Patent Application
20080017045
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preserving, protecting, or enhancing items including solids or liquids.
Certain solids and liquids need to be preserved, protected, or enhanced on a continual basis. Unpreserved, unprotected, or unenhanced items such as solids and liquids can be damaged, can be subject to degradation, can deteriorate, can spoil, and can even explode in some instances due to a variety of reasons such as exposure to undesired or unwanted conditions such as sunlight, a spark, electrical current, improper humidity, improper temperatures, improper air components such as oxygen, and other environmental conditions.
For example, most households, food delivery businesses, grocery stores, and food service providers from time to time, are forced to throw out spoiled food such as produce before the food can be eaten. People in the United States alone throw out over 10 billion pounds of produce yearly. Generally, oxygen is the main reason for the deterioration or spoiling of food. This problem can be magnified by improper temperature, humidity, light and other conditions. For example, the effect of oxygen is readily apparent after an apple is cut in half. Before long, the apple turns an ugly unappetizing brown. Depending upon the environmental circumstances, the items themselves (like fruit) can also generate their own gases (such as ethylene) that speed up the breakdown process. Many of these environmental conditions that affect aging and spoilage of food are controlled with sophisticated equipment when food items such as produce proceed from the field into storage. However, grocery stores, restaurants, and households tend to have less sophisticated equipment for preserving and protecting food such as produce.
In another example, when an airplane, automobile, boat or other vehicle or vessel is in a significant accident, there is usually extensive damage to or destruction of the vehicle as well as its contents and often times the passengers. The extent of the damage depends upon many factors such as the weather, the speed at impact, the cause of the accident, where and how the impact played out and so forth. Many times, the most significant factor contributing to the damage or destruction is the fuel and associated fumes the vehicle or vessel is carrying at the time of the accident. The fumes from the fuel often ignite or explode. Additionally, even when there is not an accident, for other reasons the fuel or fumes can sometimes ignite.
Accordingly, there are various needs for apparatus and methods which provide safe and reliable preservation, protection, or enhancement of items such as solids and liquids.
One embodiment of the present invention relates in general to an apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine or champagne. One embodiment of the apparatus is adapted to preserve and dispense wine from a plurality of wine bottles or preserve and dispense champagne from a plurality of champagne bottles. It should be appreciated that the present invention could be adapted for one bottle or container or multiple bottles or containers. The apparatus generally includes a housing having a frame and an access door pivotally connected to the frame which defines an interior chamber in the housing; a container support mounted in the interior chamber of the housing; a nitrogen generator mounted in the housing for generating nitrogen rich gas from ambient air and supplying the nitrogen rich gas for the wine or champagne bottles; a cooling system mounted in the housing for selectively chilling one or more bottles; one or more stoppers which are adapted to be attached to the wine or champagne bottles; and one or more dispensers attached to the housing and connected to the stoppers for dispensing wine or champagne from the bottles. The apparatus is preferably suitably sized to be placed on any flat surface such as a kitchen counter and includes a conventional power source having an electric cord and plug which is suitable for a standard electrical outlet.
The door of the housing provides access to the interior chamber or compartment of the housing and preferably includes a transparent or translucent window that enables a user to view the bottles inside the housing through the door when the door is closed. The container support holds a plurality of bottles and is mounted in the interior chamber or compartment of the housing. The support is preferably formed to receive a standard size wine or champagne bottle. Each bottle is supported by the container support at an angle for optimal viewing purposes, to minimize the height of the housing and to minimize the footprint of the housing on the counter top. The angle is greater than zero degrees and less than or equal to ninety degrees, is preferably between twenty degrees and seventy degrees and is most preferably between thirty-five and fifty degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is approximately thirty-eight degrees.
Each of the plurality of stoppers is adapted to be removably mounted in the opening of a bottle (i.e., after the bottle is opened or the cork is removed) to seal the bottle. Each stopper is connected to the nitrogen generator and the dispenser or dispensing system through suitable tubing or fluid (i.e., gas) communication lines. More specifically, each stopper includes a sealing member that seals the opening of the bottle, and a communication member that is removably attached to the sealing member. The sealing member is mounted in the opening of the bottle and seals the bottle from the outside air after the sealing member is connected to the communication member. The sealing member remains inside the bottle opening until the bottle is empty. Tubing from the nitrogen generator and the fluid dispenser or dispensing system is connected to the communication member. The communication member enables the nitrogen rich gas to enter the wine bottle and the wine to be drawn out of the bottle to the dispenser while preventing oxygen from re-entering the bottle. By keeping the oxygen out of the bottle, the flavor or taste of the wine (or champagne) remains long after the bottle is opened. It should be appreciated that wine and champagne are preferably maintained under different pressures in separate dispensing apparatuses of the present invention as discussed below.
Accordingly, to place a wine or champagne bottle in the interior chamber of the housing, a valve in the nitrogen port of the communication member is actuated to prevent the nitrogen rich gas from leaking out of the communication member when the communication member is disconnected from the sealing member. When the communication and sealing members are disconnected, the sealing member can be inserted into a new open bottle and the communication member reconnected to the sealing member. Upon reconnection, the valve is then actuated to permit the flow of nitrogen rich gas. It should be appreciated that the stoppers are interchangeable for use in different embodiments of the wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus such as a portable apparatus as described below.
The nitrogen generator automatically generates nitrogen rich gas necessary for preserving wine or champagne inside the wine or champagne bottles. The nitrogen generator compresses ambient air and forces the air through an oxygen adsorbing member such as a carbon molecular sieve. The sieve preferentially adsorbs the oxygen molecules from the air and allows the nitrogen and other inert gases found in the atmosphere, to pass through the sieve. The collected nitrogen rich gas which is temporarily stored in a nitrogen gas storage tank and when necessary, is communicated through suitable tubing to the bottles. The nitrogen rich gas fills the head space over the liquid inside the bottles and blankets the liquid. The nitrogen rich gas blanket preserves the wine or champagne for a substantial period of time. The nitrogen generator generates nitrogen rich gas from air and accordingly eliminates the need to refill or replace nitrogen storage containers of the known devices described above.
The nitrogen generator efficiently separates nitrogen and other inert gases from the air for use in the wine or champagne dispensing apparatuses. However, it should be appreciated, that the nitrogen generator of the present invention does not need to be extremely efficient due to the unlimited supply of air and because substantial volumes of nitrogen rich gas are not needed due to the limited size of the bottles and because of the high levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere. This is contrary to existing commercial or industrial nitrogen gas generation systems which focus on efficiency and production volumes to maximize profit.
Inside the housing, one or more wine or champagne bottles may be chilled or cooled as desired. In one embodiment, a thermo-electric cooling unit draws in ambient air, removes the moisture from the air and cools the air according to a desired temperature inputted by a user. The cooled air is circulated by a fan located inside the housing. The fan supplies the cooled air to the desired sections of the interior compartments of the housing and cools or chills the wine or champagne bottles until a desired temperature is obtained. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes one or more divider panels, which can be inserted in slots formed in the container support to separate certain bottles. In one embodiment, each divider panel preferably includes an air baffle, which may be manually adjusted between a fully open position, a partially open position or a closed position. The air baffles enable cooled air to pass through openings in the baffles to cool other divided sections in the housing to a desired temperature. Therefore, the divider panels facilitate the chilling of the bottles positioned on the container support adjacent to the cooling system and insulate the bottles positioned on the container support opposite the cooling system and on the other side of the divided panels. The divider panels thus enable a user to chill one or more wine bottles while keeping other bottles at a warmer temperature.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling system includes cooling transfer members such as cooling pads or gel packs cooled by a thermo-electric cooling plate. In this embodiment, the container support has an inner and outer surface and a plurality of bottle receptacles for holding bottles on the support. Each receptacle has an area or a cutout or opening. A thermo-electric cooling plate is mounted below and adjacent to the inner surface of the container support and underneath each area or opening. The thermo-electric cooling plate is powered by a suitable power source and provides a cold top surface for chilling the bottles to a temperature that is less than ambient temperature. Alternatively, a plurality of cooling plates may be used for all areas. To generate the cold top surface, the thermo-electric cooling plate reverses the polarity of the metal plate. The reversed polarity creates a cold top plate surface and a warm bottom plate surface. The removable cooling transfer member or cooling pad is placed between the bottle and the thermo-electric cooling plate to transfer the cold temperature from the top surface of the cooling plate to the bottle (or to transfer heat from the bottle to the cooling plate). The temperature of a bottle can be adjusted by changing the amount or area of the cooling transfer member or cooling pad surface that contacts the cold surface of the thermo-electric cooling plate and the bottle. Alternatively, different size cooling transfer members or cooling pads may be employed. One or more bottles may be chilled using this cooling system.
