Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
  • B67D1/0804—Shape or materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/0001—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught by squeezing collapsible or flexible storage containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
  • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
  • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
  • B67D1/0027—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control
  • B67D1/0028—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on the timed opening of a valve
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
  • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
  • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
  • B67D1/0027—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control
  • B67D1/0029—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on volumetric dosing
  • B67D1/0032—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on volumetric dosing using flow-rate sensors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
  • B67D1/0043—Mixing devices for liquids
  • B67D1/0044—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing inside the dispensing nozzle
  • B67D1/0046—Mixing chambers
  • B67D1/0047—Mixing chambers with movable parts, e.g. for stirring
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
  • B67D1/0462—Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0889—Supports
  • B67D1/0894—Supports for the vessel to be filled
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
  • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
  • B67D1/1204—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed for ratio control purposes
  • B67D1/1211—Flow rate sensor
  • B67D1/1218—Flow rate sensor modulating the opening of a valve
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
  • G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
  • G07F13/065—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof for drink preparation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
  • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
  • G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D2001/0091—Component storage means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D2001/0095—Constructional details
  • B67D2001/0096—Means for pressurizing liquid
  • B67D2001/0098—Means for pressurizing liquid using a gas
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
  • B67D2001/0811—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs provided with coded information
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
  • B67D2001/0812—Bottles, cartridges or similar containers
  • B67D2001/0814—Bottles, cartridges or similar containers for upside down use
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
  • B67D1/08—Details
  • B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
  • B67D2001/0827—Bags in box
  • B67D2001/0828—Bags in box in pressurised housing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
  • B67D2210/00005—Filters
  • B67D2210/0001—Filters for liquid
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
  • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
  • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
  • B67D2210/00031—Housing

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a system and method for dispensing a food and beverage product and, more particularly, to a system and method for dispensing a plant-based food and beverage product made from a paste of nuts and/or cereals.
• Plant-based beverages may be derived, for example, from soy, various nuts, or grains.
• Many retail plant-based products e.g., almond-milk, cashew-milk, etc.
• retail products can have up to 20 ingredients such as gums, thickeners, vitamin packs, and preservatives that are added to this perishable liquid product to achieve an appealing taste, texture, color, etc., and to maintain that for commercially acceptable shelf life.
• Plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk) can be made in different ways.
• plant-based milk can be produced by mixing plant-based powder (i.e., ground nuts) with other desired ingredients, such as water, spices, other flavorings, sweeteners, etc.
• Plant-based milk can alternatively be produced by mixing predetermined quantities of plant-based paste with other desired ingredients.
• Each technique for producing plant-based milk poses distinct challenges owing, in part, to the physical differences between plant-based powder and plant-based paste.
• plant-based paste typically has a more fluidlike or pasty consistency caused by the release of natural oils from plant-based material during pulverization. These natural oils can “separate” from the more solid constituents of the plant-based paste over time, resulting in the formation of separate layers of different constituent materials in a packaged plant-based paste.
• the present disclosure solves the problems related to forming plant-based milk by mixing water and a plant-based paste.
• the invention mixes water with plant-based paste to make fresh plant-based milk on demand (i.e., the product is made fresh right in front of the customer), which negates the need for transporting refrigerated beverages (that can be 90% water).
• the present disclosure describes a beverage product mixing and dispensing system that may be used to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art.
• Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide systems and methods for establishing data communication with a data storage provider and for exchanging data with the data storage provider.
• a system for extracting a paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle includes an inflatable flexible enclosure adjacent to the pouch and an air compressor for controlling airflow into the flexible enclosure to result in a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure, the first pressure resulting in a rupture of the sealed nozzle and a second target pressure within the flexible enclosure.
• the system further includes a timer for measuring a target time for completing the extraction of the paste from the pouch.
• a system for extracting a paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle includes a first and a second plate element adjacent to the pouch, wherein the pouch is sandwiched between the first and the second plate elements, the first and the second plate elements configured to exert pressure on the pouch.
• the system further includes a rotatable cam mechanism configured to push the first plate towards the second plate as it rotates around an axis, wherein a shape of the cam mechanism is configured to create a first pressure within the pouch resulting in a rupture of the sealed nozzle and a second pressure within the pouch for extracting the paste from the pouch, wherein the first pressure is larger than the second pressure.
• Fig. 1A is an illustrative system for forming a dispensing a plant-based milk, including mixing of the plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. IB is an illustrative water supply system, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 1C is an illustrative mixing bottle assembly, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. ID shows various views of an example mixing bottle, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. IE is another view of an illustrative system for forming a dispensing a plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. IF shows an example chamber for holding a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 1G shows several views of an illustrative system for forming a dispensing a plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 2 is another illustrative system for forming a dispensing a plant-based milk, including mixing of the plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 3A-3E are illustrative systems having chambers for holding a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 4A-4C are illustrative chambers for holding a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 4D is a compressor for providing pressure for squeezing a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 4E is an illustrative seal for preventing air from escaping a chamber, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 4F show an example embodiment of a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 4G shows an example embodiment of a chamber for holding a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 5A-5B show example mechanisms for squeezing a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 5C shows an example configuration of a chamber for holding more than one pouch, where a first pouch is inserted within a second pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 5D shows an example embodiment of a chamber for holding multiple pouches, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 5E shows electrical components of system 101, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 6A-6C show other examples of mechanism for squeezing a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 7 shows an example mechanism for squeezing a pouch using flexible inflatable chambers, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 8 shows an example shape for a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 9 shows example pressure graphs as a function of time, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 10 shows an example process for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 11 A and 1 IB show example pouches, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Figs. 12A and 12B show other example pouches, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 13 shows an example process for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 14 shows an example chamber for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• FIGs. 15A-15C show other example chambers extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 16 shows a pouch positioned such that a nozzle is off-center of the bottle, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 17 shows a pouch fitting into a cradle and a part for squeezing the pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 18 shows an example system for dispensing paste and an additive for a plant-based beverage, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 19 shows an example system for dispensing paste having parts with non-flat surfaces, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 20 shows an example system for dispensing paste having rotating parts with non-flat surfaces, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 21 A shows an example pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 2 IB shows details of a nozzle for a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 22 shows a plot of a seal strength as a function of seal bar temperature, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 23 shows pouch geometry, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 24 shows a process of combining a prefabricated nozzle with a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 25 shows a structure of a layer of material for fabricating a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 26A-B show an example of a cam mechanism for exerting a mechanical action on a plate, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 27 shows an example distribution of pressure over a surface of pouch 111 as a function of pouch height (h).
• Fig. 28 shows an example configuration of a cam mechanism and plates for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 29 shows another view of a cam mechanism, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 30A-C shows possible cam mechanism shapes, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 31 A-B show examples of pouches with burstable seals, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• the disclosed embodiments are related to systems and methods for forming a plant-based milk.
• the system may include a tabletop machine designed to extract a plant-base paste (herein, also referred to as a base) from a pouch.
• a plant-base paste herein, also referred to as a base
• the base may be a nut-based or grain-based food and beverage product.
• the base may be formed from soy, various nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashew, peanuts, and the like), or grains (e.g., oats, barley, and the like).
