally of the refrigerant. A storage tank housed in the outer cabinet for the part of the beverage not in current use; pumping means for circulation of the beverage through the heat exchanger; a dispensing device for liquids; and control means for operation of electrical components in the outer cabinet.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FREEZING AND DISPENSING A BEVERAGE

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the dispensing of beverages.

More particularly, the invention provides a compact counter-top apparatus for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage, for example vodka, without dilution thereof.

Vending and/or dispensing machines have been in use for many decades. In recent years the trend has been to offer the customer a lager choice of foodstuffs, drinks, or whatever is being sold, including such surprising items as insurance policies for air travelers. Modern machines can be coin operated, or by the insertion of a magnetic card. Most machines are complicated, large, heavy and expensive, and are suited mainly to hotels, large offices, hospitals, industrial canteens and public areas. The machines need regular restocking and mechanical/electrical servicing, and are totally unsuitable and not intended for use in private homes, public bars, coffee shops and similar locations.

Many alcoholic beverages and vodka as an example was and is in particular favored in the (former) Soviet Union, and is now quite popular also in other areas of the world. Drinks such as vodka are best served very cold and the quantity poured into a drinking class is usually 1 "shot"

- meaning about 50 cc. The vodka is to be dispensed without the addition of other fluids, for example ice water. While there is little difficulty in arranging a man-high vending machine to serve this purpose, these machines, as mentioned above, are undesired in small places and in the average-size home, and mostly in bars, or similar public places.

The following review of recent US Patents provides a fair indication of the state of the art.

In US Patent no.5,343,716 Swanson et al. disclose a beverage dispenser of the cold plate type. The device offers a choice of several different drinks but the user is expected to provide ice cubes which are to be manually broken up. The machine also requires connection to a water line. A somewhat similar device is seen in US Patents 5,249,710 and 5,249,453 to Hassell et al. Again, the user is expected to supply ice-cubes. The fluid lines transverse an L-shaped cold plate. A carbonator is provided. The dispenser is arranged for supplying soft drinks.

Santiago et al. disclose another typical prior art dispenser in Patent application US2004/0026452. The machine includes a self-cleaning system and a supply system for disposable cups. At least 3 motors are used in operation, 4 including the fan. The design is clearly unsuitable for use in a private home. The same remark applies also to Patent application US2006/0112831 by Greenwald.

It should further be noted that the machines reviewed are for soft drinks which require only moderate cooling, about 12 to 16⁰C being acceptable. In summer temperatures and with frequent use, the refrigeration system of prior-art machines cannot cool beverages to an acceptable temperature, and therefore the cooling system must be kept operative at all times that a demand for cold beverages is anticipated.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to obviate the disadvantages of prior art dispensing machines and to provide a compact bar or countertop dispenser which nevertheless has sufficient cooling capacity, so there is no need to add ice cubes to cool the beverage, more so when this is diluting the drink.

It is a further object of the present invention to simplify the mechanism by the elimination features required only by soft drinks, and thus producing a more compact machine to serve strong drinks especially such as vodka, and the like.

Yet a further object is to produce a dispenser wherein the base dimensions do not exceed 50 cm. square and height is under 65 cm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a compact counter-top apparatus for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage without dilution thereof, and having a freezing capacity for continuous use of the beverage, said apparatus comprising

* an outer cabinet provided with exposed means for

-supporting an upturned beverage bottle; -supporting a drinking vessel;

-allowing outward projection of an outlet spout disposed above said drinking vessel -allowing use of user controls and viewing indicators; and -allowing air passage inwardly for room temperature air: -allowing air passage outwardly for warmed air carrying away waste heat; *an electrically powered compressor housed in said outer cabinet for liquefying a refrigerant in a condenser;

* a heat-exchanger (evaporator) housed in said outer cabinet for evaporation internally of said refrigerant, said heat exchanger being arranged to remove heat from said beverage before said beverage reaches said outlet spout; * a storage tank housed in said outer cabinet for the part of the beverage not in current use;.

* pumping means for circulation of said beverage through said heat exchanger;

* a dispensing device for liquids in fluid communication with said spout and said heat exchanger (evaporator); and * control means for operation of electrical components in said outer cabinet.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention said heat-exchanger is of the brazed plate type exchanger.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus further provided with a fan arranged for fast expulsion of warm air from around said condenser.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus further provided with an operating push button causing release to said spout of a selected quantity of cold beverage. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus further provided with a warning light indicating near exhaustion of said beverage in said bottle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus wherein said control means is programmed to automatically prevent dispensing of beverage during the start-up period.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an identification system for identifying beverage bottles so as to eliminate placing non authentic beverages.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus wherein said gripping means for said upturned beverage bottle is flexibly supported to allow some vertical movement thereof in relationship to the weight of said beverage bottle and its contents, and wherein an empty bottle is operationally sensed by a switch to cut off power to said user controls.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus wherein said apparatus is divided into a counter top portion including all components needed for the flow of beverage from said upturned bottle, through said heat-exchanger (evaporator) for dispensing said beverage said counter top portion being connected by electric cables and flexible tubing to an under-counter portion including the condenser, the compressor, the condenser fan and associated parts needed by these components.

