Compact cream whipping machine

Abstract

A compact cream whipping machine for filling a kitchen siphon with nitrous oxide and optimizing the ratio of cream to gas is designed to be installed on a table and includes a quick-connect system to reduce downtime. The cream whipping machine comprises a cream whipping machine base supported by a pit, having a closed housing formed by an upper wall, a lower wall, a side cover, and an acrylic rear cover. The base includes a hose inlet cover connected to a supply cylinder and fixed to the lower wall. A solenoid valve located on the upper wall regulates the supply to the siphon. The quick-connect system connects the nitrous oxide filling hose to a coupling for the siphon. Additionally, an integrated scale enables the measurement of the amount of cream for accurate filling.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact machine capable of filling a cream whipper by automatically injecting nitrous oxide from at least one nitrous oxide supply cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] The cooking cream whisk is a device for making foam, based on the previously invented soda siphon used to inject carbonation into liquids, and was invented in 1985 by Ferran Adrià (Ferr n Adri It was invented by ).

[0003] Cooking cream whisks are manufactured of stainless steel or aluminum and include components of dishwasher-safe metal or synthetic materials. Traditionally, a siphon comprises at least one fluid reservoir, a head, a funnel, and one or more gas cartridges, the gas cartridges of which are commonly referred to as fillers.

[0004] The components constituting the siphon include the siphon body and the head of the device. The filler and dispensing nozzle are inserted into the head. The body of the device consists of a container with a capacity of 0.5 liters, 1 liter, or 1.5 liters, and is typically made of stainless steel, making it suitable for producing both hot and cold products. The head prevents the gas mixture injected into the product from escaping. The filler enables the production of foams, whipped cream, mousses, creams, etc. The filler is a nitrous oxide (N₂O) filler containing a colorless, sweet-smelling gas, and each filler is typically used for 1 / 2-liter products. The filler is typically supplied in a sealed state; when inserted into the siphon, it opens, the seal breaks, and the contents are released into the siphon. Afterward, it is important to shake the device vigorously up and down three or four times.

[0005] In the prior art, the application WO2009112706 A by Lion Mathieu is known, which describes a siphon-type kitchen device for whipping cream comprising a fluid reservoir, a head, a funnel, and at least one gas cartridge. The device according to the invention comprises a support for its placement, and the base of the support is formed with at least one hollow housing for receiving the funnel and the fluid reservoir, wherein both the funnel and the fluid reservoir are in an aeration position; a stop for positioning the head, which is also in an aeration position; and at least one cavity suitable for receiving the gas cartridge.

[0006] A more recent embodiment is disclosed in Patent CL061752 by the same applicant as the present application, which describes a machine capable of safely filling a cream whisk, such as a cream whisk for whipping cream, by automatically injecting nitrous oxide from a nitrous oxide cylinder. The machine comprises a cabinet divided into two areas or compartments. The first area comprises a space having an open front portion and a fixed portion intended to position a siphon to be filled, in which a nitrous oxide discharge assembly is disposed. The second area, located below, behind, or to the side of the first area, accommodates at least one nitrous oxide cylinder to be used invisibly inside the cabinet and, together with the nitrous oxide cylinder, accommodates pneumatic, electrical, and electronic connections and sensors, such as a fixed flexible connector. A control panel is provided in a visible location outside the cabinet. The control panel includes a power selection switch, a parameter display, an indicator light, a start switch, a reset switch, and a pressure gauge. Additionally, a controller is included that operates in response to signals from at least one infrared sensor, a signal from a power selection switch (ON / OFF), and a signal from a start switch, and controls an indicator light, a parameter display, and a solenoid valve. Furthermore, the controller internally manages a time variable for the activation of the solenoid valve, counts the nitrous oxide charging operations performed and their dates, and provides the amount of nitrous oxide used during a specified period. In other embodiments, a cellular, Wi-Fi, or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or an equivalent connection, is optionally provided to the controller for remote operation monitoring.

[0007] The aforementioned embodiment represents a significant advancement over the prior art by optimizing a system for filling a cream whisk or cooking siphon with nitrous oxide from a high-pressure cylinder in a manner safe for workers and consumers. Consequently, it exponentially increases the availability of nitrous oxide, enhances the efficiency of cream use by reducing cream loss, allows for obtaining different cream textures through different ratios of cream and nitrous oxide, and enables proper monitoring of the filling and pressure of the nitrous oxide used. A significant advantage over the more common method of filling a siphon—namely, filling the siphon with gas from a filler—is that in a system using a filler, the mixing ratio of gas and cream cannot be controlled without necessarily increasing the number of fillers. In other words, the quality related to the "aeration" of the mixture cannot be controlled using a single filler.

