Systems and methods for preparing liquid products - Patents.com

Abstract

A system for preparing a liquid product, such as a beverage. The system includes a product preparation assembly including a concentrate holder for holding a product concentrate, a product feed-through channel, and a concentrate supply channel for delivering a flow of the product concentrate from the holder to the product feed-through channel. The concentrate supply channel includes a valve member for regulating the flow of the product concentrate, the valve member being movable relative to the concentrate supply channel between a first position in which the flow of the concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of the concentrate is enabled. The system includes a product preparation device configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly. The device includes a liquid injector for supplying a flow of liquid to the product feed-through channel, particularly via the valve member, the liquid injector being configured to engage the valve member to move the valve member. The device includes a controller configured to automatically control movement of the valve member through actuation of the liquid injector along a range of positions, the range of positions extending between a first position and a second position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for preparing liquid products, such as beverages. [Background technology]

[0002] Such systems and methods are generally known. By way of example, WO 2014 / 069993 A1 describes a system for preparing a foamed food product, said system comprising a product preparation device for preparing said foamed food product and a disposable assembly for the foamed food product.

[0003] The disposable assembly of the known system comprises: a holder for containing the liquid food product in concentrated form; an eductor; a microfiltration device; a transfer tube connecting the outlet of the eductor with the product inlet of the microfiltration device; a concentrated liquid food product tube connecting the holder with the concentrated liquid food inlet of the eductor; a water inlet tube connecting the water inlet of the eductor with a water connection of the disposable assembly, the water connection being configured to connect to an external water source under pressure, the liquid food inlet of the eductor being positioned between the water inlet and the outlet of the eductor; a gas inlet tube connecting the microfiltration device with a gas connection of the disposable assembly, the gas connection being configured to connect to an external gas source under pressure; and a foamed food product outlet tube connecting the outlet of the microfiltration device with an outlet connection of the disposable assembly for discharging the foamed food product produced by the microfiltration device from the disposable assembly.

[0004] The product preparation apparatus of the known system includes a water source; a heater for heating water; means for pressurizing water, the means for pressurizing water being configured to be removably connected to a water connection of the disposable assembly to supply water to a water inlet of an eductor of the disposable assembly; and a pressurized gas source, the means for pressurizing water being configured to be removably connected to a gas connection of the disposable assembly to supply pressurized gas to a gas inlet of a microfiltration device.

[0005] Although known systems have many advantages, a need has arisen for further improvements with regard to more precise control of the liquid product preparation process, in particular to provide superior product quality under various operating conditions and / or for various product composition specifications. Various operating conditions relate, for example, to variable flow rates of the water supply to the disposable assembly, for example by integrating the system with another system. Various product composition specifications relate, for example, to user-selectable specifications, presented, for example, as recipes, which may include, possibly among other variables, various firmness levels of the dispensed foamed food product.

[0006] WO 2016 / 043590 A1 briefly discloses an eductor suitable for use in an assembly for preparing a liquid product, characterized in that an injector valve on its outer surface includes two annular projections spaced apart from each other by a distance at least equal to the distance between a first position and a second position of the injector valve, each annular projection engaging with an inner surface of a cylindrical wall to form a seal therewith, said annular projections forming an annular chamber together with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, said projections being configured to isolate the annular chamber from fluid communication with any environment outside the annular projections. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially meet the above or related needs, in particular while retaining the advantages of exemplary known systems. An object is to provide improved systems and methods for preparing liquid products, in particular under a range of potentially varying conditions and / or product specifications, in which in particular control of the product preparation process is improved. An object is to provide such systems and methods, in particular in which one or more product quality parameters may be controlled to meet user preferences, i.e. user adjustable or tailored product quality, providing improved product quality and / or product hygiene compared to known systems or methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To that end, one aspect of the disclosure provides a system for preparing a liquid product, such as a beverage. The system includes a product preparation assembly including a concentrate holder for holding a product concentrate, a product feed-through channel, and a concentrate supply channel for delivering a flow of the product concentrate from said holder to said product feed-through channel. The concentrate supply channel includes a valve member for regulating the flow of the product concentrate, the valve member being movable relative to the concentrate supply channel between a first position in which the flow of the concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of the concentrate is enabled.

[0009] The system includes a product preparation device configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly. The device includes a liquid injector for supplying a liquid flow to the product feed-through channel, inter alia, via a valve member, the liquid injector configured to engage the valve member to move the valve member. The device includes a controller configured to automatically control movement of the valve member along a range of positions, e.g., by actuation of the liquid injector during supply of the liquid flow, the range of positions extending between a first position and a second position.

