Product dispensing system having PWM controlled solenoid pump

Abstract

To provide a system that monitors a flow condition of a fluid flowing from a product container through a solenoid pump.SOLUTION: The system includes a solenoid pump that produces a stroke when energized, and a product container connected to the solenoid pump. The solenoid pump that pumps the fluid from the product container during the stroke includes: a PWM controller configured to energize the solenoid pump; an electric current sensor that senses an electric current flow passing through the solenoid coil and produces an output of the sensed electric current flow; and a control logic subsystem that controls a flow rate of the fluid passing through the solenoid pump by instructing the PWM controller, and monitors the electric current passing through the solenoid pump by receiving the output from the electric current sensor. The control logic subsystem uses a measured value of the electric current flow passing through the solenoid coil to determine whether or not the stroke of the solenoid pump is functional.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 66

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 552,938, entitled "Product Dispensing System" (Attorney Docket No. I82), filed on October 28, 2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 560,007, entitled "Product Dispensing System" (Attorney Docket No. J13), filed on November 15, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 636,298, entitled "Product Dispensing System" (Attorney Docket No. J39), filed on April 20, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a processing system, and more particularly to a processing system used to produce a product from a plurality of separate raw materials.

Background Art

[0003] A processing system can combine one or more types of raw materials to form a certain product. Unfortunately, such systems are often of a fixed configuration and can produce only a relatively limited number of types of products. Although such a system may be reconfigured to produce other products, such reconfiguration may require significant changes to the mechanical / electrical / software systems.

[0004] For example, to make different products, it may be necessary to add new components, such as new valves, lines, manifolds, software subroutines, etc. Such significant modifications are required because the existing devices / processes within the processing system are non - reconfigurable and their uses are for single, dedicated purposes, and therefore, to perform new tasks, additional components must be added.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for monitoring the flow state of a fluid flowing from a product container through a solenoid pump is disclosed. The system includes at least one solenoid pump including a solenoid coil that, when energized, generates one stroke of the solenoid pump, and at least one product container connected to the at least one solenoid pump, wherein the at least one solenoid pump discharges fluid from the at least one product container during each stroke, and at least one PWM controller configured to energize the at least one solenoid pump, at least one current sensor that detects a current flow through the solenoid coil and generates an output of the detected current flow, and a control logic subsystem for controlling the flow rate of the fluid through the solenoid pump by commanding the PWM controller and monitoring the current through the solenoid pump by receiving the output from the current sensor, and the control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is functional using a measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil.

[0006] Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include one or more of the following features. That is, the control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock using at least a measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil. The control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is non-functional using the measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil. The control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is an out-of-stock stroke using the measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil. The control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock when a threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes is reached. At least one product container further includes an RFID tag that stores a remaining quantity display value representing the amount of fluid remaining in the at least one product container. The control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock when a certain number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes are determined and the remaining quantity value exceeds a threshold volume.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring the flow rate of fluid from a product container through a solenoid pump is disclosed. The method includes energizing a solenoid coil of the solenoid pump to generate one stroke of the solenoid pump, discharging fluid from the product container through the solenoid pump during each stroke, detecting the current flow through the solenoid using a current sensor and generating an output of the detected current flow, and monitoring the current through the solenoid pump using a control logic subsystem, the control logic subsystem receiving the detected current from the current sensor, and determining whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is functional.

[0008] Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include one or more of the following features. That is, the control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock using at least a measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil. The control logic subsystem uses the measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil to determine whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is non-functional. The control logic subsystem uses the measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil to determine whether the stroke of the solenoid pump is an out-of-stock stroke. The control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock when the threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes is reached. Measuring the amount of fluid remaining in the product container using an RFID tag that stores a value of the remaining amount display representing the amount of fluid remaining in at least one product container. The control logic subsystem determines that the product container is out of stock when a certain number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes are determined and the remaining amount display exceeds the threshold volume.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for determining that a product container is out of stock is disclosed. The system includes at least one solenoid pump including a solenoid coil that generates one stroke of the solenoid pump when energized, and at least one product container connected to the at least one solenoid pump, the at least one solenoid pump discharging fluid from the at least one product container during each stroke, and at least one PWM controller configured to energize the at least one solenoid pump and control the voltage applied to the at least one solenoid coil, at least one current sensor that detects the current flow through the solenoid coil and generates an output of the detected current flow, and a control logic subsystem for controlling the flow rate of the fluid passing through the solenoid pump by commanding the PWM controller and monitoring the current passing through the pump by receiving the output from the current sensor, the control logic subsystem determining that at least one product container is out of stock using at least a measured value of the current flow through the solenoid coil.

[0010] Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include one or more of the following features. That is, the control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of at least one solenoid pump is a functional stroke based on the output of the current sensor. The control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of at least one solenoid pump is an out-of-stock stroke based on the output of the current sensor. The control logic subsystem determines that at least one product container is out of stock when the threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes is reached. The control logic subsystem determines whether the stroke of at least one solenoid pump is a non-functional stroke based on the output of the current sensor. At least one product container further includes an RFID tag that stores a value of a remaining quantity display representing the amount of fluid remaining in the at least one product container. The control logic subsystem determines that the system is out of stock when a certain number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes are determined and the remaining quantity display exceeds a threshold volume. The control logic subsystem controls the current measured by the current sensor by changing the high-frequency duty cycle of the PWM controller. At least one solenoid pump is connected to at least one power supply via at least one PWM controller and at least one current sensor.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing cross-reading in a product dispensing system is disclosed. The method includes scanning a plurality of RFID tag assemblies in the product dispensing system, evaluating the RFID tag assemblies to identify a location within the product dispensing system when one or more RFID tag assemblies are read within a plurality of slots, comparing a fit map, and comparing received signal strength indicator values.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a first embodiment, the flow meter includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. The diaphragm assembly is configured to displace each time the fluid in the fluid chamber displaces. The transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based on, at least in part, the amount of fluid displaced in the fluid chamber.

[0013] Some embodiments of this aspect of the present invention may include one or more of the following features. That is, the transducer assembly includes a linear variable differential transformer coupled to the diaphragm assembly by a coupling assembly, the transducer assembly includes a needle / magnet cartridge assembly, the transducer assembly includes a magnetic coil assembly, the transducer assembly includes a Hall effect sensor assembly, the transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric buzzer element, the transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric sheet element, the transducer assembly includes an audio speaker assembly, the transducer assembly includes an accelerometer assembly, the transducer assembly includes a microphone assembly, and / or the transducer assembly includes an optical displacement assembly.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining that a product container is empty is disclosed. The method includes energizing a pump assembly, discharging a micro raw material from the product container, displacing a capacitive plate by a displacement distance, measuring the capacitance of a capacitor, calculating the displacement distance from the measured value of the capacitance, and determining whether the product container is empty.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining that a product container is empty is disclosed. The method includes the steps of energizing a pump assembly, displacing a diaphragm assembly by a displacement distance by discharging a micro raw material from the product container, measuring the displacement distance using a transducer assembly, and using at least one transducer assembly to generate a signal based on the amount of the micro raw material discharged from the product container, and determining whether the product container is empty using the signal.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a bracket for a product dispensing system is disclosed. The bracket includes a plurality of tabs configured to be aligned with at least one barcode reader on a door of the product dispensing system.

[0017] The above aspects of the present invention are not to be considered exclusive, and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0018] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Like reference symbols in different figures indicate like elements.

[0021] In this specification, a product dispensing system is described. This system includes one or more modular components, which are also referred to as "subsystems". Although exemplary systems are described in various embodiments in this specification, the product dispensing system may include one or more of the subsystems described, and the product dispensing system is not limited to only one or more of the subsystems described. Therefore, in some embodiments, additional subsystems may be used in the product dispensing system.

[0022] The following disclosure describes the interactions and collaborations of various electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes (i.e., "subsystems") that enable the mixing and processing of various raw materials to produce a product. Examples of such products include milk-based products (e.g., milkshakes, floats, malt, frappes), coffee-based products (e.g., coffee, cappuccino, espresso), soda-based products (e.g., floats, fruit juice sodas), tea-based products (e.g., iced tea, sweet tea, hot tea), water-based products (e.g., natural water, flavored natural water, vitamin-enriched natural water, high-concentration electrolyte beverages, high-concentration carbohydrate beverages, etc.), solid-based products (e.g., trail mix, granola-based products, mixed nuts, cereal products, grain products), medical products (e.g., insoluble pharmaceuticals, injectable pharmaceuticals, ingestible drugs, dialysis fluids), alcohol-based products (e.g., mixed drinks, wine spritzers, soda-based alcoholic beverages, water-based alcoholic beverages, beer with flavor "shots"), industrial products (e.g., solvents, paints, lubricants, dyes, etc.), and health / beauty aids (e.g., shampoos, cosmetics, soaps, hair conditioners, toners, topical ointments), but are not limited thereto.

[0023] The product may be produced using one or more "raw materials." The raw materials may include one or more fluids, powders, solids, or gases. The fluids, powders, solids, and / or gases may be reduced or diluted in the context of processing and dispensing. The product may be a fluid, solid, powder, or gas.

[0024] The various raw materials may be referred to as "macro raw materials", "micro raw materials", or "bulk micro raw materials". One or more of the raw materials used may be housed within the housing, i.e., part of the product dispenser. However, one or more of the raw materials may be stored or generated external to the machine. For example, in some embodiments, (varying amounts of) water or other raw materials used in large quantities may be stored external to the machine (e.g., in some embodiments, high fructose corn syrup may be stored external to the machine), while other raw materials, such as powdered raw materials, concentrated raw materials, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals and / or gas cylinders may be stored within the machine itself.

[0025] The various combinations of the above electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes will be described below. Hereinafter, combinations will be described that disclose generation using various subsystems for, e.g., beverages and pharmaceuticals (e.g., dialysis fluid), which is not intended to be limiting of the present application, but rather is an exemplary embodiment of how subsystems can cooperate to produce / dispense a product. Specifically, any of the above products or any other products similar thereto may be produced using electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, software processes (each of which will be described in more detail below).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the processing system 10 is shown, which is depicted as including a plurality of subsystems, namely a storage subsystem 12, a cybernetic subsystem 14, a bulk raw material subsystem 16, a micro raw material subsystem 18, a piping / control subsystem 20, a user interface subsystem 22, and a nozzle 24. Each of the above subsystems 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 will be described in more detail below.

[0027] During use of the processing system 10, the user 26 may use the user interface subsystem 22 to select a specific product 28 to be dispensed (into the container 30). The user 26 may select one or more options to include in such a product via the user interface subsystem 22. For example, the options may include, but are not limited to, the addition of one or more types of ingredients. In one exemplary embodiment, the system is a system for dispensing beverages. In this embodiment, the user may select various flavorings to add to the beverage (including, but not limited to, lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, chocolate flavoring, vanilla flavoring), the addition of one or more nutritional supplements to the beverage (such as, but not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B 12 and zinc), and the addition of one or more types of food (such as, but not limited to, ice cream, yogurt) to the beverage.

[0028] When the user 26 makes an appropriate selection via the user interface subsystem 22, the user interface subsystem 22 can send an appropriate data signal (via the data bus 32) to the control logic subsystem 14. The control logic subsystem 14 can process these signals and read one or more recipes selected from a plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12 (via the data bus 34). The term "recipe" refers to the description for processing / generating the required product. When the control logic subsystem 14 reads a recipe from the storage subsystem 12, it processes the recipe and sends appropriate control signals (via the data bus 38) to, for example, the bulk raw material subsystem 16, the micro raw material subsystem 18 (and, in some embodiments, a bulk micro raw material not shown that may be included in the description of the micro raw materials for processing. For the dispensing of these bulk micro raw materials, in some embodiments, an assembly other than the micro raw material assembly may be used.), and the piping / control subsystem 20, as a result of which the product 28 is generated (and this is dispensed into the container 30).

[0029] Referring also to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the control logic subsystem 14 is shown. The control logic subsystem 14 may include a microprocessor 100 (for example, an ARM (registered trademark) microprocessor manufactured by Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, California), a non-volatile memory (for example, a read-only memory 102), and a volatile memory (for example, a random access memory 104), and each of them may be interconnected via one or more data / system buses 106, 108. As described above, the user interface subsystem 22 may be connected to the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 32.

[0030] The control logic subsystem 14 may also include, for example, an audio subsystem 110 that supplies an analog audio signal to the speaker 112, which may be incorporated into the processing system 10. The audio subsystem 110 may be coupled to the microprocessor 100 via the data / system bus 114.

[0031] The control logic subsystem 14 may execute an operating system, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Windows CE (registered trademark), Redhat Linux (registered trademark), Palm OS (registered trademark), or a device-specific (i.e., custom) operating system.

[0032] The instruction sets and subroutines of the above operating system that may be stored in the storage subsystem 12 may be executed by one or more processors (e.g., the microprocessor 100) and one or more memory configurations (e.g., read-only memory 102 and / or random access memory 104) incorporated in the control logic subsystem 14.

[0033] The storage subsystem 12 may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, an optical drive, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a CF (i.e., CompactFlash (registered trademark)) card, an SD (i.e., Secure Digital) card, a SmartMedia (registered trademark) card, a Memory Stick, and a MultiMedia card.

[0034] As described above, the storage subsystem 12 may be coupled to the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 34. The control logic subsystem 14 may also include a storage controller 116 (shown in dashed lines) for converting the signals supplied by the microprocessor 100 into a format usable by the storage system 12. Further, the storage controller 116 can convert the signals supplied by the storage subsystem 12 into a format usable by the microprocessor 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, an Ethernet® connection is also included.

[0036] As described above, the bulk material subsystem (also referred to herein as "macro material") 16, and the micro material subsystem 18 and / or the piping / control subsystem 20 may be coupled to the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 38. The control logic subsystem 14 may include a bus interface 118 (shown in dashed lines) for converting the signals supplied by the microprocessor 100 into a format usable by the bulk material subsystem 16, the micro material subsystem 18 and / or the piping / control subsystem 20. Further, the bus interface 118 may convert the signals supplied by the bulk material subsystem 16, the micro material subsystem 18 and / or the piping / control subsystem 20 into a format usable by the microprocessor 100.

[0037] As will be described in more detail later, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute one or more control processes 120 (e.g., a finite state machine process (FSM process 122), a virtual machine process 124, a virtual manifold process 126, etc.), which may control the operation of the processing system 10. The instruction sets and subroutines of the control process 120, which may be stored in the storage subsystem 12, may be executed by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessor 100) and one or more memory configurations (e.g., read only memory 102 and / or random access memory 104) incorporated in the control logic subsystem 14.

[0038] Referring also to FIG. 3, a schematic view of the bulk ingredient subsystem 16 and the plumbing / control subsystem 20 is shown. The bulk ingredient subsystem 16 may include a container for storing consumables that are rapidly used in generating the beverage 28. For example, the bulk ingredient subsystem 16 may include a carbon dioxide supply 150, a water supply 152, and a high fructose corn syrup supply 154. In some embodiments, the bulk ingredients are located adjacent to other subsystems. Examples of the carbon dioxide supply 150 may include, but are not limited to, a tank (not shown) of compressed carbon dioxide gas. Examples of the water supply 152 may include, but are not limited to, a municipal water supply (not shown), a distilled water supply, a filtered water supply, a reverse osmosis (RO) water supply, or other desired water supplies. Examples of the high fructose corn syrup supply 154 may include, but are not limited to, one or more tanks (not shown) of high-concentration high fructose corn syrup or one or more bag-in-box packages of high fructose corn syrup.

[0039] The bulk ingredient subsystem 16 may include a carbonator 156 for producing carbonated water from carbon dioxide (supplied by the carbon dioxide supply section 150) and water (supplied by the water supply section 152). Carbonated water 158, water 160, and high fructose corn syrup 162 may be supplied to the cooling plate assembly 163 (for example, in embodiments where it may be desirable to cool the product. In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly may not be included as part of the dispensing system or may be bypassed). The cooling plate assembly 163 may be designed to cool carbonated water 158, water 160, and high fructose corn syrup 162 to a desired dispensing temperature (for example, 40°F).

[0040] Although it is shown that carbonated water 158, water 160, and high fructose corn syrup 162 are cooled by a single cooling plate 163, this is for illustration only and since other configurations are possible, it is not intended to be limiting of the present application. For example, individual cooling plates may be used to cool each of carbonated water 158, water 160, and high fructose corn syrup 162. After cooling, the cooled carbonated water 164, cooled water 166, and cooled high fructose corn syrup 168 may be supplied to the piping / control subsystem 20. In yet another embodiment, a cooling plate may not be included. In some embodiments, only at least one heating plate may be included.

[0041] The piping is depicted as having the order of the figure, but in some embodiments, this order is not used. For example, the flow control module described herein may be configured in a different order, namely, a flow measuring device, a binary valve, and then a variable line impedance.

[0042] For purposes of explanation, the system is described below with respect to using this system to dispense a soft drink as a product, that is, the macro ingredients / bulk ingredients described include high fructose corn syrup, carbonated water, and water. However, in other embodiments of the dispensing system, the macro ingredients themselves and the number of macro ingredients may be different.

[0043] For illustrative purposes, the piping / control subsystem 20 is shown to include three flow control modules 170, 172, 174. The flow control modules 170, 172, 174 can generally control the amount and / or flow rate of the bulk raw materials. Each of the flow control modules 170, 172, 174 may include a flow measurement device (e.g., flow measurement devices 176, 178, 180), which measure the amounts of the carbonated water 164, the cooled water 166, and the cooled high fructose corn syrup 168, respectively. The flow measurement devices 176, 178, 180 can supply feedback signals 182, 184, 186 to feedback controller systems 188, 190, 192, respectively.

[0044] The feedback controller systems 188, 190, 192 (which will be described in more detail later) can compare the flow feedback signals 182, 184, 186 with a desired flow rate (set for each of the carbonated water 164, the cooled water 166, and the cooled high fructose corn syrup 168, respectively). When processing the flow feedback signals 182, 184, 186, the feedback controller systems 188, 190, 192 can generate flow control signals 194, 196, 198, respectively, which can be supplied to variable line impedances 200, 202, 204, respectively. Examples of variable line impedances 200, 202, 204 are disclosed and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 5,755,683 (Attorney Docket No. B13) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0085049 (Attorney Docket No. E66). The variable line impedances 200, 202, 204 can adjust the flow rates of the carbonated water 164, the cooled water 166, and the cooled high fructose corn syrup 168 passing through lines 218, 220, 222, respectively, which are supplied to the nozzle 24 and then to the container 30. However, another embodiment of the variable line impedance is described herein.

[0045] Lines 218, 220, and 222 may further each include a binary valve 212, 214, 216, which prevent fluid from flowing through lines 218, 220, and 222 when fluid flow is not desired / required (e.g., during shipping, maintenance procedures, downtime).

[0046] In one embodiment, binary valves 212, 214, and 216 may include solenoid binary valves. However, in other embodiments, the binary valves may be any binary valve known in the art, including but not limited to binary valves actuated by any means. Additionally, binary valves 212, 214, and 216 may be configured to always prevent fluid from flowing through lines 218, 220, and 222 when processing system 10 is not dispensing a product. Further, the function of binary valves 212, 214, and 216 may be achieved by closing variable line impedances 200, 202, and 204 via variable line impedances 200, 202, and 204, thus preventing fluid from flowing through lines 218, 220, and 222.

[0047] As previously mentioned, FIG. 3 merely provides an exemplary view of piping / control subsystem 20. Therefore, the manner in which piping / control subsystem 20 is shown is not intended to be limiting of the present application since other configurations are possible. For example, some or all of the functions of feedback controller systems 182, 184, and 186 may be incorporated into control logic subsystem 14. Also, with respect to flow control modules 170, 172, and 174, the arrangement of components is shown for purposes of illustration in FIG. 3 only. Therefore, the arrangement in the figure serves only as an exemplary embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the components may be arranged in a different arrangement.

[0048] Referring also to FIG. 4, a schematic top view of the micro - raw material subsystem 18 and the piping / control subsystem 20 is shown. The micro - raw material subsystem 18 may include a product module assembly 250, which may be configured to releasably engage one or more product containers 252, 254, 256, 258, which may be configured to hold micro - raw materials used during the production of product 28. The micro - raw materials are substrates used in the production of the product. Examples of such micro - raw materials / substrates may include, but are not limited to, a first part of a soft - drink flavoring, a second part of a soft - drink flavoring, a coffee flavoring, a nutritional supplement component, a pharmaceutical, and may be fluids, powders, or solids. However, for purposes of illustration, the following description relates to fluid micro - raw materials. In some embodiments, the micro - raw materials are powders or solids. If the micro - raw material is a powder, the system may include additional subsystems for weighing and / or reducing the powder (however, as described in the examples below, if the micro - raw material is a powder, the powder may be reduced as part of the method of mixing the product, i.e., a software manifold).

[0049] The product module assembly 250 may include a plurality of slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266 configured to releasably engage a plurality of product containers 252, 254, 256, 258. In this particular example, the product module assembly 250 is shown to include four slot assemblies (i.e., slots 260, 262, 264, 266) and can thus be referred to as a quad - type product module assembly. When positioning the product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 within the product module assembly 250, the product container (e.g., product container 254) may be slid into the slot assembly (e.g., slot assembly 262) in the direction of arrow 268. As shown in the present application, although a "quadruple product module" assembly is described in this exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments, the number of products housed within one module assembly may be more or less than this. Depending on the product dispensed by the dispensing system, the number of product containers may vary. Therefore, the number of products housed within any module assembly may vary for each application and may be selected to satisfy the desired characteristics of the system, such as, but not limited to, the efficiency, necessity, and / or function of the system.

[0050] For purposes of illustration, each slot assembly of product module assembly 250 is shown to include a pump assembly. For example, slot assembly 252 is shown to include pump assembly 270, slot assembly 262 is shown to include pump assembly 272, slot assembly 264 is shown to include pump assembly 274, and slot assembly 266 is shown to include pump assembly 276.

[0051] An inlet port may be connected to each of pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 and releasably engage a product opening included within the product container. For example, pump assembly 272 is shown to include an inlet port 278 configured to releasably engage a container opening 280 included within product container 254. Inlet port 278 and / or product opening 280 may include one or more sealing assemblies (not shown), such as one or more O-rings or Luer fittings, to facilitate a leak-proof sealed state. The inlet port (e.g., inlet port 278) connected to each pump assembly may be constructed of a rigid "pipe-like" material or a flexible "tube-like" material.

[0052] Examples of one or more pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 may include, but are not limited to, solenoid piston pump assemblies that supply a predicted amount of fluid based on calibration each time one or more of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 are energized. In one embodiment, such pumps are available from ULKA Costruzioni Elettromeccaniche S.p.A. of Pavia, Italy. For example, each time a pump assembly (e.g., pump assembly 274) is energized by the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 38, the pump assembly may supply approximately 30 μL of the fluid micro - raw material contained within the product container 256 (however, the amount of flavoring supplied may vary based on calibration). Again, for illustrative purposes only, the micro - raw material is fluid in this portion of the description. The term "based on calibration" refers to a volume or other information and / or characteristics that can be determined through calibration of the pump assembly and / or its individual pumps.

[0053] Other examples of pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 and various pumping techniques are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,808,161 (Attorney Docket No. A38), U.S. Patent No. 4,826,482 (Attorney Docket No. A43), U.S. Patent No. 4,976,162 (Attorney Docket No. A52), U.S. Patent No. 5,088,515 (Attorney Docket No. A49), U.S. Patent No. 5,350,357 (Attorney Docket No. 147), the entire texts of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the pump assembly may be a diaphragm pump as shown in FIGS. 54 - 55. In some embodiments, the pump assembly may be any of the pump assemblies described in U.S. Patent No. 5,421,823 (Attorney Docket No. 158), and any such pumping techniques may be used, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] The foregoing references describe non-limiting examples of pneumatically actuated diaphragm pumps that can be used for the ejection of fluids. A pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump assembly may be advantageous for one or more reasons, including the ability to reliably and accurately deliver various compositions of fluid in an amount, for example, in microliters, over a number of duty cycles, and / or because pneumatically actuated pumps can use pneumatic power from, for example, a carbon dioxide source, thus requiring less power, but not limited thereto. In addition, diaphragm pumps can eliminate the need for dynamic seals where the surface will move with respect to the seal material. Vibration pumps, such as those of ULKA's products, generally require the use of dynamic elastomeric seals, which can fail over time, for example, after exposure to certain types of fluids and / or wear. In some embodiments, pneumatically actuated diaphragm pumps may be more reliable, more cost-effective, and easier to calibrate than other pumps. They may also generate less noise, less heat, and consume less power than other pumps. A non-limiting example of a diaphragm pump is shown in FIG. 54.

[0055] Various embodiments of the diaphragm pump assembly 2900 shown in FIGS. 54-55 include cavities, which may be referred to as pump chambers 2942 in FIG. 54 and control fluid chambers 2944 in FIG. 55. The cavities include a diaphragm 2940, which separates the cavity into two chambers, namely a pump chamber 2942 and a volume chamber 2944.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 54, a schematic view of an exemplary diaphragm pump assembly 2900 is shown. In this embodiment, the diaphragm pump assembly 2900 includes a membrane, i.e., a diaphragm 2940, a pump chamber 2942, a control fluid chamber 2944 (best seen in FIG. 55), a three-port switching valve 2910, check valves 2920 and 2930. In some embodiments, the volume of the pump chamber 2942 may range from about 20 microliters to about 500 microliters. In one exemplary embodiment, the volume of the pump chamber 2942 may range from about 30 microliters to about 250 microliters. In other exemplary embodiments, the volume of the pump chamber 2942 may range from about 40 microliters to about 100 microliters.