• plant-based products for forming base may include quinoa, kamut, wheat, spelt, rye, oats, wild rice, fonio, tefif, coconut, almond, brazil nut, cashew, pine nut, hazelnut, and the like.
• Fig. 1 A shows an example system for forming a dispensing a plant-based milk, including mixing of the plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• the system may be a tabletop system 101.
• System 101 may include a water supply 113, and a chamber 110 that may contain a flexible pouch 111.
• Chamber 110 may be configured to squeeze flexible pouch 111, resulting in a plant-based paste (i.e., base) flowing into a bottle 115.
• pouch 111 may be made from any suitable flexible material (e.g., plastic, paper, biodegradable plastic, fabric, a composite material having multiple layers of various flexible materials, and the like).
• pouch 111 may be formed from plastic or cardboard with a suitable lining.
• pouch 111 may be made from material with antimicrobial properties (e.g., material that includes Ti02, and the like).
• pouch 111 may be made from a material containing aluminum foil (or any other suitable foil).
• Pouch 111 may be waterproof and/or not dissolvable in water.
• System 101 may be configured to require a few seconds (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 seconds) to extract base from pouch 111 using the pressurized chamber.
• a process of preparing plant-based milk may include steps of placing pouch 111 into chamber 110, closing chamber 110, waiting for a few (or a few tens) of seconds for extracting base from pouch 111, and waiting for a few (or a few tens) of seconds for mixing extracted base and water.
• system 101 may be configured to discard pouch 111 once the base is extracted from pouch 111.
• pouch 111 may be pressed such that at least some of the base may remain within pouch 111 (i.e., pouch 111 may only be partially emptied).
• a first portion of the base (first base portion) may be extracted from pouch 111, and the first base portion may be mixed with the first portion of water (first water portion) to yield the first portion of a plant- based beverage.
• a second base portion may be extracted from pouch 111, and the second base portion may be mixed with the first portion of the plant-based beverage.
• a second water portion may be added to the plant-based beverage.
• system 101 may be configured to extract base from flexible pouch 111 into bottle 115 and mix the base with an appropriate amount of water to result in a plant-based milk.
• the mixing may happen within bottle 115.
• bottle 115 may include a mixing element 117 that may, for example, be activated by motor 118.
• mixing element 117 may include a magnetic element that may be activated by a magnetic field created by motor 118.
• FIG. 1 A shows that a first embodiment of system 101 containing chamber system 112A and a second embodiment of system 101 containing chamber system 112B.
• Chamber system 112A may use pressure created by compressor 114 to squeeze (i.e., apply pressure onto) flexible pouch 111
• chamber system 112B may use mechanical elements (e.g., rollers) to apply pressure onto flexible pouch lll.
• a non-exclusive list of possible approaches for applying pressure on pouch 111 includes any suitable mechanical devices (e.g., rollers, CAM elements, a press, such as an arbor press, a piston, and the like), or any suitable ways for applying the pressure of a fluid (e.g., the gas pressure of liquid pressure) over surfaces of pouch 111.
• Fig. IB shows further details of water supply 113, which may include tubings 127, 125 A, and 125B, valves, such as check valve 128, a solenoid valve 122, and an inlet valve 126.
• inlet valve 126 may be configured to supply water
• check valve to 128 may be configured to allow a one-way flow of water into filter cartridge 129
• solenoid valve 122 may be electrically activated valve for controlling the flow of water via dispense nozzle 123 into a bottle 132 for mixing plant- based milk.
• water supply 113 may include a suitable filter (e.g., filter cartridge 129) for filtering water, as well as a flow meter f 2f for measuring the flow of water.
• Filter cartridge 129 may include a suitable filter head 130 for connecting tubing 125B via a suitable adapter 131 (e.g., a national pipe thread (NPT) adapter).
• NPT national pipe thread
• tubing 125A may be connected to filter cartridge 129 via elbow fitting 124.
• Tygon tubing may be used to connect inlet valve 126 with check valve 128. It should be appreciated that any suitable valves, tubing, filters, and pumps may be used to deliver a prescribed amount of water to the mixing bottle.
• the water can be supplied from any suitable plumbing system to a reservoir system (e.g., water supply 113) using a suitable water reserve such as 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20-gallon jugs, or as a system in which the user simply fills a mixing bottle 132, as shown in Fig. IB, to the appropriate level of water.
• a suitable water reserve such as 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20-gallon jugs, or as a system in which the user simply fills a mixing bottle 132, as shown in Fig. IB, to the appropriate level of water.
• mixing bottle assembly 140 may have a bottle body 149 for containing plant-base beverage product and a detachable base 143.
• the detachable base may include a rotor 145 for mixing.
• Rotor 145 may be connected to detachable base 143 via a shaft 144.
• Rotor 145 may utilize bearings (or busing) 146 for reducing the friction of rotating rotor 145.
• Shaft 144 may connect rotor 145 to idler pawl 142 and a drive pawl 141.
• the rotor may include a stator 148 and a top plate 147, as shown in Fig. 1C.
• Stator 148 may be used to reduce the amount of foam due to mixing by rotating rotor 148, and top plate 147 may be used to further control mixing by reducing a vortex resulting from a mixing process.
• Base 143 may be attached from the body of the mixing bottle via a thread of a thread adapter 151.
• a mixing element such as rotor 145
• mixing bottle assembly 140 may include various combinations of rotor 145 and stator 148.
• rotor 145 may include a flat top, a cone shape top, or any other suitable top.
• An example stator may have various shaped cutouts such as slots, circles, angles, stars, or others.
• the mixing elements can be made from a wide range of materials such as stainless steel and food-grade plastics.
• a rotating rotor such as rotor 145
• a vortex mixer or a vortexer
• the vortex mixer may be connected to an electric motor with a drive shaft oriented vertically and attached to a cupped rubber piece mounted slightly off-center. As the motor runs, the rubber piece may oscillate rapidly in a circular motion.
• a bottom of a mixing bottle 150 (mixing bottle 150 is shown, for example, in Fig.
• the vortex mixer may be designed to have a variable speed setting ranging from 100 to 3,200 rpm and can be set to run continuously or to run only when downward pressure is applied to the rubber piece.
• Other approaches for mixing the base and water to obtain a plant-based beverage may include systems that contain no mixing elements. Such systems may use a motor to spin a mixing bottle along an offset axis (orbital motion), to move the mixing bottle from one side to another, or up and down (linear motion), or move the mixing bottle in a rocking motion along a center axis. As mentioned, such systems may mix the base and water without the use of internal mixing elements. Further, these systems may be used with both specialized bottles as well as some off-the-shelf bottles. In these systems, the shape of the mixing bottle may have an impact on the mixing.
• the mixing bottles may include internal structures to aid in the mixing of the plant-based beverage.
• internal structures may include internal ribs or fins for mixing the plant-based beverage while the mixing bottle is being moved, rocked, shacked, or span.
• Fig. ID shows various views of example mixing bottle body 149 (also herein simply referred to as bottle 149), consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. ID view 1
• Bottle 149 is shown with a removable base 143 (removable base is shown next to mixing bottle 150).
• Fig ID, view 2 shows mixing bottle 149 placed such that the bottom side points upwards (as indicated in Fig. ID, view 2).
