U.S. patent application number 10/156732 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-23 for pump having flexible liner and merchandiser having such a pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baxter International Inc.. Invention is credited to Danby, Hal C., Wilcox, Alun.
Application Number | 20030017056 10/156732 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29709607 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030017056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Danby, Hal C. ; et
al. |
January 23, 2003 |
Pump having flexible liner and merchandiser having such a pump
Abstract
A pump has a flexible liner which is expanded and contracted by
application of positive and negative fluid pressure for receiving
and discharging fluent material. The liner is received in a rigid
shell which defines the maximum volume received. In discharging
fluent material, a vacuum is applied to one side of the liner,
while applying pressure to the other side so the liner is collapsed
against the rigid shell. The liner is arranged so as to be the only
part of the pump which contacts the fluent material, and is
replaceable to effect rapid and easy cleaning of the pump. The
liner has multiple pump cells which can expand and contract for
moving fluent material through the pump cell. The pump cells can be
sized and arranged so that by selection of particular pump cells
which receive the fluent material, precise volumes can be metered
by the pump. A merchandiser has a pump and a flexible bag which is
deformed to selectively dispense fluent material.
Inventors: |
Danby, Hal C.; (Nr. Sudbury,
GB) ; Wilcox, Alun; (Richmond, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Francis C. Kowalik
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
One Baxter Parkway, 32E
Deerfield
IL
60015-4633
US
|
Assignee: |
Baxter International Inc.
|
Family ID: |
29709607 |
Appl. No.: |
10/156732 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10156732 |
May 28, 2002 |
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|
09978649 |
Oct 16, 2001 |
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10156732 |
May 28, 2002 |
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09909422 |
Jul 19, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ; 417/474;
417/478; 417/479 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 61/065 20130101;
F04B 13/02 20130101; F04B 43/0736 20130101; B67D 1/108 20130101;
B65B 37/20 20130101; F04B 43/025 20130101; B67D 1/045 20130101;
B67D 1/1231 20130101; B65B 9/042 20130101; B67D 1/0001 20130101;
B67D 2210/0006 20130101; B67D 1/0043 20130101; A21B 7/00 20130101;
B67D 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ; 417/474;
417/478; 417/479 |
International
Class: |
F04B 045/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A merchandiser for selectively dispensing fluent material, the
merchandiser comprising: a mount for supporting a flexible bag; a
flow control adapted to receive at least a majority of the flexible
bag therein and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent
material without contact of the fluent material by the flow
control, the flow control including a shell adapted to receive the
flexible bag and having receptacles formed therein adapted for
receiving respective pump cells formed in the flexible bag, the
receptacles each being connected to a fluid pressure control source
for selectively applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a
positive pressure to the receptacle to selectively expand and
collapse the cell for use in dispensing fluent material; and a
selector for actuation by a person to initiate operation of the
flow control to dispense fluent material.
2. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the selector is
coin operated.
3. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 2 wherein the selector
includes selection indicators adapted for manipulation by the
person to select from at least two different operation modes of the
flow control to dispense fluent material.
4. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 3 wherein the selection
indicators are capable of selecting modes of operation of the flow
control which differ in at least one of the following ways: the
amount of fluent material dispensed and the pump cell or pump cells
from which fluent material is discharged.
5. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 4 wherein in at least one
of the modes of operation the flow control is adapted to discharge
fluent material from at least two pump cells of the flexible bag at
the same time.
6. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 5 wherein the flow control
is constructed and arranged to direct fluent material discharged
therefrom to mix the fluent material.
7. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shell has at
least three receptacles formed therein including a mixing
receptacle, at least two of the other receptacles being adapted for
communication with the mixing receptacle.
8. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a
controller responsive to the selector to operate the flow control
so that when a flexible bag is received by the flow control, fluent
material is discharged from pump cells received in said at least
two other receptacles into a pump cell received in the mixing
receptacle, and the pump cell in the mixing receptacle is acted
upon by the fluid pressure control source to mix fluent material in
the pump cell in the mixing receptacle.
9. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 8 wherein the controller is
adapted to operate the flow control to discharge mixed fluent
material from the pump cell received in the mixing receptacle.
10. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 7 wherein the shell has a
manifold receptacle formed therein adapted for communication with
each of said at least two other receptacles.
11. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 7 further comprising first
and second outlets, and wherein the mixing receptacle is adapted
for communication with the first and second outlets.
12. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 7 wherein at least some of
said at least two other receptacles have different volumes.
13. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein each receptacle
is free of communication with the other receptacles.
14. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the flow control
comprises pincher valves disposed for pinching engagement with the
flexible bag when the flexible bag is received in the shell to
block flow into or out of one or more of the pump cells.
15. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 in combination with the
flexible bag.
16. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a
cabinet defining an interior compartment, the mount being located
in the interior compartment of the cabinet.
17. A beverage dispenser for selectively dispensing a mixed
beverage, the beverage dispenser comprising: a mount adapted to
support a flexible bag; a flow control adapted to receive a
majority of the flexible bag therein and to deform the bag to
produce flow of beverage admixtures in the flexible bag without
contact of the beverage admixtures by the flow control, the flow
control including a shell adapted to receive the flexible bag and
having receptacles formed therein adapted for receiving respective
pump cells formed in the flexible bag, the receptacles including a
mixing receptacle adapted for communication with other of the
receptacles for receiving beverage admixtures into the mixing
receptacle when the flexible bag is received in the shell, the
receptacles each being connected to a fluid pressure control source
for selectively applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a
positive pressure to the receptacle to selectively expand and
collapse the pump cell for use in mixing and dispensing a beverage
admixture; and a selector for actuation by a customer to initiate
operation of the flow control to mix beverage admixtures and to
dispense a mixed beverage.
18. A beverage dispenser as set forth in claim 17 in combination
with the flexible bag, wherein at least one of the beverage
admixtures comprises a base liquid and at least two other beverage
admixtures comprise flavorings.
19. A pre-filled flexible bag for use in dispensing a beverage, the
pre-filled flexible bag comprising: first and second sheets of
flexible material in generally opposed relation with each other;
cells defined by regions in which the first and second sheets are
unconnected and which are substantially circumscribed by portions
of the bag in which the first and second sheets are sealingly
joined together, the cells each having an outlet; beverage liquid
disposed in at least a plural number of cells for discharging from
the cells through one or more of the outlets upon deformation of
the flexible bag.
20. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 19 wherein one
of the cells comprises a mixing cell, the mixing cell being free of
beverage liquid, the mixing cell being adapted for fluid
communication with other of the cells for receiving beverage liquid
therefrom for use in mixing the beverage liquid from said other
cells.
21. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
mixing cell is formed with a first inlet for each of said other
cells to establish fluid communication with the mixing cell and a
second inlet adapted to open to exterior of the bag for receiving
fluent material from without the flexible bag.
22. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 21 wherein the
mixing cell comprises a first outlet and a second outlet for use in
discharging mixed beverage from the mixing cell.
23. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 20 wherein the
cells include a metering cell for each of said other cells adapted
for fluid communication with the mixing cell, the metering cells
each being adapted for fluid communication with one of said other
cells and the mixing cell.
24. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 23 wherein each
metering cell has a volume which is less than the volume of said
one of said other cells.
25. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 20 wherein one
of said other cells has a volume larger than any of the remaining
other cells.
26. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 25 wherein the
beverage liquid in said larger volume other cell comprises a base
beverage liquid and the beverage liquid in the remaining other
cells comprises beverage additives, at least one of the beverage
additives being adapted for mixing with the base beverage
liquid.
27. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 19 wherein said
plural cells hold at least two different fluent materials.
28. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 27 wherein said
plural cells have inlets formed therein for fluid communication
from without the flexible bag to replenish beverage liquid in said
plural cells.
29. A pre-filled flexible bag as set forth in claim 19 further
comprising a hanger for hanging the flexible bag.
30. A flow control for selectively dispensing fluent material, the
flow control comprising: a shell adapted to receive the flexible
bag and having at least three receptacles formed therein including
a mixing receptacle, at least two of the other receptacles being
adapted for communication with the mixing receptacle, the
receptacles being adapted for receiving respective pump cells
formed in the flexible bag; a fluid pressure control source for
selectively applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a
positive pressure to at least some of the receptacles to
selectively expand and collapse the pump cell for use in dispensing
fluent material; and a controller for operating the fluid pressure
control when a flexible bag is received in the shell to deliver
fluent material to the mixing receptacle from said at least two
other receptacles, to act on the fluent material in the mixing
receptacle to mix the fluent material, and to discharge the mixed
fluent material from the mixing receptacle.
31. A flow control as set forth in claim 30 wherein the shell
further comprises a manifold receptacle adapted for communication
with each of said at least two other receptacles.
32. A flow control as set forth in claim 30 wherein the shell
further comprises first and second outlets, and the mixing
receptacle is adapted for communication with the first and second
outlets.
33. A flow control as set forth in claim 30 wherein at least some
of said at least two other receptacles have different volumes.
34. A flow control as set forth in claim 30 wherein the flow
control further comprises pincher valves disposed for pinching
engagement with the flexible bag when the flexible bag is received
in the shell to block flow into or out of one or more of the pump
cells.
35. A method of manufacturing a flexible bag pre-filled with fluent
material comprising the steps of: positioning a first sheet and a
second sheet of limp material in generally opposed relation;
joining the first and second sheets together to define distinct
cells having an inlet opening; filling one of the cells with a
first beverage liquid; filling another of the cells with a second
beverage liquid; and sealing the inlets of the cells.
36. A method of dispensing mixed fluent material comprising the
steps of: providing a flexible bag having cells formed therein, at
least some of the cells containing a fluent material therein;
deforming the flexible bag to discharge fluent material from at
least two of the cells into a mixing cell in the flexible bag;
deforming the flexible bag at the mixing cell to mix fluent
material in the mixing cell; and dispensing mixed fluent material
from the mixing cell.
37. A method as set forth in claim 36 further comprising a step of
flushing the mixing cell.
38. A method of servicing a point of sale merchandiser capable of
delivering fluent material to an article upon demand by a customer,
the method comprising the steps of: accessing a location in which
at least one bag of flexible material is located; removing the
flexible bag from the location; replacing the flexible bag with
another flexible bag containing fluent material to be
dispensed.
39. A method as set forth in claim 38 wherein said step of removing
the flexible bag includes removing the entire flow path of fluent
material in the merchandiser, and said step of replacing the
flexible bag includes providing a new flow path of fluent material
in the merchandiser.
40. A merchandiser for selectively dispensing fluent material, the
merchandiser comprising: a mount for supporting a flexible bag; a
flow control adapted to receive at least a majority of the flexible
bag therein and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent
material without contact of the fluent material by the flow
control, the flow control including a shell adapted to receive the
flexible bag and having receptacles formed therein adapted for
receiving respective pump cells formed in the flexible bag, the
receptacles each being connected to a fluid pressure control source
for selectively applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a
positive pressure to the receptacle to selectively expand and
collapse the cell for use in dispensing fluent material, the flow
control being constructed and arranged to direct fluent material
discharged therefrom to mix the fluent material.
41. A merchandiser for selectively dispensing fluent material, the
merchandiser comprising: a mount for supporting a flexible bag; a
flow control adapted to receive at least a majority of the flexible
bag therein and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent
material without contact of the fluent material by the flow
control, the flow control including a shell adapted to receive the
flexible bag and having receptacles formed therein adapted for
receiving respective pump cells formed in the flexible bag, the
receptacles each being connected to a fluid pressure control source
for selectively applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a
positive pressure to the receptacle to selectively expand and
collapse the cell for use in dispensing fluent material, the flow
control being constructed and arranged for mixing the fluent
material prior to discharge from the flow control.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/978,649, filed Oct. 16, 2001, and U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/909,422, filed Jul. 19, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to pumps which meter
predetermined volumes and more particularly to such a pump
employing a flexible liner.
[0003] Pumps are often used in applications where the surfaces
contacting a fluent material being pumped should be kept clean.
Such fluent materials include food, beverages, and medicinal
products in the form of liquids, powders, slurries, dispersions,
particulate solids or other pressure transportable fluidizable
material. For instance, where the fluent material is a food
additive for a food product, it is imperative that surfaces
contacting the material be maintained in an aseptic condition.
Accordingly, the parts of the pump which contact the food are made
of materials (e.g., stainless steel) which are highly resistant to
corrosion and can be cleaned. However, such materials are expensive
and significantly increase the cost of the pump. The pump must be
periodically shut down to clean surfaces which handle the food
product. Cleaning may also involve continuing to operate the pump
while flushing with a cleaning liquid. In any event, the pump is
not available for production operation while cleaning is taking
place. Many fluent food products are prone to leave residue or
debris as they are handled, which cause the pump to become
unsanitary. Although necessary, it is inefficient to stop the pump
frequently for cleaning and this increases the cost of
manufacturing the product.
[0004] Manufacturing and merchandising processes frequently include
the pumping and dispensing of a fluent material. Pumps used in such
a process are called upon to meter fluent materials in precise
quantities. A beverage merchandiser for dispensing a selected
beverage should provide for precise mixing of beverage components,
accurate volumetric delivery, and ready replenishment.
Unfortunately, merchandisers of the prior art do not provide these
capabilities in an efficient and clean system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Among the several objects and features of the present
invention may be noted the provision of a merchandiser such as a
beverage dispenser for dispensing metered quantities of fluent
material; the provision of such a merchandiser which can precisely
mix various fluent material components in selected proportions; the
provision of such a merchandiser which handles fluent materials
while keeping the apparatus clean; the provision of such a
merchandiser which is capable of maintaining aseptic conditions;
and the provision of such a merchandiser which is economical and
easy to use.
