Patent Description:
Food products, like meat or fish, often need to be coated with a batter before further processing or freezing the food product. A batter can be any fluid and/or paste-like substance intended to coat the food product wholly or partially. Batters may, for example, comprise milk, water, oil, or any other suitable carrier liquid, optionally combined with flour, herbs, fragrances or the like. Before applying the batter to the food product, the batter is produced by mixing a fresh liquid, for example water, with a pulverulent material, for example breadcrumbs.

<CIT> discloses a batter production device wherein the flowable component of the starting material for preparing protein coating is fed to the mixing vessel in dosed fashion via a feed line in which a flowmeter and a control valve are incorporated. The outlet of the mixing vessel is also connected to a circulation line. This circulation line is used to enable the viscosity of the batter in the mixing vessel to be measured continuously or intermittently. This circulation line is not connected to the liquid supply system for supplying fresh liquid.

<CIT> describes a coating apparatus for coating a food product with a batter. The coating apparatus has a batter container for receiving the batter. The batter is pumped from the batter container to a batter application means that coats the food product with the batter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved batter production device and a method for producing a batter for coating a food product by mixing a fresh liquid and a pulverulent material to form a batter.

Accordingly, a batter production device according to claim <NUM> is provided, i.e. a batter production device for producing a batter by mixing a fresh liquid and a pulverulent material to form a batter for coating a food product, comprising:.

Since a main tube and an auxiliary tube are provided, it is possible to initially fill the container quickly by means of the main tube or both the main tube and the auxiliary tube together.

When the container is filled almost with the predetermined amount of fresh liquid, the main tube is closed by the main valve and only the auxiliary tube is left open to end-fill the container only via the auxiliary tube. By using the auxiliary tube having a relatively small discharge cross-section for a relatively small volumetric flow rate and/or the auxiliary valve having a smaller discharge cross-section than the main valve, it is possible to fill the container to the predetermined amount of fresh liquid with a high accuracy.

As a consequence, the batter production device produces batches of batter having a reproducible composition.

The term "food product" comprises a large range of different products. In particular it is intended to comprise at least products intended for human or animal consumption, such as protein-based products of any origin and structure, such as e.g., minced, sliced, formed and/or whole muscle or organ products from e.g., poultry, fish, vegetable and/or other meat protein sources.

The term "batter" in this context can mean any fluid and/or paste-like substance intended to coat the food product wholly or partially, e.g., to enable adhering a subsequent dry-coating to a surface of the food product and/or to develop as a baked crust in a heat treatment. Batters may, for example, comprise milk, water, oil or any other suitable carrier liquids, optionally combined with e.g., flour, herbs, fragrances and the like. Examples of batter include general-purpose batter, tempura batter and marinades. The batter can be a mixture of a pulverulent material, like breadcrumbs or flour, with a liquid material, like water. The batter may further comprise a temperature-activated agent such as baking powder or the like to have a tempura-style batter.

A "fresh liquid" in this case is a fluid like water, oil, beer, egg products or the like. Preferably, the liquid is water. The liquid can be a composition of several fluids, like for example a suspension of oil and water. The term 'fresh liquid' is used as opposed to recycled batter fluid. A "pulverulent material" in this context means a powder-like material like flour, breadcrumbs, or the like. The pulverulent material can be named powder or particles.

The batter production device is designed to mix the fresh liquid and the pulverulent material to form the batter. The batter is formed by mixing the liquid and the pulverulent material inside the container. The container can be barrel-shaped or the like.

The agitator is installed in or on the container and immersed into the container for mixing the liquid and the pulverulent material to form the batter. In embodiments, a drive element is provided to turn the agitator around an axis of rotation to mix the fresh liquid and the pulverulent material. In embodiments, the agitator is connected to the control system. The mixing of the batter can be performed automatically.

The liquid supply system is designed to supply the fresh liquid to the container. It has an upstream supply tube for the supply of fresh liquid. "Upstream" in this context means when seen along a flow direction of the liquid through the liquid supply system. This means that the supply tube is arranged prior to the main and auxiliary tube.

Downstream of the supply tube, the liquid supply system has at least a main tube and an auxiliary tube discharging into the container. The liquid supply system can have more than these two tubes discharging into the container. It is conceivable that a tube has a bent or curved geometry. The main tube and the auxiliary tube preferably discharge directly into the container. It is conceivable that a funnel is provided via which the liquid is discharged. In embodiments, the main tube and the auxiliary tube discharge into the container at remote locations. It is also conceivable that the main tube and the auxiliary tube are provided in each others vicinity, or even connected to each other.

In embodiments, the upstream supply tube splits into the downstream main tube and auxiliary tube. Accordingly, either the main tube or the auxiliary tube can be bypassed. For example, the main tube and auxiliary tube are provided in parallel to each other, and possibly also parallel to the supply tube.

Alternatively, the supply tube, the auxiliary tube and main tube are positioned in series. The auxiliary tube is provided at a downstream end of the supply tube, and the main tube further downstream. When the auxiliary valve is closed, fluid can only exit the supply tube via the main tube, and when the main valve is closed, fluid can only exit the supply tube via the auxiliary tube. This configuration also allows either the main tube or the auxiliary tube to be bypassed.

In embodiments, the liquid supply system is arranged such that the flow meter is arranged below the main and auxiliary valves when seen along the direction of gravity. In other words, there always lasts hydrostatic pressure on the liquid in the flow meter. This increases the accuracy of flow meter measurements. No air bubbles can be trapped in the flow meter.

In embodiments, the liquid supply system further comprises a main flow meter in the main tube and/ or the supply tube and an auxiliary flow meter in the auxiliary tube.

The main tube has a first outlet and associated main valve for receiving fresh liquid from the supply tube and discharging into the container. The auxiliary tube has a second outlet and associated auxiliary valve, and also receives fresh liquid from the supply tube and discharges into the container. The auxiliary tube has a smaller cross-section than the main tube and/or wherein the auxiliary valve has a smaller discharge cross-section than the main valve, so that - in use - fresh liquid is discharged from the first outlet at a first volumetric flow rate and from the second outlet at a second volumetric flow rate which is smaller than the first volumetric flow rate.

