WO2017058259A1

WO2017058259A1 - Dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2017058259A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/053817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick; Raymond VANASSCHE
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 2015-10-02
Filing date: 2015-10-02
Publication date: 2017-04-06

Abstract

A dispensing system may be provided. The dispensing system may allow multiple aseptically packaged ingredients to be air-mixed from aseptic nozzles into a multi-ingredient stream without dripping. The dispensing system may maintain aseptic integrity until an aseptic package is installed in the dispensing system. A pinch valve may be located remotely from the aseptic nozzle. In addition, the dispensing system may convert a continuous ingredient flow from a positive displacement metering pump to a pulsed flow.

Description

DISPENSING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[001] A beverage dispenser is a device that dispenses carbonated soft drinks called fountain drinks. They may be found in restaurants, concession stands, and other locations such as convenience stores. A beverage dispenser combines flavored syrup or syrup concentrate and carbon dioxide with chilled water to make soft drinks. The syrup may be pumped from a special container called a bag-in-box (BIB).

SUMMARY

[002] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that may be further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[003] According to one embodiment, a dispensing system may be provided. The dispensing system may include a dispensing nozzle assembly and an aseptic nozzle. The dispensing nozzle assembly may be configured to provide a primary ingredient stream. The aseptic nozzle may be configured to provide an aseptic ingredient stream and air-mix the aseptic ingredient stream with the primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left the dispensing nozzle assembly.

[004] According to another embodiment, a dispensing system may be provided. The dispensing system may include an aseptic nozzle and an aseptic nozzle retention clip. The aseptic nozzle may be configured to provide an aseptic ingredient stream. The aseptic nozzle retention clip may be configured to hold the aseptic nozzle in a position configured to cause the provided aseptic ingredient stream to air-mix with a primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left a dispensing nozzle assembly.

[005] According to yet another embodiment, a method of dispensing may be provided. The method may include providing a primary ingredient stream and receiving a continuous flow of a secondary ingredient. The method may further include converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to a secondary ingredient stream comprising a pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient and air-mixing the secondary ingredient stream with the primary ingredient stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[007] FIG. 1 shows an operating environment including a dispensing system;

[008] FIG. 2 shows a control architecture used to control the dispensing system;

[009] FIG. 3 shows a cabinet that may be used to contain the dispensing system;

[010] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B show a cabinet that may be used to contain the dispensing system;

[011] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show the cabinet of FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B in more detail;

[012] FIG. 6 shows the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 in more detail;

[013] FIG. 7 shows another aspect of the first aseptic channel in more detail;

[014] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3;

[015] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the first aseptic nozzle in more detail;

[016] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. IOC show another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 including a first aseptic nozzle;

[017] FIG. 11 shows an example of when the velocity of a first secondary ingredient stream or a second secondary ingredient stream is adequate;

[018] FIG. 12 shows an example of when the velocity of a first secondary ingredient stream or a second secondary ingredient stream is too low;

[019] FIG. 13 shows a system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with the dispensing system; and

[020] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with the dispensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[021] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods.

Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[022] The term "beverage," as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, water, isotonic drink, vitamin-enhanced water, soft drink, flavored water, energy drink, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, hot chocolate and combinations thereof. The beverage may also be carbonated or non-carbonated. The beverage may comprise beverage components (e.g., beverage bases, colorants, flavorants, and additives).

[023] The term "beverage base" refers to parts of the beverage or the beverage itself prior to additional colorants, additional flavorants, and/or additional additives. According to certain embodiments of the present inventions, beverage bases may include, but are not limited to syrups, concentrates, and the like that may be mixed with a diluent such as still or carbonated water or other diluent to form a beverage. The beverage bases may have reconstitution ratios of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or higher. According to certain embodiments, beverage bases may comprise a mixture of beverage base components.

[024] The term "beverage base component" refers to components which may be included in beverage bases. According to certain embodiments of the present inventions, the beverage base component may comprise parts of beverages which may be considered food items by themselves. According to certain embodiments of the present inventions, the beverage base components may be micro-ingredients such as an acid portion of a beverage base, an acid-degradable and/or non-acid portion of a beverage base, natural and artificial flavors, flavor additives, natural and artificial colors, nutritive or non-nutritive natural or artificial sweeteners, additives for controlling tartness (e.g., citric acid or potassium citrate), functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, nutraceuticals, or medicaments. The micro- ingredients may have reconstitution ratios from about 10: 1, 20: 1, 30: 1, or higher with many having reconstitution ratios of 50: 1 to 300: 1. The viscosities of the micro- ingredients may range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise.

[025] Thus, for the purposes of requesting, selecting, or dispensing a beverage base, a beverage base formed from separately stored beverage base components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage base. For the purposes of requesting, selecting or dispensing a beverage, a beverage formed from separately stored beverage components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage.

[026] By "separately stored" it is meant that the components of the present inventions are kept separate until combined. For instance, the components may be separately stored individually in a container or package or instead may be all stored in one container or package wherein each component is individually packaged (e.g., plastic bags) so that they do not blend while in the container or package. In some embodiments, the container or package, itself, may be individual, adjacent to, or attached to another container or package.

[027] The product ingredients may include beverage bases or beverage base components (e.g., concentrated syrups) as well as flavors (i.e., flavoring agents, flavor concentrates, or flavor syrups), which may be separately stored or otherwise contained in individual removable containers. In accordance with one or more embodiments, each of the beverage bases or beverage base components and each of the flavors may be separately stored or otherwise contained in individual removable containers, cartridges, packages or the like which may generally be referred to simply as a

"package" or "ingredients package" with one or more applicable reference numbers.

[028] FIG. 1 shows an operating environment 100 including a dispensing system 102. As shown in FIG. 1, operating environment 100 may comprise an aseptic portion 104, a bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, a water portion 108, a macro-ingredient portion 110, a micro-ingredient portion 112, and a nozzle portion 114. Flexible tubing may connect the elements of operating environment 100 in order to move ingredients and diluent (e.g., water) from element to element in operating environment 100.

