HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM

Info

Publication number: 20150267974
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 18, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 24, 2015
Inventor: Gary Alton Grimes (Molino, FL)
Application Number: 14/218,744

Abstract

A dynamic heat transfer system enables heat transfer between a coolant and a hot fluid. The system pumps the coolant through a coolant tube portion that passes through the fluid, and also forcibly impels the fluid over and through the coolant tube portion to maximize contact necessary for heat transfer. Maximizing exposure of the fluid to the coolant tube portion expedites cooling of the fluid. The fluid resides in a fluid container, such as a frying vat, and enters through a supply line form a coolant reservoir. The heat transfers from the hot fluid to the coolant through a conductive medium, which is the coolant tube portion. An impeller, driven by a drive shaft and motor, agitates the fluid around the coolant tube portion to maximize contact. The impeller creates low and high pressure zones that are regulated by a shroud for maximizing heat transfer.

Description

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to a heat transfer system. More particularly, the invention relates to a heat transfer system that cools a fluid in a heating container with heat transfer and an impeller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a heat exchanger is a piece of equipment built for efficient heat transfer from one medium to another. The media may be separated by a solid wall to prevent mixing or they may be in direct contact.

Typically, heat exchangers are designed to maximize the surface area of the wall between the two fluids, while minimizing resistance to fluid flow through the exchanger. The exchanger's performance can also be affected by the addition of fins or corrugations in one or both directions, which increase surface area and may channel fluid flow or induce turbulence.

It is known that is a kitchen appliance used for deep-frying. In many instances, a deep fryers includes a basket to raise food clear of the oil when cooking is finished. Often, the deep fryer may include features such as timers with an audible alarm, automatic devices to raise and lower the basket into the oil, measures to prevent food crumbs from becoming over cooked, ventilation systems to reduce frying odors, oil filters to extend the usable life of the oil, and mechanical or electronic temperature controls.

Typically, cooking oil is plant, animal, or synthetic fat used in frying, baking, and other types of cooking. It is also used in food preparation and flavoring that doesn't involve heat, such as salad dressings and bread dips, and in this sense might be more accurately termed edible oil.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary heat transfer system transferring an exemplary coolant between an exemplary coolant reservoir and an exemplary heating container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of an exemplary coolant tube portion and an exemplary heating container, where FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an exemplary coolant tube portion configured as a coil, and FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary heating container engaged with an exemplary coolant tube portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of an exemplary coolant tube portion integrated into an exemplary heating container, where FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion running along the sidewalls of an exemplary heating container, and FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion configured as a coil and built into an exemplary heating container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion fastened along a bottom surface of an exemplary heating container heat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary countertop heat transfer system configured to work on a counter top with an exemplary oven, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an exemplary portable heat transfer system configured to work with a portable deep frying vat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system transferring an exemplary coolant between an exemplary coolant reservoir and an exemplary heating container and forcing an exemplary fluid over an exemplary encompassing coolant tube portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate various views of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system, where FIG. 8A illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary fluid engaging an exemplary tube lower end and an exemplary tube upper end, FIG. 8B illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary impeller forcing an exemplary fluid over an exemplary encompassing coolant tube portion, and FIG. 8C illustrates a top view of an exemplary impeller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system, where FIG. 9A illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system supported by an exemplary stabilizer portion, and FIG. 9B illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system inside an exemplary fluid container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of a heat transfer system that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer system may utilize a coolant traveling through a coolant tube portion, such as a coil, to provide efficient heat transfer from a fluid in a heating container to a reservoir holding a coolant. In one embodiment, the system may utilize heat exchange principles to quickly, conveniently, and safely cool a cooking oil in a deep fryers, such as, portable fryers and turkey fryers. The system may utilize a liquid coolant flowing through a tube that is proximally, either submerged inside, around, or outside of the fryer containing hot oil. As the coolant passes proximally to the hot oil, heat transfers from the fryer to the coolant, and is carried away; thus resulting in a fast method for cooling oil. The system may subsequently produce a byproduct having a plurality of use. The by product may include the liquid coolant that receives the heat changing into warm or hot water.

