JP2023508390A - Systems and methods for dispensing food and beverage products - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for extracting paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle includes an inflatable flexible enclosure adjacent the pouch and an air compressor controlling airflow to the flexible enclosure. An air compressor provides a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure, the first pressure resulting in rupture of the sealed nozzle, and a second target pressure within the flexible enclosure. Additionally, the system includes a timer for measuring a target time to complete extraction of paste from the flexible pouch.

Description

[Cross reference to related application]
This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims the priority benefit of currently pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/409,759 filed May 10, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. incorporated into. This application also claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/032,308, entitled "Systems and Methods for Dispensing Food and Beverage Products," filed Dec. 29, 2020 and filed Dec. 16, 2020 US Provisional Patent Application Ser. incorporated herein by reference.

[Technical field]
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing food and beverage products, and more specifically dispensing plant-based food and beverage products made from nut and/or cereal pastes. It relates to systems and methods for

[Background technology]
In recent years, the consumption of plant-based or non-dairy milk alternatives has increased significantly. Today, cow's milk allergy, lactose intolerance, calorie concerns, and preference for a vegan diet are influencing consumers to choose alternatives to cow's milk. Additionally, people may prefer non-dairy alternatives due to concerns about saturated fat levels, hormone content, and antibiotic use in dairy cows. Plant-based beverages may be derived from, for example, soybeans, various nuts, or grains. Many retail plant-based products (eg, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.) are supplemented with numerous synthetic ingredients to achieve a level of sterility for commercial distribution and retail sale. In addition, retail products use thickening agents added to perishable liquids to achieve an attractive taste, texture, color, etc., and to maintain it for a commercially acceptable shelf life. , thickeners, vitamin packs, and preservatives.

Commercial processes used to make commercial plant-based milks such as nut milks often occur at high heat (eg, 135°C/275°F). This type of treatment can cause deterioration in flavor, color and milk odor. Also driving up the cost of commercially distributed nut milks is the fact that they are water-based and must be refrigerated.

Making pure ("clean") plant-based beverages without the use of preservatives is also difficult. These beverages typically contain only a few ingredients (eg nuts/nut paste and water) and may be too perishable to be sold through the distribution chain. Furthermore, while plant-based ingredients alone may not be perishable and are storable at room temperature, these ingredients become highly perishable when commercially processed with various liquids (e.g., water). obtain. Even milk products with added preservatives may not last more than a week in the consumer's refrigerator due to transit time in distribution and time on retail shelves prior to purchase.

Plant-based milks, such as almond milk, can be made in different ways. For example, a plant-based milk can be produced by mixing plant-based powder (i.e., ground nuts) with other desired ingredients such as water, spices, other flavors, sweeteners. Alternatively, a plant-based milk can be made by mixing a predetermined amount of plant-based paste with other desired ingredients. Each technology for producing plant-based milk presents different challenges due in part to the physical differences between plant-based powders and plant-based pastes. For example, unlike plant-based powders, which typically have a dry, granular consistency, plant-based pastes have a more fluid or pasty consistency due to the release of natural oils from the plant-based material during grinding. typically have These natural oils can "separate" from the more solid components of the plant-based paste over time, resulting in the formation of separate layers of different component materials in the packaged plant-based paste.

The present disclosure solves the problems associated with forming plant-based milk by mixing water and plant-based paste. As explained below, the present invention mixes water with a plant-based paste to produce fresh plant-based milk on demand (i.e. the product is produced fresh in front of the customer). ), which eliminates the need to transport refrigerated beverages (which can be 90% water). Accordingly, the present disclosure describes a beverage product mixing and dispensing system that can be used to overcome one or more of the problems discussed above and/or other problems of the prior art.

[overview]
Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide systems and methods for establishing data communications with and exchanging data with data storage providers.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, a system is provided for extracting paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle. The system includes an inflatable flexible enclosure adjacent to the pouch and an air compressor for controlling airflow into the flexible enclosure, thereby establishing a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure. where the first pressure results in the bursting of the sealed nozzle and the second target pressure within the flexible enclosure. The system further includes a timer for measuring a target time to complete extraction of paste from the pouch.

Consistent with another disclosed embodiment, a system is provided for extracting paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle. The system includes first and second plate elements adjacent to the pouch, the pouch being sandwiched between the first and second plate elements, the first and second plate elements exerting pressure on the pouch. configured as The system further includes a rotatable cam mechanism configured to push the first plate toward the second plate when the cam mechanism rotates about the axis, wherein the shape of the cam mechanism is a sealing ( configured to generate a first pressure within the pouch that results in rupture of the sealed nozzle, and a second pressure within the pouch for extracting the paste from the pouch, wherein , the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments. The objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations recited in the claims.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure, as claimed.

[Brief description of the drawing]
The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale or exhaustive. Instead, emphasis is generally placed on explaining the principles of the inventions described herein. These drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an exemplary system for forming a distribution of plant-based milk, including blending of plant-based milk, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1B is an exemplary water supply system consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1C is an exemplary mixing bottle assembly consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1D shows various views of an exemplary mixing bottle consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1E is another illustration of an exemplary system for forming a plant-based milk dispense consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1F shows an exemplary chamber for holding pouches for plant-based pastes, consistent with disclosed examples.

FIG. 1G shows several views of an exemplary system for forming plant-based milk dispenses consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is another exemplary system for forming a plant-based milk dispense, including plant-based milk mixing, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 3A-3E are exemplary systems having chambers for holding pouches for plant-based pastes consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 4A-4C are exemplary chambers for holding pouches for plant-based pastes consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4D is a compressor for providing pressure for squeezing pouches for plant-based pastes, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4E is an exemplary seal for preventing air from escaping from the chamber, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4F shows an exemplary embodiment of a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4G shows an exemplary embodiment of a chamber for holding pouches, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 5A-5B show exemplary mechanisms for squeezing pouches for plant-based pastes consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5C shows an exemplary configuration of a chamber for holding multiple pouches, where a first pouch is inserted within a second pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5D shows an exemplary embodiment of a chamber for holding multiple pouches, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5E shows the electrical components of system 101, consistent with the disclosed embodiment.

Figures 6A-6C show other examples of mechanisms for squeezing pouches for plant-based pastes consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary mechanism for squeezing a pouch using a flexible inflatable chamber consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary shape of a pouch for a plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an example graph of pressure as a function of time, consistent with the disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary process for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

11A and 11B show exemplary pouches consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 12A and 12B show other exemplary pouches consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary chamber for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 15A-15C show other exemplary chambers for extracting a base from a pouch consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a pouch with the nozzle positioned off center of the bottle, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows a pouch that fits within the cradle and components for squeezing the pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary system for dispensing additives and pastes for plant-based beverages consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary system for dispensing paste having parts with non-flat surfaces consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary system for dispensing paste having rotating parts with non-flat surfaces consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 21A shows an exemplary pouch for a plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed examples.

FIG. 21B shows details of a nozzle for a plant-based paste pouch, consistent with disclosed examples.

FIG. 22 shows a plot of seal strength as a function of seal bar temperature, consistent with the disclosed examples.

FIG. 23 shows a pouch geometry consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a process of combining pouches and prefabricated nozzles consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 25 shows a structure of layers of material for manufacturing a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 26A-B show examples of cam mechanisms for exerting mechanical action on the plate, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the distribution of pressure on the surface of pouch 111 as a function of pouch height (h).

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary configuration of a cam mechanism and plate for extracting the base from the pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 29 shows another view of a cam mechanism, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

Figures 30A-30C show possible cam mechanism geometries consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 31A-31B show examples of pouches with rupturable seals consistent with disclosed embodiments.

[Detailed description]
Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrative embodiments discussed with respect to the accompanying drawings. In some instances, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. Unless otherwise defined, technical and/or scientific terms have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, the materials, methods, and specific examples are illustrative only and not necessarily intended to be limiting.