The dispensing apparatus provides wine or champagne to a user or consumer through dispensers, such as spigots or faucets, mounted on the front of the housing. When a lever on a dispenser is actuated, a valve inside the dispenser opens and draws wine or champagne from the wine or champagne bottles and out of the dispenser. Releasing the lever causes the valve to close and stop the flow of wine or champagne out of the dispenser. Simultaneously, the nitrogen communication line, a one-way system, supplies nitrogen rich gas from the nitrogen storage tank into the bottle and continues to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle.
More specifically, the fluid pressure within the fluid communication lines of the wine preservation and dispensing apparatus preferably is set at approximately 5 pounds per square inch (psi). The pressure within the apparatus causes the internal pressure to be greater than the ambient pressure outside of the apparatus and therefore an unequal balance of pressure is created in the fluid communication lines of the dispensing system. When the dispenser valve is opened, the internal fluid pressure in the fluid communication lines of the apparatus pushes the fluid out of the bottles and into communication tubes that extend down into the bottles from the stopper assemblies. The wine or champagne travels through the communication tubes to the dispensers and then out of the dispensers to a user's glass
In another embodiment, the wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus is portable. The portable apparatus includes an insulated portable pack that preferably holds up to two wine or champagne containers; a cooling system which maintains a desired bottle temperature; and a nitrogen generator which generates nitrogen rich gas to preserve the wine or champagne in the containers. The stoppers used in the primary embodiment are interchangeable between the portable apparatus and the stationary apparatus in the primary embodiment of the present invention. The interchangeable stoppers enable a user to transfer a wine or champagne bottle from one apparatus to another quickly and with minimal exposure to the oxygen in the air. The portable apparatus may be powered by a conventional electrical plug and outlet; a cigarette lighter attachment for use in a car or other vehicle; a rechargeable battery; or other suitable power source. The portable apparatus enables a user to transport and consume wine or champagne outside of their home while preserving the quality and flavor of the wine or champagne.
In a further embodiment, the portable apparatus includes an insulated portable carrying pack and a nitrogen cartridge for providing nitrogen to preserve the wine or champagne in the pack. The nitrogen cartridge is refillable and in one embodiment can be refilled using a nitrogen dispenser as described below.
In yet a further embodiment, the portable apparatus includes a stopper, a nitrogen cartridge or storage tank, a spout, a bottle or container securing member, and a clamp or holder for transporting, preserving and dispensing a single bottle of wine or champagne. The clamp snaps over the circumference of a bottle and secures the apparatus to the bottle. The stopper fits into the bottle opening and a nitrogen fill port enables a user to attach the apparatus to a nitrogen dispenser, such as a refillable nitrogen cartridge, to fill the nitrogen storage tank. A user tilts the bottle and presses a button to release nitrogen from the nitrogen storage tank and into the bottle. The pressure of the nitrogen forces the wine or champagne out of the spout and into a user's glass. The nitrogen preserves the remaining wine or champagne in the bottle for future use.
In another embodiment, a nitrogen dispenser enables a user to fill or re-fill the nitrogen cartridges used in the portable wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatuses. The nitrogen dispenser has a docking bay, which can be integrally formed with the stationary version or a stand alone version of the wine or champagne dispensing apparatus, which includes an attachment for connecting the nitrogen cartridges. In a further embodiment, the nitrogen dispenser is a separate unit that is attachable to a side of the stationary apparatus, or is integrally formed with the side, and is connected or connectable to one of the nitrogen communication lines in that apparatus.
In alternative embodiments, the nitrogen generator is employed to preserve collectible items as described above. The nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen generator replaces the air and specifically, the oxygen in the air in a housing or other suitable container to provide a nitrogen blanket inside the housing, which significantly reduces the environmental degradation (i.e., aging) and deterioration of such collectible items.
In a preferred alternative embodiment, the nitrogen generator of the present invention is employed in an apparatus for preserving collectible items which includes a housing that protects and preserves the collectible items and keeps the collectible items from external conditions.
More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus or a collectible item preserver which includes a housing and a nitrogen generator. The nitrogen generator is mounted inside and is connected to or otherwise in communication with the housing. In one embodiment, the housing includes an upper, first or item storing compartment and a lower, second or mechanism storing compartment. The item storing compartment of the housing encloses the collectible item or collectible items which are being preserved by the apparatus. In one embodiment, the item storing compartment is manufactured using a suitable transparent material or a substantially transparent material (such as glass or plastic), which enables a person to view the collectible item or items stored inside the housing. In another embodiment, the item storing compartment is manufactured using a substantially non-transparent and non-translucent material. This type of material prevents sunlight from entering the housing and thereby prevents exposure of the collectible item or items in the housing to the sunlight. Additionally, the item storing compartment is also manufactured using an air-tight, substantially rigid material, which prevents air from entering the housing and which is not easily broken, punctured or otherwise penetrable. This further protects the collectible item stored in or displayed in the housing.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment includes a one-way exhaust port, which facilitates exhausting of the air displaced by the nitrogen gas supplied to the housing from the nitrogen generator. The exhaust port may be mounted in any suitable surface of the housing. In one preferred embodiment, the exhaust port includes a check valve or other suitable valve which enables air to be exhausted from the housing while preventing air from re-entering the housing through the exhaust port. The exhaust port is preferably positioned and attached to the housing such that the exhaust port is not visible by a person viewing a collectible item inside the housing. In one embodiment, the item storing compartment of the housing includes a lockable door or other suitable access panel which enables a user to open the item storing compartment of the housing to place a collectible item inside the housing or remove the collectible item from the housing. The door may be any suitable type of door or access panel.
In one embodiment, the lower compartment of the housing is manufactured using a substantially rigid material to enclose the nitrogen generator and protect the nitrogen generator from damage and/or tampering. In one embodiment, the lower compartment is manufactured using a non-transparent material or substantially non-transparent material so that the nitrogen generator and other components are not visible to a person viewing the collectible item inside the housing.
In one embodiment, the nitrogen generator is positioned and mounted inside the lower or mechanism storing compartment of the housing. In addition to the components of the nitrogen generator which are described in more detail above and below, the nitrogen generator in this embodiment includes an inlet port and at least one outlet port. The outlet port or ports or channels of the nitrogen generator are attached to a lower or communication surface of the item storing compartment such that an air-tight seal is formed between the perimeter of the outlet ports and the surface of the item storing compartment. This facilitates the supply of the nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen generator to the upper or storing compartment of the collectible item preserver. The inlet port of the nitrogen generator draws in ambient air (which includes oxygen) from outside of the housing and supplies the air to the carbon molecular sieve as describe above. The carbon molecular sieve separates the nitrogen from the air and supplies nitrogen rich gas to the housing. In one embodiment, the nitrogen generator is powered by electrical power supplied to the nitrogen generator through a power cord attached to the generator in a conventional manner. In another embodiment, a rechargeable battery powers the nitrogen generator for use at remote locations in a conventional manner. It should be appreciated that the nitrogen generator of the collectible item preserver does not need to be directly connected to the item storing compartment. In such case, the nitrogen generator must be in suitable communication with such compartment.
A collectible item or items are attached to or secured to the housing a suitable support, which is manufactured to accommodate the weight and size of the particular collectible item being displayed and/or stored. The support may be attached to any one or more of the inside surfaces or walls of the housing and specifically, the item storing compartment of the housing.
In one embodiment, a collectible item such as a painting is positioned and secured inside the item storing compartment of the housing. The collectible item is sealed inside the item storing compartment so as to minimize the effects of outside air and other environmental conditions on the collectible item. The housing is positioned and secured in place in the area in which the housing may be stored and/or displayed. The nitrogen generator draws in air and begins to generate nitrogen rich gas which is supplied or communicated to the item storing compartment of the housing. At the same time, the exhaust port exhausts the displaced air from the housing through the exhaust port of the housing. It should be appreciated that the nitrogen generator could include the exhaust port and some or all of the air drawn in by the nitrogen generator could be drawn in from inside the item storing compartment or container. The nitrogen is supplied to the housing and specifically the item storing compartment of the housing until a predetermined or desired nitrogen level is achieved inside the item storing compartment. Once the desired nitrogen level is achieved inside the item storing compartment, the nitrogen level is monitored using a suitable monitoring device such as a digital display or similar display that enables a user to see the level of the nitrogen inside the item storing compartment.
