AU8843898A - Portion controlled dispenser of liquids, sauces and creams - Google Patents

Description

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AL

PO 0 1i Reaulafion 3_2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

STANDARD,

PATENT

Invention Title: PORTION CONT1ROLLED DISPENSER OF LIQUIDS, SAUCES AND CREAMS Applicant: PURELINK ITECINOLOGY PTY LTD The following, statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1A- PORTION CONTROLLED DISPENSER OF LIQUIDS. SAUCES AND CREAMS This invention relates to dispensing units for the automatic dispensing of predetermined portion controlled weights of liquids, sauces and creams. This invention will hereinafter be described predominantly in a refrigerated form in relation to the predetermined dispensing of milk portions, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such use.

The intermittent dispensing of milk from a dispensing unit has hygiene problems not normally associated with other forms of drink. Each time a milk drink is dispensed, a residual it left on all components of the dispensing system in direct contact with milk.

Unless these components are cleaned regularly, there will be a bacteria build-up, which if allowed to continue will affect both the flavour and smell of the milk. This effect is generally known as "souring" or "going-off'.

Presently known portion controlled dispensing units comprise a refrigerated milk 15 reservoir from which the milk is either gravity fed through a valve assembly incorporating 1. a calibrated chamber of pre-determined volume, or pumped from the reservoir such that the pump is operated for the period required to dispense the pre-determined volume of milk. in all presently known portion controlled dispensing units there are complex motor and pump assemblies or volume measuring components in direct contact with milk which S: 20 are required to be dismantled in order to be cleaned and sanitised daily and at a lesser time intervals in high ambient temperatures. The cleaning and sanitising procedure is time consuming and tedious, since it requires the partial or complete dismantling of the S.dispensing unit.

According to the present invention there is provided a portion controlled liquid S 25 dispenser, including a chamber housing a liquid reservoir supported by load measuring means that is arranged, in use, to continuously monitor the weight of the liquid within the reservoir, said load measuring means being in electrical connection with a preprogrammed micro-controller so that weight measurement readings made by said load measuring means can be fed to said micro-controller, a flexible tube in communication with and extending from said reservoir and through valve means which is biased towards a closed condition in which it squeezes said flexible tube shut, said flexible tube extending to outside of said chamber for facilitating dispensing of liquid externally of said chamber -r 'P when said valve means is in an open condition, a dispensing actuator being in electrical connection with said micro-controller and said actuator being operable to initiate a predetermined portion programme of said micro-processor that controls means to open said valve means so as to release liquid from fluid reservoir for a period suitable to reduce the weight of liquid in said reservoir by a pre-detemtined amount.

In one form of the invention, the milk reservoir and valve means form an integrated assembly fully supported by the load cell, such that the ony contact between the milk reservoir and the refrigerated chamber is an electrical connection designed to provide minimal friction and hence little or no effect on weighing accuracy.

In another form of the invention, there may be a multiplicity of liquid reservoirs and load measuring means, within the single refrigerated chamber, each said reservoir being provided with a flexible tube which extends out of the liquid reservoir and through a separate valve means.

The load measuring means may take any suitable form. A preferred form is a load cell that is formed from one or more strain gauges. Alternatively, the load cell may be of solid state form in which an electrical current passing through the cell is modulated under the changing load of the liquid in the reservoir.

In another form of the invention, variations in the specific gravity of a multiplicity of liquids may be programmed into the micro processor, in order that the weight reduction of a liquid may be related to a pre-determined volume portion.

In another form of the invention, there may be a multiplicity of pre-determined weight portions, each actuated by a separate actuator.

In another form of the invention, the milk reservoir may be a disposable aseptic bag with attached dispensing tube supported within a framework attached to the load measuring means platform, such that all components in contact with milk are disposable.

In another form of the invention, a disposable aseptic bag containing sauce or cream or other non liquid product, maybe subject to downward pressure by means of a weight positioned on top of the bag and supported within the framework attached to the load measuring means platform, such that the product is extruded under pressure when the dispensing valve is actuated.

In another form of this invention, a disposable aseptic bag containing sauce or cream or other non liquid product, may be placed in an airtight container supported within 3 a -framework attached to the load measuring meansplatfrmi. such that a positive air pressure is applied to the bag thereby ensuring that the product is extruded under pressure when the dispensing valve is actuated.

In another form of this invention, the milk r_:rvoir may be provided with two flexible tubes which extend out of the reservoir, one through valve means biased towards the closed position and one through valve means biased towards the open position, which operate in a contrary fashion, namely, when the valve means biased towards the closed position is open, the valve means biased towards the open position is closed. In this fonn of the invention, the tube through the valve means biased towards the closed position provides one or more milk portions of pre-deternined weight, whilst the tube through the valve means biased towards the open position, may prno\ide an on-demand supply of refrigerated milk to an espresso coffee machine or olthr machine, wherein the milk is either passed through a steam operated venturi in the espresso machine to forn a frothy head on a cappuccino drink, or used as a component of other milk based drinks.

