JP6146757B2 - Intermittent - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 782,615, filed March 14, 2013, entitled “Intermittent Dosing” and named “Intermittent Dosing of Liquids”. US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 695,135 filed August 30, 2012 and International Application PCT / US13 / 57015 filed August 28, 2013 entitled “Intermittent Dosing of Liquids”. The entire disclosure of these patent documents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

  The present disclosure generally relates to beverage preparation methods and systems, for example, for cafeterias, restaurants (including fast food restaurants), theaters, convenience stores, gas stations, and other entertainment and / or food service sites. .

  Various beverage dispensers, such as those in cafeterias, restaurants, theatres, and other entertainment and / or food service settings, typically have “built-in” dispenser devices or tabletop dispenser devices. In the built-in compounder device, the compounder device is self-contained and may be installed in the opening of the top plate of the counter. In a tabletop dispenser device, the dispenser device is placed on the counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, the dispensing head is coupled to a particular drink syrup source via a single dedicated pipe that feeds a particular drink syrup to that dispensing head, in which case a particular drink syrup source The drink syrup source is usually located in the vicinity of the counter top, i.e. directly below the counter top or directly above the counter top.

  The user will typically place a cup below the selected beverage sign, and until the pressure is released from the button or lever, the selected beverage will be supplied corresponding to the selected beverage. To activate the dispenser to be fed into the cup from the head, a button or a cup will be pressed against the feeding lever.

  Conventional beverage dispensers are usually limited to formulating a limited number of drinks. For example, drinks that are usually available in conventional beverage blenders include regular cola beverages, diet cola beverages, and optionally lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverages or some other fruit flavored beverage (e.g. orange flavored carbonated beverages and One or more non-cola carbonated beverages such as (and / or root beer) and optionally another non-carbonated beverage such as tea and / or lemonade.

  Conventional dispensers typically administer multiple ingredients of a mixture or beverage simultaneously, resulting in a final product as a result of the mixing of two or more continuous streams of product ingredients. This conventional method can work well when only low concentration components are used. However, when one or more of the components are highly concentrated, the flow rate of such highly concentrated components required for continuous mixing is very small. In order to generate and maintain such a very small and stable flow, a very accurate and therefore relatively expensive dosing and dispensing device is required. Although it may be possible to administer highly concentrated ingredients with the required level of accuracy with a relatively inexpensive and relatively inaccurate device, this results in this The flow rate of the generated stream of such components may be unacceptably large and therefore may be inappropriate for continuous mixing of the stream.

  What is needed is a beverage preparation system that does not have the limitations and disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers and methods.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, an intermittent dosing system is provided. The intermittent dosing system is configured to administer and dispense at least one highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the intermittent dosing system is configured to dispense and intermittently dispense at least one highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprising a source of diluent configured to provide a flow of diluent and a source of highly concentrated microcomponents received within the microdosing device. Is provided. Highly concentrated microcomponents may be administered with diluents by using different time periods and under different pressures. The microdosing device is configured to receive and administer highly concentrated microcomponents under different pressures and at different time intervals than the diluent.

  In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes a diluent source configured to provide a diluent flow in a first period, a highly concentrated micro-component source, and micro-administration. And a device. The microdosing device is configured to receive the highly concentrated microcomponent from a highly concentrated microcomponent source and to administer the highly concentrated microcomponent during the second period. The second period may be less than the first period, and the second period may overlap with a part of the first period. The system has a controller that is configured to control the administration of highly concentrated microcomponents by the microdosage device. The system has a dispenser that is configured to allow mixing within the dispenser of highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent streams administered by a microdosage device.

