WO2020229495A1

WO2020229495A1 - Product dispensing system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020229495A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/063231
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathijs Van Dijk; Arjan Koen OOSTERHUIS; Bram VAN DER VEEN; Robert Willemsen
Original assignee: Well Design B.V.
Priority date: 2019-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-12
Publication date: 2020-11-19
Also published as: EP3969407A1; NL2023122B1

Abstract

Product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch (16) at a controlled temperature. A receiving tube (2) defines two elongated slots (11) extending along opposite sides of the receiving tube (2). A linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) comprises two linear members, each linear member extending along and to the outside of one of the elongated slots (11). Herein either both linear members are each embodied as a motor driven spindle or wherein one linear member is embodied as a motor driven spindle and the other linear member is embodied as a stationary linear guide member. The dispenser device comprises a bridge piece (8) extending across the linear members (14), said bridge piece (8) passing through the elongated slots (11) and being connected to each linear member. Each connection to a spindle (14) is embodied to operatively connect the bridge piece (8) to the spindle so that the bridge piece (8) is movable by the one or two spindles (14) in the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube. A plunger (9) is supported by the bridge piece (8).

Description

PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD

The invention relates to a product dispensing system configured for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch containing the viscous product.

Flexible tubular pouches are used for packaging of a wide variety of viscous products, including food products, like sauces, dairy based products, but also for other fields of application. Examples of the latter could be greases, cremes, cleaning agents, etc.

Small, single portion tubular pouches can easily be handled manually in the dispensing process. For example, the user holds the small pouch in one hand and tears open a spout of the pouch using the other hand. The user than manually squeezes the pouch for dispensing the product.

For larger size pouches, e.g. having a volume of 0.4 litres and above, e.g. between 0.4 and 5 litres, manual handling and dispensing becomes very difficult in practical terms. This becomes even more impractical if it is desired to control the dispensing with accuracy, e.g. portions being dispensed from the pouch of uniform quantity. Also there is a demand for storing and dispensing product from the pouch at a non-ambient temperature, e.g. heated or refrigerated, e.g. for viscous food products. Manually handling a sizable pouch with heated product therein is very difficult.

In view of the difficulties in manually handling of tubular pouches for the dispensing process, many different embodiments of dispenser devices have been developed. For example, reference is made to WO2008/141352.

The present invention aims to provide an improved dispensing system.

For example, an improvement is sought in the structural design of the dispenser, e.g. in view of applications in highly demanding environments where operational reliability is paramount, like in restaurants.

For example, an improvement is sought in the handling of the pouch in combination with the dispenser, e.g. in view of placing a filled pouch in the dispenser and/or removal of a (partially) emptied pouch from the dispenser. For example, in restaurants where staff needs to work at high pace, the ease of handling is highly relevant for adoption of the dispenser system. Also handling may affect hygiene.

For example, an improvement is sought related to the accuracy of the dispensing, e.g. in view of a desire to dispense precise, preferably pre-set, quantities of product. Preferably, the quantity of product dispensed is independent of the amount of product left in the pouch.

For example, an improvement is sought in relation to the control of the temperature of the product when held in the receiving tube. This relates, for example, to uniformity of the temperature of the product (so avoiding undue temperature variations) and/or use of energy.

It is an object of the invention to propose measures that provide one or more of the above mentioned improvements.

It is an object of the invention to provide a product dispensing system that allows easy dispensing of a fixed quantity of product wherein the product is kept at a selected temperature in the dispensing system.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative product dispensing system, more in particular to provide an improved product dispensing system that allows for a more efficient or practical use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a product dispensing system that allows for better control over the amount of dispensed product and wherein the product is dispensed at a more constant flow rate. In particular, to provide a system that dispenses more precise quantities of product. More in particular, to provide a system that dispenses equal amounts of product from a full pouch and an almost empty pouch with more constant flow rate of the product.

The invention provides a product dispensing system according to claim 1.

In the dispenser of claim 1 the receiving tube defines two elongated slots, extending along opposite sides of the receiving tube, and the linear guidance and spindle mechanism comprises two linear members, each linear member extending along and to the outside of one of the elongated slots. Herein either both linear members are each embodied as a motor driven spindle - which is the preferred embodiment - or one linear member is embodied as a motor driven spindle and the other linear member is embodied as a stationary linear guide member.

The dispenser of claim 1 further comprises a bridge piece, e.g. made of metal, extending across the linear members and passing through the elongated slots. This bridge piece is connected to each linear member, each connection to a spindle being embodied to drivingly connect the bridge piece to the spindle so that the bridge piece is movable by the one or two spindles in a longitudinal direction of the receiving tube. The plunger is supported by the bridge piece.

The inventive design allows for enhanced operational reliability as load and stresses with the structure are reduced compared to the design disclosed in WO2008/141352. This also allows for exerting greater force by the plunger, thereby extending the operational capacity of the system, e.g. handling of less fluidic products. Also the inventive design allows for enhanced accuracy of dispensing, e.g. when considered over the dispensing of all portions in a pouch, due to enhanced structural stability of the components involved.

The pouch is, for example, filled with a viscous food product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature. For example, the product is a food product for human consumption, such as satay sauce, or a flowable, viscous cheese product.

The product may also be a non-food product. One example thereof is a grease for lubrication, etc.

The dispensing system may store the product in the pouch at a desired elevated or cold temperature by using the heat exchanging elements.

For example, the heat exchanging elements of the dispenser may be configured to keep the product, which is contained in a pouch, at temperatures between 6 and 75 degrees Celsius.

A dispenser could be embodied with only heater elements, so only allowing for dispensing at elevated temperatures. For example, as preferred, electric heater elements are provided.

A dispenser could be embodied with only cooling elements, so only allowing for dispensing at cool temperatures. For example, as preferred, electric cooling elements, e.g. Peltier elements, are provided. In practical embodiments, it is envisaged that the heat exchange capacity of the dispenser is configured so as to primarily serve to maintain a product filled pouch at a certain temperature, the pouch being pre-heated or pre-cooled. For example, the product filled pouch is pre heated in a heated water bath, ahead of the pouch being placed in the dispenser, the dispenser then being operated to keep the pouch and product at an elevated temperature.

For example, the capacity of the heating elements is at most 2000 Watt, e.g. the pouch containing between 1 and 3 litres of product. Of course, in embodiments, the dispenser can also be configured and/or operated to bring a product filled pouch from ambient temperature to an elevated temperature or a cold temperature.

In an embodiment, the dispenser has more than one receiving tube and related components for dispensing, allowing to dispense from more than one pouch.

In an embodiment, the dispenser has one receiving tube and related components for dispensing, and at least one storage receiving tube lacking components for dispensing, e.g. said one storage receiving tube merely having heat exchanging elements allowing to keep a product filled pouch at a desired temperature and/or to bring said product filled pouch to said temperature. The pouch can then be transferred to the dispensing functionality receiving tube for dispensing. The storage receiving tube could also lack heat exchanging elements all together and just be provided with insulated receiving tube, allowing placement therein of a pre-heated or pre-cooled pouch for later use at a dispensing functionality receiving tube.

In an embodiment, the dispenser could be provided with both heater elements and cooling elements for a receiving tube thereof, e.g. allowing to switch the operation related to a receiving tube based on the product to be dispensed. For example, one and the same dispenser is used for heating one food product, e.g. soup, e.g. in winter, and for cooling another food product, e.g. a smoothie or other beverage, in summer.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a set of one or more exchangeable heater elements and a set of one or more exchangeable cooling elements, the dispenser being configured to receive each set so as to allow a switch between a heating configuration of the system and a cooling configuration of the system.

For example, a viscous cheese product is to be dispensed at a temperature of 62 degrees Celsius. In embodiments multiple heat exchanging elements are distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, e.g. multiple elements being provided on each half of the receiving tube and distributed over the length thereof.

