Abstract:
A method of treating an orally ingestible item having an original taste to be enhanced or reduced without imparting bitterness to the item, includes exposing the item to a magnetic field and oxygen.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/407,613 filed Apr. 20, 2006 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/893,204 filed Jul. 16, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,580. 
     
    
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for improving the organolaptic properties of beverages including bottled and tap water and is more particularly directed to apparatus and method for exposing beverages and potable water to a magnetic field. With regard to alcoholic beverages, the present invention reduces the perception of tannins and acid. Such alcoholic beverages include wine, brandies, sherries, ports, cognac, spirits, beer, and any other alcoholic beverage. With regard to potable water, the perception of chlorine is reduced and the water tastes better. 
         [0003]    One embodiment of the present invention provides for a pourer for enabling selective magnetic treatment of beverages including potable water which is convenient, simple to use, and does not require extensive equipment or the treatment of whole bottles of beverage, or water, or tap water. The pourer in accordance with the present invention is simple in design and the effects are noted immediately as water is exposed to both a magnetic field and to oxygen. 
         [0004]    The present invention further is related to the production of beverages and other orally ingestible items. One embodiment is particularly directed to a magnetic nozzle and coupling device, which provides an improvement in facilities requiring transfer of a beverage during the production thereof. Such beverages include wine, coffee, tea, fruit juices, vegetable juice, some beans, spirits, and chocolate. In another embodiment the taste of orally ingestible items such as, for example, chocolate and chewing gum is enhanced. 
         [0005]    In the production of these items, polyphenol, including tannins, and flavonoids are produced, which, in the case of beverages, are thereafter extracted in a number of different procedures including, for example, maturation in oak. 
         [0006]    The present apparatus is effective in reducing the bitterness and astringency caused by such treatment chemicals and the treatments for their removal. 
         [0007]    In order to enhance the flavor, for example, to provide a refreshing flavor, menthol or menthol-containing essential oil, such as Japanese mint oil, and peppermint essential oil may be added to chewing gum, beverages, or chocolate. However, the addition of such menthol or menthol-containing essential oil impact a bitter taste. 
         [0008]    A method in accordance with the present invention induces chemical changes with a strong magnetic field particularly in the presence of oxygen so that the bitterness and astringency are reduced and the beverage or food substance or other orally ingestible item becomes richer and more flavorful. It is theorized that the magnetic field acts upon the charged polyphenols to induce polymerization, particularly in the presence of oxygen. Inasmuch as these changes can take place very rapidly, only a brief exposure to a magnetic field and oxygen is required. 
         [0009]    The production of various beverages obviously may be effected through various processing stations, which vary in sequence and number depending upon the beverage being produced. 
         [0010]    Even the type of wine necessitates a different sequence of processing stations. For example, high quality red wine grapes have a colorless juice and all of the red color is in the grape skins. Consequently, winemakers must leave the juice in contact with the skins for a period of time to extract the color. 
         [0011]    Thus, red wine is made by crushing the grapes and then fermenting the juice, the pulp, and the skins, and the seeds together for variable periods of time. After this period of skin contact, or maceration, a wine press is used to separate the liquid from the solid materials. 
         [0012]    On the other hand, white wine is made by a completely different process. First, the grapes are crushed and then usually pressed to immediately separate the juice from the solids. After pressing, the skins, stems, and seeds are discarded and the juice is cooled at a low temperature. The cold juice is then allowed to settle for several hours and the clear juice is decanted off the residue before it is fermented. White wine, therefore, is usually made by fermenting clarified juice. Sometimes, after crushing, the must is cooled and held in contact with the skins and seeds for a number of hours. The must is then pressed and fermentation begun. 
         [0013]    In addition, fining is a process whereby positive or negatively charged substances (clay, synthetic chemicals, proteins) are added to the wine in order to bind the oppositely charged compounds (tannins and proteins), which then precipitate out of the solution. 
         [0014]    Such fining materials are an expense in the wine making process. In addition, labor cost associated therewith increases the cost of the end product. Also, such fining processes can have negative impact upon the flavor of the wine. 
         [0015]    Further, process stations include optional “micro-oxidation” in which small bubbles of oxygen are slowly added to red wine tanks so as to cause polymerization of the tannins. Even though such “micro” oxidations involves small amounts of oxygen, wines so treated can suffer from “oxidation”. A process which could stimulate tannin polymerization, while requiring less oxygen exposure, could represent an improvement in the winemaking process. Alternatively, a process, such as magnetic exposure of the wine during “micro-oxidation”, could lead to greater efficacy of the process in reducing either astringency or greenness of the wine, or other polyphenol containing beverage. 