Aseptic portion 104, bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, and micro-ingredient portion 112 may comprise ingredient sources. Water portion 108 may comprise a diluent source. As will be described in more detail below, some elements of BIB portion 106, water portion 108, and macro-ingredient portion 110 may be located inside of or outside of dispensing system 102.

[029] Aseptic portion 104 may comprise an aseptic compartment 116, an aseptic ingredient 118, an aseptic pump 120, and a pinch valve 122. Aseptic compartment 116 may be temperature controlled. Aseptic ingredient 118 may comprise a macro-ingredient with a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or higher and may include insoluble particulates. Aseptic ingredient 118 may have been processed in a way by which a sufficient shelf life of the product may be packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains sterility. In order to minimize spoilage, aseptic compartment 116 may be temperature controlled in such a way to keep aseptic ingredient 118 cool or refrigerated. For example, aseptic ingredient 118 may comprise, but is not limited to, pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, and hot chocolate. FIG. 1 shows one aseptic portion 104; however, one or more aseptic portions may be used in dispensing system 102 as will be discussed in detail below. Dispensing system 102 may include one or more aseptic nozzle 174. Generally, dispensing system 102 may include an aseptic nozzle 174 for each aseptic ingredient 118. The package containing the aseptic ingredient, tubing from the package, and the aseptic nozzle 174 may all be disposable. Aseptic portions may have one or more aseptic ingredients.

[030] Aseptic pump 120 may comprise, for example, a pump that does not compromise the sterility of aseptic ingredient 118. Consequently, aseptic pump 120 may comprise, but is not limited to, a peristaltic pump. A peristaltic pump may comprise a type of positive displacement pump. Aseptic ingredient 118 may be contained within a sterile bag (e.g., a disposable bag-in-box (BIB)) having an aseptic tube from which aseptic ingredient 118 may exit the sterile bag. The aseptic tube may be disposable, sterile, and flexible. The aseptic tube may be fitted inside a circular pump casing associated with the peristaltic pump. A rotor with a number of "rollers" attached to the external circumference of the rotor may compress the aseptic tube. As the rotor turns, the part of the aseptic tube under compression may be pinched closed to force aseptic ingredient 1 18 to be pumped to move through the aseptic tube. Pinch valve 122 may be used to pinch and thus close off the aseptic tube from the outside environment to aid in maintaining the sterility of aseptic ingredient 118.

[031] BIB portion 106 may comprise a BIB ingredient 124, a BIB connector 126, a BIB vacuum regulator 128, a BIB air vent 130, a BIB pump 132, and a BIB valve 134. BIB pump 132 may comprise, but is not limited to, a controlled gear pump. BIB valve 134 may comprise, but is not limited to, either a volumetric valve or an on/off solenoid valve. However, a controlled gear pump and a volumetric valve would not be used together in the same system. If a controlled gear pump 132 is used, then BIB value 134 would be a solenoid valve. If BIB value 134 is a volumetric valve, then a non- volumetric pump 132 would be used between BIB connector 126 and BIB vacuum regulator 128. An example of a non- volumetric pump is a C02 powered on- demand pump. Examples of a volumetric valve are described in U.S. Patent No.

5,381,926, Beverage Dispenser Value and Method, filed May 12, 1993, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of a vacuum side air vent are described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/028559, entitled Vacuum Side Air Vent, filed on April 30, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. While FIG. 1 shows one BIB portion 106, dispensing system 102 may include one or more BIB portions including a plurality of BIB ingredients. BIB ingredients may comprise, but are not limited to beverage bases, syrups, concentrates, and the like that may be mixed with a diluent such as still or carbonated water or other diluent to form a beverage. The BIB ingredients may have reconstitution ratios of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or higher.

[032] While embodiments shown in FIG. 1 show BIB ingredient 124 and BIB connector 126 being outside dispensing system 102 either or both BIB ingredient 124 and BIB connector 126 may be inside or outside dispensing system 102. For example, BIB ingredient 124 may be in a back room remote from dispensing system 102. If BIB ingredient 124 is near or within dispensing system 102, then suction from BIB pump 132 may draw BIB ingredient 124 and BIB vacuum regulator 128 may not be needed. If BIB ingredient 124 is not near or not within dispensing system 102, then BIB ingredient 124 may need to be pumped to dispensing system 102 under pressure and BIB vacuum regulator 128 may be needed. FIG. 1 shows one BIB portion 106 with one BIB ingredient 124; however, one or more BIB portion 106 may be used in dispensing system 102 with each BIB portion 106 having one or more BIB ingredient 124.

[033] Water portion 108 may provide a diluent for dispensing system 102. The diluent may comprise, but is not limited to carbonated water or still water for example. Water portion 108 may comprise a carbonated water section and a still water section. The carbonated water section may comprise a carbonated water source 136, a carbonated water flow restrictor 138, and a carbonated water shutoff valve 140. In addition, the still water section may comprise a still water source 142, a still water flow restrictor 144, and a still water shutoff valve 146. The carbonated water section and the still water section may join at a T-joint 148. While embodiments shown in FIG. 1 show still water source 142 being outside dispensing system 102, still water source 142 may be inside or outside dispensing system 102.

[034] The carbonated water section of water portion 108 may use a carbonator that receives C0₂ from a C0₂ source and dissolves the C0₂ in water to create carbonated water. The C0₂ source may comprise a C0₂ tank stored remotely (e.g., in a back room) with gas lines to carbonated water source 136. The ratio of C0₂ to still water in the carbonated water used in dispensing system 102 may be, for example, approximately 4: 1 or 3 : 1.