[0057] The switching valve 2910 may operate to fluidly connect the pump control channel 2958 to either the switching valve fluid channel 2954 or the switching valve fluid channel 2956. In non-limiting embodiments, the switching valve 2910 may be a solenoid valve operated by electromagnetic force and operate in response to an electrical signal input via the control line 2912. In other non-limiting embodiments, the switching valve 2910 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic diaphragm valve and operate in response to a pneumatic or hydraulic signal input. In yet another embodiment, the switching valve 2910 may be a piston that operates fluidly, pneumatically, mechanically, or electromechanically within a cylinder. More generally, any other type of valve can be envisioned for use with the pump assembly 2900, and it is preferred that the valve be able to switch the fluid communication between the switching valve fluid channel 2954 and the switching valve fluid channel 2956 with the pump control channel 2958.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fluid channel 2954 of the switching valve communicates with a fluid positive pressure source (which may be pneumatic or hydraulic). The amount of fluid pressure required may depend on one or more factors, including, but not limited to, the tensile strength and elasticity of the diaphragm 2940, the concentration and / or viscosity of the fluid being discharged, the solubility of solids dissolved in the fluid, and / or the length and size of the fluid channels and ports within the pump assembly 2900. In various embodiments, the fluid pressure source may be in the range of about 15 psi to about 250 psi. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid pressure source may be in the range of about 60 psi to about 100 psi. In other exemplary embodiments, the fluid pressure source may be in the range of about 70 psi to about 80 psi. As described above, some embodiments of the dispensing system can produce carbonated beverages, and thus carbonated water may be used as a raw material. In these embodiments, the gas pressure of CO2 used to produce the carbonated beverage is often about 75 psi, and in some embodiments, the same gas pressure source may be adjusted to a lower pressure and also used to drive a diaphragm pump for discharging a small amount of fluid in a beverage dispenser.

[0059] In response to an appropriate signal supplied via the control line 2912, the valve 2910 can place the fluid channel 2954 of the switching valve in fluid communication with the pump control channel 2958. The fluid positive pressure is thus transmitted to the diaphragm 2940, which can push the fluid in the pump chamber 2942 out through the pump outlet channel 2950. The check valve 2930 ensures that the discharged fluid does not flow out of the pump chamber 2942 through the inlet channel 2952.

[0060] The switching valve 2910 can fluidly connect the pump control channel 2958 to the fluid channel 2956 of the switching valve via the control line 2912, whereby the diaphragm 2940 can reach the wall of the pump chamber 2942 (shown in FIG. 54). In certain embodiments, the fluid channel 2956 of the switching valve may communicate with a vacuum source, which, when communicating with the pump control channel 2958, can retract the diaphragm 2940, reducing the volume of the pump control chamber 2944 and increasing the volume of the pump chamber 2942. The retraction of the diaphragm 2940 draws fluid into the pump chamber 2942 through the pump inlet channel 2952. The check valve 2920 prevents the discharged fluid from flowing back into the pump chamber 2942 through the outlet channel 2950.

[0061] In one embodiment, the diaphragm 2940 may be composed of a semi-rigid spring-like material, whereby the diaphragm tends to retain a curved or elliptical shape in rotation and functions as a cup-shaped diaphragm spring. For example, the diaphragm 2940 may be at least partially composed of a thin metal sheet or may be stamped, and the metals that can be used may include, but are not limited to, high-carbon spring steel, nickel silver, high-nickel alloy, stainless steel, titanium alloy, beryllium copper, and others. The pump assembly 2900 may be configured such that the convex surface of the diaphragm 2940 faces the pump control chamber 2944 and / or the pump control channel 2958. Therefore, the diaphragm 2940 may have an inherent tendency to retract after being pressed against the surface of the pump chamber 2942. In this situation, the fluid channel 2956 of the switching valve may communicate with the ambient (atmospheric) pressure, whereby the diaphragm 2940 can automatically retract and draw fluid into the pump chamber 2942 through the pump inlet channel 2952. In some embodiments, the recess of the spring-like diaphragm defines an amount of fluid that is equal to, or substantially / approximately equal to, the amount of fluid to be supplied in each stroke of the pump. This has the advantage that it is not necessary to configure the pump chamber, which may be difficult and / or costly to manufacture within an acceptable error range of exact dimensions, to a predetermined volume. In this embodiment, the pump control chamber is shaped to accommodate the convex surface of the diaphragm at rest, and the shape of the opposite surface may be any shape, i.e., it may not be related to performance.

[0062] In one embodiment, the amount supplied by the membrane pump may be run in an "open loop" fashion, without providing a mechanism to detect and confirm that the expected amount of fluid has been supplied with each stroke of the pump. In other embodiments, the amount of fluid discharged through the pump chamber during one stroke of the membrane may be measured using Fluid Management System (FMS) technology, which is described in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,808,161 (Attorney Docket No. A38), 4,826,482 (Attorney Docket No. A43), 4,976,162 (Attorney Docket No. A52), 5,088,515 (Attorney Docket No. A49), and 5,350,357 (Attorney Docket No. 147), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Briefly, the FMS measurement method is used to detect the amount of fluid supplied with each stroke of a diaphragm-type pump. A small, constant reference air chamber is placed outside the pump assembly, for example, within a pneumatic manifold (not shown). A valve separates the reference chamber from a second pressure sensor. The pump's single discharge volume can be accurately calculated by filling the reference chamber with air, measuring the pressure, and then opening the valve toward the pump chamber. The amount of air on the reference chamber side can be calculated based on a fixed amount in the reference chamber and the pressure change when the reference chamber is connected to the pump chamber. In some embodiments, the amount of fluid discharged through the pump chamber during one stroke of the membrane may be measured using the Acoustic Volume Sensing (AVS) method. The acoustic volume measurement method is the subject of U.S. Patent No. 5,575,310 (Attorney Docket No. B28), U.S. Patent No. 5,755,683 (Attorney Docket No. B13), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0228071 A1 (Attorney Docket No. E70), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219496 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219480 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219597 A1, and International Application No. 2009 / 088956, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application. In this embodiment, fluid volume detection in the nanoliter range is possible, and thus it is useful for very accurate and precise monitoring of the discharge volume. Other alternative techniques for measuring fluid flow rate can also be used, such as Doppler-based methods, the combined use of a Hall effect sensor and a vane or a flapper valve, a stray beam (e.g., detecting the deflection of a flexible membrane over a fluid chamber), the use of capacitive detection with a plate, or the time-of-flight temperature method.

[0063] The product module assembly 250 may be configured to releasably engage the bracket assembly 282. The bracket assembly 282 may be part of (and rigidly fixed within) the processing system 10. Although referred to herein as a "bracket assembly", this assembly may be different in other embodiments. The bracket assembly serves to fix the product module assembly 282 in a desired location. An example of the bracket assembly 282 may include, but is not limited to, a shelf in the processing system 10 configured to releasably engage the product module 250. For example, the product module 250 may include an engagement device (e.g., a clip assembly, a slot assembly, a latch assembly, a pin assembly) configured to releasably engage a complementary device incorporated in the bracket assembly 282.

[0064] The piping / control subsystem 20 may include a manifold assembly 284, which may be rigidly fixed to the bracket assembly 282. The manifold assembly 284 may be configured to include a plurality of inlet ports 286, 288, 290, 292, which may be configured to releasably engage pump openings (e.g., pump openings 294, 296, 298, 300) incorporated in each of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276. When positioning the product module 250 on the bracket assembly 282, the product module 250 may be moved in the direction of arrow 302, such that the inlet ports 286, 288, 290, 292 can releasably engage the pump openings 294, 296, 298, 300, respectively. The inlet ports 286, 288, 290, 292 and / or the pump openings 294, 296, 298, 300 may include one or more O-rings or other sealing assemblies (not shown) as described above to facilitate a leak-proof seal condition. The inlet ports included in the manifold assembly 284 (e.g., inlet ports 286, 288, 290, 292) may be constructed of a rigid "pipe-like" material or a flexible "tube-like" material.

[0065] The manifold assembly 284 may be configured to engage with the tube bundle 304, which may be piped (directly or indirectly) to the nozzle 24. As described above, the bulk ingredient subsystem 16 may also supply (directly or indirectly) fluid in the form of chilled carbonated water 164, chilled water 166, and / or chilled high fructose corn syrup 168 to the nozzle 24 in at least one embodiment. Thus, the control logic subsystem 14 can accurately control the composition of the product 28 because it can adjust the amounts of the various bulk ingredients, such as chilled carbonated water 164, chilled water 166, chilled high fructose corn syrup 168, and the various micro-ingredients (e.g., the first substrate (i.e., flavoring), the second substrate (i.e., nutritional supplement), and the third substrate (i.e., pharmaceutical)).

[0066] As described above, one or more of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 may be solenoid piston pump assemblies, which supply a predetermined, always the same amount of fluid each time one or more of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 are energized by the logic subsystem 14 (via the data bus 38). Further, as described above, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute one or more control processes 120, which may control the operation of the processing system 10. An example of such a control process may include a drive signal generation process (not shown) that generates drive signals that may be supplied from the control logic subsystem 14 to the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 via the data bus 38. One exemplary method for generating the drive signals described above is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 851,344, filed on September 6, 2007, now U.S. Patent No. 7,905,373 (Attorney Docket No. F45) entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A DRIVE SIGNAL", the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows one nozzle 24, but in other various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 24 may be included. In some embodiments, a plurality of containers 30 may receive the product dispensed from the system, for example, via a plurality of sets of tube bundles. Therefore, in some embodiments, the dispensing system may be configured such that one or more users can be required to dispense one or more types of products at the same time.

[0068] The volumetric flow sensors 306, 308, 310, 312 may be used to detect the flow rate of the above-described micro raw materials through each of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276.

[0069] Referring also to FIGS. 5A (side view) and 5B (top view), a detailed view of an exemplary capacitive flow sensor 308 is shown. The capacitive flow sensor 308 may include a first capacitive plate 310 and a second capacitive plate 312. The second capacitive plate 312 may be configured to be movable with respect to the first capacitive plate 310. For example, the first capacitive plate 310 may be rigidly fixed to a structure within the processing system 10. Further, the capacitive flow sensor 308 may also be rigidly fixed to a structure within the processing system 10. However, the second capacitive plate 312 may be configured to be movable with respect to the first capacitive plate 310 (and the capacitive flow sensor 308) by using a diaphragm assembly 314. The diaphragm assembly 314 may be configured such that the second capacitive plate 312 can be displaced in the direction of arrow 316. The diaphragm assembly 314 may be composed of various materials that allow displacement in the direction of arrow 316. For example, the diaphragm assembly 314 may be composed of a stainless steel sheet with a PET (i.e., polyethylene terephthalate) coating to prevent corrosion of the stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, the diaphragm assembly 314 may be composed of a titanium sheet. Additionally, the diaphragm assembly 314 may be composed of plastic, in which case one surface of the plastic diaphragm assembly is plated to form the second capacitive plate 312. In some embodiments, the plastic may be an injection-molded plastic or a PET rolled sheet, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] As described above, each time a pump assembly (e.g., pump assembly 272) is energized by the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 38, the pump assembly may supply a calibration-based amount of a suitable micro raw material fluid, e.g., 30 - 33 μL, contained, for example, in the product container 254. Thus, the control logic subsystem 14 may control the flow rate of the micro raw material by controlling the rate at which a suitable pump assembly is energized. An exemplary rate at which the pump assembly is energized is between 3 Hz (i.e., 3 times per second) and 30 Hz (i.e., 30 times per second).

[0071] Thus, when the pump assembly 272 is energized, a suction force is generated (in the cavity 318 of the capacitive flow sensor 308), which sucks a suitable micro raw material (e.g., a substrate) from, for example, the product container 254. Thus, when the pump assembly 272 is energized and a suction force is generated within the cavity 318, the second capacitive plate 312 may be displaced downward (with respect to FIG. 5A), and thus, the distance "d" (i.e., the distance between the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312) increases.

[0072] Referring also to FIG. 5C, as is known in the art, the capacitance (C) of a capacitor is given by the following formula

Equation

[0073] Continuing with the above example, and referring also to FIG. 5D, assume that when the pump assembly 272 is not energized, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 is 5.00 pF. Further assume that when the pump assembly 272 is energized at time T = 1, an attractive force is generated in the cavity 316, which is sufficient to displace the second capacitive plate 312 downward by a distance that can reduce the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 by 20%. Thus, the new capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 may be 4.00 pF. An exemplary example of the second capacitive plate 312 being displaced downward during the pumping sequence described above is shown in FIG. 5E.

[0074] When a suitable micro - ingredient is sucked from the product container 254, the attractive force in the cavity 318 decreases, and the second capacitive plate 312 may be displaced upward to its original position (shown in FIG. 5A). As the second capacitive plate 312 is displaced upward, the distance between the second capacitive plate 312 and the first capacitive plate 310 decreases and may return to its original value. Thus, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 may again become 5.00 pF. When the second capacitive plate 312 is moving upward and returning to its original position, due to the momentum of the second capacitive plate 312, the second capacitive plate 312 passes its original position and for an instant gets closer to the first capacitive plate than when the second capacitive plate 312 was in its original position (shown in FIG. 5A). Thus, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 may briefly become greater than its original value of 5.00 pF and then quickly stabilize at 5.00 pF.

[0075] The change in the capacitance value (in this example) between 5.00 pF and 4.00 pF as described above while the pump assembly 272 repeats its on and off cycles can continue, for example, until the product container 254 is empty. For purposes of illustration, assume that the product container 254 becomes empty at time T = 5. At this point, the second capacitive plate 312 may not return to its original position (shown in FIG. 5A). Further, as the pump assembly 272 continues in its cycle, the second capacitive plate 312 can continue to be drawn downward until finally the second capacitive plate 312 can no longer be displaced (shown in FIG. 5F). At this point, since the distance "d" becomes greater than that shown in FIGS. 5A and 5E, the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312 can be minimized to the minimum capacitance value 320. The actual value of the minimum capacitance value 320 may vary depending on the flexibility of the diaphragm assembly 314.

[0076] Accordingly, by monitoring the capacitance value (absolute variation or variation between peaks) of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312, for example, the proper operation of the pump assembly 272 can be verified. For example, if the capacitance value described above varies periodically between 5.00 pF and 4.00 pF, this capacitance variation can indicate that the pump assembly 272 is operating properly and that the product container 254 is not empty. However, if the capacitance value described above does not vary (for example, remains at 5.00 pF), this can indicate a failure of the pump assembly 272 (for example, a mechanical component in the pump assembly has failed and / or an electrical component has failed) or that the nozzle 24 has become clogged.

[0077] Furthermore, if the capacitance value described above decreases to a point lower than 4.00 pF (such as down to a minimum capacitance value of 320), this may indicate that the product container 254 is empty. Even further, if the variation between the vertices is below the expected value (for example, less than the 1.00 pF variation described above), this may indicate that there is a leak between the product container 254 and the capacitive flow sensor 308.

[0078] To measure the capacitance value of the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312, a signal may be supplied to the capacitance measurement system 326 (via conductors 322, 324). The output of the capacitance measurement system 326 may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14. Examples of the capacitance measurement system 326 may include the CY8C21434-24LFXI PSOC provided by Cypress Semiconductor of San Jose, California. Its design and operation are described in the "CSD User Module" issued by Cypress Semiconductor, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The capacitance measurement circuit 326 may be configured to compensate for environmental factors (such as changes in temperature, humidity, and power supply voltage).

[0079] The capacitance measurement system 326 may be configured to perform capacitance measurements over a predetermined period of time (regarding the capacitor formed by the first capacitive plate 310 and the second capacitive plate 312) to determine whether the above-described capacitance variations are occurring. For example, the capacitance measurement system 326 may be configured to monitor the change in the above-described capacitance value occurring within a 0.50-second time frame. Thus, in this specific example, as long as the pump assembly 272 is energized at a minimum speed of 2.00 Hz (i.e., at least once every 0.50 seconds), the capacitance measurement system 326 should detect at least one of the above-described capacitance variations during each 0.50-second measurement cycle.

[0080] Although the flow sensor 308 has been described above as capacitive, this is for illustration purposes only, and other configurations are possible and considered to be within the scope of the present application, and thus are not intended to be limiting of the present application.

[0081] For example, also referring to FIG. 5G, for illustration purposes, assume that the flow sensor 308 does not include a first capacitive plate 310 and a second capacitive plate 312. Instead, the flow sensor 308 may include a transducer assembly 328, which may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the diaphragm assembly 314. When directly connected, the transducer assembly 328 may be attached / adhered to the diaphragm assembly 314. Alternatively, when indirectly connected, the transducer assembly 328 may be connected to the diaphragm assembly 314, for example, by a connection assembly 330.

[0082] As described above, when the fluid is displaced within the cavity 318, the diaphragm assembly 314 may be displaced. For example, the diaphragm assembly 314 may move in the direction of arrow 316. In addition to / Instead of this, the diaphragm assembly 314 may be distorted (for example, slightly concave / convex as shown by the dashed diaphragm assemblies 332, 334). As is known in the art, whether (a) the diaphragm assembly 314 remains substantially flat during displacement in the direction of arrow 316, (b) becomes a convex diaphragm assembly 332 / concave diaphragm assembly 334 while remaining stationary with respect to arrow 316, or (c) exhibits a combination of both displacement forms may depend on a plurality of factors (for example, the rigidity of various parts of the diaphragm assembly 314, etc.). Therefore, by using the transducer assembly 328 (in combination with the connection assembly 330 and / or the transducer measurement system 336) to monitor all or part of the displacement of the diaphragm assembly 314, the amount of fluid displaced within the cavity 318 can be measured.

[0083] By using various types of transducer assemblies (described in more detail below), the amount of fluid passing through cavity 318 can be measured.

[0084] For example, transducer assembly 328 may include a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), may be rigidly fixed to a structure within processing system 10, and these may be connected to diaphragm assembly 314 via coupling assembly 330. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such an LVDT is the SE 750 100 manufactured by Macro Sensors of Pennsauken, New Jersey. Flow sensor 308 may also be rigidly fixed to a structure within processing system 10. Thus, when diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced (e.g., along arrow 316 or flexed to be convex / concave), the movement of diaphragm assembly 314 can be monitored. Thus, the amount of fluid passing through cavity 318 can also be monitored. Transducer assembly 328 (i.e., which includes an LVDT) may generate a signal, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by transducer measurement system 336. This processed signal may then be supplied to control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through cavity 318.

[0085] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a needle / magnetic cartridge assembly (e.g., a phonograph needle / magnetic cartridge assembly) and may be rigidly fixed to the structure within the processing system 10. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such a needle / magnetic cartridge assembly is the N 16 D manufactured by Toshiba Corporation of Japan. The transducer assembly 328 may be connected to the diaphragm assembly 314 via a coupling assembly 330 (e.g., a rigid rod assembly). The needle of the transducer assembly 328 may be configured to contact the surface of the coupling assembly 330 (i.e., the rigid rod assembly). Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the coupling assembly 330 (i.e., the rigid rod assembly) may also be displaced (in the direction of arrow 316) and may strike and rub against the needle of the transducer assembly 328. Thus, the combination of the transducer assembly 328 (i.e., the needle / magnetic cartridge) and the coupling assembly 330 (i.e., the rigid rod assembly) may generate a signal, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. This processed signal may then be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to determine the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0086] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a magnetic coil assembly (e.g., similar to the voice coil of a speaker assembly) and may be rigidly fixed to the structure within the processing system 10. An exemplary, non-limiting example of such a magnetic coil assembly is 5526-I manufactured by API Delevan Inc., East Aurora, New York. The transducer assembly 328 may be connected to the diaphragm assembly 314 via a coupling assembly 330, which may include an axial magnet assembly. An exemplary, non-limiting example of such an axial magnet assembly is D16 manufactured by K&J Magnetics, Inc., Jamison, Pennsylvania. The axial magnet assembly included in the coupling assembly 330 may be configured to slide coaxially within the magnetic coil assembly of the transducer assembly 328. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the coupling assembly 330 (i.e., the axial magnet assembly) is also displaced (in the direction of arrow 316). As is known in the art, the movement of the axial magnet assembly within the magnetic coil assembly induces a current in the windings of the magnetic coil assembly. Thus, a combination of the magnetic coil assembly (not shown) of the transducer assembly 328 and the axial magnet assembly (not shown) of the coupling assembly 330 may generate a signal, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) and then supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0087] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a Hall effect sensor assembly and may be rigidly fixed to a structure within the processing system 10. An exemplary but non-limiting example of such a Hall effect sensor assembly is the AB0iKUA-T manufactured by Allegro Microsystems Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts. The transducer assembly 328 may be connected to the diaphragm assembly 314 via a coupling assembly 330, which may include an axial magnet assembly. An exemplary but non-limiting example of such an axial magnet assembly is the D16 manufactured by K&J Magnetics, Inc., Jamison, Pennsylvania. The axial magnet assembly included in the coupling assembly 330 may be configured to be positioned near the Hall effect sensor assembly of the transducer assembly 328. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / deflected (as described above), the coupling assembly 330 (i.e., the axial magnet assembly) is also displaced (in the direction of arrow 316). As is known in the art, a Hall effect sensor assembly is an assembly that generates an output voltage signal that varies in response to a change in a magnetic field. Thus, a combination of the Hall effect sensor assembly (not shown) of the transducer assembly 328 and the axial magnet assembly (not shown) of the coupling assembly 330 may generate a signal, which is processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) and then supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and may be used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0088] As used herein, a piezoelectric material refers to any material that exhibits a piezoelectric effect. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, ceramics, films, metals, and crystals.

[0089] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a piezoelectric buzzer element, which may be directly coupled to the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, the coupling assembly 330 may not be necessary. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such a piezoelectric buzzer element is the KBS-13DA-12A manufactured by AVX Corporation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As is known in the art, a piezoelectric buzzer element may generate an electrical output signal that varies in accordance with the amount of mechanical stress received by the piezoelectric buzzer element. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 displaces / bends (as described above), the piezoelectric buzzer element (included in the transducer assembly 328) may receive mechanical stress, and thus, a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / transformed / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0090] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a piezoelectric sheet element, which may be directly coupled to the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, the coupling assembly 330 may not be utilized. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such a piezoelectric sheet element is the 0-1002794-0 manufactured by MSI / Schaevitz, Hampton, Virginia. As is known in the art, a piezoelectric sheet element may generate an electrical output signal that varies in accordance with the amount of mechanical stress received by the piezoelectric sheet element. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 displaces / bends (as described above), the piezoelectric sheet element (included in the transducer assembly 328) may receive mechanical stress, and thus, a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / transformed / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0091] Alternatively, the piezoelectric sheet element (contained in the transducer assembly 328) may be positioned near and acoustically coupled to the diaphragm assembly 314. The piezoelectric sheet element (contained in the transducer assembly 328) may or may not include a weighting assembly to improve the resonance ability of the piezoelectric sheet element. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the piezoelectric sheet element (contained in the transducer assembly 328) may be subject to mechanical stress (by acoustic coupling), and thus a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. This processed signal may then be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0092] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include an audio speaker assembly, in which case the cone of the audio speaker assembly may be directly coupled to the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, it may not be necessary to utilize the coupling assembly 330. An exemplary but non-limiting example of such an audio speaker assembly is the AS01308MR-2X manufactured by Projects Unlimited of Dayton, Ohio. As is known in the art, an audio speaker assembly may include a voice coil assembly and a permanent magnet assembly in which the voice coil assembly slides. The signal is generally applied to the voice coil assembly to move the speaker cone, but if the speaker is moved by hand, a current is induced in the voice coil assembly. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the voice coil of the audio speaker assembly (included in the transducer assembly 328) may be displaced with respect to the permanent magnet assembly described above, and thus a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. This processed signal may then be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to determine the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318. <> <>

[0093] <> Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include an accelerometer assembly, which may be directly coupled to the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, the coupling assembly 330 may not be utilized. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such an accelerometer assembly is the AD22286-R2 manufactured by Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, Massachusetts. As is known in the art, an accelerometer assembly can generate an electrical output signal, which varies in accordance with the acceleration received by the accelerometer assembly. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the accelerometer assembly (included in the transducer assembly 328) may receive different levels of acceleration, and thus, a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the chamber 318.

[0094] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include a microphone assembly, which may be positioned in the vicinity of the diaphragm assembly 314 and acoustically coupled thereto. Thus, the coupling assembly 330 may not be utilized. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such a microphone assembly is the EA-21842 manufactured by Knowles Acoustics, Itasca, Illinois. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the microphone assembly (included in the transducer assembly 328) may receive mechanical stress (by acoustic coupling), and thus, a signal may be generated, which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0095] Alternatively, the transducer assembly 328 may include an optical displacement assembly configured to monitor the movement of the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, the coupling assembly 330 may not be utilized. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such an optical displacement assembly is the Z4W-V manufactured by Advanced Motion Systems, Inc., Pittsford, New York. For purposes of illustration, the above-described optical displacement assembly includes an optical signal generator that directs an optical signal to the diaphragm assembly 314, which is reflected by the diaphragm assembly 314 and detected by an optical sensor (likewise included within the optical displacement assembly). Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 displaces / flexes (as described above), the optical signal detected by the above-described optical sensor (included within the transducer assembly 328) may change. Thus, a signal may be generated by the optical displacement assembly (included within the transducer assembly 328), which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the cavity 318.

[0096] The above example of the flow sensor 308 is for purposes of illustration, but other configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present application, and it is not intended that all of these be adopted. For example, although the transducer assembly 328 is shown to be positioned external to the diaphragm assembly 314, the transducer assembly 328 may be positioned within the cavity 318.

[0097] Some of the above examples of the flow sensor 308 have been described as being connected to the diaphragm assembly 314, but this is for illustrative purposes only, and other configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present application, and thus are not intended to be limiting of the present application. For example, referring also to FIG. 5H, the flow sensor 308 may include a piston assembly 338, which may be biased by a spring assembly 340. The piston assembly 338 may be positioned near the diaphragm assembly 314 and configured to bias it. Thus, the piston assembly 338 can follow the movement of the diaphragm assembly 314. Thus, the transducer assembly 328 may be connected to the piston assembly 338 to achieve the above results.

