MXPA06008243A - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for dispensing a post-mix beverage in which a disposable concentrate unit (15) and a disposable pump unit (17) are housed in an upper refrigerated cabinet area (20) of a beverage dispenser (12). The pump unit (17) is operable to dispense metered volumes of concentrate for mixing with a regulated flow of diluent to dispense a required ratiometric mixture thereof.

Description

BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR Field of the Invention This invention relates to beverage dispensers and more especially relates to applications of the invention described in our co-pending PCT application of the same date hereof, the entire description of which is incorporated in the present by means of the reference to it. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beverage dispensers commonly provide a logometric mixture of a concentrated beverage and a diluent and this is commonly done by regulating the flow of two pressurized sources of concentrate and diluent. However, some concentrates are highly viscous and do not flow easily, a problem that is improved at the low temperatures at which they are stored. Variability in viscosity means that a pressurized flow of viscous concentrates is difficult to measure accurately, for example the concentrate of orange juice and to do so effectively requires a much higher pressure than conventionally used. This problem is overcome to some degree by current juice dispensers that use a positive displacement pump to pump the concentrate and regulate the flow of the diluent accordingly.

Another problem associated with the viscosity of some concentrates is that they do not mix easily with a diluent, for example, water. This has two adverse effects. The first is that when the drink is distributed in a receptacle for consumption it is often found with a mass of unmixed concentrate in the bottom of the receptacle which is not attractive to the consumer. Second, due to the viscosity and high sugar content of the juice concentrates, the concentrate will tend to adhere to the internal components of the dispenser and will not be easily cleaned by a simple rinse. This is particularly relevant for example with orange juice concentrate which can become highly toxic through bacterial growth if allowed to settle for a long period of time at room temperature. A common contributing factor to these two problems is the non-disposable part of the machine through which the concentrate passes (diluted or undiluted). There are two systems known in the art that provide a more hygienic system for distributing the concentrate by the use of partially disposable components. There is use of a rotating peristaltic pump, the deformable tube of which forms an integral part of the disposable concentrate container and a positive displacement pump comprising a portion Disposable supplied with the container and a non-disposable drive mechanism for alternating the pump, withdrawing the fluid to and expelling it from the disposable portion as shown in US Patents. 5,114,047 and 5,154,319. Peristaltic pumps provide a reasonable solution but experience problems pumping higher viscosity fluids and how the viscosity of the juice concentrate can be highly dependent on its peristaltic temperature systems often do not distribute a correct logometric mixture of concentrate to the diluent at lower temperatures. In addition, the part of the pump tube is often deformed to a permanent configuration over time so that the volumetric output towards the end of its life is less than at the beginning of its life, again affecting the logometric mixture. from the concentrate to the diluent. Positive displacement pumps such as those shown in US 5,114,047 produce a more constant logometric mixture, however, as they have a filling cycle and the distribution cycle they intermittently distribute a series of concentrate masses in a diluent flow. This does not promote a homogenous diluted mixture and more importantly the beverage will have a stratified appearance as it leaves the dispenser as the concentrate is intermittently distributed in the diluent stream. This stratified appearance is highly undesirable since it reduces the consumer's perception of the quality of the product to be distributed. It is further observed as a disadvantage that the current systems are operated at their maximum capacity to distribute the juice concentrate at the viscosity of the current concentration ratios. The lower the proportion of the concentrate, the higher the proportion of the water it contains, so that if at a higher viscosity and therefore a higher concentration, the fluid can be pumped, some of the shipping scars associated with it can be saved. the water component of the concentrate. Additionally, the higher the proportion of the concentrate, the greater the number of diluted beverages can be produced from the same size container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore the purpose of this invention to provide an improved hygienic beverage dispenser capable of volumetrically pumping high viscosity concentrates at a substantially continuous flow rate. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for dispensing a post-mixed beverage comprising the steps of: inserting into a dispenser a container of beverage concentrate connected to a disposable pump unit, said disposable pump unit comprising a body that has a surface in the which opens the mouth of a cavity formed in the body, a port of entry for the fluid that opens on the surface adjacent to the mouth of the cavity by means of which, when the port of entry is opened, the fluid can flow from the inlet port to the cavity through the mouth thereof, a flexible membrane is sealed in a sealed manner on its periphery to the surface and overlaps the cavity and the inlet port, an outlet port for the fluid , there being a passage of fluid flow that extends through the body that connects the cavity to the outlet port and a flexible membrane is sealed in a sealed manner at its periphery and overlaps the outlet port, the portions of the flexible membrane in where the input and output ports are superimposed respectively, they serve as closures for the ports; providing a flow of diluent; by actuating the disposable pump unit by the alternative application of vacuum and pressure by means of a reusable pump actuator in order to pump a regulated volume of beverage concentrate, the concentrate only comes in contact with the disposable parts; regulating the pumped concentrate in such a way that there is a substantially constant outlet of concentrate during a distribution step; regulating the flow of the diluent depending on the amount of concentrate to be pumped in order to maintain a substantially constant proportion of diluent to the concentrated; placing the concentrate flow pumped together with the flow of regulated diluent into a section of the disposable pump unit; passing the combined flows together through mixing means within the disposable pump