METHODS AND DEVICES OF ACCELERATED COOLING

Abstract

A device cooling an item having a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item, at least one cooling element which cools the cooling cavity during a cooling session, an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening, and a control unit which controls the elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after the cooling session, and a duration of the cooling session.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and devices of accelerated cooling and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a desktop sized devices of accelerated cooling and method of manufacturing and using such desktop sized devices.

In a common household and a workplace, various items should be refrigerated before being served, consumed and/or used, for example beverages, snacks and/or baking and/or cooking items. As refrigerating such items in a refrigerator takes time, the need for a fast, designated device for cooling individual items has emerged.

During the last years, various devices have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,751 describes chilling apparatus for chilling a liquid in a container includes a compartment sized to accept and retain the container; and a coolant receptacle adjoining a side portion of the compartment, for retaining a coolant, e.g., an ice/water mixture. The adjoining side portion has at least one aperture that allows the coolant to flow through to enter the compartment and surround the container therein. The liquid in the container is rapidly chilled via heat transfer between the container wall and the coolant when the container is rotated within the compartment. The rotation may be performed manually, e.g., via a holding member and handcrank attached to the top of the container, or automatically via an electric motor. The apparatus is particularly useful for chilling canned beverages. The apparatus can be configured to impart wobbling rotation to the container to achieve even faster chilling times.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,943 describes rapid cooling or freezing of foodstuffs, perishables or blood products is accomplished by using a thin film membrane to totally envelope the foodstuffs or blood product only during the heat extraction period. This thin film encapsulation system closes around the item and is held tightly to the item by atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure. Once the item is encapsulated, low temperature heat transfer fluids are then circulated on the exterior surface of the membrane, thus extracting the heat within the item through the thickness of the membrane. Upon completion of the necessary chilling or freezing, the atmospheric and/or hydrostatic pressure is withdrawn and the chilled or frozen item is extracted.

Another example is described in U.S Patent Application No. 2006/0185372 which describes using a coolant aqueous liquid, usually brine, maintained at low temperature in a reservoir receptacle, as low as 20° C., if the brine is of Sodium chloride or as low as 50° C., if it is of Calcium chloride, applied on the upper surface of the container, positioned horizontally, rotating about its axis, by means of soft jets, during a time that is calculated from the initial and desired temperatures, the temperatures of the cold solution and of the rinsing water and from the temporal coefficient of the packaged beverage, so that the brine glides over its surface drawn by the force of gravity, surrounding it completely through surface tension adherence to the surface of the container located underneath, where it is detached, determining at all times that the brine coats the greater part of the container during the spraying. By substituting the coolant liquid with hot water the rapid heating of packaged beverages is produced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device cooling an item. The device comprises a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item, at least one cooling element which cools the cooling cavity during a cooling session, an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening, and a control unit which controls the elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after the cooling session, and a duration of the cooling session.

Optionally, the cooling chamber contains a liquid coolant for cooling the item.

More optionally, the device comprises a flexible pocket structure mounted to receive the item via the top opening and to separate the item from the liquid coolant.

More optionally, the device comprises at least one stirring unit which circulates the liquid coolant in the cooling chamber, around the item.

More optionally the flexible pocket structure is detachably connected to the elevation mechanism.

More optionally, the flexible pocket structure comprises a metal element which is detachably connected to at least one magnet mounted on the elevation mechanism.

More optionally, the device comprises a dryer unit for drying an inner lumen of the flexible pocket structure after the cooling session.

Optionally, the at least one cooling element comprises at least one cooling coil which wounds around a volume in the cooling cavity.

More optionally, the at least one cooling coil helically wounds the volume.

Optionally, the device comprises a temperature detection unit for measuring the temperature and outputting the measurement accordingly.

Optionally, the device further comprises an ambient temperature detector for detecting ambient temperature around the device; the control unit controls at least one of the at least one cooling and the elevation mechanism according to the ambient temperature.

Optionally, the device comprises a temperature detector for detecting the surface temperature of the item before the cooling session; the control unit controls at least one of the at least one cooling and the elevation mechanism according to the surface temperature.

Optionally, the device comprises a presence detector for detecting a presence of a hand in proximity to the opening before the cooling session; the control unit controls at least one of the at least one cooling and the elevation mechanism according to the presence.