[0098] Furthermore, when the flow sensor 308 is configured to include a piston assembly 338 and a spring assembly 340, the transducer assembly 328 may include an inductance monitoring assembly configured to monitor the inductance of the spring assembly 340. Thus, it may not be necessary to use the connection assembly 330. An exemplary and non-limiting example of such an inductance monitoring assembly is the L / C Meter IIB manufactured by Almost All Digital Electronics of Auburn, Washington. Thus, when the diaphragm assembly 314 is displaced / flexed (as described above), the inductance of the spring assembly 340 detected by the above inductance monitoring assembly (included in the transducer assembly 328) may change due to the change in resistance when the spring assembly 340 flexes. Thus, a signal may be generated by the inductance monitoring assembly (included in the transducer assembly 328), which may be processed (e.g., amplified / converted / filtered) by the transducer measurement system 336. Thereafter, this processed signal may be supplied to the control logic subsystem 14 and used to confirm the amount of fluid passing through the chamber 318.

[0099] Referring also to FIG. 6A, a schematic diagram of the piping / control subsystem 20 is shown. The piping / control subsystem described below relates to a piping / control system used to control the amount of chilled carbonated water 164 added to the product 28 via the flow control module 170, but this is for illustration only and other configurations are also possible, and it is not intended to be limiting of the present application. For example, the piping / control subsystem described below may also be used to control the amount of chilled water 166 added to the product 28 (e.g., also via the flow control module 172) and / or chilled high fructose corn syrup 168 (e.g., via the flow control module 174).

[0100] As described above, the piping / control subsystem 20 may include a feedback controller system 188, which receives a flow feedback signal 182 from the flow measurement device 176. The feedback controller system 188 may compare the flow feedback signal 182 with a desired flow rate (set by the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 38). When processing the flow feedback signal 182, the feedback control system 188 may generate a flow control signal 194, which may be supplied to the variable line impedance 200.

[0101] The feedback controller system 188 may include a trajectory shaping controller 350, a flow regulator 352, a feedforward controller 354, a unit delay 356, a saturation controller 358, and a stepper controller 360, each of which will be described in detail below.

[0102] The trajectory shaping controller 350 may be configured to receive control signals from the control logic subsystem 14 via the data bus 38. This control signal may set a trajectory for delivering a fluid (in this case, chilled carbonated water 164 via the flow control module 170) that the piping / control subsystem 20 is assumed to use for the product 28. However, the trajectory provided by the control logic subsystem 14 may need to be adjusted, for example, before being processed by the flow controller 352. For example, control systems tend to have difficulty processing control curves (i.e., including step changes) composed of multiple line segments. For example, the flow regulator 352 may have difficulty processing the control curve 370 because it is composed of three different straight line segments, namely segments 372, 374, and 376. Therefore, at the transition points (transition points 378, 380, etc.), specifically the flow controller 352 (and, overall, the piping / control subsystem 20) will need to change instantaneously from the first flow rate to the second flow rate. Therefore, the trajectory shaping controller 350 may filter the control curve 30 to form a smooth control curve 382, which makes the instantaneous change from the first flow rate to the second flow rate unnecessary and can thus be more easily processed by specifically the flow controller 352 (and, overall, the piping / control subsystem 20).

[0103] In addition to this, the trajectory shaping controller 350 may enable pre-injection wetting and post-injection rinsing of the nozzle 24. In some embodiments, and / or for some recipes, one or more raw materials may pose a problem for the nozzle 24 if the raw material (herein referred to as the "contaminating raw material") comes into direct contact with the nozzle 24, i.e., in the form in which it was stored. In some embodiments, the nozzle 24 may be pre-injection wetted with a "pre-injection" raw material, such as water, thereby preventing these "contaminating raw materials" from coming into direct contact with the nozzle 24. The nozzle 24 may then be post-injection rinsed with a "post-washing raw material", such as water.

[0104] Specifically, when the nozzle 24 is wetted before injection with, for example, 10 mL of water and / or rinsed after injection with, for example, 10 mL of water or the raw material after "washing", when the addition of the contaminated raw material stops, the trajectory shaping controller 350 may supply an additional amount of the contaminated raw material during the injection process so that the raw material before washing added during wetting before injection and / or rinsing after injection is offset. Specifically, when the product 28 is being injected into the container 30, the product 28 initially having an insufficient concentration of the contaminating component may be obtained by the water for rinsing before injection or "before washing". Then, the trajectory shaping controller 350 may add the contaminated raw material at a flow rate higher than necessary, and as a result, the product 28 may transition from "insufficient concentration" to "appropriate concentration" or "excessive concentration", or be present at a higher concentration than the level required by a specific recipe. However, when an appropriate amount of the contaminated raw material is added, additional water or other appropriate "raw material after washing" may be added during the rinsing process after injection, and as a result, the raw material 28 with the contaminated raw material at an "appropriate concentration" is obtained again.

[0105] The flow controller 352 may be configured as a proportional-integral (PI) loop controller. The flow controller 352 may perform comparison and processing, which was generally described above as being performed by the feedback controller system 188. For example, the flow controller 352 may be configured to receive a feedback signal 182 from the flow meter 176. The flow controller 352 may compare the flow feedback signal 182 with a desired flow rate (set by the control logic subsystem 14 and adjusted by the trajectory shaping controller 350). When the flow controller 352 processes the flow feedback signal 182, it may generate a flow control signal 194, which may be supplied to the variable line impedance 200.

[0106] The feedforward controller 354 may provide an expected value of a "best guess" as to where the initial position of the variable line impedance 200 should be. Specifically, assume that at a given constant pressure, the flow rate of the variable line impedance (of the chilled carbonated water 164) is between 0.00 mL / sec and 120.00 mL / sec. Further assume that a flow rate of 40 mL / sec is desirable when injecting the beverage product 28 into the container 30. Thus, the feedforward controller 354 may supply a feedforward signal (on the feedforward line 384), which initially opens the variable line impedance 200 to 33.33% of its maximum aperture (assuming the variable line impedance 200 operates linearly).

[0107] When determining the value of the feedforward signal, the feedforward controller 354 may utilize a look-up table (not shown), which may be created empirically and may define the signals supplied for various initial flow rates. An example of such a look-up table may include, but is not limited to, the following table.

[0108]

Table 1

[0109] Again, for example, assuming that a flow rate of 40 mL / sec is desirable when injecting the beverage product 28 into the container 30, the feedforward controller 354 may utilize the above look-up table and may send a pulse signal to rotate the stepper motor 60.0 degrees (using the feedforward line 384). Although a stepper motor is used in this exemplary embodiment, in various other embodiments, any other type of motor may be used, including, but not limited to, a servo motor.

[0110] The unit delay 356 may form a feedback path through which a previous version of the control signal (supplied to the variable line impedance 200) is supplied to the flow controller 352.

[0111] The saturation controller 358 may be configured to disable the integral control of the feedback controller system 188 (which may be configured as a PI loop controller as described above) whenever the variable line impedance 200 is set to the maximum flow rate (by the stepper controller 360), thus improving the stability of the system by reducing flow rate overshoot and system oscillations.

[0112] The stepper controller 360 may be configured to convert the signal supplied by the saturation controller 358 (on line 386) into a signal that can be utilized by the variable line impedance 200. The variable line impedance 200 may include a stepping motor for adjusting the size of the opening of the variable line impedance 200 (and thus the flow rate). Accordingly, the control signal 194 may be configured to control the stepping motor included in the variable line impedance.

[0113] Referring also to FIG. 6B, examples of the flow rate measuring devices 176, 178, 180 of the flow rate control modules 170, 172, 174, respectively, may include, but are not limited to, paddle wheel flow rate measuring devices, turbine type measuring devices, or positive displacement flow rate measuring devices (e.g., gear type positive displacement flow rate measuring device 388). Therefore, in various embodiments, the flow rate measuring device may be any device that can measure the flow rate directly or indirectly. In this exemplary embodiment, the gear type positive displacement flow rate measuring device 388 is used. In this embodiment, the flow rate measuring device 388 may include a plurality of meshing gears (e.g., gears 390, 392), and these may be arranged such that any content passing through the gear type positive displacement flow rate measuring device 388 is necessarily routed through one or more predetermined paths (e.g., paths 394, 396), such that, for example, gear 390 rotates counterclockwise and gear 392 rotates clockwise. By monitoring the rotation of gears 390, 392, a feedback signal (e.g., feedback signal 182) may be generated and supplied to an appropriate flow rate controller (e.g., flow rate controller 352).

[0114] Referring also to FIGS. 7-14, various exemplary embodiments of a flow control module (e.g., flow control module 170) are shown. However, as described above, the order of the various assemblies may vary in different embodiments, i.e., the assemblies may be arranged in any desired order. For example, in some embodiments, the assemblies are arranged in the following order, i.e., a flow measurement device, a binary valve, a variable impedance, and in other embodiments, the assemblies are arranged in the following order, i.e., a flow measurement device, a variable impedance, a binary valve. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to change the order of the assemblies to hold the pressure and fluid on the variable impedance or to vary the pressure on the variable impedance. In some embodiments, the variable impedance valve may include a lip seal. In these embodiments, it may be desirable to hold the pressure and fluid on the lip seal. This can be achieved by arranging the assembly in the following order, i.e., a flow measurement device, a variable impedance, a binary valve. The binary valve downstream of the variable line impedance holds the pressure and liquid on the variable impedance so that the lip seal maintains the desired seal.

[0115] First, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, one embodiment of a flow control module 170a is shown. In some embodiments, the flow control module 170a may generally include a flow meter 176a, a variable line impedance 200a, and a binary valve 212a, and there may generally be a straight fluid flow path therein. The flow meter 176a may include a fluid inlet 400 for receiving bulk material from the bulk material subsystem 16. The fluid inlet 400 may communicate the bulk material to a gear volumetric transfer flow measurement device (e.g., generally the gear volumetric transfer device 388 described above), which includes a plurality of meshing gears (e.g., including gear 390) disposed within a housing 402. The bulk material can pass from the flow meter 176a through the flow path 404 to the binary valve 212a.

[0116] The binary valve 212a may include a poppet valve 406 actuated by a solenoid 408. The poppet valve 406 may be biased (e.g., by a spring not shown), whereby the poppet valve 406 is positioned toward a closed position, such that bulk material cannot flow through the flow control module 170a. The solenoid coil 408 is energized (e.g., in response to a control signal from the control logic subsystem 14) to linearly drive the plunger 410 via the coupling means 412 to move the poppet valve 406 out of a sealed engagement with the valve seat 414, such that the poppet valve 212a may be opened to allow bulk material to flow to the variable line impedance 200a.

[0117] As described above, the variable line impedance 200a may regulate the flow rate of bulk material. The variable line impedance 200a may include a drive motor 416, which may include, but is not limited to, a stepper motor or a servo motor. The drive motor 416 may generally be coupled to a variable impedance valve 418. As described above, the variable impedance valve 418 may control the flow rate of bulk material exiting from the binary valve 212a through the fluid outlet 422, e.g., via the flow path 420. Examples of the variable impedance valve 418 are disclosed and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 5,755,683 (Attorney Docket No. B13) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0085049 (Attorney Docket No. E66), the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Although not shown, a gear arrangement may be coupled between the drive motor 416 and the variable impedance valve 418.

[0118] Referring also to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the flow control module (e.g., flow control module 170b) is shown, which generally includes a flow meter 176b, a binary valve 212b, and a variable line impedance 200b. Similar to flow control module 170a, flow control module 170b may include a fluid inlet 400, which may communicate a bulk feed to flow meter 176b. Flow meter 176b may include meshing gears 390, 392 disposed in a cavity 424, which may be formed, for example, within a housing member 402. The meshing gears 390, 392 and cavity 424 may define a flow path in the vicinity of the periphery of cavity 424. The bulk feed may pass from flow meter 176b through flow path 404 to binary valve 212b. As shown in the figure, fluid inlet 400 and flow path 404 may provide a 90-degree flow path that enters and exits flow meter 176b (i.e., enters and exits cavity 424).

[0119] Binary valve 212b may include a poppet valve 406, which is biased to engage a valve seat 414 (e.g., in response to a biasing force applied by spring 426 via coupling means 412). When solenoid coil 408 is energized, plunger 410 retracts toward solenoid coil 408, thereby moving poppet valve 406 out of sealing engagement with valve seat 414, such that the bulk feed can flow to variable line impedance 200b. In other embodiments, poppet valve 406 may be downstream of variable line impedance 200b.

[0120] The variable line impedance 200b may generally include a first rigid member (e.g., shaft 428) having a first face. The shaft 428 may define a first flow path portion having a first termination on the first face. The first termination may include a groove (e.g., groove 430) defined on the first face (e.g., of the shaft 428). The groove 430 may be tapered perpendicular to the tangent of the curve of the first face from a large cross-sectional area to a small cross-sectional area. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 428 may include a hole (i.e., a straight-through hole, see FIG. 15C) instead of the groove 430. The second rigid member (e.g., housing 432) may include a second face (e.g., inner hole 434). The second rigid member (e.g., housing 432) may define a second flow path portion having a second termination on the second face. The first and second rigid members may be rotatable relative to each other continuously from a fully open position, through a partially open position, to a closed position. For example, the shaft 428 may be rotatably driven relative to the housing 432 by a drive motor 416 (e.g., which may include a stepping motor or a servo motor). The first and second faces define a space therebetween. A hole (e.g., opening 436) in the second rigid member (e.g., housing 432) may fluidly communicate between the first and second flow path portions when the first and second rigid members are in either a fully open state or any one of the partially open positions relative to each other. The fluid flowing between the first and second flow path portions flows through the groove (i.e., groove 430) and the hole (i.e., opening 436). In some embodiments, at least one sealing member (e.g., a gasket, O-ring or other not shown) may be installed between the first and second faces to seal between the first and second rigid members and prevent fluid leakage from the space, which also prevents fluid leakage from the desired flow path. However, in the exemplary embodiments of the figures, this type of sealing means is not used. Rather, in the exemplary embodiments, a lip seal 429 or other sealing means is used to seal the space.

[0121] Various connection devices may be included to fluidly couple the flow control modules 170, 172, 174 to the bulk material subsystem 16 and / or downstream components, such as nozzle 24. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 with respect to flow control module 170b, a locking plate 438 may be slidably disposed with respect to a guide member 440. A fluid line (not shown) may be at least partially inserted into the fluid outlet 422, and the locking plate 438 may be linearly moved by sliding to lock the fluid line in engagement with the fluid outlet. Various gaskets, O-rings, or the like may be used to connect the fluid line and the fluid outlet 422 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0122] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate various other embodiments of the flow control module (e.g., flow control modules 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, respectively). The flow control modules 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f generally differ from the aforementioned flow control modules 170a, 170b in terms of the relative orientation of the fluid connectors, the variable line impedance 200, and the binary valve 212. For example, the flow control modules 170d and 170f shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, respectively, may include a dedicated fluid connector 442 for fluid communication to / from the flow meters 176d and 176f. Similarly, the flow control module 170c may include a dedicated fluid connector 444 for fluid communication to / from the variable line impedance 200c. Various additional / alternative arrangements of the fluid connectors may be equally applicable. Similarly, various relative orientations of the solenoid 408 and various configurations of the spring biasing of the ball valve 406 may be used to be suitable for various packaging configurations and design criteria.

[0123] Also, referring to FIGS. 14A - 14C, yet another embodiment of the flow control module is shown (i.e., flow control module 170g). The flow control module 170g may generally include a flow meter 176g, a variable line impedance 200g, and a binary valve 212g (e.g., this may generally be a solenoid - actuated banjo valve as described above). Referring to FIG. 14C, a lip seal 202g can be seen. Also, FIG. 14C shows one exemplary embodiment in which the flow control module includes a cover that can protect various flow control module assemblies. Although not depicted in all of the embodiments shown in the figures, each of the embodiments of the flow control module may also include a cover.

[0124] It should be noted that although the flow control modules (e.g., flow control modules 170, 172, 174) are described as being configured such that bulk material flows from the bulk material subsystem 16 to a flow meter (e.g., flow meters 176, 178, 180), then to a variable line impedance (e.g., variable line impedances 200, 202, 204), and finally to a binary valve (e.g., binary valves 212, 214, 216), this should not be construed as limiting the present application. For example, as shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 7 - 14C, the flow control module may be configured to have a flow path from the bulk material subsystem 16 to a flow meter (e.g., flow meters 176, 178, 180), then to a binary valve (e.g., binary valves 212, 214, 216), and finally through a variable line impedance (e.g., variable line impedances 200, 202, 204). Various additional / alternative configurations can be used equally. In addition, one or more additional components may be interconnected between one or more of the flow meter, binary valve, and variable line impedance.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a portion of a variable line impedance (e.g., variable line impedance 200) including a drive motor 416 (e.g., which may be a stepping motor, a servo motor, or others) is shown. The drive motor 416 may be connected to a shaft 428 having a groove 430 therein. Here, referring to FIG. 15C, in some embodiments, the shaft 428 includes a hole, and in this exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 15C, the hole is a ball-shaped hole. For example, as described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, the drive motor 416 may rotate the shaft 428 with respect to a housing (e.g., housing 432) to adjust the flow rate through the variable line impedance. A magnet 446 may be connected to the shaft 428 (e.g., perhaps at least partially disposed within an axial opening in the shaft 428). The magnet 446 may generally be magnetized with two poles, providing a south pole 450 and a north pole 452. The rotational position of the shaft 428 may be determined, for example, based on the magnetic flux applied by the magnet 446 onto one or more magnetic flux detection devices, such as sensors 454, 456 shown in FIG. 9. The magnetic flux detection devices may include, for example, but are not limited to, Hall effect sensors or others. The magnetic flux detection devices may supply a position feedback signal to, for example, the control logic subsystem 14.

[0126] Referring again to FIG. 15C, in some embodiments, the magnet 446 is disposed on the opposite side from the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. In addition to this, in this embodiment, the magnet 446 is held by a magnet holder 480.

[0127] In addition to / Instead of using a magnetic position sensor (e.g., to determine the rotational position of the shaft), the variable line impedance may be determined based on at least one optical sensor that detects the motor position or the shaft position.

[0128] Next, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the gear (e.g., gear 390) of a gear-type positive displacement volumetric measuring device (e.g., gear-type positive displacement flow measuring device 388) may include one or more magnets (e.g., magnets 458, 460) coupled thereto. As described above, when a fluid (e.g., a bulk material) flows through the gear-type positive displacement flow measuring device 388, the gears 390 (and gear 392) can rotate. The rotational speed of the gear 390 may generally be proportional to the flow rate of the fluid passing through the gear-type positive displacement flow measuring device 388. The rotation (and / or rotational speed) of the gear 390 may be measured using a magnetic flux sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor or the like), which may measure the rotational movement of the shaft magnets 458, 460 coupled to the gear 390. For example, a magnetic flux sensor that may be disposed on the printed circuit board 462, as shown in FIG. 8, may supply a flow feedback signal (e.g., flow feedback signal 182) to a flow feedback controller system (e.g., feedback controller system 188).

[0129] Flow control module leakage detection In various embodiments, the flow control module may be in an operating state, but the fluid should not be flowing, i.e., the flow control module is not operating in response to any pump command. In some embodiments, a system including a leakage detection method may be used to detect fluid flow from the flow control module when the fluid should not be flowing.

[0130] In various embodiments of flow control module leakage detection, the leakage detection may be initiated when the flow control module is not operating in response to any pump command, the ball valve or other valve controller is in an idle state, and the gear meter monitor is in an idle state after all of the post-injection gear meter spin-down time has elapsed. When these conditions are met, the leakage detection is initiated. In some embodiments, a predetermined elapsed time is provided before the flow control module initiates the leakage detection.

[0131] Here, referring also to FIG. 76, in various embodiments, the leak detection method includes three states, namely, leak test start, leak test initialization, and leak test execution. In the leak test start state, since one or more of the startup criteria are not yet satisfied, leak detection is in an idle state. In various embodiments, the startup criteria may include one or more of the above criteria. In the leak test initialization state, the timing guard band that occurs when the flow control module transitions from an operating state to an idle state (i.e., when the startup criteria are satisfied) is controlled. In the leak test execution state, when the timing guard band elapses, the leak test method remains in this state until the flow control module is activated.

[0132] Here, referring also to FIG. 77, at a high level, the FCM leak detection method receives and monitors the fluid amount transmitted and measured by the gear meter. When the reported amount exceeds a predetermined pre-set threshold, an alarm is issued. To do this, a "leaky integrator" algorithm is used, which in some embodiments includes the fluid amount measured by the gear meter and added to the intermediate accumulation, i.e., the integral value, at each update. When the integral value exceeds the threshold, a leak is determined to exist. Thereafter, at each update, the integral value is decreased by a certain "decay amount". The intermediate accumulation does not become a value lower than zero.

[0133] In various embodiments, three coefficients may be used, which include the update period, the leak detection threshold, and the integral value decay rate. Different coefficients may be used in other various embodiments, or additional, or fewer coefficients may be used.

[0134] In some embodiments, the update period defines how often leak detection is performed. In some embodiments, leak detection may be performed periodically, for example, once every 2 seconds (0.5 Hz). In some embodiments, a leak detection threshold is set, and when the integrated value exceeds this value, a leak is declared. The leak detection threshold may be set as the maximum flow rate in the flow control module calibration data as follows in some embodiments. Leak_Detection_Threshold=(0.25 * FCM_Maximum_Flow_Rate) * Update_Period

[0135] In some embodiments, the integrator decay rate is the value by which the integrated flow rate of the gear meter is reduced at each update. This can be advantageous, for example, by reducing the integrated value, the noise tolerance of the method is improved, and the algorithm is reset when the leak condition disappears. The integrator decay rate is set as the maximum flow rate defined in the calibration data of the flow control module as follows. Integrator_Drain_Rate=(0.001 * FCM_Maximum_Flow_Rate) * Update_Period

[0136] In various embodiments, an alarm or alert is generated when the following conditions are met: namely, the integrated value exceeds the leakage detection threshold and the alarm generation is "ready to operate". In various embodiments, alarm generation is "ready to operate" whenever the algorithm is initialized and whenever the integrated value is zero. In various embodiments, when an alarm is issued, the alarm generation is "reset". This ready-to-operate / reset process prevents the method and system from generating multiple alarms for a single leakage event. The following are examples of cases where an alarm can be issued. These are merely illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive. In various embodiments, the method may be different and an alarm / alert may be issued under different conditions. In various embodiments, an alarm / alert may be issued under conditions additional to those described above.

[0137] As an example, there is always leakage in the flow control module until the integrated value exceeds the threshold. The flow control module continues to leak. In this example, an alarm may be issued once when the integrated value first exceeds the threshold.

[0138] As another example, there is intermittent leakage in the flow control module until the integrated value finally exceeds the threshold. Then, the integrated value oscillates around the threshold. In this example, an alarm may be issued once when the integrated value first exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the reset logic that exists can prevent the alarm from sounding annoyingly if the integrated value exceeds the threshold again.

[0139] As another example, there is always leakage in the flow control module until the integrated value exceeds the threshold. Then, the fluid control module stops leaking. In this example, an alarm may be issued when the integrated value first exceeds the threshold. When the flow control module stops leaking, the integrated value decays slowly and returns to zero. When the integrated value decays and returns to zero, the alarm generation is ready to operate again. As a result, if the flow control module starts leaking again, an alarm may also be issued.

[0140] Referring also to FIG. 77, this graph represents data collected in an example of the leak detection method. In this example, the leak of high fructose corn syrup was simulated using the manual override of the flow control module. The manual override was toggled between the open and closed states over a period of time and then held in the fully open position. When detection was declared, the manual override was closed. As shown in FIG. 77, it can be seen that the integral value increases until a leak is declared. At that point, the integral value cannot increase any further. When the manual override is closed, it can be seen that the integral value decays to zero, at which point the leak state is cleared and the alarm is ready to be activated again.

[0141] Referring also to FIG. 17, a schematic diagram of the user interface subsystem 22 is shown. The user interface subsystem 22 may include a touch panel interface 500 (exemplary embodiments will be described below with respect to FIGS. 51 - 53), whereby the user 26 can select various options regarding the beverage 28. For example, the user 26 can select the size of the beverage 28 (via the "Drink Size" column 502). Examples of selectable sizes may include, but are not limited to, "12 ounces", "16 ounces", "20 ounces", "24 ounces", "32 ounces", "48 ounces".

[0142] The user 26 can select the type of the beverage 28 (via the "Type of Drink" column 504). Examples of selectable types may include, but are not limited to, "Cola", "Lemon Lime", "Root Beer", "Iced Tea", "Lemonade", "Fruit Punch".

[0143] The user 26 can also select one or more flavorings / products to include in the beverage 28 (via the "Add" column 506). Examples of selectable additives may include, but are not limited to, "Cherry flavor", "Lemon flavor", "Lime flavor", "Chocolate flavor", "Coffee flavor", "Ice cream".

[0144] Furthermore, user 26 may be able to select one or more nutritional supplement ingredients (via column 508 of "nutritional supplement ingredients") for inclusion in beverage 28. Examples of such nutritional supplement ingredients may include, but are not limited to, "vitamin A", "vitamin B6", "vitamin B12", "vitamin C", "vitamin D", and "zinc".

[0145] In some embodiments, another screen at a height lower than the touch panel may include a "remote control" (not shown) for the panel. The remote control may include, for example, buttons indicating up, down, right, left, and select. However, in other embodiments, other buttons may be included.

[0146] When user 26 makes an appropriate selection, user 26 may select the "Execute!" button 510, and user interface subsystem 22 may supply an appropriate data signal (via data bus 32) to control logic subsystem 14. Upon receiving this, control logic subsystem 14 may read appropriate data from storage subsystem 12 and supply appropriate control signals to, for example, bulk ingredient subsystem 16, micro-ingredient subsystem 18, and piping / control subsystem 20, which are processed (as described above) to prepare beverage 28. Alternatively, user 26 may select the "Cancel" button 512, and touch panel interface 500 may be reset to its default state (e.g., a state where no buttons are selected).

[0147] User interface subsystem 22 may be configured to communicate bi-directionally with user 26. For example, user interface subsystem 22 may include an information screen 514, by which processing system 10 can provide information to user 26. Examples of the types of information that may be provided to user 26 may include, but are not limited to, promotions, information / warnings regarding system abnormalities, and information regarding the prices of various products.