[0006] Further among the several objects and features of the
present invention may be noted the provision of a flexible bag used
to dispense a fluent material which is capable of dispensing at
multiple outlets; the provision of such a flexible bag for use in
beverage dispensing; the provision of such a bag which can be
manipulated to dispense directly to an article from the bag within
any intervening structure; the provision of such a bag which can
store and deliver a product in an aseptic condition; the provision
of such a flexible bag which contains multiple components of a
mixture to be dispensed; the provision of such a flexible bag which
can be rapidly replaced; the provision of such a flexible bag which
can be used multiple times; and the provision of such a bag which
is economical to use in manufacture.
[0007] In general, a merchandiser according to the present
invention selectively dispenses fluent material. The merchandiser
comprises a mount for supporting a flexible bag. A flow control is
adapted to receive at least a majority of the flexible bag therein
and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material without
contact of the fluent material by the flow control. The flow
control includes a shell adapted to receive the flexible bag and
having receptacles formed therein adapted for receiving respective
pump cells formed in the flexible bag. The receptacles each are
connected to a fluid pressure control source for selectively
applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a positive pressure
to the receptacle to selectively expand and collapse the cell for
use in dispensing fluent material. A selector is for actuation by a
person to initiate operation of the flow control to dispense fluent
material.
[0008] In another aspect, a beverage dispenser of the invention
selectively dispenses a mixed beverage. The beverage dispenser
comprises a mount adapted to support a flexible bag. A flow control
is adapted to receive a majority of the flexible bag therein and to
deform the bag to produce flow of beverage admixtures in the
flexible bag without contact of the beverage admixtures by the flow
control. The flow control includes a shell adapted to receive the
flexible bag and having receptacles formed therein adapted for
receiving respective pump cells formed in the flexible bag. The
receptacles include a mixing receptacle adapted for communication
with other of the receptacles for receiving beverage admixtures
into the mixing receptacle when the flexible bag is received in the
shell. The receptacles each are connected to a fluid pressure
control source for selectively applying at least one of a vacuum
pressure and a positive pressure to the receptacle to selectively
expand and collapse the pump cell for use in mixing and dispensing
a beverage admixture. A selector is associated with the cabinet for
actuation by a customer to initiate operation of the flow control
to mix beverage components and to dispense a mixed beverage.
[0009] In yet another aspect, a pre-filled flexible bag of the
invention is for use in dispensing a beverage. The pre-filled
flexible bag comprises first and second sheets of flexible material
in generally opposed relation with each other. Cells are defined by
regions in which the first and second sheets are unconnected and
which are substantially circumscribed by portions of the bag in
which the first and second sheets are sealingly joined together.
The cells each have an outlet. Beverage liquid is disposed in at
least a plural number of cells for discharging from the cells
through one or more of the outlets upon deformation of the flexible
bag.
[0010] In still a further aspect, a flow control according to the
present invention selectively dispenses fluent material. The flow
control comprises a shell adapted to receive the flexible bag and
having at least three receptacles formed therein including a mixing
receptacle. At least two of the other receptacles are adapted for
communication with the mixing receptacle. The receptacles are
adapted for receiving respective pump cells formed in the flexible
bag. A fluid pressure control source is for selectively applying at
least one of a vacuum pressure and a positive pressure to at least
some of the receptacles to selectively expand and collapse the pump
cell for use in dispensing fluent material. A controller operates
the fluid pressure control when a flexible bag is received in the
shell to deliver fluent material to the mixing receptacle from the
at least two other receptacles, to act on the fluent material in
the mixing receptacle to mix the fluent material, and to discharge
the mixed fluent material from the mixing receptacle.
[0011] In yet a further aspect, a method of manufacturing a
flexible bag pre-filled with fluent material according to the
invention comprises the steps of positioning a first sheet and a
second sheet of limp material in generally opposed relation and
joining the first and second sheets together to define distinct
cells having an inlet opening. One of the cells is filled with a
first beverage liquid, and another of the cells is filled with a
second beverage liquid. The inlets of the cells are sealed.
[0012] In one more aspect, a method of the invention dispenses
mixed fluent material. The method comprises the steps of providing
a flexible bag having cells formed therein, at least some of the
cells containing a fluent material therein. The flexible bag is
deformed to discharge fluent material from at least two of the
cells into a mixing cell in the flexible bag. The flexible bag is
deformed at the mixing cell to mix fluent material in the mixing
cell. Mixed fluent material is dispensed from the mixing cell.
[0013] In still another aspect of the present invention, a
merchandiser for selectively dispensing fluent material comprises a
mount for supporting a flexible bag and a flow control adapted to
receive at least a majority of the flexible bag therein and to
deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material without contact
of the fluent material by the flow control. The flow control
includes a shell adapted to receive the flexible bag and having
receptacles formed therein adapted for receiving respective pump
cells formed in the flexible bag. The receptacles each are
connected to a fluid pressure control source for selectively
applying at least one of a vacuum pressure and a positive pressure
to the receptacle to selectively expand and collapse the cell for
use in dispensing fluent material. The flow control is constructed
and arranged to direct fluent material discharged therefrom to mix
the fluent material.
[0014] In a further aspect of the present invention, a merchandiser
as set forth in the preceding paragraph. However, the flow control
is constructed and arranged to mix fluent material prior to
discharge from the flow control.
[0015] Other objects and features of the present invention will be
in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a drink dispensing apparatus of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a pump of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective of a shell of a pump of the present
invention in the form of a compounding apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan of a liner of flexible material of the pump
of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan of a lower half of the pump shell with the
liner received therein and schematically illustrating valves;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the pump with halves of the
pump shell and the pump liner exploded;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a pinch valve of the pump;
[0023] FIGS. 8A-8D are fragmentary cross sections of the pump
showing a single pump cell and illustrating the operation of the
pump;
[0024] FIGS. 9A-9D are fragmentary cross sections of a pump of a
second embodiment illustrating its operation;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan of a pump of a third embodiment
showing one half of a shell of the pump with a pump liner received
therein and illustrating valves;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan of a pump of a fourth embodiment
showing one half of a shell of the pump with a pump liner received
therein and illustrating valves;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan of a pump of a fifth embodiment
showing one half of a shell of the pump with a pump liner received
therein and illustrating valves;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan of a pump of a sixth embodiment
showing one half of a shell of the pump with a pump liner received
therein and illustrating valves;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan of a pump of a seventh
embodiment showing one half of a shell of the pump with a pump
liner received therein and illustrating valves;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an elevation of a first merchandiser for
selectively dispensing fluent material;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an elevation showing an interior of a cabinet of
the merchandiser of FIG. 15;
[0032] FIG. 17 is an elevation of a second merchandiser for
selectively mixing and dispensing fluent material;
[0033] FIG. 17A is a flexible bag for the merchandiser of FIG. 17;
and
[0034] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control system for the
merchandisers of FIGS. 15-17.
