Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices for storing milk and food products. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for curd settling and cooling system that allows for a number of cycles of curd settling of milk without the need for repeatedly adding curd for curd settling the milk.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Curd is an important and a healthy meal component in daily food. The handling and storage is important to have maximum benefit of this dietary item. If the curd is kept at room temperature without refrigeration, it will become sour thus making it difficult to consume. At home, refrigeration can be done but in office or outside home it is not feasible. Curd is obtained by coagulating milk in a sequential process called curd settling. The entire process of fermenting to obtain curd involves a number of stages with controlled ambient parameters. A slightly higher than room temperature of 45-50 degrees Celsius is to be maintained for about 4 to 5 hours for effective curd settling of milk. In addition, it needs to be cooled before being consumed.
[0004] A number of solutions are available that provide a device for curd settling of milk. However, there is no single device in the art that provides all the steps of curd settling, cooling and heating while ensuring ambient conditions suitable for curd settling. In addition, there are no devices that can be found in the art that provide for multiple cycles of curd settling of milk without requiring curd to be added to the milk for each curd settling cycle.
[0005] Hence, there is a need in the art for an efficient, curd settler and cooling device that avoids the requirement of repeated adding of curd culture to the milk for fermentation, which will help in settling the curd and once settled it will help in cooling the curd to make it fit for consumption.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] A general object of the present invention is to provide a curd settling and storing device that can directly be eaten out of.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for curd settling of milk that for a predefined number of cycles without requiring fresh curd to be added for curd settling in each cycle.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to facilitate cooling of curdled milk, making it suitable for consumption.
[00010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system to enable reminders to ensure washing and addition of fresh curd to the apparatus after completion of the predefined cycles of curd settling.
[00011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlled dispensation of curd into the milk at the required time.
[00012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be carried easily like a tiffin box.

SUMMARY
[00013] The present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for curd settling and cooling. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus that allows for a number of cycles of curd settling of milk without the need for repeatedly adding curd for curd settling the milk.
[00014] The apparatus for curd settling and cooling may include a container adapted to receive a first predefined quantity of milk for curd settling; a curd compartment positioned above the container and configured to receive and store a curd, and supply a second predefined quantity of the stored curd to said container. The curd settler may contain a heating element configured in the container with one or more sensors configured to detect parameters associated with the milk contained in the container, and correspondingly generate a set of signals. A control unit may be operatively connected to the sensors, and based on set of signals received from the sensors a controlled quantity of curd is added into the container from the curd compartment. The curd may be mixed by stirring by a stirrer provided. After mixing of the curd, the control unit may actuate the heating element to heat the mixture of milk and curd at a pre-defined temperature, for a predefined time, to facilitate curd settling of the milk. After the curd settling is complete, the control unit may actuate a freezing element configured to cool said curdled milk in said container to a lower temperature. The apparatus may consist a second freezing element to freeze the curd in the curd compartment continuously. The second freezing element may be actuated at the instant curd is added in the curd compartment. A stirrer for stirring of the mixed second predefined quantity of said curd with the first predefined quantity of milk, may be provided on a lid. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining/limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[00015] Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
[00016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00018] FIG. 1 illustrates various components of a curd settler to illustrate its overall working, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00019] FIG. 2 illustrates the various components of the apparatus in the form of a block diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00020] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00022] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[00023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00024] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[00025] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
[00026] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00027] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00028] In an embodiment, an apparatus for curd settling and cooling, said apparatus including: a container adapted to receive a first predefined quantity of a milk for curd settling; a curd compartment positioned above said container and configured to: receive and store a curd; and supply a second predefined quantity of the stored curd to said container; a heating element configured in said container; one or more sensors configured in said container to detect one or more parameters associated with said milk, and correspondingly generate a set of signals; a control unit operatively connected to said one or more sensors, and based on said set of signals received from said one or more sensors, said control unit is configured to: enable said container to receive said second predefined quantity of said curd from said curd compartment; mix said second predefined quantity of said curd with said first predefined quantity of said milk; and enable said heating element to heat said mixture of milk and curd at a pre-defined temperature, for a predefined time, to facilitate curd settling of the milk; and, a first freezing element configured to cool said curdled milk in said container to a second pre-defined temperature.
