US20040144799A1 - Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid dispenser uses a flexible bag having expansible and collapsible cells. A rigid manifold is provided in the bag to keep passages open in use and to isolate one of the cells from the remaining cells. In one application, a concentrated drink mix may be held in a reservoir and diluted within other cells in the bag for dispensing to a cup or the like. A valve system allows for the particulates in the liquid without compromising the function of the valve.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to pumps which act on flexible bags to dispense fluent material, and more particularly to a liquid dispenser employing a flexible bag suitable for higher flow rate operation.[0001]
• 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, it is also known to isolate the material by having the pump act on a flexible bag containing the fluent material, rather than on the fluent material itself. There are many examples in the context of delivery of medicines. Co-pending and co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/909,422, filed Jul. 17, 2001, Ser. No. 09/978,649, filed Oct. 16, 2001 and Ser. No. 10/156,732, filed May 28, 2002 disclose pumps of this type and illustrate applications in the handling of food and products other than medicine. The disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.[0002]
• The application of pumps of the aforementioned type outside the field of medicine often requires higher flow rates. The flow rates may produce fluid flow effects which act on the flexible bag in ways which are detrimental to its operation. For instance, the bag material may tend to collapse under pressure drops caused by rapid fluid flow rates. It is desirable to be able to perform several manipulations of the fluent material in the flexible bag, such as mixing of two component materials. Handling of the fluent material in this manner requires valving which operates without direct contact with the fluent material. If the fluent material is liquid containing particulate matter, the particulate matter can block a valve from reaching a fulling closed position, allowing for leakage past the valve. One such example of fluent material containing particulate matter is orange juice which contains pulp. Still further, pumps of this general type use vacuum and pressure pumps for applying a vacuum and a positive pressure to the flexible bag to induce flow of fluent material. In many contexts, it is less desirable to employ vacuum pumps and pressure pumps because they require space and can generate undesirable noise.[0003]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one aspect of the present invention, a flexible container for delivery of metered quantities of fluent material therefrom generally comprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material. A manifold located between the first and second sheets includes passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold. At least portions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls are open, and the walls include at least one region in which the walls diverge and converge with respect to each other to define a valve window in the passage element. The first and second flexible sheets are sealingly attached to the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within the manifold. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets are elastically deformable at the valve window to a position between the walls for occluding the passage at the valve window.[0004]
• In another aspect of the present invention, a flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluent material from a flexible container by acting on the container generally comprises a shell sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the flexible container therein. A valve includes a valve head disposed for movement relative to the shell between an open position in which fluent material may flow within the flexible container past the location of the valve head and a closed position in which fluent material is blocked from flowing within the flexible container past the location of the valve head. The valve head includes a compliant tip adapted to resiliently deform for at least partially enveloping and sealing around particulate matter in the fluent material to inhibit leaking of fluent material past the valve head. The compliant tip of the valve head engages the container in the closed position to stop the flow of fluent material,[0005]
• In yet another aspect of the present invention, a drink dispenser comprises a flexible bag comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and a manifold received between the first and second sheet. The first and second sheets are joined together to define plural cells capable of containing liquid. The plural cells include a reservoir cell containing a concentrated drink liquid, a first dosing cell for receiving a volume of concentrated drink liquid to be diluted, a second dosing cell for receiving a volume of a diluent for diluting the concentrated drink liquid for consumption, and first and second mixing cells for receiving the volumes of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to mix the concentrated drink liquid and the diluent. The flexible bag further comprises a manifold defining a passage connecting in fluid communication the reservoir cell and the first dosing cell. The manifold defines a passage for delivering concentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cell to the first dosing cell. The passage includes two branches for selectively delivering concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell and to the second mixing cell. A flow control apparatus at least partially receiving the flexible bag includes valves arranged for engaging the flexible bag for deforming at least one of the first and second sheets to selectively occlude portions of the passage. A controller is capable of operating the valves to alternately block the passage branch to the second mixing cell while leaving the branch to the first mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell, and block the passage branch to the first mixing cell while leaving the branch to the second mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell.[0006]
• Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.[0007]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective of a juice dispenser constructed according to the principles of the present invention;[0008]
• FIG. 2 is the perspective of FIG. 1, but with a front door of the dispenser housing removed to show internal flow control apparatus of the dispenser;[0009]
• FIG. 3 is the perspective of FIG. 2, but with the flow control apparatus moved out from the dispenser housing;[0010]
• FIG. 4 is a perspective similar to FIG. 3, but showing the dispenser from a right hand side vantage;[0011]
• FIG. 5 is an elevation of a disposable flexible bag as seen from the left side as the bag is oriented in FIG. 3;[0012]
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the flexible bag;[0013]
• FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a manifold of the flexible bag;[0014]
• FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the manifold;[0015]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective of the manifold;[0016]
• FIG. 10 is a section taken in the plane including line[0017]10-10 of FIG. 9 and showing a valve seat of the manifold;
• FIG. 11 is a schematic section similar to FIG. 10 illustrating a valve in an open position;[0018]
• FIG. 12 is a schematic section like FIG. 11, but showing the valve in a closed position;[0019]
• FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective of the valve including its solenoid driver;[0020]
• FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective of a head of the valve with a valve tip exploded therefrom;[0021]
• FIG. 15 is a front elevation of a fixed shell of the flow control apparatus;[0022]
• FIG. 16 is a rear elevation thereof;[0023]
• FIG. 17 is a front elevation of a pivoting shell of the flow control apparatus;[0024]
• FIG. 18 is a rear elevation thereof;[0025]
• FIG. 19 is a vertical section of the flow control apparatus including the flexible bag;[0026]
• FIG. 19A is a schematic section taken generally along[0027]line19A-19A of FIG. 19;