The "volumetric flow rate", also referred to as "volume flow rate", "rate of fluid flow" or "volume velocity" in this context has to be understood as a volume of a fluid, namely the fresh liquid, which passes per unit time through a tube and its associated valve when open. The volumetric flow rate is depending on a cross-sectional area of the tube and valve. The bigger the cross-sectional area is, the bigger the volumetric flow rate is. Since the main tube and valve have a relatively large cross-section compared to the cross-section of the auxiliary tube and valve, more liquid can pass through the main tube and valve as it does in the same time unit through the auxiliary tube and valve.

The main tube and the auxiliary tube can both have a circular cross-section. However, the geometry of the cross-section can be shaped in any way. The relatively large cross section of the main tube enables it to fill the container very fast via the main tube. In other words, the container is pre-filled only via the main tube or via the main tube as well as the auxiliary tube. When the predetermined amount of liquid is almost reached, the main tube is closed and only the auxiliary tube is left open so that the container is end-filled only via the auxiliary tube. This enables an exact dosing of the liquid.

"Pre-filled" or "initially filled" in this context means a quick filling of the container. As soon as the predetermined amount of fresh liquid is almost reached, the main tube is closed. Thus, the container is then topped up to the predetermined amount of fresh liquid solely via the auxiliary tube. "End-filled" in this context means that the container is filled slowly until the predetermined amount of liquid is reached.

End-filling with a relatively small volumetric flow rate increases the accuracy of the amount of fresh liquid discharged into the container. In order to fill the container with the predetermined amount of fresh liquid, the predetermined amount is inputted into the control system. According to the invention, the control system is in connection with the flow meter and is operable to close the main valve when the flow meter indicates that almost the predetermined amount of liquid has past the flow meter, e.g. <NUM>%-<NUM>% of the predetermined amount. The control system is operable to close the auxiliary valve when the flow meter indicates that <NUM>% of the predetermined amount of fresh liquid has past the flow meter. By operating the auxiliary valve at the end, associated with a relatively small flow rate, the accuracy of the amount of liquid that is discharged is improved in comparison to the control system only operating the main valve, associated with a relatively large flow rate. Hence, the composition of the produced batter is more accurate and therefor batches of batter are better reproducible.

The predetermined amount of fresh liquid can be provided by the control system for a particular batch of batter that has to be produced. For example, the predetermined amount of liquid is taken from a database further comprising a corresponding predetermined dosage of pulverulent material to obtain a particular batch of batter for a following coating process of the food product. It is also conceivable that the predetermined amount of liquid is manually inputted on any human-machine interface of the control system. The database may contain desired ratios between liquid and pulverulent, in addition to or instead of discrete amounts of liquid and pulverulent.

The fresh liquid is conveyed to the container via the liquid supply system. In embodiments, the control system also determines or calculates the dosage of pulverulent material needed for the batch that is to be produced. In embodiments, a pulverulent supply device is provided to supply this predetermined dosage of pulverulent material.

In alternative embodiments, prior to supplying the pulverulent material to the container, the dosage of pulverulent material that is to be supplied to the container is measured, followed by on the basis hereof determining the predetermined amount of fresh liquid. It is both possible to first fill the container with pulverulent material and then liquid, or first with fresh liquid and then with pulverulent material.

In embodiments, it has been found that the accuracy of the input of the flow meter to the control system is improved by calibration. To this end, in embodiments level sensors and a pulse counter are provided. An amount of liquid is supplied to the container and the pulses of the flow meter generated by this supply flow are counted. In the container, one or more level sensors are provided to accurately determine the amount of liquid that is supplied, advantageously the predetermined amount of fresh liquid required for the batch of batter that is to be produced. The amount of pulses corresponding to this accurately determined amount of water can be used as input for the control system. The control system in connection with the flow meter is now inputted with a number of pulses, which has proven to be more accurate than the volumetric output of the flow meter.

Advantageously, the main and auxiliary valve can be brought into an arbitrary number of intermediate states between the open state and the closed state. This means that a valve can be opened and closed stepless. Accordingly, a valve can partly reduce the cross-section to reduce the volumetric flow rate passing the tube and associated valve.

In embodiments, the control system communicates with one or more of sensors of the batter production device, e.g. level sensors. Advantageously, the control system is also designed to control liquid pumps, electric motors, or the like of the batter production device.

In embodiments, the liquid supply system further comprises a main liquid pump in the main tube and/ or the supply tube and an auxiliary liquid pump in the auxiliary tube.

The batter production device is advantageously part of a batter production system, together with a pulverulent supply device for supplying the dosage of pulverulent.

In embodiments, the control system is in connection with the pulverulent supply device and the dosage of pulverulent material is inputted into the control system, which control system is operable to fill the container with the dosage of pulverulent material.

In embodiments, the pulverulent supply device comprising a storage for storing a batch of pulverulent material and a conveyor for conveying the batch of pulverulent material to the container. Optionally a weigher is provided for detecting a weight of the batch of pulverulent material.

Advantageously, the weigher is connected to the control system and the control system is operable to fill the storage with the dosage of pulverulent material.

"Batch" in this context means a certain amount of batter. One batch e.g. includes <NUM> - <NUM> liters. Advantageously, the storage is designed to receive a dosage of pulverulent material to produce one batch of batter for a following coating process of the food product.

The conveyor can be any suitable transport conveyor such as a screw or belt conveyor. The conveyor can be arranged horizontally. Thus, the conveyor can be named horizontal conveyor.

The weigher enables to exactly fill the batch storage with the needed dosage of pulverulent material. The accuracy of the composition of the batter, and thus the reproducibility of batches of batter is increased with the accuracy of the dosage of pulverulent. Hence, an accurate weigher such as including load cells is preferred. The number of load cells is arbitrary. In embodiments, there is provided more than one load cell, e.g. there are provided three load cells, e.g. arranged in a triangular way. In embodiments, load cells are provided below the storage, wherein the weight of the storage and the pulverulent material included in the storage rests on the load cells.

The accuracy of the dosage of pulverulent is further improved when the entire dosage of pulverulent as weighed by the weigher is supplied to the container. To this end, any sticking including static cling to the storage or conveyor is to be prevented. In embodiments, the inner walls of the storage are smooth, advantageously polished, e.g. by electropolishing, or coated with a non-sticking coating.

