U.S. patent application number 14/358670 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for apparatus, diabetic treatment system and method for sweetening food.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Marcus-Meinolf Dittrich. Invention is credited to Marcus-Meinolf Dittrich.
Application Number | 20140305969 14/358670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47189940 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140305969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dittrich; Marcus-Meinolf |
October 16, 2014 |
Apparatus, Diabetic Treatment System and Method for Sweetening
Food
Abstract
The current invention relates to an apparatus, in particular a
dietary dispenser, to a diabetic treatment system and to a method
for sweetening food. The technical problem of enabling the consumer
to be satisfied with the flavor, in particular the sweetness, of
food and at the same time providing the optimal amount of calories
and/or carbohydrates to the consumer in a simple and secure way is
solved by an apparatus, in particular a dietary dispenser,
comprising at least two reservoirs, at least one nozzle and a
dispense mechanism. Each of the reservoirs comprises an outlet and
each outlet is connected to at least one nozzle. The first
reservoir contains a first fluid comprising sugar, while the second
reservoir contains a second fluid comprising a sugar substitute.
The dispense mechanism is configured such that the fluids can be
dispensed through the respective outlets and through the at least
one nozzle.
Inventors: |
Dittrich; Marcus-Meinolf;
(Frankfurt am Main, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dittrich; Marcus-Meinolf |
Frankfurt am Main |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland
GmbH
Frankfurt am Main
DE
|
Family ID: |
47189940 |
Appl. No.: |
14/358670 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 15, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/072791 |
371 Date: |
May 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 3/0019 20130101;
B67D 1/0017 20130101; B65D 83/0005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/135 |
International
Class: |
B67D 7/70 20100101
B67D007/70 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2011 |
EP |
11189560.3 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. Apparatus, in particular a dietary dispenser, comprising at
least two reservoirs, at least one nozzle and a dispense mechanism,
wherein each of said reservoirs comprises an outlet, wherein each
outlet is connected to at least one nozzle, wherein said first
reservoir contains a first fluid comprising sugar, wherein said
second reservoir contains a second fluid comprising a sugar
substitute, and wherein said dispense mechanism is configured such
that said fluids can be dispensed through said respective outlets
and through said at least one nozzle.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said sugar in said
first fluid is at least one of monosaccharides, disaccherides,
oligosaccharides.
19. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said sugar substitute
in said second fluid is a natural or an artificial sugar
substitute.
20. Apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a manifold
such that said outlets of said at least two reservoirs are
connected to a single nozzle.
21. Apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a separate
nozzle for each reservoir.
22. Apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a valve, in
particular a check valve, between each outlet and said at least one
nozzle.
23. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said dispense
mechanism comprises a plunger for each reservoir.
24. Apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a user
interface and a control unit, such that a user specific dose
parameter can be provided to said control unit configured to
control said dispense mechanism.
25. Apparatus according to any of the claims 17, wherein said
nozzle comprises a substantially blunt needle or cannula.
26. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said nozzle is
exchangeable and said apparatus further provides a lock out
mechanism such that an attachment of a medical needle as said
nozzle is prevented.
27. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of said
reservoirs is exchangeable.
28. Diabetic treatment system comprising an apparatus according to
claim 17 and at least one of an insulin injection device and a
blood sugar measurement device.
29. Method for sweetening food, comprising the steps of providing a
user specific dose parameter to an apparatus, in particular an
apparatus according to claim 17, said apparatus dispensing a fluid
comprising at least one of a first fluid and a second fluid,
wherein said first fluid and said second fluid have a ratio based
on said provided user specific dose parameter, and wherein said
first fluid comprises sugar and said second fluid comprises a sugar
substitute.
30. Method according to claim 17, wherein said user specific dose
parameter comprises information about a desired sweetness to be
dispensed and/or about an absolute or relative amount of sugar to
be dispensed, and wherein said ratio of said first fluid and said
second fluid is calculated by said apparatus based on said provided
user specific dose parameter.
31. Method according to claim 17, wherein said user specific dose
parameter comprises additional user specific information.
32. Method according to claim 17, wherein said apparatus saves
information about past dispense procedures.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a U.S. National Phase Application
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International Application No.