[0035] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 2, a
pump 11 constructed according to the principles of the present
invention is shown to comprise a liner 13 made of a limp, flexible
material, such as an appropriate polymer, including without
limitation polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polymer laminates and
polymer alloys. In a preferred embodiment, the liner 13 comprises
two sheets of the material (designated 13A and 13B, respectively)
in face-to-face relation which are joined together at their
peripheral edge margins as by welding, leaving a weld seam around
the peripheral edge (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The sheets 13A, 13B may be
secured together in any other suitable manner, such as by adhesive
or mechanical fasteners. The liner may be formed with a single
sheet folded over and joined to itself, or otherwise so as to form
a thin enclosure of flexible material capable of receiving and
discharging fluent material. The sheets 13A, 13B are also welded
together to define multiple pump cells 17, manifold pump cells 19
and a header pump cell 21 in the interior of the liner 13. All of
these may be generally considered to be "pump cells" in that they
are expandable for receiving fluent material and contractible for
discharging the fluent material in operation of the pump 11.
"Fluent material" is used to convey that a pump of the present
invention can be used for gases and liquids, but it is also
envisioned that the pump could be used with very finely divided
solids. However in the preferred embodiments described herein, the
fluent material is a liquid and so the term "liquid" will be used
herein without limitation as to the type of material which can be
acted upon by a pump of the present invention. As will be described
more fully hereinafter, the pump 11 has application for use in a
drink dispenser, generally indicated at 23, capable of making a
drink with different selected mixes of flavorings, as schematically
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0037] The sheets 13A, 13B of the liner 13 are also welded together
so as to form inlets 25 and passages 27 for receiving liquid into
the liner. The liner 13 illustrated in FIG. 4 is particularly
configured for delivering variable and precise volumes to form a
mixture. The pump cells 17 and manifold pump cells 19 are arranged
in five groups (designated generally at 29) each including three
pump cells of differing size and volume and a manifold pump cell.
The pump cells 17 and manifold pump cell 19 of each group 29
communicate with the header pump cell 21 extending laterally of the
liner 13 and having an outlet, constituting in this embodiment the
outlet of the pump 11. The manifold pump cell 19 of each group 29
communicates with the passages 27 from the inlets, with each pump
cell 17 in the group and also with the manifold pump cells 19.
Liquid from the manifold pump cell 19 can enter either one of the
pump cells 17 or the manifold pump cells 19, as will be described
hereinafter. Although the pump of the preferred embodiment is
illustrated as having multiple cells (17, 19, 21) and passages 27,
it is to be understood that a pump (not shown) could have any
number of cells, including only a single cell, without departing
from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the passages do
not have to be expandible and collapsible for pumping fluid like
passages 27, but may be of a fixed volume, in the manner of the
inlets 25. The number and configuration of the cells and passages
will be dictated by the particular application of the pump.
[0038] A pump of the same general type is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,151,019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. Other pumps are disclosed in copending U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/909,422, entitled "Apparatus, Method and Flexible Bag
For Use in Manufacturing," filed Jul. 19, 2001, and co-assigned
U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled "Apparatus, Flexible Bag
and Method for Dispensing," filed simultaneously herewith. Each of
these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the liner 13 is received between an
upper half 33A and lower half 33B of a rigid shell (generally
indicated at 33). In the preferred embodiment, the material is a
metal, but could be another rigid material such as a polymeric
material. The shell 33 may have fewer or greater number of
component parts. Moreover, the terms "upper" and "lower" have been
chosen for convenience, as the component parts of the shell 33 may
assume other relative positions. As shown, the upper and lower
halves 33A, 33B are connected together by a hinge 35 for ease of
opening and closing the shell 33 to remove, adjust or replace the
liner 13 between the shell halves. The halves 33A, 33B need not be
permanently connected. It will be readily appreciated that each
shell half (33A, 33B) is formed with cooperating receptacle members
arranged identically to the arrangement of pump cells 17, the
manifold pump cells 19, the header pump cell 21, the inlets 25 and
the passages 27 of the liner 13. The receptacle members are
designated by the same reference number as the part of the liner 13
which they receive, but with the prefix "1" and the suffix "A" or
"B" indicating their association with the upper shell half 33A or
lower shell half 33B (e.g., 117A for the receptacle member
receiving the pump cell 17 in the upper shell half 33A).
[0040] The receptacle members (117A, 117B, 119A, 119B, 121A, 121B,
125A, 125B, 127A, 127B) of the upper and lower halves 33A, 33B are
aligned when the shell 33 is closed to define receptacles having a
shape closely corresponding to the shape of one of the pump cells
17, manifold pump cells 19 or of the header pump cell 21 for
receiving the one pump cell, manifold pump cell or the header pump
cell. Engagement of the shell halves 33A, 33B with the liner 13
should be sufficiently firm to produce a fluid tight seal of each
receptacle formed for the mating receptacle members (117A et seq.),
for reasons which will become apparent. It is envisioned that the
seal could be sufficiently tight as to omit the necessity of
preforming the welded seal around the peripheral edge, the pump
cells 17, manifold pump cells 19, header pump cell 21, the inlets
25 and the passages 27. The liner 13 has a hole 39 at each of its
four corners which is received on a respective stud 41 on the lower
half 33B of the shell 33 to register the liner with the lower shell
half 33B so that the pump cells 17, manifold pump cells 19 and
header pump cell 21 are received in their corresponding receptacle
members. Apertures 43 in the upper shell half 33A receive the studs
41 so that flat faces of the upper and lower halves 33A, 33B
surrounding the receptacle members (117A et seq.) are parallel when
closed. The apertures 43 are elongated so that they may receive the
studs 41 as the upper shell half 33A pivots down to the closed
position of the shell 33. The liner 13 on the lower shell half 33B
is illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0041] The upper shell half 33A mounts a plurality of pinch valves
47 operable to open and close communication of the pump cells 17,
manifold pump cells 19, header pump cell 21 and passages 27 as
needed for operation. One of the pinch valves 47 is shown in FIG. 7
to comprise a cylinder 49 and a piston 51 having a head 51A
slidingly received in the cylinder. The free end of the piston 51
outside the cylinder mounts a wedge 53 arranged to bear down
against the liner 13 to bring the opposing walls (i.e., the
interior surfaces of the liner sheets 13A, 13B) of the liner into
sealing engagement for pinching off the liner to prevent fluid flow
past the valve 47. The lower shell half 33B and the wedge 53 are
shaped in a complementary manner so as to have a close fitting
relationship when the pinch valve 47 is actuated to facilitate a
tight closure. As illustrated, a spring 55 in the cylinder 49
engages one side of the piston head 51A and biases the piston 51 to
a retracted position into the cylinder such that the wedge 53 does
not pinch off the liner 13 and fluid may flow through the liner
past the valve. Air under pressure may be received through an inlet
57 in the cylinder 49 on the opposite side of the piston head 51A
from the spring 55 to force the head down against the bias of the
spring to extend the piston for pinching off the liner 13. However,
the pinch valve 47 may be actuated other than pneumatically (e.g.,
electrically) without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Moreover, the sheets 13A, 13B could be forced together
such as by application of air pressure directly to the sheets or by
magnet attraction, without the use of a separate mechanical valve.