Optionally, the item is a bottle, the elevation mechanism and the top opening being formed to support the lifting and lower of the bottle in a bottle neck up position.

Optionally, the device comprises a user interface which performs a user identification, the control units controls the cooling session according to the user identification.

Optionally, the cooling chamber having a plurality of cavities each with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving one of a plurality of items. The at least one cooling element separately cools each of the plurality of cavities. Each cooling cavity hosts one of a plurality of elevation mechanisms for lifting and lowering a respective the item, from and into respective the cooling cavity, via a respective the top opening. The control unit which controls the plurality of elevation mechanisms according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in a respective the cooling cavity.

Optionally, the cooling cavity is cylindrical.

Optionally, the elevation mechanism comprises an extendable shaft set to raise and lower a surface for supporting the item.

More optionally, the extendable shaft is telescopic.

More optionally, the elevation mechanism comprises a pump for changing the pressure in the lumen of the extendable; the extendable shaft changes its length according to the pressure.

Optionally, the device is a portable tabletop device.

Optionally, the device comprises a conduit for conducting fluids which wounds the cooling cavity so as to cool down the fluids during the cooling session.

More optionally, the conduit helically wounds the cooling cavity.

Optionally, the device comprises an actuator for moving the item in the cooling chamber during a cooling operation of the at least one cooling element.

More optionally, the actuator rotates the item substantially around its axis in the cooling chamber.

More optionally, the actuator trembles the item.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of cooling an item. The method comprises a) detecting the placing of an item at or above a top opening of a cooling cavity of a cooling chamber, b) vertically lowering the item into the cooling cavity via the top opening using an elevation mechanism, c) cooling the item in the cooling cavity, and d) automatically extracting the item from the cooling cavity by lifting the item via the top opening in response to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity a measurement of a temperature of the item, and a duration of the cooling.

Optionally, the method further comprises repeating the b)-d) a plurality of times.

Optionally, the repeating is performed according to a member of a group consisting of if the item remains on the elevation mechanism for a certain period and if a measured temperature is above a certain reference temperature.

Optionally, the cooling comprises identifying a user and performing the cooling according to the identification.

Optionally, the cooling comprises identifying the item and performing the cooling according to the identification.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for cooling an item. The device comprises a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item, the cooling chamber containing liquid coolant, a pocket structure, placed in the cooling cavity so as to encircle at least part of the item and to separate the liquid coolant therefrom, at least one cooling coil which wounds a space in the cooling cavity and cools the liquid coolant during a cooling session, and a control unit which controls the cooling session.

Optionally, the at least one cooling coil wounds the space helically.

