JP2022521095A - Systems and methods for producing solvents from concentrates - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for locally producing a solvent using a concentrate pouch.

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application is a US provisional patent application No. 62 / entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTING SOLUTIONS FROM CONCENTRATIONS" filed on February 21, 2019, in which the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference. Claim priority to 808,809 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 874,138 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTING SOLUTIONS FROM CONCENTRATIONS" filed on July 15, 2019. ..

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing solvents from concentrates.

Household cleaning products and personal medical products are generally purchased as finished products in disposable packaging. Many of these finished products consist primarily of water, optionally more than 90 percent water, and a relatively small percentage of the active ingredient. Therefore, this means that consumers pay a considerable cost to water, including the cost of transporting water from the factory to the market. Needless to say, this is the environmental cost of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation of water. In addition, consumers are also paying for disposable packaging materials such as bottles, caps, and dispensing systems such as trigger sprayers and pumps, such packaging materials typically end up in garbage. It ends up in a landfill or is recycled as the best scenario. Currently, some finished products are generally packaged in flexible packaging, which is cheaper and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to rigid packaging, but such finished products are still predominantly from water. It is composed.

In that regard, the finished product, which consists primarily of water, is bulky in nature and is therefore considerable, whether it is a shelf in a retail environment or a storage location in a residential or commercial building. Occupy a lot of space. The concentrate required to produce the same volume of finished product is much smaller, resulting in meaningful transport, sales, and storage efficiencies.

Moreover, in the existing final product solvent market, consumers are generally limited to the choice of specific products mass-produced by the manufacturer, with little or no personalization and customization choices. Consumer choices are further constrained by retailer inventory. If the consumer has personal tastes for a particular scent, concentration, or other product parameter or ingredient, those preferences may not be available for the particular product, or the preferred scent, ingredient, Alternatively, other parameters may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer of the finished product.

The present disclosure describes a system and method for locally producing a solvent from a concentrate. As used herein, the term solvent is homogeneous and heterogeneous, including various physical states including liquids, gels, pastes, and creams, as well as emulsions in which one or more of the mixed substances are not completely dissolved. A mixture of both can be included.

Some embodiments of these systems and methods provide on-site solvent generation units for producing solvents on demand from concentrates contained within concentrate pouches. A local solvent generation unit for producing solvent from the concentrate pouch includes a pouch dock configured to detachably receive the concentrate pouch and release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system. .. The pouch dock includes a container recess configured to engage in a fitted state with the neck portion of the mixing vessel, the mixing vessel comprising an opening in the neck portion of the mixing vessel. The on-site solvent generation unit is coupled to the pouch dock and is removable to receive and mix the mixing vessel during the distribution of one or more of the base fluid flowing from the base fluid source and the concentrate released from the pouch. Includes a container dock configured to engage the container.

In some implementations, the field solvent generation unit includes a fluid channel that extends through the pouch dock. The fluid channel has an end point in the recess.

In certain implementations, the field solvent generation unit comprises a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another endpoint of the fluid channel.

In certain implementations, the pouch pressurization system includes a movable press plate configured to press the concentrate pouch positioned within the pouch dock to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch.

In some implementations, the movable press plate includes a contour plate.

In certain implementations, the contour plate is contoured to minimize residual concentrate in the pouch. In certain implementations, the contour plate presses on the bottom of the concentrate pouch adjacent to the spout of the concentrate pouch in order to guide the concentrate from the top of the concentrate pouch to the funnel portion adjacent to the spout. It is configured to minimize residual concentrate by being constructed to press the top of the concentrate pouch before.

In certain implementations, the pouch pressurization system includes a movable roller configured to press the concentrate pouch positioned within the pouch dock by rotating to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch. ..

In some implementations, the rotation speed of the rollers depends on the concentrate type of concentrate contained in the concentrate pouch.

In certain implementations, the pouch dock door forms the first portion of the container recess and the body portion of the pouch dock forms the second portion of the container recess.

In certain implementations, the pouch dock is at a fixed height with respect to the container dock.