PCT/EP2012/072791 filed Nov. 15, 2012, which claims priority to
European Patent Application No. 11189560.3 filed Nov. 17, 2011. The
entire disclosure contents of these applications are herewith
incorporated by reference into the present application.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The current invention relates to an apparatus, in particular
a dietary dispenser, a diabetic treatment system and to a method
for sweetening food.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is well known in the state of the art to use a sugar
substitute instead of sugar in order to sweeten food. Especially
for diabetics and for people who are on a diet or who are
administered a diet, sugar substitutes are a common replacement for
sugar. By using a sugar substitute, people do not have to dispense
with the sweet taste of food while food with reduced calories and
fewer carbohydrates is consumed. This is very beneficial for people
suffering from diabetes and/or being on diet.
[0004] It is problematic though, that there are certain drawbacks
involved when using a sugar substitute. Many sugar substitutes, for
example most artificial sweeteners, which can be used to sweeten
food, in particular beverages, come with a distinct taste or
aftertaste for the person consuming it. This, in effect, leads to a
reduced delight and pleasure for the person consuming said
food.
[0005] These disadvantages do not appear when using sugar instead
of a sugar substitute. However, sugar can often not be used due to
the above mentioned reasons of leading to an increased amount of
carbohydrate and/or calory intake. Carbohydrates are to be avoided
for diabetics at least in an uncontrolled consumption, since
carbohydrates, and especially sugars, can increase the blood sugar
level quickly, which can not be counteracted well enough or even at
all by a person suffering from diabetes without any medication.
With respect to people on a diet, they often want to avoid any
increased consumption of calories.
[0006] To address this problem, there are beverages available which
contain both, sugar and a sugar substitute, in order to provide a
balance between a good taste and a reduced intake of calories and
carbohydrates. However, this only relates to ready-made beverages
and often does not meet the needs of the consumer, since the amount
of sugar which can be consumed by diabetics depends highly on the
particular person and on the very situation.
[0007] In view of the aforementioned, the invention faces the
technical problem of enabling the consumer to be satisfied with the
flavor, in particular the sweetness, of food and at the same time
providing the optimal amount of calories and/or carbohydrates to
the consumer in a simple and secure way.
[0008] The technical problem is solved by an apparatus, in
particular a dietary dispenser, comprising at least two reservoirs,
at least one nozzle and a dispense mechanism. Each of the
reservoirs comprises an outlet and each outlet is connected to at
least one nozzle. The first reservoir contains a first fluid
comprising sugar, while the second reservoir contains a second
fluid comprising a sugar substitute. The dispense mechanism is
configured such that the fluids can be dispensed through the
respective outlets and through the at least one nozzle.
[0009] By providing the aforementioned apparatus it is possible to
sweeten food, such as meals and beverages, with sugar and a sugar
substitute at the same time and with the desired ratio. While the
sugar provides the sweet taste people are used to without any
negative aftertastes, the sugar substitute provides the possibility
of reducing the amount of calories and carbohydrates in order to
meet any medical or dietary requirements.
[0010] With the nozzle the fluids can be easily dispensed into a
beverage, but it may also be injected into firmer food.
[0011] Due to the fact that the first fluid containing sugar is
kept in a different reservoir than the second fluid containing a
sugar substitute, it is generally possible to dispense a fluid
comprising a practically arbitrary ratio of sugar and sugar
substitute. Of course, it is also possible to only dispense one of
the two fluids with a dispense procedure. In case no sugar
substitute is desired, only the first fluid comprising sugar can be
dispensed. If the consumption of carbohydrates or calories is to be
minimized, only the second fluid comprising sugar substitute can be
dispensed. Preferably the dispensed fluid comprises at least two
fluids, though.
[0012] With the dispense mechanism, a specific ratio of the sugar
compared to the sugar substitute can be dispensed. For this, the
ratio may be set by the user directly based on a user's input or
indirectly such that the apparatus via optional computing means
determines a ratio based on the user's input and/or on further
information provided to the apparatus. For instance, it is possible
to design the dispense mechanism as a mechanical dispense mechanism
such that the user sets the amount of sugar and sugar substitute
individually by mechanically charging a spring to a certain degree,
for example, which then forces the fluids via a plunger out of the
reservoirs. It is also possible to design the dispense mechanism as
an electronically controlled pump mechanism with electric motors,
for example. It is also conceivable that the dispense mechanism
consists of a pressurized reservoirs and valves provided in order
to control the dispense of the respective fluids.