In embodiments multiple heat exchanging elements are distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, and said multiple heat exchanging elements are configured to be individually controlled so as to allow for control of heating and/or cooling of the product in the tubular pouch in distinct longitudinal zones of the receiving tube. For example, the system can be configured to determine the position of the plunger relative to the receiving tube and on the basis thereof control the heat exchanging elements. For example, one the pouch has been partially emptied due to the plunger being moved down, any heat exchanging element no longer in contact with the pouch is switched off. This, for example, saves energy.

In embodiments, multiple heat exchanging elements are distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, and said multiple heat exchanging elements are configured to be individually controlled so as to allow for control of heating and/or cooling of the product in the tubular pouch in distinct longitudinal zones of the receiving tub. Herein each of these multiple heat exchanging elements has an associated temperature sensor. For example, the system may then be configured to determine on the basis of signals from said temperature sensors the temperature of a pouch that is placed in the receiving tube ahead of the heat exchanging elements being operated to heat and/or cool the product in the pouch. For example, the system may be configured to determine on the basis of signals from these temperature sensors whether the pouch and product therein has been pre-heated or pre-cooled ahead of being placed in the receiving tube. For example, said detection is used in controlling the heat exchanging elements.

The product dispensing system comprises a flexible tubular pouch which initially contains the viscous product.

The pouch may be made of a plastic which is flexible and which allows heat transfer between the heat exchanging elements and the product.

The pouch filled with product has a tubular shape, at least the product storing main body thereof as the spout will have a different shape.

For example, the pouch holds product with a minimal volume of 0.4 litres up to a volume of 5 litres. For example, the pouch has a length or height between 15 and 25 centimetres.

For example, the tubular shape of the pouch has a diameter between 6 and 12 centimetres, e.g. combined with a length or height between 15 and 25 centimetres, e.g. to have a volume of 5 litres, e.g. between 1.5 and 3 litres.

For example, a pouch may contain between 20 and 200 portions of product.

The pouch may be filed with product and stored in a storage space before being used in the product dispensing system.

The pouch comprises a spout on a lower end thereof. The spout allows product to flow out of the pouch without contacting the dispenser during dispensing.

The spout may have a funnel shape and be made integrally with the pouch.

Preferably, the spout is located in a centre of the lower end of the pouch. This may allow the pouch to be easier placeable in a receiving opening as will be explained herein. A central arrangement of the spout may facilitate homogeneous dispensing of product, for example because the product does not have to be pressed to one side of the pouch potentially allowing residue to remain on another side of the pouch.

The spout may initially be sealed by a tear-away portion. The tear-away portion may allow for easier transport and storage of the pouch since it may prevent product from flowing out of the pouch during transport or storage.

The spout may also initially be folded onto the main body of pouch to prevent product from entering the spout during filling, transport and storage.

In an embodiment, the tubular pouch including the spout thereof is formed by two sheets, e.g. mono- or multilayer sheets, sealed onto one another, wherein the spout is provided with a tear line formation, e.g. a notch, delimiting a tear-away portion of the spout configured to allow the user to tear said portion away to open the spout.

In an embodiment, the spout is formed as a fitment secured to the pouch, e.g. an injection molded plastic fitment. The fitment may comprise a closure that allows to close the spout, e.g. a removable foil seal, an openable cap, a pierceable membrane, a squeezable tube section, a valve structure, etc.

A size of the opening of the spout may be selected to depend on the viscosity of the product contained in the pouch. A product with a higher viscosity may be stored in a pouch with a smaller opening of the spout. A smaller spout opening provides increased resistance and may allow product to flow out of the spout with a constant flow rate by compensating a higher viscosity with a smaller spout opening.

The spout may have a choke with a choke point near the opening wherein a size of the spout decreases rapidly. This may cause a decrease in sputter as the food product flows through the opening because the flow of the food product through the opening is better controlled by the choke point. For example, near the opening of the spout the spout opening decreases in radius linearly along a vertical direction.

The flexible pouch filled with product has a tubular shape, preferably the pouch has a substantially cylindrical shape. Further a cross-sectional dimension of the filled pouch is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall such that the pouch is in contact with the tube wall when the pouch is placed inside the receiving tube.

Preferably, the cross-section of the pouch and of the receiving space delimited by the tube wall of the receiving tube are substantially equal to allow intimate heat transferring contact between the pouch and the temperature controlled tube wall. For example, both the tube wall and the pouch have a substantially cylindrical shape.

Preferably, the product dispenser is configured to be placed on a location of use of the product. For example, when the product is a food product the product dispenser is preferably placeable on a counter.

The dispenser, preferably, is configured to allows a product container such as a bowl, a plate or a cup to be placed directly underneath the spout of the pouch in the dispenser such that the dispensed product is directly deposited therein or thereon.

The product dispenser comprises a receiving tube configured for receiving the flexible pouch containing the product. The receiving tube has a tube wall, a top end, and a lower end. It is noted that herein it is preferred for the lower end to be effectively below the top end, e.g. the tube being more or less vertical or inclined. However, in embodiments, the tube could also be arranged horizontally or even in some inverted orientation when desired.

The tube wall preferably has a cylindrical shape.

The receiving tube is, preferably, oriented such that the lower end is facing downwards.

The product dispenser further comprises heat exchanging elements which are configured for heating and/or cooling of the receiving tube and thereby the pouch with product in contact with said receiving tube during operation of the system.

The heat exchanging elements are, preferably, located on the tube wall, e.g. recessed therein, of the receiving tube to allow heat transport between the heat exchanging elements and a pouch located in the receiving tube. Preferably the heat exchanging elements are integrated in the tube wall. The elements may be configured to have direct contact with the pouch or be mounted behind some cover layer.

In embodiments the linear members, e.g. both spindles, are each located directly adjacent the receiving tube, e.g. each directly adjacent a longitudinal edge of a receiving tube half that is mounted on the main housing of the dispenser.

For example, a hinged door of the dispenser device is provided with a receiving tube half, and the hinged door has an elongated recess extending along each longitudinal edge of the receiving tube half to receive therein a portion of the arrangement of linear members when the door is closed.

The one or both spindles and, if present, the stationary linear guide member, are in embodiments be covered by a cover, e.g. a longitudinally slitted tubular cover, e.g. a slitted plastic tube, to prevent access thereto and/or avoid soiling.

The linear members, that is the two spindles or the one spindle and the linear guide, are parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the receiving tube.

In embodiments, the main housing comprises a frame that supports the linear members at the upper and lower end thereof, e.g. via bearings in case of a spindle. The product dispenser also comprises a bridge piece, a plunger, and a motor driving at least one spindle, e.g. both spindles by one motor.

In an embodiment, the bridge piece is supported by the two spindles and movable by rotation of the spindles.

Supporting the bridge piece by two spindles, or by one spindle and one stationary linear guide member, allows for a stable support of the bridge piece while at the same time allows for precise displacement of the bridge piece by rotation of one or both spindles.

The plunger is supported by the bridge piece inside the receiving tube. The plunger is configured for compressing a pouch located inside the receiving tube. For example, the plunger has a flat pressure surface to provide pressure to the pouch.

In an embodiment, the motor is connected via a transmission to both spindles and it is configured for rotating the spindles. Thus rotation of the motor may rotate the spindles which induces the bridge piece and the plunger, which is supported by the bridge piece, to move in a longitudinal direction of the receiving tube.

The receiving tube defines two elongated slots which are parallel to the linear members.

In embodiments, the pouch has a main body with parallel side seams, where two sheets forming the main body are secured, e.g. heat sealed, to one another.

In embodiments, the system is configured so that the parallel side seams of the pouch lie in the plane through the two elongated slots, e.g. the dispenser having a spout receiving opening configured to receive the spout therein in said orientation of the pouch relative to the slots of the receiving tube, for example the spout receiving opening is oval or elongated in cross-section. So, in this embodiment, the side seams will lie in proximity of the slots.