• Fig. ID, base view shows details of base 143.
• base 143 may include rotor 145 and stator 148.
• system 101 may be configured to accept mixing bottles of various sizes and shapes. For instance, system 101 may accept tall mixing bottles, short mixing bottles, narrow mixing bottles, wide mixing bottles, or combinations thereof. In some cases, some mixing bottles may be configured for a single serving of a plant-based beverage, while other mixing bottles may be configured for more than one serving.
• Fig. IE shows a side view and a front view of system 101 for forming dispensing plant- based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• System 101 may include chamber 110 containing pouch 111.
• chamber 110 may include a lever 156 that may be used to extract plant-based paste from pouch 111.
• Fig. IF shows views of chamber 110 with lever 156 configured to press on pouch 111 with plate 161.
• lever 156 is lowered (as shown by arrow 158 depicted in Fig. IE)
• plate 161 may move towards pouch 111 and exert a force on pouch 111, resulting in the extraction of plant-base paste through a nozzle 160 of pouch 111 (as shown in Fig. IF).
• the lowering of lever 156 may create pressure within pouch 111 sufficient to rupture a seal closing pouch 111.
• the pressure in pouch 111 created due to pressure from plate 161 may be used to extract plant-base paste from pouch 111.
• Fig. 1G shows various views, such as side view, angle view, and front view of system 101.
• bottle assembly 140 may be placed in a front portion of system 101.
• Chamber 110 may be positioned above bottle assembly 140, and body 170 of system 101 may contain various elements of system 101, such as, for example, water supply 113, compressor 114 (as shown in Fig. 1A), motor 118, or any other suitable element needed for the operation of system 101.
• Fig. 2 shows further details of system 101 (also referred to herein as system 101).
• system 101 may include a power supply 213 that may be any suitable power supply (e.g., battery, rechargeable battery, AC power supply, DC power supply, and the like), a control printed circuit assembly (PCA) module 212, a system for squeezing a pouch containing the base (e.g., rolls 211), circuit breakers 216 for preventing circuit malfunction, power surge, and the like, power receptacle 217, mixing motor 215 for activating a mixing element (e.g., rotor 145 as shown in Fig.
• a mixing element e.g., rotor 145 as shown in Fig.
• a small pulley 221 located within mixing bottle assembly 140), a small pulley 221 connected to motor 215, and a large pulley 223 that may be connected to drive pawl 141, as shown in Fig. 1C.
• Large pulley 223 may be connected to small pulley 221 via drive belt 218.
• Figs. 3A-3E are illustrative machines 101 (herein also referred to as systems 101) having chambers for holding a pouch for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• a chamber may have a door 310, which may be configured to open in various ways (e.g., open chamber doors 311B-311D are shown in Figs 3B-3D chamber doors).
• Fig.3E shows an example embodiment of a chamber 110 for holding pouch 111.
• chamber 110 is designed to receive pouch 111 (e.g., system 101 may be configured to have a user place pouch 111 into chamber 111) and have a mechanism for extracting base from pouch 111 (e.g., by squeezing pouch 111).
• chamber 110 may contain removable features, such as removable inserts to enable cleaning of chamber 110 if a spill of the base occurs.
• An example removable insert may include a silicone or a plastic insert configured to be removable for cleaning.
• an entire chamber 110 may be configured to be removable for cleaning.
• FIG. 4A shows an example of a closed chamber 110
• Fig. 4B shows open chamber 110
• chamber 110 may hold pouch 111, which may have a nozzle 411. Pouch 111 may be placed such that nozzle 411 is inserted into an opening 417.
• opening 417 may include an airtight seal 418 around nozzle 411, as further illustrated in Fig. 4E.
• Chamber 110 may be configured to be airtight when closed and have air being pumped into a chamber via a compressor (as shown in Fig. 4D). The air pressure within chamber 110 may be configured to apply pressure on pouch 111 and squeeze base from pouch 111.
• pouch 111 may be made from any suitable flexible material (e.g., plastic, paper, and the like) that can be easily deformable due to pressure applied over pouch 111.
• nozzle 411 may include a seal that can be broken when pressure is applied to pouch 111, allowing the base to flow from pouch 111
• Fig. 4E shows an example of seal 418 for chamber 110 to prevent air from leaking through chamber 110 when it is being pressurized.
• seal 418 may have a cross- sectional shape 418A, with nozzle 411 inserted through the seal.
• the seal may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., rubber, plastic, and the like). Under the application of air pressure (shown by arrows), a seal may change shape as shown by cross-sectional area 418B tightly connecting with nozzle 411 and preventing air from escaping chamber 110.
• Fig. 4F shows an example embodiment of pouch 111 that may be used for clamber 110, as shown in Fig. 4B.
• pouch 111 may be designed to start collapsing from a top portion 435A of pouch 111 as pressure (indicated by arrows 430) is applied to pouch 111.
• Pouch 111 may finish collapsing at the bottom portion 435B of pouch 111.
• pouch 111 may be configured to be more readily collapsible in the proximity of portion 435 A and less readily collapsible in the proximity of portion 435B.
• pouch 111 may include softer flexible material (e.g., a softer plastic or paper material) in portion 435A and harder flexible material in portion 435B.
• a material forming pouch 111 in portion 435 A may be thinner than a material forming pouch 111 in portion 435B.
• internal structures e.g., plastic trusses, or any other pressure resisting elements, as schematically indicated by elements 432A and 432B, may be incorporated in region 435B to prevent pouch 111 from collapsing in that region prior to pouch 111 collapsing in region 435 A.
• pressure resisting element 431 A may also be incorporated in region 435 A, and element 431 A may be less resistant to pressure than elements 432A or 432B.
• a single pressure resisting element may be incorporated into pouch 111 with pressure resisting properties varying along a height h of pouch 111 (height coordinate h for pouch 111 is shown in Fig. 4F).
• curve PR ( h ) may be a pressure resisting curve for pouch 111 indicating how well pouch 111 resist to pressure at different values of height h. For instance, as shown in Fig. 4F, PR(h) for high values of h may be smaller than PR(h) for lower values of h.
• PR i) may be a monotonically increasing function as h decreases.
• PR(h T0P ) may be a few or a few tens of percent higher than PR (h B07T0 ), where h T0P and h B0TT0M are as shown in Fig. 4F.
• a pouch with a nozzle and some form of a check valve, a duck bill valve, or other feature within the nozzle may be used to prevent the base from dripping before it is intended to.
• chamber 110 may be configured to provide higher pressure over a top portion (e.g., over region 435A) of pouch 111 than over a bottom portion (e.g., over region 435B) of pouch 111.
• a distribution of pressure is indicated by unevenly sized arrows 430 with longer arrows corresponding to a higher pressure.
• such pressure distribution may be achieved by requiring chamber 110 to have multiple sections fluidly disconnected from one another as, schematically indicated in Fig. 4G, by regions 441-444.
• regions 441-444 may support corresponding pressures P L — P 4 , wherein P 3 P 2 3 P 3 3 P 4 .