[0013] It is preferred that the sugar and/or the sugar substitutes
are solved in the respective fluid. This allows for a smooth
dispensing and mixing of the fluids.
[0014] Sugar is understood to be any kind of sweet tasting
carbohydrate causing an insulin reaction of the human body. A sugar
substitute can be any sweet tasting edible substance but producing
compared to sugar a reduced or preferably no insulin reaction of
the human body and having compared to sugar reduced or no calories.
This is due to the fact, that sugar substitutes are substantially
not as digestible as sugar. Sugar substitutes are for example
sweeteners or sugar alcohols. Sugar substitutes have usually at
least a similar, but mostly a higher sweetness than sugar.
SUMMARY
[0015] The apparatus according to the invention is not limited to
the use of two reservoirs. There may as well be further reservoirs,
providing fluids with the same or different sugars or sugar
substitutes as in the first two reservoirs. This can be useful to
be able to produce a wider variety of tastes or concentrations, for
example. It may also be useful to provide a further reservoir
containing water in order to rinse or clean fluidic channels such
as the nozzle. In a further embodiment, a further reservoir may
contain a flavor like vanilla or a mixture of flavors.
[0016] According to a first embodiment of the apparatus according
to the invention, the sugar in the first fluid is at least one of
monosaccharides, disaccherides, oligosaccharides. Many of these
sugars are readily available on the market and are solvable in
edible fluids. They also cause a well known sweet taste without any
negative aftertastes. These sugars also have well known effects on
the human organism. Properties of these sugars such as the glycemic
index that describes the influence of a sugar on the blood glucose
level, for instance, can then be considered as well, when a
specific ratio between the sugar and the sugar substitute is
chosen.
[0017] Preferably, the sugar substitute in the second fluid is a
natural or an artificial sugar substitute. Artificial sugar
substitutes, also called synthetic or artificial sweeteners, are
generally easier to produce than to extract natural sugar
substitutes from plants or fruits, for example. On the other hand,
natural sweeteners may be preferred by users due to the natural
origin of the substance. The sugar substitutes can especially be
chosen depending on their applicability with respect to their
stability, solvability and/or sweetness. Artificial sugar
substitutes are understood to be in particular: Acesulfame
potassium, Alitame, Aspartame, Salt of aspartame-acesulfame,
Cyclamate, Dulcin, Glucin, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, Neotame,
P-4000, Saccharin and/or Sucralose. Natural sugar substitutes are
in particular Curculin, Erythritol, Glycyrrhizin, Glycerol,
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, Inulin, Isomalt, Lactitol, Luo
han guo, Mabinlin, Maltitol, Malto-oligosaccharide, Mannitol,
Miraculin, Monatin, Monellin, Osladin, Pentadin, Sorbitol, Stevia,
Tagatose, Thaumatin and/or Xylitol.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according
to the invention the apparatus is further comprising a manifold
such that the outlets of the at least two reservoirs can be
connected to a single nozzle. The usability and handling of the
apparatus is made especially simple, when there is only a single
nozzle dispensing fluid. Furthermore when the fluid for sweetening
is dispensed through a single nozzle, there is no spatial
separation between the sugar and the sugar substitute in the food,
providing a further improved and homogeneous taste for the
consumer.
[0019] When, on the other hand, according to an alternative
embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention the
apparatus further comprises a separate nozzle for each reservoir,
the production of the apparatus is facilitated, since no complex
parts such as manifolds are necessary. Additionally, there is no
mutual interaction between the single reservoirs. For example, when
the fluids are dispensed one after the other and the reservoirs are
connected to each other via the manifold, it may happen that a
certain amount of one fluid enters the reservoir of the other,
resulting in dispense procedures with inaccurate dosing. Such an
effect is effectively avoided by separate nozzles. This may provide
a further improvement of the taste of food, while the desired
amount of calories and/or carbohydrates is dispensed.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a valve
between each outlet and the at least one nozzle. By providing
valves between the reservoirs or the outlets of the reservoirs and
the nozzle a secure sealing with minimal risk of leakage can be
provided. By providing valves between each outlet and the one
nozzle or multiple nozzles, the backflow of fluids from one
reservoir into another can be avoided as well. Such valves can be
designed as check vales, for example umbrella valves, effectively
suppressing backflow into the reservoirs. If the pressure is high
enough in a specific reservoir the valve opens and dispenses fluid.