[035] Macro-ingredient portion 110 may comprise a macro-ingredient 150, a macro-ingredient connector 152, a macro-ingredient vacuum regulator 154, a macro- ingredient air vent 156, a macro-ingredient pump 158, and a macro-ingredient valve 160. Macro-ingredient pump 158 may comprise, but is not limited to, a controlled gear pump. Macro-ingredient valve 160 may comprise, but is not limited to, a volumetric valve. As explained above, a controlled gear pump and a volumetric valve would not be used together in the same system. If a controlled gear pump is used then value 160 would be a solenoid value. If valve 160 is a volumetric value then a non- volumetric pump would be used between connector 152 and vacuum regulator 154. Examples of a volumetric valve are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,381,926, Beverage Dispenser Value and Method, filed May 12, 1993. Macro-ingredient 150 may comprise, but is not limited to, a sweetener comprising, for example, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for example. Other sweeteners or sweetener blends may be used. Macro-ingredient 150 may have reconstitution ratios of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or higher. [036] While embodiments shown in FIG. 1 show macro-ingredient 150 and macro-ingredient connector 152 being outside dispensing system 102, either or both macro-ingredient 150 and macro-ingredient connector 152 may be inside or outside dispensing system 102. For example, macro-ingredient 150 may be in a back room remote from dispensing system 102. If macro-ingredient 150 is near or within dispensing system 102, then suction from macro-ingredient pump 158 may draw macro-ingredient 150 and macro-ingredient vacuum regulator 154 may not be needed. If macro-ingredient 150 is not near or not within dispensing system 102, then macro- ingredient 150 may need to be pumped to dispensing system 102 under pressure and macro-ingredient vacuum regulator 154 may be needed. FIG. 1 shows one macro- ingredient portion 110 with one macro-ingredient 150; however, one or more macro- ingredient portion 110 may be used in dispensing system 102 with each macro- ingredient portion 110 having one or more macro-ingredient 150.

[037] Micro-ingredient portion 112 may comprise a micro-ingredient tower 162. Micro-ingredient tower 162 may comprise a micro-ingredient 164, a micro- ingredient probe 168, and a micro-ingredient pump 170. Micro-ingredient pump 170 may comprise, but is not limited to, a piston pump.

[038] FIG. 1 shows micro-ingredient tower 162 having one micro-ingredient 164; however, micro-ingredient tower 162 may include one or more micro-ingredient 164. Micro-ingredient 164 may be packaged in a micro-ingredient package. Any number of micro-ingredient packages may be included in dispensing system 102 depending, for example, on the capacity of dispensing system 102. Examples of micro- ingredient packages are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/209,684, Beverage Dispenser Container and Carton, filed March 13, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[039] Nozzle portion 114 may comprise a dispensing nozzle assembly 172 and an aseptic nozzle 174. Dispensing nozzle assembly 172 may comprise an injector ring 176 and a common diffuser 178. Examples of dispensing nozzle assembly 172 may be described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/265,632, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Dispensing nozzle assembly 172 may combine the flows from the plurality of pumps and/or valves in dispensing system 102 (e.g., BIB pump 132, BIB valve 134, carbonated water shutoff valve 140, still water shutoff valve 146, macro-ingredient pump 158, macro-ingredient valve 160, and micro-ingredient pump 170) to mix and dispense a product (e.g., a beverage) into a container (e.g., a cup). The product mixing may occur prior to, during, and/or following dispense of the flows from dispensing nozzle assembly 172. Dispensing to, during, and or/following dispense of the flows may be generally and collectively referred to as dispensing about dispensing nozzle assembly 172 and may be within or proximate to the container suitable to hold the product.

[040] At injector ring 176, diluent (e.g., water) from water portion 108 may come together with one or more ingredients from bag-in-a-box (BIB) portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, and micro-ingredient portion 112 into a flow from the bottom of common diffuser 178. The flow coming from common diffuser 178 may contain: i) only diluent from water portion 108; ii) one or more ingredients released from BIB portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, micro-ingredient portion 112; and a septic portion 104; or iii) diluent from water portion 108 in addition to one or more ingredients released from BIB portion 106, macro-ingredient portion 110, micro- ingredient portion 112, and aseptic portion 104. Prior to the flow from common diffuser 178 entering the container, aseptic ingredient 104 may be released from aseptic nozzle 174 and mixed into the flow (e.g., a primary ingredient stream or a multi- ingredient stream) coming from common diffuser 178. The aseptic ingredient 104 may be introduced to the flow from common diffuser 178 after the flow has left common diffuser 178, but before the flow enters the container. Aseptic ingredient 104 may not come into contact with any element of dispensing system 102 (e.g., nozzle assembly 172) after it leaves aseptic nozzle 174. Because aseptic ingredient 104 may never touch nozzle assembly 172, the opportunity for carry-over (e.g. cross-contamination of ingredients) is greatly reduced.

[041] In one or more embodiments, the ingredients may be injected to intersect with a common diffuser. All or some of the ingredients can be dispensed from a single nozzle location with a diffuser that is common to all or some of the ingredients. For example, ingredients which may be dispensed from a single nozzle location with a diffuser may include aseptic ingredients and BIB ingredients; aseptic ingredients and micro-ingredients; BIB and micro-ingredients; macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients and ingredients from a BIB; macro-ingredients, micro -ingredients and aseptic ingredients; macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, aseptic and BIB ingredients.

[042] FIG. 2 shows a control architecture 200 used to control dispensing system 102. As shown in FIG. 1, control architecture 200 may comprise a core dispense module (CDM) 204, a human machine interface (HMI) module 206, and a user interface (UI) 208. HMI 206 may connect to or otherwise interface and communicate with at least one external device 202 being external to dispensing system 102. CDM 204 may control flows from the plurality of pumps and/or valves in dispensing system 102 (e.g., aseptic pump 120, pinch valve 122, BIB pump 132, BIB valve 134, carbonated water shutoff valve 140, still water shutoff valve 146, macro- ingredient pump 158, macro-ingredient valve 160, and micro-ingredient pump 170) according to a recipe to mix and dispense the product (e.g., a beverage) from

dispensing system 102.

[043] The aforementioned beverage components (i.e., beverage bases or beverage base components and flavors) may be combined, along with other ingredients, to dispense various products that may include beverages or blended beverages (i.e., finished beverage products) from the dispensing system 102. However, dispensing system 102 may also be configured to dispense beverage components individually. In some embodiments, dispensing system 102 may be configured to dispense beverage base components to form a beverage base or finished beverage. The other beverage ingredients may include diluents such as still or carbonated water, functional additives, or medicaments, for example.