Optionally, the device further comprises an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening, the control unit controls the elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after the cooling session, and a duration of the cooling session.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a cooling device for accelerated cooling of one or more target items, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of components of an exemplary accelerated cooling device; each schematic illustration depicts the exemplary accelerated cooling device from another side, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are schematic illustrations each of a top segment of an exemplary cooling device for accelerated cooling of one or more target items, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustration of such a housing; each schematic illustration depicts the housing of the exemplary accelerated cooling device depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B from another side, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of a magnet base having a plurality of magnets and a metallic ring that is set to be detachably and magnetically attached to the magnet base, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of a single compressor double thermodynamic cycle arrangement which may be used for cooling both the accelerated cooling device and the other cooling device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional schematic illustration of an exemplary cooling chamber having an exemplary elevation mechanism and a bottle that is placed therein, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are lateral and top views of an exemplary bellows of an exemplary expandable shaft, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is an exemplary elevation mechanism having an expandable shaft in a cooling cavity of a cooling chamber, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5D and 5E are blown-ups of the lower and upper portions of the exemplary elevation mechanism depicted in FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5F is a blown-up of the lower portion of an elevation mechanism having a bellow and a telescopic shaft, in a fully collapsed state, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of an accelerated cooling device having a cooling chamber that is sized for at least four 0.5 liters bottles, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a schematic illustration of an accelerated cooling device having a number of cooling chambers, each defined according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7B an accelerated cooling device which is placed in the cooling compartment of a refrigerator, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of cooling an item, for example using the cooling device depicted in FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and devices of accelerated cooling and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a desktop sized devices of accelerated cooling and method of manufacturing and using such desktop sized devices.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for an accelerated cooling that is set to lower and lift an item, such as a bottle, to be cooled into and from a cooling cavity, automatically. The device has a cooling chamber with a cooling cavity that has a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item to be cooled (referred to herein as an item or cooled item). The device has one or more cooling elements, such as a helical evaporator coil of a refrigerant cycle cooling system, which cools the cooling cavity during a cooling session. In the cooling cavity, the device includes an elevation mechanism that lifts and lowers the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening. The elevation mechanism is controlled by a control unit according to a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after said cooling session, duration of the cooling session, and/or other measurements which are indicative of the temperature of the item and/or the surrounding.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for cooling an item using a liquid coolant. In such embodiments, a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity, as outlined above and described below, may be used. The cooling liquid coolant is maintained at the cooling cavity. The device further includes a pocket structure, such as a bag, which is placed in the cooling cavity so as to enclose at least part of the item and to separate it from the liquid coolant. The liquid coolant is cooled by a cooling coil which wounds a space inside the cooling cavity, for example helically, and cools the liquid coolant during a cooling session that is controlled by a control unit.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of cooling an item. The process initiates when the placing of an item, such as a bottle, is detected at or above a top opening of a cooling cavity of a cooling chamber, such as the cooling chamber which is outlined above and described below. The item is vertically lowered into the cooling cavity via the top opening, using an elevation mechanism, optionally automatically. Now, when the item is in the cooling cavity, the item in cooled. After the cooling is completed, the item is automatically extracted from the cooling cavity by lifting the item via the top opening in response to a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity or to the duration of the cooling. Optionally, when the item is a bottle, the lifting and lowering thereof is done in a bottle neck up position.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a cooling device 100 for accelerated cooling of one or more target items, such as perishables, beverages, snacks and/or baking and/or cooking items, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The cooling device 100 has one or more cooling chambers 101, each set to cool a separate target item. The cooling chamber 101 has a top opening 102, optionally with a cover 115, and an elevation mechanism 103 for automatically extracting the target item from the cooling chamber 101 when a target temperature is achieved and/or according to a cooling process, plan or profile. The cooling device 100 is optionally sized as a tabletop device. The cooling device 100 is optionally sized and shaped as a portable device. The cooling device 100 is optionally set to be placed in a refrigerator, for example as shown at FIG. 7A. In such an embodiment, the energy consumed for reducing the temperature of the cooled item is reduced.

The accelerated cooling device 100 includes a cooling unit 106, such as a refrigerant cycle cooling system, which is set to cool down the space inside the one or more cooling chambers 101, referred to herein as a cooling cavity 105. The cooling unit 106 cools down the cooling cavity 105 during a cooling session. As used herein, a cooling session means a period in which an item placed in the cooling cavity 105 is actively cooled down by the cooling unit 106 in an operative mode. The cooling session last between few or several minutes, for example 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes and about half an hour or any intermediate period.

The accelerated cooling device 100 includes a control unit 107 that is set to operate the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 in each cooling chamber 101, according to measurements, for example according to the temperature inside the cooling chamber 101 and/or according to cooling process, plan or profile, for example the cooling time and/or user preferences, for example as further described below. As used herein, a measurement means a measurement, a measurement value, measurement range, and/or measured change. The accelerated cooling device 100 is set to reduce the temperature of a target item from a room temperature of about 25° C. or more to a target temperature of between about 3° C. and about 8° C., for example about 6° C., in a cooling session of less than 5 minutes, for example in about 3.5 minutes. The cooling device 100 may be used as a household device, in a business, such as café, a restaurant or a bar, in an office, and the like.

For example, reference is now also made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are schematic illustrations of components of an exemplary accelerated cooling device 200; each schematic illustration depicts the exemplary accelerated cooling device 200 from another side, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The accelerated cooling device 200 is similar to the accelerated cooling device 100 that is described above. However, the accelerated cooling device 200 is adjusted for cooling bottles, optionally in a bottle neck up position, such as shown in numeral 201, and cans, such as beverage cans.

