WO2020172570A1

WO2020172570A1 - Systems and methods for producing solutions from concentrates

Info

Publication number: WO2020172570A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/019290
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Gunia; Matthew Karl Gunia; Mark Kurt Gunia
Original assignee: SudSense, LLC
Priority date: 2019-02-21
Filing date: 2020-02-21
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Also published as: EP3927452A1; JP2022521095A; CA3131010A1; EP3927452A4; CN113795329A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for locally producing a solution using a concentrate pouch.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SOLUTIONS FROM

CONCENTRATES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/808,809 filed February 21, 2019, entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING

SOLUTIONS FROM CONCENTRATES,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/874,138 filed July 15, 2019, entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SOLUTIONS FROM CONCENTRATES,” the entireties of which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods of producing solutions from concentrates. BACKGROUND

Household cleaning and personal care products are generally purchased as finished products in single-use packaging. Many of these finished products consist primarily of water— in some cases over 90 percent— and a relatively small percentage of active ingredients. As such, this means that a consumer pays a significant cost for water, including the cost of transporting the water from a factory to a marketplace. This is not to mention the environmental cost of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting the water. Additionally, consumers are also paying for single-use packaging materials, such as bottles, caps and dispensing systems like trigger sprayers and pumps, which typically either end up in a landfill, or are recycled as a best case scenario. Although some finished products are now being packaged in flexible packaging, which generally has a lower cost and smaller environmental footprint compared to rigid packaging, such finished products still consist primarily of water.

On a related note, finished products that consist primarily of water are inherently bulky and, therefore, take up a great deal of space, whether on a shelf in a retail environment, or in storage within a residential or commercial building. The concentrates necessary to produce the same volume of finished products are far less bulky, thereby resulting in meaningful transportation, merchandising and storage efficiencies.

Moreover, the existing finished product solution market generally limits a consumer to particular product options that are mass-produced by a manufacturer and offers little or no options for personalization and customization. Consumer choice is further limited by what a retailer stocks. If a consumer has acquired a personal preference for a particular fragrance, concentration, or other product parameter or ingredient, those preferences may not be available for certain products or the preferred fragrance, ingredient or other parameter may vary widely depending on the finished product manufacturer.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes systems and methods of locally producing a solution from a concentrates. As used herein, the term solution can encompass a variety of physical states, including liquids, gels, pastes and creams, as well as both homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures, such as emulsions, where one or more of the mixed substances are not fully dissolved.

Some embodiments of these systems and methods provide localized solution production units for producing a solution on demand from a concentrate contained in a concentrate pouch. The localized solution production units for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch include a pouch dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pouch and evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system. The pouch dock includes a container recess configured to matingly engage a neck portion of a mixing container comprising an opening at the neck portion of the mixing container. The localized solution production units include a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

In some implementations, the localized solution production unit includes a fluid channel extending through the pouch dock. The fluid channel has a termination point in the recess.

In certain implementations, the localized solution production unit includes a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another termination point of the fluid channel. In particular implementations, the pouch pressurization system includes a movable press plate configured to press a concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock to evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch.

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

In certain implementations, the contoured plate is contoured to minimize residual concentrate in the pouch. In particular implementations the contoured plate is configured to minimize residual concentrate by being structured to press a top portion of the concentrate pouch prior to pressing a bottom portion of the concentrate pouch adjacent to a spout of the concentrate pouch to guide the concentrate from the top of the concentrate pouch to a funnel portion adjacent the spout

In particular implementations, the pouch pressurization system includes a movable roller configured to press a concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock by rolling to evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch.

In some implementations, a rotational speed of the roller is dependent on a concentrate type of the concentrate contained in the concentrate pouch.

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

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

In some implementations, the localized solution production unit includes the mixing container, where the mixing container comprises an impeller blade, where the container dock is configured to actuate the impeller blade.

In certain implementations, the localized solution production unit includes a graphical user interface positioned on the door portion.

In particular implementations, the localized solution production unit includes a motor for actuating the pressurization system.

Some embodiments provide concentrate pouches. The pouches include a pouch body forming a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate spout portion, and a concentrate funnel portion extending from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate spout portion in a tapered configuration. The pouch body is configured to contain a concentrate within the concentrate reservoir. The concentrate pouches include a chamber seal forming a burstable barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion. The concentrate pouches include a removable seal extending across the concentrate spout so as to seal a volume of the concentrate funnel portion from an environment outside of an interior region of the pouch body until the removable seal is broken.