The compact design of the dispenser was made possible by eliminating unneeded features such as a dispenser for cups, a coin recognition system, containers of liquids or powders and controls therefore, and a water inlet system. The bottle containing the beverage in which it is marketed is opened and upturned, although no significant flow occurs until the operating button is pushed in.

Advantage has been taken of the fact, that unlike soft drinks, hard drinks are usually served in drinking glasses not larger than about 100 cc to hold about 50cc. This quantity can be cooled on a continuous basis and the last "shot" will be as cool as the first. A fan, internal to the dispenser casing is directed at the refrigerator condenser which is thus cooled by forced convection.

The internal evaporator is preferably made of stainless steel and is thoroughly cleaned before use so as not to impart an unwanted taste to the beverage flowing there through.

It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention provides an answer to the need for a small dispenser for use in bars, the like locations and in private homes

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent by example preferred embodiments of the invention. Structural details are shown only as far as necessary for a fundamental understanding thereof. The described examples, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how further forms of the invention may be realized.

In the drawings:

FIG. Ia is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the beverage dispenser according to the invention; FIG. Ib is the same, but showing inner components;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment with the outer cabinet removed and including a condenser fan;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment provided with an additional control;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment responsive to the quantity of beverage remaining in the upturned bottle;

FIG. 5 is a view of a sectional view of the piping in the vicinity of the output spout;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of an embodiment provided with a viewing window; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a split embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrate of the plate heat exchanger.

There is seen in FIGS. Ia and Ib a compact counter-top apparatus 10 for freezing and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage 12. The apparatus 10 has a cooling capacity adequate for continuous use of the cooled beverage. FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An outer cabinet 14 is provided with apertures to allow projection there through of the following components. A bottle holder 30 is formed in a manner to support the bottle 32 adequately in its upturned position. A relief cut 34 of the support allows convenient changing of an empty bottle for a full bottle 32.

A small platform 36 is provided at the front of the apparatus 10 for supporting a drinking vessel

38. There above is an outlet spout 40 disposed directly above the center of a drinking vessel 38. It should be noted that although the outlet spout 40 is co-axial with the bottle 32, the only connection between the two is via a heat exchanger 60 as will be explained.

A protective grill 42, only one of which is visible in the figure, covers each air passage window

46 disposed on each side of the cabinet.. Cooling air 48 for the compressor 50 and for the condenser 52 is driven in at one of said windows 46 and the warmed air is discharged through the opposite window.

The refrigerant 54 is liquefied by the compressor 56 and most of the heat generated thereby is dispersed by the condenser 58.

A further heat-exchanger (evaporator) 60 is housed in the outer cabinet for evaporation internally of the refrigerant 54 such as Freon gas. The preferred type of heat exchanger 60 is the brazed-plate type. The heat needed to evaporate the refrigerant 54 is taken out of the beverage

12 flowing through the heat exchanger 60. The beverage thus cooled flows to the outlet chamber 48 (seen in FIG. 6) through a time-controlled valve 61 in response to a user control 18.

There may be provided small storage tank 62 holds about one or two "shots" of freezed beverage and provides a reserve supply thereof. An electrically powered pump 64 circulates the beverage through the heat exchange

(evaporator) 60 and through further components as described through the spout 40 and into a drinking glass 38 placed on the platform 36.

An electronic control card 66 is programmed to activate the electric components such as the beverage circulation pump 64, the compressor 56, the volume control measuring valve 61, the condenser fan and the user controls, and any other electrical components in the cabinet. Further parts seen in the figures are a base plate 74 and a capacitor 75 for assistance in starting the compressor. With reference to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen a dispensing apparatus 70 further provided with a fan 72 arranged for fast expulsion of warm air from around the condenser 52. Fast expulsion of condenser heat is essential for proper operation of the refrigerator circuit. A small storage tank 62 is provided for the beverage. Level sensors and indicator lights 73 are provided at vertically-spaced-apart positions to monitor the height of the beverage in the tank 62 The sensors provide information to the electronic control card 66 regarding fluid level in said tank.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 90 further provided with an operating push button 92 causing release to the spout 40 of a selected quantity of cold beverage.

The electronic control card (66 in FIG. Ib) is programmed to automatically prevent dispensing of beverage during the start-up period, as about 2 minutes are needed to chill the beverage before it is to be dispensed.