[00029] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein a second freezing element to freeze said curd in said curd compartment and a stirrer for stirring of the mixed said second predefined quantity of said curd with said first predefined quantity of said milk, may be provided on a lid.
[00030] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein said one or more sensors are one or more of a temperature sensor, weight sensor, proximity sensor, density sensor to correspondingly generate a set of signals pertaining the one or more parameters of a temperature, weight, proximity, density values.
[00031] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the container may be accommodated in an outer housing.
[00032] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the container may be surrounded by an insulated covering.
[00033] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the lid may comprise a display unit to indicate a temperature, weight, density, quantity of curd in said container, number of days from last wash, quantity of curd remaining in curd compartment.
[00034] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the first pre-defined temperature may be in the range of 45-500C and the pre-defined time may be for a duration of 4-5 hours.
[00035] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the first freezing element stops cooling after said curd in said container may be consumed by a user.
[00036] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein quantity of said curd added to the curd compartment is customizable to provide curd settling of milk for a number of predefined cycles defined manually by the user.
[00037] In an embodiment, the apparatus for curd settling and cooling, wherein the control unit notifies said user of a date of washing after completion of predefined cycles defined by the user.
[00038] In an embodiment, the notification by the apparatus may be sent out over Internet, Intranet, Public network, Private network, or a group of networks.
[00039] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.
[00040] FIG. 1 illustrates various components of a curd settler in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00041] In an embodiment, the proposed apparatus (100) may include a container (104) adapted to receive a first predefined quantity of a milk for curd settling. A curd compartment (116) may be positioned above the container (104). The curd compartment (116) may be configured to receive and store a curd, and supply a second predefined quantity of the stored curd to container (104). The container (104) may include a heating element (106) configured to heat the curd in the container (104). One or more sensors (108) may also be configured in the container (104) to detect one or more parameters associated with the milk, and correspondingly generate a set of signals. A control unit may be provided, that may be operatively connected to the one or more sensors, and based on set of signals received from the one or more sensors, the control unit enables container (104) to receive the second predefined quantity of said curd from the curd compartment (116).Once the milk is mixed with the curd from the curd compartment (116), the control unit may enable the heating element to heat the mixture of milk and curd at a pre-defined temperature, for a predefined time, to facilitate curd settling of the milk. After curd settling is complete, the control unit may be configured to actuate a first freezing element (112) that may be configured to cool the curdled milk in the container (104) to a second pre-defined temperature.
[00042] In an embodiment, as illustrated, proposed apparatus 100 is an exemplary arrangement and various components and structures as depicted herein may also be arranged in various other ways to achieve various described objectives. The apparatus 100 depicts an exemplary architecture or arrangement in which all the components within 100 may be included in a single device or may be distributed across various devices. In another exemplary embodiment, all the components within 100 may depict functionality performed as a remote device by receiving user instructions over the internet. In the same way, in another exemplary embodiment, all the components within 100 may depict functionality performed as user actuated manual operation.
[00043] In a first embodiment, curd is added into the curd compartment (116). The curd compartment may be designed to hold a greater quantity of curd culture than the requirement for curd settling of milk in one curd settling cycle. Any quantity of milk may be added into the milk compartment/container (104) as per the requirement of the user. The set of sensors may be configured to detect the quantity of milk introduced into the container and based on instructions from a control unit, accordingly actuate addition of curd from the curd compartment (116) into the container (104). The curd may be added into the container (104) by dropping through opening of a small sliding door built into the curd compartment (116) over the container (104) or by retaining an amount of curd from the previous milk curd settling cycle. Once the curd is added into the milk, milk and curd may be mixed using a stirrer or an agitator. The curd compartment may be positioned over the container by installing in a lid. The stirrer/agitator may be provided on the lid for effective mixing. The control unit, after the mixing of culture of curd with milk is complete, may actuate the heating element (106) to heat the curd to a temperature of 45-50 degree Celsius for duration of 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the predetermined values. After the curd settling is complete, the sensors detect curd settling and the control unit actuates the freezing unit to cool the curd to a lower temperature.
