CA2048612C - Pressure generation system for a container - Google Patents
Pressure generation system for a containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048612C CA2048612C CA002048612A CA2048612A CA2048612C CA 2048612 C CA2048612 C CA 2048612C CA 002048612 A CA002048612 A CA 002048612A CA 2048612 A CA2048612 A CA 2048612A CA 2048612 C CA2048612 C CA 2048612C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- invention according
- suspension medium
- chemical compound
- compartment
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/72—Devices for applying air or other gas pressure for forcing liquid to delivery point
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J7/00—Apparatus for generating gases
- B01J7/02—Apparatus for generating gases by wet methods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/60—Contents and propellant separated
- B65D83/62—Contents and propellant separated by membrane, bag, or the like
- B65D83/625—Contents and propellant separated by membrane, bag, or the like the propellant being generated by a chemical or electrochemical reaction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
- B67D1/045—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers using elastic bags and pistons actuated by air or other gas
Abstract
The invention relates to the field of self-inflating pouches for use as discharge assistants in dispensers. In the prior art self-inflating pouches, which typically consist of adjacent compartments containing a first reactant in an aqueous solution and a second reactant in either an aqueous solution or solid form, difficulties were encountered in maintaining uniform gas generation in the pouch which resulted in erratic or inconsistent flow from the dispenser. The invention improves the uniformity of gas generation by providing the second reactant uniformly precipitated in a water-dispersible suspension medium. The expandable pouch (2) consists of a plurality of compartments containing a first reactant in an aqueous solution (30), such as a citric acid solution, and a water-dispersible gum suspension (34) containing a precipitated second reactant, such as sodium bicarbonate. The water-dispersible suspension medium (34) may also include a nucleating agent and surfactant.
Description
WO ~/~5~ PCT/US~/~OI
- 1 - 20-~612 P~SURE GENERATION SYSTEM FOR A CONTAINER
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a self-generating gas pressure apparatus such as an ~Yp~n~Ahle pouch means positionable in a container containing a flowable material so as to provide pressure on the material so that it can be dispensed from the container, and in particular to a method for gas generation employing gas-producing chemical reactants wherein a precipitated reactant is provided in a water-dispersible suspension medium to thereby evenly disperse that reactant and enhance the maintenance of gas production and resultant pressure within the apparatus.
The use of self-generating gas pressure apparatus in general within a container from which a flowable material such as, but not limited to, a fluid i~ to be disp~e~ under pressure is well-known in the art. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,360,131, 4,376,500, 4,478,044 and 4,513,884, for example, describe various gas-generating pressure apparatu~. Typically, an expandableclosQd v~ ~l such as a pouch means having a plurality of internal compartments is employed, with the compart-ments having interfacing barriers or individualized wall~ formed by seals which are rupturable under pressure. Within ad;acent compartments, for example, one such compartment will contain a first chemical compound and the ~eron~ compartment will contain a c~ ~n~ chemical compound. The particular compounds are '- 2û486 12 chosen from among those which react with each other to form a gas. Thus, for example, one compartment may contain citric acid, while the other compartment contains sodium bicarbonate. When these two compounds mix with each other, they react to produce carbon dioxide. To accomplish such mixing in the expandable vessel, a trigger reaction is permitted to occur which subsequently causes the rupture of the seal which interfaces between the two adjacent compartments. This results in the mixture and reaction of the two compounds to produce a gas which expands the vessel to thereby apply pressure on the material within the container in which the expandable vessel is housed.
While gas pressure generation occurs as above described and is generally adequate as long as sufficient time passes between individual dispensing procedures to thereby achieve pressure regeneration from continued chemical reaction, such generation may not be sufficiently uniform to provide optimum pressure to the material to be dispensed from the container during continued dispensing, resulting in an inconsistent or erratic flow from the container as the dispensing procedure continues. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,785,972, incorporated herein by reference, provides for the inclusion of a nucleating agent with the gas-producing chemical reactants to aid in uniform and rapid pressure maintenance.
We now have found that by providing any such precipitated reactant in a water-dispensible suspension medium such as a gum or an algin to thereby achieve uniform suspension and dispersion thereof significantly improves pressure maintenance during the dispensing procedure. Further, by suspending precipitated and any insoluble component in the f~ l -- G
WO 90~ PCr/US90/0~401 2 0 !~ ~ 61 2 ~ ., suspension, the initial filling of the expandable vessel with ~uch suspension is much less cumbersome and is easily accomplished with automatic filling apparatus.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a self-generating gas pressure apparatus wherein gas for~ation occurs relatively rapidly and wherein gas pressure is relatively uniformly maintained during continued dispensing of flowable materials subjected to the gas lo pressure apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus wherein precipitated chemical compounds which react to produce gas are provided as suspensions. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus wherein resultant pressure provided by the apparatus can be pre-chosen through selected variations in quantities of reactant chemicals. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof.
~rmary of the Invention The subject of the present invention comprises a self-generating gas pressure apparatus, such as an ex~n~hle closed vessel as exemplified by a pouch means, for placement within a cont~i~er from which a flowable material therein is to be dispensed under ~L~ re. The apparatus comprises a plurality of internal, sealed, respectively ad~acent compartments formed by respective interfacing seal means which are ~u~u~able under pressure and contain respective chemical compo~lnAC which, when mixed upon the rupture of interfacing seal means, produce a gas. Within at least two adjacent internal compartments in a first emho~;ment are respectively housed a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution and a second precipitated chemical compound in a water-dispersible suspen~ion medium a~ exemplified by, but not limited to, a gum, an algin or pectin which, when mixed together, produce a PCT/US90/~01 WO gO/099 _ _ 4 _ ~0~
gas. In a second embodiment, an empty compartment is disposed between two comp-ound-containing compartments and is in fluid communication with one of the compound-containing compartments. Two preferred reactants are citric acid (water-soluble) and sodium bicarbonate (precipitate) which produce carbon dioxide. A preferred suspension medium is a xanthan gum suspension. The suspension additionally can contain an insoluble nucleating agent physically characterized as large surface-area particles preferably having a plurality of sharp edges. Diatomaceous earth exemplifies such particles. A surfactant also can be included in the suspension. Upon rupture of the seal means between the two adjacent compartments in the first embodiment or the seal means between the empty compartment and the non-communicating compartment of the ceconA embodiment, the first and second chemical compounds mix with each other to produce the gas which e~An~C the apparatus and thereby applies pressure to the material within the container wherein the apparatus is housed so that this material can be disp~~ under pressure. By providing the gas-producing precipitated chemical reactant dispersed in a suspension medium, both reactants interact with each other with great efficiency to thereby produce and maintain gas production, and - resultant pressure, effectively during intermittent as well a~ continuous pressurized dispensing procedures.
Rri ef DescriDtion of ~h~ Drawings An illustrative and presently preferred emho~iment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view with portions broken away illustrating an e~rAnAAhle pouch means and the components of a gas g~nerating system;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a cros~-sectional view of a WO ~/0~5 PCT/US~ol 2~ila~.~2 a plurality of lengthwise extending strips 18 which join together opposed portions of the flat sheets 4 and 6 using a semipermanent pressure-rupturable sealing means 20 formed by heat sealing at a temperature of about 190 - 200-F. for 0.5 - 3 seconds at a pressure of about 35 psi. If the flat sheets 4 and 6 are formed from different plastic materials, the temperature, time, and pressure would be adjusted as required to obtain the desired type of seal. Also, if desirable, a suitable adhesive could be used to obtain the desired results.