Seen in FIG. 4 is a detail of a dispensing apparatus 100, further provided with a warning light 101 indicating near exhaustion of the beverage 12 in the bottle 32. The gripping means 102 for the upturned beverage bottle is flexibly supported to allow some vertical movement thereof in relationship to the weight of the beverage bottle and its contents. An empty bottle 32 is operationally sensed by a switch 104 to cut off power to the user controls 16, 92 seen in FIG. 3, and to power the warning light 101.

Turning now to FIG.5, there is seen a detail 80 of the apparatus 10 seen in FIG.1. proximate to the mouth of the beverage bottle 32.

A bottle holder 30 is formed in a manner to support the bottle 32 adequately in its upturned position. A relief cut 34 of the support allows convenient changing of an empty bottle for a full bottle 32. Three piping paths are seen in the vicinity of the output spout.

1. Path 82 transfers beverage from the upturned open bottle 32 to the heat exchanger (evaporator) 60 for cooling..

2. Path 84 transfers chilled beverage from the heat exchanger (evaporator) 60 to the spout 40 for consumption. 3. Path 68 transfers atmospheric air into the bottle 32 to prevent formation of a partial vacuum therein.

A small one-way valve is seen at 86 which prevents beverage from leaking out through the path 68. The valve 86 can be replaced by a porous block which allows air passage but is impermeable to beverages.

In FIG. 6 there is seen a detail 120 of an inspection chamber 128 containing a chilled beverage 12 after passing through the heat exchanger 60. A viewing window 122 allows the user to check the quantity being dispensed as well as being able to check transparency and colour. A temperature sensor 126 reports to the electronic control card 66. If the temperature of the beverage 12 outside a predetermined range, for example outside the range 0 - 5 ⁰ C, a normally on LED 130 is ordered by the card 66 to blink.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there is seen an embodiment 110 wherein the part of the apparatus 112 seen on the counter top 114 is more compact than in previous embodiments. The apparatus is divided into a counter top portion 112 including all components needed for the flow of beverage 12 from the upturned bottle 32, through the heat-exchanger (evaporator) 60 for dispensing the beverage. The counter top portion 112 is connected by electric cables 114 and flexible tubing 116 to an under-counter portion 118 including the condenser 52, the compressor 56, the condenser fan and associated parts needed by these components.

FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a brazed plate heat exchanger 80 having plates 82 in and out lets ports 84, 86 for the beverage and in and out let ports 88, 89 for the refrigerate.

Preferably the bottle holder will be provided with a bar-cod reader or similar identification means thus when a certain bottle is placed within the holder, it will be identified and prevent placing same bottle once more with a different beverage therein.

The scope of the described invention is intended to include all embodiments coming within the meaning of the following claims. The foregoing examples illustrate useful forms of the invention, but are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as those skilled in the art will be aware that additional variants and modifications of the invention can readily be formulated without departing from the meaning of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A compact counter-top apparatus for cooling and dispensing measured quantities of a bottled beverage, and having a freezing capacity for continuous use of the beverage, said apparatus comprising * an outer cabinet provided with exposed means for -supporting an upturned beverage bottle; -supporting a drinking vessel;

-allowing outward projection of an outlet spout disposed above said drinking vessel -allowing use of user controls and viewing indicators; and -allowing air passage inwardly for room temperature air:

-allowing air passage outwardly for warmed air carrying away waste heat; *an electrically powered compressor housed in said outer cabinet for liquefying a refrigerant in a condenser;

* a heat-exchanger (evaporator) housed in said outer cabinet for evaporation internally of said refrigerant, said heat exchanger being arranged to remove heat from said beverage before said beverage reaches said outlet spout;

* a storage tank housed in said outer cabinet for the part of the beverage not in current use;.

* pumping means for circulation of said beverage through said heat exchanger;

* a dispensing device for liquids in fluid communication with said spout and said heat exchanger (evaporator); and

* control means for operation of electrical components in said outer cabinet.

2. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heat-exchanger is of the brazed plate type.

3. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a fan arranged for fast expulsion of warm air from around said condenser.

4. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further provided with an operating push button causing release to said spout of a selected quantity of cold beverage.

5. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further provided with a warning light indicating near exhaustion of said beverage in said bottle.

6. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means is programmed to automatically prevent dispensing of beverage during the start-up period.

7. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gripping means for said upturned beverage bottle is flexibly supported to allow some vertical movement thereof in relationship to the weight of said beverage bottle and its contents, wherein an empty bottle is operationally sensed by a switch to cut off power to said user controls.

8. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is divided into a counter top portion including all components needed for the flow of beverage from said upturned bottle, through said heat-exchanger (evaporator) for dispensing said beverage, said counter top portion being connected by electric cables and flexible tubing to an under-counter portion including the condenser, the compressor, the condenser fan and associated parts needed by these components.

9. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bottle holder is provided with a bar-code reader or similar arrangement to enable identifying the specific beverage bottle.