  The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a blending system according to various aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 3 shows another schematic diagram of a blending system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a time chart of a formulation according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a time chart of a formulation according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a time chart of a formulation according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 2 shows a flowchart of a method according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 2 illustrates a dosing control unit according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

  The embodiments described below include low and high temperature beverages without limitation and are known under any PepsiCo brand name such as Pepsi-Cola® without limitation. It may be used to form a variety of beverages, including beverages that are present.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that the transfer unit or dosing system and / or parts thereof for supplying a free-flowing product to the dispenser may be remote from the counter, such as in the backroom, or below or above the counter It will be appreciated that a counter can be placed.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method comprising: providing a diluent flow during a first period; and administering a highly concentrated microcomponent during a second period; A method is provided wherein the second period is less than the first period and the second period overlaps a portion of the first period. The method may further comprise controlling the administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent at different pressures over various amounts of time.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprising a diluent source configured to provide a diluent flow during a first time period and a plurality of highly concentrated micro-component sources. A system having a plurality of highly concentrated microcomponent sources, each having a corresponding microcomponent. The system is configured with a plurality of microdosing devices, each configured to receive a highly concentrated microcomponent from a corresponding highly concentrated microcomponent source, each correspondingly highly concentrated There may be a plurality of microdosing devices configured to provide administration of the microcomponents performed during the second period. The second period may be less than the first period, and the second period overlaps a portion of the first period. The system may include a controller that is configured to control the administration of highly concentrated microcomponents by each microdosing device. The system may also include a dispenser that is configured to allow mixing within the dispenser of highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent streams administered by a microdosage device. Good.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device is a cartridge having a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent having a weight ratio of the highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent to a diluent of at least about 30: 1. A device is provided. In one aspect, the weight ratio of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent to diluent is at least about 1000: 1. The device may comprise an administration device configured to intermittently administer a predetermined amount of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent at a predetermined flow rate. The device may comprise a controller, the controller configured to control intermittent dosing by the dosing device.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided having a cartridge having a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent for a food product. The device may comprise an administration device configured to intermittently administer a predetermined amount of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent at a predetermined flow rate. The apparatus may have a source of free-flowing microcomponents for food products. The device is a mixing device, the mixing device configured to receive a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent and a free-flowing macrocomponent from a source of free-flowing macrocomponent to be administered by the dosing device You may have. The device is a controller, such that the dosing device administers the highly concentrated free flowing component to the mixing device over a period that is less than the period during which the free flowing macro component is administered to the mixing device. There may be a controller configured to control intermittent dosing.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes intermittently administering a predetermined amount of a highly concentrated free-flowing micro-component for food products, formulating a predetermined amount of free-flowing macro-component for food products, and highly concentrated Combining the free-flowing microcomponent and the free-flowing macrocomponent, wherein the intermittent preparation of the free-flowing microcomponent is less than the period during which the free-flowing macrocomponent is prepared.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, an intermittent dosing system is provided. The intermittent dosing system is configured to administer and dispense at least one highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the intermittent dosing system is configured to dispense and intermittently dispense at least one highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent. By way of example and not limitation, the intermittent dosing system is configured to dispense and intermittently dispense highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponents, in this case against a diluent (eg, water). The weight ratio of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponents is at least 5: 1 for high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and at least about 19: 1 for non-nutritive sweeteners, for example 15 1 to 45: 1, at least 100: 1 for lemonade flavors, at least 150: 1 for non-cola carbonated soft drinks, and at least 500: 1 for carbonated cola soft drinks Also good. In the case of relatively pure concentrated water, the weight ratio of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent to diluent (eg, water) is at least 200: 1.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge having a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent having a weight ratio of the highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent to a diluent of at least about 19: 1. A device is provided. The device may comprise a microdosing device configured to intermittently administer a predetermined amount of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent at a predetermined flow rate. The device may comprise a controller, the controller configured to control intermittent dosing by the microdosing device.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided having a cartridge having a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent for a food product. The device may comprise an administration device configured to intermittently administer a predetermined amount of highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent at a predetermined flow rate. The apparatus may have a source of free-flowing macro ingredients for food products. The device is a mixing device configured to receive a highly concentrated free-flowing microcomponent administered by the microdosing device and a free-flowing macrocomponent from a source of free-flowing macrocomponent. You may have a mixing device. The device is a controller, the microdosing device such that the microdosing device administers the highly concentrated free flowing component to the mixing device over a period of time less than the period in which the free flowing macro component is supplied to the mixing device. There may be a controller configured to control intermittent dosing by the device.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes intermittently formulating a predetermined amount of a highly concentrated free-flowing micro-component for food products, formulating a predetermined amount of free-flowing macro-component for food products, and highly concentrated Combining the free-flowing microcomponent and the free-flowing macrocomponent, wherein the intermittent preparation of the free-flowing microcomponent is less than the period during which the free-flowing macrocomponent is prepared.

