Bulk flowable food product dispenser with uniform food product distribution

Abstract

A flowable food product dispenser that includes an intake tube connected to a first flowable product reservoir and a pump assembly with an inlet connected to the intake tube. A first pump is configured to draw the first flowable product from the reservoir via the intake tube through the inlet and discharge the first product from the outlet. A dispensing tube is connected to the outlet, and a dispensing head includes a first dispensing head inlet connected to the dispensing tube. The dispensing head has a dispensing nozzle with a first distribution channel in fluid communication with the first dispensing head inlet, and a plurality of spaced apart first dispensing openings in fluid communication with the first distribution channel. A controller is configured to actuate the pump upon receiving a dispensing signal from a user interface to dispense a predetermined quantity of the first flowable product through the dispensing openings.

Description

SPECI FICATIONBULK FLOWABLE FOOD PRODUCT DISPENSER WITH UNIFORM FOOD PRODUCT DISTRIBUTIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of metered food dispensers for flowable food products, such as a sauce or paste. More particularly, the invention relates to a dispenser for flowable condiments that are dispensed with a uniform distribution, for example, onto a food product that is being assembled. Specifically, the invention relates to a condiment dispenser that can dispense two or more flowable condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, in a metered amount, which may be selectable, in a uniformly distributed and consistent pattern onto a sandwich product, such as a hamburger.BACKGROUND

[0002] Dispensers for flowable food products, such as a sauce or paste, are known, and have been used in the food preparation industry in order to streamline food preparation and to dispense more uniform quantities of product.

[0003] US 2003 / 0161947 discloses a sauce dispenser for applying sauce to a pizza by rotating the pizza dough on a rotating surface as a dispensing arm moves inwardly over the rotating pizza dough from an outer edge to a center position to form a layer of sauce. This device is complex and somewhat limited to the application of a layer of sauce from a single nozzle onto a rotating (food product) surface.

[0004] US 10,947, 106 discloses a dispensing nozzle for delivery of a base flowable food such as ketchup or mayonnaise, with one or more flavorings in order to dispense a custom condiment. However, the custom condiment mix is dispensed through a single dispensing opening of the nozzle, for example into a portion cup, onto a food item, or into a refillable bottle - so there is no suggestion as to how the custom condiment mixture is distributed in any particular manner onto a food item.

[0005] US 10,071 ,899 is directed to a condiment dispenser that dispenses a base condiment with at least one additive via a single nozzle dispensing opening atthe same time. There is no suggestion as to how the condiment mixture is distributed in any particular manner onto a food item.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a condiment or flowable food product dispenser that is easy to operate and can provide a uniformly distributed pattern of one or more condiments or flowable food products with generally the same quantity of the condiment or flowable food product delivered at each of a plurality of dispensing locations. This has particular benefit for fast food preparation, and in particular for the preparation of hamburgers or other similar sandwich-type products where it is desirable to have the condiments uniformly disbursed on the food item. They system should also provide reliable uniformity from food item to food item, eliminating over or under application of the desired condiments that can occur with manual application.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to a flowable food product dispenser that includes a first flowable product intake tube configured for connection to a first flowable product reservoir and a first flowable product pump assembly including a first pump body having an inlet and an outlet, with the first flowable product intake tube being connected to the inlet. The first flowable product pump assembly includes a first pump connected to the first pump body, with the first pump being configured to draw a first flowable product from the first flowable product reservoir via the first flowable product intake tube through the inlet and discharge the first flowable product from the outlet. A first controllable drive is connected to the first pump. An inlet check valve is optionally provided that prevents a backflow of the first flowable product through the inlet. A first flowable product dispensing tube is connected to the outlet, and an outlet check valve is optionally provided that prevents a backflow of the first flowable product from the outlet into the pump. A dispensing head is provided having a first dispensing head inlet that is connected to the first flowable product dispensing tube on an opposite end from the outlet from the first pump body. The dispensing head includes a dispensing nozzle with a first distribution channel in fluid communication with the first dispensing head inlet, and a plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings in fluid communication with the first distribution channel, with the first flowable food product dispensing openings being spaced apart from oneanother. A controller is provided that is configured to actuate the first controllable drive upon receiving a first flowable product dispensing signal from a user interface in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of the first flowable product through the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings.

[0008] The first flowable food product can be a condiment, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or other types of sauce.

[0009] In one embodiment, the nozzle is preferably hand held and can be used to dispense the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product in generally uniform portions through the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings. The uniform portions can be achieved by adjusting a size of the first distribution channel from a location of the closest of the first dispensing openings to the furthest of the first dispensing openings from the first dispensing head inlet and / or by adjusting a size of the first dispensing openings to be smaller at distribution channel distance that is closer to the first dispensing head inlet than the first dispensing openings that are spaced further away. The specific sizes of the openings will vary depending on the desired predetermined quantity, the dispensing time, and the viscosity of the first flowable food product, among other factors.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another in a uniform pattern. The uniform pattern can be a grid or any other desired pattern to produce a desired distribution and / or coverage of the condiment at multiple locations on the food product, for example a hamburger or sandwich. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings include at least five of the first flowable product dispensing openings that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a first circle. In a preferred application, the first flowable food product is ketchup, and the first flowable food product dispensing openings are arranged on a circle having a diameter of about 5 cm to 9 cm and have opening diameters in a range of 1.0 - 3.0mm. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first flowable food product dispensing openings have a diameter of about 1.2 to 1.7 mm, and more particularly 1 .5 mm at a distribution channel distance closest to the first dispensing head inlet and have a diameter of 1.7 to 2.1 mm, and more particularly 1.9 mm at a distribution channel distance that is furthest from the first dispensing head inlet.