• Regions 441-444 may be fluidly disconnected, such that each region is capable of maintaining an independent pressure (herein the pressure may be caused by compressor 114 pressurizing regions 441- 444 using compressed gas such as air). Alternatively, a passage for gas (air) may be allowed between regions 441-444 with the flow of gas controlled between these regions (e.g., the flow of gas may be controlled using valves, such as check valves (e.g., Schrader or Presta valves)).
• valves such as check valves (e.g., Schrader or Presta valves)).
• a roller assembly 501 may include rollers 513, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, for extracting base. Rollers 513 may be rotated by appropriate drive motor 519 having suitable elements, such as 516 pulleys and bearings, a flexible coupling 520, guide rails 521, and a drive shaft 522 for engaging moving rollers 513 in a vertical direction.
• an encoder 518 may be configured to receive electrical signals from a processor to drive motor 519.
• Roller assembly 501 may include a drive belt 514 configured to move guide block(s) 515 (in an embodiment, guide block may contain bearings) along guide rails 521, as shown in Fig. 5A. Further, roller assembly 501 may include a roller motor 511 for spinning rollers 513 as indicated by arrow 523. In an example embodiment, roller motor 511 may be configured to spin both rollers 513 (or, in some cases, only one roller may be configured to spin). Optical sensors 512 may be used to determine the vertical position of rollers 513 as well as the speed of revolution of one or more rollers 513. In various embodiment, assembly 501 may include additional motor 519 and 511 controllers, as well as means for rollers 513 to travel along a three-dimensional trajectory.
• the three-dimensional trajectory may be achieved by moving rollers 513 both vertically and laterally.
• rollers 513 may have a degree of freedom indicated by arrow 524, allowing rollers 513 to move in a horizontal (i.e., lateral direction).
• Fig. 5B shows an example placement of pouch 111 between rollers 513 for extracting base 510 from pouch 111 to a bottle via a connector 525.
• Rollers 513 may be configured to move in a direction from the top of pouch 111 towards the bottom of pouch 111, allowing for squeezing the base out of pouch 111. In some cases, rollers 513 may move from the top of pouch 111 to the bottom of pouch 111 several times to squeeze the appropriate amount of base.
• roller motor 511 which may have appropriate gears and one or more belts.
• the separation distance may be controlled via an optical sensor 512.
• Rollers 513 may be configured to slide down and up using guide rails 521, as shown in Fig. 5A.
• the sliding motion for rollers 513 may be accomplished via drive motor 519 connected to drive shaft 522 using flexible coupling 520.
• Drive shaft 522 may be connected to pulleys 516 and drive belt 514, as shown in Fig. 5A.
• encoder 518 may communicate control signals that determine the motion of rollers 513 (e.g., the vertical motion of rollers 513, the rotational speed of rollers 513, and separation for rollers 513).
• various parameters for the rollers may be controlled simultaneously (e.g., rollers may move down and have a separation between the rollers decreasing as the rollers move).
• Fig. 5C shows a pouch 555 that may be located within another pouch 565, and base 570 may be squeezed from pouch 555 by establishing pressure in pouch 565.
• the pressure within pouch 565 may be established by pumping gas (e.g., air) into pouch 565 via valve 542 of connection 552.
• valve 542 may be a one-way valve allowing air to enter pouch 565 but not exit pouch 565.
• pouch 565 may have a release valve 543 for releasing air from pouch 565 when necessary.
• pouch 555 may be configured to be cooled to prevent or inhibit the separation of constituent components of the material in pouch 555 (e.g., of plant-based paste). Pouch 555 may be configured to receive or contact a cooling agent to cause the contents of the chamber to be cooled. Cooling agents may include materials that may facilitate heat transfer to cause the material in pouch 555 to be cooled, such as air, water, a refrigerant, a gas, or a cooling substance (e.g., a cooled gas, liquid, or solid material). In some embodiments, pouch 555 may be combined with, connected to, or located in proximity to a cooling device or component.
• pouch 555 may be surrounded by a component or container (e.g., a cooling jacket) configured to allow a cooling agent to surround and contact pouch 555 for cooling the contents of pouch 555.
• space surrounding pouch 555 may be cooled (e.g., using a refrigeration system) to allow pouch 555 to be positioned in a cooled environment for causing the contents of the chamber to be cooled.
• at least a portion of pouch 565 may contain a cooling liquid (e.g., water, water with ice, and the like) configured to cool pouch 555.
• a triple pouch system as shown in Fig. 5D.
• an additional pouch 560 may be located between pouch 555 and 565 (such that pouch 555 is inserted within pouch 560, and pouch 560 is inserted within pouch 565).
• Pouch 560 may include a cooling fluid, such as, for example, water.
• the water may be circulated in pouch 560 via connector 561, as shown in Fig. 5D.
• Fig. 5E shows electrical components of system 101.
• system 101 may include a power supply 571 (e.g., a battery, or an AC or DC power supply connected to an electrical grid, a mechanically generated power (e.g., generated by a user via a generator), and the like).
• power supply 571 may be connected to an electrical grid via a power receptacle 579.
• System 101 may include circuit breakers 580 (e.g., circuit breakers 580 may prevent power surges, circuit shorts, and the like). Electrical power from power supply 571 may be used to activate mixing motor 575 (motor 575 may be the same as motor 118, as shown in Fig.
• drive pawl 141 for operating drive pawl 141 (as shown in Fig. 1C).
• Drive pawl 141 may operate rotor 145 for mixing contents of mix bottle assembly 140.
• mixing motor 575 may be connected to a large pulley 576 via a drive belt 577 and a small pulley 578.
• Farge pulley 576 may be connected to drive pawl 141.
• control module 572 may be used to control various aspects of the operation of system 101.
• control module 572 may control an amount of water used for making plant-based milk, pumps for pumping water from water supply 113 (as shown in Fig. 1 A) to mixing bottle 115, operation of a compressor 114 (e.g., a pressure created by compressor within chamber 110 for extracting base from pouch 111), operation of motor 118 for mixing base and water in mixing bottle 115, operations of motors of roller assembly 501, or any other operations of system 101.
• control module 572 may include a memory unit (e.g., a non- transitory memory) for storing instructions used to operate various components of system 101.
• control module 572 may be configured to send electrical signals to various components of system 101 to activate those components.
• control module 572 may receive information from various sensors available to system 101 (e.g., sensors of system 101 may include pressure sensors in chamber 110, temperature sensors for water supply 113, temperature sensors in chamber 110, and the like), and based on the received information, may adjust the operation of one or more components of system 101. For example, if a pressure sensor within chamber 110 determines that there is insufficient pressure in chamber 110, module 572 may, via compressor 118, increase the pressure in chamber 110.
• module 572 may be configured to adjust the operation of one or more components of system 101 to ensure that parameters of system 101 have values within nominal operational ranges.
• module 572 may include a user interface (the user interface may include a touch screen, buttons, and the like) for receiving commands from a user and for reporting operational conditions to the user (e.g., the operational conditions may include data from sensors, or a current step performed by system 101 for making a plant-based beverage).
• a user interface may include a software application installed on a user device (e.g., a smartphone communicated with system 101 wirelessly via any suitable wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth, and the like)).
• Figs. 6A-6C show various approaches for squeezing an example pouch, including a roller (Fig. 6A), a flat block (Fig. 6B), or inflatable balloons (Fig. 6C).