• FIG. 20 is a simplified electrical schematic of the flow control apparatus;[0028]
• FIG. 21 is a simplified pneumatic circuit of the flow control apparatus;[0029]
• FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a fixed volume dispensing mode;[0030]
• FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a continuous flow dispensing mode;[0031]
• FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a pneumatic circuit of a flow apparatus of a second embodiment including double acting cylinders;[0032]
• FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment;[0033]
• FIG. 26 is another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment;[0034]
• FIG. 27 is still another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment; and[0035]
• FIG. 28 is a further version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment.[0036]
• Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS.[0038]1-4, adrink dispenser1 is shown to comprise a rectangular housing orcabinet3 defining acompartment5 containingflow control apparatus7 constructed according to the principles of the present invention for dispensing a drink from aflexible bag9 acted upon by the flow control apparatus. The foregoing reference numerals designate their subject generally. A stand11 (which may be formed integrally with the cabinet3) supports the cabinet in an elevated position above the stand providing a space for placing a cup C or other suitable container below anoutput nozzle13 to receive the beverage dispensed (e.g., orange juice). Although the illustrated embodiments show the invention in the context of a consumable liquid dispenser, the invention may be used to dispense other, non-consumable liquids as well as matter which is fluent, but not liquid. Thecabinet3 includes afront door15 which is hinged to the remainder of the cabinet. The front door may be swung open to access theflow control apparatus7 on the interior of thecabinet3. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, thefront door15 has been completely removed in FIGS.2-4. Abutton17 on thefront door15 is connected to a controller (described hereinafter) for controlling thedispenser1 to dispense the beverage into the cup C when the button is pressed. Thedrink dispenser1 may operate to deliver a fixed volume of the beverage each time thebutton17 is pressed, or to deliver beverage in a continuous flow so long as the button is held down. Of course, levers or other types of devices (not shown) for activating the dispenser may be employed.
• The[0039]flow control apparatus7 is mounted on an upper slide and a lower slide (indicated generally at19 and21, respectively), both of which are fixed to thecabinet3 within thecompartment5. Eachslide19,21 includes telescoping sections (19A,19B and21A,21B) which allow theflow control apparatus7 to be moved out of thecompartment5 for servicing, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A rectangular frame, generally indicated at23, is connected as by bolts to theouter slide sections19B,21B of both the upper andlower slides19,21 and forms the basis for connection of the other components of theflow control apparatus7. A fixedshell member25 is attached to the lower end of theframe23 and a pivotingshell member27 is attached by hinges (generally indicated at29, see FIG. 19) to the fixed shell member for pivoting between a closed operating position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4). A pair of V-blocks31 mounted on an upper end of the fixedshell member25 extend outwardly from the fixed shell member in the direction of the pivotingshell member27. The V-blocks31 locate theflexible bag9 and mount respectivelatch bolt receptacles33 for receivinglatch bolts35 of latching mechanisms, generally indicated at37, attached to the pivotingshell member27. The latchingmechanisms37 each include abase39, alever41 pivotally mounted on the base and connected to thelatch bolt35 for extending and retracting the latch bolt to lock the pivotingshell member27 in the closed position (FIG. 3), and unlock the pivoting shell member for swinging down to the open position (FIG. 4). The fixedshell member25 also mounts eight solenoid valves (designated generally by references V1-V8) which operate to control flow of fluent material within theflexible bag9 in operation of thedrink dispenser1, and fluid pressure control valves (designated generally by references PV1-PV4) used in the application of vacuum and positive pressures to the flexible bag. The operation of the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 will be explained more fully hereinafter. The solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 are enclosed by acover47 releasably attached to theframe23. The cover is shown broken away in FIG. 3 so that the internal arrangement of the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 may be seen. Thecompartment5 is refrigerated, and thecover47 shields the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 from condensing moisture within the cold compartment.
• The upper corners of the[0040]frame23 mount pins49 which are received through openings51 (see FIG. 5) in corresponding corners of theflexible bag9 for hanging the bag on the frame. Thepins47 each have annular grooves53 near their distal ends (see FIG. 19) which receive and locate thebag9 axially of the pins. The flexible bag extends down from thepins47 between the V-blocks31 and into the space between the fixedshell member25 and the pivotingshell member27 when they are in the closed position. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, theflexible bag9 is shown to comprise afirst sheet55 and asecond sheet57. Theflexible bag9 is seen in FIG. 5 from the side facing the fixedshell member25. The first andsecond sheets55,57 have the same generally rectangular size and shape, and are superposed with each other. The first andsecond sheets55,57 are liquid impervious, limp sheet material, and are sealingly secured together in aperipheral seam59 along their peripheral edge margins to form an envelope. The first andsecond sheets55,57 may each be single-ply, but is more preferably a composition of multiple plies of sheet material. In addition, the first andsecond sheets55,57 are also joined together internally of theperipheral seam59 to form several distinct cells, each capable of containing its own volume of liquid. The distinct cells include alarge reservoir cell61 at the top of theflexible bag9 which contains in the illustrated embodiment orange juice concentrate liquid. Thereservoir cell61 is defined in part by theperipheral seam59, but also by atransverse seam63. There is also aconcentrate dosing cell65 defined byseam67, awater dosing cell69 defined byseam71, afirst mixing cell73 defined by seam75 and asecond mixing cell77 defined by seam79. It may be seen that theseams67,71 of theconcentrate dosing cell65 and thewater dosing cell69 converge at one location, but still separate the cells.
• The[0041]flexible bag9 further includes a pair ofopenings83 extending through the entire bag which allow locators on the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27 to engage each other when the shell members are closed. Anoval passage87 also extends through thebag9 and allows for communication of vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27 from the fixedshell member25. Theflexible bag9 is formed with a pair ofnotches89 aligned on laterally opposite sides. Thesenotches89 are located to mate with the “V” of the V-block31. A second pair ofnotches91 is located on the lower edge of the bag provide clearance forhinges29 which connect the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27 together.
• The first and[0042]second sheets55,57 sandwich a rigid plastic manifold (generally indicated at95) between them which defines, along with the first and second sheets, flow paths for liquid within theflexible bag9. The manifold95 may be a molded piece, but other materials and methods of construction may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The rigidity of the manifold95 is sufficient to keep the paths open under the pressure differentials experienced during relatively high speed flow of liquid through the paths. Moreover, therigid manifold95 isolates thereservoir cell61 from thedosing cells65,69 and mixingcells73,77 so that it is not influenced by the forces producing repeated expansion and contraction of these cells in operation. Referring to FIGS.7-9, it may be seen that the manifold95 is a skeletal frame, essentially defining side walls of flow paths, but not the tops and bottoms which are defined by the first andsecond sheets55,57. More particularly, the manifold95 includes a rectangularexterior frame element97 supporting the remaining elements of the manifold.