  FIG. 1 shows a system 1200 having a dosing control unit 1203. The administration control unit 1203 may have a controller 1202. Controller 1202 may be operatively connected to dispensing device 1204. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 1202 may be configured to control dosing by the dosing device 1204 such that dosing is intermittent dosing of the highly concentrated microcomponent 1206. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1202 can provide commands to the dosing device 1204, and the dosing device 1204 can provide information related to the operation of the dosing device 1204 to the controller 1202. As such, bi-directional communication may be provided between the controller 1202 and the dispensing device 1204. The administration device 1204 may be an administration device configured to administer one or more liquid components from multiple sources. Each supply source may have a cartridge 1201. Each source may have a component of a free flowing product. The free-flowing product may include a food product. The food product may include a beverage. Thus, each source of the plurality of sources may have a highly concentrated microcomponent. Each highly concentrated micro component may include, for example, one or more of the beverage ingredients.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1202 controls the operation of the micro component pump 1208 and the micro component valve 1210 with the controller 1202 via bidirectional communication between the micro component pump 1208 and the micro component valve 1210, respectively. It may be configured to control.

  The controller 1202 may be a micro controller, such as a control via bi-directional communication (not shown) between the controller 1202 and the micro dosing device, micro component pump, and / or micro component valve corresponding to each micro component 1216. It may be configured to control the intermittent administration of one or more other microcomponents 1216 in the same manner as in component 1206.

  The controller 1202 is similar to that in the micro component 1206, for example, control via bi-directional communication (not shown) between the controller 1202 and a dosing device, pump, and / or component valve corresponding to the sweetener 1218. According to the method, the administration of the sweetener 1218 may be controlled. According to the present disclosure, the administration of the sweetener may or may not be intermittent. According to the present disclosure, the administration device, pump, and / or component valve corresponding to sweetener 1218 may be a micro-administration device, microcomponent pump, and / or microcomponent valve respectively corresponding to sweetener 1218. Good.

  Controller 1202 may be configured to control operation of water pump 1212 and main diluent valve 1214 via bidirectional communication between controller 1202 and water pump 1212 and main diluent valve 1214, respectively.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, highly concentrated liquid microcomponent 1206 may be intermittently dispensed and formulated, and intermittent administration of microcomponent 1206 may be mixed with a stream of other components 1216. And / or may be mixed with low concentrations and / or macro ingredients. By using intermittent dosing and formulation of highly concentrated liquid microcomponents 1206, the highly concentrated liquid microcomponents 1206 are continuously mixed with a continuous stream of low concentration liquid macrocomponents. Compared to the case of administration and preparation, the required equipment is relatively inaccurate and is therefore relatively inexpensive. For example, the highly concentrated liquid microcomponent 1206 may be mixed with the low concentration liquid macrocomponent stream before or at the supply nozzle 1220. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the highly concentrated liquid microcomponent 1206 may be mixed with a low concentration liquid macrocomponent stream in a cup 1222 disposed below the supply nozzle 1220. Mixing the highly concentrated liquid micro ingredient 1206 with other beverage ingredients results in a finished beverage 1224.

