JP2017534535A - Distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

A distribution system can be provided. The dispensing system can allow a plurality of aseptically packaged raw materials to be air mixed from a sterile nozzle into a multiple raw material stream without dripping. The dispensing system can maintain aseptic integrity until the sterile package is attached to the dispensing system. The pinch valve can be positioned away from the sterile nozzle. In addition, the dispensing system can convert a continuous raw material flow from a positive displacement flow control pump into a pulsed flow.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 061,980, filed Oct. 9, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Beverage dispensers are devices that dispense carbonated soft drinks called fountain drinks. They can be seen in other places such as restaurants, stalls, and convenience stores. A beverage dispenser combines flavored syrup or syrup concentrate and carbon dioxide with cooling water to make a soft drink. The syrup may be poured from a special container called a bag-in-box (BIB).

Overview This overview is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that can be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of claimed subject matter.

  According to one embodiment, a distribution system may be provided. The dispensing system may include a dispensing nozzle assembly and a sterile nozzle. The dispensing nozzle assembly may be configured to provide a primary raw material stream. The sterile nozzle may be configured to provide a sterile raw material stream and air mix the sterile raw material stream with the primary raw material stream after the primary raw material stream exits the dispensing nozzle assembly.

  According to another embodiment, a distribution system may be provided. The dispensing system may include a sterile nozzle and a sterile nozzle retaining clip. The sterile nozzle may be configured to provide a sterile raw material stream. The sterile nozzle retaining clip may be configured to hold the sterile nozzle in a position configured to air mix the provided sterile raw material stream with the primary raw material stream after the primary raw material stream exits the dispensing nozzle assembly. Good.

  According to yet another embodiment, a method for dispensing may be provided. The method may include providing a primary raw material stream and receiving a continuous flow of secondary raw material. The method may further include converting a continuous flow of secondary raw material into a secondary raw material stream that includes a pulsed flow of secondary raw material, and air mixing the secondary raw material stream with the primary raw material stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The operating environment including the distribution system is shown. Fig. 2 shows a control architecture used to control a distribution system. Fig. 2 shows a cabinet that may be used to contain a dispensing system. Fig. 2 shows a cabinet that may be used to contain a dispensing system. Fig. 2 shows a cabinet that may be used to contain a dispensing system. Fig. 2 shows a cabinet that may be used to contain a dispensing system. The cabinets of FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4B are shown in more detail. The cabinets of FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4B are shown in more detail. The cabinets of FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4B are shown in more detail. Fig. 4 shows the first sterile channel of Fig. 3 in more detail. Another aspect of the first sterile channel is shown in more detail. Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the first sterile channel of Fig. 3; Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the first sterile nozzle in more detail. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the first sterile channel of FIG. 3 including a first sterile nozzle. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the first sterile channel of FIG. 3 including a first sterile nozzle. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the first sterile channel of FIG. 3 including a first sterile nozzle. An example is shown when the velocity of the first secondary raw material stream or the second secondary raw material stream is appropriate. An example is shown when the velocity of the first secondary raw material stream or the second secondary raw material stream is lower than necessary. Fig. 2 illustrates a system for converting continuous flow to pulse flow that may be used with a dispensing system. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a system for converting continuous flow to pulse flow that may be used with a dispensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like elements. While embodiments of the present disclosure can be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements shown in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Good. As such, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

  The term “beverage” as used herein includes citrus fruit juice with and without pulp and non-citrus fruit juice, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy enriched drink, This includes, but is not limited to, tea, water, isotonic beverages, vitamin-enriched water, soft drinks, flavored waters, nutritional drinks, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, hot chocolate, and combinations thereof. The beverage may also be carbonated or non-carbonated. The beverage may include beverage components (eg, beverage base, colorants, flavors, and additives).

  The term “beverage base” refers to a beverage component or beverage itself prior to additional colorants, additional flavors, and / or additional additives. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the beverage base includes syrups, concentrates, and the like that can be mixed with diluents such as non-carbonated or carbonated water or other diluents to form a beverage. However, it is not limited to these. The beverage base may have a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or greater. According to certain embodiments, the beverage base may comprise a mixture of beverage base ingredients.

  The term “beverage base ingredient” refers to an ingredient that may be included in a beverage base. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the beverage base ingredients may comprise beverage elements that may themselves be considered food. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the beverage base component is a beverage-based acidic part, a beverage-based acid-degradable and / or non-acidic part, natural and artificial flavors, flavor additives, natural and artificial colorants. Nutritional or non-nutritive natural or artificial sweeteners, additives to control acidity (eg, citric acid or potassium citrate), functional additives (such as vitamins, minerals or herbal extracts), dietary supplements Alternatively, micro raw materials such as drugs may be used. The micro raw material may have a reconstitution ratio of about 10: 1, 20: 1, 30: 1, or more, many having a reconfiguration ratio of 50: 1 to 300: 1. The viscosity of the micro raw material may range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise.

  Thus, a beverage base formed from separately stored beverage base components to request, select or dispense a beverage base can be equivalent to a separately stored beverage base. Beverages formed from separately stored beverage ingredients to request, select or dispense beverages can be equivalent to separately stored beverages.

  “Separated and stored” means that the components of the present invention are kept separate until combined. For example, the components may be stored separately in containers or packages, or alternatively, individually packaged so that they do not mix while in the container or package (eg, plastic bags) 1 All may be stored in one container or package. In some embodiments, the container or package itself may be separate, adjacent to another container or package, or attached to another container or package.

  The product ingredients may include a beverage base or beverage base component (eg, concentrated syrup), as well as a flavoring (ie, fragrance, concentrated flavor, or flavor syrup), which may be stored separately, In other cases, it may be contained in a separate removable container. According to one or more embodiments, each of the beverage base or beverage base component and each of the flavoring may be stored separately, otherwise in a separate removable container, cartridge, package Alternatively, it may be contained in a similar, which may simply be referred to as a “package” or “raw material package”, generally having one or more applicable reference numbers.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment 100 that includes a distribution system 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the operating environment 100 includes a sterile portion 104, a bag-in-box (BIB) portion 106, a water portion 108, a macro raw material portion 110, a micro raw material portion 112, and a nozzle portion 114. May be included. A flexible tube may connect elements of the operating environment 100 to move raw materials and diluent (eg, water) from element to element in the operating environment 100. The sterile portion 104, the bag-in-box (BIB) portion 106, the macro raw material portion 110, and the micro raw material portion 112 may include a raw material source. The water portion 108 may include a diluent source. As described in more detail below, some elements of the BIB portion 106, the water portion 108, and the macro raw material portion 110 may be located inside or outside the dispensing system 102.

