HK1160975A - On demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser - Google Patents

Description

On demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional application No.61/135,286, filed on 18/7/2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates generally to the presentation of packaged consumable products and, more particularly, to cooling and heating consumable products in preparation for a potential sale period.

Background

In order to present a ready-to-eat consumable product, such as a can or a bottle of soft drink from a vending apparatus (e.g., a vending machine), to a consumer, the entire inventory of consumable product within the vending apparatus must typically be cooled or heated to a ready-to-eat temperature. Cooling or heating the entire inventory of consumable products to a ready-to-eat temperature can typically take several hours and can extend to an entire day. The sales equipment is replenished with the packaged product by a carrier or store employee, and may not allow sufficient time to bring the product to the desired temperature before the consumer wishes to make a purchase. At this point, the consumer will be presented with a product that has not yet reached the desired temperature.

In addition, the actual temperature of the product dispensed by the merchandising equipment may vary widely based on the design, conditions, location, and use of the equipment. The placement of the consumable product within the equipment may also cause the temperature to be different from the desired temperature.

In addition, sales equipment is typically not capable of providing a particular product at a particular temperature. Sales equipment is typically designed to heat or cool its contents to a particular temperature. Since there may be hundreds or thousands of packaged products to be heated or cooled in an installation, sales installations are typically designed with the amount of insulation and cooling and/or heating capacity required to maintain the temperature of hundreds or thousands of packages. This material is significantly more than is required to provide accurate thermal insulation, cooling capability and/or heating capability for a single packaged product.

Moreover, sales equipment typically attempts to maintain a desired temperature of the product located therein regardless of the time period of sale. Thus, a continuous cooling and heating system may waste a significant amount of energy maintaining the temperature of hundreds or thousands of products that will not be sold for hours or even days. Many store owners disconnect the equipment at night to save energy or avoid overloading the circuit; however, this leaves the product located in the equipment at an undesirable temperature during the sales period that occurs the next day. In addition, power outages also interrupt equipment operation, preventing maintenance of the desired temperature of the consumable product.

Conventionally, sales equipment is designed so that ambient air is allowed to enter the insulated volume while a pack is dispensed. This may change the temperature of other packages within the merchandising equipment, requiring additional energy to maintain the cooling and heating system at a desired temperature. In addition, because conventional sales equipment designs are based on continuous maintenance of the temperature of large volumes of product (i.e., 24 hours a day), a large amount of energy is required to power the equipment.

Still further, a consumer may have a certain temperature at which he prefers to consume a beverage or consumable product, which is a different preferred temperature for other consumers. Sales equipment typically does not allow consumers to select their preferred temperature. Instead, vendors estimate temperatures over a wide range that are provided to consumers. Beverage and food marketing equipment typically supplies only hot products, or only cold products. Some sales equipment can supply both hot and cold products; such equipment is generally very expensive and consumes much more energy than standard sales equipment.

In view of the above, there is a need for a merchandising apparatus that can regulate the temperature of consumable products located therein at the time of sale or on demand.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application relates to an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser, and methods of using the same, according to various aspects. In various aspects, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may more efficiently cool or heat the consumable product and may use less energy to cool or heat the consumable product.

In one aspect, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser includes means for cooling and/or heating a consumable product within a consumer accessible device (such as, for example, a vending machine) to a desired temperature on demand. An apparatus for cooling and/or heating a consumable product comprising: energy is stored in a fluid that is used to transfer energy to or from a consumable product. Alternatively, a standard vapor compression refrigeration cycle may be used to store energy in the fluid. In another aspect, the dispenser may include a heat transfer plate that includes heat exchange tubes that convey a fluid that may add heat to and/or remove heat from the consumable product. In yet another aspect, the heat transfer plate may include a packaging fixture that may selectively maintain pressure on the heat exchange tubes and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the consumable product package. In various alternative aspects, the packaging clamp may include, for example and without limitation, a bellows, an inflatable bladder, or other clamping device.

In another aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a means for mixing the consumable product to enhance heat transfer to the composition.

In yet another aspect, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a means for storing consumable product while maintaining a desired temperature. Additionally, in one aspect, the dispenser of the present application may comprise: means for dispensing the consumable product to a user at a desired temperature while maintaining the temperature of other packages waiting to be dispensed. In another aspect, the desired temperature may be input by a user, or the desired temperature may be programmed into the control system of the dispenser.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the assemblies described in various aspects herein. The advantages of the assembly will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Drawings

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent in the detailed description, in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system according to one aspect.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional vapor compression refrigeration system according to one aspect.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system according to another aspect.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system according to another aspect.

FIG. 5 is an end view of a heat transfer plate of the present application according to one aspect.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a heat transfer plate of the present application according to one aspect.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the heat transfer plate of FIG. 6 according to another aspect.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system according to yet another aspect.

Fig. 9A is an end cross-sectional view of the packaging blender of the present application according to one aspect.

FIG. 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the packaging blender of the present application according to one aspect.

Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the packaging blender of the present application according to one aspect.

Fig. 10 is a series of cross-sectional views of the contents of a consumable product according to one aspect.

Fig. 11A is a top cross-sectional view of a temperature-maintaining dispenser tray of the present application according to one aspect.

Fig. 11B is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11C is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11D is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray and packaging clip of the present application according to one aspect.

Fig. 12A is a top cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray of the present application according to another aspect.

Fig. 12B is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray of fig. 12A.

Fig. 12C is a side cross-sectional view of the temperature maintaining dispenser tray of fig. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a top view of a disk (puck) assembly of the present application, according to one aspect.

FIG. 13B is an end view of the disk assembly of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a side view of the disk assembly of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of a disc assembly and packaging fixture of the present application according to one aspect.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser of the present application showing a movable platform, according to one aspect.

FIG. 15A is a side view of a heat transfer plate of the present application according to one aspect.

FIG. 15B is a top cross-sectional view of the heat transfer plate of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a top view of a heat transfer plate of the present application according to another aspect.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a dual tube heat transfer plate of the present application according to one aspect.

17A and 17B are schematic diagrams of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system for use in a vending machine, and a conventional vending machine, according to one aspect.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system for use in a vending machine according to one aspect.

19A and 19B are schematic diagrams of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system for use in a reach accessible dispenser, and a conventional reach accessible dispenser, according to one aspect.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system in use, according to one aspect.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system in use, according to one aspect.

FIG. 22A is a front view of an exemplary heating and/or cooling on demand dispenser system for use in a compact cooler, according to one aspect.

FIG. 22B is a side cross-sectional view of an on-demand heating and/or cooling dispenser system for use in the compact cooler of FIG. 22A.

Detailed Description

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an open-ended teaching of the best, currently known embodiment of the invention. To this end, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a package" can include two or more such packages unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

According to various aspects, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser is provided. In one aspect, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser includes: means for adjusting consumable products within a user accessible device, such as, for example, a vending machine, to a desired temperature as needed. In another aspect, an apparatus for conditioning consumable products includes: energy is stored in a fluid that is used to transfer energy to or from a consumable product. In another aspect, the means for conditioning the consumable product may include conventional heat transfer processes, such as vapor compression refrigeration cycles, vapor absorption refrigeration cycles, induction heating, thermoelectric cooling, stirling (stirling) engines, and the like. For clarity, as used herein, the means for conditioning may be means for heating and/or cooling the consumable product. Also, as used herein, the means for conditioning may be described with reference to a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, although it is of course understood that any conventional cooling and/or heating process may be used.