[0010] Controlling the movement may include adjusting the position of the valve member along a range of positions, in particular subsequently positioning the valve member at different positions along the range of positions, such as subsequently to a first position, an intermediate position between the first and second positions and to the second position, and / or vice versa.

[0011] Such a controller allows for improved control of the properties of the dispensed product, in particular the ratio between the flow of product concentrate and the flow of liquid may for example be suitably controlled such that said ratio is less or not dependent on the potentially variable flow rate of the flow of liquid. Such a variable flow rate may be related to a variable supply of gas (e.g. air) that may be supplied to foam the product, for example gas supplied by a gas injector as described elsewhere in this disclosure. Thus, such properties, for example said ratio, may also be varied during the product dispensing process, if desired, for example, in terms of user preferences regarding the dispensed product. In this way, beverages may be dispensed in which, for example, the consistency of the foamed product varies gradually within the beverage, in particular along the axial and / or radial dimensions of the beverage dispensed in a substantially cylindrical container such as a cup or mug.

[0012] The product preparation apparatus may include a gas injector, separate from the liquid injector, for supplying a flow of gas to the product preparation assembly, the product preparation assembly being configured to mix the flow of gas with the product flow, particularly in a mixing section of the product preparation assembly downstream of the product feed-through channel. Preferably, the mixing section includes a microfiltration device, the microfiltration device including gas permeable holes through which, in use, the flow of gas is delivered to the product flow.

[0013] Thus, foamed liquid products, for example foamed drinks, can be dispensed with particularly good quality and good product hygiene.

[0014] The product preparation device may include a measurement unit for measuring at least one characteristic of at least one stream, e.g., a product concentrate stream, a liquid stream, a gas stream and / or a product stream. Preferably, the controller is operatively connected to the measurement unit for receiving an input related to the at least one characteristic measured by the measurement unit, and the controller is configured to control the movement of the valve member at least partially dependent on the at least one characteristic. It is noted that, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the measurement unit and the controller may be integrated components and / or may be implemented by one controller-measurement unit, e.g., by suitable hardware, software and / or microelectronics.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the controller is configured to act as a director. For example, the controller may be configured to coordinate and control a set of functions. In particular, according to one embodiment, the controller (director) can set the water flow and can command the heater to achieve a set temperature. The controller (director) can then open the valves and can adjust both the valves (milk concentrate ratio), the gas / air ratio and / or even the water flow rate (by adjusting the heater settings) in the process of preparing a product (e.g. a beverage).

[0016] Thus, control of the product characteristics may be improved, particularly where at least one characteristic of at least one stream is substantially variable, e.g. the controller may act to limit said variation by negatively affecting the product characteristic.

[0017] The liquid injector may comprise a positioning assembly for controllably changing the position of the liquid injector relative to the product preparation assembly, in particular the concentrate supply channel, said positioning assembly including a positioning actuator, e.g. a motor, at least selectively engaged with the liquid injector, and preferably a positioning sensor, in particular an encoder, for sensing the position and / or change in position of the positioning actuator and / or the liquid injector.

[0018] Preferably, the positioning assembly includes a set of interengaged gears providing transmission between the positioning actuator and the liquid injector, the gear set including a drive gear connected to the positioning actuator and a driven gear connected to the liquid injector.

[0019] Thus, good, eg precise and / or rapid, control of the movement of the valve member may be provided.

[0020] The controller may be selectively operable in one of at least two different modes, in particular user-selectable modes, each of said modes including at least one respective rule for controlling movement of the valve member, in particular for controlling said movement in dependence on the measured value.

[0021] Thus, the product dispensing process can be easily adjusted according to user preferences.

[0022] The product preparation apparatus may be configured to gradually vary the speed of movement of the valve member along a range of positions.

[0023] Thus, one or more dispensed product characteristics can be varied relatively smoothly over the course of dispensing, resulting in superior product dispensing results.

[0024] The product preparation apparatus may then be configured to stably position the valve member in at least three different positions along a range of positions.

[0025] The three different positions may include a first position and a second position, and the three different positions may further include at least one intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Thus, the product preparation apparatus may be configured to maintain the valve member in at least one intermediate position between the first position and the second position, particularly while delivering a flow of liquid.

[0026] Thus, a flexible system is provided that can selectively provide a relatively diverse set of concentrate flow rates, thus allowing for better control of the characteristics of the dispensed product.

