Methods for automatic filling, charging and dispensing carbon dioxide snow block
US11352262B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2225/0176
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.