Dispensing system with a common delivery pipe

The disclosure concerns apparatus comprising a first source of a first component, the first component one component for a finished free flowing food product and comprising a highly concentrated micro component. The apparatus includes a second source of a second component, the second component being another component for the finished free flowing food product. The apparatus includes a flow combiner configured to combine the first and second components to form a first mixture. The apparatus further includes a common delivery pipe configured to receive the first mixture from the flow combiner. The apparatus includes a dispenser configured to receive diluent flow from a third source, receive the first mixture from the common delivery pipe, combine the diluent flow with the first mixture to form a second mixture, and dispense the second mixture through a dispensing nozzle, the second mixture including the finished free flowing food product.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a dispensing system and method for the dispensing of beverages, e.g., for cafeterias, restaurants (including fast food restaurants), theatres, convenience stores, gas stations, and other entertainment and/or food service venues.

BACKGROUND

Various beverage dispensers, such as those at cafeterias, restaurants, theatres, and other entertainment and/or food service venues, typically have either a “drop in” dispenser apparatus or a counter top type dispenser apparatus. In a drop in dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is self-contained and may be dropped into an aperture of a counter top. In a counter top type dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is placed on a counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, a dispensing head is coupled to a particular drink syrup supply source via a single pipe dedicated to supply the particular drink syrup to that dispensing head, wherein the particular drink syrup supply source is typically located near the counter top, i.e., directly under the counter top, or directly over the counter top.

A user will typically place a cup under the signage of the selected beverage and either press a button or press the cup against a dispensing lever to activate the dispenser so that the selected beverage is delivered from the dispensing head corresponding to the selected beverage and into the cup until pressure is withdrawn from the button or lever.

Conventional dispensing machines may dispense a number of beverages. Each of dispensed beverages may consist of a number of components, such as flavors, acidulants, sweeteners, and diluents (e.g., water). In conventional dispensing machines, the required components of a beverage are dispensed via a common dispensing nozzle and each component is typically delivered to the dispensing nozzle via a separate delivery pipe, as shown e.g., inFIG. 1. As the variety of the dispensed beverages increases, correspondingly the number of various beverage components also increases. As a result, it becomes problematic to fit and lay out all the required delivery pipes within a dispensing machine as well as to connect all of them to the dispensing nozzle. In addition, the design of the dispensing nozzle becomes more complicated.

Conventional beverage dispensers are typically limited to dispensing drinks having flavoring supply sources located at their respective counters. Thus, a limited number of drinks are typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser. For example, drinks typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser are a regular cola beverage, a diet cola beverage, perhaps one or several non-cola carbonated beverages, such as a lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage or some other fruit-flavored drink (e.g., orange flavored carbonated beverage, and/or root beer), and perhaps one more non-carbonated beverage(s), such as a tea and/or a lemonade.

Conventional dispensers are not typically configured to permit a user generate or receive from a single dispensing head a custom-ordered beverage that a consumer may wish to purchase, e.g., a cola flavored with cherry, vanilla, lemon, or lime, etc., or a tea flavored with lemon, orange, peach, raspberry, etc., or a tea having one or more teaspoons of sweetener (sugar, or some other nutritive sweetener or non-nutritive sweetener).

Conventional dispensers typically require servicing and resupply of flavoring sources at the counter.

Conventional dispensers typically require a dedicated dispensing head for each particular beverage.

What is needed is a beverage dispensing system that does not have the limitations and disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers and methods.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is provided a system or apparatus comprising a common delivery pipe.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a first source of a first component, the first component one component for a finished free flowing food product and comprising a highly concentrated micro component. The apparatus comprises a second source of a second component, the second component being another component for the finished free flowing food product. The apparatus comprises a flow combiner. The flow combiner is configured to receive the first component from the first source. The flow combiner is configured to receive the second component from the second source. The flow combiner is configured to combine the first component with the second component to form a first mixture. The apparatus comprises a common delivery pipe, the common delivery pipe configured to receive the first mixture from the flow combiner. The apparatus comprises a third source of a diluent flow. The apparatus comprises a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a dispensing nozzle, the dispenser configured to receive diluent flow from the third source, receive the first mixture from the common delivery pipe, combine the diluent flow with the first mixture to form a second mixture, and dispense the second mixture through the dispensing nozzle, the second mixture comprising the finished free flowing food product.

In one aspect, an apparatus comprising an auxiliary diluent flow source may be provided. The apparatus may comprise a first source of a first component, the first component being a first component for a free flowing food product and comprising a highly concentrated micro component. The apparatus may comprise a second source of a second component, the second component being a second component for the free flowing food product, the second component selected from the group consisting of a second highly concentrated micro component and a macro component. The apparatus may comprise a first flow combiner, the first flow combiner configured to receive the first component from the first source, receive auxiliary diluent from the auxiliary diluent flow source, and combine the first component with the auxiliary diluent flow to form a first intermediate mixture. The apparatus may comprise a second flow combiner, the flow combiner configured to receive the first intermediate mixture from the first flow combiner, receive the second component from the second source, and combine the first intermediate mixture with the second component to form a second intermediate mixture. The apparatus may comprise a common delivery pipe, the common delivery pipe configured to receive the second intermediate mixture from the second flow combiner. The apparatus may comprise a main diluent flow source. The apparatus may comprise a dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to receive main diluent flow from the main diluent flow source, receive the second intermediate mixture from the common delivery pipe, combine the main diluent flow with the first mixture to form a finished free flowing food product, and dispense the second finished free flowing food product through the dispenser.