In this embodiment, the cooling chamber 101 has a cylindrical cooling cavity 105 for receiving and supporting the bottle 201 or a beverage can. The cooling cavity 105 may be sized to receive bottles and other beverage containers in various shapes, from a 0.5 liter bottle to 2.5 liter bottle or any intermediate or larger size. The top opening 102 (depicted as covered with a circular cover 215) allows placing the bottle in the cooling cavity 105 so that the bottle neck is upward. Optionally, a coolant is confined in the cooling cavity 105. The coolant is optionally a coolant liquid such as a propylene glycol solution, an alcohol solution, a brine solution, an ethylene glycol solution, sodium solution, a mixture of water and an anti-freeze agent, liquid nitrogen, and/or a mixture of ethanol and carbon dioxide. Optionally, the cooling unit 106 is set to cool down the coolant liquid in the cooling cavity 105. Optionally, in such embodiments, the cooling unit 106 comprises a compressor 210, a condenser coils segment 211, and a cooling coils segment 212 wherein evaporator/cooling coils are arranged in a helical structure to encircle the cylindrical cooling cavity 105. The condenser coils segment 211 is optionally covered by a heat sink module or any other heat transport element. The compressor 210, the condenser coils segment 211, and the cooling coils segment 212 is connected to form a thermodynamic cycle, such as a vapor-compression cycle. It should be noted that the connecting conduits between the condenser coils segment 211 and the cooling coils segment 212 are not depicted herein, for clarity. In this cycle, a circulating refrigerant such as Freon enters the compressor 210 as a vapor. The vapor is compressed at constant entropy and exits the compressor 210 superheated. The superheated vapor travels through the condenser coils 211 which first cools and removes the superheat and then condenses the vapor into a liquid by removing additional heat at constant pressure and temperature. The liquid refrigerant goes through the expansion valve 216 where its pressure abruptly decreases, causing flash evaporation and auto-refrigeration of at least some of the liquid refrigerant. That results in a mixture of liquid refrigerant and vapor at a lower temperature and pressure. The cold liquid-vapor mixture then travels through the cooling coils 212 and is completely vaporized by cooling the coolant liquid in the cylindrical cooling cavity 105. The resulting refrigerant vapor returns to the inlet of the compressor 212 to complete the thermodynamic cycle.

Optionally, the components of the exemplary accelerated cooling device 200 are placed in a housing. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic illustration of such a housing 260; each schematic illustration depicts the housing 260 of the exemplary accelerated cooling device 200 from another side, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3A depicts the outlines of the housing 260, showing the inner components of the accelerated cooling device 200. Optionally, the housing 260 includes a table for placing beverage containers, as shown at 270.

Optionally, in order to separate the liquid coolant in the cooling cavity 105 from the cooled item, for example the bottle 201, a pocket structure is attached to the top opening 110 so as to allow placing the cooled item therein. The pocket structure is optionally a bag or a pouch which allows maneuvering the cooled item in the cooling cavity. The maneuvering optionally includes extracting the item from the cooling cavity 105 via the top opening 110, trembling the item, mixing the content in the item, rotating the item and the like for example as described below. The pocket structure is optionally made of a thin polymer layer, such as polypropylene, which separates the liquid coolant from the cooled item without blocking heat transfer.

Optionally, a humidify dryer, such as a fan flowing cold, ambient, and/or hot air into the pocket structure, is used to remove the carryover droplets which are formed in the pocket structure during the cooling process. Optionally, the humidify dryer, has an output pointed toward the opening, for example as shown numeral 190 of FIG. 2D of present application. Optionally, the humidify dryer conducts air heated by the condenser coils segment 211. For example by conducting air from a fan used to cool down the condenser coils segment 211.

Optionally, a locking mechanism that detachably fixates the pocket structure to the elevation mechanism 103, for example to the supporting surface thereof (described below), is used. In such a manner, pocket structures, such as bags, may be replaced and/or removed for cleaning from time to time. Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a metallic element that is inserted into the pocket structure to facilitate the fixation thereof to a magnetic element that is attached to the elevation mechanism 103, for example to the supporting surface thereof (described below).