The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for forming plant-based milk. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a tabletop machine designed to extract the plant-based paste (also referred to herein as the base) from the pouches. In an exemplary embodiment, the base may be nut-based or grain-based food and beverage products. The base may be formed from soybeans, various nuts (eg, almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, etc.), or grains (eg, oats, barley, etc.). Other plant-based products to form the base are quinoa, kamut, wheat, spelled, rye, oats, wild rice, fonio, teff, coconut, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, pine nuts, hazelnuts, etc. including.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary system for forming a plant-based milk dispense, including plant-based milk mixing, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be a tabletop system 101 . System 101 may include a water supply 113 and a chamber 110 that may include a flexible pouch 111 . Chamber 110 may be configured to squeeze flexible pouch 111 so that the plant-based paste (ie, base) flows into bottle 115 .

In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may be made from any reasonably flexible material (eg, plastic, paper, biodegradable plastic, cloth, composite material having multiple layers of various flexible materials, etc.). . For example, pouch 111 may be formed from plastic or cardboard with an appropriate lining. In some cases, pouch 111 may be made from a material with antimicrobial properties, such as a material comprising _TiO2 . In some cases, pouch 111 may be made from materials including aluminum foil (or other suitable foil). Pouch 111 may be waterproof and/or water insoluble. The system 101 may be configured to require several seconds (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 seconds) to extract the base from the pouch 111 using the pressurized chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the process of preparing plant-based milk includes the steps of placing pouch 111 into chamber 110, closing chamber 110, and extracting the base from pouch 111 for a few seconds (or tens of seconds). ) waiting and waiting a few seconds (or tens of seconds) for the extracted base and water to mix. In an exemplary embodiment, system 101 may be configured to discard pouch 111 once base has been extracted from pouch 111 .

In some cases, pouch 111 may be squeezed such that at least a portion of the base remains within pouch 111 (ie, pouch 111 may only be partially emptied). In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the base (first base portion) may be extracted from the pouch 111 and the first base portion may contain the first portion of the plant-based beverage. It may be mixed with a first portion of water (first water portion) for production. A second base portion may then be extracted from the pouch 111 and the second base portion may be mixed with the first portion of the plant-based beverage. In some cases, a second water portion may be added to the plant-based beverage. It should be understood that multiple portions of the base and/or water may be added sequentially (or in some cases simultaneously) to the mixture to form the plant-based beverage. . After all portions of the base have been used for the plant-based beverage, the pouch 111 may be emptied.

In various embodiments, the system 101 is configured to extract the base from the flexible pouch 111 into the bottle 115 and mix the base with an appropriate amount of water to result in a plant-based milk. may be In some cases, mixing may occur within bottle 115 . For example, bottle 115 may include mixing element 117 which may be activated by motor 118, for example. For example, mixing element 117 may include magnetic elements that may be activated by magnetic fields produced by motor 118 .

FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment of system 101 including chamber system 112A and a second embodiment of system 101 including chamber system 112B. Chamber system 112A may use the pressure created by compressor 114 to squeeze (ie, apply pressure to) flexible pouch 111, while chamber system 112B applies pressure to flexible pouch 111. Mechanical elements (eg, rollers) may be used to apply the A non-exclusive list of possible approaches for applying pressure to pouch 111 includes any suitable mechanical device (e.g., rollers, cam elements, presses such as arbor presses, pistons, etc.) or may include any suitable method for applying fluid pressure (eg, hydraulic gas pressure) to the surface of the . Various approaches for applying pressure to pouch 111 are described further below.

FIG. 1B shows further details of water supply 113, which may include tubes 127, 125A, and 125B, valves such as check valve 128, elbow fitting 122, and inlet valve 126. FIG. For example, inlet valve 126 may be configured to supply water, check valve 128 may be configured to allow unidirectional flow of water into filter cartridge 129, and Solenoid valve 122 may be an electrically actuated valve to control the flow of water through dispense nozzle 123 into bottle 132 to mix the plant-based milk. As described, the water supply 113 may include a suitable filter (eg, filter cartridge 129) for filtering the water, as well as a flow meter 121 for measuring water flow. Filter cartridge 129 may include a suitable filter head 130 for connecting to tube 125B via a suitable adapter 131 (eg, a National Pipe Thread (NPT) adapter). In an exemplary embodiment, tube 125A may be connected to filter cartridge 129 via elbow fitting 124, as shown in FIG. 1B. Tygon tubing may also be used to connect inlet valve 126 to check valve 128 as shown. It should be appreciated that any suitable valves, tubes, filters, and pumps may be used to deliver the predetermined amount of water to the mixing bottle. Additionally, any suitable plumbing system to a reservoir system (e.g., water supply 113) using a suitable reservoir such as a 1, 2, 5, 10, or 20 gallon jug, or as shown in FIG. Water may be supplied to the appropriate level of water as the system simply fills the mixing bottle 132 to allow the user to fill it.

Some of the details of mixing bottle assembly 140 are shown in FIG. 1C. For example, mixing bottle assembly 140 may have a bottle body 149 and a removable base 143 for containing a plant-based beverage product. The removable base may contain a rotor 145 for mixing. Rotor 145 may be connected to removable base 143 via shaft 144 . Rotor 145 may utilize bearings (or bushings) 146 to reduce friction of rotor 145 as it rotates. Shaft 144 may connect rotor 145 to idler pawl 142 and 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 is used to further control mixing by reducing vortices resulting from the mixing process. good too. Base 143 may be attached from the body of the mixing bottle via threads of thread adapter 151 .

In various embodiments, mixing elements such as rotor 145 may take several different shapes, including simple blade mechanisms or emulsifying mechanisms. In exemplary embodiments, mixing bottle assembly 140 may include various combinations of rotor 145 and stator 148 . For example, rotor 145 may include a flat top, conical top, or any other suitable top. Exemplary stators may have cutouts of various shapes, such as slotted holes, circles, angles, stars, and the like. Mixing elements (eg, rotor 145, stator 148, shaft 144, top plate 147, bearings 146, base 143, drive pawls 141, idler pawls 142, etc.) can be made from a wide range of materials such as stainless steel and food grade plastics. can be made.

In various embodiments, using a rotating rotor, such as rotor 145, may be one approach for mixing the plant-based paste and water to obtain the plant-based milk. Alternatively, any other suitable device may be used for mixing. For example, a vortex mixer, or vortexer may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the vortex mixer may be attached to a slightly off-center mounted cup-shaped piece of rubber and connected to an electric motor with a vertically oriented drive shaft. As the motor rotates, the rubber strip may vibrate rapidly in a circular motion. When the bottom of a mixing bottle 150 (eg, mixing bottle 150 is shown in FIG. 1D) is pushed into (or touches the edge of) a cup-shaped piece of rubber, motion is transferred to the liquid in the bottle 150 to create a vortex. Let me. In an exemplary embodiment, the vortex mixer may be designed to have variable speed settings ranging from 100 to 3,200 rpm, may be set to operate continuously, or may be oriented downward on the rubber strip. may be set to operate only when a pressure of

Other approaches for mixing the base and water to obtain a plant-based beverage may involve systems that do not include mixing elements. Such systems rotate the mixing bottle along an offset axis (orbital motion), move the mixing bottle from one side to another, or move it up and down (linear motion), or move the mixing bottle A motor may be used for rocking movement along the central axis. As noted above, such systems may mix the base and water without the use of internal mixing elements. Moreover, these systems may be used both on specialty bottles as well as on some off-the-shelf bottles. In these systems, the shape of the mixing bottle may affect mixing. For example, a mixing bottle may include internal structures to aid in mixing plant-based beverages. For example, the internal structure may include internal ribs or fins for mixing the plant-based beverage where the mixing bottle is moved, rocked, shucked or spanned.