The normal operation of an expandable pouch means usually uses some delaying system so that the chemical reaction can be started and still allow for sufficient time for the pouch means to be inserted into the container means and suitable sealing and dispensing means applied to ~he container means. The delaying system for this invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 in the three adjacent compartments 22, 24, 26. The compartment 22 is formed by a lengthwise extending strip 18, as described above, ext~n~in~ parallel to the next adjacent permanent lengthwise ext~nAing sealed edge portions 8 and 10. The comr~rtments 24 and 26 are formed by a lengthwise exten~i~g strip 18, as described above, exten~ing parallel to and spaced inwardly from the strip 18 forming compa~L~ent 22. The lower portion 28 of the strip 18 forming the compartments 24 and 26 has a reduced width for a purpose described below. A
qu~ntity of a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueou~ solution, here a 50% citric acid solution 30, is contained in the compartment 22. A water-dispersible gum suspension 34, here a xanthan gum suspension, containing the second compound, here precipitated sodium bicarbonate, is contained in the compart~ent 24. A gum suspension 34 containing sodium bicarbonate is likewise cont~e~ in the compartment 26. The other compartments 16 each contain a quantity of the citric acid ~olution 30. It is to be understood, of course, that other or PCT/US~/~0l Wo ~/0~5 ' ~ 20il86l2 _ partially expanded expandable pouch means;
Fig. 4 is a cro~s-sectional view, except for the dispensing means, illustrating a container means and its supporting structure in an upright position for S shipping and commercial storage and a partially expanded expandable pouch means;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but with the container means in a dispensing position and after more than half of a fluid contained therein has been dispensed;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but after substantially all of the fluid has been dispensed;
Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of a second eYpA~AAhle pouch means and the components of a gas generating system; and Fig. 8 is a graph contrasting pressure maintenAncQ efficiency with and without a gum dispersion of a chemical compound reactant.
DetA i 1 ~A Description of the Preferred Embodiment An eYr~ hle pouch means 2 of the presently preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 1 - 3 and compri~e~ two relatively ~lat sheets 4 and 6 of a flexible plastic material in superposed relationship and made from a ga~ and liquid impermeable material such as a composite material of an outside layer ~f a polyester with an in~ide coating of PVDC, a primer adhesive, a layer of polyethylene and a co-extruded layer containing ~thylen~ ~inyl acetate, polyethylene, and an ionomer resin, ~uch a~ that marketed by ~o..L under the trade designation SURLYN. Each of the flat sheets 4 and 6 is generally octagonal in shape and with peripheral edge portions 8 and 10 permanently ~oined together by a permanent ~ealing means 12 formed by heat ~ealing at a temperature of about 290 - 310-F. for about 0.5 - 3 -~-onA~ at a pres~ure of about 35 psi. The eYr~AAhle pouch means 2 is forned into th~ee ad~acent compartments 22, 24, 26, and a plurality of other compartments 16 by WO ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 _ ~0 1~2 additional chemical reactants can be employed as would be recognized by the ~killed artisan to produce a desired gas end-product. It i8 also to be understood that other water-dispersible suspension media, such as an algin or pectin, for example, or comhinations of such media, can be employed as the suspension medium for the precipitated chemical compound.
~n operation, a force is applied to the compartment 22 prior to insertion of the pouch means 2 into the container means to rupture the strip 18 so that the citric acid solution 30 flows into compartment 24 to contact the sodium bicarbonate of the gum suspension 34, and begins to react therewith to generate carbon dioxide gas. This reaction with the sodium bicarbonate proceeds at a rate to provide the above-described delaying system to allow the e~p~n~Ahle pouch means 2 to be inserted into the container means and suitable sealing and dispensing means applied to the contAin~r means. The generation of the carbon dioxide gas forms a pressurized force forcing the strip 18 between the compartment 24 and the compartment 26 to rupture at the w~ ned reduced width 28 to combine the compartments 24 and 26.
This permits the citric acid solution 30 to flow into compartment 26 and into contact with the sodium bicarbonate in the gum suspension 34 and further react to continue the generation of carbon dioxide gas. As tho g-neration of the carbon dioxide gas con~inl~s, the pre~sure within the first compartment 14 i8 increased so as to 9~p~n~ the portions of the flat sheets 4 and 6 forming the compartments 22, 24, 26. The dispensing of a flowable material such as a fluid from the container means, as described below, will provide space for further ~yp~ncion of the eYr~ hle pouch means 2. When the limit of the volume of the first compartment 14 is reached, further generation of carbon dioxide gas therein will result in a force being applied to the strip 18 forming the next ad~acent other compartment 16 WO ~/0~5~ PCT/US~/~01 - 8 - ~0 ~ 2 so as to rupture such strip 18. The citric acid solution 30 in the next adjacent other compartment 16 will contact the sodium bicarbonate of the gum suspension 34 to continue the generation of carbon dioxide gas. This sequence will continue until the ~YpA~ahle pouch means 2 has been substantially completely expanded. The total amount of citric acid solution 30 in the entire pouch means 2 here exemplified is 81.1 ml. A preferred gum suspension 34 composition is described below in the Example. As would be recognized by the skilled artisan, reactant quantities are, of course, chosen according to the volume of the pouch means 2 as well as the magnitude of chemical reaction desired.
The location of the expandable pouch means 2 in a container means 60 is illustrated in Figs. 4 - 6.
In Fig. 4, the container means 60 is supported in the upright position for shipping and commercial storage by a support member 62. The ~p~nAAhle pouch means 2 has a length substantially greater than the longitudinal extent of the container means 60 and a width substantially greater than the diameter of the container means 60. Therefore, in order to insert the expandable pouch means 2 through an opening 64 in the container means 60, it is nece~ary to apply a force in a widthwise direction to compact the expandable pouch m-~n~ 2 in that direction so that its cross-sectional configuration is le~s than the cro~-sectional con~iguration o~ the opening 64. Also, as the eYran~-hlo pouch means 2 is inserted into the container means 60, it is nece~s-ry to apply a force in the lengthwise direction to push the expandable pouch means 2 into the container means 60. Thi~ results in a crumpling o~ the expandable pouch means 2 in the lengthwise direction. Since the material in the eYr~n~ahle pouch means 2 has little tendency to resile, it will remain crumpled while a dispensing means 66 for ~0 ~iO~ PCT/US~/~01 2 ~ 1 2 dispensing portions of the material in the container means 60 i8 assembled in the opening 64. In the preferred embodiment, the flowable material 68, such as a carbonated beverage such as beer, is in the container means 60 prior to the insertion of the expandable pouch means 2. If desired, the expandable pouch means 2 can be inserted into the container means 60 prior to the filling of it with the fluid. The fluid level 70 is slightly below the dispensing means 66. The strip 18 forming compartment 22 is ruptured prior to the insertion of the ~Yr~n~hle pouch means 2 into the container means 60 so that the gas generating system is in operation, as described above, and partial expansion has occurred as illustrated in Fig. 4. The container means 60 is illustrated in the dispensing position in Figs. 5 and 6. Another support member 72 has been previously secured to the container means 60. The support member 62 and the support member 72 have planar surfaces 74 and 76 for supporting the container means 60 on a generally horizontal surface, such as a shelf of a home refrigerator. The planar surfaces 74 and 76 also function to maintain the container means 60 in such ~ispencing po~ition. While it is highly preferred to use the horizontal dispensing position, it is understood that the pres~ure in the container means provided by the DYrAn~ahle pouch means would permit dispensing in other position~, some of which may require different types of disp~nsing mean~. In Fig. 5, more than half of the material 68 has been dispen~ed fro~ the container means 60. The initial three adjacent co~pArtments 22, 24, 26 and several o~ the next ad~acent other compartments 16 have been e~p~ed, as described a~ove, to form a combined compartment which is located ad~acent to the upper longit~ n~ 1 ly extending portion of the container mean~ 60. In Fig. 6, the ~YpAn~hle pouch means 2 is substantially fully PY~ P~ and is substantially completely in oontact with the inner surface of the WO 90/099~ PCr/US90/00401 '- - lO - 20~61~
container means 60 except for the portion defining the opening 64. After substantially all the material 68 has been dispensed from the container means 60, a pressure relieving device (not shown) in the dispensing means 66 is actuated and the carbon dioxide gas in the expanded pouch means 2 is removed through the dispensing means 66 so that the container means 60 and the ~YrA~hle pouch means 2 are substantially at atmospheric pressure and the container means 60 can be safely placed in the trash.