  FIG. 1A shows another system 1200A for a blending system according to various aspects of the present disclosure that may be used in place of or in conjunction with the various components shown in FIG. The control unit 1203 (of FIG. 1) may have a controller 1202 that may be operatively connected to the micro component valve 1204A. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 1202 may be configured to control administration by the micro component valve 1204A such that administration is intermittent administration of the highly concentrated micro component 1206.

  The controller 1202 can be configured so that the controller 1202 can provide instructions to the micro component valve 1204A and the micro component valve 1204A can provide the controller 1202 with information related to the operation of the micro component valve 1204A. Bi-directional communication may be provided between the micro component valves 1204A. The micro component valve 1204A may be configured to administer one or more liquid components from multiple sources. Each supply source may have a cartridge 1201. Each source may have a component of a free flowing product. The free-flowing product may include a food product. The food product may include a beverage. Thus, each source of the plurality of sources may have a highly concentrated microcomponent. Each highly concentrated micro component may include, for example, one or more of the beverage ingredients.

  The controller 1202 may be configured to control the operation of the micro component pump 1208A via bidirectional communication between the controller 1202 and the micro component pump 1208A. The controller 1202 may be a micro controller, such as a control via bi-directional communication (not shown) between the controller 1202 and the micro dosing device, micro component pump, and / or micro component valve corresponding to each micro component 1216. It may be configured to control the intermittent administration of one or more other microcomponents 1216 in the same manner as in component 1206.

  The controller 1202 may be configured to control the operation of the vent hole 1103, the accumulator 1105, and the regulator 1107. The controller may control the set point of each device to ensure proper administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent. In another embodiment, vent 1103, accumulator 1105, and regulator 1107 may be factory set and adjusted in various maintenance cycles.

  In one embodiment, the controller 1202 may obtain instructions from a memory regarding dosing characteristics of a particular microcomponent. Dosing characteristics may include pressure setting and formulation time for each microcomponent. Based on the received dosing characteristics, the controller 1202 may control the micro component pump 1208A and the micro component valve 1204A based on these properties. For example, in one embodiment, microcomponent pump 1208A may pump highly concentrated microcomponent 1206 from its cartridge 1201 via check valve 1101. The vent hole 1103 can remove any air trapped in the line between the outlet of the micro component pump 1208A and the micro component valve 1204A.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, the accumulator 1105 stores or maintains the highly concentrated microcomponent 1206 under a set pressure until the time commanded by the controller 1202 to open the microcomponent valve 1204A. Also good. The pressure may be adjusted by regulator 1107 based on specific microcomponent characteristics and / or other external factors such as ambient temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, based on the dosing characteristics including the respective pressure settings of the microcomponents stored in the accumulator, the controller 1202 may provide the microcomponent valve for a corresponding amount of time to dispense a predetermined amount of microcomponents. 1204A is opened. For example, a particular microcomponent may have a constant pressure setting of about 25 psi (172368.932 Pa) and allow its associated microcomponent valve to remain open for approximately 8 milliseconds. Also good. In another embodiment, a microcomponent comprising a relatively viscous product, such as juice, may require a relatively large pressure and / or a relatively long microcomponent valve opening time to obtain proper administration. .

  The controller 1202 is in the micro component 1206, such as control via bidirectional communication (not shown) between the controller 1202 and the micro component valve, pump, and / or component valve corresponding to the sweetener 1218, for example. In a similar manner, the administration of sweetener 1218 may be configured to be controlled. According to the present disclosure, the administration of the sweetener may or may not be intermittent. According to the present disclosure, the sweetener 1218 may be placed below the counter or at a remote location such as a back room. The sweetener 1218 may be connected via a connector to a dual-acting diaphragm pump that extracts the sweetener and pumps the sweetener into the front room with the dispenser. A vent may be positioned near the pump outlet to remove any trapped air. A regulator may be used to adjust the pressure of the sweetener flow. In one embodiment, the sweetener stream may be administered by a microcomponent valve. In another embodiment, the sweetener stream may be divided into a plurality of sweetener streams to provide a relatively uniform flow pattern with improved final beverage characteristics, and Multiple microcomponent valves may be administered.