In some implementations, the on-site solvent generation unit includes a mixing vessel, the mixing vessel is equipped with impeller vanes, and the vessel dock is configured to actuate the impeller vanes.

In certain implementations, the on-site solvent generation unit includes a graphical user interface positioned on the door portion.

In certain implementations, the on-site solvent generation unit includes a motor to operate the pressurization system.

Some embodiments provide a concentrate pouch. The pouch includes a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate ejector, and a pouch body that forms a concentrate funnel portion that extends from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate ejector in a tapered configuration. The pouch body is configured to contain the concentrate in a concentrate reservoir. The concentrate pouch contains a chamber seal that forms a burstable barrier that separates the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion. The concentrate pouch includes a removable seal that extends across the concentrate outlet to seal the volume of the concentrate funnel portion from the environment outside the inner region of the pouch body until the removable seal is broken. ..

In some implementations, the removable seal has perforations (dotted cut lines, multiple punched holes) within the pouch body. The perforations do not extend into the eruption area.

In certain implementations, the removable seal extends across the pouch body from the first edge of the pouch body to the second edge of the pouch body opposite the first edge.

In certain implementations, the pouch body is composed of at least one polyethylene film layer.

In certain implementations, the concentrate pouch comprises a plurality of hanging openings positioned at the periphery of the pouch body.

Various embodiments provide a method of releasing the concentrate from the concentrate pouch. Such methods include breaking a removable seal that extends across the concentrate spout. The concentrate outlet is positioned downstream of the concentrate funnel extending from the concentrate reservoir formed by the concentrate body of the concentrate pouch. Such methods include applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir to rupture the chamber seal that forms a removable barrier that separates the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion.

In some implementations, applying pressure involves squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable press plate in the pouch dock of the local solvent generation unit.

In some implementations, applying pressure involves squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller in the pouch dock of the local solvent generation unit.

In certain implementations, such methods include injecting water into a mixing vessel coupled within the vessel dock.

In certain implementations, injecting water involves injecting water prior to one or more of applying pressure to the concentrate pouch and rotating the impeller of the mixing vessel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a field solvent generation unit for producing a solvent from a concentrate pouch, including a press pressurization system. It is a figure which shows the mixing container for binding to the mixing container dock of a local solvent generation unit. It is a side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the on-site solvent generation unit of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. It is a side view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. 1 in which a part of a housing is removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a field solvent generation unit for producing a solvent from a concentrate pouch, including a roller pressurization system. It is a side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. It is another side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the on-site solvent generation unit of FIG. 6 with a portion of the housing removed. FIG. 6 is a side view of the on-site solvent generation unit of FIG. 6 with a portion of the housing removed. It is a figure which shows the concentrate pouch for accommodating the concentrate for extraction through a local solvent generation unit. It is a figure which shows the concentrate pouch which contains the concentrate. It is a figure which shows the concentrate pouch which contains the concentrate. It is a schematic diagram of a concentrate pouch. It is a schematic diagram of another concentrate pouch.

The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the systems and methods described in this disclosure. Drawings are not always proportional to actual size. In some examples, various aspects of the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be highlighted or expanded in the drawings to facilitate understanding of the different features. In drawings, similar reference characters generally refer to similar features (eg, functionally similar and / or structurally similar elements).

The features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein will be more apparent from the detailed description provided with the drawings.

