Patent Publication Number: US-2020290862-A1

Title: Wine dispensing system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention disclosure relates to a wine dispensing system for providing wine by the glass. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Restaurants, taverns and other eating establishments typically supplement their menus with various wines. Such offerings not only enhance the appeal of such restaurants, taverns and eating establishments but they can also significantly increase revenue. For various reasons, however, some diners and tavern patrons do not desire to purchase an entire bottle of wine with their meal. Instead, some diners and tavern patrons prefer to supplement their meal with only one or two glasses of wine. 
     Although the wine being served may be stored at above or below a desired temperature, some wines taste best if served at a specific temperature. That is, some wines may be stored at an ambient temperature but are typically chilled when they are served to patrons. On the other hand, other wines may stored in a refrigerator or the like but taste best when served within a specific temperature range. A sub-cooled wine typically has a longer life expectancy than wine stored at room or an ambient temperature. When wine is stored in kegs at sub-cooled temperatures, however, crystallization may form in the wine. As such, an added filter may be required 
     The ability to serve a glass or glasses of wine to a customer and at a predetermined temperature to optimize its flavor and taste, however, has proven problematical for many reasons for restaurants, taverns and other eating establishments. Known wine delivery systems offer unsatisfying compromises between pressure loss, flows, beverage working volumes, temperature controls and system sizes. Compromises regarding any one or more of these aspects can result in a less than satisfying performance. 
     Known wine delivery systems use a single-pass beverage heat exchanger which uses relatively high volumes of beverage in the heat exchanger resulting in high “end” product waste. Alternatively, low volume wine delivery systems have poor temperature controls over the wine being delivered. 
     Most known wine delivery systems use high pressure carbon-dioxide or mixed gases to drive or otherwise move the wine through the system. As will be appreciated, high pressure losses in these systems results in low flow rates. Moreover, the high pressure carbon dioxide frequently results in carbonization of the wine—a result not appreciated or desired by the customer. Additionally, such known systems can be expensive to install and operate. Moreover, temperature gradients can occur as the wine moves through the line to the tap or point of disbursement. 
     As such, some establishments use a counter-top (stand alone compressor, evaporator and condenser) system at a serving station. Such known systems are not only bulky by design but they also consume valuable counter space in an already crowded environment. 
     Alternatively, and in an effort to overcome the bulky space requirements associated with a counter-top system, some establishments have been known to use an under-the-counter bulky keg refrigeration system at the serving station. These known under-the-counter keg refrigeration systems also take precious space at the serving station. Moreover, these known under-the-counter keg refrigeration systems require timely changing of the kegs when they are emptied. This can be a labor intensive effort which can occur at inopportune occasions. 
     Thus, there continues to be a need and a desire for a wine dispensing system which addresses and solvers the heretofore known problems and challenges associated with known wine delivery systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the above, and in accordance with one aspect, there is provided a system for dispensing wine at a preselected temperature from a dispensing apparatus having a manifold defining an outlet. According to the first family of embodiments, the wine dispensing system includes a tank for holding and storing an intermediate fluid therein and a multi-tube heat exchanger disposed within the tank. The multi-tube heat exchanger has a Reynolds Number of less than 2500 and a total internal volume of less than ten ounces. The multi-tube heat exchanger has an inlet and an outlet. The system of this invention disclosure further includes an apparatus for constantly monitoring and maintaining the intermediate fluid in the tank at a preselected and substantially constant temperature. The inlet end of the tube of the multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a source of wine. The outlet end of the tube of the multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a manifold to effect a positive laminar flow between the source of wine and the outlet on the dispensing apparatus. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a system for dispensing a plurality of different types of wines at a predetermined temperature from a dispensing apparatus with a manifold having a plurality of independent and separate outlets. In this family of embodiments, the wine dispensing system includes a tank for holding and storing an intermediate fluid therein and a plurality of multi-tube heat exchangers disposed within the tank and through which the wines flow. In this family of embodiment, each multi-tube heat exchanger defines a ratio of about of 0.75 square inches/ounces per minute of wine flowing therethrough. Each multi-tube heat exchanger has a tube with an inlet and an outlet. An apparatus is provided for constantly monitoring and maintaining the intermediate fluid in the tank at a preselected and generally constant temperature. The inlet end of the tube of each multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a separate source of wine. The outlet end of the tube of each multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to the manifold to effect a positive laminar flow between the respective source of wine and one of the outlets on the manifold. 
