Compact cream whipping machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact cream whipping machine for charging culinary whippers with nitrous oxide, optimising the proportion of cream and gas. The design of the machine allows it to be installed on top of a table and it is provided with a quick connection system, reducing idle times. The machine comprises a cream whipping base with a closed casing formed by a top wall, bottom wall, side covers and rear cover made of acrylic material, supported on runners. The base includes a hose inlet cover connected to the charging cylinder and attached to the bottom wall. The top wall has a solenoid valve that regulates the supply to the whipper. A quick connection system connects the hose for charging nitrous oxide with a coupling to the whipper. In addition, a built-in weight measures the cream for precise charging.

Description

[0001] COMPACT CREAM MACHINE.

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003]

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

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] The kitchen siphon is an instrument for making foam, invented by Ferrán Adhá in 1985, based on the already created invention of the beverage siphon that was used to carbonate liquids.

[0006]

[0003] They are made of stainless steel or aluminum with metallic or synthetic parts, 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.

[0007]

[0004] The parts that make up the siphon include the body of the siphon and the head of the apparatus. The charges and the dispensers are inserted into the head. The body of the apparatus consists of a glass, either half a liter, a liter or a liter and a half, normally made of stainless steel and which makes it suitable for making hot and cold preparations. The head makes it possible to prevent the gas mixture that is introduced into the preparations from escaping. The charges are what make it possible to prepare foams, cream, 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 and are usually supplied in the form of sealed pellets, which are opened by inserting this pellet into the siphon, whereby a seal is broken and its charge is released into the siphon. Then it is important to move the device vigorously 3 or 4 times from top to bottom.

[0005] Known in the prior art is application W020091 12706 A by Lion Mathieu, which defines 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]

[0006] A more recent embodiment corresponds to patent CL061752 of the same applicant as the present one, where a machine is defined that allows safe loading of siphons for cream, such as chantilly cream, by means of the automatic injection of 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 controls 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]

[0007] 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 kitchen creamer or 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 different proportions of cream and nitrous oxide, as well as adequately monitoring the load and pressure of the nitrous oxide used. An important advantage with respect to the most usual siphon loading, that is, with gas loading from a pellet, is that with systems that use pellets it is not possible to adjust the mixture of gas and cream, without necessarily increasing the number of pellets, that is, there is no control over the quality of the mixture in the sense of its "aeration" from a single pellet.

[0010]

[0008] A disadvantage of prior art models of siphon loaders is that they require the machine operator to place the siphon upside down to recharge it, “screwing” the siphon head onto the end of a pipe that allowed recharging nitrous oxide, which makes handling difficult and does not provide precise control of the charge.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0009] The device consists of a compact machine for charging nitrous oxide in creamers or siphons comprising an information screen, a push-button panel, a nitrous oxide charging hose together with a quick-connect head for safe charging of nitrous oxide and a digital weight next to the charging hose, which weight is integrated into the surface of the base of the machine which allows the operator to weigh the cream in order to perform an accurate charge.

[0010] The information screen provides charging data about the use of the cylinder, general information and settings of the machine.

[0013]

[0011] A relevant innovation of this siphon loader model would be the inclusion of the loading hose together with a quick connection that allows making the machine simpler and more compact, increasing the useful life and safety, since the connections would be maintained, allowing the machine operator to load the siphons without major manipulations and with a high degree of safety due to its quick connection. This loading hose could be manufactured from various materials and alloys such as metal. In any case, the component should be made of a material that is durable and compatible with the working conditions of nitrous oxide.

[0014]

[0012] One of the major advantages of this innovation is that it reduces the chances of nitrous oxide infiltration during recharging. Additionally, this reduction in the chances of nitrous oxide infiltration allows us to affirm that this design is safer than its predecessors in the prior art.

[0015]

[0013] The quick-connect head consists, among other things, of a threaded coupling consisting of a part with an external (male) thread and a part with an internal (female) thread. These threads fit together. By turning the parts in the correct direction, the threads interlock, providing a tight seal and a strong mechanical connection. However, the system also works with other quick-connect systems such as push-fit couplings, quick-release connectors, camlock connectors or cam and groove couplings, bayonet connectors and hose clamp couplings.

[0016]

[0014] The advantages of these quick-connect systems over traditional connections are faster connection and disconnection, reduced losses due to leaks, ease of use, safety, compatibility and versatility, less wear, and adaptation to different pressures. Indeed, the quick-connect system would allow for much faster coupling and uncoupling, which is crucial in situations where the machine needs to be changed or moved, as may be the case here. Furthermore, the quick-connect system defines a very effective sealing mechanism, which reduces the risk of gas leaks. This is especially important in the case of nitrous oxide. The quick-connect system makes it easier to use and reduces downtime for machine maintenance.