The following is a more detailed description and exemplary implementation of various concepts related to the systems, methods, and components of the invention of the solvent-producing on-site generation unit and the solvent-producing concentrate pouch within the on-site generation unit. It is a form.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a field solvent generation unit for producing a solvent from a concentrate pouch, including a press pressurization system. Using the local solvent generation unit 100, dishwashing detergent, hand washing detergent, multipurpose detergent, bathroom detergent, glass detergent, car wash detergent, washing detergent, softener, shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, washing pigment, foaming agent, Household cleansers and personalized medical products such as body lotions, cosmetics, creams, and beauty essences can be produced. The local solvent generation unit 100 is a finished product (eg, household cleaning product, personal medical product, cosmetics, or another) intended to be used outside the unit from the concentrate contained in the concentrate pouch. The solvent) is mixed (discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 11-13C). The on-site solvent generation unit 100 includes a pressurizing system configured to release the contents of the concentrate pouch from the concentrate pouch via a press system. The press system comprises one or more operable press plates 102 positioned within the concentrate pouch dock 104 to squeeze the concentrate pouch. In some implementations, the press plate 102 is a molding / contour press plate. The press plate is configured to receive the pouch shape and optimally squeeze it. The dock door 106 includes a door latch 608 for holding the dock door 106 in a closed state, especially during a pressurization cycle. The dock door 106 includes a container recess 114 configured to engage in a fitted state with the neck portion 122 of the mixing vessel 120, the mixing vessel 120 comprising an opening in the neck portion 122 of the mixing vessel 120. In certain implementations, the recess 114 is configured with respect to the container dock 616 at a height such that the combined mixing container 120 can be removed (or installed) only by opening the dock door 106. Helps prevent falls during mixing. This configuration also ensures that the user is only in contact with the mixed solvent, not the concentrate, which can be harmful when in contact with the skin. One of our design goals was to prevent the user from having to come into contact with the concentrate during the transfer of the concentrate from the pouch to the bottle or during the mixing process.

In some implementations, the pouch dock 104 includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing vessel 120. Such a sensor can be positioned within the recess and can include a light or contact sensor that prevents the dispensing of concentrate or fluid in the absence of the mixing vessel 120. In some implementations, the recess provides a gasket to create a seal between the neck portion 122 of the mixing vessel 120 and the recess to help prevent water, concentrate, or solvent from spilling. Can include. In certain implementations, the pouch dock 104 is used to prevent mixing of certain solvents in certain designated bottles, such as programmed by the user, or to set the mixing volume based on the capacity of the mixing vessel. , Includes one or more sensors for detecting the vessel type of the mixing vessel 120. Sensors can include electronic tag detectors and / or physical / tactile sensors. In certain implementations, one or more sensors are configured for the type and / or size of the mixing vessel 120.

The pouch dock 102 includes a pouch hook 110 for suspending the concentrate pouch within the pouch dock 102. The pouch hook holds the concentrate pouch in place when a force is applied to the pouch to expel the concentrate towards the ejection portion of the concentrate pouch.

The field solvent generation unit 100 includes a housing cover 118 for protecting and accommodating the mechanical and electromechanical components of the unit. The on-site solvent generation unit 100 also includes a reservoir 112 for accommodating a base fluid such as water used to make the required solvent.

FIG. 2 shows mixing vessels 120 and 220 for coupling the mixing vessel dock of the on-site solvent generation unit. While certain mountings use a bottleneck with a diameter of 28 mm (thread to thread), certain mountings use an increased diameter, for example 43 mm (thread to thread), to concentrate the concentrate. Provides a larger opening for the flow. Since numerous pumps and atomizers are designed for 28mm bottlenecks, it is possible to attach different diameter fittings that screw onto the 43mm neck and reduce the neck to 28mm. As shown in FIG. 2, the mixing vessels 120 and 220 can include various dispensing accessories 221 and 222. For example, the mixing vessel 120 can include a trigger atomizer for spraying the solvent mixed in the mixing vessel 120, or a pump positioned on the mixing vessel 220 to recover the solvent by pumping. Cover 222 can be included. Mixing vessels 120 and 220 include a base portion 223, which contains an impeller 224 actuated by a vessel dock to mix the base fluid and concentrate as dispensed into their respective mixing vessels. .. Certain implementations are configured to dispense the concentrate into the swirling vortex of the base fluid, even if the concentrate is not dispensed into the vortex or even if there is no water in the bottle. Products can be mixed well. This varies from product to product and may result in inadequate mixing in the absence of water or vortices when the concentrate is introduced.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. As seen in FIG. 3, the fluid channel 300 is positioned within the pouch dock 104. The press 100 is configured to squeeze the entire pouch, while the fluid channel 300 is positioned around the ejection area of the unsqueezed pouch and includes an endpoint within the recess 114. The second endpoint of the fluid channel 300 is connected (directly or indirectly) to the fluid reservoir 112.

