AU2013205488B2 - Improvements relating to aeration of wine - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved venturi apparatus for facilitating the mixture of a liquid and a gas, the apparatus comprising a first funnel section operative to receive a fluid and channel the same through a first cylindrical section or 5 passageway, the first cylindrical section being fluidly connected to an intermediate passageway having a diameter larger than the first cylindrical section, at least one sidearm passageway which is fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway into which at least one second fluid is introduced, the at least one sidearm passageway being configured to fluidly interconnect with 10 the intermediate passageway at approximately the medial portion of to the intermediate passageway, and a second cylindrical section that fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway and is operative to direct the flow of the intermixed fluids to a second exit funnel section. t 18---}A-222 }-- 24 yjr2 24-- ~228 i \/C Y6 Yg

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO AERATION OF WINE The disclosure of the complete specification of Australian Patent Application No. 2007218017 as originally filed is incorporated herein by reference. 5 The present invention is directed to a venturi device, and more particularly, a venturi device that is operative to aerate wine. Venturi-type devices are well-known in the art. Generally, such devices comprise fittings or tubular structures, and in particular pipe structures, that are constricted in the middle and flared on both ends. When a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, is passed through the venturi, the fluid's velocity of 10 flow is caused to increase whereas the fluid's pressure is corresp ondingly caused to decrease. Such devices are used in a variety of applications, and especially in measuring fluid flow or for creating suction as for driving aircraft instruments or drawing fuel into the flow stream of a carburettor. Venturi devices may be used to mix or combine wine and air. Drawbacks currently exist in relation to the construction of such devices. 15 According to the present invention, there is provided a method of aerating wine, comprising: orientating upright a venturi device comprising a wine-receiving section having at an upper end thereof an inlet, defined by a mouth of the device, and at a lower end thereof an outlet which is smaller in cross-sectional area than the inlet, a mixing section which comprises a passageway 20 downstream of the outlet, an air intake via which said passageway is in fluid communication with an outside of the device, and an exit section which is downstream of the mixing section; and thereafter, pouring wine into the wine-receiving section through the inlet whereby the wine flows, under gravity, through the upright-orientated device, such that air is drawn through the air intake into the passageway so as to mix with the wine, and the wine exits the device through the 25 exit section. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a venturi apparatus that modifies the desired flow dynamics to consequently improve the ability of wine passing through the venturi to draw in air such that a resultant mixture is produced having substantially greater homogeneity than conventional venturi devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention also provide a venturi 30 apparatus that is of simple construction, low cost to design and capable of being readily deployed in a wide-variety of applications, such as a device that can be readily utilized with a low or high pressurized fluid flow, and facilitate the mixture of air with wine. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a venturi apparatus that is operative to facilitate the assimilation and mixture of air and wine in a manner superior to prior art venturi 35 apparatuses. In certain embodiments, the venturi apparatus comprises a plurality of sections r m e a\ N RP nbWDCC5BW90914 -j doc-10I/20IIN14 -2 defining a fluid passageway, a first said section comprising a generally funnel-type, frusto-conical void for receiving wine, the first funnel section, per conventional venturi design, possessing a tapered configuration operative to define a progressively narrowing passageway to thus accelerate fluid velocity, the first section channeling the wine to a first cylindrical section, the latter defining a 5 generally straight, cylindrical passageway and being operative to normalize the flow of wine and thus reduce fluid turbulence, and an expanded intermediate cylindrical passageway, fluidly connected to the first cylindrical section, that is configured and dimensioned to be larger in diameter than the first cylindrical section, the intermediate passageway being operative to cause the wine received from the first cylindrical section to experience a slight decrease in pressure, contrary 10 to conventional venturi design. The venturi apparatus includes an air intake, The air intake may include two diametrically opposed sidearm passageways fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway to thus enable air to be drawn into and introduced with the wine. Preferably, such sidearm passageways will be operative to fluidly interconnect with the intermediate passageway at approximately the medial portion of the intermediate passageway. Along these lines, to facilitate 15 optimal flow dynamics may require that the sidearm passageways introducing one or more additional fluids interconnect with the intermediate passageway at a point where the wine experiences a slight reduction in pressure. In certain embodiments, extending downwardly from the intermediate passageway is a second cylindrical section that is preferably smaller in diameter relative to the intermediate passageway and operative to receive the wine and air and normalize the 20 flow of the same. Descending from the second cylindrical section there may be provided a second funnel-type, frusto-conical void defining an exit pathway that enables the fluids to further mix and exit. The aforementioned sections may be integrated in vertical, horizontal, or angled configurations. The invention is efficient and effective to facilitate the aeration of wine, especially red 25 wine. Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of a housing incorporating a venturi apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 30 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a chamfer-type transition between adjoining sections of the venturi apparatus; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the intermediate passageway of the apparatus and passageways of the apparatus fluidly coupled therewith for facilitating the mixture between 35 wine and air.