For clarity, as used herein, it is contemplated that a device for cooling a consumable product may also refer to or be synonymous with a device for heating a consumable product, and a device for heating a consumable product may also refer to a device for cooling a consumable product. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the conventional heat transfer process may be reversed, such that the cooling process becomes the heating process, and the heating process may become the cooling process. Additionally, as may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, conventional heat transfer processes optionally raise or lower the temperature of an article, such as a coolant, by changing the location of components that comprise the heat transfer process, for example and without limitation.

In one embodiment, the dispenser may include a control system and an on-demand cooling system 5. The on-demand cooling system may illustratively include a vapor compression refrigeration system 100 and an insulated storage device 20. In other embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the on-demand cooling system may further illustratively include at least one of: coolant 10, coolant pump 30, insulated coolant supply line 40, insulated coolant return line 41, and heat transfer plate 50, the heat transfer plate 50 including a package clamp 70 and a plate sensor 60. The vapor compression refrigeration system 100 is illustrated in more detail in fig. 2, and may illustratively include at least one of: a compressor 110, a condenser 120, a condenser fan 150, an expansion device 130, and an evaporator 140.

In one aspect, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 circulates a working fluid to move heat from one location to another, as is known in the art. The components of the refrigeration system are standard components that are readily commercially available and are not discussed in detail herein. The coolant pump 30 may be, for example, a conventional pump capable of pumping chilled coolant 10 through the insulated coolant supply line 40 and the return line 41. The coolant pump 30, the coolant 10, the insulated coolant supply line 40, and the insulated coolant return line 41 are also well known in the art and are standard elements that are commercially available.

The insulated storage device 20 in one aspect may be an insulated container defining an interior volume. In another aspect, the insulated storage device may be formed from a metal or polymer composition. In yet another aspect, the insulated storage device may be an insulated liquid storage tank that may be sized and configured to receive an evaporator therein, and may form a liquid-tight tank for circulating coolant 10 therein. Optionally, in another aspect, the insulated storage device may be sized and configured to receive at least one consumable product therein. For example and without limitation, the insulated storage device may be sized to accommodate at least one consumable product therein, the consumable product being adjustable by the means for adjusting.

The heat transfer plate packaging clamps 70 may selectively maintain pressure against the heat exchange tubes and/or consumable products, and may include bellows, inflatable and/or flexible bladders, or other clamping devices, as will be described more fully below.

The plate sensor 60, in one aspect, may comprise a sensor configured to confirm the presence of the consumable product in the heat transfer plate 50 and send a signal to the control system. In another aspect, the plate sensor may include a switch configured to send a signal to the control system when the consumable product is located in the heat transfer plate, as is known in the art.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a heat transfer plate 50, the heat transfer plate 50 comprising a heat exchange tube 400 and a packaging fixture 70, the packaging fixture 70 comprising a bellows 402 and a sleeve 404. In one aspect, the sleeve may be generally cylindrical in shape, having an inner surface 406. In another aspect, the sleeve may be formed of a rigid material and the sleeve is sized to hold the bellows and heat exchange tube in a position such that a consumable product, such as a can or bottle, may be inserted therein. In yet another aspect, the sleeve 404 may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example and without limitation, stainless steel. In another aspect, the sleeve may be formed from a polymeric material, such as, for example and without limitation, nylon or polypropylene. In yet another aspect, the sleeve may include at least two sleeve members 453, wherein the sleeve members are rotatably attached to each other by at least one hinge 450. In this regard, illustrated in fig. 11D, the sleeve member may have a free end such that the sleeve 404 may be rotatably separated about the hinge in a clamshell fashion, thereby allowing the consumable product to be more easily placed within and/or removed from the sleeve.

In one exemplary aspect, the bellows 402 can be an inflatable compression balloon made of a flexible material configured to selectively apply pressure on a surface undergoing heat exchange to improve heat transfer. In another aspect, the bellows can be generally cylindrical in shape in an end view. In yet another aspect, the bellows 402 can be sized to fit within the inner surface 406 of the sleeve 404, and the bellows 402 can be attached to the inner surface of the sleeve. In a further aspect, if the sleeve has a hinge, the bellows may have an end configured to align with the non-hinged end of the sleeve so that the bellows may be opened with the sleeve 404. In yet another aspect, in an uncompressed state, the bellows 402 can have an inner surface 403, the inner surface 403 being sized and configured such that a consumable product, such as a can or a bottle, can be inserted therein.

In one aspect, the heat exchange tube 400 may be a standard heat exchange tube known in the art. In another aspect, the heat exchange tubes may be rigid tubes. In yet another aspect, the heat exchange tube 400 may be a flexible tube that may conform to the shape of the consumable product. In further aspects, the heat exchange tube 400 may be metallic, such as and without limitation formed of copper, stainless steel, or the like. In yet another aspect, the heat exchange tubes may be formed of a polymeric material, such as, for example and without limitation, polypropylene. The heat exchange tube 400 may be attached to an inner surface 406 of the sleeve 404 and/or an inner surface 403 of the bellows 402. The heat exchange tubes may in one aspect be arranged in a serpentine manner around an inner surface of the sleeve and/or an inner surface of the bellows. When the distributor is assembled, the inlet ends 408 and the outlet ends 410 of the heat exchange tubes may be in fluid communication with the insulated coolant supply line 40 and the insulated coolant return line 41 so that coolant 10 from the insulated storage device 20 may circulate through the heat exchange tubes. In a further aspect, if the sleeve 404 has a hinge, the heat exchange tube 400 may have an end configured to align with the non-hinged end of the sleeve so that the bellows may be opened along with the sleeve.

In this embodiment, heat transfer plate 50 may be assembled by attaching bellows 402 to sleeve 404 using conventional methods such as, for example and without limitation, adhesives, hook and loop type fasteners, and the like. The heat exchange tubes 400 may be arranged in a serpentine fashion and attached to the sleeve and/or bellows using conventional methods such as, for example and without limitation, adhesives, hook and loop type fasteners, and the like. Leaving the inlet 408 and outlet 410 ends of the heat exchange tubes accessible for later connection to the insulated coolant supply line 40 and the insulated coolant return line 41.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in fig. 6 and 7, the heat transfer plate 50 may include a heat exchange tube 400 and a packing fixture 70, the packing fixture 70 including at least one compression strap 412, and a frame 414. In one aspect, the frame may be formed from a rigid, thermally conductive sheet, such as, for example and without limitation, a stainless steel sheet, a copper sheet, or the like. In this embodiment, the frame may have a discontinuous contact surface 415, the discontinuous contact surface 415 comprising a plurality of contact surface segments 416.

In one aspect, a plurality of protrusions 417 may be positioned between adjacent contact surface segments and extend outwardly therefrom. Each protrusion may have at least one notch 418 formed therein, the notch 418 configured to receive at least one compression band 412, as described more fully below. The at least one slot is sized such that the compression band positioned therein may be tightened, thereby bringing at least a portion of the compression band into contact with at least a portion of the heat exchange tube 400 positioned on the exterior of the frame 414. In one aspect, the discontinuous contact surface 415 is generally cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and may be sized to receive a consumable product therein. In another aspect, frame 414 may also include a plurality of tensile flanges 419 spaced apart a distance, and a means for urging the tensile flanges toward one another. The tensile flanges may be positioned between adjacent contact surface segments 416 and extend outwardly therefrom such that the diameter of the discontinuous contact surfaces may decrease as the tensile flanges are urged toward one another. In one aspect, the means for urging the tensile flanges towards each other may be conventional displacement means, such as, for example and without limitation, an electric or hydraulic motor, gears, cams, screws, or the like, as is well known in the art.