• [0043]Triangular elements99 having sloping sides project outwardly from therectangular frame element97 near its edges. Thesetriangular elements99 facilitate attachment of the first andsecond sheets55,57 to the manifold95, avoiding a sharp edge where the first and second sheets encounter the manifold along their vertical side edges. Tubes formed as part of the manifold95 provide fluid communication of the manifold with thecells65,69,73,77 formed in theflexible bag9. The tubes include a waterdosing cell tube101, a concentratedosing cell tube103, a firstmixing cell tube105, a secondmixing cell tube107 and anoutlet tube109. These tubes are formed from the material of the manifold95 and defining flow paths independently of the first andsecond sheets55,57. The outer ends of thetubes101,103,105,107,109 open into theirrespective cells69,65,73 and77, and the tubes extend through therectangular frame element97 into the interior of the manifold95. Thereservoir cell61 is serviced by aninlet channel111 projecting outwardly from therectangular frame element97 and opening into the reservoir cell. Unlike thetubes101, etc., theinlet channel111 is open to one side of the manifold95 and uses thefirst sheet55 to enclose a flow path for liquid from thereservoir cell61 for reasons which will be explained hereinafter. All of the tubes except theoutlet tube109, and theinlet channel111 havewings101A,103A,105A,107A,111A, which taper in a radial direction outward from the tube. These wings provide larger and smoother surfaces for joining the first andsecond sheets55,57 to thetubes101,103,105,107 andinlet channel111 to facilitate a sealing connection which will not be broken under forces ordinarily experienced by theflexible bag9.
• The[0044]rigid manifold95 provides many advantages. However, it is also possible to form the flow paths in other ways. For instance, flow paths may be formed entirely by making seals (not shown) within theflexible bag9 to define passages. Moreover, instead of a single rigid manifold, individual rigid tubes or other support pieces (not shown, but similar totubes101,103,105 and107) could be used independently of other rigid structure at critical locations (e.g., at the openings into thecells65,69,73,77) in otherwise flexible passages to keep the passage open. As one further alternative, the passages could be formed by individual tubes (not shown) sealed betweensheets55,57 of theflexible bag9. Valve windows could be formed between adjacent tubes by forming small pockets in thebag9 by sealing thesheets55,57 of the bag together. Two (or more) aligned tubes would open into the valve window. Valve heads could then act to collapse (by pressing on) and release the windows to prevent or allow passage of liquid.
• Water inlet openings are defined by two generally[0045]circular frame elements115 on the left hand side of the manifold95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9). Thecircular frame elements115 converge in part with therectangular frame element97. Eachcircular frame element115 is capable of receiving a water inlet line (not shown) for delivery of water, such as from a public drinking water line, into themanifold95. Twocircular frame elements115 are provided so that the water line can be attached on either side of theflexible bag9. Thus, the bag does not require a particular orientation to function. A passage (generally indicated at117) of the manifold95 is defined largely by first and second internal wall frame elements (designated119 and121, respectively) extending lengthwise of the manifold within therectangular frame element97. The internalwall frame elements119,121 are opposed to each other and define sides of thepassage117. The passage is enclosed by the securement of the first andsecond sheets55,57 to the tops of the first and second internalwall frame elements119,121. At certain locations, the manifold95 is formed with valve seats (generally indicated at123) which are open on the side closed by thefirst sheet55, but closed on the side adjacent thesecond sheet57. The firstwall frame element119 has a break aligned with thereservoir inlet channel111 for passage of liquid concentrate (i.e., orange juice concentrate) into themanifold95. The second internalwall frame element121 includes four breaks where the second internal wall frame element extends to an intersection with the rectangularwall frame element97. These breaks are aligned with the locations where thetubes101,103,107 and109 pass through the rectangular frame element for passage of liquid into and/or out of the manifold95.
• The[0046]passage117 has twobranches117A,117B providing for separate flow to the first and second mixingcells73,77 from thedosing cells65,69, and from the mixing cells to theoutlet tube109. The branches extend from a break in the first internal wall frame element to the right end of the manifold95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9). One branch (117B) is defined by a continuation of the first and second internalwall frame elements119,121 down the center of the manifold95. Theother branch117A is defined by the firstwall frame element119 and the interior of therectangular frame element97 such that the branch extends along the top of the manifold95, parallel to branch117B. Thebranch117A opens to the first mixingcell73, but not thesecond mixing cell77. Similarly,branch117B opens to thesecond mixing cell77, but not the first mixingcell73. Thebranch117B communicates with thesecond mixing cell77 by one of the breaks in the second internalwall frame element121. Thebranch117A communicates with the first mixingcell73 by way of a channel element (generally indicated at125). Thechannel element125 extends from the opening in therectangular frame element97 associated with the firstmixing cell tube105, throughbranch117B and to a break in the first internalwall frame element119 where it opens into thebranch117A. Thechannel125 is closed frombranch117B by the presence of abottom wall127 and twolateral walls129 of the channel. Thechannel125 is split in two by an internal divider131. The divider131 supports thesheet55 against collapsing into thechannel125. The channel is not as deep as the thickness of the manifold95 or the height of the opposingwalls119,121. Therefore, liquid inbranch117B is able to continue past thechannel125 by passing behind it (as the manifold95 is viewed in FIGS. 8 and 9). The twobranches117A,117B join together again into asingle passage117 adjacent to theoutlet tube109 so that both the first and second mixingcells73,77 deliver the mixed liquid to the same location.
• The valve seats[0047]123 are used in the control of the direction of liquid flow inside themanifold95. The overall operation of theflow control apparatus7, including the routing of liquid within the manifold95, will be described more completely below. The valve seats123 are defined in part by opposedarcuate sections135 which may be formed by therectangular frame element97 and first internalwall frame element119, the first and second internalwall frame elements119,121, or by opposed sections of the reservoircell inlet channel111. Each pair of opposed arcuate sections defines a valve window. All of the valve seats123 have substantially the same construction, and a representative one of the valve seats is shown in cross section in FIG. 10. Thevalve seat123 joins together the internalwall frame element119 and therectangular frame97 defining thepassage branch117A on one side adjacent to thesecond sheet57. Thevalve seat123 includes a sealingsurface137 in the shape of a segment of a sphere.Ramps139 extend from the side of the manifold95 adjacent to thesecond sheet57 to the sealingsurface137, facilitating flow of liquid to and from the region of the sealing surface. It will be appreciated that the sealingsurface137 of thevalve seat123 provides a hard, rigid surface against which to form a seal to close thepassage117A at the location of the valve seat.
• FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate a[0048]valve stem143 andvalve head145 of one of the solenoid valves (V7) which is used to selectively close thepassage branch117A at the valve seats123 illustrated in FIG. 10. There is one solenoid valve (V1-V8) for eachvalve seat123, but other arrangements (not shown) could be used wherein a single solenoid valve services more than one valve seat. Thevalve head145 includes avalve tip147 attached to the valve head. Adistal surface149 of thevalve tip147 is shaped in correspondence with the shape of the sealingsurface137 of thevalve seat123. Thevalve head145 is spaced from thevalve seat123 in FIG. 11 so that thepassage branch117A is unobstructed and liquid may flow unimpeded through the passage past the valve seat. To block the flow of liquid through the point of the passage coinciding with the location of thevalve seat123, thevalve stem143 is extended by the solenoid valve V7 so that thevalve tip147 engages thefirst sheet55 and deforms it into thevalve seat window135. Thefirst sheet55 is pressed tightly against the sealingsurface137 of thevalve seat123 and substantially conforms to the sealing surface over the surface area of thedistal surface149 of thevalve tip147 so that so that the passage is occluded by the deformed portion of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 12. Thevalve tip147 is preferably made of an elastomeric material which is capable of resilient deformation. An example of such a material is silicone rubber having a hardness of 25-30 Shor A. Generally speaking, the hardness of the material should not be above 35 Shor A. Other materials could be used, such as a soft polyurethane, natural rubber and a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer available from E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Del.).
• It is not uncommon for the liquid flowing within the manifold[0049]95 to contain particulate matter, for example, orange juice may contain pulp. Should a piece of pulp become lodged between thefirst sheet55 and thevalve seat123, it could cause separation of the first sheet from the sealingsurface137, resulting in leakage past the valve seat. However, the resilientlydeformable valve tip147 of the present invention is capable of deforming itself and thefirst sheet55 about the pulp (or other particulate) in the liquid so that the first sheet is forced down against the sealingsurface137 around the pulp, at least partially enveloping the pulp and sealing around it. In this way, thepassage117A is still blocked notwithstanding the presence of pulp or another particulate at thevalve seat123. When the solenoid valve V7 is opened (i.e., moves thevalve head145 andtip147 back to the position of FIG. 11), thefirst sheet55 resiliently springs back to its original position above the sealingsurface137, reopening the passage past thevalve seat123.
• Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each solenoid valve, including illustrated solenoid valve V[0050]7, includes acylinder153 having aflange155 at one end for use in mounting on theframe23 and fixedshell member25. Thecylinder153 receives thevalve stem143 which is biased outwardly from the cylinder by acoil spring157 which engages the cylinder and thevalve head145. Thus, the ordinary or unenergized position of the solenoid valve V7 is to close thepassage117A by force of thespring157. Thecylinder153 contains a suitable electromagnetic device which is operable upon energization to draw thevalve stem143 into the cylinder and to open thevalve seat123 for transfer of liquid through thepassage117A. The solenoid valve V7 may be configured differently than shown and other types of valves may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, thevalve tip147 comprises a roughly half-moon shapedpiece159 of silicone rubber and a pair ofattachment rods161. The attachment rods are received in holes (not shown) in thevalve head145 for securing thevalve tip147 to the head. Thevalve head145 includes atransverse groove163 which receives the inner end margin of therubber piece159.Tongues165 project longitudinally of the solenoid valve V7 from thehead145 on opposite sides of therubber piece159 when received in thegroove163. Thetongues165 have roughly arcuate shapes in correspondence to the shape of thedistal surface149 of thevalve tip147 to provide support against lateral movement of the valve tip in directions perpendicular to the major surfaces of thepiece159.
• The solenoid valves V[0051]1-V8 are mounted on theframe23 and fixedshell member25 by respective pairs ofbolts169 which extend throughholes171 in theflanges155 of thecylinders153, through the frame and into the fixed shell member. It is noted with reference to FIG. 16 that one pair of solenoid valves (V3 and V4), because of their orientation and close proximity to each other share aflange155 which receives threebolts169 to mount the pair of valves. The valve stem143 of each valve (V1-V8) extends into the fixedshell member25 and thevalve head145 is located in a respective one ofopenings173 formed on the interior face of the fixed shell member (see FIG. 15). Each solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve V7) is operable to move thevalve tip147 through theopening173 to deform thefirst sheet55 into engagement with a sealingsurface137 of thecorresponding valve seat123 of theflexible bag9 to occlude thepassage117 at the location of that particular valve, and to retract into the opening to open the passage. It will be appreciated that in operation, theseopenings173 are aligned withrespective valve seats123 of the manifold95. Anaperture175 in the inner face of the fixedshell member25 is provided for passing vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27. Theaperture175 is surrounded by an O-ring177 for sealing engagement with the pivotingshell member27 through theoval passage87 in theflexible bag9. Twocavities179 at the bottom of the fixedshell member25 are provided for thehinge29 connecting the pivotingshell member27 to the fixed shell member. Hinge pins181 used to make the connection may be seen in eachcavity179.
• As shown in FIG. 15, the interior face of the fixed[0052]shell member25 is formed with two roughly oval (or egg-shaped) recesses indicated at185 and187, which are sized and shaped to receive the first mixingcell73 and thesecond mixing cell77, respectively, of theflexible bag9. Athird recess189 is sized to receive theconcentrate dosing cell65, and afourth recess191 is sized to receive thewater dosing cell69. Each of the recesses (185,187,189,191) in the fixedshell member25 has a grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at195) in each recess is used for applying vacuum pressure to the recess and the cell (73,77,65,69) contained therein. An opening (not shown) in the fixedshell member25 in each of therecesses185,187,189,191 may be provided to sensors (not shown) to ascertain the state of the corresponding cell (65,69,73 and77). The first tworecesses185,187 are surrounded bychannels197 which hold respective O-rings198 for sealing with theflexible bag9 adjacent to the portion of the mixingcells73,77 received in the recesses. The third andfourth recesses189,191 are both surrounded by asingle channel197 and O-ring198 therein because theconcentrate dosing cell65 and thewater dosing cell69 are operated conjointly in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, each of the first tworecesses185,187, and the third andfourth recesses189,191 are isolated in their own regions from the other regions and from the ambient so that the fluid pressure applied in each region is entirely independent of that applied in any other region. Only fragments of the O-rings198 are shown in FIG. 15, but they extend completely around thechannels197.
• The fluid pressure control valves PV[0053]1-PV4 (see FIG. 3) are mounted on the outer face of the fixedshell member25 through an opening199 (FIG. 16) in theframe23. The control valves PV1-PV4 are not shown in FIG. 16 for clarity. There is one control valve (PV2-PV4) for each of the aforementioned isolated regions in the fixed shell member inner face, and one control valve PV1 for the application of vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27. The control valves PV1-PV4 are each connected to a highpressure input connector201, a lowpressure input connector203 and a vacuumpressure input connector205 extending through thecover47 on the top side thereof (see FIG. 3). The highpressure input connector201 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 40 psi for use in driving the operation of the control valves PV1-PV4. The control valves PV1-PV4 are also connected to a source of electrical power (not shown) for use in driving operation of the valves.
