FROZEN PRODUCT MACHINE

Abstract

In one embodiment, a frozen product machine comprising a cooling chamber and an evaporator is provided. The cooling chamber delivers an edible product mix. The evaporator surrounds the cooling chamber so that the evaporator and the cooling chamber define an evaporator chamber therebetween. The evaporator includes an input line and a plurality of return lines. The input line is coupled to the evaporator for receiving refrigerant in a liquid state from a condenser and for delivering the refrigerant to the evaporator chamber. The plurality of return lines coupled to a top section of the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator chamber and for delivering the refrigerant away from the evaporator while the cooling chamber produces the edible product mix.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/030,660 filed Feb. 22, 2008.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a frozen product machine.

2. Background Art

Ice cream machines generally include a cooling chamber for receiving a liquid flavored mix and dispensing the mix as ice cream. An evaporator is positioned around the cooling chamber and receives and dispenses liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is passed over the cooling chamber for removing heat from the liquid mix to generate ice cream in frozen form. It is generally known that by flooding the evaporator, a smoother, evenly cooled ice cream product may be achieved.

SUMMARY

In at least one embodiment, a frozen product machine comprising a cooling chamber and an evaporator is provided. The cooling chamber discharges an edible product mix. The evaporator surrounds the cooling chamber so that the evaporator and the cooling chamber define an evaporator chamber therebetween. The evaporator includes an input line and a plurality of return lines. The input line is coupled to the evaporator for receiving refrigerant in a liquid state from a condenser and for delivering the refrigerant to the evaporator chamber. The plurality of return lines coupled to a top section of the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator chamber and for delivering the refrigerant away from the evaporator while the cooling chamber produces the edible product mix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompany drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic design diagram of a frozen product machine in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment of an evaporator in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In general, with a flooded evaporator, the liquid refrigerant is changed into vapor due to the heat transfer at a location away from the cooling chamber. In the event vapor resides within the evaporator and about the cooling chamber (e.g., evaporator is not flooded with liquid refrigerant), the amount of heat transferred between the liquid refrigerant and the cooling chamber (including the liquid mix) may not be high enough to produce an evenly cooled ice cream product. While the techniques disclosed in the prior art with respect to flooding evaporators are beneficial, there remains an opportunity to improve upon such designs to achieve an evenly cooled food or liquid product.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a frozen product machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The frozen product machine 10 comprises a compressor 12 which is configured to compress hot gas into a high pressure gas. A condenser 14 receives the hot high pressure gas from the compressor 12. A water tank 16 provides water to the condenser 14 to cool the hot high pressure gas.

A water valve 18 is coupled between the condenser 14 and the water tank 16 to control the flow of water into the condenser 14. The reduction in temperature of the high pressure gas causes the gas to change into liquid form (or into liquid refrigerant). Alternatively, the hot high pressure gas may be cooled by air or other suitable coolants with a combination of systems. For example, the machine 10 may use an air cooled system whereby air is drawn or pushed over cooling fins of the condenser 14 which contain the refrigerant. In general, the condenser 14 may be remote (outside of the machine 10) or within the framework of the machine 10. In another embodiment, a glycol system may be implemented to cool the hot high pressure gas. The glycol system is a closed water-based system in which heat is transferred from water into glycol. The glycol may be applied to the cooling fins of the condenser 14 in a similar manner as described in connection with the air cooled system. In another embodiment, a swamp cooler may be implemented to cool the hot high pressure gas.

A filter 22 receives the liquid refrigerant to remove particulate matter. An accumulator/heat exchanger 24 receives the liquid refrigerant. The heat exchanger section of the accumulator/heat exchanger 24 sub-cools the liquid refrigerant. A sight glass 26 receives the liquid refrigerant and provides the state of the liquid refrigerant (e.g., an operator is able to assess the state of the liquid refrigerant via the sight glass 26). The sight glass 26 allows the user to determine if there is too much or too little moisture in the system. An expansion valve 28 which serves as a restrictive device provides a pressure drop thereby reducing the temperature of the liquid refrigerant.