In another aspect, the at least one compression strap 412 may be a standard strap having means for being tightened as known in the art. In another aspect, the heat exchange tube 400 may be as described above.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in fig. 6, the heat transfer plate 50 may be assembled by wrapping the heat exchange tube 400 in a serpentine manner around a frame 414, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchange tube is in contact with valleys 420 formed between a plurality of protrusions 417 of the frame. The heat exchange tube may be held in place, for example and without limitation, with an adhesive, a hook and loop type fastener, at least one compression tape strip 412, or the like. The inlet 408 and outlet 410 ends of the heat exchange tubes are left accessible for later connection to the insulated coolant supply line 40 and the insulated coolant return line 41.

Referring to FIG. 1, the on-demand cooling system 5 may be assembled to include any or all of the elements described above. For example, in one aspect, the evaporator 140 can be installed in the insulated storage device 20. The supply line 11 may be connected from the evaporator through the insulated storage device to an expansion device 130 located outside the insulated storage device. The return line 12 may be connected from the evaporator through the insulated storage device to a compressor 110 located outside the insulated storage device 20. A second supply line 13 may connect from the compressor to the condenser 120 and a second return line 14 may connect from the condenser to the expansion device 130. The condenser fan 150 may be positioned to circulate air over the condenser 120.

In another aspect, the insulated coolant supply line 40 may be attached to the insulated storage device 20, the coolant pump 30, and the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube 400 of the heat transfer plate 50 such that these elements are in fluid communication with each other. An insulated coolant return line 41 may be attached to the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube of the heat transfer plate and the insulated storage device such that the outlet end of the heat exchange tube is in fluid communication with the insulated storage device 20.

In operation, the insulated storage device 20 may have the coolant 10 placed therein. The vapor compression refrigeration system 100 may circulate a working fluid to move heat from the evaporator 140 to the condenser 120, thereby lowering the temperature at the location of the evaporator, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration system reduces the temperature of the coolant within the insulated storage device because the evaporator is located within the insulated storage device. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant 10 may be chilled to a temperature between about-80 degrees Celsius to about 0 degrees Celsius. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant may be chilled to a temperature of approximately-50 degrees Celsius. In yet another aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant 10 may be chilled to a temperature of approximately-40 degrees Celsius. In a further aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant may be chilled to a temperature of approximately-30 degrees Celsius.

The consumable products contained in the package may be placed in the heat transfer panel 50. The sensor 60 may identify the presence of the package and send a signal to the control system. The control system may signal the package clamp 70 to secure the package in the heat transfer plate. In one aspect, if the heat transfer plate includes bellows 402, the bellows may be inflated, thereby securing the package and placing the heat exchange tube 400 in contact with the package. In another aspect, if the heat transfer plate includes a frame 414, the tensile flanges 419 of the frame may be urged toward each other, thereby reducing the diameter of the discontinuous contact surface 415 of the frame. The diameter of the discontinuous contact surface may be reduced until the frame contacts the package, thereby securing the package.

Upon securing the consumable product in the heat transfer plate, the control system may signal the coolant pump 30 to circulate the coolant 10 through the insulated coolant supply line 40. In one aspect, the coolant pump may draw chilled coolant from the insulated storage device 20. The chilled coolant may flow through the insulated coolant supply line to the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube 400. The chilled coolant may then flow through the heat exchange tubes 400, thereby transferring heat from the consumable product to the coolant. This lowers the temperature of the product while raising the temperature of the coolant. Upon exiting the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube, the warmed coolant may be returned to the insulated storage device 20 through the insulated coolant return line 41, where the coolant may be cooled again.

When the cooling cycle is complete, the control system may signal the heat transfer panel 50 so that the packaging clip 70 may release the consumable product to the user, as will be described more fully below. In one aspect, optionally, the cooldown cycle may continue until a desired temperature is measured by the heat transfer plate sensor 60. This desired temperature may be programmed into the control system or, in another aspect, may be set by the user. In yet another aspect, the cooldown cycle may optionally continue for a desired length of time. This desired length of time may be programmed into the control system or, in one aspect, may be set by a user.

In another embodiment, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a control system and an on demand heating system 605. The on-demand heating system may include a vapor compression refrigeration system 100 and an insulated storage device 20. In other embodiments, and as exemplified in fig. 8, the on-demand heating system may illustratively further comprise at least one of: coolant 10, coolant pump 30, insulated coolant supply line 40, insulated coolant return line 41, and heat transfer plate 50, the heat transfer plate 50 including a package clamp 70 and a plate sensor 60. The vapor compression refrigeration system 100 is illustrated in more detail in fig. 2 and may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, a condenser fan 150, an expansion device 130, and an evaporator 140.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 8, in one aspect, the elements of the on-demand heating system may be the same as the corresponding elements of the on-demand cooling system 5 described above. However, in this embodiment, the condenser 120, instead of the evaporator 140, may be placed in the insulated storage device 20. The vapor compression refrigeration system 100 may circulate a working fluid to move heat from the evaporator 140 to the condenser 120, thereby raising the temperature at the location of the condenser, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, the system may operate as described above. However, because the condenser 120 is located within the insulated storage device 20, the vapor compression refrigeration system may raise the temperature of the coolant within the insulated storage device. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant 10 may be heated to a temperature between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 110 degrees Celsius. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant may be heated to a temperature of approximately 90 degrees Celsius. In yet another aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant 10 may be heated to a temperature of approximately 80 degrees Celsius. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the coolant may be heated to a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Celsius.

Referring to fig. 8, an on-demand heating system 605 may be assembled to include any or all of the elements described above. The elements of the on-demand heating system may be assembled as described above, however with the difference that the condenser 120 of the vapor compression refrigeration system may be located in an insulated storage device. In one aspect, the insulated coolant supply line 40 may be attached to the insulated storage device 20, the coolant pump 30, the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube 400 of the heat transfer plate 50, such that these elements may be in fluid communication with each other. An insulated coolant return line 41 may be attached to the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube of the heat transfer plate and the insulated storage device such that the outlet end of the heat exchange tube 400 is in fluid communication with the insulated storage device 20. The coolant 10 may be added to the insulated storage device.

In operation, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 of the on-demand heating system 605 may circulate the working fluid to move heat from the evaporator 140 to the condenser 120, thereby lowering the temperature at the location of the evaporator and raising the temperature at the location of the condenser, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration system raises the temperature of the coolant 10 within the insulated storage device because the condenser is located in the insulated storage device 20.

A consumable product, such as a can or bottle, contained in the package may be placed in the heat transfer plate 50. The sensor 60 may identify the presence of the package and send a signal to the control system. The control system may then signal the package clamp 70 to secure the package in the heat transfer plate, as previously described. Upon securing the consumable product in the heat transfer plate, the control system may signal the coolant pump 30 to circulate the coolant 10 through the insulated coolant supply line 40, thereby increasing the temperature of the consumable product and decreasing the temperature of the coolant. Upon exiting the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube, the chilled coolant may be returned to the insulated storage device 20 through the insulated coolant return line 41, where the coolant may be reheated.

When the package heating cycle is complete, the control system may signal the heat transfer panel 50 so that the package clamp 70 may release the consumable product to the user, as will be described more fully below. In one aspect, optionally, the heating cycle may continue until a desired temperature is measured by the heat transfer plate sensor 60. The desired temperature may be programmed into the control system or, in another aspect, may be set by a user. In yet another aspect, the heating cycle may optionally continue for a desired length of time. This desired length of time may be programmed into the control system or, in one aspect, may be set by a user.

