Dry ice vaporizing device and method

Abstract

A dry ice vaporizing device includes: a container having a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed, an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance, and dry ice located inside the container. The vapor permeable surface includes a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm. The container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 386,527, filed Apr. 20, 2009, entitled “Dry Ice Dispenser,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 204,258, filed Jan. 6, 2009, entitled “Method, process and associated apparatus for the safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]This invention relates to the field of safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications. Dry ice can be used to create a visual fog effect using fluid. Dry ice can be hazardous and cause injury if handled incorrectly or ingested. Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]This application aims to solve safety issues related to the dispensation of dry ice in food applications for creating a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]This application aims to solve safety issues related to the dispensation of dry ice in food applications for creating a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite. It is also designed to increase the rate of consumption of food and beverages by creating greater demand and by creating a perception that a food serving has lost some utility once the visual fog effect is over. This perceived loss of utility might encourage the consumer to order a replacement.

[0015]The present invention provides a dry ice container, an entrance to insert the dry ice into the container and a permeable surface wherein during vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

[0018]The present invention also provides a dry ice dispensing system, comprising a fluid, a fluid container a dry ice supply, a dry ice container, and a permeable surface wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

Problems solved by technology

This perceived loss of utility might encourage the consumer to order a replacement.

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