In some implementations, the removable seal comprises perforations in the pouch body. The perforations do not extend through the spout area.

In certain implementations, 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.

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

In certain implementations, the concentrate pouch includes a plurality of hanging apertures positioned about a peripheral portion of the pouch body.

Various embodiments provide methods of evacuating a concentrate from a concentrate pouch. The methods include breaking a removable seal extending across a concentrate spout. The concentrate spout is positioned downstream of a concentrate funnel extending from a concentrate reservoir formed by a concentrate body of the concentrate pouch. The methods include bursting a chamber seal forming a removable barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion by applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir.

In some implementations, applying pressure includes squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable press plate of a pouch dock of a localized solution production unit.

In some implementations, applying pressure includes squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller of a pouch dock of a localized solution production unit.

In certain implementations, the methods include injecting water into a mixing container docked in the container dock.

In particular implementations, injecting water comprises injecting water before one or more of applying pressure to the concentrate pouch and rotating an impeller of the mixing container. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch including a press pressurization system.

FIG. 2 shows mixing containers for docking in a mixing container dock of a localized solution production unit.

FIG. 3 is side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1 with part of the housing removed.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1 with part of the housing removed.

FIG 6 is a perspective view of a localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch including a roller pressurization system.

FIG 7 is side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is another side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of

FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6 with part of the housing removed.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6 with part of the housing removed.

FIG. 11 shows concentrate pouches for containing a concentrate for extraction via a localized solution production unit.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show concentrate pouches containing concentrate.

FIGS. 14A-14C show schematics of a concentrate pouch.

FIGS. 15A-15C show schematics of another concentrate pouch.

The drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the systems and methods described in this disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some instances, various aspects of the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements). The features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods, and components of localized production units for producing a solution and concentrate pouches for producing solutions in localized production units.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch including a press pressurization system. The localized solution production unit 100 can be used to produce household cleaning and personal care products, such as dish soaps, hand soaps, all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, car wash solutions, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, hair conditioners, body washes, face washes, bubble baths, body lotions, cosmetics, creams, and serums. The localized solution production unit 100 is implemented to mix a finished product (e.g., a household cleaning product, a personal care product, a cosmetic product or another solution) intended to be used outside of the unit from a concentrate contained in a concentrate pouch (discussed in further detail in connection with FIGS 11-13C). The localized solution production unit 100 includes a pressurization system configured to evacuate the contents of a concentrate pouch therefrom via a press system. The press system comprising one or more actuatable press plates 102 positioned in the concentrate pouch dock 104 for squeezing the concentrate pouch. In some implementations, the press plate(s) 102 are molded/contoured press plates. The press plates are configured to receive and optimally squeeze the pouch geometry. The dock door 106 includes a door latch 608 for retaining the dock door 106 closed, particularly during a pressurization cycle. The dock door 106 includes a container recess 114 configured to matingly engage a neck portion 122 of a mixing container 120 comprising an opening at the neck portion 122 of the mixing container 120. In particular implementations, the recess 114 is configured at a height with respect to a container dock 616 such that the mixing container 120 when docked can only be removed (or installed) by opening the dock door 106, which helps prevent turnovers during mixing. This configuration also ensures that user only comes in contact with a mixed solution rather than with a concentrate, which could be harmful if in contact with the skin. One of our design goals was preventing the user from having to make contact with the concentrates during a transfer of concentrate from the pouch into the bottle, or during the mixing process.

In some implementations, that pouch dock 104 includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing container 120. The sensors can be positioned in the recess and can include a light or contact sensor that prevents concentrate or fluid dispensing in the absence of the mixing container 120. In some implementations, the recess can include a gasket for creating a seal between the neck portion 122 of the mixing container 120 and the recess to help prevent water, concentrate, or solution from spilling. In particular implementations, the pouch dock 104 includes one or more sensors for detecting a container type of the mixing container 120 to preclude mixing of particular solutions in particular designated bottles, for example, as programmed by a user or to set a mixing volume based on a capacity of the mixing container. The sensor can include an electronic tag detector and/or a physical/tactile sensor. In particular implementations, the one or more sensors are configured to the type and/or size of the mixing container 120.