  In another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 1202 may be configured to control the administration of non-nutritive sweeteners. Non-nutritive sweeteners may be administered, similar to sweetener stream 1218 described above. Non-nutritive sweeteners may also be divided into multiple streams to provide a relatively uniform flow pattern with improved final beverage characteristics.

  Controller 1202 may be configured to control operation of water pump 1212 and main diluent valve 1214 via bidirectional communication between controller 1202 and water pump 1212 and main diluent valve 1214, respectively. In one embodiment, two independent diluent streams may be utilized, such as a carbonated diluent stream and a non-carbonated diluent stream. Each diluent stream may have its own diluent pump 1212A and 1212B. In one embodiment, the diluent stream may be processed in the backroom by a water treatment package to remove all chlorine. Also, the total alkalinity may be reduced. The diluent stream may be pumped through a recirculation system to a front room with a dispenser. In one embodiment, both carbonate and non-carbonate diluent streams are recycled. Recirculation of the diluent stream provides increased beverage options because beverages having different compositions of carbonated and non-carbonated diluents can be administered.

  In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing system may include a low volume metering dosing device. The low volumetric metering system may include a pump, an accumulator, a vent, and a low volumetric metering device. The low volumetric dosing device may include a fillable chamber for holding and dispensing an accurate amount of micro ingredients based on beverage options.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a step of dispensing a portion of a beverage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the highly concentrated microcomponent 1308 is from time point 1310 to time point 1312, time point 1314 to time point 1316, time point 1318 to time point 1320, time point 1322 to time point 1324, time point 1326. From time point 1328 to time point 1328 and from time point 1330 to time point 1332. As shown in FIG. 2, the macro component 1304 is continuously formulated from time 1302 to time 1306. As shown in FIG. 2, in one aspect of the present disclosure, time 1302 may be the same as time 1310.

  The length and frequency of intermittent dosing of the highly concentrated microcomponent 1308 will result in the total amount of microcomponent 1308 satisfying the desired composition of the prepared mixture, eg, the prepared mixture 1220. As such, it may be selected.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an optional scheme, where the highly concentrated microcomponent 1400 formulation step is formulated from time point 1410 to time point 1412. FIG. 3 shows the blending steps of the macro component 1404 from time 1402 to time 1406. The time point 1402 to time point 1406 of the macro component preparation may be longer than the time point 1410 to time 1412 of the micro component preparation. Time point 1402 may be the same as time point 1410. The start of the micro component blending time 1410 and the start of the macro component blending time 1402 can be triggered by a customer or user, for example, pressing a start button or otherwise activating the formulation, eg, activating an actuator, etc. You may start when you start the formulation.

  FIG. 4 shows that the highly concentrated microcomponent 1400 formulation is from time point 1410 to time point 1412, time point 1414 to time point 1416, time point 1418 to time point 1420, time point 1422 to time point 1424, time point 1426 to time point 1428. In addition, from time 1430 to time 1432, it is shown that the processes are executed in order.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the macro component 1404 includes time 1402 to time 1444, time 1446 to time 1448, time 1450 to time 1452, time 1454 to time 1456, time 1458 to time 1460, And it may be prepared in order from the time 1462 to the time 1464.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in one aspect of the present disclosure, time point 1402 may be the same as time point 1410, time point 1446 may be the same as time point 1414, and time point 1450 is The time point 1418 may be the same, the time point 1454 may be the same as the time point 1422, the time point 1458 may be the same as the time point 1426, and the time point 1462 is the same as the time point 1430. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in one aspect of the present disclosure, time 1444 is prior to time 1446 and time 1414, time 1448 is prior to time 1450 and 1418, and time 1452 is , Before time points 1454 and 1422, time point 1456 is before time points 1458 and 1426, and time point 1460 is before time points 1462 and 1430.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the macro component formulation time points 1402 to 1444 may be longer than the micro component formulation time points 1410 to 1412, and the macro component formulation time points 1446 to 1448 may be Formulation time 1414 may be longer than time 1416, macrocomponent formulation time 1450 to time 1452 may be longer than microcomponent formulation time 1418 to time 1420, and macrocomponent formulation time 1454 to time 1456. May be longer than microcomponent formulation time 1422 to time 1424, macrocomponent formulation time 1458 to time 1460 may be longer than microcomponent formulation time 1426 to time 1428, and macrocomponent formulation From time 1462 to time 1464, the micro component preparation It may be longer than the time 1432 from the time 1430.