-3 The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, 5 that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention, Referring now to the figures, and initially to Figure 1, there is perspectively illustrated a venturi apparatus 10 that is operative to facilitate the assimilation and mixture of wino, particularly red wine, and air, in a manner that is exceptionally more effective and efficient than prior art 10 methods. The venturi apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of sections, narnely, a first funnel section 14, first cylindrical section 16, intermediate passageway 18, at least one and preferably two sidearm passageways 24, 26, second cylindrical section 28 and second funnel section 30, all of which are discussed more fully below, that collectively define a sequential path or passageway through which 15 wine is caused to flow through and by which air, via its introduction through passageways 24, 26, is drawn into intermediate passageway 18 and thereafter combine and exit the apparatus via second cylindrical section 28 and second funnel section 30, the latter being operative to facilitate mixing and attaining the desired homogeneity. To achieve the desired effects herein described, there is shown in Figuire 2 the arrangement 20 of the various sections of the venturi apparatus of embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, first funnel section 14 defines an opening for receiving wine. The wine introduced into first section 14, per conventional venturi design, creates a narrowing of the fluid flow path, thus creating an increase in the wine's velocity and decrease of the wine's pressure. The wine'then passes from the first section 14 to a first straight, cylindrical or tubular 25 section 16 as shown. Such first cylindrical section 16 is operative to normalize the flow of the wine passing from the first funnel section 14 and consequently reduces fluid turbulence. In order to attain optimal functioning of the venturi, a chamfer or bevel may be provided at the point interconnecting adjacent sections, 14 and 16 of the venturi 10, shown as 32 in Figure 2A. In this regard, it is believed that this smooth rounded transitional surface is operative to facilitate fluid flow and 30 minimize turbulence and disruptions. To fabricate such contoured surfaces will be easily understood by those skilled in the art and that any type of material, whether it be glass, plastic and/or metal can be readily utilized to fabricate the venturi devices disclosed herein. The wine is then sequentially introduced from first cylindrical section 16 to intermediate passageway 18, As illustrated, intermediate passageway 18 defines a chamber having a diameter 35 greater than that of the first cylindrical section 16, and is provided with a floor and ceiling as well HWubtma ve ANRPonabP\DCC\5BT\59395J I 1dA)- I IN)] 4 as a mid section having a diameter substantially greater than the first cylindrical section 16 and second cylindrical section 28. As a consequence of having a greater diameter, the wine passing from the first cylindrical section 16 to the intermediate passageway 18 experiences a slight decrease in pressure, unlike conventional venturi devices. By virtue of the fluid flow into the intermediate 5 passageway 18, a vacuum force is created that causes air to be drawn into the intermediate passageway 18 via one or both sidearm passageways 24, 26, as shown. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the venturi apparatus 10 need only be provided with one sidearm passageway to allow for the introduction of air. or, alternatively, may be provided with three or more channels to enable a greater volume of air to be drawn into the intermediate passageway 18. 10 Accordingly, although depicted in Figure 2 as having two diametrically opposed sidearm passageways 24, 26, and dedicated openings 20, 22, through which air may be introduced, various design changes and modifications of the passageway design will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus 10 advantageously overcome the inability of 15 known venturi devices to introduce air into wine passing through the venturi device, In this regard, the velocity of the wine passing through prior art venturi devices is maximized at the point of tapering, which gives rise to the vacuum enabling the air to be drawn into the fluid flow. However, the venturi's tapered portion in such prior art devices, because of its limited size, is operative to reduce the area into which air can be drawn into the fluid flow. The combined increased speed of 20 the fluid and reduced area can thus preclude the ability of the venturi to draw in air. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one or all of the sidearm passageways 24, 26, will be configured such that the same arc fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway 18 at generally the median or mid section thereof. Along these lines, and as more clearly illustrated in Figure 3, sidearm passageways 24, 26, interconnect with intermediate passageway 18 at a point 25 below the ceiling of the intermediate passageway 18, represented by "A" and a distance above the floor of the intermediate passageway 18 represented in Figure 2 by "B". In a most highly preferred embodiment, distances "A" and "B" will be equal, It is preferred that some distance exist between the ceiling of the intermediate passageway 18 and the sidearm passageway or passageways 24, 26, utilized to introduce the air in order to achieve optimum intermixing of fluids as discussed more 30 fully herein. To the extent the passageways 24, 26, are aligned with the ceiling of the intermediate passageway 18 (i.e., the distance represented by "A" is 0), it is believed that the ability to optimally draw in air will be suboptimal and hence the ability to attain superior mixing by the venturi apparatus of the present invention will be suboptimal. By so arranging the interconnection between sidearm passageways 24, 26, and intermediate 35 passageway 18, the air is thus drawn into and allowed to mix with the wine passing into the IIbAniewagenN RPonb\DCSB\S939S 5,I.d.-01m20 IJ intermediate passageway 18 in a manner substantially superior to that of prior art devices. Quite unexpectedly, it is believed that by configuring the intermediate passageway 18 to have a greater diameter relative to both first and second cylindrical sections 16, 28 coupled with the introduction of air at substantially the mid portion of the intermediate passageway 18, a substantially greater 5 volume of air is drawn in to the fluid flow that, as a consequence, produces a substantially more thorough interaction between the air and wine to thus create a resultant mixture having a higher degree of homogeneity when the combined fluids pass through the venturi relative to the mixing of fluids via conventional venturi devices. Following the commingling of the first and second fluids in intermediate passageway 18, 10 the resultant combination is then caused to pass downwardly via second cylindrical section 28 that, similar to first cylindrical section 16, is operative to normalize fluid flow. Thereafter, the combination of fluids is caused to thoroughly intermix and exit via second funnel section 30 per conventional venturi devices. Along these lines, such second funnel section 30 facilitates the mixture between the fluids as the same undergo a decrease in velocity and an increase in pressure. 15 As will further be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of dimensions can be utilized in each of the various sections of the venturi apparatus for use in a given application. In one specific embodiment exceptionally effective in facilitating the aeration of wine, especially red wine, it is believed that the following dimensions are ideal: the first cylindrical section 14 will have a conical shape of any length tapering to 4.9 mm with a sharp reduction in 1.8 mm height to 20 4.7 mm, known as a chamfer or bevel, shown as 32 in Figure 2A; first cylindrical section 16 will have a constant diameter of 4.7 mm and a height of at least 3.6 mm; intermediate passageway 18 will have a diameter of 6.3 mm and a height of approximately 5 mm; two symmetrical, diametrically opposed sidearm passageways, 24, 26 will have lengths of approximately 8.3 mm and diameters of approximately 3,2 mm and fluidly interconnecting with the intermediate passageway 25 18 at approximately the mid portion thereof, a second cylindrical section 28 will have a constant diameter of 4.7 mm and a height of 6.8 mm; and second exit funnel section 30 will have a height of approximately 64 mm tapering to an exit diameter of approximately 10.5 mm. When so constructed, the venturi apparatus is operative to substantially aerate wine, especially red wine, when a flow of liquid wine is merely passed through the venturi apparatus at atmospheric pressure 30 and the consumer need only pour the wine from the bottle through a vertically oriented venturi apparatus and into a wine glass or other receptacle, such as a decanter. Such dimensions, however, are merely one example of how to construct the venturi apparatus for a specific application and by no means should be construed as any limitation thereof. Moreover, the venturi apparatus 10, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, 35 may be formed as part of a housing 12, as shown in Figure 1. The venturi apparatus 10 is -6 configured to assume a vertical orientation, to thus enable gravitational force to cause wine to flow sequentially through the sections 14, 16, 18, 28 and 30, as shown. Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described 5 and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and 'comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of 10 integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this 15 specification relates.