When the ~YrA~Ahle pouch means 2 is being inserted into the container means 60, the strips 18 are generally parallel with the longit~ nAl axis of container means 60 to thereby achieve optimum positioning for material dispensing under pressure. As explained above, the relative length of the expandable pouch means 2 causes it to be crumpled as it is inserted into the contAiner means 60. However, the strips 18 still extend generally in the ~ame direction as the longit~l~;nAl axis of the container means 60. As material is ~i~p~n~ from the container means 60 and more of the other compartments 16 are eYrA~A~, the expanded portion of the eY~A~hle pouch means 2 gr~AllAlly moves into a position wherein its longitudinal axis is parallel to the longit~AinAl axis of the con~ r means 60, as illustrated in Fig. 6. When the xpand~ble pouch means 2 is fully eYr~n~ed, as illu-trated in Fig. 6, the longitt~ axes of the eYr~nA~hle pouch means 2 and the container means 60 will substantially coincide.
As illustrated in Figs. 4 - 6, the container means 60 comprises a blown hollow integral plastic container means made of one piece of integrally molded plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and having a hemispherical top portion 78, an annular cylindrical central portion 80, a hem~rh~rical bottom portion 82 and a neck portion 84 defining the Wo ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 2~fil2 opening 64. The container means 60 here shown is large enough to hold 288 fluid ounces of a beverage, and has an actual capacity of 10.2 liters.
The ~Yr~n~hle pouch means 2 may be of any size and shape so as to be commensurate with the size and shape of the container means 60 with which it is to be used. Also, the eYr~n~ble pouch means 2 may be used to dispense any kind of material from the container means as is customary in this art. However, in the lo preferred embodiment of the invention, the expandable pouch means 2 is designed for applying pressure to a quantity of beer equal to 288 fluid ounces or 2.25 gallons in a container means 60. The expandable pouch means 2 exemplified is designed for such a container means wherein the container means 60 has an overall ~ length along its longitudinal axis of about 15.5 inches, an external diameter of the cylindrical central portion 70 of about 9.0 inches, and an average wall thickness of about 0.030 inch~g . The ~Ypan~Ahle pouch means 2 has an overall length of about 18 inche~ and an overall width of about 18 inche~ and has 10 compartments formed therein. As is apparent, and dependent upon its application, the pouch means may have as few as two compartments, with each .e~c~ively containing one of the two required chemical com~o~.ds which subsequently react with each other upon .~Lu~e of the strip 18 b4tween the two compartments.
Fig. 7 illu~trates a third preferred embodiment of a pouch means 130 for applying pressure on flowable material in a container. Many of the components of the pouch means 130 and the pouch means 2 are identical, and are identified with identical reference numerals with no further description thereof.
As the pouch means 130 is in~erted into a container 60 3S such as that ~hown in Fig. 4, the lengthwisQ exten~ing strips 18 have top end~, indicated generally by the reference numeral 104, and bottom ends, indicated WO ~/0995~ PCT/US90/~01 12 2 0 1 ~
generally by the reference numeral 106. The strip 18 between the third compartment 126 and the second compartment 124 has a first opening 108 therethrough formed adjacent its juncture with the peripheral edge portions 8 and 10. Additionally, a second opening 110 therethrough can be located a short distance below the first opening 108 and each of the openings 108, 110 provide a fluid communication between the third compartment 126 and the second compartment 124. A 50%
citric acid solution 30 is contained in the first compartment 122, while a water-dispersible gum suspension 34 containing precipitated sodium bicar~onate is contained in the third compartment 126. The second comr~rtment 124 contains neither component, while the remaining compartments 16 each contain a quantity of the citric acid solution 30.
In operation, the pouch means 130 is held in a vertical position so that the citric acid solution 30 in the first compartment 122 is located in the lower portion thereof. While the pouch means 130 is maintained in a vertical position, the strip 18 between the first and second compartments 122 and 124, ~e~-~actively, is mec~nically ruptured to permit the citric acid solution 30 to flow into the bottom of the 2S ~e~onA compartment 124. The pouch means 130 is maint~in9~ in a vertical po~ition and inserted into a cont~ine~ 60 as shown in Fig. 4. After the dispensing mean~ 66 is inserted into the opening 64 of the container 60 and secured therein, the container 60 is inverted to simultaneously invert the pouch means 130.
This inversion permits a mixture of the citric acid solution 30 and the gum suspension 34 as each flows through the opening~ 108, 110 to meet in the ~con~
compartment 124. This resultant mixtur~ causes the formation of carbon dioxide gas whose pressure completely rupture~ the strip 18 between the second and third compartments 124 and 126, respectively. The WO ~/0995~ PCT/US90/~01 2~61 2 container 60 then is returned to an upright position for shipping or storage. As is apparent, and dependent upon its application, the pouch means may have as few as three compartments.
~Yample As stated earlier, the citric acid component of the described preferred pressure generation system is a 50% aqueous solution. This concentration of citric acid is completely soluble in water and remains in solution. The entire amount of citric acid solution in the described pouch is 81.1 ml.
While sodium bicarbonate is a water-soluble compound, the quantity required to react with all citric acid present in the pouch and thereby completely expand the pouch in the present system in relation to the amount of water present results in sodium bicarbonate precipitate which will not readily remain in suspension in an aqueous medium. Instead, the sodium bicarbonate settles and does not present an adequate surface area for sufficient reaction with citric acid to produce the required amount of carbon dioxide gas in the time frame in which it must be produced. To achieve adequate dispersion of the sodium bicarbonate for proper reactivity with citric acid, the sodium bicarbonate is cont~ine~ in a water-dispersible gum s~spe~cion which can include therewith a nucleating agent, such as diatomaceou~ earth, and a surfactant. In the preferred e~bodimont, a xanthan gum sl~p~ion is employed as a suspension medium, and the components comprising the gum su~pension, per pouch, are a~ follow~:
Com~onentActual AEQ~n~ Weiaht %
Sodium bicarbonate100 g 37.46 Water 150 ml 56.19 Diatoma~o~ earth10 g 3.75 Surfactant 5 ml 2.17 Xanthan gum 1.125 g 0.42 The surfactant here employed is identified as W~ ~/0~5 PCT/US90/~01 -- 14 - ~ ~ t r~ ~ L .