It is also possible to design the valves as actively controlled
valves to better control the state of a valve. When the fluids are
dispensed sequentially, the valves are preferably open one at a
time only. Additionally the precision of dosing during a dispense
procedure can be further increased by the use of valves, since the
valves reduce the effect of fluids dripping from the apparatus
after the dispense procedure. In case the valves are actively
controlled, they can start and stop a dispense procedure quickly
and thus precisely. This provides a further improvement of the
taste of food, while the optimal amount of calories and/or
carbohydrates is dispensed.
[0021] The number of valves preferably matches the number of
reservoirs and the valves are assigned to a reservoir each. The
valves are preferably located directly behind the outlets of the
reservoirs, in order to prevent any fluidic connection between the
reservoir and the nozzle from being jammed due to dried out fluids
remaining in the fluidic connections.
[0022] It is further advantageous, when between the outlets of the
reservoirs and the nozzle a mixing chamber is located, in which the
fluids can mix before being dispensed. In this manner, a
homogeneous taste can be achieved.
[0023] When the dispense mechanism comprises a plunger for each
reservoir, a simple way of providing a dispense mechanism is
realized while at the same time the amount of the first and second
fluid and optionally further fluids to be dispensed can be set and
dispensed independently of each other. The plunger increases the
pressure in the respective reservoir and the fluid is forced out of
the reservoir. The plunger can be moved or pressed against with a
piston driven by an electromechanical motor, for example a stepper
motor. In doing so, a very precise dosing during the dispense
procedure is achievable. It is also possible though, to move the
respective plunger with mechanically stored energy provided by a
loaded spring or directly by a pressure exerted by the user over an
actuating button, for example. The latter means are not as
cost-intensive as the provision of an electromechanical motor. The
dispense mechanism may further comprise gears in order to provide
an optimal transmission for the plunger to move with appropriate
force and speed.
[0024] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according
to the invention, the apparatus comprises a user interface and a
control unit, such that a user specific dose parameter can be
provided to the control unit, which is configured to control the
dispense mechanism.
[0025] By providing a control unit able to control the dispense
mechanism, not only a very precise dosing during the dispense
procedure is possible, but also the ratio between the first and the
at least second fluid can be calculated by the control unit based
on inputs provided by the user interface. The control unit may in
particular be a microprocessor, receiving information from the user
interface and providing information and/or control signals to the
dispense mechanism.
[0026] The user interface may be realized with buttons and/or a
display in order to provide the possibility for the user to provide
information to the apparatus and the control unit in particular. A
display can provide feedback about the information put in or about
dispensed amounts of sugar, calories and/or carbohydrates.
[0027] The user can, for instance, enter information via the user
interface about a desired sweetness, for example in sugar cube
equivalents, tea or table spoons of sugar, or any other suitable
measurement for sweetness, and also provide information about the
desired amount of carbohydrates. The control unit can then
calculate a suitable ratio between the first fluid containing sugar
and the second fluid containing sugar substitutes in order to
provide the user with the desired amount of carbohydrates and the
desired amount of total sweetness. Of course, the control unit may
make use of further fluids from further reservoirs, if
provided.
[0028] It is also possible that the user only enters the degree of
sweetness he wishes to be dispensed and the ratio between the
different fluids is calculated by the control unit based on further
information. Such further information may be a standard value set
by the user or a value derived from blood sugar values of the
patient also input by the user or received from further devices.
Such further information may also be derived from the history of
previous dispenses during a certain period of time in the past.
[0029] It is further conceivable that the user directly enters the
amount of the first and the second fluid or the amount of one fluid
and the desired ratio between the fluids.
[0030] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according
to the invention, the nozzle comprises a substantially blunt needle
or cannula. The danger of an accidental misuse of the apparatus,
such as the risk of an injection, for example under the skin of a
person, is reduced and thus the safety of the apparatus is
increased.
[0031] For an additional safety increase the device may be designed
such that it can be clearly distinguished from devices such as an
insulin injection device by means of different colors and/or shapes
in order to prevent any confusion or mix-up.
[0032] When the nozzle is exchangeable, the usability is improved,
since the nozzle can be exchanged in case of jamming or to maintain
hygiene standards for example.