[0008] A disadvantage of the model of a siphon filling device according to the prior art is that the machine operator must place the siphon in an inverted position to refill it. That is, the siphon head must be "screwing" to the end of the pipe that allows the siphon to be refilled with nitrous oxide, making it difficult to handle and making it impossible to precisely control the filling amount.

[0009] The device consists of a compact machine for filling nitrous oxide into a cream whisk or siphon, and includes an information display, a button panel, a nitrous oxide filling hose provided with a quick-connect head for safely filling nitrous oxide, and a digital scale placed adjacent to the filling hose, the scale being integrated into the base surface of the machine so that the operator can measure the weight of the cream to accurately perform the filling operation.

[0010] The information display provides charging data, information regarding cylinder usage, and general setting information of the machine.

[0011] A relevant innovation in these siphon filling device models is the inclusion of a filling hose equipped with a quick-connect, which makes the machine simpler and more compact and improves the machine's service life and safety by ensuring the connection remains fixed. Consequently, machine operators can fill the siphon without complex handling, and a high level of safety is ensured through the quick-connect. The filling hose can be manufactured from various materials and alloys, such as metal. In any case, the component must be manufactured from a durable material compatible with the operating conditions of nitrous oxide.

[0012] One of the key advantages of this innovation is that it reduces the likelihood of nitrous oxide leakage during recharging. Furthermore, this reduction in the risk of leakage supports the conclusion that this design is safer than prior models of conventional technology.

[0013] The quick-connect head includes a threaded joint consisting of a part having external threads (male threads) and another part having internal threads (female threads), among other components. The threads interlock with each other. When the parts are rotated in the correct direction, the threads interlock to provide a hermetic seal and a rigid mechanical connection. However, the system also works with other quick-connect systems, such as pressure or push-fit joints, quick-disconnect connectors, cam-lock connectors or cam-groove joints, bayonet connectors, and clamp-type hose joints.

[0014] The advantages of these quick-connect systems over traditional connections include faster connection and disconnection, reduced losses due to leakage, ease of use, safety, compatibility and versatility, reduced wear, and suitability for various pressures. In practice, quick-connect systems enable much faster joining and disconnection, which is important in situations where machinery needs to be replaced or moved, as in this case. Furthermore, quick-connect systems reduce the risk of gas leakage by providing a highly effective sealing mechanism. This is particularly important in the case of nitrous oxide. Quick-connect systems facilitate the use of machinery and reduce downtime during maintenance.

[0015] In addition, a scale is included, allowing for the addition of an accurate amount of material to the siphon. It should be noted that conventional siphon filling machines do not include such a device. Conventional siphon filling machines lacked a system for weighing the components added to the siphon. In principle, the scale has a circular shape that matches the shape of the siphon to be filled, but other shapes of the scale, such as square or hexagonal, are not excluded.

[0016] Integrating scales into machinery required to measure ingredient weights offers multiple significant advantages for optimizing process efficiency and accuracy. This innovation saves substantial time by eliminating the need to weigh ingredients separately and ensures faster and smoother operations. Furthermore, it improves measurement accuracy, reduces human error, and guarantees consistency in ingredient ratios, which is essential for maintaining high product quality.

[0017] The automation of the weighing process improves control and enables precise quantitative input. Another significant advantage is the elimination of the need for separate scales, which reduces the required space and equipment—a critical factor in limited environments. Similarly, the handling of ingredients is minimized, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving overall hygiene. This integration also facilitates inventory management and enhances employee training, making the process more intuitive and efficient. In summary, integrating scales into these machines represents a significant advancement in terms of operational efficiency, product quality, and the hygienic handling of ingredients.

[0018] The model includes an external General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) module to facilitate an autonomous and continuous connection to a computer database. This system transmits detailed information regarding cylinder usage in real time. Consequently, the available life of the equipment can be accurately monitored, and the amount of product remaining in the cylinder can be precisely calculated to determine the optimal time for cylinder replacement.

[0019] In addition, the model can be integrated with control software utilizing machine learning technology, which can analyze data and predict future equipment operation. Accordingly, two prediction models—a time-series-based prediction model and a survival analysis-based prediction model—can be used to predict the time when a cylinder will be depleted with high accuracy. This capability not only predicts product depletion based on current usage but also enables the accurate estimation of cream supply sales volume by determining a specific yield per siphon refill, all of which are managed in real time.

[0020] The present invention provides a plurality of important advantages, among others, such as the following:

[0021] Enhanced safety: The inclusion of a shortwave sensor ensures a proper connection between the siphon and the base. This prevents gas from being released into an uncontrolled environment, thereby protecting the user's health. Additionally, this safety is further enhanced by including a quick connector at the end of the cream whipping machine.

