Patent Publication Number: US-2010108708-A1

Title: High volume, high pressure, refillable, continuous batter dispenser system and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to batter dispensing, and more particularly, to a high-pressure, compressed air system and method for dispensing batter and quickly refilling the system without disassembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many cultures have dishes made by deep frying dough of one form or another. By way of example and not limitation, funnel cake, a sweet pastry originally associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States, is quite popular around the United States at ballparks, fairs, festivals and other special events. Funnel cakes are typically made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil in a circular pattern and deep frying it until both sides golden-brown. As the batter comes out of the funnel, the web of batter is criss-crossed within a circular diameter to form a lattice which sticks together. Funnel cakes are often served with powdered sugar or other toppings. 
     Other similar pastries include Zeppoles, which are a light, doughnut hole sized pastry made of deep-fried batter; Beignets popularly associated with the French Qaurter region of New Orleans, La.; and Loukoumas, which is a popular Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern/Arabic fried-dough pastry typically coated with sugar syrup or honey and cinnamon, and sometimes sprinkled with sesame. 
     While such pastries are relatively easy to produce in small volumes, high volume mass production presents unique problems which the prior art has not heretofore solved. For example, manually pouring batter from a ladle or pitcher through a funnel into a deep fryer is inefficient, imprecise, exhausting, unsanitary and messy when performed repeatedly for any extended period of time. The ladle or pitcher must constantly be refilled and inevitably becomes coated with dripped batter. A reservoir of batter from which the ladle or pitcher are refilled remains uncovered and exposed to the ambient environment for extended periods during repeated refilling steps, which is conducive to contamination. Manual pouring is slow and highly imprecise, resulting in highly non-uniform pastries. Holding and pouring the pitcher or ladle for any extended period of time, which may be necessary at any special event, can be exhausting. Conducting a such tedious and exhausting task over a deep fryer is conducive to injury. 
     While others have developed devices that address some, but not all, of the foregoing issues, the known prior art devices have shortcomings. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,921 discloses a funnel cake batter dispensing system comprising a beverage container coupled to a liquefied carbon dioxide tank, which is normally used in the dispensing of pre or post mix soft drinks. Unfortunately, the system operates at low-pressure (i.e., less than 35 to 40 psi), which translates into limited volumetric dispensing rate. It also requires a supply tank of liquefied carbon dioxide, which is extremely difficult to transport and must be purchased and stored in advance. Additionally, it is difficult to refill, as refilling entails a complete shut down and removal of the top of the tank. 
     What is needed is a system and method for quickly and precisely dispensing determined volumes of batter. The system and method should be configured with a large reservoir of batter that enables quickly refilling the system without disassembly. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a refillable compressed air driven system is provided for dispensing batter. The system includes a vessel adapted to hold a determined amount of batter and compressed air, a compressed air inlet port in the vessel, a compressed air outlet port in the vessel, a batter inlet port in the vessel, a batter outlet port in the vessel, a compressed air supply line fluidly connected to the compressed air inlet port and configured to supply compressed air through the compressed air supply line to the vessel, an exhaust valve operably coupled to the compressed air outlet port, a hopper operably coupled to the batter inlet port, and a batter inlet valve disposed between the hopper and the vessel, and a dispenser operably coupled to the batter outlet port. Compressed air may be supplied by an air compressor, preferably an oilless air compressor, operably coupled to the compressed air supply line. The vessel includes a lid releasably attached to a base using a plurality of releasable clamps. A pressure relief valve is provided in fluid communication with the vessel and configured to vent compressed air in the vessel in excess of a determined pressure. 
     A rigid batter line extends from the batter inlet port in the vessel and is adapted to direct batter from the hopper into the vessel. The hopper is operably coupled to the rigid batter line, and the batter inlet valve is fluidly coupled to the rigid batter line and disposed between the hopper and the vessel. The hopper may include a funnel shaped entry configured to feed batter into the rigid batter line. 