unit to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture of dilute concentrate; and distributing the mixture in a receptacle for consumption or storage. When the concentrate container runs out or otherwise requires replacement, the container and the disposable pump unit can be discarded and replaced. Preferably the area in which the container of the beverage concentrate is inserted is cooled. Although as such the diluent, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to hot and cold beverages. In a preferred method the disposable pump unit has a plurality of cavities, preferably two, the volume of each cavity being a fraction of the total volume of the concentrate required for a beverage. Preferably, upon insertion of the beverage concentrate container and the disposable pump unit, the distributor control system automatically "prepares" the or each pump cavity so that the or each cavity is filled with concentrate ready to be dispensed. Preferably the time of preparation of a cavity is less than the time of distribution of a cavity and the distribution of the concentrate from the cavities is superimposed in such a way that there is no interruption in the concentrate flow as it is mixed with the diluent. In a preferred method, the dispenser is pre-programmed with beverage sizes that can be selected to distribute a beverage of a known size. In an alternative preferred method, a continuous emptying mode is provided so that the dispenser will continuously distribute the beverage until the stop is signaled. Preferably, in any of the above methods there is a delay between the completion of the emptying or the stop signaling and the system that automatically prepares the pump and if a pump cavity is half empty when the emptying is stopped and the emptying is resumed inside of said delay the distributor will continue distributing from the same pump cavity without re-preparing first, thereby providing the system with a "complete filling function". Preferably, after the delay has expired the distributor prepares all the cavities of the pump. Preferably a signal comprising data indicative of the concentrate or pumping properties required and controlling the flow rate of the concentrate is automatically established by these properties of concentrated. In a preferred method, the signal is automatically detected by the distributor by reading the data stored in a Radio Frequency Identification Mark (RFID) or an Electro-Erasable-Programmable-Read Only Memory (EEPROM) integrated circuit (Solo Memory). Electro-Erasable-Programmable Reading) attached to the concentrate container or disposable pump unit. Alternatively, the signal can be entered by an operator manually or through a portable device. Preferably there is a means to detect the flow continuity of the concentrate and where there is a flow discontinuity between the distribution of the individual pump chambers, which adapt the control of the pump to eliminate the discontinuity. In a preferred method, the detection means monitor the accumulation of pressure and vacuum acting on the flexible membrane covering the pump cavity. Alternatively, a visual detector may be used to detect the discontinuity of the flow of the concentrate being pumped. The data can also, for example, contain data relating to the storage life of the concentrate in such a way that a beverage will not be distributed if the concentrate contained within the container is not within its shelf life. The data can also identify the volume of the product in the container and the size of the doses that are distributed, allowing a countdown of the remaining doses of the concentrate in the container. Preferably the number of remaining distributions can be displayed and / or a warning issued before the container expires. In a preferred method, the distributor additionally has the ability to write information back to the identification means. Alternatively, the control electronics have a memory in which the data for each container is stored for a limited amount of time after it is removed from the dispenser. Preferably if a container used in part in the dispenser is replaced after it has been previously removed, the dispenser will recognize it if and when it is replaced, and will know the volume of concentrate if it still contains it. Preferably the temperature of the concentrate is monitored and the control of the disposable pump unit dependent on temperature is modified. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage dispenser for dispensing a post-mixed beverage from a disposable pump unit comprising a body having a surface in which the mouth of a cavity is opened formed in the body, an inlet port for the opening of the fluid in the surface adjacent to the mouth of the cavity whereby, when the inlet port is opened, the fluid can flow from the port of entry into the cavity through the mouth therein, a flexible membrane secured in a sealed manner at its periphery to the surface and overlapping the cavity and the inlet port, an outlet port for the fluid, there being a passage of fluid flow extending through the body that connects the cavity to the outlet port and a flexible membrane secured in a sealed manner on its periphery and that overlaps the outlet port, the pons of the flexible membrane that overlap the entry and exit ports respectively serving as closures for the ports, comprising: a diluent supply system for supplying a regulated flow of diluent to a section of the disposable pump unit; a cabinet area to receive at least one container of concentrate; at least one pumping station for receiving, retaining and operating a disposable pump unit, a control system for controlling the measurement of the concentrate and the flow rate of the diluent for distributing a required logometric mixture thereof. Preferably, the beverage dispenser further comprises a lower section containing a diluent cooling medium (wherein the beverage is located). cold); a top section, comprising the cabinet area for storing one or more concentrate containers; and a pumping section positioned between said lower and upper sections, said pumping section comprising one or more pumping stations, each station having a driving surface to which the flexible side of a disposable pump unit is presented, said driving surface being in fluid communication with the pressure sources and pal vacuum and having first and second associated valve actuators to open and close the inlet and outlet ports of the disposable pump unit and holding means to hold in place the disposable pump unit . Preferably the diluent supply comprises an inlet of diluent, e.g., water, to the dispenser, non-diluting cooling media, a flow meter to detect the flow of the diluent and a flow control valve to control the flow of the diluent. Preferably the flow meter is a turbine flow meter and the control valve is a variable orifice valve. In a preferred installation the flow control valve also acts to cut the flow when the diluent is not required. Alternatively an on / off diluent valve may be provided.