[0011] In one embodiment, the user interface includes at least one first actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller. If different quantities of the first flowable food product are desired the invention provides that there can be two or more of the first actuation buttons that signal the controller to control actuation of the first controllable drive connected to the first pump in order to dispense different overall quantities of the first flowable food product. In one preferred arrangement, there two of the first actuation buttons, and pressing a respective one of the first actuation buttons dispenses for example, 1 fl. oz. of the first flowable food product, and pressing the other of the first actuation buttons dispenses a 1 / 3 fl. oz. of the first flowable food product.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first controllable drive comprises a motor, and more preferably a stepper motor, that drives a drive screw, and the first pump comprises a first pump piston that is linearly drivable by the drive screw within a cylinder defined in the first pump body in order to draw the first flowable product through the inlet and into the cylinder upon movement of the first pump piston in a first direction, and discharge the first flowable product from the cylinder through the outlet upon movement of the first pump piston in a second direction. Appropriate seals and guides for the piston are provided. For food applications, the first piston and the first pump body are made of stainless steel. The first flowable product intake tube, the first flowable product dispensing tube and all parts of the dispensing head that come into contact with the first flowable product are made of food grade materials, such as silicone or other food grade plastics or metal.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the dispenser can be set up to dispense two different flowable food products from the same dispensing head. This can be used for applying two condiments, such as ketchup and mustard to a hamburger, or other flowable condiments onto other types of sandwiches, such as barbeque sauce and / or mayonnaise and / or any other flowable condiments. Here, the dispenser further includes a second flowable product intake tube configured for connection to a second flowable product reservoir. A second flowable product pump assembly is provided that includes a second pump body having an inlet and an outlet, with the second flowable product intake tube being connected to the inlet of the second pump body. A second pump is connected to the second pump body, with the second pump being configured to draw a second flowable product from the second flowable productreservoir via the second flowable product intake tube through the inlet of the second pump body and discharge the second flowable product from the outlet of the second pump body. A second controllable drive is connected to the second pump. A second inlet check valve is preferably provided that prevents a backflow of the second flowable product through the inlet of the second pump bod. A second flowable product dispensing tube is connected to the outlet of the second pump body, and a second outlet check valve is preferably provided that prevents a backflow of the second flowable product from the outlet of the second pump body into the second pump. The dispensing head has a second dispensing head inlet connected to the second flowable product dispensing tube on an opposite end from the outlet from the second pump body. The dispensing nozzle includes a second distribution channel in fluid communication with the second dispensing head inlet, and a plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings in fluid communication with the second distribution channel. Here, the second flowable product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another, and preferably also spaced apart from the first flowable product dispensing openings. The controller is further configured to actuate the second controllable drive upon receiving a second flowable product dispensing signal from the user interface in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of the second flowable product through the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings.

[0014] Here, the dispensing of the first and second flowable food products can be done simultaneously by pressing both of the desired controls of the user interface, or they can be sequentially applied. It is also possibly to selectively apply only of the first or second flowable food products.

[0015] In one embodiment, the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product is dispensed in generally uniform portions through the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings. The uniform distribution can be achieved in the same manner as discussed above for the uniform distribution of the first flowable food product from the first flowable product dispensing openings.

[0016] The plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings are preferably spaced apart from one another in a uniform pattern. The uniform pattern can be a grid or any other desired pattern to produce a desired distribution and / or coverage of the second flowable food product / condiment at multiple locations on the food product, such as a hamburger or sandwich. In one particularly preferredembodiment, the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings include at least five of the second flowable product dispensing openings that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a second circle. In a preferred application, the second flowable food product is mustard, and the second flowable food product dispensing openings are arranged on a circle having a diameter of about 5 cm to 9 cm and have opening diameters in a range of 0.6 - 1 ,5mm. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the second flowable food product dispensing openings have a diameter of about 0.8 to 1.2 mm, and more particularly 1.0 mm.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user interface includes the at least one first actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly, and at least one second actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly. The actuation buttons are preferably located above a handle portion of the dispensing nozzle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the user interface comprises a touchscreen, and the touch screen includes a first GUI (graphical user interface) that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly, and the touch screen includes a second GUI that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly. It is also possible for the dispenser to have both the touch screen and the actuation buttons as user interfaces.

[0019] Preferably, the dispensing head includes a handle, and the dispensing nozzle is removably connected to the handle via an attachment nut. In order to allow for cleaning, the dispensing head can have a tubing adapter that includes the first and second dispensing head inlets as well as a gasket between the tubing adapter and the dispensing nozzle so that the fluid paths between the respective first and second flowable product dispensing tubes and the respective first and second distribution channels are sealed. These can be clamped together and against the handle by the attachment nut.

[0020] In one preferred arrangement, the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product is different than the predetermined quantity of the second flowableproduct. However, depending on the types of flowable products being dispensed, these could be the same.