[0148] As described above, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute one or more control processes 120, which may control the operation of the processing system 10. Thus, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute a finite state machine process (e.g., FSM process 122).

[0149] Also as described above, during use of the processing system 10, the user 26 may use the user interface subsystem 22 to select a particular beverage 28 to be dispensed (into the container 30). The user 26 may use the user interface subsystem 22 to select one or more options to be included in such a beverage. When the user 26 makes an appropriate selection using the user interface subsystem 22, the user interface subsystem 22 may send an appropriate indication of the user 26's selection and preferences (regarding the beverage 28) to the control logic subsystem 14.

[0150] In making a selection, the user 26 may select a multi - part recipe that produces a product composed of multiple ingredients and is basically a combination of two separate and different recipes. For example, the user 26 may select a root beer float, which is a multi - part recipe that is basically a combination of two separate and different ingredients (i.e., vanilla ice cream and root beer soda). As another example, the user 26 may select a drink that is a combination of cola and coffee. This cola / coffee combination is basically a combination of two separate and different ingredients (i.e., cola soda and coffee).

[0151] Referring also to FIG. 18, upon receiving the above - mentioned indication (550), the FSM process 122 may process the indication (552) and determine whether the product to be produced (e.g., beverage 28) is a product composed of multiple ingredients.

[0152] If the product to be generated is a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (554), the FSM process 122 may identify the recipe required to generate each of the components of the product composed of the plurality of raw materials (556). The identified recipe may be selected from the plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0153] If the product to be generated is not a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (554), the FSM process 122 may identify a single recipe for generating the product (558). The single recipe may be selected from the plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12. Thus, if the received (550) and processed (552) instruction is an instruction that defines lemon-lime soda, since this is not a product composed of a plurality of raw materials, the FSM process 122 may identify the single recipe required to generate lemon-lime soda (558).

[0154] When the instruction relates to a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (554), when an appropriate recipe selected from the plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12 is identified (556), the FSM process 122 may analyze each of the recipes into a plurality of individual states (560) and determine one or more state transitions. The FSM process 122 may then define at least one finite state machine (for each recipe) using at least some of the plurality of separate states (562).

[0155] When the instruction does not relate to a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (554), when an appropriate recipe selected from the plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12 is identified (558), the FSM process 122 may analyze the recipe into a plurality of separate states (564) and define one or more state transitions. The FSM process 122 may then define at least one finite state machine for that recipe using at least some of the plurality of different states (566).

[0156] As is known in the art, a finite state machine (FSM) is a behavioral model consisting of a finite number of states, transitions between these states, and / or operations. For example, also referring to FIG. 19, when defining a finite state machine for a physical access that can be fully opened or fully closed, the finite state machine may include two states, namely, an "open" state 570 and a "closed" state 572. In addition to this, two transitions may be defined, which enables the transition from one state to another. For example, transition state 574 "opens" the door (therefore, transitions from the "closed" state 572 to the "open" state 570), and transition state 576 "closes" the door (therefore, transitions from the "open" state 570 to the "closed" state 572).

[0157] Also referring to FIG. 20, a state diagram 600 regarding a method by which coffee can be extracted is shown. The state diagram 600 is shown to include five states, namely, an idle state 602, an extractable state 604, an extracting state 606, a holding state 608, and an off state 610. In addition to this, five transition states are shown. For example, transition state 612 (for example, attaching a coffee filter, putting in coffee powder, and injecting water into the coffee machine) may transition from the idle state 602 to the extractable state 604. Transition state 614 (for example, pressing the extract button) may transition from the extractable state 604 to the extracting state 606. Transition state 616 (for example, the end of water supply) may transition from the extracting state 606 to the holding state 608. Transition state 618 (for example, turning off the power button or exceeding the maximum "holding" time) may transition from the holding state 608 to the off state 610. Transition state 620 (for example, turning on the power) may transition from the off state 610 to the idle state 602.

[0158] Accordingly, the FSM process 122 may generate one or more finite state machines corresponding to a recipe (or a part thereof) used to produce a product. Once an appropriate finite state machine is generated, the control logic subsystem 14 executes this finite state machine to produce, for example, a product requested by the user 26 (e.g., a product consisting of multiple raw materials or a single raw material).

[0159] Accordingly, assume that the processing system 10 receives an indication (550) that the user 26 has selected a root beer float (via the user interface subsystem 22). The FSM process 122 processes this indication (552) and may determine (554) whether the root beer float is a product consisting of multiple raw materials. Since the root beer float is a product consisting of multiple raw materials, the FSM process 122 identifies the recipes required to produce the root beer float (i.e., the recipe for root beer and the recipe for vanilla ice cream) (556), analyzes the recipe for root beer and the recipe for vanilla ice cream into multiple separate states (560), and may define one or more state transitions. The FSM process 122 may then use at least a portion of the multiple separate states to define at least one finite state machine (for each recipe) (562). These finite state machines are then executed by the control logic subsystem 14 to produce the root beer float selected by the user 26.

[0160] When executing a state machine corresponding to a recipe, the processing system 10 may utilize one or more manifolds (not shown) included in the processing system 10. In the present application, a manifold is a temporary storage area designed to be able to execute one or more processes. To facilitate the movement of raw materials to and from the manifold, the processing system 10 may include a plurality of valves (e.g., controllable by the control logic subsystem 14) to facilitate the movement of raw materials between the manifolds. Examples of various manifolds may include, but are not limited to, a mixing manifold, a blend manifold, a grinding manifold, a heating manifold, a cooling manifold, a freezing manifold, an extraction manifold, a nozzle, a pressure manifold, a vacuum manifold, a stirring manifold.

[0161] For example, when making coffee, a grinding manifold may grind coffee beans. When the beans are ground, water may be supplied to a heating manifold, where the water 160 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 212°F). When the water is heated, the hot water (produced by the heating manifold) may be filtered through the coffee powder (produced by the grinding manifold) and onto a filter. In addition, depending on how the processing system 10 is configured, the processing system 10 may add cream and / or sugar to the produced coffee in other manifolds or at the nozzle 24.

[0162] Thus, each part of a multi-part recipe may be executed in a different manifold included in the processing system 10. Thus, each ingredient of a recipe consisting of multiple ingredients may be produced in a different manifold included in the processing system 10. Continuing with the above example, the first ingredient of a product consisting of multiple ingredients (i.e., root beer) may be produced within a mixing manifold included in the processing system 10. Further, the second ingredient of a product consisting of multiple ingredients (i.e., vanilla ice cream) may be produced within a freezing manifold included in the processing system 10.

[0163] As described above, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute one or more control processes 120 capable of controlling the operation of the processing system 10. Accordingly, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute the virtual machine process 124.

[0164] Also as described above, during use of the processing system 10, the user 26 may use the user interface subsystem 22 to select a specific beverage 28 to be dispensed (into the container 30). The user 26 may select one or more options to include in such a beverage via the user interface subsystem 22. When the user 26 makes an appropriate selection via the user interface subsystem 22, the user interface subsystem 22 may send appropriate instructions to the control logic subsystem 14.

[0165] When making a selection, the user 26 may select a multi - part recipe, which is a composite of basically two separate and different recipes for producing a product consisting of multiple ingredients. For example, the user 26 may select a root beer float, which is a multi - part recipe that is a composite of basically two separate and different ingredients (i.e., vanilla ice cream and root beer soda). As another example, the user 26 may select a drink that is a composite of cola and coffee. This cola / coffee composite is basically a composite of two separate and different ingredients (i.e., cola soda and coffee).

[0166] Referring also to FIG. 21, upon receiving the above - mentioned instructions (650), the virtual machine process 124 processes these instructions (652) and determines whether the product to be produced (e.g., beverage 28) is a product consisting of multiple ingredients.

[0167] If the product to be produced is a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (654), the virtual machine process 124 may identify a first recipe for producing the first raw material of the product composed of the plurality of raw materials and at least a second recipe for producing at least a second raw material of the product composed of the plurality of raw materials (656). The first and second recipes may be selected from the plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12.

[0168] If the product to be produced is not a product composed of a plurality of raw materials (654), the virtual machine process 124 may identify a single recipe for producing the product (658). The single recipe may be selected from the plurality of recipes 36 stored in the storage subsystem 12. Thus, if the received instruction (650) is an instruction regarding lemon-lime soda, since this is not a product composed of a plurality of raw materials, the virtual machine process 124 may identify the single recipe necessary to produce lemon-lime soda (658).

[0169] [[ID=VIII]]When a recipe is identified from the plurality of recipes 36 stored in the storage subsystem 12 (656, 658), the control logic subsystem 14 executes the recipe (660, 662) and may supply appropriate control signals (via the data bus 38) to, for example, the bulk raw material subsystem 16, the micro raw material subsystem 18, and the piping / control subsystem 20, and as a result, the beverage 28 is produced (which is poured into the container 30).

[0170] Thus, assume that the processing system 10 receives instructions (via the user interface subsystem 22) for generating a root beer float. The virtual machine process 124 may process these instructions (652) to determine (654) whether the root beer float is a product made from multiple raw materials. Since the root beer float is a product made from multiple raw materials, the virtual machine process 124 identifies (656) the recipes required for generating the root beer float (i.e., the recipe for root beer and the recipe for vanilla ice cream), and may execute both recipes (660) to generate both root beer and vanilla ice cream (respectively). When these products are generated, the processing system 10 may combine the individual products (i.e., root beer and vanilla ice cream) to generate the root beer float requested by the user 26.

[0171] When executing a recipe, the processing system 10 may utilize one or more manifolds (not shown) included in the processing system 10. In the present application, a manifold is a temporary storage area designed to be able to execute one or more processes. To facilitate the movement of raw materials to and from the manifold, the processing system 10 may include a plurality of valves (e.g., controllable by the control logic subsystem 14) for facilitating the movement of raw materials between the manifolds. Examples of various manifolds may include, but are not limited to, a mixing manifold, a blend manifold, a grinding manifold, a heating manifold, a cooling manifold, a freezing manifold, an extraction manifold, a nozzle, a pressure manifold, a vacuum manifold, a stirring manifold.

[0172] For example, when making coffee, coffee beans may be ground in a grinding manifold. When the beans are ground, water may be supplied to a heating manifold, where the water 160 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 212°F). When the water is heated, the hot water (produced by the heating manifold) may be filtered through the coffee grounds (produced by the grinding manifold) and into a filter. In addition, depending on how the processing system 10 is configured, the processing system 10 may add cream and / or sugar to the produced coffee in another manifold or at the nozzle 24.

[0173] Accordingly, each part of a multi-part recipe may be executed in a different manifold included in the processing system 10. Accordingly, each ingredient of a recipe consisting of multiple ingredients may be produced in a different manifold included in the processing system 10. Continuing with the above example, the first part of the multi-part recipe (i.e., one or more processes utilized by the processing system 10 to make root beer) may be executed in a mixing manifold included in the processing system 10. Further, the second part of the multi-part recipe (i.e., one or more processes utilized by the processing system 10 to make vanilla ice cream) may be executed in a freezing manifold included in the processing system 10.

[0174] As described above, during use of the processing system 10, the user 26 may use the user interface subsystem 22 to select a particular beverage 28 to be dispensed (into the container 30). The user 26 may select one or more options for inclusion in such a beverage via the user interface subsystem 22. When the user 26 makes an appropriate selection via the user interface subsystem 22, the user interface subsystem 22 may transmit an appropriate data signal (via the data bus 32) to the control logic subsystem 14. The control logic subsystem 14 may process these data signals and may read one or more recipes selected from a plurality of recipes 36 held in the storage subsystem 12 (via the data bus 34). When the control logic subsystem 14 reads a recipe from the storage subsystem 12, it may process this recipe to supply appropriate control signals (via the data bus 38) to, for example, the bulk ingredient subsystem 16, the micro-ingredient subsystem 18, and the plumbing / control subsystem 20, as a result of which the beverage 28 is produced (which is dispensed into the container 30).

[0175] When making a selection, the user 26 may select a multi-part recipe, which is essentially a composite of two separate and different recipes. For example, the user 26 may select a root beer float, which is a multi-part recipe that is essentially a composite of two separate and different recipes (i.e., vanilla ice cream and root beer soda). As another example, the user 26 may select a drink that is a composite of cola and coffee. This cola / coffee composite is essentially a composite of two separate and different recipes (i.e., cola soda and coffee).

[0176] Thus, assuming that the processing system 10 receives an instruction to create a root beer float (via the user interface subsystem 22), and it is determined that the recipe for the root beer float is a multiple-part recipe, the processing system 10 may simply obtain an independent recipe for root beer soda, obtain an independent recipe for vanilla ice cream, and execute both recipes to produce (respectively) root beer soda and vanilla ice cream. Once these products are produced, the processing system 10 may combine the individual products (i.e., root beer soda and vanilla ice cream) to produce the root beer float requested by the user 26.

[0177] When executing a recipe, the processing system 10 may utilize one or more manifolds (not shown) included in the processing system 10. In the present application, a manifold is a temporary storage area designed to be able to execute one or more processes. To facilitate the movement of raw materials to and from the manifold, the processing system 10 may include a plurality of valves (e.g., controllable by the control logic subsystem 14) to facilitate the movement of raw materials between the manifolds. Examples of various manifolds may include, but are not limited to, a mixing manifold, a blend manifold, a grinding manifold, a heating manifold, a cooling manifold, a freezing manifold, an extraction manifold, a nozzle, a pressure manifold, a vacuum manifold, a stirring manifold.

[0178] For example, when making coffee, coffee beans may be ground in a grinding manifold. Once the beans are ground, water may be supplied to a heating manifold, where the water 160 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 212°F). Once the water is heated, the hot water (produced by the heating manifold) may be filtered through the coffee grounds (produced by the grinding manifold) into a filter. In addition, depending on how the processing system 10 is configured, the processing system 10 may add cream and / or sugar to the produced coffee in another manifold or at the nozzle 24.

[0179] As described above, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute one or more control processes 120, which may control the operation of the processing system 10. Thus, the control logic subsystem 14 may execute a virtual manifold process 126.

[0180] Referring also to FIG. 22, the virtual manifold process 126 may monitor (680) one or more processes occurring in a first portion of a plurality of sub-recipes being executed in the processing system 10, for example, and may obtain data regarding at least a portion of the one or more processes. For example, assume that the plurality of sub-recipes relate to the preparation of root beer floats, which are (as described above) basically a composite of two separate and different recipes (i.e., root beer and vanilla ice cream), which may be selected from a plurality of recipes 36 stored in the storage subsystem 12. Thus, the first portion of the plurality of sub-recipes may be considered one or more processes that the processing system 10 uses to make root beer. Further, the second portion of the plurality of sub-recipes may be considered one or more processes that the processing system 10 uses to make vanilla ice cream.

[0181] Each portion of these plurality of sub-recipes may be executed in a different manifold included in the processing system 10. For example, the first portion of the plurality of sub-recipes (i.e., one or more processes that the processing system 10 utilizes to make root beer) may be executed within a mixing manifold included in the processing system 10. Further, the second portion of the multi-process recipe (i.e., one or more processes that the processing system 10 utilizes to make vanilla ice cream) may be executed within a freezing manifold included in the past system 10. As described above, the processing stem 10 may include a plurality of manifolds, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a mixing manifold, a blend manifold, a grinding manifold, a heating manifold, a cooling manifold, a freezing manifold, an extrusion manifold, a nozzle, a pressure manifold, a vacuum manifold, a stirring manifold, etc.

[0182] Thus, the virtual manifold process 126 may monitor the processes utilized to make root beer via the processing system 10 (680) (or may monitor the processes utilized by the processing system 10 to make vanilla ice cream), thereby obtaining data regarding these processes.

[0183] Examples of the types of data that may be obtained may include, but are not limited to, ingredient data and processing data.

[0184] Ingredient data may include, but is not limited to, a list of ingredients used in the first part of a multi - part recipe. For example, if the first part of the multi - part recipe pertains to the production of root beer, the ingredient list may include a predetermined amount of root beer flavoring, a predetermined amount of carbonated water, a predetermined amount of non - carbonated water, and a predetermined amount of high fructose corn syrup.

[0185] Processing data may include, but is not limited to, a list of a series of processes performed on the ingredients. For example, a predetermined amount of carbonated water may be started to be introduced into a manifold within the processing system 10. While injecting carbonated water into the manifold, a predetermined amount of root beer flavoring, a predetermined amount of high fructose corn syrup, and a predetermined amount of non - carbonated water may also be introduced into that manifold.

[0186] At least a portion of the acquired data may be (temporarily or permanently) stored (682). Further, the virtual manifold process 126 may make this stored data available for use by one or more processes that occur, for example, in the second part of a multi-part recipe (684). When storing the acquired data (682), the virtual manifold process 126 may archive the acquired data as an archive in a non-volatile memory system (e.g., storage subsystem 12) for subsequent diagnostic purposes (686). Examples of such diagnostic purposes may include enabling a maintenance technician to examine the characteristics of raw material consumption and develop a purchasing plan for consumable purchases for the processing system 10. Alternatively / In addition, when storing the acquired data (682), the virtual manifold process 126 may write the acquired data to a volatile memory system (e.g., random access memory 104) (688).

[0187] When making the acquired data available (684), the virtual manifold process 126 may send the acquired data (or a portion thereof) to one or more processes that occur in the second part of a multi-part recipe (690). Continuing with the above example regarding one or more processes that the processing system 10 utilizes to make vanilla ice cream in the second part of a multi-part recipe, the virtual manifold process 126 may make the acquired data (or a portion thereof) available for use by one or more processes that are utilized to make vanilla ice cream (684).

[0188] Assume that the root beer flavoring used to create the above root beer float is flavored with a significant amount of vanilla flavoring. Further assume that a significant amount of vanilla flavoring is also used when making vanilla ice cream. Since the virtual manifold process 126 may make the acquired data (e.g., ingredient and / or process data) available to the control logic subsystem (i.e., the subsystem that integrates one or more processes used to make vanilla ice cream), the control logic subsystem 14 may review this data and change the ingredients used to make vanilla ice cream. Specifically, the control logic subsystem 14 may reduce the amount of vanilla flavoring used to make vanilla ice cream to avoid an excess of vanilla flavoring in the root beer float.

[0189] In addition to this, by making the acquired data available to a subsequently executed process (684), procedures that would otherwise be impossible can be executed if the data were not made available to the subsequently executed process. Continuing with the above example, assume that it has been empirically determined that consumers tend not to prefer products that contain more than 10.0 mL of vanilla flavoring per serving. Further assume that 8.0 mL of vanilla flavoring is included in the root beer flavoring used to make root beer soda for the root beer float, and another 8.0 mL of vanilla flavoring is used to make the vanilla ice cream used to make the root beer float. Thus, when these two products (root beer soda and vanilla ice cream) are combined, the final product will be flavored with 16.0 mL of vanilla flavoring (which exceeds the empirically set rule of no more than 10.0 mL).

[0190] Therefore, if the raw material data of root beer is not stored (682) by the virtual manifold process 126 and such stored data is not made available (684), the fact that the root beer contains 8.0 mL of vanilla flavoring will be unknown, and a final product containing 16.0 mL of vanilla flavoring will be produced. Thus, this data that is acquired and stored (682) can be used to avoid (or reduce) the occurrence of undesirable effects (e.g., undesirable flavor characteristics, undesirable appearance characteristics, undesirable aroma characteristics, undesirable texture characteristics, exceeding the maximum appropriate dosage of nutritional supplement ingredients).

[0191] The availability of this acquired data can make subsequent processes adjustable. For example, assume that the amount of salt used to make vanilla ice cream varies according to the amount of carbonated water used to make root beer. Again, if the raw material data of root beer is not stored (682) by the virtual manifold process 126 and such stored data is not made available (684), the amount of carbonated water used to make root beer will be unknown, and the amount of salt used to make ice cream will not be adjustable.

[0192] As described above, the virtual manifold process 126 may monitor (680) one or more processes that occur, for example, in the first part of a plurality of partial recipes being executed in the processing system 10, and acquire data regarding at least a portion of the one or more processes. The one or more processes being monitored (680) may be executed within one manifold of the processing system 10 or may represent one part of a plurality of steps executed within one manifold of the processing system 10.

[0193] For example, when making root beer soda, one manifold having four inlets (e.g., one for root beer flavoring, one for carbonated water, one for non-carbonated water, and one for high fructose corn syrup) and one outlet (since the entire root beer soda is being fed into a second manifold as a whole) may be used.

[0194] However, if the manifold has two outlets (where one flow rate is four times the other) instead of one outlet, the virtual manifold process 126 may consider that this process includes two separate and different parts that are being run at the same time within the same manifold. For example, 80% of the total raw materials may be mixed to produce 80% of the total root beer soda, while on the other hand, the remaining 20% of the total raw materials may be mixed (within the same manifold) at the same time to produce 20% of the root beer soda. Thus, the virtual manifold process 126 may make the data obtained for the first part (i.e., the 80% part) available to a downstream process that utilizes 80% of the root beer soda (684), and may also make the data obtained for the second part (i.e., the 20% part) available to a downstream process that utilizes 20% of the root beer soda (684).

[0195] In addition to / Instead of this, one part of a procedure consisting of multiple parts executed within one manifold of the processing system 10 may represent one process that occurs within one manifold that executes multiple separate processes. For example, when making vanilla ice cream within a freezing manifold, the individual raw materials may be introduced, mixed, and cooled until frozen. Thus, the process of making vanilla ice cream may include a raw material introduction process, a raw material mixing process, and a raw material freezing process, each of which may be individually monitored by the virtual manifold process 126 (680).

[0196] As described above, the product module assembly 250 (of the micro raw material subsystem 18 and the piping / control subsystem 20) may include a plurality of product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 and a plurality of slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266 configured to releasably engage with the product containers. Unfortunately, when replenishing the product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 during maintenance inspection of the processing system 10, the product containers may be attached to the wrong slot assembly in the product module assembly 250. Such a mistake can cause one or more pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276) and / or one or more tube assemblies (e.g., tube bundle 304) to be contaminated with one or more micro raw materials. For example, root beer flavoring (i.e., the micro raw material contained in the product container 256) has a very strong taste. Thus, if a particular pump assembly / tube assembly is used to dispense root beer flavoring, it cannot be used to dispense weaker-tasting micro raw materials (e.g., lemon-lime flavoring, iced tea flavoring, lemonade flavoring).

[0197] In addition to this, as described above, the product module assembly 250 may be configured to releasably engage with the bracket assembly 282. Thus, if the processing system 10 includes a plurality of product module assemblies and a plurality of bracket assemblies, there is a possibility that the product module assembly may be attached to the wrong bracket assembly during maintenance inspection of the processing system 10. Unfortunately, such a mistake can also cause one or more pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276) and / or one or more tube assemblies (e.g., tube bundle 304) to be contaminated with one or more micro raw materials.

[0198] Accordingly, the processing system 10 may include an RFID-based system to ensure proper positioning of product containers and product modules within the processing system 10. Referring also to FIGS. 23 and 24, the processing system 10 may include an RFID system 700, which may include an RFID antenna assembly 702 positioned on the product module assembly 250 of the processing system 10.

[0199] As described above, the product module assembly 250 may be configured to releasably engage at least one product container (e.g., product container 258). The RFID system 700 may include an RFID tag assembly 704 positioned (e.g., attached) on the product container 258. Whenever the product module assembly 250 releasably engages a product container (e.g., product container 258), the RFID tag assembly 704 may be positioned, for example, within the upper detection region 706 of the RFID antenna assembly 702. Thus, in this example, whenever the product container 258 is positioned (i.e., releasably engaged) within the product module assembly 250, the RFID tag assembly 704 should be detected by the RFID antenna assembly 702.

[0200] As described above, the product module assembly 250 may be configured to releasably engage a bracket assembly 282. The RFID system 700 may further include an RFID tag assembly 708 positioned (e.g., attached) on the bracket assembly 282. Whenever the bracket assembly 282 releasably engages the product module assembly 250, the RFID tag assembly 708 may be positioned, for example, within the lower detection region 710 of the RFID antenna assembly 702.

[0201] Thus, by using the RFID antenna assembly 702 and the RFID tag assemblies 704, 708, the RFID system 700 can determine whether various product containers (e.g., product containers 252, 254, 256, 258) are properly positioned within the product module assembly 250. Further, the RFID system 700 can also determine whether the product module assembly 250 is properly positioned within the processing system 10.

[0202] Although the RFID system 700 is shown as including one RFID antenna assembly and two RFID tag assemblies, this is for illustration only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application since other configurations are possible. Specifically, a representative configuration of the RFID system 700 may include one RFID antenna assembly positioned within each slot assembly of the product module assembly 250. For example, the RFID system 700 may additionally include RFID antenna assemblies 712, 714, 716 positioned within the product module assembly 250. Thus, the RFID antenna assembly 702 may determine whether a product container has been inserted into the slot assembly 266 (of the product module assembly 250), the RFID antenna assembly 712 may determine whether a product container has been inserted into the slot assembly 264 (of the product module assembly 250), the RFID antenna assembly 714 may determine whether a product container has been inserted into the slot assembly 262 (of the product module assembly 250), and the RFID antenna assembly 716 may determine whether a product container has been inserted into the slot assembly 260 (of the product module assembly 250). Further, since the processing system 10 may include multiple product module assemblies, each of these product module assemblies may include one or more RFID antenna assemblies for determining which product containers have been inserted into a particular product module assembly.

[0203] As described above, by monitoring the presence of the RFID tag assembly in the lower detection region 710 of the RFID antenna assembly 702, the RFID system 700 can determine whether the product module assembly 250 is properly positioned within the processing system 10. Accordingly, any of the RFID antenna assemblies 702, 712, 714, 716 can be utilized to read one or more RFID tag assemblies attached to the bracket assembly 282. For purposes of illustration, the product module assembly 282 is shown as having only one RFID tag assembly 708. However, this is for illustration only and other configurations are possible and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. For example, the bracket assembly 282 may include a plurality of RFID tag assemblies, namely, an RFID tag assembly 718 (shown in dashed lines) read by the RFID antenna assembly 712, an RFID tag assembly 720 (shown in dashed lines) read by the RFID antenna assembly 714, and an RFID tag assembly 722 (shown in dashed lines) read by the RFID antenna assembly 716.