As shown in FIG. 3, the press plate 102 is operated via the press plate motor 302. The press plate motor 302 operates the press plate 102 so as to extend toward the pouch dock door 106, thereby squeezing the pouch 304 positioned between the press plate 102 and the pouch dock door 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the field solvent generation unit 100 includes a graphical user interface control unit 306 such as an LCD display positioned within the pouch dock door 106. The operating system of the container dock 116 is shown in FIG. In some implementations, the vessel dock comprises one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing vessel 120. In some implementations, the presence of bottles is detected. In some implementations, bottle type / size. The detection system includes one or more sensors located within the base of the device to which the bottle is engaged by the driver. The actuation system of the container dock 116 includes an impeller drive motor 308 configured to actuate the impeller drive 312 via the impeller drive belt 310. The operation of the impeller drive 312 causes the impeller 224.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the on-site solvent generation unit of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. Additional components of the base fluid supply system are shown in FIG. As shown, the reservoir 112 includes a reservoir outlet point 402 fluidly coupled to a pump 404 to pump the base fluid from the reservoir 112 to the fluid channel 300. According to a particular implementation, the system includes a heater 406 for heating the base fluid. We understand that controlling the temperature of water is advantageous, but sufficient mixing can be achieved at various temperatures.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the in-situ solvent generation unit of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. FIG. 5 shows a press drive 502 for pressing the press plate 102 in response to the operation of the press motor 302. In certain implementations, the press drive 502 includes a thread drive.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a field solvent generation unit for producing a solvent from a concentrate pouch, including a roller pressurization system. Roller press systems are effective in squeezing flexible pouches that contain viscous fluids. The roller press system can be introduced at variable roller speeds. For example, if the viscosity is higher, a slower rate can be performed to prevent the pouch from bursting. The on-site solvent generation unit 600 includes a pressurizing system configured to release the contents of the concentrate pouch 601 from the concentrate pouch 601 via a roller press system. The concentrate pouch 601 is bound into the pouch dock 604 via the pouch hook 610. The concentrate pouch 610 is suspended from the top and bottom pouch hooks or pegs 610 within the pouch dock 604, and the pouch hooks or pegs 610 serve to stabilize the pouch 601 during squeezing / rotation in a roller system mount. The frame portion of the pouch dock 604 is centrally open to allow the filling cavity of the pouch 601 to form a bulge to extend through the frame when the door is closed. The bottom and top of the pouch 601 are pinned between the frame and the pouch dock door 606 to stabilize the pouch. In certain implementations, around the entire frame or certain parts of the frame (eg, the top) to help pin the concentrator pouch 601 between the frame and the door 606 while gripping and stabilizing. ) Is positioned with a silicone lining, which also helps prevent the pouch 601 from tearing from the top peg 610. The dock door 606 is configured to seal the concentrate pouch within the pouch dock 606 during the release of the concentrate from the pouch dock 604. The dock door 606 includes a door latch 608 for holding the dock door 606 in a closed state, especially during a pressurization cycle. The dock door 606 includes a portion of a container recess 614 configured to engage in a fitted state with the neck portion 122 of the mixing vessel 120, the mixing vessel 120 comprising an opening in the neck portion 122 of the mixing vessel 120. In certain implementations, the recess 614 is configured with respect to the container dock 616 so that the combined mixing container 120 can be removed (or installed) only by opening the dock door 606. Helps prevent falls during mixing. The unit 600 also includes a reservoir 612 for accommodating the base fluid for mixing with the concentrate.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG.

Roller 702 is shown in FIG. The roller 702 presses / squeezes the pouch 601 against the pouch dock door 606 and dispenses. The roller system can be implemented by a single roller or, in a particular implementation, can include multiple rollers. In FIG. 7, the rollers are shown in both the top and bottom positions. The unit 600 also includes a base fluid heater 620, a flow sensor 622, and a water pump 624. The impeller 224 of the container 120 is operated via the impeller drive 630, and the impeller drive 630 is driven by the impeller drive motor 632 via the impeller drive belt 634. The unit 600 also includes a graphical user interface 640 positioned within the pouch dock door 606.