FIG. 1D shows various views of an exemplary mixing bottle body 149 (also referred to herein simply as bottle 149) consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, view 1 of FIG. 1D shows a bottle 149 having a top side and a bottom side. Bottle 149 is shown with removable base 143 (the removable base is shown next to mixing bottle 150). FIG. 1D, view 2 shows the mixing bottle 149 placed with the bottom side facing up (as shown in FIG. 1D, view 2). The base view of FIG. 1D shows details of base 143 . As previously described, base 143 may include rotor 145 and stator 148 . In various embodiments, system 101 may be configured to accept mixing bottles of various sizes and shapes. For example, the 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 single servings of the plant-based beverage, and other mixing bottles may be configured for multiple servings.

FIG. 1E shows side and front views of a system 101 for forming a plant-based milk dispense, consistent with disclosed embodiments. System 101 may include chamber 110 containing pouch 111 . In an exemplary embodiment, chamber 110 may include lever 156 that may be used to extract the plant-based paste from pouch 111 . For example, FIG. 1F shows a view of chamber 110 with lever 156 configured to squeeze pouch 111 with plate 161 . When lever 156 is lowered (as indicated by arrow 158 shown in FIG. 1E), plate 161 may move toward pouch 111 and exert a force on pouch 111, causing nozzle 160 of pouch 111 to move. A plant-based paste is extracted through (as shown in FIG. 1F). Lowering the lever 156 may generate sufficient pressure within the pouch 111 to rupture the pouch 111 closed at the seal. Additionally, pressure within pouch 111 created by pressure from plate 161 may be used to extract the plant-based paste from pouch 111 .

FIG. 1G shows various views of system 101, such as a side view, a perspective view, and a front view. As shown, bottle assembly 140 may be positioned at the front of system 101 . Chamber 110 may be positioned above bottle assembly 140, and body 170 of system 101 may be, for example, water supply 113, compressor 114 (as shown in FIG. 1A), motor 118, or the like to operate system 101. Various elements of system 101 may be included, as may any other appropriate elements as required.

FIG. 2 shows further details of system 101 (also referred to herein as system 101). In an exemplary embodiment, a power source 213, which may be any suitable power source (e.g., batteries, rechargeable batteries, AC power, DC power, etc.), a control printed circuit assembly (PCA) module 212, and a pouch containing a base. A system for squeezing (e.g., roll 211), a circuit breaker 216 to prevent circuit glitches, power surges, etc., a power outlet 217, a mixing element (e.g., mixing bottle assembly 140, as shown in FIG. 1C). a mixing motor 215 for actuating a rotor 145) disposed therein, a small pulley 221 connected to the motor 215, and a large pulley 223 which may be connected to the drive pawl 141 as shown in FIG. 1C. system 101 may include. Large pulley 223 may be connected to small pulley 221 via drive belt 218 .

Figures 3A-3E are an exemplary machine 101 (also referred to herein as system 101) having chambers for holding pouches for plant-based pastes consistent with disclosed embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber may have a door 310 that may be configured to open in various ways (eg, open chamber doors 311B-311D are shown in the chamber doors of FIGS. 3B-3D). is being used). FIG. 3E shows an exemplary embodiment of chamber 110 for holding pouch 111 . In various cases, chamber 110 is designed to receive pouch 111 (eg, system 101 may be configured for a user to place pouch 111 into chamber 111) and extract the base from pouch 111. (for example, by compressing the pouch 111). Various examples for extracting the base from the pouch 111 are discussed further below. In various embodiments, chamber 110 may include removable features, such as removable inserts, to allow cleaning of chamber 110 in the event of base spillage. Exemplary removable inserts may include silicone or plastic inserts configured to be removable for cleaning. Alternatively, the entire chamber 110 may be configured to be removable for cleaning.

An exemplary embodiment of chamber 110 is further illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C. 4A shows an example of a closed chamber 110 and FIG. 4B shows an open chamber 110. FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, chamber 110 may hold pouch 111 which may have nozzle 411 . Pouch 111 may be positioned such that nozzle 411 is inserted into opening 417 . In an exemplary embodiment, opening 417 may include an airtight seal 418 around nozzle 411, as further shown in FIG. 4E. The chamber 110 is airtight when closed and may be configured such that air is pumped into the chamber via a compressor (as shown in FIG. 4D). Air pressure within chamber 110 may be configured to apply pressure to pouch 111 and squeeze the base out of pouch 111 . In various embodiments, pouch 111 may be made from any reasonably flexible material (eg, plastic, paper, etc.) that can be easily deformed due to pressure applied to pouch 111 . In various embodiments, nozzle 411 may include a seal that can be broken when pressure is applied to pouch 111 , thereby allowing base to flow out of pouch 111 .

FIG. 4E shows an example of a seal 418 for chamber 110 to prevent air from leaking through chamber 110 when chamber 110 is pressurized. In an exemplary embodiment, 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 (eg, rubber, plastic, etc.). Under the application of air pressure (indicated by arrows), the seal forms an airtight connection with nozzle 411 and prevents air from escaping chamber 110, as indicated by cross-sectional area 418B. can be changed.

FIG. 4F shows an exemplary embodiment of pouch 111 that may be used for crumber 110, as shown in FIG. 4B. In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may be designed to begin collapsing from top 435A of pouch 111 when pressure (indicated by arrow 430) is applied to pouch 111 . Pouch 111 may finish collapsing at bottom 435B of pouch 111 . In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may be configured such that it can collapse more easily near portion 435A and less easily collapse near portion 435B. For example, pouch 111 may include a softer flexible material (eg, a softer plastic or paper material) at portion 435A and a harder flexible material at portion 435B. In an exemplary embodiment, material forming pouch 111 in portion 435A may be thinner than material forming pouch 111 in portion 435B. In some cases, an internal structure (e.g., plastic truss, or any other pressure-resistant element as schematically indicated by elements 432A and 432B) is placed in region 435B prior to pouch 111 collapsing in region 435A. It may be incorporated within region 435B to prevent pouch 111 from collapsing. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure resistance element 431A may also be incorporated in region 435A, and element 431A may be less resistant to pressure than elements 432A or 432B. In some cases, a single pressure resistance element may be incorporated within pouch 111 with pressure resistance characteristics that vary along the height h of pouch 111 (height coordinate h of pouch 111 is shown in FIG. 4F ). In an exemplary embodiment, curve PR(h) may be a pressure resistance curve of pouch 111 that indicates how well pouch 111 resists pressure at different values of height h. For example, as shown in FIG. 4F, PR(h) for high values of h may be less than PR(h) for low values of h. In an exemplary embodiment, PR(h) may be a monotonically increasing function as h decreases. PR(h _TOP ) may be a few percent or tens of percent higher than PR(h _BOTTOM ), where h _TOP and h _BOTTOM are as shown in FIG. 4F. Additionally, a pouch with a nozzle and some form of check valve, duckbill valve, or other feature in the nozzle may be used to prevent the base from dripping prior to use.

In an exemplary embodiment, chamber 110 may be configured to provide a higher pressure at the top of pouch 111 (eg, area 435A) than at the bottom of pouch 111 (eg, area 435B). Such pressure distribution is indicated by differently sized arrows 430 with longer arrows corresponding to higher pressures. In an exemplary embodiment, such pressure distribution is achieved by causing chamber 110 to have multiple sections fluidly disconnected from one another, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 4G by regions 441-444. may be achieved. In an exemplary embodiment, regions 441-444 may support corresponding pressures P ₁ -P ₄ , where P ₁ ≧P ₂ ≧P ₃ ≧P ₄ . Regions 441-444 may be fluidly disconnected so that each region can maintain an independent pressure (where pressure is applied to the regions using a compressed gas such as air). may be caused by compressor 114 pressurizing 441-444). Alternatively, gas (air) passage may be allowed between regions 441-444 with controlled gas flow between these regions (e.g. gas flow may be controlled by check valves (e.g., may be controlled using valves such as Schrader or Presta valves).