• The low[0054]pressure input connector23 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 10 psi for use in apply pressure tending to collapse thecells65,69,73,77 of theflexible bag9. Thevacuum pressure connector205 may for example deliver a vacuum pressure of about −7 psi for expanding thecells65,69,73,77 and also for holding thesecond sheet57 of theflexible bag9 against the pivotingshell member27, as will be more fully described. Other pressures may be applied without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to apply pressure and vacuum to the side of theflexible bag9 facing the pivotingshell member27 within the scope of the present invention. The control valves PV1-PV4 operate so that positive or vacuum pressure is applied to therespective cells65,69,73,77 through theports195 in the recesses of the fixedshell member25 for collapsing or expanding the cells to selectively discharge or draw in liquid. Control valve PV1 is connected to the fixedshell member25 by a fitting202, control valve PV2 is connected byfittings204A,204B, control valve PV3 is connected by a fitting206 and control valve PV4 is connected by a fitting208. Thefittings202,204A,204B,206,208 are connected by passaging in the fixedshell member25 and (in the case of fitting202) in the pivotingshell member27 to respective ones of therecesses185,187,189,191,211,213,215,217 for applying positive and vacuum pressure. Amember212 projecting from thecover47 is provided for making electrical connection to the valves PV1-PV4 and for venting air to ambient.
• Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the pivoting[0055]shell member27 mounts on its outer face (FIG. 17) the previously described latchingmechanisms37 used to secure the pivoting shell member to the fixedshell member25 in the closed position. Aquick release connector209 is capable of releasable, sealing attachment of a water line hose (not shown) thereto for supplying water (the diluent) to theflow control apparatus7. The water passes from theconnector209 through the inner face of the pivotingshell member27 to ashuttle connector210. The shuttle connector punctures thesecond sheet57 of theflexible bag9 when the pivotingshell member27 is closed, and seals with the circular frame element (inlet)115 in the manifold95 (e.g., as by engagement of an O-ring in the frame element). However, other structures for making the water connection, including a strictly manual connection, are contemplated. The inner face of the pivotingshell member27 has recesses (designated211,213, respectively) to receive respective halves of the mixingcells73,77, arecess215 to receive half of theconcentrate dosing cell65 and arecess217 to receive essentially half of thewater dosing cell69.
• The mixing cell recesses[0056]211,213 are each surrounded bygrooves219 which contain respective O-rings220 adapted for sealing engagement with theflexible bag9 to isolate the recess from the other recess and from ambient. Asingle groove219 and O-ring220 surrounds a region including therecess215 for theconcentrate dosing cell65 and therecess217 for thewater dosing cell69. The single O-ring220 isolates these tworecesses215,217 from theother recesses211,213 and from ambient. Only fragmentary portions of the O-rings220 are shown in FIG. 18, but they extend the full length of thegrooves219. A grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at221) in each recess provides fluid communication for vacuum pressure to the half of thecells73,77,65,69 in therecesses211,213,215,217. This vacuum pressure is communicated from the fixedshell member25 through theopening175 in the inner face of the fixed shell member which is sealingly engaged through theoval passage87 in theflexible bag9 with the inner face of the pivotingshell member27 around an opening. The opening communicates with internal passages generally indicated at225 in the pivoting shell member27 (see FIG. 19) to communicate the vacuum pressure to each of the groupings ofports221.
• FIG. 19A schematically illustrates the advantageous construction of the[0057]tube wing103A of thetube103 in the isolation of the regions around therecesses185,187 and the tworecesses189,191. The tapered shape of the wing101A allows the O-rings198,220 to gradually transition over thetube101 so that it maintains continuous contact with the respective one of the first andsecond sheets55,57 of the bag. A sharp transition over a rigid tube (not shown) could produce a gap in contact between theseals198,220 and theircorresponding sheet55,57 resulting in leakage from the isolated region and loss of positive or vacuum pressure in the region. Therigid tubes101,103,105,107 perform the important function of maintaining communication of the manifold95 with thecells65,69,73,77, although the cells expand and collapse repeatedly during the cycle. Otherwise an inlet would have a tendency to collapse before the necessary liquid had passed through.
• Cavities[0058]227 at the lower edge margin of the pivotingshell member27 receivehinge blocks229 fixedly attached to the pivoting shell member and projecting outwardly therefrom. The hinge blocks229 extend into thecavities179 at the lower edge margin of the fixedshell member25 where they are pivotally mounted on the fixed shell member by the hinge pins181. This arrangement is best seen in FIG. 19, which illustrates the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27 in a closed position. Thus, the pivotingshell member27 is capable of pivoting with respect to the fixedshell member25 between the open and closed positions. Twocircular slots226A, and anelongate slot226B (FIG. 18) are adapted to receive conical locator pins228A and elongate, taperedtab228B (FIG. 15) to align the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27 when they are closed. The conical and tapered shape of thepins228A andtab228B allow mating with the corresponding slots even though the pivotingshell member27 moves along a circular arc into engagement with the fixedshell member25.
• Before describing another embodiment, the general operation of the first embodiment will be described. Referring first to FIG. 20, the a controller[0059]233 (e.g., a programmable logic controller) is connected to the solenoid valves V1-V8 (only two of which are illustrated) to activate and deactivate the valves according to a preset program of operation. Thecontroller233 is also connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 shown in FIG. 21, although the connection is not specifically illustrated. The control valves PV1-PV4 could be controlled by a separate controller (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pneumatic system of theflow control apparatus7 includes apump235 for providing suitable fluid pressures above atmospheric. Aline237 from thepump235 extends through a control valve239 and past apressure sensor241 to atank243. Anotherline245 extending from thetank243 breaks into two branches (245A,245B), each having itsown pressure regulator247. Thebranches245A,245B are then connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 as previously stated. Avacuum pump249 is also connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 by a line251. In one example, thepump235 is operated to maintain the pressure in thetank243 at about 50 psi. When thepressure sensor241 detects that the pressure has reached 50 psi or above, it shuts down the pump and/or shuts off the valve239. Theupper pressure regulator247 in the schematic can be operated to control the pressure in thebranch245A to about 40 psi and the lower pressure regulator can be operated to control the pressure in thebranch245B to about 10 psi. The vacuum supplied to the control valve PV1-PV4 by thevacuum pump249 may be at about −7 psi, as stated previously. The 40 psi pressure is used to drive the control valves PV1-PV4 to change between the application of positive pressure to therecesses185,187,189,191 in the fixedshell member25 and the application of vacuum pressure. In this embodiment, a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the parts of thecells65,69,73,77 formed by thesecond sheet57 of theflexible bag9. These parts of thecells65,69,73,77 are received in respective ones of therecesses215,217,211,213 in the pivotingshell member27.