In an another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the preservation apparatus includes a nitrogen generator and a temperature control system and/or a humidity control system. The nitrogen generator operates as described above. In one embodiment, the temperature controller or control system controls the temperature inside the item storing compartment of the housing to further enhance the preservation of the collectible item in the housing. In one embodiment, the temperature control system adjusts the temperature of the nitrogen rich gas inside the housing to a desired temperature set by a user. In one embodiment, the humidity control system controls the humidity (i.e., the moisture level) inside the item storing compartment to further preserve the collectible item inside the housing. The humidity control system adjusts the humidity of the nitrogen rich gas inside the housing according to desired humidity levels set by the user. The combination of the nitrogen generator, temperature control system and/or the humidity control system further enhance the preservation of a collectible item stored inside the housing. The temperature and humidity controllers are preferably conventional, commercially acceptable mechanisms.
In one embodiment, the collectible item preserver of the present invention includes a suitable controller such as a computer or processor in communication with or which controls the temperature control system, the humidity control system and/or the nitrogen generator to control the operation of each of these units. A user may enter the desired levels for each of the units and thereby control the units. This may also be done or monitored from a remote location via suitable conventional communication devices. Furthermore, the computer may be programmed to monitor and control each of the individual systems and/or units automatically based on predetermined temperature, humidity and nitrogen levels set by the user.
In another embodiment, a light source (not shown) such as light emitting diode (LED), battery operated light or other suitable light source, is attached to an interior surface or wall of the item storing compartment of the housing. The light source illuminates the displayed collectible item to enable a viewer to better see or view the collectible item in the housing. One or a plurality of light sources may be attached to a surface inside the item storing compartment. In addition, the light source or sources may be attached to one or a plurality of the interior surfaces of the item storing compartment.
In further alternative embodiments, the nitrogen generator is employed to protect, preserve, or enhance other solids or liquids. The nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen generator replaces the air and thus the oxygen in a suitable housing which includes any suitable compartment, structure or container. This provides a nitrogen blanket inside the housing which significantly reduces the undesired conditions for such solids or liquids.
More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus or an item preserver, item protector, or item enhancer which includes a housing and a nitrogen generator. For purposes of this application, this apparatus is alternatively referred to as the apparatus, the item preserver, the item protector, or the item enhancer. The nitrogen generator in one embodiment is mounted inside the housing and in other embodiments is fluidly connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with the housing. In one embodiment, the housing includes an item storing compartment and a mechanism storing compartment. The item storing compartment of the housing encloses the item being preserved, protected, or enhanced by the apparatus. The item storing compartment is manufactured using a suitable material which may in part depend on the item being stored. The mechanism storing compartment of the housing in these embodiments stores the mechanisms including the nitrogen generator and the other components such as parts of the condition control, electrical, circulation, displacement and removal systems. The mechanism storing compartment is also manufactured using any suitable materials to enclose and protect the nitrogen generator and other components from damage and/or tampering.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment includes a one-way exhaust port as part of the circulation system, and which facilitates exhausting of the air in the compartment displaced by the nitrogen gas supplied to the housing from the nitrogen generator. The exhaust port may be mounted in any suitable surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the exhaust port includes a check valve or other suitable valve which enables air to be exhausted from the housing while preventing air from re-entering the housing through the exhaust port. It should be appreciated that any suitable exhausting system may be employed and that in one embodiment, the exhausting may be through the nitrogen generation system.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment of the housing includes at least one closeable and/or lockable door or other suitable access panel or member which enables a user to open the item storing compartment of the housing to place an item inside the housing or remove the item from the housing. This embodiment is primarily used for storing, preserving and protecting solids.
In another embodiment, one or more input and output liquid communications lines are connected to the item storing compartment of the housing to facilitate the access to the item in the housing. This embodiment is primarily used for storing, preserving and protecting liquids.
In various alternative embodiments of the present invention, the preservation, protection, or enhancement apparatus includes one or more suitable condition controllers or control systems such as a temperature control system or a humidity control system. These condition controllers or control systems regulate other conditions (besides the amount of nitrogen) inside the item storing compartment of the housing to further enhance the preservation of the item(s) stored in the housing.
In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a suitable computer or processor in communication with the condition controller or control systems and/or the nitrogen generator to control the operation of each of these units. A user may enter the desired levels for each of the units and thereby control the units. This may also be done or monitored from a remote location via suitable conventional communication devices. Furthermore, the computer or processor may be programmed to monitor and control each of the individual systems and/or units automatically based on predetermined levels set by the user. In various embodiments, one or more suitable sensor and/or valves are employed in conjunction with the computer or processor to sense conditions and control the operation of the apparatus. In other embodiments, the sensors and/or valves may be employed without the need for a computer or processor.
In each embodiment, a suitable power source is employed. The power source may be any conventional power source. In one embodiment, one or more light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) are employed in the item storing compartment of the housing. The light source illuminates the item to enable a viewer to better see or view the item in the housing.
It should thus be appreciated that the present invention may be employed in a variety of different applications to preserve, protect, or enhance various items such as solids or liquids. Examples of some of these applications are discussed below. However, the examples discussed herein should not be considered to limit the applications of the present invention.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a self-contained automatic item preservation, protection, or enhancement apparatus.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a self-contained automatic item preservation, protection, or enhancement apparatus for solids or liquids that may be used in commercial, non-commercial and residential settings.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, people who drink wine or champagne may only drink one glass, part of a bottle or some other quantity after opening a bottle. The wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus of the present invention operates to preserve the flavor of the remaining quantity of wine or champagne in an opened bottle for a substantial period of time and also operates to dispense wine or champagne on an as needed basis. Referring now to
The apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 having a frame 16 with a bezel panel 18, a door 19 that is rotatably attached to the frame 16, and dispensers 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d that are connected to the front of the bezel panel. The apparatus 10 includes a container or bottle support 33 mounted inside of the frame 16 of the housing 12 to support the wine or champagne bottles 11a and 11b. The apparatus 10 includes a nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas generator 46 mounted in the housing 12 under or behind the container support 33. The nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas generator 46 draws in air, separates the nitrogen and other inert gases in the air from the oxygen and then supplies the nitrogen rich gas to a nitrogen storage container or storage tank 76 and then to the containers or bottles in the housing to provide optimal preservation of the wine or champagne. The apparatus 10 also preferably includes a cooling system 44 mounted in the housing 12, which chills or cools particular types of wine or champagne as desired. As illustrated in
More specifically, one embodiment of the housing 12 has opposing side panels 14a and 14b, a back panel 14c, a bezel panel 18, a top panel 16a and a bottom panel 16b. The back panel 14c and the bottom panel 16b are integrally formed or otherwise attached in a conventional manner to form a chassis 13, which is the main support for the frame. Similarly, the top panel 16a and the two side panels, 14a and 14b, are integrally formed to provide the top or cover 15 of the frame. It should be appreciated that the side panels 14a and 14b, back panel 14c, top panel 16a and the bottom panel 16b may be attached in any order to assemble the frame. The chassis 13 and the cover 15 form the frame 16 of housing 12 and define the interior chamber of the housing 12. A support bracket 17 is mounted to the front of the frame 16 and bezel panel 18 is mounted to the support bracket.
The bezel panel 18 provides a decorative appearance for the front of the apparatus. The bezel panel 18 has a recessed area for mounting the door 19 so that the door is flush or even with the front surface of the bezel panel. It should be appreciated that the panels and the support bracket are preferably steel, however, any suitable material may be used in constructing the panels and support bracket. The frame 16 is the fundamental structure of the housing and protects the internal components of the housing 12. The container support 33, the nitrogen generator 46 and the cooling system 44 are mounted to or inside the frame 16 of the housing 12.
In one embodiment, the bezel panel 18 is decorated or designed using in-mold decoration to provide a decorative appearance. In-mold decoration molds or forms a design or pattern in the surfaces of the door and the bezel panel. Therefore, several different types of designs, patterns or logos can be formed in the front surface of the door. For example, a wood grain or wood panel design can be formed to make the apparatus appear as though it was manufactured with wood. The manufacturer could also place a company logo, image, or design in the front surface of the door and/or the bezel panel. The in-mold decoration enables a manufacturer to customize the appearance of the apparatus for a wide variety of users.
