DOSING DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DOSING SMALL DOSES

Abstract: A dosing device for supplying in samll doses an additive to a liquid foodstuff flowing through a duct (3) comprises an addition unit (6), which has a storage means (7) containing an amount of the additive, and an insertion means (8) connected thereto for supplying in the duct (3) the additive to the foodstuff. At least one of the two means included in the addition unit (6) is an exchange means (7, 8) which is provided with an identity mark (11, 12) and which is only suitable to use when certain predetermined criteria are satisfied. A control means (15) is arranged to collect, based on an identity read with the aid of a reading means (13, 14), information from a database (16) to determine whether an exchange means (7, 8) with a certain identity satisfies the pretermined criteria. A system according to the invention comprises, in addition to such a dosing device (1), a first station for finishing a plurality of exchange means (7, 8) and a central database for storing information about the storage means (7).

Description: DOSING DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DOSING SMALL DOSES. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dosing device and a method according to the preambles to appended claims 1 and 10. The invention also concerns a system for supplying an additive to a liquid product. Background Art WO 97/46308 discloses a device for supplying an additive to a liquid foodstuff, such as milk. The additive is supplied m a small amount, typically m the order of 0.1-1%, from an exchangeable store m the form of a collapsing bag. A device of this type is suited for, inter alia, the adding of enzymes, colorants, flavouring agents, vitamins and bacterial cultures. Both the additive and the liquid foodstuff may have limited keeping qualities, and it is therefore a requirement that only fresh additives be used. It is customary to supply the additive to a liquid foodstuff m batches and m a continuous process, for instance a mixing process. An entire batch of completed foodstuff is prepared m the volume which is formed when adding an entire store of additive. Particularly m connection with additives that are to be added m small amounts, large quantities of the completed foodstuff form, which means that such adding must preferably be carried out m very large plants. The problem is particularly pronounced when the completed foodstuff is a niche product with limited keeping qualities, such as lactose- free milk, since the consumption of the product is low but relatively constant, while the production necessaπ- ly takes place intermittently and, on each occasion, m relatively large volumes. With a device of the type as disclosed m WO 97/46308, a food producer is per se given the possibility of preparing, while using small bags containing the additive, small volumes of a foodstuff with an additive. However, it is desirable to further improve the possibility of preparing small volumes of foodstuffs with additives . The adding of carbon dioxide to milk is in some cases desirable and can be accomplished by means of an insertion device of sintered metal which is inserted in the milk. In such installations, there is a risk that under certain circumstances bacteria begin to grow in the sintered material, for example depending on how long it has been in contact with the milk (with or without the adding of carbon dioxide) and the number of contact occasions, which makes the milk unfit for human consumption. The insertion device must therefore regularly be cleaned carefully and sterilised. It is thus desirable to optimise the use of sintered insertion devices and to reduce the risk that the milk will be unfit for human consumption. When preparing pharmaceutical preparations, the same problems as in foodstuffs arise in connection with the adding of an additive in small doses. Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to improve the above-described prior-art technique and enable safe and flexible adding of an additive to a liquid product, such as a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation. A special object of the invention is to enable production of optional volumes of a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation, which comprise small amounts of an additive while at the same time good foodstuff quality and drug quality are ensured. A special object is to provide improvements when adding a liquid additive, such as additives comprising enzymes, colorants, flavouring agents, vitamins or bac- terial cultures, to liquid foodstuffs such as milk and fruit juices. A further specific object is to provide improvements when adding carbon dioxide to foodstuffs, such as milk. According to the invention, these and other objects that will appear from the following description are now achieved by means of a device and a method which are of the types described by way of introduction and, in addition, have the features defined in the characterising clauses of claims 1 and 10. The objects are also achieved by a system according to claims 14 or 15. Thus, a dosing device according to the invention comprises at least one exchange means, such as a storage means or an insertion means, which is included in an addition unit and which is only suitable to use when certain predetermined criteria are satisfied. A recording means affords the possibility of recording an identity mark on the exchange means, and by means of a database