  The sterile portion 104 may include a sterile compartment 116, a sterile raw material 118, a sterile pump 120, and a pinch valve 122. The sterile compartment 116 may be temperature controlled. The sterile raw material 118 may include macro raw materials having a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or greater, and may include insoluble particles. The sterile raw material 118 may be processed such that a sufficient shelf life of the product may be packaged in a sterile container in a manner that maintains sterility. To minimize quality degradation, the sterile compartment 116 may be temperature controlled to maintain the cold or refrigerated sterile raw material 118. For example, aseptic raw material 118 may be citrus fruit juice with and without pulp and non-citrus fruit juice, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy enriched drink, tea, coffee, smoothie, yogurt drink As well as hot chocolate, but is not limited thereto. FIG. 1 shows one sterile part 104. However, one or more sterile parts may be used in the dispensing system 102 discussed in detail below. The dispensing system 102 may include one or more sterile nozzles 174. In general, the dispensing system 102 may include a sterile nozzle 174 for each sterile raw material 118. The package containing sterile raw materials, the tube from the package, and the sterile nozzle 174 may all be disposable. The sterile part may have one or more sterile raw materials.

  The aseptic pump 120 may include, for example, a pump that does not deteriorate the sterility of the aseptic raw material 118. As a result, aseptic pump 120 may include a peristaltic pump, but is not limited thereto. The peristaltic pump may include a type of positive displacement pump. The sterile raw material 118 may be contained in a sterile bag (eg, a disposable bag in box (BIB)) having a sterile tube through which the sterile raw material 118 can exit the sterile bag. The sterile tube may be disposable, sterilized, and flexible. The sterile tube may be fitted within a circular pump casing associated with the peristaltic pump. A rotor having multiple “rollers” attached to the outer periphery of the rotor may compress a sterile tube. As the rotor rotates, a portion of the compressed sterile tube is pinched closed and the sterile raw material 118 is pumped and moved through the sterile tube. The pinch valve 122 may be used to pinch the sterile tube, thereby isolating the sterile tube from the external environment and assist in maintaining the sterile state of the sterile raw material 118.

The BIB portion 106 may include a BIB raw material 124, a BIB connector 126, a BIB vacuum regulator 128, a BIB vent 130, a BIB pump 132, and a BIB valve 134. The BIB pump 132 may include, but is not limited to, a controlled gear pump. The BIB valve 134 may include, but is not limited to, a volumetric valve or an on / off solenoid valve. However, controlled gear pumps and volumetric valves are not used together in the same system. If a controlled gear pump 132 is used, the BIB value 134 is a solenoid valve. If the BIB value 134 is a volumetric valve, a non-volumetric pump 132 is used between the BIB connector 126 and the BIB vacuum regulator 128. Examples of non-volumetric pump, an on-demand pump for a CO ₂ powered. An example of a volumetric valve is described in US Pat. No. 5,381,926, “Beverage Dispenser Value and Method,” filed May 12, 1993, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. An example of a vacuum side vent is described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 987,371, filed May 1, 2014, entitled “Vacuum Side Air Vent”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Embedded in the book. Although FIG. 1 shows one BIB portion 106, the dispensing system 102 may include one or more BIB portions that include multiple BIB raw materials. BIB ingredients may include, but are not limited to, beverage bases, syrups, concentrates, and the like that can be mixed with diluents such as non-carbonated or carbonated water or other diluents to form beverages. Not. The BIB raw material may have a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or more.

  Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows that the BIB raw material 124 and the BIB connector 126 are outside the distribution system 102, one or both of the BIB raw material 124 and the BIB connector 126 may be inside or outside the distribution system 102. Good. For example, the BIB raw material 124 may be in a back room remote from the dispensing system 102. If the BIB raw material 124 is near or in the dispensing system 102, suction from the BIB pump 132 may suck the BIB raw material 124 and the BIB vacuum regulator 128 may not be required. If the BIB raw material 124 is not near or in the distribution system 102, the BIB raw material 124 may need to be injected into the distribution system 102 under pressure, and a BIB vacuum regulator 128 may be required. FIG. 1 shows one BIB portion 106 with one BIB raw material 124. However, one or more BIB portions 106 may be used in the distribution system 102, and each BIB portion 106 may have one or more BIB raw materials 124.

  The water portion 108 can provide a diluent to the dispensing system 102. For example, the diluent may include carbonated water or non-carbonated water, but is not limited thereto. The water portion 108 may include a carbonated water section and a non-carbonated water section. The carbonated water section may include a carbonated water supply source 136, a carbonated water flow restrictor 138, and a carbonated water stop valve 140. Further, the non-carbonated water section may include a non-carbonated water source 142, a non-carbonated water flow restrictor 144, and a non-carbonated water stop valve 146. The carbonated water section and the non-carbonated water section can be joined by a T-joint 148. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows that the non-carbonated water source 142 is outside the distribution system 102, the non-carbonated water source 142 may be inside or outside the distribution system 102.

Carbonated water section of the water portion 108 receives the CO ₂ from the CO ₂ source, a CO ₂ dissolved in water may be used carbonator to create carbonated water. The CO ₂ source may include a CO ₂ tank that is stored remotely (eg, in the back room) with a gas line to the carbonated water source 136. The ratio of CO ₂ to non-carbonated water in carbonated water used in distribution system 102 may be, for example, about 4: 1 or 3: 1.