[0204] One or more of the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies 704, 708, 718, 720, 722) may be passive RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies that do not require a power source). In addition to this, one or more of the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assemblies 704, 708, 718, 720, 722) may be writable RFID tag assemblies, in which case the RFID system 700 may write data to the RFID tag assemblies. Examples of the types of data that may be stored in the RFID tag assemblies may include, but are not limited to, a quantity identifier of the product container, a manufacturing date identifier of the product container, an expiration date identifier of the product container, a raw material identifier of the product container, a product module identifier, and a bracket identifier.

[0205] Regarding quantity identifiers, in some embodiments, each of the amounts of raw materials discharged from a container containing an RFID tag, where the tag is written to include the latest amount and / or the amount discharged within the container. When the container is later removed from an assembly and reinstalled in another assembly, the system reads the RFID tag and knows the capacity of the container and / or the amount discharged from that container. Additionally, the date on which the discharge occurred may also be written to the RFID tag.

[0206] Accordingly, when installing each of the bracket assemblies (e.g., bracket assembly 282) into the processing system 10, an RFID tag assembly (e.g., RFID tag assembly 708) may be attached, in which case the attached RFID tag assembly may define a bracket identifier (for uniquely identifying that bracket assembly). Thus, if the processing system 10 includes ten bracket assemblies, ten RFID tag assemblies (i.e., one attached to each bracket assembly) may set ten unique bracket identifiers (i.e., one for each bracket assembly).

[0207] Furthermore, when product containers (e.g., product containers 252, 254, 256, 258) are manufactured and filled with micro raw materials, the RFID tag assembly may include a raw material identifier (for identifying the micro raw materials within the product container), a quantity identifier (for identifying the amount of micro raw materials within the product container), a manufacturing date identifier (for identifying the manufacturing date of the micro raw materials), and an expiration date identifier (for identifying the date by which the product container should be discarded / recycled).

[0208] Accordingly, when the product module assembly 250 is installed within the processing system 10, the RFID antenna assemblies 702, 712, 714, 716 may be energized by the RFID subsystem 724. The RFID subsystem 724 may be coupled to the control logic subsystem 14 via a data bus 726. When energized, the RFID antenna assemblies 702, 712, 714, 716 may start scanning their respective upper and lower detection regions (e.g., upper detection region 706 and lower detection region 710) to confirm the presence of RFID tag assemblies.

[0209] As described above, one or more RFID tag assemblies may be attached to a bracket assembly to which the product module assembly 250 releasably engages. Accordingly, when the product module assembly 250 is slid into (i.e., releasably engages) the bracket assembly 282, one or more of the RFID tag assemblies 708, 718, 720, 722 may be positioned within the lower detection region of the RFID antenna assemblies 702, 712, 714, 716, respectively. For purposes of illustration, assume that the bracket assembly 282 includes only one RFID tag assembly, i.e., only the RFID tag assembly 708. Further, for purposes of illustration, assume that the product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 are attached within the slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266, respectively. Accordingly, the RFID subsystem 714 should detect the bracket assembly 282 (by detecting the RFID tag assembly 708) and should detect the product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 by detecting the RFID tag assemblies (e.g., RFID tag assembly 704) attached to each product container.

[0210] Location information regarding various product modules, bracket assemblies, and product containers may be stored, for example, in a storage subsystem 12 coupled to a control logic subsystem 14. Specifically, if nothing has changed, the RFID subsystem 724 should expect that the RFID antenna assembly 702 will detect the RFID tag assembly 704 (i.e., the one attached to the product container 258), and the RFID antenna assembly 702 should expect to detect the RFID tag assembly 708 (i.e., the one attached to the bracket assembly 282). In addition to this, if nothing has changed, the RFID antenna assembly 712 should detect an RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 256, the RFID antenna assembly 714 should detect an RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 254, and the RFID antenna assembly 716 should detect an RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 252.

[0211] For purposes of illustration, assume that during normal maintenance inspections, the product container 258 is accidentally positioned into the slot assembly 264, and the product container 256 is accidentally positioned into the slot assembly 266. When the RFID subsystem 724 obtains the information included in the RFID tag assembly (using the RFID antenna assembly), it may use the RFID antenna assembly 262 to detect the RFID tag assembly associated with the product container 258, or use the RFID antenna assembly 702 to detect the RFID tag assembly associated with the product container 256. The RFID subassembly 724 may compare the new positions of the product containers 256, 258 with the previously stored positions of the product containers 256, 258 (stored in the storage subsystem 12) to determine whether the position of each of these product containers is incorrect.

[0212] Accordingly, the RFID subsystem 724 may display a warning message via the cybernetic subsystem 14, for example, on the information screen 514 of the user interface subsystem 22, which, for example, explains to the maintenance technician that the product container is not properly reinstalled. Depending on the type of micro raw material in the product container, the maintenance technician may be informed, for example, whether to continue as is or not to continue. As described above, certain micro raw materials (e.g., root beer flavoring) have a very strong taste, so once this is dispensed through a particular pump assembly and / or tube assembly, that pump assembly / tube assembly can no longer be used for any other micro raw material. In addition to this, as described above, the various RFID tag assemblies attached to the product container may identify the micro raw material within that product container.

[0213] Accordingly, if the pump assembly / tube assembly used for lemon lime flavoring is about to be used for root beer flavoring this time, the maintenance technician may be given a warning to confirm whether that is okay. However, if the pump assembly / tube assembly used for root beer flavoring is about to be used for lemon lime flavoring this time, the maintenance technician must be informed that the operation must not proceed, and a warning explaining that the product container must be returned to its original configuration or the defective pump assembly / tube assembly must be removed and replaced with a new pump assembly / cheap assembly may be given. A similar warning may also be provided if the RFID subsystem 724 detects that the bracket assembly has been moved within the processing system 10.

[0214] The RFID subsystem 724 may be configured to monitor the consumption of various micro - raw materials. For example, as described above, the RFID tag assembly may initially be encoded to indicate the amount of micro - raw material within a particular product container. Since the control logic subsystem 14 knows the amount of micro - raw material discharged from each of the various product containers at predetermined intervals (e.g., every hour), each of the various RFID tag assemblies included in the various product containers may be rewritten by the RFID subsystem 724 (via the RFID antenna assembly) to indicate the latest amount of micro - raw material contained in that product container.

[0215] When the RFID subsystem 724 detects that a product container has reached a predetermined minimum amount, it may display a warning message on the information screen 514 of the user interface subsystem 22 via the control logic subsystem 14. In addition to this, the RFID subsystem 724 may provide a warning (via the information screen 414 of the user interface subsystem 22) when one or more product containers have reached or exceeded their expiration date (as indicated in the RFID tag assembly attached to the product container).

[0216] As described above, the RFID system 700 has an RFID antenna assembly, a bracket assembly attached to the product module, and an RFID tag assembly attached to the product container, but this is for illustration only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. Specifically, the RFID antenna assembly may be positioned on any product container, bracket assembly, or product module. In addition to this, the RFID tag assembly may be positioned on any product container, bracket assembly, or product module. Thus, if the RFID tag assembly is not attached to the product module assembly, the RFID tag assembly may indicate, for example, a project module identifier that defines the serial number of the product module.

[0217] Since the slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266) included in the product module assembly 250 are close to each other, it may be desirable to configure the RFID antenna assembly 702 so as to avoid reading, for example, a product container positioned in an adjacent slot assembly. For example, the RFID antenna assembly 702 should be configured such that the RFID antenna assembly 702 can only read the RFID tag assemblies 704, 708, and the RFID antenna assembly 712 should be configured such that the RFID antenna assembly 712 can only read the RFID tag assembly 718 and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 256. The RFID antenna assembly 714 should be configured such that the RFID antenna assembly 714 can only read the RFID tag assembly 720 and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 254. The RFID antenna assembly 716 should be configured such that the RFID antenna assembly 716 can only read the RFID tag assembly 722 and the RFID tag assembly (not shown) attached to the product container 252.

[0218] Reduction of RFID misreading In some embodiments, for example, during machine startup and in some embodiments, when the machine door is open, the RFID tag assemblies are scanned to map the positions of various elements within the machine, such as the positions of each product container. As described herein, accurate mapping is important for many reasons, including, but not limited to, recipe retention, product dispensing, and maintaining the quality of the dispensed product. In some embodiments, various embodiments of the following tag scanning methods may be used to reduce unintended readings by, for example, RFID antenna assemblies of product containers positioned within adjacent slot assemblies.

[0219] Referring now also to FIG. 73, all of the RFID tag assemblies are scanned, and then the scanning data is evaluated to determine the position of each RFID tag assembly. If an RFID tag assembly is said to belong to multiple slots after scanning, the scanning data is further evaluated to determine the correct slot to which the RFID tag assembly is assigned. In some embodiments, the time within the slot, the fitment map, and the RSSI value are used to determine the correct position of the RFID tag assembly.

[0220] Regarding the time within the slot, in some embodiments, this may be a count of the number of scan cycles identified in each slot to which an RFID tag assembly was assigned prior to a scan in which the RFID tag assembly is said to belong to multiple slots. The RFID tag assembly has been in the slot (referred to as the "current slot") to which it was assigned prior to that scan, and if as a result of that scan it is said to belong to another slot and the current slot, the time spent in the current slot will be significantly longer than in the other slot. In some embodiments, the system then assigns the RFID tag assembly to the slot to which it was assigned in the most scans, which in this example is the current slot.

[0221] In some embodiments, the product container may be a "double-width" product container, and in these embodiments, the product container will require two slots adjacent to each other and within the same product module. In some embodiments, the product module is a quad-module product module and is thus configured to receive four product containers. For double-width product containers, however, the quad-module product module is configured to receive two double-width product containers and / or two single-width product containers and one double-width product container. For double-width product containers, since they cannot span two product modules (i.e., cannot cross the boundaries of product modules), RFID tag assemblies attached to double-width product containers are read within multiple slots. If one of the slots is, for example, an odd-numbered slot (i.e., slot 1 or 3 of a quad-module product module), the system may use this information to exclude that slot from the candidates for the position of the RFID tag assembly. Therefore, in some embodiments, the system may use a fit map to determine the actual / correct position of the double-width product container.

[0222] In some embodiments, if the RFID tag assembly is read within multiple slots and not all of the second and subsequent slots have been excluded using the in-slot time and / or fit map method, the system compares the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values. In some embodiments, the slot with the higher RSSI value will be assigned as the position of that RFID tag assembly.

[0223] If, after scanning all RFID tag assemblies, multiple RFID tag assemblies are determined to belong to one slot (the "said slot"), the system executes the following method to determine the correct RFID tag assembly assigned to the said slot. In some embodiments, the in-slot time, fit map, and RSSI values are used to determine the correct position of the RFID tag assembly.

[0224] Regarding the in-slot time, in some embodiments, this may be a count of the number of scan cycles in which the RFID tag assembly was identified within the slot. If the RFID tag assembly has been in another slot (referred to as the "current slot") assigned to it prior to that scan, and it is determined by the scan to belong to another slot, i.e., the slot in question, the time in the current slot will be significantly longer than that in the other slot, i.e., the slot in question. In some embodiments, the system then assigns that RFID tag assembly to the slot to which it was assigned in the most scans, which in this example is the current slot. However, if the RFID tag assembly has been in the slot in question for a predetermined period longer than any of the other candidate RFID tag assemblies for that slot, the RFID tag assembly that has been in the slot in question for the longest will be assigned to that slot.

[0225] In some embodiments, the product container may be a "double-width" product container, and in these embodiments, the product container will require two slots adjacent to it and within the same product module. In some embodiments, the product module is a quad-module product module and is thus configured to receive four product containers. However, with respect to double-width product containers, the quad-module product module is configured to receive two double-width product containers and / or two single-width product containers and one double-width product container. With respect to double-width product containers, since they cannot span two product modules (i.e., they cannot cross the boundary of a product module), one of the RFID tag assemblies read for its slot is attached to the double-width product container, and if that slot is, for example, an odd-numbered slot (i.e., slot 1 or 3 of a quad-module product module), or if a double-width product container cannot be accommodated, the system may use this information to exclude that product module / RFID tag assembly from the candidates for that slot. Therefore, in some embodiments, the system may use a fit map to determine the actual / correct position of the double-width product container.

[0226] In some embodiments, if multiple RFID tag assemblies are read within the slot and not all of the second and subsequent RFID tag assemblies have been excluded using the in-slot time and / or fit map approach, the system compares the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values. In some embodiments, the RFID tag assembly with the higher RSSI value of the antenna associated with the slot will be assigned as the position of the slot.

[0227] Therefore, referring also to FIG. 25, one or more of the RFID antenna assemblies 702, 712, 714, 716 may be configured as a loop antenna. The following description relates to the RFID antenna assembly 702, but this is for example only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application as the following description may equally apply to the RFID antenna assemblies 712, 714, 716.

[0228] The RFID antenna assembly 702 may include a first capacitor assembly 750 (e.g., a 2.90 pF capacitor) that is coupled between ground 752 and port 754 and may energize the RFID antenna assembly 702. A second capacitor assembly 756 (e.g., a 2.55 pF capacitor) may be positioned between port 754 and the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758. A resistor assembly 760 (e.g., a 2.00 ohm resistor) may couple the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 and ground 752, while reducing the Q factor to increase the bandwidth and widen the operating range.

[0229] As is known in the art, the characteristics of the RFID antenna assembly 702 can be adjusted by changing the physical properties of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758. For example, increasing the diameter "d" of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 may improve the far-field performance of the RFID antenna assembly 702. Further, decreasing the diameter "d" of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 may degrade the far-field performance of the RFID antenna assembly 702.

[0230] Specifically, the far-field performance of the RFID antenna assembly 702 may vary depending on the energy emission capability of the RFID antenna assembly 702. As is known in the art, the energy emission capability of the RFID antenna assembly 702 may depend on the circumference of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 708 with respect to the wavelength of the carrier signal 762 used to energize the RFID antenna assembly 702 via port 754.

[0231] Referring also to FIG. 26, in a preferred embodiment, the carrier signal 762 may be a 915 MHz carrier signal having a wavelength of 12.89 inches. With respect to the design of the loop antenna, when the circumference of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 approaches or exceeds 50% of the wavelength of the carrier signal 762, the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 may emit energy radially outward from the axis 812 of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 (e.g., as indicated by arrows 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810), and as a result, the far-field performance becomes strong. Conversely, by keeping the circumference of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 at 25% or less of the wavelength of the carrier signal 762, the amount of energy emitted outward by the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 decreases, and the far-field performance becomes weak. Further, magnetic coupling may occur in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 (as indicated by arrows 814, 816), and as a result, the near-field performance becomes strong.

[0232] As described above, since the slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266) included in the product module assembly 250 are in proximity, it may be desirable to configure the RFID antenna assembly 702 in such a way that it can avoid reading product containers located, for example, in adjacent slot assemblies. Thus, by configuring the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 such that the circumference of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 is 25% or less of the wavelength of the carrier signal 762 (e.g., 3.22 inches for a 915 MHz carrier signal), the far-field performance can be reduced and the near-field performance can be improved. Further, by positioning the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 such that the RFID tag assembly to be read is either above or below the RFID antenna assembly 702, the RFID tag assembly can be electromagnetically coupled to the RFID antenna assembly 702. For example, when configured such that the circumference of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 is 10% of the wavelength of the carrier signal 762 (1.29 inches for a 915 MHz carrier signal), the diameter of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 758 is 0.40 inches, and as a result, the near-field performance is at a relatively high level and the far-field performance is at a relatively low level.

[0233] Referring also to FIGS. 27 and 28, the processing system 10 may also be incorporated into a housing assembly 850. The housing assembly 850 may include one or more access doors / panels 852, 854, which may enable, for example, maintenance and inspection of the processing system 10 and replacement of emptied product containers (e.g., product container 258). For various reasons (e.g., security, safety, etc.), it may be desirable to secure the access doors / panels 852, 854 so that only authorized personnel who have obtained permission to access the internal components of the beverage dispenser 10 can access them. Thus, the aforementioned RFID subsystem (i.e., RFID subsystem 700) may be configured such that the access doors / panels 852, 854 do not open unless a suitable RFID tag assembly is positioned near the RFID access antenna assembly 900. Examples of such suitable RFID tag assemblies may include RFID tag assemblies attached to product containers (e.g., RFID tag assembly 704 attached to product container 258).

[0234] The RFID access antenna assembly 900 may include an electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments. A first matching component 904 (e.g., a 5.00 pF capacitor) may be connected between ground 906 and port 908, which may energize the RFID access antenna assembly 900. A second matching component 910 (e.g., a 16.56 nanohenry inductor) may be positioned between port 908 and the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments. The matching components 904, 910 may adjust the impedance of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments to a desired impedance (e.g., 50.00 ohms). Generally, the matching components 904, 910 may improve the efficiency of the RFID access antenna assembly 900.

[0235] The RFID access antenna assembly 900 may include a Q-factor reduction element 912 (e.g., a 50-ohm resistor), which may be configured to enable the RFID access antenna assembly 900 to be utilized over a wider frequency range. Thereby, the RFID access antenna assembly 900 can be used over the entire band and can also accommodate tolerances within the matching network. For example, if the band of interest of the RFID access antenna assembly 900 is 50 MHz and the Q-factor reduction element (also referred to herein as a "de-Qing element") 912 is configured to widen the antenna to 100 MHz, the center frequency of the RFID access antenna assembly 900 can shift by 25 MHz without affecting the performance of the RFID access antenna assembly 900. The de-Qing element 912 may be positioned within an electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of multiple segments, or may be positioned at another location within the RFID access antenna assembly 900.

[0236] As described above, by utilizing a relatively small electromagnetic induction loop assembly (e.g., the electromagnetic induction loop assemblies 758 in FIGS. 25 and 26), the far-field performance of the antenna assembly can be degraded and the near-field performance can be improved. Unfortunately, when such a small electromagnetic induction loop assembly is utilized, the depth of the detection range of the RFID antenna assembly also becomes relatively small (e.g., generally proportional to the diameter of the loop). Therefore, a larger loop diameter may be utilized to increase the depth of the detection range. Unfortunately, as described above, using a larger loop diameter can improve the far-field performance.

[0237] Accordingly, the electromagnetic induction assembly 902 composed of a plurality of segments may include a plurality of individual antenna segments (e.g., antenna segments 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926) and phase shift elements (e.g., capacitor assemblies 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940). Examples of the capacitor assemblies 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940 may include a 1.0 pF capacitor or varactor (e.g., voltage variable capacitor), for example, a varactor of 0.1 to 250 pF. The above phase shift elements can adaptively control the phase shift of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 composed of a plurality of segments to compensate for fluctuations in conditions, or modulate the characteristics of the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 composed of a plurality of segments so that various electromagnetic induction loop connection functions and / or magnetic characteristics are provided. An alternative example of the above phase shift element is a connected line (not shown).

[0238] As described above, by keeping the length of the antenna segment below 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal that energizes the RFID access antenna assembly 900, the amount of energy radiated outward by the antenna segment decreases, the far-field performance weakens, and the near-field performance improves. Therefore, each of the antenna segments 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926 may be sized such that they do not become longer than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal that supplies energy to the RFID access antenna assembly 900. Further, by sizing each of the capacitor assemblies 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940 appropriately, all the phase shifts that occur when the carrier signal propagates around the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 composed of a plurality of segments can be canceled out by the various capacitor assemblies incorporated in the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 composed of a plurality of segments. Therefore, for the sake of illustration, assume that a 90° phase shift occurs for each of the antenna segments 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926. Therefore, by using the appropriately sized capacitor assemblies 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940, the 90° phase shift occurring in each segment can be reduced / eliminated. For example, when the frequency of the carrier signal is 915 MHz and the length of the antenna segment is less than 25% (and generally 10%) of the wavelength of the carrier signal, the desired phase shift cancellation may be achieved by using a 1.2 pF capacitor assembly, and the resonance of the segment may also be adjusted.

[0239] The electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments is shown to be composed of a plurality of linear antenna assemblies connected via a butting joint, but this is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of the present application. For example, a plurality of curved antenna segments may be used to form the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments. In addition to this, the electromagnetic induction loop segment 902 consisting of a plurality of segments may be configured in any loop-type shape. For example, the electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902 consisting of a plurality of segments may be configured as an ellipse (shown in FIG. 28), a circle, a square, a rectangle, or an octagon.

[0240] The system has been described as being used within a processing system, but this is for illustration purposes only as other configurations are possible and it is not intended to be a limitation of the present application. For example, the above system may be used to process / dispense other consumables (such as ice cream and alcoholic beverages). In addition to this, the above system can be used in fields other than the food industry. For example, the above system may be used for vitamins, pharmaceuticals, medical products, cleaning products, lubricants, paint / dye products, and other non-consumable liquids / semi-fluids / granular solids and / or fluids.

[0241] The system has an RFID tag assembly (e.g., RFID tag assembly 704) attached to a product container (e.g., product container 258), which is described as being positioned above an RFID antenna assembly (e.g., RFID antenna assembly 702) that is positioned above an RFID tag (e.g., RFID tag assembly 708) attached to bracket assembly 282. However, this is for illustration only and other configurations are possible, and it is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. For example, the RFID tag assembly (e.g., RFID tag assembly 704) attached to the product container (e.g., product container 258) may be positioned below the RFID antenna assembly (e.g., RFID antenna assembly 702), and it may also be positioned below the RFID tag (e.g., RFID tag assembly 708) attached to bracket assembly 282.

[0242] As described above, by utilizing relatively short antenna segments (e.g., 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926) that do not exceed 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal supplying energy to RFID antenna assembly 900, the far-field performance of antenna assembly 900 can be reduced and the near-field performance can be improved. [[ID=,5]]

[0243] Referring also to FIG. 29, when a high level of far-field performance is desired by the RFID antenna assembly, the RFID antenna assembly 900a may be configured to include a far-field antenna assembly 942 (e.g., a dipole antenna assembly) electrically coupled to a portion of an electromagnetic induction loop assembly 902a consisting of a plurality of segments. The far-field antenna assembly 942 may include a first antenna portion 944 (i.e., forming the first portion of the dipole) and a second antenna portion 946 (i.e., forming the second portion of the dipole). As described above, by maintaining the lengths of the antenna segments 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926 to be less than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, the far-field performance of the antenna assembly 900a can be reduced and the near-field performance can be improved. Accordingly, the total length of the first antenna portion 944 and the second antenna portion 946 may be greater than 25% of the wavelength of the carrier signal, whereby a higher level of far-field performance can be achieved.

[0244] Referring also to FIG. 30, as described above (for example, with respect to FIG. 27), the processing system 10 may be incorporated within a housing assembly 850. The housing assembly 850 may include one or more access doors / panels (e.g., an upper door 852 and a lower door 854), which enables, for example, maintenance and inspection of the processing system 10 and replacement of an emptied product container (e.g., product container 258). A touch panel interface 500 may be installed on the upper door 852, which facilitates user access. The upper door 852 also enables access to the dispensing assembly 1000, which allows, for example, a beverage, ice, or other substances to be dispensed into a beverage container (e.g., container 30) (e.g., via a nozzle 24 not shown). In addition, the lower door 854 may include an RFID communication area 1002, which may be associated, for example, with an RFID access antenna assembly 900, which enables, for example, opening of one or more of the access doors / panels 852, 854. The communication area 1002 is depicted for illustrative purposes only, as the RFID access antenna assembly 900 may be equivalently located in various other locations, including locations other than the access doors / panels 852, 854.

[0245] Referring also to FIGS. 51-53, an exemplary embodiment of a user interface assembly 5100 is shown, which may be incorporated within the housing assembly 850 shown in FIG. 30. This user interface assembly may include a touch panel interface 500. The user interface assembly 5100 may include a touch panel 5102, a frame 5104, an edge 5106, a sealing material 5108, and a system controller case 5110. The edge 5106 may be spaced around the touch panel 5102 and also serve as a visually distinct boundary. The touch panel 5102 is a capacitive touch panel in this exemplary embodiment, but other types of touch panels may be used in other embodiments. However, in this exemplary embodiment, due to the property that the touch panel 5102 is capacitive, it may be desirable to maintain a predetermined distance between the touch panel 5102 and the door 852 via the edge 5106.

[0246] The sealing material 5108 may protect the display shown as 5200 in FIG. 52 and may serve to prevent moisture and / or fine particles from reaching the display 5200. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing material 5108 contacts the door of the housing assembly 852 to better maintain the sealed state. In this exemplary embodiment, the display 5200 is an LCD display and is held by a frame by at least one set of spring fingers 5202 that can engage with the display 5200 to hold the display 5200. In this exemplary embodiment, the display 5200 is a 15” LCD display such as model LQ150X1LGB1 of Sony Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. However, in other embodiments, the display may be any other type of display. In addition, the spring fingers 5202 may function as springs, which can accommodate the tolerances of the user interface assembly 5100, and thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the touch screen 5102 can also be floated relative to the display 5200. The touch panel 5102 is a projected capacitive touch panel such as model ZYP15-10001D of Zytronics in Blaydon on Tyne, UK. However, in other embodiments, the touch panel may be any other type of touch panel and / or any other capacitive touch panel. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing material is a construction type foamed gasket, which is made from a die cut of polyurethane foam in this exemplary embodiment. However, in other embodiments, it may be made of silicone foam or other similar materials. In some embodiments, the sealing material may be a heterogeneous material integrally formed sealing material or any other type of sealing body.

[0247] In this exemplary embodiment, the user interface assembly 5100 includes four sets of spring fingers 5202. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer spring fingers 5202 may be included. In this exemplary embodiment, the spring fingers 5202 and the frame 5104 are made of ABS, but in other embodiments, they may be made of any other material.

[0248] Referring also to FIG. 53, the user interface assembly 5100 may also include at least one PCB and at least one connector 5114 in this exemplary embodiment, which may be covered by a connector cap 5116 in some embodiments.