information about a number of exchange means intended for the addition unit is stored. Moreover, there is a control means for determining whether an exchange means with a recorded identity satisfies the predetermined criteria. Such a device has made it possible to automatically check whether an exchange means satisfies predetermined criteria, for instance that a storage means contains an additive which is of the correct type and/or which is fresh. Moreover, when the invention is applied to a device of the type having exchangeable storage means and allowing the exchange of storage means at an optional point of time, it is possible to produce optional volumes of a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation by adding an additive. A storage means can be used several times while at the same time eliminating the risk that an exchange means which does not satisfy the predetermined criteria is used by mistake. The invention allows great improvements when producing liquid foodstuffs with different additives, such as functional food. The recording means may comprise, for instance, a keyset for recording an identity number. In a preferred embodiment, the recording means comprises a reading means for automatic recording of the identity mark. In a preferred embodiment, the control means is adapted to prevent operation of the dosing device if the exchange means does not satisfy the predetermined criteria. As a result, every possibility of using an exchange means that does not satisfy the criteria is excluded. According to another preferred embodiment, the control means is adapted to record operating events and to write these into the database. Thus, the control means is given the possibility of also taking into consideration criteria such as how many times or for how long an exchange means has been used, which can be of great importance, for instance, when the exchange means is an insertion means. Moreover, traceability is obtained so that, for instance, it is possible to derive any quality deficiencies in the finished foodstuff to a special event or an ingredient from a certain source, even if a large number of different products with ingredients from many different sources have been produced in the same dosing device . According to one aspect of the system according to the invention, it comprises at least one production station for completing a plurality of storage means with additives, each storage means having a unique identity mark and a central database for storing information about storage means that have been completed at the production station, said information being connected to the unique identity of each storage means. The system further comprises a dosing device of the type described above for supplying additives from a number of predetermined storage means. The local database of the dosing device stores information originating from the central database and concerning the predetermined storage means . The control means determines whether the additive in the storage means satisfies the predetermined criteria. Such a system enables local production of additives and filling of storage means, and identity marking and recording of various pieces of information connected to the identity of the storage means. Such production can be carried out with different producers in different places and concern different additives. In the central database it is possible to compile information about each indivi- dual storage means. When a number of storage means, which can have different contents and shelf lives, are transported to a dosing device located in a production plant, such as a dairy, it is at the same time possible to transfer data regarding the storage means at issue to the local database, after which automatically controlled dosing can be carried out in the manner described above . According to a second aspect of the system according to the invention, it comprises at least one treatment station for treating a plurality of insertion means each provided with a unique identity mark and adapted to insert additives into the product, and a central database for storing information about insertion means which have been treated at the treatment station, said information being connected to the unique identity of each insertion means. The system further comprises a dosing device of the type described above for supplying an additive to a liquid product through an insertion means. The local database of the dosing device stores information originating from the central database and concerning a plura- lity of insertion means. The control means determines whether an insertion means satisfies predetermined criteria. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to one of the two aspects, a transmission means is connected to the first database and a receiving means is connected to the local database. These means are adapted to transfer information between the databases, such as via a telecommunication set-ups, and may comprise, for instance, telecommunication connections for a stationary telecommunication network of for a mobile telecommunication network or computers communicating with each other. Brief Description of the Drawings For the purpose of exemplification, the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a dosing device. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a special embodiment of the dosing device. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a system for supplying an additive to a liquid foodstuff. Description of Currently Preferred Embodiments Fig. 1 shows a dosing device 1 for supplying in small doses an additive to a liquid foodstuff. The inven- tion will be described below with reference to milk and the supply of an additive thereto, but it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable to other liquid foodstuffs, such as fruit juices, and to different kinds of liquid pharmaceutical preparations. The dosing device 1 comprises a tank 2 for the foodstuff or the main ingredient included therein, i.e. milk without an additive, and a duct 3 which extends from the tank 2 and which, via a mixing chamber 4 which is included in the duct 3 and in which the additive is added and admixed to the milk, leads to a dispensing station 5 for dispensing the finished milk with the additive. The dispensing station 5 may comprise, for instance, a tank and be succeeded by a device for further treatment or a device for pouring finished milk into containers. The dosing device 1 further has an addition unit 6 which in turn comprises a storage means 7 and an insertion means 8. When the additive is a liquid agent, the storage means 7 advantageously comprises a collapsing bag, and when the additive is gaseous, the storage means advantageously comprises a pressurised gas container, such as a carbon dioxide tube. A conduit 9 connects the storage means 7 with the insertion means 8, which in turn extends into the mixing chamber 4 in the duct 3. Along the conduit 9, a flow control means 10 is arranged in the form of a pump or a valve for controlling the supply of additive to the duct 3. The insertion means 8 may, when the additive is a liquid agent, comprise a needle for injecting the additive, and when the additive is gaseous, it may comprise an insertion means with a sintered surface . On the storage means 7 and the insertion means 8 there are shown the respective identity marks 11, 12. In the normal case, only one of the storage means 7 and the insertion means 8 consists of an exchange means which is only suitable to use when certain predetermined criteria have been satisfied. It is usually sufficient if only this exchange means is provided with an identity mark. The identity mark 11, 12 can advantageously comprise an optical mark, such as a bar code. A reading means is arranged to read the identity mark on the exchange means. Fig. 1 shows a reading means 13, 14 adjacent to the respective identity marks 11, 12. The reading means 13, 14 comprise a means which is capable of reading the identity mark and here consists of a bar code reader. The dosing device 1 further has a control means 15 which is connected to the bar code readers 13, 14 and to the flow control means 10. The control means 15 is further connected to a database 16 containing information about a number of exchange means 7, 8 intended for the addition unit, and a flow meter 17 for metering the flow in the duct 3. The database 16 contains information about a number of exchange means 7, 8 each having a unique identity. A number of pieces of information are connected to the identity. When the storage means 7 constitute exchange means, these pieces of information may comprise on the one hand statical information, such as identity numbers, additive in the storage means, dosing factor and expiry date and, on the other hand, dynamic information such as number of operating events, total operating time and remaining volume. In addition to the identity number, primarily dynamic information, such as total operating time and number of operating events, is of interest when the insertion means 8 constitutes an exchange means. In operation of the dosing device 1, the control means 15 controls the flow control means 10 in response to the flow metered by the flow meter 17 for the supply of additive as milk flows through the duct 3. Moreover, the control means 15 has a control function when taking the system in operation. The control means 15 reads with the aid of the reading means 13, 14 the identity of the exchange means 7, 8 and then collects the information associated with the identity from the database 16 to determine whether the exchange means 7, 8 with the read identity satisfies the predetermined criteria. The control means 15 can be arranged, when asked, to state whether the criteria are satisfied, or to automatically indicate if this is not the case. In the preferred embodiment, the control means 15 is arranged to even prevent operation of the dosing device 1 if the criteria are not satisfied. This is achieved by a valve means 19 adjacent to the tank 2 and the flow control means 12 being kept closed. The control means 15 also has functions for recording operating events and writing these into the database 16. They exist on the one hand in the form of a "logbook" of the operation and, on the other hand, in the form of a number of pieces of dynamic information associated with the identity of the respective exchange means. The dosing device 1 further has a receiving means 18 connected to the control means 15 and adapted to receive information concerning a number of exchange units for future use in the dosing device 1, which information is to be written into the database 16. The receiving means 18 here has the form of a receiver for the mobile telecommunication system GSM, which has been found extremely advantageous. However, it is also possible to use other receiving means, such as a common telephone set-up or a reading means for mobile memory units such as discs or CD-ROM. In a