Preferably the diluent is supplied to the fastening means and interfaced through the fastening means, with the disposable pump unit when the fastening means are secured in place. Preferably, immediately upstream of its interface to the disposable pump unit is provided the line of the diluent with a fluid seal having a positive cracking pressure to retain any diluent within the line during the exchange of the disposable pump unit. Preferably the fluid closures are those that open under a small applied pressure differential and are elastically recovered to seal under normal conditions. For example, the SureFlo ™ Valve from Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. is suitable. Preferably the diluent cooling system, if present, comprises a chilled water bath containing a cooling coil around its periphery in which a ice bank and a diluent coil located in the liquid phase of the water bath and through which passes the diluent. The cooling coil is energized by standard refrigerants as is known in the art. Preferably the cabinet area for receiving a concentrate container is cooled by a blow system as is known in the art. Preferably less a temperature probe is provided within the area to monitor the temperature within the cabinet area. Preferably, a rigid retainer closure is provided in which the flexible container, e.g., concentrate bag can be placed prior to installation in the cabinet area. Preferably the lower inner surface of the retainer is at an angle (preferably in the region of 12-20 degrees) such that when in situ the concentrate inside the container will tend to drain under the influence of gravity to the front. bottom of the container to which the disposable pump unit is attached. Preferably the upper part of the rigid container has a retaining means for retaining the upper edge of the flexible container to assist in draining the concentrate towards the lower section. Preferably the lower surface of the cabinet area is at an angle corresponding to the angle at the bottom of the rigid retainer closure. Preferably the rigid closure has a hole therein which aligns with the temperature probe protruding from the cabinet area so that in use it directly contacts the flexible container within the rigid closure in an area in proximity to the pump unit disposable giving a temperature reading substantially indicative of the temperature of the fluid to be pumped.

Preferably the driving surface of the pumping station has a number of concave recesses therein corresponding to and aligned with the cavities of the pump of the disposable pump, each recess having therein a port communicating through the lines of pressure and vacuum with the sources of pressure and partial vacuum respectively. Preferably the pressure source comprises a pressure pump, a pressure release valve and a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure that is provided to the disposable pump unit. The pressure regulator is preferably electronically variable, the pressure being regulated automatically depending on the viscosity of the concentrate which is pumped. Preferably a 2/2 valve (on / off) is also associated with each hole in the driving surface, using valve 2/2 to switch the vacuum / pressure and using the regulator to regulate them. In an alternative installation, a digital high-speed driven valve can be used to combine the characteristics of regulation and positive pressure switching, eliminating the need for separate valves. Preferably the partial vacuum supply is provided by means of a vacuum pump leading to one or more 2/2 valves, each of which is associated with a hollow in the driving surface. Preferably a detector is provided in the partial vacuum line to detect if there is any concentrate in the line. In a preferred installation, the detector is a visual detector that detects the passage of light through a clean section of the vacuum line, obstructing said passage of light if the concentrate is present in the line. Alternative methods to detect the concentrate in the vacuum line will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In a preferred installation a pressure vessel and a partial vacuum vessel are provided in the pressure and vacuum lines respectively. Preferably, a drainage is provided at the bottom of each of these containers that opens selectively. The first valve actuator protrudes through the drive surface of the pumping station into the recess therein and is operable to selectively move the flexible membrane over the edge of the inlet port within the cavity of the disposable pump unit for close the port of entry. Preferably the first valve actuator is actuated by a solenoid. The second valve actuator associated with and adjacent to each gap is actuated to selectively move the flexible membrane of the disposable pump unit onto an edge surrounding an exit port associated with, but other than, the pump cavity to close the outlet port of the pump. Preferably the second valve actuator is driven in a proportional manner such that the degree of opening or closing of the outlet port can be controlled to vary the output flow. This is preferably achieved by means of a stepper motor. Preferably the stepper motor control is over-operated in its closed position and then re-started each time the input port is closed. This eliminates the accumulated errors that can occur in the gradual advance motor due to, for example, lost stages and compensates for the different dimensional requirements due to the tolerances in the manufacture and assembly. A seal is provided between the first and second valve actuators and the drive surface of the pumping station, providing together with a packing that surrounds the gap in the drive surface a sealed and closed volume between the membrane covering the unit cavity of disposable pump and the hollow in the driving surface thus allowing the application of pressure and partial vacuum to said closed volume to move the membrane and thus to pump the concentrate. Preferably the seals between the valve actuators and the drive surface are laminated diaphragm seals.