[0249] Referring also to FIG. 31, according to an exemplary embodiment, the processing system 10 may include an upper cabinet portion 1004a and a lower cabinet portion 1006a. However, other configurations may be equally applicable and should not be construed as limitations of the present application. Referring further to FIGS. 32 and 33, the upper cabinet portion 1004a (which may be at least partially covered by the upper door 852, for example) may include one or more functional members of the piping subsystem 20 described above. For example, the upper cabinet portion 1004a may include one or more flow control modules (such as the flow control module 170), a fluid cooling system (such as a cooling plate 163 not shown), a discharge nozzle (such as a nozzle 24 not shown), and piping and others for connecting to a bulk raw material supply unit (such as a carbon dioxide supply unit 150, a water supply unit 152, an HFCS supply unit 154 not shown). In addition to this, the upper cabinet portion 1004a may also include an ice hopper 1008 for storing ice and an ice discharge chute 1010 for discharging ice from the ice hopper 1008 (such as into a beverage container).

[0250] The carbon dioxide supply unit 150 may be supplied by one or more carbon dioxide cylinders. For example, this may be arranged in a separate location and piped to the processing system 10. Similarly, the water supply unit 152 may be supplied as a water supply line. For example, this may also be piped to the processing system 10. The high fructose corn syrup supply unit 154 may include, for example, one or more storage units (e.g., in the form of 5-gallon bag-in-box containers), which may be stored in a separate location (e.g., in a storage room, etc.). The high fructose corn syrup supply unit 154 may be piped to the processing system 10. The piping for various bulk raw materials may be realized with a conventional rigid or flexible line piping configuration.

[0251] As described above, the carbonated water supply unit 158, the water supply unit 152, and the high fructose corn syrup supply unit 154 may be arranged in separate locations and piped to the processing system 10 (e.g., flow control modules 170, 172, 174). Referring to FIG. 34, the flow control module (e.g., flow control module 172) may be connected to the bulk raw material supply unit (e.g., water 152) via a vertical point connector 1012. For example, the water supply unit 152 may be connected to the piping connector 1012, which may be releasably connected to the flow control module 172, thereby completing the piping of the water supply unit 152 to the flow control module 170.

[0252] Referring to FIGS. 35, 36A, 36B, 37A, 37B, and 37, another embodiment of the upper cabinet portion (e.g., upper cabinet portion 1004b) is shown. Similar to the exemplary embodiments described above, the upper cabinet portion 1004b may include one or more functional members of the aforementioned piping subsystem 20. For example, the upper cabinet portion 1004b may include one or more flow control modules (e.g., flow control module 170), a fluid cooling system (e.g., a cooling plate 163 not shown), a discharge nozzle (e.g., a nozzle 24 not shown), and piping and the like for connecting to a bulk raw material supply section (e.g., a carbon dioxide supply section 150, a water supply section 152, and an HFCS supply section 154 not shown). In addition to this, the upper cabinet portion 1004b may include an ice hopper 1008 for storing ice and an ice discharge chute for discharging ice from the ice hopper 1008 (e.g., into a beverage container).

[0253] Referring also to FIGS. 36A - 36B, the upper cabinet portion 1004b may include a power module 1014. The power module 1014 may store, for example, a power source, one or more power distribution buses, a controller (e.g., control logic subsystem 14) and a user interface controller, a storage device 12, and the like. The power module 1014 may include one or more status display means (generally display lamps 1016) and a power / data connector (e.g., generally connector 1018).

[0254] Referring also to FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C, the flow control module 170 may generally be mechanically and fluidly coupled to the upper cabinet portion 1004b via a connection assembly 1020. The connection assembly 1020 may include a supply fluid passage, for example, which may be coupled to a bulk ingredient supply (e.g., carbonated water 158, water 160, high fructose corn syrup 162, etc.) via an inlet 1022. The inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 may be configured to be at least partially received within the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly 1020. Thus, the flow control module 170 may receive bulk ingredients via the connection assembly 1020. The connection assembly 1020 may further include a valve (e.g., ball valve 1028) movable between an open position and a closed position. When the ball valve 1028 is in the open position, the flow control module 170 may be fluidly coupled to the bulk ingredient supply. Similarly, when the ball valve 1028 is in the closed position, the flow control module 170 may be fluidly separated from the bulk ingredient supply.

[0255] The ball valve 1028 may be moved between the open and closed positions by rotatably actuating a locking tab 1030. In addition to opening and closing the ball valve 1028, the locking tab 1030 may engage the flow control module 170, for example, thereby holding the flow control module in relation to the connection assembly 1020. For example, a shoulder 1032 may engage a tab 1034 of the flow control module 170. By the engagement between the shoulder 1032 and the tab 1034, the inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 may be held within the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly 1020. By holding the inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 within the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly 1020, a liquid-tight connection between the flow control module 170 and the connection assembly 1020 can be further facilitated (e.g., by maintaining sufficient engagement between the inlet 1024 and the outlet 1026).

[0256] The locking tab surface 1036 of the locking tab 1030 may engage with an outlet connector 1038 (for example, this may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the flow control module 170). For example, as shown in the figure, the locking tab surface 1036 may engage with the surface 1040 of the outlet connector 1038, thereby holding the outlet connector 1038 in a liquid-tight engagement with the fluid control module 170.

[0257] The connection assembly 1020 allows the flow control module 170 to be easily attached to / detached from the processing system 10 (for example, to replace a damaged / failed flow control module 170). In accordance with the direction of the figure, the locking tab 1030 may be rotated counterclockwise (for example, about a quarter turn in the illustrated embodiment). By rotating the locking tab 130 counterclockwise, the outlet connector 1038 may be disengaged from the tab 1034 of the flow control module 170. The outlet connector 1038 may be disengaged from the flow control module 170. Similarly, the inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 may be disengaged from the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly 1020. In addition, when the locking tab 1030 rotates counterclockwise, the ball valve 1028 may rotate to the closed position, thereby closing the fluid supply passage connected to the bulk stock. Therefore, when the locking tab 1030 rotates and the flow control module 170 is disengaged from the connection assembly 1020, the fluid connection with the bulk stock is closed, which can, for example, reduce / prevent contamination of the processing system by the bulk stock. The tab extension 1042 of the locking tab 1030 can prevent the flow control module 170 from being removed from the connection assembly 1020 until the ball valve 1028 reaches the fully closed position (for this purpose, for example, the flow control module 170 cannot be disengaged from the fluid engagement and removed until the ball valve 1028 is rotated 90 degrees to the fully closed position).

[0258] In a related method, the flow control module 170 may be coupled to the connection assembly 1020. For example, rotating the locking tab 1030 counterclockwise may insert the inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 into the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly 1020. The outlet connector 1038 may engage an outlet (not shown) of the flow control module 170. The locking tab 1030 may be rotated clockwise, thereby engaging the flow control module 170 and the outlet connector 1038. In the position rotated clockwise, the connection assembly 1020 may hold the inlet 1024 of the flow control module 170 in a liquid-tight connection with the outlet passage 1026 of the connection assembly. Similarly, the outlet connector 1038 may be held in a liquid-tight state with the outlet of the flow control module 170. Further, when the locking tab 1030 rotates clockwise, the ball valve 1028 may move to the open position, whereby the fluid control module 170 is fluidly connected to the bulk raw material.

[0259] Referring further to FIG. 38, the lower cabinet portion 1006a may include one or more functional members of the micro raw material subsystem 18 and may house one or more built-in consumable raw material supply units. For example, the lower cabinet portion 1006a may include one or more micro raw material towers (e.g., micro raw material towers 1050, 1052, 1054) and a supply unit 1056 for non-nutritive sweeteners (e.g., artificial sweeteners or a combination of multiple artificial sweeteners). As shown in the figure, the micro raw material towers 1050, 1052, 1054 may include one or more product module assemblies (e.g., product module assembly 250), each of which may be configured to releasably engage one or more product containers (e.g., product containers 252, 254, 256, 258 not shown). For example, each of the micro raw material towers 1050 and 1052 may include three product module assemblies, and the micro raw material tower 1054 may include four product module assemblies.

[0260] Referring also to FIGS. 39 and 40, one or more of the micro raw material towers (e.g., micro raw material tower 1052) may be connected to a stirring mechanism, which may, for example, vibrate, linearly slide, or otherwise stir the micro raw material tower 1052 and / or a part thereof. The stirring mechanism may serve to hold a mixture of separate raw materials stored in the micro raw material tower 1052. The stirring mechanism may include, for example, a stirring motor 1100, which may drive a stirring arm 1102 via a connecting portion 1104. The stirring arm 1102 may generally be driven in a vertical vibration motion and may be connected to one or more product module assemblies (e.g., product module assemblies 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d), thereby imparting a vibration stirring motion to the product module assemblies 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d. A safety stop function may be associated with the lower door 854. For example, this may disable the stirring function when the lower cabinet door 1154 is open.

[0261] As described above, the RFID system 700 may detect the presence, position (e.g., product module assembly and slot assembly), and contents of various product containers. Thus, when the RFID system 700 is installed in a micro raw material tower (e.g., micro raw material tower 1052) where a product container containing contents that require stirring is not connected to a stirring container, it may issue a warning (e.g., via the RFID subsystem 724 and / or the control logic subsystem 14). Further, the control logic subsystem 14 may prevent the use of an unstirred product container.

[0262] As described above, the product module assembly (e.g., product module assembly 250) may be configured to have four slot assemblies, and thus can be referred to as a quad-type product module and / or a quad-type product module assembly. Referring further to FIG. 41, the product module assembly 250 may include a plurality of pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276). For example, one pump assembly (e.g., pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276) may be associated with each of the four slot assemblies of the product module 250 (e.g., in the case of a quad-type product module). The pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 may discharge the product from a product container (not shown) releasably engaged with the corresponding slot assembly of the product module assembly 250.

[0263] As shown in the figure, each product module assembly (e.g., product module assemblies 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d) of the micro raw material tower (e.g., micro raw material tower 1052) may be connected to a common wiring harness, for example, via a connector 1106. In this way, the micro raw material tower 1052 may be electrically connected to, for example, the control logic subsystem 14, the power supply, etc., via one connection point.

[0264] Referring also to FIG. 42, as described above, the product module 250 may include a plurality of slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266). The slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266 may be configured to releasably engage a product container (e.g., product container 256). The slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266 may each include respective doors 1108, 1110, 1112. As shown in the figure, two or more of the slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262) may be configured to releasably engage a double-width product container (e.g., a product container configured to releasably engage within two slot assemblies) and / or two separate product containers containing complimentary products (e.g., separate ingredients for a two-ingredient beverage recipe). Thus, the slot assemblies 260, 262 may include a double-width door (e.g., door 1108) that covers both slot assemblies 260, 262.

[0265] Doors 1108, 1110, 1112 can releasably engage a hinge rail, thereby allowing doors 1108, 1108, 1112 to pivot open and closed. For example, doors 1108, 1110, 1112 may include snap-fit feature members, thereby allowing doors 1108, 1108, 1112 to snap onto and off of the hinge rail. Thus, doors 1108, 1110, 1112 may be snapped onto and off of the hinge rail, thereby allowing a broken door to be replaced or the door configuration to be changed (e.g., a double-width door replaced with two single-width doors, or vice versa).

[0266] Each door (e.g., door 1110) may include a tongue-shaped functional member (e.g., tongue member 1114), which may engage with a cooperating functional member (e.g., notch 1116 of product container 256) of the product container. The tongue member 1114 can transmit force (e.g., via notch 1116) to the product container and assist in inserting and removing the product container 256 from the slot assembly 264. For example, during insertion, the product container 256 may be inserted at least partway into the slot assembly 264. When the door 1110 is closed, the tongue member 1114 engages with the notch 1116, and the closing force of the door is transmitted to the product container 256, thereby firmly fixing the product container 256 to the slot assembly 264 (e.g., by the lever action of the door 1110). Similarly, at least a part of the tongue member 1114 may engage with the notch 1116 (e.g., at least a part may be captured by the edge of the notch 1116), and a removal force is applied to the product container 256 (e.g., by the lever action supplied by the door 1110 as described above).

[0267] The product module 250 may include one or more display lamps, which may convey information regarding the state of one or more slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266), for example. Each door (e.g., door 1112) may include, optionally, an optical conductor (e.g., optical conductor 1118) coupled to a light source (e.g., light source 1120). The optical conductor 1118 may include, for example, pieces cut from a translucent or transparent material (e.g., translucent plastic such as acrylic, glass, etc.), which can transmit light from the light source 1120 to the front of the door 1112. The light source 1120 may include, for example, one or more LEDs (e.g., red LEDs and green LEDs). In the case of a double-width door (e.g., door 1108), only one optical conductor corresponding to one of the slot assemblies and one light source associated with the one optical conductor may be utilized. The unused light source corresponding to the other slot assembly of the double-width door may be shielded, at least in part, by the door.

[0268] As described above, the optical conductor 1118 and the light source 1120 may convey various information regarding the slot assemblies, product containers, etc. For example, the light source 1120 may supply green light (which may be transmitted to the front of the door 1112 via the optical conductor 1118) to indicate that the operating state of the slot assembly 266 and the product container releasably engaged with the slot assembly 266 is not empty. The light source 1120 may supply red light (which may be transmitted to the front of the door 1112 via the optical conductor 1118) to indicate that the product container releasably engaged with the slot assembly 266 is empty. Similarly, the light source 1120 may supply blinking red light (which may be transmitted to the front of the door 1112 via the optical conductor 1118) to indicate an abnormality or a failure associated with the slot assembly 266. Various additional / alternative information may be displayed using the light source 1120 and the optical conductor 1118. Further, additional, related lighting patterns may also be utilized (e.g., blinking green light, orange light obtained from a light source supplying both green and red light, and others).

[0269] Referring also to FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C, the product container 256 may include a housing (e.g., a front housing portion 1150 and a rear housing portion 1152) that consists of, for example, two parts. The front housing portion 1150 may include a protrusion 1154, and for example, an edge 1156 may be provided thereby. The edge 1156 may facilitate handling of the product container 256 (e.g., while inserting and / or removing the product container into / from the slot assembly 264).

[0270] The rear housing portion 1152 may include a fitting functional member 1158a, which may, for example, fluidly couple the product container (e.g., the product container 256) to an engagement fit of a pump assembly (e.g., the pump assembly 272 of the product module 250). The fitting functional member 1158a may include a blind mate fluid connector, which can fluidly couple the product container 256 to the pump assembly 272 when the fitting functional member is pushed into a cooperating functional member (e.g., a stem) of the pump assembly 272. Various alternative fitting functional members (e.g., the fitting functional member 1158b shown in FIG. 44) may be provided to fluidly couple the product container 256 to various pump assemblies.

[0271] The front housing portion 1150 and the rear housing portion 1152 may include separate plastic components, which may be connected to form the product container 256. For example, the front housing portion 1150 and the rear housing portion 1152 may be connected by heat stamping, bonding with an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other suitable methods. The product container 256 may further include a product pouch 1160, which may be at least partially disposed within the front housing portion 1150 and the rear housing portion 1152. For example, the product pouch 1160 may be filled with a consumable (e.g., a beverage flavoring) and positioned within the front housing portion 1150 and the rear housing portion 1152, which are then connected to store the product pouch 1160. The product pouch 1160 may include, for example, a flexible bag that collapses when the consumable is dispensed from the product pouch 1160 (e.g., by the pump assembly 272).

[0272] The product pouch 1160 may include a fold 1162, which may improve the capacity efficiency of the product container 256 by allowing, for example, the product pouch 1160 to occupy a relatively large portion of the internal space defined by the front housing portion 1150 and the rear housing portion 1152. In addition to this, the fold 1162 may be configured to cause the product pouch 1162 to collapse more easily as the consumable is dispensed from the product pouch 1160. In addition to this, the fitting functional member 1158a may be physically connected to the product pouch 1160, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0273] As described above, in addition to the micro raw material tower, the lower cabinet portion 1006a may include a supply unit 1056 for a large amount of micro raw materials. For example, in some embodiments, the large amount of micro raw materials may be non-nutritive sweeteners (e.g., artificial sweeteners or a combination of multiple artificial sweeteners). Some embodiments may include micro raw materials that are required in larger quantities. In these embodiments, one or more large micro raw material supply units may be included. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply unit 1056 may be a non-nutritive sweetener, which may include, for example, a bag-in-box container, which is known to include, for example, a flexible bag that houses a non-nutritive sweetener product disposed within a generally rigid box, and the rigid box can protect the flexible bag from rupture and the like. For illustrative purposes only, examples of non-nutritive sweeteners are used. However, in other embodiments, any micro raw material may be stored in the large micro raw material supply unit. In some alternative embodiments, other types of raw materials may be stored in a supply unit similar to the supply unit 1056 described herein. The term "large micro raw material" refers to a micro raw material that is identified as a frequently used micro raw material such that multiple micro raw material pump assemblies are used, with respect to the product being dispensed.

[0274] The supply unit 1056 for the non-nutritive sweetener may be connected to the product module assembly, which may include one or more pump assemblies (e.g., as described above). For example, the supply unit 1056 for the non-nutritive sweetener may be connected to a product module that includes four pump assemblies as described above. Each of the four pump assemblies may include a tube or line that directs the non-nutritive sweetener from the respective pump assembly to a nozzle 24 for discharging (e.g., in combination with one or more additional raw materials).

[0275] Referring to FIGS. 45A and 45B, the lower cabinet portion 1006b may include one or more functional members of the micro-ingredient subsystem 18. For example, one or more micro-ingredient supply units may be housed in the lower cabinet portion 106b. The one or more micro-ingredient supply units may be configured as one or more micro-ingredient shelves (e.g., micro-ingredient shelves 1200, 1202, 1204) and a supply unit 1206 for non-nutritive sweeteners. As shown in the figure, each micro-ingredient shelf (e.g., micro-ingredient shelf 1200) may include one or more product module assemblies (e.g., product module assemblies 250d, 250e, 250f) configured in a generally horizontal arrangement. One or more of the micro-ingredient shelves may be configured to agitate (e.g., in generally the same manner as the micro-ingredient tower 1052 described above).

[0276] Continuing with the above-described embodiment where one or more micro-ingredient supply units may be configured as one or more micro-ingredient shelves, as described above, shelf 1200 may include a plurality of product module assemblies (i.e., product module assemblies 250d, 250e, 250f). Each product module assembly (e.g., product module assembly 250f) may be configured to releasably engage one or more product containers (e.g., product container 256) within respective slot assemblies (e.g., slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266).

[0277] In addition, each of the product module assemblies 250d, 250e, 250f may include a respective plurality of pump assemblies. For example, referring to FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47D, 47E, 47F, the product module assembly 250d may generally include pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270d, 270e. Each one of the pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d may be associated with one of the slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266, for example, to discharge the raw material contained in a respective product container (e.g., product container 256). For example, each of the pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d may include a respective fluid connection stem (e.g., fluid connection stems 1250, 1252, 1254, 1256), which may be fluidly connected to a product container (e.g., product container 256) via cooperating fittings (e.g., fitting functional members 1158a, 1158b shown in FIGS. 43B and 44).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 47E, a cross-sectional view of the pump module assembly 250d is shown. The assembly 250d includes a fluid inlet 1360, which is shown as a cross-section of the fitting. The fitting mates with a female portion (shown as 1158a in FIG. 43B) of a product container (not shown but shown as 256 in FIG. 43B in other drawings). Fluid from the product container enters the pump assembly 250d at the fluid inlet 1360. The fluid enters the volumetric flow sensor 1362, then passes through the pump 1364, through the backpressure regulator 1366, and flows to the fluid outlet 1368. As shown here, air flows through the pump module assembly 250d through the fluid flow path and is not trapped within the assembly. The fluid inlet 1360 is on a plane lower than the fluid outlet 1368. In addition to this, the fluid moves vertically towards the flow sensor and is then at a plane higher than the inlet 1360 again when moving through the pump. Therefore, with this arrangement, the fluid continuously flows upward and air flows through the system without being trapped. Therefore, the design of the pump module assembly 250d is a self-priming, self-purging volumetric transfer type fluid delivery system.

[0279] Referring to FIGS. 47E and 47F, the backpressure regulator 1366 can be any backpressure regulator, but an exemplary embodiment of the backpressure regulator 1366 for discharging a small amount is shown. The back pressure regulator 1366 includes a diaphragm 1367 that includes a "volcano" functional member and an O-ring formed by molding around the outer diameter. The O-ring creates a sealed state. A piston is connected to the diaphragm 1367. A spring around the piston biases the piston and the diaphragm to a closed position. In this embodiment, the spring seats on an outer sleeve. When the fluid pressure equals or exceeds the cracking pressure of the piston / spring assembly, the fluid passes through the back pressure regulator 1366 and heads towards the fluid outlet 1368. In this exemplary embodiment, the cracking pressure is about 7-9 psi. The cracking pressure is adjusted according to the pump 1364. Therefore, in various embodiments, the pump may be different from those described above, and in some of these embodiments, other embodiments of the back pressure regulator may be used.

[0280] Referring further to FIG. 48, the outlet pipe assembly 1300 may be configured to releasably engage pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d for supplying, for example, raw materials from respective product module assemblies (such as product module assembly 250d) to the piping / control system 20. The outlet pipe assembly 1300 may include a plurality of pipe fittings (such as fittings 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308) configured to be fluidly coupled to respective pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d to fluidly couple the pump assemblies 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d to the piping / control subsystem 20 via fluid lines 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316.

[0281] The releasable engagement between the outlet pipe assembly 1300 and the product module assembly 250d may be effected, for example, via a camming assembly that facilitates the engagement and release of the outlet pipe assembly 1300 and the product module assembly 250d. For example, the camming assembly may include a handle 1318 rotatably coupled to the fitting support means 1320 and cam functional members 1322, 1324. The cam functional members 1322, 1324 may be engageable with a cooperating functional member (not shown) of the product module assembly 250d. Referring to FIG. 47C, when the handle 1318 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the outlet pipe assembly 1300 is released from the product module assembly 250d, and for example, the outlet pipe assembly 1300 can be lifted from and removed from the module assembly 250d.

[0282] Referring particularly to FIGS. 47D and 47E, the product module assembly 250d may similarly be releasably engageable with the micro raw material shelf 1200, for example, thereby facilitating the removal / attachment of the product module assembly 250 from the micro component shelf 1200. For example, as shown in the figure, the product module assembly 250d may include a release handle 1350, which may be pivotally connected to the product module assembly 250d, for example. The release handle 1350 may include, for example, locking ears 1352, 1354 (most clearly depicted in FIGS. 47A and 47D, for example). The locking ears 1352, 1354 may engage a cooperating functional member of the micro raw material shelf 1200, thereby holding the product module assembly 250d in an engaged state with the micro raw material shelf 1200, for example. As shown in FIG. 47E, the release handle 1350 can be pivotally lifted in the direction of the arrow to disengage the locking ears 1352, 1354 from the cooperating functional member of the micro raw material shelf 1200. Once disengaged, the product module assembly 250d can be lifted from the micro raw material shelf 1200.

[0283] One or more sensors may be associated with the handle 1318 and / or the release handle 1350. One or more sensors may supply an output indicating the locked position of the handle 1318 and / or the release handle 1350. For example, one or more sensors may indicate whether the handle 1318 and / or the release handle 1350 is in an engaged or disengaged position. As at least one, based on the output of one or more sensors, the product module assembly 250d may be electrically and / or fluidically separated from the piping / control subsystem 20. Exemplary sensors may include, for example, cooperating RFID tags and readers, contact switches, magnetic position sensors, or others.

[0284] As described above, referring again to FIG. 47E, a flow sensor 308 may be used to detect the flow of the above micro raw materials through the pump assembly 272 (see FIGS. 5A - 5H) in this example. As described above, the flow sensor 308 may be configured as a capacitive flow sensor (see FIGS. 5A - 5F) and is shown as the flow sensor 1356 in FIG. 47E. In addition to this, as described above, the flow sensor 308 may be configured as a pistonless flow sensor using a transducer (see FIG. 5G) and is shown as the flow sensor 1358 in FIG. 47E. Further, as described above, the flow sensor 308 may be configured as a piston - enhanced flow sensor using a transducer (see FIG. 5H) and is shown as the flow sensor 1359 in FIG. 47E.

[0285] As described above, the transducer assembly 328 (see FIGS. 5G - 5H) may include a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a needle / magnetic cartridge assembly, a magnetic coil assembly, a Hall effect sensor assembly, a piezoelectric buzzer element, a piezoelectric sheet element, an audio speaker assembly, an accelerometer assembly, a microphone assembly, an optical displacement assembly.

[0286] Furthermore, the above example of the flow sensor 308 is for illustrative purposes, and other configurations are possible and considered to be within the scope of the present application, so they are not intended to be all of them. For example, the transducer assembly 328 is shown positioned outside the diaphragm assembly 314 (see FIGS. 5G - 5H), but it may be positioned within the cavity 318 (see FIGS. 5G - 5H).

[0287] Referring also to FIGS. 49A, 49B, and 49C, an exemplary configuration of the non - nutritive sweetener supply unit 1206. The non - nutritive sweetener supply unit 1206 may generally include a housing 1400 configured to receive a non - nutritive sweetener container 1402. The non - nutritive sweetener container 1402 may include, for example, a bag - in - box configuration (e.g., a flexible bag containing the non - nutritive sweetener is disposed generally within a rigid protective housing). The supply unit 1206 may include joints 1404 (e.g., these may be associated with a swivel wall 1406), which may be fluidly connected to a fitting associated with the non - nutritive sweetener container 1402. The configuration and nature of the joints 1404 may vary depending on the fitting associated with and cooperating with the non - nutritive sweetener container 1402.

[0288] Referring also to FIG. 49C, the supply unit 1206 may include one or more pump assemblies (e.g., pump assemblies 270e, 270f, 270g, 270h). One or more pump assemblies 270e, 270f, 270g, 270g may be configured in the same manner as the product module assembly described above (e.g., product module assembly 250). The joint 1404 may be fluidly connected to the joint 1404 via a piping assembly 1408. The piping assembly 1408 may generally include an inlet 1410, which may be configured to be fluidly connected to the joint 1404. The manifold 1412 may distribute the non-nutritive sweetener received at the inlet 1410 to one or more distribution tubes (e.g., distribution tubes 1414, 1416, 1418, 1420). The dispensing tubes 1414, 1416, 1418, 1420 may each include respective connectors 1422, 1424, 1426, 1428 configured to be fluidly connected to their respective pump assemblies 270e, 270f, 270g, 270g.