In an embodiment, at each of the locations where the bridge piece extends through the slots, below the bridge piece or integrated with a lower end of the bridge piece, a fill block, e.g. of plastic, is provided that slides through the corresponding elongated slot and avoids the pouch from becoming stuck between the bridge piece and the slot. The fill block may have a dimension that is closer to the width of the slot than the actual, e.g. metal, bridge piece. In an embodiment, the spout of the tubular pouch is embodied with a section that is squeezable to close the spout and allows for dispensing of product from the spout due to pressurization of the product by the plunger when not squeezed, e.g. the spout being formed integrally from sheet material with the main body of the pouch.

In an embodiment, the dispenser comprises at the lower end of the receiving tube an operable shut-off arrangement configured to squeeze a section of the spout for closing the spout. The shut-off arrangement may comprise a motor operating the shut-off arrangement, e.g. an electric motor.

In an embodiment, the shut-off arrangement is combined with a bottom member of the dispenser, said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein the bottom member is provided with a spout receiving opening therein in which the spout is introduced. As explained, it is preferred for the bottom member to be readily removable, e.g. from the main housing.

In an embodiment, the dispenser comprises a bottom member, this bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is removable from the dispenser. For example, the system is configured so that a flexible pouch, e.g. emptied or partially emptied, is removable from the dispenser along with the bottom member and, when present, the shut-off arrangement whilst the shut-off arrangement maintains a squeeze of said section of the spout for closing the spout. This allows for efficient and clean removal of a (partially) emptied pouch. One can, for example, grab the pouch along with the bottom member and shut-off arrangement and walk to a garbage container, where one disengages the pouch from the bottom member and shut-off arrangement and drops the pouch in the garbage container.

In an embodiment, the dispenser comprises a bottom member, said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is preferably removable from the dispenser, and wherein a heat conducting element is associated with said bottom member so as to be located near the lower end of the receiving tube. This heat conducting element allows for heat transfer from the one or more heat exchanging elements, e.g. those arranged at the lower end of the receiving tube, to the spout, possibly also to the lower end of the pouch. For example, this heat conducting element is made of metal.

In an embodiment, a bottom member of the dispenser comprises a spout receiving opening. When a pouch is located in the receiving tube the product may be dispensed through the spout of the pouch without contacting the dispenser. Preferably, when a pouch is placed in the receiving tube the spout of the pouch is placed into the spout receiving opening, preferably such that the spout extends through the spout receiving opening. This allows product to be dispensed without contact between the product and the product dispenser.

Preferably, a bowl, plate or cup is placeable under the spout receiving opening to allow receiving of the product.

In an embodiment, the receiving tube is embodied with a first receiving tube half and a second receiving tube half separated from one another via the elongated slots.

In an embodiment, the product dispenser comprises a main housing and a hinged door, wherein a first receiving tube half is mounted on the main housing, and wherein a second receiving tube half is mounted on the hinged door, wherein the hinged door is hinged relative to the main housing, preferably about a hinge axis parallel to the receiving tube. For example, the hinged door is embodied as a front side of the product dispenser.

Easy placement of a pouch in the receiving tube allows for more efficient use of the product dispensing system. A hinged door pivotal about a hinge axis parallel to the receiving tube allows the dispenser to be opened to exposed a half of the receiving space on the main housing of the dispenser.

When the dispenser is opened by the hinged door the pouch may be placed in the receiving tube or removed therefrom.

In embodiments, the dispenser comprises a bottom member, said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube. Preferably said bottom member is preferably removable from the dispenser, e.g. facilitating cleaning of the receiving tube by first removing the bottom member so that the tube is entirely open from below. In embodiments with a hinged door having one receiving tube half and a main housing having the other receiving tube half, it is preferred for the bottom member to be mounted on the main housing, so that upon opening the hinged door the bottom member (and any pouch supported thereon) remains on the main housing. Most preferably, the bottom member is readily removable from the main housing, e.g. the bottom member being slidable into place relative to the main housing.

In an embodiment, the product dispenser comprises an active clamping system for clamping the hinged door when it is closed. This allows maintaining intimate contact between the pouch and the receiving tube halves which enhances conductive heat transfer. The active clamping system may be a magnetic clamping system wherein the door is pulled close by magnetic force, or a mechanical clamping system, e.g. involving one or more springs urging the door towards the main housing.

In an embodiment, the receiving tube is inclined between 10 degrees and 60 degrees from a vertical, preferably between 10 degrees and 45 degrees. The vertical is parallel to the direction of gravity. When the receiving tube is inclined from this vertical a pouch may be placed more easily into the receiving tube. Also the pouch is less likely to fall out of the receiving tube when the hinged door, if present, is opened.

In an embodiment, the receiving tube is arranged at an inclination of a top end thereof backwards relative to a bottom end thereof, e.g. with a hinged door forming the front of the dispenser, preferably between 10 degrees and 60 degrees from a vertical axis, preferably between 10 degrees and 45 degrees.

In an embodiment, the heat exchanging elements are distributed in a longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, which heat exchanging elements may separately be turned on and off to independently heat or cool distinct zones of the receiving tube. When a pouch is compressed by the plunger a heat exchanging element located further from the lower end may no longer be able to effectively heat or cool the pouch. It is thus more efficient to turn off that heat exchanging element. This may reduce energy consumption of the dispensing system. The dispensing system may be provided such that the heat exchanging elements are turned off based on the location of the plunger in the receiving tube.

Additionally, the heat exchanging elements may all have an associated temperature sensor which measures temperature of the heat exchanging elements. This gives information that the system may use to control the heat exchanging elements for example to control when to switch off or on the heat exchanging elements, for example when the receiving tube is not at the desired temperature. In addition, based on the expected temperature of the heat exchanging elements against the measured temperature of the heat exchanging elements additional information such as the amount of product in the pouch may be inferred.

In an embodiment, the product dispenser comprises a shut-off arrangement for closing the spout. In an embodiment the shut-off arrangement comprises a slider, e.g. a semi-circular ended slider, configured to engage a squeezable section of the spout, e.g. with the dispenser having an counter member opposite the spout so that the slider presses the section onto the counter member.

In an embodiment, product is allowed to flow through the spout receiving opening when the shut-off arrangement is open and product is not allowed to flow through the spout receiving opening when the shut-off arrangement is closed.

As preferred, the spout and viscosity of the product are such that no, or no significant, discharge takes place from the pouch until the plunger is actively moved to the lower end to pressurize the product. In embodiments, the plunger is advanced already somewhat ahead of the spout being opened.

Generally when a pouch is placed in the dispenser it is desirable that product does not flow out of the dispenser when the plunger is not moving. Since the product dispensing system allows dispensing of various viscous products these products may flow out of the dispenser under the force of gravity. The shut-off arrangement prevents product from flowing through the spout receiving opening when the shut-off arrangement is closed. The shut-off arrangement may be designed to automatically open when the plunger is moved in a downward direction.

The shut-off arrangement may comprise a normally closed slider which presses against the spout of a pouch, closing the spout thus preventing product from flowing. The slider may be a semi-circular slider for allowing more effective closing of the spout. For example, the semi circular slider is oriented such that a broad side of the spout is aligned with the arc of the slider when the pouch is placed in the dispenser.

The shut-off arrangement may be a mechanical shut-off arrangement which is closed by a spring and opened by a motor. The shut-off arrangement may be another type of shut-off arrangement such as a magnetic shut-off arrangement.

In an embodiment the shut-off arrangement is removable from the product dispenser, e.g. along with the removal bottom member.

The product dispenser may become contaminated, for example residue of product may remain on the product dispenser. This may lead to undesirable situations. Thus it is desirable to be able to efficiently clean the product dispenser. A removable shut-off arrangement, and/or a removal bottom member, may make cleaning of the product dispenser easier.