Preferably, the first and second valve actuators are provided with soft tips so that no damage is done to the flexible membrane while being pressed against the edge of a port. Preferably the pumping station is adapted to receive a disposable pump unit having two pump cavities. Preferably the beverage dispenser comprises a plurality of pumping stations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dispenser according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram of a dispenser according to the invention; Figure 3 is a diagram of a dispenser according to the invention with the front cover opening and the retention plate opening; Figure 4 is a diagram of a disposable container and pump unit according to the invention; Figure 5 is a diagram of a close view of the drive surface and the retention location for the disposable pump cartridge of a 2-beverage dispenser according to the invention, the beverage side one shown in its open position, the other shown in its closed position; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the fluid control circuit for driving a disposable pump unit of a beverage dispenser according to the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a disposable pump unit; Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross section of the disposable pump unit of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pump actuator for installation with the pump unit shown in Figures 7 and 8; Figure 10 is a cross section of the assembled pump unit and pump actuator; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the pump unit shown in Figure 7 further having a diluent inlet; Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11, but in which the pump outlet has a convoluted integral path mixing section; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a disposable pump unit showing the channels provided for prevention of clogged volumes of fluid in the pump; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a disposable pump unit showing the closure between the pump unit and the container; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pre-formed membrane for use with the disposable pump unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser is shown in which a beverage dispenser 1 is connected to a supply of diluent 2, which may be a continuous supply, for example a water supply to the main line. When entering the dispenser the diluent is cooled in a cooling unit 3 using a water bath heat exchanger comprising an outer coil through which a coolant passes, cooling the water and forming an ice bank around the cooling coil, The ice bank maintains a constant temperature inside the water and a reserve of cooling energy to maintain that temperature. In the liquid phase of the water bath is a secondary coil through which the water passes, cooling it as it does at a temperature commonly in the region of 2 to 6 degrees centigrade. The flow of the diluent is measured using measurement techniques of traditional flow for example a flow turbine flow detector. The control electronics 4 receive signals from a flow detector and by means of the control valve 5, control the flow of the diluent. The control valve 5 can be of any proportional type, for example a proportional solenoid but it is preferably a valve-like variable orifice as described in the U.K. GB2348185. The control electronics also control the pump actuator 6. Located within or attached to the dispenser 1 is a disposable concentrate unit 7 comprising a concentrate container 8, a dual-cavity pump unit 9 connected to the concentrate container 8, a diluent conduit 10 and a static mixer 11 for mixing the concentrate and the diluent to form a homogeneous mixture. Referring to Figures 2 to 5, a distributor 12 with a user interface 13 is shown to allow the user to select the distribution of a beverage. The door 14 of the dispenser opens to allow the user to load and unload the disposable concentrate unit 15. The disposable concentrate unit 15 consists of a flexible container (not shown) connected to a dual-cavity pump unit 17 having an inlet of diluent 18 and a static mixer 19. The flexible container is placed inside a rigid reusable container 16 which supports the flexible container. Optionally, the reusable rigid container 16 may have an angled bottom surface of approximately 15 degrees so that under the influence of gravity the concentrate will tend to flow towards the dual-cavity pump unit 17. The diluent enters the unit of pump 17 downstream of the cavities pumping the concentrate and the pumped concentrate and the diluent then flow together into a static mixer 19 which utilizes turbulence and fluid shear as the mixture passes completely to produce a homogenous mixture. The disposable concentrate unit 15 and the disposable pump unit are placed in the distributor 12 so that both are within the refrigerated area of the distributor 12 and the pump unit 17 is positioned in such a way that it interconnects with the pumping station 21, of which two are located within the distributor 12. By keeping both the pump unit and the container in the refrigerated section some juice within the cavities of the disposable pump unit is kept at its refrigerated temperature. The reusable rigid container is preferably of a 2-part articulated construction for ease of use and may optionally have an angled bottom surface as represented by the dotted line in Figure 4 to assist the concentrate to be drained, under the influence of gravity, toward the disposable pump unit 17. A surface angle of approximately 15 degrees was found to be more beneficial. The upper refrigerated cabinet area is cooled by means of a standard blow cooling system which is preferably a common system used to cool the cooling unit 3. The temperature of the concentrate in this cabinet area 20 is monitored by the use of temperature detectors (not shown), this can be done in one of two ways, first the general air temperature inside the cabinet 20 can be monitored and this is assumed as the temperature of the concentrate. However, it is preferable to take a direct measurement of the concentrate mineral. As this is a hygienic system it is highly desirable to insert any kind of temperature sensor into the concentrate so that the temperature sensor extends into the cabinet such that it passes through an opening in the rigid container 16 and makes contact with the container. the flexible container. This temperature sensor is provided in a region immediately adjacent to the inlet of the disposable pump unit so that the detected temperature is substantially representative of the temperature and therefore the viscosity of the concentrate as it passes into the cavities of the unit. of disposable pump. The pumping station 21 comprises a surface impeller 32 containing two recesses 22 surrounded by a gasket 23 with which the cavities of the disposable pump unit 17 are aligned thereby forming a sealed volume between the pump unit and the recesses 22. Placed within each recess 22 there is a valve actuator 24 with a soft tip which, when actuated, rests on the flexible membrane covering the cavity of the disposable pump unit 17 thus urging the membrane towards the sealing contact with a raised rim inside the cavity (not shown). The recesses 22 have ports 25 on their surface which are in connection with a switchable supply of partial vacuum and pressure which are applied alternately to the vacuum and fills the cavities with the concentrate coming from the container 16. The pump station 21 has actuators of outlet valve 26 that move to open and close a membrane in a hole in the pump unit. The outlet valve actuators 26 are driven by a stepper motor so that they can be incrementally opened to define a required output flow from the pump cavities. Between the inlet valve actuators 24 and the recesses and outlet valve actuators 26 and the drive surface there is provided a laminated diaphragm seal 33 which maintains the integrity of the sealed volume and further prevents the ingress of the particulate fluid or particulate matter into the inside of the distributor. The disposable pump unit 17 and the pump actuator form the subject of our PCT application of the same date and the construction and operation thereof is described below with reference to Figures 7 to 15. When the pump unit 17 In lieu thereof, a retaining plate 27 is articulated in place and retained by the clamps 28 to seal the edges of the pump unit 17 against the gasket 23 to form a fluid tight seal. The holding plate 27 is supplied with a diluent through the diluent line 29 which communicates with the pump unit 17 where the diluent is mixed with the pumped concentrate before passing through a mixer 19. In the line of diluent 29 as it passes through the holding plate 27, a closure 54 is provided which holds the non-pressurized diluent in the diluent line 29 when the pumping station 21 is in its open position for withdrawal in the insertion of a pump unit 17. Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a schematic diagram of the control circuit used to pump the concentrate into a two pump station unit adapted for dual cavity pump units. A pressure pump 34 supplies two pressure regulators 35, 36, one for each pumping station 21 through a safety valve 53. The provision of separate regulators for the two pumping stations 21 allows the beverages to use concentrates of different viscosity to be distributed simultaneously. Between each regulator 35, 36 and each recess 22 of the cavities there is provided a valve 2/2 37, 38, 39, 40 which controls the regulated air flow for each recess 22. A vacuum pump directly leads each recess 22 to through a 2/2 valve 42, 43, 45, 46 that controls the application of the vacuum to the cavities. Located in the section of the vacuum line before the valves and common to all the voids is a light source 46 and a light detector 47 that are oriented to each other through a clean section of the vacuum line so that under normal operating conditions the light from the source 46 passes through the line and is detected by the detector 47, but if there is a rupture in the disposable pump (17, Figure 4) that makes contact with the resulting gap in the When the concentrate is removed in the vacuum line, the light bath is blocked and a warning can be issued to stop the machine before the concentrate is drawn to the vacuum pump. Optional valves 49, 50, 51, 52 of the 3/2 variety are provided that act as vent valves, ventilating each gap between the application of pressure and vacuum to restore it to atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing the load of the vacuum and pressure pumps.

