Patent ID: 7305834
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: F25B,F25D,G07F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for moving thermal energy with respect to at least one of a beverage and a food product positioned in one of a vehicle and a stationary vending machine comprising: a vortex tube positionable in one of a vehicle and a stationary vending machine and having an inlet and a cold outlet and a hot outlet for dividing a primary air stream received in said inlet into a cold air sub-stream exiting said cold outlet and an a hot air sub-stream exiting said hot outlet; a containing member having a first wall with an inner surface for receiving a product and a second wall surrounding said first wall to define a first cavity; a first fluid line extending between said first cavity and one of said cold and hot outlets for communicating one of the cold and hot air sub-streams to said first cavity; and a third wall disposed between said first and second walls for dividing said first cavity into outer sub-cavity for receiving the air sub-stream and an inner sub-cavity for receiving a thermal fluid; wherein said containing member furthering comprises: an opening communicating with said inner sub-cavity for directing the thermal fluid to said inner sub-cavity; and an exit port spaced from said first inlet and communicating with said inner sub-cavity for directing the thermal fluid from said inner sub-cavity.