[0021] In one preferred arrangement, the first distribution channel is generally circular and the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings are generally uniformly spaced apart around the circular first distribution channel, and the second distribution channel is formed with a hub-and-spoke shape, and the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings are located on respective ones of the spokes. Here, the second dispensing head inlet is connected to the second distribution channel at or near the hub.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment, the second controllable drive comprises a second motor that drives a second drive screw, and the second pump comprises a second pump piston that is linearly drivable by the second drive screw within a second cylinder defined in the second pump body in order to draw the second flowable product through the inlet of the second pump body and into the second cylinder upon movement of the second pump piston in a first direction, and discharge the second flowable product from the second cylinder through the outlet of the second pump body upon movement of the second pump piston in a second direction.

[0023] For food applications, the second piston and the second pump body are made of stainless steel. The second flowable product intake tube, the second flowable product dispensing tube and all parts of the dispensing head that come into contact with the second flowable product are made of food grade materials, such as silicone or other food grade plastics or metal.

[0024] Preferably, the first and second flowable product pump assemblies have the same overall design, although the size of the first piston and first cylinder can be different than the size of the second piston and second cylinder if the predetermined quantities of the first and second flowable food products are significantly different. For example, in one preferred application where the first flowable food product is ketchup and the second flowable food product is mustard, the preferred amount of ketchup that is dispensed can be, for example 1 / 3 fl. oz. or 1 fl. oz. , while the preferred amount of mustard that is dispensed is 1 / 48 fl. oz. In this case, the first piston can have a diameter of, for example about 3.0 cm and a maximum stroke in the first cylinder of about 6 cm, while the second piston has a d iameter of, for example about 2.0 cm and a maximum stroke of about 5 cm, with in each case, the stroke beingadjustable by the controller in order to adjust the predetermined quantity of the respective flowable food product to be dispensed.

[0025] Preferably, a volume of the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product is settable by the controller by adjusting a number of rotations that the first motor drives the first drive screw, and, if present, a volume of the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product is settable by the controller adjusting a number of rotations that the second motor drives the second drive screw.

[0026] In one embodiment, the controller is also configured to at least one of prime the first flowable product by continuously actuating the first controllable dive, or prime the second flowable product by continuously actuating the second controllable drive. This can be accomplished by multiple actuations of the user interface or can be programmed into the controller to actuate each respective one of the first and second flowable product pump assemblies a predetermined number of cycles in order to move the flowable products from the respective reservoirs to the dispensing head.

[0027] In one embodiment, the user interface can include at least one of: a) two first actuation buttons located on the dispensing head that are in communication with the controller for respectively actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly to dispense two different predetermined quantities of the first flowable product, and at least one second actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly to dispense the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product, or b) a touch screen that includes two first GUIs that are adapted to signal for respectively actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly to dispense two different predetermined quantities of the first flowable product, and a second GUI that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly to dispense the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product.

[0028] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to run a cleaning cycle in order to run a cleaning solution through the first and second flowable product intake tubes, the first and second flowable product pump assemblies, the first and second flowable product dispensing tubes, and the dispensing head. Preferably, this is accomplished by actuating the first and second flowable product pumpassemblies to the maximum stroke of the respective first and second pistons, with the inlet ends of the first and second flowable product intake tubes placed in a reservoir of cleaning fluid instead of being connected to the respective flowable product reservoirs, in order to draw cleaning fluid through the system and discharge it from the dispensing head.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the flowable food product dispenser can utilize the same first flowable product reservoir to feed into two different first flowable product pump assemblies for two different work stations. Here, a separate dispensing head and controller is preferably provided for each of the two different work stations. If present, the second flowable product reservoir can also be shared by two work stations, or it is possible to provide a separate second flowable product reservoir for each of the work stations.

[0030] The various features noted above can be used alone or in various combinations to provide for dispensing predetermined quantities of condiments in a uniformly distributed and repeatable manner. It is noted that certain elements noted as being preferably provided are optional and are not specifically needed. For example, depending on the type of pump assembly(ies), the check valves may not be used.BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWI NGS

[0031] Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become apparent by the below description of embodiments making reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a view of a flowable product dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of a flowable food product dispenser of Figure 1 from an opposite angle with the hoses removed for clarity.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a flowable food product dispenser in accordance with the present disclosure that is designed for use at two work stations using a common first flowable product reservoir. Here, the tubes are removed for clarity.

[0035] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of one flowable product reservoir as well as the support rack which holds this flowable product reservoir and the dispensing head.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the flowable product reservoir, support rack, dispensing head, and bottom seal of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the dispensing head used in the flowable food product dispenser.

[0038] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the dispensing nozzle showing one preferred arrangement of the distribution channels and the dispensing openings for the first and second flowable products.

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dispensing head showing the actuation buttons as a user interface.

[0040] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the dispensing head dispensing first and second flowable products onto a food item, such as a hamburger patty.

[0041] Figure 10 is a top view of a hamburger patty showing the uniform distribution of the dispensed first and second flowable food products which can be, for example, ketchup and mustard.

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a flowable product rack for holding a flowable product reservoir.

[0043] Figure 12 is a partial view showing a first flowable product reservoir located in the flowable product rack shown in Figure 1 1.

[0044] Figure 13 is perspective view of an insert tube used for withdrawing flowable product from the first flowable product reservoir which is in the form of a collapsible bag.

[0045] Figure 14 is a partial view the flowable product rack with a first flowable product reservoir on the rack.

[0046] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing which supports the flowable product pump assemblies along with the controller and further includes a touch screen as the user interface.