The apparatus 10 includes an insulated door 19 pivotally attached to a hinge frame 21 having hinge pins 21a and 21b and preferably includes insulation in the door (not shown). The door 19 includes a front door component 19a, a rear door component 19b, a glass panel 20 and a door seal 23. The glass panel 20 is suitably secured between the front and rear door components 19a and 19b, respectively, and enables a person to view the interior chamber of the housing 12. The glass panel 20 is preferably manufactured with thermo-pane glass that maintains the interior chamber conditions, such as temperature, within the housing 12. The glass panel 20 is also preferably surrounded with insulation (not shown) and transparent so that a person may read the labels on the bottles positioned inside the apparatus 10. It should be appreciated that the panel 20 may alternatively be manufactured with any suitable plastic material or any other suitable transparent material. Furthermore, the door 19 includes a door seal 23 attached to the outside of the rear door component 19b with suitable fasteners. The door seal 23 provides a substantially air-tight seal between the door 19 and the bezel panel 18 so that the temperature inside the apparatus may be maintained at a predetermined level. It should be appreciated that the in-mold decoration method described above may be used to customize the appearance of the door. Preferably, the appearance of the door matches the appearance of the bezel panel 18. However, any combination of designs, patterns, images or logos may be used to decorate the door and the bezel panel.
The hinge frame 21 includes hinge pins 21a and 21b, which slide or screw into corresponding holes on the top and bottom of the door 19 and enable the door to rotate about the pins. The hinge frame 21 mounts to the front of the bezel panel 18 with suitable fasteners and secures the door to the bezel panel. The door 19 provides access to the interior chamber or compartment of the housing 12 and specifically, to the container support 33 and the stoppers 84 (shown in more detail in
In one embodiment, the door 19 also includes a door handle 22, which enables a user to open the door. The door handle 22 is a recessed area formed in the door 19 and enables a user to fit a hand into the recessed area to pull the door open. In one embodiment, the door seal 23 includes a magnetic strip that is positioned along the top, bottom and non-hinge sides of the frame. The magnetic strip attracts the metal surface of the hinge frame 21 and holds the door closed against the bezel panel 18. The present invention also preferably includes a poron gasket (not shown) attached to the bezel panel 18 which facilitates an even closure. Alternatively, the door 19 may include a handle that mounts to the front of the door. Furthermore, the door may include a tab 37 that engages a corresponding receptacle 38 on the bezel panel 18 that secures the door against the bezel panel. It should be appreciated that other door handles and door latching mechanisms may be used as desired by the manufacturer.
The interior chamber of the housing 12 includes a container support 33. The container support 33 has a plurality of container or bottle receptacles 34 which are integrally formed in the container support to hold bottles, and a plurality of panel slots 35 defined by the container support. The receptacles 34 on the container support 33 slope at a predetermined angle for optimal viewing of the wine or champagne bottles in the interior chamber of the housing 12. Also, the container support is preferably vacuum formed from a durable material such as plastic and is removably attached to the frame 16 in the interior chamber of the housing 12.
The plurality of container receptacles 34 formed in the container support 33 are adapted to hold various sizes and shapes of wine and champagne bottles. In one embodiment, there are four container receptacles 34 spaced equally on the container support 33. It should be appreciated that the number of container receptacles 34 may vary depending on the size and shape of the frame 16 and housing 12. Preferably at least one panel slot 35 is located between each container receptacle 34. Each panel slot 35 is adapted to receive an optional divider panel 190 (shown in more detail in
As indicated above, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of dispensers 24 which dispense the wine or champagne to a user; an electrical system 42, which powers components of the apparatus; a cooling system 44 for chilling bottles of wine or champagne; a nitrogen generator 46 for generating nitrogen rich gas; and other components in housing 12.
Referring now to
The nitrogen generator of the present invention can be pneumatically controlled, electro-pneumatically controlled or electrically or electronically controlled. One embodiment of the pneumatically controlled nitrogen generator is illustrated in
In the embodiment of
A pressure swing adsorption chamber 70 is attached to the air dryer. The dried compressed air from the air compressor 64 is supplied to the pressure swing adsorption chamber 70. A low pressure switch 76B senses the pressure in the nitrogen storage tank 76. When the low pressure switch 76B senses that the pressure inside the nitrogen storage tank 76 is below 20 psi, the switch closes and the relay switch 73 is energized. The energized relay switch 73 activates the solenoid dump valve 68 to close and activates or supplies power to the air compressor 64. The air compressor 64 supplies dried compressed air to the adsorption chamber 70 until the pressure in the chamber reaches 120 psi. Once the pressure in the chamber 70 reaches 120 psi, the pressure retaining valve 72 opens and the air in the adsorption chamber 70 passes through a carbon molecular sieve 100 having activated charcoal, which adsorbs the oxygen molecules in the compressed air. The remaining nitrogen rich gas, which includes a high concentration of nitrogen plus other inert gases, passes through the carbon molecular sieve 100 and enters the nitrogen storage tank 76. A high pressure switch 76A senses when the pressure in the nitrogen storage tank 76 reaches 110 psi. When the pressure in the nitrogen storage tank 76 reaches 110 psi, the high pressure switch 76A opens and de-energizes the relay switch 73. As a result, the air compressor 64 de-actives or shuts down and the solenoid dump valve 68 opens. Once open, the dump valve 68 vents or exhausts the oxygen molecules adsorbed by the carbon molecular sieve and returns the adsorption chamber 70 back to ambient pressure. The dump valve 68 also vents the moisture from the air dryer 66 out of the apparatus through the exhaust 69, which dries the desiccant in the dryer.
If the pressure of the dried compressed air inside the adsorption chamber 70 becomes too high, a high pressure relief valve (not shown) opens and releases the excess pressure to the atmosphere. The nitrogen storage tank 76 is attached to the adsorption chamber 70 and is adapted to store the nitrogen rich gas under the necessary pressure until it is needed. It should be appreciated that any reasonable pressure limits may be used to control the supply of nitrogen rich gas in the apparatus 10.
The pressure of the nitrogen rich gas is preferably reduced by a pressure controller such as pressure reducer 78 (illustrated in
The pressure swing adsorption chamber 70 of the nitrogen generator includes end caps 94 and 102, a pipe 96, a nylon mesh bag 98 and an activated carbon molecular sieve 100. The carbon molecular sieve 100 traps the oxygen molecules in the compressed air as the compressed air passes through the sieve. The sieve 100 is fitted into a nylon mesh bag 98, which holds the activated charcoal granules together. The pipe 96 is closed on both ends by caps 94 and 102.
One end of the adsorption chamber includes the dryer which has male threaded members to attach to the cap 94 and the solenoid dump valve 68. The dump valve 68 opens to release the oxygen molecules trapped by the oxygen adsorbing member or carbon molecular sieve and any excess pressure from the adsorption chamber 70 to the atmosphere. A dual threaded male nylon fitting 104 screws into cap 102 on the other end of the adsorption chamber. The nylon fitting 104 screws into a corresponding female threaded receptacle in the pressure retaining valve 72. The pressure retaining valve 72 controls the supply of nitrogen to the nitrogen storage tank 76. When the pressure in the adsorption chamber 70 reaches the predetermined set-point of the pressure retaining valve 72, the retaining valve 72 opens to supply the nitrogen rich gas to the nitrogen storage tank 76, while maintaining a constant pressure in the adsorption chamber 70.
A nylon fitting 108 having a barbed end and a male threaded end screws into the pressure retaining valve 72. Suitable tubing or a gas communication line 112 is attached to the barbed end of the fitting 108 and is secured with a suitable hose clamp 110. The hose clamp 110 prevents the tubing 112 from slipping off of the barbed end of the fitting 108. A suitable hose clamp 114 also holds the other end of the tubing 112 onto the nitrogen storage tank 76.
In operation, the compressed air enters the nylon fitting 88 at point “A.” The air passes through fitting 88 and into dryer assembly 66 which contains a desiccant such as silica. The dryer assembly or air dryer 66 may be any suitable commercially available dryer. The desiccant adsorbs the moisture in the compressed air. The resultant dried compressed air exits the dryer assembly 66 and enters the adsorption chamber 70. In another embodiment, the dryer assembly is a separate unit that is connected to the adsorption chamber 70 via suitable tubing. In still another embodiment, the nitrogen generator 46 includes both a separate dryer unit and a dryer assembly 66 attached to the adsorption chamber 70 for drying the compressed air. Also, it should be appreciated that the desiccant used to dry the compressed air may be any suitable desiccant.
