Double membrane valve with inserted ring

Abstract

To provide a robust valve that can guarantee drive systems with further durability and never allow compressed air used for driving them to reach a flexible container connected to them.SOLUTION: A pneumatic operation valve 19 includes: a valve body 29; an inlet dust 22 connected to the valve body 29; an outlet duct 21 connected to the valve body 29; intercepting means 7 and 20 acting so as to selectively intercept or allow connection between the inlet duct 22 and the outlet duct 21; and a control chamber 27 related to the valve body 29. The control chamber 27 includes a first deformable membrane and a second deformable membrane that are adapted to form a flexible wall that defines the extent of a closed sealing space within the control chamber 27 and act on the intercepting means 7 and 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field relating to machines for producing ice cream, more precisely soft serve ice cream, and more generally liquid or semi-liquid food products.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the valve-forming part of the circuit that supplies the base product in these machines, from which the finished liquid or semi-liquid is subsequently obtained and dispensed. [Background technology]

[0003] In the ice cream industry in question, (soft) ice cream machines are known which comprise a batch freezing cylinder (or chamber) associated to a refrigeration system and equipped with an agitator.

[0004] Batch freezing cylinders allow the production of a final product (gelato or soft serve ice cream) from a base mixture that is appropriately measured and prepared in a separate container and delivered from said separate container.

[0005] The base mix is ​​fed to the batch freezing cylinder from a suitable container, i.e. a flexible feed container, which essentially comprises a flexible bag, the wall of which is provided with an opening through which the product is fed.

[0006] These flexible supply containers are configured to deform when product is extracted from them, in other words, the volume of the flexible supply containers depends on the amount of product they contain.

[0007] The product removed from the flexible supply container is led to the batch freezing cylinder of the machine by a circuit made up of a duct system connecting the supply container to the processing (batch freezing) chamber.

[0008] Each of the ducts is attached to a corresponding supply vessel by a pneumatically operated shut-off valve which is associated with the corresponding vessel in a known manner.

[0009] Each valve can be activated and deactivated, independently of the other valves, if any, by a pneumatic control signal received through a corresponding duct connected to a compressed air source via an intervening control means driven by the main control unit of the machine.

[0010] The valve comprises a deformable membrane which receives air pressure generated by a pneumatic control system to actuate a shutoff system.Industrial operators often complain about valve integrity problems.

[0011] In other words, if the valve is exposed to overpressure (for example due to a malfunction of the control and drive system), or due to wear or problems with the valve's material construction or sudden pressure changes, there is always a risk that the membrane will break under the air pressure, allowing pressurized air to pass through the valve body and reach the flexible supply container, rupturing it and spilling its contents into the machine.

[0012] In the event of this highly undesirable occurrence, the machine must be shut down and thoroughly cleaned in order to restore proper sanitation and make it function properly. Additionally, the need to replace wasted product and broken containers with new containers filled with product is also a factor to consider.

[0013] Therefore, a need is particularly felt in the industry to be able to rely on robust valves that can guarantee more durable actuation systems and never allow the compressed air used to actuate them to reach the flexible containers to which they are connected. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to overcoming the above-mentioned shortcomings, i.e., fulfilling the above-mentioned needs.

[0015] More specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a valve for controlling the supply of product drawn from a corresponding flexible container in a machine for producing ice cream or liquid or semi-liquid products, the valve having a structural configuration that ensures correct operation at all times.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve that allows an operator to quickly and clearly identify a situation in which the valve, or a portion thereof, is damaged or not functioning properly, thereby preventing use of the valve under conditions that are potentially hazardous to human health.

[0017] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products comprising the above valve, which prevents the pressurized air used in its operation from breaking the flexible container and spilling the base product contained therein inside the machine, thus avoiding long machine downtimes.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, these objects are achieved by a valve and a machine which form the subject of the present disclosure and which include the technical features recited in one or more of the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] In relation to the above objectives, the technical features of the present disclosure are clearly set forth in the following claims, and the advantages thereof will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products including a valve of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a valve mounted on the machine of FIG. 1 for producing a liquid or semi-liquid product. [Diagram 3-4] 3A and 3B are a complete side view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the valve of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] The valve is shown diagrammatically with some parts removed in an exploded view to better illustrate its components. [Figure 6] 1 shows a detailed view of the components of the valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 indicates an apparatus or machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products.

[0021] In particular, the machine 1 makes it possible to produce ice cream products, more precisely, it makes it possible to produce one or more of the following products: handmade gelato, soft ice cream, sorbet.

[0022] With more particular reference to Figure 1, the machine 1 comprises a frame 2 on which are mounted supply containers 3 (for example, three such containers are shown in Figure 1, but there may be any number of them, even just one container). Each supply container 3 has deformable walls and contains a liquid or semi-liquid base mix. The volume occupied by each first container 3 thus depends on the amount of base mix or additional product contained therein.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the containers 3 are preferably placed on suitable support means 9 operatively associated with the frame 2 and connected to a network 15 of transport ducts 8 .

[0024] There is a pump 25 (at least one) operating in the network 15 of ducts 8, for example a peristaltic pump, which draws the base mixture or additional product from the supply container 3 and delivers it via an end section of the network 15 of ducts 8 to the processing chamber 5 (more precisely, the batch freezing chamber).

[0025] It should be noted that in an embodiment not shown, each supply container 3 may be connected to the batch freezing chamber 5 by a corresponding connecting duct 8 and associated pump 25 (the connecting duct 8 and associated pump 25 are dedicated to only one supply container 3).

[0026] Preferably, a transfer pump 25 is operatively connected to each supply container 3. It should be noted that the valve 19 allows for establishing a fluid connection between the corresponding supply container 3 and the pump 25 when it is in an open position, and forbidding the fluid connection between the corresponding supply container 3 and the pump 25 when it is in a closed position.

[0027] In the treatment chamber 5 the base mixture is mixed by an agitator whilst a heat treatment means works in conjunction with the agitator to convert the base mixture into a liquid or semi-liquid product.

[0028] It should be noted that the means for thermally treating the base mixture includes a thermodynamic system (not shown) with at least one heat exchanger (evaporator) associated with the treatment chamber 5 .

[0029] Preferably, the thermal system includes a hydraulic circuit with a heat exchanger fluid and operating according to a thermodynamic cycle.

[0030] A transfer pump 25 operably disposed between the supply container 3 and the processing chamber 5 thus transfers the product from the supply container 3 to the processing chamber 5 .

[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the transport duct 8 connecting the supply container 3 to the processing chamber 5 is configured to operatively connect each supply container 3 to the processing chamber 5 (selectively) to allow the withdrawal of base mixture or additional product from each supply container 3 in the required amount as required in each case.

[0032] The general operation of the machine 1 and its components is ensured and controlled by an electronic, operating and control unit 11 .

[0033] More specifically, for selectively connecting the supply containers 3 to the transfer duct 8 , there are a number of pneumatically operated valves 19 , each associated with one of the supply containers 3 .

[0034] An interface (not shown) is connected to the operation and control unit 11 of the machine 1 and its components and is provided with control commands which can be operated to control the valve 19 to (selectively) fluidly connect one of the supply containers 3 to the processing chamber 5.

[0035] In practice, the interface allows a control signal to be sent to the operation and control unit 11, which selectively opens one of the valves 19 (based on the selection made) depending on the received control signal.

[0036] 2 to 4, each pneumatically operated valve 19 comprises a valve body 29 with an inlet duct 22 and an outlet duct 21 .

[0037] The inlet duct 22 of the valve 19 is connected to a corresponding supply container 3 containing the base product or additive, and the outlet duct 21 of the valve 19 attached to the valve body 29 is connected to the transport duct 8 of the network 15.

[0038] There are shut-off means 7, 20 operating inside the valve 19 for selectively shutting off or allowing the connection between the inlet duct 22 and the outlet duct 21. The shut-off means 7, 20 comprise a shutter 20 acting on the end wall of the inlet duct 22 and a stem 7 extending longitudinally within the valve body 29.

[0039] For actuating the shutter 20 by the stem 7 there is a control chamber 27 associated with the valve body 29 opposite the inlet duct 22 .

[0040] The control chamber 27 comprises a first shell 12 attached to (made integrally with) the valve body 29 and a second shell 13 associated with the first shell 12 through the outer periphery of a first deformable membrane 28 constituting a flexible wall that defines a closed, sealed space in the control chamber 27. The outer periphery is located between the first shell 12 and the second shell 13. The closed, sealed space can be selectively connected to a source of pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air, to deform the deformable membrane 28 and actuate the shutter 20 by means of the stem 7.

[0041] In addition to the first deformable membrane 28, the control chamber also has a second deformable membrane 24 adapted to define a closed space and mechanically connected to the stem 7 and operatively acting thereon to actuate the shutter 20.

[0042] More specifically, the arrangement of the components of the valve 19 is such that the second deformable membrane 24 is disposed between the first deformable membrane 28 and the blocking means 7, 20, and the outer peripheral edges of both membranes 24, 28 are further disposed between the first shell 12 and the second shell 13.

[0043] More specifically, the peripheral edges of the two membranes 24, 28 may be in contact with each other.

[0044] In operation, when the closed, enclosed space is connected to a source of pressurized fluid, the second deformable membrane 24 deforms and pushes against the first deformable membrane 28 until it also deforms.

[0045] Collectively, the deformation of the two deformable membranes 24, 28 generates a thrust force acting on the stem 7 which displaces the shutter 20 to free the end of the inlet duct 22, thereby causing the valve 19 to assume an open configuration. It is noted that the second deformable membrane 24 has one face that directly faces the corresponding face of the first membrane 28.

[0046] In other words, at least a portion of the first deformable membrane 28 and the corresponding portion of the second deformable membrane 24 have no other components or portions of the valve 19 between them, so that when the second deformable membrane 24 deforms, it at least partially contacts the first deformable membrane 28, which in turn deforms the first deformable membrane 28.

[0047] The elastic means including a helical spring 23 has a first end supportably mounted against the inside of the first shell 12 and a second end opposite the first end acting on the side of the first or second membrane 28, 24 facing the stem 7.

[0048] The spring 23 acts on the membranes 28 , 24 to return and / or hold the shutter 20 in the position in which it closes the inlet duct 22 .

[0049] In this manner, a normally closed pneumatically operated valve 19 is created by the effect of the elastic reaction of the helical spring 23.

[0050] The enclosed space is connected to a source of pressurized fluid via a spigot 6 which originates from the second shell 13 and connects to a tube 18, for example a hose.

[0051] The pipe 18 leads to a compressed air distributor 17 controlled by a control unit 11 which commands the activation of a valve 19 when it should be opened and the deactivation of the valve 19 when it should be closed.

[0052] It should be noted that normally, i.e. when no compressed air is supplied to the valve 19 (more precisely, when no compressed air is supplied to the control duct 18), the shutter 20 is in a position in which it blocks the connection between the inlet duct 22 and the outlet duct 21.

[0053] The provision of two membranes, first and second 28 and 24, for sealing the closed space, in addition to giving greater structural strength to the deformable assembly which they constitute, also makes it possible to generate a safety system for the valve, such that a break in the first or second membrane 28, 24 causes the seal of the closed space to be broken towards the external environment, thereby preventing the pressurized fluid from flowing back through the inlet or outlet ducts 22, 21 which are protected by the membranes which remain throughout.

[0054] In particular, if one of the membranes breaks, it prevents pressurized air from flowing through the inlet duct 22 to reach the supply container 3 and therefore cannot break the supply container 3 and spill its contents onto the frame 2 of the machine 1. The problems mentioned in the introduction of the specification are therefore avoided.

[0055] The valves 19 described so far are thus installed in a machine 1 for the production of liquid or semi-liquid food products obtained from base products and / or additional products contained in corresponding supply containers 3 and withdrawn via a network 15 of transport ducts 8 leading to the treatment chamber 5.

[0056] The valves 19 can be activated and deactivated independently of the remaining valves 19 to connect and disconnect the corresponding supply container 3 to the network of transport ducts 15 and the processing chamber 5 .

[0057] The machine 1 also includes a compressor 16 adapted to generate compressed air, which is then selectively routed to a compressed air distributor 17 connected to the compressor 16 according to commands received from the operation and control unit 11.

[0058] A plurality of supply hoses 18 connect the compressed air distributor 17 to the valves 19 to provide a flow of compressed air to each of the valves. In effect, the compressed air distributor 17 is configured such that it can discharge an air flow to each of the valves 19 independently.

[0059] The presence of various supply vessels 3 with their respective independently controllable valves 19 allows for a very quick, easy and reliable changeover from one supply vessel to another, thereby avoiding long machine downtimes.

[0060] The fact that the valve 19 is pneumatic and that the machine 1 is equipped with a compressor 16 and a compressed air distributor 17 means that the processing chamber 5 is able to deliver in a particularly reliable manner any type of basic ice cream product under all typical shop working conditions.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a dispenser 39 connected to the treatment chamber 5 for dispensing the product from the treatment chamber 5 .

[0062] In this way, all the above objectives are achieved.

[0063] More specifically, a valve is provided for controlling the supply of product drawn from a corresponding flexible container in a machine for producing ice cream or liquid or semi-liquid products, said valve having a structural configuration which ensures its correct operation at all times or in any case prevents the pressurized air used for its operation from reaching the container to which it is connected.

[0064] In this way, a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products is provided which is equipped with the above-mentioned valve, preventing the pressurized air used in its operation from destroying the flexible container and spilling the base product contained therein onto the machine, thus avoiding long machine downtimes.

[0065] It should be noted that the first deformable membrane 28 is preferably bonded to the first shell 12 .

[0066] Preferably, the first deformable membrane 28 is rigidly attached (welded) to the first shell 12 .

[0067] Preferably, the first deformable membrane 28 is induction welded to the first shell 12 .

[0068] Similarly, the second deformable membrane 24 is preferably coupled to the second shell 13 .

[0069] Preferably, the second deformable membrane 24 is rigidly attached (welded) to the second shell 13 .

[0070] Preferably, the second deformable membrane 24 is induction welded to the second shell 13 .

[0071] It should therefore be noted that the first shell 12, which is coupled to the first deformable membrane 28, is mechanically connected to the second shell 13, which is coupled to the second membrane 24.

[0072] The valve therefore comprises coupling means A configured to reversibly but securely couple the first shell 12 to the second shell 13 to define the aforementioned mechanical connection between the two. More specifically, in a possible embodiment, the coupling means A comprises a fastening screw, the first and second shells 12, 13 being provided with female threaded insertion holes 41 arranged such that when the valve 19 is in the assembled configuration they are aligned with each other and can receive the fastening screw.

[0073] More specifically, these insertion holes 41 can be arranged, for example, in the outer periphery of the shells 12,13.

[0074] It should be noted that generally speaking, when the first and second shells 12, 13 are joined together, the joint between them is not a hermetic joint (does not have a fluid seal), whatever the structure of the joining means A.

[0075] Thus, if the first membrane 28 breaks, the base liquid contained inside the supply container 3 will flow out of the valve 19 (through the bonded area between the first and second shells).

[0076] In this way, the damage is immediately noticeable to the operator, who becomes immediately aware of the failure of valve 19.

[0077] Similarly, note that if the second membrane 24 were to break, pressurized air would escape (when the valve is actuated) through the bonded area between the first shell 12 and the second shell 13. Again, in this case the failure would be immediately noticeable to the operator because of the abnormal sound made by the pressurized air escaping through the valve 19.

[0078] Thus, the mechanical bond between the first shell 12 and the second shell 13 is not, in this particular case, a fluid-tight bond formed by combining the protrusions 40 and the insertion holes 41 .

[0079] More precisely, the bond between the first shell 12 and the second shell 13 defines a space between the first membrane 28 and the second membrane 24 that is free of a fluid seal.

[0080] Structurally, the aforementioned space is created by disposing a spacer element D between the first deformable membrane 28 and the second deformable membrane 24 so as to form a fluid-non-sealed intermediate chamber.

[0081] This prevents the formation of a negative pressure in the control chamber 27 between the two membranes 24, 28 during operation of the valve 19 which would cause the two membranes to stick together and therefore not function properly.

[0082] The spacer element D prevents the two membranes 24, 28 from adhering to each other and creating a sort of "vacuum" region that would alter the operating conditions of the valve.

[0083] In effect, when the two membranes 24, 28 are attached to one another, they can no longer be moved independently, and furthermore, if one of the membranes breaks, the operator will not perceive the resulting leakage of air / base product, because the other membrane, which is attached to it, will temporarily seal the broken area.

[0084] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the spacer element D comprises an annular member adapted to engage peripheral portions of the first and second deformable membranes 24,28, respectively.

[0085] More specifically, the annular members may bear against portions of the deformable membranes 24,28 that bear directly against (and radially inwardly relative to) the outer periphery fixedly connected to the respective shells 12,13.

[0086] Alternatively, the annular member may be sized to abut against the outer periphery so that it is disposed completely between the two deformable membranes 24,28.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the intermediate chamber has a substantially cylindrical structure bounded by the deformable membranes 24, 28 (defining its two base surfaces) and the inner wall of the annular member (defining its lateral surfaces).

[0088] It should be noted that in general, the spacer element D can also be structured differently (for example, it can have a polygonal cross section), provided that it is always able to contribute to the definition of the intermediate chamber with the deformable membranes 24, 28.

[0089] Advantageously, the annular member is provided with a number of through holes P extending radially through a side surface thereof to facilitate the passage of fluid from the intermediate chamber to the external environment.

[0090] This ensures that no negative pressure forms between the two membranes 24, 28 and therefore they do not stick to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, if one of the two deformable membranes 24, 28 breaks, the fluid on the side of the valve 19 facing the broken deformable membrane 24, 28 will reliably leak out as described above, thus quickly and accurately alerting the operator to the presence of a fault.

[0092] It should also be noted that during operation of the valve 19, the deformation of the second deformable membrane 24 causes fluid (e.g. air) to flow out of the intermediate chamber and be forced against the first deformable membrane 28, allowing the first deformable membrane 28 to deform so as to activate the blocking means 7, 20.

[0093] Preferably, the first and / or second membranes 28, 24 are made of an elastomer (even more preferably a thermoplastic elastomer).

[0094] It should be noted that the use of a thermoplastic elastomer for the first and / or second membranes 28,24 advantageously allows for welding to the respective shells 12,13.

[0095] Regarding the first shell 12 and / or the second shell 13, it should be noted that the first shell 12 and / or the second shell 13 are made of a resin (preferably an acetal resin).

[0096] According to another aspect, described is a machine for producing a liquid or semi-liquid food product, the machine comprising: Frame 2 and at least one (preferably several) deformable supply containers 3 for containing a liquid or semi-liquid base mixture, the volume occupied by each first container 3 depending on the amount of base mixture in said first container 3; a processing chamber 5 for the base mixture, comprising an agitator and heat treatment means for processing the base mixture, the agitator and heat treatment means working in conjunction to convert the base mixture into a liquid or semi-liquid product; a network 15 of transport ducts 8 connecting the supply containers 3 to the processing chambers 5, the network 15 of transport ducts 8 being configured to operatively connect each of the supply containers 3 to the processing chambers 5 and to allow the transfer of the base mixture from each of the supply containers 3 to the processing chambers 5; and an electronic control unit 11 for operating and controlling the machine 1, the network 15 of transport ducts 8 being connected to a plurality of pneumatically actuated valves 19 (of the type described above), each valve associated with one of the supply containers 3 being activated and deactivated independently of the remaining valves 19, enabling the corresponding container 3 to be connected to the treatment chamber 5.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the machine comprises support means 9 for supporting the supply container 3 and for being operatively associated with the frame 2 .

Claims

1. A pneumatically operated valve (19) comprising a valve body (29), an inlet duct (22) connected to said valve body (29), an outlet duct (21) connected to said valve body (29), blocking means (7, 20) operative to selectively block or allow a connection between said inlet duct (22) and said outlet duct (21), and a control chamber (27) associated with said valve body (29), said control chamber (27) comprising: a first deformable membrane (28) and a second deformable membrane (24) adapted to form flexible walls defining a closed, enclosed space in said control chamber (27) and acting on said blocking means (7, 20); the valve (19) includes a spacer element (D) disposed between the first deformable membrane (28) and the second deformable membrane (24) to define an intermediate chamber between the first deformable membrane (28) and the second deformable membrane (24), the intermediate chamber not being fluid-sealed; The spacer element (D) comprises an annular member disposed against peripheral portions of the first and second deformable membranes (24, 28).

2. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the annular member has a plurality of through holes (P) for facilitating fluid flow from the intermediate chamber to an external environment.

3. 3. The valve of claim 2, wherein said plurality of through holes (P) extend radially.

4. 4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the control chamber (27) comprises a first shell (12) coupled to the valve body (29) and a second shell (13) associated with the first shell (12).

5. 5. The valve according to claim 4, comprising coupling means (A) adapted to stably connect said first shell (12) to said second shell (13).

6. 6. The valve of claim 5, wherein the coupling means (A) comprises a fastening screw, and the first and second shells (12, 13) are provided with a plurality of insertion holes (41), at least some of the plurality of insertion holes (41) being threaded and adapted to receive the fastening screw to enable the first shell (12) and the second shell (13) to be coupled to each other without a fluid seal.

7. 7. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the second deformable membrane (24) is arranged with one surface directly facing a corresponding surface of the first deformable membrane (28).

8. 8. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blocking means (7, 20) comprise a shutter (20) acting on the inlet duct (22) and operatively associated with the first and second membranes (28, 24), the first and second membranes (28, 24) comprising elastic means acting on the first and second membranes (28, 24) to return and / or hold the shutter (20) in a position for closing the inlet duct (22).

9. 9. A valve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shutter (20) is connected to the first and second membranes (28, 24) by a stem (7) extending along the valve body (29), and the elastic means comprises a helical spring (23) having a first end abutting the inside of the first shell (12) and a second end abutting either side of the first or second membrane (28, 24) facing the stem (7).

10. A valve according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the shutter (20) acts on an end wall of the inlet duct (22).

11. The valve of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pneumatically operated valve (19) is a normally closed valve (19).

12. 12. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the closed space is connected to a source of pressurized fluid by a spigot (6) which starts from the second shell (13) and opens into a tube (18) which connects to a compressed air distributor (17) operatively controlled by a control unit (11) which commands the activation of the valve (19) when it has to be opened and commands the deactivation of the valve (19) when it is to be closed.

13. A machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprising: Frame (2); a plurality of deformable supply containers (3) containing a liquid or semi-liquid base mixture, the volume occupied by each first container (3) depending on the amount of base mixture in said first container (3); a processing chamber (5) for said base mixture, comprising an agitator and heat treatment means for processing said base mixture, said agitator and heat treatment means cooperating with each other to convert said base mixture into a liquid or semi-liquid product; a network (15) of transport ducts (8) configured to connect the plurality of supply vessels (3) to the treatment chambers (5) and to allow operative connection of each of the plurality of supply vessels (3) to the treatment chambers (5), for transporting the base mixture from each of the plurality of supply vessels (3) to the treatment chambers (5); an electronic control unit (11) for operating and controlling the machine (1), said network (15) of transfer ducts (8) is connected to a plurality of pneumatically actuated valves (19), each of said valves associated with one of said plurality of supply vessels (3) being actuated and deactivated independently of the remaining valves (19) to allow said corresponding vessel (3) to communicate with said treatment chamber (5); A machine, wherein each of said plurality of valves (19) is formed in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. The machine of claim 13, further comprising an interface with control commands connected to the operation and control unit (11) and operable to control the plurality of valves (19) to selectively place one of the plurality of supply containers (3) in fluid communication with the processing chamber (5).

15. 15. The machine of claim 13 or 14, comprising at least one transfer pump (25) operably arranged between the plurality of supply vessels (3) and the treatment chamber (5) for transferring fluid from the plurality of supply vessels (3) to the treatment chamber (5).

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