For example, reference is now made to FIG. 3C, which is a schematic illustration of a magnet base 350 having a plurality of magnets 351 that is set to be attached to the supporting surface of the elevation mechanism 103 and a metallic ring 352 that is set to be detachably and magnetically attached to the magnet base 350. In such an embodiment, the metallic ring 352 may be placed in a pocket structure to fixate it to the magnet base 350. The metallic ring 352 may be moved from one pocket structure to another, facilitating the replacement of plain pocket structures, without metallic elements attached thereto. The metallic ring 352 attached to pocket structures.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the accelerated cooling device 100, 200 shares a compressor of with another cooling device, such as a refrigerator, a cooled water bar, and/or an air conditioner. In such an embodiment, the cooling unit 106 of the device is used as a cooling source for both the accelerated cooling device 100, 200 and the other cooling device. For example, the shared compressor and optionally shared condenser coils segment are connected to the cooling coils segment of the accelerated cooling device 100, 200 and the cooling coils segment of the other cooling device, so as to form interchangeably two thermodynamic cycles, such as vapor-compression cycles. For example, reference is now also made to FIG. 3D which is a schematic illustration of a single compressor double thermodynamic cycle arrangement which may be used for cooling both the accelerated cooling device 100, 200 and the other cooling device. The figure depicts an exemplary compressor which is connected to two thermodynamic cycle sub arrangements. In the first thermodynamic cycle sub arrangement, liquid passes via a compression conduit 512 to a compressor 513 and then via a filter 514 and a capillary tube 515 to an evaporator 516, 517 and then back to the compressor. This thermodynamic cycle sub arrangement may be used for cooling a cooling compartment of a common refrigerator. In the second thermodynamic cycle sub arrangement, liquid passes via a capillary tube 522 to a matching unit 521 and then to an evaporator 520 (marked by block 519) which is used a cooling coils segment, for example as described above.

Reference is now also made to FIG. 4, which is a sectional schematic illustration of an exemplary cooling chamber 300 and a bottle 301 that is placed therein, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 4, cooling coils 303 helically wound the cylindrical cooling cavity 105 in the cooling chamber 300. The exemplary cooling chamber 300 includes external and internal cylindrical plastic shells 298, 299 having a closed bottom and an open top. The external shell 298 has larger diameter and height dimensions than the diameter and height dimensions of the internal shell 299. Optionally, the internal shell has cylindrical niche 311 for mounting a shaker unit 312. The internal shell 299 is inserted in the external shell 298. Optionally, the internal shell 299 is supported by a heat-insulated ring, which is installed on the bottom of the external shell. Other heat-insulated ring is mounted between sides of shells, on the top of the internal one. This structure of the internal and external shells 299, 298 form a thermostatic cell. The elevation mechanism 306 and the shaker unit 312 are mounted on the bottom of the internal shell. The cooling coils are placed in the internal shell 299, which is filled with the coolant liquid.

Optionally, the actuator, referred to herein as a shaker unit 312, is set to move, for example tremble or otherwise shake, the cooled item in the cooling cavity 105. When the cooled item 301 is a bottle or a can, the vibration improves the convection of the liquid therein. The shaker unit 312 is optionally placed in the niche 311 formed in the bottom of the exemplary cooling chamber 300, for example as described above. The shaker unit 312 optionally consists of a mini DC motor with operation voltage between 12 volt (v) and 24 v, a gear box and a cam mechanism which transforms rotational motion of the motor shaft into crank motion of the expendable shaft of the elevation mechanism 306 (see below). Thus, vibration of the content in the cooled item is excited. The cam mechanism optionally includes the cam 325; ball thrust bearing 313 and vertical stud 328 with steel ball 329 on its end. A motor, such as a DC motor, is optionally fixed inside of the sealing casing 324.

Optionally, one or more small stirring units are mounted in the cylindrical cooling cavity 105 to advance the convection of the liquid coolant. In should be noted that various stirring units may be used to mix the coolant liquid. These stirring units may be placed in various locations in the cooling chamber 101.

Optionally, in addition to the cooling of the cylindrical cooling cavity 105, the cooling unit 107 of the accelerated cooling device 100 is set to cool water. Optionally, as shown at numeral 196 of FIG. 2C, a conduit, such as a tube, is helically wound around the cooling cavity 105. The proximity to the cooled cooling cavity 105 reduces the temperature of liquid conducted in the conduit 196, for example water. Optionally, as shown by numeral 197, a valve, such as a tap valve, is attached to the tip of the conduit 196 and allows the user to control the water flow.