An evaporator 28 includes an input line 30 for receiving the liquid refrigerant. The evaporator 28 includes an inner cooling chamber 32. The evaporator 28 and the inner cooling chamber 32 define an evaporator chamber 36 therebetween. The cooling chamber 32 extends between ends 41a-41n of the evaporator 28. The liquid refrigerant is dispersed into the evaporator chamber 36 and may surround the inner cooling chamber 32. A liquid product mix is provided to an input 38 of the inner cooling chamber 32 via a hopper, bag, pump, bottle or any other apparatus generally situated to enclose and store such a product mix. The liquid product mix may comprise an edible item such as, but not limited to, ice cream, yogurt, gelato, water and/or various alcohol based products. The liquid refrigerant disposed in the evaporator chamber 36 removes heat from the liquid product mix and an output 40 of the evaporator 28 dispenses a frozen product. The frozen product may be in the form of ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato or water and/or alcohol based products. Any such frozen product that is proper for consumption is generally contemplated.

The liquid refrigerant is passed through the evaporator chamber 36 and into a plurality of return lines 42a-42n. Each return line 42a-42n extends above the evaporator 28 to a predetermined height. While FIG. 1 illustrates two return lines 42a-42n, any number of return lines may be added. The number of return lines 42a-42n used in the machine 10 may be varied to meet the desired criteria of a particular implementation. The return lines 42a-42n are generally configured such that each return line 42a-42n is equally spaced from one another. It is also contemplated that each return line 42a-42n may not be equally spaced from one another. In one implementation, each return line 42a-42n may be positioned close to ends 41a-41n, respectively, of the evaporator 28. In one example, an outer edge 37a-37n of each return line 42a-42n may be positioned from 0.125 to 4.0 inches from the ends 41a-41n, respectively, of the evaporator 28. Such distance may provide ample surface area to allow each multiple return line 42a-42n to be welded to the evaporator 28. The spacing between each return line 42a-42n with respect to the ends 41a-41n of the evaporator 28 may be varied based on the overall length of the evaporator 28.

In general, the multiple return lines 42a-42n may be configured to discharge one to ten times the amount of refrigerant away from the evaporator 28 as opposed to the amount of refrigerant that is passed into the evaporator 28 via the input line 30 based on the diameter of each return line 42a-42n and the corresponding diameter of the input line 30. In one example, the diameter of the input line 30 may be 0.75 inches and the diameter of each return line 42a-42n may be 1.5 inches. The particular diameter of the input line 30 and each return line 42a-42n may also vary based on the size (e.g., volume) of the evaporator 28.

The multiple return lines 42a-42n may maintain an equivalent or substantially equivalent even flow of liquid refrigerant from the evaporator 28. For example, the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant in the return line 42a may be close to or equal to the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant in the return line 42n as liquid refrigerant is passed through the input line 30. Such a condition may be achieved due to the close placement of each multiple return line 42a-42n to corresponding ends 41a-41n (e.g., 0.125-4.0 inches from the ends 41a-41n). The even flow of the liquid refrigerant from the evaporator 28 may be further exhibited due to the symmetric relationship of the multiple return lines 42a-42n while positioned on the evaporator 28. The symmetric relationship of the return lines 42a-42n may be established by placing each return line 42a-42n at a similar distance from the ends 41a-41n, respectively, of the evaporator 28. By providing an even flow of the liquid refrigerant from the evaporator 28 with the multiple return lines 42a-42n, such a combination may provide that one section of the evaporator 28 is not colder than one or more remaining sections of the evaporator 28. The multiple return lines 42a-42n may enable the cooling chamber 32 to remain at a constant cool temperature at all surfaces thereby enabling the production of an evenly cooled frozen product mix. The multiple return lines 42a-42n may also enable the liquid refrigerant to dwell longer in the evaporator chamber 36.

A joining line 43 is coupled between each return line 42a-42n. The joining line 43 extends in fore and aft directions. A single output return line 44 is positioned above the joining line 43. Refrigerant (e.g., either in liquid or vapor form) is discharged from the return lines 42a-42n via the output return line 44. Liquid refrigerant may be contained within a portion of each return line 42a-42n or within the entire length of each return line 42a-42n. Vapor refrigerant may also be contained within the entire length of each return line 42a-42n. The liquid refrigerant boils off into a saturated vapor state after the liquid refrigerant is in or passed through the evaporator chamber 36. A barrel solenoid valve 46 receives the refrigerant (e.g., either in liquid or vapor form) and controls the flow of refrigerant when it is not desired. While FIG. 1 illustrates that the joining line 42 and the output return line 44 are positioned above the return lines 42a-42n. Other implementations may include the joining line 43 and the single output return line 44 positioned on either side of the multiple return lines 42a-42n.

