WO2011097423A1 - Cuve de mélange à piston cylindrique - Google Patents

Cuve de mélange à piston cylindrique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011097423A1
WO2011097423A1 PCT/US2011/023661 US2011023661W WO2011097423A1 WO 2011097423 A1 WO2011097423 A1 WO 2011097423A1 US 2011023661 W US2011023661 W US 2011023661W WO 2011097423 A1 WO2011097423 A1 WO 2011097423A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inner flexible
flexible bladder
container
viscous material
fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/023661
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Susan Clickner
Original Assignee
Almblad, Robert
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Almblad, Robert filed Critical Almblad, Robert
Priority to US13/576,985 priority Critical patent/US20130133764A1/en
Publication of WO2011097423A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011097423A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
    • F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B43/06—Pumps having fluid drive
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/85978—With pump

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a system for providing viscous ingredients to a device for subsequent blending and dispensing as a mixture. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a double-walled container and a double- walled transportation conduit which utilizes applied pressure to evacuate the double- walled container and the double-walled transportation conduit so as to provide viscous ingredients to a device for subsequent blending and dispensing as a mixture.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a blending system
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the blending system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 illustrates the blending system inputting ice into the blending mechanism
  • Figure 4 illustrates the blending system inputting other ingredients into the blending mechanism
  • Figure 5 illustrates the blending system blending the ice and other ingredients in the blending mechanism
  • Figure 6 illustrates the blending system dispensing the blended ice and other ingredients from the blending mechanism
  • Figure 7 illustrates the blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism
  • Figure 8 illustrates another example of a blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism
  • Figure 9 is a front view of another blending system
  • Figure 10 is a flowchart of the blending and clean in place process
  • Figure 1 1 illustrates another blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism
  • Figure 12 illustrates another blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism
  • Figure 13 illustrates another blending system
  • Figure 14 illustrates a weighing sensing unit for the blending system
  • Figure 15 illustrates a front view of another blending chamber for a blending system
  • Figure 16 shows a side view of the blending chamber of Figure 15.
  • a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended.
  • the blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.
  • the blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end.
  • the piston or plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30.
  • the shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40.
  • the blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60.
  • a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended.
  • the blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.
  • the blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end.
  • the piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30.
  • the shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40 and channel 70.
  • the shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200.
  • Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.
  • Control/power unit 100 also controls the speed and/or state of operation
  • An exit drain 701 is included to dispose of any waste as well as any cleaning liquids.
  • the blending mechanism 50 may include a weight sensor or weight sensing unit to measure the weight of the ingredients being introduced into the blending chamber 10.
  • This weight sensor or weight sensing unit can provide the appropriate measurement data to the control/power unit 100 so that the ingredients can be properly metered.
  • the weight sensing unit may calibrate the tare weight of only the bottom floor of the blending chamber 10 because the floor would float upon the weight sensing unit and the remaining portion of the blending chamber 10 would be fixed to the blending system.
  • Figure 14 illustrates an example of the weight sensing unit.
  • the blending mechanism 50 includes weight sensors 51 which measures the weight of the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10, the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53), and the weight of the ingredients (represented by the arrows) within the blending chamber 10.
  • the weight sensing unit only needs to measure the weight of the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) because the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 are not positioned upon the weighing platform, namely the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10.
  • the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined in a frequent manner or after each dispensing as in a system that utilizes pitchers to dispense the mixture.
  • the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly can be removed for detail cleaning at breakdown of the blending system; however, since the blending system has only a single bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 with blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53), the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined after a breakdown cleaning.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a rotating drive mechanism 52 that provides the rotation of the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53).
  • the rotating drive mechanism 52 engages the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) and the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 so as not to impact the weight measurement.
  • the weight sensors may be located at other locations beneath the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53).
  • the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 may be positioned upon the weighing platform, namely the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10, and thus, the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 may be incorporated in the tare weight or calibration weight determination.
  • the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined in a frequent manner or after each dispensing as in a system that utilizes pitchers to dispense the mixture because the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 or the blending chamber 10 are not removed to dispense the mixture from the blending chamber 10.
  • the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 can be removed for detail cleaning at breakdown of the blending system; however, since the blending system has only the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10, the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined after a breakdown cleaning.