• Orange juice concentrate may be packaged in the[0060]flexible bag9 at one location under aseptic conditions (or sterilized after packaging) and shipped with other flexible bags to another location (e.g., a restaurant or cafeteria) where thedrink dispenser1 is located. It will be readily appreciated that oneflexible bag9 may be replaced with another by opening the pivoting shell member27 (FIG. 4), lifting the one bag off of thepins49 and hanging a new bag on the pins. The newflexible bag9 is guided between the V-blocks31, and thenotches89 in the vertical sides of the bag are placed in registration with the V-blocks. The pivotingshell member27 is swung up to the closed position and thelatch bolts35 lock in thereceptacles33. Thereservoir cell61 is located above the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27. Theconcentrate dosing cell65, thewater dosing cell69 and the mixingcells73,77 are received in therecesses189/215,191/217,185/211,187/213 of the fixed and pivotingshell members25,27. A water line is attached to thequick release connector209 on the outer face of the pivotingshell member27 and an output line253 (FIG. 2) is connected to theoutlet tube109 extending down from the manifold95. The entireflow control apparatus7 may then be slid back into thecabinet3 by collapsing thetelescoping sections19A,19B,21A,21B of theslides19,21. Any connections which were removed to allow theflow control apparatus7 to slide out of thecabinet compartment5 are restored.
• The[0061]controller233 may then automatically operate the cycle so that any air in the mixingcells73,77 ordosing cells65,69 is eliminated and theflow control apparatus7 is primed. For example all of the mixingcells73,77 anddosing cells65,69 may first be collapsed to purge air, which is exhausted through the outlet tube. Both of thedosing cells65,69 may be filled with water which is subsequently delivered to the first mixingcell73. Then thedosing cells65,69 refill with water as the water in the mixingcell73 is discharged through theoutlet tube109. Thesecond mixing cell77 is filled with water from thedosing cells65,69. This time as thesecond mixing cell77 is discharging the water through theoutlet tube109, theconcentrate dosing cell65 is filled with orange juice concentrate from thereservoir cell61, and thewater dosing cell69 is filled with water. The combined volume of therecesses189 and215 receiving thedosing cell65, and the combined volume of therecesses191 and217 receiving thewater dosing cell69 in the closed position of the fixed and pivoting shell members is selected so that the appropriate dilution of the orange juice concentrate is achieved. Thedosing cells65,69 themselves are sized sufficiently large to fill their respective containing volumes. The total combined volume of therecess189,215,191,217 may be four ounces, and the volume of each pair ofrecesses185/211 and187/213, holding mixingcells73 and77, respectively, may be four ounces. To continue with the priming operation, the contents of thedosing cells65,69 are pumped to the first mixingcell73. No agitation of the concentrate and water in the mixingcells73 or77 is done. The turbulence of the flow of orange juice concentrate and water when it enters the mixingcells73,77 is sufficient for mixture. However, additional agitation could be used, such as by applying positive and vacuum pressure cyclically to the mixingcell73,77 while holding the liquids in the mixing cell. The mixingcell73 discharges the mixture through theoutlet tube109 as theconcentrate dosing cell65 andwater dosing cell69 refill with orange juice and water, respectively. Thesecond mixing cell77 is then filled with the contents of thedosing cells65,69. The dosing cells refill and theflow control apparatus7 is ready for operation.
• Referring now to FIG. 22, a chart indicating operation of the[0062]flow control apparatus7 to dispense a fixed volume of liquid (e.g., eight ounces of orange juice diluted from concentrate) over a single six second cycle is shown. The exact amount of time is an example and may be other than six seconds. The plot for control valve PV1 represents the pressure which is applied to the sides of the mixingcells73,77 anddosing cells65,69 which are received in therecesses211,213,215,217 of the pivotingshell member27. As stated previously, a constant vacuum pressure is applied throughout the cycle so that these halves of thecells73,77,65,69 are constantly held against the pivotingshell member27 in theirrespective recesses211,213,215,217. Control valve PV1 operates either to apply vacuum pressure (−7 psi) to therecesses211,213,215,217 of the pivotingshell member27 or to vent the recesses to atmosphere. The plot for control valve PV2 illustrates the application of pressure to therecesses189,191 of the fixedshell member25 receiving theconcentrate dosing cell65 and thewater dosing cell69 by operation of the control valve. It will be readily appreciated that thesecells65,69 are always expanded and collapsed at the same time in operation of theflow control apparatus7. The plots for control valves PV3 and PV4 represent the expansion and collapse of the mixingcells73,77, as controlled by those control valves. A line at “+10 psi” indicates positive pressure is applied (i.e., the cell is collapsed) and a line a “−7 psi” indicates that a vacuum is applied (i.e., the cell is expanded). The exact pressures shown are illustrative and not limiting. For each of the solenoid valves V1-V8, a horizontal line at “1” means that the valve is open, allowing liquid to flow past thevalve seat123, and a line at “0” means the valve is closed, blocking flow of liquid past the valve seat. The condition of the mixingcells73,77 anddosing cells65,69 and the positions of the solenoid valves V1-V8 at any given instant can be seen by reading down along a vertical line in the chart.
• Operation begins by pressing the[0063]button17 on the exterior of the drink dispenser1 (FIG. 1) and the controller233 (FIG. 20) initiates operation of the cycle. Positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV4 and the mixingcell77 is urged to collapse. Valve V8 is open and valve V7 is closed so that the mixture which was previously delivered to the mixingcell77 during the purge and prime operation described above, is discharged to the cup C (FIG. 1). At the same time, positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV2 to thedosing cells65,69 discharging the contents of both cells (filled in the purge and prime operation) into themanifold passage117 through theirrespective tubes101,103. Valve V1 is closed so no additional water is added to the manifold95 and there is no backflow into the water system. Valves V2, V4 and V5 are open, while valves V6 and V7 are closed and the mixingcell73 is expanded by operation of PV3 so that the contents of thedosing cells65,69 are received in the mixing cell. V3 is closed, shutting off thereservoir cell61 from the manifold95. This condition is maintained for about 1.5 seconds.
• It is now time for the mixing[0064]cell73 to discharge and thedosing cells65,69 to refill with orange juice concentrate from thereservoir cell61 and water from thewater inlet115, respectively. Thus, positive pressure is applied through control valve PV3 to the mixing cell, valve V6 is opened and valve V5 is closed so that the orange juice mix is discharged through theoutlet tube109. Positive pressure remains on the mixingcell77 and valve V8 remains open to discharge any remaining liquid from the mixing cell. Vacuum pressure is applied via PV2 to expand thedosing cells65,69. Valves V1 to the water line and V3 to thereservoir cell61 are opened, while valves V4 and V2 are closed so that theconcentrate dosing cell65 is filled with concentrated orange juice from the reservoir cell and thewater dosing cell69 is filled with water.