"Dowfax 2A1," manufactured by ~ow Chemical Company, and the xanthan gum is identified as "Keltrol T,"
manufactured by Xelco Company. The diatomaceous earth is manufactured by Manville Corporation under the name "Celite 512."
To prepare the gum suspension, all of the initially dry components tgum, sodium bicarbonate, diatomaceous earth) are mixed with each other. After mixing the liquid components (water, surfactant) together, the mixture of dry components is added to the liquid with agitation until mixing is complete. It has been found that more than about 2 wt. % of gum in relation to water quantity in the exemplified embodiment results in a generally unworkable mix*ure because of excessive viscosity, with an effective range of xanthan gum quantity per water quantity being from about 0.25 wt. S to about 2 wt. %. While xanthan gum is here illustrated, it i8 to be understood that other water-dispersible gums, including, but not limited to, polysaccharide gums, guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose, can be employed in place of the xanthan gum.
Algins, such as sodium alginate, for example, or pectin can be used in place of gum, and mixture of gums and/or algins and/or pectin also have utility. Any suspension-medium quantity can be used so long as workabilitythereof, because of excessive viscosity, is not impeded.
Th~ nucleating agent (diatomaceous earth) and/or ~ r~tant can be deleted from th- gum suspension without eliminating utility Or the invention. The nucleating agent can be chc-en from any such agent which has large surface area and pointed edges, while the surfactant can be any appropriate synthetic detergent or dispersing agent as would be ~J.Ii zed by the skilled artisan. It is preferred that all component~ be acceptable for direct food contact or are food grade if the flowable material to be dispen~ed from the container in which the pouch means i5 pl~ced is to be consumed by WO ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 - 15 - 2~-~8fil2 humans or animals. This precaution is taken in the event the pouch means accidentally ruptures and the contents therein become mixed with the contents to be dispensed and consumed.
Fig. 8 graphically displays the pressures present within the container 60 from comparison tests between sodium bicarbonate in a xanthan gum suspension prepared in accord with the present example and sodium bicarbonate with a nucleating agent in water. All other conditions were identical, and liquid from within the container 60 was dispensed at 90-second intervals in 350 ml units. As i8 evident from these results, the pressure produced by incorporating sodium bicarbonate in a gum suspension maintained a more uniform and higher pressure generation beginning at about the seventh draw and continuing for the duration of the time span exemplified.
While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it i8 to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
- 1 - 20-~612 P~SURE GENERATION SYSTEM FOR A CONTAINER
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to a self-generating gas pressure apparatus such as an ~Yp~n~Ahle pouch means positionable in a container containing a flowable material so as to provide pressure on the material so that it can be dispensed from the container, and in particular to a method for gas generation employing gas-producing chemical reactants wherein a precipitated reactant is provided in a water-dispersible suspension medium to thereby evenly disperse that reactant and enhance the maintenance of gas production and resultant pressure within the apparatus.
The use of self-generating gas pressure apparatus in general within a container from which a flowable material such as, but not limited to, a fluid i~ to be disp~e~ under pressure is well-known in the art. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,360,131, 4,376,500, 4,478,044 and 4,513,884, for example, describe various gas-generating pressure apparatu~. Typically, an expandableclosQd v~ ~l such as a pouch means having a plurality of internal compartments is employed, with the compart-ments having interfacing barriers or individualized wall~ formed by seals which are rupturable under pressure. Within ad;acent compartments, for example, one such compartment will contain a first chemical compound and the ~eron~ compartment will contain a c~ ~n~ chemical compound. The particular compounds are '- 2û486 12 chosen from among those which react with each other to form a gas. Thus, for example, one compartment may contain citric acid, while the other compartment contains sodium bicarbonate. When these two compounds mix with each other, they react to produce carbon dioxide. To accomplish such mixing in the expandable vessel, a trigger reaction is permitted to occur which subsequently causes the rupture of the seal which interfaces between the two adjacent compartments. This results in the mixture and reaction of the two compounds to produce a gas which expands the vessel to thereby apply pressure on the material within the container in which the expandable vessel is housed.
While gas pressure generation occurs as above described and is generally adequate as long as sufficient time passes between individual dispensing procedures to thereby achieve pressure regeneration from continued chemical reaction, such generation may not be sufficiently uniform to provide optimum pressure to the material to be dispensed from the container during continued dispensing, resulting in an inconsistent or erratic flow from the container as the dispensing procedure continues. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,785,972, incorporated herein by reference, provides for the inclusion of a nucleating agent with the gas-producing chemical reactants to aid in uniform and rapid pressure maintenance.
We now have found that by providing any such precipitated reactant in a water-dispensible suspension medium such as a gum or an algin to thereby achieve uniform suspension and dispersion thereof significantly improves pressure maintenance during the dispensing procedure. Further, by suspending precipitated and any insoluble component in the f~ l -- G
WO 90~ PCr/US90/0~401 2 0 !~ ~ 61 2 ~ ., suspension, the initial filling of the expandable vessel with ~uch suspension is much less cumbersome and is easily accomplished with automatic filling apparatus.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a self-generating gas pressure apparatus wherein gas for~ation occurs relatively rapidly and wherein gas pressure is relatively uniformly maintained during continued dispensing of flowable materials subjected to the gas lo pressure apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus wherein precipitated chemical compounds which react to produce gas are provided as suspensions. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus wherein resultant pressure provided by the apparatus can be pre-chosen through selected variations in quantities of reactant chemicals. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof.
~rmary of the Invention The subject of the present invention comprises a self-generating gas pressure apparatus, such as an ex~n~hle closed vessel as exemplified by a pouch means, for placement within a cont~i~er from which a flowable material therein is to be dispensed under ~L~ re. The apparatus comprises a plurality of internal, sealed, respectively ad~acent compartments formed by respective interfacing seal means which are ~u~u~able under pressure and contain respective chemical compo~lnAC which, when mixed upon the rupture of interfacing seal means, produce a gas. Within at least two adjacent internal compartments in a first emho~;ment are respectively housed a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution and a second precipitated chemical compound in a water-dispersible suspen~ion medium a~ exemplified by, but not limited to, a gum, an algin or pectin which, when mixed together, produce a PCT/US90/~01 WO gO/099 _ _ 4 _ ~0~
gas. In a second embodiment, an empty compartment is disposed between two comp-ound-containing compartments and is in fluid communication with one of the compound-containing compartments. Two preferred reactants are citric acid (water-soluble) and sodium bicarbonate (precipitate) which produce carbon dioxide. A preferred suspension medium is a xanthan gum suspension. The suspension additionally can contain an insoluble nucleating agent physically characterized as large surface-area particles preferably having a plurality of sharp edges. Diatomaceous earth exemplifies such particles. A surfactant also can be included in the suspension. Upon rupture of the seal means between the two adjacent compartments in the first embodiment or the seal means between the empty compartment and the non-communicating compartment of the ceconA embodiment, the first and second chemical compounds mix with each other to produce the gas which e~An~C the apparatus and thereby applies pressure to the material within the container wherein the apparatus is housed so that this material can be disp~~ under pressure. By providing the gas-producing precipitated chemical reactant dispersed in a suspension medium, both reactants interact with each other with great efficiency to thereby produce and maintain gas production, and - resultant pressure, effectively during intermittent as well a~ continuous pressurized dispensing procedures.