     A flexible dispenser line having a vessel end and a dispenser end is also provided. The vessel end is fluidly connected to the batter outlet and the dispenser end is fluidly connected to the dispenser. The flexible dispenser line is configured to communicate batter from the vessel to the dispenser operably coupled to the batter outlet port. A batter line valve is fluidly coupled to the flexible dispenser line and disposed between the vessel and the dispenser. The dispenser may be manually actuated. Optionally, a controller may be operably coupled to the dispenser and configured to either control a time period during which the dispenser remains in an open state when actuated or maintain the dispenser in an open state when actuated until a determined amount of batter passes through the dispenser. 
     A method for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling of a refillable compressed air driven system is also provided. The method entails loading batter through the hopper into the vessel, charging the vessel with compressed air to a determined pressure range, dispensing batter through the dispenser to form units of food products until substantially all of the batter loaded in the vessel is dispensed, evacuating the compressed air, and repeating the foregoing steps. The step of loading batter through the hopper into the vessel may include opening the batter inlet valve, pouring the batter into the hopper, allowing the poured batter to flow from the hopper into the vessel, and closing the batter inlet valve after the batter has flowed into the vessel. The step of charging the vessel with compressed air may include supply compressed air from a compressor into the vessel until a pressure within the determined pressure range is attained. The step of dispensing batter through the dispenser to form units of food products until substantially all of the batter loaded in the vessel is dispensed, may include repetitively actuating the dispenser until an amount of batter for one unit of food product has been dispensed. The step of evacuating the compressed air may include opening the exhaust valve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic of an exemplary high-pressure, compressed air system for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling without disassembly according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic of an exemplary high-pressure, compressed air system for dispensing batter, enabling quick refilling without disassembly, and including controller and operably coupled discharge nozzle configured to control the volume of batter discharged per cycle, according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an exemplary high-pressure vessel assembly according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling without disassembly according to principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the steps, types, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions of components shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals, various schematics of an exemplary high-pressure, compressed air system for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling without disassembly according to principles of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A difference between the embodiments is a manually controlled dispenser  170  in  FIG. 1  versus a controller metered dispenser  170  in  FIG. 2 , as discussed more fully below. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a schematic of an exemplary high-pressure, compressed air system  100  for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling without disassembly according to principles of the invention is conceptually shown. The system  100  includes a pressure vessel  110 , which is a rigid container with an interior compartment designed to hold batter and compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) at a pressure (e.g., about 100 psi) above ambient pressure. The vessel  110  is intended for use as a pressure container from which contained batter is urged through a dispenser  170  under the influence of compressed air. In a preferred embodiment the vessel includes a removable lid  180  and a base  175  releasably attached using clamps  185 . Removal of the clamps  185  allows removal of the lid  180  from the base  175  to facilitate access to the interior compartment for cleaning and maintenance. 
     The vessel  110  is preferably constructed from a nonreactive, food-safe material with strength and durability suitable for the pressures experienced. In an exemplary embodiment the material is stainless steel. The pressures of operation are greater than 50 psi, preferably 80 to 110 psi, and more preferably 100 psi. 
     The vessel  110  is equipped with various couplings, inlets, outlets and valves. A compressed gas (e.g., air) line  115  extends from an output port of a compressor  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is any conduit suitable for directing a flow of compressed air from the compressor  105  to the vessel  110 , such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose, a rigid pipe, some other compressed air conduit material or a combination thereof. One or more filters and/or separators may optionally be operably coupled to the line to remove oil, moisture, dirt, pipe scale, liquid aerosol and other contaminants from the compressed air. 
     A compressed gas valve  120  is operably coupled to the compressed gas line  115 , disposed between the output port of a compressor  105  and the inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  120  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  120  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  120  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter line  135  extends from an output port of a hopper  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is a rigid conduit suitable for supporting the hopper  130  when it is full of batter  130  and suitable for directing a flow of batter from the hopper  130  through a batter inlet port and into the vessel  110 . Such a line  135  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A batter line valve  125  is operably coupled to the batter line  135 , disposed between the output port of the hopper  130  and a batter inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  125  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  125  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  125  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter line  135  extends from an output port of a hopper  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is a strong, rigid conduit suitable for supporting the hopper  130  when it is full of batter  130  while directing a flow of batter from the hopper  130  through a batter inlet port and into the vessel  110 . Such a line  135  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A batter line valve  125  is operably coupled to the batter line  135 , disposed between the output port of the hopper  130  and a batter inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  125  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  125  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  125  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     The hopper  130  is a bin-like or funnel-like entry configured to feed batter into the batter line  135  to supply batter to the vessel  110 . The hopper  130  is open above, and tapers, being thinner at the bottom where it feeds into the batter line  135  leading to the container. 