         [0016]    The present invention is directed to an nozzle and coupling device for the production of beverages, which may be utilized at any time a beverage is transferred from one process station to another. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    A pourer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for improving organoleptic properties of beverage, or other ingestible items, generally includes a base and a tubular member extending longitudinally through the base along with a spout extending outwardly from the tubular member. 
         [0018]    At least two magnets are disposed longitudinally along the tubular member for exposing the water to a magnetic field as the beverage passes through the tubular member and spout. It should be appreciated that the magnetic field is concentrated into the beverage passing through the tubular member because the tubular member may have a lumen therethrough of (for example) ½ inch or less. Accordingly, the volume of water is not of the size requiring either very large magnets. 
         [0019]    The pourer may include a stopper extending from the base for insertion into a bottle mouth or water tap and a skirt may be provided and extending from the base for surrounding the stopper and the bottle mouth or tap. 
         [0020]    To further enhance or change the organoleptic properties of the water, rapid exposure to oxygen in the air occurs as water is poured. Preferably, an air intake may be provided including an opening disposed transverse to the tubular member for enabling air to be drawn into the water as it passed through the tubular member. Thus, the beverage may be simultaneously treated with a magnetic field and aerated. 
         [0021]    Any number of magnets may be utilized, however, such magnets should be disposed for enhancing the magnetic field therebetween. Accordingly, two magnets may be disposed 180° degrees from one another around the tubular member. 
         [0022]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention useful in a facility requiring transfer of a beverage during production thereof, the present invention provides an improvement which includes a nozzle or a coupling apparatus including a tubular member for passing bulk beverage therethrough and having an outlet and inlet. Alternatively, apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be affixed to existing equipment, such as a “micro-oxidation” device for use during the maturation of the beverage. 
         [0023]    A magnetic field generator, either electromagnetic or permanent magnets, (hereinafter “magnets”) is associated with the coupling apparatus and exposes the beverage to the magnetic field as the beverage passes through coupling. The magnets are disposed inside the tubular member to establish a venturi therein. 
         [0024]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the beverage is red wine and the transfer occurs between at least two production stations selected from a group of stations consisting of crushing, fermenting, processing, clarifying, stabilizing, aging, and bottling stations with the coupling apparatus being disposed between the two selected production stations. If more than two production stations are selected multiple coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be employed. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment in which the facility produces a white wine and the transfer occurs between two production stations which are selected from a group consisting of crushing, pressing, settling, fermenting, clarifying, stabilizing, aging, and bottling, the coupling apparatus is disposed between the two selected production stations. 
         [0026]    In addition, the coupling apparatus may further include an air inlet, associated with the venturi, for introducing oxygen to the beverage passing therethrough. 
         [0027]    In a facility utilizing a fining station with the fining station precipitating charge compounds, the coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be beneficially disposed between the fining station and another station. 
         [0028]    In a facility utilizing an oxidation station, the coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be beneficially disposed between the oxidation channel and another production station, or may be fitted to the oxidation infuser. 
         [0029]    In a facility in which the beverage produced is spirits, and the transfer occurs between at least two production stations selected from the group of stations consisting of storage, blending, and bottling stations, the coupling apparatus may be disposed between the two selected production stations. This would be of particular importance whereby wood barrels, wood staves, or wood chips were being utilized during the production process. 
         [0030]    In facilities in which production stations are produced coffee and tea and include a group of stations including extraction, clarification, settling and bottling stations, the coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be disposed between any of the two selected production stations or for the treatment of ground coffee beans or tea leaves prior to the extraction by hot water. 
         [0031]    In a facility utilized for the production of fruit juice, with transfer occurring between at least two production stations selected from the group of stations consisting of squeezing settling, extraction, and bottling stations, the coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be disposed between the two selected production stations. 
         [0032]    In a facility in which chocolate is produced and transfer occurs between at least two production stations selected from a group of stations consisting of extraction, refining, melting, pouring, bottling, and molding stations, the present invention may be disposed between the two selected production stations. Alternatively, cocoa powder may be treated prior to heating. 
         [0033]    In a facility in which the beverage is beer and transfer occurs between at least two production stations selected from a group of stations consisting of fermentation, blending, and bottling stations, the coupling apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be disposed between the two selected stations. 