[044] An example of control architecture 200 for dispensing system 102 may be described in PCT/US2015/010166, titled Dispenser Control Architecture, filed on January 5, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. A machine bus (MBUS) may facilitate communication between the HMI module 206 and the CDM 204. HMI module 206, the MBUS, and CDM 204 may collectively comprise common core components, implemented as hardware or as combination of hardware and software, which may be adapted to provide customized functionality in dispensing system 102. Dispensing system 102 may further include memory storage and a processor. Examples of UI 208 may be described in PCT/US2014/055645, titled Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device, filed on September 15, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. HMI module 206 and the CDM 204 may be customized through the use of adapters (e.g., configuration files comprising application programming interfaces (APIs)) to provide customized user interface views and equipment behavior for the dispensing system 102.

[045] In some embodiments, UI 208 in dispensing system 102 may be utilized to select and individually dispense one or more beverages. The beverages may be dispensed as beverage components in a continuous pour operation whereby one or more selected beverage components continue to be dispensed while a pour input is actuated by a user or in a batch pour operation whereby a predetermined volume of one or more selected beverage components are dispensed (e.g., one ounce at a time). UI 208 may be addressed via a number of methods to select and dispense beverages. For example, a user may interact with UI 208 via touch input to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage. As another example, a user may type in a code using an onscreen or physical keyboard (not shown) on dispensing system 102 to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage.

[046] UI 208, which may include a touch screen and a touch screen controller, may be configured to receive various commands from a user (i.e., consumer input) in the form of touch input, generate a graphics output and/or execute one or more operations with dispensing system 102 (e.g., via HMI module 206 and/or CDM 204), in response to receiving the aforementioned commands. A touch screen driver in HMI module 206 may be configured to receive the consumer or customer inputs and generate events (e.g., touch screen events) that may then be communicated through a controller to an operating system of HMI module 206.

[047] Dispensing system 102 may be in communication with one or more external device 202. In some embodiments, the communication between dispensing system 102 and external device 202 may be accomplished utilizing any number of communication techniques including, but not limited to, near-field wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi and other wireless or wireline communication standards or technologies, via a communication interface.

[048] External device 202 may include, for example, a mobile device, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, biometric sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, external device 202 may be utilized to receive user interface views from HMI module 206 that may be in lieu of or in addition to user interface views displayed in user interface 208 of dispensing system 102. For example, in some embodiments, dispensing system 102 may be configured for "headless" operation in which graphics and other user interface elements are displayed on a customer's smartphone instead of on dispensing system 102. Examples of facilitating interaction between a mobile computing device and an electronic device are described in PCT/US2014/048928, titled Facilitating Individualized Used Interaction With An Electronic Device, filed July 30, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[049] FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B show a cabinet 302 that may be used to contain dispensing system 102 described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 4A shows a front view of cabinet 302, FIG. 4B shows a side view of cabinet 302, and FIG. 4C shows a top view of cabinet 302. As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B, cabinet 302 may comprise a main compartment 304, a main compartment door 306, a micro-ingredient tower compartment 308, a micro-ingredient tower compartment door 310, a first aseptic compartment 312, and a second aseptic compartment 314. FIG. 3 shows cabinet 302 with both main compartment door 306 and micro-ingredient tower compartment door 310 open. FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C show cabinet 302 with both main compartment door 306 and micro-ingredient tower compartment door 310 closed.

[050] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C dispensing system 102 may have two aseptic compartments: first aseptic compartment 312; and second aseptic compartment 314. Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to two aseptic compartments and may comprise any number of aseptic compartments. First aseptic compartment 312 and second aseptic compartment 314 may be similar to aseptic compartment 116 as described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. First aseptic compartment 312 may be associated with a first aseptic channel comprising a first aseptic ingredient 316, a first aseptic pump 318, a first pinch valve 320, and a first aseptic tube 322. Second aseptic compartment 314 may be associated with a second aseptic channel comprising a second aseptic ingredient 324, a second aseptic pump 326, a second pinch valve 328, and a second aseptic tube 330. Dispensing system 102 may have any number of aseptic channels and is not limited to two.

[051 ] First aseptic ingredient 316 may comprise a macro-ingredient with a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to about 6: 1 or higher and may include insoluble particulates. First aseptic ingredient 316 may have been processed in a way by which a sufficient shelf life of the product is packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains sterility. In order to minimize spoilage, first aseptic compartment 312 may be temperature controlled in such a way to keep first aseptic ingredient 316 cool or refrigerated. For example, first aseptic ingredient 316 may comprise, but is not limited to pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, and hot chocolate. Second aseptic compartment 314 including second aseptic compartment 314 may be similar to first aseptic compartment 312 including first aseptic ingredient 316.

[052] First aseptic pump 318 may comprise, for example, a pump that does not compromise the sterility of first aseptic ingredient 316. Consequently, first aseptic pump 318 may comprise, but is not limited to, a peristaltic pump. A peristaltic pump may comprise a type of positive displacement pump. First aseptic ingredient 316 may be contained within a sterile bag (e.g., a disposable bag-in-box (BIB)) having first aseptic tube 322 from which first aseptic ingredient 316 may exit the sterile bag. First aseptic tube 322 may be disposable, sterile, and flexible. First aseptic tube 322 may be fitted inside a circular pump casing associated with the peristaltic pump. A rotor with a number of "rollers" attached to the external circumference of the rotor may compress first aseptic tube 322. As the rotor turns, a part of first aseptic tube 322 under compression may be pinched closed to force first aseptic ingredient 316 to be pumped to move through first aseptic tube 322. First pinch valve 320 may be used to pinch and thus close off first aseptic tube 322 from the outside environment to aid in maintaining the sterility of first aseptic ingredient 316. Second aseptic compartment 314 including second aseptic ingredient 324, second aseptic pump 326, second pinch valve 328, and second aseptic tube 330 may function in a manner similar to first aseptic compartment 312 including first aseptic ingredient 316, first aseptic pump 318, first pinch valve 320, and first aseptic tube 322. [053] As shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C cabinet 302 may have a width of X, a height of Y, and a depth of Z. X may comprise, but is not limited to, approximately 25.0 inches. Y may comprise, but is not limited to, approximately 39.0 inches. And Z may comprise, but is not limited to, approximately 26.7 inches.