Additionally, a removable shut-off arrangement allows the shut-off arrangements to be removed from the dispenser while the spout of a pouch is still sealed by the shut-off arrangement. This allows for easy removal of pouches, for example half empty pouches, without any product flowing out of the pouch. For example, after removal of the pouch and shut-off arrangement the spout may be sealed by another means and the shut-off

arrangement removed from the spout and placed into the dispenser.

In an embodiment, a heat conducting element is located near the lower end of the receiving tube for allowing heat transfer between the heat exchanging elements and the spout of the pouch. Product located close to the spout of the pouch may be dispensed first from the pouch as the plunger moves down. In contrast, the heat exchanging elements exchange relative little heat with the spout. Thus product which is dispensed from the pouch may be cooler or warmer than desired. For example, this may result in less efficient dispensing, due to less viscosity of the colder product, and additionally this may result in a colder than desired product for the consumer.

A heat conducting element located near the lower end of the receiving tube for allowing heat transfer between the spout and the heat exchanging element may alleviate these problems. The heat conducting element may allow the spout to be heated or cooled by the heat exchanging elements. The heat conducting element may be a metal plate placed on the lower end of the receiving tube, wherein the metal plate is formed to sit between the spout receiving opening and the spout.

In an embodiment, the heat conducting element is removable from the bottom member. This allows for ease of cleaning of the heat conducting element. For example, the heat conducting element may be combined with the bottom member and the shut-off arrangement into one unity to be handled, e.g. removable from the main housing, by the user.

In an embodiment, the system is configured to stop the plunger from moving when a pre-set force on the plunger by the pouch is reached, e.g. determined by power consumption of the drive motor(s) and/or force sensing arrangement. It may be undesirable to allow the plunger to move downwards when product is blocked from flowing out of the pouch, for example by the shut-off arrangement. Continuing applying pressure on the pouch in this situation may allow the plunger to damage the pouch. This may be prevented by configuring the plunger to stop moving when a pre-set force on the plunger is reached. Additionally, when a new pouch is placed in the receiving tube the plunger may be moved to a starting position where the plunger is pressed against the pouch. In order to determine when the plunger is in the starting position a pre-set force on the plunger may be used. This pre-set force corresponds to plunger applying pressure on the pouch. When the pre-set force is reached the plunger may be configured to stop moving.

In an embodiment, the plunger is adapted to move a set distance at a set pace during dispensing of the product. The product dispensing system may determine the amount of product dispensed based on vertical displacement of the plunger. This may give an accurate estimate since vertical displacement is related to volume of product. Further it allows the product to be dispensed with a desired flow rate by controlling the plunger.

In an embodiment the dispensing system may be provided with a scanning unit for scanning pouches. The scanning unit may scan the pouch that is to be placed or that is placed in the dispensing system to determine one or more characteristics related to the pouch. For example, the characteristics that may be determined may include expiration date of the product in the pouch, type of product in the pouch and heating temperature of the pouch required for the product in the pouch. The scanning unit may further help determine if the pouch has been placed in the dispenser before. This is advantageous because it avoids reusing pouches which may be disadvantageous in cases where the product is a food product. For example, the scanning unit may be QR scanner which may scan a QR code that is present on the pouch. The QR code may identify the pouch and may contain information on the food product contained in the pouch.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch, wherein the system is configured to keep the product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature, wherein the dispensing system comprises:

- a flexible tubular pouch containing the viscous product, wherein the pouch comprises a spout on a lower end thereof; and

- a product dispenser configured for controlling the temperature of the viscous product contained in the flexible pouch and for dispensing the controlled temperature product from the pouch, which product dispenser comprises:

- a receiving tube configured for receiving the pouch containing the product, the receiving tube comprising a lower end and a tube wall;

- heat exchanging elements configured for heating and/or cooling the receiving tube, wherein the heat exchanging elements are preferably located on the tube wall) of the receiving tube;

- a linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. a spindle mechanism comprising at least one spindle located parallel to and outside of the receiving tube,

- a plunger connected to the linear guidance and drive mechanism for compressing the pouch and thereby dispensing the temperature controlled product from the pouch, which plunger is located inside the receiving tube; and

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. the spindle mechanism for rotating the at least one spindle and thereby moving the plunger, wherein the plunger is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch is placeable in the receiving tube of the product dispenser below the plunger when the plunger is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger is closer to the lower end of the receiving tube in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall such that the pouch is in contact with the tube wall when the pouch is placed inside the receiving tube, wherein the product contained in the pouch is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, wherein, when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, product is dispensable from the pouch when the plunger moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch through the spout of the pouch without contacting the dispenser device, characterized in that the receiving tube is embodied with a first receiving tube half and a second receiving tube half separated from one another via elongated slots, and wherein the product dispenser comprises a main housing and a hinged door, wherein the first receiving tube half is mounted on the main housing, and wherein the second receiving tube half is mounted on the hinged door, wherein the hinged door is hinged relative to the main housing about a hinge axis parallel to the receiving tube.

As explained herein with reference to the first aspect of the invention, this design of the receiving tube in conjunction with the hinged door allows for easy placement and removal of the pouch.

In embodiments the system according to the second aspect of the invention is provided with one or more features discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

The second aspect of the invention also relates to the dispenser itself, and to method for use of the system and/or the dispenser.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch, wherein the system is configured to keep the product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature, wherein the dispensing system comprises:

- heat exchanging elements configured for heating and/or cooling the receiving tube, wherein the heat exchanging elements are preferably located on the tube wall) of the receiving tube; - a linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. a spindle mechanism comprising at least one spindle located parallel to and outside of the receiving tube,

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. the spindle mechanism for rotating the at least one spindle and thereby moving the plunger, wherein the plunger is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch is placeable in the receiving tube of the product dispenser below the plunger when the plunger is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger is closer to the lower end of the receiving tube in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall such that the pouch is in contact with the tube wall when the pouch is placed inside the receiving tube, wherein the product contained in the pouch is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, wherein, when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, product is dispensable from the pouch when the plunger moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch through the spout of the pouch without contacting the dispenser device, characterized in that multiple heat exchanging elements are distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, wherein said multiple heat exchanging elements are configured to be individually controlled so as to allow for control of heating and/or cooling of the product in the tubular pouch in distinct longitudinal zones of the receiving tube. In embodiments the system according to the third aspect of the invention is provided with one or more features discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

The third aspect of the invention also relates to the dispenser itself, and to method for use of the system and/or the dispenser.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch, wherein the system is configured to keep the product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature, wherein the dispensing system comprises:

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. the spindle mechanism for rotating the at least one spindle and thereby moving the plunger, wherein the plunger is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch is placeable in the receiving tube of the product dispenser below the plunger when the plunger is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger is closer to the lower end of the receiving tube in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall such that the pouch is in contact with the tube wall when the pouch is placed inside the receiving tube, wherein the product contained in the pouch is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, wherein, when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, product is dispensable from the pouch when the plunger moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch through the spout of the pouch without contacting the dispenser device, characterized in that the dispenser comprises a bottom member, said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is removable from the dispenser.

For example, the system is configured so that the flexible pouch, e.g. emptied or partially emptied, is removable from the dispenser along with the bottom member and, in

embodiments, the shut-off arrangement whilst the shut-off arrangement maintains a squeeze of said section of the spout for closing the spout.