[0047] Figure 16 is a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the first flowable product pump assembly. The second flowable product pump assemblypreferably has the same construction, and element numbers for both of the flowable product pump assemblies are noted.

[0048] Figure 17 is an enlarged view showing a face of the housing of Figure 15 having the first and second flowable product pump assemblies mounted thereto, with the first flowable product pump assembly being partially disassembled in order to show the pump piston.

[0049] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the flowable product pump assembly of Figure 16, with element numbers for both of the flowable product pump assemblies being noted.

[0050] Figure 19 is a schematic view of the housing illustrating the power supply, drivers for the pump motors, a cooling fan, as well as a programmable logic controller and memory used to operate and control the flowable food product dispenser.

[0051] Figure 20 is a view showing one embodiment of the touch screen display with graphical user interfaces for controlling normal operation of the flowable food product dispenser.

[0052] Figure 21 shows a second view of the touch screen in a setting page mode which allows setting the portions and speed controls for dispensing the food product from the flowable food product dispenser.

[0053] Figure 22 shows a further view of the touch screen showing a cleaning mode page with different cleaning options and settings.DETAI LED DESCRI PTION

[0054] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “a” and “one,” as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof. The terms approximately or generally mean within + / - 15% of a specified value unless otherwise noted. The terms “flowable product” and “flowable food product” are synonymous as used herein.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1 , 2, and 4-19, a flowable food product dispenser 100 along with detailed views of the components thereof is shown. The flowable food product dispenser 100 includes a housing 104 along with a first product rack 106, both shown in Figures 1 and 2 as well as optionally a second product rack 206, also shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first flowable product intake tube 1 10 that is configured for connection to a first flowable product reservoir 1 12, preferably in the form of a collapsible bag 1 14, is also provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flowable product 102 is ketchup and the first flowable product intake tube 1 10 is coupled to the first flowable product reservoir 1 12 at a coupling 1 18 that preferably is connected to an insert tube 1 16 via a nut 1 17, such as shown in Figure 13, which can be inserted into the bag 1 14. The intake tube 1 16 includes slots 120 near the distal end as well as an opening 122 near the coupling 1 18 which assists in evacuation of almost all of the first flowable product 102 from the bag 1 14. The intake tube 1 16 is illustrated with two couplings 1 18 which will be discussed in further detail below in connection with a second embodiment of the flowable food product dispenser arrangement 100’ shown in Figure 3 that can be used to support two food prep stations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the type of first flowable product reservoir 1 12 can vary and that it does not need to be a collapsible bag 1 14 and the insert tube 1 16 is also optional, and could be omitted depending upon the type of first flowable product reservoir 1 12 provided.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2 and Figures 15-18, a first flowable product pump assembly 130 is provided. The first flowable product pump assembly 130 includes a first pump body 132 having an inlet 134 and an outlet 136. The first flowable product intake tube 1 10 is connected to the inlet 134. A first pump 138 is connected to the first pump body 132. The first pump 138 is configured to draw the first flowable product 102 from the first flowable product reservoir 1 12 via the first flowable product intake tube 1 10 through the inlet 134 and discharge the first flowable product 102 from the outlet 136. A first controllable drive 144 is connected to the first pump 138.

[0057] As shown in detail in Figures 16-18, in a preferred arrangement the first controllable drive 144 comprises a motor 146, preferably a stepper motor, that drives a drive screw 148. The first pump 138 comprises a first pump piston 140 that is linearly drivable in both directions by the drive screw 148 within a cylinder 142 defined in the first pump body 132 in order to draw the first flowable product 102 throughthe inlet 134 and into the cylinder 142 upon movement of the first pump piston 140 in a first direction, and discharge the first flowable product 102 from the cylinder 142 through the outlet 136 upon movement of the first pump piston 140 in a second direction. As shown in detail in Figures 16 and 18, in the preferred embodiment a pump / motor adapter 150 is used for mounting the pump body 132 to the motor 146. Further, a piston aligner 154 is located between the first pump body 132 and the pump / motor adapter 150 which maintains the alignment of the first pump piston 140 for linear movement back and forth within the cylinder 142 defined within the first pump body 132. Further, a piston seal 156 is located in the first pump body 132 and surrounds the first pump piston 140 in order to provide a sealed cylinder chamber which can draw the first fillable product through the inlet 134 when the first pump piston 140 is retracted via the drive screw 148 in order to draw the first flowable food product 102 into the cylinder 142 and can force the first flowable food product 102 out through the outlet 136 when the drive screw 148 moves the first pump piston 140 in the second direction, forcing the first flowable food product 102 out of the cylinder 142. The pump body 132 can be connected two the pump / motor adapter 150 using a quick release cam connection to allow for easy disassembly and cleaning with the interfacing cam surfaces being visible in Figure 18. A travel limit switch 150 can also be provided for setting an initial position of the drive screw 148.

[0058] While the preferred pump assembly 130 is illustrated as a piston pump, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of pumps such as a peristaltic pump or vane-type pump could be utilized.