[0022] Size Reduction: Compared to the previous model, the overall size of the machine has been significantly reduced by more than 80%. This reduction was achieved by integrating innovative components such as electronic control boards. These boards allow the machine to be operated remotely, facilitate emergency stops, and enable all components to be compactly placed in a reduced space.

[0023] Machine Learning Integration: Can perform the following: a) analyze the utilization rate and daily repeatability of filling operations, which contributes to developing predictive models to determine the available life of cylinders; b) adapt to customer space requirements by managing all processes in a safe, manageable, and controllable manner within a more compact space.

[0024] Main Information Display: Displays the system's operation in real time. This provides the user with a sense of complete control and helps prevent human error. Additionally, it facilitates the calculation of the cream's initial zero point for accurate measurements.

[0025] Auditory alarm: This is intended to indicate key processes. This feature facilitates familiarization with the various stages of the equipment and improves production efficiency by allowing other tasks to be performed while the siphon is being filled.

[0026] Customization: Specific aspects of the machine, such as audible alarms, cleaning processes, and cylinders in use, can be customized. This flexibility ensures that customers can tailor the service to their specific requirements.

[0027] Optical and Visual Indicators: These indicators allow users to know the current status of the equipment. Furthermore, they enable skilled technicians to intervene quickly to perform maintenance and replacement, which applies not only to cylinders but also to parts subject to regular wear, minimizing the impact on production time.

[0028] Generally, a compact cream whipping machine may include a cream whipping machine base having a keypad. Alternatively, the compact cream whipping machine may have an upper structure with a transparent hatch installed along with a corresponding handle.

[0029] The cream whipping machine base is defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, a side cover, and preferably a rear cover made of acrylic, and defines a closed housing supported by a foot. Additionally, the cream whipping machine base has a hose inlet cover for a hose from a supply cylinder, the hose inlet cover is screwed onto the outer surface of the lower wall, and a solenoid valve that regulates the supply of nitrous oxide to the siphon protrudes over the upper wall. The nitrous oxide filling hose is connected to the solenoid valve. A scale, generally having a circular shape or another shape, is placed on the upper side of the filling hose.

[0030] The front portion of the cream whipping machine base includes a display supported by a support plate, and the display can provide information to indicate the process and fully control each operation performed by the equipment. The front portion is provided with optical and visual indicators that allow the user to identify the current status of the equipment, and a keypad with seven buttons, the keypad having a "pull-up" configuration, and each of the seven buttons may have a specific function: a "start" button, a "stop" button, a "clean" button, a "menu" button, an "up" button, a "down" button, and a "left-right" button. Finally, an audible alarm may be added to identify the main process of the equipment.

[0031] Inside the base of the cream whipping machine, a connection for a solenoid valve is provided, which allows nitrous oxide to pass through a siphon to perform aeration of the mixture. Additionally, a sensor support for an infrared sensor, a connector for power supply, a voltage regulator, an electrical circuit, and a connection with a corresponding pneumatic line are provided.

[0032] Additionally, inside the housing, the machine includes an electronic circuit comprising an electronic control board, which remotely operates the machine, enables emergency stops, and controls all components. Furthermore, the machine includes a main microprocessor, which enables messages to be transmitted via light-emitting diodes (LEDs), controls the activation of relays, stops or starts processes, generates audible alarms, detects button presses, performs actions based on the pressed buttons, detects the position of the siphon, and controls master and slave microcontrollers to activate communication signals. The machine also includes a Sim900 GPRS device, which communicates with the outside world via a SIM card for phone calls, text messages, and, in this case, an internet connection.

[0033] The proximity sensor detects when a user attaches a siphon to a compact cream whipping machine, which is accomplished by detecting the position of the siphon and transmitting the corresponding information to an electronic control board.

[0034] Connectors for the nitrous oxide supply cylinder are formed on both the lower hose inlet cover and the rear hose inlet cover of the cream whipping machine base. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0035] The present invention and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention provided with reference to the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the top of a cream whipping machine base. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the lower part of a cream whipping machine base. Figure 4 is a drawing of a pressure quick coupling. Figure 5 is a drawing of a screw quick coupling. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] Referring to the drawing, a compact cream whipping machine (1) is shown, and the compact cream whipping machine (1) includes a cream whipping machine base (3) equipped with a keypad (7).

[0037] The cream whipping machine base (3) is defined by an upper wall (8), a lower wall (14), side covers (11, 12), and a rear cover (21) preferably made of acrylic, and defines a closed housing supported by a pit (13). Additionally, the cream whipping machine base (3) is provided with a hose inlet cover (15) for hoses from a supply cylinder (not shown), the hose inlet cover (15) is screwed onto the outer surface of the lower wall (14), and a solenoid valve (10) for controlling the supply of nitrous oxide to the siphon (5) protrudes over the upper wall (8).