  • the blending system includes an ice bin 400 for storing ice. Moreover, the blending system includes an ingredient bin 300 for storing the blending ingredient(s). The ice and ingredient(s) are transported to the receiving opening 80 of the blending chamber 10, through conduit 90 and conduit 95, respectively.
  • the ingredient bin 300 may be compartmentalized to store multiple ingredients.
  • the bin 400 may store ice cream, soft serve ice cream, or other frozen products that are utilized in making a frozen drink or frozen food item.
  • the blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60 into a consumer container 575 which rests upon consumer container holding platform 550. It is noted that consumer container holding platform 550 may contain a drain (not shown) to capture any waste or overflow from the dispensing process.
  • the blending chamber 10 of the blending system receives ice 401 from ice bin 400.
  • the blending chamber 10 of the blending system receives blending ingredient(s) 301 from ingredient bin 300.
  • the blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.
  • the piston/plunger 20 engages the ice 401 and the blending ingredients 301 .
  • the control/power unit 100 starts the blending process by turning ON the blending mechanism 50.
  • the piston/plunger 20 keeps the ice 401 and the blending ingredients 301 in close engagement with the blades of the blending mechanism 50 so as to reduce the blending time and to prevent or decrease cavitation.
  • the piston/plunger 20 travels further towards the blending mechanism 50 engaging the blended ice 401 and blending ingredients 301.
  • the dispenser 60 opens to allow the evacuation of the blended mixture 501 into a consumer container 575 which rests upon consumer container holding platform 550.
  • the opening and closing of the dispenser 60 may be controlled by control/power unit 100 or may be manually controlled.
  • the blending mechanism 50 may continue to rotate the blades during dispensing to assist in the evacuation of the blended mixture 501.
  • a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601 , such as water, enters the blending chamber 10.
  • the blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50.
  • the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber 10 and out of the blending system by exit drain or discharge conduit 701. It is noted that the piston/plunger 20 may also travel towards the blending mechanism 50 during the agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the piston/plunger 20, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid 601 from the blending chamber 10.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 shifts outwardly so that a back portion of the consumer container holding platform 550 is positioned under the dispenser 60.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in the back portion which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in Figure 7 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the consumer container holding platform 550 automatically shifts outwardly.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 may be normally in the position illustrated in Figure 6 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, a sensor may sense the absence of the consumer container 575, which causes the consumer container holding platform 550 to be driven outwardly.
  • the receiving opening 80 is replaced with direct connection of the ice bin 400 and the blending ingredient(s) bin 300 to the blending chamber 10.
  • This direct connection may be facilitated by valves 92 and 97. These valves may be one way valves. These valves may also be controlled by the control/power unit 100 so that the ice and/or ingredients can be metered into the blending chamber 10.
  • the blending chamber 10 may be removable to facilitate a more through cleaning on a daily basis, for example.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 shifts outwardly so that a back portion of the consumer container holding platform 550 is positioned under the dispenser 60.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in the back portion which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in Figure 8 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the consumer container holding platform 550 automatically shifts outwardly.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 may be normally in the position illustrated in Figure 6 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, a sensor may sense the absence of the consumer container 575, which causes the consumer container holding platform 550 to be driven outwardly.
  • Figure 9 shows a front view of a blending system 1 which includes two blending chambers 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended through receiving openings 1000.
  • the receiving openings 1000 can be located in the back to receive items blending ingredients stored within the blending system 1.
  • the receiving openings 1000 can be located in the front of the blending system 1 to receive blending ingredients introduced directly by the user or operator.
  • the blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.
  • Each blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end.
  • Each piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30.
  • the shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • a user interface panel 800 is included to allow the user to program the blending system 1 to create different blended mixtures.
  • the shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200.
  • Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.
  • the blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart of the blending and clean in place process utilized by the blending systems described above.
  • step S10 the blending ingredients are introduced into the blending chamber.
  • step S20 the piston/plunger is lowered into position to place some pressure upon the blending ingredients in the blending chamber.
  • the piston/plunger engages the blending ingredients in conjunction with the starting of the blending process performed by the blades of a blending mechanism.
  • the piston/plunger engages the blending ingredients, during the blending process, so as to reduce the blending time and to prevent or decrease cavitation.
  • step S40 the piston/plunger further engages the blended ingredients, and a dispenser is opened to allow the evacuation of the blended mixture into a container.
  • the blending process is maintained while further lowering the piston/plunger to assist in dispensing the blended ingredients.