[054] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show cabinet 302 of FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4B in more detail. FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show cabinet 302 with micro-ingredient tower compartment 308 removed to show micro-ingredient tower 162. FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view of cabinet 302 with main compartment door 306 closed. FIG. 5B shows a front view of cabinet 302 with main compartment door 306 open. FIG. 5C shows a top view of cabinet 302 with main compartment upper portion 502 exposed.

[055] As shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, main compartment 304 may comprise a main compartment upper portion 502 and a main compartment lower portion 504. Main compartment upper portion 502 may comprise a vacuum regulator section 506, a pump section 508, an electronics section 510, and a power supply section 512. Power supply section 512 may comprise a power supply 514 that may power some or all elements of dispensing system 102.

[056] Main compartment lower portion 504 may comprise a valve section 516, ingredient cooling coils 518, first aseptic compartment 312, and second aseptic compartment 314. As stated above, flexible tubing may connect elements of operating environment 100 in order to move ingredients and/or diluent from element to element in operating environment 100. Some, all, or portions of this flexible tubing may be fed through ingredient cooling coils 518 in order to cool the diluent and/or ingredients before and/or after the diluent and/or ingredients are mixed in dispensing system 102. Main compartment lower portion 504 may comprise some or all of water portion 108 including, for example, the carbonator of the carbonated water section of water portion 108 that receives C0₂ from the C0₂ source and dissolves the C0₂ in water to create carbonated water.

[057] Vacuum regulator section 506 may contain, but is not limited to, BIB vacuum regulator 128 and macro-ingredient vacuum regulator 154. Pump section 508 may contain, but is not limited to, BIB pump 132 and macro-ingredient pump 158. Electronics section 510 may include, but is not limited to, core dispense module (CDM) 204 and human machine interface (HMI) module 206. Valve section 516 may include, but is not limited to, BIB valve 134, carbonated water shutoff valve 140, still water shutoff valve 146, and macro -ingredient valve 160. User interface (UI) 208 may be mounted, for example, on main compartment door 306.

[058] FIG. 6 shows the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 in more detail.

Dispensing system 102 may dispense chilled aseptically packaged macro-ingredients (e.g., first aseptic ingredient 316) from a disposable BIB that comes complete with a disposable peristaltic tube (e.g., first aseptic tube 322). With dispensing system 102, each aseptic channel may dispense to a central cup location. In dispensing system 102, each aseptic channel may have a pinch valve (e.g., first pinch valve 320) located downstream of the peristaltic pump (e.g., first aseptic pump 318) near the end of the peristaltic tube (e.g., first aseptic tube 322) to pinch off the end of the peristaltic tube to prevent dripping.

[059] With dispensing system 102, all ingredients may be dispensed from one nozzle location (e.g., nozzle portion 114). There may be multiple channels of aseptic ingredients air-mixing into the diluent stream (i.e., a primary ingredient stream, a multi- ingredient stream, etc.) exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172 arranged so as not to interfere with other ingredient streams from injector ring 176 that are also mixed into the diluent stream. Mixing may include the introduction of a secondary ingredient stream (e.g., aseptic ingredients in an aseptic ingredient stream) into a primary ingredient stream (e.g., the diluent stream or a mixture of the diluent and micro- ingredient exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172) as the primary ingredient stream is traveling down the common diffuser or after the primary ingredient stream has already left the dispensing nozzle (e.g., dispensing nozzle assembly 172). Because the secondary ingredient may never touch the dispensing nozzle, the opportunity for carryover may be reduced.

[060] Because many ingredients may mix at nozzle portion 114, nozzle portion 114's area may be very crowded and locating a pinch valve at the end of an aseptic tube may be complicated or otherwise undesirable. Embodiments of this disclosure cover methods and apparatuses for positioning a disposable aseptic tube for mixing into a multi-ingredient stream, preventing dripping, and maintaining aseptic integrity until a package containing an aseptic ingredient is installed in dispensing system 102. Embodiments of this disclosure may allow multiple aseptically packaged ingredients to be mixed into a multi-ingredient stream without dripping while maintaining aseptic integrity until a package is installed in a despising system. In addition, embodiments of this disclosure may allow a pinch valve to be located remotely from the dispensing nozzle.

[061] As shown in FIG. 6, dispensing system 102 may include a first aseptic nozzle 602, a first aseptic nozzle retention clip 604, a mixed micro-ingredient 606, a first rotor 608 and a first circular pump casing 610. A disposable aseptic BIB containing first aseptic ingredient 316 may sit in first aseptic compartment 312 that may refrigerated. First aseptic compartment 312 may be located immediately above first aseptic pump 318 (e.g., a peristaltic pump). First aseptic tube 322 may comprise a disposable tube attached to the disposable aseptic BIB. First aseptic tube 322 may thread through the peristaltic pump between first rotor 608 and first circular pump casing 610. First aseptic tube 322 may then pass through first pinch valve 320 that may be located immediately after first aseptic pump 318 and remotely from dispensing nozzle assembly 172. First aseptic tube 322 may be routed substantially horizontally to the area (e.g., nozzle portion 114) of dispensing nozzle assembly 172. If the occlusion from first aseptic pump 318 is adequate to reliably seal first aseptic tube 322, then first pinch valve 320 may not be used.