In some embodiments, the system may create an efficient heat exchange between a hot fluid in a heating container and a coolant. The fluid may include, without limitation, a cooking oil. The heating container may include, without limitation, a frying vat. Those skilled in the art will recognize that cooking oil reaches temperatures above 300° while frying food. After cooking, the oil may remain at a high temperature for a duration. It is during this nonoperational duration that accidents with the cooking oil may occur, as it is not visibly apparent how hot the oil is, and the oil may take an hour or longer to cool to a safe temperature.

In some embodiments, the system may include a coolant reservoir configured to hold a coolant. The coolant may include, without limitation, cold water. The coolant may be carried through a supply line from the coolant reservoir, before finally passing through a coolant tube portion. The coolant tube portion may be configured to carry the coolant in proximity to the heating container. The coolant tube portion may be designed to maximize the surface area between the heating container and the surface of the coolant tube portion. Additionally, the coolant tube portion and the heating container may be joined together with a fastener. The depth of the coolant tube portion in the fluid may be adjusted to facilitate cooling via conduction and thermal currents passing through the heating container.

One embodiment may have the coolant tube portion configured as a coil, whereby the coil remains in contact with a maximum surface area of the heating container and the fluid, and oil in one embodiment. In this manner, the coolant remains in contact with an optimal amount of the fluid in the heating container. Additionally, the coolant tube portion may be configured to minimizing resistance to the coolant through the exchanger. After the coolant passes past the heating container, the retained heat may reconfigure the coolant into a byproduct, such as warm water that flows back to the coolant reservoir through a return line. A pump may force the coolant through the supply line and the coolant tube portion.

In another, more dynamic embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic heat transfer system cools the fluid by not only pumping the coolant through the fluid, but also forcibly impelling the fluid over and through the coolant tube portion. This extra dimension of dynamic motion may serve to expedite the cooling of the fluid. Those skilled in the art will recognize that forcibly circulating the hot fluid over the cooler coolant tube portion maximizes contact between the hot fluid and the coolant through the coolant tube portion. In essence, more molecules of hot fluid are forced into contact with the cooler coolant tube portion. The impelling of the fluid may be actuated by an impeller that forces the fluid in contact with the coolant tube portion, or by simply moving the coolant tube portion through the fluid.

In the dynamic system, an encompassing coolant tube portion is utilized, and includes a cylindrical shape that can at least partially encompass the heating container. The encompassing coolant tube portion may encompass the heating container, or may simply be repositioned within the fluid container at various depths. In either case, the encompassing coolant tube portion may be moving through the fluid, or may have the fluid forced over and through the individual coils of the encompassing coolant tube portion. The space between a plurality of runs in a coiling configuration of the encompassing coolant tube portion may allow the fluid to flow through the spaces for promoting efficient fluid flow and heat exchange.

In some embodiments, the encompassing coolant tube portion includes a tube lower end and a tube upper end. The coolant from the coolant reservoir may enter the encompassing coolant tube portion through the tube lower end, which serves as a preheater. The coolant may then pass in an upward direction before exiting the encompassing coolant tube portion from the tube upper end. The coolant may then discharge into the return line as a byproduct

In some embodiments, an impeller may at least partially pass through a concentric section of the encompassing coolant tube portion. The impeller may include, without limitation, a propeller, or a rotor used to increase the pressure and flow of the fluid, which is the hot oil in some embodiments. The impeller may be driven by a drive shaft that joins with a motor. The motor may include an electrical motor, thermal drive motor, (wind up) spring driven motor or a hand pump.

The impeller may be operable to create a high pressure and a low pressure section around the encompassing coolant tube portion. In one embodiment, the impeller pushes the fluid over the tube lower end, and pulls the fluid over the tube upper end. A shroud may help separate the low and high pressures within the fluid container. In this configuration, the fresh coolant may then be introduced to the tube lower end which serves as a preheater. The fluid may then flow to the tube upper end where the hottest fluid is being pulled into the impeller, and consequently super heating the coolant for maximum heat exchange with the fluid.

