Compact cream whipping machine for charging cream whippers

Abstract

The invention relates to a compact machine for charging nitrous oxide in creamers or whippers, which can be installed or supported on an existing table top and which can display the detailed states of each machine, identifying the total charges, the day of the last charge and the use of the cylinder remotely. The machine comprises an information display, which provides data concerning charges, which cylinder is in use, information transmission and general settings of the machine. The machine also comprises a button panel and connections for gas management, which make the machine simpler and more compact, thereby increasing useful life and safety, since the connections are kept fixed. There is no movement from the point of view of the staff and the working pressures of the components increase considerably.

Description

COMPACT CREAM MACHINE FOR LOADING KITCHEN SIPHONS FOR MILK CREAM. DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention aims to provide a compact machine that allows loading cream siphons by automatically injecting nitrous oxide from at least one cylinder of at least half a kilo of nitrous oxide. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The kitchen siphon is a foam-making instrument invented by Ferrán Adriá in 1985, based on the already created invention of the beverage siphon, which was used to carbonate liquids.

[0003] They are made of stainless steel or aluminum with metallic or synthetic parts, and are dishwasher-safe. Traditionally, a siphon comprises at least a fluid reservoir, a head, a funnel, and one or more gas cartridges, usually identified as pellets.

[0004] The first thing to consider is the siphon's components. There's the siphon body and the device's head. The charges and dispensers are inserted into the head. The device's body consists of a glass—we have half-liter, one-liter, and one-and-a-half-liter sizes—usually made of stainless steel, making it suitable for making hot and cold preparations. The head prevents the gas mixture from escaping. that we introduce into the preparations. Three types of nozzles are introduced, which are used depending on the purpose of the product, and above all, how we want to decorate it. We can make smooth or striated designs. The charges are what make it possible to prepare foams, creams, mousses, creams, etc. They are charges of Nitrous Oxide (N2O), a colorless gas with a sweet odor, and each charge generally serves for 1 / 2 liter of product. They are usually supplied in the form of sealed pellets, which are opened by inserting this pellet into the siphon, thereby breaking a seal and releasing its charge into the siphon. It is then important to vigorously move the device three or four times from top to bottom.

[0005] The foams we can work with siphons are basically three types, identified by the base used: fat, gelatin, or egg whites and yolks. With fats and gelatins, we can obtain cold foams. We'll have a main ingredient that can be fruit, juice, puree, nuts, spices, etc. And with egg whites and yolks, we can obtain not only cold foams but also hot foams with the same main ingredients.

[0006] In the prior art, patent EP1428791B1 by Ládi Zsolt Dr. is known, which illustrates a conventional kitchen siphon typical of the prior art, basically composed of a container with a pouring nozzle, in which container means are defined that allow a loading ball to be coupled, which once it releases its gas charge, allows the product contained in the container to be poured.

[0007] In W02009112706 A by Lion Mathieu, there is a kitchen appliance of the Chantilly cream siphon type, comprising a fluid reservoir, a head, a funnel, and at least one gas cartridge. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a support for its placement, with a base in which the following are defined: at least one hollow housing for receiving said funnel and said fluid reservoir, in a situation of aeration of the two elements; a stop for positioning said head, also in a situation of aeration; and at least one alveolus suitable for housing a gas cartridge.

[0008] A more recent embodiment corresponds to patent CL061752 from the same applicant as the present one, which defines a machine that allows safe loading of whipped cream siphons, such as Chantilly cream, by automatically injecting nitrous oxide from nitrous oxide cylinders, comprising a cabinet divided into two zones or compartments. A first zone, which defines a space with its front part open, and a fixed piece intended to place the siphons to be loaded, where the nitrous oxide discharge assembly is arranged. A second zone, lower, rear or lateral to the first, where inside the cabinet, in a non-visible manner, the nitrous oxide cylinders to be used are arranged, at least one, and the pneumatic, electrical and electronic connections, such as immobile flexible connectors, as well as sensors. A control panel is contemplated on the outside of the cabinet and in a visible manner.Said control panel includes an ignition selector, a variable display screen, pilot lights, a start selector, a reset selector, and pressure gauges. Also included is a controller, which works with signals from at least one infrared sensor to detect the siphon, with an ignition selector (ON / OFF) and a start selector, and which commands the pilot lights, the variable display screen, and a solenoid valve. It also internally manipulates the time variable at which the solenoid valve is activated and keeps a count of nitrous oxide charges, the dates, and provides the amount of nitrous oxide expended over a time period. In another embodiment, and optionally, a cellular connection, or Wi-Fi or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), or equivalent, is defined with the controller for remote operation monitoring.