In embodiments the system according to the fourth aspect of the invention is provided with one or more features discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

The fourth aspect of the invention also relates to the dispenser itself, and to method for use of the system and/or the dispenser.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch, wherein the system is configured to keep the product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature, wherein the dispensing system comprises:

- a flexible tubular pouch containing the viscous product, wherein the pouch comprises a spout on a lower end thereof; and - a product dispenser configured for controlling the temperature of the viscous product contained in the flexible pouch and for dispensing the controlled temperature product from the pouch, which product dispenser comprises:

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and drive mechanism, e.g. the spindle mechanism for rotating the at least one spindle and thereby moving the plunger, wherein the plunger is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch is placeable in the receiving tube of the product dispenser below the plunger when the plunger is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger is closer to the lower end of the receiving tube in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall such that the pouch is in contact with the tube wall when the pouch is placed inside the receiving tube, wherein the product contained in the pouch is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, wherein, when the pouch is placed in the receiving tube, product is dispensable from the pouch when the plunger moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch through the spout of the pouch without contacting the dispenser device, characterized in that the dispenser comprises a bottom member, said bottom member defining a bottom for the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is preferably removable from the dispenser, and wherein a heat conducting element is associated with said bottom member so as to be located near the lower end of the receiving tube, said heat conducting element allowing for heat transfer from one or more heat exchanging elements arranged on the receiving tube to the spout, possibly also to the lower end of the pouch, e.g. said heat conducting element being made of metal.

In embodiments the system according to the fifth aspect of the invention is provided with one or more features discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

The fifth aspect of the invention also relates to the dispenser itself, and to method for use of the system and/or the dispenser.

The invention further relates to a method for using a product dispensing system and/or dispenser as described herein.

The invention further relates to a product dispenser configured for controlling the temperature of the viscous product contained in a flexible tubular pouch and for dispensing the controlled temperature product from the pouch as described herein.

The invention further relates to a method for dispensing a viscous product from a tubular pouch using a product dispensing system or a product dispenser as described herein.

In an embodiment the method comprising the steps of:

a) moving the plunger to the pouch receiving position;

b) placing the pouch in the receiving tube of the product dispenser; e.g. laterally via the opened hinged door, e.g. there after closing said hinged door,

c) operating the heat exchanging elements to heat and/or cool the product contained in the pouch to maintain a controlled temperature;

d) moving the plunger from the pouch receiving position towards a pouch compression position by rotation of the one or two spindles and dispensing product via the spout of the pouch. In an embodiment the method further comprising the steps of:

i) closing the spout by means of the shut-off arrangement when the plunger is not moving to prevent product from flowing out of the spout;

ii) opening the spout by means of the shut-off arrangement when the plunger is moving allowing product to be dispensed from the spout.

In embodiments the product dispensing system comprises a shut-off arrangement, e.g. combined with a bottom member, that is removable, the method further comprising the steps of:

f) closing the shut-off arrangement when an emptied, e.g. partially emptied, pouch is to be removed;

g) removing both the shut-off arrangement, e.g. combined with a bottom member, and the pouch together from the product dispenser;

h) disengaging the pouch from the shut-off arrangement, e.g. combined with a bottom member;

i) discharging the pouch in a garbage container;

j) placing the shut-off arrangement, e.g. combined with a bottom member, back into the dispenser.

According to an embodiment of the method, wherein the shut-off arrangement is removable, the method further comprising the steps of:

a) closing the shut-off arrangement when the pouch is to be removed;

b) removing both the shut-off arrangement and the pouch together from the product dispenser;

c) sealing the spout of the pouch with sealing means;

d) opening the shut-off arrangement;

e) placing the shut-off arrangement back into the dispenser.

In this embodiment the pouch is removed from the dispenser with no product flowing out of the pouch thus increasing practicality of use.

Advantageous embodiments of the product dispensing system and dispenser according to the invention and the methods according to the invention are disclosed in the claims and in the description. The invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of the drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 01 shows a product dispenser according to the invention comprising a receiving tube and a hinge door;

Fig. 02 shows the product dispenser of fig. 01 from a front view;

Fig. 03 shows a pouch for containing product and configured for being received by the product dispenser;

Fig. 04 shows a pouch for containing product with a tear-away portion attached to the spout; Fig. 05 shows heat exchanging elements on a receiving tube half;

Fig. 06 shows the lower end of the receiving tube with the shut-off arrangement and a slider; Fig. 07 shows a cross section of the lower end of figure 06;

Fig. 08 shows a front view of the product dispensing system;

Fig. 09 shows a heat conducting element for conducting heat towards the spout of the pouch; Fig. 10 shows a plunger for use in a product dispenser; and

Fig. 11 shows the plunger of figure 10 in another perspective.

Fig. 01 shows an example of a product dispenser 1 according to the invention.

The dispenser 1 has a main housing 6, e.g. adapted to be placed on a counter.

The dispenser has a hinged door 3, e.g. at a front of the housing 1a.

A receiving tube 2 is formed by two receiving tube halves 2a, 2b. The first receiving tube half 2b is comprised in a main housing 6 of the product dispenser 1 and the second receiving tube half 2a is comprises in a hinged door 3.

The inner faces of the halves 2a, 2b are smooth, e.g. free of ribs and other relief, so as to allow the pouch 16 to be compressed without the pouch material being damaged by any such ribs and other relief.

A flexible pouch 16 is to be placed in the first receiving tube half 2 when the hinged door 3 is in an open position as is the case in figure 1.

The pouch 16 is then supported by the first receiving tube half 2 and the removable bottom member that is combined with a shut-off arrangement. The hinge door 3 may be closed such that the pouch 16 is contained in the receiving tube 2,2a and such that intimate contact between the pouch 16 and each of the receiving tube halves 2,2a is established.

For example, the product dispenser 1 is configured for heating and dispensing product contained in a pouch 16. The receiving tube halves 2,2a are heated to a selected temperature by heat exchanging elements 21 such that a pouch 16 contained in the receiving tube 2,2a with the hinged door closed 3 receives heat from the heat exchanging elements 21.

The receiving tube 2,2a comprises a lower end 4. At said lower end 4 a bottom member 13,18 is removably mounted in the product dispenser 1. Said bottom member having a spout receiving opening 5 through which the spout 17 of a pouch 16 may pass.

The product dispenser 1 further comprises a shut-off arrangement 13 near the lower end 4 for closing the spout receiving opening 5 of the receiving tube 2,2a. The shut-off arrangement 13 in this example is combined with the bottom member 18. When a squeezable spout 17 is placed through the spout receiving opening 5 the shut-off arrangement 13 may close the spout 16 by squeezing a section of the spout 16.

Product is allowed to flow through the spout 17 when the spout is not squeezed by the shut off arrangement 13 and product is not allowed to flow through the spout 17 when the shut-off arrangement 13 is squeezing the spout 17.

The bottom member 18 and shut-off arrangement 13 may be removed from the main housing 6 along while the shut-off arrangement is still squeezing a squeeze of section of the spout 17 of the pouch 16 for closing the spout 17. Thus allowing removal of the pouch 16 without allowing product to flow of the spout 17. This allows for efficient and clean removal of a (partially) emptied pouch 16. One can, for example, grab the pouch 16 along with the bottom member and shut-off arrangement 13 and walk to a garbage container, where one

disengages the pouch 16 from the bottom member and shut-off arrangement 13 and drops the pouch 16 in the garbage container. Alternatively, one can grab the pouch 16 along with the bottom member and the shut-off arrangement 13 and remove them from the receiving tube 2,2a. One can then close the spout 17 with another means, preventing product to flow, and remove the shut-off arrangement 13 and bottom member. The pouch 16 may then be stored for later use. The dispenser comprises two linear members which in this embodiment are embodied as two motor driven spindles 14. The spindles are threaded as common in the art.

The spindles 14 are in this embodiment each covered by spindle cover 7 preventing access to the spindles 14. The spindle cover 7 may be a sheave covering the spindle 14.

In an alternative embodiment there is only one spindle 14 and at the other side of the receiving tube there is a linear guide, e.g. a rail or rod, for guiding a bridge piece 8. Preferably in this embodiment the bridge piece comprises a bearing element cooperating with the linear guide.