[062] If first aseptic tube 322 were to be terminated by simply cutting first aseptic tube 322, there may be a significant height differential (ΔΗ) across the substantially vertical end of first aseptic tube 322 that might result is a pressure differential across the liquid at the end of first aseptic tube 322 with lower pressure at the top and higher pressure at the bottom. The pressure differential may be enough to overcome the surface tension across the end of first aseptic tube 322 resulting in problematic dripping. This dripping problem may worsen if vibrations due to a mechanical refrigeration system in or other mechanical systems in dispensing system 102 put additional strain on the surface tension at the end of first aseptic tube 322. Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an aseptic nozzle that may be "drip-proof or drip resistant. In other words, an ingredient may not drip from aseptic nozzle after the ingredient is despised from the aseptic nozzle. [063] First aseptic nozzle 602 may be placed at the end of first aseptic tube 322 to address the dripping problem. First aseptic nozzle 602 may be disposable. First aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 may be located on or near dispensing nozzle assembly 172 to receive first aseptic nozzle 602. First aseptic nozzle 602 may snap into first aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 to provide proper positioning of first aseptic nozzle 602 with respect to dispensing nozzle assembly 172 so that first aseptic ingredient 316 exiting first aseptic nozzle 602 may mix with the primary ingredient stream exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172. First aseptic nozzle 602 may be positioned so as not to interfere with other air-mixed ingredients (e.g., air-mixed micro-ingredient 606 dispensed from injector ring 176).

[064] FIG. 7 shows another aspect of first aseptic channel in more detail. As shown in FIG. 7, to preserve the aseptic integrity of the system prior to installation, first aseptic nozzle 602 may have a disposable aseptically sealed peel-away tab closure 702. Closure 702 may be manually removed upon installation of the package containing first aseptic ingredient 316 into dispensing system 102. Once closure 702 has been removed, first aseptic channel may no longer be aseptically sealed.

[065] As shown in FIG. 7, first aseptic nozzle 602 may have a plurality of orifices 704. Although the size of each of plurality of orifices 704 may be small, the number of orifices in plurality of orifices 704 may prevent an excessive pressure drop across first aseptic nozzle 602. Because the size (e.g. diameter) of each of plurality of orifices 704 may be small, the surface area of the exposed liquid in each of each of plurality of orifices 704 may also be small. Between dispenses, the embodiment of FIG. 7 may result in a surface tension across each orifice in plurality of orifices 704 that may be adequate to retain the liquid in each orifice in plurality of orifices 704 because each orifice in plurality of orifices 704 may have a small height differential resulting in a small pressure differential across each orifice in plurality of orifices 704. A cross-section of any one or more of the plurality of orifices 704 may comprise any shape, including, but not limited to a circle.

[066] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment may address the dripping problem including a first aseptic nozzle 802 and a first aseptic nozzle retention clip 804. First aseptic nozzle 802 may be placed at the end of first aseptic tube 322 to address the dripping problem. First aseptic nozzle 802 may be disposable. First aseptic nozzle retention clip 804 may be located on or near dispensing nozzle assembly 172 to receive first aseptic nozzle 802. First aseptic nozzle 802 may snap into first aseptic nozzle retention clip 804 to provide proper positioning of first aseptic nozzle 802 with respect to dispensing nozzle assembly 172 so that the secondary ingredient exiting first aseptic nozzle 802 may air-mix with the primary ingredient stream exiting dispensing nozzle assembly 172. First aseptic nozzle 802 may be positioned so as not to interfere with other air-mixed ingredients (e.g., air-mixed micro-ingredient 606).

[067] FIG. 9 shows first aseptic nozzle 802 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 9, first aseptic nozzle 802 may comprise an inlet port 902 and an outlet port 904.

Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, inlet port 902 of first aseptic nozzle 802 may be at a first level and outlet port 904 of first aseptic nozzle 802 may be at a second level. The second level may be higher than the first level. Inlet port 902 and outlet port 904 may be connected by a vertical section 906. Outlet port 904 may have a slight downward slope. A small amount of liquid that may be left in outlet port 904 immediately following a dispense from dispensing system 102 may be a source of the aforementioned dripping problem. At the end of a dispense from dispensing system 102, the aforementioned downward slope of outlet port 904 may facilitate draining of the small amount of liquid that may be left in outlet port 904 immediately following the dispense when a cup is still likely to be positioned in dispensing system 102 to catch the drip.

[068] Liquid (e.g., first aseptic ingredient 316) in vertical section 906 may then be at or below the level of outlet port 904 as shown in FIG. 9. Because first aseptic pump 318 (or first pinch valve 320 if needed) may seal first aseptic tube 322, the liquid in first aseptic tube 322 may be trapped in first aseptic tube 322 and a horizontal surface 908 of the liquid may remain stationary at or below the level of outlet port 904. Because horizontal surface 908 of the liquid is substantially horizontal, the entire surface of horizontal surface 908 may be at the same pressure and therefore may be stable. Because the level of the liquid in first aseptic nozzle 802 may remain below the level of outlet port 904, no additional liquid may exit outlet port 904 to cause a drip. Prior to installation of the package containing first aseptic ingredient 316 into dispensing system 102, outlet port 904 of first aseptic nozzle 802 may have a disposable aseptic peel-away closure tab similar to closure 702 of FIG. 7 removed.

[069] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. IOC show another embodiment of the first aseptic channel of FIG. 3 including a first aseptic nozzle 1002. As shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, first aseptic nozzle 1002 may turn down so as to direct the secondary ingredient stream from first aseptic tube 322 towards a consumer's cup and the primary ingredient stream from dispensing nozzle assembly 172. After a dispense from dispensing system 102, because first aseptic pump 318 (or first pinch valve 320 if required) may seal first aseptic tube 322, a column of liquid in first aseptic tube 322 may be trapped in first aseptic tube 322 and may terminate at an outlet port 1004 of first aseptic nozzle 1002 due to the incompressible nature of the liquid in first aseptic tube 322 (e.g., the same way liquid remains in a soda straw when a finger is placed over the top of the soda straw). Because the surface of the liquid at outlet port 1004 may be substantially horizontal, the entire surface of the liquid at outlet port 1004 may be at the same pressure and therefore may be more stable than a vertical liquid surface and is therefore less prone to dripping.

[070] In this embodiment, first aseptic nozzle 1002 may be retained in dispensing system 102 by first aseptic nozzle retention clip 1006, shown in FIG. IOC, in a manner similar to first aseptic nozzle retention clip 604 and first aseptic nozzle retention clip 804 as described above. In addition, first aseptic nozzle 1002 may be sealed by a peel-away tab similar to closure 702 as described above. The angles and dimensions shown in FIG. 10B and FIG. IOC are examples and other angles and dimensions may be used consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.