[0033] Further, when the nozzle is exchangeable and the apparatus
further provides a lock out mechanism such that an attachment of a
medical needle as the nozzle is prevented, the usability is
improved, since the nozzle can be exchanged in case of jamming or
to maintain hygiene standards for example. At the same time the
safety of the apparatus is not impaired, since no medical needle
can be attached to the apparatus. A lock out mechanism may be
realized with a special shape of geometrically adapted connection
elements of the blunt needles or cannula, such that a standard
medical needle or needles intended to be used with injection
devices are not attachable to the apparatus.
[0034] It is additionally or alternatively possible to provide such
a lock out mechanism electronically, especially when a control unit
is provided. In that case the apparatus can detect, if a suitable
needle or cannula is attached and only in the given case approve
the use of the device to prevent accidental injections of the
fluids under the skin, for example.
[0035] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according
to the invention, at least one of the reservoirs is exchangeable.
On the one hand a cost reduction for the user is achieved, since
the device is reusable and only the reservoirs need to be
exchanged. This is especially useful, since the fluids may be used
up at different rates. On the other hand this gives the user the
ability to change the reservoirs in order to use different sugars
and/or sugar substitutes. This allows for a more user specific
taste and thus further improves the taste of the food. Preferably,
all reservoirs are exchangeable for a maximum customization.
[0036] When at least one reservoir is exchangeable, it is further
preferred that substantially only the intended reservoirs, in form
of cartridges for example, can be inserted. This could be realized
by a geometrical adaption of the cartridge and the apparatus, such
that substantially only the intended cartridges fit into the
apparatus. The apparatus may also provide a detection system, such
that the apparatus can electronically detect, whether a certain
inserted cartridge is allowed or not. In case a cartridge is not
allowed, the apparatus may prevent the user from using it.
[0037] It is further preferred that the apparatus according to the
invention comprises a memory unit for saving the information. The
apparatus can save information about past dispense procedures, for
example. The information about the fluids dispensed can be used for
a more precise determination of the ratio between the first and the
second fluid and optionally further fluids to even further increase
the taste and/or more precisely adjust the amount of
calories/carbohydrates dispensed.
[0038] According to a second teaching of the invention, a diabetic
treatment system comprises an apparatus according to the invention
and at least one of an insulin injection device and a blood sugar
measurement device. If the apparatus according to the invention is
part of this system, it can, for instance, access information or is
provided with information of the insulin injection device and/or
the blood sugar measurement device. With this information the ratio
of the first fluid and the at least second fluid can be determined
or further be optimized. With information about past insulin
injection and/or blood sugar levels the optimum ratio of sugar to
sugar substitute can be determined for a given situation to provide
a good taste to the user with the appropriate amount of calories
and/or carbohydrates.
[0039] Additionally, the apparatus according the invention may also
provide information to another device of the diabetic treatment
system. Such a device may be the insulin injection device, for
example in order to provide information about an expected blood
sugar level of the patient.
[0040] According to a third teaching of the invention the technical
problem is further solved by a method for sweetening food,
comprising the steps of providing a user specific dose parameter to
an apparatus, in particular an apparatus according to the
invention, the apparatus dispensing a fluid comprising at least one
of a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the first fluid and
the second fluid have a ratio based on the provided user specific
dose parameter and wherein the first fluid comprises sugar and the
second fluid comprises a sugar substitute.
[0041] Food is understood to mean meals as well as beverages.
[0042] User specific dose parameter is understood to mean any
information based on which the ratio between the first fluid and
the second fluid can be determined. Such user specific dose
information can in particular be a desired sweetness, for example
in sugar cube equivalents or any other suitable measurement for
sweetness, information about the desired amount of carbohydrates
and/or calories, the ratio between the different fluids and/or
current or past blood sugar levels. The user specific dose
parameter is understood to be one or more of the above mentioned
information. The user specific dose parameter can either be
provided manually by the user or can at least partly be calculated
by the apparatus, in particular the ratio of the two fluids. The
ratio of the fluids can of course be that high/low, that only one
fluid is effectively dispensed. Preferably, at least two fluids are
dispensed.
[0043] In case the ratio is such that the dispensed fluid is a
mixture of at least two fluids, the fluids can be mixed before
being dispensed, for example in a mixing chamber provided in the
apparatus, or during the dispensing. Alternatively the fluids can
be dispensed one after the other or via different nozzles.