The pouch dock 102 includes pouch hooks 110 for hanging the concentrate pouch in the pouch dock 102. The pouch hooks retain the concentrate pouch in place as forces are applied to the pouch to evacuate the concentrate down towards a spout portion of the concentrate pouch.

The localized solution production unit 100 includes a housing cover 118 for protecting and containing the mechanical and electromechanical components of the unit. The localized solution production unit 100 also includes a reservoir 112 for containing a base fluid such as water used to make the requested solution.

FIG. 2 shows mixing containers 120 and 220 for docking in a mixing container dock of a localized solution production unit. Although certain implementations use bottlenecks at 28mm diameter (thread to thread), particular implementations use an increased diameter, e.g., 43mm (thread to thread) to provide a larger opening for the concentrate stream. Since numerous pumps and sprayers are designed for 28mm bottlenecks, a reducer that screws on to the 43mm neck and reduces the neck to 28mm can be attached. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the mixing containers 120 and 220 can include various dispensing accessories 221 and 222. For example mixing container 120 can include a trigger sprayer for dispensing the solution mixed in the mixing container 120 by spraying or it can include a pump cover 222 as positioned on mixing container 220 for retrieving a solution by pumping. The mixing containers 120 and 220 include a base portion 223 that includes an impeller 224 that is actuated by the container dock for mixing the base fluid and the concentrate when dispense into the respective mixing container. Although certain implementations are configured so that concentrate is dispensed into a spinning vortex of a base fluid, certain products can be mixed adequately even if the concentrate is dispensed into no vortex or even without water in the bottle at all. This varies by product and some products will mix poorly if there is no water or vortex when the concentrate is introduced.

FIG. 3 is side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 3, a fluid channel 300 is positioned in the pouch dock 104. Although the press 100 is configured to squeeze the entire pouch, the fluid channel 300 is positioned around the spout area of the pouch that is not squeezed and includes a termination point in the recess 114. A second termination point of the fluid channel 300 is connected to (directly or indirectly) the fluid reservoir 112.

As shown in FIG. 3, the press plate 102 is actuated via press plate motor 302. The press plate motor 302 actuates the press plate 102 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 embodiments, the localized solution production unit 100 includes graphical user interface controls 306, such as an LCD display, positioned in the pouch dock door 106. The actuation system of the container dock 116 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In some implementations, the container dock includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing container 120. In some implementations, the presence of the bottle is detected. In some implementations the type/size of the bottle. The detection system includes one or more sensors located in the base of the appliance where the bottle is engaged by the driver. The actuation system of the container dock 116 includes an impeller drive motor 308 configured to actuate an impeller drive 312 via impeller drive belt 310. Actuation of impeller drive 312 causes the impeller 224

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1 with part of the housing removed. Additional components of the base fluid supply system are shown in FIG. 4. As illustrated, the reservoir 112 include a reservoir exit point 402 fluidly coupled to a pump 404 for pumping a base fluid from the reservoir 112 to the fluid channel 300. The system includes a heater 406 for heating the base fluid in accordance with particular implementations. The inventors have appreciated that controlling the water temperature is advantageous, but adequate mixing can be achieved with a range of temperatures.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1 with part of the housing removed. In FIG. 5, a press drive 502 for pressing the press plate 102 responsive to actuation by the press motor 302. In certain implementations, the press drive 502 includes a screw drive.

FIG 6 is a perspective view of a localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch including a roller pressurization system. The roller press system is effective at squeezing a flexible pouch containing viscous fluid. The roller press system may be deployed with variable roller speeds. For example, slower speeds can be implemented for higher viscosities in order to avoid blowout of the pouch. The localized solution production unit 600 includes a pressurization system configured to evacuate the contents of a concentrate pouch 601 therefrom via a roller press system. The concentrate pouch 601 is docked in the pouch dock 604 via pouch hooks 610. Concentrate pouches 601 are hung from top and bottom pouch hooks or pegs 610 inside the pouch dock 604 that serve to stabilize the pouch 601 during squeezing/rolling in roller system implementations. A frame portion of the pouch dock 604 is open in the center to allow the filled cavity of the pouch 601, which forms a bulge, to extend through the frame when the door is closed. Bottom and tops portions of the pouch 601 are pinned between the frame and the pouch dock door 606 to stabilize the pouch. In certain implementations, silicone lining are positioned around the entire frame, or at certain segments of frame (e g., top), to assist in gripping and stabilizing the concentrate pouch 601 while it is pinned between frame and door 606; it also helps prevent the pouch 601 from tearing off the top pegs 610. The dock door 606 configured to enclose the concentrate pouch within the pouch dock 606 during evacuation of the concentrate from the pouch dock 604. The dock door 606 includes a door latch 608 for retaining the dock door 606 closed, particularly during a pressurization cycle. The dock door 606 includes a portion of a container recess 614 configured to matmgly engage a neck portion 122 of a mixing container 120 comprising an opening at the neck portion 122 of the mixing container 120. In particular implementations, the recess 614 is configured at a height with respect to a container dock 616 such that the mixing container 120 when docked can only be removed (or installed) by opening the dock door 606, which helps prevent turnovers during mixing. Unit 600 also includes a reservoir 612 for containing a base fluid for mixing with the concentrate.