[0059] As shown in detail in Figure 18, a first, inlet check valve 158 is provided preferably in the form of a ball 158A and seat 158B that prevents a backflow of the first flowable product 102 through the inlet 134 when the first pump piston 140 is moved in the second direction to discharge the first flowable product 102 from the cylinder 142 and out through the outlet 136. The inlet check valve 158 is optional depending on the type of pump assembly that is utilized.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 15, a first flowable product dispensing tube 160 is connected to the outlet 136. The first flowable product dispensing tube 160 is preferably a reinforced / non-expandable tube such that when the first flowable food product is delivered via the first flowable product pump assembly 130, the first flowable product dispensing tube 160 does not expand, which may affect the quantityand timing of the first product that is delivered via the first flowable product dispensing tube 160.

[0061] As shown in Figure 18, an outlet check valve 162 is also provided that prevents a back flow of the first flowable food product 102 from the outlet 136 in to the first pump 138. The outlet check valve 162 is preferably formed via a ball 162A and a seat 162B and the ball is pressed against the seat when the first pump piston 140 moves in the first direction such that food product already in the first flowable product dispensing tube 160 is not also drawn back into the cylinder 142 and instead the first flowable product 102 is drawn via the first flowable product intake tube 1 10 from the first flowable product reservoir 1 12 through the inlet 134. The outlet check valve 162 also helps to prevent dripping of product from the dispensing nozzle, described further below. The outlet check valve 162 is optional depending on the type of pump assembly that is utilized.

[0062] As shown in detail in Figures 1 , 2, and 5-9, a dispensing head 164 is provided that includes a first dispensing head inlet 168 that is connected to the first flowable product dispensing tube 160 on an opposite end from the outlet 136 from the first pump body 132. The dispensing head 164 preferably includes a handle 166 that can be gripped by a user, and the first dispensing head inlet 168 is preferably formed on a tubing adapter 170, shown in detail in Figure 6, that is mounted in the handle 166. The dispensing head 164 further includes a dispensing nozzle 172 with a first distribution channel 174 that is in fluid communication with the first dispensing head inlet 168. A plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings 176A-176E are in fluid communication with the first distribution channel 174. The first flowable food product dispensing openings 176A-176E are spaced apart from one another in order, for example as shown in Figure 7, to provide coverage of a food item on which the first flowable food product is being dispensed in a desired manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flowable food product dispensing openings 176A-176E are spaced apart from one another in a uniform pattern, and more preferably, in the illustrated embodiment there are five of the first flowable food product dispensing openings 176A-176E that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a first circle A, shown in Figure 7. However, the number of first flowable product dispensing openings 176A-176E can vary and may be more or less than five. Additionally, the first flowable food product dispensing openings 176A-176E could bearranged in a different pattern, such as a square grid with, for example, four or nine dispensing openings. In a preferred arrangement where the first flowable food product 102 is ketchup, and the first flowable food product dispensing openings 276A - 276E are arranged on a circle A having a diameter of about 5 cm to 9 cm and have opening diameters in a range of 1 .0 - 3.0mm. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first flowable food product dispensing openings have a diameter of about 1.2 to 1.7 mm, and more particularly 1.5 mm at a distribution channel distance closest to the first dispensing head inlet 168 (such as 176A ad 176B) and have a diameter of 1.7 to 2.1 mm, and more particularly 1.9 mm at a distribution channel distance that is furthest from the first dispensing head inlet (such as at 176D), and may have a diameter of 1.6 mm at in-between locations (such as at 176C and 176E). This arrangement allows for generally uniform portions 177A - 177E of the first flowable product 102 to be dispensed, for example on a hamburger patty P, as indicated in Figure 10

[0063] As shown in detail in Figure 6, the dispensing head 164 also includes a gasket 178 that is located between the tubing adapter 170 and the dispensing nozzle 172. Further, an assembly nut 180 can be provided for assembling the dispensing nozzle 172, the gasket 178, and the tubing adapter 170 to the handle 166, which includes a mating thread 167. Other types of easily disassembleable connectors can be used in place of the nut 180, such as a clamping lock or cam lock. These arrangements all allow for easy disassembly of the dispensing head 164 for cleaning.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 , 2, 15, and 19, a controller 182 is provided that is configured to actuate the first controllable drive 144 upon receiving a first flowable product dispensing signal from a user interface 184, for example as indicated in Figures 8 and 15, in order to dispense a pre-determined quantity of the first fillable product 102 through the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings 176A- 176E.

[0065] As shown schematically in Figure 19, the controller 182 can be a programmable logic controller 188 or an integrated circuit and preferably further includes a memory 189. The controller 182 is in communication with the motor drivers 190. A transformer 192 is also shown within the housing 104 for supplying power for the controller 182 as well as the first controllable drive 144 for the first flowable product pump assembly 140. Further, an optional fan 194 for cooling is shown.

[0066] In one embodiment, the user interface 184 as indicated in Figure 8 includes at least one first actuation button 186A, 186B located on the dispensing head 164 which is in communication with the controller 182, for example via a wired connection. However, wireless connections are also possible. The at least one first actuation button 186A, 186B may include two or more actuation buttons 186A, 186B which control the pre-determined quantity of the first flowable product 102 that is dispensed per dispensing cycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment where the first flowable product 102 is ketchup, two of the first actuation buttons 186A, 186B are provided with one first actuation button 186A signaling the controller 182 to deliver 1 / 2 fluid ounce of the first flowable product 102, such as ketchup, in a single dispensing cycle while the other first actuation button 186B signals the controller 182 to deliver 1 / 3 fl. oz. of the first flowable food product 102 in a dispensing cycle. The amount of the first flowable food product 102 that is dispensed can be adjusted via the controller 182 and may differ depending on the particular first flowable food product 102 as well as the application, such as a hamburger, chicken patty, etc. Accordingly, the specific numbers noted are exemplary only and not considered limiting.

