Patent ID: 6339931
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: F25B,F25D

Abstract:
A method for charging of a heat exchange unit for a self-chilling container, wherein the self-chilling container includes an outer tubular member, an inner heat exchange unit that includes an inner closed end tubular container, and a volume therebetween for the containment of a consumable material, the inner heat exchange unit further including a closure and coolant release valve structure connected to an open end of the closed end tubular container, opposite the closed end of the closed end tubular container, the inner heat exchange unit further including a first heat exchange medium disposed in the closed end tubular container and operably configured for absorbing, under pressure, a second heat exchange medium, whereupon actuation of the closure and coolant release valve structure, the second heat exchange medium is released in gaseous form from the inner heat exchange unit, resulting in a release of heat from the inner heat exchange unit, so that heat is transferred from the consumable material into the inner heat exchange unit, the method comprising:providing a filling machine, having at least one filling head operably connected to a source of second heat exchange medium; the filling machine further having at least one refrigerant adapter operably connected to a source of refrigerant material; inserting the partially constructed self-chilling container structure into the filling machine; supplying refrigerant to the at least one refrigerant adapter, operably configured to deliver refrigerant into the partially constructed self-chilling container, to substantially surround the inner heat exchange unit, positioning a filling head in juxtaposed relation to the closure and coolant release valve structure of the partially constructed self-chilling container; supplying second heat exchange medium to the inner heat exchange unit of the partially constructed self-chilling can to at least partially charge the inner heat exchange unit.