  The macro raw material portion 110 may include a macro raw material 150, a macro raw material connector 152, a macro raw material vacuum regulator 154, a macro raw material vent 156, a macro raw material pump 158, and a macro raw material valve 160. Macro raw material pump 158 may include, but is not limited to, a controlled gear pump. The macro raw material valve 160 may include a volumetric valve, but is not limited thereto. As explained above, the controlled gear pump and volumetric valve are not used together in the same system. If a controlled gear pump is used, the value 160 is a solenoid value. A non-volumetric pump is used between the connector 152 and the vacuum regulator 154 when the valve 160 is volumetric. An example of a volumetric valve is described in US Pat. No. 5,381,926 “Beverage Dispenser Value and Method” filed May 12, 1993. For example, the macro raw material 150 may include, but is not limited to, a sweetener including, for example, isomerized sugar (HFC). Other sweeteners or sweetener blends may be used. The macro raw material 150 may have a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or greater.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows that the macro raw material 150 and the macro raw material connector 152 are outside the distribution system 102, but one or both of the macro raw material 150 and the macro raw material connector 152 are inside the distribution system 102 or It may be outside. For example, the macro raw material 150 may be in a back room remote from the dispensing system 102. If the macro raw material 150 is near or in the dispensing system 102, suction from the macro raw material pump 158 may suck the macro raw material 150 and the macro raw material vacuum regulator 154 may not be required. If the macro raw material 150 is not near or in the distribution system 102, the macro raw material 150 may need to be injected into the distribution system 102 under pressure and a macro raw material vacuum regulator 154 may be required. FIG. 1 shows one macro raw material portion 110 having one macro raw material 150. However, one or more macro raw material portions 110 may be used in dispensing system 102, and each macro raw material portion 110 may have one or more macro raw materials 150.

  The micro raw material portion 112 may include a micro raw material tower 162. The micro raw material tower 162 may include a micro raw material 164, a micro raw material probe 168, and a micro raw material pump 170. The micro raw material pump 170 may include a piston pump, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 shows a micro raw material tower 162 having one micro raw material 164. However, the micro raw material tower 162 may include one or more micro raw materials 164. The micro raw material 164 may be packaged in a micro raw material package. For example, any number of micro raw material packages may be included in the dispensing system 102 depending on the capabilities of the dispensing system 102. Examples of micro raw material packages are described in US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 209,684, “Beverage Dispenser Container and Carton,” filed Mar. 13, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  The nozzle portion 114 may include a dispensing nozzle assembly 172 and a sterile nozzle 174. The dispensing nozzle assembly 172 may include an injector ring 176 and a common diffuser 178. An example of a dispensing nozzle assembly 172 can be described in US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 265,632, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Dispensing nozzle assembly 172 includes dispensing system 102 (eg, BIB pump 132, BIB valve 134, carbonated water stop valve 140, non-carbonated water shutoff valve 146, macro raw material pump 158, macro raw material valve 160, and micro raw material pump 170. ) Of multiple pumps and / or valves may be combined and mixed to dispense a product (eg, beverage) into a container (eg, cup). Product mixing may occur before, during, and / or after dispensing the flow from the dispensing nozzle assembly 172. Dispensing during and / or after flow dispensing may be generally and collectively referred to as dispensing for dispensing nozzle assembly 172, and may be in or near a container suitable for product retention.

  At the injector ring 176, the diluent (eg, water) from the water portion 108, along with one or more raw materials from the bag-in-box (BIB) portion 106, the macro raw material portion 110, and the micro raw material portion 112, is a common diffuser. You may enter the flow from the bottom of 178. The flow coming from the common diffuser 178 is: i) only diluent from the water portion 108; ii) one or more raw materials released from the BIB portion 106, the macro raw material portion 110, the micro raw material portion 112, and the septic portion 104; Alternatively, iii) the diluent from the water portion 108 may be included with one or more raw materials released from the BIB portion 106, the macro raw material portion 110, the micro raw material portion 112, and the sterile portion 104. Before the flow from the common diffuser 178 enters the container, the sterile raw material 104 may be discharged from the sterile nozzle 174 and mixed with the flow coming from the common diffuser 178 (eg, a primary raw material stream or multiple raw material streams). Aseptic raw material 104 may be introduced into the flow from the common diffuser 178 after the flow exits the common diffuser 178 but before the flow enters the container. Sterile raw material 104 may not contact any element (eg, nozzle assembly 172) of dispensing system 102 after exiting sterile nozzle 174. Since the sterile raw material 104 never touches the nozzle assembly 172, the possibility of carryover (eg, cross-contamination of raw materials) is greatly reduced.

  In one or more embodiments, the raw material may be injected across the common diffuser. All or part of the raw material can be dispensed from a single nozzle position by a diffuser common to all or part of the raw material. For example, the raw materials that can be dispensed by a diffuser from a single nozzle position are as follows: aseptic and BIB raw materials, aseptic and micro raw materials, BIB and micro raw materials, macro raw materials from BIB, micro raw materials and raw materials, and macro raw materials , Micro raw materials, and aseptic raw materials and macro raw materials, micro raw materials, aseptic and BIB raw materials.

  FIG. 2 shows a control architecture 200 that is used to control the distribution system 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the control architecture 200 may include a core distribution module (CDM) 204, a human machine interface (HMI) module 206, and a user interface (UI) 208. The HMI 206 may be connected to at least one external device 202 external to the distribution system 102, and in other cases may interface to communicate. The CDM 204 includes a dispensing system 102 (eg, aseptic pump 120, pinch valve 122, BIB pump 132, BIB valve 134, carbonated water shutoff valve 140, non-carbonated water shutoff valve 146, macro raw material pump 158, macro raw material valve 160, And the flow from multiple pumps and / or valves of the micro raw material pump 170) may be controlled according to a recipe for mixing and dispensing the product (eg, beverage) from the dispensing system 102.

  The above beverage ingredients (ie, beverage base or beverage base ingredients and flavors) are combined with other ingredients to dispense various products from the dispensing system 102 that may include beverages or mixed beverages (ie, finished beverage products). May be. However, the dispensing system 102 may also be configured to dispense beverage ingredients individually. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 102 may be configured to dispense beverage base ingredients to form a beverage base or finished beverage. Other beverage ingredients may include non-carbonated or carbonated water, functional additives, or diluents such as drugs, for example.