Rri ef DescriDtion of ~h~ Drawings An illustrative and presently preferred emho~iment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view with portions broken away illustrating an e~rAnAAhle pouch means and the components of a gas g~nerating system;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a cros~-sectional view of a WO ~/0~5 PCT/US~ol 2~ila~.~2 a plurality of lengthwise extending strips 18 which join together opposed portions of the flat sheets 4 and 6 using a semipermanent pressure-rupturable sealing means 20 formed by heat sealing at a temperature of about 190 - 200-F. for 0.5 - 3 seconds at a pressure of about 35 psi. If the flat sheets 4 and 6 are formed from different plastic materials, the temperature, time, and pressure would be adjusted as required to obtain the desired type of seal. Also, if desirable, a suitable adhesive could be used to obtain the desired results.
The normal operation of an expandable pouch means usually uses some delaying system so that the chemical reaction can be started and still allow for sufficient time for the pouch means to be inserted into the container means and suitable sealing and dispensing means applied to ~he container means. The delaying system for this invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 in the three adjacent compartments 22, 24, 26. The compartment 22 is formed by a lengthwise extending strip 18, as described above, ext~n~in~ parallel to the next adjacent permanent lengthwise ext~nAing sealed edge portions 8 and 10. The comr~rtments 24 and 26 are formed by a lengthwise exten~i~g strip 18, as described above, exten~ing parallel to and spaced inwardly from the strip 18 forming compa~L~ent 22. The lower portion 28 of the strip 18 forming the compartments 24 and 26 has a reduced width for a purpose described below. A
qu~ntity of a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueou~ solution, here a 50% citric acid solution 30, is contained in the compartment 22. A water-dispersible gum suspension 34, here a xanthan gum suspension, containing the second compound, here precipitated sodium bicarbonate, is contained in the compart~ent 24. A gum suspension 34 containing sodium bicarbonate is likewise cont~e~ in the compartment 26. The other compartments 16 each contain a quantity of the citric acid ~olution 30. It is to be understood, of course, that other or PCT/US~/~0l Wo ~/0~5 ' ~ 20il86l2 _ partially expanded expandable pouch means;
Fig. 4 is a cro~s-sectional view, except for the dispensing means, illustrating a container means and its supporting structure in an upright position for S shipping and commercial storage and a partially expanded expandable pouch means;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but with the container means in a dispensing position and after more than half of a fluid contained therein has been dispensed;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but after substantially all of the fluid has been dispensed;
Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of a second eYpA~AAhle pouch means and the components of a gas generating system; and Fig. 8 is a graph contrasting pressure maintenAncQ efficiency with and without a gum dispersion of a chemical compound reactant.
DetA i 1 ~A Description of the Preferred Embodiment An eYr~ hle pouch means 2 of the presently preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 1 - 3 and compri~e~ two relatively ~lat sheets 4 and 6 of a flexible plastic material in superposed relationship and made from a ga~ and liquid impermeable material such as a composite material of an outside layer ~f a polyester with an in~ide coating of PVDC, a primer adhesive, a layer of polyethylene and a co-extruded layer containing ~thylen~ ~inyl acetate, polyethylene, and an ionomer resin, ~uch a~ that marketed by ~o..L under the trade designation SURLYN. Each of the flat sheets 4 and 6 is generally octagonal in shape and with peripheral edge portions 8 and 10 permanently ~oined together by a permanent ~ealing means 12 formed by heat ~ealing at a temperature of about 290 - 310-F. for about 0.5 - 3 -~-onA~ at a pres~ure of about 35 psi. The eYr~AAhle pouch means 2 is forned into th~ee ad~acent compartments 22, 24, 26, and a plurality of other compartments 16 by WO ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 _ ~0 1~2 additional chemical reactants can be employed as would be recognized by the ~killed artisan to produce a desired gas end-product. It i8 also to be understood that other water-dispersible suspension media, such as an algin or pectin, for example, or comhinations of such media, can be employed as the suspension medium for the precipitated chemical compound.
~n operation, a force is applied to the compartment 22 prior to insertion of the pouch means 2 into the container means to rupture the strip 18 so that the citric acid solution 30 flows into compartment 24 to contact the sodium bicarbonate of the gum suspension 34, and begins to react therewith to generate carbon dioxide gas. This reaction with the sodium bicarbonate proceeds at a rate to provide the above-described delaying system to allow the e~p~n~Ahle pouch means 2 to be inserted into the container means and suitable sealing and dispensing means applied to the contAin~r means. The generation of the carbon dioxide gas forms a pressurized force forcing the strip 18 between the compartment 24 and the compartment 26 to rupture at the w~ ned reduced width 28 to combine the compartments 24 and 26.
This permits the citric acid solution 30 to flow into compartment 26 and into contact with the sodium bicarbonate in the gum suspension 34 and further react to continue the generation of carbon dioxide gas. As tho g-neration of the carbon dioxide gas con~inl~s, the pre~sure within the first compartment 14 i8 increased so as to 9~p~n~ the portions of the flat sheets 4 and 6 forming the compartments 22, 24, 26. The dispensing of a flowable material such as a fluid from the container means, as described below, will provide space for further ~yp~ncion of the eYr~ hle pouch means 2. When the limit of the volume of the first compartment 14 is reached, further generation of carbon dioxide gas therein will result in a force being applied to the strip 18 forming the next ad~acent other compartment 16 WO ~/0~5~ PCT/US~/~01 - 8 - ~0 ~ 2 so as to rupture such strip 18. The citric acid solution 30 in the next adjacent other compartment 16 will contact the sodium bicarbonate of the gum suspension 34 to continue the generation of carbon dioxide gas. This sequence will continue until the ~YpA~ahle pouch means 2 has been substantially completely expanded. The total amount of citric acid solution 30 in the entire pouch means 2 here exemplified is 81.1 ml. A preferred gum suspension 34 composition is described below in the Example. As would be recognized by the skilled artisan, reactant quantities are, of course, chosen according to the volume of the pouch means 2 as well as the magnitude of chemical reaction desired.
The location of the expandable pouch means 2 in a container means 60 is illustrated in Figs. 4 - 6.