• In the next 1.5 second period, pressure is again applied through PV[0065]2 to thedosing cells65,69 and valves V2, V4 and V7 are open, while V5 and V8 are closed so that the water and orange juice concentrate are delivered through thetop branch117A of the passage to mixingcell77 on which a vacuum pressure is applied by PV4. Positive pressure continues to be applied through PV3 to the mixingcell73 and valve V6 remains open so that remaining contents of the mixing cell can be discharged. In the last 1.5 second period, thedosing cells65,69 are refilled. Vacuum pressure is applied to thedosing cells65,69 by PV2 and valves V1 and V3 are opened. The full eight ounces was previously discharged in the last period, so vacuum pressure is maintained on the mixingcell77 by control valve PV4. Theflow control apparatus7 is then prepared to repeat the cycle the next time thisbutton17 is pressed.
• Continuous flow operation of the[0066]flow control apparatus7 is illustrated by the chart in FIG. 23, and follows the same initial purge and prime operation described. The operation is illustrated as a four second repeating cycle. Thedosing cells65,69 empty and fill every two seconds, while the mixingcells73,77 fill for two seconds and dispense for two seconds. Reference is made to FIG. 23 for the details as to which solenoid valves V1-V8 are open or closed. Theflow control apparatus7 operates to dispense orange juice continuously so long as thebutton17 continues to be depressed.
• A portion of a[0067]flow control apparatus7′ of a second embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. 24. The construction of the flow control apparatus may be essentially identical to theflow control apparatus7 of the first embodiment except that thepump235 and control valves PV1-PV4 of the first embodiment are replaced with three cylinders, designated257,259 and261, respectively. Thecylinders257,259,261 have the advantage of being able to fit in a very small volume and to operate silently. Each of thecylinders257,259,261 has apiston head263 movable lengthwise of the cylinder. Pressure/vacuum lines265,267,269 extend from eachcylinder257,259,261 to the fixedshell member25 and acts on a respective one of the mixingcells73,77, or on both of thedosing cells65,69. Thecylinders257,259,261 are each an essentially closed pneumatic system. Movement of thepiston head263 toward the discharge end of thecylinder257,259,261 applies a pressure to thecell65,69,73,77 to collapse the cell, and movement of the head toward the opposite end applies a vacuum pressure to expand the cell. Regions within the cylinders where positive, atmospheric and vacuum pressures are applied have been delineated in the drawing. Preferably in when thepiston head263 is in the atmospheric region, there is an automatically opening valve (not shown) which vents thecylinder257,259,261 to atmosphere to keep the position of the head at which a particular pressure is applied from drifting.
• A cycle of operation of the pneumatic part of the operation of the flow control apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 25. The operation is not materially different from the continuous flow operation of the first embodiment. However, because the[0068]cylinders257,259,261 are used, the changeover from positive to vacuum pressure (and vice versa) is not substantially instantaneous. Accordingly the pressure changes along a steep, but discernable slope from one pressure to the other and back. Moreover, a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the pivoting shell member27 (and thence to therecesses211,213,215,217) through control valve PV1 by a line264 (see FIG. 24) connecting PV1 to one or more of thecylinders257,259,261 (illustrated as beingcylinder257 in the drawing). Theline264 contains acheck valve266 which allows a vacuum to be drawn in the pivotingshell member27 when a vacuum is drawn in the corresponding cylinder(s), but does not allow positive air pressure to enter. Ideally, once an initial vacuum is drawn on the pivoting shell member it would hold without further action by thecylinder257. However, if needed thiscylinder257 can restore a loss of vacuum.
• A second version of the[0069]flow control apparatus7′ of the second embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 26. The construction is nearly the same as the first version, but the mixingcells73,77 are now operated by onedouble acting cylinder270. The line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27 is not illustrated in FIG. 26. As may be seen, pressure lines, designated271,273 extend from both ends of thecylinder270. The cylinder is again a closed pneumatic system. Thus, as a piston head272 moves toward one end of thecylinder270, pressure is applied through one of thelines271, while vacuum is applied through theother line273. Because the mixingcells73,77 are operated in precisely the opposite manner at all times, such an arrangement is possible and provides even more compactness and efficiency of construction and operation. Anothercylinder275 connected byline277 operates to expand and compressdosing cells65,69.
• A third version of the flow control apparatus of the[0070]second embodiment7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 27. In this version, the separate cylinder for thedosing cells65,69 is eliminated. However, additional control valves are required which operate in a rather more complicated manner because thedosing cells65,69 must cycle (fill/discharge) twice as fast as the mixingcells73,77. The drawing shows the third version in an initial part of the cycle where aright hand cylinder279 is used (by opening the appropriate valves) to apply pressure to thedosing cells65,69 and vacuum to the mixingcell73. Theother cylinder281 applies positive pressure to the mixingcell77 for dispensing its contents. Aline282 to thedosing cells65,69 can remain in communication with thesame cylinder279 as itspiston head283 shifts to place positive pressure on the mixingcell73 and vacuum pressure on thedosing cells65,69 to discharge to the contents of the mixingcell73 and refill the dosing cells.Piston head293 moves to apply a vacuum to the mixingcell77. Thedosing cells65,69 will discharge again while the mixingcell73 is still dispensing. In order to discharge liquid from thedosing cells65,69, avalve285 to thecylinder279 is closed, as is avalve287 to the mixingcell73. Avalve289 to theother cylinder281 is opened, allowing positive pressure to flow to compress thedosing cells65,69 and discharge their contents to the mixingcell77. A valve291 from thecylinder281 to the mixingcell77 is then opened and thepiston head293 is moved to discharge the contents of the mixingcell77. Thecylinder281 simultaneously applies a vacuum to thedosing cells65,69 for refilling. The line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27 is not illustrated in FIG. 27.
• A fourth version of the flow control apparatus of the[0071]second embodiment7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 28 to comprise asingle cylinder297 and control valves to operate each mixingcell73,77 and thedosing cell65,69 combination. Lines are drawn within thecylinder297 to illustrate the different pressures applied to two fluid lines (designated299,301, respectively) extending from opposite ends of the cylinder as a function of the position apiston head303. Thecylinder297 is not structurally bifurcated into two chambers. In the initial position illustrated in FIG. 28, avalve305 is open to place theline301 in communication with the location of thedosing cells65,69 to collapse them, while avalve307 to theother line299 from the dosing cells is shut. Thepiston head303 will then move to the right to apply positive pressure to the mixingcell73. Thevalve307 to theline299 with the positive pressure will be closed and thevalve305 to theline301 now experiencing vacuum pressure will be opened to refill thedosing cells65,69. Next the dosing cells must be discharged while neither of the mixingcells73,77 changes state. Thus, avalve309 to the mixingcell73 and thevalve305 to the line from thedosing cells65,69 are closed. Avalve311 to the mixingcell77 is also closed, but thevalve307 from thedosing cells65,69 to theline299 is open, so that positive pressure is delivered to the dosing cells. Thepiston head303 will then move back to the left in thecylinder297. Thevalves309,311 to the mixingcells73,77 are opened again as this movement occurs. The cycle of operation is then repeated. The line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member27 is not illustrated in FIG. 28.
• In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.[0072]
• 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.[0073]
• 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.[0074]