In some embodiments, the impeller may generate excessive splashing of the fluid. This may cause a safety hazard because of the hot temperature of the fluid. A barrier, such as a splash guard, may extend from the upper edge of the fluid container to restrict excessive fluid from spilling out of the fluid container.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary heat transfer system transferring heat between an exemplary coolant reservoir and an exemplary heating container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a heat transfer system 100 may create an efficient heat exchange between a hot fluid 124 in a heating container 112 and a coolant 122 passing in proximity to the fluid. The fluid may include, without limitation, a cooking oil, plant oil, animal oil, synthetic fat used in frying a hot liquid, and a hot chemical composition. The heating container may be sized and dimensioned to contain a food and enable contact between the food and the fluid during a cooking or frying process. In some embodiments, the heating container may include, without limitation, a frying vat, a frying basket, a pot, a pan, and a steamer. A handle 114 may join with the heating container for enabling manipulation and elevation adjustment while immersed in the fluid. In some embodiments, a fluid container 128, such as a frying vat, may contain the fluid and the heating container. Those skilled in the art will recognize that cooking oil reaches temperatures above 350° for frying food in the fluid container. After cooking, the cooking oil may remain at a high temperature for a duration. It is during this nonoperational duration that accidents with the cooking oil may occur, as it is not visibly apparent how hot the oil is, and the oil may take an hour or longer to cool to a safe temperature.

In some embodiments, the system may include a coolant reservoir configured to hold a coolant. The coolant reservoir may include, without limitation, a bucket of ice water. The coolant may include, without limitation, cold water. In one embodiment, the coolant reservoir may simply comprise of a bucket of ice water. Salt may be added to the coolant to increase the heat capacity. The coolant reservoir may include a filter 104 may help remove particles in the coolant. A pump 106 may join with the coolant reservoir, forcing the coolant through a supply line 108, such as a rubber hose. The pump may include a pump switch 110 for powering on and off.

In some embodiments, the supply line may join with a coolant tube portion 116 with a fastener, such as a clip. The coolant tube portion may be configured to carry the coolant in proximity to the heating container, and oil in one embodiment. For example, the coolant tube portion may join with a bottom surface of the heating container, enabling maximum exposure between the surfaces. In some embodiments, the coolant tube portion may be designed to maximize the surface area between the heating container and the surface of the coolant tube portion. The surface area for the fluid to coat the coolant tube portion is also increased. The depth of the coolant tube portion in the fluid may be adjusted to facilitate cooling via conduction and thermal currents passing through the heating container.