  • the piston/plunger may be lowered until the piston/plunger reaches the bottom of the blending chamber. Thereafter, when the shaft is hollow and an air valve is utilized with the piston/plunger, the air valve is opened and the piston/plunger is raised a short distance. The air valve is then closed and the piston/plunger is lowered, which causes a positive air pressure between the piston/plunger and the top surface of the remaining blended ingredients. The positive air pressure causes the last of the blended ingredients to be evacuated into a container, thereby significantly reducing or substantially eliminating waste.
  • a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger travels away from the blending mechanism and a cleaning fluid, such as water, enters the blending chamber.
  • a cleaning fluid such as water
  • the blending mechanism is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid so as to clean the blending chamber and the blades of the blending mechanism.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber and out of the blending system by a discharge conduit.
  • the piston/plunger may also travel towards the blending mechanism during the agitation of the cleaning fluid so as to clean the piston/plunger, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid from the blending chamber.
  • a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601 , such as water, enters the blending chamber 10.
  • the blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50.
  • the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber 10 and out of the blending system by exit drain or discharge conduit 701. It is noted that the piston/plunger 20 may also travel towards the blending mechanism 50 during the agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the piston/plunger 20, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid 601 from the blending chamber 10.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 does not shift.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in consumer container holding platform 550 which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.
  • a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601 , such as water, enters the blending chamber 10.
  • the blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50. It is noted that the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.
  • the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber 10 and out of the blending system by exit drain or discharge conduit 701. It is noted that the piston/plunger 20 may also travel towards the blending mechanism 50 during the agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the piston/plunger 20, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid 601 from the blending chamber 10.
  • the consumer container holding platform 550 does not shift.
  • a funnel or discharge capture unit 580 is positioned under the dispenser 60. The cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.
  • the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in Figure 12 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 automatically shifts outwardly.
  • the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 may be normally in the back portion of consumer container holding platform 550 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, a sensor may sense the absence of the consumer container 575, which causes the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 to be driven outwardly.
  • a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended.
  • the blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.
  • the blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end.
  • the piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30.
  • the shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.
  • the cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40 and channel 70.
  • the shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200.
  • Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.
  • Control/power unit 100 also controls the speed and/or state of operation (ON/OFF) of the blending mechanism 50 through electrical connection 105.
  • An exit drain 701 is included to dispose of any waste as well as any cleaning liquids.
  • the blending system includes an ice bin 400 for storing ice.
  • the blending system includes an ingredient bin 300 for storing the blending ingredient(s). The ingredient(s) are transported to the blending chamber 10 through conduit.
  • the ice is initially transferred to an ice weighing bin 96 where the ice's weight is measured by weighing unit 93.
  • the ice bin 400 terminates any transferring of ice to the ice weighing bin 96, and a gate 94 is opened to transfer the ice to conduit 81 which enables the ice to be introduced into the blending chamber 10.
  • the ice is weighed/measured in a non-blending chamber or container.
  • the weighing unit 93 can provide the appropriate measurement data to the control/power unit 100 so that the ice can be properly metered.
  • the ingredient bin 300 may be compartmentalized to store multiple ingredients.
  • the bin 400 may store ice cream, soft serve ice cream, or other frozen products that are utilized in making a frozen drink or frozen food item.
  • the blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60 into a consumer container 575 which rests upon consumer container holding platform 550. It is noted that consumer container holding platform 550 may contain a drain (not shown) to capture any waste or overflow from the dispensing process.
  • a cylindrical vessel blends ingredients with a rotating blade in a blending vessel or container and uses a piston/plunger to exert pressure upon the ingredients. This pressure prevents cavitation in the blade area and simultaneously prevents the upper levels of ingredients from rotating or swirling in unison with the rotating blades.
  • an exit valve below the blades, opens and the piston pushes the partially blended ingredients, at a controlled rate, past the rotating blade(s) creating consistent and uniform blend of ingredients that exit the valve and into a serving container.
  • the vessel and piston are self-clean by the clean in place process.
  • the blending chamber or vessel has an exit valve located just below the blades so that the exit valve dispenses the blended drink into a serving cup as opposed to the conventional removing of the vessel and pouring the contents out.
  • the blending chamber or vessel is cleaned in place without being removed from the blending mechanism.
  • the blending system can be utilized to dispense both soft serve ice cream and icy drinks, like a SlushyTM, without the constant freezing and unfreezing of the beverage in the constantly rotating drum.