FIG. 8 is another side sectional view of the local solvent generation unit of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a reservoir outlet 802 for the reservoir 612.

9 is a rear perspective view of the on-site solvent generating unit of FIG. 6 with a part of the housing removed, and FIG. 10 is the on-site solvent generating unit of FIG. 1 with a part of the housing removed. It is a side view. FIG. 10 shows a fluid channel 1000 for adding fluid to the container 120.

FIG. 11 shows a concentrate pouch for accommodating concentrates for extraction via a local solvent generation unit. The specific concentrate pouches disclosed herein are provided as standalone pouches. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b show different sized pouches and include concentrate chambers 1101a and 1101b. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b show different sized pouches and include burstable inner seals called chamber seals 1102a and 1102b, chamber seals 1102a and 1102b have the seal extending across the spout removed and the pouch pouched. Prevent the concentrate from leaking through the spout and open the pouch (ie, remove the airtight seal at the end of the spout) after being installed in the dock with the spout side down. ) Not only helped to overcome the challenges associated with), but also ensured that the concentrate did not leak from the spouts 1104a and 1104b when the pouch was mounted in the pouch dock with the spout side down. I made it. The chamber seals 1102a and 1102b burst under pressure applied by a roller press, press plate, or other pressurizing system.

In certain implementations, the burstable seals 1102a and 1102b are made by a lower temperature seal bar that results in a seal. According to certain implementations, special "peeling" polyethylene films are used for these types of seals. Seals for the peripheral portions of concentrate pouches 1102a and 1102b can be made with the temperature of the seal bar higher and the holding time of the seal bar on the film longer. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b include internal funnel cavities 1106a and 1106b, and the shape of the funnel ends within the spouts 1104a and 1104b. The funnel cavities 1106a and 1106 are separated from the concentrate chambers 1101a and 1101b until the plosable seal is removed. Some embodiments may include an entry point (from a funnel) to the spout as well as a burstable seal located within the spout, but certain embodiments are away from the inlet point to the spout. It is advantageous to use a positioned, burstable seal. For example, certain embodiments include a rupturable seal positioned at the top of the funnel (providing the widest sealing area, which relates to facilitating rupture). Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b include removable seals 1108a and 1108b. In certain embodiments, the removable seals 1108a and 1108b are perforated tears or laser dividing lines in a particular implementation.

12 and 13 show a concentrate pouch containing a tear formed by a laser dividing line. FIG. 12 shows the pouch before the torn portion 1201 is removed. FIG. 13 shows the pouch after the torn portion 1201 has been removed.

Various embodiments include two pouch formats with capacities of 2 ounces and 4 ounces. Inside the pouch, there is a hole for suspending the pouch in the peg, which is a feature of the pouch dock. 14A-14C and 15A-15C show schematic views of the concentrate pouch. These pouches feature holes at the top and bottom. Roller system implementations use both top and bottom holes, while press system implementations use only top holes. FIG. 14A is a front view of the pouch 1402. FIG. 14B is a side view of the pouch 1402. FIG. 14C is a top view of the pouch 1402. FIG. 15A is a front view of the pouch 1502. FIG. 15B is a side view of the pouch 1502. FIG. 15C is a top view of the pouch 1502. Pouches 1402 and 1502 are implemented to have four openings 1404 and 1504, respectively. The system with a roller pressurization system has four holes (two on the top and two on the bottom) to optimize the stability of the pouch, especially the ejection area that tends to shake during the rotation / concentrate dispensing process. ) Can be carried out. A system with a press plate pressurization system can be implemented by a two-hole pouch system (eg, two holes at the top).