It is also conceivable that the conveyor has been treated such as polished or coated to prevent any pulverulent material to be left behind.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a batter for coating a food product by means of a batter production device according to the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps:.

Advantageously, the control system controls all steps a1) to c) to be carried out automatically.

The dosage of pulverulent material and the amount of fresh liquid is calculated based on the needed batch of batter. During step a1), the liquid is supplied by both tubes. During step a2), the liquid is exclusively supplied by the auxiliary tube, to end-fill the container until the predetermined amount of liquid in the container is reached. In embodiments, the main valve in the main tube and the auxiliary valve in the auxiliary tube are both in the open state in step a1, during the supply of fresh liquid to the container via the main tube and the auxiliary tube to pre-fill the container. In alternative embodiments only the main valve is open and the auxiliary valve is closed. In step a2) the main valve is closed such that fresh liquid is supplied to the container only via the auxiliary tube to end-fill the container.

In other words, both valves are open in the initial state of filling the container very quickly with a big amount of liquid. After pre-filling the container, the main valve is closed, and only the auxiliary valve with the lower volumetric flow rate is kept open. This allows an exact dosing of the liquid to the container. The initial filling can also be done solely by means of the main valve and the main tube.

The order of adding the fresh liquid and the pulverulent material may be reversed, i.e. first steps a1) and a2) and then b) or alternatively first step b) and then steps a1) and a2). Step c), mixing the fresh liquid with the pulverulent material, can be performed after the completion of steps a2) and b), or during steps a1), a2) and b).

In embodiments, prior to supplying the dosage of pulverulent material to the container, the dosage of pulverulent material is determined, followed by on the basis hereof determining the predetermined amount of liquid.

In an alternative embodiment, the pulverulent material is supplied depending on the amount of liquid that has been supplied to the container.

Further aspects of the invention as described below further attribute to the accuracy of the composition of batter, and thus to the reproducibility of batches of batter. Distinct measures are presented, preventing unintended splashes of liquid, dust or particles of pulverulent material and/ or batter spattering into the conveyor or outside the container.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a batter production system comprising a batter production device and a pulverulent supply device, the batter production device comprising:.

Advantageously, the splatter screen is a three-dimensional wire grate having a height, the wire grate having a zigzag profile in the height direction.

In a method for producing a batter for coating a food product by means of a batter production system as described above, the method comprising the following steps:.

Advantageously, these steps are followed by:.

In yet a further aspect, the invention relates to a batter production system comprising a batter production device and a pulverulent supply device, the batter production device comprising:.

In embodiments, the conveyor is a horizontal screw conveyor having an auger provided in a tubular housing and two auger bearings at opposed ends of the auger, and wherein the outlet opening of the conveyor is provided at a bottom end portion of the tubular housing.

In embodiments, the flap cover is provided downstream of the front auger bearing, i.e. surrounding the front auger bearing. In alternative embodiments, the flap cover is provided upstream of the front auger bearing.

In embodiments, between the flap cover in the closed vertical position and the outlet opening a slit is provided, allowing the passage of residual amounts of pulverulent material.

In a method for producing a batter for coating a food product by means of a batter production system as described above, the method comprises the following steps:.

In embodiments, the pulverulent supply device further comprises a flap cover provided at the outlet opening of the conveyor, which is hingedly mounted between an open position wherein the flap cover allows the passage of pulverulent material, and a closed vertical position wherein the flap cover covers the outlet opening, and wherein movement of the flap cover to the open position is actuated by the pulverulent material supplied by the auger, and movement to the closed position is actuated by gravity and the lack of supply of pulverulent material.

In embodiments, the flap cover is mounted to the dust hood and removable together with the dust hood.

Advantageously, the method is followed by.

Advantageously, the method is followed by:.

The invention is further explained in the drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a batter production system <NUM> for producing a batter. The batter is used to coat a food product. <FIG> and <FIG> show side views of the batter production system <NUM>. In the following, <FIG> will be referred to at the same time.

The term "batter" in this context can mean any fluid and/or paste like substance intended to coat the food product wholly or partially, e.g., to enable adhering a subsequent dry coating to the surface of the food product and/or to develop as a baked crust in a heat treatment. Batters may for example comprise milk, water, oil or any other suitable carrier fluid, optionally combined with e.g., flour, herbs, fragrances and the like. Examples of batter include general purpose batter, tempura batter and marinades. The batter can be a mixture of a pulverulent material P (see <FIG>), like breadcrumbs, with a liquid material, like water.

The batter production system <NUM> is described with reference to a coordinate system comprising a length direction or x-direction x, a height direction or y-direction y and a width direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, z are arranged perpendicular to each other.

After coating the food product, it can be fried, frozen or processed further in any arbitrary way. The batter production system <NUM> is designed to mix the batter from raw substances, like example breadcrumbs and water.

The batter production system <NUM> comprises a batter production device <NUM> as well as a pulverulent supply device <NUM> which has a frame that rests on rollers <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is made of tubes, in particular steel tubes or aluminum tubes. The number of rollers <NUM> is arbitrary. There can be provided six rollers <NUM>. By means of the rollers <NUM>, the pulverulent supply device <NUM> can be moved to its designated installation space.

The pulverulent supply device <NUM> comprising a lower container <NUM> that is supported by means of the frame. The lower container <NUM> can be named first container, first bunker, lower bunker, lower storage or first storage. The terms "lower container", "first container", "first bunker", "lower bunker", "lower storage" or "first storage" can be interchanged arbitrarily. The lower container <NUM> has a V-shaped geometry and opens towards a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can be a plastic or metal mesh.

The pulverulent material P (<FIG>) can pass through the cover <NUM> into the lower container <NUM>. The pulverulent material P can comprise particles. The pulverulent material P can comprise flour, breadcrumbs, or spices. The pulverulent material P can be provided in bags or the like. The bag is then opened and the pulverulent material P is fed to the lower container <NUM>.

A drive element <NUM> drives a lower or first conveyor <NUM> that is arranged at a lowest part or point of the lower container <NUM>. The first conveyor <NUM> is designed to pump the pulverulent material P. The first conveyor <NUM> can comprise a conveyor screw (not shown) that runs along the x-direction x along a whole length of the lower container <NUM>. The first conveyor <NUM> can be named first horizontal conveyor.