[071] As shown in FIG. 11, a system for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow may be provided that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102. FIG. 11 shows a first secondary ingredient tube 1102, a second secondary ingredient tube 1104, and a nozzle 1106. First secondary ingredient tube 1102 and second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may flow through a refrigerated heat exchanger (not shown). First secondary ingredient tube 1102 may have a first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1 108 and second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may have a second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110. First secondary ingredient tube 1102 may comprise, but is not limited to first aseptic tube 322 or second aseptic tube 330 as described above. Second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may comprise, but is not limited to, first aseptic tube 322 or second aseptic tube 330 as described above. Nozzle 1106 may comprise, but is not limited to, dispensing nozzle assembly 172 as described above. First secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 and second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 may comprise, but are not limited to, first aseptic nozzle 602, first aseptic nozzle 802, or first aseptic nozzle 1002.

[072] First secondary ingredient tube 1102 and/or second secondary ingredient tube 1104 may also comprise, but is/are not limited to Macro-ingredient tube 161 or BIB tube 135. First aseptic tube orifice 1 108 and second aseptic tube orifice 1110 might be an integral part of injector ring 176. If the tube orifices are an integral part of the injector ring, then clips 604, 804, 1006 would not be used.

[073] Under the control of CDM 204, dispensing system 102 may introduce a first secondary ingredient 1112 into first secondary ingredient tube 1102, may introduce a second secondary ingredient 1114 into second secondary ingredient tube 1104, and may introduce a primary ingredient 1116 into nozzle 1106. As a result, dispensing system 102 may respectively dispense a first secondary ingredient stream 1118 from first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108, a second secondary ingredient stream 1120 from second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110, and a primary ingredient stream 1122 from nozzle 1106. First secondary ingredient 1112, second secondary ingredient 1114, and primary ingredient 1 116 may comprise any ingredient including, but not limited to, macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, diluents, BIB ingredients, sweeteners, and aseptic ingredients as described above. Primary ingredient stream 1122 may comprise, for example, a diluent stream or a multi-ingredient stream.

[074] As stated above, mixing is the introduction of a secondary ingredient stream (e.g., first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120) into a primary ingredient stream (e.g., primary ingredient stream 1122) after the primary ingredient stream has already left a dispensing nozzle (e.g., nozzle 1106). Because the secondary ingredient may not touch the dispensing nozzle, the opportunity for carry-over is greatly reduced. With mixing, the secondary ingredient is introduced via a secondary ingredient dispensing orifice (e.g., first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 or second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110) that may create a stream (e.g., first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120) that may impinge onto the primary ingredient stream (e.g., primary ingredient stream 1122) to create a beverage (e.g., beverage 1124) for example.

[075] Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 may be sized to create an appropriate velocity for first secondary ingredient stream 1118 to allow first secondary ingredient stream 1118 to cross between first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 and primary ingredient stream 1122 as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 may be sized to create an appropriate velocity for second secondary ingredient stream 1120 to allow second secondary ingredient stream 1120 to cross between second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 and primary ingredient stream 1122 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 12, if the velocity of first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120 is too low, first secondary ingredient stream 1118 or second secondary ingredient stream 1120 may not reach primary ingredient stream 1122 potentially resulting in sub-optimal mixing of the ingredients for beverage 1124 and a visual affect that may be displeasing to consumers. The purpose of first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 and second secondary ingredient tube orifice 1110 may be to create well-formed streams and may not be intended to be a metering device for example.

[076] An example scenario where the overall flow rate of a secondary ingredient is significantly reduced resulting in reduced (and thereby inadequate) secondary ingredient stream velocity is as follows. For example, first secondary ingredient 1112 may comprise iced tea concentrate and second secondary ingredient 1114 may comprise lemonade concentrate. If pure iced tea is dispensed, then first secondary ingredient 1112 may be dispensed at its full flow rate. However, if a mixture of half tea and half lemonade is dispensed simultaneously, then the flow rates of both first secondary ingredient 1112 and second secondary ingredient 1114 may be reduced in half resulting in inadequate secondary ingredient stream velocities as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[077] Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, if the overall ingredient flow rate of a secondary ingredient never changes significantly, then the corresponding orifice can be sized for the expected flow rate and either constant or pulsed flow can be dispensed. However, if the overall secondary ingredient flow rate changes

significantly, then either continuous or pulsed flow can be dispensed at the higher flow rates, but only pulsed flow may be dispensed at lower flow rates. Each pulse may be viewed as a secondary ingredient stream with a short duration. The secondary ingredient flow rate during the "on" periods (pulses) may be adequate to cause the secondary ingredient to exit the dispensing orifice with adequate velocity to cross the air gap. The overall flow rate may be regulated by introducing "off periods between the pulses. The longer the "off periods, the lower the overall flow rate. The frequency of the pulses may be, for example, between 4 and 30 Hz.

[078] FIG. 13 shows a system 1300 for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102. As shown in FIG. 13, system 1300 may comprise a pump 1302, a first valve 1304, an accumulator 1306, and a second valve 1308. Pump 1302 may comprise, but is not limited to, a continuous flow positive displacement metering pump. Examples of continuous flow positive displacement metering pumps include, but are not limited to, vane pumps and gear pumps. First valve 1304 may comprise, but is not limited to, a poppet valve. Second valve 1308 may comprise, but is not limited to, an on/off solenoid valve. First secondary ingredient 1112 may enter system 1300 at pump 1302, pass downstream through first valve 1304, accumulator 1306, second valve 1308, first secondary ingredient tube 1102, and exit system 1300 from first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, CDM 204 may control pump 1302, first valve 1304, and second valve 1308.

[079] Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, system 1300 may allow ingredients (e.g., secondary ingredients, both macro or micro) to be air mixed using, for example, a constant flow positive displacement pumping/metering device (e.g., pump 1302) that can operate at variable flow rates by dispensing a pulsed flow. A continuous flow positive displacement metering pump may be used for pumping/metering micro and macro ingredients consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.