The spindles 14 support a bridge piece 8 which is movable by rotation of the two spindles 14 in a longitudinal direction of the spindles 14 and the receiving tube 2. As known in the art, each spindle 14 cooperates with a nut element secured to the bridge piece.

Alternatively, in case when one of the linear members 14 is a stationary linear guide member, the bridge piece 8 is supported by the spindle 14 on one side and by the stationary linear guide member on the other side. In this example the bridge piece 8 is movable by rotation of the single spindle 14 and guided by the stationary linear guide member. This may allow similar stable support of the bridge piece 8 as an embodiment with two spindles 14.

The spindles 14 are connected via a transmission to a motor for rotation of the spindles 14, preferably a single motor driving both spindles 14.

The bridge piece 8 supports a plunger 9 which is located inside the receiving tube 2.

The plunger 9 is configured for compressing the pouch 16 such that product located in the pouch 16 flows out of the pouch 16 through the spout and into a product container such as a bowl, plate or cup located on the receiving area 10.

Elongated slots 11 allow the bridge piece 8 to extend across the spindles 14 and through the receiving tube 2.

The elongated slots 11 separate the two receiving tube halves 2,2a and are located parallel and inwardly adjacent to the spindles 12. The bridge piece 8 passes through the elongated slots 11. The plunger 9 in figure 1 is in the pouch receiving position. In the pouch receiving position the plunger 9 allows a pouch 16 to be placed between the plunger 9 and the lower end 4 of the receiving tube 2.

As the spindles 14 rotate the bridge piece 8 and plunger 9 move towards the pouch compression position wherein the plunger 9 is closer to the lower end 4 of the receiving tube 2.

The product dispenser 1 of figure 1 further comprises an active clamping system 12 for clamping the hinged door 3. This system not only prevents the hinged door 3 from opening during dispensing of product, it also provides a force actively pressing the tube 2 against the circumference of the pouch. This increases the contact between the receiving tube halves 2,2a and the pouch 16, thereby increasing efficiency of heat transfer between the heat exchanging elements 21 and the pouch 16.

The active clamping system 12 could be embodied as a magnetic clamping system wherein several magnets are placed in the main housing 6 and the hinged door 3. The magnets may be turned on for clamping the hinged door 3 and off for allowing the hinged door 3 to be opened, for example the magnets are electromagnets. An arrangement with one or more resilient members, e.g. springs, may also form part of an active clamping system.

As can be seen in figure 1 the receiving tube 2 is inclined backward relative to a vertical axis. This allows a pouch 16 to be placed easily into the receiving tube 2. In particular, it allows a pouch 16 to be placed in the receiving tube 2 without the pouch 16 falling out of the receiving tube 2 and to open the hinged door 3 without the pouch 16 falling out of the receiving tube half 2.

Fig. 02 shows the product dispenser 1 of fig. 01 from a front view wherein the spindle covers 7 have been removed.

The receiving tube 2 defines two elongated slots 11 which are parallel to the two spindles 14.

The bridge piece 8 is supported by the two spindles 14 and it extends across the two spindles 14 such that it passes through the elongated slots 11.

The pouch 16 may block movement of the bridge piece 8 if the pouch 16 gets between the bridge piece 8, the receiving tube 2,2a and the spindles 14. In order to avoid the pouch 16 from passing between the bridge piece 8 and/or the spindles 14, the bridge piece 8, or a fill block below the bridge piece, has a dimension almost equal to a dimension of the elongated slots 11. This may prevent the pouch 16 from blocking the bridge piece 8 from moving.

Alternatively or in addition, in an embodiment, at each of the locations where the bridge piece 8 extends through the elongated slots 11 , below the bridge piece 8 or integrated with a lower end of the bridge 9 piece, a fill block, e.g. of plastic, is provided that slides through the corresponding elongated slot 11 and avoids the pouch 16 from becoming stuck between the bridge piece 8 and the elongated slot 11. The fill block may have a dimension that is closer to the width of the slot than the actual, e.g. metal, bridge piece 8.

As can be seen in the figure, the plunger 9 comprises a flat plunger surface 15 which allows equal distributing of pressure from the plunger 9 onto the pouch. This allows for more controlled dispensing of product form a pouch 16.

The plunger 9 may stop moving when a pre-set force on the plunger 9 is reached. This force may be the result of the plunger 9 pressing against a pouch 16 placed in the receiving tube 2. As the plunger 9 moves towards the lower end 4 of the receiving tube 2,2a empty pouch 16 may be located in the circular intrusion in the plunger 9. This may prevents empty pouch 16 to move through the elongated slots 11 or otherwise hinder functioning of the dispenser 1.

The plunger 9 may further be adapted to move a set distance at a set pace during dispensing of the product. The product dispensing system may determine the amount of product dispensed based on vertical displacement of the plunger 9. This may give an accurate estimate of dispensed product since vertical displacement is related to volume of product. Further it allows the product to be dispensed with a desired flow rate. The amount of product left in the pouch 16 may further be determined based on temperature measurements performed by sensors in the dispenser 1.

Fig. 03 shows a pouch 16 for containing product and configured for being received by the product dispenser 1. The flexible tubular pouch 16 contains a viscous product.

The pouch 16 comprises a spout 17 on a lower end 18a thereof, which spout 17 allows product to flow out of the pouch 16. The pouch 16 may be made of a plastic which is flexible and which conducts heat from the receiving tube 2 to the product. The pouch 16 of the figure has a main body of a cylindrical shape and the spout 17 at the lower end thereof. The tubular pouch 16 including the spout 17 is formed by two sheets, which are sealed to one another. The sheets may be mono- or multilayer sheets and the seal is performed along seams. In embodiments, the dispenser 1 is configured so that the parallel side seams of the pouch 16 lie in the plane through the two elongated slots 11. For example the shut-off arrangement 13 has a spout receiving opening 5 configured to receive the spout therein in said orientation of the pouch relative to the slots of the receiving tube, for example as in figure 06.

The spout 17 is located in a centre of the lower end 18a of the pouch. This allows

homogeneous dispensing of the product for example because product does not have to be pressed to one side of the pouch 16 potentially allowing residue to remain on another side of the pouch 16.

The spout 17 of the pouch 16 of figure 03 has no tear-away portion 19 as that has been removed already. The spout 17 further may comprise a squeezable portion for squeezing the spout 17 using the shut-off arrangement 13 or other means.

A cross-sectional dimension of the pouch 16 is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall 20 such that the pouch 16 is in contact with the tube wall 20 when the pouch 16 is placed inside the receiving tube 2. The cross-sectional shape of the pouch 16 is substantially equal to the corresponding shape of the receiving tube 2 of figure 01. This allows for intimate heat transferring contact between the pouch 16 and the tube wall 20.

Fig. 04 shows a pouch 16 for containing product with a tear-away portion 19 of the spout 17. The tear-away portion 19 seals the spout prior to use of the pouch 16. This allows for safe transport and storage of the pouch 16.

In embodiments, the spout 17 is initially folded along a fold line 24 that lies proximate the transition between the spout 17 and a main body of the pouch 16, so as to close the spout 17 at said fold line with product being located solely above said fold line.

An adhesive label 24a is, in embodiments, applied partly on the tear-away portion 19 and partly on an exterior portion of the main body to keep the spout 17 in folded condition. This is, e.g., done ahead of filling the pouch so that no product enters the spout 17. The user can grip the label 24a and then pull the label off the main body and fold the spout 17 downward thereby removing the closing of the spout 17 at said fold line 24 and preparing the pouch 16 for dispensing.

The user can, in embodiments, apply a further pull to the label 24a in order to tear the portion 19 away from the lower end of the spout 17 so as to open the spout.

Fig. 05 shows a series of multiple heat exchanging elements 21 , one above the other, here four, on a half of the receiving tube 2.