[0017]

[0015] Additionally, a weight has been included that would allow the exact quantities to be incorporated into the siphon. It should be noted that state-of-the-art siphon loading machines do not contain this device. Previous versions of the siphon loading machine lacked a system for weighing the ingredients that were included in the siphon. The weight, in principle, has a circular shape that adjusts to the shape of the siphon that is intended to be filled, although other types of weight shapes, such as square, hexagonal, etc., are not exclusive.

[0018]

[0016] Integrating a scale into a machine that requires weighing ingredients provides multiple benefits, key to optimizing the efficiency and precision of processes. This innovation would save significant time by eliminating the need to weigh ingredients separately, ensuring faster and smoother operations. Furthermore, it increases measurement accuracy, reducing human error and ensuring consistency in ingredient proportions, which is vital to maintaining high product quality.

[0019]

[0017] Automating the weighing process improves control and enables accurate dosing. Another important benefit is the reduction in space and equipment required, as the need for a separate scale, a crucial factor in limited spaces, is eliminated. Likewise, ingredient handling is minimized, reducing the possibility of cross-contamination and improving overall hygiene. This integration also facilitates inventory management and improves staff training, making the process more intuitive and efficient. In short, the incorporation of a scale in these machines represents a significant advance in terms of operational efficiency, product quality, and hygienic handling of ingredients.

[0018] The model incorporates an external GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) module, facilitating an autonomous and continuous connection to a computer database.This system transmits detailed information on cylinder usage in real time. This would allow for precise monitoring of the equipment's autonomy, allowing for an accurate calculation of how much product remains in the cylinders and, consequently, determining the optimal time to replenish them.

[0020]

[0019] Additionally, it has the capacity to integrate with control software enriched with "machine learning" technology, which allows data analysis and prediction of future equipment behavior. Thanks to this, high precision is provided for the moment when a cylinder is depleted, using two predictive models: one based on time series and another on survival analysis. This functionality not only anticipates product depletion based on current use, but also facilitates the accurate estimation of the sale of cream portions, by knowing the specific performance per load of the siphon, all of this managed in real time.

[0021]

[0020] The present invention offers multiple significant advantages, highlighting among others the following:

[0022]

[0021] Safety Improvement: The inclusion of shortwave sensors ensures the siphon is properly connected to the base. This prevents the release of gas into an uncontrolled environment, safeguarding the user's health. Furthermore, the addition of quick connectors at the end of the siphon enhances this safety.

[0023]

[0022] Size Reduction: A significant reduction of over 80% in the overall size of the machine has been achieved compared to previous models. This reduction has been achieved through the integration of innovative components, such as an electronic control board. This board allows the machine to be operated remotely, facilitates emergency stops, and compacts all components into a small space.

[0024]

[0023] Machine Learning Integration: Capable of: a) Analyzing the speed of use of the loads and their daily repeatability, which contributes to developing predictive models to determine the autonomy of the cylinder, b) Managing all processes in a safe, administrative and controllable way in a more compact space, thus adapting to the client's spatial needs.

[0025]

[0024] Main Information Screen: This displays system actions in real time. This gives users a sense of complete control and helps prevent human error. It also facilitates the calculation of the initial tare weight of the cream for precise portions.

[0026]

[0025] Audible Alert: To signal key processes. This feature makes it easier to familiarize yourself with the different stages of the equipment and allows other tasks to be performed while the siphon is being filled, thus increasing production efficiency.

[0027]

[0026] Customization: Certain aspects of the machine, such as audible alerts, cleaning processes, and the cylinder in use, have been allowed to be customized. This flexibility ensures that the customer can tailor the service to their specific needs.

[0028]

[0027] Light and Visual Indicators: These indicators allow users to know the current status of their equipment. They also facilitate rapid intervention by specialized technicians for maintenance and replacement, not only of cylinders but also of parts subject to regular wear, thus minimizing the impact on production time.

[0029]

[0028] In general terms, the compact creamer machine may comprise a creamer base with a keyboard, and alternatively, it may have an upper structure in which a transparent hatch with its corresponding handle is installed.

[0030]

[0029] The base of the creamer is defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, side covers and a rear cover preferably made of acrylic, defining a closed housing supported on skids; in addition, the base of the creamer has a hose inlet cover from the loading cylinder, screwed to the outer surface of said lower wall, and on the upper wall protrudes a solenoid valve that regulates the supply of nitrous oxide to the siphon. The nitrous oxide loading hose is attached to this solenoid valve. Next to this hose, in the upper part, a weight of generally circular or other shape is arranged.

[0031]

[0030] The front part of the creamer base comprises a screen or display supported on a support plate, 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 would allow users to identify the current state of the equipment, and a keyboard that would have seven buttons, with a "pull-up" configuration, and that could have a specific function: "start" button, "stop" button, "clean" button, "menu" button, "up" button, "down" button, "left-right" button. Finally, an audible alert could be added to identify key processes of the equipment.