Applying air pressure may be one possible approach to extracting the base from pouch 111 . Alternatively or additionally, roller assembly 501 may include rollers 513, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, to extract the base. Roller 513 is driven by a suitable drive motor 519 having appropriate elements such as 516 pulleys and bearings, flexible coupling 520, guide rails 521, and drive shaft 522 for vertically engaging roller 513. may be rotated by In an exemplary embodiment, encoder 518 may be configured to receive electrical signals from processor to drive motor 519 . Roller assembly 501 may include a drive belt 514 configured to move guide blocks 515 (in one embodiment, the guide blocks may include bearings) along guide rails 521, as shown in FIG. 5A. good. Further, roller assembly 501 may include roller motor 511 for rotating roller 513 as indicated by arrow 523 . In an exemplary embodiment, roller motor 511 may be configured to rotate both rollers 513 (or in some cases, only one roller may be configured to rotate). . Optical sensor 512 may be used to determine the vertical position of roller 513 as well as the rotational speed of one or more rollers 513 . In various embodiments, assembly 501 may include additional motors 519 and 511 controllers and means for moving roller 513 along a three-dimensional trajectory. In an exemplary embodiment, a three-dimensional trajectory may be achieved by moving rollers 513 both vertically and laterally. For example, roller 513 may have a degree of freedom indicated by arrow 524, allowing roller 513 to move horizontally (ie, laterally). FIG. 5B shows an example placement of pouch 111 between rollers 513 for extracting base 510 from pouch 111 into a bottle via connector 525 . Roller 513 may be configured to move in a direction from the top of pouch 111 toward the bottom of pouch 111 , but allows pushing the base out of pouch 111 . In some cases, roller 513 may move from the top of pouch 111 to the bottom of pouch 111 several times to squeeze the appropriate amount of base. The separation distance between the rollers may be controlled by a roller motor 511, which may have suitable gears and one or more belts. The separation distance may be controlled via optical sensor 512 . Rollers 513 may be configured to slide up and down using guide rails 521, as shown in FIG. 5A. Sliding motion of roller 513 may be accomplished via drive motor 519 connected to drive shaft 522 using flexible coupling 520 . As shown in FIG. 5A, drive shaft 522 may be connected to pulley 516 and drive belt 514 . In various embodiments, encoder 518 may communicate control signals that determine movement of roller 513 (eg, vertical movement of roller 513, rotational speed of roller 513, and separation of roller 513). In some cases, various parameters of the rollers may be controlled simultaneously (eg, the rollers may move down and the spacing between the rollers may decrease as the rollers move).

FIG. 5C shows a pouch 555 that may be placed within another pouch 565 and the base 570 may be squeezed out of the pouch 555 by establishing pressure within the pouch 565 . In an exemplary embodiment, pressure within pouch 565 may be established by pumping gas (eg, air) into pouch 565 through valve 542 of connection 552 . In various embodiments, valve 542 may be a one-way valve that allows air to enter pouch 565 but not exit pouch 565 . In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 565 may have a release valve 543 to release air from pouch 565 when needed.

In some examples, the pouch 555 may be configured to be cooled to prevent or inhibit separation of the components of the material (eg, plant-based paste) within the pouch 555 . Pouch 555 may be configured to receive or contact coolant to cause the contents of the chamber to cool. The coolant causes the material within the pouch 555, such as air, water, refrigerant, gas, or chilled substance (e.g., chilled gas, liquid, or solid material) to be cooled, thus reducing heat transfer. may include materials that may facilitate In some embodiments, pouch 555 may be associated with, connected to, or otherwise placed adjacent to a cooling device or component. For example, pouch 555 may be surrounded by a component or vessel (e.g., cooling jacket) configured to allow coolant to surround and contact pouch 555 to cool the contents of pouch 555. good too. In some embodiments, the space surrounding pouch 555 is cooled to cause the contents of the chamber to be cooled, thereby allowing pouch 555 to be placed in a cooled environment. may also be used (eg, using a refrigeration system). For example, at least a portion of pouch 565 may include a cooling liquid (eg, water, water with ice, etc.) configured to cool pouch 555 . In an exemplary embodiment, there is a triple pouch system, as shown in FIG. 5D. For example, in addition to pouches 555 and 565 described above, an additional pouch 560 may be positioned between pouches 555 and 565 (pouch 555 inserted into pouch 560 and pouch 560 inserted into pouch 565). To be). Pouch 560 may contain a cooling fluid, such as water, for example. Water may be circulated within pouch 560 via connection 561, as shown in FIG. 5D.

FIG. 5E shows the electrical components of system 101 . In an exemplary embodiment, the system 101 includes a power source 571 (eg, a battery, or an AC or DC power source connected to a power grid, mechanically generated power (eg, generated by the user via a generator)). etc.) may be included. In an exemplary embodiment, power source 571 may be connected to a power grid via power outlet 579 . System 101 may include circuit breaker 580 (eg, circuit breaker 580 may prevent power surges, short circuits, etc.). Power from power supply 571 is used to operate drive pawl 141 (as shown in FIG. 1C) and therefore a mixing motor 575 (motor 575 may be the same as motor 118 as shown in FIG. 1A). may be used to operate the In turn, drive pawl 141 may actuate rotor 145 to mix the contents of mixing bottle assembly 140 . Mixing motor 575 may be connected to large pulley 576 via drive belt 577 and small pulley 578, as shown in FIG. 5E. A large pulley 576 may be connected to the drive pawl 141 .

In various embodiments, control module 572 may be used to control various aspects of operation of system 101 . For example, the control module 572 controls the amount of water to be pumped from the water supply 113 (shown in FIG. 1A) into the mixing bottle 115 to make plant-based milk, and the operation of the compressor 114 (e.g., extracting the base from the pouch 111). the pressure generated by the compressor in chamber 110 to extract), the operation of motor 118 to mix the base and water in mixing bottle 115, the operation of the motor of roller assembly 501, or the operation of system 101. Other operations may be controlled. In an exemplary embodiment, control module 572 may include memory units (eg, non-transitory memory) for storing instructions used to operate various components of system 101 . Additionally, control module 572 may be configured to send electrical signals to various components of system 101 to activate those components. In some cases, control module 572 may receive information from various sensors available to system 101 (e.g., sensors of system 101 may include pressure sensors within chamber 110, temperature sensors for water supply 113, temperature sensors within chamber 110), and may adjust the operation of one or more components of system 101 based on the information received. For example, if a pressure sensor within chamber 110 determines that the pressure within chamber 110 is insufficient, module 572 may increase the pressure within chamber 110 via compressor 118 . Similarly, if control module 572 determines that any parameter of system 101 has a value outside of the nominal range based on data obtained from various sensors, module 572 determines that system 101 It may be configured to adjust the operation of one or more components of system 101 to ensure that it has a value within the above operating range. In some cases, module 572 receives commands from a user and reports operating conditions to the user (e.g., operating conditions may be data from sensors or system 101 to make plant-based beverages). may include a user interface (the user interface may include a touch screen, buttons, etc.) for the current step performed by . In some cases, the user interface is a software application installed on a user device (e.g., a smart phone that communicates wirelessly with system 101 via any suitable wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth, etc.)). may contain.

Figures 6A-6C show various approaches for squeezing exemplary pouches, including rollers (Figure 6A), flat blocks (Figure 6B), or inflatable balloons (Figure 6C). A perspective view including an inflatable balloon (or flexible chamber 711) is shown in FIG. The chamber is inflated via connection 713 . In an exemplary embodiment, flexible chamber 711 may have multiple sections (eg, sections 716A and 716B connected by valve 715).