It is to be understood that the term "valve" as used herein is
intended to encompass arrangements which use air pressure or
magnetic force to close the liner. The valves 47 may be actuated
independently, in sets or simultaneously as needed for operation of
the pump 11 in a particular application.
[0042] Referring again to FIG. 2, the upper shell half 33A further
includes a first port 61 connected by a valve 63 to a source of
pressurized air (or other gas) indicated generally at 65. The lower
shell half 33B includes a second port 67 connected by a valve 69 to
a vacuum source indicated generally at 71. Valve 63 is also capable
of connecting the first port 61 to the vacuum source 71. The
locations of the first port 61 and second port 67 could be
reversed. The pressure source 65 includes a first compressor 73, a
higher pressure reservoir 75 and a lower pressure reservoir 77. The
first compressor 73 is operated by a first compressor control 79
which receives a signal from a first pressure transducer 81
indicating the pressure of the air in the higher pressure reservoir
75 for operating to keep the air pressure in the higher at a
selected value. The higher pressure reservoir 75 is connected via a
pressure regulator 83 and a valve 85 to the lower pressure
reservoir 77 containing air at an elevated pressure, but lower than
that of the higher pressure reservoir. The valve 85 is operated by
a control 87 according to the air pressure in the lower pressure
reservoir 77 detected by a second pressure transducer 89 to open to
allow air to enter the lower pressure reservoir for maintaining a
predetermined air pressure in the reservoir. The pressure regulator
83 controls the pressure of the air entering the lower pressure
reservoir 77 from the higher pressure reservoir 75 to stabilize the
pressure in the lower pressure reservoir. The vacuum source 71
includes a second compressor 91 and a vacuum reservoir 93. The
second compressor 91 is operated by a second compressor control 95
which receives a signal from a third pressure transducer 97 to
maintain a substantially constant vacuum pressure in the lower
pressure reservoir 93.
[0043] The base operation of the pump 11 for a single pump cell 17
(as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 8A-8D) relies on the liner 13
extending between the receptacle members 117A, 117B so that
although the receptacle members are closely adjacent to define the
pump receptacles, they are fluidically separated from each other.
In other words, the liner 13 and each receptacle member 117A, 117B
define an independently sealed chamber. First, the valves 63 and 69
are actuated so that the receptacle member 117A of the upper shell
half 33A and the receptacle member 117B of the lower shell half 33B
are both exposed to vacuum pressure from the vacuum reservoir 93.
For purposes the of this description the specific pinch valves will
be designated as 47' and 47" to distinguish the upstream and
downstream pinch valves. The pinch valves 47', 47" are operated by
valves, designated 99A and 99B, respectively, which connect the
cylinders 49 of the valves to the lower pressure reservoir 77 of
the pressure source 65. At the same time the pinch valve 47' on the
inlet side of the pump cell 17 is opened and the pinch valve 47" on
the outlet side of the pump cell is closed. The valves 63 and 69
are operated to connect the upper and lower receptacle members
117A, 117B to the vacuum reservoir 93 of the vacuum source 71. The
pump cell 17 expands by separation of the walls (i.e., the sheets
13A, 13B) of the liner 13 at the pump cell to create a volume and
draw liquid into the pump cell (FIG. 8A). The walls 13A, 13B of the
liner 13 are expanded substantially against the shell 33 in the
receptacle members 117A, 117B so that the receptacle members define
the maximum volume of the pump cell 17 . The vacuum drawn has the
effect of pulling the upper and lower shell halves 33A, 33B
together as the pump cell 17 is filled. This increases the accuracy
of the pump 11 because the volume defined by the receptacle members
117A, 117B formed within the rigid shell 33 is highly accurate and
repeatable. When the shell halves 33A, 33B are drawn together so
that spacing and hence the volume defined by the receptacle members
117A, 117B is always precisely the same.
[0044] After the pump cell is filled, the pinch valve 47' is closed
and the pinch valve 47" is opened. A vacuum is maintained on the
pump cell 17 in the receptacle member 117B in the lower shell half
33B, while the valve 63 is operated to expose the receptacle member
on the upper shell half 33A to a positive pressure from the
pressure source 65. As a result the bottom wall 13B of the liner 13
remains substantially conformed against the shell 33 in the lower
shell half receptacle member 117B. The top wall 13A collapses
against the lower wall 13B to discharge the liquid from the pump
cell 17. This discharge process is illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8D. By
maintaining the lower wall 13B in contact with the shell 33 to
discharge, the material of the liner 13 is held without wrinkles,
which can affect the actual volume in the pump cell 17 and reduce
accuracy. The overall operation of the pump 11 is the same for each
pump cell 17 (the manifold pump cells 19, header pump cell 21 and
passages 27 also operate in the same way). However, the sequence of
operation of the valves (47', 47", 63, 67) can be selected to
achieve the specific function needed for the pump 11.
[0045] A sequence of operation of the single pump cell 17 is
illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D. These figures show the pump cell 17 as
being equipped with capacitance-type liquid level sensors 101. An
example of a suitable sensor would be a QProx capacitive sensor
available from Quantum Research Group Ltd. of Southampton, England.
Sensors of this type operate by detection of the liquid mass,
rather than direct detection of volume. These sensors 101 are
mounted in the upper shell half 33A at the top of the receptacle
member 117A and are connected to a pump master control 103 (FIG.
2). Other types of sensors (not shown), such as optical or
ultrasonic sensors, could be mounted on the shell 33 for detecting
the fill state of the pump cell 17. The sensors 101 are capable of
detecting the separation of the liquid from the top of the
receptacle member 117A. This permits the control 103 to calculate
the precise, instantaneous volume of the pump cell 17. The sensors
101 may be used to operate the valves 47', 47" by detection of when
the pump cell 17 is completely full or completely empty. Moreover,
the sensor 101 can detect a blockage in the pump cell 17. However
it is envision that by knowing the instantaneous volume of liquid
in the pump cell 17 during discharge, the valves 47" may also be
actuated to close off the pump cell 17 for delivery of partial
volumes. In other words, the valve 47" could be actuated at a point
during the discharge, such as shown in FIG. 8B or 8C, to prevent
further liquid from leaving the pump cell 17.
[0046] The operation of a single pump cell of a pump 211 of a
second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9A-9D for use in delivering
precise incremental volumes of liquid. Corresponding parts of the
pump 211 of the second embodiment will be designated by the same
reference numerals as the pump 11 of the first embodiment, with the
prefix "2". A pair of pinch valves (247A, 247B) on the outlet side
of the pump cell 217 are capable of segregating a very small,
discrete volume of the pump cell for delivering this small,
discrete volume. It will be appreciated that if a pump cell has a
very small maximum volume, it will be possible to deliver a very
precise volume from the pump cell (even where the pump cell is
fully emptied with each cycle of operation of the pump). However,
delivery of such small volumes will require many cycles of
operation to achieve the total volume of liquid needed. The pump
211 of FIGS. 9A-9D allows a full volume of the pump cell 217 to be
discharged until the precise total volume is neared, at which time
the valves 247A, 247B are operable to permit a partial volume to be
discharged until the total volume is reached. The valves 247A, 247B
include wedges 253A, 253B which are in the illustrated embodiment,
slidingly connected to each other, such as by a dovetail
connection. In full volume discharge operation of the pump cell
217, the valve 247A moves up to pinch off the outlet side of the
pump cell and down to permit liquid to be discharged from the pump
cell. The valve 247B is not used.