  An example of a control architecture 200 for the distribution system 102 is described in US patent application Ser. No. 61 / 987,020, entitled “Dispenser Control Architecture,” filed May 1, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Is incorporated herein by reference. A machine bus (MBUS) can facilitate communication between the HMI module 206 and the CDM 204. The HMI module 206, MBUS, and CDM 204 may collectively include common core components that are implemented as hardware or as a combination of hardware and software, adapted to provide customized functionality of the distribution system 102. May be. Distribution system 102 may further include a memory storage device and a processor. An example of UI 208 may be described in US Patent Application No. 61 / 877,549, entitled “Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device,” filed September 13, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Is incorporated herein by reference. The HMI module 206 and the CDM 204 may be customized by use of an adapter (eg, a configuration file that includes an application programming interface (API)) to provide customized user interface views and equipment behavior for the distribution system 102.

  In some embodiments, the UI 208 of the dispensing system 102 may be utilized to select and dispense one or more beverages individually. The beverage is dispensed as a beverage component in a continuous dispensing operation, whereby one or more selected beverage components may continue to be dispensed while the dispensing input is activated by the user or in a batch dispensing operation. Dispenses a predetermined volume of one or more selected beverage ingredients (eg, 1 ounce at a time). The UI 208 may be addressed by a number of methods for selecting and dispensing beverages. For example, the user may interact with the UI 208 via touch input and navigate through one or more menus for selecting and dispensing beverages. As another example, the user may enter a code using the on-screen or physical keyboard (not shown) on the dispensing system 102 to navigate through one or more menus for selecting and dispensing beverages.

  The UI 208, which may include a touch screen and a touch screen controller, receives various commands from the user (ie, consumer input) in the form of touch input and generates graphic output in response to the received commands. And / or one or more operations may be configured to be performed at distribution system 102 (eg, via HMI module 206 and / or CDM 204). The touch screen driver of the HMI module 206 may be configured to receive consumer or customer input and then generate an event (eg, a touch screen event) that can be communicated with the operating system of the HMI module 206 through a controller. Good.

  Distribution system 102 may communicate with one or more external devices 202. In some embodiments, communication between the distribution system 102 and the external device 202 can be any including, but not limited to, proximity wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless or wired communication standards or technologies. The number of communication techniques may be used to implement the communication interface.

  The external device 202 may include, for example, a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a biometric sensor, and the like. In some embodiments, the external device 202 is utilized to receive a user interface view from the HMI module 206 that may be in place of or in addition to the user interface view displayed on the user interface 208 of the distribution system 102. May be. For example, in some embodiments, distribution system 102 may be configured for “headless” operation where graphics and other user interface elements are displayed on a customer's smartphone instead of distribution system 102. An example of facilitating interaction between a mobile computing device and an electronic device is described in US Patent Application No. 61 entitled “Facilitating Individualized Used Interaction With An Electronic Device” filed July 31, 2013. / 860,634, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  3, 4A, 4B, and 4B illustrate a cabinet 302 that may be used to contain the dispensing system 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 4A shows a front view of the cabinet 302, FIG. 4B shows a side view of the cabinet 302, and FIG. 4C shows a top view of the cabinet 302. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4B, the cabinet 302 includes a main compartment 304, a main compartment door 306, a micro raw material tower compartment 308, a micro raw material tower compartment door 310, a first An aseptic section 312 and a second aseptic section 314. FIG. 3 shows the cabinet 302 with both the main compartment door 306 and the micro raw material tower compartment door 310 open. 4A, 4B, and 4C show the cabinet 302 with the main compartment door 306 and the micro raw material tower compartment door 310 closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C, the dispensing system 102 may have two sterile compartments, a first sterile compartment 312 and a second sterile compartment 314. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to two sterile compartments and may include any number of sterile compartments. The first aseptic compartment 312 and the second aseptic compartment 314 may be similar to the aseptic compartment 116 as described above with respect to FIGS. The first aseptic compartment 312 is associated with a first aseptic channel that includes a first aseptic raw material 316, a first aseptic pump 318, a first pinch valve 320, and a first aseptic tube 322. Also good. The second sterile compartment 314 is associated with a second sterile channel that includes a second sterile raw material 324, a second sterile pump 326, a second pinch valve 328, and a second sterile tube 330. Also good. The dispensing system 102 may have any number of sterile channels and is not limited to two.

  The first sterile raw material 316 may include a macro raw material having a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or greater, and may include insoluble particles. The first sterile raw material 316 may be processed so that a sufficient shelf life of the product is packaged in a sterile container in a manner that maintains sterility. To minimize quality degradation, the first sterile compartment 312 may be temperature controlled to maintain the cold or refrigerated first sterile raw material 316. For example, the first aseptic raw material 316 includes citrus fruit juice with and without pulp and non-citrus fruit juice, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy enriched drink, tea, coffee, smoothie , Yogurt beverages, and hot chocolate may be included but not limited to. The second sterile compartment 314 that includes the second sterile compartment 314 may be similar to the first sterile compartment 312 that includes the first sterile raw material 316.

  The first aseptic pump 318 may include, for example, a pump that does not deteriorate the sterility of the first aseptic raw material 316. As a result, the first aseptic pump 318 may include, but is not limited to, a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump may include a type of positive displacement pump. The first sterile raw material 316 may be contained in a sterile bag (eg, a disposable bag-in-box (BIB)) having a first sterile tube 322 that allows the first sterile raw material 316 to exit the sterile bag. Good. The first sterile tube 322 may be disposable, sterilized, and flexible. The first sterile tube 322 may be fitted within a circular pump casing associated with the peristaltic pump. A rotor having multiple “rollers” attached to the outer periphery of the rotor may compress the first sterile tube 322. As the rotor rotates, a portion of the compressed first sterile tube 322 is pinched closed, pumping the first sterile raw material 316 and moving it through the first sterile tube 322. The first pinch valve 320 is used to pinch the first sterile tube 322, thereby isolating the first sterile tube 322 from the external environment, and assist in maintaining the sterile state of the first sterile raw material 316. May be. A second aseptic section 314 including a second aseptic raw material 324, a second aseptic pump 326, a second pinch valve 328, and a second aseptic tube 330 includes a first aseptic raw material 316, One sterilization pump 318, a first pinch valve 320, and a first sterilization tube 322 may function in a similar manner to the first sterilization compartment 312.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the cabinet 302 may have an X width, a Y height, and a Z depth. X may include, but is not limited to, about 25.0 inches. Y may include about 39.0 inches, but is not limited to such. And Z may include about 26.7 inches, but is not limited thereto.