         [0034]    In addition, in accordance with the present invention, the magnetic field generator may comprise permanent magnets. 
         [0035]    More particularly, a method in accordance with the present invention for improving the effectiveness of fining during the production of a wine includes adding fines to a wine to precipitate charged compounds, exposing the wine with added fines to a magnetic field, and thereafter filtering precipitated charged compounds. 
         [0036]    To further enhance or change the organoleptic properties of the water, rapid exposure to oxygen in the air occurs as water is poured. Preferably, an air intake may be provided including an opening disposed transverse to the tubular member for enabling air to be drawn into the water as it passed through the tubular member. Thus, the water may be simultaneously treated with a magnetic field and aerated. 
         [0037]    To further enhance or change the organoleptic properties of the water, rapid exposure to oxygen in the air occurs as water is poured. Preferably, an air intake may be provided including an opening disposed transverse to the tubular member for enabling air to be drawn into the water as it passed through the tubular member. Thus, the beverage may be simultaneously treated with a magnetic field and aerated. 
         [0038]    Any number of magnets may be utilized, however, such magnets should be disposed for enhancing the magnetic field therebetween. Accordingly, two magnets may be disposed 180° degrees from one another around the tubular member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]    The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0040]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention generally including a pourer and showing a base, spout, skirt, and magnets for exposing water to a magnetic field; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the pourer shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating the pouring of water through the pourer and exposure to a magnetic field; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a nozzle in accordance with the present invention generally showing an open end and a coupling flange, an inlet and outlet along with permanent magnets disposed therein to establish a venturi; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a coupling in accordance with the present invention having flanges on opposing ends thereof and magnets disposed therein to establish a venturi; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates a union of the coupling shown in  FIG. 4  between production stages; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a clamp facilitating the union between the nozzle or the coupling and a production station; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  is a schematic drawing of a facility including production stations for the production of red wine in which the present invention may be used to advantage; 
           [0047]      FIG. 8  is a schematic drawing of a facility including production stations for the production of white wine in which the present advantage may be used to advantage; 
           [0048]      FIG. 9  is a schematic drawing of a fining station which may be utilized in a facility shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of an oxidation station which may be utilized in combination with the production facilities shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of a facility for the production of spirits; 
           [0051]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of a facility for the production of coffee or tea; 
           [0052]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a facility for production of fruit juices; 
           [0053]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of a facility including stations for the production of chocolate; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of a facility including production stations for the production of beer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , there is shown a pourer  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for improving the taste of water. As is best shown in  FIG. 2  the pourer  10  includes a base  12  along with a tubular member  16  extending longitudinally through the base  12 . A spout  20  extends outwardly from the tubular member  16  and at least two permanent magnets  22 ,  24  are disposed longitudinally along the tubular member  16  for exposing water to a magnetic field as the water passes through the tubular member  16  and spout  20  the magnetic field being represented by lines  26 . The longitudinal placement enhances the efficiency of coupling the magnetic field with the beverage passing through the tubular member  16 . The permanent magnets  22 ,  24  may be of any suitable type formed from, for example, iron, steel, or rare earth, such as neodymium, atrontium, and alnico, etc. 
         [0056]    More particularly, the pourer  10  includes a stopper  18  extending from the base  12  for insertion into a bottle mouth, or tap,  30 . The stopper  28  is sized and tapered for sealably engaging the bottle mouth, or tap,  30 . In addition, a skirt  32  may be provided for surrounding the stopper  28  and the bottle mouth, or tap,  30  to prevent the entry of any contamination into the bottle mouth, or tap,  30 . 
         [0057]    The pourer  10  design enables rapid exposure to oxygen upon pouring by way of, an air intake opening  34  which may extend transversely to the tubular member  16  for enabling air to be drawn into the water as it is passed through the tubular member  16 . 
         [0058]    As shown, preferably the magnets  22 ,  24  are disposed 180° degrees from one another or on the tubular member and preferably abut a top portion  38  of the skirt  30  in order that the water is immediately exposed to the magnetic field upon entry into the tubular member  16 . 
         [0059]    Preferably, the base  12 , stopper  28 , tubular member  16 , and spout  20  are integrally formed with the magnets  22 ,  24  embedded therein. Any suitable plastic may be used for this purpose. 