In another embodiment, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a control system and an on demand cooling and heating system. The on-demand cooling and heating system 500 illustrated in fig. 3 may include the elements of the on-demand cooling system 5 described above, and may further include at least one of: a second insulated storage device 320, a second coolant pump 230, a second insulated coolant supply line 310, a second insulated coolant return line 311, and a second heat transfer plate 280, the second heat transfer plate 280 including a second package clamp 270 and a second plate sensor 260. In this exemplary aspect, the second insulated storage device, the second coolant pump, the second set of insulated coolant lines, the second heat transfer plate, the second plate sensor, and the second package clamp may be substantially identical to their respective counterparts described above with reference to the on-demand cooling system. Thus, the second insulated storage apparatus 320 may be substantially identical to the insulated storage apparatus 20; the second coolant pump 230 may be substantially identical to the coolant pump 30; the second set of insulated coolant lines 310, 311 may be substantially identical to the insulated coolant lines 40, 41; second heat transfer plate 280 may be substantially identical to heat transfer plate 50; the second plate sensor 260 may be substantially identical to the plate sensor 60; and the second packaging fixture 270 may be substantially identical to the packaging fixture 70.

Referring to fig. 3, the on-demand cooling and heating system 500 may be assembled to include any or all of the elements described above. The components of the on-demand cooling system 5 may be assembled as previously described. However, in one aspect, the condenser 120 may be located in the second insulated storage device 320. Thus, when the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 is in operation, as described above, the temperature within the second insulated storage device will increase. In another aspect, the second insulated coolant supply line 310 may be attached to the second insulated storage device 320, the second coolant pump 230, and the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube 400 of the second heat transfer plate 280, such that these elements may be in fluid communication with each other. The second insulated coolant return line 311 may be attached to the outlet ends 410 of the heat exchange tubes of the second heat transfer plates and the second insulated storage device, such that the outlet ends of the heat exchange tubes and the second insulated storage device 320 may be in fluid communication with each other. Coolant 10 may be added to the second insulated storage device. In one aspect, the coolant added to the second insulated storage 320 may be the same fluid type as the coolant of the insulated storage 20. In another aspect, the coolant added to the second insulated storage device may be a different fluid type than the coolant of the insulated storage device.

In operation, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 may circulate a working fluid to move heat from the evaporator 140 to the condenser 120, thereby lowering the temperature at the location of the evaporator and raising the temperature at the location of the condenser, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration system reduces the temperature of the coolant within the insulated storage device 20 because the evaporator is located within the insulated storage device. Additionally, because the condenser is located within the second insulated storage device 320, the vapor compression refrigeration system raises the temperature of the coolant 10 within the second insulated storage device. In one aspect, the temperature of the coolant 10 at the evaporator 140 may be chilled as described above, and the temperature of the coolant at the condenser may be heated as described above.

The consumable products contained in the package may be placed in the heat transfer panel 50 or the second heat transfer panel 280. If the consumable product is located in the heat transfer plate 50, the sensor 60 may identify the presence of the package and send a signal to the control system. The control system may signal the package clamp 70 to secure the package in the heat transfer plate, as previously described. Upon securing the consumable product in the heat transfer plate, the control system may signal the coolant pump 30 to circulate the coolant 10 through the insulated coolant supply line 40, thereby reducing the temperature of the consumable product, as also previously described. Upon completion of the package cooling cycle, the control system may signal the coolant pump 30 to stop and the package clamp 70 to release the consumable product to the user, as will be described more fully below. In one aspect, the cooling cycle may continue until a desired temperature is measured by the sensor 60 of the heat transfer plate 50. This desired temperature may be programmed into the control system or, in another aspect, may be set by the user. In yet another aspect, the cooling cycle may continue for a desired length of time. This desired length of time may be programmed into the control system or, in one aspect, may be set by the user. In another aspect, the control system may be configured to end the cooling cycle (e.g., stop the coolant pump) when a predetermined temperature is reached, in order to prevent damage to the equipment and/or frost formation, which may temporarily prevent equipment operation.

If the consumable product is located in the second heat transfer plate 280, the second plate sensor 260 may identify the presence of the package and send a signal to the control system. The control system may signal the second package fixture to secure the package in the second heat transfer plate. The second packaging fixture 270 is operable to secure a package in the same manner as described with reference to the packaging fixture 70. Upon securing the consumable product in the second heat transfer plate 280, the control system may signal the second coolant pump 230 to circulate the coolant 10 through the second insulated coolant supply line 310. In one aspect, the second coolant pump may draw heated coolant from the second insulated storage device 320. The heated coolant may flow through the second insulated coolant supply line 310 to the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube. The heated coolant may then flow through the heat exchange tubes 400, whereby heat is transferred from the coolant to the consumable product. This raises the temperature of the consumable product while lowering the temperature of the coolant. Upon exiting the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube, the cooled coolant 10 may be returned to the second insulated storage 320 via a second insulated return line 311, where the coolant may be reheated.

After the package heating cycle is complete, the control system may signal the second coolant pump 230 to stop and signal the second package fixture 270 to release the consumable product to the user, as will be described more fully below. In one aspect, the heating cycle may continue until a desired temperature is measured by second sensor 60 of second heat transfer plate 280. This desired temperature may be programmed into the control system or, in another aspect, may be set by the user. In yet another aspect, the heating cycle may continue for a desired length of time. This desired length of time may be programmed into the control system or, in one aspect, may be set by the user.

In another embodiment, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a control system and a single cold plate on demand cooling and heating system. As illustrated in fig. 4, the single cold plate on demand cooling and heating system 600 may exemplarily include at least one of: a vapor compression refrigeration system 100, an insulated storage device 20, a second insulated storage device 320, a coolant pump 30, a second coolant pump 230, an insulated coolant supply line 40, an insulated coolant return line 41, a second insulated coolant supply line 310, a second insulated coolant return line 311, a dual tube heat transfer plate 250, a sensor 60, and a packaging fixture 70. In one aspect, the dual tube heat transfer plate 250 may be formed primarily as described above, with the addition of a second heat exchange tube 440, which second heat exchange tube 440 may be arranged adjacent to or near the first heat exchange tube 400 in a serpentine manner, as illustrated in fig. 16. In this embodiment, the other elements of the single cold plate on demand cooling and heating system 600 may be substantially the same as their corresponding counterparts described above with reference to the on demand cooling and heating system 500.

Referring to fig. 4, a single cold plate on demand cooling and heating system 600 may be assembled to include any or all of the elements described above. In one aspect, the evaporator 140 of the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 can be located in the insulated storage device 20. In another aspect, the condenser 120 of the vapor compression refrigeration system can be located in the second insulated storage device 320. The insulated coolant supply line 40 may be attached to the insulated storage device 20, the coolant pump 30, and the inlet end 408 of the heat exchange tube 400 of the dual tube heat transfer plate 250 so that these elements may be in fluid communication with each other. The insulated coolant return line 41 may be attached to the outlet end 410 of the heat exchange tube of the dual tube heat transfer plate and the insulated storage device such that the outlet end of the heat exchange tube 400 and the insulated storage device 20 may be in fluid communication. The second insulated coolant supply line 310 may be attached to the second insulated storage device 320, the second coolant pump 230, and the inlet end 508 of the second heat exchange tube 440 of the dual tube heat transfer plate 250 so that these elements may be in fluid communication with each other. The second insulated coolant return line 311 may be attached to the outlet end 510 of the second heat exchange tube of the dual tube heat transfer plate and the second insulated storage device such that the outlet end of the second heat exchange tube 440 and the second insulated storage device 320 may be in fluid communication. The coolant 10 may be placed in the insulated storage device 20 and a second insulated storage device. In one aspect, the coolant added to the second insulated storage 320 may be the same type of fluid as the coolant of the insulated storage 20. In another aspect, the coolant added to the second insulated storage device may be a different type of fluid than the coolant of the insulated storage device.