In certain implementations, the system includes a pouch dock configured to allow the concentrate pouch to be removed and received. In certain implementations, the pouch dock features pegs for suspending the pouch. Pegs can be configured to receive multiple pouch formats, such as two pouch formats (4 and 2 ounces). The pouch dock is configured to receive the bottle neck and shoulder area. The pouch dock is configured to contain at least a portion of the bottle during squeezing the pouch. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this configuration ensures direct transfer of concentrate from the pouch to the bottle when the bottle is stored in the pouch dock in a fixed state. In this technique, the concentrate is within the pouch dock's containment area rather than falling through open air, thereby allowing the user to dispense the concentrate and later mix it in a mixing vessel. It is desirable because it ensures that it is potentially prevented from coming into contact with the concentrate. In a particular implementation, the pouch dock includes a roller system, as shown in FIG. 3 in the particular implementation. The pouch dock includes a press system as shown in FIG. 4 in a particular implementation.

Implementations of the subject matter and operations described herein include the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents or combinations thereof, by digital electronic circuits, or by computer software, firmware. Or it can be done via hardware. The implementation of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e. one or more modules of computer program instructions, such computer program instructions being executed by a data processing device. It is encoded on a computer storage medium for the purpose of, or for controlling the operation of a data processing device.

The computer storage medium can be, or can be included in, a computer readable storage device, a computer readable storage board, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination thereof. Further, although the computer storage medium is not a propagating signal, the computer storage medium can be the source or destination of computer program instructions encoded within the artificially generated propagating signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or include, one or more separate physical components or media (eg, multiple CDs, discs, or other storage devices).

The operations described herein can be performed as operations performed by a data processing device on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

The term "data processor" includes all types of devices, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, programmable processors, computers, system-on-chips, or multiples, or combinations thereof. The device can include special purpose logic circuits such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). In addition to the hardware, the device also produces code that gives rise to an execution environment for the computer program, such as processor firmware, protocol stacks, database management systems, operating systems, cross-platform run-time environments, virtual machines, or one of these. It can contain codes that make up one or more combinations. The device and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages. Can be deployed in any form, including stand-alone programs or modules, components, subroutines, objects, or other units suitable for use in a computing environment. Computer programs are not required, but can accommodate files in the file system. A program may be in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (eg, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to that program, or in multiples. Can be stored in a linked file (eg, a file that stores one or more modules, subprograms, or code parts). Computer programs can be deployed to run on one computer or multiple computers, with multiple computers located in one location or distributed in multiple locations and interconnected by communication networks. Will be done.

The processes and logical flows described herein are performed by one or more programmable processors running one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and producing outputs. can do. Processes and logic flows can also be implemented by special purpose logic circuits such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and the device can also be implemented as these.

Suitable processors for running computer programs include, for example, both general purpose and special purpose microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. In general, processors receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory. Essential elements of a computer include a processor for performing actions according to instructions, as well as one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. In general, a computer also includes, or receives, or receives data from one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magnetic optical discs, or optical discs. Operatively coupled for the transmission of data to such mass storage devices, or both. However, the computer does not have to have such a device. In addition, the computer may be another device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile voice or video player, game console, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or portable storage device, to name just a few. It can be embedded in (for example, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive). Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include all types of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, such as magnetic disks, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices. Includes internal hard disks or removable discs, magnetic optical discs, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs. Processors and memory can be assisted by special purpose logic circuits or incorporated into special purpose logic circuits.

To provide user interaction, the implementation of the subject matter described herein is a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, as well as the user. It can be performed on a computer that has a keyboard and pointing device that can provide input to the computer, such as a mouse or trackball. Other types of devices can be used to provide user interaction as well, for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of perceptual feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback. It can receive input from the user in any format, including acoustic, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer sends a document to the device used by the user and receives the document from that device, for example to a web browser on the user's user device, in response to a request received from that web browser. You can interact with the user by sending.