         [0060]    The pourer  10  includes a relatively small aperture in the tubular member  16  (to ensure a strong magnetic field), flanked by two strong magnets  22 ,  24 , and is affixed to the opening of a bottle, flask, or water tap. The water, as it passes the strong magnetic field, causes an alteration in the configuration of the charged particles that impart taste in water. Particularly, the taste of chlorine is reduced. With immediate exposure to air, chemical changes occur to the structure and configuration of chemicals so as to make the water taste softer. Thus, the water is perceived to taste smoother. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a nozzle  40  including a tubular member  41  having an open end  42  and an opposite end  43  with a conventional mounting flange  44 . Magnets  45 ,  46 , having an arcuate shape, are disposed within the tubular member  41  and establish a venturi  6  therebetween as indicated by arrows  47 . The air inlet opening  48  enables air to be drawn into a beverage as it passes through the nozzle as indicated by arrows  49 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  illustrates a coupling  50 , also in accordance with the present invention, having a tubular member  51 , an inlet  52 , and outlet  53  disposed at opposite ends  54 ,  55 , flow through the coupling being indicated by arrows  56 . Common reference numerals in  FIGS. 3 and 4  represent identical or substantial equivalent elements as shown and described in conjunction with  FIG. 3 . 
         [0063]    The tubular member  51  includes flanges  57 ,  58  to enable coupling, with the use of a clamp  59 , see  FIG. 4  with, for example, an outlet of a crushing status  60  to a fermenting station  62 . 
         [0064]    The coupling  50  is suitable for use in facilities  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  respectively and diagramed in  FIGS. 5-15  as will be hereinafter discussed in greater detail. 
         [0065]    The nozzle  40  and coupling  50  may be formed from any suitable material and may be rigid or flexible. 
         [0066]    In combination with the red wine production facility  64 , shown in  FIG. 7 , the coupling  50  may be utilized for transfer of beverage between typical production stations including crushing  60 , fermenting  62 , processing  100 , clarifying  102 , stabilizing  104 , aging  106 , and bottling  108 . As hereinabove noted, the coupling  50  may be utilized between one or more pairs of the stations  60 ,  62 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 . 
         [0067]    For a white wine facility  66 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the coupling  50  may be utilized between any two stations including the crushing station  110 , pressing station  112 , settling station  114 , fermenting station  116 , clarifying station  118 , stabilizing station  120 , aging station  122 , and bottling station  124 . 
         [0068]    Other stations may be provided in any of the facilities  64 - 80  and if utilized are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0069]    For example, fining station  68  shown in  FIG. 9  or the oxidation station  70  shown in  FIG. 10  may be used in combination with the red wine facility  64  and the white wine facility  66 . 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a facility  72  for the production of spirits which include a storage station  126 , a blending station  128 , and a bottling station  130 , among others not shown, the coupling  50  being utilized between any two stations as earlier illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a coffee and tea producing facility  74  which includes an extraction station  132 , a clarification station  134 , a settling station  136 , and a bottling station  138 , and perhaps others not shown, the coupling  10 ,  14  being disposed between any two stations as earlier illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  illustrates a facility  76  for the production of fruit juice and vegetable juice, which includes a squeezing station  140 , a settling station  142 , an extraction station  144 , and a bottling station  146 , the coupling  10 ,  14  being disposed between any two stations as earlier illustrated. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  is a diagram of a chocolate production facility  34 , which may include an extraction station  148 , a refining station  150 , a melting station  152 , a pouring station  154 , a bottling station  15 G, and a cooling station  158 , the coupling  10 ,  14  being disposed between any two stations as earlier illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0074]    With continued referenced to  FIG. 14 , after cooling, the chocolate may be exposed to a magnetic field and utilizing a source of oxygen, the cooled chocolate may be exposed to a combination of the magnetic field and oxygen in order to enhance or reduce an original taste without imparting bitterness to the chocolate. Further, this process, or method is also applicable in the manufacture of chewing gum and the like and if fluid the gum may be exposed to the magnetic field between any production stations or alternatively when set the gum may be exposed to a magnetic field with or without exposure to oxygen in order to enhance or reduce particular flavors of the gum. 
         [0075]    A beer production facility  80  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 , which may include a fermentation station  160 , a blending station  162 , and a bottling station  164  among others not shown but considered to be within the scope of the present invention, the coupling  10 ,  14  being disposed between any two stations as earlier illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0076]    Although there has been hereinabove described a specific device for reducing bitterness and astringency in beverage in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.