[0289] Referring now to FIG. 50, the piping assembly 1408 may include an air sensor 1450 in this exemplary embodiment. The piping assembly 1408 may therefore include a mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of air. In some embodiments, if the fluid entering through the fluid inlet 1410 contains air, the air sensor 1450 may detect the air and, in some embodiments, transmit a signal to stop the discharge from the bulk micro-ingredient. This function is desirable in many dispensing systems, especially in systems where the quality of the dispensed product is impaired and / or becomes dangerous if the amount of bulk micro-ingredient is incorrect. Therefore, the piping assembly 1408 including the air sensor ensures that air is not discharged, and in embodiments where, for example, a medical product is discharged, it becomes a functional member for safety. In other products, this embodiment of the piping assembly 1408 is part of a functional member for quality assurance.

[0290] Various electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes have been described above as being utilized within a processing system for dispensing beverages, but this is for illustration only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application since other configurations are possible. For example, the processing system described above may be utilized for the processing / dispensing of other consumable products (e.g., ice cream and alcoholic beverages). In addition to this, the system described above may be utilized in fields other than the food industry. For example, the system described above may also be used for vitamins, pharmaceuticals, medical products, cleaning products, lubricants, paint / dye products, and other non-consumable liquids / semi-fluid / granular solids or any fluid.

[0291] As described above, generally the various electrical components, mechanical components, electromechanical components, and software processes (and specifically the FSM process 122, virtual machine process 124, virtual manifold process 126) of the processing system 10 may be used in any machine in which it is desired to make products on demand from one or more substrates (also referred to as "raw materials").

[0292] In various embodiments, the product may be made according to a recipe programmed into a processor. As described above, the recipe may be updated, imported, or changed with permission. The recipe may be requested by a user or may be pre-programmed to be prepared according to a schedule. The recipe may include any number of substrates, i.e., raw materials, and the resulting product may include any number of substrates or raw materials at any desired concentration.

[0293] The substrate used may be any fluid at any concentration, or any powder or solid that can be reduced either while the machine is making the product or before the machine makes the product (i.e., a "batch" of reduced powder or solid may be prepared at a particular point during preparation for weighing to make additional product or for dispensing a "batch" solution as a product). In various embodiments, two or more substrates themselves may be mixed within one manifold and then weighed and supplied to another manifold for mixing with other substrates.

[0294] Therefore, in various embodiments, upon request or at a desired point in time even before actually requested, a first manifold of solution may be created by weighing a first substrate and at least one additional substance according to a recipe and supplying them to that manifold. In some embodiments, one of the substrates may be reduced, i.e., the substrate may be a powder / solid, and a particular amount of it is added to the mixing manifold. A liquid substrate may also be added to the same mixing manifold, and the powder substrate may be reduced in the liquid to a desired concentration. The contents within this manifold may then be, for example, supplied to another manifold or dispensed.

[0295] In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be used in connection with mixing, upon request, a dialysis fluid for use in peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis according to a recipe / formulation. As is known in the art, the composition of the dialysis fluid may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, namely bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, glucose, lactate, acetic acid, acetate, magnesium, glucose, hydrochloric acid.

[0296] The dialysis fluid may be used to draw waste molecules (e.g., ions such as urea, creatinine, potassium, etc., phosphates, etc.) and water from the blood into the dialysis fluid through osmosis, and dialysis fluid solutions are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0297] For example, dialysate generally contains various ions such as potassium and calcium at concentrations similar to those in healthy blood. In some cases, the dialysate may contain sodium bicarbonate, which is typically at a slightly higher concentration than that found in normal blood. Generally, dialysate is prepared by mixing water from a water supply source (e.g., reverse osmosis, i.e., "RO" water) with one or more raw materials, such as "acids" (which may include various types such as acetic acid, glucose, NaCl, CaCl, KCl, MgCl, etc.), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl). The preparation of dialysate is well known to those skilled in the art and includes using appropriate salt concentrations, osmolality, pH, etc. As will be described in more detail later, it is not necessary to prepare dialysate in real time in response to requirements. For example, the dialysate can be made at the same time as, or prior to, dialysis and stored in a dialysate storage container or otherwise.

[0298] In some embodiments, one or more substrates, such as bicarbonate, may be stored in powder form. For purposes of illustration and example only, the powdered substrate may be referred to as "bicarbonate" in this example, but in other embodiments, in addition to or instead of bicarbonate, any substrate / raw material may be stored in powder or other solid form in the machine, and the processes described herein for reduction of the substrate may be used. The bicarbonate may be stored in a "disposable" container, which may be entirely emptied, for example, into a manifold. In some embodiments, a large amount of bicarbonate may be stored in a container, and a specific amount of bicarbonate may be metered from this container and supplied to the manifold. In some embodiments, the entire amount of bicarbonate may be emptied into the manifold, i.e., a large amount of dialysate may be mixed.

[0299] The solution within the first manifold may be mixed with one or more additional substrates / raw materials within the second manifold. In addition to this, in some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more conductive sensors) may be arranged such that a test of the solution mixed within the first manifold is conducted to confirm that a desired concentration has been reached. In some embodiments, data from one or more sensors may be used in a feedback control loop to correct errors within the solution. For example, if the sensor data indicates that the concentration of the bicarbonate solution is higher or lower than the desired concentration, additional bicarbonate or RO may be added to the manifold.

[0300] In some recipes in some embodiments, one or more raw materials may be reduced within a manifold and then mixed with one or more raw materials within another manifold, whether these raw materials are also reduced powders / solids or liquids.

[0301] Therefore, the systems and methods described herein may provide means for accurately generating, or composing, upon request, a dialysate, or other solution including other solutions used in medical treatment. In some embodiments, this system may be incorporated within a dialysis machine, which is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 072,908, which became U.S. Patent No. 8,246,826, issued on August 21, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. F65), filed on February 27, 2008, the entire text of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, this system may be incorporated into any machine for which it may be desirable to mix products upon request.

[0302] Water can account for the largest amount in the dialysate, thus causing high costs, large space requirements, and long time consumption in the transportation of bagged dialysate. Since the above-described processing system 10 can prepare the dialysate inside a dialysis machine or an independent injector (e.g., installed in a patient's home), there is no need to ship and store large quantities of bagged dialysate. With such an above-described processing system 10, users and providers may be able to input a desired prescription, and the above-described system can make a desired prescription drug on-site (e.g., including but not limited to medical centers, pharmacies, or patients' homes) according to requirements using the systems and methods described herein. Therefore, by the systems and methods described herein, only the substrate / raw material needs to be shipped / delivered, thus reducing transportation costs.

[0303] In addition to the various embodiments of flow control described and explained above, referring to FIGS. 56 - 64, various other embodiments of variable line impedance for a flow control module, a flow measurement device (also sometimes referred to as a "flow meter"), and binary valves are shown.

[0304] Referring collectively to FIGS. 56 - 59, an exemplary embodiment of the flow control module 3000 of this embodiment may include a fluid inlet 3001, a piston case 3012, a first opening 3002, a piston 3004, a piston spring 3006, a cylinder 3005 around the piston, and a second opening 3022. The piston spring 3006 biases the piston 3004 to the closed position as shown in FIG. 56. The flow control module 3000 also includes a solenoid 3008, which includes a solenoid case 3010 and an armature 3014. The downstream binary valve 3016 is actuated by a plunger 3018, which is biased to the open position by a plunger spring 3020.

[0305] The piston 3004, cylinder 3005, piston spring 3006, and piston case 3012 may be made of any material, which may be selected based on the fluid intended to flow through the flow control module in some embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the piston 3004 and cylinder 3005 are made of alumina ceramic, but in other embodiments, these components may be made of other ceramics or stainless steel. In various embodiments, these components may be made of any desired material and may be selected according to the fluid. In this exemplary embodiment, the piston spring 3006 is made of stainless steel, but in various embodiments, the piston spring 3006 may be made of ceramic or other materials. In this exemplary embodiment, the piston case 3012 is made of plastic. However, in other embodiments, the various components may be made of stainless steel or other dimensionally stable corrosion-resistant materials. As shown in FIGS. 56 - 59, this exemplary embodiment includes a binary valve, but in other embodiments, the flow control module 3000 may not include a binary valve. In such embodiments, in this exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 3005 and piston 3004, which are made of alumina ceramic as described above, may be match ground to a clearance fit, or manufactured with a very tight gap between the two components to be a close clearance fit.

[0306] The solenoid 3008 in this embodiment is a constant-force solenoid 3008. In this exemplary embodiment, the constant-force solenoid 3008 shown in FIGS. 56-59 may be used. The solenoid 3008 includes a solenoid case 3010, which is made of 416 stainless steel in this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the constant-force solenoid 3008 includes a spike. In this embodiment, when the armature 3014 approaches the spike, the force is substantially constant or varies only slightly with respect to position. The constant-force solenoid 3008 applies a magnetic force to the armature 3014, which is made of 416 stainless steel in this exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the armature 3014 and / or the solenoid case 3012 may be made of ferritic stainless steel or other magnetic stainless steel or other materials having desired magnetic properties. The armature 3014 is connected to the piston 3004. Therefore, the constant-force solenoid 3008 supplies a force for linearly moving the piston 3004 from a closed position (shown in FIGS. 56 and 57) to an open position (shown in FIGS. 58 and 59) with respect to the second opening 3022. Therefore, the solenoid 3008 actuates the piston 3004, and the current applied to control the constant-force solenoid 3008 is proportional to the force applied to the armature 3014.

[0307] The size of the first opening 3002 may be selected so as not to exceed the maximum pressure drop of the system and so that the pressure of the first opening 3002 is sufficient to move the piston 3004. In this exemplary embodiment, the first opening 3002 is about 0.180 inches. However, in various embodiments, its diameter may be larger or smaller depending on the desired flow rate and pressure drop. In addition to this, by obtaining the maximum pressure drop at a specific flow rate, the total amount by which the piston 3004 moves to maintain the desired flow rate is minimized.

[0308] The constant force solenoid 3008 and the piston spring 3006 generate a substantially constant force throughout the movement of the piston 3004. The piston spring 3006 acts on the piston 3004 in the same direction as the fluid flows. The pressure drop occurs when the fluid enters the first opening 3002. The constant force solenoid 3008 (also referred to as the "solenoid") opposes the fluid pressure by applying a force to the armature 3014.

[0309] Referring now to FIG. 56, the flow control module 3000 is shown in the closed position and no fluid is flowing. In the closed position, the solenoid 3008 is de-energized. The piston spring 3006 biases the piston 3004 to the closed position, i.e., the second opening (shown as 3022 in FIGS. 58-59) is fully closed. This is advantageous for many reasons, including but not limited to a fail-safe flow switch in the event that power to the flow control module is interrupted. Therefore, if power is not available to energize the solenoid 3008, the piston 3004 is in the "normally closed" state.

[0310] Referring also to FIGS. 57-59, the energy or current applied to the solenoid 3008 controls the movement of the armature 3014 and the piston 3004. As the piston 3004 moves further towards the fluid inlet 3001, the second opening 3022 is thereby opened. Therefore, the current applied to the solenoid 3008 may be proportional to the force applied to the armature 3014, or the current applied to the solenoid 3008 may be varied to obtain a desired flow rate. In an exemplary embodiment of this embodiment of the flow control module, the flow rate corresponds to the current applied to the solenoid 3008, and when current is applied, the force applied to the piston 3004 increases.

[0311] To maintain a constant force profile of the solenoid 3008, it may be desirable to keep the movement distance of the armature 3014 within a substantially predetermined range. As described above, the spike of the solenoid 3008 contributes to maintaining a substantially constant force during the movement of the armature 3014. This is desirable when the second opening 3022 is open in some embodiments, and by maintaining a substantially constant force, the flow rate is kept substantially constant.

[0312] As the force from the solenoid 3008 increases, in this exemplary embodiment, the force from the solenoid 3008 moves the piston 3004 linearly towards the fluid inlet 3001, causing flow through the second opening 3022. This causes the fluid pressure within the flow control module to decrease. Therefore, the first opening 3002 (connected to the piston 3004) functions as a flow meter and variable line impedance together with the second opening 3022, and the pressure drop at the first opening 3002 (indicating the flow rate) remains constant even as the cross-sectional area of the second opening 3022 changes. The flow rate, i.e., the pressure difference at the first opening 3002, determines the amount of movement of the piston 3004, i.e., the variable line impedance of the flow path.

[0313] Referring now to FIGS. 58 - 59, in this exemplary embodiment, the variable line impedance includes at least one second opening 3022. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 58 - 59, the second opening 3022 includes a plurality of holes. Embodiments including a plurality of holes may be desirable as they can maintain structural integrity and, while minimizing the movement of the piston, the overall size of the second opening is sufficient to obtain the desired flow rate at the maximum pressure drop.

[0314] Referring to FIGS. 56 - 59, in this exemplary embodiment, piston 3004 includes at least one radial groove 3024 to equalize the pressure that can be introduced by the blow-through during operation. In this exemplary embodiment, piston 3004 includes two radial grooves 3024. In other embodiments, piston 3004 may include three or more radial grooves. The at least one radial groove 3024 provides both means for equalizing the pressure due to the blow-through and thus reducing the blow-through, and for centering piston 3004 within cylinder 3005. Centering of piston 3004 also provides a fluid bearing effect between cylinder 3005 and piston 3004, and thus reduces friction. In some embodiments, other means for reducing friction may be used, including but not limited to coating piston 3004 to reduce friction and / or incorporating the use of ball bearings. Usable coatings may include, but are not limited to, diamond-like coatings (DLC) and titanium nitride. Reduction of friction is advantageous for reducing the hysteresis of the system and thus reducing flow control errors within the system.

[0315] In this exemplary embodiment, for a variable line impedance device, a current and a method of applying the current to obtain a certain flow rate may be determined. Various current application modes include, but are not limited to, current dithering, sine wave dithering, current dithering schemes, or the use of various pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques. Current control may be utilized to generate various flow rates and various types of flow, such as triangular wave or pulsed flow rates or smooth flow rates. For example, sine wave dithering may be utilized to reduce hysteresis and friction between cylinder 3005 and piston 3004. Therefore, a predetermined scheme may be established and used for a desired flow rate.

[0316] Referring now to FIG. 64, an example of a solenoid control method applicable to the variable line impedance devices shown in FIGS. 56 to 63 is shown. In this control method, a dithering function is shown in which at low flow rates, dithering with a smaller amplitude is applied, and as the flow rate increases, dithering with a larger amplitude is applied. Dithering can be specified by either a step function that can increase the dithering by a predetermined threshold value or a ramp function that can remain constant beyond a predetermined threshold value. FIG. 64 shows an example of a dithering ramp function. Both the dithering frequency and the dithering amplitude can vary with the current command. In these embodiments, instead of a dithering function, a look-up table that specifies the optimal dithering characteristics or other dithering plan for any desired flow rate may be used.

[0317] The upstream fluid pressure may increase or decrease. However, the variable line impedance compensates for the pressure change and maintains a constant desired flow rate by using a constant force solenoid and a spring and a plunger. Therefore, the variable line impedance maintains a constant flow rate even when the pressure changes. For example, when the inlet pressure increases, since the system includes a first opening 3002 of a certain size, the pressure drop at the first opening 3002 causes the piston 3004 to move towards the fluid outlet 3036, and the opening degree of the second opening 3022 "turns down". This is achieved through the linear movement of the piston 3004 towards the fluid outlet 3036.

[0318] Conversely, when the inlet pressure decreases, since the size of the first opening 3002 of the system is constant, the pressure drop at the first opening 3002 causes the piston 3004 to "turn up" the opening degree of the second opening 3022, and therefore, maintains the flow rate constant. This is achieved through the linear movement of the piston 3004 towards the fluid inlet 3001.

[0319] This exemplary embodiment also includes a binary valve. Although shown in this exemplary embodiment, in some embodiments, the binary valve may not be used. In this case, for example, the tolerance between the piston and the second opening is such that the piston functions as a binary valve with respect to the second opening. Referring now to FIGS. 56 - 59, the binary valve in this exemplary embodiment is downstream of the second opening 3022. In this exemplary embodiment, the binary valve is a pilot diaphragm 3016 actuated by a plunger 3018. In this exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm 3016 is a metal disk formed by heterogeneous integral molding. However, in other embodiments, the diaphragm 3016 may be made of any material suitable for the fluid flowing through the valve, including but not limited to metals, elastomers, and / or urethanes, or any type of plastic or other material suitable for the desired function. It should be noted that although the drawing shows the membrane seated in the open position, in reality, the membrane is unseated. The plunger 3018 is actuated directly by the piston 3004, and in its rest position, the plunger spring 3020 biases the plunger 3018 to the open position. When the piston 3004 returns to the closed position, the force generated by the piston spring 3006 increases, thereby causing the plunger spring 3020 to bias and actuate the plunger 3018 to the closed position of the binary valve. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the solenoid supplies energy for both the piston 3004 and the plunger 3018, and thus controls both the flow of fluid through the second opening 3022 and the binary valve.

[0320] Referring to FIGS. 56 to 59, the incremental movement of the piston 3004 regarding the increase in the force from the solenoid 3008 can be seen. Referring to FIG. 56, both the binary valve and the second opening (not shown) are closed. Referring to FIG. 57, current is applied to the solenoid, and the piston 3004 has moved slightly. On the other hand, the binary valve opens by the biasing of the plunger spring 3020. In FIG. 58, more current is applied to the solenoid 3008, the piston 3004 moves further towards the first opening 3002, and the second opening 3022 is slightly open. Referring to FIG. 59 here, the current from the solenoid 3008 increases and the piston 3004 moves further towards the fluid inlet 3001 (or deeper into the solenoid 3008 in this embodiment), and the second opening 3022 is fully open.

[0321] The embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 56 to 59 may additionally include one or more sensors, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following, namely, a piston position sensor and / or a flow rate sensor. One or more sensors may be used to confirm that fluid flows reliably when the solenoid 3008 is energized. For example, the piston position sensor may detect whether the piston is moving. The flow rate sensor may detect whether the piston is moving or not.

[0322] Referring now to FIGS. 60-61, in various embodiments, the flow control module 3000 may include one or more sensors. Referring to FIG. 60, the flow control module 3000 is shown as having an anemometer 3026. In one embodiment, one or more thermistors are disposed near a thin wall in contact with the fluid flow path. The thermistor may dissipate a known amount of power, for example, 1 watt, and thus, a predictable temperature rise is expected for either a stationary or flowing fluid. Since the temperature rise is small when the fluid is flowing, the anemometer may be used as a fluid flow sensor. In some embodiments, the anemometer may also be used to measure the temperature of the fluid, regardless of whether the sensor separately detects the presence of fluid flow.

[0323] Referring now to FIG. 61, the flow control module 3000 is shown as having a paddle wheel 3028. A partial cutaway view of the paddle wheel sensor 3030 is shown in FIG. 62. The paddle wheel sensor 3030 includes a paddle wheel 3028 within the fluid flow path, an infrared (IR) emitter 3032, and an IR receiver 3034. The paddle wheel sensor 3030 is a metering device and may be used to calculate and / or verify the flow rate. The paddle wheel sensor 3030 may, in some embodiments, be used simply to detect whether fluid is flowing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 62, the IR diode 3032 emits light, and as the fluid flows, the paddle wheel 3028 rotates and blocks the beam from the IR diode 3032, which is detected by the IR receiver 3034. The flow rate may be calculated using the rate of interruption of the IR beam.

[0324] As shown in FIGS. 56 - 59, in some embodiments, multiple sensors may be used within flow control module 3000. In these embodiments, both an anemometer sensor and a paddle wheel sensor are shown. In other embodiments, either a paddle wheel (FIG. 61) or an anemometer (FIG. 60) sensor may be used. However, in various other embodiments, one or more sensors may be used to detect, calculate, or sense various states of flow control module 3000. For example, but not limited to, in some embodiments, a Hall effect sensor may be added to the magnetic circuit of solenoid 3010 to detect magnetic flux.

[0325] In some embodiments, the inductance of the coil of solenoid 3008 may be calculated to determine the position of piston 3004. In solenoid 3008 of this exemplary embodiment, the reluctance changes as armature 3014 moves. The inductance may be measured or calculated from the reluctance and, therefore, the position of piston 3004 may be calculated based on the calculated value of the inductance. In some embodiments, the inductance may be used to control the movement of piston 3004 via armature 3014.

[0326] Referring now to FIG. 63, one embodiment of flow control module 3000 is shown. This embodiment of flow control module 3000 can be used in any of the various embodiments of the dispensing systems described herein. Further, a variable flow impedance mechanism may be used instead of the various variable flow impedance embodiments described above. Further, in various embodiments, flow control module 3000 may be used with respect to a downstream or upstream flow meter.

[0327] Referring to FIG. 65, a fluid flow path within one embodiment of the flow control module 3000 is shown. In this embodiment, the flow control module 3000 includes both a paddle wheel 3028 sensor and an anemometer 3026. However, as previously described, the sensors included in some embodiments of the flow control module 3000 may be more or fewer than those shown in FIG. 65.

[0328] In some embodiments, one or more of the pump assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 shown in FIG. 4 may be a solenoid piston pump assembly, which is driven by an electrical circuit and logic capable of monitoring flow rate. An example of an embodiment of a solenoid pump 270 and a drive circuit is shown in FIG. 66, where the pump 270 is energized by passing a current through coil 3214. The resulting magnetic flux may drive the solenoid slug or piston 3216 to the left and compress the compression spring 3210. The discharged fluid can flow through the piston 3216 and the check valve 3218 when the piston 3218 moves to the left. When the coil 3214 no longer applies sufficient magnetic flux to keep the spring compressed, the spring 3210 can return the piston 3216 to the right. When the piston 3216 returns to the right, the check valve 3218 closes and the fluid can be pushed out of the pump. In some embodiments, a pump available from ULKA Costruzioni Elettromeccaniche S.p.A of Pavia, Italy may be used.

[0329] The solenoid piston pump may move a certain amount of fluid from left to right each time the piston compresses the spring to the left side in FIG. 66 and returns to its original position on the right side. The solenoid piston pump can be energized by a number of drive circuits known in the art. Various current application modes include, but are not limited to, current dithering, sine wave dithering, current dithering programs, and / or the use of various pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques.

[0330] Some embodiments include a case where a drive circuit is connected to a power supply by a circuit capable of generating a variable current in coil 3214 and measuring the current flow through the solenoid. This circuit may measure other parameters to indirectly measure the amount of current, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: the voltage across the solenoid coil and / or the duty cycle of the periodic current flow. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 66, multiple solenoid pumps may be connected to the power supply via a PWM controller 3203 and a current sensor 3207. However, in some embodiments, one solenoid pump may be connected to the power supply via a PWM controller 3203 and a current sensor 3207. The PWM controller 3203 may operate at a high frequency to control the voltage applied to the coil, superimposed on a lower frequency, to control the cyclic operation of the pump. In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 may energize the pump at a frequency optimized for the pump operation, which is referred to herein as the "optimal pump frequency." The optimal pump frequency may be determined by one or more variable values including, but not limited to, the stiffness of spring 3210, the mass of piston 3216, and / or the viscosity of the fluid in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the pump frequency may be about 20 Hz. However, in other embodiments, the pump frequency may be higher or lower than 20 Hz. The PWM controller 3203 may control the voltage while energizing the pump by cycling at a high frequency within a certain duty cycle range. In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 may cycle at 10 kHz while energizing the pump coil. In some embodiments, the method of generating the drive signal described above is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 851,344, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A DRIVE SIGNAL," filed on September 6, 2007, and now issued as U.S. Patent No. 7,905,373 on March 15, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. F45), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0331] In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 may vary the voltage while the pump is energized. In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 may keep the voltage constant while the pump is energized. In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 may initially raise the voltage to a desired level, keep the voltage constant while the pump is energized, and then lower the voltage to zero at a desired rate. In some embodiments, by lowering the voltage to zero, the noise to the drive circuits of other pumps sharing a common power supply may be minimized.

[0332] In some embodiments, the duty cycle may be fixed to supply a constant voltage, or in some embodiments, the duty cycle may be varied during energization of the pump to supply a time-variable voltage. In some embodiments, the PWM controller 3203 and the current sensor 3207 may be coupled to the control logic subsystem 14. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may control the flow rate of fluid through the pump by commanding the pump duty cycle. The control logic subsystem 14 may vary the voltage applied to the pump by varying the high-frequency duty cycle. The control logic subsystem 14 may monitor and record the current passing through the pump. The control logic subsystem 14 may vary the high-frequency duty cycle of the PWM controller 3203 to control the current measured by the current sensor 3207. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may monitor the signal of the current sensor to identify an abnormal flow state.

[0333] One embodiment of the PWM controller and the current sensor is schematically shown in FIG. 67. This embodiment is one embodiment, and in various other embodiments, the arrangements of the PWM controller and the current sensor may be different. Q5 is a transistor for performing PWM on the current to the solenoid. R54 is a high-side current detection resistor used by the U11 current detection / differential amplifier and outputs the signal CURRENT1. The connectors J12 and J13 are electrical interfaces with the solenoid. F3 is a fuse for destructive fault isolation. D10 is for buffering the energy stored in the solenoid inductance. The power supply supplies a 28.5V DC power supply. However, in some embodiments, the figure may be different.

[0334] In some embodiments, the flow rate through the solenoid pump 270 may be monitored by measuring the current flow through the solenoid coil 3214. The coil is an inductor-resistor element, by which the current flow can be increased after voltage application. The position of the piston 3216 with respect to the coil 3214 affects the inductance of the coil, and thus affects the waveform of the current rise.