special embodiment of the above dosing device 1, the storage means 7 comprises a gas container, preferably containing carbon dioxide. Furthermore the exchange means is formed of an insertion means 8 which is adapted to be at least partially inserted in the duct 3 and has an insertion portion with a sintered surface for distributing the gas when being inserted into the foodstuff, preferably milk. On a portion intended to be located outside the duct 3, the insertion means 8 has an identity mark 12 in the form of a bar code. A bar code reader 14 is arranged adjacent to the bar code 12 in such manner that it is capable of reading the bar code 12 of the insertion means 8 when the insertion means 8 is arranged in place for operation, so that an automatic check on the identity of the insertion means 12 can be conducted. In operation, dynamic information, such as when and for how long a certain insertion means has been used, is then written into the database. In a preferred version of the this embodiment, a cleaning means (not shown) for cleaning and sterilising of the insertion means 8 is arranged and equipped with a reading means which is also connected to the database 16 via the control means 15. As a result, the database is updated with once more accepted insertion means 8 after they have been cleaned and sterilised. The cleaning means can be arranged at a treatment station which can be located in some place other than that of the dosing device and which can communicate with the dosing device via the receiving means, as will be described in more detail below. The embodiment just described enables safe operation while at the same time the insertion means can be used m a flexible and optimal manner. Fig. 2 shows m more detail a special embodiment m which the dosing device 1 is of the type described m WO 97/46308. Parts equivalent to those m Fig. 1 have been given the same reference numerals. The exchange means consists of a container for an additive m the form of a collapsing bag 7. The bag 7 has a bar code 11, and a bar code reader 13 is mounted so as to be able to read, m the operating state, the bar code 11 on the bag 7 when mounted m the dosing device 1. The bag 7 is via a conduit 9 connected to an insertion means 8 m the form of an injection needle. Along the conduit 9, a peristaltic pump 10 is mounted to feed additives. The injection needle 8 extends into a mixing chamber 4 m a duct 3 through which the foodstuff flows during operation. A control means 15 is connected to the bar code reader 13 and the pump 10 as well as to a database 16, a receiving means 18 and a flow meter 17 which is arranged to meter the flow rate m the duct 3. The various parts correspond to those illustrated m Fig. 1 and operate correspondingly . The dosing device 1 has m a manner known per se a connecting device which enables connection and disconnec- tion of an addition unit comprising the bag 7, the conduit 9 and the injection needle 8 with maintained sterility. A partially emptied bag can therefore be removed from the dosing device 1 and be stored m this state to be used once more m the dosing device 1 on a later occa- sion. Since the bag 7 is of a collapsing type, i.e. has flexible walls which give the bag a volume that changes with the position of the walls, good aseptic conditions also m partially emptied bags are maintained. Thus, it is possible to add an arbitrary amount of additive, in a predetermined dosing portion, to a corresponding amount of foodstuff. As a result, it is possible, for instance, m a dairy to make m the same dosing device 1 an arbitrary volume of milk with a first additive and then change to a second additive and make an arbitrary volume of milk with the second additive. The bar code reader 13 then reads the bar code 11 on the respective bags 7, the control means 15 on the one hand checking if the bag 7 at issue satisfies the predetermined criteria and, for instance, has a sufficiently long shelf-life and, on the other hand, setting a dosing factor which is specific for the additive m the bag 7. When interrupting the opera- tion, for instance, when removing the bag 7, the control means 15 writes dynamic information about, for instance, the time of use of the bag 7, into the database 16 associated with the identity of the bag 7 while at the same time all operating events are written into the database. Fig. 3 shows a system for supplying an additive to a liquid foodstuff. The Figure shows two finishing stations m the form of production stations 31, 32 for finishing a plurality of storage means with additives and a unique identity mark each. The production stations may consist of, for instance, production plants for different kinds of additives, m which the additive is packed m storage means and provided with an identity mark m the form of a bar code. The bar code can also be arranged m advance on the storage means. At each of the production stations there is a reading means 33 for reading identity marks on the storage means. There also a number of pieces of relevant information concerning the contents of each storage means are connected to the identity of the storage means. Such information may be, for instance, date of shelf -life, date of packing, additive and information concerning at which concentrations the additives are to be admixed. At the production stations 31, 32, information is compiled to be transferred to a central database 37 m connection with the transporting of the storage means from the production stations to a