[0067] While the flowable food product dispenser 100 may be used to dispense a single, first flowable food product 102, in the preferred arrangement as illustrated, the flowable food product dispenser 100 is also configured to deliver a second flowable food product 202, although this is not required according to the present disclosure..

[0068] As shown in detail in Figures 2, 4, and 5, a second flowable product intake tube 210 can be provided and is configured for connection to a second flowable product reservoir 212. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in one preferred application where the second flowable food product is mustard, the second flowable food product reservoir 212 may include a bottle 214 having a cap 216 that is located at the bottom end which is configured for connection to the second flowable product intake tube 210. A second product rack 216 optionally be provided which holds the bottle 214. The second product rack 216 may also include a holder 208 for the dispensing head 164 as well as a seal 209 against which the dispensing nozzle172 rests in order to keep the dispensing openings 176A-176E, 276A-276E form clogging when not in use. While this arrangement is preferred, those skilled in the art will recognize that othertypes of second flowable product reservoirs 212 can be utilized and the specific configuration of the second product rack 206 is merely exemplary as other types of arrangements can be provided.

[0069] In a preferred application, the second flowable product 202 is located in a pouch which is placed in the bottle 214. An air vent 218 is also provided on the side of the bottle 214 which allows the pouch to collapse as the second flowable product 202 is evacuated.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 15-18, a second flowable product pump assembly 230 is provided that can also be mounted on the housing 104. The second flowable product pump assembly 230 is functionally the same as the first product pump assembly 130 and includes a second pump body 232 having an inlet 234 and an outlet 236, with the second flowable product intake tube 210 being connected to the inlet 234 of the second pump body 232. A second pump 238 is connected to the second pump body 232, and the second pump 238 is configured to draw the second flowable product 202 from the second flowable product reservoir 212 via the second product intake tube 210 through the inlet 234 of the second pump body 232 and discharge the second flowable product from the outlet 236 of the second pump body 232. A second controllable drive 244 is connected to the second pump 238. As shown in detail in Figures 16 and 18, the second flowable product pump assembly 230 preferably also includes the second controllable drive 244 and a second motor 246, preferably a stepper motor, that drives a second drive screw 248, and the second pump 238 comprises a second pump piston 240 that is linearly drivable by the second drive screw 248 within a second cylinder 242 defined in the second pump body 242 in order to draw the second flowable product 202 through the inlet 234 of the second pump body 232 and into the second cylinder 242 upon movement of the second pump piston 240 in a first direction, and discharge the second flowable product 202 from the second cylinder through the outlet 236 of the second pump body 232 upon movement of the second pump piston 240 in the second direction. A second limit switch 250 can also be provided.

[0071] Preferably, a second pump / motor adapter 250 is used for mounting the second pump body 232 to the second motor 246. Further, a second piston aligner 254 is located between the second pump body 232 and the second pump / motor adapter 250 which maintains the alignment of the second pump piston 240 for linearmovement back and forth within the second cylinder 242 defined within the second pump body 232. Further, a piston seal 256 is located in the second pump body 232 and surrounds the second pump piston 240 in order to provide a sealed cylinder chamber.

[0072] As shown in Figure 18, the second inlet check valve 258 is preferably provided and prevents a backflow of the second flowable product 202 through the inlet 234 of the second flow body 232. The second inlet check valve 258 is substantially the same as the first inlet check valve 158. A second flowable product dispensing tube 260 is connected to the outlet 236 of the second pump body 232. This second flowable product dispensing tube 260 is made from a reinforced / non-expand- able hose in order to ensure accurate delivery of the pre-determined quantity of the second flowable food product 202 for each dispensing cycle of the second flowable product pump assembly 230. A second outlet check valve 262 is preferably provided that prevents a backflow of the second flowable product 202 from the outlet 236 of the second pump body 232 into the second pump 238 during movement of the second pump piston 240 in the first direction as the second flowable food product 202 is being drawn into the second cylinder 242.

[0073] In order to allow for sequential or simultaneous dispensing of the second flowable product 202, the dispensing head 164 includes a second dispensing head inlet 268, preferably located on the tubing adapter 170 , that is connected to the second flowable product dispensing tube 260 on an opposite end from the outlet 236 from the second pump body 232. The d ispensing nozzle 172 also includes a second distribution channel 274 in fluid communication with the second dispensing head inlet 268. A plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E are also provided in fluid communication with the second distribution channel 274. The second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E are spaced apart from one another. This arrangement allows the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product 202 to be dispensed in generally uniform portions 277A-277E as shown in Figure 10 through the plurality of second product dispensing openings 276A-276E, shown in Figure 7.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E are located in proximity to the first flowable product dispensing openings 176A-176E, as shown in Figure 7. However, the specific spacing could bealtered. Further, as shown in Figure 7, preferably the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E are spaced apart from one another in a uniform patter, and in the illustrated embodiment, there are five of the second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a second circle B, which is shown having a smaller diameter than the first circle B around which the first flowable product dispensing openings 176A-176E are arranged.

[0075] Here, it is also possible for the second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E to be arranged in a square grid, with, for example, 4 or 9 of the second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of flowable product dispensing elements 276A-276E can be varied depending on the particular application.