One embodiment of the present invention may have the coolant tube portion configured as a coil, whereby the coil remains in contact with a maximum surface area of the heating container. In this manner, the coolant may remain in contact with an optimal amount of the fluid in the heating container. Additionally, the coolant tube portion may be configured to minimizing resistance to the coolant through the exchanger. After the coolant passes past the heating container, the retained heat may reconfigure the coolant into a byproduct 126, such as warm water that flows back to the coolant reservoir through a return line 118. A return line fastener 120 may secure the return line to the coolant reservoir, if indeed, the byproduct is recycled to the coolant reservoir. The pump may continue to force the byproduct back to the coolant reservoir or other discharge. In some embodiments, the warm or hot byproduct may be utilized for cooking other foods or for washing dishes. In yet another embodiment, the system may include device for cooling cooking oil used for deep frying, a handle, and a hanger. The coolant may include any food grade liquid.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the system may provide multiple safety and time saving advantages. For example, without limitation, the system may help eliminate the danger of hot oil sitting open while it cools on its own. The system may expedite cleanup of the heating container negating the need to wait long periods of time for the oil to cool and rectum back in original containers for storage or disposal. The system may facilitate tailgating and picnicking by allowing the oil to quickly be handled at a safe temperature for cleanup and transport. In one embodiment, the system may cool about 9 gallons of oil in less than ¼ of the time needed for oil to cool spontaneously. Additionally, hot water can be generated as the byproduct of the oil cooling process.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate various views of an exemplary coolant tube portion and an exemplary heating container, where FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an exemplary coolant tube portion configured as a coil, and FIG. 2B illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary heating container engaged with an exemplary coolant tube portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the coolant tube portion may be configured to form a jacket layer of the coolant around the perimeter of the cooking device. Suitable materials for the coolant tube portion may include, without limitation, copper, aluminum, steel, metal alloy. In some embodiments, the coolant tube portion may join with a bottom surface of the heating container. However, the coolant tube portion may also engage the heating container in other configurations. In one embodiment, a frying basket may fasten onto a coil tubing. The coil tubing may be adjusted at an elevation with a cooking oil that maximizes cooling.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of an exemplary coolant tube portion integrated into an exemplary heating container, where FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion running along the sidewalls of an exemplary heating container, and FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion configured as a coil and built into an exemplary heating container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, coolant tube portion may be configured to maximize contact with the heating container. This enables optimal heat transfer. One configuration for maximizing contact between the coolant tube portion and the heating container may include the coolant tube portion traversing along a longitudinal axis of the heating container. In another embodiment, the coolant tube portion may be integrated into the heating container during manufacture, for example, as a coil at a lower end of the heating container.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary coolant tube portion fastened along a bottom surface of an exemplary heating container heat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the heating container may fasten to the coolant tube portion through a simple mechanism. In this manner, a plurality of frying baskets may be retrofitted with the coolant tube portion, including coiled tubes carrying the coolant. In one embodiment, a bracket positions between the frying basket and a coiled tubing. The bracket may have a support rod 402, such as a stud. The stud may include ¼″×1¼″ threaded weld stud that passes through a meshing 404 in the frying basket. The meshing may include, without limitation, 5/16″ mesh.

In some embodiments, the support rod, such as a stud may at least partially pass through the meshing for supporting an upper section of the frying basket. From a lower section, a fastener 406, such as a threaded rod may extend from the coiled tube and pass through the frying basket. A washer 408 passes through the fastener, and is tightened into place with a nut 410, such as a wing nut. In this manner, the coolant tube portion may be retrofitted onto the heating container. The elevation of the heating container and the coolant tube portion in the fluid may then be adjusted as needed with a handle 412 and side notches in the frying vat.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an exemplary countertop heat transfer system configured to work on a counter top with an exemplary oven, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a countertop heat transfer system 500 may be utilized with an eclectic array of heating containers. In one embodiment, the countertop heat transfer system utilizes a standard water spout form a kitchen sink, rather than a coolant reservoir. In this embodiment, a coolant supply source 502 rather than a coolant reservoir may supply the coolant. The coolant may include tap water form a water spout. The tap water serves to circulate around the heating container, receive the heat from a heating container on a standard stove, and discharge the byproduct in a sink. Nonetheless, the supply line and the return line function in similar fashion to the above mentioned embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an exemplary portable heat transfer system configured to work with a portable deep frying vat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a portable heat transfer system 600 may include a deep frying vat, or a turkey fryer. Similar to the above mentioned systems, the portable heat transfer system functions to cool the oil inside. This embodiment may especially be helpful due to the spillage potential of a portable fryer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system transferring an exemplary coolant between an exemplary coolant reservoir and an exemplary heating container and forcing an exemplary fluid over an exemplary encompassing coolant tube portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a dynamic heat transfer system 700 cools the fluid by not only pumping the coolant through the fluid, but also forcibly impelling the fluid over and through the coolant tube portion. This extra dimension of dynamic motion by the coolant tube portion may serve to expedite the cooling by the fluid.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that forcibly circulating the hot fluid over the cooler coolant tube portion maximizes contact between the hot fluid and the coolant through the coolant tube portion. In essence, more molecules of hot fluid are forced into contact with the cooler coolant tube portion. The impelling of the fluid may be actuated by an impeller that forces the fluid in contact with the coolant tube portion, or by simply moving the coolant tube portion through the fluid. In some embodiments, the dynamic heat transfer system may be used with a fryer basket. However in another embodiment, the dynamic heat transfer system may be utilized to cool Beer Wort, rather than used with a fryer basket.