  5A, 5B, and 5C show the cabinet 302 of FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4B in more detail. 5B and 5C show the cabinet 302 with the micro raw material tower section 308 removed to show the micro raw material tower 162. FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view of the cabinet 302 with the main compartment door 306 closed. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the cabinet 302 with the main compartment door 306 opened. FIG. 5C shows a top view of the cabinet 302 with the main compartment upper portion 502 exposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the main section 304 may include a main section upper portion 502 and a main section lower portion 504. The main compartment upper portion 502 may include a vacuum regulator section 506, a pump section 508, an electronics section 510, and a power supply section 512. The power supply section 512 may include a power supply 514 that can supply power to some or all elements of the distribution system 102.

The main compartment lower portion 504 may include a valve section 516, a raw material cooling coil 518, a first aseptic compartment 312, and a second aseptic compartment 314. As described above, the flexible tube may connect elements of the operating environment 100 to move raw materials and / or diluents from element to element in the operating environment 100. Some, all, or portions of this flexible tube may include a raw material cooling coil 518 to cool the diluent and / or raw material before and / or after the diluent and / or raw material are mixed in the dispensing system 102. It may penetrate. The main compartment bottom 504, for example, receives the CO ₂ from the CO ₂ source, a CO ₂ dissolved in water containing carbonator carbonated water section of the water portion 108 to create carbonated water, or some water portion 108 May include everything.

  The vacuum regulator section 506 may include, but is not limited to, a BIB vacuum regulator 128 and a macro raw material vacuum regulator 154. Pump section 508 may include, but is not limited to, BIB pump 132 and macro raw material pump 158. The electronics section 510 may include, but is not limited to, a core distribution module (CDM) 204 and a human machine interface (HMI) module 206. The valve section 516 may include, but is not limited to, a BIB valve 134, a carbonated water stop valve 140, a non-carbonated water stop valve 146, and a macro raw material valve 160. A user interface (UI) 208 may be attached to the main compartment door 306, for example.

  FIG. 6 shows the first sterile channel of FIG. 3 in more detail. The dispensing system 102 may dispense chilled aseptic packaged macro raw material (eg, first sterile raw material 316) from a disposable BIB complete with a disposable peristaltic tube (eg, first sterile tube 322). . With dispensing system 102, each sterile channel may be dispensed to a central cup location. In the dispensing system 102, each sterile channel is a pinch valve (such as a first sterile pump 318) positioned downstream of the peristaltic pump (eg, the first sterile pump 318) near the end of the peristaltic tube (eg, the first sterile tube 322). For example, it has a first pinch valve 320) and prevents dripping across the end of the peristaltic tube.

  In the dispensing system 102, all raw materials may be dispensed from one nozzle location (eg, nozzle portion 114). A plurality of channels (ie, primary raw materials) that air mix sterile raw material into the diluent stream exiting the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 positioned so as not to interfere with other raw material streams from the injector ring 176 that is also mixed into the diluent stream. Stream, multiple raw material streams, etc.). Mixing is performed when the primary raw material stream flows down the common diffuser, or after the primary raw material stream has already exited the dispensing nozzle (eg, dispensing nozzle assembly 172), the secondary raw material stream (eg, sterile raw material of the sterile raw material stream). ) Into the primary raw material stream (eg, a diluent stream or a mixture of diluent and micro raw material exiting the dispensing nozzle assembly 172). Since the secondary raw material never touches the dispensing nozzle, the possibility of carryover can be reduced.

  Since many raw materials can be mixed at the nozzle portion 114, the area of the nozzle portion 114 can be very congested, and positioning the pinch valve at the end of the sterile tube can be complicated or otherwise In this case, it may not be preferable. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of installing a disposable sterile tube to mix multiple raw material streams, prevent dripping and maintain aseptic integrity until a package containing sterile raw materials is attached to the dispensing system 102, and Including equipment. Embodiments of the present disclosure allow multiple sterile packaged raw materials to be mixed into multiple raw material streams without dripping while maintaining aseptic integrity until the package is attached to a contempt system. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the pinch valve to be positioned away from the dispensing nozzle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the dispensing system 102 includes a first sterile nozzle 602, a first sterile nozzle retaining clip 604, a mixed micro raw material 606, a first rotor 608, and a first circular shape. A pump casing 610 may be included. The disposable sterile BIB containing the first sterile raw material 316 is located in the first sterile compartment 312 that can be cooled. The first sterile compartment 312 may be positioned directly above the first sterile pump 318 (eg, a peristaltic pump). The first sterile tube 322 may include a disposable tube attached to a disposable sterile BIB. The first sterile tube 322 may pass a peristaltic pump between the first rotor 608 and the first circular pump casing 610. The first sterile tube 322 may then pass through a first pinch valve 320 that may be positioned away from the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 immediately after the first sterile pump 318. The first sterile tube 322 may be routed substantially horizontally to the region of the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 (eg, the nozzle portion 114). If closure from the first sterile pump 318 is appropriate to securely seal the first sterile tube 322, the first pinch valve 320 may not be used.

  If the first sterile tube 322 is terminated by simply cutting the first sterile tube 322, the liquid at the end of the first sterile tube 322 with lower pressure at the top and higher pressure at the bottom There may be a large height difference (ΔH) across the generally vertical end of the first sterile tube 322 that may result in a differential pressure between. The differential pressure may be sufficient to overcome the surface tension across the end of the first sterile tube 322 that results in problematic dripping. This drip problem may be exacerbated if vibrations due to the mechanical refrigeration system of the dispensing system 102 or other mechanical systems cause additional strain on the surface tension at the end of the first sterile tube 322. Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide “drip-proof” or sterile nozzles that are difficult to drip. In other words, after the raw material is despised from the sterile nozzle, the raw material is not dripped from the sterile nozzle.

  A first aseptic nozzle 602 is located at the end of the first aseptic tube 322 to address the dripping problem. The first aseptic nozzle 602 may be disposable. The first sterile nozzle retaining clip 604 may be positioned on or near the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 to receive the first sterile nozzle 602. The first sterile nozzle 602 is fitted into the first sterile nozzle retaining clip 604 and dispensed so that the first sterile raw material 316 exiting the first sterile nozzle 602 can be mixed with the primary raw material stream exiting the dispensing nozzle assembly 172. The first sterile nozzle 602 can be properly positioned relative to the nozzle assembly 172. The first aseptic nozzle 602 can be placed so that it does not interfere with other air-mixed raw materials (eg, air-mixed micro-raw materials 606 dispensed from the injector ring 176).