A vertical or second conveyor <NUM> is designed to be supplied with the pulverulent material P from the lower container <NUM> by means of the first conveyor <NUM>. The second conveyor <NUM> can be named vertical conveyor or second screw conveyor. The second conveyor <NUM> has a drive element <NUM> that drives a conveyor screw. The drive element <NUM> is an electric motor. The first conveyor <NUM> pumps the pulverulent material P sidewards against the x-direction x. The second conveyor <NUM> moves the pulverulent material P along the y-direction y. This conveyor may alternatively be mounted at an angle.

The second conveyor <NUM> takes the pulverulent material P from the first conveyor <NUM> and conveys it upwards along the y-direction y. The second conveyor <NUM> is fixed to a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is fixed to the frame. The second conveyor <NUM> pumps the pulverulent material P against a direction of gravity g. In this case the direction of gravity g and the y-direction y are arranged parallel toward each other.

A batch storage <NUM> of the pulverulent supply device <NUM> comprises an upper container <NUM> that is square-shaped or box-shaped. The upper container <NUM> can be named second container, second bunker, upper bunker, upper storage or second storage. The terms "upper container", "second container", "upper bunker", "second bunker", "upper storage" or "second storage" can be interchanged arbitrarily. The upper container <NUM> is filled with pulverulent material P from the lower container <NUM>.

The upper container <NUM> can be closed by means of a lid or cover <NUM>. The second conveyor <NUM> is fluidly connected to the batch storage <NUM> by means of a supply tube <NUM> that is guided through the cover <NUM>. The supply tube <NUM> can be flexible so that the batch storage <NUM> is not tethered to the frame <NUM> when the upper container <NUM> or the frame <NUM> moves. The batch storage <NUM> is thus vibrationally uncoupled from the supply tube <NUM> and cover <NUM>.

The batch storage <NUM> has its own frame <NUM> that is departed into two frame sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be named second frame. A lower or first frame section <NUM> rests on the ground. For this reason, the first frame section <NUM> can have feet <NUM> that rest on the ground. The feet <NUM> are adjustable. There can be provided three feet <NUM>. An upper or second frame section <NUM> is fixedly attached to the batch storage <NUM>. For example, the second frame section <NUM> can be welded, soldered, glued, or bolted to the upper container <NUM>. Both frame sections <NUM>, <NUM> are frameworks with a triangular cross-section.

As can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, the first frame section <NUM> and the second frame section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> are only coupled to each other by means of three load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. There can be provided exactly three load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, there can be provided more than three or less than three load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. There can be provided a first load cell <NUM>, a second load cell <NUM> and a third load cell <NUM>.

The first frame section <NUM> has three main posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. There can be provided a first main post <NUM>, a second main post <NUM> and a third main post <NUM>. Each main post <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> supports one load cell <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are directly attached to ends of the main posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are glued or bolted to the main posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The second frame section <NUM> has three main posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>), too. There can be provided a first main post <NUM>, a second main post <NUM> and a third main post <NUM>. A triangular load cell plate <NUM> is fixed to ends of the main posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The load cell plate <NUM> rests on the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. All load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together form a weigher <NUM> for detecting a weight of the batch of pulverulent.

The batch storage <NUM> comprises a pulverulent control system <NUM>. The pulverulent control system <NUM> is connected to the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The pulverulent control system <NUM> can comprise a computer. The pulverulent control system <NUM> is designed to operate the batch storage <NUM>, the lower container <NUM> with the first conveyor <NUM> and/or conveyor <NUM>. The load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> carry the load of the batch storage <NUM> filled with the pulverulent material P. The load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can also carry the pulverulent control system <NUM>.

A reduce of the pulverulent material P in the batch storage <NUM> can be monitored by means of the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or the weigher <NUM>. Thus, the weigher <NUM> can be used to detect the mass or the dosage of pulverulent material P leaving the batch storage <NUM> or being discharged into the batch storage <NUM> via the supply tube <NUM>.

The pulverulent supply device <NUM> has a horizontal or third conveyor <NUM> that is connected to the upper container <NUM>, in particular to the second frame section <NUM>. The third conveyor <NUM> can be named third horizontal pulverulent material conveyor. The third conveyor <NUM> is designed to convey the pulverulent material P from the batch storage <NUM> to the batter production device <NUM>. The third conveyor <NUM> comprises a drive element (not shown), in particular an electric motor. The third conveyor <NUM> can comprise a conveyor screw. The weight of the third conveyor <NUM> can rest at least partly on the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, this is not necessary.

Now turning back to the batter production device <NUM> that is shown in a schematic perspective view in <FIG> and in a cross-sectional view in <FIG>. The batter production device <NUM> has a frame <NUM> with a plurality of rollers <NUM>. There can be provided four rollers <NUM>. However, there can be provided more than four or less than four rollers <NUM>.

A container <NUM> of the batter production device <NUM> takes in a liquid F and the pulverulent material P to mix batter B. The liquid F can be water, oil, beer, a mixture of the aforesaid or the like. The container <NUM> can be named third container, lower container or second lower container. The container <NUM> can be covered by means of a hinged cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> protects the container <NUM> from unwanted substances entering the batter B and a user when mixing the batter B.

The batter production device <NUM> comprises a drive element <NUM>, in particular an electric motor, and an agitator <NUM> that is driven by the drive element <NUM> to mix the batter B. The agitator <NUM> rotates in a direction of rotation R. The direction of rotation R can be clockwise, counterclockwise, or both intermittingly. The agitator <NUM> comprises a stem or shaft <NUM> that is driven by means of the drive element <NUM>, a plurality of first agitation elements <NUM>, and a plurality of second agitation elements <NUM>.

The first agitation elements <NUM> can have the form of blades. The second agitation elements <NUM> can have the form of knifes. The second agitation elements <NUM> are arranged close to a bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The first agitation elements <NUM> can be arranged around a middle of the container <NUM>. When seen along the direction of gravity g, the first agitation elements <NUM> are arranged on top of the second agitation elements <NUM>.