In operation, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 may circulate a working fluid to move heat from the evaporator 140 to the condenser 120, thereby lowering the temperature at the location of the evaporator and raising the temperature at the location of the condenser, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, because the evaporator is located within the insulated storage device 20, the vapor compression refrigeration system reduces the temperature of the coolant within the insulated storage device. Additionally, because the condenser is located within the second insulated storage device 320, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 raises the temperature of the coolant 10 within the second insulated storage device. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the temperature of the coolant at the evaporator and condenser can be as described above.

The consumable products contained in the package may be placed in the dual tube heat transfer panel 250. In one aspect, it is contemplated that a user of the single cold plate on demand cooling and heating system 600 can select whether the consumable product should be heated or chilled. In another aspect, it is contemplated that logic associated with the control system may select whether the consumable product should be heated or chilled based on characteristics of the consumable product, such as the size and/or shape of the package. The sensor 60 may identify the presence of the package and send a signal to the control system. The control system may signal the package clamp 70 to secure the package in the heat transfer plate. In one aspect, if the dual tube heat transfer plate includes bellows 402, the bellows may be inflated, as described above, thereby placing heat exchange tube 400 and the second heat exchange tube in contact with and securing the package. In another aspect, if the dual tube heat transfer plate includes a frame 414, the tensile flanges 419 of the frame may be urged toward each other, thereby reducing the diameter of the discontinuous contact surface 415 of the frame, thereby placing the frame in contact with and securing the package, also as described above.

In securing the consumable product in the dual tube heat transfer plate, the control system may signal the coolant pump 30 or the second coolant pump 230, as appropriate, to circulate the coolant 10 through the appropriate insulated coolant supply line 40, 310. In one aspect, if the consumable product is to be chilled, the coolant pump 30 may draw chilled coolant from the insulated storage device 20 and circulate the chilled coolant to the heat exchange tubes 400 through the insulated coolant supply line 40. The chilled coolant may then flow through the heat exchange tubes 400, thereby transferring heat from the consumable product to the coolant, lowering the temperature of the product. The coolant may be returned to the insulated storage device 20 through an insulated coolant return line 41 where it may be chilled again. In another aspect, if the consumable product is to be heated, the second coolant pump 330 may draw heated coolant from the second insulated storage 320 and circulate the heated coolant through the second insulated coolant supply line 310 to the second heat exchange tube 440. The heated coolant may then flow through a second heat exchange tube, thereby transferring heat from the coolant to the consumable product, raising the temperature of the package. The coolant may be returned to the second insulated storage device 320 via a second insulated coolant return line 311, where it may be reheated.

In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a control system and an on demand heating system, the on demand heating system comprising: the previously described components of the on-demand cooling system 5, and the reversing circuit, are such that the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 can be operated in reverse, thereby heating the coolant rather than cooling it.

In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can include the control system, the on demand cooling system 5 previously described, and the reversing switch and circuit, such that the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 can be operated in reverse. In this embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration system may be operated in a forward direction, whereby the coolant 10 is chilled, or in a reverse direction, whereby the coolant is heated. In operation, it is contemplated that a user may set the reversing switch to heat or cool the coolant. The control system and inverter circuit may activate and operate the vapor compression refrigeration system in a suitable manner to provide product at a user selected temperature.

In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a control system, a vapor compression refrigeration system 100, and a heat transfer plate 50. In this embodiment, the supply lines 11, 13 and/or return lines 12, 14 of the vapor compression refrigeration system may be placed in fluid communication with the heat exchange tubes 400 of the heat transfer plates, such that the working fluid of the vapor compression refrigeration system may chill or heat the consumable products placed in the heat transfer plates. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the heat exchange tubes of the heat transfer plate and/or the packaging fixture 70 may be formed of a metallic composition because of the relatively high pressure of the working fluid of the vapor compression refrigeration system.

The heating-on-demand and/or cooling distributor of the present application may include the heating-on-demand and/or cooling systems described above. In one aspect, the heating-on-demand and/or cooling dispenser may further include a means for agitating the consumable product to enhance heat transfer. In one embodiment, the means for agitating the consumable product may comprise a package mixer 800. In one aspect, as illustrated in fig. 9A and 9B, the package mixer may be integrated with the heat transfer plate 50, the second heat transfer plate 280, and/or the dual tube heat transfer plate 250. In another aspect, the package mixer can be separate from any heat transfer plate.

In one aspect, the package mixer 800 may exemplarily include at least one of: mixer housing 802, security gate 804, security switch 806, packaging fixture 70, and means 808 for mixing consumable product 810. The apparatus for mixing the consumable product can provide circulation of the liquid forming the consumable product to enhance heat transfer without causing excessive foaming, release of carbonate, and/or pressure build-up of the consumable product.

In one aspect, and as illustrated in fig. 9C, the mixer housing may be any structure large enough to contain the consumable product, the packaging fixture, and the movable elements of the device for mixing the product therein. A security door may be attached to the mixer housing 802 to provide access to the interior of the housing. In another aspect, a safety switch, as is known in the art, may monitor whether the safety door 804 is open or closed. When the security gate is in the closed position, the security switch 806 may signal the control system of the dispenser described above as follows: the security gate is closed and the device 808 for mixing the consumable product can be activated. When the security door is in the open position, the security switch 806 may prevent activation of the device for mixing the consumable product 810.

In one aspect, the packaging clamp 70 of the packaging blender may maintain pressure against the consumable product, thereby preventing the packaging of the consumable product from moving relative to the packaging clamp. In another aspect, as described above, the packaging clip may include, without limitation: bellows, inflatable bladder, or other clamping device. In a packaging blender 800 integrated with heat transfer plate 50, second heat transfer plate 280, and/or dual tube heat transfer plate 250, in one aspect, packaging fixture 70 of the packaging blender can be the same as the packaging fixture of the appropriate heat transfer plate 50, 280, 250.

In one aspect, the means 808 for mixing the consumable product in the mixer housing 802 can be a conventional rotary and/or conventional displacement device, such as, for example and without intending to be limiting, an electric or hydraulic motor, a gear, a cam, and the like, as is well known in the art. In another aspect, a device for mixing consumable products can utilize a motion pattern in which the consumable products periodically rotate about an axis. In another aspect, the apparatus for mixing consumable products may utilize a motion pattern in which the consumable product periodically rotates about an axis offset from the center of gravity of the consumable product, as will be described more fully below. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for mixing consumable products can utilize a motion pattern in which the consumable product is periodically moved along an axis.

In use, the consumable product 810 may be inserted into the packaging fixture 70 inside the mixer housing 802. The consumable product may be inserted into the packaging fixture manually or automatically, as will be described more fully below. The packaging clip can secure the consumable product as previously described. The safety door 804 of the mixer housing may be closed and the safety switch 806 may signal the control system of the dispenser as follows: the means for mixing the consumable product 808 may be activated. The device for mixing the consumable products can rotate the products from the direction of gravity by an offset angle Θ. In one aspect, optimal mixing of liquids within a cylindrical package (such as a consumable product like a bottle or can) can be performed with a reverse periodic motion of rotation about an offset angle Θ of 20-30 degrees, where the period of rotation at a rate of about one cycle per second is ± about 30 degrees. In another aspect, an offset angle Θ of 30-90 degrees (where the period of rotation at a rate of about one cycle per second is ± about 50 degrees) can provide sufficient circulation of the liquid contained within the package. In yet another aspect, an offset angle Θ of 10-20 degrees (where the period of rotation at a rate of about one cycle per second is ± about 20 degrees) can provide adequate circulation of the liquid. In yet another aspect, the rate of rotation can be increased to ten cycles per second at any of the offset angles Θ described herein.