The dried compressed air enters the adsorption chamber 70 through cap 94. The dried air then passes through the nylon mesh bag 98 and over the carbon sieve 100. The carbon sieve includes activated charcoal that has very fine pores to promote the adsorption of the oxygen molecules from the air. The activated charcoal may be any suitable activated charcoal material such as Activated Charcoal #162 supplied by Takeda Chemical Industries. During the carbon adsorption process, the oxygen molecules diffuse at a higher rate into the narrow gaps of the carbon pore system and the nitrogen molecules and the other gases in the air diffuse at a lower rate into the carbon pores. Therefore, at optimized pressure, temperature, time and diffusion lengths, the majority of the oxygen molecules are removed from the air and the nitrogen molecules pass by the carbon sieve. When the pressure in the adsorption chamber 70 reaches 120 psi, the pressure retaining valve 72 opens. The nitrogen rich gas then passes through the pressure retaining valve 72, through nylon fitting 108 and tube 112 to the nitrogen storage tank 76 (shown in
When nitrogen rich gas is required to replace air in the head space of the wine bottles in the apparatus 10, the nitrogen rich gas is released from the nitrogen storage tank 76 through suitable tubing to the manifold 80 shown in more detail in
Referring back to
In the second alternative embodiment, the control 30b enables a user to input a desired cooling temperature for the interior chamber of the housing 12. The cooling temperature selected by the user is communicated from the control device (not shown) to a temperature controller 58, which turns on or activates a thermo-electric cooling unit 60 until the desired temperature is achieved in the housing. For example, a temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple or thermometer (not shown) may be employed to sense the interior chamber temperature of housing 12. If the interior chamber temperature of the housing 12 is above the desired temperature, the temperature controller 58 signals the thermo-electric cooling unit 60 to provide cooled air to the interior chamber of housing 12. A circulating fan 40 circulates the cooled air from the cooling unit 60 around the interior chamber of the apparatus 10. The thermo-electric cooling unit 60 and fan 40 continue to provide cooled air to the interior chamber of housing 12 until the desired temperature is achieved. At that point, the temperature controller signals the cooling unit 60 and fan 40 to shut off.
Referring now to
The temperature of the wine bottle depends on how much of the cold temperature of the cooling plate 61 is transferred to the bottle by the cooling transfer member or cooling pad 62. Therefore, to fully or completely chill a wine bottle, the entire cooling transfer member or cooling pad 62 must contact the cooling plate and the wine bottle as illustrated in
It should be appreciated that other suitable cooling systems may be used to cool or chill the wine or champagne bottles in the apparatus. For example, the thermo-electric cooling plates 61 and one or more circulating fans 40 can be employed in the cooling system 44. In this example, a cooling plate is attached or positioned underneath the container support 33. The cooling plate or plates 61 generate a cold top surface as described above. The circulating fan, which is preferably attached adjacent to the container support 33, such as along side, beneath, behind or above the support, circulates air over the cooling plate or plates. The air is cooled by convection as the air crosses over and contacts the cold top surface of the cooling plate. The cooled air is circulated by the circulation fan and cools the bottles in the interior chamber of the apparatus. It should be further appreciated that any combination of the cooling plates 61, cooling transfer members or cooling pads 62 and one or more circulating fans 40 may be used in the cooling system 44.
The apparatus 10 also includes an electrical system 42 which provides power to the cooling system 44, the nitrogen generator 46, interior lighting 56 and other components located in the interior chamber of the housing 12. Referring to
Referring now to
The body of each dispenser 24 is placed through corresponding openings in the bezel panel 18 of the preservation and dispensing apparatus 10 and screwed into a nut 188, which is on the opposite side of the bezel panel, until the dispenser is flush against the bezel panel 18. The nuts 188 secure the dispensers in place on the bezel panel 18. The transport tubes 164 are attached to the barbed ends 186 of the dispensers. The barbed end provides a tight and secure fit to the transport tubes so that the transport tubes do not slip off of the dispensers 24a to 24d.
Referring now to
The stopper 84 includes a communication member 122a and a sealing member 122b. The communication member 122a is attached to the gas or nitrogen supply communication line or tubing and to the fluid communication lines or tubing connected to the dispensers 24a to 24d. The sealing member 122b is inserted into the opening of a bottle (i.e., similar to the way a cork fits into a bottle opening). The communication member 122a is removably attachable to the sealing member 122b. If the communication and sealing members 122a and 122b are separated or disconnected from each other, the communication member 122a remains sealed to prevent the nitrogen rich gas from leaking out of the communication member. The individual parts of the communication and sealing members 122a and 122b, respectively, are shown in more detail in FIGS. 9 to 13 to describe how the parts interrelate and operate within each stopper 84.
The communication member 122a includes a top plate 124, two barbed locking arms 125, stop valve spring 128, stainless steel check ball or sealer 130, o-ring 132 and upper body 134 having gas inlet port 136 and liquid outlet port 137, disconnect gas probe 138, disconnect liquid probe 139 and o-rings 140.
The sealing member 122b includes a lower body 142, bottom plate 150 that is permanently secured to the lower body, flanged rubber stopper 156 and transport tube 164. The lower body 142 has a liquid port 144, gas port 146, two lock receivers 147 and two lock slots 148. The bottom plate 150 of the lower body includes a liquid port 151, stop valve actuator post 152, one or more nitrogen ports 155 and an outer rim 154. The flanged rubber stopper 156 has a rubber flange 158, outlet port 160 and a flanged stem 162. A transport tube 164 transports the liquid from the bottles to the stopper. The transport tube 164 includes an upper draft tube 166 and end tube 168.
The top plate 124 is permanently secured to the upper body 134. Locking arms 125 are integrally molded to the top plate 124 and slide into the corresponding channels 135 on upper body 134 to secure the top plate and upper body 134 to the sealing member 122b. The tabs 126 located on each locking arm 125 are received by the corresponding lock receivers 147 on the lower body 142 and the tabs 126 engage the lock slots 148. When the tabs 126 engage lock slots 148, the top plate 124 is secured in place on top of the upper body 134 and to lower body 142.
The stop valve spring 128, stainless steel check ball 130 and o-ring 132 are positioned inside the upper body 134 and in-line with the gas port 146 on the lower body 142. As shown in
The bottom plate 150 is permanently secured to the lower body 142. Additionally, the bottom plate 150 is secured to the flanged rubber stopper 156 by placing the bottom plate 150 on top of the rubber stopper 156. The circular rubber flange 158 slides over the outer rim 154 of the bottom plate 150, which joins the bottom plate of the lower body 142 to the rubber stopper 156 and provides an air-tight seal between the bottom plate of the lower body and the stopper. Furthermore, the upper body 134 and the lower body 142 are secured together by locking arms 125, tabs 126 and lock slots 148 so that the stop valve actuator post 152 is aligned directly below and in the center of gas port 146. The upper body 134 can be released from the lower body 142 by pressing tabs 126 inward and pulling the upper and lower bodies apart.
An end 165a of the upper draft tube 166 is connected to the end tube 168. The end tube 168 has a slightly larger inside diameter than the upper draft tube 166 so that the end tube fits securely over the upper draft tube end 165a as illustrated in
In operation, the sealing member 122b is placed securely into a bottle that contains wine or champagne by inserting the flanged stem 162 of the rubber stopper 156 into the bottle opening. The annular flanged rings located on the flanged stem press against the inside walls of the opening to seal the interior chamber of the bottle from the outside ambient air. As the flanged stem 162 is inserted into the bottle opening, the transport tube 164 is also inserted down through the bottle opening and into the liquid inside the bottle. The bottle or sealing member 122b rotates so that the end tube 168 on the transport tube 164 is located in the lowest point of the interior chamber of the bottle (as illustrated in
The gas inlet port 136 on the communication member 122a is connected to tubing or gas communication line that extends from the nitrogen generator 46. Similarly, the liquid outlet port 137 is connected to tubing or liquid communication line that extends between the liquid outlet port 137 and one of the dispensers 24a to 24d. The tubing is secured to the barbed ports 136 and 137 by hose clamps or any other suitable device. After the communication member 122a is secured to the tubing, the bottom of the communication member is placed on the top of the sealing member 122b, which is firmly secured in the bottle opening.