[0027] The product preparation assembly and the product preparation apparatus may be configured together to form an eductor pump for at least selectively pumping the product concentrate from the holder through the concentrate supply channel to the product feed-through channel, the eductor pump being driven by the flow of liquid in use.

[0028] Such eductor pumps in product preparation systems are known, for example from WO 2014 / 069993 A1, and may be advantageously integrated into a product preparation system according to the present disclosure.

[0029] The product preparation apparatus may include a heater for heating the liquid stream, particularly prior to providing the liquid stream to a product feed-through channel of the product preparation assembly.

[0030] Such heaters can provide better control of the temperature of the dispensed product. The heated liquid stream can also provide further enhancements to product properties, such as enhanced foaming of the dispensed product.

[0031] The heater is preferably controlled by said controller, in particular for setting and / or adjusting the heating of the water provided by the heater during operation. Preferably, according to one embodiment, the heater is controlled such that the device operates just below the boiling point of water (pressurized system). Preferably, the heater is controlled such that boiling of the water is prevented during operation, in particular when a foaming product is dispensed.

[0032] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a product preparation apparatus expressly configured to cooperate with a product preparation assembly, particularly to form the above-described system for preparing a liquid product, the product preparation apparatus including a liquid injector for supplying a flow of liquid to a product feed-through channel of the product preparation assembly, the liquid injector configured to engage a valve member of the product preparation assembly to controllably move the valve member, the product preparation apparatus including a controller configured to automatically control movement of the valve member along a range of positions upon actuation of the liquid injector.

[0033] Such a product preparation device can provide the advantages discussed above.

[0034] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of preparing a liquid product, the method comprising providing a system as described above for preparing a liquid product, engaging a valve member by a liquid injector, supplying a flow of liquid, inter alia, via the valve member to a product feed-through channel, and controllably, e.g. automatically, moving the valve member along a range of positions, e.g. before, during and / or after supply, by actuation of the liquid injector.

[0035] Such a method can provide the advantages mentioned above.

[0036] The method may further include obtaining measurements of a property, such as a flow, in particular a flow rate of a flow, such as a liquid flow and / or a gas flow, from the product preparation apparatus to the product preparation assembly, and controllably moving the valve member is dependent, and at least in part dependent, on the obtained measurements.

[0037] Controllably moving the valve member may include gradually varying a rate of movement of the valve member along the range of positions.

[0038] Controllably moving the valve member may then include stably positioning, e.g., maintaining, the valve member in at least three different positions along a range of positions, the three different positions including, e.g., a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position between the first and second positions.

[0039] The method may specifically include providing a flow of gas to the product preparation assembly separately from the flow of liquid.

[0040] The method may particularly include heating the liquid stream prior to delivery.

[0041] In the following, the invention will be further explained by means of exemplary embodiments and drawings, which are schematic and show examples only, in which similar or corresponding features are indicated with similar or corresponding reference signs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a system for preparing a foamed food product. [Diagram 2] Detail IV of FIG. 1 is shown on an enlarged scale. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a partial perspective view of an exemplary system for preparing a liquid product according to one embodiment, including a portion of a disposable product preparation assembly and cooperating portions of a product preparation device. [Figure 4] 4 shows a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 3. [Figure 5A] Figure 4 Detail Q showing the injector valve of the system in an inactivation position that invalidates the connection between the water inlet of the eductor and the water connection of the disposable product preparation assembly. [Figure 5B] An injector valve in an activation position that activates the connection between the water inlet of the eductor and the water connection of the disposable product preparation assembly is shown. The injector valve is in an activation position that activates the connection with the liquid food product outlet of the eductor and a holder. [Figure 5C] An injector valve in an activation position that activates the connection between the water inlet of the eductor and the water connection of the disposable product preparation assembly is shown. The injector valve is in an inactivation position that inactivates the connection with the liquid food product outlet of the eductor and a holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] In the following, a first general aspect of the exemplary system S will be described. This aspect substantially corresponds to the disclosure of WO 2014 / 069993 A1. Thereafter, the exemplary system S will be described from the perspective of the features of the present invention as described in the preamble. This feature may partially overlap with the general aspect.

[0044] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a system for preparing a liquid product, in this example a foamed food product, according to the present invention, in which the product preparation device 36 includes an injector valve actuator 56 and the disposable assembly 1 includes an injector valve 57.