Referring to fig. 10, in one aspect, a device 808 for mixing consumable products 810 contained in a package 890 can move an end of the package below the center of gravity 880 of the package. Because the package has gas 884 (i.e., air) trapped therein, the center of gravity (center of mass) of the liquid contained within the package is directly below the geometric center 882 of the package. In addition, because any gas trapped in package 890 is less dense than the liquid contained in the package, moving one end of the package below the center of gravity 880 of the package may move any gas inside package 890 from one end of the package to the other, facilitating circulation of the contents of the package. In another aspect, as package 890 is rotated about an offset axis, the packaged liquid may move in a circular motion, thereby increasing circulation of the liquid in that direction.

In another embodiment, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may further include a temperature maintenance dispenser tray 900, as illustrated in fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. The temperature maintenance dispenser tray can stabilize the temperature of the consumable product in one aspect until the product is requested or needed by the user. In addition, the consumer access door may allow the consumable product to be dispensed without substantially interfering with the temperature of other consumable products located within the on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser.

In one aspect, the temperature-maintaining dispenser tray may exemplarily comprise at least one of: a temperature maintaining cold plate 1000, an insulated dispenser chute 1002, a consumer access door 1004, and a safety door 1005. The temperature-maintaining cold plate may be, in one aspect, a standard commercially available cold plate. Coolant from the insulated storage device 20 may be circulated through the temperature maintenance cold plates to chill the cold plates, as is well known in the art. At least one condensate drain line 1006 may be provided at a low point of the insulated distributor chute 1002 to drain any condensate that forms. The insulated distributor chute may be a standard insulated distributor chute, as is also known in the art. Additionally, in one aspect, consumer access door 1004 may be a standard consumer access door, as is also known in the art. In another aspect, the consumer access door may include an insulating material.

In this embodiment, the consumer access door 1004 may be located at the end of the insulated dispenser chute 1002. The consumer access door may limit consumer access to consumable products located in the insulated dispenser chute and may further assist in insulating the insulated dispenser chute. The insulated dispenser chute 1002 may be positioned at an oblique angle so that the consumable product may be gravity fed toward the consumer access door. The temperature-maintaining cold plate 1000 may be located on a surface inside the chute so that the consumable product maintains its temperature while waiting to be removed by a user.

In one aspect, the temperature maintenance dispenser tray 900 may be located below the heat transfer plates 50, 250, 280 of the on-demand cooling and/or heating system, as illustrated in fig. 11D. In use, the control system can signal the heat transfer panel's package clamp 70 to release the consumable product. In one aspect, the heat transfer plate may include a hinged sleeve 404, as previously described, so that when the packaging clip is released, the consumable product may be gravity fed directly to the temperature maintenance dispenser tray.

In another aspect, the temperature maintenance dispenser tray 900 may be located at the side (i.e., horizontal) of the respective heat transfer plates 50, 250, 280 of the on-demand cooling and/or heating system, as illustrated in fig. 12A, 12B, and 12C. In this aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may further comprise a tray assembly 1100, the tray assembly 1100 configured to move the consumable product horizontally from the heat transfer plate to the temperature maintenance dispenser tray. In yet another aspect, the tray assembly may be configured to move the consumable product horizontally into the heat transfer plate.

13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate one embodiment of a disk assembly. In one aspect, disc assembly 1100 may illustratively include at least one of: a plurality of flat slide bars 1104, at least one threaded bar 1106, and a disk 1101, the disk 1101 including a disk base 1102, a disk ramp 1112, and a disk spring 1114. An exemplary disc is illustrated in fig. 13B. In one aspect, the tray base may have a plurality of smooth openings 1108, the smooth openings 1108 being sized and configured to receive a plurality of flat slide bars therein. In another aspect, the disk base 1102 can have at least one threaded opening 1110, the threaded opening 1110 being sized and configured to receive at least one threaded rod. In yet another aspect, the disk ramp may be a sloped surface on top of the disk base. In yet another aspect, the tray spring 1114, which is also located on top of the tray base, can include an upper surface 1115, the upper surface 1115 configured to engage the consumable product such that when it is engaged with the consumable product, the upper surface of the spring compresses against the tray base 1102. The upper surface of the tray spring advances away from the tray base when it is not engaged with the consumable product. The disk base 1102 may be threaded onto at least one threaded rod 1106 and a plurality of smooth rods 1104 may be inserted into a plurality of smooth openings 1108. The ends of the flat slide bar may be secured into the disc assembly housing and/or into the surface of the dispenser. At least one threaded rod may be attached to a motor or other rotating device such that when the motor or other rotating device is rotated, at least one threaded rod 1106 rotates, sliding the disk base 1102, and thus the entire disk 1101, on the smooth rail.

As illustrated in fig. 13D, the packaging clips 70 of heat transfer plates 50, 250, 280 may include two pairs of clip ramps 72, with one pair of clips being ramped on either end of the packaging clip. In one aspect, each clamp ramp may be sloped away from the corresponding clamp ramp so that when the tray 1101 is pressed against the clamp ramp, the packaging clamp may be pushed open. In another aspect, the packaging gripper 70 may be spring loaded such that the packaging gripper spring may continuously apply gripping (i.e., closing) pressure to the packaging gripper. In another aspect, the plurality of flat slide bars 1104 and the at least one threaded rod 1106 of the disc assembly 1100 may extend through a heat transfer plate. The clamp ramp 72 may be configured to interact with the disc 1101.

In operation, as the tray is driven into the heat transfer plates 50, 250, 280, the tray base may contact the pair of clamp ramps 72, thereby deploying the packaging clamps, thereby releasing the consumable product contained in the heat transfer plates. The upper surface 1115 of the puck spring 1114 may move into position in the heat transfer plate, keeping the packaging fixture 70 open as the puck base continues to move, eventually moving out of the heat transfer plate. The consumable product contained in the package may be manually or automatically placed into the heat transfer plate, engaging the upper surface of the disc springs, such that the upper surface 1115 of the disc springs moves downward toward the disc base 1102. As the coil spring 1114 moves downward, the spring-loaded package clamp is lowered, thereby applying pressure to the package. When the security door 1005 is closed, the consumable product may be chilled or heated, as previously described, until a desired temperature is reached. The tray 1101 may then be driven such that the high edge of the tray ramp 1112 engages and drives the consumable product into the temperature maintenance dispenser tray 900 for storage and/or service to the user. The disk may then be driven in the opposite direction so that the disk base 1102 comes into contact with the pair of gripper ramps 72 and the cycle may begin again.

In another embodiment illustrated in fig. 14, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include an on demand heating and/or cooling system and a movable platform 1200 as previously described. The mobile platform may be a cart or trailer in one aspect, although other mobile platforms are contemplated. In another aspect, the movable platform may have a power cord and/or a power generator. In this embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration system 100 may be located in the bottom region 1201 of the mobile platform. In one aspect, the heat transfer plate may be located remotely from the vapor compression refrigeration system at the upper surface 1202 of the movable platform for ease of loading of the consumable product. As the consumable products cool and/or heat to a desired temperature, they may be released from the packaging fixture and gravity fed to the insulated storage tray 1204 for later removal by a user from the access door 1206.

In yet another embodiment, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a heat transfer plate designed to rapidly heat and/or cool multiple consumable products at a time, such as, for example and without limitation, six-pack canned beverages. In one aspect, as illustrated in fig. 15A and 15B, the heat transfer plate of this embodiment can include at least one heat exchange tube 1500, a multi-pack clamp 1502, and a plurality of tube manifolds 1504. The at least one heat exchange tube may be as described above, however, in one aspect, the at least one heat exchange tube 1500 may be arranged such that it matches the contours of the plurality of consumable products and may circulate coolant in a uniform distribution to each package of the plurality of consumable products. The multi-pack packaging jig 1502 may be generally similar to the packaging jig 70 described above. However, in one aspect, the multi-pack clip can be sized and configured to selectively apply pressure to at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the plurality of consumable products. Each of the plurality of tube manifolds 1504 can be, in one aspect, a pair of the plurality of manifolds, such that the coolant supplied from a single coolant supply line can be evenly distributed among the plurality of heat exchange tubes, such that each heat exchange tube can circulate the coolant around a single consumable product of the plurality of consumable products. In another aspect, a second tube manifold may be in fluid communication with each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and the single coolant return line, such that the diverted coolant may be rejoined before traveling through the insulated coolant return line.