A pressure regulator 48 receives the vapor refrigerant and controls the flow of the vapor refrigerant back to the compressor 12. The accumulator section of the accumulator/heat exchanger 48 receives the vapor refrigerant and boils off any residual liquid left in the refrigerant to protect the compressor 12. A plurality of blades (not shown) are disposed within the cooling chamber 38 of the evaporator 28 to scrape and push the liquid product mix around. Such a constant scrapping action with the blades combined with a flooded evaporator 28 and the multiple return lines 42a-42n produces a uniform ice crystal size. The machine 10 may be implemented as a batch freezer where the entire amount of the liquid product mix is placed into the cooling chamber 38 as opposed to adding limited amounts of the liquid product mix to the cooling chamber 38.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment of an evaporator 50 is shown. The evaporator 50′ includes one or more evaporator lines 52a-52n coiled around the cooling chamber 32. The cooling chamber 32 includes an input (not shown) for receiving the liquid product mix and an output (not shown) for discharging the frozen product mix. The evaporator lines 52a-52n are generally filled with refrigerant for transferring heat away from any such liquid product disposed in the cooling chamber 32. In one example, each evaporator line 52a-52n is separate from each other. A plurality of return lines 54a-54n are coupled to the evaporator lines 52a-52n, respectively. The evaporator line 52a includes a first outlet 56a coupled to the return line 54a and a second outlet 56n coupled to the return line 54n. The return lines 54a-54n discharge refrigerant away from the evaporator lines 52a-52n and the cooling chamber 32. An input line 58 provides liquid refrigerant to the evaporator lines 52a-52n. The input line 58 includes first and second members 60a and 60n coupled to the evaporator lines 52a and 52n, respectively, for delivering liquid refrigerant.

Each return line 42a-42n maybe positioned close to the ends 41a-41n, respectively, of the evaporator 50. In one example, an outer edge 37a-37n of each return line 54a-54n may be positioned from 0.125 to 2.0 inches from the ends 41a-41n, respectively. The return lines 54a-54n may be positioned in a symmetric relationship with one another to enable an even flow of the liquid refrigerant between each line 54a-54n from the evaporator 50. For example, the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant may be similar between the return line 54a and the return line 54n as liquid refrigerant is passed through the input line 58. The symmetric relationship of the return lines 54a-54n is generally established by placing each return line 54a-54n at a similar distance from each corresponding end 41-41n of the evaporator 50. By providing an even flow of the liquid refrigerant from the evaporator 50 with the multiple return lines 52a-52n, such a condition may ensure that one section of the evaporator 50 is not cooler than one or more remaining sections of the evaporator 50. The multiple return lines 52a-52n may enable the cooling chamber 32 to remain at an even and cool temperature at all surfaces thereby facilitating the production of an evenly cooled frozen product mix. It is also contemplated that each return line 54a-54n may be positioned at a different distance from one another with respect to the ends 41a-41n of the evaporator 28.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A frozen product machine comprising:

a cooling chamber for discharging an edible product mix;

an evaporator surrounding the cooling chamber, the evaporator and the cooling chamber define an evaporator chamber therebetween, the evaporator including: an input line coupled to the evaporator for receiving refrigerant in a liquid state from a condenser and for delivering the refrigerant to the evaporator chamber; and a plurality of return lines coupled to a top section of the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator chamber and for delivering the refrigerant away from the evaporator while the cooling chamber discharges the edible product mix.

2. The frozen product machine of claim 1 wherein the evaporator includes first and second ends and the cooling chamber extends between the first and second ends and wherein the plurality of returns lines include a first return line positioned at a first distance from the first end of the evaporator and a second return line positioned at a second distance from the second end of the evaporator, the first distance being substantially equal to the second distance.