Referring to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the pumping method from a pump unit 17 in one of the pumping stations 21 is as follows. Initially, to change the disposable pump unit and the concentrate container, valves 37 to 40 and 42 to 45 are closed. When a disposable pump zone 17 is in place, the holding plate 27 is retained in place and the door 14 closing the dispenser automatically prepares the system. The vacuum pump 41 starts and the valves 42 and 43 are opened to create a partial vacuum in the volume created between the holes 22 in the drive surface 25 and the cavities in the disposable pump unit. The inlet valve actuators 24 are activated to create an open flow path between the concentrate container and the pump chamber cavity. The partial vacuum removes the flexible membrane covering the cavities towards and in the recess 22 in the driving surface 25 which extracts the concentrate from the container in the pump cavity, thus filling it. To pump the concentrate from the disposable pump unit, the inlet valve actuators 24 will be closed, the vacuum pump 41 will stop and the valves 42 and 43 will close. The pressure pump 34 will then start and one of the valves 37 or 38 corresponding to the first cavity to be pumped will open, followed by the associated outlet valve actuator 36. with the exit of that opening of the cavity. The pressure in the diaphragm forces the return to the disposable pump unit and into the cavity of the same, forcing the concentrate into it out of the outlet of the cavity and through the open-release valve where it will then be mixed with a diluent to produce the drink. Before the cavity is completely evacuated, the other non-open valve 37 or 38 will still open as will the other outlet valve actuator 36 so that the distribution from the two cavities is superimposed. Once one of the cavities is empty, the outlet valve actuator 36 and the pressure line valve 37 or 38 associated therewith will be closed, the vacuum pump will be started and the valve 42 or 43 associated with that cavity it will open by extracting the fluid into the empty cavity in the same way as when the pump was prepared. This cycle can be repeated as many times as necessary to pump the required amount of concentrate for a drink. Optionally, once one of the cavities is empty then between the outlet valve actuator 36 and the pressure line valve 37 or 38 associated with it is closed and the valve 42 or 43 associated with that cavity is opened, the vent valve 49 or 50 associated with that cavity may be opened to restore pressure within said cavity to atmospheric pressure.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 15, the construction and operation of the pump unit and the actuator unit are now described in more detail. Referring to Figure 7 and 8, a disposable dual chamber pump unit 1100 is shown. A fluid inlet 114 is divided to feed each of the two pump cells 101 a, 101 b comprised in a rigid body 102 having a substantially flat surface thereof an area 103 containing a chamber inlet port 104, the inlet port 104 being surrounded by a raised edge 105 and a concave cavity 106 defining one side of a pump chamber 107. The second side of the chamber 107 comprises a membrane 108 made of a flexible sheet material, eg, low density polyethylene (LDPE) tightly secured around its periphery to the aforementioned surface of the body 102 in order to enclose each inlet area of the body. fluid 103 and its respective concave cavities 106 so that fluid can pass from the inlet port 104 when it opens to the respective concave cavities 106. Located in each cavity with 106 of each pump chamber 101a, 101b is an array of camera outputs 109. Each chamber output 109 is in fluid communication with a lockable output port 110 surrounded by a raised edge 111. The flow paths from the two lockable output ports 110 they converge together in a single outlet 112. The two lockable outlet ports 110 and the outlet 112 are sealed together in a sealed manner by a membrane 113 comprising flexible sheet material, shown as integral with the membrane 108, secured around its periphery a the aforementioned surface of the body 102. Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a non-disposable pump drive unit 1200 for the dual camera pump unit 1100. The drive unit 1200 comprises a rigid body 115 containing two concave cavities 116, each surrounded by a packing seal 117. The concave cavities 116 and the packing seal 117 are formed in such a way that they match the shape of the pump cells 101a, 101b so that when placed in contact with them form a seal around the circumference of pump cells 101a, 101b. Located within each cavity 116 is a compressed air inlet / outlet port 118 defined in part by transverse shaped channels that extend over a substantial basal area of the cavity 116. An armature operated with an armature is also located within each cavity 116. solenoid 119 extending through the body 115 and into the cavity 116. A pair of armatures 120 also extend through the body 115 adjacent the cavities 116. Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 10, the unit Pump drive 1200 is shown in Figure 10 to releasably connect to disposable pump unit 1100 to form a complete pump. The cavity 116 in the unit 1200 together with the membrane 108 forms an actuating chamber 121 connectable alternatively to the negative and positive pressure air supplies through a passage 122. Each cavity 116 in the pump drive unit 1200 and its opposite cavity 106 in the disposable pump unit 1100 together define a fixed volume of fluid that will shift in each cycle of the pump. The operating sequence of the pump is that which each armature 20 extends in order to drive the membrane 113 located on the respective raised edges 111 of the output ports 110 thus closing the outlet of the pump chamber and the armature 119 is separated from the armature. the membrane 108 in such a way that the flow path between the inlet port 104 and the concave cavity 106 opens. The armatures 119 and 120 have associated seals 119a, 120a that prevent the entry of any substance beyond the armatures. A first source of fluid driving the pump at a negative pressure, i.e. below the ambient pressure, it is connected to the drive fluid port 118 through the passage 122, the application of the negative pressure causes the flexible membrane 108 to be introduced into and into the cavity 116 thereby extracting the fluid towards the latter from a container (not shown) through the inlet 114 and the inlet port 104, the inlet port 104 being maintained open by the negative pressure tending to lift the membrane 108 locally away from the inlet port 104. transverse channels of the port 118 ensure that the membrane 108 can be completely inserted into the cavity 116 and prevents the membrane 108 from blocking the port 118 before the membrane 108 is substantially completely inserted into the cavity 116. When the membrane 108 is completely inserted into the cavity 116 and the volume defined by the cavity 116 and the cavity 106 is filled or substantially filled with the fluid to be distributed, the armatures 119 and 120 are operated in such a way that the armature 119 moves towards the pump cell, by pressing the membrane 108 locally against the raised edge 105 of the inlet port 104 to close the flow path between the inlet 114 and the pump chamber 107 and the armature 120 moves away from the outlet port 110 allowing the membrane 113 to move away from the outlet port 110 of the pump cell outlet (112, Figure 7). Substantially at the same time, positive air pressure is applied to the membrane 108 through the port 118 which drives the membrane 108 towards and substantially completely into the cavity 106 by means of which the fluid pumps through the outlet 112 through the output port 110. The pump filling / dispensing cycle can then be repeated. The output armatures 120 are attached to the stepper motors 120b which can vary the position of each 120 relative to the raised edge 111 of their respective output port 110 thereby allowing the opening of the outlet valve to be controlled to vary the output flow of the pump. In operation, the two pump cells can be operated in an opposite phase so that when one is distributing the other is filling, the filling cycle is preferably faster than the distribution cycle so that there can be a slight overlap of the distribution cycles to ensure constant output. If there are more than two pump cells then it is not necessary for the filling cycle to be faster than the distribution cycle. Referring to Figure 11, a pump unit is shown which is similar to that shown in Figure 7 and operates in the same manner, but which has the additional feature of a diluent inlet 123 through which a diluent enters the pump. The pump cell is mixed with the pumped fluid to pass it through the outlet of the pump cell 112 by means of which the diluted fluid is distributed. The flow of the diluent is controlled by means of an external control valve (not shown) that can be variable and controlled to give a constant logometric mixture of pumped fluid to diluent. Referring to Figure 12, the pump unit is shown which is similar to that shown in Figure 11 and operates in the same way. However, it also comprises a mixing section 124 downstream of the point at which it is added, the diluent. Where the pumped fluid is of a high viscosity (e.g., above 10,000 centipoise) it becomes increasingly difficult to obtain a homogeneous diluted fluid; the convoluted path 125 of the mixing section 124 is designed to shear the viscous fluid and create turbulence to ensure that the two components mix thoroughly. Referring to Figure 13, there is shown a rigid plastic pump unit comprising a fluid inlet 114 leading to two chamber inlet ports 104 from which there is a flow path to the concave cavity 106 and its outlet associated chamber 109. Provided on the surface of the concave cavity 106 and the flat area 103 are the recessed grooves 126 which if the flexible film (not shown) is trapped in an occluded area of the remote pumped fluid from the outlet of the camera 109, will always be a channel for the fluid to be forced out ensuring the camera is completely empty each time, thus giving a repeatable volumetric output. The pump unit shown in this figure has all the excess plastic removed and is designed for production by injection molding techniques. Referring to Figure 14 the rigid plastic pump unit of Figure 13 is shown to further comprise an integrated static mixer 127 which is formed as a feature of the plastic molding enclosed by the flexible film which is heat welded from side to side. Additionally an array of obstructions 128 are provided between the outlet ports 110 and the static mixer 127 so that the fluid is sheared immediately before mixing with the diluent that enters through the diluent inlet 123. Once mixed with the diluent the fluid passes through the static mixer 127 and is distributed therefrom as a homogeneous fluid. At the fluid inlet (114, Figure 13) there is a closure 129 which is rotatable by means of the lever 130 to open or close the flow from the container (not shown) to the inlet ports 104. Referring to Figure 15 a pre-formed flexible membrane suitable for heat welding to an area of the pump of the invention is shown.