production plant, having one or more dosing devices, optionally via an intermediate storage. The compilation can be made, for instance, in a local database connected to a computer, such as a PC. From the first production station 31 the mforma- tion is stored on a memory unit, such as disc, which can accompany a delivery of storage means. At the second production station 32 there is a transmission means 34 for transmitting a message containing information about a number of storage means to the central database 37. The transmission means 34 here comprises a modem for transmission via the stationary telecommunication network. A central plant 36, which is indicated by dashed lines and which preferably is located m a different place, comprises the central database 37, a data processing unit the form of a computer 38, a local production station 39 for finishing storage means, which corresponds to the stations 31 and 32 and has a reading means 40, as well as a receiving and transmitting unit 41 for receiv- mg and transmitting signals containing information about finished storage means. Information from the production stations 31, 32 and 39 is stored the central database 37. The information m the central database 37 is connected to the respective storage means and comprises information about the contents as indicated above. The information may also comprise information about the type of storage means, such as type of bag and volume. Moreover, the central database 37 advantageously comprises information about delivery date and a number of pieces of information regarding both producers and buyers of storage means . The central plant 36 advantageously comprises a central storage for storage means or a central unit for handling storage means or controlling the delivery thereof. Information from the production stations 31, 32 and 39 is received by the computer 38, either directly, such as from the station 39, via a disc, such as from the station 31 or via a telecommunication network and modem, such as from the station 32, and is compiled in the cen- tral database 37. In connection with the delivery of a number of storage means to a production plant 42, with one or more dosing devices, such as a dairy, selected parts of the information from the central database are transmitted to a local database 43 in the production plant 42. This transmission of information can be carried out in one of several ways, such as those described above. According to a preferred method, this is carried out via a mobile telecommunication network by the computer 38 calling up, via the modem 41, the production plant 42 at issue or calling directly a dosing device included therein, and transmitting the selected parts of information from the database 37. The production plant 42 preferably has dosing devices of the type that has been described with reference to Figs 1 and 2. The system according to Fig. 3 corresponds to a system in which insertion means, of the type described above, are treated at finishing stations in the form of treatment stations for cleaning and sterilisation after being used until the predetermined criteria are no longer satisfied. When the insertion means do not satisfy the criteria any longer and are not permissible for use according to the local database, they are transported to a treatment station. When an insertion means has then been treated and again satisfies the criteria, this is once more recorded in the central database, from which a local database is updated in connection with the delivery of the insertion means to a dosing device once more. In such a system, the stations 31, 32 and 39 correspond to treatment stations for treatment of insertion means instead of production stations for storage means; otherwise the components included are the same. A plurality of modifications of the embodiments described above are feasible within the scope of protection defined the claims. Thus, the identity mark of the storage means can be of a type other than an optical mark. Examples of other readable marks are magnetic marks, inductive marks, surface structures for mechanical reading. The function and design of the reading means are, of course, adapted to the type of mark used. It goes without saying that a plurality of dosing devices m a production plant can share such means as control means, local database and receiving means.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A dosing device for supplying small doses an additive to a liquid product, such as a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation, comprising a duct (3) for letting the product pass, an addition unit (6) comprising a storage means (7) which contains an amount of the additive, and, connected thereto, an insertion means (8) for supplying the duct the additive to the product, c h a r a c t e r i s e d that at least one of the two means (7, 8) included m the addition unit (6) is an exchange means which is provided with an identity mark (11, 12) and is only suit- able to use when certain predetermined criteria are satisfied, and that the device (1) further comprises: a recording means (13, 14) for recording the identity mark (11, 12) of the exchange means (7, 8) , a database (16) containing information about a number of exchange means (7, 8) intended for the addition unit (6) , and a control means (15) which is adapted to collect, based on an identity recorded with the aid of the record- mg means (11, 12), information from the database (16) to determine whether the exchange means (7, 8) with the recorded identity satisfies the predetermined criteria. 