     According to yet another aspect of this invention disclosure, there is provided a system for dispensing at least three different types of wines at a preselected temperature from a dispensing apparatus with a manifold having three independent and separate outlets. According to this aspect, the wine dispensing system includes a tank for holding and storing an coolant fluid therein and a series of multi-tube heat exchanger disposed within the tank. In this embodiment, each multi-tube heat exchanger has a Reynolds Number of less than 2500 and a total internal volume of less than ten ounces. Each multi-tube heat exchanger defines a ratio of about  0 . 75  square inches/ounces per minute of wine flowing therethrough. Each multi-tube heat exchanger has a tube with an inlet and an outlet. An apparatus is provided for constantly monitoring and maintaining the coolant fluid in the tank at a selected and generally constant temperature. 
     The inlet end of the tube of the first multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a first source of wine. The outlet end of the tube of the first multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to the manifold to effect a positive laminar flow between the first source of wine and a first outlet on the manifold. The inlet end of the tube of the second multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a second source of wine. The outlet end of the tube of the second multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to the manifold to effect a positive laminar flow between the second source of wine and a second outlet on the manifold. The inlet end of the tube of the third multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to a third source of wine. The outlet end of the third tube of the multi-tube heat exchanger is adapted for releasable connection to the manifold to effect a positive laminar flow between the third source of wine and a third outlet on the manifold. 
     In each embodiment of the invention disclosure, the intermediate fluid in the tank heats and/or cools the wine to be dispensed from the manifold to a desired temperature so as to optimize the taste of the wine. As such, the source of the wines can be stored at temperature above or below the desired temperature at which the wine is to be dispensed. Accordingly, the present invention disclosure readily and conveniently allows the wine to be stored at room temperature or sub-cooled in a refrigerated storage area. 
     In each embodiment of the invention disclosure, each multi-tube heat exchanger has relatively small diameter lines arranged in multiple passes relative to each other. The multi-tube heat exchangers advantageously offer a relatively low pressure loss between the inlet and outlet ends of each tube of the heat exchanger. The relatively low pressure loss between the inlet and outlet ends of each tube of the heat exchanger is advantageously accomplished while maintaining satisfactory delivery rates/flow of the wine through the heat exchanger. Each multi-tube heat exchanger of the present invention disclosure offers a relatively high efficiency so as to deliver wine at each of the multiple outlets of the manifold at temperature closely corresponding to the selected temperature of the intermediate fluid in the tank. Moreover, the low internal volume of the of each multi-tube heat exchanger minimizes wasted wine product. 
     Moreover, the multi-tube heat exchanger preferably uses low pressure gas to positively move the wines through the heat exchanger and to the dispensing apparatus. As such, the likelihood of carbonation of the wine is significantly reduced. Notably, wines typically have a very low carbonation rate, i.e. typically below 10 psi. 
     Preferably, the apparatus for constantly monitoring and maintaining the intermediate fluid in the tank in each embodiment of the wine dispensing system includes either and/or both an intermittently driven pump and a selectively operated valve operably connected to a system for influencing the intermediate fluid temperature in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for constantly monitoring and maintaining the intermediate fluid in the tank in each embodiment of the wine dispensing system includes a closed-loop controller for maintaining the intermediate fluid in the tank at a preselected and substantially constant temperature. To accomplish there desirous results, the apparatus for constantly monitoring and maintaining the coolant fluid in the tank in each embodiment includes a heater for influencing the temperature of the fluid in the tank. 