Claims (61)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for dispensing a post-brewed beverage comprising the steps of: inserting into a dispenser a container of beverage concentrate connected to a disposable pump unit, said disposable pump unit comprising a body having a surface on the which opens the mouth of a cavity formed in the body, an inlet port for the opening of the fluid in the surface adjacent to the mouth of the cavity by means of which, when the inlet port is opened, the fluid can flow from the port of entry to the cavity through the mouth of the same, a flexible membrane tightly secured at its periphery to the surface and which overlaps the cavity and the inlet port, an outlet port for the fluid , there is a passage of fluid flow that extends through the body that connects the cavity to the outlet port and a flexible membrane secured in a hermetic manner to its periphery and that overlaps the port of exit, the portions of the flexible membrane, where the inlet and outlet ports are respectively overlapped which serve as closures for the ports; providing a flow of diluent; operating the disposable pump unit by the alternative application of vacuum and pressure by means of a re-usable pump actuator in order to pump a regulated volume of beverage concentrate, entering the concentrate only in contact with the disposable parts; the pumped concentrate being regulated in such a way that there is a substantially constant outlet of concentrate during a dispensing step; regulating the flow of the diluent depending on the amount of concentrate to be pumped in order to maintain a substantially constant proportion of diluent to concentrate; placing the concentrate flow pumped together with the flow of regulated diluent into a section of the disposable pump unit; passing the combined flows together through a mixing medium within the disposable pump unit to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture of dilute concentrate; and distributing the mixture in a container for consumption or storage. The method according to claim 1, wherein the areas in which the container of the beverage concentrate and the disposable pump unit are inserted are cooled. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the disposable pump unit has a plurality of cavities, the volume of each cavity being a fraction of the total volume of the concentrate required for a beverage. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the disposable pump unit has two cavities. 5. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein in the insertion of the container of the beverage concentrate and the disposable pump unit, the control system of the distributor automatically "prepares" the or each of the pump cavities so that The or each pump cavity is filled with concentrate ready to be distributed. The method according to claim 3 or any claim appended thereto wherein the time of preparation of a cavity is less than the time of distribution of a cavity and the distribution of the concentrate from the cavities is superimposed in such a way that there is no interruption in the concentrate flow while mixing with the diluent. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the dispenser is pre-programmed with beverage sizes that can be selected to distribute a beverage of a known size. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein a continuous emptying mode is provided so that the dispenser will continuously distribute the beverage until the stop is signaled. The method according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein there is a delay between the completion of the emptying or the signaling to the stop and the system automatically re-prepares the pump and if a pump cavity is half empty when the emptying is stopped and the emptying is resumed within said delay the distributor will continue distributing from the same pump cavity without re-preparing first by providing thus the system with a "fill-in-full function". The method according to claim 9 wherein after said delay has expired the distributor prepares all the cavities of the pump. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the dispenser is provided with a signal comprising data indicative of the concentrate and / or the pumping properties and the control of the flow rate of the concentrate is carried out automatically through the control circuitry through these properties of concentrate and / or pumping. The method according to claim 11 wherein the signal is automatically detected by the distributor by reading the data stored in the identification means such as an RFID tag, EEPROM or bar code, attached to the container of the concentrate or the unit of disposable pump. 13. The method according to claim 11 wherein the signal indicative of the properties of the concentrate is introduced by an operator manually or through a portable device. The method according to claim 3 or any claim appended thereto wherein the dispenser has detecting means for detecting the flow continuity of the concentrate and where there is a discontinuity of flow between the distribution of the individual pump chambers , which adapt the control of the pump to eliminate the discontinuity. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the detection means monitors the accumulation of pressure and vacuum acting on the flexible membrane that covers the pump cavity. 16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the detection means which is a visual detector is used to detect the flow discontinuity of the concentrate to be pumped. The method according to claim 12 wherein the data comprises the shelf life and the distributor will not distribute a beverage if the concentrate contained within the container is not within its shelf life. 18. The method according to any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the signal identifies the volume of the product in the container and the size of the doses that are distributed and where the control circuitry count downward how many doses of concentrate remain in the container. The method according to claim 18 wherein the number of doses remaining is displayed and / or a warning is given before the container expires. The method according to claim 12 or any claim appended thereto wherein the distributor has the ability to write information back into the identification means. The method according to any of claims 11 to 19 wherein the control circuitry has a memory in which data is stored for each container for a limited amount of time after it is removed from the dispenser. 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein if a partially used container is replaced in the dispenser after it has been previously removed, the dispenser recognizes it and when it is replaced recognizes the volume of concentrate it still contains. 23. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the temperature of the concentrate is monitored and the control of the disposable pump unit is modified depending on the temperature. 24. A beverage distributor to distribute a post-mixed beverage from the pump unit disposable comprising a body having a surface on which it opens the mouth of a cavity formed in the body, a port of entry for the opening of the fluid on the surface adjacent to the mouth of the cavity by means of which when the port of entry is opened, the fluid can flow from the port of entry into the cavity through the mouth of the same, a flexible membrane tightly secured at its periphery to the surface and which overlaps the cavity and the inlet port, an outlet port for the fluid, there being a flow passage of the fluid extending through of the body that connects the cavity to the outlet port and a flexible membrane tightly secured at its periphery and that overlaps the exit port, the portions of the flexible membrane that overlap the entry and exit ports respectively that serve as closures for ports, comprising: a diluent supply system to supply a regulated flow of diluent to a section of the disposable pump unit; a cabinet area to receive at least one container of concentrate; at least one pumping station for receiving, retaining and operating a disposable pump unit and a control system for controlling the concentrate measurement and the flow rate of the diluent to distribute a required logometric mixture therefrom. 