[0047] The operation of the pump 211 for the pump cell 217 to
deliver a partial volume is shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. In this
embodiment, it is not necessary to detect instantaneous volumes or
to time the closure of pinch valves to discharge a partial volume.
In each cycle, the full volume of the pump cell or segregated
portion of the pump cell is discharged. Initially, valve 247A is
actuated to pinch off the outlet of the pump cell 217 and the
entire pump cell is filled by application of a vacuum pressure to
the pump cell (FIG. 9A). The valve 247B is actuated to pinch off
the pump cell 217 just upstream of the outlet (FIG. 9B). It may be
seen that the valve wedges 253A, 253B are shaped so as to define a
small volume 200 in an outlet end region of the pump cell 217. The
valve 247A is opened and pressure is applied to the pump cell 217
so that liquid is discharged from the small volume 200 is the only
liquid discharged from the cell (FIG. 9C). The valve 247B holds the
liquid in the remainder of the cell 217 from leaving the cell.
Eventually, the small volume 200 is emptied (FIG. 9D) and the pump
211 is ready to repeat the operation or to return to discharging
the full volume of the pump cell 217.
[0048] Having described the base operation (and one variant) of the
pump 11 (211) for a single pump cell 17 (217), we will now discuss
the operation of the pump 11 formed for using the specific liner 13
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, with particular reference being made to
FIG. 5. The pinch valves 47 mounted in the upper shell half 33A are
shown in phantom. In a preferred embodiment, the pump 11 applies a
vacuum to all of the pump cells 17, manifold pump cells 19, header
pump cell 21 and passages 27 at the same time. Similarly, any air
pressure applied in a discharge operation would be applied to all
of the aforementioned components at the same time. While it would
be possible to apply a vacuum or positive pressure to the various
components individually, the arrangement would be more complex and
costly. The pinch valves 47 can be used as needed to isolate or
block off one or more of the cells (17, 19, 21) or passages (27)
not to be filled with or emptied of liquid.
[0049] Operation will be described with reference to one of the
groups 29 of pump cells 17 and manifold pump cells 19, the
operation of the others being substantially the same. The passages
27 are connected to one or more liquid sources (not shown) at the
inlets 25 for admitting the liquid into the pump 11. To draw liquid
into the passages 27, valves 63, 69 are opened to apply a vacuum to
the entire shell 33 and specifically to the passage receptacles
127A, 127B. The pinch valves 47 at the inner ends of the passages
27 are closed so that liquid is drawn into the fingers, but passes
no further in this cycle of operation of the pump 11. Preferably,
each of the passages 27 has suitable fill sensors, such as the
capacitive liquid level sensors 101 shown in FIGS. 8A-8D. Such
sensors would be capable of detecting that a particular one of the
passages 27 had not filled in the cycle. In response, an indication
may be given that one of the liquid sources is empty or that a
blockage is present. Before the liquid source is replaced or
immediately after the blockage is removed, the pump 11 is actuated
to collapse the one passage 27 so that any liquid and air in the
passage is expelled back into the inlet 25 and the liquid source.
All of the pinch valves 47 except the one at the inlet 25 of the
one passage 27 will have been closed so that the pump 11 does not
otherwise operate to pump the liquid even though pressure and
vacuum is applied to all of the cells (17, 19, 21) and the passages
27. In this way, the inlet 25, and any delivery tube (not shown)
connecting the inlet to the liquid source, is re-primed so that
after replacement of the liquid source (or removal of the blockage)
the one passage 27 will not be again partially filled with air. The
pump 11 is made to recycle with the pinch valves 47, save the pinch
valve connecting the one passage 27 to the liquid source, in the
same manner to fill the one passage. The pump 11 then returns to
normal operation. It will be appreciated that closely similar kinds
of detection and remedy could be applied for the cells (17, 19 and
21) fitted with liquid level sensors. The need for such detection
varies with the particular application of the pump 11. The passages
27 generally have an elongate, curved shape which facilitates the
expulsion or "scavenging" of liquid from the passages, which
increases the accuracy of the pump 11.
[0050] All of the passages 27 communicate with the manifold pump
cell 19 of the group 29. The other three pump cells 17 are all
connected to the manifold pump cell 19 and the manifold pump cell
has an outlet opening directly into the header pump cell 21. Thus,
it will be understood that the manifold pump cell 19 can operate
just like a standard pump cell 17 described previously, by
receiving liquid and discharging the liquid into the header cell 21
without involving any of the other pump cells. If the passages 27
are connected to sources containing a different liquids, the
manifold pump cell 19 also becomes a pre-mixing chamber prior to
any mixing which may occur in the header pump cell 21.
[0051] The manifold pump cell 19 and the pump cells 17 in the group
29 have different sizes preferably selected to give flexibility in
discharging the precise amounts needed in a particular application.
Each of the pump cells 17 can be filled with liquid from the
manifold pump cell 19 by opening the pinch valve 47 leading to that
particular pump cell, applying a vacuum to both receptacle members
117A, 117B, and to the manifold pump cell via the receptacle
members 119A, 119B. The manifold pump cell 19 and at least some of
the passages 27 remain in fluid communication with the liquid
source(s) so that they refill with liquid at the same time the pump
cell(s) 17 is filled. The pump 11 can be operated to discharge from
the manifold pump cell 19 into any one or any selected set of the
pump cells 17 in the group 29. This is accomplished by closing the
pinch valves 47 leading to the pump cells 17 not to be filled. The
control 103 is operable to select the pump cells 17 in the group 29
(including the manifold pump cell 19 which also can discharge
directly into the header pump cell 21) to be used in order to
achieve the volume of the particular liquid needed in the fewest
number of cycles of operation. Again, this is carried out by
opening and closing the particular pinch valves 49. The pump cells
17 are capable of discharging into the header pump cell 21 by
substantially the same operation The flexibility in operation of
the individual pinch valves depends upon the precision as well as
the variations in liquid volume and composition which is required
for a particular application.