Furthermore, the batter production device <NUM> comprises a batter recirculation pump <NUM> which is connected to an outlet <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The batter recirculation pump <NUM> pumps the batter B from the bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> via a recirculation hose <NUM> back into the container <NUM>. The recirculation hose <NUM> has a sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is configured to measure a pressure drop of the batter B when pumped through hose <NUM>. This measurement may be used as an indication for the viscosity of the batter B.

Optionally, the batter production device <NUM> has a drain pump <NUM> that is connected to an outlet <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The batter drain pump <NUM> pumps batter B out of the container <NUM> via a drain hose <NUM>. For example, the batter B can be pumped to a battering station (not shown). In the battering station, the food product is covered with the batter B.

An optional sensor <NUM> is provided for detecting a filling state of the container <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> provides a signal when the container <NUM> is filled with the batter B up to a level <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be an optic sensor or any other suitable sensor. The level <NUM> can be chosen as wanted to produce the desired amount of batter B. In other words, the level <NUM> is flexible and can thus be determined by the user or a mixing program of the batter production device <NUM>. "Determined" in this context thus means that the level <NUM> can be manually chosen or determined by the batter production device <NUM> itself.

The optical sensor <NUM> can be used for calibration, in combination with a pulse counter. An amount of liquid is supplied to the container <NUM> and the pulses of the flow meter generated by this supply flow are counted. In the container <NUM>, sensor <NUM> accurately determines the amount of liquid that is supplied, advantageously the predetermined amount of fresh liquid required for the batch of batter that is to be produced. The amount of pulses corresponding to this accurately determined amount of water can be used as input for the control system. The control system in connection with the flow meter is now inputted with a number of pulses, which has proven to be more accurate than the volumetric output of the flow meter.

A liquid supply system <NUM>, in particular a water supply system, is provided that takes a certain amount of liquid F, in particular fresh water, into the container <NUM>. The liquid supply system <NUM> has a supply tube <NUM>.

The liquid supply system <NUM> also comprises a flow meter <NUM> for metering the liquid F passing the liquid supply tube <NUM>. The flow meter <NUM> can be a water meter. The liquid supply system <NUM> has two outlets that will be explained in detail later and that enable an exact dosing of the liquid F. However, in <FIG>, only one outlet that discharges into the container <NUM> can be seen. The liquid supply system <NUM> will be explained in more detail later.

Two more sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are provided at or in the container <NUM>. These sensors <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise temperature sensors, pH sensors or the like.

The batter production device <NUM> further comprises a control system <NUM>. The shown control system <NUM> is designed to communicate with the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the batter pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, the flow meter <NUM>, the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, the drive element <NUM> and/or a plurality of other components and sensors. The control system <NUM> is designed to activate the batter pumps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the valves if needed. The control system <NUM> also communicates with the pulverulent control system <NUM> and/or interacts with the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or the weigher <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> can comprise a computer or is a computer. The control system <NUM> has a data storage that comprises a plurality of mixing receipt or procedures, so that the batter production device <NUM> can be operated highly autonomous. The control system <NUM> has a touch screen <NUM>. An indicator light <NUM> indicates a malfunction, lack of liquid F or pulverulent material P or the like. The indicator light <NUM> is connected to the control system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of the liquid supply system <NUM> as mentioned before. <FIG> shows a schematic side view of the liquid supply system <NUM>. In the following, <FIG> and <FIG> will referred to at the same time.

The liquid supply system <NUM> is designed to convey a liquid F, in particular fresh water. However, the liquid F can be any other suitable fluid or pasty product. The liquid supply system <NUM> comprises a base plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> can be attached to the frame <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> is a bent piece of metal. However, the base plate <NUM> can also be made of plastic.

The base plate <NUM> carries the supply tube <NUM>, the flow meter <NUM> and the valve arrangement with valves. "Valve arrangement" in this context means that the valve arrangement <NUM> comprises a plurality of sub-systems or sub-valves. In particular, the valve arrangement <NUM> comprises a main valve <NUM> and an auxiliary valve <NUM>.

The valves <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the base plate <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> has a drive element <NUM>. The auxiliary valve <NUM> has a drive element <NUM>. The drive elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be magnets or electric motors. The drive elements <NUM>, <NUM> are controlled by means of the control system <NUM> to open and close the valves <NUM>, <NUM> remotely. The valves <NUM>, <NUM> can be solenoid valves.

The valves <NUM>, <NUM> differ from each other. "Differ" in this context at least means that the main valve <NUM> and the auxiliary valve <NUM> do not form one common component but form two different components. However, this does not exclude that the valves <NUM>, <NUM> can have a common valve housing. Differences between the valves <NUM>, <NUM> can be their discharge cross-sections and/or their volumetric flow rate as will be explained later.

In particular, the main valve <NUM> allows a higher throughput of liquid F over the same time slot compared to the auxiliary valve <NUM>. The auxiliary valve <NUM> allows a lower throughput of liquid F but is at the same time faster, more precise and/or easier controllable when dosing small amounts of liquid F into the container <NUM>.

A flow direction of the liquid F is oriented from the right to the left in <FIG>. The supply tube <NUM> splits into the main tube <NUM> and the auxiliary tube <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> is connected to a main tube <NUM>. The main tube <NUM> has a first outlet. The auxiliary valve <NUM> is connected to an auxiliary tube <NUM>. The auxiliary tube <NUM> has a second outlet.

In the shown embodiment, the main tube with a first outlet <NUM> and auxiliary tube with a second outlet <NUM> discharge directly into the container. Via the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, the liquid F discharges into the container <NUM> when a respective one of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> is opened. When both valves <NUM>, <NUM> are closed, no liquid F leaves the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. The tubes <NUM>, <NUM> can be bent. The tubes <NUM>, <NUM> can also be bores provided in a housing of the liquid supply system <NUM>.

Downstream the flow meter <NUM> and upstream the main valve <NUM>, the auxiliary tube <NUM> branches off the supply tube <NUM>.

When the auxiliary valve <NUM> is open and the main valve <NUM> is closed, a flow of liquid F passes through the auxiliary valve <NUM> and the auxiliary tube <NUM> into the container <NUM>. When the auxiliary valve <NUM> is closed, the liquid F flows through the opened main valve <NUM>, and is discharged via the main tube <NUM> into the container <NUM>.