O-rings 140 are placed onto the disconnect gas probe 138 and the disconnect liquid probe 139 and the probes are inserted into corresponding liquid port 144 and gas port 146 on the lower body 142. The o-rings 140 and annular flanges on the probes provide an air-tight seal between the probes of the communication member 122a and the sealing member 122b.
As the gas probe 138 is inserted into the gas port 146, the stop valve actuator post 152 extends through the center of the gas probe 138 and against the bottom of the check ball 130. The length of the actuator post 152 is predetermined so that the actuator post 152 is of a sufficient length to extend through the gas probe 138 and push the check ball 130 upwards against the valve spring 128 and away from the o-ring 132. Once the check ball 130 is pushed upwards away from the o-ring 132, the seal established between the ball and the o-ring is broken, thereby enabling the nitrogen rich gas to pass through the gas port 146 and into the gas probe 138.
When the sealing member 122b is disconnected or removed from the communication member 122a, the pressure of the actuator post 152 on the check ball 130 is gradually released as the post moves downward away from the ball. At the same time, the valve spring 128 pushes against the top of the check ball 130 inside the guide tube 127. The spring biases or forces the check ball 130 to move downward and into the o-ring 132, which seals the gas port opening into the gas probe 138. Therefore, the gas inlet line attached to the communication member 122a can remain attached to the upper unit because the check ball 130 and o-ring seal prevents any gas from escaping. It should be appreciated that the valve spring 128 is sized and designed to provide a sufficient amount of force to the top of the check ball 130 so that the check ball 130 maintains the seal between the ball 130 and the o-ring 132.
Once the communication member 122a is attached to the sealing member 122b, the actuator 152 presses against the check ball 130 and enables the nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen rich gas generator to flow through the stopper. The nitrogen rich gas flows into the gas probe 136 via suitable tubing that extends from the nitrogen gas manifold (as illustrated in
The nitrogen rich gas fills the chamber and flows underneath the check ball 130 into the gas probe 138. The gas then fills the gas chamber 146 in the lower body 142. Referring to
The compressed nitrogen rich gas in the bottles also promotes the transport of the wine or champagne from the bottles to the dispensers. Because the pressure inside the bottles is higher than the ambient pressure outside the bottles, a suction effect is produced anytime an opening is created in the dispensing system. Therefore, when a valve is opened in a dispenser, the high pressure of the system wants to equalize with the low ambient pressure outside the apparatus 10. Since the pressure of the nitrogen rich gas is maintained at a constant level inside the bottles, pressure equalization will occur whenever a dispenser valve is opened. The pressure equalization provides a suction effect inside the system so that the liquid inside the bottles is drawn out of the bottles and travels through the transport tube 164 to the dispensers.
Once a dispenser valve is opened, the liquid inside the bottles flows up through the transport tube 164 and into the liquid chamber 144 of the lower body 142. The liquid then flows into the liquid probe 139, through the upper body 134 and into the liquid port 137. From the liquid port 137, the liquid flows through the tubing to the dispenser and into the glass of a user. Once the dispenser valve is closed, the suction effect ceases and the wine discontinues its flow from the bottle to the dispenser. Furthermore, any of the dispensers may be held open after a bottle is empty to fill the transport tubes and associated tubing with nitrogen rich gas and purge wine residue from the system. This process ensures that a new replacement bottle will not be contaminated by oxygen or wine residue that remains in the dispensing system. However, it should be appreciated that the entire dispensing system is sealed so that no air enters the bottles from the dispensers and no wine leaks from the system.
Referring now to
If less than four bottles are chilled in the apparatus 10, then a divider panel 190 is used to separate the bottles to be chilled from the bottles that are to remain at room temperature. The divider panel 190 is placed inside the preservation and dispensing apparatus 10. Each divider panel 190 slides through the door opening in the bezel panel 18. The bottom slanted edge of each front panel 190 is fitted into a divider panel slot 35, which is disposed between each container or container receptacle 34. The divider panel 190 fits securely into the divider panel slot 35 to maintain the divider panel in place inside the apparatus 10. The divider panel 190 separates the container support into two or more sections (i.e., the divider panel 190 completely separates and seals selected bottles to a particular interior chamber area that is defined by the divider panel). In one embodiment, an air baffle 214 is formed in each divider panel 190 to allow cooled air to pass from one divided section to another to chill wine bottles to the same or different temperatures.
A divider panel 190 is placed between the container receptacles 34 to enclose a particular bottle or bottles between the divider panel 190 and the circulating fan 40 (shown in
The air baffle can be fully opened to allow the maximum amount of cooled air to pass through the baffle and completely chill a wine bottle to the maximum chill temperature. The air baffle can be partially opened to allow a medium amount of air to pass through the baffle, and therefore provide a medium or mid-level chill temperature. Also, the air baffle 214 can be fully closed to prevent cooled air from passing through the air baffle and keep the bottle at room temperature.
Referring now to
The storage, preservation and dispensing apparatus 10 and the operation of this apparatus is equally suited for any types of wine or champagne. For wine, the pressure of the nitrogen rich gas is preferably approximately 5 psi. For champagne, the pressure of the nitrogen rich gas is preferably approximately 9 psi (to maintain the bubbly characteristic of champagne). Accordingly, the wine dispensing apparatus and the champagne dispensing apparatuses of the present invention are preferably two separate apparatuses, one for wine and one for champagne. However, it should be appreciated that a single unit adapted to provide different pressures for different bottles is contemplated by the present invention.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In operation, a user tilts the frame 221 and attached a bottle as if to pour the wine or champagne from the bottle into a glass. As the user tilts the bottle, the user presses the nitrogen release valve 228 and provides a gentle flow of nitrogen (approximately 4 psi or less) from the nitrogen storage container 226 into the bottle. An amount of wine or champagne equal to the amount of nitrogen supplied to the bottle is dispensed from the dispenser 230. When a user stops dispensing the wine or champagne from the bottle, the user releases the valve 228. The nitrogen supplied to the bottle remains in the bottle to preserve the wine or champagne.
Referring now to
The nitrogen generator 46 may also be used to preserve other types of items such as old papers, paintings and family heirlooms. The nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen generator replaces the air and specifically, the oxygen in the air in a housing or other suitable container to provide a nitrogen blanket inside the housing, which significantly reduces the environmental degradation and deterioration of the items.
In one alternative embodiment, the nitrogen generator of the present invention is employed in an apparatus for preserving any suitable collectible item. In one embodiment, the collectible item preserver or apparatus 400a includes a housing 401 and a nitrogen generator 46, which is mounted inside and is connected or otherwise in communication with the housing. In one embodiment, the housing 401 includes an upper, first or item storing compartment 402 and a lower, second or mechanism storing compartment 404. The item storing compartment 402 of the housing encloses the collectible item or collectible items such as painting 406 which are being preserved by the apparatus. The mechanism storing compartment 404 is separated from the item storing compartment 402 by a divider 417 or other suitable separator and includes the nitrogen generator 46. In one embodiment, the item storing compartment 402 is manufactured using a transparent material or a substantially transparent material such as glass or plastic, which enables a person to view the collectible item stored inside the housing 401. This transparent material may be used to display such collectible items as described above.
In another embodiment, the item storing compartment 402 is manufactured using a substantially non-transparent and non-translucent material such as opaque glass or plastic. This type of material prevents sunlight from entering the housing and thereby prevents exposure of the collectible item or items in the housing to the sunlight. This embodiment is employed of preservation apparatus including collectible items that are being stored or saved and not displayed. Additionally, the item storing compartment 402 is manufactured so that the compartment is air-tight. This prevents air and/or moisture from the surrounding environment from entering the housing 401 and specifically, the item storing compartment 402, which degrades and/or deteriorates the collectible item 406. The item storing compartment is also preferably manufactured using a rigid material such as plastic, which is not easily broken, punctured or otherwise penetrable. This further protects the collectible item stored in or displayed in the housing 401. It should be appreciated that the item storing compartment 402 may be manufactured using any suitable material. It should also be appreciated that the item storing compartment may be made of varies different sizes and shapes to accommodate collectible items having different sizes and/or shapes. It should further be appreciated that the nitrogen generator of the collectible item preserver does not need to be directly connected to the item storing compartment. In such a case, the nitrogen generator must be in suitable communication with such compartment.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment 402 includes a one-way exhaust port 415, which facilitates the exhausting of the air displaced by the nitrogen gas supplied to the housing from the nitrogen generator. The exhaust port 415 may be mounted or otherwise attached to and extends from the nitrogen generator 46 and outside of the housing 401. The exhaust port 415 may be directed from or exit the housing 401 from any suitable surface or wall of the housing 401. Also, the exhaust port is connected to the housing and forms a air-tight seal with the housing. In one embodiment, the exhaust port includes a check valve or other suitable one-way valve, which enables air to be exhausted from the housing while preventing air from re-entering the housing through the exhaust port. Preferably, the exhaust port 415 is positioned and attached to the housing 401 such that the exhaust port 415 is not visible by a person viewing a collectible item inside the housing 401. It should be appreciated that the nitrogen generator could include the exhaust port and some or all of the air drawn in by the nitrogen generator cold be drawn in from inside the item storing compartment or container.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment 401 includes a lockable door or other suitable access panel (not shown) which enables a user to open the item storing compartment 401 to place a collectible item inside the housing. It should be appreciated that the door may be any suitable type of door or access panel. It should also be appreciated that the lock or lock mechanism attached to the door may be any suitable locking device or mechanism.