The implementation of the subject matter described herein is the implementation of a backend component, eg, a data server, or a middleware component, eg, an application server, or a frontend component, eg, a user thereby described herein. It can be implemented within a user computer with an interactive graphical display or web browser, or a computing system that includes any combination of one or more such backends, middleware, or frontend components. .. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LAN”) and wide area networks (“WAN”), internetworks (eg, the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (eg, ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

Computing systems can include users and servers. Users and servers are generally separated from each other and typically interact over a communication network. The user-server relationship arises from computer programs that have a user-server relationship with each other while running on their respective computers. In some implementations, the server is intended to transmit data (eg, HTML pages) to the user device (for example, to display the data on the user device and to receive user input from the user and interact with the user device). do). The server can receive data generated by the user device (eg, the result of a user dialogue) from the user device.

The present specification contains many specific implementation details, but these are construed as an explanation of the particular implementation-specific features of the particular invention, not with respect to the scope of the invention or claims. I want to be. The particular features described herein in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented separately in multiple implementations, or in any suitable partial combination. Further, the features are described above as acting in a particular combination, and may even be patented as such in the first place, but in some cases one or more from the claimed combination. Features can be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination can also be a partial combination or a variant of the partial combination.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "bonding" means joining two members directly or indirectly to each other. Such a junction may be essentially stationary or movable. Such a joint is such that the two members or two members and any additional intermediate members are integrally formed with each other, or the two members or two members and any additional intermediate members are attached to each other. It can be realized in a state of being. Such a junction can be essentially permanent, or it can be essentially removable or releasable.

It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ in other exemplary implementations and such variations are intended to be incorporated by the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the features of the disclosed implementation can be incorporated into other disclosed implementations.

Implementations of various inventions have been described and illustrated herein, but various other means and / or various other means for performing and / or results and / or gaining one or more benefits of the functions described herein. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that each of the / or structures, as well as such modifications and / or modifications, is considered to be within the scope of the implementation of the invention described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations are the invention. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of are dependent on one or more unique applications in which they are used. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand and confirm many equivalents to the implementation of the particular invention described herein, or using only routine experimentation. Therefore, the above implementations are presented for illustration purposes only and are invented in a manner different from the specific description and claims within the appended claims and their equivalents. It should be understood that the implementation of can also be implemented. Implementations of the inventions of the present disclosure are directed to the individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods may also have such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods mutually. As long as there is no contradiction, it is included within the scope of the invention of the present disclosure.

Also, the techniques described herein can be embodied as the methods provided by at least one example. The operations performed as part of the method can be performed in any suitable order. Therefore, it is possible to build an implementation in which the actions are performed in a different order than the one shown in the figure, and in such an implementation, some actions are performed even though the implementation in the figure shows them as sequential actions. Can include running at the same time.

The scope of claims should not be construed to be limited to the order or elements of description unless stated to that effect. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The following claims and their equivalents and all implementations within the scope are claimed.

100, 600 Local fluid generation unit 102, 302 Press plate 104, 604 Pouch dock 106, 606 Pouch dock door 110 Pouch hook Reservoir 114, 614 Recess 116, 616 Container dock 118 Housing cover 120, 220 Mixing container 122 Neck part 221 Dispensing Accessories 222 Pump Cover 223 Base Part 224 Impeller 300 Fluid Channel 304 Pouch 308, 632 Impeller Drive Motor 310, 634 Impeller Drive Belt 312, 630 Impeller Drive 402 Reservoir Outlet Point 404 Pump 406 Heater 502 Press Drive 601 Concentrate Pouch 608 Door Latch 610 Peg 620 Base Fluid Heater 622 Flow Sensor 624 Water Pump 640 Graphical User Interface 702 Roller 802 Reservoir Outlet 1000 Fluid Channel 1100a, 1100b Concentrate Pouch 1101a, 1101b Concentrate Chamber 1102a, 1102b Chamber Seal 1104a, 1104b 1,106b Impeller cavity 1108a, 1108b Removable seal 1402, 1502 Pouch 1404, 1504 Opening

Claims (20)