In another aspect, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can include a means for queuing a plurality of consumable products at a desired temperature. In one aspect, the queuing apparatus can include an insulated storage device configured to hold a plurality of consumable products therein. For example, the mini-cooler 1400 illustrated in fig. 22A and 22B may be configured to house a plurality of consumable products therein. According to one aspect, the insulated storage device and the plurality of consumable products contained therein may be adjusted to a desired temperature by the methods and processes described above. However, in another aspect, the insulated storage facility of the dispenser including the queuing apparatus may be conditioned by conventional methods. In another aspect, the queuing apparatus can provide a more economical means to rapidly heat and/or cool a plurality of consumable products as compared to conventional methods, resulting in energy savings because of the requirement to maintain a smaller volume of consumable product at a desired temperature.

For example, in one aspect, an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser that includes a means for queuing a plurality of consumable products may include an insulated storage device that defines an interior that is about 1/3 the size of the insulated volume of a conventional dispenser. It is of course contemplated that an on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser including means for queuing a plurality of consumable products may include insulated storage devices defining interiors of other sizes, such as, for example and without limitation, interiors of about 1/10, about 1/8, about 1/5, about 1/4, about 1/2, about 2/3, and about 3/4, as compared to the insulated volume of conventional dispensers.

In yet another aspect, to heat and/or cool a plurality of consumable products in a dispenser that includes a means for queuing the plurality of consumable products at a desired temperature, may require, for example, about 10 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 20 minutes, or longer. In this regard, a plurality of consumable products may be heated and/or cooled to meet the short sales period requirements without requiring the energy necessary to maintain an inventory of a larger quantity of consumable products at the desired temperature.

In another aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application can chill or heat at least one consumable product as described above. In one aspect, a user may select a temperature at which he wants to supply the consumable product, which may be transmitted to a control system of the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser. The control system may then cause the heating and/or cooling system to adjust the temperature of the consumable product accordingly. In another aspect, a user may select to supply a consumable product at a temperature between about-20 degrees Celsius and about 100 degrees Celsius. In yet another aspect, the user may select to supply the consumable product at a temperature between about 0 degrees Celsius and about 60 degrees Celsius. In another aspect, the user may select to supply the consumable product at a temperature between about 3 degrees Celsius and about 15 degrees Celsius. In another aspect, the control system of the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can be preprogrammed with a temperature at which the consumable product is supplied. The chilled or heated consumable product may then be supplied to the user by conventional means known in the art, or by using the temperature-maintaining dispenser tray described above.

In another aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application may be installed in a convenience store or other retail store. In a retail store, in one aspect, a user can select consumable products to be consumed. The consumable product may be chilled or heated as described above. In one aspect, the user may select a temperature at which he wants his consumable product to be supplied, as described above. The chilled or heated consumable product may then be supplied by conventional means known in the art, or by using the temperature-maintaining dispenser tray described above.

In one aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application may be installed in a conventional vending machine 1300, which is known in the art and illustrated in fig. 17B. According to various aspects, a modified vending machine 1310 in which the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application is installed is illustrated in fig. 17A and 18. As illustrated in fig. 17A, in one aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can include direct heating or cooling of the consumable product, as previously described. In another aspect, and as illustrated in fig. 18, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can include a second coolant, also as previously described. Because the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application can achieve a desired supply temperature of consumable products relatively quickly, a greater inventory of consumable products can be stored at room temperature, and fewer consumable products need to be stored at the desired supply temperature. Thus, the volume of storage space necessary to maintain a sufficient amount of consumable product at a desired supply temperature is small and may result in energy cost savings.

For example, in one aspect, the modified vending machine 1310 may include an insulated storage device defining an interior 1/3 of a size that is approximately the insulated volume of the conventional vending machine 1300, although other sizes of insulated storage device interiors are also contemplated. In this aspect, the uninsulated portion of the vending machine may include a storage area where the consumable product may be stored at ambient temperature prior to being fed to the insulated storage device. In use, a user may select a desired consumable product from a modified vending machine having an on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser installed therein. The modified vending machine 1310 may deliver selected consumable products from the insulated storage device to a user, as is known in the art. Additionally, the modified vending machine may then feed replacement consumable product from the un-insulated portion of the modified vending machine to the insulated storage device to begin conditioning the replacement consumable product to the desired temperature. In this regard, when a consumable product is removed from the insulated storage device of the modified vending machine, another consumable product enters the insulated storage device to maintain a sufficient quantity at a desired temperature during the vending session.

In another aspect, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application may be installed in a conventional reach accessible dispenser 1350, which conventional reach accessible dispenser 1350 is known in the art and is illustrated in fig. 19B. According to one aspect, an improved reach accessible dispenser 1360 with the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application installed therein is illustrated in fig. 19A. As illustrated in fig. 19A, because the on-demand consumable product heating and cooling dispenser can relatively quickly achieve a desired serving temperature of the consumable product, more inventory of consumable products may be stored at room temperature and less consumable products need to be stored at the desired serving temperature. Thus, the volume of storage space to be maintained at the desired supply temperature is small and may result in energy savings. For example, in one aspect, the improved reach dispenser may have an insulated storage device defining an interior 1/3 approximately the size of the insulated volume of a conventional reach dispenser, although other sizes are also contemplated.

In another aspect, in various embodiments of the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application, product may be automatically transferred from the storage area to the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser by gravity, the disk assembly described above, or the like. Alternatively, a user, such as a consumer, store clerk, or the like, may manually load the consumable product into the on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser.

In other aspects, because the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application can achieve a desired serving temperature of the consumable product relatively quickly, at least a portion of the inventory of consumable products can be stored at room temperature in various locations around the retail store or other locations. As illustrated in fig. 20 and 21, for example, a user may select a consumable product at room temperature from a stored product area. A user may manually or automatically transfer the consumable product to an on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser. In one aspect, an on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser can relatively quickly achieve a desired supply temperature of a consumable product for consumption by a consumer. In another aspect, consumable products that are transferred to an on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may be used to "pre-load" the dispenser, as will be described more fully below. The on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include direct heating or cooling of the consumable product, as previously described. As exemplified in fig. 21, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may include a second coolant, also as previously described.

In another embodiment, the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser may be configured as a mini-cooler unit 1400, as illustrated in fig. 22A and 22B, the mini-cooler unit 1400 comprising the on demand cooling system 5 described above. The compact cooler may be located, for example and without limitation, at a convenient location in a retail store, such as on a countertop near a checkout area. In one aspect, the condenser 120 of the compact cooler unit may be disposed remotely from the compact cooler, for example and without limitation under a countertop or in a storage room. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the condenser may be integrated into a compact cooler unit. In yet another aspect, the evaporator 140 can be installed in the insulated storage device 20 of the mini-cooler 1400.

In one aspect, an evaporator can be configured in the lower shelf 1402 of the mini-cooler unit 1400 to provide for more efficient heat transfer to the consumable product placed in the mini-cooler unit 1400. The supply line 11 and the return line 12 may be connected from the evaporator through the insulated storage device to a compressor 110 located outside the insulated storage device 20, and possibly remote from the insulated storage device 20. The condenser fan 150 may be positioned to circulate air over the condenser 120 and the evaporator fan 142 may be positioned to circulate air over the evaporator. In another aspect, the evaporator fan can force cool air under the lower shelf 1402, passing a predetermined amount of air through a high pressure chamber 1408 integrally formed with the lower shelf. In yet another aspect, the insulated storage device 20 can be sized such that the lower shelf is spaced above the insulation to allow air to flow under the lower shelf, the evaporator 140, and/or the high pressure chamber. The door 24 may provide access to the interior of the insulated storage device 20 for insertion and removal of consumable products therefrom.