  FIG. 7 shows another aspect of the first sterile channel in more detail. As shown in FIG. 7, in order to protect the aseptic integrity of the system prior to installation, the first aseptic nozzle 602 may have a disposable aseptically sealed peel tab closure 702. The closure 702 may be manually removed when the package containing the first sterile raw material 316 is attached to the dispensing system 102. Once the closure 702 is removed, the first sterile channel may no longer be aseptically sealed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first aseptic nozzle 602 may have a plurality of openings 704. Although the size of each of the plurality of openings 704 may be small, an excessive pressure drop across the first aseptic nozzle 602 can be prevented by the large number of openings of the plurality of openings 704. Since the size (for example, diameter) of each of the plurality of openings 704 may be small, the surface area of the liquid exposed in each of the plurality of openings 704 can also be reduced. During dispensing, the embodiments of FIG. 7 can have a small height difference because each opening of the plurality of openings 704 can have a small differential pressure across each opening of the plurality of openings 704. The surface tension of each of the plurality of openings 704 can be appropriate for holding the liquid in each of the openings 704. Any one or more cross-sections of the plurality of openings 704 may include any shape including but not limited to a circle.

  FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the first sterile channel of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment that includes a first sterile nozzle 802 and a first sterile nozzle retaining clip 804 can address the drip problem. A first aseptic nozzle 802 is placed at the end of the first aseptic tube 322 to address the dripping problem. The first aseptic nozzle 802 may be disposable. The first sterile nozzle retaining clip 804 may be positioned on or near the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 to receive the first sterile nozzle 802. Dispensing nozzle assembly so that the first aseptic nozzle 802 fits into the first aseptic nozzle retaining clip 804 and the secondary raw material exiting the first aseptic nozzle 802 can be air mixed with the primary raw material stream exiting the dispensing nozzle assembly 172. The first sterile nozzle 802 can be properly positioned relative to 172. The first aseptic nozzle 802 can be installed so as not to interfere with other air-mixed raw materials (eg, air-mixed micro-raw material 606).

  FIG. 9 shows the first sterile nozzle 802 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 9, the first sterile nozzle 802 may include an injection port 902 and an exhaust port 904. Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the injection port 902 of the first sterile nozzle 802 may be a first height and the discharge port 904 of the first sterile nozzle 802 may be a second height. The second height may be higher than the first height. The inlet port 902 and the outlet port 904 may be connected by a vertical section 906. The discharge port 904 may have a slight downward slope. A small amount of liquid that may exit the discharge port 904 immediately after dispensing from the dispensing system 102 may be a source of the drip problem described above. At the end of dispensing from the dispensing system 102, when the cup may be further installed in the dispensing system 102 to catch drops, the downward slope of the drain port 904 may exit the drain port 904 immediately after dispensing. A small amount of liquid can be easily discharged.

  The liquid in the vertical section 906 (eg, the first sterile raw material 316) may then be below the height of the discharge port 904 as shown in FIG. Since the first sterile pump 318 (or the first pinch valve 320, if necessary) can seal the first sterile tube 322, the liquid in the first sterile tube 322 is the first sterile tube. The horizontal surface 908 of the liquid can be fixed below the height of the discharge port 904. Since the liquid horizontal plane 908 is substantially horizontal, the entire surface of the horizontal plane 908 can be at the same pressure and can therefore be stabilized. Since the liquid level of the first sterile nozzle 802 can remain below the level of the discharge port 904, no further liquid that causes dripping will exit the discharge port 904. Prior to attachment of the package containing the first sterile raw material 316 to the dispensing system 102, the discharge port 904 of the first sterile nozzle 802 is a disposable sterile peel similar to that removed with the closure 702 of FIG. You may have a closure tab.

  10A, 10B, and 10C illustrate another embodiment of the first sterile channel of FIG. 3 that includes a first sterile nozzle 1002. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first sterile nozzle directs the secondary raw material stream from the first sterile tube 322 and the primary raw material stream from the dispensing nozzle assembly 172 toward the consumer cup. 1002 may be turned downward. After dispensing from the dispensing system 102, the first sterile tube 318 (or first pinch valve 320, if necessary) can seal the first sterile tube 322 so that the first sterile tube The liquid column of 322 can be captured by the first sterile tube 322 and can be terminated at the discharge port 1004 of the first sterile nozzle 1002 due to the incompressibility of the liquid in the first sterile tube 322. (For example, if the finger is similarly placed on the top of the soda straw, the liquid remains in the soda straw). Since the surface of the liquid at the discharge port 1004 can be substantially horizontal, the entire surface of the liquid at the discharge port 1004 can be at the same pressure and therefore can be more stable than the vertical liquid surface, and therefore There is less fear of dripping.

  In this embodiment, the first sterile nozzle 1002 is similar to the first sterile nozzle holding clip 604 and the first sterile nozzle holding clip 804 described above by the first sterile nozzle holding clip 1006 shown in FIG. 10C. In a manner, it may be held in the distribution system 102. Further, the first sterile nozzle 1002 may be sealed by a peel tab similar to the closure 702 described above. The angles and dimensions shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C are examples, and other angles and dimensions can be used consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a system for converting continuous flow to pulse flow that may be used with distribution system 102 may be provided. FIG. 11 shows a first secondary raw material tube 1102, a second secondary raw material tube 1104, and a nozzle 1106. The first secondary raw material tube 1102 and the second secondary raw material tube 1104 may flow through a cooled heat exchanger (not shown). The first secondary raw material tube 1102 may have a first secondary raw material tube opening 1108, and the second secondary raw material tube 1104 may have a second secondary raw material tube opening 1110. Good. The first secondary raw material tube 1102 may include, but is not limited to, the first sterile tube 322 or the second sterile tube 330 as described above. The second secondary raw material tube 1104 may include, but is not limited to, the first sterile tube 322 or the second sterile tube 330 as described above. The nozzle 1106 may include, but is not limited to, a dispensing nozzle assembly 172 as described above. The first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 and the second secondary raw material tube opening 1110 may include a first aseptic nozzle 602, a first aseptic nozzle 802, or a first aseptic nozzle 1002, It is not limited to these.