In the dynamic system, an encompassing coolant tube portion 702 may be utilized. The encompassing coolant tube portion may include a cylindrical shape that can at least partially encompass the heating container. The encompassing coolant tube portion may be fabricated from various materials, including, without limitation, stainless steel, copper, or aluminum of sufficient length and diameter that allows for thermal energy transfer. However in other embodiments, a square, rectangle, circular, or triangle shape may be utilized to at least partially encompass the heating container, or simply to cool the fluid without requiring the presence of the heating container. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a longer and thinner coolant tube portion may provide more efficient heat transfer.

For example, the encompassing coolant tube portion may encompass the heating container, or may simply be repositioned within the fluid container at various depths. In either case, the encompassing coolant tube portion may be moving through the fluid, or may have the fluid forced over and through the individual coils of the encompassing coolant tube portion. In some embodiments, the encompassing coolant tube portion may be manually raised and lowered rapidly in the fluid container to agitating the fluid, and to increase efficiency by exposing more un-cooled fluid to the encompassing coolant tube portion. In some embodiments, the space between a plurality of runs in a coiling configuration of the encompassing coolant tube portion may allow the fluid to flow through the spaces for promoting efficient fluid flow and heat exchange. In one embodiment, mixing blades may be utilized to ix or agitate the fluid for enhancing the heat exchange.

In some embodiments, the encompassing coolant tube portion includes a tube lower end 718 and a tube upper end 720. The tube lower end may position proximally to a bottom, closed section of the fluid container. The tube upper end may position proximally to a top open section of the fluid container. The coolant from the coolant reservoir may enter the encompassing coolant tube portion through the tube lower end, which serves as a preheater. The coolant may then pass in an upward direction before exiting the encompassing coolant tube portion from the tube upper end. Finally, the coolant may then discharge into the return line as a byproduct. The entire circulation results in heat exchange between the coolant and the fluid. The additional motion and fluid agitation of the dynamic heat transfer system serves to enhance the fluid cooling capacities.

In some embodiments, an impeller 704 may at least partially pass through a concentric section of the encompassing coolant tube portion. The impeller may include, without limitation, a propeller, or a rotor used to increase the pressure and flow of the fluid, which is the hot oil in some embodiments. Suitable materials for the impeller may include, without limitation, steel, aluminum, metal alloy, copper, and wood. However, any material having sufficient rigidity to agitate the fluid and heat resistance up to 350° Fahrenheit may be utilized. The impeller may be driven by a drive shaft 710. The drive shaft submerges the impeller at a depth in the fluid to facilitate cooling via conduction. The drive shaft joins with a motor 708. In one embodiment, the motor may rotate the drive shaft at about three hundred rotations per minute. The motor may include an electrical motor, a gas motor, a solar powered motor, spring powered motor, thermal driven motor or a hand pump. A motor power supply 716 may power the motor. The motor power supply may include, without limitation, a battery, a solar panel, and an external power source.

The impeller may be operable to create a high pressure and a low pressure section around the encompassing coolant tube portion. In one embodiment, the impeller pushes the fluid over the tube lower end, and pulls the fluid over the tube upper end. A shroud 706 may help separate the low and high pressures within the fluid container. In this configuration, the fresh coolant may be introduced to the tube lower end which serves as a preheater. The fluid may then flow to the tube upper end where the hottest fluid is being pulled into the impeller, and consequently super heating the coolant for maximum heat exchange with the fluid.