In various embodiments, the shape and size of pouch 111 may be optimized to control the base flow rate out of pouch 111 . For example, the cross-sectional area of pouch 111 may vary (as indicated by arrows A1, A2, and A3 and the shape of nozzle N1, as shown in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, the additional pressure within chamber 111 (or the pressure within flexible chamber 711) may change as a function of time. For example, the pressure may be constant (plot 910), may increase as a function of time (plot 911), or may increase to burst the pouch and then decrease (plot 913). After the pressure drops, the pressure may rise (plot 913). In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure may be in the range of 4-20 psi, with possible pressures of about 9 psi. In various embodiments, the pressure is selected to rupture the seal. After rupturing the seal, the pressure may be reduced. FIG. 9 shows the time _t0 at which pressure is applied. In the illustrative example, plot 913 shows that the pressure is increased until time _t1 when the nozzle of the pouch (eg, pouch 111) bursts.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary process 1001 for extracting base from pouch 111, consistent with disclosed embodiments. At step 1011 of process 1001, pressure may be applied to pouch 111 via a pressurized chamber via inflatable flexible chamber 711, as shown in FIG. At step 1013, system 101 may be configured to measure the base flow rate from pouch 111, and at step 1015, may be configured to determine if the flow rate is within a target velocity range. good. If the flow rate is within the target velocity range (step 1015, Yes), process 1001 may proceed to step 1017 to determine if base extraction should be stopped. If the extraction needs to be stopped (step 1017, Yes), process 1001 may end. If extraction should continue (step 1017, No), process 1001 may proceed to step 1011, as described above. If the flow rate is not within the target velocity range (step 1015 , No), process 1001 may proceed to step 1019 to readjust the pressure applied to pouch 111 . For example, readjustment may use a linear controller (e.g., if the flow is too slow, the pressure may be increased by a predetermined amount; if the flow is too fast, the pressure may be decreased by a predetermined amount). may be used). The predetermined amount by which the pressure can be increased or decreased may be established through experimentation, computer simulation, or analytical calculations.

11A and 11B show exemplary pouches 1111A and 1111B consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 11A, the pouch may be "house" shaped, and the pouch in FIG. 11B may be rectangular. In an exemplary embodiment, a typical width of the pouch may be several inches (eg, 3-5 inches) and a typical height of the pouch may range from 2-7 inches. good. The pouch seal (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B) may be a fraction of an inch (eg, 3/16 of an inch, a few tenths of an inch, etc.) . The seals are designed to withstand forces that would rupture the seals resulting in pressure on the pouches 1111A-1111B. In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the seal rupture force of the nozzle seal is configured to be less than the seal rupture force for the pouch seal. In exemplary embodiments, the nozzle seal may be made using different approaches (eg, heat sealing, foil sealing, sealing using adhesives, etc.).

Figures 12A and 12B show another example of a pouch 1211 consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, pressure applied to the walls of pouch 1211 may open nozzle seal 1213 .

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary process 1301 for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, a first pressure may be applied to rupture the pouch in step 1311 and a target flow rate of air in step 1110 to create a reasonable pressure to extract the base from the pouch. to inflate a flexible chamber (eg, chamber 711). In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow rate may be used to calculate the base volumetric flow rate by combining the equation describing the base flow from the nozzle and the gas law. The gas law is given by P=nkT/V, where P—gas pressure, amount of gas in n-moles, k—Boltzmann constant, T—temperature, and V—chamber 311 or flexible balloon 711. is the volume of Using the gas law, PV=nkT → PdV+VdP=dnkT and the change in volume V over time is described as follows.

上記を気体の法則に代入する：

上記の方程式では、Ｐ_０－大気圧、Ｃ＝１２８μＬ／（πＤ^４）、γ－空気速度、ｋ－ボルツマン定数、Ｔ－温度、Ｄ－ノズル直径、Ｌ－ノズル長、μ－ペースト粘度、ｄＶ／ｄｔ－ペーストの体積流速。上記の方程式は、コントロールパラメーターγとペーストの体積流速を関連付けている。上記の方程式の解は、パラメーターγ、Ｔ、Ｐ_０、及びＣの値により、数値的に（又は場合によっては解析的に）容易に取得できる。例示的な実施例において、γ＝０、ｄＶ／ｄｔ＝０、（ｄ^２Ｖ）／（ｄｔ^２）＝０の場合、Ｖは定数である。 In the above equation, dn/dt=γ is the gas flow rate (in moles per hour) into the chamber and is a control parameter denoted γ for convenience. The unknowns in the above equation are V(t) and P(t). An equation representing the base flow from the nozzle may be used to eliminate the pressure P(t). The flow rate of the paste (base) through the nozzle is PP ₀ =128 μL (dV/dt)/(πD ⁴ ) (flow through a nozzle of diameter D due to the pressure difference, where PP ₀ −into the pouch and external pressure difference, μ--paste viscosity, L--nozzle length.). Solving for dV/dt from the above equation yields:

Substituting the above into the gas law:

In the above equation, P ₀ - atmospheric pressure, C=128 μL/(πD ⁴ ), γ - air velocity, k - Boltzmann constant, T - temperature, D - nozzle diameter, L - nozzle length, μ - paste viscosity, dV /dt—paste volumetric flow rate. The above equation relates the control parameter γ to the paste volumetric flow rate. Solutions to the above equations can easily be obtained numerically (or analytically in some cases) depending on the values of the parameters γ, T, P ₀ and C. In an exemplary embodiment, V is a constant when γ=0, dV/dt=0, (d ² V)/(dt ² )=0.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary chamber for extracting base from a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments. The chamber may utilize both gas and liquid to extract base from pouch 111 . Pouch 111 may be adjacent to flexible chamber 1411 that may contain gas (eg, air) and liquid (eg, water). The pressure within chamber 1411 may first be increased by pumping air into chamber 1411 through channel 1413 . Chamber 1411 is configured to be flexible so that it is configured to apply pressure to pouch 111 . At a threshold pressure within chamber 1411, the nozzle seal of pouch 111 may rupture, leading to extraction of base from pouch 111. FIG. While maintaining a constant pressure within chamber 1411 (this may be achieved using controlled pressure and pressure gauge 1417), a volume of liquid is added to chamber 1411 and dispensed from pouch 111. The same amount of paste may be directed to be extracted. By controlling the flow rate of liquid into chamber 1411, the flow rate of the paste may be controlled.

Figures 15A-15C show other exemplary chambers for extracting a base from a pouch consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, FIG. 15A shows an air balloon 1515 that, when inflated via connection 1518, may be configured to push plate 1511 toward pouch 111 and plate 1513. FIG. Plates 1511 and 1513 may be connected by springs 1520 to ensure movement of the plates. Air balloon 1515 may be made of any suitable rubber material that can expand when air is pumped into balloon 1515 . Air balloon 1515 may have any reasonable shape and size to provide the required pressure (and pressure distribution) on plate 1511 . Plates 1511 and 1513 may be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or the like.

FIG. 15B shows plate 1521 and 1521 which are similar to plates 1511 and 1513 but may have an optimized shape to create a higher pressure at the top of pouch 111 and a lower pressure at the bottom of pouch 111 . 1523 is shown. FIG. 15C further includes a plate motion sensor 1529, which may include a laser-based optical motion sensor 1525, a laser beam 1524, and a travel bar 1526. FIG. A plane motion sensor 1529 may be used to determine the motion of plate 1521 . In an exemplary embodiment, laser beam 1524 may be directed to optical sensor 1525 . In an exemplary embodiment, laser beam 1524 may be blocked by travel bar 1526 that includes a set of holes 1522 that allow laser beam 1524 to reach photosensor 1525 . Sensor 1525 is configured to detect through which holes 1522 laser beam 1524 passes (eg, by counting breaks in laser beam 1524), thereby determining movement of plate 1521. good too.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in which the pouch 111 may be positioned such that the nozzle of the pouch is off-center from the central axis of the bottle (axis 1605 as shown in FIG. 16). In various embodiments, pouch 1604 may be designed such that nozzle 1611 is off-center from pouch central axis 1607 . In some cases, nozzle 16011 may be positioned to allow paste 1613 to enter bottle 1621 and clear top plate 1617 . Such an off-center location of nozzle 1611 may allow paste 1613 to reach rotor 1619 without being deposited on the top surface of top plate 1617 . In various embodiments, the nozzle position may not change during squeezing of pouch 1604 .