It is possible to open both valves <NUM>, <NUM> completely or partly so that the liquid F leaves both outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. The valves <NUM>, <NUM> can be controlled independent of each other. Each valve <NUM>, <NUM> can be opened and closed anytime without interaction with the other valve <NUM>, <NUM>.

Downstream the flow meter <NUM>, the supply tube <NUM> has a first bend <NUM> that guides the flow from a horizontal direction into a direction parallel to the direction of gravity g. Downstream the auxiliary valve <NUM>, the tube <NUM> has a second bend <NUM> that guides the flow back to a horizontal direction. Both bends <NUM>, <NUM> bend the tube <NUM> for <NUM>°. Thus, the tube <NUM> has two bends <NUM>, <NUM> each changing a direction of the flow for <NUM>°.

It is illustrated that the flow meter <NUM> is constantly covered with liquid F because the flow meter <NUM> is positioned below the valves <NUM>, <NUM> when seen along the direction of gravity g. No gas bubbles can be trapped and/or collected in the flow meter <NUM>. The accuracy of the flow meter <NUM> can thus be increased.

The main tube <NUM> has a bigger volumetric flow rate than the auxiliary tube <NUM> has. In the present case, the term "volumetric flow rate" means the volume of a fluid, namely the liquid F, which passes through the main tube <NUM> and/or the auxiliary tube <NUM> per time unit. A bigger or higher volumetric flow rate of the main tube <NUM> means that in the same time unit more liquid F passes the main tube <NUM> than the auxiliary tube <NUM>. The volumetric flow rate can be adjusted by amending an inner diameter or cross-section of the outlet <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is thus possible to fill the container <NUM> very quickly with the fresh liquid F by using both outlets <NUM>, <NUM> or at least the main tube <NUM>. When the container <NUM> is almost full, the main tube <NUM> will be closed and a fine dosing of the liquid F can be done only by means of the auxiliary tube <NUM>. The filling of the container <NUM> with the fresh liquid F can be done automatically. Thus, the valve arrangement <NUM> can be controlled by the control system <NUM> to fill the container <NUM> autonomously with high accuracy and less time. However, the valves <NUM>, <NUM> can also be operated manually.

<FIG> show schematic cross sections of an embodiment of the valve arrangement <NUM> comprising the valves <NUM>, <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> has a first discharge cross-section <NUM>. "Discharge cross-section" in this context means a cross-sectional area that can be flowed through by the liquid F when the main valve <NUM> is opened. The first discharge cross-section <NUM> can be engineered as a circular bore in a valve housing or the like. The bigger the first discharge cross-section <NUM> is, the bigger the volumetric flow rate is.

The first discharge cross-section <NUM> can be completely closed by means of a valve body <NUM>. In this way, the main valve <NUM> can be brought from an open state Z1 (<FIG> and <FIG>) into a closed state Z2 (<FIG>) and vice versa. In the open state Z1, the valve body <NUM> does not block the first discharge cross-section <NUM> at all. In the closed state Z2, the valve body <NUM> does block the first discharge cross-section <NUM> completely.

However, the first discharge cross-section <NUM> can be adjusted in a stepless way between the two states Z1, Z2 in which the valve body <NUM> blocks the first discharge cross-section <NUM> at least partly. This means than an arbitrary number of intermediate states is provided between the open state Z1 and the closed state Z2 of the main valve <NUM>.

The auxiliary valve <NUM> has a second discharge cross-section <NUM>. The second discharge cross-section <NUM> can be engineered as a circular bore in the valve housing. The discharge cross-sections <NUM>, <NUM> have different sizes or different diameters. The first discharge cross-section <NUM> is bigger than the second discharge cross-section <NUM>. For example, the first discharge cross-section <NUM> of the main valve <NUM> is two times bigger than the second discharge cross-section <NUM> of the auxiliary valve <NUM>.

The second discharge cross-section <NUM> can be completely closed by means of a valve body <NUM>. In this way, the auxiliary valve <NUM> can be brought from an open State Z3 (<FIG> and <FIG>) into a closed state Z4 (<FIG>) and vice versa. In the open state Z3, the valve body <NUM> does not block the second discharge cross-section <NUM> at all. In the closed state Z4, the valve body <NUM> does block the second discharge cross-section <NUM> completely.

However, the second discharge cross-section <NUM> can be adjusted in a stepless way between the two states Z3, Z4 in which the valve body <NUM> blocks the second discharge cross-section <NUM> at least partly. This means than an arbitrary number of intermediate states is provided between the open state Z3 and the closed state Z4. Both valves <NUM>, <NUM> can be actuated independent of each other.

The valve arrangement <NUM> can be switched from a filling mode M1 (<FIG>) into a dosing mode M2 (<FIG>) and vice versa. The switching can be done by means of the control system <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, in the filling mode M1, both valves <NUM>, <NUM> are in the open state Z1, Z3. This means that both outlets <NUM>, <NUM> discharge fresh liquid F into the container <NUM> as long as the valve arrangement <NUM> is in the filling mode M1. However, in the filling mode M1 at least the main valve <NUM> is in its open state Z1. The auxiliary valve <NUM> can be in the closed state Z4. Thus, <FIG> can show the filling mode M1, too.

On contrast, in the dosing mode M2 (<FIG>), only the auxiliary valve <NUM> is in the open state Z3. The main valve <NUM> is in the closed state Z2. This means that only the auxiliary tube <NUM> discharges fresh liquid F into the container <NUM> as long as the valve arrangement <NUM> is in the dosing mode M2.

The functionality of the batter production device <NUM> will be explained in the following with regard to <FIG>. The control system <NUM> is activated by requesting a recipe or a method for producing a batch of batter B. The control system <NUM> thus calculates the amount of fresh liquid F and the dosage of pulverulent material P that is needed to mix the batter B.

Then the container <NUM> is automatically filled with the fresh liquid F. To do so, the control system <NUM> controls the valve arrangement <NUM> of the liquid supply system <NUM>. During the beginning of the filling process, both valves <NUM>, <NUM> are open (see <FIG>) so that the fresh liquid F discharges into the container <NUM> by means of both outlets <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other words, the valve arrangement <NUM> is in the filling mode M1. This enables a quick filling of the container <NUM> with the fresh liquid F. For fine dosing the fresh liquid F, the main valve <NUM> is then closed and the liquid F discharges into the container <NUM> solely via the auxiliary tube <NUM> (see <FIG>). Thus, the valve arrangement <NUM> is in the dosing mode M2.