[0032]

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

[0033]

[0032] Also, inside the casing the machine contains the electronic circuitry, which comprises an electronic controller board, which allows the machine to be operated remotely, emergency stops and to manage all the components, as well as 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, detect the position of the siphon and control master and slave microcontrollers for activating communications signals; a Sim900 GPRS device that, through a SIM card, communicates with the outside with phone calls, text messages and, in this case, internet connection.

[0034]

[0033] The proximity sensor detects when a user has installed the siphon in the compact creamer machine, recording 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 of the creamer base and on a rear hose inlet cover.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]

[0035] 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:

[0037] Figure 1. Isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 2. Upper exploded view of the cream machine base.

[0039] Figure 3. Bottom exploded view of the cream machine base.

[0040] Figure 4. View of a quick pressure coupling.

[0041] Figure 5. View of a threaded type quick coupling.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043]

[0036] With reference to the figures, the compact creamer machine (1) is observed, which comprises a creamer base (3) with a keyboard (7).

[0044]

[0037] The creamer base (3) is defined by an upper wall (8), a lower wall (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 (not illustrated), screwed to the outer surface of said lower wall (14), and on the upper wall (8) a solenoid valve (10) protrudes which regulates the supply of nitrous oxide to the siphon (5).

[0038] The connection to the siphon is made by means of a quick connection system, this mechanism consists of a nitrous oxide charging hose (26) connected to the solenoid valve (10) at the charging end of which it has a quick connection coupling to the siphon (5), which can be a threaded coupling (4) consisting of a part with an external thread (male) and another with an internal thread (female). These threads would fit together.By turning the parts in the correct direction, the threads would interlock, providing a tight seal and a strong mechanical connection. However, the system could also work with other quick-connect systems such as push-fit couplings (2), quick-release connectors, camlock connectors, bayonet connectors, and hose clamp couplings.

[0045]

[0039] Additionally, a weight (not illustrated) has been included which would allow the exact quantities to be added to the siphon. The weight, in a preferred embodiment, has a circular shape which conforms to the shape of the siphon to be filled.

[0046]

[0040] The front part of the creamer base (3) comprises the screen or display (6) supported on a support plate (20), the light and visual indicators, and the keyboard (7) that has seven buttons, with the “pull-up” configuration, and that have a specific function, “start” button, “stop” button, “clean” button, “menu” button, “up” button, “down” button, “left-right” button.

[0047]

[0041] On the inside of the creamer base (3), there are connections for the solenoid valve (10) 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), voltage regulators (24), electrical circuitry and the corresponding pneumatic lines and connections.

[0048]

[0042] Connectors for nitrous oxide charging cylinders are defined on both the lower hose inlet cover (15) of the creamer base (3) and on a rear hose inlet cover (22). List of main parts:

[0049] 1. Portable creamer machine.

[0050] 2. Coupling.

[0051] 3. Cream base.

[0052] 4. Coupling.

[0053] 5. Siphon.

[0054] 6. Display.

[0055] 7. Keyboard.

[0056] 8. Upper wall.

[0057] 9. Nitrous oxide charging hose.

[0058] 10. Solenoid valve.

[0059] 11. Side cover.

[0060] 12. Side cover.

[0061] 13. Skates.

[0062] 14. Lower wall.

[0063] 15. Lower hose inlet cover.

[0064] 16. Keyboard.

[0065] 17. Connector for power supply.

[0066] 20. Support plate.

[0067] 21. Back cover.

[0068] 22. Rear hose inlet cover.

[0069] 23. Sensor support.

[0070] 24. Voltage regulators.

[0071] 25. Nitrous oxide charging hose.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A compact creaming machine (1 ) for loading kitchen siphons for milk cream such as chantilly cream by injecting nitrous oxide automatically, to be installed or placed on an existing table top, which allows to maximize the cream portions, achieving that the conjunction between the cream and the nitrous oxide is in the correct proportions and with a quick connection system that makes it easier to use, reducing downtime in machine maintenance, and also allows the operator to weigh the cream in order to be able to load it accurately, comprising: - a creamer base (3) defined by an upper wall (8), a lower wall (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 wall (14), and on the upper wall (8) a solenoid valve (10) protrudes which regulates the supply to the siphon (5); - a quick connection system by means of a nitrous oxide charging hose (26) connected to the solenoid valve (10) at the charging end of which it has a quick connection coupling to the siphon (5); - a digital weight next to the nitrous oxide charging hose, weight integrated into the surface of the creamer base (3).

2. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 1, wherein the connection coupling is a threaded coupling.

3. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 1, wherein the connection coupling is a pressure coupling from the selected group consisting of push-fit, quick-disconnect, camlock, cam and groove, bayonet or clamp.

4. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 2 and 3, further comprising a sealing means between the siphon and connection coupling.

5. The compact cream machine (1) for loading kitchen siphons of claim 2 and 3, wherein the weight has a shape from the selected group consisting of circular, square or hexagonal, which fits the shape of the siphon that is intended to be filled.

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