[0044] A fluid for sweetening food based on the user specific
information can thus be provided, wherein the user is satisfied
with the flavor of food and at the same time is provided with the
optimal amount of calories and/or carbohydrates. Since the
apparatus is performing the dispensing of the fluid having the
desired ratio, the method is performed in a simple and secure
way.
[0045] When the user specific dose parameter comprises information
about a desired sweetness to be dispensed and/or about an absolute
or relative amount of sugar to be dispensed and the ratio of the
first fluid and the second fluid is calculated by the apparatus
based on the provided user specific dose parameter, a very
convenient and effective way of providing food with an improved
taste and at the same time with a desired amount of calories and/or
carbohydrates is achieved.
[0046] The desired sweetness may be individually set before each
dispensing procedure by the user or it may be a standard value set
by the user once, for example. The absolute amount of sugar may be
input by the user in form of sugar cube equivalents or in form of a
maximum amount of carbohydrates the user wants to be dispensed. The
user may also set the relative amount of sugar in the dispensed
fluid in order to achieve an individual balance between a good
taste and reduced carbohydrates. The user may also provide the
apparatus only with the desired sweetness, while the maximum amount
of carbohydrates (and thus sugar) to be dispensed can be retrieved
from blood sugar levels of the user. The relative or absolute
amount of sugar may thus not necessarily be provided directly, but
it can also be provided indirectly, as long as the absolute or
relative amount of sugar to be dispensed is derivable from the user
specific information.
[0047] The user specific dose parameter comprises preferably
additional user specific information, such information can be
carbohydrate and/or calory limits for a certain time interval, such
as for an hour or a day, information about the past dispensed
fluids and/or information about past glucose measurements, such as
time and glucose values. These values may be input by the user via
the user interface manually, or certain information may be
transferred to the apparatus form other devices of the diabetic
treatment system, such as a blood sugar measurement device. A very
convenient way of providing a good balance between a good taste and
a reduced amount of calories and/or carbohydrates may be achieved
with the additional user specific dose parameters.
[0048] It is further preferred that the apparatus saves information
about past dispense procedures. For this purpose the apparatus
according to the invention can comprise a memory unit for saving
the information. The information about the fluids dispensed can be
used for a more precise determination of the ratio between the
first and the second fluid and optionally further fluids to even
further increase the taste and/or more precisely adjust the amount
of calories/carbohydrates dispensed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] These as well as other advantages of various aspects of the
present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art by reading the following detailed description, with
appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
[0050] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention before a certain dispense procedure,
[0051] FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention from FIG. 1 during the dispense
procedure,
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention,
[0053] FIG. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention,
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention,
[0055] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary
diabetic treatment system according to the invention, and
[0056] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the
method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention before a dispense procedure. The
apparatus 1 comprises a first reservoir 2 and a second reservoir 4.
The first reservoir 2 contains a first fluid 6 comprising a sugar
solution, while the second reservoir 4 contains a second fluid 8
comprising an artificial low calorie sweetener. The reservoirs 6, 8
are designed as cartridges. The reservoir 2 comprises an outlet 10,
while the reservoir 4 comprises an outlet 12, through which the
respective fluid 6, 8 can be dispensed. In the shown embodiment the
fluids 6, 8 are prevented from being dispensed by the valves 14,
16. In this case, the valves 14, 16 are check valves; other types
of valves can be provided as well. Further downstream of the
fluidic system the fluidic channels 18, 20 lead to a manifold 22
comprising a mixing chamber 24. The manifold joins the two channels
18, 20 into the single nozzle 26.
[0058] The fluids 6, 8 contained in the reservoirs 2, 4 can be
dispensed by a dispense mechanism 28 in form of a pump mechanism.
The dispense mechanism 28 comprises in this embodiment a plunger 30
for the first reservoir 2 and a plunger 32 for the second reservoir
4. When the pressure exerted on the plungers 30, 32 and thus on the
fluids 6, 8 is high enough, the respective fluid 6, 8 will be
dispensed through the respective check valve 14, 16. The plunger 30
is connected to a piston 34, while the plunger 32 is connected to
the piston 36. The pistons 34, 36 can be driven by the electric
motor 38 and the electric motor 40, respectively. Both electric
motors 38, 40 are controlled over the connection 42 and connection
44, respectively, by the control unit 46. In the illustrated
embodiment the control unit is provided with information by the
user interface 48, to which it is connected via the connection 50.