In one aspect, a method is the provided. The method may comprise conveying a first component of a free flowing food product through a common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a first period of time. The method may comprise conveying a second component of a free flowing food product through a common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a second period of time. The method may comprise stopping the conveying of the first component. The method may comprise stopping the conveying of the second component. The method may comprise, upon stopping the conveying of the first component and the second component, conveying a diluent for a third period of time through the common delivery pipe to wash any of the remaining first component and any of the remaining second component away from the common delivery pipe.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments thereof which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety of beverages, including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, and including but not limited to beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure a transfer unit or dosing system and/or portions thereof that feed a dispenser with a free flowing product may be located remotely from a counter, such as in a back room, or at the counter, such as below or over the counter.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a first source of a first component, the first component one component for a finished free flowing food product and comprising a highly concentrated micro component. The apparatus comprises a second source of a second component, the second component being another component for the finished free flowing food product. The apparatus comprises a flow combiner. The flow combiner is configured to receive the first component from the first source. The flow combiner is configured to receive the second component from the second source. The flow combiner is configured to combine the first component with the second component to form a first mixture. The apparatus comprises a common delivery pipe, the common delivery pipe configured to receive the first mixture from the flow combiner. The apparatus comprises a third source of a diluent flow. The apparatus comprises a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a dispensing nozzle, the dispenser configured to receive diluent flow from the third source, receive the first mixture from the common delivery pipe, combine the diluent flow with the first mixture to form a second mixture, and dispense the second mixture through the dispensing nozzle, the second mixture comprising the finished free flowing food product.

In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, the first source may be a first cartridge and the second source may be a second cartridge. The second component may be selected from the group consisting of a second highly concentrated micro component and a macro component. The finished free-flowing food product may comprise a beverage. The apparatus may comprise a sweetener source, wherein the dispenser is configured to receive sweetener from the sweetener source and combine the sweetener, the first mixture, and the main diluent flow to form the finished free-flowing food product. The apparatus may further comprise a first micro dosing device configured to dose the first component to the flow combiner. The apparatus may comprise a second micro dosing device configured to dose the second component to the flow combiner.

In an aspect, the first source may comprise a highly concentrated micro component having a ratio by weight to a diluent of at least about 30:1. In an aspect, the first source may comprise a highly concentrated micro component having a ratio by weight to a diluent of at least about 1000:1.

In an aspect, the apparatus may further comprise an auxiliary diluent flow source configured to convey an auxiliary diluent flow to the flow combiner.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising a first source of a first component, the first component one component for a finished free flowing food product and comprising a highly concentrated micro component. The apparatus may comprise a second source of a second component, the second component being another component for the finished free flowing food product. The apparatus may comprise a third source of a main diluent flow. The apparatus may comprise a fourth source of an auxiliary diluent flow. The apparatus may comprise a first flow combiner. The first flow combiner configured to receive the first component from the first source. The first flow combiner may be configured to receive auxiliary diluent flow from the fourth source. The first flow combiner may be configured to combine the first component with the auxiliary diluent flow to form a first intermediate mixture. The apparatus may comprise a second flow combiner. The second flow combiner may be configured to receive the first intermediate mixture from the first flow combiner. The second flow combiner configured to receive the second component from the second source. The second flow combiner configured to combine the first intermediate mixture with the second component to form a second intermediate mixture. The apparatus may comprise a common delivery pipe. The common delivery pipe may be configured to receive the second intermediate mixture from the second flow combiner. The apparatus may comprise a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a dispensing nozzle. The dispenser may be configured to receive main diluent flow from the third source. The dispenser may be configured to receive the second intermediate mixture from the common delivery pipe. The dispenser may be configured to combine the main diluent flow with the second intermediate mixture to form a finished free flowing food product, and dispense the finished free flowing food product.

In an aspect, the apparatus may further comprise a fifth source of a diluent flow and a flow splitter configured to split the diluent flow from the fifth source into the third source and the fourth source. The flow splitter may be configured to split about 5-25% of the diluent flow from the fifth source into the fourth source, and about 95-75% of the diluent flow from the fifth source into the third source. In an aspect, flow from the fourth source provides a washing flow that washes away any of the first component and the second component from the common delivery pipe.

In an aspect, the apparatus may comprise a first component dosing device. The apparatus may comprise a first component valve. The first component valve may be configured to be in an open position when desired to convey the first component from the first component dosing device to the first flow combiner. The first component valve may be configured to be in a closed position when desired to not convey the first component from the first component dosing device to the first flow combiner. The apparatus may comprise a second component dosing device, and a second component valve. The second component valve may be configured to be in an open position when desired to convey the second component from the second component dosing device to the second flow combiner, the second component valve configured to be in a closed position when desired to not convey the second component from the second component dosing device to the second flow combiner. The apparatus may comprise an auxiliary diluent valve. The auxiliary diluent valve may be configured to be in an open position when desired to convey the auxiliary diluent flow from the fourth source to the first flow combiner. The auxiliary diluent valve may be configured to be in a closed position when desired to not convey the auxiliary diluent flow from the fourth source to the first flow combiner.