  The start of the micro component blending time 1402 and the start of the macro component blending time 1406 may begin when the customer or user presses the start button or otherwise activates the blending.

  The start of the micro component blending time 1402 and the start of the macro component blending time 1406 may begin when the customer or user presses the start button or otherwise activates the blending. The end of the microcomponent blending time 1416 may occur when the customer or user releases the start button or otherwise initiates the end of microcomponent blending. As shown in FIG. 4, the macro component preparation time point 1426 may be longer than the micro component preparation time point 1416, so the macro component preparation time point 1426 ends at the same time as the micro component preparation time point 1416 ends. You don't have to.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 1500 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In step 1501, diluent flow is provided during the first period. In step 1502, administration of highly concentrated microcomponents is performed during the second period. The second period may be less than the first period. The second period may overlap with a part of the first period. In step 1503, control of administration of highly concentrated microcomponents is performed. In step 1504, mixing of the administered highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent stream to form a mixture is performed. In step 1505, the supply from the blender is performed.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the administration control unit 1203 shown in FIG. The dosing control unit 1203 may have the controller 1202 shown in FIG. The controller 1202 may have a processor. The dosing control unit 1203 may further include at least one non-transitory memory 602, a display 604, and a communication interface 608. The controller 1202 may execute computer-executable instructions residing in the non-transitory memory 602, for example, so that the dosing control unit 1203 can send and receive information via a network (not shown).

  The dosing control unit 1203 may further include a system bus (not shown) or may be in communication with it. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of the non-transitory memory of the system is well known to those skilled in the art, and is in a basic input / output system (BIOS) stored in read only memory (ROM) and in random access memory (RAM). One or more program modules such as stored operating systems, application programs, and program data may be included. The dosing control unit 1203 may be other devices in the system 1200 such as, for example, the micro component pump 1208, the micro dosing device 1204, the micro component valve 1210, the water pump 1212, and / or the main diluent valve 1214. It may be configured to allow communication with. The dosing control unit 1203 may also include various interface units and drives (not shown) for reading and writing data.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that according to the present disclosure, any suitable network connection and other method of establishing a communication link between the dosing control unit 1203 and other devices in the system 1200. The existence of any of a variety of well-known protocols such as TCP / IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP, and the like is assumed and the user is web based A central processor unit or computer may be operated in a client-server configuration to allow web pages to be retrieved from another server. Furthermore, any of a variety of conventional web browsers may be used to display and maintain data on a web page.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that, according to the present disclosure, the dosing control unit 1203 may include an associated computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling the system 1200 and for the example disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that the embodiments can be implemented.