3. The frozen product machine of claim 1 wherein the evaporator includes first and second ends and the plurality of return lines include a first return line having a first outer edge, wherein the first outer edge of the first return line is positioned proximate to the first end of the evaporator at a distance of between 0.125 and 4.0 inches.

4. The frozen product machine of claim 3 wherein the plurality of return lines include a second return line having a second outer edge, wherein the second outer edge of the second return line is positioned proximate to the second end of the evaporator at a distance of between 0.125 and 4.0 inches.

5. The frozen product machine of claim 1 further comprising a joining line coupled to the plurality of return lines and being parallely spaced from the evaporator to receive refrigerant in one of a vapor state and the liquid state.

6. The frozen product machine of claim 6 further comprising an output return line coupled to the joining line to deliver the vapor refrigerant to the condenser.

7. The frozen product machine of claim 1 wherein the input line includes a first diameter and at least one return line from the plurality of return lines includes a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

8. The frozen product machine of claim 1 wherein the input line is coupled to a bottom section of the evaporator and the input line and the plurality of return lines extend through the same plane.

9. A frozen product machine comprising:

a cooling chamber for receiving a liquid product mix and producing an edible frozen product mix;

an evaporator including first and second ends, the evaporator surrounding the cooling chamber such that the evaporator and the cooling chamber define an evaporator chamber therebetween, the evaporator further including: an input line coupled to the evaporator for receiving refrigerant in a liquid state from a condenser and for delivering the refrigerant to the evaporator chamber; and multiple return lines coupled to the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator chamber and for delivering the refrigerant away from the evaporator while the cooling chamber produces the edible product mix, the multiple return lines including: a first return line having a first outer edge positioned directly adjacent to the first end of the evaporator at a first distance of 0.125 inches or greater; and a second return line having a second outer edge positioned directly adjacent to the second end of the evaporator at a second distance of 0.125 inches or greater;

wherein the position of the first return line at the first distance and the position of the second return line at the second distance enable a flow rate of refrigerant in the first return line to be substantially similar to a flow rate of refrigerant in the second return line.

10. The frozen product machine of claim 9 wherein the first distance is further defined as being between 0.125 and 4 inches.

11. The frozen product machine of claim 10 wherein the second distance is further defined as being between 0.125 and 4 inches.

12. The frozen product machine of claim 9 wherein the first distance is substantially similar to the second distance.

13. The frozen product machine of claim 9 further comprising a joining line coupled to the first and the second return lines and being parallely spaced from the evaporator for receiving the refrigerant in at least one of a vapor state and the liquid state.

14. The frozen product machine of claim 13 further comprising an output return line coupled to the joining line for delivering the vapor refrigerant to the condenser.

15. The frozen product machine of claim 9 wherein the input line includes a first diameter and at least one of the first and the second return lines include a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

16. A frozen product machine comprising:

a cooling chamber for receiving an edible product mix;

at least one evaporator line surrounding the cooling chamber;

an input line disposed about a bottom section of the cooling chamber for receiving refrigerant in a liquid state from a condenser and for delivering the refrigerant to the at least one evaporator line; and

a plurality of return lines disposed about a top section of the cooling chamber and coupled to the at least one evaporator line for receiving the refrigerant from the evaporator chamber and for discharging the refrigerant away from the at least one evaporator line.

17. The frozen product machine of claim 16 wherein the cooling chamber includes first and second ends and the plurality of return lines include a first return line positioned about the first end of the cooling chamber and a second return line positioned about the second end of the cooling chamber.

18. The frozen product machine of claim 16 wherein the at least one evaporator line comprises a first evaporator line for surrounding a first section of the cooling chamber and a second evaporator line for surround a second section of the cooling chamber, the first and second evaporator lines being separate from one another.

19. The frozen product machine of claim 18 wherein the input line includes a first member coupled to the first evaporator line for delivering refrigerant to the first evaporator line and a second member coupled to the second evaporator line for delivering refrigerant to the second evaporator line.

20. The frozen product machine of claim 19 wherein the plurality of return lines include a first return line coupled to the first evaporator line to deliver refrigerant away from the cooling chamber and a second return line coupled to the second evaporator line to deliver refrigerant away from the cooling chamber.