In an aspect, the apparatus may comprise a gas source configured to convey a gas to the first flow combiner when desired to purge any of the first component, the second component, the auxiliary diluent flow, and mixtures thereof from the common delivery pipe. The gas source may comprise a gas valve. The gas valve may be configured to be in an open position when desired to convey the gas from the gas source to the first flow combiner. The gas valve may be configured to be in a closed position when not desired to convey the gas from the gas source to the first flow combiner. In an aspect, the apparatus may further comprise a third flow combiner configured to receive the gas from the gas valve and convey the gas to the first flow combiner when the gas valve is in the open position.

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided, the method comprising conveying a first component of a free flowing food product through a common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a first period of time. The method comprises conveying a second component of a free flowing food product through the common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a second period of time. The method comprises stopping the conveying of the first component. The method comprises stopping the conveying of the second component. The method comprises upon stopping the conveying of the first component and the second component, conveying a diluent for a third period of time through the common delivery pipe to wash any of the remaining first component and any of the second component away from the common delivery pipe.

In an aspect, the method may further comprise conveying a gas for a fourth period of time to purge any of the remaining diluent away from the common delivery pipe after the third period of time ends and the conveying of the diluent stops.

In an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a cartridge comprising a highly concentrated free flowing micro component having a ratio by weight of the highly concentrated free-flowing micro component to a diluent of at least about 30:1. In an aspect, the ratio by weight of the highly concentrated free-flowing micro component to a diluent of at least about 1000:1 may be provided. The apparatus may comprise a dosing device, the dosing device configured to intermittently dose a predetermined amount of the highly concentrated free-flowing micro component at a predetermined flow rate. The apparatus may comprise a controller, the controller configured to control the intermittent dosing by the dosing device.

In an aspect of the disclosure, a dispensing system is provided comprising a common delivery pipe. In one aspect, a dispensing system is provided that has a simplified design over conventional dispensing systems. The dispensing system disclosed herein may be configured to dispense a number of components, including but not limited to flavors, acidulants, sweeteners, and diluents (e.g., water).

In an aspect, a single common delivery pipe is provided. The common delivery pipe may be configured for delivering (in sequence) a number of components of a free flowing product. The free flowing product may be a food product, including for example, a beverage.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the dispensing system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. A dispensing system100may comprise a source102of a highly concentrated micro component104. Source102may be any suitable source, including but not limited to a cartridge, such as a Bag-in-Box (“BIB”), or a pressurized vessel, or a polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) bottle. System100may comprise a micro dosing device106that corresponds to the highly concentrated micro component104. System100may comprise a single delivery pipe108that conveys highly concentrated micro component104to a dispenser110.

The system100may further comprise one or more other components112,114, and114′. Components112,114and114′ may each comprise a micro component or a macro component that is distinct from each other and micro component104. As shown inFIG. 2, components112and114each have a corresponding flow combiner,122and124, respectively. Component112may be conveyed through pipe146to flow combiner122. Component114may be conveyed through pipe148to flow combiner124. Component114′ may be conveyed through pipe150and a valve or flow combiner (not shown) to pipe148. Alternatively, component114′ may be a corresponding flow combiner (not shown) located in series with flow combiners122and124, that is separate and distinct from flow combiners122and124, and a pipe (not shown) that conveys component114′ to such a separate and distinct flow combiner.

As shown inFIG. 1, a micro component pump116may be provided and configured to pump micro component104from source102through micro dosing device106. The effluent of micro dosing device may flow through micro component valve118and through pipe120to flow combiner122. At flow combiner122, component112may be combined with micro component104to form a first mixture126. First mixture126may flow from flow combiner122, and through pipe128to flow combiner124. At flow combiner124, component114may be combined with the first mixture to form a second mixture130. Mixture130may then flow through common delivery pipe108to dispenser110.

As previously noted, components112,114, and114′ may each comprise a micro component or a macro component that is distinct from each other and micro component104. Components112,114, and114′ may each have corresponding devices similar to devices that correspond to micro component104. Thus, components112and114may each have a dosing device that is similar to micro dosing device106, a pump similar to micro component pump116, and a valve similar to micro component valve118. Components112,114and114′ may each have a corresponding source, such as a cartridge, similar to source102.

The flow through common delivery pipe108may be combined with additional components at dispenser110. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, in dispenser110, flow through common delivery pipe108may be combined with a main diluent132, and a sweetener134to form a finished free flowing product136. Finished free flowing product136may be a food product, such as a finished beverage. Dispenser110may comprise a dispensing nozzle138. Dispensing nozzle138may be configured to dispense finished free flowing product136from system100into a container or cup160.

A main diluent valve140may be provided, through which main diluent132may be provided to dispenser110. Main diluent132may be pumped by main diluent pump142, to provide a main diluent flow144to dispenser110. Main diluent132may be any suitable diluent, including but not limited to water, carbonated water, or a base of a free flowing product, such as a base for food product, including a beverage.