  First secondary material tube 1102 and / or second secondary material tube 1104 may also include, but are not limited to, macro raw material tube 161 or BIB tube 135. The first sterile tube opening 1108 and the second sterile tube opening 1110 may be an integral part of the injector ring 176. If the tube opening is an integral part of the injector ring, the clips 604, 804, 1006 are not used.

  Under the control of the CDM 204, the distribution system 102 may introduce the first secondary raw material 1112 into the first secondary raw material tube 1102 and the second secondary raw material 1114 into the second secondary raw material tube 1104. The primary raw material 1116 may be introduced into the nozzle 1106. As a result, the dispensing system 102 has a first secondary raw material stream 1118 from the first secondary raw material tube opening 1108, a second secondary raw material stream 1120 from the second secondary raw material tube opening 1110, Each primary raw material stream 1122 may then be dispensed from nozzle 1106. First secondary raw material 1112, second secondary raw material 1114, and primary raw material 1116 include, but are not limited to, macro raw materials, micro raw materials, diluents, BIB raw materials, sweeteners, and sterile raw materials as described above. Any raw material not included may be included. The primary raw material stream 1122 may include, for example, a diluent stream or multiple raw material streams.

  As described above, mixing may be performed after the primary raw material stream has exited the dispensing nozzle (eg, nozzle 1106) after the secondary raw material stream (eg, first secondary raw material stream 1118 or second secondary raw material stream). 1120) into a primary raw material stream (eg, primary raw material stream 1122). Since the secondary raw material does not touch the dispensing nozzle, the possibility of carryover is greatly reduced. Upon mixing, the secondary raw material creates a stream (eg, a first secondary raw material stream 1118 or a second secondary raw material stream 1120) that can collide onto a secondary raw material stream (eg, primary raw material stream 1122), for example It is introduced via a secondary raw material distribution opening (eg, first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 or second secondary raw material tube opening 1110) that can create a beverage (eg, beverage 1124). .

  Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 creates an appropriate velocity for the first secondary raw material stream 1118 and, as shown in FIG. The raw material stream 1118 may be dimensioned so that it can intersect between the first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 and the primary raw material stream 1122. Similarly, the second secondary raw material tube opening 1110 creates an appropriate velocity for the second secondary raw material stream 1120 so that the second secondary raw material stream 1120 is second as shown in FIG. The secondary raw material tube opening 1110 and the primary raw material stream 1122 may be sized to intersect. As shown in FIG. 12, if the speed of the first secondary raw material stream 1118 or the second secondary raw material stream 1120 is too low, the first secondary raw material stream 1118 or the second secondary raw material stream 1120 The primary ingredient stream 1122 may not be reached, and in some cases may result in sub-optimal mixing of the ingredients in the beverage 1124 and visual effects that may make the consumer uncomfortable. The purpose of the first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 and the second secondary raw material tube opening 1110 may be to create a well-shaped stream, even though it is not intended to be a metering device, for example. Good.

  An exemplary scenario in which the overall flow rate of the secondary raw material is reduced and the secondary raw material stream velocity is greatly reduced (and thereby becomes insufficient) is as follows. For example, the first secondary raw material 1112 may include an ice tea concentrate and the second secondary raw material 1114 may include a lemonade concentrate. If pure ice tea is dispensed, the first secondary raw material 1112 can be dispensed at its full flow rate. However, if a mixture of half tea and half lemonade is dispensed at the same time, the flow rate of the first secondary raw material 1112 and the second secondary raw material 1114 will be reduced by half, as shown in FIG. Insufficient secondary raw material stream speed.

  If the overall raw material flow rate of the secondary raw material never changes significantly, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the corresponding opening may be sized relative to the expected flow rate, and a constant or pulse flow May be distributed. However, if the overall secondary raw material flow varies significantly, continuous or pulse flow may be distributed at a higher flow rate, but pulse flow alone may be distributed at a lower flow rate. Each pulse may be viewed as a secondary raw material stream with a short duration. The secondary raw material flow rate (pulse) during the “on” period may be appropriate to eject the secondary raw material from the dispensing opening at a rate suitable to traverse the air gap. The overall flow rate may be adjusted by introducing an “off” period between pulses. The longer the “off” period, the smaller the overall flow rate. The frequency of the pulses may be 4 to 30 Hz, for example.

  FIG. 13 shows a system 1300 for converting a continuous flow into a pulse flow that may be used with the distribution system 102. As shown in FIG. 13, the system 1300 may include a pump 1302, a first valve 1304, an accumulator 1306, and a second valve 1308. The pump 1302 may include, but is not limited to, a continuous flow positive displacement flow control pump. Examples of continuous flow positive displacement flow control pumps include, but are not limited to, vane pumps and gear pumps. The first valve 1304 may include a poppet valve, but is not limited thereto. The second valve 1308 may include, but is not limited to, an on / off solenoid valve. First secondary raw material 1112 enters system 1300 with pump 1302 and travels downstream through first valve 1304, accumulator 1306, second valve 1308, first secondary raw material tube 1102, and the first The system 1300 may exit the secondary raw material tube opening 1108. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the CDM 204 may control the pump 1302, the first valve 1304, and the second valve 1308.

  Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the system 1300 uses a constant flow positive displacement pumping / metering device (e.g., pump 1302) that can be operated at variable flow rates, for example, by distributing a pulse flow. It may be possible to air mix (eg secondary raw material, both macro or micro). Continuous flow positive displacement flow control pumps may be used to inject / control flow of micro and macro raw materials consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 show in more detail a system 1300 for converting continuous flow to pulse flow that may be used with distribution system 102. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the inlet of the first pump 1302 may receive the first secondary raw material 1112. The outlet of the first pump 1302 may be connected to a first valve 1304 that may include a poppet valve having a fixed cracking pressure. As long as the pressure in the system 1300 downstream of the poppet valve is less than the poppet valve cracking pressure, the back pressure seen by the pump 1302 may be constant and remain equal to the poppet valve cracking pressure. Thus, the poppet valve can decouple the pump 1302 from changes in pressure downstream of the poppet valve. Other types of pressure regulators may be used consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

  The first valve 1304 (eg, the poppet valve described above) may be connected to the accumulator 1306. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure where the accumulator 1306 may include a semi-flexible tube 1310. Semi-flexible tube 1310 may include a semi-flexible tube (e.g., vinyl) that can slightly expand to act as an accumulator. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment where the accumulator 1306 may include a bubble trap 1312 that is placed in line. When the system 1300 is initially empty, the bubble trap 1312 may be filled with air. When the system 1300 is initially filled with a raw material (eg, the first secondary raw material 1112), the bubble trap 1312 may trap the bubble 1314. A small amount of air may be introduced into the line each time the material container is replaced. When some of the bubbles 1314 disappear, this small amount of air may fill the bubbles 1314 again. The bubble 1314 expands and contracts as the first secondary raw material 1112 and can accumulate during the pulse, increasing the pressure, and thus the release of the pulse reduces the pressure acting as an accumulator. The amount of first secondary raw material 1112 that accumulates during the pulse may be very small. Other types of accumulators may be used and the accumulator 1306 is not limited to the above example.

  The accumulator may be connected to a second valve 1308 (eg, an on / off solenoid valve) that opens and closes to create a pulse. The second valve 1308 may be connected to the first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 via the first secondary raw material tube 1102.

  The pump 1302 may always deliver the first secondary raw material 1112 to the system 1300. More raw material (eg, first secondary raw material 1112) may be further delivered at the time between pulses when the second valve 1308 may be closed. Without the accumulator 1306, the pressure of the system 1300 may increase rapidly between pulses. Originally, positive displacement pumps can create high pressures. When the second valve 1308 opens to create a pulse, the first secondary raw material 1112 may flow freely out of the first secondary raw material tube opening 1108 that relieves the pressure of the system 1300. The accumulator 1306 may receive a first secondary raw material 1112 delivered between pulses, which can release pressure spikes between pulses and stabilize the pressure of the system 1300. The pressure spike can damage the system 1300 and, when closed, the first secondary raw material 1112 can leak through the second valve 1308. If the second valve 1308 fails, the second valve 1308 may function as a pressure relief valve, for example.

  While the specification includes examples, the scope of the disclosure is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, although the specification is described in terms specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims (23)

A dispensing nozzle assembly configured to provide a primary raw material stream;
Providing a sterile raw material stream, and a sterile nozzle configured to mix the sterile raw material stream with the primary raw material stream after the primary raw material stream exits the dispensing nozzle assembly;
system. The primary raw material stream comprises multiple raw material streams;
The system of claim 1. The sterile nozzle is drip-proof,
The system of claim 1. A sterile nozzle holding configured to hold the sterile nozzle in a position configured to mix the provided sterile raw material stream with the primary raw material stream after the primary raw material stream exits the dispensing nozzle assembly. Further including clips,
The system of claim 1. A sterile nozzle configured to provide a sterile raw material stream;
A sterile nozzle retaining clip configured to hold the sterile nozzle in a position configured to mix the provided sterile raw material stream with the primary raw material stream after the primary raw material stream exits the dispensing nozzle assembly; including,
system. The sterile nozzle is drip-proof,
The system according to claim 5. The sterile nozzle has a disposable closure;
The system according to claim 5. The aseptic nozzle includes a plurality of openings;
The system according to claim 5. The aseptic nozzle includes a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings configured to hold a respective liquid in the plurality of openings during dispensing from the aseptic nozzle. Having a size configured to cause surface tension across each of the parts,
The system according to claim 5. The sterile nozzle is
An injection port;
A discharge port;
Including a vertical section,
The system according to claim 5. The sterile nozzle is
An injection port;
A discharge port at a height above the injection port;
A vertical section connecting the injection port and the discharge port;
The system according to claim 5. The sterile nozzle includes a substantially horizontal discharge port;
The system according to claim 5. Further comprising a pinch valve positioned away from the sterile nozzle;
The system according to claim 5. Providing a primary raw material stream;
Receiving a continuous flow of secondary raw materials;
Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into a secondary raw material stream comprising a pulse flow of the secondary raw material;
Mixing the secondary raw material stream with the primary raw material stream,
Method. Receiving the continuous flow of the secondary raw material comprises receiving the continuous flow of the secondary raw material from a positive displacement flow control pump;
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into a secondary raw material stream comprising a pulse flow of the secondary raw material provides the pulse flow of the secondary raw material having a frequency generally between 4 Hz and 30 Hz. including,
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the secondary raw material stream comprising the pulse flow of the secondary raw material comprises providing the pulse flow of the secondary raw material in at least one on-period. ,
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulsed flow of the secondary raw material is sufficient for the intersection between the primary raw material stream and the secondary raw material tube opening into which the secondary raw material stream is distributed Providing said pulsed flow of said secondary raw material with at least one on-period having a variable speed and an air gap therebetween,
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulsed flow of the secondary raw material is sufficient for the intersection between the primary raw material stream and the secondary raw material tube opening into which the secondary raw material stream is distributed Providing the pulsed flow of the secondary raw material with at least one on-period having a variable velocity and an air gap therebetween, wherein the velocity of the pulsed flow of the secondary raw material is determined by the secondary raw material tube opening. Based on part size,
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulse flow of the secondary raw material comprises providing the pulse flow of the secondary raw material with at least one off period;
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulse flow of the secondary raw material includes providing the pulse flow of the secondary raw material in at least one off period, the off period comprising: Having a duration configured to cause a desired flow rate in the secondary raw material stream;
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulse flow of the secondary raw material,
Receiving the secondary raw material at a first valve;
Storing the secondary raw material in an accumulator;
Releasing the stored secondary raw material from the accumulator using a second value;
The method according to claim 14. Converting the continuous flow of the secondary raw material into the pulse flow of the secondary raw material,
Receiving the secondary raw material at a first valve including a poppet valve;
Storing the secondary raw material in an accumulator comprising one of a semi-flexible tube and a bubble trap;
Using a second value to release the stored secondary raw material from the accumulator, the second value including an on / off solenoid valve;
The method according to claim 14.

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