As outlined above, the accelerated cooling device 100 includes the elevation mechanism 306 that is set to elevate a cooled item in the cooling chamber 101. In the depicted embodiment, the elevation mechanism 308 includes a supporting surface 207 for supporting the cooled item 301 and the elevation mechanism 306 which includes an expendable element 316 for elevating the surface 207. The expendable element 316 is optionally a bellows, such as a rubber bellows. The elevation mechanism 306 optionally further includes a telescopic cover 317 which encircle the expendable element 316. The telescopic cover 317, which may be referred to herein as a telescopic shaft 317, delimits the movement of the bellow 316. The size of the telescopic shaft 317 and the expendable element 316 is adjusted to the size of the cooling cavity 105. For example, FIGS. 5A and 5B are lateral and top views of an exemplary bellows of the elevation mechanism 306, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The sizes are provided in millimeters and are exemplary only. Optionally, the bellows is made of Silicone resin. Optionally, the bellows is set to maintain strength and elasticity at temperatures of between about −45° C. and −10° C., for example −35° C. Optionally, the wall thickness of the bellows is between about 1.0 mm and about 1.2 mm. Optionally, the supporting surface 207 covers the bellows hermetically. For example, reference is also made to FIG. 5C, which is an exemplary elevation mechanism 306, which uses the expendable element 316, in a cooling cavity 405 and to FIGS. 5D and 5E, which are blown-ups of the lower and upper portions of the elevation mechanism 306. FIG. 5F is a blown-up of the lower portion of an elevation mechanism having the bellow 316 and the telescopic shaft 317 in a fully collapsed state. Optionally, the supporting surface 207 has sliders 320, which can move along vertical rails 315 which are mounted on the bottom and top of the internal shell 298. Optionally, the supporting surface 207 is set to clamp the cooled item 301 thereto. An air pump 310, such as an air (vacuum) pump is placed on the bottom of the cylindrical cooling cavity 105 to increase or reduce the pressure air in a lumen formed in the expendable element 316. By increasing the air pressure in this lumen, the expendable element 306 expands and the surface rises to extract the cooled item 301 via the top opening 110. By decreasing the air pressure in this lumen, the expendable element 316 collapses and the surface descends to place the cooled item 301 in the cooling cavity 105.

Alternatively, a water pump (not shown), such as a submersible pump is placed on the bottom of the cylindrical cooling cavity 105 to increase or reduce the liquid coolant pressure in a lumen formed in the expendable element 316. The submersible pump draws liquid coolant and streams it toward the supporting surface 207. By increasing the liquid coolant pressure in this lumen and streaming liquid coolant, the expendable element 316 expands and the surface rises to extract the cooled item 301 via the top opening 110. By decreasing the liquid coolant pressure in this lumen, for example stopping the streaming, the expendable element 316 collapses and the surface descends to place the cooled item 301 in the cooling cavity 105. In these embodiments, the expendable element 316 is not sealed, facilitating the passage of liquid coolant to and from the lumen formed in the expendable element 316. For example, the top of the expendable element 316 is perforated.

Optionally, the elevation mechanism 306 is actuated in response to the reading of a presence detector, such as a touch or proximity detector, placing the cooled item in the cooling cavity 105 to allow the initiation, optionally automatically, of the cooling process. The presence detector is set to detect the placing of an item, such as a bottle, on the supporting surface 207. Optionally, as shown by numeral 191 of FIG. 2D, the presence detector identifies when the hand of the user has been removed from the area in proximity to the cooled item and only then actuates the elevation mechanism 306.

Optionally, the accelerated cooling device 100 indicates when the elevation mechanism 306 extracts the cooled item, for example by a speaker playing an audio alert and/or an illumination means, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Optionally, a rotating actuator is placed below that supporting surface 207 and set for rotating the item, in the cooling cavity 105, during the cooling operation. In such a manner, the liquid in the item may be rotated and heat may be spread more efficiently. Optionally, the rotating actuator rotates the item substantially around its axis in the cooling chamber.

As described above, the elevation mechanism 306 is controlled by the control unit 107. The control unit 107 includes an electronic controller and optionally valves unit. It controls the cooling unit 106, the elevation mechanism 103, for example the pump 310 and/or other controllable units of the accelerated cooling device 100 in accordance with a working cycle and/or instructions received from the user and/or input and/or measurements of detectors and/or sensors, for example as described below.

Optionally, the one or more sensors are used to measure the temperature in the cylindrical cooling cavity 105, for example as shown by numeral 23 of FIG. 2A. The outputs of the temperature sensor are optionally forwarded to the control unit 107 that operates the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 accordingly. For example, the elevation mechanism 103 extracts the cooled item when the measurements indicate that a target temperature has been achieved.