  The dosing control unit 1203 may also include various input devices 610. The input device 610 may include a keyboard, a trackball, a reader, a mouse, a joystick, a button, and a bill and coin verifier.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, a system is provided having a diluent source configured to provide a diluent flow during a first time period. The system may have a highly concentrated source of microcomponents. The system may have a micro-dosage device, in which case the micro-dosage device receives a highly concentrated micro component from a highly concentrated micro component source and a highly concentrated micro component. May be administered during the second period. The second period may be less than the first period, and the second period may overlap with a part of the first period. The system may have a controller. The controller may be configured to control the administration of highly concentrated microcomponents by the microdosage device. The system may have a compounder. The dispenser may be configured to allow mixing within the dispenser of highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent streams administered by the microdosing device.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the compounder may have a supply nozzle. The supply nozzle may be configured to supply a mixture of highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent streams dispensed by a microdosing device in the dispenser.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may include a micro component pump. The micro component pump may be positioned upstream of the micro dosing device. The microcomponent pump may be positioned downstream of a source of highly concentrated microcomponents. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the micro component pump.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may have a micro component valve. The micro component valve may be positioned downstream of the micro dosing device and upstream of the dispenser. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the micro component valve. For example, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the device such that the second period can begin substantially simultaneously with the start of the first period.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may have a highly concentrated microcomponent source having a weight ratio of microcomponent to diluent of at least 1000: 1. The diluent may have a macro component. The diluent may have water.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may have a main diluent valve. The main diluent valve may be configured to provide diluent to the dispenser from a source of diluent. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the main diluent valve.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may have a microdosing device configured to receive highly concentrated microcomponents from a highly concentrated microcomponent source, and Administration of highly concentrated microcomponents may be provided during the third period. The third period may be less than the first period. The third period may overlap with a part of the first period. In one mode, the 3rd period does not overlap with the 2nd period, and the combination of the 2nd period and the 3rd period is less than the 1st period. The second period and the third period may have substantially equal durations. The second period may begin substantially simultaneously with the start of the first period. The third period may end before the first period ends.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may include an actuator. The actuator may be configured to be actuated by a user. In one aspect, when the user actuates the actuator, the microdosing device administers the highly concentrated microcomponent over a second time period.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, methods of administration are provided. The method may include providing a flow of diluent during the first period. The method may comprise administering a highly concentrated micro component during the second period. The second period may be less than the first period. The second period may overlap with a part of the first period. The method may comprise the step of controlling the administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent. The method may comprise a mixing step of the administered highly concentrated microcomponents and the diluent stream to form a mixture. The method may comprise feeding the mixture from the dispenser.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the method includes administering a highly concentrated microcomponent in a third period, wherein the third period is less than the first period. The third period may overlap with a part of the first period. The second period may end before the third period starts, and the combination of the second period and the third period may be less than the first period. The second period and the third period may have substantially equal durations. The second period may begin substantially simultaneously with the start of the first period. The third period may end before the first period ends. The method may further comprise actuating an actuator that is configured to be actuated by a user, wherein in this case, when the user actuates the actuator, a second period of time is provided. Administration of highly concentrated microcomponents begins. In one aspect, when the user stops operating the actuator, the administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent ends.

  According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the system may have a source of diluent configured to provide diluent flow during the first time period. The system may have a plurality of highly concentrated microcomponent sources, each having a corresponding microcomponent, a plurality of highly concentrated microcomponent sources. The system comprises a plurality of microdosage devices, each configured to receive a highly concentrated microcomponent from a corresponding source of highly concentrated microcomponents. Also good. Each microdosage device may be configured to provide administration of a corresponding highly concentrated microcomponent. The system may have a controller. The controller may be configured to control the administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent by the respective respective microdosing device such that at least one highly concentrated microcomponent is administered during the second period. Often, the second period is less than the first period, and the second period overlaps a portion of the first period. The system may have a compounder. The dispenser may be configured to allow mixing within the dispenser of highly concentrated microcomponents and diluent streams administered by the microdosing device. The system may have a supply nozzle configured to supply a mixture of highly concentrated microcomponents and at least one diluent stream dispensed by a microdosing device in the dispenser.

  A person skilled in the art, according to the present disclosure, combines any of the features and / or options of one embodiment or example with any of the features and / or options of another embodiment or example. You will recognize what you can do.