FIG. 17 shows example system 101 with pouch 1713 inserted into cradle 1711 (also called a chamber). Cradle 1711 may be similar to chamber 110, as shown in FIG. 4B. In various embodiments, component 1715 is configured to be inserted into cradle 1711 to squeeze pouch 1713 and ensure pouch 1713 releases all (or nearly all) of the paste. good too. Cradle 1711 and component 1715 may therefore be designed to extract the paste from pouch 1713 so that the paste is not wasted (i.e. all the paste is used to prepare the plant-based beverage). good. In various embodiments, 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. In an exemplary embodiment, system 101 may include a nozzle (not shown) for filling the mixing bottle with the required amount of water. In an exemplary embodiment, a mixing bottle (eg, bottle 1621 as shown in FIG. 16) may first be filled with water prior to adding the plant-based paste. Additionally or alternatively, the bottle may be manually filled with water by the user. For example, a user may fill a bottle with water to a certain level.

In various embodiments, system 101 may include various sensors to ensure proper operation of system 101 . For example, system 101 may include a pressure sensor to sense the presence of a bottle. In some cases, a pressure sensor may sense the amount of water in the bottle and notify the user if more water needs to be added. In some cases, 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 whether a pouch is present in chamber 110 (chamber 110 is shown in FIG. 4B). Additionally, pressure sensors may ensure that the pressure within chamber 110 does not exceed a maximum pressure level (eg, pressure within chamber 110 may need to be less than 20 psi). In some cases, there may be a sensor to determine when chamber 110 is closed. In some cases, system 101 may include a sensor to detect if paste is flowing from the pouch and a timer to determine the duration for dispensing paste.

In various embodiments, system 101 may be configured to determine what type of pouches are used in the machine. For example, different pouches may be of different weights, may be of different colors, or have codes (e.g., barcodes, QR codes) that may be read by system 101 to determine various parameters for extracting the paste. Code®, Universal Product Code, etc.) (e.g. some pastes may have a higher viscosity and therefore may require higher pressure to be extracted) . Other parameters that may be pouch dependent are the initial pressure required to break the pouch seal, the time of application of pressure, the location (or area) of application of pressure, or how the paste is dispensed from the pouch. may include any other reasonable parameters that may control whether

In some cases, system 101 may include wireless or wired connections to communicate with electronic devices (eg, smart phones, computers, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, such a connection may be used to update system 101 firmware, obtain machine usage data, and upload system 101 instructions. For example, the instructions may be used to determine procedures for preparing plant-based beverages with corresponding pouches. In an exemplary embodiment, the instructions include the time required to dispense the paste from the pouch, the pressure required to dispense the paste, the time required to mix the beverage, and the like. It's okay. In some cases, the instructions may further include amounts of additives that can be added to the beverage.

In an exemplary embodiment, system 101 may have sealed pouches for one or more additives that can be mixed into the plant-based beverage. For example, FIG. 18 shows an exemplary system for extracting paste from pouch 111 and extracting additives from pouch 1815 (eg, additives may be maple syrup, a shot of Bailey's Irish cream, chocolate syrup, etc.). may be). In an exemplary embodiment, both base and additive may be extracted into bottle 1820 . As shown in FIG. 18, a first mechanism (eg, movable portion 1811) is used to apply pressure to pouch 111 and force pouch 111 against component 1823 to extract the paste. However, a second mechanism (eg, rotatable and/or movable portion 1813) may be used to apply pressure to pouch 1815. In an exemplary embodiment, part 1813 may be rotated about axis 1817 . For example, component 1813 may be placed in a vertical position to provide space for placing pouch 1815, then rotated to a horizontal position and pressed against the pouch to dispense the additive from the pouch. may Mechanisms 1811 and 1813 are but a few of the possible examples, as discussed herein any other approach (e.g., including both pouches 111 and 1815, which may include both pouches 111 and 1815). ) may also be used to dispense the paste and additives from their respective pouches.

FIG. 19 shows another exemplary embodiment of a system for extracting paste from pouch 111 into bottle 1820 using movable part 1911 and part 1923, which may be a stationary part, for example. 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 (eg, a wavy surface as shown in FIG. 19). Might happen. Part 1923 may be similar to part 1823, with the difference that part 1921 may have a non-flat surface (eg, a wavy surface as shown in FIG. 19). The surfaces of parts 1911 and 1923 may have any reasonably smooth projections, resulting in a generally wavy surface (e.g., size, height H, width W and/or the shape of the protrusion may be selected). In an exemplary embodiment, the projections of part 1911 are arranged to be offset from the projections of part 1923 . For example, protrusion 1931 may be positioned so that it aligns with aperture 1933, as shown in FIG. In some cases, part 1923 may also be moveable. In an exemplary embodiment, both parts 1911 and 1923 may be moveable relative to pouch 111 . In some cases, parts 1911 and 1923 may move relative to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, part 1911 may move relative to part 1923 . Parts 1911 and 1923 may move horizontally (ie, in the direction indicated by arrow 1942). Additionally or alternatively, parts 1911 and 1923 may move vertically (ie, in the direction indicated by arrow 1941). In some cases, parts 1911 and 1923 may move vertically while pouch 111 remains stationary.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a system for extracting paste from pouch 111 using moving parts 2011 and 2023. FIG. These parts may be designed similarly with rotating gears (rotation indicated by arrows 2031 and 2032) spaced apart such that pouch 111 is positioned between these parts. Parts 2011 and 2023 may rotate and move relative to pouch 111 such that pouch 111 is compressed (squeezed) and paste may be dispensed from pouch 111 into bottle 1820 .

FIG. 21A shows a cross-section of an exemplary pouch 111 for a plant-based paste, consistent with disclosed examples. Pouches may be made from laminated materials, as discussed further herein. Pouch 111 may have an outer shape 2117 that may be different than inner shape 2119 . For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, outer shape 2117 may be substantially rectangular and inner shape 2119 may be tapered rectangular. In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 includes notches 2121A for aligning pouch 111 with various components (e.g., plate 141) of chamber 130 into which pouch 111 may be inserted, as shown in FIG. 1F. and notches such as 2121B. For example, chamber 130 may include protrusions that may be inserted into notches 2121A and 2121B to align pouch 111 with respect to elements of chamber 130 . As shown in FIG. 21A, pouch 111 may have vertical dimensions h1-h3, outer width w1, inner width w2, nozzle diameters d1 and d2, and nozzle seal 2113 for nozzle 2114. As shown in FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, the difference between w1 and w2 may be in the range of fractions of an inch (eg, one-fifth inch, one-fourth inch, one-half inch, etc.). Well, area 2111 may be used to seal the sides of pouch 111 . In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may have a front side and a back side. The front surface may be joined together with the back surface via a sealed area such as area 2111 . In an exemplary embodiment, dimension h1 may be several inches (eg, 3, 4, 4.5, 5 inches, etc.) and dimension h2 may be a fraction of an inch larger than h2 ( For example, h1 may be greater than h1 by 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.3 inches) and dimension h3 may be slightly greater than h2. Good (eg, a few tenths of an inch larger than h2). In an exemplary embodiment, w1 may be approximately the same size as h1 (eg, 4 or 5 inches, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, nozzle 2114 may be located at the bottom of pouch 111 in the center of the pouch. An exemplary inner diameter d2 of nozzle 2114 may be a few tenths of an inch (eg, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 inch, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter d1 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter d2 (eg, less than one tenth of an inch or less). As shown in FIG. 21A, the inner shape 2119 of pouch 111 may include a tapered inner side 2120 having a taper angle θ. The taper angle θ is such that there is sufficient back pressure on the back surface 2132 (as shown in FIG. 21B) of nozzle 2114 (which may be exerted by paste located within pouch 111 when pouch 111 is compressed). is selected to provide Such back pressure is used to open the nozzle seal 2113 (also referred to herein as pop). In an exemplary embodiment, back surface 2130 of nozzle seal 2113 may be curved to provide a target force distribution on back surface 2130 for back pressure.