In another aspect, the lower shelf of the mini-cooler can be tilted so that the consumable product does not move toward the door 1404 of the mini-cooler in an easily accessible position unless a predetermined amount of the consumable product is placed in the mini-cooler unit. For example, the mini-cooler may include a top shelf 1406, the top shelf 1406 may be at least partially loaded with consumable products that may advance at least one consumable product of a lower shelf toward the door to an easily accessible position. On the other hand, this may ensure that the compact cooler is always "pre-loaded" with a predetermined amount of consumable product. According to one aspect, this predetermined amount may be a sufficient amount for the sales period. It is contemplated that the compact cooler may be pre-loaded manually or automatically by a user (e.g., a consumer, store clerk, etc.). In another aspect, the lower shelf 1402 may have a holding position for the last package, so that it is easier for the user to access. The holding position may be, for example and without limitation, a groove in the lower shelf.

In another aspect, the consumable product may be pre-heated or pre-cooled prior to placement in the heat transfer panel and/or the insulated storage device 20 of the present application. The preheating and the preheating may be performed by conventional means such as, for example, standard refrigeration.

In a further aspect, the control system of the on demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser of the present application may signal through a switch when a user of the apparatus removes the consumable product from the dispenser. The control system may then signal to activate the delivery of additional consumable products into the heat transfer plate.

In yet another aspect, the control system may further comprise a feedback loop, as is known in the art. The feedback loop may be configured to control the means for cooling and/or heating the consumable product, the at least one heat transfer plate (if present), and the coolant (if present). For example and without limitation, the control system may receive information from at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or the like. In this example, the received information may include a temperature of the at least one insulated storage device, a temperature of the at least one consumable product in the at least one insulated storage device, a length of time that the cooling and/or heating apparatus or the at least one heat transfer panel has been activated, and/or the like. This information may be processed by the control system, and the control system may make corresponding adjustments to the operation of the on-demand consumable product heating and/or cooling dispenser, if necessary. In another aspect, the at least one sensor may comprise a conventional sensor, such as a thermocouple, infrared sensor, or the like, attachable to the thermally conductive packaging holder.

While several embodiments have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and other embodiments related to the application will come to mind to which this application pertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the application is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limiting the described application, nor the claims that follow.

Claims (28)

1. An on demand consumable product dispenser for dispensing at least one consumable product of a plurality of consumable products, the on demand consumable product dispenser comprising:

at least one uninsulated storage device defining an interior configured to store at least one consumable product of the plurality of consumable products therein at an ambient temperature;

at least one insulated storage device defining an interior configured to receive at least one consumable product of a plurality of consumable products therein from the at least one uninsulated storage device;

means for conditioning the interior of the at least one thermally insulated storage device; and

a control system configured to signal the means for adjusting the interior of the at least one insulated storage device to adjust the temperature of the interior of the at least one insulated storage device to a desired temperature,

wherein when a user selects at least one consumable product from the on demand consumable product dispenser, the at least one consumable product is dispensed from the at least one insulated storage device to the user and at least one consumable product of the plurality of consumable products is transferred from the at least one uninsulated storage device to the at least one insulated storage device.

2. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the means for conditioning the interior of the at least one insulated storage device comprises a vapor compression refrigeration system.

3. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the control system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a temperature of the at least one insulated storage device.

4. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an infrared sensor.

5. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 1, wherein conditioning the at least one insulated storage device to a desired temperature comprises: cooling the at least one insulated storage device to a desired temperature.

6. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 1, wherein conditioning the at least one insulated storage device to a desired temperature comprises: at least one thermally insulated storage device is heated to a desired temperature.

7. An on demand consumable product dispenser for dispensing at least one consumable product contained in a package at a desired temperature, the dispenser comprising:

at least one insulated storage device defining an interior;

at least one heat transfer plate configured to receive at least one consumable product therein and comprising at least one heat exchange tube;

a coolant in circulating communication with the interior of the at least one thermally insulated storage device and the at least one heat exchange tube;

means for conditioning an interior of the at least one insulated storage device, wherein at least a portion of the means for conditioning an interior of the at least one insulated storage device is positioned in the interior of the at least one storage device; and

a control system configured to signal the means for adjusting the interior of the at least one insulated storage device to adjust the temperature of the interior of the at least one insulated storage device to a predetermined temperature,

wherein the temperature of the at least one consumable product in the at least one heat transfer plate is adjusted to a desired temperature.

8. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 7, wherein at least one heat transfer panel is located remotely from the at least one insulated storage device.

9. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 8, further comprising means for mixing the contents of the at least one consumable product.

10. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 9, wherein the means for mixing the contents of at least one consumable product comprises: the consumable product is periodically rotated about at least one axis.

11. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 10, wherein the axis of the at least one axis is offset from a center of gravity of the at least one consumable product.

12. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 9, wherein the means for mixing the contents of the at least one consumable product comprises periodically moving the consumable product along at least one axis.

13. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 9, further comprising means for supplying at least one consumable product to at least one heat transfer plate.

14. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 13, wherein the means for supplying at least one consumable product to at least one heat transfer plate comprises: the at least one consumable product is fed to the at least one heat transfer plate by gravity.

15. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 13, wherein the means for supplying the at least one consumable product to the at least one heat transfer plate comprises a disk assembly configured to move the at least one consumable product to the at least one heat transfer plate.

16. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 9, wherein the control system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a temperature of at least one consumable product.

17. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 16, wherein a user of the on demand consumable product dispenser selects the desired temperature.

18. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 17, wherein the desired temperature is in a range from about-10 to about 20 degrees celsius.

19. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the predetermined temperature is in a range from about-50 to about-30 degrees celsius.

20. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an infrared sensor.

21. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 7, wherein the at least one heat transfer plate further comprises a packaging clamp configured to selectively maintain pressure on the at least one consumable product contained in the at least one heat transfer plate.

22. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 21, wherein the packaging clip comprises:

a bellows comprising a flexible compression bladder configured to conform to a shape of at least a portion of an exterior surface of a package of at least one consumable product contained in at least one heat transfer plate; and

a sleeve configured to maintain the bellows and the at least one heat exchange tube at a desired position.

23. An on demand consumable product dispenser for dispensing at least one consumable product at a desired temperature, the on demand consumable product dispenser comprising:

an insulated storage device defining an interior configured to receive at least one consumable product therein;

means for conditioning the interior of the insulated storage device;

a control system configured to signal the means for adjusting the interior of the insulated storage device to adjust the temperature of the interior of the insulated storage device to a desired temperature; and

means for restricting user access to the at least one consumable product until a plurality of the at least one consumable product has been inserted into the insulated storage device,

wherein the temperature of the at least one consumable product in the insulated storage device is adjusted to a desired temperature.

24. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 23, wherein the means for limiting access comprises at least one shelf that is tilted such that the at least one consumable product does not move to the accessible position of the insulated storage device unless a predetermined amount of the at least one consumable product is placed in the insulated storage device.

25. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 24, wherein the at least one shelf comprises a recess configured to position the at least one consumable product in the accessible position.

26. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 23, further comprising means for supplying at least one consumable product to the insulated storage device.

27. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 23, wherein the control system comprises at least one sensor configured to detect a temperature of the insulated storage device.

28. The on demand consumable product dispenser of claim 27, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an infrared sensor.