The dispenser 1 may comprise a set of exchangeable heater elements 21 and a set of one or more exchangeable cooling elements 21. The dispenser 1 could be configured to receive each set so as to allow a switch between a heating configuration of the system and a cooling configuration of the system. For example, the receiving tube half 2 of figure 05 has been removed from the dispenser 1 to allow exchanging the heater elements 21.

The heat exchanging elements 21 are designed to heat, or in embodiments to cool, the tube wall 20 of the receiving tube half 2. The figure shows four distinct heat exchanging elements 21 , of which one is numbered, longitudinally distributed over the length or height of the receiving tube 2.

The heat exchanging elements 21 are configured to be individually controlled, e.g. turned on and off or to deliver more or less heat, for example to avoid a heat exchanging element heating a part of the tube wall 20 that is not in contact with a pouch 16 as the pouch has been partially emptied.

Each of these multiple heat exchanging elements 21 has an associated temperature sensor. For example, the system may then be configured to determine on the basis of signals from said temperature sensors the temperature of a pouch 16 that is placed in the receiving tube 2 ahead of the heat exchanging elements 21 being operated to heat and/or cool the product in the pouch 16. For example, the system may be configured to determine on the basis of signals from these temperature sensors whether the pouch 16 and product therein has been pre-heated or pre-cooled ahead of being placed in the receiving tube 2. For example, said detection is used in controlling the heat exchanging elements 21.

Fig. 06 shows the lower end 4 of the receiving tube 2 with the shut-off arrangement 13 and a slider 22 thereof. The shut-off arrangement 13 has been embodied with the bottom member. The slider 22 allows the spout receiving opening 5 to be closed off such that, when a spout 17 is placed in the spout receiving opening 5, a squeezable section of the spout 17 is pressed shut by the slider 22.

The product is allowed to flow through the spout 17 when the shut-off arrangement 13 is open and product is not allowed to flow through the spout 17 when the shut-off arrangement 13 is closed. In this embodiment, the slider 22 is moved by a rack and pinion mechanism 23 and a drive motor 23a.

For example, this shut-off mechanism 13 may be removably placed in the product dispenser 1 of figure 1. Advantageously the shut-off arrangement 13 may be removed from the dispenser 1 together with a pouch 16, while the spout 17 of the pouch 16 is still being squeezed by the shut-off arrangement. This may allow easy removal of the pouch 16 without product residue leaking out of the pouch 16. For example, the pouch 16 may be removed for storage by removing the pouch 16 and the shut-off arrangement 13. The spout may then be squeezed by another means and the shut-off arrangement 13 placed back into the dispenser 1. Another pouch 16 may then be placed into the dispenser 1 for dispensing.

The shut-off arrangement 13 may be designed to automatically allow opening of the spout 17 when the plunger 9 is moved in a downward direction.

Fig. 07 shows a cross section of the lower end 4 of figure 06. In particular, it shows how the slider 22 closes the spout in the receiving opening 5. As can be seen in the figure the receiving opening 5 has an elongated shape. Thus preferably the seams of the spout 17 of figures 03 and 04 are oriented along the elongated direction of the receiving opening 5. This allows the shut-off arrangement 13 to more effectively squeeze the spout 17.

Further, advantageously the slider 22 is retracted in a direction towards a backside of the dispenser. This allows to keep the dispenser 1 relatively narrow which may be advantageous for placing the dispenser 1 on e.g. a kitchen counter.

Fig. 08 shows a front view of the product dispensing system. In this figure the hinged door 3 is closed and a pouch 16 is placed inside the receiving tube 2.

The main housing 6, the receiving area 10 and the shut-off arrangement 13 are visible. A product container such as a bowl, plate or cup may be placed on the receiving area 10 after which product is dispensed from the pouch 16 by the dispenser 1 into the product container such as a bowl, plate or cup. The hinged door 3 may be opened to replace the pouch 16 if needed, for example when the pouch 16 is empty.

Fig. 09 shows a heat conducting element 25 for conducting heat towards the spout 17 of the pouch 16. The heat conducting element 25 in this embodiment is embodied as combined with the removable bottom member at the lower end 4 of the receiving tube 2. The heat conducting element 25 may further be part of the shut-off arrangement 13.

The heat conducting element 25 allows heat transfer between the receiving tube 2 and the spout 17 of the pouch 16. The heat conducting element 25 may be removable from the dispenser 1.

Figure 10 shows a plunger 9 for use in a product dispenser 1 , wherein the plunger and the bridge piece 8 are formed from a single body. The bridge piece 8 comprises spindle receiving portions 28, wherein the spindles are located. In this figure the plunger 9 and bridge piece 8 are formed from a plastic material. This allows the plunger to be flexible enough to compensate for possible inequalities in speed of the two spindles 14. In practice the two spindles 14 may not have exactly the same speed which may cause a stress force on the plunger 9 and bridge piece 8. The plastic material allows the plunger 9 and bridge piece 8 to overcome this stress.

Figure 10 additionally shows the plunger 9 to have vertically oriented ribs 27. These ribs may prevent the plunger 9 to tilt away from a desired orientation. This tilt may be the result of an inequality in speeds of the spindles 14 or it may be the result of a force exerted by the pouch 16 on the plunger 9.

Figure 11 shows the plunger 9 of figure 10 in another perspective. In particular the plunger 9 in figure 11 is shown from a bottom perspective. As can be seen the plunger 9 has a circular recession 28 that encircles a pouch pressing portion 29. The pouch pressing portion 29 presses against a pouch 16 when food product is dispensed. As the pouch 16 is emptied, empty portions of the pouch 16 may gather in the circular recession 28. The empty portions thus do not intervene with the dispensing process, for example by creating differences in dispensing speed.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Product dispensing system for dispensing a viscous product from a flexible tubular pouch, wherein the system is configured to keep the product to be dispensed at a controlled temperature, wherein the dispensing system comprises:

- a flexible tubular pouch (16) containing the viscous product, wherein the pouch (16) comprises a spout (17) on a lower end (18a) thereof; and

- a product dispenser (1) configured for controlling the temperature of the viscous product contained in the flexible pouch and for dispensing the controlled temperature product from the pouch, which product dispenser comprises:

- a receiving tube (2) configured for receiving the pouch (16) containing the product, the receiving tube (2) comprising a lower end (4) and a tube wall (20);

- heat exchanging elements (21) configured for heating and/or cooling the receiving tube (2), wherein the heat exchanging elements are preferably located on the tube wall (20) of the receiving tube (2);

- a linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) comprising at least one spindle located parallel to and outside of the receiving tube,

- a plunger (9) connected to the linear guidance and spindle mechanism for compressing the pouch and thereby dispensing the temperature controlled product from the pouch, which plunger (9) is located inside the receiving tube (2); and

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) for rotating the at least one spindle (14) and thereby moving the plunger (9), wherein the plunger (9) is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch (16) is placeable in the receiving tube (2) of the product dispenser (1) below the plunger (9) when the plunger (9) is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger (9) is closer to the lower end (4) of the receiving tube (2) in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch (16) that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch (16) is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall (20) such that the pouch (16) is in contact with the tube wall (20) when the pouch (16) is placed inside the receiving tube (2), wherein the product contained in the pouch (16) is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements (21) when the pouch (16) is placed in the receiving tube (2), wherein, when the pouch (16) is placed in the receiving tube (2), product is dispensable from the pouch (16) when the plunger (9) moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch (16) through the spout (17) of the pouch (16) without contacting the dispenser device (1), characterized in that the receiving tube (2) defines two elongated slots (11), extending along opposite sides of the receiving tube (2), wherein the linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) comprises two linear members, each linear member extending along and to the outside of one of the elongated slots (11), wherein either both linear members are each embodied as a motor driven spindle or wherein one linear member is embodied as a motor driven spindle and the other linear member is embodied as a stationary linear guide member, wherein the dispenser device comprises a bridge piece (8) extending across the linear members (14), said bridge piece passing through the elongated slots (11) and being connected to each linear member, each connection to a spindle (14) being embodied to operatively connect the bridge piece to the spindle so that the bridge piece is movable by the one or two spindles (14) in the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, wherein the plunger (9) is supported by the bridge piece (8).