[0009] In the previous embodiment, an important advance is achieved with respect to the prior art, optimizing in a safe manner for operators and consumers the loading system of a creamer or kitchen siphon with nitrous oxide from a high-pressure cylinder, and thereby exponentially increasing the availability of nitrous oxide, increasing the efficiency in the use of the cream used by reducing its losses, obtaining different cream textures. through the different proportions of cream and nitrous oxide, as well as adequately monitoring the charge and pressure of the nitrous oxide used. An important advantage over the more common siphon charging, that is, with gas charging from a single pellet, is that with systems that use pellets, it is not possible to adjust the gas and cream mixture without necessarily increasing the number of pellets. In other words, there is no control over the quality of the mixture in terms of its "aeration" from a single pellet.

[0010] Currently, there is a need for further improvements to the siphon loading system and control. There is a need for a more compact machine with fewer components that allows for even greater safety and ease of use. It also needs to be connected autonomously to a computer system at all times regarding cylinder usage. This allows for accurate monitoring of the equipment's autonomy in relation to the number of loads, thus determining how much product is left in the cylinders for refills.

[0011] The present invention arises from the need to optimize, in a manner that is safe for the operator and the consumer, the charging system of a kitchen creamer or siphon with nitrous oxide from a high-pressure cylinder, and thereby exponentially increase the availability of nitrous oxide, increase the efficiency in the use of the cream used by reducing its losses, obtain different cream textures through different proportions of cream and nitrous oxide, as well as adequately monitor the charge and pressure of the nitrous oxide used. An important advantage of the machine is that it is compact and the detailed status of each machine can be seen, knowing the total charges, the day of its last charge and the use of the cylinder.

[0012] Having this information allows us to automatically know exactly when a cylinder change is necessary, allowing us to manage logistics more efficiently and effectively.

[0013] In addition, additional usage status information is available if properly connected, allowing support visits to the machine. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention concerns the development of a compact machine for loading nitrous oxide in creamers or siphons, comprising an information screen, which provides data on loads, which cylinder is in use, sending information and general adjustments of the machine itself, it also has a button panel and connections for handling the gases, which make the machine simpler and more compact, increasing its useful life and safety, since the connections remain fixed, there is no movement from the personnel's point of view and the working pressures of the components themselves increase greatly.

[0015] An external GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) module allows for an autonomous connection to a computer base, which sends information at all times regarding the use of the cylinders, allowing for accurate knowledge of the equipment's autonomy with respect to the number of charges, thus knowing how much product the cylinders have left to carry out refills.

[0016] Finally, a major advancement of the machine is that it can work in conjunction with control software, which has added machine learning, allowing data to be reviewed and future behaviors to be predicted. This allows for accurate prediction of when a cylinder is about to run out, using two predictive models: one based on time series and the second on survival, as the machine can understand its usage and thus know when the product should run out. This new feature also allows for estimating Frappuccino sales, as we know the yield per siphon charge, all in real time.

[0017] Among the advantages that the present invention allows, the following can be detailed: 1. Improved safety. Introduction of shortwave sensors, which can identify whether the siphon is properly connected to the base, preventing the gas from being expelled into an uncontrolled atmosphere, which could harm the user's health. 2.-Improved size. The machine's overall size has been reduced by more than 80%, with the introduction of new components such as an electronic control board, which allows the machine to be operated remotely, enables emergency stops, and manages all components in a smaller space. 3.-Introduction of machine learning. The equipment incorporates a data processor, which allows us to send data to our database in two ways: a) measuring the rate of charge usage and b) measuring the daily repetitiveness of charges, which allows us to generate predictive models to determine the cylinder's autonomy; b) allowing a safe, manageable, and controllable process in a smaller space, which allows for adaptability to the spaces the customer requires. 4.-The inclusion of a main screen that constantly displays the system's actions. This creates a sense of total control for machine users and prevents human error in machine operation. 5.- Addition of an audible alert to identify key equipment processes, making it much easier and more user-friendly to familiarize yourself with its different stages, thus allowing tasks to be performed simultaneously while the siphon is being filled, thus improving the establishment's production. 6.-Customization of certain aspects of the machine, including audible alerts, cleaning, cylinder in use, among others. This flexibility allows the customer to receive a service tailored to their actual needs. 7.- Light and visual indicators that allow users to identify the current status of their equipment and allow specialized technicians to quickly intervene for maintenance and replacement not only of cylinders, but also parts that can wear out in daily use, thus avoiding affecting production time.