Optionally, the control unit 107 is connected to one or more detectors, such as presence detectors, for determining whether the cooled item has been removed from the surface or not. If the cooled item has not been removed from the surface a certain period after cooling, for example 1, 5, 10 30 and 60 minutes, the control unit may instruct the elevation mechanism 306 to reinsert the cooled item into the cylindrical cooling cavity 105 and the cooling unit 106 to recool the cooled item. This reinsertion and recooling may be repeated any number of times. In such a manner, the cooled item will maintained, most of the time, at its target temperature.

Optionally, as shown at FIG. 2C, the one or more temperature sensors are placed on or in proximity to the opening 110 for reading the temperature of bottle 201, for example as shown at numeral 199 of FIG. 2C. Such a sensor may be used to measure the initial temperature of the cooled item on the surface of the cooled item before it is inserted into the cooling cavity 105. This allows the control unit 107 to adjust the cooling time or and/or cooling operation of the cooling unit 106 and/or to set a cooling plan accordingly.

Additionally or alternatively, an additional sensor is used to measure the ambient temperature in proximity to the accelerated cooling device 100, for example as shown by numeral 195 of FIG. 2C. This allows the control unit 107 to adjust the cooling time or and/or cooling operation of the cooling unit 106 and/or to set a cooling plan accordingly.

Optionally, the target temperature of the cooled item is adjusted to its size and/or type. In such a manner, different items may be cooled to different temperatures. Optionally, the target temperature is manually set by a user, for example using a keypad, a set of buttons, and/or a graphic user interface that is presented thereto. The user may provide the target temperature and/or the type and/or the size of the cooled item. The target temperature may be set according to the reading of a reader or an imager that identify information about the cooled items. Optionally, one or more data readers, such as barcode readers and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, are used to read information printed on or associated with the cooled item. For example, numeral 198 of FIG. 2D depicts a barcode reader which is set to read barcodes from cooled items during the process of their insertion into the cooling cavity 105. In such an embodiment, the outputs of the reader are optionally forwarded to the control unit 107 that operates the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 accordingly. For example, a target temperature is set according to data that is associated with the cooled item. Optionally, different users have different user profiles. In such n embodiment, a user may be identified, for example, by entering identification data, such a code or a name.

Optionally, an image sensor, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) based sensor or charge coupled device (CCD) based sensor, is used for imaging the cooled item. The images are forwarded to an image processing module that identifies the type, shape and/or size of the cooled item. This identification allows the control unit 107 to adjust the operation of the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 to match the properties of the cooled item. For example, a target temperature may be set according to the size of the item (0.5 liter bottle or 1.5 liter bottle) or the type of the item (Sprinkled beverage or a non sparkling beverage).

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 107 operates the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 according to preferences and/or habits of the user. Optionally, the control unit 107 includes a man machine interface (MMI), such as a display and a keypad, a set of buttons, a keyboard and/or a touch screen that allows inputting data. The user may use a designated graphic user interface (GUI) presented by the MMI to enter data about favorite drinking temperature and/or preferred cooling time. The control unit 107 optionally adjusts the cooling process according to the user inputs, for example adjust the operation of the cooling unit 106 and/or the elevation mechanism 103 to match the user inputs. Optionally, the control unit 107 gathers data about the user preference and adjusts the cooling process of new items accordingly.

Reference is now made, once again, to FIG. 1. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooling chamber 101 is set to cool a number of items, for example a number of bottles. In such an embodiment, the height and diameter dimensions of the cooling cavity 105 are larger. For example FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations of an accelerated cooling device 500 having a cooling chamber 501 that is sized for housing at least four 0.5 liters bottles. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the accelerated cooling device 100 has a number of cooling chambers, each as shown at 101. In such an embodiment, different products may be cooled separately, for example as shown at FIG. 7A.