[00044] The second freezing element (112) freezes the curd in the curd compartment (116) for an indefinite period to ensure freshness of the curd culture. The second freezing element (112) may be actuated at the instant the curd is introduced into the curd compartment (116). The curd compartment may be configured to contain curd of a quantity that is sufficient for multiple curd settling cycles, say 10 cycles.
[00045] In an aspect, the apparatus (100) can be placed in a customized bag to be carried around like a lunch box with an insulated coating around the container.
[00046] FIG. 2 illustrates the various components of the apparatus (100) in the form of a block diagram.
[00047] As illustrated, proposed apparatus 100 may be configured with a control unit (110). The control unit (110) may be configured with a learning engine (202), a display device (206), a notification communication unit (208) and sensors (108). In addition, the apparatus may also have an alarm/buzzer system although not explicitly illustrated in Fig. 2. The apparatus (100) may also include a set of different types of sensors such as biometric sensor, magnetic sensor, optical/imaging sensor, proximity sensor, etc. The sensor(s) may be used to fetch data from milk container regarding the state of the milk and quantity of the milk. The sensor (s) may also be used to fetch data on the quality and quantity of curd available in the curd container (116). The sensors may also be operatively coupled to a notification unit and a communication unit (208). The notification unit may provide notification about the number of curd settling cycles since the previous wash thereby ensuring hygiene. The notification may prompt a user to wash the entire apparatus. The notification may be displayed on a display unit (configured with the apparatus) or sent to a personal communication device of the user.
[00048] The apparatus for curd settling and cooling may include a processing unit that is operatively connected to a control unit (110). The processing engine may be provided with a learning engine to enable actuation of the stirrer to mix the milk and the predefined quantity of curd. The processor may be configured to stop cooling by the first freezing element (112), switch from heating to cooling by freezing element (112) based on inputs from any one or a combination of said one or more sensors (108).
[00049] The curd present in the curd compartment may be kept frozen at all times. The second heating element may be switched off when the predetermined numbers of curd settling cycles have been completed. The second heating element may not get switched on as long as the apparatus is not washed after completion of the predetermined number of curd settling cycles.
[00050] The heating elements may be operatively connected to a battery, a set of batteries or dry cells for operation. In an embodiment, solar energy based power source may also be used to power the apparatus.
[00051] It can be appreciated that proposed apparatus can be configured to be controlled by a computing device, wherein the computing devices can be any of a computer, a laptop, a smart phone, an Internet enabled mobile device and the like. Therefore, all possible modifications, implementations and embodiments of where and how the proposed apparatus is configured are well within the scope of the present invention.
[00052] In another aspect, the apparatus (100) may implement a method for curd settling and cooling. The method may comprise the steps of, receiving, by a container (104), a quantity of milk for curd settling; receiving, by a curd compartment (116), a quantity of curd; sensing, by a set of sensors, parameters relating to one or more of a temperature, quantity, density, weight of curd in said container (104); adding, by a processing unit, based on quantity of milk in said container (104), a controlled quantity of curd from the curd compartment (116) into the container (104) to initiate curd settling; heating, by a heating element (106), the quantity of milk based on input from a control unit; cooling, by a first freezing element (110) of the curdled milk, after curd settling of the milk wherein the cooling process is stopped by a processing unit on detection of empty container; notifying, by the control unit, to a user, of the previous date of washing said container (104) wherein the notification is sent after a number of pre-determined curd settling cycles as customized by the user.