• a perspective drawing including inflatable balloons (or flexible chambers 711) is shown in Fig. 7.
• the chambers are inflated via channel 713.
• flexible chambers 711 may have multiple sections (e.g., section 716A and 716B connected by a valve 715).
• the shape and size of pouch 111 may be optimized to control a flow rate of a base from pouch 111.
• the cross-sectional area of pouch 111 may change (as indicated by arrows Al, A2, and A3, and the shape of nozzle Nl, as shown in Fig. 8.
• Further pressure in chamber 111 (or pressure in flexible chambers 711) may be varied as a function of time, as shown in Fig. 9.
• pressure may be constant (plot 910), may increase as a function of time (plot 911), or may increase to rapture the pouch, and then decrease (plots 913). Pressure may increase after being decreased (plot 913).
• a pressure may be in a range of 4-20 psi with a possible pressure of about nine psi.
• the pressure is selected to rapture the seal. After rapturing the seal, the pressure may be decreased.
• Fig. 9 shows a point in time t 0 at which pressure is being applied.
• plot 913 shows that pressure is increased until time t L at which a nozzle of a pouch (e.g., pouch 111) ruptures.
• Fig. 10 shows an example process 1001 for extracting a base from pouch 111, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• pressure may be applied to pouch 111 via a pressurized chamber of via an inflatable flexible chamber 711, as shown in Fig. 7.
• system 101 may be configured to measure a flow rate of the base from pouch 111, and at step 1015, determine if the flow rate is in a target rate range. If the flow rate is in the target rate range (step 1015, Yes), process 1001 may proceed to step 1017 and determine if the base extraction needs to be stopped. If the extraction needs to be stopped (step 1017, Yes), process 1001 may be terminated.
• process 1001 may proceed to step 1011, as described above. If the flow rate is not in a target rate range (step 1015, No) process, 1001 may proceed to step 1019 and recalibrate the applied pressure to pouch 111.
• the recalibration may use a linear controller (e.g., if the flow rate is too slow, the pressure may be increased by a predetermined amount, and if the flow rate is too fast, the pressure may be decreased by a predetermined amount).
• the predetermined amount by which the pressure may be increased or decreased may be established via experimentation, computational simulations, or analytical calculations.
• Figs. 11 A and 1 IB show example pouches 1111 A and 111 IB, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• a pouch as shown in Fig. 11 A, may be in the form of a “house,” and a pouch in Fig.
• a pouch seal (as shown in Figs 11 A-l IB) may be a fraction of an inch (e.g., 3/16 of an inch, few tenths of an inch, and the like). The seal is designed to withstand seal-bursting force resulting in applying pressure on pouches 1111 A-l 11 IB.
• a seal-bursting force for a nozzle seal as shown in Figs. 1 lA-1 IB is configured to be smaller than a seal-bursting force for a pouch seal.
• nozzle seal may be made using different approaches (e.g., heat sealing, foil sealing, sealing using glue, and the like).
• Figs. 12A and 12B show another example of pouch 1211, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• the pressure applied to the walls of pouch 1211 may open a nozzle seal
• Fig. 13 shows an example process 1301 for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• a first pressure may be applied to burst a pouch at step 1311, and at step 1110, a target flow rate of air may be maintained to inflate flexible chambers (e.g., chambers 711) to create suitable pressure for extracting base from the pouch.
• the airflow rate may be used to calculate the volume flow rate of the base by combining a gas law and equation describing the flowing of the base from the nozzle.
• Fig. 14 shows an example chamber for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• the chamber may utilize both gas and liquid for extracting base from pouch 111.
• Pouch 111 may be adjacent to a flexible chamber 1411 that may contain gas (e.g., air) and a liquid (e.g., water).
• Pressure in chamber 1411 may be first increased by pumping air into chamber 1411 via channel 1413. Since chamber 1411 is configured to be flexible, it is configured to exert pressure on pouch 111. At a threshold pressure in chamber 1411 , the nozzle seal of pouch 111 may rupture, leading to the extraction of the base from pouch 111.
• a volume of liquid may be added to chamber 1411, leading to the same volume of paste being extracted from pouch 111.
• the flow rate of the paste may be controlled.
• Figs. 15A-15C show other example chambers extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Fig. 15A shows an air balloon 1515 that may be configured to push plate 1511 towards pouch 111 and plate 1513 while being inflated via a connection 1518.
• Plate 1511 and 1513 may be connected by springs 1520 for securing the motion of the plates.
• Air balloon 1515 may be made for a suitable rubber material capable of stretching when air is pumped into balloon 1515.
• Air balloon 1515 may be of any suitable shape and size for providing a required pressure (as well as the pressure distribution) over plate 1511.
• Plates 1511 and 1513 may be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, and the like.
• Fig. 15B shows plates 1521 and 1523 that are similar to plates 1511 and 1513 but may have optimized shapes to create higher pressure at the top of pouch 111 and lower pressure at the bottom of pouch 111.
• Fig. 15C further includes a plate motion sensor 1529, which may include a laser-based light motion sensor 1525, a laser beam 1524, and a moving bar 1526. Plane motion sensor 1529 may be used to determine the motion of plate 1521.
• laser beam 1524 may be directed towards light sensor 1525.
• laser beam 1524 may be interrupted by moving bar 1526 containing a set of holes 1522 through which laser beam 1524 may reach light sensor 1525.
• Fig. 16 shows an example embodiment of the system where pouch 111 may be positioned such that a nozzle of the pouch is off-center from the central axis of the bottle (axis 1605, as shown in Fig. 16).
• pouch 1604 may be designed such that nozzle 1611 may be off- center from the pouch center axis 1607.
• nozzle 16011 may be positioned such that paste 1613 may enter bottle 1621 and clear top plate 1617. Such an off-center position for nozzle 1611 may allow paste 1613 to reach rotor 1619 without being deposited over a top surface of top plate 1617.
• the position of the nozzle may not change during the squeezing of pouch 1604.
• Fig. 17 shows an embodiment system 101, in which pouch 1713 is inserted in a cradle 1711 (also referred to as a chamber).
• Cradle 1711 may be similar to chamber 110, as shown in Fig. 4B.
• part 1715 may be configured to be inserted into cradle 1711 such that it squeezes pouch 1713 and ensures that pouch 1713 releases all (or almost all) of the paste.
• cradle 1711 and part 1715 may be designed to extract paste from pouch 1713 such that no paste is wasted (i.e., all the paste is used for preparing a plant-based beverage).
• cradle 1711 (or system 110, as shown in Fig. 4B) may be configured to be removable and washable.
• System 101 may be configured to provide means for filling the mixing bottle with water.
• system 101 may include a nozzle (not shown) for filling the mixing bottle with a required amount of water.
• the mixing bottle e.g., bottle 1621, as shown in Fig. 16
• the bottle may be first filled with water prior to the addition of the plant-based paste.
• the bottle may be filled with water manually by a user. For example, a user may fill the bottle with water up to a certain level.
• system 101 may include various sensors for ensuring the correct operation of system 101.
• system 101 may include a pressure sensor for sensing the presence of the bottle.
• the pressure sensor may sense the amount of water in the bottle and notify a user if more or less water needs to be added.