     In a preferred form of this invention disclosure, the wine dispensing system is designed and constructed such that fluid from the tank flows in surrounding relation relative to a portion of each tube extending from the multi-tube heat exchanger to the manifold to further maintain a predetermined temperature for the wine. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic showing of one embodiment of a wine dispensing system embodying principals and teachings of this invention disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a vertical sectional view of some of the components of the wine dispensing system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of some of the components of the wine dispensing system; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of some of the components of the wine dispensing system; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic showing of one form of cooling system operably associated with the wine dispensing system of the present invention disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in multiple forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a preferred embodiment, with the understanding the present disclosure is to be considered as setting forth an exemplification of the disclosure which is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, there is schematically shown in  FIG. 1  the major components of a system, generally indicated by reference numeral  10 , which, in one embodiment, dispenses different types or varieties of wine. In the illustrated embodiment, the wine dispensing system  10  is designed and is capable of dispensing multiple types or varieties of wine from a beverage tower or dispensing apparatus  14  equipped with a manifold  16  having a plurality of independent and separate outlets  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c.  While the drawings schematically illustrate a system capable of dispensing three different types or varieties of wines, it should be appreciated the teachings and principals of this invention disclosure equally apply to an system capable of dispensing lesser or more types or varieties of wines without detracting or departing from the true spirt and novel scope of this invention disclosure. 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the wine dispensing system  10  is arranged in operable combination with three different wine sources  20   a,    20   b,    20   c.  Each wine source  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  preferably contains a different type or variety of wine then the other. The wine in each container  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  is maintained under pressure by a suitable and well known pressuring source  22  which is suitably connected to each container  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  to effect a positive laminar flow of wine between each source  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  and the manifold  16  on beverage tower  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pressurized gas, i.e. carbon-dioxide or carbon/nitrate dioxide mix, is connected to each container  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  as through a regulator  24  which controls and/or regulates the level of pressure in each container  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c.  Preferably, and to avoid carbonization of the wine in each container  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c,  the regulator  24  maintains the source of pressure to each container at less than 10 psi. while creating and maintaining a positive laminar flow of wine between the source  20   a,    20   b  and  20   c  and the respective outlet  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a tank  30  is provided as part of system  10 . Tank  30  is configured to hold an intermediate fluid, generally indicated by reference numeral  32  in  FIG. 1 , therewithin. In one form, the intermediate fluid  32  is either water or a water/glycol mixture. Moreover, the average temperature of the intermediate fluid  32  is regulated by an closed-loop apparatus, generally indicated in  FIG. 1  by reference numeral  34 . In a preferred embodiment, the tank  30  is designed and sized to fit on a flat counter adjacent to a serving station at a restaurant or other eating establishment and is portable. 
     Apparatus  34  includes those components for maintaining the intermediate fluid  32  at a preselected and substantially constant temperature. To effect these ends, a glycol system, generally indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 3  by reference numeral  36 , is provided for influencing the temperature of the intermediate fluid  32  in the tank  30 . In one embodiment, system  36  includes a spiral coil  38  which, in the preferred embodiment, is completely submerged in tank  30  such that the intermediate or cooling fluid  32  in tank  30  can freely move therabout. Coil  38  has an inlet line  40  suitably connected to and adapted to receive fluid from a glycol tank  42  and a return line  44  which, after passing through coil  38 , returns glycol fluid to tank  30 . Preferably, an intermittently driven pump  46  and/or a selectively operated valve  48  effectively and efficiently moves glycol fluid through the system  36  and facilitates maintaining the temperature of the fluid in the tank  30  at a preselected and substantially constant temperature. 
     So as to maintain the intermediate fluid  32  in tank  30  at a desired and/or selected temperature, apparatus  34  furthermore preferably includes a sensor or temperature probe  50  for continually monitoring the average temperature of the fluid  32  in tank  30 . As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the senor or temperature probe  50  is operably connected to a closed-loop temperature controller  52 . The temperature controller  52  preferably includes a micro-processor  53  which is responsive to temperature signals from probe  50  and operates to control the average temperature of the intermediate fluid  32  in tank  30  based on the temperature signals received from sensor  50 . In a preferred embodiment, the temperature controller  52  includes a visible indicator or read-out  54  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) for visually indicating the average temperature of the intermediate fluid  32  in tank  30 . Notably, the temperature controller  52  also includes manually an adjustable device  56  ( FIG. 5 ) operably connected to the micro-processor  53  for adjusting (up or down) the average temperature of the fluid  32  in tank  30 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the temperature controller  52  is operably connected to and , in one form, intermittently operates the pump  46  and/or controls valve  48  of the cooling system  36  as a function of the temperature indicative signals sent by the sensor or temperature probe  50  and received by the temperature controller  52  whereby regulating and maintaining the average temperature of the intermediate fluid  32  at the temperature selected through use of the adjustable device  56 . That is, the flow of fluid through the cooling system  36  is regulated by operation of the pump  48  and valve  49  as a function of signals from the temperature controller  52 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , apparatus  36  furthermore includes a recirculation pump  58  for creating a continuous flow of intermediate fluid  32  in and through the tank  30  whereby improving heat convection while facilitating an even average temperature for the intermediate fluid  32  in tank  30 . This results in improved temperature control of the wine. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a drain line  60  leads from tank  30  to an input side of the secondary pump  58 . An output line  62  leads from the outlet side of the pump  58  to an inlet  63  in the tank  30 . A bypass or balance valve  64  is preferably provided in the output line  62 . 