The dispense mechanism can alternatively be provided mechanically
by means of a loaded spring and actuating means for a user, for
example.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the user provides the control
unit 46 with a user specific dose parameter via the user interface
48. The user may enter a desired sweetness, for example in sugar
cube equivalents, tea or table spoon equivalents, or any other
suitable measurement for sweetness. The user may optionally or
alternatively enter a user specific dose parameter comprising
information about the desired amount of carbohydrates and/or
calories. Further information which can be comprised by the user
specific dose parameter may be the ratio between the different
fluids 6, 8 or past blood sugar levels.
[0060] If the user enters a desired sweetness and a desired value
for a (maximum) amount of carbohydrates, this information is
sufficient for the control unit 46 to calculate an optimal ratio of
the fluids 6, 8 to be dispensed.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention from FIG. 1 during the dispense
procedure. The dispensed fluid 52 coming out of the nozzle 26 is a
mixture of the fluids 6, 8.
[0062] In the illustrated example the user entered an amount of
carbohydrates, which is lower than the amount of carbohydrates
which is normally contained in the first fluid 6 containing sugar
at the desired sweetness, which is also entered by the user. The
control unit 46 automatically reduces the amount of the first fluid
6 which will be dispensed such that the lack of sweetness due to
said reduction can be compensated for with the second fluid 8 and
at the same time providing a fluid 52 with the desired amount of
carbohydrates and the desired sweetness. Since the second fluid 8
contains a lower amount or substantially no usable carbohydrates
for the human organism, by dispensing the second fluid 8 the
sweetness will be increased up the desired level without or with
only minimally increasing the amount of digestible carbohydrates in
the dispensed fluid 52. In this manner, an optimal balance between
a good taste and a reduced amount of carbohydrates and/or calories
in the consumed food is achievable in a simple and secure way. It
can be further seen in FIG. 2 that the amount of the second fluid 8
dispensed is bigger than the amount of the first fluid 6 dispensed,
since the plunger 32 moved further down than the plunger 30.
[0063] The remaining fluid in the fluidic system, the mixing
chamber 24 and the nozzle 26 behind the valves 14, 16 is preferably
also dispensed, in order to increase the precision of the dosing of
further dispense procedures and to prevent any jamming of the
fluidic system due to dried out fluids. Alternatively, the volume
of fluidic systems after the reservoirs 2, 4 can be kept as small
as possible, such that the amount of fluids 6, 8 remaining in the
fluidic system is negligible.
[0064] In case the user wishes to reduce the amount of sugar to
zero or in case the blood sugar levels of the user, which may be
input to the apparatus 1 via the interface 48 or which may be
transferred to the control unit 46 from other devices, are to high
to allow the use of sugar, the dispensed fluid 52 will only contain
the second fluid 8.
[0065] Likewise it is also possible, that the desired sweetness can
be reached without exceeding the entered amount of
sugar/carbohydrates. In that case, only fluid 6 comprising sugar
would be dispensed for the best taste. The user interface 48 can in
this case inform the user that the amount of sugar/carbohydrates is
lower than the value entered even though the desired sweetness is
reached.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention. For the sake of a better overview, not
all reference numbers from FIG. 1 or 2 are repeated in FIG. 3, even
though the elements from FIG. 1 or 2 are still illustrated in FIG.
3. The apparatus 54 illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the
apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 54 differs
in the design of the fluidic system comprising the nozzles 26a, 26b
behind the valves 14, 16. The reservoirs 2, 4 each comprise a
separate nozzle 26a and 26b, respectively. The production of the
apparatus 54 is facilitated, since no complex parts such as the
manifold 22 of apparatus 1 are necessary. Additionally, there is no
mutual interaction between the reservoirs 2, 4 in apparatus 54.
That a certain amount of one fluid 6, 8 enters the reservoir 2, 4
of the respective other fluid 6, 8, is effectively avoided by
separate nozzles 26a, 26b. This provides a further improvement of
the taste of food, while the optimal amount of calories and/or
carbohydrates is dispensed.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention. For the sake of a better overview, not
all reference numbers from FIG. 1 or 2 are repeated in FIG. 4, even
though the elements from FIG. 1 or 2 are still illustrated in FIG.