Dispensing system100may comprise dosing control unit1203. Dosing control unit1203may comprise controller1202. Controller1202may be operatively connected to dosing device106. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, controller1202may be configured to control dosing by dosing device106of a highly concentrated micro component104. As shown inFIG. 1, two-way communication may be provided between controller1202and dosing device106so that controller1202can deliver instructions to dosing device106, and dosing device106can deliver to the controller1202information relating to the operation of dosing device106. Dosing device106may be a dosing device configured to dose one or more liquid components of a plurality of sources. Each source may comprise a cartridge. Each source may comprise a component of a free flowing product. The free flowing product may comprise a food product. The food product may comprise a beverage. Thus, each source of the plurality of sources may comprise a highly concentrated micro component. Each highly concentrated micro component may comprise, for example, one or more of beverage ingredients.

As shown inFIG. 1, controller1202may be configured to control operation of micro component pump116and micro component valve118via two way communication between controller1202and micro component pump116and micro component valve118, respectively.

Controller1202may be configured to control intermittent dosing of one or more other components112,114, and114′ in a similar manner as for micro component104, e.g., controlling via two way communication (not shown) between controller1202and a micro dosing device, a micro component pump, and/or a micro component valve corresponding to each component112,114, and114′.

Controller1202may be configured to control dosing of a sweetener134, in a similar manner as for micro component104, e.g., controlling via two way communication (not shown) between controller1202and a dosing device, a pump, and/or a component valve corresponding to the sweetener134. In accordance with the disclosure, dosing of the sweetener may be intermittent or not intermittent. In accordance with the disclosure, a dosing device, a pump, and/or a component valve corresponding to the sweetener134may be a micro dosing device, a micro component pump, and/or a micro component valve corresponding to sweetener134, respectively.

Controller1202may be configured to control operation of water pump142and main diluent valve140via two way communication between controller1202and water pump142and main diluent valve140, respectively.

In a conventional system, components are delivered to a dispenser using individual pipes, rather than a common delivery pipe. Thus, a dispenser of a conventional system may need to have certain structure, such as a larger and more complex dispenser to account for the need to mix the micro components at the dispenser, unlike the dispenser110of system100of the present disclosure. Similarly, the dispensing nozzle in a conventional system may need to be larger and more complex than the dispensing nozzle138of the system100of the present disclosure. A conventional system may produce a product that may have different characteristic and not be the same as the finished free flowing product136produced by system100of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 2, a system300may be provided wherein an auxiliary stream or portion302of diluent132may be directed to the common delivery pipe108. Portion302may be used to mix with component104in flow combiner304. In one example, about 5-25% by weight of diluent132in the finished free flowing product136may be supplied to dispenser110via common delivery pipe108, and about 95-75% by weight of the diluent132in the finished free flowing product136may be supplied to dispenser110via main diluent flow144.

Diluent132may be pumped by pump142to diluent flow splitter306. Portion302may exit diluent flow splitter306through pipe308to flow combiner304. In flow combiner304, auxiliary portion302of diluent132may be combined with component104to form a mixture312. Mixture312may then be conveyed through pipe120and through additional apparatus, such as flow combiner122, etc. as shown inFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 2, to provide further control, an auxiliary diluent valve310may be provided between diluent flow splitter306and flow combiner304. Portion302may flow from splitter306to flow combiner304through pipe314.

To wash components104,112,114, and/or114′ from flow combiners304,122,124, and pipes120,128and108, and dispenser110and dispensing nozzle138, the auxiliary portion302may be used. For example, for washing, valves corresponding to each micro component104,112,114, and114′ may be closed, and only auxiliary portion302may be sent through flow combiners304,122,124, and pipes120,128and108, and dispenser110and dispensing nozzle138for a sufficient time to accomplish the washing of micro components therefrom. By washing micro components from the above elements of system300, cross-contamination between micro components may be reduced or eliminated.

Controller1202, as previously described with respect toFIG. 1, may further comprise two way communications, as shown inFIG. 2, with diluent flow splitter306and/or auxiliary diluent value310to control the operation of diluent flow splitter306and/or auxiliary diluent valve310.

FIG. 3illustrates system400. System400may be the same as system as system300described above, and include a gas flow402from a gas source404. Gas flow402may be controlled or regulated using valve410. Gas flow402may comprise any suitable gas for purging of components from elements of the system. Thus, gas flow402may comprise compressed air, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas.

Gas flow402may be used to purge components104,112,114, and/or114′ from flow combiners304,122,124, and pipes120,128and108, and dispenser110and dispensing nozzle138. For example, for purging, valves corresponding to each micro component104,112,114, and114′ may be closed, and only gas flow402may be sent through flow combiners304,122,124, and pipes120,128and108, and dispenser110and dispensing nozzle138for a sufficient time to accomplish the purging of micro components therefrom. By purging micro components from the above elements of system400, cross-contamination between micro components may be reduced or eliminated. Purging can be done using gas flow402after washing using auxiliary portion302.

Gas flow402may be combined with portion302in flow combiner406to form a mixture408. Mixture408may be conveyed through pipe308to flow combiner304.

Gas flow402may be used to increase the amount of carbonation for a finished beverage412. Thus, when desired, gas flow402may be combined with portion302to form mixture408, and mixture408may be combined with components104,112,114, and/or114,′ and conveyed through common delivery pipe108to dispenser110. At dispenser110, the mixture from pipe108may be combined with main diluent flow144, and sweetener134to form a finished beverage412. Finished beverage412may thus have more carbonation than finished beverage136produced using the system depicted inFIG. 2.