[080] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show in more detail system 1300 for converting a continuous flow to a pulsed flow that may be used in conjunction with dispensing system 102. As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an inlet of first pump 1302 may receive first secondary ingredient 1112. An outlet of first pump 1302 may be connected to first valve 1304 that may comprise a poppet valve with a fixed cracking pressure. As long as the pressure in system 1300 downstream of the poppet valve is lower than the cracking pressure of the poppet valve, the backpressure seen by pump 1302 may remain constant and equal to the cracking pressure of the poppet valve. Thus the poppet valve may isolate pump 1302 from changes in pressure downstream of the poppet valve. Consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, other types of pressure regulation devices may be used.

[081] First valve 1304 (e.g., the aforementioned poppet valve) may be connected to accumulator 1306. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the disclosure in which accumulator 1306 may comprise a semi-flexible tubing 1310. Semi-flexible tubing 1310 may comprise a semi-flexible tube (e.g., vinyl) that may expand slightly to act as an accumulator. FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which accumulator 1306 may include a bubble trap 1312 placed into the line. Bubble trap 1312 may be initially filled with air when system 1300 is empty. When system 1300 is initially filled with an ingredient (e.g., first secondary ingredient 1112), bubble trap 1312 may trap an air bubble 1314. Each time an ingredient container is changed out, a small amount of air may be introduced into the line. This small amount of air may replenish air bubble 1314 in the event that some of air bubble 1314 is lost. Air bubble 1314 may expand and contract as first secondary ingredient 1112, accumulating between pulses, raises the pressure and the release of the pulse reduces the pressure thus acting as an accumulator. The amount of first secondary ingredient 1112 accumulating between pulses may be very small. Other types of accumulators may be used and accumulator 1306 is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[082] Accumulator may be connected to second valve 1308 (e.g., an on/off solenoid valve) that opens and closes to create the pulses. Second valve 1308 may be connected to first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 via first secondary ingredient tube 1102.

[083] Pump 1302 may always be delivering first secondary ingredient 1112 to system 1300. During the times between pulses when second valve 1308 may be closed, more ingredient (e.g., first secondary ingredient 1112) may still be delivered. In the absence of accumulator 1306, the pressure in system 1300 may rapidly build up between pulses. By its nature, a positive displacement pump may create high pressures. When second valve 1308 opens to create a pulse, first secondary ingredient 1112 may be free to flow out of first secondary ingredient tube orifice 1108 relieving the pressure in system 1300. Accumulator 1306 may receive first secondary ingredient 1112 delivered between pulses, that may relieve pressure spikes between pulses and leveling out the pressure in system 1300. Pressure spikes can damage system 1300 or cause first secondary ingredient 1112 to leak through second valve 1308 when closed. Second valve 1308, for example, may function as a pressure relief valve in the event second valve 1308 fails.

[084] While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising:

a dispensing nozzle assembly configured to provide a primary ingredient stream; and

an aseptic nozzle configured to;

provide an aseptic ingredient stream, and

mix the aseptic ingredient stream with the primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left the dispensing nozzle assembly.

2. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the primary ingredient stream comprises a multi-ingredient stream.

3. The system of Claim 1, wherein the aseptic nozzle is drip-proof.

4. The system of Claim 1, further comprising an aseptic nozzle retention clip configured to hold the aseptic nozzle in a position configured to cause the provided aseptic ingredient stream to mix with the primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left the dispensing nozzle assembly.

5. A system comprising:

an aseptic nozzle configured to provide an aseptic ingredient stream; and an aseptic nozzle retention clip configured to hold the aseptic nozzle in a position configured to cause the provided aseptic ingredient stream to mix with a primary ingredient stream after the primary ingredient stream has left a dispensing nozzle assembly.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle is drip-proof.

7. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle has a disposable closure.

8. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices.

9. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle comprises a plurality of orifices, each of the plurality of orifices having a size configured to cause a surface tension across each of the plurality of orifices configured to retain a liquid in each of the plurality of orifices between dispenses from the aseptic nozzle.

10. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle comprises: an inlet port;

an outlet port; and

a vertical section.

11. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle comprises:

an inlet port;

an outlet port at a level above the inlet port; and

a vertical section connecting the inlet and the outlet port.

12. The system of Claim 5, wherein the aseptic nozzle comprises an outlet port being substantially horizontal.

13. The system of Claim 5, further comprising a pinch valve located remotely from the aseptic nozzle.

14. A method comprising:

providing a primary ingredient stream;

receiving a continuous flow of a secondary ingredient;

converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to a secondary ingredient stream comprising a pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient; and

mixing the secondary ingredient stream with the primary ingredient stream.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein receiving the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient comprises receiving the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient from a positive displacement metering pump.

16. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to a secondary ingredient stream comprising a pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient having a frequency of between 4 Hz and 30 Hz inclusively.

17. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the secondary ingredient stream comprising the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient with at least one on period.

18. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient with at least one on period having sufficient velocity to cross and an air gap between the primary ingredient stream and a secondary ingredient tube orifice from which the secondary ingredient stream is dispensed.

19. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient with at least one on period having sufficient velocity to cross and an air gap between the primary ingredient stream and a secondary ingredient tube orifice from which the secondary ingredient stream is dispensed, the velocity of the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient being based on a size of the secondary ingredient tube orifice.

20. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient with at least one off period.

21. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises providing the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient with at least one off period, the off period having a duration configured to cause a desired flow rate for the secondary ingredient stream.

22. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises:

receiving the secondary ingredient at a first valve;

storing the secondary ingredient in an accumulator; and

using a second value to release the stored secondary ingredient from the accumulator.

23. The method of Claim 14, wherein converting the continuous flow of the secondary ingredient to the pulsed flow of the secondary ingredient comprises:

receiving the secondary ingredient at a first valve comprising a poppet valve; storing the secondary ingredient in an accumulator comprising one of the following: a semi-flexible tubing and a bubble trap; and

using a second value to release the stored secondary ingredient from the accumulator, the a second value comprising an on/off solenoid valve.