[0045] The disposable assembly 1 includes, in this example, a holder 2 designed to contain up to 4 liters of milk 3 in concentrated form. This milk-based concentrate 3 contains 20 wt% to 30 wt% dry matter, preferably 23 to 27 wt% dry matter, whereas milk with a normal moisture content (also referred to herein as non-concentrated milk) contains 10 wt% dry matter. Further, in other embodiments of the present invention, the maximum amount of milk-based concentrate 3 contained within the holder 2 can be 2 to 5 liters for commercial use and 0.3 to 1 liter for household use, and in other embodiments, the milk-based concentrate can contain 20 wt% to 30 wt% dry matter, preferably 23 to 27 wt% dry matter.

[0046] The disposable assembly 1 further includes an eductor 4, a water inlet 6, a concentrated liquid food inlet 7, and a liquid food product outlet 8. There is a converging nozzle 9. The converging nozzle 9 communicates directly with the water inlet 6 and a mixing chamber that communicates directly with the liquid food product outlet 8 of the eductor 4 and a low-pressure zone 10 (formed, for example, by a diffuser or a venturi tube).

[0047] Furthermore, the disposable assembly 1 comprises a fine filtration device 11 having an air opening 16.

[0048] In the disposable assembly 1, a transfer duct 19 connects the outlet 8 of the eductor 4 to the product inlet opening of the fine filtration device 11. Further, a concentrated liquid food product duct 20 connects the holder 2 to the concentrated liquid food inlet 7 of the eductor 4, and a water inlet pipe 21 connects the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 to the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1. This water connection 22 is configured to connect to an external water source 37 via a water line 41.

[0049] The air opening 16 of the disposable assembly 1 is configured to connect to an external air source via an air line 44 in which an air compressor 46 is incorporated.

[0050] Provided within the product preparation apparatus 36 is a water reservoir 37 and a pump 38 as a means for pressurizing the water. A water line 41 extends from the water reservoir 37 through the product preparation apparatus 36 and is configured to be removably connected to the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1 for supplying water to the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 of the disposable assembly 1.

[0051] Also provided within the product preparation apparatus 36 is an opening to an air source 42, in this case the ambient atmosphere of the product preparation apparatus 36, which opening is closed by a grate to prevent larger particles from passing through the opening. An air line 44 extends from the air source 42 into the product preparation apparatus 36 and is configured to be removably connected to the air inlet or opening 16 of the disposable assembly 1 to supply air to the air inlet 16 of the microfiltration device 11 of the disposable assembly 1.

[0052] The product preparation apparatus 36 further includes an operating device 53, such as microelectronics, hardware, software, and / or a microprocessor, for controlling the operation of the product preparation apparatus 36. To this end, the operating device 53 may be connected to the relevant devices or components of the apparatus 36 via suitable wired and / or wireless control signal communication lines, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that control by the operating device 53 preferably includes active, dynamic control, sometimes referred to as directing, as opposed to a more passive or static type of control that is substantially limited, for example, to a single fixed set point. Thus, the operating device 53 is preferably configured to act as a director for actively directing the operation of the product preparation apparatus 36, and in particular the dynamic operation of its various components, in careful coordination with one another.

[0053] The injector valve actuator 56 is part of the means for pressurizing water of the product preparation apparatus 36 and is configured to engage the injector valve 57 following connection of the disposable assembly 1 to the product preparation apparatus 36, i.e. when the means for pressurizing water is connected to the water connection of the disposable assembly. The injector valve actuator 56 is operably connected to the operating device 53 via a driver 58 and a line, and in this embodiment the injector valve actuator 56 is rotatable under the control of the operating device 53.

[0054] The injector valve actuator 56 engages with the injector valve 57 after connection of the disposable assembly to the product preparation apparatus and is operable, under the control of the operating device 53, to position the injector valve 57 into an enabling position (as shown in Figure 5B), for example to enable connection between the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 and the concentrated milk connection of the disposable assembly 1, or into a disabling position (as shown in Figures 5A and 5C), for example to disable connection between the water inlet of the eductor and the concentrated milk connection of the disposable assembly.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the injector valve 57 is a rotatable injector valve and is further configured, for example by providing a suitably positioned opening, to enable the connection of the holder 2 to the liquid food product outlet 8 of the eductor 4 (as shown in figure 5B) when the injector valve 57 enables the connection of the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 to the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1, and to disable the connection of the holder 2 to the liquid food product outlet 8 of the eductor 4 (as shown in figure 5C) when the injector valve 57 enables the connection of the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 to the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1, respectively. In the position shown in figure 5C, flushing can be performed without the concentrated liquid food product being entrained and leaving the holder. As shown in figures 1, 2 and 5A-5C, the injector valve 57 is also configured to converge.