The main valve <NUM> and the auxiliary valve <NUM> differ from each other not only in their discharge cross-sections <NUM>, <NUM> but also in the accuracy and control speed. The auxiliary valve <NUM> can be switched faster and more precise than the main valve <NUM>. However, since the second discharge cross-section <NUM> of the auxiliary valve <NUM> is smaller than the first discharge cross-section <NUM> of the main valve <NUM>, an exact dosing of the fresh liquid F is possible via the second discharge cross-section <NUM> and the auxiliary tube <NUM>.

As soon as the container <NUM> is filled with the predetermined amount of liquid F, the pulverulent material P is conveyed to the container <NUM> via the third conveyor <NUM> from the batch storage <NUM>. The batch storage <NUM> encompasses enough pulverulent material p for one batch of batter B. The amount or mass of the pulverulent material P that is conveyed to the batter production device <NUM> is monitored by means of the weigher <NUM> that also interacts with the control system <NUM>.

The pulverulent material P is then mixed with the liquid F in the container <NUM> to form the batter B. The viscosity of the batter B can be tested by drawing samples of the batter B. Additional liquid F or pulverulent material P can be added to the mixed batter B to improve the viscosity thereof. This can be done automatically. The mixed batter B is then pumped to a battering station (not shown) to batter the food product.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for mixing the liquid F and the pulverulent material P to form the batter B for coating a food product. The method is done by means of a batter production device <NUM> as explained before. The batter production device <NUM> comprises the container <NUM>, the agitator <NUM> that is installed in or on the container <NUM>, and the liquid supply system <NUM> for supplying the liquid F to the container <NUM>.

The liquid supply system <NUM> comprises the valve arrangement <NUM> for controlling the flow of liquid F through the main tube <NUM> that discharges into the container <NUM>, and through the auxiliary tube <NUM> that also discharges into the container <NUM>, wherein the main tube <NUM> has a first volumetric flow rate, wherein the auxiliary tube <NUM> has a second volumetric flow rate, and wherein the first volumetric flow rate is larger than the second volumetric flow rate.

The pulverulent material P is supplied to the container <NUM> in a step S1. Preferably, the pulverulent material P is conveyed from the batch storage <NUM> to the batter production device <NUM> via the third conveyor <NUM>. The supply of the pulverulent material P can be done automatically. The agitator may be activated in advance, during or after supplying the pulverulent material P.

In a step S2, the liquid F is supplied to the container <NUM> via the main tube <NUM> and possibly also via the auxiliary tube <NUM> to pre-fill the container <NUM>. In other words, in step S2 both valves <NUM>, <NUM> may be open or at least valve <NUM> is open. "Pre-fill" or "initial fill" in this context means a quick and coarse input of liquid F that is stopped before the predetermined amount of liquid is reached. Step S2 is performed with the valve arrangement <NUM> being in its filling mode M1.

In a step S3, the liquid F is supplied to the container <NUM> only via the auxiliary tube <NUM> to end-fill the container <NUM> until the predetermined amount of liquid is reached. In other words, the main tube <NUM> and thus the main valve <NUM> is closed. "End-fill" in this context is to be understand as a rest of liquid F that is needed to fill the container <NUM> to its maximum, namely until the predetermined amount of liquid is reached. The needed "maximum" is depending on the type of batter B to be produced and/or the used recipe for the batter B. Step S3 is performed with the valve arrangement <NUM> being in its dosing mode M2. The amount of liquid in relation to the dosage of pulverulent material P being conveyed to the container <NUM> depends on the type of batter B and the desired viscosity thereof.

In a step S4, the liquid F with the pulverulent material P is mixed by means of the agitator <NUM> to form the batter B. In step S4, the viscosity of the batter B can be checked if desired. For example, the batter is recirculated during the mixing.

In <FIG> a splatter screen <NUM> is shown, also referred to as anti-splash screen, to prevent splashes of liquid, pulverulent material or batter spattering into the conveyor or outside the container. The prevention of unintended loss of liquid, pulverulent material and batter attributes to the accuracy of the composition of batter, and thus to the reproducibility of batches of batter.

The shown splatter screen <NUM> comprises mounting means 80a, 80b and 80c to mount the splatter screen <NUM> to a top end of the container.

The splatter screen <NUM> has an outer contour in the x-z plane shaped to fit with a fill opening at an upper end of the container. It is also conceivable that the splatter screen is larger or slightly smaller than the fill opening, as long as the splatter screen serves the aim of preventing of spattering outside the container.

A splatter screen can be embodied as a two-dimensional wire mesh or grate. The shown splatter screen <NUM> is embodied as a three-dimensional wire grate having a height h in direction y. The splatter screen <NUM> comprises two portions 80f, <NUM> not having a profile in the height direction h. The splatter screen <NUM> comprises a central portion 80z having a zigzag profile in the height direction h. Embodiments are conceivable wherein the entire splatter screen has a zigzag profile in the height direction. An advantage of a zigzag profile is that it attributes to spatters dropping back into the container instead of sticking to the splatter screen.

The splatter screen <NUM> is advantageously replaceable by a second splatter screen <NUM>, such that for the production of a second or further batch of batter a clean splatter screen can be provided.

In <FIG> a funnel <NUM> and part of the conveyor <NUM> are shown. The funnel <NUM> has a lower funnel opening 81a, fitting with a fill opening of the container (not shown), allowing the funnel <NUM> to be provided between the fill opening and the outlet opening.

In embodiments, it is conceivable that the lower funnel opening 81a is mounted to the container.

In embodiments, the lower funnel opening is provided with a splatter screen, e.g. a splatter screen as shown in <FIG>.

The funnel <NUM> has an upper funnel opening fitting with the outlet opening of the conveyor <NUM>. As the outlet opening of the conveyor <NUM> is generally smaller than the fill opening of the container, the funnel <NUM> is generally shaped as a reverse funnel having a smaller upper opening 81b than lower opening 81a.