     An exhaust line  150  extends from an exhaust port of the vessel to an exhaust valve  140  and a pressure relief valve  145 . The line is a conduit suitable for supporting the exhaust valve  140  and pressure relief valve  145 . Such a line  150  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A exhaust valve  145  operably coupled to the exhaust line  150 , disposed between the exhaust port of the vessel  110  and the pressure relief valve  145 , may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  145  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  145  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     The pressure relief valve  145  protects the tank from excessive pressure. The relief valve  145  is designed or set to open at a predetermined pressure (e.g., in excess of 100 psi) to protect the vessel  110  and other equipment from being subjected to pressures that exceed their design limits. When the pressure setting is exceeded, the relief valve  145  becomes a “path of least resistance” as the valve  145  is forced open and excess gas is vented to the atmosphere. As pressurized gas is exhausted, the pressure inside the vessel  110  will drop. Once it reaches the valve&#39;s re-seating pressure (e.g., 100 psi), also known as the blowdown, the valve will re-close. 
     A batter dispensing line  160  extends from an output port of the vessel  110  to a dispenser  170 . The line is any conduit suitable for directing a flow of batter from the vessel  110  to the dispenser  170 , such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose. 
     A batter dispensing valve  155  is operably coupled to the batter dispensing line  160 , disposed between the output port of the vessel  110  and the dispenser  170 . Operating positions for the valve  155  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  155  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  155  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter dispenser  170  is operably coupled to the end of the batter dispensing line  160  opposite the vessel  110 . The batter dispenser  170  conceptually shown in  FIG. 2  is a manually actuated or automated valve. When the dispenser  170  is open, batter, pushed by the gas in the pressurized vessel  110 , flows from the dispenser. The dispenser  170  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The dispenser  170  may be controlled manually with a lever. Alternatively, the dispenser  170  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     To use the system to make funnel cakes, dispensed batter may be deposited into hot oil in a circular pattern and deep fried until both sides of the deposited batter are cooked golden-brown. As the batter exits the dispenser  170 , the web of batter is criss-crossed within a circular diameter to form a lattice which sticks together. Funnel cakes are often served with powdered sugar or other toppings. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic of another exemplary high-pressure, compressed air system  100  for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling without disassembly according to principles of the invention is conceptually shown. The system  100  includes a pressure vessel  110 , which is a rigid container with an interior compartment designed to hold batter and compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) at a pressure (e.g., about 100 psi) above ambient pressure. The vessel  110  is intended for use as a pressure container from which contained batter is urged through a dispenser  195  under the influence of compressed air. In a preferred embodiment the vessel includes a removable lid  180  and a base  175  releasably attached using clamps  185 . Removal of the clamps  185  allows removal of the lid  180  from the base  175  to facilitate access to the interior compartment for cleaning and maintenance. 
     The vessel  110  is preferably constructed from a nonreactive, food-safe material with strength and durability suitable for the pressures experienced. In an exemplary embodiment the material is stainless steel. The pressures of operation are greater than 50 psi, preferably 80 to 110 psi, and more preferably 100 psi. 
     The vessel  110  is equipped with various couplings, inlets, outlets and valves. A compressed gas (e.g., air) line  115  extends from an output port of a compressor  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is any conduit suitable for directing a flow of compressed air from the compressor  105  to the vessel  110 , such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose, a rigid pipe, some other compressed air conduit material or a combination thereof. One or more filters and/or separators may optionally be operably coupled to the line to remove oil, moisture, dirt, pipe scale, liquid aerosol and other contaminants from the compressed air. 