• the amount of base dispensed into the bottle may depend on the amount of water present in the bottle to maintain the correct bottle/paste ratio.
• Various other sensors may be present. For example, a sensor may determine if a pouch is present in chamber 110 (chamber 110 is shown in Fig. 4B).
• a pressure sensor may ensure that pressure within chamber 110 does not exceed maximum pressure levels (e.g., the pressure within chamber 110 may be required to be less than 20 psi). In some cases, a sensor may be present for determining that chamber 110 is closed. In some cases, system 101 may include a sensor for detecting if the paste is flowing from a pouch and a timer for determining a duration of time for dispensing the paste.
• system 101 may be configured to determine what type of pouch is used for the machine. For example, different pouches may be of different weights, different colors, or may have a code (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, Universal Product Code, and the like) that may be read by system 101 and determine various parameters for extracting a paste (e.g., some pastes may require more pressure to be extracted, as these pastes may have higher viscosity). Other parameters that may be pouch dependent may include an initial pressure needed to break a seal of the pouch, a time duration for applying the pressure, a location (or area) over which to apply the pressure, or any other suitable parameters that may control how a paste may be dispensed from a pouch.
• a code e.g., a barcode, a QR code, Universal Product Code, and the like
• Other parameters that may be pouch dependent may include an initial pressure needed to break a seal of the pouch, a time duration for applying the pressure, a location (or area) over which to apply the pressure, or
• system 101 may include a wireless or wired connection for communicating with electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, and the like).
• electronic devices e.g., smartphones, computers, and the like.
• such connection may be used to update system 101 firmware, to obtain usage data for the machine, to upload instructions for system 101.
• instructions may be used to determine a procedure for preparing a plant-base beverage having a corresponding pouch.
• the instructions may include a time needed for dispensing paste from a pouch, the pressure needed for dispensing the paste, time needed for mixing the beverage, and the like.
• instructions may further include an amount of an additive that can be added to the beverage.
• system 101 may have sealed pouches for one or more additives that can be admixed to a plant-based beverage.
• Fig. 18 shows an example system for extracting paste from pouch 111 and for extracting an additive from a pouch 1815 (e.g., the additive may be maple syrup, a shot of Baileys Irish Cream, a chocolate syrup, and the like).
• the additive may be maple syrup, a shot of Baileys Irish Cream, a chocolate syrup, and the like.
• both the base and the additive may be extracted into a bottle 1820. As shown in Fig.
• a first mechanism e.g., a movable part 1811
• a second mechanism e.g., a rotatable and/or movable part 1813
• part 1813 may be rotated around axis 1817.
• part 1813 may be placed in a vertical position providing a space for placing pouch 1815, and then may be rotated into a horizontal position and pressed against the pouch to dispense additive from the pouch.
• Mechanisms 1811 and 1813 are only some of the possible examples, and any other approaches (e.g., using the pressure of a pressurized chamber that may contain both pouch 111 and 1815) as discussed herein may be used to dispense the paste and the additive from their respective pouches.
• Fig. 19 shows another example embodiment of a system for extracting paste from pouch 111 into bottle 1820 using a movable part 1911 and a part 1923 that may be, for example, a fixed part.
• Part 1911 may be similar to part 1811, as shown in Fig. 18, with the difference that part 1911 may have a non-flat surface (e.g., a wavy surface, as shown in Fig. 19).
• Part 1923 may be similar to part 1823, with the difference that part 1921 may have a non-flat surface (e.g., a wavy surface, as shown in Fig. 19).
• the surfaces of parts 1911 and 1923 may have any suitable smooth protrusions resulting in a generally wavy surface (e.g., the size, the height H, the width W, and/or the shape of protrusions can be selected for optimal extraction of paste from pouch 111).
• protrusions of part 1911 are positioned to be offset from protrusions of part 1923.
• protrusion 1931 may be positioned so that it is aligned with vacancy 1933, as shown in Fig. 19.
• part 1923 may be movable as well.
• both parts 1911 and 1923 may be movable relative to pouch 111.
• parts 1911 and 1923 may move relative to each other.
• part 1911 may move relative to part 1923.
• Parts 1911 and 1923 may move in a horizontal direction (i.e., direction indicated by arrow 1942). Additionally, or alternatively, parts 1911 and 1923 may move in a vertical direction (i.e., the direction indicated by arrows 1941). In some cases, parts 1911 and 1923 may move in a vertical direction, while pouch 111 may be stationary.
• Fig. 20 shows another embodiment of the system for extracting paste from pouch 111 using movable parts 2011 and 2023. These parts may be designed to be similar to rotating gears (rotation is indicated by arrows 2031 and 2032) spaced such that pouch 111 is placed between these parts. Parts 2011 and 2023 may be rotated and move relative to pouch 111, resulting in squeezing pouch 111 and dispensing paste from pouch 111 into bottle 1820.
• Fig. 21 A shows a cross-section of an example pouch 111 for plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• the pouch may be made from laminated material, as further discussed herein.
• Pouch 111 may have an outside shape 2117 that may be different from an inside shape 2119.
• outside shape 2117 may be substantially rectangular
• inside shape 2119 may be a tapered rectangular shape, as shown in Fig. 21 A.
• pouch 111 may include notches, such as notches 2121 A and 2121B for aligning pouch 111 with various elements (e.g., plate 141) of chamber 130, in which pouch 111 may be inserted, as shown in Fig. IF.
• chamber 130 may include protrusions, which may be inserted in notches 2121 A and 2121B to align pouch 111 relative to elements of chamber 130.
• pouch 111 may have vertical dimensions hl-h3, external width wl, internal width w2, nozzle diameters dl and d2, a nozzle seal 2113 for a nozzle 2114.
• the difference between wl and w2 may be in a range of a fraction of an inch (e.g., a fifth of an inch, a quarter of an inch, a half of an inch, and the like) and a region 2111 may be used to seal sides of pouch 111.
• pouch 111 may have a front side and a back side. The front side may be joined together with the back side via sealed regions such as region 2111.
• dimension hi may be a few inches (e.g., 3, 4, 4.5, 5 inches, and the like)
• dimension h2 may be a fraction of an inch larger than h2 (e.g., hi may be 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.3 inches larger than hi)
• dimension h3 may be slightly larger than h2 (e.g., may be larger by a few tenths of an inch than h2).
• wl may be about as large as hi (e.g., 4 or 5 inches, and the like).
• nozzle 2114 may be located at the bottom portion of pouch 111 in the center of the pouch.
• An example inner diameter d2 of nozzle 2114 may be a few tenths of an inch (e.g., 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 of inches, and the like).
• an outer diameter dl may be slightly less (e.g., by a tenth of an inch or less) than inner diameter d2.
• inside shape 2119 of pouch 111 may include tapered internal side 2120 having a tapering angle Q.
• Tapering angle Q is selected to provide a sufficient back pressure (the back pressure may be exerted by a paste located in pouch 111 when pouch 111 is squeezed) on a back side 2132 (as shown in Fig. 21B) of nozzle 2114.
• Such back pressure is used to open (also referred to herein as pop) nozzle seal 2113.
• back side 2130 of nozzle seal 2113 may be curved to provide a target force distribution over back side 2130 due to the back pressure.