[0076] In the preferred embodiment, the second flowable food product dispensing openings 276A-276E are arranged on a circle B having a diameter of about 5 cm to about 9 cm and have opening diameters in a range of 0.6 - 1.5 mm, and in a preferred application for dispending mustard as the flowable food product, the second flowable food product dispensing openings 276A-276E have a diameter of about 0.8 to 1.2 mm, and more particularly 1.0 mm.

[0077] For dispensing the second flowable food product 202, the controller 182 is further configured to actuate the second controllable drive 244 upon receiving a second flowable product dispensing signal from the user interface 184 in order to dispense a pre-determined quantity of the second flowable food product 202 through the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings 276A-276E. In a preferred application where the second flowable food product 202 is mustard, the quantity is 1 / 48 fl. oz. However, depending upon the particular second flowable food product 202 the pre-determined quantity could be changed.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, the user interface 184 may include at least one second actuation button 286 that is located on the dispensing head 164 for dispensing the second flowable food product 202. The at least one second actuation button 286 is in communication with the controller 182 for actuating the second controllable drive 244 of the second flowable product pump assembly 230. This may be a wired or wireless connection.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, in one preferred arrangement, the first distribution channel 174 is generally circular and the plurality of first flowable food product dispensing openings 176A-176E are generally uniformly spaced apart around the circular first distribution channel 174. The second distribution channel 274 is formed with a hub 274A - and - spoke 274B shape, and the plurality of second flowable food product dispensing openings 276A-276E are located on respective ones of the spokes 274B. Of course the specific arrangement and size of the first distribution channel 174 and the second distribution 274 could be varied and the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary.

[0080] In the disclosed embodiment of the flowable food product dispenser 100, the predetermined quantity of the first flowable food product 102 is different than the predetermined quantity of the second flowable food product 202. Where the first flowable food product is ketchup and the second flowable food product is mustard, the specific component sizes of the first flowable food product pump assembly 130 and the second flowable food product pump assembly 230 can vary. For example, the first piston 130 may have a diameter of about 3.0 cm and a stroke of 0.5 cm to 5 cm while the second pump piston 240 may have a diameter of about 2.0 cm and a stroke of 0.5 cm to 5 cm. Here, the corresponding size of the cylinders 142, 242 matches the piston diameters and the controller 182 controls the stroke via the respective first and second controllable drives 144, 244 in order to dispense the different quantities required for the particular application. These quantities can be adjusted by adjusting the stroke length that the respective first and second drive screws 148, 248 drive the respective first and second pistons 140, 240 in the first and second directions. Preferably, a volume of the predetermined quantity of the first flowable food product 102 is settable by the controller 182 by adjusting a number of rotations or steps that the first motor 146 drives the first drive screw 148, and a volume of the predetermined quantity of the second flowable food product 202 is settable by the controller 182 adjusting a number of rotations or steps that the second motor 236 drives the second drive screw 248.

[0081] As shown in Figures 15 and 20-22, the user interface 184 can comprise a touch screen 300 with the touch screen 300 including at least a first GUI (graphical user interface) 302A, 302B that is adapted to signal the controller 182 for actuating the first controllable drive 144 of the first flowable food product pump assembly 130,and the touch screen 300 may also include a second GUI 304 that is adapted to signal the controller 182 for actuating the second controllable drive 244 of the second flowable product pump assembly 230. This can be provided in place of or in addition to the actuation buttons 186A, 186B, 286 described above. As shown in Figure 20, the first GUI 302A, 302B for actuating the first flowable food product dispensing can include different predetermined quantities of the first flowable food product 102 to be dispensed. This can be, for example, labeled on the GUI 302A, 302B as noted. Further, the volume of the second flowable food product 202 to be dispensed can also be noted on the second GUI 304 as indicated in Figure 20.

[0082] Additional functions of the controller 182 can be actuated via the touch screen 300. For example, a prime GUI 306 can be provided for signaling the controller 182 for priming the first flowable food product 102, for example ketchup, by continuously actuating the first controllable drive 144 and / or a prime GUI 308 for signaling the controller 182 for priming the second flowable food product 202 can be provided for continuously actuating the second controllable drive 244. This is used when the first and / or second flowable product reservoirs 1 12, 212 are replaced in order to move the first and second flowable food products 102, 202, respectively through the respective intake tubes 1 10, 210, pump assemblies 130, 230, dispensing tubes 160, 260, and dispensing head 164. The priming functions may also be used after cleaning.

[0083] Referring to Figure 21 , an exemplary setting screen is shown with GUIs for the number of rotations of the respective motor 146, 246 that determine the travel of the respective first pump piston 140 and second pump piston 240 for dispensing the desired quantity of the respective flowable food products 102, 202, as well as a startup speed.

[0084] Referring to Figure 22, an exemplary screen for cleaning the system components that come into contact with the first and second flowable food products 102, 202, illustrated as ketchup and mustard, is shown with GUIs 310, 312 for starting a cleaning cycle, as well as GUIs 314, 316 for re-setting the cleaning cycle. For the cleaning cycle, the controller 182 is configured to run the cleaning cycle when activated to draw a cleaning solution through the first and second flowable product intake tubes 1 10, 210, which have been disconnected from the respective flowable food product reservoirs 1 12, 212 and placed into a container of cleaning solution, byactivating the first and second flowable food product pump assemblies 130, 230 to run continuously for a certain number of cleaning cycles in order to clean the intake tubes 1 10, 210, the pump assemblies 130, 230, and the dispensing tubes 160, 260, as well as the dispensing head 164. The number of cleaning cycles can be adjusted as well.