Controller1202, as previously described with respect toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, may further comprise two way communications, as shown inFIG. 3, with valve410and/or flow combiner406to control the operation of valve410and/or flow combiner406. Similarly, controller1202may be configured to control operation of other flow combiners304,122, and124, as well as other pumps, dosing devices and valves associated with other components112,114, and114′.

In a conventional approach, macro components and micro components are each dispensed during the same time period through their respective individual delivery pipes to a dispenser.

FIG. 4illustrates a time diagram of an approach in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 4, macro component(s)500and micro component(s)502are each dispensed during the same time period504through a common delivery pipe to a dispenser. Dispensing of macro component(s)500and micro component(s)502through a common delivery pipe may begin at time506and end at time508. Dispensing of auxiliary diluent portion512through the common delivery pipe to a dispenser may be begin at time514and end at time516. As shown inFIG. 4, time514may be the same as time508. Time514may be later than time508. The dispensing of auxiliary diluent portion512between from time514to time516allows the auxiliary diluent portion512to wash macro component(s)500and micro component(s)502from the common delivery pipe. The process may be repeated starting at time510. As shown inFIG. 4, time510may be later than time516. Micro component(s)502may be the same as or similar to micro component104, previously discussed. Macro component(s)500may be the as or similar to macro component(s) and/or micro component(s)112,114and/or114,′ previously discussed.

FIG. 5illustrates a time diagram of an approach in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.FIG. 5is the same asFIG. 4, with the addition of a purging step using a gas flow after the washing step. Dispensing of gas flow518through the common delivery pipe to the dispenser may begin at time520and end at time522. As shown inFIG. 5, time520may be the same as time516. Time520may be later than time516. The dispensing of gas flow518between from time520to time522allows the gas flow to purge auxiliary diluent portion512, macro component(s)500and micro component(s)502from the common delivery pipe. The process may be repeated starting at time510. As shown inFIG. 5, time510may be later than time516. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure time510may be the same as time522. Gas flow518may be the same as or similar to gas flow402, previously discussed.

In one aspect, a dispensing system is provided, the dispensing system comprising a first source of a first highly concentrated micro component, and a source of a second highly concentrated micro component. The dispensing system may comprise a first micro dosing device in fluid communication with the first source, the first micro dosing device configured to receive the first highly concentrated micro component from the first source and dose a predetermined amount of the first highly concentrated micro component. The dispensing system may comprise a second micro dosing device in fluid communication with the second source, the second micro dosing device configured to receive the second highly concentrated micro component from the second source and dose a predetermined amount of the second highly concentrated micro component. The dispensing system may comprise a flow combiner, the flow combiner configured to combine flow of the first highly concentrated micro component dosed by the first micro dosing device and flow of the second highly concentrated micro component dosed by the second micro dosing device to form a combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components. The combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components may be conveyed by a common micro components delivery pipe to a dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to receive additional components and mix the additional components with the combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components to form a finished free flowing product. The dispenser may comprise a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle may be configured to dispense the finished free flowing product.

In one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising dosing a predetermined amount of a first highly concentrated micro component by a first micro dosing device, and dosing a predetermined amount of a second highly concentrated micro component by a second micro dosing device. The method may comprise combining the predetermined amount of the first highly concentrated micro component and the predetermined amount of the second highly concentrated micro component and form a combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components. The method may comprise conveying the combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components in a common micro component delivery pipe to a dispenser. The method may comprise receiving additional components and mixing the additional components with the combined flow of the first and second highly concentrated micro components to form a finished free flowing product. The method may comprise dispensing the finished free flowing product from the dispenser.

In accordance with the disclosure, the overall number of the delivery pipes may be significantly reduced and the design of the dispensing nozzle may be considerably simplified. In addition, in order to prevent possible cross-contamination problems that may be associated with a common delivery pipe, the disclosure provides for the use of auxiliary flows of the existing diluent(s) or water for washing the common delivery pipe between dispensing of different beverages. In addition, after washing, the common delivery pipe may be purged to remove any residues of the washing agent along with the residues of the previously delivered components.

Benefits of the present disclosure include simplified design of dispensing systems or machines, including systems or machines for the dispensing of multiple beverages. For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, a reduced number of delivery pipes are necessary, and dispensers and/or dispensing nozzles need not have structure necessary to accommodate multiple delivery pipes for micro and macro components as in conventional systems. In accordance with the present disclosure, dispensers and/or dispensing nozzles need not have structure necessary to accommodate mixing of micro and macro components as conventional systems.

FIG. 6is a schematic view of an embodiment of a dispensing system600according to various aspects of the disclosure. Dispensing system600is similar to dispensing system400shown inFIG. 3. Dispensing system600shows that a gas may be sent to source102where the gas exerts pressure to push a highly concentrated micro component104out of source102. As previously noted, source102may comprise a cartridge. Thus, the gas may be used to exert pressure to push highly concentrated micro component104out of a cartridge of source102. Dispensing system600may include a valve610to control the flow of gas, i.e., gas flow602. Gas flow602may come from a suitable gas source, such as the gas source404shown inFIG. 3. Controller1202, as previously described with respect toFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3, may further be configured to control operation of valve610via two way communications as shown inFIG. 6, and thus control gas flow602to any particular source, such as source102. Controller1202may control operation of any other devices in dispensing system600, similar in its control of operation of other devices in dispensing system100ofFIG. 1, dispensing system300ofFIG. 2, and dispensing system400ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6shows dosing injector604and flow mixer606, which may be, in combination, an alternative to dosing device106, valve118and flow combiner304shown inFIG. 3. Similarly,FIG. 6shows dosing injector612and flow mixer614, which may be, in combination, an alternative to flow combiner122shown inFIG. 3, and a corresponding dosing device and valve (not shown inFIG. 3). Similarly,FIG. 6shows dosing injector616and flow mixer618, which may be, in combination, an alternative to flow combiner124shown inFIG. 3, and a corresponding dosing device and valve (not shown inFIG. 3).