[0335] As used herein, the "functional pump stroke" is defined as the pump stroke that moves, for a given pump, an amount of fluid corresponding to most of the rated discharge per stroke of the pump from the pump. The functional pump stroke may further be defined as not exceeding the design temperature or current limits with respect to the coil 3214. An example of the functional pump stroke is shown in FIG. 68A. The current through the solenoid coil is plotted as line 3310, which starts from zero and rises to a steady state value. Line 3325 plots the second derivative value of the current through the solenoid. The timing and magnitude of the peak 3325 of the second derivative value can indicate the timing and speed of the piston. The current measurement can indicate a number of anomalies, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following, for example, air or vacuum in the pump, line clogging or blockage, coil overheating, and / or abnormal coil current.

[0336] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine whether one or more micro raw material product containers, such as the product containers 254, 256, 258 shown in FIG. 4, are empty or can no longer supply raw materials, by monitoring the signal from the current sensor 3207. The product containers 254, 256, 258 are used as an example of one embodiment herein, but in various other embodiments, the number of product containers may be different. The state where the product containers 254, 256, 258 are empty or the line upstream of the valve 270 is blocked is referred to herein as the "out-of-stock state".

[0337] The micro raw material product containers 254, 256, 258 may include RFID tags, in which values representing the amount of liquid remaining in the product containers 254, 256, 258 are stored. This value is referred to as "remaining amount display" in this specification, and the unit is milliliter (mL). The remaining amount display is set to the full cup value when the product containers 254, 256, 258 are full. During use, the value of the remaining amount display may be periodically updated by the control logic subsystem 14.

[0338] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine the out-of-stock state (of the product container) based on, among other things, the output of the current sensor 3207. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine the out-of-stock state of the micro raw material product containers 254, 256, 258 based on, among other things, the value of the remaining amount display of the container. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine the out-of-stock state based on inputs including, but not limited to, one or more of the following, namely the output of the current sensor, the value of the remaining amount display, and / or the injection state. The output of the current sensor 3207 during each pump stroke may be processed by the control logic subsystem 14 to determine whether the stroke was a functional stroke, an out-of-stock stroke, or a non-functional stroke. Functional strokes are defined above, and out-of-stock strokes and non-functional strokes will be described in more detail below.

[0339] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 determines that an out-of-stock condition exists when a certain number / threshold of consecutive out-of-stock strokes occur. The threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes varies depending on the value of the remaining quantity display and the injection state. For example, in some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may declare an out-of-stock condition when the remaining quantity display exceeds a threshold volume, e.g., 60 mL, and there are a threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes at the pump, e.g., 60 consecutive out-of-stock strokes. However, these values are merely examples, and in various other embodiments, these values may be different. The sensitivity of the out-of-stock algorithm decreases in some embodiments because the remaining quantity display indicates the substantial amount of fluid remaining in the container. When the remaining quantity display falls below a threshold volume, which may be, for example, 60 mL in some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 determines whether there have been a threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes, e.g., 3 consecutive out-of-stock strokes, or whether the system has reached the threshold number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes, and may declare an out-of-stock condition when the number of strokes performed towards the container 30 during the current injection reaches, for example, 12. In some embodiments, when the remaining quantity display is less than a threshold volume, e.g., less than 60 mL, and the number of strokes performed during the current injection is less than, for example, 12, the control logic subsystem 14 may declare an out-of-stock condition after, for example, 20 consecutive out-of-stock strokes. In some embodiments, the number of out-of-stock strokes may be saved for each injection. The out-of-stock stroke counter may always be reset to zero when a functional stroke is restored. The criteria for non-functional strokes are described below and include criteria related to blocked strokes, temperature errors, and current errors.

[0340] In various embodiments, multiple pumps may discharge fluid from a common source to achieve a desired flow rate. The common source may contain any fluid, including but not limited to non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). The control logic subsystem 14 may declare an out-of-stock condition, for example, when there are a certain number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes in any one of the pumps. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 declares an out-of-stock condition when there are 20 consecutive out-of-stock strokes in any one of the pumps. However, in various other embodiments, the number of consecutive out-of-stock strokes indicating an out-of-stock condition may be different.

[0341] In some embodiments, an out-of-stock stroke may be detected by an algorithm in the control logic subsystem 14 that measures the peak amplitude and timing of the peak amplitude of the second derivative of the current. Referring to FIG. 68B, an exemplary graph of the current 3350 and its second derivative 3360 for a certain out-of-stock stroke is shown. The peak of the second derivative 3360 of the current at time 3365 is higher and earlier than the peak 3325 of the waveform of normal pump operation shown in FIG. 68A.

[0342] An out-of-stock stroke may be defined as a value of SO higher than a threshold, where SO is given by the following equation:

Equation

[0343] In some embodiments, the SO value may be calculated from the raw A-D measurements and the number of time steps.

Number

Number

[0344] In some embodiments, the second derivative of the current may be calculated by first filtering the current signal with an alpha-beta filter. I i = αI i-1 + βC i α = 0.9 [Equation 3] β = 0.1 where I i-1 is the current calculated in the previous step, and C i is the current read from the A-D (in A-D counts), and 1 count is 1.22 mA. The first and second derivatives of the current with respect to time may be calculated as follows.

Number

Number

[0345] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine that the line supplying fluid to the container 30 of FIG. 1 is clogged or blocked based on the signal from the current sensor 3207. Referring to FIG. 68C, an exemplary graph of the current 3370 related to the occlusion stroke and its second derivative value 3380 is shown. The value of the second derivative 3382 at 5 ms, i.e., 50 time steps, may be significantly higher than the second derivative value of the current of the functional pump stroke 3322 of FIG. 68A. Referring to FIG. 68D, an exemplary graph of the second derivative values of the current related to the pump stroke 3320 and the occlusion stroke 3380 is shown. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine that an occlusion condition exists when, at a certain time, the second derivative value of the current is higher than the threshold value at occlusion. The specified time and threshold may be determined empirically. The specified time and threshold may be determined for each pump.

[0346] In some embodiments, the value OCC at occlusion may be calculated by the following formula.

Number

Number

[0347] In some embodiments, the OCC value may be calculated as follows from the unprocessed A-D measurement value and the number of time steps.

Number

[0348] The resistance is calculated as follows.

Number

[0349] The coil temperature may be measured from the output of the current sensor. The coil temperature may be calculated from the known temperature coefficient of the coil wire material and the resistance at a known temperature.

Number

Number

[0350] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may control the current by adjusting the PWM command sent to the PWM controller 3203 based on the output of the current sensor 3207. In some embodiments, the numerical value of the PWM command is limited between 200 and 2000 (27.36 to 17.1 volts respectively). However, in various other embodiments, the value of the PWM command may not be limited, and in some embodiments where the value of the PWM command is limited, the value may be larger or smaller than the range listed in this specification as an example. The current may be controlled to the maximum value I through the following formula Max and may be controlled.

Number

[0351] In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may determine that the pump 270 is unable to deliver fluid. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may monitor the number of consecutive occlusion strokes based on the occlusion threshold described above. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may monitor the number of times a coil temperature error has occurred. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may monitor the number of occurrences of a current error. The logic subsystem 14 may determine that the pump 270 is unable to deliver fluid when a sufficient number of consecutive non-functional strokes occur. Non-functional strokes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: occlusion strokes, overheating, and / or current errors. In some embodiments, the control logic subsystem 14 may declare that the pump is unable to deliver fluid when, for example, three non-functional strokes occur consecutively. The count of non-functional strokes may return to zero immediately after the occurrence of a functional stroke in some embodiments. However, in various other embodiments, the number of non-functional strokes required to declare that the pump is unable to deliver fluid may be less than or greater than three.

[0352] Noise detection In addition to the sell-out calculation and method described above, in some embodiments, sell-out may also be determined by analyzing the standard deviation of the sell-out value to detect noise. This may be desirable for many reasons, including, but not limited to, the ability to detect the sell-out condition at an earlier stage. In this method, the sell-out condition may be determined by measuring the variation of the current signal / sell-out value. In some embodiments, the sell-out condition may be determined by detecting noise.

[0353] Referring to FIG. 74, this data shows the result representing the out-of-stock value. In this example, this product was not found to be out of stock until the end of the dataset. However, during this time and before the product was found to be out of stock, the product was in a state of insufficient delivery where noise occurred in the out-of-stock value.

[0354] In some embodiments, the method for determining the out-of-stock state may include analyzing the noise of the out-of-stock value. In some embodiments, the standard deviation may be used to detect the noise. The standard deviation is shown as follows.

Number

[0355] The formula for the standard deviation may be simplified by removing constants and eliminating multiplication by the square root to improve the usage efficiency. In some embodiments, the simplified formula may be used. The resulting formula is an approximation of the standard deviation in terms of at least the signal-to-noise ratio of the out-of-stock data and depends only on addition, division, and shift operations.

Number

[0356] Referring now to FIG. 75, an approximation of the standard deviation is shown compared to the out-of-stock value. As shown in the figure, the above calculation measures the difference between normal pump operation and the noise state. In various embodiments, a predetermined, pre-programmed threshold value may be set to indicate the noise state. In various embodiments, the threshold value of the standard deviation / approximate standard deviation may be pre-set / pre-programmed to 10. However, in other embodiments, the threshold value may be greater than or less than 10.

[0357] In some embodiments, the standard deviation method for determining out-of-stock may be pre-programmed not to operate when the remaining quantity display exceeds a threshold amount, which may be 60 mL in some embodiments, but in other embodiments, this threshold may be more or less than 60 mL.

[0358] In some embodiments, Equation 15 shown below may be used, where x is the out-of-stock value from the above calculation. [Number]

[0359] In some embodiments, the system can determine that the product is out of stock when, for a certain pulse, the out-of-stock value is greater than a predetermined / pre-set threshold, or when the standard deviation or estimated standard deviation is greater than a predetermined / pre-set threshold (and, in some embodiments, when the system determines that the product is out of stock for a certain pulse, the system advances the counter as described above). For each of these conditions, in some embodiments, the counter is advanced. In some embodiments, when the counter reaches a predetermined / pre-set threshold, the product container is out of stock.

[0360] In some embodiments, a remaining quantity display method is used. In some embodiments, the RFID tag assembly indicates the volume of the product within the product container. In some embodiments, each time the product is dispensed from the product container, the RFID tag assembly is updated with an updated volume by subtracting the dispensed amount from the remaining quantity display volume. In some embodiments, when the remaining quantity display reaches a pre-set / predetermined threshold (e.g., in some embodiments, this pre-set / predetermined threshold may be -15 ml), the system may determine that the product container is out of stock even if the system does not determine that the product container is out of stock in the above out-of-stock method. In some embodiments, when the remaining quantity display reaches a pre-set / predetermined threshold, the system may reduce the out-of-stock and / or standard deviation formula sensitivity. In some embodiments, this threshold may be 60.

[0361] In some embodiments, each of the product module assemblies 250d, 250e, 250f may include a respective plurality of pump assemblies. For example, referring also to FIGS. 69A, 69B, 69D, 69E, 69F, the product module assemblies 250d, 250e, 250f of FIG. 4 may generally include pump assemblies 4270a, 4270b, 4270d, 4270e. One of each of the pump assemblies 4270a, 4270b, 4270c, 4270d may be associated with one of the slot assemblies 260, 262, 264, 266 for dispensing the raw material contained in a respective product container (e.g., product container 256). For example, each of the pump assemblies 4270a, 4270b, 4270c, 4270d may include a respective fluid connection system (e.g., fluid connection systems 1250, 1252, 1254, 1256), and for example, these may be fluidly connected to the product container (e.g., product container 256) via cooperating fittings (e.g., fitting functional members 1158a, 1158b shown in FIGS. 43B and 44).

[0362] Referring to FIG. 69E, a cross-sectional view of the pump module assembly 250d is shown. Assembly 250d includes a fluid inlet 4360, which is shown in cross-section of the fitting. The fitting engages a female part (shown as 1158a in FIG. 43B) of a product container (not shown, shown as 256 in FIG. 43B in other figures). Fluid from the product container enters the pump assembly 250d at the fluid inlet 4360. The fluid passes through the pump 4364, through the backpressure regulator 4366, and flows to the fluid outlet 4368. As shown herein, the fluid flow path in the pump module assembly 250d allows air to flow through the assembly 250d without being trapped within the assembly. The fluid inlet 4360 is on a plane lower than the fluid outlet 4368. In addition to this, the fluid moves vertically from the plane of the inlet and the pump 4368 through the backpressure regulator 4366 to the plane of the outlet 4368. Therefore, with this configuration, the fluid can flow continuously upward, thereby allowing air to flow through the system without being trapped. Therefore, the design of the pump module assembly 250d is a self-priming, self-purging positive displacement fluid delivery system.

[0363] Referring to FIGS. 69E and 69F, the back pressure regulator 4366 can be any back pressure regulator, but an embodiment of the back pressure regulator 4366 for discharging a small amount is shown. The back pressure regulator 4366 includes a diaphragm 4367 including a "volcano" functional member and a molded O-ring around the outer diameter. The O-ring creates a sealed state. The piston 4365 is connected to the diaphragm 4367. A spring 4366 around the piston 4365 biases the piston and the diaphragm to the closed position. In this embodiment, the spring seats on the outer sleeve 4369. When the fluid pressure equals or exceeds the cracking pressure of the piston / spring assembly, the fluid passes through the back pressure regulator 4366 and heads towards the fluid outlet 4368. In some embodiments, the cracking pressure is about 7-9 psi. The cracking pressure may be adjusted according to the pump 4364. In some embodiments, the cracking pressure may be adjusted by changing the position of the outer sleeve 4369. The outer sleeve 4369 may be screwed into the outer wall 4370. By rotating the outer sleeve 4329 with respect to the outer wall 4370, the preload on the spring 4368, and thus the cracking pressure, can change. An adjustable regulator can be manufactured less expensively than a regulator with an accurately fixed back pressure. The adjustable regulator can then be adjusted and tuned for each pump during manufacturing and checkout testing. In various embodiments, the pump may be different from those described above, and in some of these embodiments, other embodiments of the back pressure regulator may be used.

[0364] The releasable engagement between the outlet pipe assembly 4300 and the product module assembly 250d may be effected, for example, via a camming assembly that facilitates the engagement and release of the outlet pipe assembly 4300 and the product module assembly 250d. For example, the camming assembly may include a handle 4318 rotatably coupled to the fitting support means 4320 and cam functional members 4322, 4324. The cam functional members 4322, 4324 may be engageable with (not shown) cooperating functional members of the product module assembly 250d. Referring to FIG. 69C, when the handle 4318 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the outlet pipe assembly 4300 disengages from the product module assembly 250d, for example, the outlet pipe assembly 4300 can be lifted from and removed from the product module assembly 250d.

[0365] Referring particularly to FIGS. 69D and 69E, the product module assembly 250d may similarly be releasably engaged with the micro raw material shelf 1200, for example, thereby facilitating the removal / attachment of the product module assembly 250d from / to the micro raw material shelf 1200. For example, as shown in the figure, the product module assembly 250d may include a release handle 4350, for example, this may be pivotally connected to the product module assembly 250d. The release handle 4350 may include, for example, locking ears 4352, 4354 (most clearly depicted in FIGS. 69A and 69D, for example). The locking ears 4352, 4354 may engage with cooperating functional members of the micro raw material shelf 1200, for example, thereby holding the product module assembly 250d in an engaged state with the micro raw material shelf 1200. As shown in FIG. 69E, the release handle 4350 may be pivotally lifted in the direction of the arrow to disengage the locking ears 4352, 4354 from the cooperating functional members of the micro raw material shelf 1200. Once disengaged, the product module assembly 250d can be lifted from the micro raw material shelf 1200.

[0366] One or more sensors may be associated with one or more handles 4318 and / or release handles 4350. The one or more sensors may supply an output indicating the locked position of the handle 4318 and / or release handle 4350. For example, the output of the one or more sensors may indicate whether the handle 4318 and / or release handle 4350 is in an engaged or disengaged position. Based at least in part on the output of the one or more sensors, the product module assembly 250d may be electrically and / or fluidly isolated from the plumbing / control subsystem 20. Exemplary sensors may include, for example, cooperating RFID tags and readers, contact switches, magnetic position sensors, or others.

[0367] Flow rate may be monitored, as described above, by measuring the current flow through the solenoid piston pump 4364. One or more constants used in the interpretation of the current flow measurements may be calibrated for the individual pumps within the product module assembly 250d. These calibration constants may be determined during a check test that is part of the manufacturing process. The calibration constants may be stored in an e-prom connected to the electronic substrate via a removal plug. Referring to FIGS. 69C, 69D, 69E, the e-prom may be attached to a plug 4380, which is connected to the pump electronic substrate 4386 after assembly. The e-prom plug 4380 is connected to a USB mount 4387 on the electronic substrate 4386 and is securely and properly mechanically attached. The e-prom plug 4380 may seal the interior of the port 4282 of the electronic component case so that liquid does not contact the electronic components. The e-prom 4380 may be attached via a lanyard to a mount 4384 on the case of the product module assembly 250d. The e-prom plug 4380 can remain attached to the pump assembly 4390 when the electronic substrate 4386 is replaced. By using a separate e-prom, as an advantage, the electronic components can be separated into a plug 4380 that fits a specific pump assembly 4390 and an electronic substrate that can be used with any pump assembly. The electronic substrate 4386 and the pump assembly 4390 may include functional members for facilitating quick disassembly and reassembly, which may include, but are not limited to, electrical contact clips 4392, slots 4393, and screw-type retaining means 4394.

[0368] In some embodiments, the processing system 10 may include an external communication module 4500, one embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 70A, whereby a maintenance inspector and / or consumer can communicate with the processing system 10 using, for example, but not limited to, one or more of the following, namely RFID tags and / or barcodes and / or other formats. In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may incorporate the aforementioned RFID access antenna assembly 900. The external communication module 4500 may include a number of devices capable of transmitting and receiving communications, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following, namely a wireless antenna 4530, an optical barcode reader 4510, a Bluetooth® antenna, a camera, and / or other short-range communication hardware. The processing system 10 can utilize the information obtained by the external communication module 4500 to facilitate inspection, repair, and maintenance, for example, by performing many actions, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following, namely unlocking the maintenance inspection door, notifying the maintenance inspector of errors, necessary maintenance work, malfunctioning appliances, and necessary parts, and / or identifying containers that may need to be replaced. The external communication module 4500 may provide one or more options for the consumer / user to operate the processing system 10, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following, namely coupon redemption and / or provision of individual services, and the services may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following, namely beverage personalization and / or payment receipt and / or usage tracking and / or award granting. In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may communicate with the cybernetic logic subsystem 14 and receive power via a wired connection at connector 4552. The external communication module 4500 may communicate with the cybernetic logic subsystem 14 via wireless communication.

[0369] In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may be attached near the front of the housing assembly 850. In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may be installed within the structure of the processing system 10 such that a barcode reader or other optical device has an unobstructed view to the outside. In some embodiments, the RFID antenna may also be attached within a range of 1 inch from the front of the processing system 10.

[0370] In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may include a barcode reader / decoder 4510. The barcode reader / decoder 4510 may read any optical code presented within its line of sight. In some embodiments, the optical code may be presented in a number of formats, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: as a printed matter and / or as an image on a screen of an electronic device and / or on a smartphone and / or on a portable information terminal and / or on a computer or other device capable of displaying the optical code.

[0371] In some embodiments, the RFID antenna reader may receive signals from various devices presented to the processing system 10, for example, by maintenance personnel and / or users / consumers. Examples of available RFID devices include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a key fob and / or a plastic card and / or a paper card.

[0372] One embodiment of the external communication module 4500 is shown in FIGS. 70A and 70B. In some embodiments, this module may be stored in the case 4502. In some embodiments, the case 4502 may be plastic, but in various other embodiments, the case may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the case 4502 may be open on one side to receive the RFID sensor near the outside of the housing assembly 850. In some embodiments, the case 4502 may include one or more, i.e., a plurality of flanges 4504. The flanges 4504 may be used to fix the module to the structure of the processing system 10 or the outer plate of the housing assembly 850.

[0373] Many of the individual components of one embodiment can be seen in the exploded view of the external communication module 4500 shown in FIG. 70B. In this embodiment, the RFID antenna assembly 4530 (FIG. 70) may include an antenna 4548, a resonator 4540, spacers 4546, 4544 of the resonator, and an outlet junction 4552. The barcode reader / decoder 4510 may be held by the foam mount 4520. The foam mount 4520 may hold the barcode reader / decoder 4510 in the case 4502 while the external communication module 4500 is being installed in the processing system 10. The foam mount 4520 may be fixed in the external communication module 4500 by a spacer 4522 passing through a matching hole in the foam mount 4520. The RFID antenna assembly 4530 and the foam mount 4520 may be fixed to the case 4502 by one or more screws (and / or bolts and / or other mounting mechanisms) that pass through the PCB of the RFID antenna assembly 4530 and are screwed into bosses formed in the case 4502.

[0374] In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may be mounted within the structure of the upper door 4600, as shown in FIG. 71A. In some embodiments, the external communication module 4500 may be mechanically fixed to the upper door 4600, which may include, but is not limited to, screws and / or rivets and / or snaps that fit into flanges 4504, or other mechanical fixing means or one or more of the others. In some embodiments, the upper door 4600 may be part of the internal structure of the housing assembly 850. In some embodiments, the upper door outer plate 4610 may be attached to the upper door 4600.

[0375] In some embodiments, the alignment bracket 4630 may be attached to the outer panel 4610 of the upper door. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket 4630 may align the barcode reader / decoder 4510 with the window 4620 of the outer panel 4610 of the upper door, as shown in FIGS. 71B and 71C. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket is aligned with the window 4620 and may be attached by, for example, one or more of the following, namely, adhesive and / or double-sided tape and / or other non-mechanical attachment methods that conform to the plastic outer panel inside the outer panel 4610 of the upper door, but are not limited thereto. However, in some embodiments, mechanical fixing means may be used. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket may be attached to the outer panel 4610 of the upper door by mechanical fixing means, which may include one or more of screws and / or rivets and / or snaps, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket 4630 may be attached to or displayed with the window 4620 and may be aligned using a sticker (not shown) or other display means that serves as a visual mark to assist in the proper alignment of the alignment bracket 4630 and the window 4620. In some embodiments, the visual mark may include, but is not limited to, embossing and / or tracing and / or adhering of letters and / or symbols, and / or coloring and / or any other display means that may assist in proper alignment.

[0376] In some embodiments, the alignment bracket 4630 may be aligned with the barcode reader / decoder 4510 separately from the alignment with the external communication module 4500. In some embodiments, one embodiment of the bracket, which is shown in detail in FIG. 72, provides two side tabs 4632, an upper tab 4636, and a lower tab 4634 to constrain the barcode reader / decoder 4510 in two directions (X and Y) and align it with the window 4620. However, in various other embodiments, the number and position of the tabs may be different. The flexible foam mount 4520 helps linearly move the barcode reader / decoder 4510 in two directions (X and Y) and rotate it around the Z-axis when the alignment bracket 4630 guides the barcode reader / decoder 4510 while the external communication module 4500 is inserted into the upper door 4600. In some embodiments, the foam mount 4520 may constrain the barcode reader / decoder so that the external communication module 4500 can be attached to the upper door. In some embodiments, the foam mount 4520 may further constrain the barcode reader / decoder 4510 such that the leading corners of the barcode reader / decoder contact the tapered portions of the tabs 4631, 4634, 4636. In some embodiments, the barcode reader / decoder 4510 may be constrained in the Z-axis by aligning the alignment bracket 4630 with the RFID antenna PCB 4550. In some embodiments, the outer panel 4610 of the upper door and the PCB 4550 may provide a limited amount of elastic compliance to accommodate the cumulative Z-direction tolerance between the outer panel 4610 of the upper door,...

Claims

1. A product dispensing system, a storage subsystem for storing a plurality of raw material containers, wherein the plurality of raw material containers hold separate raw materials that are components of the product, the storage subsystem; a piping / control subsystem having a plurality of flow control modules connected to the plurality of raw material containers and corresponding to each of the plurality of raw material containers, each of the flow control modules controlling the amount and / or flow rate of a separate raw material from each of the corresponding plurality of raw material containers, the piping / control subsystem; a control logic subsystem connected to at least the piping / control subsystem; at least one discharge nozzle; comprising; the control logic subsystem accesses a recipe for the product to be dispensed and issues a command to the piping control subsystem to dispense one or more measured amounts of the separate raw materials according to the recipe, the piping control subsystem, in response to the command from the control logic subsystem, discharges one or more measured amounts of the separate raw materials into a product container via the nozzle, A product dispensing system characterized by the above.

2. The piping / control subsystem further comprises a plurality of pumps, the plurality of pumps corresponding to each of the plurality of raw material containers and being connected to each of the plurality of raw material containers. The product dispensing system according to claim 1.

3. A fluid flow path having a plurality of inlets each connected to one of the plurality of raw material containers and a plurality of outlets connected to the at least one discharge nozzle, each of the plurality of pumps being disposed in each of the fluid flow paths between the plurality of inlets and the plurality of outlets, the fluid flow path; a plurality of flow sensors, each or one of the plurality of flow sensors being disposed between one of the plurality of inlets of the fluid and the pump connected to that one, the flow sensor being configured to detect the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the flow sensor; The product dispensing system according to claim 2, further comprising.

4. An air sensor disposed between the inlet of the fluid and the outlet of the fluid, the air sensor being configured to detect the presence of air in the fluid flow path. The product dispensing system according to claim 3.

5. A flow control device connected to the piping / control subsystem and the control logic subsystem, the flow control device comprising: A flow measurement device configured to generate a flow feedback signal indicative of the amount of contents flowing in the line of the dispensing system; A feedback controller system configured to respond to the flow feedback signal, compare a desired flow rate with the flow feedback signal, and generate a flow control signal, the feedback controller system including a feedforward controller for at least partially establishing an initial value of the flow control signal; A variable line impedance disposed within the line of the dispensing system and responsive to the flow control signal, the line impedance being configured to adjust the amount of contents flowing within the line of the dispensing system based at least in part on the flow control signal; The product dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising.

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