[0038] Connection with the siphon is made by a quick-connect system. This mechanism includes a nitrous oxide filling hose (26) connected to a solenoid valve (10), and the nitrous oxide filling hose (26) has a quick-connect coupling to the siphon (5) at the filling end. The quick-connect coupling may be a screw coupling (4), and the screw coupling (4) may include one part having an external thread (male thread) and another part having an internal thread (female thread). These threads may interlock with each other. When the parts are rotated in the correct direction, the threads interlock to provide a hermetic seal and a rigid mechanical connection. However, the system may also operate using other quick-connect systems such as pressure or push-fit couplings (2), quick-disconnect connectors, cam-lock connectors or cam-groove couplings, bayonet connectors, and clamp hose couplings.

[0039] Additionally, a scale (not shown) is included so that an accurate amount can be added to the siphon. In a preferred embodiment, the scale has a circular shape that fits the shape of the siphon to be filled.

[0040] The front portion of the cream whipping machine base (3) includes a display (6), a support plate (20) supporting the display (6), a light and visual indicator, and a keypad (7), and the keypad (7) has seven buttons in a “pull-up” configuration, each button having a specific function: a “start” button, a “stop” button, a “clean” button, a “menu” button, an “up” button, a “down” button, and a “left-right” button.

[0041] Connections for a solenoid valve (10) are provided inside the cream whipping machine base (3), and the solenoid valve (10) enables nitrous oxide to pass through a siphon to aerate the mixture. Additionally, a sensor support (23) for an infrared sensor, a connector for a power supply (18), a voltage regulator (24), an electrical circuit, and corresponding pneumatic lines and connections are provided.

[0042] Connectors for the nitrous oxide supply cylinders are formed on the lower hose inlet cover (15) and the rear hose inlet cover (22) of the cream whipping machine base (3), respectively. Explanation of the symbols

[0043] 1. Portable cream whipping machine 2. Coupling 3. Cream whipping machine base 4. Coupling 5. Siphon 6. Display 7. Keypad 8. Upper wall 9. Nitrous oxide filling hose 10. Solenoid valve 11. Side cover 12. Side cover 13. Pit 14. Lower wall 15. Lower hose inlet cover 16. Keypad 17. Power supply connector 20. Support plate 21. Rear cover 22. Rear hose inlet cover 23. Sensor support 24. Voltage Regulator 25. Nitrous oxide filling hose

Claims

Claim 1 A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling kitchen siphons for cream, such as whipping cream, by automatically injecting nitrous oxide to be installed or supported on an existing table, and which can maximize the cream portion by combining cream and nitrous oxide in an accurate ratio, wherein the cream whipping machine (1) is equipped with a quick connection system that facilitates the use of the whipping machine and reduces downtime due to machine maintenance, and also allows an operator to measure the weight of the cream to perform the filling operation accurately, the compact cream whipping machine (1) comprises: - a cream whipping machine base (3) defining a closed housing supported on a pit (13) defined by an upper wall (8), a lower wall (14), side covers (11, 12) and an acrylic rear cover (21) - wherein the cream whipping machine base (3) comprises a hose inlet cover (15) for a hose from a supply cylinder that is screw-coupled to the outer surface of the lower wall (14) and a hose inlet cover (15) that protrudes over the upper wall (8) and into a siphon (5). A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling a kitchen siphon, characterized by comprising: a solenoid valve (10) for controlling the supply; a quick connection system formed by a nitrous oxide filling hose (26) connected to the solenoid valve (10)—wherein the nitrous oxide filling hose (26) is equipped with a quick connection coupling connected to the siphon (5) at its filling end; and a digital scale adjacent to the nitrous oxide filling hose and integrated into the surface of the cream whipping machine base (3). Claim 2 A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling a kitchen siphon, characterized in that, in claim 1, the connecting coupling is a screw-type coupling. Claim 3 A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling a kitchen siphon, characterized in that, in claim 1, the connecting coupling is a pressure coupling selected from the group consisting of a push-fit coupling, a quick-release coupling, a cam-lock coupling, a cam-groove coupling, a bayonet coupling, or a clamp coupling. Claim 4 A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling a kitchen siphon, characterized in that, in paragraph 2 or 3, it further includes a sealing means between the siphon and the connecting coupling. Claim 5 A compact cream whipping machine (1) for filling a kitchen siphon, characterized in that, in paragraph 2 or 3, the scale has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, square, or hexagonal shapes that match the shape of the siphon to be filled.

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