• pouch 111 may be sealed by heating material that forms pouch 111 along a line 2131.
• a heating temperature for heating pouch-forming material along line 2131 may be non-uniform (or uniform). In some cases, the temperature may be selected based on the desired strength of a seal.
• Fig. 22 shows a plot of a curve 2201 describing a seal strength as a function of seal bar temperature, consistent with disclosed embodiments. For instance, the higher is the seal temperature, the higher may be the seal strength. In an example embodiment, seal strength may be uniform over line 2131. Alternatively, around nozzle 2114, seal strength may be decreased (which may be achieved by reducing a heating temperature when sealing pouch 111 in the proximity of nozzle 2114).
• Fig. 21B shows details of nozzle 2114 for pouch 111, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• a shape of nozzle 2114 characterized by a profde curve 2134 may be selected to reduce the force needed for popping nozzle seal 2113.
• a configuration of nozzle 2114 may be selected, such that seal 2113 can be easily opened (popped) due to the back pressure (as described above), but at the same time, the configuration of nozzle 2114 may be selected such that the back pressure is sufficiently high, in order to prevent accidental rupture of seal 2113 due to handling of pouch 111.
• Nozzle 2114 parameters may include inside diameter dl, an outside diameter d2, a height h5, and nozzle profile curve 2134.
• Nozzle seal 2113 may be of any suitable shape, as shown in Fig. 21B.
• seal 2113 may have a curved back surface 2130, with the curvature of surface 2130 selected to improve rupture of seal 2113 when pressured by contents of pouch 111.
• seal 2113 may be made from a different material than the walls of pouch 111.
• seal 2113 may be made from the same material as the walls of pouch 111 but may be sealed a via low- temperature heating.
• the temperature in a range of 200-260° Fahrenheit may be used for the low-temperature heating.
• a relatively high-temperature heating may be used to seal pouch 111.
• the temperature in a range of 280-350° Fahrenheit may be used for the high-temperature heating.
• the temperature distribution during the heating process may be selected to provide a particular shape for seal 2113.
• a high temperature gradient may be established between a region containing seal 2113 and other sealed regions (e.g., region 2116, as shown in Fig. 21 A).
• the temperature gradient may be 10 degrees Fahrenheit per few millimeters, 20 degrees Fahrenheit per few millimeters, and the like. Such high temperature gradients may result in seal popping without affecting the structure of pouch 111.
• Fig. 23 shows pouch geometry, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Pouch 111 may be cut out from a single sheet of material and have a layout 2311, as shown in Fig. 23.
• Pouch 111 may be formed from layout 2311 by folding layout 2311 as shown by arrows 2315 A and 2315B.
• a part of layout 2311 may be used to form a front side of pouch 111
• a part of layout 2311 may be used to form a back side of pouch 111
• sides may be used for sealing pouch 111
• middle portion 2313 of layout 2311 may be a top portion of pouch 111.
• Dimensions h2, h3 , wl, and d2 of layout 2311 may be the same as the same numbered dimensions, shown in Fig. 21 A.
• angle Q may be determined by selecting dimensions hi 1 and gl 1 of the layout.
• dimension hi 1 may be a fraction of an inch (e.g., 0.5 inches) about an inch or about a few inches.
• Similar dimension gl 1 may be on the same order (but slightly larger) than dimension hi 1.
• nozzle 2114 may be prefabricated and combined with pouch 111 during the sealing of layout 2311.
• Fig. 24 shows a process of combining prefabricated nozzle 2114 (that may already be sealed by seal 2113) with a nozzle portion 2413 of layout 2311.
• nozzle 2114 may be sealed to layout 2311 at region 2411 (e.g., a bottom side of region 2411 may be sealed with a front side of layout 2311, and a top side of region 2411 may be sealed with a back side of layout 2311.
• the back side of layout 2311 may be folded over the front side of layout 2311 using a folding line 2415.
• Fig. 25 shows a structure of a layer of the material for fabricating a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• layers of the material may be made from paper, plastic, or composite material (e.g., paper-plastic composites).
• layer 2511 may be a coated polyester (PET)
• layer 2513 may be a low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• layer 2515 may be an aluminum foil
• layer 2517 may be ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer
• layer 2519 may be a variable heat seal strength film (frangible sealant film).
• layers may have thicknesses in a range of 0.1 to a few millimeters (e.g., frangible sealant film may be a few millimeters, while aluminum foil layer 2515 may be a fraction of a millimeter).
• frangible sealant film may be a few millimeters
• aluminum foil layer 2515 may be a fraction of a millimeter.
• Above layers are only illustrative, and other layers may be chosen (or some layers may be removed), with the understanding that the last layer may be a sealant layer.
• Fig. 26A shows an example system 2601 for extracting a base from a pouch (e.g., for squeezing a paste from a pouch (e.g., pouch 111)), consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• system 2601 may include a cam mechanism 2611 (also referred to as a cam 2611) for exerting pressure on a plate 2613 via mechanical action.
• pouch 111 is placed between plate 2613 and plate 2614.
• cam 2611 exerts pressure on plate 2613
• plate 2613 executes a lateral motion as shown by arrow 2610, and pushes against pouch 111, thus, squeezing pouch 111.
• plate 2614 may be a fixed plate.
• Cam 2611 may be configured to rotate using axis 2615 with an angular rotation ⁇ u(t), which may depend on time.
• cam 2611 may be solidly connected to axis 2615, and axis 2615 may be rotated using an appropriate rotating device (e.g., an electric motor, a lever, and the like).
• an appropriate rotating device e.g., an electric motor, a lever, and the like.
• cam 2611 may have an extended portion 2617 configured to push against a face 2621 of plate 2613.
• Fig. 26B shows another view of cam 2611 configured to rotate around axis 2615 in a direction as shown by arrow 2621.
• Cam 2611 may push on plate 2613, which in return, may be configured to move laterally, as shown by arrow 2610 towards pouch 111.
• plate 2613 may be inclined relative to the horizontal direction at an angle q , as shown in Fig. 26A.
• Such a configuration for plate 2613 may allow plate 2613 first to engage with pouch 111 at a top portion of pouch 111 and then (after traveling at least some horizontal distance relative to pouch 111) to engage at a bottom portion of pouch 111.
• plate 2614 may also be inclined at a corresponding angle q 2 , as shown in Fig. 26B.
• Angles q and q 2 may be selected to result in a target pressure distribution over a surface of pouch 111 as a function of time.
• a plate (plate 1521 shown in Fig. 15B may correspond to plate 2613 shown in Fig. 26B) may have a curved surface adjacent to pouch 111 (e.g., a surface of plate 1521 adjacent to pouch 111, as shown in Fig. 15B).
• plate 2614 may also include a curved surface adjacent to pouch 111 (e.g., plate 2614 may be similar to plate 1523, as shown in Fig. 15B, which includes a curved surface adjacent to pouch 111).
• Fig. 27 shows an example distribution of pressure over a surface of pouch 111 as a function of pouch height (h).
• pressure distribution may be characterized by a plot 2711, which may have a peak pressure ? ! in a Top region of pouch 111
• pressure distribution may be characterized by a plot 2712, which may have a peak pressure P 2 in a Middle region of pouch 111
• pressure distribution may be characterized by a plot 2713, which may have a peak pressure P 3 in a Bottom region of pouch 111.