[0052] The pump 11 of the present invention has application in
various systems, including compounding or mixing systems, such as
the drink dispenser 23 shown in FIG. 1. The dispenser has a
selected number (three in the illustrated embodiment) of reservoirs
104 of drink flavorings, each of which is connected by a respective
line 105 to the pump 11 of the present invention for dispensing to
a container C. The internal construction of the pump 11 would be
different than shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, requiring fewer pump cells,
but having the same general components. The pump 11 is configured
so that the flavorings can be intermixed in the pump (such as in a
header pump cell) prior to discharge from the pump. The pump 109
shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 would also have the pressure
source and vacuum source, such as is shown at 65 and 71 in FIG. 2,
for full operation. A discharge line 106 is connected to the pump
outlet and also to a mixing chamber 107 which receives a base
liquid (e.g., carbonated water) from a base liquid reservoir 108.
As shown, the base liquid reservoir has its own pump 109 for
feeding the base liquid to the mixing chamber 107. The pump 109 may
have a similar or substantially different construction than the
pump 11 of the present invention.
[0053] Notably, it is possible to keep the pump 11 clean with a
minimum of labor. The line connections from the flavoring
reservoirs 104 can be disconnected and the pump shell 33 can be
opened to expose the liner 13. The liner can be simply removed and
replaced with a fresh liner. Preferably the discharge line 106 is
formed as part of the liner 13 so that it is simultaneously
replaced. As can be seen, it is not necessary to use any detergents
or other cleaning chemicals or implements. No flushing of the pump
11 is required. It will be understood that the drink dispenser 23
is but one application in which a pump of the present invention is
useful. The pump is envisioned as being useful in any application
in which it will be necessary to frequently clean the pump, or in
which small, relatively precise quantities are to be metered by the
pump.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, a pump (broadly, "flow control") of a
third embodiment of the invention is shown schematically and
indicated generally at 300. The pump 300 includes a shell 302 (only
the lower half of which is shown in FIG. 10) adapted for dispensing
multiple fluent materials in metered volumes to provide
pre-determined quantities of each fluent material. The shell 302
comprises three receptacles 304 having different volumes for
receiving three corresponding pump cells 306 of a flexible bag 308.
The pump cells 306 are connected to respective reservoirs 310
external to the pump shell 302 containing a liquid (or other fluent
material). Each receptacle 304 is free of fluid communication with
the other receptacles. Consequently, there is no mixing between the
fluent materials within the shell 302. The shell 302 has three
outlets 312 for delivering the metered quantities of each fluent
material, each quantity corresponding to the size of the respective
pump cell 306. Pinch valves 314 are disposed for pinching
engagement with the flexible bag 308 to block flow into or out of
each of the pump cells 306. A pump having a different number of
receptacles and pump cells, or having uniformly sized pump cells
for providing equal quantities of each fluent material, does not
depart from the scope of this invention. The shell 302 (and shells
of other embodiments according to this invention) may be placed at
any orientation, including horizontal or vertical. Because pressure
is the actuating mechanism for moving fluent material, force due to
gravity is not required and the shell 302 is not required to be
positioned at an elevation lower than reservoirs 310 of fluent
material, as with other systems which rely on gravity.
[0055] A fourth embodiment of the invention (FIG. 11) provides a
flow control, indicated generally at 330, which permits mixing of
multiple fluent materials, each in a generally fixed quantity. A
shell 332 of the fourth embodiment includes a mixing cell 334 in a
mixing receptacle 336 which receives as inflow fluent materials
from the other pump cells 338 and delivers as outflow mixed
material to a common outlet 340 from the shell. First, second, and
third outlets 342 on the respective receptacles 344 are provided
for communication with the mixing receptacle 336. Mixing is
facilitated by natural diffusion and flow turbulence in the mixing
cell 334 and may be enhanced by cyclical application of pressure
and vacuum thereto. In other words, the mixing cell 334 may be
pulsed to ensure complete mixing. The pump cells 338 are connected
to respective external reservoirs 346 of liquid.
[0056] A fifth embodiment of the invention (FIG. 12) includes a
pump, indicated generally at 360, adapted for improved flexibility
by mixing variable quantities of multiple fluent materials. The
pump includes a shell 362 having a receptacle 364 for a manifold
cell 366, receptacles 368 for four pump cells 370 of varying sized
volumes, and a mixing cell 372. With this arrangement, multiple
fluent materials may be pre-mixed in the manifold cell 366 (within
the manifold receptacle 364) into a first admixture and delivered
to one or more of the pump cells 370 which has a desired volume.
Similarly, other admixtures may be prepared from other combinations
of fluent materials and deposited into a pump cell 370 of selected
volume. Alternatively, a single, unmixed fluent material may be
delivered into one or more of the pump cells 370. After filling one
or more of the pump cells 370 with metered quantities, the contents
of the pump cells are subsequently delivered to the mixing cell 372
for mixing and then to an outlet 374 of the shell. The pump 360
produces an accurately proportioned mixture of the desired
composition with flexibility in choice of components and
quantities.
[0057] A pump of a sixth embodiment (FIG. 13), indicated generally
at 380, includes a shell 381 having a large reservoir receptacle
382 and six smaller metering receptacles 384 which receive a
corresponding reservoir cell 386 and metering cells 388 of a
flexible bag 390. Each of the metering cells 388 has an outlet 392
for discharging liquid from the pump. Different selected quantities
of liquid from the reservoir cell 386 can be discharged by use of
different combinations of metering cells 388 in respective metering
receptacles 384 to draw liquid from the reservoir cell and
discharge the liquid. Air pressure is also preferably applied to
the reservoir cell 386 in the reservoir receptacle 382 to
facilitate flow to the metering cells 388. In this embodiment, the
flexible bag 390 is pre-filled with liquid and sealed for
subsequent use in the pump. Various seals can be broken upon
placement in the pump shell 381 for use of the flexible bag 390.
The metering cells 388 have generally uniform volumes, but could
have varying volumes without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0058] A system of a seventh embodiment, indicated generally at 400
in FIG. 14, provides mixing of multiple liquids. Six reservoirs 402
of liquids are connected in communication with six corresponding
pump cells 404 disposed in respective pump cell receptacles 406 in
a pump shell 408. Each pump cell 404 may be acted upon by the pump
to deliver a metered volume of material to a central passage 410,
comprising a mixing pump cell. A reservoir 412 of flushing material
(e.g., pure water) is connected to cleanse the mixing cell 410
between uses to inhibit carryover contamination and eliminate
residue. The shell 408 (and the flexible bag 414) includes two
outlets 416, one of which may be dedicated for use in a flushing
procedure using the flushing material from the reservoir 412.
Containers 418 shown adjacent each outlet 416 are illustrative
only. For instance, one of the outlets 416 could discharge to a
drain.
[0059] One application of the pump and pump cell of the present
invention is illustrated by a first merchandiser 430 (FIGS. 15 and
16) for selectively dispensing fluent material and vending food or
beverage products. The merchandiser 430 includes a cabinet 432
having a front face 434 and an interior compartment 436 containing
one or more reservoirs 438 of fluent material and a pump 440 having
a shell 442 with receptacles 444 receiving a flexible bag 446
including metering cells 448. It is to be understood that "cabinet"
also encompasses built in, as opposed to stand alone merchandisers.