FIG. 7 is side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6.

A roller 702 is shown in FIG. 7. The roller 702 presses/squeezes the pouch 601 against the pouch dock door 606 to dispense. The roller system can be implemented with a single roller or may include multiple rollers in certain implementations. In FIG. 7, the roller is shown in both the up position and the down position. Until 600 also includes a base fluid heater 620, a fluid flow sensor 622, a water pump 624. The impeller 224 of container 120 is actuated via impeller drive 630 that is driven by impeller drive motor 632 via impeller drive belt 634. Unit 600 also includes a graphical user interface 640 positioned in the pouch dock door 606.

FIG. 8 is another side cross sectional view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows the reservoir exit 802 for the reservoir 612.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 6 with part of the housing removed and FIG. 10 is a side view of the localized solution production unit of FIG. 1 with part of the housing removed. FIG. 10 shows the fluid channel 1000 for adding fluid to the container 120.

FIG. 11 shows concentrate pouches for containing a concentrate for extraction via a localized solution production unit. Particular concentrate pouches disclosed herein are provided as a one-piece pouch. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b, which illustrate different sized pouches, include a concentrate chamber 1101a and 1101b. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b, which illustrate different sized pouches, include a burstable inner seal, chamber seals 1102a and 1102b that prevent concentrate from leaking through the spout after a seal extending across the spout has been removed and the pouch has been mounted spout-side down in the pouch dock and helped overcome challenges associated with opening the pouch (i.e., removing hermetic seal at end of spout), but ensured that concentrate does not leak out of the spout 1104a and 1104b while the pouch is mounted spout-side down in a pouch dock . The chamber seals 1102a and 1102b burst under pressure applied by a roller press, press plate, or other

pressurization system.

The burstable seals 1102a and 1102b are created by lower temperature of seal bar that makes the seal, in particular implementations. A special“peelable” polyethylene film is used for these types of seals in accordance with particular implementations. The seals for the peripheral portion of the concentrate pouches 1102a and 1102b can be made with a higher temperature seal bar and longer dwell time of that seal bar on the film. Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b include internal funnel cavities 1106a and 1106b with a funnel geometry terminating in the spouts 1104a and 1104b. The funnel cavities 1106a and 1106 are separate from the concentrate chamber 1101a and 1101b before the burstable seal is dislodged. While some embodiments may include a burstable seal located at the entry point to spout (from funnel), as well as inside spout, particular embodiments advantageously employ burstable seals positioned away from the entry point to the spout. For example, certain embodiments include a burstable seal positioned at the top of the funnel (which provides the widest seal area, which relates to ease of bursting).

Concentrate pouches 1100a and 1100b include a removable seal 1108a and 1108b. In particular embodiments, the removable seals 1108a and 1108b are perforated tear-away sections or a laser scored line in particular implementations.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show concentrate pouches including tear-away sections formed by a laser scored line. FIG. 12 shows the pouch before the tear away section 1201 is removed. FIG.

13 shows the pouch after the tear away section 1201 is removed.