• arrow 2710 shows a direction of movement of peak pressure as a function of time.
• peak pressure may move along height h of pouch 111 at a velocity V (t, h ) which may be a function of ⁇ u(t) (herein, ⁇ u(t) is an angular revolution of cam 2611, as described above and shown in Fig. 26B).
• ⁇ u(t) is selected based on a target flow rate Q(t) of paste from pouch 111.
• target flow rate Q (t) may be related to V (t, h max ) as Q (t) oc A(h max )V (t , h max ).
• A(h max ) is a cross-sectional area of a pouch at height hm a x ⁇ h ma x is a height at which pressure has a maximum
• V (t, h max ) is a velocity at a height hm a x and time t.
• V (t) may be related to a lateral velocity v p (t) of a top point of plate 2613 towards pouch 111, as further described below.
• Fig. 28 shows an example plate 2613 that is suspended from an axis 2815.
• axis 2815 can undergo lateral motions as indicated by arrow 2811.
• the lateral motion of axis 2815 may be at a velocity v p (t).
• velocity v p (t) may depend on w (t) . Specific dependence is related to a particular shape of cam 2611.
• curve 2820 determines the dependence between rotational angular velocity o (t) and a lateral velocity v p (t).
• V(t) v p (t) + o p (t) ⁇ h.
• Fig. 29 shows another view of a cam 2611, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
• Cam 2611 may be rotated using device 2913 (e.g., an electric motor, lever, and the like).
• Device 2913 may be configured to translate rotational motion via a set of gears 2915A and 2915B.
• Fig. 30A shows various possible cam 2611 shapes, such as (round, eccentric, oval, elliptical, heart, hexagonal, star, and snail) shapes that can be used.
• cam 2611 is configured to have an increasing “thickness” along a line connecting axis 2615 of cam 2611 and plate 2613, as cam 2611 rotates, as further described below in relation to Fig 30B.
• Such a configuration for cam 2611 can be used to continuously push plate 2613 towards pouch 111.
• cam 2611 An example of cam 2611 is shown in Fig. 30B. Lines of length 1 ⁇ f ⁇ through /(f 4 ) are drawn from the center of axis 2615 to the rim of cam 2611 and correspond to a thickness of cam 2611. An angle f may be measured, as shown in Fig. 30B and correspond to the angle over which cam 2611 has turned during the rotation. The lengths Z(0i) through /(f 4 ). corresponds to separation distances of axis 2615 and plate 2613. In an example embodiment, length of lines, 1(f), are measured from the center of axis 2615 to rim of cam 2611, and 1(f may be a monotonically increasing function as a function of angle f.
• 1(f) may first increase rapidly, as shown by plot 3020, indicating the profile of cam 2611. Such a rapid increase in 1(f) may provide a large pressure on plate 2613, and may be used to induce sufficient pressure onto pouch 111 to result in a rapture of pouch 111. Subsequently, l (f) may increase more slowly, as shown by plot 3020 indicating a slower squeezing action for pouch 111 than initial squeezing action (i.e., indicating that an overall speed of plate 2613 towards pouch 111 (e.g.,
• Figs 31 A shows an example embodiment of pouch 111 containing a burstable seal 3110.
• seal 3110 may include regions formed from a tear proof flexible material 3112, and regions 3114 made from tear-prone material (e.g., thin foil, paper, and the like).
• regions 3114 may form a cross pattern, with a circular region 3116 at the center of the cross pattern).
• the base within pouch 111 may be configured to press on seal 3110, resulting in the breaking of seal 3110 at regions 3114, as shown in Fig. 31. While a cross pattern is shown in Fig. 31, it should be appreciated that any other suitable pattern may be used to allow for seal 3110 to be broken when being under pressure.
• FIG. 3 IB An alternative embodiment for breaking seal 3110 is shown in Fig. 3 IB.
• pouch 3131 (as shown in Fig. 3 IB) may have a different shape than pouch 111 in Fig.
• pouch 3131 may have a flatter shape and may be configured to be placed over a support 3145 (e.g., support 3145 may be part of chamber 110) such that seal 3110 is aligned to face puncturing device 3150.
• puncturing device 315 may have a sharp edge 3152 for puncturing seal 3145 at a tearing region 3114.
• Puncturing device 3150 may be a tube through which base 3160 from pouch 3131 may be flown to bottle 1820.
• system 101 may include a pouch identification system (PIDS).
• PIDS pouch identification system
• the PIDS may be used for identifying the appropriate type of pouch 111 to be used with system 101.
• different pouches may contain a different type of plant-based paste and may include different pouch identifiers such as labels, colors, shapes, sizes, weights, radio frequency identifiers, and the like.
• the PIS may determine a particular type of pouch 111 based on one of (or several) pouch identifiers and may be configured to transmit information about the type of pouch to a suitable controller for system 101 (e.g., control module 572, as shown in Fig. 5E).
• a suitable controller for system 101 e.g., control module 572, as shown in Fig. 5E.
• control module 572 may be configured to adjust various operational parameters for system 101, such as a pressure needed for extracting base from pouch 111, a time needed for extracting the base from pouch 111, a pressure distribution over pouch 111, a time dependency of pressure distribution over pouch 111, a particular operation of a mechanical device (e.g., rollers, CAM elements, and the like) for extracting the base from pouch 111, a time for mixing the base and water in a mixing bottle, an amplitude of agitation for the mixing of the base and the water, or any other suitable parameters for optimizing the extraction of the base from pouch 111 and for optimizing mixing of the base and the water.
• a pressure needed for extracting base from pouch 111 such as a pressure needed for extracting base from pouch 111, a time needed for extracting the base from pouch 111, a pressure distribution over pouch 111, a time dependency of pressure distribution over pouch 111, a particular operation of a mechanical device (e.g., rollers, CAM elements, and the like)
• the PIDS may utilize Near Field Communication such as High Frequency (HF) or UltraHigh Frequency (UHF) scanners, barcode scanners, cameras, and the like. Having the PIDS recognize different types of pouches may be essential to ensure the proper functioning of system 101.
• system 101 may utilize a bottle identification system (BIDS) for determining what type of bottle is used for system 101.
• BIDS may determine the height of a bottle, the width of the bottle, the volume of the bottle, the weight of the bottle, and the like.
• BIDS may utilize visible sensors (e.g., a camera, a laser, a photodiode, and the like) as well as weight sensors.
• various operational parameters for system 101 may be adjusted. Additionally, the operational parameters may be adjusted based on user inputs (e.g., the user may input additional parameters, such as an amount of creaminess for the plant-based beverage, via an interface for system 101).

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• Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
• Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Food Science & Technology (AREA)
• Dairy Products (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

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• 2020
  • 2020-12-22 EP EP20907949.0A patent/EP4081478A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-12-22 CN CN202080096725.9A patent/CN115768714A/zh active Pending
  • 2020-12-22 JP JP2022538887A patent/JP2023508390A/ja active Pending
  • 2020-12-22 WO PCT/US2020/066737 patent/WO2021133856A1/en unknown

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