Advantageously, the conveyor has an outlet opening parallel to the fill opening of the conveyor, resulting in a funnel shape of the funnel <NUM>. The shown conveyor <NUM> is a horizontal screw conveyor having an auger provided in a tubular housing 32a having a head end 32c. Two auger bearings are provided at opposed ends of the auger. Here, auger bearing 32b Is provided at a closed head end 32c of the tubular conveyor <NUM>. The outlet opening of the conveyor <NUM> is provided at a bottom end portion of the tubular housing, here at the top end of the funnel <NUM>.

In alternative, not shown embodiments it is conceivable that the outlet opening of the conveyor extends at an angle with the fill opening, e.g. a vertically oriented outlet opening of the conveyor and a horizontal fill opening of the container. The funnel <NUM> may in such cases comprise a bent portion.

The funnel is provided to prevent splashes of liquid, pulverulent material or batter spattering into the conveyor or outside the container. The prevention of unintended loss of liquid, pulverulent material and batter attributes to the accuracy of the composition of batter, and thus to the reproducibility of batches of batter.

The funnel advantageously has a smooth inside, e.g. polished, e.g. by electropolishing, or coated with a non-sticking coating.

<FIG>, <FIG> and18b shows three distinct embodiments of a flap cover <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively.

Also part of a pulverulent supply device is shown, in particular a horizontal screw conveyor <NUM> for conveying the batch of pulverulent material, the conveyor having an outlet opening 32f adapted to be arranged above the fill opening of the container for dispatching the pulverulent material into the container. The conveyor has an auger, not shown, provided in a tubular housing 32a. Contrary to the embodiment of <FIG>, the tubular housing 32a has an open upstream head end 32f, visible in <FIG> and <FIG>. This open head end 32f forms the outlet opening of the conveyor for dispatching the pulverulent material. A rear auger bearing, not shown, is provided at the storage end of the conveyor and a front auger bearing is provided at an opposed head end 32f of the tubular housing.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, flap cover <NUM> is provided downstream of the front auger bearing <NUM>, i.e. surrounding the front auger bearing <NUM>. In the embodiments of <FIG> the flap covers <NUM>, <NUM> are provided upstream of the front auger bearing, which is thus no longer visible.

Flap covers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided at the outlet opening 32f of the conveyor <NUM>. The flap covers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are hingedly mounted about a horizontal hinge axis 83a, 83b, 83c. The flap covers are hingeable between an open position shown in <FIG> en 18b wherein the flap cover allows the passage of pulverulent material, and a closed vertical position shown in <FIG> and 16c wherein the flap cover <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> respectively cover the outlet opening 32f. Movement of the flap covers to the open position is actuated by the pulverulent material supplied by the auger, and movement to the closed position is actuated by gravity and the lack of supply of pulverulent material. Alternatively, an actuator for opening and/ or closing the flap covers is provided.

The first embodiment of a flap cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, in the closed vertical position of the flap cover as shown in <FIG>, between the flap cover <NUM> and the outlet opening 32f a slit 83b is provided, allowing the passage of residual amounts of pulverulent material.

The second embodiment of a flap cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG> entirely closes the head end opening 32f of the conveyor.

The third embodiment of flap cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> is provided downstream of the front auger bearing <NUM>. The flap bearing <NUM> thus comprises a portion <NUM> extending above the front auger bearing <NUM>, and two portions <NUM>, 85n adjacent the front auger bearing. The portions <NUM>, <NUM> and 85n together surround the front auger bearing <NUM>.

In <FIG> a dust hood <NUM> is shown, which is releasably mounted via wing nut 86w. The dust hood <NUM> is provided at the outlet opening 32f of the conveyor <NUM>, here a horizontal screw conveyor, to entirely surround the outlet opening of the conveyor. The dust hood <NUM> also surrounds the fill opening 86a of the container and thus prevent splashes of liquid, pulverulent material or batter spattering into the conveyor or outside the container. The prevention of unintended loss of liquid, pulverulent material and batter attributes to the accuracy of the composition of batter, and thus to the reproducibility of batches of batter. In addition, the hood prevents dust from the pulverulent material to spread around, attributing to the production circumstances and also the accuracy of the amount of pulverulent material.

Claim 1:
A batter production device (<NUM>) for producing a batter by mixing a fresh liquid (F) and a pulverulent material (P) to form a batter (B) for coating a food product, comprising:
• a container (<NUM>) for receiving a predetermined amount of fresh liquid (F) and a dosage of pulverulent material (P),
• an agitator (<NUM>) that is installed in or on the container and immersed into the container (<NUM>) for mixing the fresh liquid (F) and the pulverulent material (P) to form the batter (B),
• a liquid supply system (<NUM>) for supplying the predetermined amount of fresh liquid (F) to the container (<NUM>), comprising:
∘ an upstream supply tube (<NUM>) for the supply of fresh liquid,
∘ a downstream main tube with a first outlet (<NUM>) and associated main valve (<NUM>) for receiving fresh liquid from the supply tube (<NUM>) and discharging into the container (<NUM>),
∘ a flow meter (<NUM>) for determining the amount of fresh liquid that flows by,
• a control system (<NUM>) in connection with the main valve and the flow meter and to which the predetermined amount of fresh liquid (F) is inputted, which control system is operable to fill the container with the predetermined amount of fresh liquid,
characterized in that the liquid supply system further comprises a downstream auxiliary tube with a second outlet (<NUM>) and associated auxiliary valve (<NUM>) also receiving fresh liquid from the supply tube (<NUM>) and discharging into the container (<NUM>), wherein the auxiliary tube has a smaller cross-section than the main tube and/or wherein the auxiliary valve has a smaller discharge cross-section than the main valve, so that - in use - fresh liquid is discharged from the first outlet at a first volumetric flow rate and from the second outlet at a second volumetric flow rate which is smaller than the first volumetric flow rate, the auxiliary valve also being in connection with the control system, and wherein the main valve and auxiliary valve are operable independent from each other,
and wherein the control system is configured to cause a pre-fill of the container at least via the main tube (<NUM>) and to cause an end-fill of the container (<NUM>) only via the auxiliary tube (<NUM>).