In Fig. 4, the container means 60 is supported in the upright position for shipping and commercial storage by a support member 62. The ~p~nAAhle pouch means 2 has a length substantially greater than the longitudinal extent of the container means 60 and a width substantially greater than the diameter of the container means 60. Therefore, in order to insert the expandable pouch means 2 through an opening 64 in the container means 60, it is nece~ary to apply a force in a widthwise direction to compact the expandable pouch m-~n~ 2 in that direction so that its cross-sectional configuration is le~s than the cro~-sectional con~iguration o~ the opening 64. Also, as the eYran~-hlo pouch means 2 is inserted into the container means 60, it is nece~s-ry to apply a force in the lengthwise direction to push the expandable pouch means 2 into the container means 60. Thi~ results in a crumpling o~ the expandable pouch means 2 in the lengthwise direction. Since the material in the eYr~n~ahle pouch means 2 has little tendency to resile, it will remain crumpled while a dispensing means 66 for ~0 ~iO~ PCT/US~/~01 2 ~ 1 2 dispensing portions of the material in the container means 60 i8 assembled in the opening 64. In the preferred embodiment, the flowable material 68, such as a carbonated beverage such as beer, is in the container means 60 prior to the insertion of the expandable pouch means 2. If desired, the expandable pouch means 2 can be inserted into the container means 60 prior to the filling of it with the fluid. The fluid level 70 is slightly below the dispensing means 66. The strip 18 forming compartment 22 is ruptured prior to the insertion of the ~Yr~n~hle pouch means 2 into the container means 60 so that the gas generating system is in operation, as described above, and partial expansion has occurred as illustrated in Fig. 4. The container means 60 is illustrated in the dispensing position in Figs. 5 and 6. Another support member 72 has been previously secured to the container means 60. The support member 62 and the support member 72 have planar surfaces 74 and 76 for supporting the container means 60 on a generally horizontal surface, such as a shelf of a home refrigerator. The planar surfaces 74 and 76 also function to maintain the container means 60 in such ~ispencing po~ition. While it is highly preferred to use the horizontal dispensing position, it is understood that the pres~ure in the container means provided by the DYrAn~ahle pouch means would permit dispensing in other position~, some of which may require different types of disp~nsing mean~. In Fig. 5, more than half of the material 68 has been dispen~ed fro~ the container means 60. The initial three adjacent co~pArtments 22, 24, 26 and several o~ the next ad~acent other compartments 16 have been e~p~ed, as described a~ove, to form a combined compartment which is located ad~acent to the upper longit~ n~ 1 ly extending portion of the container mean~ 60. In Fig. 6, the ~YpAn~hle pouch means 2 is substantially fully PY~ P~ and is substantially completely in oontact with the inner surface of the WO 90/099~ PCr/US90/00401 '- - lO - 20~61~
container means 60 except for the portion defining the opening 64. After substantially all the material 68 has been dispensed from the container means 60, a pressure relieving device (not shown) in the dispensing means 66 is actuated and the carbon dioxide gas in the expanded pouch means 2 is removed through the dispensing means 66 so that the container means 60 and the ~YrA~hle pouch means 2 are substantially at atmospheric pressure and the container means 60 can be safely placed in the trash.
When the ~YrA~Ahle pouch means 2 is being inserted into the container means 60, the strips 18 are generally parallel with the longit~ nAl axis of container means 60 to thereby achieve optimum positioning for material dispensing under pressure. As explained above, the relative length of the expandable pouch means 2 causes it to be crumpled as it is inserted into the contAiner means 60. However, the strips 18 still extend generally in the ~ame direction as the longit~l~;nAl axis of the container means 60. As material is ~i~p~n~ from the container means 60 and more of the other compartments 16 are eYrA~A~, the expanded portion of the eY~A~hle pouch means 2 gr~AllAlly moves into a position wherein its longitudinal axis is parallel to the longit~AinAl axis of the con~ r means 60, as illustrated in Fig. 6. When the xpand~ble pouch means 2 is fully eYr~n~ed, as illu-trated in Fig. 6, the longitt~ axes of the eYr~nA~hle pouch means 2 and the container means 60 will substantially coincide.
As illustrated in Figs. 4 - 6, the container means 60 comprises a blown hollow integral plastic container means made of one piece of integrally molded plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and having a hemispherical top portion 78, an annular cylindrical central portion 80, a hem~rh~rical bottom portion 82 and a neck portion 84 defining the Wo ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 2~fil2 opening 64. The container means 60 here shown is large enough to hold 288 fluid ounces of a beverage, and has an actual capacity of 10.2 liters.
The ~Yr~n~hle pouch means 2 may be of any size and shape so as to be commensurate with the size and shape of the container means 60 with which it is to be used. Also, the eYr~n~ble pouch means 2 may be used to dispense any kind of material from the container means as is customary in this art. However, in the lo preferred embodiment of the invention, the expandable pouch means 2 is designed for applying pressure to a quantity of beer equal to 288 fluid ounces or 2.25 gallons in a container means 60. The expandable pouch means 2 exemplified is designed for such a container means wherein the container means 60 has an overall ~ length along its longitudinal axis of about 15.5 inches, an external diameter of the cylindrical central portion 70 of about 9.0 inches, and an average wall thickness of about 0.030 inch~g . The ~Ypan~Ahle pouch means 2 has an overall length of about 18 inche~ and an overall width of about 18 inche~ and has 10 compartments formed therein. As is apparent, and dependent upon its application, the pouch means may have as few as two compartments, with each .e~c~ively containing one of the two required chemical com~o~.ds which subsequently react with each other upon .~Lu~e of the strip 18 b4tween the two compartments.
Fig. 7 illu~trates a third preferred embodiment of a pouch means 130 for applying pressure on flowable material in a container. Many of the components of the pouch means 130 and the pouch means 2 are identical, and are identified with identical reference numerals with no further description thereof.
As the pouch means 130 is in~erted into a container 60 3S such as that ~hown in Fig. 4, the lengthwisQ exten~ing strips 18 have top end~, indicated generally by the reference numeral 104, and bottom ends, indicated WO ~/0995~ PCT/US90/~01 12 2 0 1 ~
generally by the reference numeral 106. The strip 18 between the third compartment 126 and the second compartment 124 has a first opening 108 therethrough formed adjacent its juncture with the peripheral edge portions 8 and 10. Additionally, a second opening 110 therethrough can be located a short distance below the first opening 108 and each of the openings 108, 110 provide a fluid communication between the third compartment 126 and the second compartment 124. A 50%
citric acid solution 30 is contained in the first compartment 122, while a water-dispersible gum suspension 34 containing precipitated sodium bicar~onate is contained in the third compartment 126. The second comr~rtment 124 contains neither component, while the remaining compartments 16 each contain a quantity of the citric acid solution 30.
In operation, the pouch means 130 is held in a vertical position so that the citric acid solution 30 in the first compartment 122 is located in the lower portion thereof. While the pouch means 130 is maintained in a vertical position, the strip 18 between the first and second compartments 122 and 124, ~e~-~actively, is mec~nically ruptured to permit the citric acid solution 30 to flow into the bottom of the 2S ~e~onA compartment 124. The pouch means 130 is maint~in9~ in a vertical po~ition and inserted into a cont~ine~ 60 as shown in Fig. 4. After the dispensing mean~ 66 is inserted into the opening 64 of the container 60 and secured therein, the container 60 is inverted to simultaneously invert the pouch means 130.
This inversion permits a mixture of the citric acid solution 30 and the gum suspension 34 as each flows through the opening~ 108, 110 to meet in the ~con~
compartment 124. This resultant mixtur~ causes the formation of carbon dioxide gas whose pressure completely rupture~ the strip 18 between the second and third compartments 124 and 126, respectively. The WO ~/0995~ PCT/US90/~01 2~61 2 container 60 then is returned to an upright position for shipping or storage. As is apparent, and dependent upon its application, the pouch means may have as few as three compartments.
~Yample As stated earlier, the citric acid component of the described preferred pressure generation system is a 50% aqueous solution. This concentration of citric acid is completely soluble in water and remains in solution. The entire amount of citric acid solution in the described pouch is 81.1 ml.