     A compressed gas valve  120  is operably coupled to the compressed gas line  115 , disposed between the output port of a compressor  105  and the inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  120  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  120  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  120  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter line  135  extends from an output port of a hopper  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is a rigid conduit suitable for supporting the hopper  130  when it is full of batter  130  and suitable for directing a flow of batter from the hopper  130  through a batter inlet port and into the vessel  110 . Such a line  135  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A batter line valve  125  is operably coupled to the batter line  135 , disposed between the output port of the hopper  130  and a batter inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  125  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  125  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  125  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter line  135  extends from an output port of a hopper  105  to an inlet port of the vessel  110 . The line is a strong, rigid conduit suitable for supporting the hopper  130  when it is full of batter  130  while directing a flow of batter from the hopper  130  through a batter inlet port and into the vessel  110 . Such a line  135  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A batter line valve  125  is operably coupled to the batter line  135 , disposed between the output port of the hopper  130  and a batter inlet port of the vessel  110 . Operating positions for the valve  125  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  125  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  125  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     The hopper  130  is a bin-like or funnel-like entry configured to feed batter into the batter line  135  to supply batter to the vessel  110 . The hopper  130  is open above, and tapers, being thinner at the bottom where it feeds into the batter line  135  leading to the container. 
     An exhaust line  150  extends from an exhaust port of the vessel to an exhaust valve  140  and a pressure relief valve  145 . The line is a conduit suitable for supporting the exhaust valve  140  and pressure relief valve  145 . Such a line  150  may, for example, be comprised of stainless steel pipe. 
     A exhaust valve  145  operably coupled to the exhaust line  150 , disposed between the exhaust port of the vessel  110  and the pressure relief valve  145 , may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  145  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  145  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     The pressure relief valve  145  protects the tank from excessive pressure. The relief valve  145  is designed or set to open at a predetermined pressure (e.g., in excess of 100 psi) to protect the vessel  110  and other equipment from being subjected to pressures that exceed their design limits. When the pressure setting is exceeded, the relief valve  145  becomes a “path of least resistance” as the valve  145  is forced open and excess gas is vented to the atmosphere. As pressurized gas is exhausted, the pressure inside the vessel  110  will drop. Once it reaches the valve&#39;s re-seating pressure (e.g., 100 psi), also known as the blowdown, the valve will re-close. 
     A batter dispensing line  160  extends from an output port of the vessel  110  to a dispenser  195 . The line is any conduit suitable for directing a flow of batter from the vessel  110  to the dispenser  195 , such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose. 
     A batter dispensing valve  155  is operably coupled to the batter dispensing line  160 , disposed between the output port of the vessel  110  and the dispenser  195 . Operating positions for the valve  155  may be either shut (closed) so that no flow at all goes through, fully open for maximum flow, or partially open to any degree in between. The valve  155  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. Alternatively, the valve  155  can be controlled by an actuator such as an electric motor or solenoid, pneumatic actuator controlled by air pressure, or a hydraulic actuator controlled by the pressure of a liquid such as oil or water. 