Carbon dioxide, nitrogen (N2) or other gas may be used to apply pressure to source102, such as a cartridge or bottle of source102to push a highly concentrated micro component out of source102and through pipe608to dosing injector604. The carbon dioxide or other gas may be supplied from gas flow602. Gas flow602may split into additional gas flows or lines (not shown) in order to provide gas to other containers for components other than component104. Thus, additional gas streams may be used to provide pressure and push components112,114, and114′ to corresponding dosing injector612and flow mixer614, and dosing injector616and flow mixer618, as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7illustrates aspects of a single delivery pipe configuration, including aspects illustrated inFIG. 6.FIG. 7illustrates an assembly700, comprising one or more cartridges702. Each cartridge702may be a bag-in-box (BIB) cartridge. Each cartridge may comprise a component704for a free-flowing product, e.g., a micro component for free-flowing food product, such as a beverage. As shown inFIG. 7, gas pressure, e.g. carbon dioxide, may be used to push at least one micro component704from at least cartridge702. Micro component704may correspond to a highly concentrated micro component104shown inFIG. 6, and cartridge702may correspond to a cartridge of source102shown inFIG. 6. Gas line720, which supplies pressurized gas, may correspond to gas flow602shown inFIG. 6. Pipe708shown inFIG. 7may correspond to pipe608shown inFIG. 6. Dispensing nozzle748may correspond to dispensing nozzle138shown inFIG. 6.

Cartridge702may be one of a plurality of sources. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the present disclosure a transfer unit, plurality of sources and/or portions thereof that feed a dispenser with a free flowing product may be located remotely from a counter, such as in a back room, or at the counter, such as below or over the counter.

Pipe708may be used to transport highly concentrated micro component704to a dosing ramp760. Dosing ramp760may be a stand-alone dosing ramp. As shown inFIG. 7, dosing ramp760may comprise a plurality of injectors and/or valves714. Each injector and/or valve714may comprise a solenoid valve. Each injector and/or valve714may correspond to a micro component valve118as shown inFIG. 4, or a dosing injector, such as dosing injectors604,612, or616shown inFIG. 6. An injector may be pulsed many times per second, allowing droplets to pass. A solenoid may be configured to open or close for a longer period of time than pulsing of an injector, and regardless of defined orifice or length of tube to control flow. As shown inFIG. 7, a micro component704can enter an inlet706of a valve714that corresponds to that micro component. In one embodiment, each micro component has a corresponding valve714. In one embodiment, a diluent718can flow through a pipe728, which serves as an inlet pipe for an auxiliary stream of diluent718into dosing ramp760. The auxiliary stream of diluent may be dosed by an injector and/or valve(S)730. Pipe738may correspond to pipe108shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6. Injector and/or valve714may correspond to injector604shown inFIG. 6. Diluent718may correspond to diluent132shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6. Pipe728may correspond to pipe308shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6.

As shown inFIG. 7, valves762may be used to purge micro components and/or diluent in line738. Line738may correspond to line108as shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6. Purging can be accomplished by sending pressurized gas, e.g. carbon dioxide, through purging valves762. Main diluent flow726may correspond to main diluent flow144shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4. Sweetener734may correspond to sweetener134shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6. Dispensing nozzle748may correspond to dispensing nozzle138shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 7, line738, which may include a mixture of a micro component(s) from pipe708and diluent, e.g., auxiliary diluent718from auxiliary diluent line728, may be further combined or mixed with diluent from the main diluent line726at dispenser710, where a finished product is formed and dispensed through dispensing nozzle748.

Valve762and valve730may have the same or similar structure as valve714.FIG. 7illustrates aspects a valve762in dosing ramp760. As shown inFIG. 7, valves762,730, and714comprise a plurality of valves in series, and these valves may be included in dosing ramp760. Each of valves762,730and714may have an inlet706, and an outlet724. Outlet724of the last valve714in the series of valves in dosing ramp760may then feed line738. Thus, outlet724of the last valve714of dosing ramp760may include a dosed micro component or a mixture of dosed micro components, and may include a diluent, e.g., auxiliary diluent. When washing with a diluent, the outlet724of the last valve714of dosing ramp760may include just the washing diluent. When purging with a gas is conducted, the outlet724of the last valve714of dosing ramp760may include the purging gas.