The valve means can take any suitable form and in one forn, a solenoid actuated B. tap valve can be employed. Alternatively, a linear motor, or otherwise known as a step motor, can be employed and this is preferred by way of superior valve control. In this respect, while a solenoid actuator will open the valve the sanme distance for each ac:tation, a linear motor can be controlled so that the valve is opened a predetermined distance depending on the amount of liquid being dispensed. This means that for a relatively small amount of liquid being dispensed, such as 25ml, the valve can open the flexible tube only a small amount whereas for a larger amount of liquid, such as 300ml, the tube can be fuily opened.

The attached drawings show an example embodiment of the invention of the 25 foregoing kind. The particularity of those drawings and the associatrd description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure I shows one example of the exterior of a refrigerated portion controlled dispenser of liquids according to this invention.

Figure 2 shows one example of the interior of a refrigerated portion controlled dispenser of liquids according to this invention Figure 3 shows a cross section view of one example of the liquid reservoir, the load cell platform and the valve means ofthis invention.

4 Figure 4 shows a cross section view of a tap valve for use with the dispensing unit of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1 a refrigerated portion control dispenser I is generally illustrated.

Referring to Figure 2 a refrigerated portion control dispenser I of Figure 1 is shown with the door 2 removed. Refrigeration means are provided which comprise a chamber 3 sized to accommodate a milk supply or reservoir. The chamber may be sized to accommodate any number and size of milk supplies 4. Virtually any known refrigeration technique is suitable for cooling the chamber 3, and in Figure 2, the refrigeration machinery is located at the bottom rear of the dispenser generally shown at 5. The Chamber 3 will be cooled such that the maximum temperature of the milk supply 4 is about 4°.

The milk supply 4 is located on and supported by a load measurinn means in the fonn of a load cell platform that utilises positioning pins or vertical supports (not shown) 15 to ensure no lateral movement of the milk supply 4. Such a load cell 6 and platform are more clearly shown in Figure 3 and that arrangement will be described later in more detail.

A tube 7 extends from the milk supply 4 through a valve means S to a dispensing area exterior to the refrigerated chamber 3 generally illustrated by the number 9. This tube 7 may be supplied as an integral part of the milk supply 4 or may be fitted later. If the tube 7 is sufficiently flexible, then valve means S may be in the form of a tap valve, and may be arranged such that when at rest it squeezes the tube 7 shut.

Referring to Figure 3 a cross sectional view of the refrigerated chamber 3, milk supply 4. load cell 6 and valve means S are generally illustrated by the number 10. The refrigerated chamber 3 is bounded by insulated walls 11. The dispensing means 12 comprises a tap valve S biased towards the closed position, through which a flexible tube 7 extends from the milk supply 4 through an opening !3a in the insulated floor of the chamber 13 to a dispensing area 9 exterior to the refrigerated chamber 3 where a receptacle 14. such as a drinking cup, may be placed to receive the milk flow. The tap valve assembly S is shown in greater detail in Figure 4 and will be described in detail later.

The single point load cell comprises two components, a base 15 firmly attached to the floor of the refrigerated chamber 3, and a platform 6 connected to the base at position 16. The weight of the milk supply 4 supported by the platform 6 applies a force to the ikAd face of the cell, such that the force causes a deflection of the load cell body which is measured by a bridge of four strain gauges. The weight of the milk supply 4 is Scontinuously monitored by the load cell, which relays electrical signals through a wire connection 17 to a pre-programmed micro controller positioned at the bottom rear of the dispenser generally shown at Platform 6 may be of any structure or shape suitable to support a variety of milk supply designs and prevent lateral movement of the same. Vertical supports may be tilted to the platfoml such that a weight may be positioned on top of an aseptic bag of sauce, cream or other non liquid or highly viscous product in order to exert downward pressure and facility dispensing when the tap valve 8 is open.

Pre-determined portion selections are actuated by pressing one of a number of push buttons 18 mounted on a panel 19 on the front of the dispenser 1, such buttons being in electrical connection with the micro controller which is also in electrical connection with the tap valve actuator 8, this being described later in greater detail.

15 Referring to Figure 4 a cross sectional view of a tap valve suitable for use with the dispensing unit is generally illustrated by the number 8. A bulkhead 11 separates the .i refrigerated chamber 3 from atmospheric conditions located on the side 20 of the Sdispensing unit Threaded rods 21 and 22 are secured through bulkhead 11 by nuts 23.

Actuation rod 24 is slidably engaged through the bulkhead 11 and is threadably secured to 20 a plate 25. Actuation means (not shown) are connected in any suitable manner to the other end of the actuation rod 24, enabling the rod 24 to slide between a valve open position and a valve shut position (as shown in Figure A spring 26 biases the plate 25 towards the i plate 27, the plate 27 being fixed stationary against nuts 28.