2. Product dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving tube (2) is embodied with a first receiving tube half and a second receiving tube half (2a, 2b) separated from one another via the elongated slots (11), and wherein the product dispenser comprises a main housing (6) and a hinged door (3), wherein the first receiving tube half (2a) is mounted on the main housing, and wherein the second receiving tube half (2b) is mounted on the hinged door, wherein the hinged door is hinged relative to the main housing about a hinge axis parallel to the receiving tube.

3. Product dispensing system according to claim 2, wherein the product dispenser comprises an active clamping system (12) configured for actively clamping the hinged hinge door towards the main housing when it is closed, thereby maintaining intimate contact between the pouch and the receiving tube halves.

4. Product dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving tube (2) is arranged at an inclination of a top end thereof backwards relative to a bottom end thereof, preferably between 10 degrees and 60 degrees from a vertical axis, preferably between 10 degrees and 45 degrees.

5. Product dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein multiple heat exchanging elements (21) are distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube (2), and wherein said multiple heat exchanging elements are configured to be individually controlled so as to allow for control of heating and/or cooling of the product in the tubular pouch in distinct longitudinal zones of the receiving tube, preferably, wherein each of said multiple heat exchanging elements (21) distributed in longitudinal direction of the receiving tube has an associated temperature sensor, for example the system being configured to determine on the basis of signals from said temperature sensors the temperature of a pouch that is placed in the receiving tube ahead of the heat exchanging elements being operated to heat and/or cool the product in the pouch, e.g. the system being configured to determine on the basis of signals from said temperature sensors whether the pouch and product therein has been pre-heated or pre-cooled ahead of being placed in the receiving tube.

6. Product dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the spout (17) of the tubular pouch is embodied with a section that is squeezable to close the spout and allows for dispensing of product from the spout due to pressurization of the product by the plunger when not squeezed, and wherein the dispenser comprises at the lower end of the receiving tube an operable shut-off arrangement (13) configured to squeeze said section of the spout for closing the spout, preferably, wherein the shut-off arrangement is combined with a bottom member (18) of the dispenser, said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube (2) at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein the bottom member is provided with a spout receiving opening therein in which the spout is introduced.

7. Product dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, preferably according to claim 6, wherein the dispenser comprises a bottom member (18), said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is removable from the dispenser, for example wherein the system is configured so that the flexible pouch, e.g. emptied or partially emptied, is removable from the dispenser along with the bottom member and the shut-off arrangement whilst the shut-off arrangement maintains a squeeze of said section of the spout for closing the spout.

8. Product dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, preferably according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the dispenser comprises a bottom member (18), said bottom member defining a bottom of the receiving tube at the lower end thereof, said bottom member supporting the lower end of the pouch when received in the receiving tube, wherein said bottom member is preferably removable from the dispenser, and wherein a heat conducting element (25) is associated with said bottom member so as to be located near the lower end of the receiving tube, said heat conducting element allowing for heat transfer from one or more heat exchanging elements arranged on the receiving tube to the spout, possibly also to the lower end of the pouch, e.g. said heat conducting element being made of metal.

9. Product dispensing system according one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular pouch (16) including the spout (17) is formed by two sheets, e.g. mono- or multilayer sheets, sealed onto one another, wherein the spout is provided with a tear formation , e.g. a notch, delimiting a tear-away portion (19) of the spout configured to allow the user to tear said portion away to open the spout.

10. Product dispensing system according to claim 9, wherein the product filled tubular pouch initially has the spout folded upwards along a fold line (24) proximate the transition between the spout and a main body of the pouch, so as to close the spout at said fold line with product being located solely above said fold line, wherein adhesive label (24a) is applied partly on the tear away portion and partly on an exterior portion of the main body, e.g.

allowing a user to grip the label for pulling the label off the main body and fold the spout downward thereby removing the closing of the spout at said fold line.

11. A product dispenser (1) configured for controlling the temperature of the viscous product contained in a flexible tubular pouch and for dispensing the controlled temperature product from the pouch, said flexible tubular pouch (16) containing a viscous product and comprising a spout (17) on a lower end thereof, which product dispenser comprises:

- a receiving tube (2) configured for receiving the pouch (16) containing the product, the receiving tube (2) comprising a lower end (4) and a tube wall (20); - heat exchanging elements (21) configured for heating and/or cooling the receiving tube (2), wherein the heat exchanging elements are preferably located on the tube wall (20) of the receiving tube (2);

- a motor connected, e.g. via a transmission, to the linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) for rotating the at least one spindle (14) and thereby moving the plunger (9), wherein the plunger (9) is movable between a raised pouch receiving position and pouch compression positions, and wherein the pouch (16) is placeable in the receiving tube (2) of the product dispenser (1) below the plunger (9) when the plunger (9) is in a pouch receiving position, and wherein the plunger (9) is closer to the lower end (4) of the receiving tube (2) in pouch compression positions, wherein the pouch (16) that is filled with the viscous product has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the pouch (16) is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the tube wall (20) such that the pouch (16) is in contact with the tube wall (20) when the pouch (16) is placed inside the receiving tube (2), wherein the product contained in the pouch (16) is heatable and/or coolable to achieve a controlled temperature by the heat exchanging elements (21) when the pouch (16) is placed in the receiving tube (2), wherein, when the pouch (16) is placed in the receiving tube (2), product is dispensable from the pouch (16) when the plunger (9) moves from the pouch receiving position to a pouch compression position, wherein the system is configured to allow for product to be dispensed from the flexible pouch (16) through the spout (17) of the pouch (16) without contacting the dispenser device (1), characterized in that the receiving tube (2) defines two elongated slots (11), extending along opposite sides of the receiving tube (2), wherein the linear guidance and spindle mechanism (14) comprises two linear members, each linear member extending along and to the outside of one of the elongated slots (11), wherein either both linear members are each embodied as a motor driven spindle or wherein one linear member is embodied as a motor driven spindle and the other linear member is embodied as a stationary linear guide member, wherein the dispenser device comprises a bridge piece extending across the linear members, said bridge piece passing through the elongated slots (11) and being connected to each linear member, each connection to a spindle being embodied to operatively connect the bridge piece to the spindle so that the bridge piece is movable by the one or two spindles (14) in the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube, wherein the plunger (9) is supported by the bridge piece (8).

12. Method for dispensing a viscous product from a tubular pouch using a product dispensing system or a product dispenser according to one or more of the claims 1-11.

13. Method for dispensing a viscous product using a product dispensing system according to one or more of the claims 1-10 or a product dispenser according to claim 11 , the method comprising the steps of:

a) moving the plunger (9) to the pouch receiving position;

b) placing the pouch (16) in the receiving tube (2) of the product dispenser;

c) operating the heat exchanging elements (21) to heat and/or cool the product

contained in the pouch (16) to maintain a controlled temperature;

d) moving the plunger (9) from the pouch receiving position towards a pouch

compression position by rotation of the one or two spindles (14) and dispensing product via the spout of the pouch.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the product dispensing system comprises a shut-off arrangement configured for selectively closing the spout, the method further comprising the steps of:

a) closing the spout by means of the shut-off arrangement when the plunger is not

moving to prevent product from flowing out of the spout;

b) opening the spout by means of the shut-off arrangement when the plunger is moving allowing product to be dispensed from the spout.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the product dispensing system comprises a shut-off arrangement, e.g. combined with a bottom member, that is removable, the method further comprising the steps of:

i) discharging the pouch in a garbage container;