In one experimental example, the dynamic heat transfer system operated to cool nine gallons of hot cooking oil. The cooking oil was initially heated to 350° Fahrenheit. The encompassing coolant tube portion was moved and tap water was used as the coolant. The impeller was rotated with a hand crank at sixty rotations per minute. Consequently, in this example, the cooking oil temperature fell to 120° Fahrenheit within twenty minutes. However, in other examples, utilizing a three hundred rotation per minute motor may drop the temperature of the cooking fluid down to 120° Fahrenheit within fifteen minutes.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate various views of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system, where FIG. 8A illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary fluid engaging an exemplary tube lower end and an exemplary tube upper end, FIG. 8B illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary impeller forcing an exemplary fluid over an exemplary encompassing coolant tube portion, and FIG. 8C illustrates a top view of an exemplary impeller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the impeller may generate excessive splashing of the fluid. This may cause a safety hazard because of the hot temperature of the fluid. A barrier portion 712, such as a splash guard, may extend from the upper edge of the fluid container to restrict excessive fluid from spilling out of the fluid container. In yet another embodiment, a stabilizer portion 714 may help stabilize the impeller while rotating in the fluid. The stabilizer portion may include a brace that threadably fastens the drive shaft and the impeller onto the fluid container.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system, where FIG. 9A illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system supported by an exemplary stabilizer portion, and FIG. 9B illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary dynamic heat transfer system inside an exemplary fluid container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the dynamic heat transfer system may be sized and dimensioned to fit into any size fluid container, or fryer vat in some embodiments. The dynamic heat transfer system may also be portable. In some embodiments, the reservoir source may contain any coolant efficacious for efficient heat exchange with the fluid. The coolant may include, without limitation, ice water, salt water, anti-freeze, and air. The coolant may be fed through the encompassing coolant tube portion by force with the pump, or in other embodiments, gravity or head pressure may force the coolant through.

In some embodiments, the dynamic heat transfer system may provide dual benefits by not only cooling the fluid, but also manipulating the byproduct to produce desired products and temperatures. For example, without limitation, the byproduct that discharges from the return line may be discarded on the ground or captured and reused. In one example, hot water may be generated by slowing the flow through valves, regulating the pump speed, or sending the byproduct back through the dynamic heat transfer system until the desired fluid or byproduct temperature is reached.

In one alternative embodiment, the coolant may include an antifreeze that has a higher heat capacity than cold water. In yet another alternative embodiment, the heating container may be utilized for chemicals and mechanical devices. In yet another alternative embodiment, the supply line and the return line may include vents and ridges to enhance cooling of the fluid during transport. In yet another alternative embodiment, the fluid container shakes in synchronization with the movement of the impeller to further agitate, and thereby, cool the fluid.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least a portion of the novel method steps and/or system components of the present invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s) possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA), whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subset of the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoing embodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for the benefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the present invention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing means for and/or steps described that the applications designer will selectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of the particular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within the jurisdiction of the USA. For example, any of the foregoing described method steps and/or system components which may be performed remotely over a network (e.g., without limitation, a remotely located server) may be performed and/or located outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while the remaining method steps and/or system components (e.g., without limitation, a locally located client) of the forgoing embodiments are typically required to be located/performed in the USA for practical considerations. In client-server architectures, a remotely located server typically generates and transmits required information to a US based client, for use according to the teachings of the present invention. Depending upon the needs of the particular application, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, which aspects of the present invention can or should be located locally and which can or should be located remotely. Thus, for any claims construction of the following claim limitations that are construed under 35 USC §112 (6) it is intended that the corresponding means for and/or steps for carrying out the claimed function are the ones that are locally implemented within the jurisdiction of the USA, while the remaining aspect(s) performed or located remotely outside the USA are not intended to be construed under 35 USC §112 (6).