     Applicant recognizes and appreciates the wine sources, in whatever number and for whatever reason, can be stored in a sub-cooled environment. Accordingly, and to significantly enhance the versatility of the present invention disclosure by being able to dispense wines at a desired temperature, even though the wine may be stored in a sub-cooled situation or environment, apparatus  34  furthermore preferably includes a heater  66  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ). In one form, heater  66  includes a suitable electrically operated warming element  68  mounted on tank  60  and which extends into the fluid  32  in tank  30  so as to warm or otherwise influence the temperature of the intermediate fluid  32 . As will be appreciated, operation of the warming element  68  is controlled as a function of signals delivered to controller  52  by probe  50 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the wine dispensing system  10  furthermore includes a plurality of multi-tube heat exchangers  70 ,  70 ′ and  70 ″ submerged within the tank  30  for maximizing heat transfer efficiency. Preferably, and to reduce manufacturing costs of system 10 , the heat exchangers  70 ,  70 ′ and  70 ″ are substantially identical in construction and purpose relative to each other. Each multi-tube heat exchanger has relatively small diameter and continuous lines arranged in multi-parallel passes or coils relative to each other to significantly increase surface area of the heat exchanger and thereby improve heat convection while minimizing the space constrains thereof Preferably, each multi-tube heat exchanger has a low internal volume whereby minimizing product “end” waste. In one form, each multi-tube heat exchanger has a volume of less than about ten ounces. Preferably, each multi-tube heat exchanger has Reynolds Number of less than 2500. In another form, each multi-tube heat exchanger defines a ratio of about 0.75 square inches/ounces of wine per minute flowing therethrough. Another distinct advantage of the multi-tube heat exchanger being that in minimizes pressure loss between inlet and outlet end thereof. 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the multi-tube heat exchanger  70  has a tube or conduit  72  with an inlet  74  and an outet  76 . The inlet  74  to the tube  72  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70  is operably connected to the first source  20   a  of wine. The outlet  76  for the first tube  72  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70  is operably connected to the manifold  16  to effect a positive laminar flow of temperature controlled wine between the first wine source  20   a  and the first outlet  18   a  on the manifold  16 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ′ has a tube or conduit  82  with an inlet  84  and an outlet  86 . The inlet  84  to tube  82  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ′ is operably connected to the second source  20   b  of wine. The outlet  86  for the tube  82  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ′ is operably connected to the manifold  16  to effect a positive laminar flow of temperature controlled wine between the second wine source  20   b  and the second outlet  18   b  on the manifold  16 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 , the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ″ has a tube or conduit  92  with an inlet  94  and an outlet  96 . The inlet  94  to tube  82  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ″ is operably connected to the third source  20   c  of wine. The outlet  96  for the tube  92  of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70 ″ is operably connected to the manifold  16  to effect a positive laminar flow of temperature controlled wine between the second wine source  20   b  and the second outlet  18   b  on the manifold  16 . 
     Applicant recognizes there may be situations where the tank  30  is disposed away from the dispensing apparatus  14  whereby leading to lengthier tubes leading from the multi-tube heat exchangers  70 ,  70 ′ and  70 ″ to the dispensing apparatus  14 . As such, and as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , to maintain control over the temperature of the wine being dispensed from the any one of the outlets  18   a,    18   b  or  18   c,  a lengthwise portion of each tube or conduit leading from the respective heat exchanger to the dispensing apparatus  14  preferably has an inlet trunk line  98  and a return trunk line  99  arranged in generally parallel relation relative thereto for at least a portion of the length thereof. The inlet trunk line  98  receives intermediate tank fluid  32  from the outlet of the secondary pump  58  and through a selectively operated valve  64 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG. 1 , intermediate fluid flows through the trunk line  98  about at least a portion of the output line or conduit leading from each of the tubes of the multi-tube heat exchanger  70  and is returned via the return trunk line  99  to the tank  30  for subsequent mixing with the remainder of the intermediate fluid  32  in tank  30 . As such, and regardless of the distance the multi-tuber heat exchanger is disposed from the dispensing apparatus  14 , a relatively constant predetermined temperature is maintained for the wine being dispensed from apparatus  14 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be made and effected without departing or detracting from the true spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. Moreover, it will be appreciated, the present disclosure is intended to set forth an exemplification which is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiment illustrated. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.