In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may be sealed by heating the material forming pouch 111 along line 2131 . The heating temperature for heating the 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 the seal. For example, FIG. 22 shows a plot of curve 2201 illustrating seal strength as a function of seal bar temperature, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, higher seal temperatures may lead to higher seal strengths. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal strength may be uniform across line 2131 . Alternatively, around nozzle 2114, the seal strength may be reduced (this may be achieved by lowering the heating temperature when sealing pouch 111 near nozzle 2114).

FIG. 21B shows details of nozzle 2114 for pouch 111, consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, the shape of nozzle 2114 characterized by profile curve 2134 may be selected to reduce the force required to pop nozzle seal 2113 . In various embodiments, the nozzle 2114 configuration may be selected such that the seal 2113 can be easily opened (popped) due to 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 to prevent accidental rupture of seal 2113 due to handling of pouch 111 . Parameters of nozzle 2114 may include inner diameter d 1 , outer diameter d 2 , height h 5 , and nozzle profile curve 2134 .

Nozzle seal 2113 may be of any reasonable shape, as shown in FIG. 21B. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 2113 may have a curved back surface 2130, with the curvature of the surface 2130 selected to improve rupture of the seal 2113 when pressed by the contents of the pouch 111. may be In some cases, seal 2113 may be made of a different material than the walls of pouch 111 . Alternatively, seal 2113 may be made from the same material as the walls of pouch 111, but sealed by low temperature heating. For example, temperatures in the range of 200-260 degrees Fahrenheit may be used for low temperature heating. Low temperature heating may be used for seal 2113 , but relatively high temperature heating may be used to seal pouch 111 . For example, temperatures in the range of 280-350 degrees Fahrenheit may be used for high temperature heating.

In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature distribution during the heating process may be selected to provide seal 2113 with a particular shape. In an exemplary embodiment, a high temperature gradient may be established between the area containing seal 2113 and another sealed area (eg, area 2116 as shown in FIG. 21A). For example, the temperature gradient may be 10 degrees Fahrenheit per millimeter, 20 degrees Fahrenheit per millimeter, and so on. Such high temperature gradients may result in seal popping without affecting the pouch 111 structure.

FIG. 23 shows a pouch shape consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 may be cut from a single sheet of material and have layout 2311 as shown in FIG. Pouch 111 may be formed from layout 2311 by folding layout 2311 as indicated by arrows 2315A and 2315B. A portion of layout 2311 may be used to form the front of pouch 111, a portion of layout 2311 may be used to form the back of pouch 111, and the sides may be , may be used to seal the pouch 111 , and the central portion 2313 of the layout 2311 may be the top of the pouch 111 . Dimensions h2, h3, w1, and d2 of layout 2311 may be the same as the like-numbered dimensions shown in FIG. 21A. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle θ may be determined by selecting layout dimensions h11 and g11. In an exemplary embodiment, dimension h11 may be a fraction of an inch (eg, 0.5 inch), about 1 inch, or about a few inches. A similar dimension g11 may be of the same order as dimension h11 (but slightly larger).

In an exemplary embodiment, nozzle 2114 may be prefabricated in combination with pouch 111 during sealing of layout 2311 . For example, FIG. 24 illustrates the process by which nozzle portion 2413 of layout 2311 and pre-made nozzle 2114 are combined: nozzle 2114 is sealed to layout 2311 at region 2411 (eg, bottom), and the bottom of region 2411 is the layout The front side of 2311 is sealed and the top of area 2411 shows a process that may be sealed with the back side of layout 2311 . As shown in FIG. 24, the back side of layout 2311 may be folded over the front side of layout 2311 using fold line 2415 .

FIG. 25 shows a structure of layers of material for manufacturing a pouch, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the layers of material may be made from paper, plastic, or composites (eg, paper-plastic composites). For example, layer 2511 may be polyester coated (PET), layer 2513 may be low density polyethylene (LDPE), layer 2515 may be aluminum foil, and layer 2517 may be ethylene acrylic acid. (EAA) copolymer and layer 2519 may be a variable heat seal strength film (fragile sealant film). In some cases, the layers may have a thickness ranging from 0.1 to several millimeters (e.g., the frangible sealant film may be several millimeters, while the aluminum foil layer 2515 may be , fractions of a millimeter). The above layers are merely exemplary and other layers may be selected (or some layers may be removed) with the understanding that the last layer may be the sealant layer. .

FIG. 26A shows an exemplary system 2601 for extracting base from a pouch (eg, squeezing paste from a pouch (eg, pouch 111)) consistent with disclosed embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, system 2601 may include cam mechanism 2611 (also referred to as cam 2611) for applying pressure to plate 2613 via mechanical action. In the exemplary embodiment, pouch 111 is positioned between plates 2613 and 2614 . As cam 2611 applies pressure to plate 2613 , plate 2613 performs a lateral movement as indicated by arrow 2610 , pushing against pouch 111 and compressing pouch 111 . In some cases, plate 2614 may be a stationary plate. Cam 2611 may be configured to rotate using shaft 2615 with an angular rotation ω(t) that may be time dependent. For example, cam 2611 may be rigidly connected to shaft 2615, and shaft 2615 may be rotated using a suitable rotating device (eg, electric motor, lever, etc.). As shown in FIG. 26A, cam 2611 may have an extension portion 2617 configured to push against surface 2621 of plate 2613 .

FIG. 26B shows another view of cam 2611 configured to rotate about axis 2615 in the direction indicated by arrow 2621. FIG. Cam 2611 may push plate 2613 , which in turn may be configured to move laterally toward pouch 111 as indicated by arrow 2610 . In an exemplary embodiment, plate 2613 may be tilted at an angle θ ₁ with respect to the horizontal, as shown in Figure 26A. Such a configuration of plate 2613 is such that plate 2613 engages pouch 111 first at the top of pouch 111 and then (after moving at least some horizontal distance relative to pouch 111) at the bottom of pouch 111. may allow it to merge. Similarly, plate 2614 may also be tilted at a corresponding angle θ ₂ as shown in FIG. 26B. Angles θ ₁ and θ ₂ may be selected to provide a target pressure distribution across the surface of pouch 111 as a function of time. In some cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 15B, a plate (plate 1521 shown in FIG. 15B may correspond to plate 2613 shown in FIG. 26B) has a curved surface adjacent to pouch 111. (eg, the surface of plate 1521 adjacent pouch 111, as shown in FIG. 15B). Additionally or alternatively, plate 2614 may also include curved surfaces adjacent pouches 111 (eg, plate 2614 may be similar to plate 1523 including curved surfaces adjacent pouches 111, as shown in FIG. 15B). may be used).

FIG. 27 shows an example of the distribution of pressure on the surface of pouch 111 as a function of pouch height (h). At a first time _t1 , the pressure distribution may be characterized by plot 2711, where there may be a peak pressure _P1 within the upper region of pouch 111, and at a second time _t2 , the pressure The distribution may be characterized by plot 2712, which may have a peak pressure _P2 in the central region of pouch 111, and at a third time _t3 , the pressure distribution is in the bottom region of pouch 111. may be characterized by a plot 2713 that may have a peak pressure _P3 at . In an exemplary embodiment, arrow 2710 indicates the direction of travel of peak pressure as a function of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the peak pressure may move along the height h of pouch 111 at a velocity V(t,h), which may be a function of ω(t), where ω( t) is the angular rotation of cam 2611, as described above and shown in FIG. 26B). In an exemplary embodiment, ω(t) is selected based on a target flow rate Q(t) of paste from pouch 111 . In an exemplary embodiment, the target flow rate Q(t) may be related to V(t _, hmax) as Q(t)∝A( _hmax )V(t, _hmax ). where A(h _max ) is the cross-sectional area of the pouch at height h _max , h _max is the height at which the pressure is maximum, and V(t, h _max ) is the velocity at height h _max and time t. be. In an exemplary embodiment, V(t) may be related to the lateral velocity v _p (t) of the topmost point of plate 2613 toward pouch 111, as further described below.