The pump is shown in FIG. 16 with one half of its shell 442 removed
to reveal internal construction. The front face 434 is part of a
door hingedly mounted on the remainder of the cabinet 432. In this
embodiment each flexible bag 446 includes a larger reservoir
portion and a smaller metering cell 448 connected by a conduit
section 450. The bag 446 is hung such as by a peg 452 in the
cabinet above the pump 440 to facilitate gravity flow of liquid
into the pump. The pump 440 is mounted in the cabinet 432 and
receives the metering cell 448 of each flexible bag 446 and deforms
each metering cell to produce flow of fluent material out of the
bag. There is no contact of the fluent material by the pump,
producing a reduced likelihood of contamination such that
components of the invention may be made of a greater variety of
materials (e.g., not restricted to stainless steel). Each
receptacle 444 is connected to the fluid pressure control source
(e.g., schematically illustrated at 65 and 71 in FIG. 2) to
selectively expand or collapse the corresponding pump cell 448.
[0060] A selector, indicted generally at 454, is associated with
the cabinet 432 for actuation by a person to initiate operation of
the pump 440 to dispense fluent material. Preferably, the selector
454 is located on the front face 434 of the cabinet, is coin
operated, and includes selection indicators 456 (FIG. 15) as
conventionally known in the vending machine industry. In this
sense, the term "coin" refers to money of all forms including
metallic coinage and paper currency. It is envisioned that standard
vending machine selection and control devices may be employed. A
conventional money receptacle 458, coin return 460, and cup holding
shelf 462 are positioned in the cabinet 432. The first merchandiser
430 may be constructed to simultaneously dispense fluent material
to several articles.
[0061] A second merchandiser 480 is shown in FIG. 17 which includes
point of sale mixing of fluent materials. The merchandiser 480 has
a pump 481 which receives a flexible bag 482 having a mixing cell
484, metering cells 486, and other cells comprising reservoir cells
488. Each cell may be acted on by pressure and functions as a pump
cell. One reservoir cell 490 has a volume larger than all of the
remaining reservoir cells 488. Typically, the larger cell 490 holds
a base fluent material (e.g., carbonated water) and the remaining
reservoir cells 488 hold at least two different fluent additives
adapted for mixing with the base fluent material (e.g., cola syrup,
orange flavoring, etc.). The reservoir cells 488 have inlets 492
formed therein for receiving fluent material from without the
flexible bag to replenish fluent material without replacing the
bag. In this embodiment, all beverage components are preferably
pre-packaged in a single flexible bag 482 as shown in FIG. 17A. The
merchandiser 480 facilitates dispensing material exclusively from
one reservoir cell 488, or alternatively facilitates mixing of
beverage components from two or more cells to produce a desired
mixture. A system with multiple flexible bags, in lieu of a single
flexible bag combining all the cells, does not depart from the
scope of the invention.
[0062] A mount 494, such as a peg, is provided to removably mount
at least one flexible bag 482 of fluent material in the interior
compartment. The flexible bag 482 includes a hanger 496 for hanging
the bag. The provision of the bag ensures that the merchandiser 480
is easily supplied with fluent material. The bag 482 may be readily
removed, is disposable, easily replaced, and avoids the need for
cleaning the merchandiser. The entire delivery path for the fluent
material is replaced, from the reservoirs 488 and inlets 492 to
outlets 498, by bag replacement. When the material forming the bag
482 is transparent or partially transparent, visual inspection of a
material upper surface 500 is possible for detecting low quantity
and the need for refilling or replacement.
[0063] The mixing cell 484 is adapted for fluid communication with
other of the cells for receiving fluent material therefrom for use
in mixing the fluent material from the other cells. The mixing cell
484 is formed with a first inlet 502 from each of the reservoir
cells 488 and a second inlet 504 adapted to open to exterior of the
bag 482 for receiving fluent material from without the flexible
bag. The second inlet 504 is attached to a passage 506 for
providing flushing material (e.g., water) to rinse and cleanse the
mixing cell 484 between uses to inhibit carryover contamination or
eliminate residue. The mixing cell 484 has first and second outlets
498 for use in discharging mixed fluent material from the mixing
cell. The metering cells 486 receive fluent material from the
reservoir cells 488 and deliver metered volumes to the mixing cell
484. Each metering cell 486 has a volume which is less than the
volume of a corresponding reservoir cell 488. Another metering cell
(not shown) can be positioned between the larger cell 490 and the
mixing cell 484 to deliver metered volumes to the mixing cell.
Mixing within the mixing cell 484 occurs by natural diffusion and
flow turbulence. Improved mixing is facilitated, if desired, by
pulsing the mixing cell through cyclic application of pressure and
vacuum. That varies the geometry of the mixing cell 484 and causes
motion of the fluent contents to facilitate mixing.
[0064] The flexible bag 482 (FIG. 17A) is pre-filled with beverage
components prior to mounting in the merchandiser 480. The bag 482
is manufactured by joining first and second sheets 13A, 13B (FIGS.
2 and 6) of limp material in a generally opposed, face-to-face
relation. The sheets 13A, 13B are secured together by a suitable
method such as by heat-sealing, welding, adhesive, or fasteners.
The sheets are joined so as to form the pump cells 484, 486, 488,
490 as defined by regions in which the first and second sheets are
unconnected and which are circumscribed by sealed regions. Each
cell is suitable for holding a fluid. Beverage additives are
deposited in the reservoir cells 488, and the larger reservoir cell
490 is filled with a base beverage liquid.
[0065] A block diagram of a control system 510 of the merchandiser
is shown in FIG. 18. The selector 454 is connected to a control 514
which is responsive to the selection indicators 456 to select from
at least two different operation modes of the pump to dispense a
beverage. The control 514 is pre-programmed with quantities of
beverage components and/or pump metering instructions for various
selections from the selection indicators. The selection indicators
456 are capable of selecting modes of operation of the pump to
dispense fluent material. Typically the control system 510 (FIG.
18) determines the favored operation mode, based upon a selection
made by the person relating to a composition or quantity of
material requested. The modes of operation differ in at least one
of the following ways: the amount(s) of beverage component
dispensed and the pump cell or pump cells 484, 486, 488, 490 from
which components are discharged. For example, in at least one of
the modes of operation of the FIG. 17 merchandiser, the pump 481
discharges beverage components from at least two pump cells 484,
486, 488, 490 at the same time. In another, the pump 481 discharges
beverage component from one of the pump cells (e.g., the large
reservoir cell 490) in all modes of operation of the pump. The
controller 514 is responsive to the selector 454 to operate the
appropriate fluid pressure control source 65, 71 and pump so that
when a flexible bag 482 is received by the pump 481, beverage
components are discharged from reservoir pump cells 488 into the
mixing pump cell 484 received in the mixing receptacle. The mixing
cell 484 is acted upon by the fluid pressure control source 65, 71
to mix beverage components. The control 514 is adapted to operate
the pump 481 to discharge a mixed beverage from the mixing cell
484.
[0066] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0067] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0068] As various changes could be made in the above without
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all
matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
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