4. The apparatus 56 illustrated in FIG. 4 is similar to the
apparatus 54 illustrated in FIG. 3. The apparatus 56 differs from
apparatus 54 in the design of the fluidic system in so far that no
valves are provided. This provides a further simplified
construction of the apparatus 56. It is generally sufficient for a
leak tight apparatus 56, when the diameter of the nozzles 26a and
26b is small enough and the reservoirs 2, 4 are air-tight
otherwise. Accordingly the apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
can also be designed without valves 12, 14, for example.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention. For the sake of a better overview, not
all reference numbers from FIG. 1 or 2 are repeated in FIG. 5, even
though the elements from FIG. 1 or 2 are still illustrated in FIG.
5. The apparatus 58 illustrated in FIG. 5 is similar to the
apparatus 56 illustrated in FIG. 4. The apparatus 58 differs from
apparatus 56 in that additionally to the reservoirs 2, 4 a third
reservoir 60 is provided. The third reservoir 60 contains a third
fluid 62. The reservoir 60 is designed as a cartridge, as well. The
reservoir 60 comprises an outlet 64 through which the fluid 62 can
be dispensed. In the shown embodiment no valves are provided,
although this is possible. The outlet 64 leads to the nozzle 26c.
The fluid 62 contained in the reservoir 60 can also be dispensed by
the dispense mechanism 28 in form of a pump mechanism. The dispense
mechanism 66 shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the dispense mechanism
28. The dispense mechanism 66 further comprises a plunger 68 for
the third reservoir 60. When the pressure exerted on the plunger 68
and thus on the fluid 62 is big enough, the fluid 62 will be
dispensed though the nozzle 26c. The plunger 68 is connected to a
piston 70. The piston 70 can be driven by the electric motor 72,
which is controlled over the connection 74 by the control unit
46.
[0069] The third fluid 62 can contain sugar and/or a sugar
substitute. By providing further fluids it is possible, to provide
a wider variety of tastes and concentrations, for example. It is
also conceivable that the third fluid is water, for example. In
case of a manifold 22 and a common nozzle 26, as illustrated in
FIG. 1, water could be used for rinsing. Further embodiments of the
apparatus according to the invention may also comprise more
reservoirs than two or three reservoirs.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary
diabetic treatment system according to the invention. The apparatus
76 is an apparatus according to the invention, for example any of
the apparatus 1, 54, 56 or 58. The diabetic treatment system 75
further comprises an insulin injection device 78 and a blood sugar
measurement device 80. The apparatus 76 can access information of
the blood sugar measurement device over the connection 82. Such a
connection may be a cable connection or a wireless connection, for
example. Such information comprises for example the blood sugar
level of the user. With this information the ratio of the first
fluid 6 and the second fluid 8 can further be optimized. The
apparatus 76 can also access information of the insulin injection
device over the connection 84. Such a connection may also be a
cable connection or a wireless connection, for example. Information
about past injected insulin doses may be provided to the apparatus
76. With such information the optimum ratio of sugar to sugar
substitute can be determined for the given situation to provide a
good taste to the user with the appropriate amount of calories
and/or carbohydrates. Additionally, the apparatus 76 may also
provide information, such as a dispensed amount of sugar, to the
devices 78 or 80 of the diabetic treatment system. The insulin
injection device 78 can then consider this information for better
estimating future blood sugar levels of the user and accordingly
adjusting insulin doses.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the
method according to the invention. In order to provide user
specific dose parameter to an apparatus, for example apparatus 1,
54, 56 or 58, the user provides a desired sweetness in sugar cube
equivalents over the user interface 48 to the control unit 46 in
step 86. The control unit 46 is also provided with user specific
information about the maximum amount of carbohydrates that may be
dispensed, or information about the blood sugar level of the user
in step 88 to complement the user specific dose parameter. The user
may either enter this information over the user interface 48 or the
blood sugar measurement device 80 illustrated in FIG. 6 may provide
the control unit with this information. In step 90 the control unit
calculates the optimal ratio of fluid 6 and fluid 8 to be
dispensed, in order to provide the desired sweetness for the user
and at the same time reduce the amount of sugar dispensed according
to recent blood sugar levels of the user. According to step 92 a
mixture of the fluids 6 and 8 is then dispensed. Finally in step
94, the information about the past dispense procedure, such as
dispensed amount of sugar or dispensed amount of carbohydrates, is
saved. This information can be displayed to the user via the user
interface 48 at any time or the information may further be provided
to devices of a diabetic treatment system 75.
* * * * *