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary plate 2613 suspended from a shaft 2815. FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, axis 2815 can undergo lateral movement as indicated by arrow 2811 . Lateral motion of axis 2815 may be velocity v _p (t). Further, plate 2613 may be configured to rotate about axis 2815 with an angular velocity ω _p (t), as indicated by arrow 2813, such that angle θ ₁ =θ ₁ (t) is It can be a function. As noted above, velocity v _p (t) may depend on ω(t). A particular dependency is associated with a particular shape of cam 2611 . More specifically, the shape of curve 2820 determines the dependence between rotational angular velocity ω(t) and lateral velocity v _p (t). In an exemplary embodiment, V(t) may be proportional to v _p (t). If ω _p (t)=0 (ie, axis 2815 does not allow plate 2613 to rotate), then v _p (t)=V(t). Alternatively, if ω _p (t)≠0, then V(t)=v _p (t)+ω _p (t)·h .

FIG. 29 shows another view of cam 2611 consistent with the disclosed embodiment. Cam 2611 may be rotated using device 2913 (eg, electric motor, lever, etc.). Device 2913 may be configured to convert rotational motion via a set of gears 2915A and 2915B.

FIG. 30A shows various possible cam 2611 shapes such as shapes available (circular, eccentric circular, oval, elliptical, heart, hexagonal, star, and conch). In an exemplary embodiment, cam 2611 increases along a line connecting shaft 2615 of cam 2611 and plate 2613 as cam 2611 rotates, as further described below in connection with FIG. 30B. It is configured to have a "thickness". Such configuration of cam 2611 can be used to continuously push plate 2613 toward pouch 111 .

An example of cam 2611 is shown in FIG. 30B. A line of length l(φ ₁ ) to l(φ ₄ ) is drawn from the center of shaft 2615 to the edge of cam 2611 and corresponds to the thickness of cam 2611 . As shown in FIG. 30B, angle φ may be measured and corresponds to the angle through which cam 2611 has rotated during rotation. Lengths l(φ ₁ ) to l(φ ₄ ) correspond to the separation distance between shaft 2615 and plate 2613 . In an exemplary embodiment, line length l(φ) is measured from the center of shaft 2615 to the edge of cam 2611, even though l(φ) is a monotonically increasing function of angle φ. good. An example of such functionality is shown in FIG. 30C. In an exemplary embodiment, l(φ) may initially increase rapidly, as shown by plot 3020, which is indicative of cam 2611's profile. Such a rapid increase in l(φ) may provide significant pressure on plate 2613 and may be used to induce sufficient pressure on pouch 111, but may result in rupture of pouch 111. may bring. Subsequently, as shown by plot 3020, l(φ) indicates a slower squeezing action of pouch 111 than the initial squeezing action (i.e., the overall velocity of plate 2613 toward pouch 111 (e.g., , V(t) as described above) decreases with time as a function of the rotation of the cam 2611), but may increase more slowly.

FIG. 31A shows an exemplary embodiment of pouch 111 including a rupturable seal 3110. FIG. As seen from the cross-section of the rupturable seal 3110, the seal 3110 has a region 3114 formed from a flexible material 3112 that does not tear and a region 3114 made from a material that is prone to tearing (eg, thin foil, paper, etc.). may include In an exemplary embodiment, regions 3114 may form a cross pattern with circular region 3116 at the center of the cross pattern. Under the application of pressure to pouch 111, the base within pouch 111 may be configured to press against seal 3110, which may result in failure of seal 3110 at region 3114, as shown in FIG. do not have. It should be appreciated that while a cross pattern is shown in FIG. 31, any other reasonable pattern may be used so that the seal 3110 can break when under pressure.

An alternative embodiment for breaking seal 3110 is shown in FIG. 31B. In an exemplary embodiment, pouch 3131 (shown in FIG. 31B) may have a different shape than pouch 111 of FIG. 31A. For example, pouch 3131 may have a flatter shape and may be configured to be placed on support 3145 such that seal 3110 is aligned to face lancing device 3150 ( For example, support 3145 may be part of chamber 110). In an exemplary embodiment, puncture device 315 may have a sharp edge 3152 for puncturing seal 3145 at tear area 3114 . Lancing device 3150 may be a tube through which base 3160 from pouch 3131 may be flushed into bottle 1820 .

In various embodiments, system 101 may include a pouch identification system (PIDS). A PIDS may be used to identify the appropriate type of pouch 111 for use with system 101 . For example, different pouches may contain different types of plant-based pastes and may contain different pouch identifiers such as labels, colors, shapes, sizes, weights, radio frequency identifiers, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the PIS may determine a particular type of pouch 111 based on one (or some) of the pouch identifiers and provide information regarding the type of pouch to system 101 (e.g., FIG. 5E). It may be configured to send to the appropriate controller in the control module 572) as shown. In some cases, after receiving information from the PIS, the control module 572 determines the pressure required to extract the base from the pouch 111, the time required to extract the base from the pouch 111, the pressure on the pouch 111, distribution, time dependence of the pressure distribution on the pouch 111, specific actuation of mechanical devices (e.g. rollers, CAM elements, etc.) for extracting the base from the pouch 111, for mixing the base and water in the mixing bottle. Systems such as time, amplitude of agitation to mix base and water, or any other reasonable parameters for optimizing extraction of base from pouch 111 and optimizing mixing of base and water. It may be configured to adjust various operating parameters for 101 .

The PIDS may utilize short-range wireless communications such as high frequency (HF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) scanners, barcode scanners, cameras, and the like. To ensure proper functioning of the system 101, it may be essential to have the PIDS recognize different types of pouches.

Additionally, system 101 may utilize a bottle identification system (BIDS) to determine the type of bottle used with system 101 . In an exemplary embodiment, the BIDS may determine bottle height, bottle width, bottle volume, bottle weight, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, BIDS may utilize visible sensors (eg, cameras, lasers, photodiodes, etc.) as well as weight sensors. In some cases, various operating parameters of system 101 may be adjusted based on the type of bottle identified by BIDS. Additionally, operating parameters may be adjusted based on user input (e.g., the user may enter additional parameters, such as the amount of creaminess of the plant-based beverage, via the interface of system 101). ).

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the precise forms or examples disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will become apparent from consideration of the specification and implementation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, although certain components have been described as being coupled together, such components may be integrated together or distributed in any reasonable manner.

Further, although exemplary embodiments are described herein, scope includes equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (eg, aspects across various embodiments), adaptations, and adaptations based on this disclosure. Including any and all embodiments with/or modifications. Claim elements should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and not limited to the examples set forth herein or during prosecution of the application, and not to those Examples should be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, including reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps.

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed specification, and thus the appended claims are intended to cover all systems and methods falling within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. ing. As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more." Likewise, the use of the plural does not necessarily imply the plural unless it is clear in the given context. Words such as "and" or "or" mean "and/or" unless stated otherwise. In addition, since numerous modifications and variations will readily result from a study of this disclosure, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the precise construction and operation illustrated and described; may be re-sorted, which is also within the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "set" means one or more (i.e., at least one) and the phrase "any solution" refers to currently known means any solution that exists or is later developed. Other embodiments will become apparent from consideration of the specification and implementation of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed examples being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (2)

A system for extracting paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle, the system comprising:
an inflatable flexible enclosure adjacent to the pouch;
a first target pressure within the flexible enclosure, wherein the first pressure results in rupture of the sealed nozzle; and a second target pressure within the flexible enclosure;
and a timer for measuring a target time to complete extraction of paste from the pouch. A system for extracting paste from a flexible pouch having a sealed nozzle, the system comprising:
first and second plate elements adjacent to the pouch, wherein the pouch is sandwiched between the first and second plate elements, the first and second plate elements applying pressure to the pouch; configured to add
a rotatable cam mechanism configured to push the first plate element against the second plate element as the cam mechanism rotates about the axis;
The shape of the cam mechanism is
configured to create a first pressure within the pouch that results in rupture of the sealed nozzle and a second pressure within the pouch for extracting the base from the pouch;
The system, wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

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