While sodium bicarbonate is a water-soluble compound, the quantity required to react with all citric acid present in the pouch and thereby completely expand the pouch in the present system in relation to the amount of water present results in sodium bicarbonate precipitate which will not readily remain in suspension in an aqueous medium. Instead, the sodium bicarbonate settles and does not present an adequate surface area for sufficient reaction with citric acid to produce the required amount of carbon dioxide gas in the time frame in which it must be produced. To achieve adequate dispersion of the sodium bicarbonate for proper reactivity with citric acid, the sodium bicarbonate is cont~ine~ in a water-dispersible gum s~spe~cion which can include therewith a nucleating agent, such as diatomaceou~ earth, and a surfactant. In the preferred e~bodimont, a xanthan gum sl~p~ion is employed as a suspension medium, and the components comprising the gum su~pension, per pouch, are a~ follow~:
Com~onentActual AEQ~n~ Weiaht %
Sodium bicarbonate100 g 37.46 Water 150 ml 56.19 Diatoma~o~ earth10 g 3.75 Surfactant 5 ml 2.17 Xanthan gum 1.125 g 0.42 The surfactant here employed is identified as W~ ~/0~5 PCT/US90/~01 -- 14 - ~ ~ t r~ ~ L .
"Dowfax 2A1," manufactured by ~ow Chemical Company, and the xanthan gum is identified as "Keltrol T,"
manufactured by Xelco Company. The diatomaceous earth is manufactured by Manville Corporation under the name "Celite 512."
To prepare the gum suspension, all of the initially dry components tgum, sodium bicarbonate, diatomaceous earth) are mixed with each other. After mixing the liquid components (water, surfactant) together, the mixture of dry components is added to the liquid with agitation until mixing is complete. It has been found that more than about 2 wt. % of gum in relation to water quantity in the exemplified embodiment results in a generally unworkable mix*ure because of excessive viscosity, with an effective range of xanthan gum quantity per water quantity being from about 0.25 wt. S to about 2 wt. %. While xanthan gum is here illustrated, it i8 to be understood that other water-dispersible gums, including, but not limited to, polysaccharide gums, guar gum and carboxymethyl cellulose, can be employed in place of the xanthan gum.
Algins, such as sodium alginate, for example, or pectin can be used in place of gum, and mixture of gums and/or algins and/or pectin also have utility. Any suspension-medium quantity can be used so long as workabilitythereof, because of excessive viscosity, is not impeded.
Th~ nucleating agent (diatomaceous earth) and/or ~ r~tant can be deleted from th- gum suspension without eliminating utility Or the invention. The nucleating agent can be chc-en from any such agent which has large surface area and pointed edges, while the surfactant can be any appropriate synthetic detergent or dispersing agent as would be ~J.Ii zed by the skilled artisan. It is preferred that all component~ be acceptable for direct food contact or are food grade if the flowable material to be dispen~ed from the container in which the pouch means i5 pl~ced is to be consumed by WO ~/0~ PCT/US~/~01 - 15 - 2~-~8fil2 humans or animals. This precaution is taken in the event the pouch means accidentally ruptures and the contents therein become mixed with the contents to be dispensed and consumed.
Fig. 8 graphically displays the pressures present within the container 60 from comparison tests between sodium bicarbonate in a xanthan gum suspension prepared in accord with the present example and sodium bicarbonate with a nucleating agent in water. All other conditions were identical, and liquid from within the container 60 was dispensed at 90-second intervals in 350 ml units. As i8 evident from these results, the pressure produced by incorporating sodium bicarbonate in a gum suspension maintained a more uniform and higher pressure generation beginning at about the seventh draw and continuing for the duration of the time span exemplified.
While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it i8 to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Claims (51)
1. A self-generating gas pressure apparatus for placement within a container from which a flowable material in the container is to be dispensed under pressure exerted on the material by the gas pressure apparatus and wherein said gas pressure apparatus comprises a closed expandable vessel having a plurality of individual compartments formed by respective pressure-rupturable seal means therebetween, said compartments containing respective chemical compounds which when mixed upon the rupture of respective interfacing seal means produce a gas, and wherein at least two adjacent compartments respectively contain a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution and a second precipitated chemical compound dispersed in a water-dispersible suspension medium which, when said compounds are mixed upon the rupture of the seal means between said adjacent compartments, react with each other to produce a gas.
2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the water-dispersible suspension medium is chosen from the group consisting of gums, algins, pectin, and mixtures thereof.
3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the first chemical compound is citric acid and the second chemical compound is sodium bicarbonate.
4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein a nucleating agent is included in the suspension medium.
5. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the nucleating agent comprises diatomaceous earth.
6. The invention according to claim 4, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
7. The invention according to claim 3, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
8. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
9. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
10. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
11. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
12. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
13. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
14. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
15. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
16. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
17. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
18. A self-generating gas pressure apparatus for placement within a container from which a flowable material in the container is to be dispensed under pressure exerted on the material by the gas pressure apparatus, said gas pressure apparatus comprising:
a) a closed expandable vessel having at least three parallel individual compartments running essentially the entire length of the vessel and formed by respective pressure-rupturable seal means therebetween;
b) a first compartment containing therein a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution, a second, empty compartment immediately adjacent the first compartment, and a third compartment immediately adjacent the second compartment and containing a second precipitated chemical compound dispersed in a water-soluble suspension medium, said first and second chemical compounds being such that when mixed with each other they react to produce a gas;
c) at least one opening in the pressure-rupturable seal means between the second compartment and third compartment, said opening being situation near one end of the seal means to thereby provide communication between the second and third compartments and wherethrough a quantity of the water-soluble suspension medium containing the second chemical compound can be made to gravitationally flow into the second compartment to subsequently react with the first chemical compound from the first compartment upon rupture of the seal means between the first and second compartments; and d) a quantity of the first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution in all of the remaining individual compartments, with the proviso that the quantity of the second chemical compound initially in the third compartment be sufficient to react with essentially all of the first chemical compound present in the entire expandable vessel.
a) a closed expandable vessel having at least three parallel individual compartments running essentially the entire length of the vessel and formed by respective pressure-rupturable seal means therebetween;
b) a first compartment containing therein a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution, a second, empty compartment immediately adjacent the first compartment, and a third compartment immediately adjacent the second compartment and containing a second precipitated chemical compound dispersed in a water-soluble suspension medium, said first and second chemical compounds being such that when mixed with each other they react to produce a gas;
c) at least one opening in the pressure-rupturable seal means between the second compartment and third compartment, said opening being situation near one end of the seal means to thereby provide communication between the second and third compartments and wherethrough a quantity of the water-soluble suspension medium containing the second chemical compound can be made to gravitationally flow into the second compartment to subsequently react with the first chemical compound from the first compartment upon rupture of the seal means between the first and second compartments; and d) a quantity of the first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution in all of the remaining individual compartments, with the proviso that the quantity of the second chemical compound initially in the third compartment be sufficient to react with essentially all of the first chemical compound present in the entire expandable vessel.
19. The invention according to claim 18, wherein the watar-soluble suspension medium is chosen from the group consisting of gums, algins, pectin, and mixtures thereof.
20. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the first chemical compound is citric acid and the second chemical compound is sodium bicarbonate.
21. The invention according to claim 20, wherein a nucleating agent is included in the suspension medium.
22. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the nucleating agent comprises diatomaceous earth.