  Although the disclosure herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the features of the present disclosure may be altered, modified, altered, or replaced without significantly departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that can be implemented. For example, the dimensions, number, size, and shape of various components may be varied to suit a particular application. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims (20)

A source of highly concentrated micro-components;
An accumulator located downstream of the source of the highly concentrated microcomponent and configured to maintain the highly concentrated microcomponent under a first pressure;
A microcomponent configured to intermittently administer a liquid component having one or more liquid components of a plurality of sources at the first pressure and having the highly concentrated microcomponent over a first period. A valve,
A controller configured to control the administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent by the microcomponent valve;
The system characterized by having.   The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the accumulator.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a microcomponent pump positioned downstream of the source of the highly concentrated microcomponent and upstream of the microcomponent valve.   4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the micro component pump.   And further comprising a check valve, wherein the micro component pump is configured to pump the highly concentrated micro component from the source of the highly concentrated micro component through the check valve. The system according to claim 4, wherein:   And further comprising a source of the diluent configured to provide a flow of diluent during a second period at a second pressure, the second period starting at the same time as the first period begins. The system of claim 1, characterized in that:   And further comprising a source of the diluent configured to provide a flow of diluent during a second period at a second pressure, wherein the source of the highly concentrated microcomponent is at least 1000: 1. The system of claim 1 having a weight ratio of microcomponents to said diluent. Further comprising a source of said diluent configured to provide a flow of diluent during a second period at a second pressure; and
-The diluent having a macro component;
-Said diluent with water;
A blender, wherein the blender is configured to allow mixing in the blender of the highly concentrated microcomponents and the flow of the diluent;
A main diluent valve, the main diluent valve configured to provide the diluent to the compounder from a source of the diluent;
The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the main diluent valve.   And further comprising a microdosage device, wherein the microdosage device receives the highly concentrated microcomponent from the source of the highly concentrated microcomponent and delivers the highly concentrated microcomponent to a third pressure. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the third period is less than the second period, and the third period overlaps a portion of the second period. The system described in.   The microdosing device is further configured to provide administration of the highly concentrated microcomponent during a fourth period at a fourth pressure, wherein the fourth period is less than the second period, The period overlaps with a portion of the second period, the third period ends before the fourth period begins, and the combination of the third period and the fourth period is less than the second period The system according to claim 9, wherein:   The system of claim 10, wherein the third period and the fourth period are substantially equal in duration.   The system of claim 10, wherein the third period begins substantially simultaneously with the start of the second period.   The system according to claim 10, wherein the fourth period ends before the second period ends. Further comprising a actuators, the actuator is configured to be actuated by the user, when the user actuates the actuator, the micro dosage system, a micro which is the highly concentrated over a third period The system of claim 9, wherein the component is administered. A microcomponent pump positioned downstream of the source of the highly concentrated microcomponent and upstream of the microcomponent valve;
A line between the outlet of the micro component pump and the micro component valve;
A vent configured to remove any air trapped in the line;
The system of claim 1 further comprising:   The system of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the vent.   Further comprising a regulator positioned downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the microcomponent valve, the regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the highly concentrated microcomponent. The system of claim 1, characterized in that:   The system of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the regulator. A plurality of highly concentrated microcomponent sources, each having a corresponding microcomponent, and a plurality of highly concentrated microcomponent sources;
A plurality of accumulators located downstream of the source of the plurality of highly concentrated microcomponents , each of which has a highly concentrated microcomponent from a corresponding highly concentrated microcomponent source; An accumulator configured to maintain under a corresponding one pressure;
A plurality of microcomponent valves, each configured to intermittently administer highly concentrated microcomponents from a corresponding highly concentrated microcomponent source at the corresponding pressure over a corresponding period of time A micro component valve,
A controller, wherein at least one highly concentrated microcomponent is administered at the corresponding pressure during the corresponding period of the highly concentrated microcomponent by each corresponding microcomponent valve. A controller configured to control the administration;
A system characterized by comprising:   Further comprising a plurality of regulators positioned downstream of the plurality of accumulators and upstream of the plurality of microcomponent valves, each regulator from a corresponding highly concentrated microcomponent source. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system is configured to regulate the pressure of highly concentrated microcomponents.

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