FIG. 8is a schematic view of an embodiment of a dispensing system800according to various aspects of the disclosure. Dispensing system800may comprise apparatus801. Apparatus801may comprises a plurality of cartridges860and a manifold apparatus862. The apparatus801may be the centralized ingredient system. Plurality of cartridges860may include cartridges802a,802b,802c,802d,802e,802f,802g,802h, and802i. Each cartridge may have a corresponding concentrated micro component, e.g., a beverage ingredient,804a,804b,804c,804d,804e,804f,804g,804h, and804i, respectively. Each cartridge may have a corresponding built-in dosing device814a,814b,814c,814d,814e,814f,814g,814h, and814i, respectively. The embodiment shown inFIG. 8includes a single delivery pipe808between the plurality of cartridges860and dispenser810. The embodiment shown inFIG. 8is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, with the exception that a built-in dosing device is provided for each cartridge, as opposed to a dosing injector, such as injector604, which is separated from a corresponding source102by a pipe, such as pipe608, as shown inFIG. 6. Each micro component may be a highly concentrated micro component, like micro component104inFIG. 6. By way of example, but not limitation, the system is configured to dose a highly concentrated free-flowing micro component wherein the ratio by weight of the highly concentrated free-flowing micro component to a diluent (e.g., water) may be the following: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)—at least 5:1; non-nutritive sweetener—at least about 30:1, e.g., between 25:1 and 45:1; tea—about 40:1; lemonade flavoring—at least 100:1; non-cola carbonated soft drink—at least 150:1; carbonated cola soft drink—at least 500:1. For a relatively pure concentrate, the ratio by weight of a highly concentrated free-flowing micro component to a diluent (e.g., water) is at least 200:1.

As shown inFIG. 8, an embodiment may comprise a single delivery pipe808for delivery of micro components to a dispenser810, which may include a dispensing nozzle838.

As shown inFIG. 8, carbon dioxide, nitrogen (N2), or other gas may be used to apply pressure separately to and/or in each cartridge to push a highly concentrated micro component out of a corresponding cartridge and a corresponding dosing injector. The carbon dioxide, nitrogen (N2), or other gas may be supplied from line842. Line842may split into lines844and846. As shown inFIG. 8, line846may be a line that supplies gas to the cartridges, and this gas may apply pressure separately to and/or in each cartridge to push the respective highly concentrated micro components therefrom. Manifold809may be used to supply gas from line846to cartridges802a,802b,802c. Manifold811may be used to supply gas from line846to cartridges802d,802e, and802f. Manifold813may be used to supply gas from line846to cartridges802g,802h, and802i. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure other manifold designs may be sued to supply gas to cartridges.

As shown inFIG. 8, gas supplied from line846may be used to push a micro component out of a corresponding cartridge and a built-in dosing device. Each built-in dosing device may be configured to dose an appropriate amount of micro component so that it may mix with diluent from auxiliary pipe828to form a diluted micro component, which may then flow through effluent manifold862. The cartridges may be in series, as shown inFIG. 8. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure cartridges may be in a parallel configuration, or some cartridges may be in a series configuration and other cartridges may be in a parallel configuration.

Gas may be sent to cartridge or bottle802a. If the micro component of cartridge802ais to be used to make a free flowing product to be dispensed from dispenser810, then the micro component of cartridge802ais allowed to be dosed by the corresponding built-in dosing device of cartridge802a, and the effluent from cartridge802acomprises the dosed micro component of cartridge802aand auxiliary diluent from auxiliary pipe828. Effluent from cartridge802ais fed through pipe815of effluent manifold862to cartridge802b. If the micro component of cartridge802ais not needed to make a free flowing food product (e.g., a beverage) to be dispensed from dispenser810, then no micro component of cartridge802ais allowed to be dosed by the corresponding built-in dosing device of cartridge802a, and the only effluent from cartridge802ais the auxiliary diluent from auxiliary pipe828. The process may continue until each micro component to be used to make the free flowing product has been dosed. Effluent832, which may be a micro component, or a combination of auxiliary diluent and micro component(s), is then sent from apparatus801through common delivery pipe808to dispenser810.

Diluent818may be pumped by diluent pump820through pipe822. After being pumped by diluent pump820through pipe822, diluent818may enter a diluent flow splitter824. At diluent flow splitter824, diluent818may be split into a main diluent flow pipe826, and an auxiliary diluent flow pipe828. In one embodiment, about 75-95% of the diluent818from pipe822goes to main diluent flow pipe826, and about 5-25% of the diluent818goes to the auxiliary diluent flow pipe828. Diluent818flowing through auxiliary diluent flow pipe828may flow through auxiliary diluent valve830, and then flow to gas/diluent flow switcher850. The effluent from gas/diluent flow switcher850may flow to built-in dosing device (not shown) of cartridge802a, where it may be mixed with highly concentrated micro component of cartridge802a.

As shown inFIG. 8, line842may supply gas to valve848, and the gas may then be supplied to gas/diluent flow switcher850. Thus, gas may be supplied to gas/diluent flow switcher or flow combiner850when desired, for example, when it is desired to purge any liquid(s) in pipes or lines or dispensing nozzles downstream of gas/diluent flow switcher850, or to add gas to the diluent (e.g., to increase carbonation in a the free flowing product to be dispensed from the dispenser810.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure built-in dosing devices may comprise injectors and/or valves, for example, injector and/or valve714shown inFIG. 7.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure while the cartridges shown inFIG. 8are in a serial configuration, other configurations are contemplated in accordance with this disclosure. For example, a first set of cartridges and a second set of cartridges may have a parallel configuration with respect to each other, with each set of cartridges having cartridges in a serial configuration. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure combinations of configurations shown inFIGS. 6, 7 and 8are contemplated in accordance with this disclosure. For example, cartridges802a,802d, and802gmay be in a parallel flow configuration with respect to each other; diluent through auxiliary diluent flow pipe828may be fed directly to cartridges802a,802d, and802g, and the effluent of cartridges802a,802dand802g, which may be in a parallel configuration with respect to each other, may be combined to provide flow of a diluted micro component stream through delivery pipe808and fed to dispenser810.