23. The invention according to claim 21, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
24. The invention according to claim 20, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
25. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
26. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
27. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
28. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
29. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
30. The invention according to claim 20, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
31. The invention according to claim 20, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
32. The invention according to claim 20, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
33. The invention according to claim 20, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
34. The invention according to claim 20, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
35. A method for producing gas in a self-generating gas pressure apparatus for placement within a container from which a fluid in the container is to be dispensed under pressure exerted by the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a closed expandable vessel having a plurality of individual compartments formed by pressure-rupturable seal means therebetween, the method comprising:
a) placing a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution in a first compartment, and placing a second precipitated chemical compound dispersed in a water-soluble suspension medium in a second compartment, with said first and second chemical compounds reactable with each other when mixed to produce a gas; and b) causing the rupture of the seal means between the first and second compartments to thereby mix the first and second chemical compounds and produce gas.
a) placing a first water-soluble chemical compound in aqueous solution in a first compartment, and placing a second precipitated chemical compound dispersed in a water-soluble suspension medium in a second compartment, with said first and second chemical compounds reactable with each other when mixed to produce a gas; and b) causing the rupture of the seal means between the first and second compartments to thereby mix the first and second chemical compounds and produce gas.
36. The invention according to claim 35, wherein the water-dispersible suspension medium is chosen from the group consisting of gums, algins, pectin, and mixtures thereof.
37. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the first chemical compound is citric acid and the second chemical compound is sodium bicarbonate.
38. The invention according to claim 37, wherein a nucleating agent is included in the suspension medium.
39. The invention according to claim 38, wherein the nucleating agent comprises diatomaceous earth.
40. The invention according to claim 38, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
41. The invention according to claim 37, wherein a surfactant is included in the suspension medium.
42. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
43. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
44. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
45. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
46. The invention according to claim 36, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
47. The invention according to claim 37, wherein the suspension medium is xanthan gum.
48. The invention according to claim 37, wherein the suspension medium is a polysaccharide gum.
49. The invention according to claim 37, wherein the suspension medium is guar gum.
50. The invention according to claim 37, wherein the suspension medium is carboxymethyl cellulose.
51. The invention according to claim 37, wherein the suspension medium is sodium alginate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US318,824 | 1989-03-02 | ||
| US07/318,824 US4919310A (en) | 1989-03-02 | 1989-03-02 | Pressure generation system for a container |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048612A1 CA2048612A1 (en) | 1990-09-03 |
| CA2048612C true CA2048612C (en) | 1998-11-17 |
Family
ID=23239724
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048612A Expired - Fee Related CA2048612C (en) | 1989-03-02 | 1990-01-23 | Pressure generation system for a container |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4919310A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0461198A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2779062B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2048612C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990009955A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5398850A (en) | 1993-08-06 | 1995-03-21 | River Medical, Inc. | Gas delivery apparatus for infusion |
| US5516004A (en) * | 1994-06-23 | 1996-05-14 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Pressure regulator and amplifier |
| US5769282A (en) * | 1996-04-12 | 1998-06-23 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Pressure generation system for a container |
| US6164492A (en) * | 1999-04-19 | 2000-12-26 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Readily deformable pressure system for dispensing fluid from a container |
| US6247614B1 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 2001-06-19 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid containing gas in solution |
| US6325255B1 (en) * | 2000-03-24 | 2001-12-04 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Apparatus and method for variably restricting flow in a pressurized dispensing system |
| US6244465B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2001-06-12 | Quoin Industrial, Inc. | Pressure system for dispensing fluid from a container |
| US20080217363A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Vitantonio Marc L | Beverage dispensing assembly |
| US20090140006A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2009-06-04 | Vitantonio Marc L | Beverage dispensing assembly |
| US20090302038A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2009-12-10 | Taggart Jeffrey S | Beverage Dispensing Assembly |
| US20090321443A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2009-12-31 | Taggart Jeffrey S | Method for filling a vessel with a gas entrained beverage and a consumable consumer product including the beverage |
| US20080217362A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | On Tap Llc | Beverage dispensing assembly |
| US8070023B2 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2011-12-06 | On Tap Llc | Beverage dispensing assembly |
| EP2258629B1 (en) * | 2009-06-05 | 2013-09-18 | Eurokeg B.V. | Container for a pressurized beverage, in particular beer, and method of filling a container with a pressurized beverage |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2984543A (en) * | 1957-03-19 | 1961-05-16 | Pierre F Smith | Stabilization of effervescent carbonate powders |
| US3667929A (en) * | 1969-07-30 | 1972-06-06 | George W Fleming Jr | Method of effecting dissolution of solutes in water and compositions therefor |
| US3718236A (en) * | 1969-12-04 | 1973-02-27 | E Reyner | Pressurized container with non-rigid follower |
| US4646946A (en) * | 1982-09-02 | 1987-03-03 | Reyner Ellis M | Pressure generating apparatus and method |
| US4679706A (en) * | 1984-10-29 | 1987-07-14 | Enviro-Spray Systems, Inc. | Dispensing system with inflatable bag propelling mechanism and separate product gas phase |
| US4785972A (en) * | 1987-07-14 | 1988-11-22 | Adolph Coors Company | Pressure generating system for a disposable container |
-
1989
- 1989-03-02 US US07/318,824 patent/US4919310A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-01-23 JP JP2504779A patent/JP2779062B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-01-23 EP EP90905051A patent/EP0461198A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-01-23 WO PCT/US1990/000401 patent/WO1990009955A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-01-23 CA CA002048612A patent/CA2048612C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0461198A1 (en) | 1991-12-18 |
| EP0461198A4 (en) | 1991-10-14 |
| JPH04506051A (en) | 1992-10-22 |
| JP2779062B2 (en) | 1998-07-23 |
| WO1990009955A1 (en) | 1990-09-07 |
| US4919310A (en) | 1990-04-24 |
| CA2048612A1 (en) | 1990-09-03 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2048612C (en) | Pressure generation system for a container | |
| US4785972A (en) | Pressure generating system for a disposable container | |
| CA1330783C (en) | Apparatus and method for generating pressures for a disposable container | |
| US4969577A (en) | Apparatus to provide for the storage and the controlled delivery of products that are under pressure | |
| US5526957A (en) | Multi-component dispenser with self-pressurization system | |
| EP0089971B1 (en) | Pressurized dispensing apparatus | |
| JP2538001B2 (en) | Gas supply device | |
| US5035351A (en) | Method and apparatus for maintaining a pressure within a product dispenser | |
| IE55237B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for rapid carbonation | |
| EP0667829B1 (en) | Pressure activation device | |
| US5102627A (en) | Supply of controlled medium-pressure CO2 gas in simple, convenient, disposable packaging | |
| CA1337812C (en) | Apparatus for storage and controlled delivery of products under pressure | |
| WO2005108239A1 (en) | Pressurised dispensing of fluid | |
| CA2075659C (en) | Product bag for dispensing and method for producing the same | |
| CA1333169C (en) | Self generating pressure applying means for a disposable container | |
| AU774145B2 (en) | Deformable pressure system for dispensing fluid | |
| GB2413826A (en) | Pressurised dispensing of fluid | |
| JPH09221182A (en) | Pressure vessel having built-in bag, and cosmetics using it |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |