Foam product distribution system and product container

Abstract

The foamed product dispensing system comprises a product dispensing machine (B) configured to accommodate a replaceable product container (H), and the product container (H) configured to cooperate with the product dispensing machine (B) after being placed in the product dispensing machine (B), the product container (H) containing a foamable product (P), the product container (H) being equipped with a product processing unit (CPU) including a foaming device (15) having a product inlet (15i) for receiving the product (P) and a product outlet (15u) for discharging the product (P), the processing unit (CPU) being connectable to a fluid source for supplying gas to the product (P) during discharge of the product.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for dispensing a product, for example a dairy product, milk, foam, cream or aerated dessert, or another product. [Background technology]

[0002] Such systems are known from practice in various variants. Systems are known, for example systems containing spray cream with an aerosol that can be manually operated to spray the cream, see for example US Pat. No. 5,399,633. Spray cream is very convenient to use, but is usually of lower quality than whipped cream. Spray cream cannot be expected to be as stable as whipped cream, and not only does it not have the same consistency from the beginning, but also decreases much faster over time. One of the reasons for this is that spray cream does not have a stabilizing fat network. When making whipped cream, a network of connected (interlocked) fat globules (sometimes called partial coalescence) is formed during whipping, which contributes to the stability of the foam. Creams used for spray creams are usually made less susceptible to partial coalescence by shaking the aerosol before spraying, so as to prevent particle coalescence and / or temperature fluctuations (which may clog the aerosol) from occurring. Another cause of poor stability of spray creams is the use of, for example, nitric oxide to whip the cream. Nitric oxide has a high solubility in creams, so that sufficient gas can be stored while maintaining an acceptable pressure in the can, and the use of nitric oxide is desirable in most cases. Here, the gas dissolved in the product is released when sprayed, producing a foam containing many bubbles. In addition, because nitric oxide is easily soluble, the gas can diffuse out of the foaming product relatively quickly, making it less stable.

[0003] Known spray creams have a second disadvantage in that the quality of the spray cream during spraying is not constant (especially with successive doses from a disposable closed container); the nitric oxide pressure decreases during spraying, so that the cream sprayed first has a higher gas content than the cream sprayed last.

[0004] Automatic whipped cream machines equipped with static or dynamic mixers for whipping the cream are known per se from practice. The advantages of whipped cream over sprayed cream concern different product qualities (less aeration, firmer, retains firmness for longer). However, in general, known whipped cream machines take longer to prepare the foamed product (compared to sprayed cream systems), are less user-friendly (at least cumbersome to operate), are relatively unhygienic and therefore require frequent cleaning.

[0005] US Pat. No. 5,399,633 describes an example of such a machine with a static mixer, and teaches that there is no need to provide valves or the like, describing a mechanism for producing milk froth.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates, inter alia, to a method and system for dispensing a foamed product.

[0007] In a method for obtaining monodisperse bubbles, described in US Pat. No. 5,399,436, a relatively coarse pre-bubble is first generated and then this pre-bubble is forced through a membrane. In another method, described in US Pat. No. 5,399,436, separate vapor beams are injected onto the product through a beam splitter, for example in the form of a membrane.

[0008] Patent document 5 discloses an innovative product distribution system arranged to carry out a method for supplying a product with gas through a fine filtration device, the product downstream of the fine filtration device undergoes a mixing procedure and / or a controlled pressure reduction. This known system is characterized in that it comprises a holder containing the product to be distributed and a product discharge means for discharging the product coming from the holder, the product discharge means being equipped with a fine filtration device connectable to a fluid source for supplying gas to the product during the discharge of the product, the product discharge means further comprising a processing device arranged downstream of said fine filtration device so as to carry out a mixing procedure and / or a pressure reduction procedure on the gas-supplied product. Each operating device may comprise a cavity that can be closed by a cover, in which the holder can be removably placed. Preferably, the cavity can be hermetically sealed from the surroundings by the cover so as to form a pressure chamber from the cavity. For example when the holder is empty, it can be removed from the operating device and for example discarded or reused. A new (full) holder can then be brought into position to cooperate with the operating device in order to continue the distribution of the product. Furthermore, according to one aspect, when a flexible bag is provided in the pressure chamber of the holder, this bag advantageously contains the product to be dispensed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 1061006 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2042063 [Patent Document 3] Dutch Patent No. 1024433 [Patent Document 4] Dutch Patent No. 1024438 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2009 / 110794 (PCT / NL2009 / 050097) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an improved product dispensing system, in particular for dispensing foamed products in a reliable and user-friendly manner, efficiently and hygienically. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a system and method in which the installation and optional removal / replacement of the product holder (e.g. when substantially all of the product held by the holder has been whipped by the system and the holder is substantially empty) can be performed in a well-controlled, fast and preferably hygienic manner. It is also an object to provide reliable means for enabling operation and accurate process control. It is further an object to provide a system with replaceable product containers that can be made in a relatively economical manner and still be able to operate in a reliable and hygienic manner.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reliable produce distribution system that provides relatively consistent product quality over a relatively long period of operation and in varying environments (e.g., ambient temperature, ambient humidity and / or distribution location).

[0012] Additionally, the present invention aims to provide a system that can be implemented in many locations and efficiently transport relatively large quantities of (whisked) product to end users in an economical manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, one or more of these objects are achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided a dispensing system for a foamed product, the dispensing system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive an exchangeable product container and, for example, to pressurize the product container; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, the product container is equipped with a product processing unit (CPU) including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid (particularly gas) supply source for supplying gas to the product (preferably during the discharge of the product), the product processing unit preferably comprising a processing device arranged downstream of said foaming device for carrying out a mixing procedure and / or a decompression procedure on the gassed product, The product processing unit comprises, upstream of the foaming device, a product through-connecting channel that is closable by a valve member; The product processing unit (CPU) includes a fluid through-connection channel upstream of the foaming device, and the valve member is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid through-connection channel of the product processing unit and a fluid source of the dispensing machine.

[0015] In this way, a particularly easy-to-use system can be provided, which allows dispensing a high-quality foamed product in a reliable and hygienic manner. Moreover, the system can be of compact, robust and economical design. In particular, the valve member of the CPU (which is part of the product container) for controlling the product flow towards the microfiltration device is configured to also provide a fluid source (connection), which allows a compact configuration and a reliable construction. In particular, the installation of the product container in the product dispensing machine allows the valve member of the CPU to cooperate with the respective machine components, in particular with the valve member actuator of the machine, which coupling can also automatically connect the fluid source. After such installation, the valve member is available to control both the product flow and the fluid flow (depending on the respective machine control state). For example, after installation of the container (the valve member of the CPU is connected to or in communication with the machine actuator component), the system can be advantageously configured to prevent the product from being dispensed during periods when such a distribution is not required and / or controlled by the respective operating device of the system. Also, by implementing a replaceable product container (integrally including the product processing unit), it can be used hygienically, avoiding potential hygiene issues due to parts of the product dispensing machine itself that come into contact with the product. The product container and its CPU are preferably substantially reusable.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the dispensing machine includes a valve actuator configured to cooperate with a valve member of the product container arranged to move the valve member between a product through-connecting state and a product flow blocking state.

[0017] Additionally, the valve member preferably includes a fluid passageway arranged to connect to a fluid injector of the dispensing machine when the product container is in the operative position of the machine. In this manner, the valve member itself may define or include at least a portion of the fluid communication from the dispensing machine through the internal fluid passageway to the CPU.

[0018] More reliable operation may be achieved if the valve member is at least rotatable between the product feed-through condition and the product flow blocking condition.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid passage of the valve member is coincident or parallel to the axis of rotation of the valve member.

[0020] In this manner, a relatively straight connection of the machine's fluid injector to the valve member can be achieved, allowing for both a physical connection as well as a good fluid flow connection.

[0021] A suitable distribution of the foamed product is achieved if the distribution machine is configured to feed the drying fluid or the dried fluid into the fluid through-connecting channel of the product processing unit of the arranged product container.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the distribution machine is configured to supply air to the fluid through-connection channels of the product processing units of the arranged product receptacles, in which case the distribution machine preferably comprises an air dryer for removing water from the air, thereby improving the product distribution performance.

[0023] Advantageously, the dispensing machine is designed to cool the holder (H), preferably so that the temperature of the product in said holder is below 10° C., in particular below 5° C. For example, the air dryer mentioned above can be integrated into or form part of the cooling system of the dispensing machine, combining various functions.

[0024] According to further embodiments, the product container may be a substantially cylindrical or bucket-shaped capsule, for example configured to be pressurized to at least 2 bar. For example, the outer wall of the container (or "capsule") may be made of steel, aluminum, or rigid plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic), or a combination of such materials.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment, the outer wall of the container is made substantially of plastic, for example polyamide plastic, in particular polyamide-6 type plastic. Preferably, the outer wall of the container is reinforced with glass fibre, for example about 30% glass fibre. In this way, a relatively light container (for example adapted to be pressurised up to at least 2 bar) can be provided.

[0026] According to non-limiting preferred embodiments, the length of the capsule may range from about 20 to 40 cm, and the outer diameter of the capsule ranges from about 10 to 30 cm.

[0027] Also, preferably, the initial virgin capsule contains at least 4 liters or at least 4 kg of product, resulting in a relatively large amount of product for a relatively long operating time (before the container is replaced with a new container).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the product distribution machine comprises container receiving spaces for receiving the product containers and the product containers can be exchanged from each container receiving space, the orientation of the containers being preferably substantially horizontal, which is particularly advantageous when relatively heavy containers are being placed (as well as replaced). The distribution machine preferably comprises container guides for guiding the containers into and out of the container receiving spaces (along said orientation).

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the product processing unit extends through an outer wall of the holder, in particular spaced apart from the top and bottom walls of the holder.

[0030] Preferably, the holder defines an interior space containing a flexible bag filled with the foamable product to be dispensed. For example, the holder may include a fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the product dispensing machine, in particular from a respective fluid outlet that connects to the fluid inlet after placement of the holder in the machine, to pressurize the interior space of the holder.

[0031] Preferably, the foaming device is provided with a fine filtering wall, e.g. a tubular wall, having gas permeable holes, which separates a gas supply space associated with the fluid supply source from a foaming channel associated with the product inlet.

[0032] For example, good results are achieved if the length of the whipping channel, measured in the product flow direction, is at most 10 cm.

[0033] The length is at most 5 cm, more specifically in the range of about 0.5 to 5 cm, for example about 2 cm or about 3 cm.

[0034] Preferably, the pore size of the gas permeable pores of the filtration wall of the foaming device is in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns, specifically 0.1 to less than 2 microns, more specifically 0.2 to less than 1.5 microns. It will be appreciated that pore sizes other than those mentioned above are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the pore size may be substantially in the range of 5 to 10 microns. Also, there may be a variety of different pore sizes and / or pore size ranges in any single filtration wall.

[0035] For example, a foaming device may include a housing having a product inlet for supplying a product, a gas inlet for supplying a gas, and an outlet for discharging the gas-containing product, the gas inlet terminating in a gas-containing space separated from the product inlet and outlet by a fine filtration wall.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the product dispensing machine provided comprises or is connectable to a gas source which supplies gas under overpressure to the foaming device of the processing unit.

[0037] The product dispensing machine also preferably has a control unit operable by a user via a user interface or operating device of the machine, the control unit configured to control the fluid flow and product flow to the processing unit, and preferably configured to initiate the fluid flow prior to the product flow when initiating product release (thereby preventing clogging of the foaming device).

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the product treatment unit is designed to introduce gas bubbles into the product, in particular to form homogeneous bubbles.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, said fluid is a gas or a gas mixture, for example nitrogen or air.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the product in the holder is a food product, for example a cream.

[0041] Moreover, according to a particularly advantageous aspect, the product processing unit may include an adjustable airtight seal that is configured to hermetically seal the product flow path between the product processing unit and the product container before initial use, e.g. before the container is used for the first time in the machine (e.g. pressurized), and to provide a passage for the flow of product from the product container towards the whipping device during use of the product container, e.g. when a certain pressure is applied to the seal.

[0042] The adjustable airtight seal can be embodied in various ways, for example by a valve member, a spring-loaded one-way or return valve, by a breakable or rupturable sealing member that automatically breaks or ruptures at a predefined (control / opening) pressure, or by a sealing cap that moves from a sealed position to a flow-opening position under the influence of a predefined control pressure, and / or the like. The adjustable airtight seal is preferably, but not necessarily, located upstream of the frothing unit.

[0043] The adjustable airtight seal may be adjustable from an airtight product flow blocking condition to a product flow releasing condition under the influence of an opening pressure, for example in a pressurized product vessel, the opening pressure being an overpressure.

[0044] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the walls of the product container may include flexible and / or elastic portions, such that the interior volume of the container may change or increase.

[0045] Further, one aspect of the present invention provides a system for dispensing a foamed product, such as a system according to the previous aspect, comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product; the product container is provided with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product from the container and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid source for supplying gas to the product during the product discharge, the product processing unit further comprising a processing device arranged downstream of said foaming device for performing a mixing and / or a decompression treatment on the gassed product, the product container being a substantially cylindrical or bucket-shaped capsule, adapted to be pressurized, for example to at least 2 bar; The length of the capsule is in the range of about 20-40 cm, and the outer diameter of the capsule is in the range of about 10-30 cm. The product dispensing machine comprises container receiving spaces for receiving the product containers, the product containers can be exchanged from each container receiving space, and the orientation of the container arrangement is preferably substantially horizontal.

[0046] In this way, a user-friendly and easy to install dispensing system for foamed products can be provided. The capsules are relatively large and can be filled with a relatively large amount of product when the dispensing machine is used for the first time. Also, the containers can be handled by one person. As mentioned above, the dispensing machine preferably includes a container guide for guiding the container into and out of the container receiving space (along said arrangement direction) to assist the user.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a system for dispensing a foamed product, the system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a gas source for supplying gas to the product; The system is configured such that the gas source is configured to provide a throttled gas flow.

[0048] In this way, during operation, a constant gas flow rate towards the whipping device can be achieved, in particular being substantially independent of changes that may occur in the whipping device during a particular period of operation. For example, if the whipping device includes pores for injecting gas into the product, applying a throttled flow of gas supply can inhibit clogging of the pores and / or provide proper and reliable operation of the whipping device even in the event of any clogging of the pores.

[0049] There is further provided a product container obviously adapted to be part of a system according to the invention, comprising a foamable product, the product container being provided with a product treatment unit comprising a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the treatment unit being connectable to a fluid supply source for supplying gas to the product during the discharging of the product, the product treatment unit further comprising a treatment device arranged downstream of said foaming device for carrying out a mixing procedure and / or a decompression procedure on the gassed product, The product processing unit comprises, upstream of the foaming device, a product through-connecting channel that is closable by a valve member; The product processing unit includes a fluid through-connection channel upstream of the foaming device, and the valve member is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid through-connection channel of the product processing unit and a fluid source of the dispensing machine.

[0050] Thus, the aforementioned advantages can also be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is configured to provide a pressure vessel, the vessel wall being made of, for example, steel or another rigid material suitable for providing such a pressure vessel. As previously mentioned, according to a preferred embodiment, the outer vessel wall is made of plastic, for example a polyamide-6 type plastic. Preferably, the outer plastic wall of the vessel is reinforced with glass fibre, for example about 30% glass fibre.

[0051] Further, one aspect of the present invention provides an innovative method for dispensing a foamed product, the method comprising: - accommodating in the product dispensing machine an exchangeable product container, the product container containing a foamable product, preferably a food product such as cream, and equipped with a whipping device and a product through-connecting channel that can be closed by a valve member; - discharging the product from the product container; - moving the valve member from a product flow blocking condition to a product through-connecting condition; - supplying a gas, e.g. nitrogen gas or air, preferably dry air, through the fluid passages of the valve member and via a foaming device, preferably at overpressure, to the product (e.g. before and / or during the release of the product) in order to introduce gas bubbles into the product, in particular to form a homogeneous foam; an optional step of reducing the pressure of the gassed product; Includes.

[0052] In this way, a valve member is used to control the product flow and additionally to provide gas, allowing the product to be dispensed (and whipped) in a compact, hygienic and reliable manner.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a system for dispensing a foamed product, the system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; the product distribution machine includes container spaces for receiving the product containers, and the product containers can be exchanged from each container receiving space, the orientation of the container arrangement being preferably substantially horizontal; The distribution machine is configured to cool the product container after it is placed in the container receiving space, so as to bring the temperature of the product in the container containing the product processing unit to preferably less than 10°C, in particular less than 5°C.

[0054] Preferably, the dispensing machine comprises at least one cooling duct containing a cooling fluid, the cooling duct extending, for example along a helical path around the container-receiving space, preferably surrounding at least a part of the container-receiving space.

[0055] Preferably, the container receiving space is defined by a wall structure surrounding the container receiving space, the wall structure preferably comprising a closable foamed product passage below the processing unit for the arranged product container. Preferably, the wall structure comprises or is provided with said cooling duct.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a closure member for closing the closable product passage of the wall structure of the container receiving space, the closure member being particularly configured to limit heat transfer between the environment of the system on the one hand and the container receiving space on the other hand, The closure member is preferably movable by an actuator to an open position to allow the foamed product to be expelled through a product passage in the wall structure of the container receiving space.

[0057] The closure member has the further advantage that it can also restrict the flow of water vapour into the container receiving space, which is particularly advantageous when the system is used in a relatively humid environment (eg in the tropics).

[0058] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a dispensing system for a foamed product, the dispensing system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container has a product-holding space containing a foamable product, such as a food product (e.g., cream); The product container is provided with a product treatment unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the treatment unit being connectable to a fluid source for providing gas to the product; The product processing unit includes an airtight seal configured to hermetically seal a product flow path between the product processing unit and the product holding space of the product container prior to initial use of the product container, and to provide a passage for product flow from the product container toward the whipping device during use of the product container.

[0059] Preferably, the airtight seal is located adjacent to or at or within the product discharge opening of the product holding space of the container, and preferably the airtight seal is adjustable from a flow-blocking condition to a product flow-releasing condition under the influence of an opening pressure upstream of the seal (e.g. pressure in the product holding space of the product container), the opening pressure being an overpressure.

[0060] Additionally, preferably the walls of the product container include flexible and / or elastic portions, allowing the internal volume of the container to change or increase.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a dispensing system for a foamed product, the dispensing system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in a pressurized chamber of the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; The pressurized chamber is defined by a wall structure that includes a CPU receiving port for receiving a product processing unit and sealingly engaging an outer surface of the product processing unit, the product processing unit specifically protruding through the port toward the product discharge area.

[0062] Preferably, the airtight engagement between the outer surface of the product processing unit and the CPU receiving port is configured to withstand the pressurization of the pressurized chamber.

[0063] Also preferably, the engagement between the product processing unit and the CPU receiving port of the machine is releasable, in particular to allow exchange of product containers.

[0064] The system is preferably configured to provide a user with feedback regarding engagement between the product processing unit and the receiving port. Preferably, the CPU receiving port and the product processing unit are configured to jointly generate an audio and / or tactile feedback signal, e.g., a click, upon such engagement.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a dispensing system for a foamed product, the dispensing system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; The product processing unit includes a hermetically sealed cap configured to seal a downstream product discharge area of ​​the product processing unit from the environment, the downstream product discharge area including the product discharge nozzle of the system.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a system for dispensing a foamed product, the system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foaming product, preferably a food product, such as cream; The product container is provided with a product treatment unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the treatment unit being connectable to a fluid source for providing gas to the product; the product processing unit extends outside a pressurized volume of the system during use, the boundary of the pressurized volume including a CPU opening for replaceably receiving the product processing unit; The system includes a wall structure including a CPU receiving port for receiving a product processing unit; a shape of the product processing unit configured to substantially mate with a shape of the CPU receiving port for positioning the product processing unit relative to the wall structure; The shape of the product processing unit and the corresponding shape of the CPU receiving port are preferably rotationally asymmetric about an axis that corresponds substantially to the direction of receiving the processing unit into the port.

[0067] Preferably, at least one of the shape of the product processing unit and the shape of the CPU opening is tapered.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a dispensing system for a foamed product, the dispensing system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with the product dispensing machine such that the product container is pressurized after being placed in the product dispensing machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; The system further includes a replaceable capsule configured to replaceably house the product container, and the machine is configured to replaceably house the capsule including the product container.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is adapted to cooperate with a product dispensing machine so as to be pressurized.

[0070] Furthermore, the capsule preferably includes a removable lid for providing access to the interior space of the capsule for replacing the product container, the lid preferably being configured to cooperate with the remainder of the capsule to form an airtight connection therebetween when in the assembled closed position.

[0071] The product container preferably comprises a flexible bag containing the product, and the capsule is preferably a rigid capsule, which may have a variety of shapes, such as (but not limited to) a cylindrical and / or bucket shape.

[0072] According to another aspect of the invention, which may optionally be combined with any of the aforementioned aspects, there is provided a product container obviously adapted to be part of a system according to the invention, the product container containing a foamable product and the product container being equipped with a product processing unit including a whipping device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply source for supplying gas to the product, the product processing unit preferably comprising a processing device arranged downstream of said whipping device for performing a mixing and / or a decompression treatment on the gassed product.

[0073] According to a further embodiment, the foaming device has at least one fine filtering wall comprising a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material, for example PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0074] According to a further embodiment, the product processing unit includes an airtight seal configured to hermetically seal a product flow path between the product processing unit and the product holding space of the product container prior to initial use of the product container, and to provide a passage for the flow of product from the product container towards the whipping device during use of the product container.

[0075] According to a further embodiment, the product processing unit is configured to cooperate with a receiving port in the wall structure of the pressurized chamber for mutually gas-tight engagement.

[0076] According to a further embodiment, the product processing unit is provided with an airtight sealing cap configured to seal a downstream product discharge area of ​​the product processing unit from the environment, the downstream product discharge area including a product discharge nozzle of the container.

[0077] According to a further embodiment, the container includes a wall structure including a CPU receiving port for receiving a product processing unit, the shape of the product processing unit being configured to substantially mate with the shape of the CPU receiving port to position the product processing unit relative to the wall structure of the container.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the product container comprises a flexible bag containing the product, the flexible bag being at least partially flexible such that an internal volume of the bag can be changed.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a system for dispensing a foamed product, the system comprising: - a product distribution machine configured to receive replaceable product containers; - a product container configured to cooperate with a product dispensing machine after being placed in the machine; the product container contains a foamable product, preferably a food product, for example cream, and the product container is equipped with a product processing unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the processing unit being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; The foaming device is provided with a fine filtering wall, e.g. a tubular wall, having gas permeable holes, which separates a gas supply space associated with the fluid supply source from a foaming channel associated with the product inlet; The fine filtration wall comprises a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material, for example PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0080] For example, the microfiltration wall may be made of a hydrophobic material or may include a certain amount of a hydrophobic material. Additionally or alternatively, the microfiltration wall may include a coating that includes a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material or that consists of such a material. For example, such a coating may be applied in various ways, such as one or more of plasma coating, vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, dip coating, or otherwise. Furthermore, there is provided a product container configured to be part of a system according to any of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the product container including a foamable product, the product container being equipped with a product treatment unit including a foaming device having a product inlet for receiving the product and a product outlet for discharging the product, the treatment unit being connectable to a fluid source for supplying gas to the product during discharging of the product, The foaming device is provided with a fine filtering wall, e.g. a tubular wall, having gas permeable holes, which separates a gas supply space associated with the fluid supply source from a foaming channel associated with the product inlet; The fine filtration wall is configured to prevent clogging of the fine filtration wall; The fine filtration wall comprises a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material, for example PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0081] It has been found that in this way a more reliable and long-lasting operation of the system can be achieved, and the application of hydrophobic and / or oleophobic materials can reduce the likelihood of clogging the pores of the microfiltration wall.

[0082] According to another aspect of the present invention, which may be optionally combined with any of the preceding aspects, there is provided a method for making a hermetically sealed product container containing a sterilized foamable product, the product container including a sterilized whipping device, a sterilized valve member having a fluid passageway, a fluid inlet that is sterilized and sealed for connection with a gas source after opening, and a discharge channel that is sterilized and sealed for discharging the foamable product after opening, the method comprising: - providing a product container containing a foamable product, the product container being airtightly connected to an assembly, the assembly including a foaming device, a valve member having a fluid passage, a fluid inlet for connecting to a gas source, and a discharge channel for discharging the foamable product; - providing a fluid inlet and outlet channel with removable airtight seals for airtightly sealing said fluid inlet and outlet channel from outside air; - sterilizing, for example irradiating and / or heating, the product container with the effervescent product, the assembly and the seal; Includes.

[0083] Non-limiting examples of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary foam product dispensing system according to one example of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a product container of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 during unloading / loading of a product container. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A showing further components of the system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an inverted and partially opened perspective view of the CPU of the product container of the system of FIGS. 1 to 3, with the fine filtration elements shown removed from each of the two whipping chambers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first vertical cross section taken along the centerline of the two whipping chambers of the CPU shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a perspective view of a second vertical cross section of the CPU shown in FIG. 4 taken parallel to the cross section of FIG. 5 along the product outlet channel. [Figure 7]7 is a perspective view of the CPU shown in FIG. 4 taken at 90 degrees to the cross sections of FIGS. 5 and 6 and coinciding with the central axis of the valve; FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the CPU of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 with a valve portion in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8, showing the valve moved to an open position by the product dispensing machine. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing flow paths of the systems of FIGS. 1 to 9. [Figure 11a] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams showing various states of the CPU valve member. [Figure 11b] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams showing various states of the CPU valve member. [Figure 11c] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams showing various states of the CPU valve member. [Figure 11d] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams showing various states of the CPU valve member. [Figure 12] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a CPU with a sealing means. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing components of the CPU including the valve member. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing components of the CPU shown in FIG. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 shows the assembled state of the CPU components. [Figure 15a] 13A and 13B are perspective views of the CPU of FIG. 12 from two different viewing angles. [Figure 15b] 13A and 13B are perspective views of the CPU of FIG. 12 from two different viewing angles. [Figure 15c] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the seal of the CPU of FIG. 12 in more detail. [Figure 16a] 1A-1C are perspective views showing product and fluid flow paths within the CPU, respectively. [Figure 16b] 1A-1C are perspective views showing product and fluid flow paths within the CPU, respectively. [Figure 16c] 1A-1C are perspective views showing product and fluid flow paths within the CPU, respectively. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system for pressurizing the product vessel and supplying fluid to the CPU. [Figure 18a] 1 is a top-down schematic cross-sectional view showing the shape of a CPU and the corresponding mating shape of a CPU receiving port. [Figure 18b] FIG. 18b is a side view showing a cross section taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 18a. [Figure 19] 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 3B, showing a further embodiment of a container receiving space with a cooling channel and a moving member. [Figure 20a] FIG. 2 illustrates a CPU and a CPU retention latch. [Figure 20b] FIG. 2 illustrates a CPU and a CPU retention latch. [Figure 20c] FIG. 2 illustrates a CPU and a CPU retention latch. [Figure 21] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing means for a CPU according to a particularly advantageous embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] In the present application, corresponding or similar features are indicated by corresponding or similar reference signs.

[0086] 1-21 illustrate non-limiting examples of systems for dispensing foamed products.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the foamed product dispensing system includes a product dispensing machine B with a housing B1. In this example, the housing B1 (i.e. its external wall) includes an opening B2 providing access to a platform B3, the opening B2 and the platform B3 configured to receive a container R containing the foamed product, e.g. a cup or a glass. Preferably, the opening / access is closable by a movable door D1 (represented by a dashed line in Fig. 3B).

[0088] This exemplary system further comprises an exchangeable product container H equipped with a product processing unit CPU (see FIG. 2). The CPU can be located in several positions. In this advantageous example, the product processing unit CPU projects radially outward from the container. In particular, the CPU extends through the outer wall of the holder H, in particular spaced apart from the top wall TW and the bottom wall BW of the holder H. Moreover, in this embodiment, the CPU is located near the top of the product container H, as can be seen in the drawing.

[0089] In this example, the product container H is a substantially cylindrical or bucket-shaped capsule, e.g. having a rigid (e.g. metal, steel or hard plastic, preferably fiber-reinforced) outer wall configured to be pressurized to at least 2 bar. The preferred length L of the capsule (measured in this example between the top wall TW and the bottom wall BW) is in the range of about 20-40 cm, and the outer diameter X of the capsule (i.e. the diameter of the cylindrical wall extending between the top and bottom) is in the range of about 10-30 cm. Also, the initial, unused capsule H preferably contains at least 4 liters or at least 4 kg of product. The maximum weight of the capsule H (in the initial, filled state) may be, e.g., 20 kg. In an alternative embodiment, the initial, unused capsule contains less than 4 liters, e.g., less than 2 liters, e.g., about 1.5 liters.

[0090] Moreover, as can be seen in the drawings, the capsule / container H preferably includes a gripping element, e.g., a handle HV, allowing a user to easily lift and hold the capsule. In this example, the gripping element protrudes from a top wall TW of the container H, such that the top wall faces forward, towards the front of the dispensing machine, after it has been placed in the machine.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 3A, the dispensing machine B preferably comprises a container-receiving space Hs (e.g. defined by or within a respective wall structure 121) for receiving the container H. The dispensing machine preferably includes a container guide G (shown in dashed lines) for guiding the container H into and out of the container-receiving space Hs of the machine (along the orientation indicated by arrow a71). Preferably, the container-receiving space in the housing B1 of the machine may be sealed or blocked from the environment of the housing, in particular to improve temperature control of the product container after loading. For example, the housing B1 and / or said wall structure 121 may include a movable cover D2, e.g. a door, for controlling access to the container-receiving space Hs.

[0092] As indicated by the arrow a71, the container H can be removed, preferably horizontally, from the container receiving space Hs, e.g. to replace an empty container with a full one. The container guide G can assist an operator in stably moving the container H towards its final position in the machine and in removing an empty container.

[0093] The machine may be configured such that placing the container H in the container receiving space Hs connects one or more connectors of the machine B to a respective connector of the container H. For example, placing the container may automatically connect the pressurized fluid output connector FO of the machine B to the fluid input connector Hi of the container H (to pressurize the interior of the container). As a further example, such placing connects the fluid ejector connector FIc of the machine B to the fluid ejector socket FIs of the product processing unit CPU of the container H, as will be described in more detail below.

[0094] Removal of container H from machine B may cause one or more connectors of machine B to be decoupled from the respective connectors of container H. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, machine B and / or container H may include means for securing container H within container-receiving space Hs to prevent accidental and / or unauthorized removal of container H from container-receiving space Hs.

[0095] The vessel H, and in particular its product-holding space (interior space, reservoir), can be filled with various types of products.

[0096] The product in particular comprises a food product (e.g. a product safe for human consumption). The product comprises for example one or more of milk, cream, spray cream, cappuccino milk, or dessert (e.g. a mousse forming product) or juice. The product may comprise a dairy product, for example cream. According to alternative embodiments, the foaming product comprises for example a conditioner and / or a cosmetic product, and / or a cleaning agent, and / or for example a body care product, a hair treatment product, etc.

[0097] According to advantageous details, the product P in the container H is a uniformly foaming product, in particular a food product, milk, cream, cappuccino milk, spray cream, (fruit) juice / drink, an alcoholic beverage or beverage base, for example beer or wine, a dairy product or a dairy-based beverage, for example a whey beverage, or a permeate-based beverage, a (milk) shake, a chocolate drink, a (drinkable) yoghurt, a sauce, an ice cream or dessert, a juice, more particularly a dairy product. The product P can for example be a cream. The product P can optionally contain (for example at least partially dissolved in the product) for example a filler or foaming agent, in particular a filler consisting of one or more of air, N2, N2O and / or CO2. Such a filler or foaming agent is in particular safe with regard to food technology. The filler or foaming agent can keep the interior space 4 for example at a certain overpressure. Preferably, the product P does not contain a foaming agent.

[0098] In Fig. 3B, an example is shown in more detail, containing a quantity of product P in a flexible bag FB inside a container H. During operation of the machine B, the container H is pressurized by the dispensing machine with a gas, for example air, pumped by the machine through the fluid input Hi (as indicated by arrow a21), resulting in overpressure inside the container H. As a result, pressure is applied to the flexible product bag FB, as indicated by arrow a22. The pressure, possibly combined with gravity, causes the product P to flow from the flexible bag FB to the downstream product processing unit CPU (as indicated by arrow a23), i.e. the valves or seals of the product processing unit CPU are in an operational state, connecting the product flow towards the respective product processing space (as will be explained below) and discharging the foamed product through the respective outlet (as indicated by arrow a25).

[0099] As such, the flexible bag FB may have a variety of configurations and shapes. For example, the bag may be made of one or more flexible layers of one or more plastics or plastic materials and / or one or more flexible layers of paper or paper materials and / or one or more flexible layers of metal or metal materials (e.g., aluminum). The flexible bag may be entirely flexible, but this is not required. The bag may, for example, include one or more flexible bag sides that fold inwardly during release of the product. In particular, the flexible bag FB is configured such that the volume of the bag may decrease during release of the product from the bag FB.

[0100] In a further embodiment, the product processing unit CPU and the flexible bag FB are integrally connected to each other (into an assembly). For example, the top wall or top of the product processing unit CPU may be integral with the flexible bag, or may be welded or glued to the flexible bag, or may be otherwise connected to the bag FB. The assembly of the product processing unit CPU and the bag FB is removably held by the outer part SW (shell) of the container H. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the top wall TW of the container may be a removable cover, which may hermetically seal the interior of the container H (against gas leakage) when the cover wall TW is in the depicted closed position (e.g., when placed on top of the side wall SW). The top wall TW may be detached from the remaining part SW of the container, allowing access to the flexible bag FB located in the container H. Thus, preferably, the flexible bag FB and its processing unit CPU may be removed from the container (e.g., after use, e.g., when the bag is empty) and replaced with a flexible bag containing fresh product and the respective processing unit CPU. After the new filled flexible bag FB and CPU are properly placed inside the container shell, the top wall TW can be reinstalled (allowing pressure to be applied to the container interior and the respective flexible bag FB) to hermetically seal the container again. In this embodiment, specifically, the exterior SW of the container H can act as a bag positioning structure to install and hold the flexible bag (and its CPU) in a desired operating position inside the machine B. The container shell (i.e., the container outer wall SW) itself can be made of a rigid material. A single container shell SW can then be used to operate with multiple replaceable flexible bag-CPU assemblies. This also provides advantages in terms of transportation and storage, since a relatively large number of flexible product container bags FB can be transported and / or stored in each relatively small storage space (whereas transporting multiple rigid container shells may require a larger space).

[0101] In one embodiment, the container H, which contains the flexible bag FB (as in the example above) and whose outer walls TW, SW act as the pressurized chamber for the bag, is fully removable from the machine B.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment, when the container H is opened, for example by removing the lid / cover wall TW, only the flexible bag-CPU assembly is removable from the machine B, and the outer part SW of the container remains in the machine B during bag exchange. In such an embodiment, the flexible bag-CPU assembly itself may be called the "exchangeable product container" and is placed in a pressurized chamber of the machine B. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the product container itself may have a fully or at least partially flexible outer wall, and during operation the product container is placed in a dedicated pressurized chamber of the machine B.

[0103] FIG. 3B further shows that machine B includes an optional air dryer AD for supplying dry air, for example dry ambient air.

[0104] The air dryer AD may be integrated into or form part of a cooling system CS of the machine B, which is configured to similarly effectively cool, for example, the product container H. During operation, dry air is preferably received from the air dryer AD by the fluid injector FI, which is configured to supply dry air through the fluid injector connector FIc (indicated by arrow a24) into the product processing unit CPU.

[0105] According to a highly advantageous embodiment, the fluid injector connector FIc is preferably integrated with or forms part of a valve actuator VA of the dispensing machine (see FIG. 3B). The valve actuator VA is configured to drive (e.g. rotate) the fluid injector connector FIc, thereby driving the valve member 50 of the product processing unit CPU (see FIGS. 7-10). Each valve actuator may be configured in various ways and may include a servo motor, an electric motor, an electromagnetic actuator or other driving means.

[0106] With further reference to Fig. 3B (also Fig. 10), the product processing unit CPU is configured to mix the dry air with the product P as it is fed to the product processing unit CPU, resulting in the release of a foamed product from the product processing unit CPU, as indicated by arrow a25. The product release channel of the CPU may terminate via a product forming nozzle NZ, for example having an arrangement of product forming teeth or the like (as such known). In use, on each platform B3, a receptacle R, for example a glass or a cup, may be replaceably positioned adjacent (for example below) the product processing unit CPU to receive the foamed product being released therefrom.

[0107] The machine H may be equipped with a control unit CU configured to control the fluid flow and the product flow to the processing unit CPU, for example by controlling the activation and deactivation of fluid flow means (e.g. pumps, servo mechanisms, motors, etc.). Furthermore, the control unit CU may be configured to control the position of the valve members 50 of the CPU through respective valve actuators VA. Preferably, the control unit is configured to initiate the fluid flow prior to the product flow when initiating product discharge. The control unit is preferably at least partially user operable via a user interface or operating device (not shown) of the machine B, for example via a touch display, control knobs, switches, etc.

[0108] Figures 4-9 show in more detail the product processing unit CPU of the system (see also Figures 12-14A, 14B). The CPU is part of the product container H mentioned above and is connected to the interior of the flexible bag to receive product therefrom (similar to Figure 3B). Figure 10 shows the CPU more diagrammatically, indicating that product and fluid (gas) flow well during product discharge as well.

[0109] The unit CPU is configured to receive a flow of product P into the product feed-through channel PFC as indicated by arrow a23. The product feed-through channel PFC is preferably closable by a valve member 50, and Figure 8 shows the valve member 50 in a closed position preventing flow through the product feed-through channel PFC. An optional open position of the valve member 50 is shown in Figure 9. The valve member 50 is not shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0110] The processing unit CPU is further configured to receive a fluid, e.g. dry air, from a fluid injector FI, for example, through the fluid injector connector FIc, into the fluid through-connection channel FFC. Advantageously, the valve member 50 includes a fluid injector socket FIs for connecting to the fluid injector connector FIc, and a fluid passage 51 for providing fluid communication (as indicated by arrow a31) between the fluid injector socket FIs and the fluid through-connection channel FFC. In this example, the fluid passage 51 is a hole or through-hole extending laterally through the valve member 50 (one or more such fluid passages 51 may be provided as required).

[0111] 4 to 7 show (partially cut away and in an upside down perspective view) a product processing unit CPU including a foaming device 15, for example a fine filtration device 15. The housing 15h of the fine filtration device 15 can be an integral part of the CPU and can comprise a product inlet 15i downstream of the valve member 50 and connected to the product through-connection channel PFC, and a gas inlet 8 downstream of the fluid passage 51 and connected to the fluid through-connection channel FFC. The fine filtration device 15 further comprises at least one (in this example two) filtering wall 15a with gas permeable holes, for example a tubular wall, which separates the respective gas supply space 15d associated with the gas inlet 8 from the foaming channel 15b. Preferably, the length of the foaming channel 15b measured in the product flow direction is about 2 cm or 3 cm. Preferably, the gas permeable holes of the filtering wall 15a have a pore size of 0.2 to 1.5 microns. It has been observed that a pore size of, for example, about 0.2 microns can be achieved with good results. According to one embodiment, the size of the individual pores may vary within a certain range, for example, from 0.1 microns or less to 20 microns or more. Alternatively or additionally, pore sizes in the range of 5 microns to 10 microns may provide excellent foaming properties.

[0112] In some, but not all, embodiments, good results have been achieved when the microfiltration wall, and in particular the product-facing surface of the microfiltration wall, comprises a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material, such as, for example, PTFE, to prevent or reduce clogging of the microfiltration wall due to product entering or adhering to the pores.

[0113] In Fig. 4 to Fig. 7, the microfiltration device 15 comprises two tubular filtering walls 15a, each of which provides a respective gas supply space 15d and a bubbling channel 15b in the housing 15h. The tubular filtering walls 15a are shown in Fig. 4 removed from the housing and are not represented in Fig. 5. Each of the tubular filtering walls 15a, as in this example, preferably has a proximal gas inlet (connected to the fluid through-connection channel) and is preferably blocked at the distal end. Naturally, the CPU is designed so that said fluid through-connection channel FFC (as in Fig. 10) terminates in each of the tubular filtering elements 15a and supplies the interior 15d of the tube 15a with a gas (e.g. dry air) to be mixed in the product. The number and dimensions of the filtering walls 15a, the gas supply space 15d and the bubbling channels 15b may be realized according to general knowledge, depending on the material properties, the required flow rate and / or other variables.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a throttled gas supply (e.g., upstream and / or at the fluid injector FI) to supply gas at a substantially constant flow rate to the processing unit CPU during operation. In particular, as described below (see FIG. 17), the throttled gas supply can include a flow constriction 89, where a relatively high gas pressure (e.g., greater than 5 bar) is applied upstream of the flow constriction, and where a constant gas flow rate (e.g., mass flow) is obtained downstream of the flow constriction. In particular, during operation, the exit velocity of the resulting throttled flow of gas at the constriction 89 can be at or near the speed of sound, i.e., at or near 1 times the speed of sound. By supplying throttled gas, clogging of components downstream of the foaming device (e.g., the microfiltration device) can be prevented or reduced, and even if such clogging occurs, the adverse effects of such clogging can be efficiently suppressed. For example, the throttled gas supply may be configured such that the resulting gas pressure in the foaming device is in the range of 1.5-4.9 bar, preferably in the range of 2.7-3.8 bar. During a certain period of operation (in particular the period of foaming and discharging a relatively large amount of product), the resulting gas pressure in the foaming device may be gradually increased within said pressure range, for example in response to an increase in resistance due to clogging of the filtering walls.

[0115] 6, 7 and 10 further show a product processing unit CPU comprising a processing device 7 arranged downstream of the fine filtration device 15 for carrying out a mixing and / or decompression treatment of the product to which the gas is provided. The processing device 7 is preferably configured to reduce the control pressure to atmospheric pressure or close to it. Preferably, the processing device 7 comprises a labyrinth-type fluid path that is long and / or narrow and / or tortuous, for example at least about 20 cm or at least 30 cm, compared to at least other fluid paths of the processing unit CPU, for example at least one bubbling channel 15b. The processing unit CPU comprises a discharge channel / opening DC downstream of the processing device 7 for discharging the product to which the gas is provided, for example along the direction of the arrow a25, via a nozzle NZ.

[0116] The CPU includes a socket / seat SV for receiving a valve member 50, which itself includes a socket FIs for receiving a fluid ejector / actuator member FLc (see Figures 8-9).

[0117] 8 shows that the valve member 50 of the CPU includes fluid passages 51 and fluid ejector sockets FIs. As can be seen in the drawing, the fluid passages 51 of the valve member 50 are coincident with (and in this example parallel to) the axis of rotation of the valve member 50.

[0118] The valve member 50 may be maintained in this closed state by the machine's fluid injector connector FIc (shown in FIG. 9). In this state, flow through the product feed-through channel PFC is prevented by the valve member 50. Specifically, the sealing element s1 of the valve member 50 is configured to seal between the valve member 50 and its valve seat (e.g., to provide a wall of the product feed-through channel PFC). In this embodiment, the same sealing element s1 is also configured to seal between the product feed-through channel PFC and the nearby fluid feed-through channel FFC (and maintains such a seal even when the valve member is moved to the open state, as seen in FIG. 9). It will be appreciated that individual sealing elements may be used instead of the combined single sealing element s1.

[0119] Preferably, for the through-connection of the fluid (e.g. dry air) injected by the fluid injector FIc, the fluid through-connection channel FFC is already open when the valve member 50 is still in the closed position, which allows the fluid flow to start prior to the product flow, as indicated by the arrow a52 in FIG.

[0120] In Fig. 9, the machine's fluid injector connector FIc having a fluid supply channel FSC is shown received in a fluid injector socket FIs of the valve member 50. The fluid injector connector FIc also engages the valve member 50 to move the valve member 50 from its seat to an open state. Specifically, this movement can include both rotation (e.g., a helical motion that is a twisting of the valve member) and translational movement of the valve member. Note that the fluid injector connector FIc is preferably engaged with the valve member in an initial state, even while holding the valve member in a closed position (of Fig. 8).

[0121] Once the valve member 51 is moved to the open state, the product feed-through channel PFC is opened, as indicated by arrow a53, to allow product flow (from the container bag) towards the fine filtration device of the CPU.

[0122] Preferably, a further sealing element s2 is present to provide an airtight seal between the fluid ejector socket FIs (in particular the fluid passage 51) and the fluid ejector connector FIc. Thus, the ejector FIc can eject fluid, e.g. dried air, through the valve member fluid passage 51 through the fluid supply channel FSC into the fluid feed-through channel FFC of the CPU (see arrows a51 and a52).

[0123] The valve member 50 of the CPU and the fluid ejector connector (actuator element) FIc are configured to releasably engage with each other to enable valve actuation, which can be achieved in various ways. For example, these elements can interact by a click or clamp connection, by a bayonet-type lock, or in a different way. Preferably, a constant-velocity clamp can be achieved, allowing several actions while placing the container in the machine.

[0124] To allow flow through the product feedthrough channel PFC, the valve member 50 can be moved to an open state as indicated by arrow a32 in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 also indicates that fluid injection (along arrow a31) is preferably possible as described above regardless of the open / closed state of the valve member 50.

[0125] In further detail of the exemplary embodiment, the valve member 50 shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of Figures 11a to 11d comprises fluid passages 51 and fluid injector sockets FIs, product feed-through channels PFC and fluid feed-through channels FFC, Figures 11b to 11d also show the fluid injector connector, and Figures 11a to 11d show different configurations related to different states of the system. In Figures 11a to 11d, sealing elements for sealing between the components are indicated diagrammatically by dots. A person skilled in the art will be able to apply the appropriate sealing elements according to the relevant system variables according to his general knowledge. In case of a sealed connection between two components, the sealing elements may be fixed with respect to one or both components.

[0126] FIG. 11a shows the valve member 50 in a closed state, preventing flow through the product feed-through channel PFC and providing fluid communication by fluid passages 51 between the fluid injector sockets FIs and the fluid feed-through channel.

[0127] FIG. 11b shows the fluid ejector connector FIc received in the fluid ejector socket FIs, where the fluid ejector connector FIc is sealed, for example, by a sealing element of the fluid ejector socket FIs, to provide a sealed fluid connection between the fluid ejector connector FIc, in particular the fluid supply channel FSC, and the fluid through-connection channel FFC of the product processing unit CPU, as indicated by arrow a41, via the fluid passage 51 of the valve member 50.

[0128] Fig. 11c shows that the valve actuator VA (not shown in Fig. 11) preferably drives the valve member 50 by driving the fluid injector connector FIc. The drive is preferably a substantially helical (twisting) drive, with the valve member 50 being configured to receive a rotational drive force from the fluid injector connector FIc. As a result, the valve member 50 moves linearly along an axis of rotation while rotating about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be substantially aligned with a central axis of the valve member 50 and a central axis of the fluid injector connector FIc. The product processing unit CPU may be configured to enable a substantially helical movement (i.e. a combination of rotational and linear movement) of the valve member 50.

[0129] In other words, the valve member 50 and the product processing unit CPU may be configured such that a substantially rotational actuation of the valve member 50 results in a substantially helical movement of the valve member 50, the helical movement including a linear movement component. The arrow a44 indicates the direction of the linear movement component. In Fig. 11d, the valve member 50 is shown in an open state after being actuated as described above. With the valve member 50 in the open state, the product P can flow through the product through-flow channel PFC along the direction of the arrow a43. Meanwhile, the fluid connection between the fluid supply channel FSC and the fluid through-connection channel FFC through the fluid passage 51 as indicated by the arrow a42 is maintained throughout the actuation and continues to be maintained while the valve member 50 is in the open state as in Fig. 11d.

[0130] As previously mentioned, the valve member 50 may be substantially rotated between the open and closed states. The angle of rotation of the valve member 50 between the open and closed states may be greater than 20 degrees, preferably in the range of 45 to 180 degrees, for example 90 degrees.

[0131] It will be appreciated that the above described procedure can be reversed, including reversing the actuation, to change the state of the valve member 50 from open to closed. Both the opening and closing procedures are preferably controlled automatically by the control unit CU of machine B, for example based on dispensing a certain programmed amount of product.

[0132] Since the product valve member 50 is part of the replaceable product container, contamination of the dispensing machine itself (along with the product) can be prevented. The valve actuator of the dispensing machine is simply connected to the CPU of the installed product container H to control the product flow and inject gas (e.g. dried air) into the CPU to bubble the product through the respective fine filtration device. Moreover, the dispensing machine can automatically pressurize the contents / interior of the product holder after the container is attached to the machine to keep the flexible bag at a certain pressure, allowing for a quick start of the product dispensing process. Once the product container is empty or needs to be replaced or discarded, the product container can be removed from the machine and the product valve member 50 is released from the machine actuator and preferably remains in a closed valve state to prevent further possible contamination.

[0133] Moreover, by providing a microfiltration device with two tubular filtering walls 15a, a well-controlled whipping of food products operating in parallel at a relatively high throughput can be achieved using compact means, in particular, this allows a more precise control of the foaming process without the need for a relatively long tubular filtering wall, with a relatively low probability of channel clogging.

[0134] Figures 16a-c show perspective views of the product and fluid flow paths in the CPU according to the preferred exemplary embodiment (represented in Figure 12), with Figure 16c showing an upside down view with respect to Figures 16a-b. Reference symbols have been added to indicate that some corresponding CPU elements are located with respect to the flow paths shown. In these figures, the product flow paths are shaded light grey and the fluid flow paths are shaded dark grey. The flow directions are indicated by arrows, with dashed arrows p1-p7 indicating the direction of the product flow paths and solid arrows g1-g4 indicating the direction of the fluid flow paths. It is noted that in these figures, the product flow paths include the flow paths of the product with gas, i.e. the flow paths downstream of the foaming device 15. It is also noted that not all arrows are shown in all of Figures 16a-c.

[0135] At arrow p1, product flows from the product container into the product through-flow channel PFC of the CPU. At arrow p2, product flows past the valve member 50 when the valve member 50 is open. At arrow p3, product flows through the foaming device 15, where the product is supplied with gas. At arrow p4, the product including gas enters the processing device 7 for pressure reduction and / or mixing. At arrow p5, the product including gas enters the downstream part of the processing device 7. At arrow p6, the product including gas flows towards the discharge channel DC and is discharged along the direction of arrow p7.

[0136] At arrow g1, the gas enters the CPU through a fluid passage in the valve member 50, flows along arrow g2 into the fluid through-flow channel FFC and continues to flow along arrow g3. At arrow g4, the gas approaches the two fine filtration walls 15a of the foaming device 15 and then passes through the walls 15a into the product stream and continues to flow as part of the gas-containing product.

[0137] For food safety reasons, depending on the particular product contained in the container, it may be advantageous to prevent the CPU and / or the product in the product container from being contaminated prior to use, e.g. during transport and handling. In particular, it may be necessary to prevent contact between the product and ambient air during those times. The internal spaces of the CPU may also need to be sealed from ambient air, e.g. to prevent condensation from forming in these spaces with associated hygiene issues. In view of this, the CPU may be equipped with sealing means to prevent ambient air from entering the CPU and / or from contacting the product.

[0138] Specifically, in one embodiment, which may be implemented independently of other embodiments, the downstream part of the CPU may comprise a hermetic sealing cap. Specifically, the product processing unit CPU may comprise a hermetic sealing cap 71 configured to seal the downstream product discharge area 128 of the product processing unit CPU from the environment before initial use. For example, the downstream discharge nozzle NZ may be inside the sealed downstream product discharge area 128 (see FIG. 12).

[0139] The closure cap may be constructed in various ways. As shown in Figures 12, 15a and 15b, the closure cap may for example comprise a first part 71 and an optional second part 74 connected to the first part via for example a (film) hinge 73, preferably at least one or both of which parts are provided with a gripping element, for example a handle 72. Said optional hinge 73 may for example be an integral (one-piece) flexible part of the closure cap.

[0140] In this example, the first cap portion 71 is configured to seal the downstream region 128 and can cooperate with an opposing rim of the CPU to form a respective airtight seal.

[0141] Additionally, in this example, the second cap portion 74 may be configured to seal a second external opening of the CPU, which is a gas outlet of the gas supply FIs (see FIG. 12).

[0142] The sealing cap may be configured to be removed by a user at or about the time the product container is inserted into the dispensing machine, with the handle first being pulled to rotate the first portion about the hinge to release the first portion from the CPU, and then the sealing cap being pulled further to release the second portion from the CPU.

[0143] In this example, a single cap includes both parts 71, 74 for sealing two separate external openings of the CPU. Alternatively, cap parts 71, 74 can be separate cap parts (not directly connected to each other).

[0144] In another embodiment, which may be implemented in combination with other embodiments or alone, the contact surface of the CPU, in particular the inlet of the aforementioned product feed-through channel PFC close to or adjacent to the product-containing space inside the product container H, may be provided with a (e.g. pressure-controlled) air-tight seal 61, 62. In this example, in the closed state, the seal is entirely in direct contact with the contents of the product-containing space, i.e. for example the product, preventing the product from entering the CPU, and in particular preventing air or gases, for example from the CPU, from entering the product held in the internal space of the container H.

[0145] As shown in Figures 12, 15b and 15c, the seal in this example is a pressure controlled seal including a ring 61 and a cap 62, in which in the closed state (as shown in Figures 12 and 15b) the ring and the cap form an airtight seal, and in the open state (as shown in Figure 15c) a passage for product flow is provided between the ring and the cap as indicated by arrow a61. As the pressure controlled seal may be in a location that is difficult for a user to reach, and a hygienic seal operation is desired, the pressure controlled seal is preferably configured to open under pressure from the contents of the product container when the product container is pressurized. Thus, opening of the pressure controlled seal is controlled by controlling the pressurization of the product container. The ring and cap are preferably configured such that the cap disengages from the ring at a predetermined overpressure opening pressure or opening pressure range. To prevent the detached cap from blocking the flow of product into the product feedthrough channel PFC, the CPU may be provided with ribs 63 between the pressure-controlled seal and the inlet of the product flow-through channel PFC, so that the cap will stay on the ribs after detaching from the ring and product can flow around and under the cap as indicated by arrows a62. Alternatively, the cap itself may be provided with ribs, for example.

[0146] The airtight seal of the CPU at the product inlet upstream of the CPU can be configured in various ways. Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment that differs from the example depicted in Figure 12 in that the seals 61, 62 are further configured such that (when pressure is applied from the product container) the sealing caps 62 (particularly the respective outer portions 62s) can be radially compressed to release from the (fixed) ring portions 61, thereby opening the respective product flow paths to the CPU. For example, when the container is pressurized, the opening pressure from the contents of the product container can cause the elastic neck portion 62s of the cap 62 to bend radially inwards, away from the opposing (fixed) ring 61, as indicated by arrow a64 (thereby shortening the outer diameter of the sealing cap 62 and loosening the cap from the clamping force from the surrounding support ring 61). 21, the circumferential outer side of the neck portion 62s of the cap 62 and the opposing inner side of the ring portion 61 may surround a slit 62q that receives the product pressure, allowing the pressurized product to enter and radially compress the sealing cap, thus further facilitating the release of the cap 62 from the ring 61 by the pressure.

[0147] The system, in various embodiments, includes a pressurized chamber (for pressurizing the product holder) as mentioned above. The pressurized chamber may be part of the machine B or may be part of the removable product container H. For example, as mentioned above, the outer walls TW, SW of the removable container H may serve as the pressure chamber for the bag. Alternatively, one or more such walls may be integrated into the machine B.

[0148] In each of these embodiments, the CPU (as well as its respective product holder, e.g. its flexible product bag FB) is preferably replaceable. The CPU can extend partially or substantially outside the respective pressurized chamber during use, e.g. through a CPU opening in the chamber (see e.g. Figs. 3A, 3B) (the product processing unit CPU protrudes through the vessel's wall structure SW, e.g. through a dedicated CPU receiving port RP, towards the product discharge area, as in Figs. 3B and 20b). In particular, the pressurized chamber can be defined by the vessel's outer wall structure SW, which includes a CPU receiving port RP for receiving and positioning the product processing unit CPU (see Figs. 18b, 20a, 20b).

[0149] The CPU is preferably configured to cooperate with the pressurized chamber to form an airtight seal (between the pressurized chamber's CPU receiving port RP) when received in the CPU opening. Such a seal may be realized in various ways. For example, a ring element 91 of the CPU may form an airtight seal with the CPU chamber, and / or other sealing means (not shown) may be provided between and / or incorporated into the CPU for sealing contact or engagement between the CPU and the respective port RP. Thus, the pressurized chamber may be pressurized to a desired operating pressure and leakage of pressurized gas from the pressurized space may be prevented.

[0150] Preferably, to promote ease of use and prevent faulty operation of the system, the system may be configured to provide feedback to the user regarding the formation of an airtight seal between the CPU and the pressurized chamber upon such formation. For example, the CPU may be configured to generate an audio and / or tactile feedback signal (e.g., a click) in cooperation with the CPU receiving port RP.

[0151] To facilitate accurate placement of the CPU through the CPU opening of the port RP (e.g., to align the fluid outlet SV of the CPU with the fluid supply connector 50 of the distribution machine), as shown in Figs. 18a-b, the outer shape 111 of the CPU may be configured to substantially mate with the shape 112 of the CPU receiving opening in the port RP (see also Fig. 20b). Thus, the respective shapes may provide alignment and / or centering during placement of the CPU in or through the CPU opening of the port RP. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 18a-b, the respective shapes are rotationally asymmetric about an axis that substantially corresponds to the insertion direction of the CPU, which direction is indicated by the arrow a110 in both figures, which arrow a110 points into the paper in Fig. 18a. The rotational asymmetry may be provided in various ways, for example, by one or more (in this case one) protrusions 113 on the side of the originally axisymmetric shape of the CPU, as shown in Figs. 18a-b. The CPU receiving port RP may have mating features (e.g., openings, notches) 114 for receiving and engaging the CPU's protrusions 113. Such asymmetry prevents mis-insertion, especially when the CPU is rotated relative to a desired orientation about said axis.

[0152] Preferably, to facilitate accurate placement, including alignment and / or centering, the CPU and / or CPU receiving port RP may be tapered. For example, as shown in FIG. 18b, the shape of the CPU may taper from a wide portion proximal to the pressurized space (top of FIG. 18b) to a narrow portion distal to the pressurized space (bottom of FIG. 18b). As a result, the CPU is automatically centered in the CPU receiving port during insertion, thus benefiting from ease of operation as well as preventing inaccurate placement.

[0153] Preferably, to further facilitate CPU placement and ensure that the CPU remains fixed in place during operation, as shown in Figures 20a-c, the system (specifically the container / capsule H) may be equipped with a removable CPU retention latch (clip) 102. Figure 20a is a perspective view showing the CPU connected to a respective flexible bag FB and the CPU retention latch 102 for connecting the CPU to the container wall SW through a CPU positioning port RP (see Figure 20b). Figure 20b is a similar view, with the lid TW of the product container H installed to seal the space containing the flexible bag FW. Figure 20c shows the CPU retention latch as such.

[0154] In this example, the CPU includes two L-shaped projections 101 on the exterior of the CPU (the projections 101 face outward from each other). One such projection 101 is shown in Figs. 20a-c, and the other is shown in Figs. 15a-b. These projections 101 may be configured to cooperate with a CPU retention latch 102 and the lid TW of the outer container shell and the CPU receiving port RP. Specifically, an arm 103 may be disposed between the second side 101b of the L-shaped projection 101 and the port RP to securely latch the CPU in place after inserting the CPU through the CPU opening of the CPU receiving port RP. The spring element 105 that the latch 102 may include may be, for example, a spring biased by the chamber lid TW after assembly to secure the latch in place (see Fig. 20b). The latch 102 may also include a handle 104 or the like for easy gripping by hand.

[0155] Fig. 20b shows that the outer container wall SW may include guide / support elements 107 to aid in positioning of the latch 102. Fig. 20b also shows the outer container's CPU positioning port / positioning structure RP, which is specifically configured to substantially surround the outside of the CPU to accurately position the CPU relative to the container.

[0156] In one embodiment, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 19, which may be combined with any of the previously described examples, said cooling system CS may be configured to cool the interior of the container receiving space Hs in order to cool a product container (not shown in Fig. 19) including a CPU while the product container is received in the container receiving space Hs. The wall structure 121 of the receiving space H may for example include or be equipped with one or more cooling ducts / channels 122 of the cooling system CS, which at least during operation preferably contain a cooling liquid circulated by the cooling system.

[0157] Each cooling channel 122 may be configured in various ways and may extend along various paths / directions. For example, one or more cooling channels 122 may extend parallel to the centerline of the vessel-receiving space (as in FIG. 19 ). Preferably, said cooling channels 122 extend along a winding and / or spiral / spiral path around the vessel-receiving space Hs to cool substantially the entirety of the product vessel-receiving space H.

[0158] The wall / wall structure 121 surrounding the container accommodating space Hs may have a specific cooled CPU surrounding portion (e.g., an extension portion) 125, which encompasses the outside of the CPU and the respective nozzles NZ (specifically, the CPU surrounding portion 125 after placing the container in the container accommodating space is also diagrammatically depicted by a dashed box in FIG. 3B).

[0159] Preferably, the cooled CPU surrounding portion 125 of the wall structure 121 has a product outlet 136 which is closable by the lid element 123. The closable product outlet 123 of the machine wall structure 121 is preferably located adjacent / near the product outlet of the CPU after placement of the container.

[0160] For example, the system includes a movable closure member 123 near, e.g., under, the CPU (after placement in the machine) to close / cover the product outlet 136 of the cooled CPU enclosure part 125. For example, a motor 124 may be provided to move the lid element 123 to an open position (e.g., in the direction of arrow a120) to provide a flow path for the product downstream from the CPU (through the outlet 136) during product discharge, and to move the member 123 in the opposite direction (to close the outlet 136) after product discharge. In this way, heat (and water vapor) exchange from the ambient air to the CPU (and product container H) located in the accommodation space H can be prevented or significantly reduced.

[0161] 17 shows a schematic diagram of a combined system for pressurizing the product vessel and supplying fluid to the CPU. This combined system is for a preferred embodiment that may be implemented independently or in combination with any of the other embodiments. In alternative embodiments, separate systems may be configured, for example, to pressurize the product vessel and supply fluid to the CPU.

[0162] The exemplary system shown in FIG. 17 implements a throttled gas supply including respective flow restrictions 89. Specifically, as seen in the drawing, ambient air enters the compressor 82 through an intake filter 81. A controllable three-way valve 83 directs the pressurized air downstream of the compressor to the vessel receiving space Hs when the system is in pressurization mode, and to the CPU when the system is in dispense mode. The three-way valve 83 is preferably adjustable by an electronic control device (not shown) between at least the pressurization mode and the dispense mode. FIG. 17 shows the three-way valve 83 in a schematic representation in the dispense mode. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressurization mode and the dispense mode are mutually exclusive, but may occur simultaneously in alternative embodiments.

[0163] In pressurization mode, a pressure sensor 84 measures the pressure in the vessel and feeds back a representative pressure signal to a controller (not shown) for regulating the pressure by adjusting the compressor 82. A relief valve 85 is provided to depressurize the vessel in the event of overpressure, e.g., due to a malfunction of the pressure sensor 84, controller and / or compressor 82.

[0164] In the distribution mode, the pressurized air enters a passive condensate block 87 arranged in the cooled space CSp of the distribution system. The condensate block is configured to passively cool and dry the pressurized air and comprises a drain valve 88 for draining the condensate generated by cooling the air, the drain valve 88 being configured to close in the distribution mode and open otherwise.

[0165] Downstream of the condensate block 87, pressurized air flows into the CPU through an orifice 89, which provides a flow constriction such that when air is supplied at a sufficiently high pressure upstream of the orifice, a so-called throttled flow condition occurs. In such throttled flow conditions, the flow velocity of the gas inside the constriction corresponds substantially to the sonic speed of the gas in the constriction. Advantageously, as a result, the airflow downstream of the orifice can be substantially flow-controlled, as opposed to pressure-controlled. In particular, although a clogged fine-filtering wall 15a of the CPU typically increases flow resistance, a substantially stable airflow can pass through the fine-filtering wall 15a of the CPU, regardless of the level of clogging.

[0166] If the compressor is oversized, a bypass orifice 86 can be provided upstream of the condensate block and downstream of the three-way valve to bleed off excess air.

[0167] It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above: various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0168] Thus, the product may include, for example, edible or non-edible proteins, protein mixtures or protein solutions. Edible protein solutions may include, for example, milk proteins, whey proteins and caseins, egg white proteins, yeast isolates, soy proteins, hemoglobin, vegetable protein isolates, meat proteins, collagen, gelatin, etc.

[0169] The product may for example be whipped uniformly or non-uniformly.

[0170] The products may be food products, or alternatively cosmetics, cleaning agents and / or different types of products.

[0171] The product may further include various substances such as thickeners, coloring substances, flavorings, and the like.

[0172] For example, alternative methods of valve actuation may be employed and fluid paths may be laid out along various spatial trajectories without substantially affecting the functional performance of the system.

[0173] Furthermore, the product dispensing machine may be configured to pressurize the product container in various ways. In one example, the machine may include one or more pumps or pumping means for pressurizing the container. Additionally or alternatively, the machine may include one or more dedicated high pressure reservoirs (e.g., one or more gas cylinders filled with high pressure gas, e.g., above 100 bar) or be configured to be connected to an external high pressure gas source for pressurizing the product container.

[0174] Moreover, as mentioned above, such a product container can be configured in various ways: it can, for example, include a pressurized chamber which is not essential (for example, the dispensing machine B itself can include a pressurized chamber for accommodating the product container); and, as can be seen from the described embodiments, the product container can be partially or fully removable from the dispensing machine, in particular to be replaced with a new (part).

[0175] Moreover, in various embodiments, the frothing device 15 includes at least one fine filtration device for supplying gas (for frothing) to the product. In this way, good frothing results can be achieved. However, the system (specifically the CPU) can additionally or alternatively include one or more other frothing elements to froth the product, such as, for example, one or more filter elements, one or more gas injector devices for injecting gas into the product, one or more stirring devices, one or more turbulence inducers for inducing turbulence in the product, a combination of one or more such elements, and / or froth in a different manner.

[0176] Moreover, as can be seen from the above, such an exchangeable product container H can be configured in various ways. The exchangeable product container H can be provided by a single container wall enclosing an interior space to hold the product. The exchangeable product container H can also be provided by an outer (e.g. rigid) wall enclosing an interior space to accommodate an inner product holder (e.g. a flexible bag or a product holder having at least one flexible wall). The product container can be configured to be pressurized. Furthermore, the product container can act as a removable capsule for placing a product (e.g. a product holder) in the dispensing machine B during operation.

[0177] Moreover, in the above embodiment, the machine B itself includes a cooling system CS, in particular for cooling the receptacle receiving space Hs. In further or alternative embodiments, the product receptacle itself (e.g. the aforementioned capsule SW) is equipped with cooling means for cooling the receptacle. By way of example, the outer wall SW of the receptacle may include one or more cooling ducts for circulating a coolant through its wall, which may be supplied with a coolant during operation, for example, by the cooling system of the machine B (through respective interacting coolant ports). In another embodiment, the cooling system may be integrated with the exchangeable receptacle itself. In yet another embodiment, the container wall SW may include one or more Peltier elements for removing heat from the receptacle, the power supply for the Peltier elements being integrated with the receptacle and / or with the distribution machine B (in the latter case, a dedicated electrical contactor may be implemented between the machine B and the receptacle SW in order to transfer the cooling power of the Peltier elements from the machine B to the receptacle).

[0178] Furthermore, the CPU is preferably configured such that before initial use, the interior of the CPU (specifically the product ducts and processing spaces inside the CPU as well as the gas ducts inside) are hermetically sealed from the environment of the respective product container H. This can be achieved by the application of hermetic sealing means that seal the CPU configuration (i.e. its outer wall parts, see for example FIG. 12) and the product input / output openings as well as the gas injection openings (see again for example FIG. 12) before initial use. For example, the main outer wall structure of the CPU can be assembled from several different CPU parts, specifically the top part includes a product inlet part and at least one further part includes a gas injection part (this part is for example a plastic CPU part, made for example by plastic injection molding and / or other manufacturing steps), and such CPU parts can be joined together in a manner that results in a hermetically sealed outer CPU surface (except for the product input / output openings and the gas injection openings, which can later be sealed by dedicated sealing means, for example as explained above).

[0179] Furthermore, according to one aspect, the product container H does not have to be an unconstrained (replaceable) container. According to one embodiment, the product container H can also be integrated into the machine / appliance.

[0180] Additionally, product container H may be a disposable container.

[0181] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the container may be a bottle or a bottle-shaped container.

[0182] For example, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the interchangeable product container may be a bag in a container (BIC), a bag in a box (BIB), or a bottle in a bottle container (BIB). [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] AD Air Dryer B. Product allocation machine B1 Housing B2 opening B3 Platform BW Bottom wall CPU Product Processing Unit CS Cooling System CSp Cooled Space CU Control Unit D1 Movable door D2 Movable cover DC aperture FB Flexible Bag FFC Fluid Feed-Through Channel FI fluid injector FIc Fluid Injector Connector FIs Fluid Injector Socket FO Pressurized Fluid Output Connector FSC Fluid Supply Channel G Container Guide H Product container Hi Fluid Input Connector Hs container space HV Handle NZ Nozzle P Product PFC Product Feed-Through Channel R container RP CPU receiving port s1 sealing element s2 sealing element SV Socket / Seat SW side wall TW Top Wall VA Valve Actuator 4. Interior space 7 Processing Device 15 Microfiltration Devices 15a Filter wall 15b Whisk channel 15d Gas supply space 15h Housing 15i Product Entrance 15u Product outlet 50 Valve member 51 Fluid passage 52 Arrow A 53 Arrow A 61 Ring 62 Airtight sealing cap 62q Slit 62s Hermetically sealed cap neck 63 Ribs 71 First part of hermetic sealing cap 72 Handle 73 Hinge 74 Second part of hermetic sealing cap 81 Intake filter 82 Compressor 83 Three-way valve 84 Pressure Sensor 85 Safety valve 86 Bypass orifice 87 Condensate Block 88 Drain valve 89 Orifice, flow constriction 91 Ring Elements 101 Protrusion 101a: first side of protrusion 101 101b: second side of protrusion 101 102 CPU retention latch 103 Arm 104 Handle 105 Spring elements 107 Guide / support elements 111 CPU Outer Shape 112 CPU receiving opening shape 113 Protrusion 114 Mating features for receiving and engaging projection 113 121 Wall structure 122 Cooling Channel 123 Product Outlet 124 Motor 125 CPU Enclosure 128 Product Release Area 136 Product Outlet

Claims

1. 1. A foam product dispensing system comprising: a product distribution machine (B) configured to receive a replaceable product container (H); a product container (H) adapted to cooperate with said product distribution machine (B) after being placed in said product distribution machine (B); The product container (H) contains a foamable food product (P), said product container (H) is equipped with a product processing unit (CPU) including a foaming device (15) having a product inlet (15i) for receiving the product (P) and a product outlet (15u) for discharging the product (P), said processing unit (CPU) being connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to said product (P); said product processing unit (CPU) comprising, upstream of said whipping device (15), a product through-connecting channel (PFC) closable by a valve member (50); the product processing unit (CPU) comprises a fluid feedthrough channel (FFC) upstream of the whipping device (15); the valve member (50) is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid through-connecting channel (FFC) of the product processing unit (CPU) and a fluid source of the product distribution machine (B); The system, wherein the product processing unit (CPU) comprises a processing device (7) arranged downstream of the foaming device (15) so as to carry out mixing and / or pressure reduction procedures on the gas-fed product.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the distribution machine (B) includes a valve actuator (VA) configured to cooperate with the valve member (50) of the product container (H) arranged to move the valve member (50) between a product through-connection state and a product flow blocking state, the valve member (50) being at least rotatable between the product through-connection state and the product flow blocking state.

3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve member (50) comprises a fluid passage (51) configured to connect to a fluid injector (FI) of the distribution machine (B) when the product container (H) is in an operating position in the machine (B), the fluid passage (51) of the valve member (50) is coincident with or parallel to a rotation axis of the valve member (50), the distribution machine (B) is configured to supply a drying or dried fluid under overpressure to the fluid through-connection channel (FFC) of the product processing unit (CPU) of the arranged product container (H), and the system comprises an air dryer for supplying the drying or dried fluid.

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution machine (B) is designed to cool the product container (H) containing the product processing unit (CPU) so that the temperature of the product (P) in the product container (H) contained in the product processing unit (CPU) is less than 10°C.

5. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the product distribution machine (B) comprises a container receiving space (Hs) for receiving the product containers (H), and the product containers (H) are replaceable from each of the container receiving spaces (Hs).

6. 6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the product container (H) comprises a flexible bag (FB) filled with the foamable product (P) to be released.

7. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the product container (H) and / or the container receiving space (Hs) comprise a fluid inlet (Hi) for receiving fluid from a respective fluid outlet (FO) of the product distribution machine (B) which connects to a fluid inlet (Hi) after the product container (H) is placed in the machine (B) in order to pressurize the product container (H).

8. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the foaming device (15) is provided with a fine filtration wall (15a) having gas permeable holes, the fine filtration wall (15a) separating a gas supply space (15d) associated with the fluid supply source from a foaming channel (15b) associated with the product inlet (15i), the length of the foaming channel (15b) measured in the product flow direction being at most 10 cm, and the size of the pore diameter of the gas permeable holes being in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns.

9. 9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the foaming device (15) comprises a housing (15h) with a product inlet (15i) for supplying a product (P), a gas inlet (8) for supplying gas, and an outlet (15u) for discharging the gas-containing product, the gas inlet (8) terminating in a gas-containing space (15d) separated from the product inlet (15i) and the outlet (15u) by a fine filtering wall (15a).

10. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the product distribution machine is provided with a control unit (CU) operable by a user via a user interface or operating device of the machine (B), the control unit (CU) being configured to control fluid flow and product flow to the processing unit (CPU).

11. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the product processing unit (CPU) includes an airtight seal configured to prevent gas flow from the product processing unit (CPU) to the product container (H) prior to initial use of the product container (H) and to provide a passage for product (P) flow from the product container to the product processing unit (CPU) during use of the product container (H).

12. A system for dispensing foamed products according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the processing unit (CPU) is connectable to a gas supply for supplying gas to the product (P); The system wherein the gas source is a throttled flow gas source.

13. A product container (H) containing a foamable product (P), obviously adapted to be part of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a product processing unit (CPU) including a foaming device (15) having a product inlet (15i) for receiving the product (P) and a product outlet (15u) for discharging the product (P), the processing unit (CPU) is connectable to a fluid supply for supplying gas to the product; said product processing unit (CPU) comprising a processing device (7) arranged downstream of said foaming device (15) for carrying out mixing and / or decompression procedures on the gassed product, said product processing unit (CPU) comprising, upstream of said whipping device (15), a product through-connecting channel (PFC) closable by a valve member (50); A product container (H), wherein the product processing unit (CPU) includes a fluid through-connection channel (FFC) upstream of the whipping device (15), and the valve member (50) is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid through-connection channel (FFC) of the product processing unit (CPU) and a fluid source of the distribution machine (B).

14. 1. A method for dispensing a foamed product, comprising: Receiving in the product dispensing machine (B) an exchangeable product container (H) containing a foamable food product (P) and provided with a whipping device (15) and a product through-connecting channel (PFC) closable by a valve member (50); Discharging the product from said product container (H); moving the valve member (50) from a product flow blocking condition to a product through connecting condition; supplying gas at an overpressure to the product (P) through the fluid passage of the valve member (50) and through the foaming device (15) to introduce gas bubbles into the product (P) in order to form a uniform foam; The method includes:

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of cooling the product container (H) containing the whipping device (15) so that the temperature of the product (P) in the container (H) containing the whipping device (15) is below 10°C.

Images