[0056] During an exemplary operation of the exemplary system for preparing a foamed food product, the operating device 53 first controls the operation of the heater 39 for heating the water and the means for pressurizing the water, in particular the pump 38, so that the water may be heated to a desired temperature (e.g. a temperature just below the boiling point). To determine the water temperature, the operating device 53 may be connected to and / or provided with or associated with a water temperature sensor (not shown), which may for example be located at or near the heater or downstream of the heater to measure the temperature of the heated water.

[0057] After a predefined time has elapsed since the operating device 53 activated the heater 39 and the pump 38, the operating device 53 activates and rotates the injector valve actuator 56, which rotates the injector valve 57, biased in the deactivated position, into the activated position by engaging with the injector valve actuator 56. The heated water, already under pressure, is then sent to the eductor 4, which, by activating the connection to the holder 2, entrains the concentrated liquid food product 3 out of the holder 2. A foaming process then takes place, in which air is introduced into the mixture of concentrated liquid food product 3 and heated water, in particular through the gas permeable holes of the microfiltration device 11.

[0058] After a dose of foamed food product, i.e. milk foam in this case, has been dispensed, the operating device 53 first controls the injector valve actuator 56 to rotate the injector valve 57 to the disabled position and, after a predefined time, e.g. 2-10 seconds, shuts off the heater 39 and the pump 38 and optionally the air compressor 46. Alternatively, the operating device 53 may shut off the heater 39 at a certain point before rotating the injector valve 57 to the disabled position, in particular to allow excess / residual heat from the heater 39 to be dissipated.

[0059] The invention allows the preparation of pourable hot foams, such as cappuccino, latte macchiato and other hot milk drinks, with or without added flavours. In a further embodiment, for this purpose the product is whipped with a minimum overrun of 10% and immediately after dispensing obtains / has a temperature of 50-85° C., preferably 60-70° C., most preferably 65-68° C. The product may for example be mainly pourable (e.g. the overrun is less than 100%).

[0060] Alternatively, the invention allows the preparation of cold and well-chilled beverages, such as milk drinks, milkshakes, ranch drinks, etc. In this case, the products may for example have a minimum overrun of 10% and a temperature below 20° C., preferably between −5 and 10° C. The cold products to be dispensed may mainly be pourable and may include for example sweet or conversely salted products, fermented milk products.

[0061] The present invention is particularly suitable for preparing ice cream or (milk) shakes. The ice cream or (milk) shake products may have an overrun in the range of 10% to 200% and a temperature below 0° C. (preferably a temperature in the range of −10° C. to −2° C.).

[0062] The invention can be used with relatively low pressures (pressure of air supplied to the specifically mentioned air supply space), for example pressures below 0.2 MPa, such that the mentioned products undergo an overrun of more than 100%, in particular 150% or more, in particular 200% or more. The invention can be used with relatively low temperatures, for example temperatures below 0° C., such that the mentioned products undergo an overrun of more than 100%, in particular 150% or more, in particular 200% or more.

[0063] In the following, the exemplary system S is further described in terms of the features of the invention as described in the introduction, which may partially overlap with the general aspect of said system described above. In the following description, different terms may be used for the same elements compared to the above description of the general aspect, as is evident from the associated reference signs and figures which are taken to be related to both parts of this specification. Thus, both parts of this specification are considered to be mutually complementary, and the above general aspect may be considered to be a possible detail of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The drawings show at least a portion of an exemplary system S for preparing a liquid product, e.g. a beverage. See FIG. 1 for an overall schematic view of the system S. The system S includes a product preparation assembly 1 including a concentrate holder 2 for holding a product concentrate 3, a product feed-through channel 19, and a concentrate supply channel 20 for delivering a flow of the product concentrate 3 from said holder 2 to said product feed-through channel 19. The concentrate supply channel 20 is provided with a valve member 57 for regulating the flow of the product concentrate, the valve member 57 being movable relative to the concentrate supply channel 20 between a first position in which the flow of concentrate is blocked, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5C, and a second position in which the flow of concentrate is enabled, e.g. as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0065] The system S includes a product preparation apparatus 36 configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly 1. The apparatus 36 includes a liquid injector 56 for supplying a flow of liquid to the product feed-through channel 19, inter alia, via a valve member 57, the liquid injector 56 configured to engage the valve member 57 to move the valve member 57. The apparatus includes a controller 53, 58 configured to automatically control movement of the valve member 57 along a range of positions, upon actuation of the liquid injector 56, the range of positions extending between a first position and a second position.

[0066] As will be further described, controlling the movement may include adjusting the position of the valve member 57 along a range of positions, and in particular subsequently positioning the valve member 57 at different positions along the range of positions, such as subsequently at a first position, an intermediate position between the first and second positions, and at the second position, and / or vice versa.

[0067] In the example, the controllers 53, 58 include an operating device 53 and (part of) a driver 58, and in use the operating device 53 operates the driver 58, in particular through control of a motor 60 of the driver 58. Figures 3 and 4 show details of the driver 58. It will be understood that Figures 1 and 2 show the driver 58 only very diagrammatically and that in practice the driver may be realised and arranged in various ways, as will be apparent from relevant parts of this specification and for example from Figures 3 and 4.

[0068] In an example, the product preparation apparatus 36 includes gas injectors 42, 44, 46, separate from the liquid injector 56, for supplying a gas flow to the product preparation assembly 1. The product preparation assembly 1 is configured to mix the gas flow with the product flow, particularly in a mixing section 12 of the product preparation assembly downstream of the product feedthrough channel 19, which preferably includes a microfiltration device 11 that includes gas permeable holes through which, in use, the gas flow is delivered to the product flow.

[0069] In an example, the product preparation apparatus 36 includes a measurement unit 40 for measuring at least one characteristic of at least one stream, e.g., a product concentrate stream, a liquid stream, a gas stream, and / or a product stream. The controllers 53, 58 are operatively connected to the measurement unit 40 to receive input associated with the at least one characteristic measured by the measurement unit 40, and the controllers 53, 58 are configured to control movement of the valve member 57 at least in part dependent on the at least one characteristic.

[0070] In use, in response to a measured decrease in the flow rate of the liquid stream, the controller 53, 58 may be operable to, for example, decrease the flow of concentrate by moving the valve member 57 appropriately to restrict the flow of concentrate and thereby maintain the ratio of said flows within a desired, e.g., predetermined, range. As another example, in response to a measured increase in the flow rate of the liquid stream, the controller 53, 58 may move the valve member 57 in the opposite direction to reduce said restriction. As yet another example, in response to said flow rate of the liquid stream being measured to be substantially constant, the controller 53, 58 may be operable to move the valve member to deliberately vary said ratio of flows as required, for example in accordance with a user selected recipe.

[0071] Preferably, said ratio of flows can thus be adjusted between a number of different non-zero ratios, e.g. a predefined ratio, and the controller 53, 58 may be operative to maintain such predefined ratio, e.g. for a predefined amount of time. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 53, 58 may controllably vary said ratio, e.g. by a predefined amount, for a predefined amount of time. Such maintaining and / or varying preferably includes maintaining and / or adjusting the position of the valve member 57 along a range of positions from a first position to a second position, e.g. in response to information stored in a memory of the operating device 53 and / or received information, e.g. measurement information. Such stored information may include, e.g., one or more predefined valve member positions and / or speeds, calibration information and / or control rules. Said ratio of flows can thus be adjusted, e.g. while the flow of liquid is being dispensed and / or while a product is being so prepared.

[0072] In an example, the liquid injector 56 comprises a positioning assembly 58 for controllably varying the position of the liquid injector 56 relative to the product preparation assembly 1, in particular relative to the concentrate supply channel 20. The positioning assembly 58 includes a positioning actuator 60, e.g. a motor 60, at least selectively engaged with the liquid injector 56, and preferably a positioning sensor 61, in particular an encoder 61, for sensing the position and / or position changes of the positioning actuator 60 and / or the liquid injector 56. Preferably, the positioning assembly 58 includes a set of inter-engaged gears 62, 63 providing transmission between the positioning actuator 60 and the liquid injector 56, the set of gears 62, 63 including a drive gear 62 connected to the positioning actuator 60 and a driven gear 63 connected to the liquid injector 56.

[0073] In an example, the controllers 53, 58 are selectively operable in one of at least two different modes, in particular user-selectable modes, each of said modes including at least one respective rule for controlling the movement of the valve member 57, in particular for controlling said movement in dependence on a measurement value. Such rules may include, for example, a relationship to be controlled between the respective liquid flows and the product concentrate, as described above for the measuring unit. Such rules may thus be derived from a user-selected option, e.g. a recipe, for product dispensing.

[0074] In an example, product preparation device 36 is configured to gradually change the speed of movement of valve member 57 along a range of positions.