Claims (38)

What is claimed is:

1. A flexible container for delivery of metered quantities of fluent material therefrom, the container comprising:

a first flexible sheet;

a second flexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material;

a manifold located between the first and second sheets, the manifold including passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold, at least portions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls being open, the walls including at least one region in which the walls diverge and converge with respect to each other to define a valve window in the passage element;

the first and second flexible sheets being sealingly attached to the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within the manifold, at least one of the first and second flexible sheets being elastically deformable at the valve window to a position between the walls for occluding the passage at the valve window.

2. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the manifold is formed with a valve seat generally at the valve window, the valve seat extending between and closing the side of the manifold within the valve window, the valve seat being adapted for sealing contact with the first flexible sheet upon deformation of the first flexible sheet into the valve window to occlude the passage.

3. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 2 wherein the valve seat has an arcuate recess adapted to sealingly engage the first flexible sheet upon deformation of the first flexible sheet into the window.

4. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 3 wherein the opposing manifold walls in the valve window extend along arcs.

5. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 3 wherein the valve seat is formed with ramps on opposite sides of the arcuate recess, the ramps extending from the arcuate recess to a location adjacent the second flexible sheet.

6. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 2 where there are plural valve windows and valve seats in the manifold.

7. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 6 wherein the passage includes at least two branches.

8. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 7 wherein the manifold has multiple ports for passage of fluent material into and out of the manifold.

9. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 8 wherein the first and second sheets are sealing attached to each other to define multiple distinct cells within the container capable of containing the fluent material, each of said cells being in fluid communication with one of the ports.

10. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 9 wherein the manifold further comprises rigid tubes extending outwardly from the remainder of the manifold and into the cells, the rigid tubes defining at least some of the ports.

11. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 10 wherein the tubes each have radially elongate, tapering wings.

12. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 10 wherein the manifold further comprises an internal channel in fluid communication with one of the tubes, the fluid channel crossing one of the passage branches and being sealed from fluid communication with the crossed passage branch, the fluid channel opening into another of said passage branches.

13. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 1 in combination with the fluent material.

14. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the first and second sheets are sealing attached to each other to define multiple distinct cells within the container capable of containing the fluent material, the fluent material being contained in a first of said cells.

15. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the fluent material is a concentrated beverage liquid.

16. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 14 wherein a second of said cells is sized for receiving a preselected volume corresponding to an amount of fluent material in a single dispensed unit.

17. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 16 wherein a third of said cells is sized for receiving a preselected volume of a fluent additive corresponding to an amount of fluent additive added to the fluent material in the single dispensed unit.

18. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 16 where a third cell and a fourth cell are each sized for receiving a volume of fluent material and fluent additive equal to the total volume of the fluent material and fluent additive in the single dispensed unit.

19. A flexible container as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the passage is configured for directing fluent material and fluent additive from the first and second cells alternately to the third cell and to the fourth cell.

20. A flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluent material from a flexible container by acting on the container, the flow control apparatus comprising:

a shell sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the flexible container therein;

a valve including a valve head disposed for movement relative to the shell between an open position in which fluent material may flow within the flexible container past the location of the valve head and a closed position in which fluent material is blocked from flowing within the flexible container past the location of the valve head, the valve head including a compliant tip adapted to resiliently deform for at least partially enveloping and sealing around particulate matter in the fluent material to inhibit leaking of fluent material past the valve head, the compliant tip of the valve head engaging the container in the closed position to stop the flow of fluent material.

21. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 20 wherein the valve tip is made of an elastomeric material.

22. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 21 wherein the elastomeric material of the valve tip has a hardness of about 25 to 30 Shor A.

23. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 22 wherein the elastomeric material is silicone rubber.

24. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 20 wherein the valve head includes a rigid member mounting the valve tip thereon.

25. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 24 wherein the valve further comprises a driver for selectively driving movement of the valve head between the open and closed positions.

26. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 20 wherein the flow control apparatus is adapted to apply positive and negative fluid pressures to the flexible container for moving the fluent material therein.

27. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 20 wherein the valve tip has an arcuate surface arranged for engaging the flexible container in the closed position of the valve.

28. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 27 further comprising a valve seat having an arcuate recess of a shape complementary to the arcuate surface of the valve tip.

29. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 28 in combination with the flexible container, wherein the valve seat constitutes a portion of the flexible container.

30. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 29 wherein the flexible container comprises:

a first flexible sheet;

a second flexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material;

a manifold located between the first and second sheets, the manifold including passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold, at least portions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls being open, the manifold defining the valve seat;

the first and second flexible sheets being sealingly attached to the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within the manifold, the first flexible sheet being elastically deformable by the valve tip into engagement with the valve seat for occluding the passage.

31. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 30 wherein the valve seat is formed with ramps on opposite sides of the arcuate recess, the ramps extending from the arcuate recess to a location adjacent the second flexible sheet.

32. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 31 where there are plural valve seats in the manifold.

33. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 30 in combination with the fluent material.

34. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 33 wherein the first and second sheets are sealing attached to each other to define multiple distinct cells within the flexible container capable of containing the fluent material, the fluent material being contained in a first of said cells.

35. Flow control apparatus as set forth inclaim 34 wherein the fluent material is a concentrated beverage liquid.

36. A drink dispenser comprising:

a flexible bag comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and a manifold received between the first and second sheet, the first and second sheets being joined together to define plural cells capable of containing liquid, the plural cells including a reservoir cell containing a concentrated drink liquid, a first dosing cell for receiving a volume of concentrated drink liquid to be diluted, a second dosing cell for receiving a volume of a diluent for diluting the concentrated drink liquid for consumption, and first and second mixing cells for receiving the volumes of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to mix the concentrated drink liquid and the diluent, the flexible bag further comprising a manifold defining a passage connecting in fluid communication the reservoir cell and the first dosing cell, the manifold defining a passage for delivering concentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cell to the first dosing cell, the passage including two branches for selectively delivering concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell and to the second mixing cell;

a flow control apparatus at least partially receiving the flexible bag, the flow control apparatus including valves arranged for engaging the flexible bag for deforming at least one of the first and second sheets to selectively occlude portions of the passage, and a controller for operating the valves to alternately block the passage branch to the second mixing cell while leaving the branch to the first mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell, and block the passage branch to the first mixing cell while leaving the branch to the second mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell.

37. A drink dispenser as set forth inclaim 36 wherein the flow control apparatus comprises a fluid pressure device controlled by the controller for acting upon the flexible bag to selectively compress or expand the cells to drive flow of fluid within the flexible bag.

38. A drink dispenser as set forth inclaim 37 wherein the flexible bag has an outlet port and the passage branches extent toward and are adapted for fluid communication with the outlet port, the controller being operable to open the passage branch from the first mixing cell to the outlet port and block the passage branch from the second mixing cell toward the outlet port at the same time fluid communication of the first and second dosing cells with the first mixing cell through the passage branch is blocked and fluid communication of the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell is open, and to open the passage branch from the first mixing cell to the outlet port and block the passage branch from the second mixing cell toward the outlet port at the same time fluid communication of the first and second dosing cells with the first mixing cell through the passage branch is blocked and fluid communication of the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell is open.

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