  • the dispensing of these ingredients can be automated so that the dispensing is accurate.
  • the piston/plunger may have a tight fit along the sidewalls of the blending chamber, but not airtight so that air is allowed to escape between the side of the piston/plunger and the walls of the blending chamber.
  • the piston/plunger may have an air tight seal with the sidewalls of the blending chamber.
  • the shaft of the piston/plunger may be hollow and may have an air valve connected at its end. The air valve is opened during the decent of the piston/plunger from the top of the blending chamber to the top surface of the blending ingredient mixture to prevent an "air lock.”
  • the air valve enables control of the speed of egress of the ingredient mixture. By slowing the speed of the piston/plunger, a finer ice particle can be generated by just moving the piston/plunger slowly while the dispenser is opened and the air valve is closed. This situation creates a vacuum to slow the speed of the dispensing.
  • the air valve is closed. If the air valve was not closed at this point, a small amount of ice or ingredient could traverse up the air tube that extends from the bottom of the piston to the top of the piston shaft.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates another configuration of the blending chamber 10.
  • the blending chamber 10 has an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion has a horizontal dimension B which is less than a horizontal dimension A of the upper portion.
  • the blending chamber 10 is tapered outwardly to create a wider upper portion. The wider upper portion allows the piston/plunger 20 to physically disengage from the blending chamber so as not to interfere/impact with the weighing process.
  • the tapering of the blending chamber 10 may be forty-five degrees.
  • the horizontal dimension B of the lower portion may be approximately 6.25 cm and the horizontal dimension A of the upper portion may be approximately 8.75 cm.
  • Figure 16 illustrates a side view of the configuration of the blending chamber 10, as illustrated in Figure 15.
  • FIGs 17-19 illustrate a container 3000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.
  • container 3000 includes a rigid outer wall 3100 and an inner flexible bladder 3200.
  • the inner flexible bladder 3200 is connected to an outlet 3300.
  • the rigid outer wall 3100 has a conduit 3400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200.
  • the inner flexible bladder 3200 contains a viscous material.
  • Figures 20-22 illustrate an alternative to the container 3000 of Figures 17-19 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.
  • Figure 20 illustrates a container 4000 that includes a rigid outer wall 4100 and an inner flexible bladder 4200.
  • the rigid outer wall 4100 is connected to an outlet 4300.
  • the inner flexible bladder 4200 has a conduit 4400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200.
  • the volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200 contains a viscous material.
  • the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200, as illustrated in Figure 22.
  • FIGs 23-25 illustrate a transport conduit 5000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.
  • the transport conduit 5000 includes a rigid outer wall 5100 and an inner flexible bladder 5200.
  • the rigid outer wall 5100 is connected to a pinch valve 5300.
  • the inner flexible bladder 5200 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200.
  • the volume between the rigid outer wall 5100 and the inner flexible bladder 5200 allows the viscous material to flow therethrough.
  • the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200 increases, the amount of viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 5100 and the inner flexible bladder 5200 decreases, as illustrated in Figure 24 wherein the reduced amount of viscous material is less than the originating amount.
  • the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the transport conduit 5000, as illustrated in Figure 25.
  • Figures 26-28 illustrate an alternative to the transport conduit 5000 of Figures 23-25 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.
  • Figure 26 illustrates a transport conduit 5000 that includes a rigid outer wall 5150 and an inner flexible bladder 5250.
  • the inner flexible bladder 5250 is connected to an outlet through pinch valve 5300.
  • the rigid outer wall 5150 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume between the rigid outer wall 5150 and the inner flexible bladder 5250.
  • the inner flexible bladder 5250 transports a viscous material.
  • FIG 29 illustrates a combined container/transport system 6000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.
  • container 3000 includes a rigid outer wall 3100 and an inner flexible bladder 3200.
  • the inner flexible bladder 3200 is connected to a one-way check valve 6100. It is noted that the one-way check valve 6100 may also be a pinch valve.
  • the container/transport system 6000 further includes a transport conduit constructed of a rigid outer wall 5100 and an inner flexible bladder 5200.
  • the rigid outer wall 5100 is connected to a pinch valve 5300.
  • the inner flexible bladder 5200 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid or gas into the volume of inner flexible bladder 5400.
  • the inner flexible bladder 3200 has a conduit 3400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of inner flexible bladder 3200.