A local solvent generation unit for producing solvents from concentrate pouches.
A pouch dock configured to detachably receive the concentrate pouch and release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system, wherein the pouch dock fits into the neck portion of the mixing vessel. With a pouch dock, the mixing vessel comprises a container recess configured to engage in a mated state, the mixing vessel having an opening in the neck portion of the mixing vessel.
A container dock coupled to the pouch dock, wherein the container dock is the mixture of one or more of the base fluid flowing from the base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pouch. A field solvent generation unit comprising a container dock configured to receive and engage the mixing container in a removable container. The on-site solvent generation unit of claim 1, further comprising a fluid channel extending through the pouch dock, wherein the fluid channel has an end point in the recess. The on-site solvent generation unit of claim 2, further comprising a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another endpoint of the fluid channel. The pouch pressurizing system comprises a movable press plate, the movable press plate configured to press a concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch. The on-site solvent generation unit according to claim 1 or 2. The on-site solvent generation unit according to claim 4, wherein the movable press plate includes a contour plate. The pouch pressurization system comprises a movable roller, which rotates to press the concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch. The on-site solvent generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is configured as described above. The on-site solvent generation unit according to claim 6, wherein the rotation speed of the roller depends on the concentrate type of the concentrate contained in the concentrate pouch. Any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable door of the pouch dock forms a first portion of the container recess, and a stationary body portion of the pouch dock forms a second portion of the container recess. The local solvent generation unit described in item 1. The on-site solvent generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pouch dock is at a fixed height with respect to the container dock. The on-site solvent generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the mixing vessel, the mixing vessel comprising impeller vanes, and the vessel dock configured to actuate the impeller vanes. .. The on-site solvent generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a graphical user interface positioned on the door portion. The on-site solvent generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a motor for operating the pressurizing system. It ’s a concentrate pouch,
A pouch body that forms a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate ejection portion, and a concentrate funnel portion, wherein the concentrate funnel portion extends from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate ejection portion in a tapered configuration, and the pouch body. The pouch body, which is configured to contain the concentrate in the concentrate reservoir,
A chamber seal that forms a ruptureable barrier, with a chamber seal that separates the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion.
It comprises a removable seal extending across the concentrate outlet so that the volume of the concentrate funnel portion is sealed from the environment outside the internal region of the pouch body until the chamber seal is broken. Concentrate pouch. 13. The concentrate pouch according to claim 13, wherein the removable seal has a perforation in the pouch body. 14. The removable seal extends across the pouch body from a first edge of the pouch body to a second edge of the pouch body opposite the first edge. Concentrate pouch as described in. 13. The concentrate pouch according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of hanging openings positioned at the periphery of the pouch body. A method of releasing the concentrate from the concentrate pouch,
By removing the seal extending across the concentrate outlet, the concentrate outlet is positioned downstream of the concentrate funnel extending from the concentrate reservoir formed by the concentrate body of the concentrate pouch. To remove and
A method comprising applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir to rupture a chamber seal that forms a barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion. Applying pressure involves squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable press plate in the pouch dock of the local solvent generation unit, wherein the local solvent generation unit is:
A pouch dock that is removable and receives the concentrate pouch, wherein the pouch dock is configured to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system, the pouch dock being a mixing container. A pouch dock comprising a container recess configured to engage in a fitted state with a neck portion, wherein the mixing container has an opening in the neck of the mixing container.
A container dock coupled to the pouch dock, wherein the container dock is in the distribution of one or more of the base fluid flowing from the base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pouch. 17. The method of claim 17, comprising a container dock configured to detachably receive and engage the mixing container. Applying pressure involves squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller in the pouch dock of the local solvent generation unit, the local solvent generation unit.
A pouch dock that is removable and receives the concentrate pouch, wherein the pouch dock is configured to release the concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system, the pouch dock being a mixing container. A pouch dock comprising a container recess configured to engage in a fitted state with a neck portion, wherein the mixing container has an opening in the neck of the mixing container.
A container dock coupled to the pouch dock, wherein the container dock is a mixture of the base fluid flowing from the base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pouch during distribution of one or more of the concentrates. 17. The method of claim 17, comprising a container dock configured to detachably receive and engage the mixing container. 17. The method of claim 17, further comprising injecting water into a mixed vessel coupled within the vessel dock.

Images