As shown inFIG. 8, diluent818flowing through main diluent flow pipe826may flow through main diluent valve834, and then may flow to dispenser810. Sweetener836may also be delivered to dispenser810. Dispenser810may have a dispensing nozzle838. At dispenser810, all of the components for the free flowing product may be combined into a finished product814(e.g., a food product, such as a beverage), and the finished product814may then dispensed through the dispenser810into a cup or container840.

FIG. 9illustrates an apparatus having a built in dosing device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. Apparatus900may have a cartridge902. Cartridge902may comprise a built-in dosing device962. Built-in dosing device962may be any of the built-in dosing devices depicted inFIG. 7andFIG. 8. Built-in dosing device962may be a valve, e.g., a solenoid valve. Direct current (DC) line901may provide direct current to open and close built-in dosing device962. Pressure from a gas, for example carbon dioxide, may flow through line946and opening903, and place pressure on bag905contained within box907of cartridge902. Line946may correspond to line846previously discussed in connection withFIG. 8.

Pressure from the gas may compress bag905, thereby forcing highly concentrated micro component904from bag905through valve914and line915to built-in dosing device962. Built-in dosing device962may be configured to open or close due to direct current from direct current line901.

Diluent from diluent line928may be mixed with highly concentrated micro component904in built-in dosing device962to form diluted micro component932. Diluted micro component932may be sent from cartridge902through delivery pipe908to a dispenser810. Delivery pipe908may correspond to delivery pipe808previously discussed in connection withFIG. 8.

Cartridge902may correspond to any of the cartridges described above, including but not limited to the cartridges ofFIG. 9. Built-in dosing device962may include dosing devices, injectors or valves described above with respect toFIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4,FIG. 6,FIG. 7, andFIG. 8.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, cartridge902may have any suitable built-in micro dosing device appropriate for the micro component to be supplied from cartridge902. Cartridges having different micro components may have different micro dosing devices. For example, injectors or electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) pumps may be deemed useful for micro dosing of a micro component, such as a flavor, having a ratio by weight of micro component to diluent in the range of about 150:1 to 200:1. A positive displacement (PD) pumps may be deemed useful for micro dosing of a micro component, such as a juice concentrate, or a sweetener, etc., having a ratio by weight of micro component to diluent in the range of about 100:1 to 150:1.

FIG. 10illustrates a flow diagram of a method1500in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. In step1501, conveying a first component of a free flowing food product through a common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a first period of time occurs. In step1502, conveying a second component of a free flowing food product through the common delivery pipe to a dispenser for a second period of time occurs. In step1503, stopping the conveying of the first component for the first period of time occurs. In step1504, stopping the conveying of the second component occurs. In step1505, upon stopping the conveying of the first component and the second component, conveying a diluent for a third period of time through the common delivery pipe to wash any of the remaining first component and any of the second component away from the common delivery pipe occurs.

In an aspect of the disclosure, after the third period of time ends and the conveying of the diluent stops, the method may further comprise conveying a gas for a fourth period of time to purge any of remaining diluent away from the common delivery pipe.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, a controller, such as controller1202previously discussed, may be configured to control the operation of any of the apparatus and devices described above.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of a dosing control unit1203, as shown inFIG. 1. Dosing control unit1203may comprise a controller1202as shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 6. Controller1202may comprise a processor. Dosing control unit1203may further comprise at least one non-transitory memory1602, a display1604, and a communication interface1608. Controller1202may execute computer-executable instructions present in non-transitory memory1602such that, for example, dosing control unit1203may send and receive information via a network (not shown).

Dosing control unit1203may further include or be in communication with a system bus (not shown). A system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system non-transitory memory is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM). Dosing control unit1203may be configured to allow dosing control unit1203to communicate other devices in system1200, for example, micro-component pump1208, micro dosing device1204, micro-component valve1210, water pump1212, and/or main diluent valve1214. Dosing control unit1203may also include a variety of interface units and drives (not shown) for reading and writing data.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, any suitable network connections and other ways of establishing a communications link between dosing control unit1203and other devices in system100ofFIG. 1, system300ofFIG. 2, system400ofFIG. 3, and system600ofFIG. 6. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and a central processor unit or computer may be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server. Furthermore, any of various conventional web browsers may be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, dosing control unit1203may include an associated computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling any of previously described systems100,300,400, and600, and implement the exemplary embodiments that are disclosed herein.

Dosing control unit1203may also include various input devices1610. Input devices1610may include keyboards, track balls, readers, mice, joy sticks, buttons, and bill and coin validators.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure any of the features and/or options in one embodiment or example can be combined with any of the features and/or options of another embodiment or example.

The disclosure herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of the disclosure are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or substitution without departing significantly from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the dimensions, number, size and shape of the various components may be altered to fit specific applications. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and the disclosure is not limited except by the following claims and their equivalents.