The mechanism storing compartment 404 of the housing 401 is manufactured with a suitable rigid material such as plastic to enclose the nitrogen generator 46 and protect the nitrogen generator from damage and/or tampering. In one embodiment, the mechanism storing compartment 404 is manufactured using a non-transparent material or substantially non-transparent material so that the nitrogen generator 46 and other components are not visible to a person viewing the collectible item inside the housing 401. This further enhances the overall appearance of the apparatus 400a.
The nitrogen generator 46 (as illustrated in
The nitrogen generator 46 also includes a power cord 416 which transfers electrical power from an electrical supply source such as a conventional electrical outlet to the nitrogen generator to provide power to the nitrogen generator 46 in a conventional manner. The power cord 416 is also positioned so that the power cord 416 is not visible by a person viewing the collectible item in the housing 401.
Referring to
In one embodiment, a collectible item such as painting 406 is positioned and secured inside the item storing compartment 402 of the housing 401. The collectible item is then sealed inside the item storing compartment 402 so that air and other environmental conditions do not effect the condition of the collectible item. The housing 401 is then positioned and secured in place in the area in which the housing may be stored and/or displayed. The power cord 416 of the nitrogen generator 46 is then plugged into a conventional outlet to supply power to the nitrogen generator in a conventional manner. The nitrogen generator draws in air through inlet port 414 and begins to generate nitrogen rich gas as described above, which is supplied to the item storing compartment 402 of the housing 401 through outlet ports 410 and 412. At the same time, the exhaust port 415 exhausts the air which is displaced by the nitrogen rich gas in the item storing compartment 402. The air is exhausted from the exhaust port 415 outside of the housing 401. The nitrogen rich gas is supplied to the item storing compartment 402 until a predetermined or desired nitrogen gas level is achieved inside the item storing compartment 402. The nitrogen level inside the item storing compartment 402 is determined by a user based on the specific collectible item or items displayed inside the housing 401 and on the condition of the particular collectible item. It should be appreciated that several other factors may be considered to determine the suitable nitrogen level inside the item storing compartment 402.
Once the desired nitrogen level is achieved inside the item storing compartment 402, the nitrogen level is then monitored using a suitable monitoring device such as a digital display or similar display (not shown) that enables a user to see the actual level of the nitrogen inside the item storing compartment 402. The presence of the nitrogen rich gas inside the item storing compartment 402 helps to preserve the collectible item 406 inside the housing 401 and maintain the condition of the collectible item. Therefore, the effects of the environmental conditions on the collectible item are significantly reduced.
Referring now to
Additionally in one embodiment, a humidity controller or control system 428 is employed in this embodiment of the present invention. The humidity control system controls the humidity (i.e., the moisture level) inside the item storing compartment 402 to further preserve the collectible item 406 inside the housing 401. The humidity control system includes an inlet port 430, an outlet port 432 and an exhaust port 434. The inlet port 430 receives the nitrogen rich gas from the item storing compartment 402 and then measures the humidity level of the gas. A user specifies the desired humidity level of the nitrogen rich gas inside the item storing compartment 402 by using a suitable input attached to the humidity control system. The humidity of the nitrogen rich gas is then adjusted according to the desired humidity levels set by the user and the adjusted nitrogen rich gas is then supplied back into the item storing compartment 402 through outlet port 432. The exhaust port 434 exhausts any excess nitrogen rich gas and moisture built up inside the humidity control system 428. A power cord 416b is attached to the humidity control system supplies electricity from a conventional power outlet to the humidity control system in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, a display such as a digital display (not shown) is attached to and communicates with the humidity control system to enable a user to monitor the humidity level of the nitrogen rich gas inside the item storing compartment 402.
In one embodiment, the collectible preserver of the present invention includes a suitable controller such as a computer or processor in communication with the temperature control system 420, the humidity control system 428 and/or the nitrogen generator 46 to control the operation of each of these units. A user may then remotely enter the desired levels for each of the units and thereby control the units from the remote location. Furthermore, the computer may be programmed to monitor and control each of the individual systems and/or units based on predetermined temperature, humidity and nitrogen levels desired by the user. In another embodiment, the systems are monitored from a remote location using one or more suitable communication devices.
In a further embodiment, a rechargeable battery or batteries may be employed in the embodiments described above to enable a user to use the apparatus 400a or 400b at remote locations where power such as electrical power may be in limited supply. The rechargeable battery or batteries may be any suitable rechargeable batteries.
In another embodiment, an illumination device or light source (not shown) such as light emitting diode (LED), battery operated light or other suitable light source, is attached to an interior surface or wall of the item storing compartment 402 of the housing. The light source illuminates the displayed collectible item such as the painting 406 shown in
The present invention contemplates further embodiments for preserving, protecting, or enhancing items such as solids and liquids. Similar to the embodiments described above, in these embodiments, the nitrogen rich gas generated by the nitrogen generator replaces the air or the oxygen in the air in an item storing housing to provide a nitrogen blanket inside the housing, which significantly reduces damage, degradation, deterioration, spoilage, and in some instances explosion of the solid or liquids.
These embodiments generally include a mechanical housing, a nitrogen generator, an electrical system or power system, and a suitable circulation system configured to remove oxygen and other gases from the item storing compartment and blanket the item storing compartment with nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas. In certain additional embodiments, other suitable condition control systems are employed as necessary to control other conditions in the item storing compartment to further prevent damage, degradation, deterioration, spoilage, and in some instances explosion of the solid or liquids.
Referring now generally to
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment 502 includes a one-way exhaust port 515 which facilitates the exhausting of the air displaced by the nitrogen gas supplied to the housing from the nitrogen generator. The exhaust port 515 may be directed from or exit the housing 501 from any suitable surface or wall of the housing 501. In one embodiment, the exhaust port includes a check valve or other suitable one-way valve, which enables air to be exhausted from the housing while preventing air from re-entering the housing through the exhaust port. The exhaust port may alternatively be provided in conjunction with the nitrogen generator. The exhaust can accordingly be provided through any suitable fluid communication line.
In one embodiment, the item storing compartment includes a closeable and/or lockable door or other suitable access panel (not shown) which enables a user to open the item storing compartment to place an item inside or to remove an item from the housing. It should also be appreciated that the lock or locking mechanism attached to the door may be any suitable locking device or mechanism.
The nitrogen generator 46 is supported by, positioned and mounted inside the mechanism storing compartment 504 of the housing 501 in one embodiment. In addition to the components of the nitrogen generator 46 as described above, the nitrogen generator in this embodiment further includes an inlet port 514 and at least one outlet port such as outlet ports 510 and 512. The outlet ports 510 and 512 extend from a surface of the nitrogen generator 46 and are attached to the mechanism storing surface or wall of the item storing compartment 54. 502 of the housing 501. This can be configured in any suitable manner and with any suitable fluid communication lines. The outlet ports 510 and 512 are attached to the mechanism storing surface of the item storing compartment 502 such that an air-tight seal is formed between the perimeter of the outlet ports and the surface of the item storing compartment 502. The inlet port 514 of the nitrogen generator 46 draws in ambient air (i.e., the oxygen) from outside of the housing 501 and supplies the air to the carbon molecular sieve as described above. The carbon molecular sieve then separates the nitrogen from the air to supply the nitrogen rich gas to the housing.