25. The beverage dispenser according to claim 24 further comprising a lower section containing a diluent cooling medium, a top cabinet area for storing one or more concentrate containers and a pumping section positioned between said lower and upper sections , said pumping section comprising one or more pumping stations, each pumping station having a driving surface to which the flexible side of a disposable pump unit is presented, said driving surface being in fluid communication with the pressure and vacuum sources partial and having associated first and second valve actuators for opening and closing the inlet and outlet ports of the disposable pump unit and securing means for holding the disposable pump unit in place. 26. The beverage dispenser according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the diluent supply comprises a diluent, eg, water, entering the dispenser, a diluent cooling medium, a flow meter to detect the flow of the diluent and a flow control valve to control the flow of the diluent. 27. The beverage dispenser according to claim 26, wherein the flow meter is a turbine flow. 28. The beverage dispenser according to claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the flow control valve is a variable orifice valve. 29. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the flow control valve also acts to cut the flow when diluent is not required. 30. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein an additional diluent on / off valve is provided. 31. The beverage dispenser according to claim 25 or any of the appended claims thereto wherein the diluent is delivered to the fastening means and is interconnected with the disposable pump unit when the means are secured in place. subjection. 32. The beverage dispenser according to claim 31 wherein immediately upstream of the disposable pump unit the diluent supply line is provided with an enclosure. 33. The beverage dispenser according to claim 25 or any appended claim thereto wherein the cooling medium of the diluent they comprise a chilled water bath containing a cooling coil around its periphery in which an ice bank and a coil of diluent located in the liquid phase of the water bath and through which the diluent passes accumulates. 34. The beverage dispenser according to claim 24 or any appended claim thereto wherein the cabinet area is cooled to receive the concentrate container. 35. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 32 wherein at least one temperature probe is provided within the cabinet area to monitor the temperature of the cabinet. 36. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 34 wherein a rigid retention closure is provided in which a flexible container, e.g., concentrate bag can be placed prior to installation in the cabinet area. 37. The beverage dispenser according to claim 36 wherein the lower interior surface of the retainer closure is at such an angle that when in situ the concentrate within the container will tend to flow under the influence of gravity, toward the lower front region of the container in which region the disposable pump unit is attached. 38. The beverage dispenser according to claim 37 wherein the angle is in the range of 12 or 25 degrees. 39 The beverage dispenser according to claim 37 or claim 38 wherein the lower surface of the cabinet area is at an angle corresponding to the bottom angle of the rigid retainer closure. 40. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 35 to 39 wherein the rigid closure has a hole therein that is aligned with the temperature probe protruding from the cabinet area such that in use it makes direct contact with the flexible container within the rigid closure in an area in proximity to the disposable pump unit giving a temperature reading substantially indicative of the temperature of the fluid to be pumped. 41. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 40 wherein the driving surface has therein a number of corresponding concave recesses and which align with the pump cavities of the disposable pumpeach hole in the same having a port that communicates through a line with pressure sources and partial vacuum. 42. The beverage distributor in accordance with any of claims 24 to 41 wherein the pressure source comprises a pressure pump, a pressure release valve and a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure that is provided in the disposable pump unit. 43. The beverage dispenser according to claim 42 wherein the pressure regulator is electronically variable and the pressure is automatically regulated depending on the viscosity of the concentrate to be pumped. 44. The beverage dispenser according to claim 42 or 43 further comprising a 2/2 valve associated with each gap in the drive surface for switching the regulated pressure on and off. 45. The beverage dispenser according to claim 42 wherein the high-speed pulsed digital valve is used to combine the regulation and switching characteristics to the positive pressure. 46. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 45 wherein the partial vacuum supply is provided by means of a vacuum pump leading to one or more 2/2 valves, each of which is associated with a hole in the driving surface. 47. The beverage distributor in accordance with any of claims 41 to 46 wherein a detector is provided in the partial vacuum line to detect if there is any concentrate in the line. 48. The beverage dispenser according to claim 47 wherein the detector is a visual detector. 49. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 41 to 48 wherein a pressure and partial vacuum vessel is provided in the pressure and vacuum lines respectively. 50. The beverage dispenser according to claim 49, wherein a drainage is provided at the bottom of each of these vessels that are selectively opened. 51. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 25 to 50 wherein the first valve actuator protrudes through the drive surface in the recess thereof and is operable to selectively move the flexible membrane over the edge of the port of entry into the cavity of the disposable pump unit to close the port of entry. 52. The beverage dispenser according to claim 51 wherein the first valve actuator is actuated by a solenoid. 53. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 25 to 52 wherein the The second associated valve actuator adjacent to each recess is actuated to selectively move the flexible membrane of the disposable pump unit onto an edge surrounding an associated outlet port, but different from that of the pump cavity to close the outlet port of the pump. the bomb. 54. The beverage dispenser according to claim 53 wherein the second valve actuator is actuated in a proportional manner such that the degree of opening and closing of the outlet port can be controlled to vary the outflow. 55. The beverage dispenser according to claim 54 wherein the second valve actuator is actuated by means of a stepper motor. 56. The beverage dispenser according to claim 55 wherein the stepper motor controls its overdrive in its closed position and then re-initiates each time the outlet port is closed. 57. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 25 to 56 wherein a laminated diaphragm seal is provided between the valve actuators and the drive surface. 58. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 25 to 57 wherein the first and second valve actuators are provided with Soft tips so that no damage is done to the flexible membrane and while pressing against the edge of a port. 59. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 25 to 58 wherein surrounding the gap in the drive surface is a package that forms a seal with the disposable pump unit such that the application of positive and negative pressure it only affects the flexible membrane where it covers the pump chamber. 60. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 59 wherein the pumping station is adapted to receive a disposable pump unit having two pump cavities. 61. The beverage dispenser according to any of claims 24 to 60 wherein the beverage dispenser comprises a plurality of pumping stations.