[00053] In an aspect, the proposed system can be operatively connected using an Internet based application such as a web application to any Internet enabled computing device, and can as well have a mobile application that can be downloaded on a mobile device that can connect to Internet for such connection. In such manner, the proposed system can be available 24*7 to its users (different entities as elaborated above). Any other manner of implementation of the proposed system or a part thereof is well within the scope of the present disclosure/invention. The computing device can be a PC, a tablet, a smart phone and other like devices.
[00054] In an aspect the control unit of the present invention may be coupled with a learning engine to control and set the predetermined temperature and time values while it may also control the automatic switching on and off of the heating elements.
[00055] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[00056] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[00057] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. For instance, the system as disclosed can as well be used for grading different services as provided by different service providers such as transporters etc. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[00058] The present invention provides an apparatus for curd settling of milk that enables curd settling for a predefined number of cycles without requiring fresh curd to be added for curd settling in each cycle.
[00059] The present invention provides an apparatus to facilitate cooling of curdled milk, making it suitable for consumption.
[00060] The present invention provides a system to enable reminders to ensure washing and addition of fresh curd to the apparatus after completion of the predefined cycles of curd settling.
[00061] The present invention provides a system for controlled dispensation of curd into the milk at the required time.
[00062] The present invention provides an apparatus that is convenient to use as a curd settler that can be used as a bowl for freezing other substances.

We Claims:

1. An apparatus (100) for curd settling and cooling, said apparatus comprising:
a container (104) adapted to receive a first predefined quantity of a milk for curd settling
a curd compartment (116) positioned above said container (104) and configured to:
receive and store a curd;
a heating element (106) configured in said container (104);
one or more sensors (108) configured in said container (104) to detect one or more parameters associated with said milk, and correspondingly generate a set of signals;
a control unit (110) operatively connected to said one or more sensors, and based on said set of signals received from said one or more sensors, said control unit is configured to:
supply a second predefined quantity of the stored curd to said container (104);
enable said container (104) to receive said second predefined quantity of said curd from said curd compartment (116);
mix said second predefined quantity of said curd with said first predefined quantity of said milk; and
enable said heating element to heat said mixture of milk and curd at a pre-defined temperature, for a predefined time, to facilitate curd settling of the milk; and,
a first freezing element (112) configured to cool said curdled milk in said container (104) to a second pre-defined temperature.
2. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) comprises a second freezing element (118) to freeze said curd in said curd compartment (116) and a stirrer for stirring of the mixed said second predefined quantity of said curd with said first predefined quantity of said milk, is provided on a lid (114).
3. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) comprising any one or a combination of said one or more sensors (108) being one or more of a temperature sensor, weight sensor, proximity sensor, density sensor to correspondingly generate a set of signals pertaining to the one or more parameters of a temperature, weight, proximity, density values.
4. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is accommodated in an outer housing (102).
5. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container (104) is surrounded by an insulated covering (108).
6. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) comprising a display unit on said lid (114) to indicate a temperature, weight, density, quantity of said curd in said container (104), number of days from last wash, quantity of curd remaining in said curd compartment (116).
7. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pre-defined temperature is in a range of 45-50 degrees, and said pre-defined time is for a duration of 4-5 hours.
8. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (110) operatively with a processing unit, said processing unit configured to:
enable actuation of said stirrer to mix said milk and said predefined quantity of curd;
stop cooling by said first freezing element (112) after said curd in said container (104) is consumed;
switch from heating to cooling by freezing element (112) based on inputs from any one or a combination of said one or more sensors (108).
9. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein quantity of said curd added to said curd compartment (116) is customizable to provide curd for curd settling of milk for a number of predefined cycles defined manually by said user.
10. The apparatus for curd settling and cooling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit notifies said user of a date of washing after completion of said predefined cycles as defined by said user.