[0018] Through programming implemented within the Microcontroller, the board can: • Communicate messages through light-emitting diodes (LEDs). • Control the activation of the relays. • Stop or start processes. • Make audible alerts. • Detect keystrokes and perform actions depending on the button pressed. • Sensing the position of the siphon. • Control the slave Microcontroller.

[0019] The operating procedure of the machine is as follows: - Turn on the machine, which will launch the LCD (liquid-crystal display) screen, displaying a welcome message, including the name of the manufacturing company, the name of the company contracting the service, a contact telephone number in case of problems, and subsequently, the last charge made with the cylinder in use via an indicator LED on the front panel. - Place a siphon (previously filled with a mixture of products and at the appropriate temperature) on the central thread, an infrared sensor will detect its position, if the siphon is screwed on incorrectly, the siphon will not be able to fill, showing the error on the screen along with an audible alert, if everything is properly positioned in its place, the screen will show a confirmation message. - Press the "START" button, which initiates the system, activating the solenoid valve and allowing nitrous oxide to aerate the mixture for 10 seconds. - Press "STOP" if there is a problem during this process, which will completely stop the system. "STOP" will also be activated if the siphon is removed before the charging time ends. - Remove the siphon once the process is complete.

[0020] Upon completing 600 refills per cylinder in use, the machine will move on to the next cylinder, indicating this on the screen and sending the information to the main database to send a replacement cylinder, thus continuing the process of constantly supplying nitrous oxide.

[0021] The system also features an interactive menu, which allows you to freely switch between cylinders and set them to zero charge, verify cylinder switching operation, deactivate / activate cleaning every four charges, deactivate / activate sound, deactivate / activate sensors, among others.

[0022] Cream preparation procedure: Step 1: Make a creamer without a lid, and add a few milliliters of vanilla syrup to the siphon. Step 2: Add 330 ml of cream before closing the siphon with the lid. Step 3: Check that the rubber or seal on the siphon lid is in place. Once this has been verified, close the siphon and take it to the cold storage unit. Step 4: Ideally, the cream should be kept at a temperature of 1 to 4°C, so that it can have a perfect texture after being loaded into the machine.

[0023] Standard machine procedure: To start the filling process, press the "start" button. Once pressed, a beep will sound, and the display will indicate the remaining filling time. After two beeps, the display will indicate the siphon has been removed. Once the siphon is removed, shake it six times and it's ready to use with cream portions. After every four fillings, the machine will indicate that the inside of the machine where the siphon is located needs to be cleaned. Once the cleaning is complete, press the "clean" button to start the next filling process. The "up" button moves you in the indicated direction within the menu. The "down" button moves you in the indicated direction within the menu. The “left-right” button indicates with an orange light which cylinder is in use. The “stop” button, for emergency use. The “menu” button allows you to modify the machine’s characteristics.

[0024] Charging time: The optimal charging time is 10 seconds with the siphon connected to the machine. The machine operates with a high-pressure regulator, with a pressure of 30 bar flowing into the siphon at the regulator outlet, leaving 9.4 g of nitrous oxide inside the siphon.

[0025] Inside the machine's casing, the electronic circuitry is also defined. It includes an electronic control board, which allows remote control of the machine, emergency stops, and all the components. A main microprocessor communicates messages via LEDs, controls relay activation, stops or starts processes, generates audible alerts, detects keystrokes and performs actions depending on the button pressed, senses the position of the siphon, and controls master and slave microcontrollers for activating communications signals. A SIM900 GPRS device, which, through a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, can communicate with the outside world via phone calls, text messages, and, in this case, internet connection.

[0026] A proximity sensor inside the top surface that allows objects to be detected at a distance without contact. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention and other features and advantages thereof will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiment of the present invention, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1. Isometric view of the cream machine. FIG 2. Upper exploded view of the cream machine base. FIG 3. Lower exploded view of the base of the cream machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] With reference to the figures, the compact cream machine can be seen. (1) comprises a creamer base (3) with a keyboard (16), and an upper structure (2) is also observed, in which a transparent hatch (4) is installed with its corresponding handle (7). In the upper structure (2) The siphon or creamer (5) is installed for loading with nitrous oxide.

[0029] The creamer base (3) is defined by an upper base (9), a lower base (14) and side covers (11, 12) and a rear cover (21) preferably made of acrylic, defining a closed casing supported on skids (13), in addition the creamer base (3) has a hose inlet cover (15) from the loading cylinder, screwed to the outer surface of said lower base (14), and on the upper base (9) a solenoid valve (6) protrudes which regulates the supply of nitrous oxide to the siphon (5).