The nitrogen generator 46 also includes a power source including power cord 516 in the illustrated embodiment which transfers electrical power from an electrical supply source such as a conventional electrical outlet to the nitrogen generator to provide power to the nitrogen generator 46 in a conventional manner and as described above. Alternatively, the primary or secondary (i.e., backup) power source may include batteries, or a removable energy source device, such as a solar powered energy source device.
In one embodiment, the apparatus 500 includes one or more condition controllers or control systems such as first condition control system 520 and second condition control system 528. The control systems controls additional conditions (besides the amount of nitrogen) inside the item storing compartment 502 of the housing 501 to further enhance the preservation, protection or enhancement of the item 506. The illustrated circulation system includes suitable inlets and outlets for the control systems such as inlet port 522, outlet port 524, exhaust port 526, inlet port 530, outlet port 532 and exhaust port 534.
It should thus be appreciated that the present invention can be employed for preserving, protecting, or enhancing a large variety of different items such as solids and liquids. Examples of a couple of these items are discussed below. These examples are not intended to be limiting in any manner. It should also be appreciated that the item storing housing, the mechanism storing housing, and the other mechanisms of the apparatus of the present invention may need to be re-configured or particularly suited for each different or specific application.
In one example embodiment, the present invention provides a produce preservation system. This embodiment employs the nitrogen generator discussed above to generate nitrogen rich gas to preserve food. This embodiment reduces the oxygen content in the item or produce storing compartment below 2% or 3% to dramatically reduce the deterioration of the produce.
In one such embodiment, the produce preservation system includes one or more containers or produce storing compartments of the same or different sizes and types having an automatic nitrogen generation system which replaces the oxygen (and if necessary, ethylene) in the produce storing compartments. In one embodiment, the produce preservation system includes one or more suitable condition control systems for maintaining a predetermined level of temperature and humidity in the produce storing compartments. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a suitable filtering system for extracting ethylene or other gases.
In one embodiment, the produce preservation system includes one or more produce storing compartments positioned in a refrigerator. In one refrigerator embodiment, the refrigerator has a nitrogen generator, a circulation system, a temperature control system, a humidity control system, and a produce storing compartment in the +form of a slidable crisper type drawer which slides out of the refrigerator a designated amount for ease of access. In one embodiment, the refrigerator also has a filtering system to filter ethylene. In one such embodiment, a second carbon molecular sieve with a filtering material like a zeolite in which the NaY-type substituted material is copper, cobalt or (more preferably) silver. It should also be appreciated that existing refrigerators can be retrofitted with the produce storing compartment of the produce preservation system. The refrigerator produce preservation system is expected to operate infrequently and require relatively little power, and thus in one embodiment shares the electrical systems or power sources and compressor of the refrigerator. The refrigerator in one embodiment includes a temporary battery back-up system for power outages and the like. It should also be appreciated that in one embodiment, humidity may be reintroduced into the system by a suitable humidity control system.
In alternative embodiments, the produce preservation system includes one or more produce storing compartments configured as stand-alone units such as for countertops for the restaurant industry. It should also be appreciated that existing food storage systems can be retrofitted with the item storing compartment and other mechanisms of the produce preservation system.
These produce preservation embodiments will preferably have an airtight latch to keep oxygen out and the nitrogen rich gas in. These latches are preferably located on the front, but can also be mounted on the top, sides or bottom, so they don't detract from an item being stored. In one embodiment, the latch includes or is associated with a sensor to detect when the compartment is open, and to turn off the nitrogen generator and other mechanical systems. Other suitable sensors, relays, latches, hinges and the like can be employed to configure the produce preservation system in any suitable manner.
In one embodiment, the wall of the item storing compartment of the produce preservation system is darkened to keep sunlight out or clear for displaying items where sunlight is not a factor. It should be appreciated that the colors can range from “clear” to “smoke” to “blackened” for storing certain items where it is necessary to keep sunlight out.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen rich gas for a food processing plant to move food through its pipeline as its being refined, mixed and so forth. When the food is canned or packaged, the nitrogen is employed to preserve the food until its opened (such as the gas in an unopened bag of potato chips).
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen rich gas for preservation and protection of items such as food in trucks while being transported to large storage warehouses.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen rich gas for storing and preserving storing and preserving cigars. In one such embodiment, the system is employed in conjunction with a humidor case to slow the deterioration of taste and the cigar tobacco leaf itself.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a fuel or fume replacement system for any device, apparatus, system, having or using fuel such as a boiler or such as a vehicle or vessel such as an airplane, automobile or boat. This embodiment employs the nitrogen generator discussed above to replace the fumes in the fuel compartment with nitrogen rich gas to blanket and protect the remaining fuel in the fuel compartment. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel/fume replacement system that removes fumes from the fuel tank and replaces them (and the spent fuel) with nitrogen produced by the nitrogen generator. In one such embodiment, the mechanism storing compartment holds all the systems necessary to operate the fuel/fume replacement system. The mechanism storing compartment is in one embodiment located adjacent to the fuel tank(s), bladder(s) or compartment(s). In alternative embodiments, the mechanism storing compartment is positioned remote from one or more of the fuel tank(s), bladder(s) or compartment(s). It should thus be appreciated that in various embodiments, the item storing compartment is the fuel tank and the mechanisms of the present invention are suitably connected to the fuel tank.
It should also be appreciated that many vehicles or vessels such as aircraft have two complete systems capable of operating independently. This provides full redundancy in the event of a malfunction. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention could be separately employed with each system. In various fuel tank embodiments of the present invention, suitable sensors on the various components and in the fuel tank are employed to ensure that all mechanisms work properly. In various fuel tank embodiments of the present invention, suitable conventional fail-safe mechanisms are also employed to shut the systems off and/or override the systems.
In one embodiment, the manifold/circulation system for the fuel preservation system removes fumes from the fuel tank as fuel is consumed and injects nitrogen into the fuel tank to replace those fumes. One or more suitable sensors control this process for this embodiment and the processes for the other embodiments disclosed herein.
For example, in one embodiment, when the vehicle is powered up or turned on, one or more sensors determine if there are fumes and/or insufficient nitrogen in the storage tank. In such event, the compressor turns on and pushes air through the dehumidifier and into a carbon molecular sieve of the nitrogen generator. When sufficient pressure is obtained, a valve opens allowing the compressed air to flow into the nitrogen storage tank minus the oxygen molecules trapped in the sieve. The nitrogen generator will generate anywhere up to 99.6% pure nitrogen and the other (inert) elements found in air. A pressure reduction valve allows nitrogen to flow out of the storage tank, into the manifold/circulation system and into the fuel tanks. When sufficient nitrogen has displaced the fumes in the fuel tank, a sensor slows, or temporarily shuts the process down. Over time, when the nitrogen storage tank sensor, or fuel tank sensor, sense insufficient nitrogen levels, the system engages and the process begins again. When the nitrogen generation system is off, valves open to purge oxygen molecules out of the sieve and dry out the dehumidifier.
In another example embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen rich gas (which does not burn or explode and which is a little heavier than oxygen) to protect oil and gas wells as they are being drilled. Similar to the fume/fuel replacement systems, the oil and gas well protection system pumps nitrogen down a well as it is drilled. This reduces the chances for explosions and fires.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas for vehicle tires or injection into vehicle tires such as nitrogen in tires such as racing or passenger tires in lieu of oxygen to help preserve them and make them last longer. In particular, the nitrogen keeps the tires cooler during use to better preserve them.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen or nitrogen rich gas for operating room use as a power source and in particular for the powering of operating tools.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate nitrogen for saltwater aquariums. Large saltwater aquariums insert a small amount of nitrogen into the water for the coral and other life forms to absorb and grow. This enhances the life of the coral.
In another example alternative embodiment, the present invention employs the nitrogen generator to generate oxygen. One of the natural by-products of the nitrogen generator described herein is almost pure oxygen. In one embodiment, the present invention extracts the oxygen out of our carbon molecular sieve to provide a constant oxygen source. Extracting the oxygen can also be done on demand to provide a constant supply of oxygen on a scheduled basis or as needed.
The present invention can be used to filter out ethylene or other elements using alternative carbon molecular sieve filtering material such as a zeolite in which the NaY-type substituted material is copper, cobalt or more preferably silver.
While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not 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 claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.
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.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/390,843, filed Mar. 18, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/995,090, filed Nov. 26, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10390843 | Mar 2003 | US |
| Child | 11278285 | Mar 2006 | US |
| Parent | 09995090 | Nov 2001 | US |
| Child | 11278285 | Mar 2006 | US |