Claims (13)

1. A method of aerating wine, comprising: orientating upright a venturi device comprising a wine-receiving section having at an upper 5 end thereof an inlet, defined by a mouth of the device, and at a lower end thereof an outlet which is smaller in cross-sectional area than the inlet, a mixing section which comprises a passageway downstream of the outlet, an air intake via which said passageway is in fluid communication with an outside of the device, and an exit section which is downstream of the mixing section; and thereafter, pouring wine into the wine-receiving section through the inlet whereby the wine 10 flows, under gravity, through the upright-orientated device, such that air is drawn through the air intake into the passageway so as to mix with the wine, and the wine exits the device through the exit section.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said air intake fluidly interconnects said 15 passageway and said outside of the device.

3. A method according to claim I or 2, wherein said passageway is larger in cross-sectional area than said outlet and an entrance to the exit section is smaller in cross-sectional area than said passageway. 20

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wine-receiving section and exit section are defined by a single piece.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the air intake is also defined by said single piece. 25

6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the single piece is moulded from plastic.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said sections and the air intake are defined by a plastic structure. 30 8, A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake comprises an air intake passage which is separate from the wine-receiving section and fluidly connects to said passageway. 35 9. A method according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein the air intake comprises air intake passages which are separate from the wine-receiving section and fluidly connect to said ibnne oeNRPonbbDCC\5DE51939)5U l- L d-On- 11/21111 passageway, the air intake passages being formed in the housing at spaced positions around said passageway.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the air intake passages comprise ones which are 5 diametrically opposite. 1. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said positions are equally spaced.

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the or each air intake passage 10 terminates at said exterior.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake has separate inlets arranged around a peripheral part of the device. 15 14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway and air intake fluidly interconnect at a medial portion of said passageway, is. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wine-receiving section has an interior which is bounded by a surface that extends from a mouth of the device to said outlet 20 and is substantially smooth throughout.

16. A method according to any one of claims I to 14, wherein the wine-receiving section has an interior which is bounded by a surface that extends from an uppermost extent of the device to said outlet and is substantially smooth throughout. 25

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wine-receiving section has an interior which extends from a mouth of the device to said outlet and is of continually reducing cross-sectional area. 30 18. A method according to any one claims I to 16, wherein the wine-receiving section has an interior which extends from an uppermost extent of the device to said outlet and is of continually reducing cross-sectional area.

19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, substantially as hereinbefore 35 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.