Reference is now also made to FIG. 8, which is a flowchart of a method 700 of cooling an item, such as a beverage container, for example using the aforementioned cooling device 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. First, as shown at 701, the placing of an item at or above a top opening, such as 110, of a cooling cavity, such as 105, of a cooling chamber, such as 101, is detected. For example, the aforementioned presence detector, which may be a touch or proximity detector, detects the placing of an item, such as a beverage container, in the cooling cavity 105. As shown at 702, the item is lowered, optionally automatically, optionally substantially vertically, into the cooling cavity 105 via the top opening 100 using an elevation mechanism, such as 103. Now, when the item is in the cooling cavity, the item is cooled, as shown at 703. This cooling is performed in a cooling session. After the cooling session ends, for example in response to the detection of a target temperature at the cooling cavity, after a cooling period, and/or upon receiving instructions from the user, at least a part of the item is extracted automatically from the cooling cavity, for example as shown at 704. The extraction of the item from the cooling cavity 105 is done by lifting the item, for example the beverage container, via the top opening. As described above and depicted in 705, an untaken cooled item, which is left on top of the elevation mechanism 103, for example on the supporting surface 207, may be reinserted (lowered) into the cooling cavity and recooled. This process may be repeated a limited number of times, an unlimited number of times, every period, and/or after a certain waiting period. Optionally, this process is repeated when a temperature detector, such as 199, identifies a certain reduction in the temperature of the extracted cooled item. Optionally, the frequency in which this process is set and/or the length of the period between the reputations is determined according to the measurement(s) of an ambient temperature detector, such as 195.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems and methods will be developed and the scope of the term a sensor, a detector, a condenser, a cooling unit, and a control unit is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A device cooling an item, comprising:

a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item;

at least one cooling element which cools said cooling cavity during a cooling session;

an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into said cooling cavity, via said top opening; and

a control unit which controls said elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in said cooling cavity during said cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in said cooling cavity after said cooling session, and a duration of said cooling session.

2-4. (canceled)

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said cooling chamber contains a liquid coolant for cooling said item wherein said cooling chamber contains a liquid coolant for cooling said item; further comprising a flexible pocket structure mounted to receive said item via said top opening and to separate said item from said liquid coolant; wherein said flexible pocket structure is detachably connected to said elevation mechanism.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said flexible pocket structure comprises a metal element which is detachably connected to at least one magnet mounted on said elevation mechanism.

7. The device of claim 5, further comprising a dryer unit for drying an inner lumen of said flexible pocket structure after said cooling session.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one cooling element comprises at least one cooling coil which wounds around a volume in said cooling cavity; wherein said at least one cooling coil helically wounds said volume.

9-10. (canceled)

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising an ambient temperature detector for detecting ambient temperature around said device, said control unit controls at least one of said at least one cooling and said elevation mechanism according to said ambient temperature.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature detector for at least one of for measuring the temperature and outputting said measurement accordingly and detecting the surface temperature of said item before said cooling session, said control unit controls at least one of said at least one cooling and said elevation mechanism according to said surface temperature.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a presence detector for detecting a presence of a hand in proximity to said opening before said cooling session, said control unit controls at least one of said at least one cooling and said elevation mechanism according to said presence.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said item is a bottle, said elevation mechanism and said top opening being formed to support the lifting and lower of said bottle in a bottle neck up position.

15-17. (canceled)

18. The device of claim 1, wherein said elevation mechanism comprises an extendable shaft set to raise and lower a surface for supporting the item.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said extendable shaft is telescopic.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein said elevation mechanism comprises a pump for changing the pressure in the lumen of said extendable, said extendable shaft changes its length according to said pressure.

21-24. (canceled)

25. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for moving said item in said cooling chamber during a cooling operation of said at least one cooling element; wherein said actuator rotates said item substantially around its axis in said cooling chamber.

26. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for moving said item in said cooling chamber during a cooling operation of said at least one cooling element; wherein said actuator trembles said item.

27. A method of cooling an item, comprising:

a) detecting the placing of an item at or above a top opening of a cooling cavity of a cooling chamber;

b) vertically lowering said item into said cooling cavity via said top opening using an elevation mechanism;

c) cooling said item in said cooling cavity; and

d) automatically extracting the item from said cooling cavity by lifting the item via said top opening in response to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in said cooling cavity a measurement of a temperature of said item, and a duration of said cooling.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising repeating said b)-d) a plurality of times.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said repeating is performed according to a member of a group consisting of if said item remain on said elevation mechanism for a certain period and if a measured temperature is above a certain reference temperature.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein said cooling comprises identifying a user and performing said cooling according to said identification.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein said cooling comprises identifying said item and performing said cooling according to said identification.

32-34. (canceled)