2. A dosing device as claimed m claim 1, wherein tne control means (15) is adapted to indicate if an exchange means (7, 8) does not satisfy the criteria. 3. A dosing device as claimed claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means (15) is adapted to prevent operation of the dosing device (1) if the exchange means (7, 8) does not satisfy the criteria. 4. A dosing device as claimed any one of claims 1-3, wherein the control means (15) is adapted to record operating events and write these into the database (16) . 5. A dosing device as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recording means comprises a reading means (13, 14) adapted to read the identity mark. 6. A dosing device as claimed m any one of the pre- ceding claims, comprising a receiving means (18) for receiving information about a number of exchange means (7, 8) , to be written into the database (16) . 7. A dosing device as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the database (16) comprises for- mation about an identity which is unique for an exchange means (7, 8) , and a number of pieces of information associated with the identity 8. A dosing device as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchange means comprises a container (7) for an additive. 9. A dosing device as claimed any one of claims 1-7, wherein the exchange means comprises an insertion means (8) . 10. A method of supplying m small doses an additive to a liquid product, such as a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation, said method comprising the steps of letting the product flow through a duct (3) , supplying the additive to the product m the duct through an addition unit (6) comprising a storage means (7) which contains an amount of the additive, and an insertion means (8) connected thereto and adapted to insert the additive into the duct (3), c h a r a c t e r i s e d that at least one of the two means (7, 8) included m the addition unit (6) is an exchange means, which is only suitable to use when certain predetermined criteria are satisfied, the supply being preceded by the steps of : reading an identity mark (11, 12) on the exchange means (7 , 8) , and based on a read identity, collecting information from a database (16) to determine whether the exchange means (7, 8) with the read identity satisfies the predetermined criteria. 11. A method as claimed claim 10, further comprising the step of recording, m operation, operating events and writing these into the database (16) . 12. A method as claimed claim 10 or 11, wherein the step of reading an identity mark is preceded by the step of receiving information about the exchange means (7, 8) to be written into the database (16) . 13. A method as claimed claim 12, wherein the exchange means (7) m a preceding step is finished with an identity mark (11) and an additive at a finishing station (31, 32, 39), whereupon information is transmitted from the finishing station (31, 32, 39) and is received by the dosing device (1) . 14. A system for supplying an additive to a liquid product, such as a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation, comprising at least one production station (31, 32, 39) for finishing a number of storage means (7) with an additive and a unique identity mark (11) each, a central database (37) for storing of information about storage means (7) which have been finished at the production station (31, 32, 39), said information being connected to the unique identity of each storage means (7) , a dosing device (42) for supplying an additive from a number of predetermined storage means (7) to a liquid product, said dosing device (42) comprising a local database (16) for storing of information about the predetermined storage means, said information originating from the central database (37) , and a control means (15) for determining, based on the identity of a storage means (7), whether the additive therein satisfies predetermined criteria. 15. A system for supplying an additive to a liquid product, such as a foodstuff or a pharmaceutical preparation, comprising at least one treatment station for treating a plura- lity of insertion means (8) each provided with a unique identity mark (12) and each adapted to insert the additive into the product, a central database (37) for storing of information about storage means (8) which have been treated at the treatment station, said information being connected to the unique identity of each insertion means (8) , a dosing device (42) for supplying an additive to a liquid product via an insertion means (8) , said dosing device (42) comprising a local database (16) for storing of information about a plurality of insertion means (8), said information originating from the central database (37) , and a control means (15) for determining, based on the identity of an insertion means (8) , whether the insertion means (8) satisfies predetermined criteria. 16. A system as claimed claim 14 or 15, wherein a transmission means is connected to the central database (37) and a receiving means is connected to the local database (16) for transmitting information from the cen- tral database to the local database.

Inventors: ROSENBAECK LUDVIG, SJOEHOLM JOHAN, ROSENBAECK, LUDVIG, SJOEHOLM, JOHAN
Applicants: AROM PAK AB, ROSENBAECK LUDVIG, SJOEHOLM JOHAN, ROSENBAECK, LUDVIG, SJOEHOLM, JOHAN
Application year: 1999
Main classification: B65C9
IPC codes: B01F5, B01F15, B01L3, G05D11