[0030] The front part of the creamer base (3) comprises a screen or display (8) supported on a support plate (20), which allows the processes to be shown and reported in order to have total control of each action carried out by the equipment, with light and visual indicators that allow users to identify the current status of the equipment, and a keyboard (16) that has seven buttons, with a “pull-up” configuration, and that have a specific function, “start” button, “stop” button, “clean” button, “menu” button, “up” button, “down” button, “left-right” button, finally, an audible alert is added to identify key processes of the equipment.

[0031] On the inside of the creamer base (3), there are connections for the solenoid valve (6) that enables the passage of nitrous oxide to the siphon to aerate the mixture; a sensor support (23) for an infrared sensor, together with a connector for a current source (18), regulators voltage (24), electrical circuitry and the corresponding pneumatic lines and connections.

[0032] Also inside the machine's casing is also defined the electronic circuitry comprising an electronic control board, which allows the machine to be operated remotely, enable emergency stops and manage all components, a main microprocessor that allows messages to be communicated through light-emitting diodes (LED), control the activation of relays, stop or start processes, make audible alerts, detect keystrokes and perform actions depending on the button pressed, sense the position of the siphon and control master and slave microcontrollers for activating communications signals; a Sim900 GPRS device that through a SIM card, can communicate with the outside with phone calls, text messages and in this case, internet connection.

[0033] The proximity sensor detects when a user has installed the siphon in the compact creamer by sensing its position and sending the information to the control board.

[0034] Connectors for nitrous oxide charging cylinders are defined both on the lower hose inlet cover (15) of the creamer base (3) and on a rear hose inlet cover (22).

[0035] Parts list. 1 Portable creamer. 2 Upper structure. 3 Cream base. 4 Transparent hatch. 5 Siphon 6 Solenoid valve. 7 Handle. 8 Display. 9 Upper base. Side cover. Side cover. Roller skates. Lower base. Lower hose inlet cover. Keyboard. Connect to power source. Support plate. Back cover. Rear hose inlet cover. Sensor support. Voltage regulators.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A compact creaming machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons for milk cream such as chantilly cream by means of the injection of nitrous oxide automatically, which can be installed or placed on an existing table top and the detailed status of each machine can be seen, knowing the total number of loads, the day of its last load and the use of the cylinder remotely, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: - an upper structure (2) open at its front, in which a transparent hatch (4) is installed, pivotable at the upper end of the upper structure, with its corresponding opening handle (7), where in the upper structure (2) supported on the base, the siphon (5) or creamer is installed for its nitrous oxide loading; - a creamer base (3) defined by an upper base (9), a lower base (14), side covers (11, 12) and a rear cover (21) made of acrylic, defining a closed casing supported on skids (13), in addition the creamer base (3) has a hose inlet cover (15) from the loading cylinder, screwed to the outer surface of said lower base (14), and on the upper base (9) a solenoid valve (6) protrudes which regulates the supply to the siphon (5), - on the front of the creamer base (3) a screen or display (8) is defined, supported on a support plate (20), which allows the processes to be shown and reported in order to have total control of each action carried out by the equipment, with light and visual indicators that allow users to identify the current status of the equipment, and a keyboard (16) that has seven buttons, with a “pull-up” configuration, and that have a specific function, “start” button, “stop” button, “clean” button, “menu” button, “up” button, “down” button, “left-right” button, finally, an audible alert is added to identify key processes of the equipment; - on the inside of the creamer base (3), there are connections for the solenoid valve (6) that enables the passage of nitrous oxide to the creamer to aerate the mixture; a sensor support (23) for an infrared sensor that allows detecting the position of the siphon without contact, together with a connector for a current source (18), voltage regulators (24), electrical circuitry and the corresponding pneumatic lines and connections; - Also inside the machine casing, the electronic circuitry is also defined with an electronic controller board that allows the machine to be operated remotely, emergency stops, and all components to be managed; a main microprocessor that communicates messages via light-emitting diodes (LEDs), controls the activation of relays, stops or starts processes, issues audible alerts, detects keystrokes, and performs actions depending on the button pressed, senses the position of the siphon, and controls master and slave microcontrollers for activating communications signals; a GPRS Sim900 (General Packet Radio Service) device that, through a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module), can communicate with the outside world via phone calls, text messages, and in this case, internet connection.

2. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the connector for a power source (18) is arranged on the back of the machine.

3. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that a connector for a nitrous oxide loading cylinder is defined in the lower hose inlet cover (15).

4. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that it also comprises a rear hose inlet cover (22) for a connector for a nitrous oxide loading cylinder.

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