[0075] In an example, product preparation device 36 is then configured to stably position valve member 57 in at least three different positions along a range of positions.

[0076] Herein, the three different positions include a first position (see Fig. 5A, Fig. 5C) and a second position (see Fig. 5B), and the three different positions further include at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions. One such intermediate position IP is shown in Fig. 5B, where the dashed line represents a partial outline of the valve member 57. It can be seen that in this case, in this intermediate position IP, the flow path between the inlet 7 and the outlet 8 is narrowed by the valve member 57 compared to the second position, but said flow path is not completely blocked, and thus differs from the first position.

[0077] Thus, the exemplary product preparation device 36 is configured to maintain the valve member 57 in at least one intermediate position IP between the first and second positions, particularly while delivering a flow of liquid. Although FIG. 5B shows one such intermediate position IP, it will be understood that various intermediate positions may be defined between the first and second positions, and the constriction of the flow path generally varies along a range of positions. Thus, good flow control of the product concentrate is provided by controlling the movement of the valve member 57 along a range of positions, where controlling the movement includes, for example, maintaining, e.g., stably positioning, the valve member 57 in at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions. Controlling the movement includes, for example, gradually moving the valve member 57 between different positions along the range of positions, e.g., at one or more predetermined speeds, e.g., with relatively small acceleration.

[0078] In an example, the product preparation assembly 1 and the product preparation device 36 are configured together to form an eductor pump 4 for at least selectively pumping the product concentrate from the holder 2 through the concentrate supply channel 20 to the product feed-through channel 19, the eductor pump 4 being driven by the flow of liquid during use.

[0079] In the example, product preparation device 36 includes a heater 39 for heating the liquid stream, particularly prior to providing the liquid stream to product feedthrough channel 19 of product preparation assembly 1 .

[0080] Thus, the exemplary system S is shown as including a product preparation apparatus 36 explicitly configured to cooperate with the product preparation assembly 1 to form the system S, the apparatus 36 including a liquid injector 56 for supplying a flow of liquid to a product feed-through channel 19 of the product preparation assembly 1, the liquid injector 56 configured to engage a valve member 57 of the product preparation assembly 1 to controllably move the valve member 57, and the product preparation apparatus 36 including a controller 53, 58 configured to automatically control movement of the valve member 57 along a range of positions upon actuation of the liquid injector 56.

[0081] With reference to the drawings and the above description of the exemplary system S, an exemplary method of preparing a liquid product includes providing a system S for preparing a liquid product, engaging a valve member 57 with a liquid injector 56, supplying a flow of liquid to the product feed-through channel 19, inter alia, via the valve member 57, and controllably, e.g., automatically, moving the valve member 57 along a range of positions, e.g., by actuation of the liquid injector 56, e.g., before, during and / or after the supply.

[0082] The exemplary method further includes obtaining measurements of a property, such as a flow, in particular a flow, such as a liquid flow and / or a gas flow, from the product preparation device 36 to the product preparation assembly 1, and controllably moving the valve member 57 is dependent on the obtained measurements.

[0083] In an example, controllably moving the valve member 57 includes gradually varying the speed of movement of the valve member 57 along the range of positions.

[0084] In an example, controllably moving the valve member 57 subsequently includes stably positioning the valve member 57 in at least three different positions along a range of positions.

[0085] The exemplary method further includes inter alia supplying a gas flow to the product preparation assembly 1 separately from the liquid flow, and inter alia heating the liquid flow prior to supply.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings, it will be understood that these do not limit the scope of the invention as provided by the claims. Many variations, combinations and extensions are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the system may or may not be configured to dispense a foaming product, the valve member may or may not be rotatable, the controller may or may not include gears, and control of the valve member may or may not depend on flow measurements.

[0087] In the present application, as follows from above, the gas used to foam the product may for example be a gas mixture, for example air.

Claims

1. A system (S) for preparing a liquid product, comprising: a product preparation assembly (1), - a concentrate holder (2) for holding a product concentrate (3); - a product feed-through channel (19), a concentrate supply channel (20) for delivering a flow of a product concentrate (3) from said holder (2) to said product feed-through channel (19), said concentrate supply channel (20) comprising a valve member (57) for regulating the flow of said product concentrate, said valve member (57) being movable relative to said concentrate supply channel (20) between a first position in which the flow of said concentrate is blocked and a second position in which the flow of said concentrate is allowed; A product preparation assembly (1) comprising: a product preparation device (36) adapted to cooperate with said product preparation assembly (1), a liquid injector (56) for supplying a flow of liquid through said valve member (57) to said product feed-through channel (19), said liquid injector (56) being configured to engage said valve member (57) to move said valve member (57); a controller (53, 58) configured to automatically control movement of the valve member (57) along a range of positions by actuation of the liquid injector (56) during said delivery of said flow of liquid, said range of positions extending between said first position and said second position, said controlling said movement of the valve member (57) comprising positioning the valve member (57) at an intermediate position between said first position and said second position; and A product preparation device (36) comprising: A system (S) comprising:

2. The product preparation device (36) comprises: - a gas injector (42, 44, 46) separate from said liquid injector (56) for supplying a flow of gas to said product preparation assembly (1); Including, 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the product preparation assembly (1) is configured to mix the gas flow with the product flow in a mixing section (12) of the product preparation assembly downstream of the product feed-through channel (19), the mixing section (12) including a microfiltration device (11) including gas permeable holes through which the gas flow is delivered to the product flow during use.

3. The product preparation device (36) comprises: a measuring unit (40) for measuring at least one characteristic of at least one stream comprising said product concentrate stream, said liquid stream, said gas stream and / or said product stream; Including, 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller (53, 58) is operatively connected to the measurement unit (40) to receive an input associated with the at least one characteristic measured by the measurement unit (40), and the controller (53, 58) is configured to control the movement of the valve member (57) at least in part in dependence on the at least one characteristic.

4. the liquid injector (56) comprising a positioning assembly (58) for controllably varying a position of the liquid injector (56) relative to the product preparation assembly (1) and the concentrate supply channel (20); the positioning assembly (58) including a positioning actuator (60) at least selectively engaged with the liquid injector (56) and a positioning sensor (61) for sensing a position and / or a change in position of the positioning actuator (60) and / or the liquid injector (56); 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning assembly (58) includes a set of interengaged gears (62, 63) providing transmission between the positioning actuator (60) and the liquid injector (56), the set of gears (62, 63) including a drive gear (62) connected to the positioning actuator (60) and a driven gear (63) connected to the liquid injector (56).

5. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller (53, 58) is selectively operable in one of at least two different modes, each of which controls the movement of the valve member (57).

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the product preparation device (36) is configured to gradually vary the speed of movement of the valve member (57) along the range of positions.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the product preparation device (36) is configured to subsequently stably position the valve member (57) in at least three different positions along the range of positions.

8. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the product preparation assembly (1) and the product preparation device (36) are configured together to form an eductor pump (4) for at least selectively pumping product concentrate from the holder (2) through the concentrate supply channel (20) to the product feed-through channel (19), the eductor pump (4) being driven by the flow of the liquid, in use.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the product preparation device (36) includes a heater (39) for heating the liquid flow prior to providing the liquid flow to the product feed-through channel (19) of the product preparation assembly (1).

10. A product preparation apparatus (36) explicitly configured to cooperate with a product preparation assembly (1) to form a system (S) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a liquid injector (56) for supplying a flow of liquid to a product feed-through channel (19) of said product preparation assembly (1), said liquid injector (56) configured to engage a valve member (57) of said product preparation assembly (1) for controllably moving said valve member (57), said product preparation apparatus (36) comprising a controller (53, 58) configured to automatically control the movement of said valve member (57) along a range of positions by actuation of the liquid injector (56) during said supply of the flow of liquid, wherein automatically controlling the movement of said valve member (57) comprises positioning said valve member (57) at an intermediate position between said first position and said second position.

11. 1. A method for preparing a liquid product comprising the steps of: - providing a system (S) for preparing a liquid product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - engaging said valve member (57) with said liquid injector (56); - supplying said liquid flow through said valve member (57) to said product feed-through channel (19); - before, during and / or after said dispensing, controllably moving said valve member (57) along said range of positions by actuation of said liquid injector (56) during said dispensing of said flow of liquid, including positioning said valve member (57) at an intermediate position between said first and second positions; The method includes:

12. - obtaining a measurement of the flow rate of the flow from said product preparation device (36) to said product preparation assembly (1); Further comprising: The method of claim 11, wherein controllably moving the valve member (57) is dependent on the obtained measurements.

13. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein controllably moving the valve member (57) comprises gradually varying a speed of movement of the valve member (57) along the range of positions.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein controllably moving the valve member (57) subsequently comprises stably positioning the valve member (57) at at least three different positions along the range of positions.

15. - supplying a gas flow to the product preparation assembly (1) separately from the liquid flow, and - heating the liquid flow before said supply The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising at least one of.

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