     A batter dispenser  195  is operably coupled to the end of the batter dispensing line  160  opposite the vessel  110 . The batter dispenser  195  conceptually shown in  FIG. 1  is a manually actuated valve that opens by depressing a small lever. When the dispenser  195  is open, batter, pushed by the gas in the pressurized vessel  110 , flows from the dispenser. In this embodiment, the dispenser  195  is operably coupled to a controller, which is adapted to control dispensing of a determined amount of batter per dispensing cycle, i.e., per cake, by controlling the time of dispensing at a set pressure or by directly or indirectly measuring or otherwise determining flow rate, mass, or volume of dispensed batter. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the dispenser  195  comprises a microcontroller controlled dispensing valve, such as a 725HF dispense valve by EFD, Inc., East Providence, R.I., USA., and a corresponding pre-configured or configurable microcontroller, referred to herein as a controller  190 , such as a ValveMate™ 7000 controller by EFD, Inc., East Providence, R.I., USA. For the 725HF dispense valve and ValveMate™ 7000 controller valve open time is the primary control of dispensed batter volume. For each cycle, the controller  195  maintains the dispenser in an open state, allowing batter to be dispensed, for a determined amount of time. As the pressure is maintained substantially constant (e.g., at 100 psi) and the batter properties remain substantially the same, substantially the same amounts of batter are dispensed for each such cycle. This embodiment ensures uniformity in weight, i.e., that substantially consistent amounts of batter are dispensed during each cycle (e.g., for each cake). This embodiment also helps ensure uniformity in cooking time, as like size cakes take similar time to cook. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of an exemplary high-pressure vessel assembly is conceptually shown to illustrate a specific vessel embodiment, but not to limit the invention thereto. The pressure vessel  300  is a rigid container with an interior compartment designed to hold batter and compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) at a pressure (e.g., about 100 psi) above ambient pressure. The vessel  300  is intended for use as a pressure container from which contained batter is urged through a dispenser  195  under the influence of compressed air. In a preferred embodiment the vessel includes a removable lid  315  and a base  305  releasably attached using clamps  320 . Each clamp is pivotally connected to the base  305  using a hinge pivot pin  330 , a retaining cotter pin  335  adapted for engagement by the hinge pivot pin  330 , and a hinge joint  340  attached to the base  305 . A threaded actuator  325  engages a flanged rim  310  of the lid  315  to secure the lid  315  to the base  305 . Loosening the threaded actuator allows removal of the lid  315  from the base  305  to facilitate access to the interior compartment for cleaning and maintenance. 
     The vessel  110  is preferably constructed from a nonreactive, food-safe material with strength and durability suitable for the pressures experienced. In an exemplary embodiment the material is 304 stainless steel, approximately 0.075 to 0.2 inches thick, and can continuously sustain working pressures of approximately 110 psi. The vessel may have any volume capacity, including, but not limited to 5, 10 or 15 gallon. 
     The vessel  110  is equipped with various couplings, inlets, outlets and valves. A ball valve  375  of 316 Stainless Steel, connects to a 90° elbow  370  (of ⅜×18 NPT Stainless Steel), which connects to a plug  365  (⅜−18 NPT Stainless Steel) that threads into a threaded compressed air input port of the vessel  300 . A compressed gas (e.g., air) line will extends from an output port of a compressor to the ball valve  375 . The line is any conduit suitable for directing a flow of compressed air from the compressor to the vessel  300 , such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose, a rigid pipe, some other compressed air conduit material or a combination thereof. One or more filters and/or separators may optionally be operably coupled thereto remove oil, moisture, dirt, pipe scale, liquid aerosol and other contaminants from the compressed air. 
     A ball valve  380  of 316 Stainless Steel is connected to a batter inlet port of the vessel  300 . A batter line extends from the ball valve  380  to an output port of a hopper. The line is a rigid conduit suitable for supporting the hopper when it is full of batter and suitable for directing a flow of batter from the hopper through a batter inlet port and into the vessel. 
     A ball valve  385  of 316 Stainless Steel is connected to a batter outlet port of the vessel  300 . A batter dispensing line extends from the ball valve  385  to a dispenser. The line may be any conduit suitable for directing a flow of batter from the vessel  300  to the dispenser, such as (for example) braided, flexible, abrasion resistant polyurethane air hose. 
     An exhaust manifold  355  with an exhaust valve  360 , connects to a 90° elbow  350 , which connects to a pressure relief valve  340 . The manifold is threaded into compressed air output port of the vessel  300 . The exhaust valve  360  may be controlled manually with a handle attached to a valve stem. The pressure relief valve  340  protects the vessel  300  from excessive pressure. 
     To use the system to make funnel cakes, dispensed batter may be deposited into hot oil in a circular pattern and deep fried until both sides of the deposited batter are cooked golden-brown. As the batter exits the dispenser  195 , the web of batter is criss-crossed within a circular diameter to form a lattice which sticks together. Funnel cakes are often served with powdered sugar or other toppings. 