Various embodiments include two pouch formats: 2 oz. and 4 oz. capacities. There are holes in the pouch for hanging the pouch on pegs featured in the pouch dock. FIGS. 14A-14C and 15A-15 C show schematics of a concentrate pouch. These pouches feature top and bottom holes. The roller system implementations use both top and bottom holes while press system implementations use only top holes. FIG14A. 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. FIG15A. 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. The pouches 1402 and 1502 are each implemented with 4 apertures 1404 and 1504 respectively. Systems with a roller pressurization system can be implemented with 4 holes (2 at top and 2 at bottom) to optimize stability of the pouch and particularly the spout area that has a tendency to wiggle during the rolling/concentrate dispensing process. Systems with a press plate pressurization system can be implemented with 2 hole pouch systems (e.g. 2 holes at the top).

In particular implementations, the systems include a pouch dock configured to removably receive a concentrate pouch. In certain implementations, the pouch dock features pegs to hang the pouch. The pegs can be configured to receive multiple pouch formats, e.g., two pouch formats (4 and 2 oz.). The pouch dock is configured to receive the neck and shoulder area of the bottle. The pouch dock is configured to encase at least a portion of the bottle during squeezing of the pouch. This configuration ensures a direct transfer of concentrate from the pouch into the bottle while the bottle is securely encased within the pouch dock. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. This approach is desirable since it ensures that concentrate is not falling through open air, but in a contained area of the pouch dock thereby shielding the user from potential contact with the concentrate while the concentrate is being dispensed and subsequently mixed in the mixing container. In certain implementations, the pouch dock includes roller systems as shown in FIG.

3 in particular implementations. The pouch dock includes a press system as shown in FIG. 4 in particular implementations.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry, or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

The term“data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user’s user device in response to requests received from the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to- peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of user and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a user-server relationship to each other. In some implementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a user device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated at the user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term“coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature.

Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

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

While various inventive implementations have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive implementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative implementations.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All implementations that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pouch comprising:

a pouch dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pouch and evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system, the pouch dock comprising a container recess configured to matmgly engage a neck portion of a mixing container comprising an opening at the neck portion of the mixing container; and

a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

2. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid channel extending through the pouch dock, the fluid channel having a termination point in the recess.

3. The localized solution production unit according to claim 2, further comprising a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another termination point of the fluid channel.

4. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pouch pressurization system comprises a movable press plate configured to press a concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock to evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch.

5. The localized solution production unit according to claim 4, wherein the movable press plate comprises a contoured plate.

6. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the pouch pressurization system comprises a movable roller configured to press a concentrate pouch positioned in the pouch dock by rolling to evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch.

7. The localized solution production unit according to claim 6, wherein a rotational speed of the roller is dependent on a concentrate type of the concentrate contained in the concentrate pouch.

8. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein a movable door of the pouch dock forms a first portion of the container recess and wherein a stationary body portion of the pouch dock forms a second portion of the container recess.

9. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the pouch dock is at a fixed height with respect to the container dock.

10. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising the mixing container, wherein the mixing container comprises an impeller blade, wherein the container dock is configured to actuate the impeller blade.

11. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a graphical user interface positioned on the door portion.

12. The localized solution production unit according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a motor for actuating the pressurization system.

13. A concentrate pouch comprising:

a pouch body forming a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate spout portion, and a concentrate funnel portion extending from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate spout portion in a tapered configuration, the pouch body configured to contain a concentrate within the concentrate reservoir;

a chamber seal forming a burstable barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion; and

a removable seal extending across the concentrate spout so as to seal a volume of the concentrate funnel portion from an environment outside of an interior region of the pouch body until the chamber seal is broken.

14. The concentrate pouch according to claim 13, wherein the removable seal comprises perforations in the pouch body.

15. The concentrate pouch according to claim 14, wherein 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.

16. The concentrate pouch according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of hanging apertures positioned about a peripheral portion of the pouch body.

17. A method of evacuating a concentrate from a concentrate pouch, the method comprising: removing a seal extending across a concentrate spout, the concentrate spout positioned downstream of a concentrate funnel extending from a concentrate reservoir formed by a concentrate body of the concentrate pouch; and

bursting a chamber seal forming a barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion by applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein applying pressure comprises squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable press plate of a pouch dock of a localized solution production unit comprising:

a pouch dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pouch and evacuate concentrate from the concentrate pouch via a pouch pressurization system, the pouch dock comprising a container recess configured to matingly engage a neck portion of a mixing container comprising an opening at a neck of the mixing container; and a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein applying pressure comprises squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller of a pouch dock of a localized solution production unit comprising:

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising injecting water into a mixing container docked in the container dock.