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^rdparties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a heat exchange system into a cooking container according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the heat exchange system into a cooking container may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the heat exchange system into a cooking container described in the foregoing were principally directed to a heat exchange system that uses cold water, and a propeller that agitates the hot fluid to cool down a container of oil implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to cooling heating devices with differently sized and dimensioned cooling tubes, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a coolant reservoir configured to contain a coolant;

a fluid container configured to contain a fluid;

an encompassing coolant tube portion configured to carry said coolant between said coolant reservoir and said fluid container, said encompassing coolant tube portion further configured to transfer heat from said fluid to said coolant; and

an impeller configured to at least partially agitate said fluid, said impeller further configured to maximize contact between said fluid and said encompassing coolant tube portion for enhancing said transfer of heat from said fluid to said coolant.

2. The system of claim 1, in which said coolant comprises ice water.

3. The system of claim 2, in which said fluid comprises a hot cooking oil.

4. The system of claim 3, in which said fluid container comprises a frying vat.

5. The system of claim 4, in which said fluid container comprises a barrier portion configured to inhibit spillage of said fluid.

6. The system of claim 5, in which said fluid container comprises a stabilizing portion configured to at least partially stabilize said impeller during operation.

7. The system of claim 6, in which said coolant reservoir comprises a pump configured to force said fluid through said encompassing coolant tube portion.

8. The system of claim 7, in which said system comprises a supply line configured to carry said coolant from said coolant reservoir to a tube lower end of said encompassing coolant tube portion.

9. The system of claim 8, in which said system comprises a return line configured to carry said coolant flows away from said fluid container through a tube upper end of said encompassing coolant tube portion.

10. The system of claim 9, in which said coolant converts into a byproduct after said heat transfer, said byproduct comprising hot water.

11. The system of claim 10, in which said encompassing coolant tube portion comprises a coil tubing, said coil tubing comprising a plurality of races configured to enable at least partial passage of said fluid.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said impeller is configured to push said fluid over said tube lower end, and pull said fluid over said tube upper end.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said impeller is configured to create a low pressure and a high pressure with said fluid in said fluid container.

14. The system of claim 13, in which said fluid container comprises a shroud, said shroud configured to separate said low pressure from said high pressure.

15. The system of claim 14, in which said impeller comprises a propeller.

16. The system of claim 15, in which said system further comprises a drive shaft disposed to join with said impeller, said drive shaft comprising a motor configured to power said drive shaft and said impeller.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said system is configured to chill beer wort.

18. A system comprising:

a coolant reservoir configured to contain a coolant;

a fluid container configured to contain a fluid;

a coolant tube portion configured to carry said coolant between said coolant reservoir and said fluid container, said encompassing coolant tube portion further configured to transfer heat from said fluid to said coolant; and

a heating container disposed to position in said fluid container, said heating container configured to join with said coolant tube portion for transferring heat from said heating container to said coolant.

19. The system of claim 18, in which said coolant comprises cold water, said fluid comprises a hot cooking oil, said fluid container comprises a frying vat, said heating container comprises a frying basket, and said coolant tube portion comprises a coil tube.

20. A system consisting of:

a coolant reservoir configured to contain a coolant, said coolant comprising ice water;

a fluid container configured to contain a fluid, said fluid comprising a hot cooking oil;

an encompassing coolant tube portion configured to carry said coolant between said coolant reservoir and said fluid container, said encompassing coolant tube portion comprising a coil tube, said encompassing coolant tube portion further configured to transfer heat from said fluid to said coolant;

a supply line configured to carry said coolant from said coolant reservoir to a tube lower end of said encompassing coolant tube portion;

a return line configured to carry said coolant away from said fluid container through a tube upper end of said encompassing coolant tube portion;

a pump configured to force said coolant through said encompassing coolant tube portion;

an impeller configured to at least partially agitate said fluid, said impeller comprising a propeller, said impeller further configured to maximize contact between said fluid and said encompassing coolant tube portion for enhancing said transfer of heat from said fluid to said coolant, said impeller further configured to push said fluid over said tube lower end, and pull said fluid over said tube upper end, said impeller further configured to create a low pressure and a high pressure with said fluid in said fluid container;

a shroud configured to separate said low pressure from said high pressure; and

a drive shaft disposed to join with said impeller, said impeller further comprising a motor configured to power said drive shaft.