  • the flow of fluid into the volume of inner flexible bladder 3200 is regulated by a valve 6200 which allows the fluid from source conduit 6300 to flow to the inner flexible bladder 3200 or prevents the fluid from source conduit 6300 from flowing to the inner flexible bladder 3200.
  • the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200 contains a viscous material.
  • the fluid is introduced into the inner flexible bladder 3200 until an appropriate amount of viscous material passes through the one-way check valve 6100.
  • valve 6200 closes the flow of the fluid from source conduit 6300 to the inner flexible bladder 3200 and redirects the fluid from source conduit 6300 to the conduit 5400.
  • valve 6200 allows the fluid in the inner flexible bladder 5400 to escape or be released from the inner flexible bladder 5400 to prepare the inner flexible bladder
  • the above described embodiment can be modified such that the volume causing the evacuation is the volume between the rigid outer wall and the inner flexible bladder.
  • a transport conduit for transporting a viscous material includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder.
  • the inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit.
  • a transport conduit for transporting a viscous material may include an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder.
  • the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increases in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder.
  • a method of transporting a viscous material through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder introduces a viscous material into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder; and introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit.
  • a method of transporting a viscous material through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder may also introduce a viscous material into the inner flexible bladder a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder; and introduce fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit.
  • a container for a viscous material includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder.
  • the inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container.
  • a container for a viscous material may also include an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder.
  • the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increases in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder.
  • a container/transport system for a viscous material includes a container for the viscous material.
  • the container includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder.
  • the inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container.
  • the system also includes a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, which includes an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit.
  • a valve controls a flow of fluid from a fluid source to either the inner flexible bladder of the container or the inner flexible bladder of the transport conduit.
  • a container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder;
  • a container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; and a valve
  • a container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit; and a container for the
  • a method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that the volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.
  • a method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.
  • a method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.
  • a method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that the volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un système de récipient/transport pour un matériau visqueux qui inclut un récipient pour le matériau visqueux et une conduite de transport permettant de transporter le matériau visqueux. Le récipient inclut une paroi rigide extérieure ; une vessie souple intérieure, ladite vessie souple intérieure contenant un matériau visqueux ; et une conduite connectée à la vessie souple intérieure de manière à introduire un fluide dans la vessie souple intérieure. La conduite de transport inclut une paroi rigide extérieure, une vessie souple intérieure, un volume entre la paroi rigide extérieure et la vessie souple intérieure contenant un matériau visqueux, et une conduite connectée à la vessie souple intérieure de manière à introduire un fluide dans la vessie souple intérieure. Une soupape commande l'écoulement de fluide provenant d'une source de fluide soit vers la vessie souple intérieure du récipient soit vers la vessie souple intérieure de la conduite de transport.
PCT/US2011/023661 2010-02-04 2011-02-04 Cuve de mélange à piston cylindrique WO2011097423A1 (fr)

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US13/576,985 US20130133764A1 (en) 2010-02-04 2011-02-04 Cylindrical piston assisted blending vessel

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US30134810P 2010-02-04 2010-02-04
US61/301,348 2010-02-04

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2986035A1 (fr) * 2014-08-14 2016-02-17 Thomson Licensing Procédé permettant de détecter qu'un utilisateur manipule un appareil sur lequel une étiquette de communication est fournie, produit de programme informatique correspondant, terminal utilisateur, appareil et système

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WO2008105001A1 (fr) * 2007-02-26 2008-09-04 Mauro De Mei Système de conditionnement hermétique d'un liquide de consommation à l'intérieur d'un récipient, en vue de sa préservation contre la contamination et la détérioration au stade de l'entreposage ainsi qu'à celui de l'introduction et/ou de la distribution

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US2529937A (en) * 1944-09-02 1950-11-14 Eastman Kodak Co Liquid metering device
US2513455A (en) * 1946-02-11 1950-07-04 Richard T Cornelius Apparatus for discharging fluid at ambient temperature and a selected pressure, using a gas condensable at said temperature and pressure and acting on a flexible wall contacting said fluid
US3199511A (en) * 1961-04-26 1965-08-10 Kulick George Apparatus for precise administration of parenteral fluids
US5772899A (en) * 1989-03-28 1998-06-30 Millipore Investment Holdings Limited Fluid dispensing system having independently operated pumps
US5727713A (en) * 1990-08-06 1998-03-17 Kateman Family Limited Partnership Closed dispenser product supply unit

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