Cooling apparatus and method for cooling holders

Abstract

A cooling apparatus for holders such as glasses, provided with a gas source ( 2 ) in which gas under pressure is stored, a pipe ( 3 ) and a spray opening ( 4 ), wherein the pipe is included between the spray opening and the gas source, for passing gas under pressure from the gas source to the spray opening, wherein a cooling ( 30 ) is provided which extends along and/or around at least a part of the pipe.

1 . A cooling apparatus for holders such as glasses, provided with a gas source in which gas is stored under pressure, a pipe and a spray opening, wherein the pipe is included between the spray opening and the gas source, for passing gas under pressure from the gas source to the spray opening, wherein a cooling is provided which extends along and/or around at least a part of the pipe. 
     
     
         2 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cooling comprises a jacket which extends around a part of the pipe. 
     
     
         3 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein through the jacket, also a beverage line extends, while the jacket is preferably part of a python line, preferably connected to or connectable to an in-line cooler. 
     
     
         4 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein between the spray opening and the pipe a controllable valve is included, with the spray opening preferably being a nozzle. 
     
     
         5 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a control device is provided for controlling the amount of gas that is emitted from the spray opening per unit time and/or the time during which, per cooling cycle, gas is emitted from the spray opening. 
     
     
         6 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the gas is CO 2  gas or CO 2 -containing gas, wherein the cooling is so configured that the temperature of the pipe and/or gas present therein can be kept below 10° C., more particularly below 5° C., still more particularly below 0° C., preferably between 5 and −4° C. 
     
     
         7 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein near the spray opening an exhaust is provided. 
     
     
         8 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is further provided with gas detection means for detecting a gas level outside the gas source above a limit value. 
     
     
         9 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus, in particular the pipe, is arranged for passing liquid gas to the spray opening. 
     
     
         10 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein near and preferably around at least a part of the spray opening a support is provided for a holder to be cooled. 
     
     
         11 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein detection means are provided near the spray opening, for detection of a holder. 
     
     
         12 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein in the pipe and/or between the pipe and the gas source a liquid gas-liquid gas pressure regulating unit is provided. 
     
     
         13 . A cooling apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a gas discharge device is provided. 
     
     
         14 . A method for cooling holders such as glasses, wherein gas in liquid form is supplied under pressure via a pipe to a spray opening, for emitting the gas, wherein the gas in the pipe and/or the pipe is cooled with the aid of a cooling. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the gas in the pipe and/or the pipe is cooled to a temperature below 10° C., more particularly below 5° C., still more particularly below 0° C., preferably between 5 and −4° C. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein as gas, CO 2  is used.