     Now, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart of an exemplary method for dispensing batter and enabling quick refilling, without disassembly, according to principles of the invention is shown. The process starts  400  after the batter has been prepared. A determined volume (e.g., 5, 10 or 15 gallons) of batter is then loaded into the vessel  110 . Loading entails opening the batter inlet valve  125 , as in step  405 , and pouring the batter into the hopper  130 , as in step  410 . The poured batter will flow from the hopper  130  into the vessel  110 . After the batter has been received by the vessel  110 , the batter inlet valve is closed, as in step  415 . Now the batter has been loaded into the vessel  110 . 
     Next, the batter-loaded vessel  110  is charged with compressed air. The air inlet valve is opened, as ins step  420  and the compressor is activated, as in step  425 . The compressed air fills the ullage of the vessel and urges the batter downwardly. As batter is expelled, more compressed air fills the ullage to maintain a desired pressure. 
     Next, after the batter-loaded vessel  110  has been charged with compressed air to a determined operating pressure (e.g., 100 psi), the dispensing operation may commence. The batter outlet valve  155  is opened, as in step  430 . Then the dispenser is activated to discharge batter for cooking, as in step  435 . If the dispenser  170  is manually controlled, then a user actuates the dispenser  170  until an amount of batter for one unit of product (e.g., one funnel cake) has been discharged. If the dispenser  195  is computer controlled (e.g., controlled by controller  190 ), then a user actuates the dispenser  195  and the controller maintains the dispenser in an open discharge state for a determined period of time and/or until an amount of batter for one unit of product (e.g., one funnel cake) has been discharged. Discharged batter may be deposited into hot oil in a desired (e.g., circular pattern) and deep fried until properly cooked. In the case of funnel cakes, as the batter exits the dispenser  195 , the discharged web of batter is crisscrossed within a circular diameter to form a lattice which sticks together. Funnel cakes are often served with powdered sugar or other toppings. 
     The discharge of batter for one unit of product (e.g., one funnel cake) is a cycle. The dispensing step (step  435 ) may be repeated, as in step  445 , until a determined number of units of product have been made, or until the vessel is empty, as in step  440 . The number of cycles for a load of batter is determined by the volume of batter in the vessel and the amount of batter used for each unit of product. 
     When all or nearly all batter has been dispensed from the vessel  300 , the vessel may be refilled. Refilling entails turning off the compressor, as in step  450 . The air inlet valve  120  may be closed, as in step  455 , to prevent poured batter from entering the compressed air line  115 . Then, compressed air is exhausted from the vessel by opening the exhaust valve  140 . 
     A determined volume (e.g., 5, 10 or 15 gallons) of batter is then loaded into the vessel  110 . As discussed above, loading entails opening the batter inlet valve  125 , as in step  405 , and pouring the batter into the hopper  130 , as in step  410 . The poured batter will flow from the hopper  130  into the vessel  110 . After the batter has been received by the vessel  110 , the batter inlet valve is closed, as in step  415 . Now the new batch of batter has been loaded into the vessel  110 . 
     Next, the batter-loaded vessel  110  is charged with compressed air. The air inlet valve is opened, as in step  420  and the compressor is activated, as in step  425 . The compressed air fills the ullage of the vessel and urges the batter downwardly. As batter is expelled, more compressed air fills the ullage to maintain a desired pressure. The process continues for the new batch of batter, as it did for the original batch of batter. The process may end at any time, such as when enough units have been produced, as in step  475 . 
     Advantageously, no disassembly of the vessel is required to refill the system. This minimizes downtime and greatly improves overall productivity. Additionally, because of the high operating pressure, which much greater than 40 psi, the system completes cycles much more quickly than prior art low-pressure batter discharge systems. Thus, more units of product can be produced using a system and methodology according to principles of the invention, than with prior art systems and methodologies. 
     Another advantage of a system and methodology according to principles of the invention is portability and independence from compressed gas tanks. While any source of food-compatible compressed gas may be utilized, a conventional oilless air compressor is preferred because of the attainable pressures and continuous unlimited supply. In contrast, compressed gas tanks are difficult to transport and provide only a limited supply. 
     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.