The tube 7 is made to extend through the gap 29 between the plates 25 and 27 and 25 in the rest position, the tube 7 is squashed flat between the plates, thereby preventing flow through tube 7. Upon actuation, the rod 24 moves in the direction of the arrow A, taking the plate 25 with it, thereby separating the plates 25 and 27 and enabling the tube 7, which is located between the plates 25 and 27, to allow liquid flow therethrough. When actuation ceases the spring 26 returns the plate 25 to the position shown in Figure 4, thereby stopping flow through the tube 7.

The present invention therefore contemples a refrige_-rated dscinzunit 'Nhich dispenses pre-determined milk portions xn~d wxhich significanily reduces titnaCnce ;and possible hygiene problems.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may- be miany Var'itions and of the confil-uriion described herein which are within thle scotpe of Thle present invention.

Claims (9)

1. A portion controlled liquid dispenser. including A chamiber housing a liquid reservoir supported by load measuring means that is arrang-ed. In Ilse, to cniuul monitor the xxvighit of the liquid within the reservoir, said load W easurim- nmeans beinie in electrical coirnection w~ith a pi-e-progranarred micro-c:onta-olki so that weight icasuiren..~n readings made by said load micasurim-, means can be fe-d it, said micro-controller, a flexible tube in communication with and extend'ii- frm said reservoir and flhrouizh valve iticans which is biased towvards a closed condition in whiIch it squeezes said flexible tube shut. said flexible itube extending to outside of said chamber for faicilitating- dispensing of liquid externally of said chamber wh len said val\ c means is in an open condition, a dispiensing actuator being in electrical conrctlion with said tnicro-cotitrollkr and said actuator beilI~ operable to initiate a pre-detemnend portion programm11le of said micro-processor Otht controls means to open said valve mecans so as to release liquid from the f1lui-d reser-voir for a period suitable It, reduce the wveight ofliqi insirsroir by a 1 re-deterninicd amiount-

2. A liquid dispenser according to claim 1. said dispenser includinu a refigerated chamber. A liquid dispenser according~ to claimis I or 2. said load mecasuring mecans heing a load cell.

4. A liquid dispenser according to an-% onle of claims I to 3. wherein a Plurality Of liquid rcservoirs and associated load mecasuring means are provided within said chamber, each said liquid reservoir having a separate flexible tube in comimunication there-with and extending therefrom through valve means. Aliquid dispenser according2 to any one of claims I to 4. said micro-processor being pro.Grammed to accommodate variations in the specific gra ity of a range o" different liouids.

6. A liquid dispenser, according it any one of clainb I it- S said mlicro-processor having a plurality of pre-detem-iied porion programirtes. each bigactuabie h" a separ-ate dispensinu_ actuator.

7. A liquid dispenser according to any ono of claims 1- to,. herein said milk reservoir is a disposable aseptic bag and said flexible tube is attached to said bag tbr disposal therewith, said tube being supported in use, by a supporting frine depending" from said load measuring, meanis. S. A liquid dispenser according to claim 7. N\ herein pressure exerting, mean,- is, In ulse, applied downwtardly onl said disposable bag so to extrude the contents therein wider pressure N\hlen said valve means is opened. A liquid dispenser according to li hrin said pr ssure eeNg mean L s \Neight positioned on top of said bag and x hich is supported in use. by aI suppotinlg framne .depending fron said load supportinmans. I0 A iuddspenser according to claimn v, hercin said disoalhgispce within an airtight container and positive air prcssure is applied to the ha- to extrude the contents ilherein under pressure w-hen said valve means is opened.

11. A liquid dispenser according- to anyv one of claims 8 to 10. -wherein said liquid is of

12. A liquid dispenser according to any one of claims I to 11. said liquid reservoi includes a pair of flexible tubes in communication therewith and extending therefrom, each of said tubes exteniding through separate valve means. and said valve means being oppositely biased towards respective closed and open posivons. said valve means being arranged such that wheni the valve means biased to the closed position is opened, the other valve mzans is closed_

13. A liquid dispenser acCOrdingz to any one of claimls 1 10 12- w\hmrin said valve mecans is solenoid actuated.

14. A liquid dispenser according to claimiI ,3 wheren said \alve mecans Is a tap valve. iS. A liquid dispenser accorline to anW onle of clainis 1 it, 12. wherecin said v-alx c means is actuated by a linear miotor. l6. A liquid dispenser substantially as hecrein1 descnhbed \011t reference to any one ot the accompanying drawings. DATED: 13 OCTOBER 1998S PHILLIPS ORNIO\DE FITZPATRICK Attornevs for PURELINK TECHNOL-Y PTY LTD