[0085] Additional functionality may be provided with respect to tracking a number of dispensing cycles and maintenance history that are also tracked by the controller 182 and stored in the memory 189.

[0086] Referring to the second embodiment of the flowable food product dispenser 100’, shown in Figure 3, the insert tube 1 16 with two couplings is used so that a common reservoir 1 12 for the first flowable food product 102 for two different prep stations. As shown, one first product rack 106 is provided, and two sets of the other components, including the second flowable product reservoir 212, intake tubes 1 10, 210, pump assemblies 130, 230, dispensing heads 162, and controllers 182 are provided, this allows two food prep stations to share the first flowable product reservoir 1 12, which in the case of ketchup as the first flowable product, is typically provided in a large collapsible bag.

[0087] It will be appreciated that the foregoing is presented by way of illustration only and not by way of any limitation. It is contemplated that various alternatives and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Having thus described the present invention in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the ap-pended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flowable food product dispenser, comprising: a first flowable product intake tube configured for connection to a first flowable product reservoir; a first flowable product pump assembly including a first pump body having an inlet and an outlet, the first flowable product intake tube being connected to the inlet, a first pump connected to the first pump body, the first pump being configured to draw a first flowable product from the first flowable product reservoir via the first flowable product intake tube through the inlet and discharge the first flowable product from the outlet, and a first controllable drive connected to the first pump; a first flowable product dispensing tube connected to the outlet; a dispensing head having a first dispensing head inlet connected to the first flowable product dispensing tube on an opposite end from the outlet from the first pump body, the dispensing head including a dispensing nozzle with a first distribution channel in fluid communication with the first dispensing head inlet, and a plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings in fluid communication with the first distribution channel, the first flowable food product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another; and a controller that is configured to actuate the first controllable drive upon receiving a first flowable product dispensing signal from a user interface in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of the first flowable product through the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product is dispensed in generally uniform portions through the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another in a uniform pattern.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings include at least five of the first flowable product dispensing openings that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a first circle.

5. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the user interface includes at least one first actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller.

6. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first controllable drive comprises a motor that drives a drive screw; the first pump comprises a first pump piston that is linearly drivable by the drive screw within a cylinder defined in the first pump body in order to draw the first flowable product through the inlet and into the cylinder upon movement of the first pump piston in a first direction, and discharge the first flowable product from the cylinder through the outlet upon movement of the first pump piston in a second direction; and an inlet check valve prevents a backflow of the first flowable product through the inlet upon movement of the first pump piston in the second direction, and an outlet check valve prevents a backflow of the first flowable product from the outlet into the first pump upon movement of the first pump piston in the first direction .

7. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising: a second flowable product intake tube configured for connection to a second flowable product reservoir; a second flowable product pump assembly including a second pump body having an inlet and an outlet, the second flowable product intake tube being connected to the inlet of the second pump body, a second pump connected to the second pump body, the second pump being configured to draw a second flowable product from the second flowable product reservoir via the second flowable product intake tube through the inlet of the second pump body and discharge the second flowable product from the outlet of the second pump body, and a second controllable drive connected to the second pump;a second flowable product dispensing tube connected to the outlet of the second pump body; the dispensing head having a second dispensing head inlet connected to the second flowable product dispensing tube on an opposite end from the outlet from the second pump body, the dispensing nozzle includes a second distribution channel in fluid communication with the second dispensing head inlet, and a plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings in fluid communication with the second distribution channel, the second flowable product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another; and the controller is further configured to actuate the second controllable drive upon receiving a second flowable product dispensing signal from the user interface in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of the second flowable product through the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product is dispensed in generally uniform portions through the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings.

9. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings are spaced apart from one another in a uniform pattern.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings include at least five of the second flowable product dispensing openings that are generally equally spaced apart from one another on a second circle and are spaced apart from the first flowable product dispensing openings.1 1 . The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the user interface includes at least one first actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly, and at least one second actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly.

12. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the user interface comprises a touchscreen, and the touch screen includes a first GUI that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly, and the touch screen includes a second GUI that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly.

13. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the dispensing head includes a handle, and the dispensing nozzle is removably connected to the handle.

14. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product is different than the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product.

15. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the first distribution channel is generally circular and the plurality of first flowable product dispensing openings are generally uniformly spaced apart around the circular first distribution channel, and the second distribution channel is formed with a hub-and-spoke shape, and the plurality of second flowable product dispensing openings are located on respective ones of the spokes.

16. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the first controllable drive comprises a motor that drives a drive screw; the first pump comprises a first pump piston that is linearly drivable by the drive screw within a cylinder defined in the first pump body in order to draw the first flowable product through the inlet and into the cylinder upon movement of the first pump piston in a first direction, and discharge the first flowable product from the cylinder through the outlet upon movement of the first pump piston in a second direction; an inlet check valve prevents a backflow of the first flowable product through the inlet upon movement of the first pump piston in the second direction, and an outlet check valve prevents a backflow of the first flowable product from the outlet into the first pump upon movement of the first pump piston in the first direction;the second controllable drive comprises a second motor that drives a second drive screw; the second pump comprises a second pump piston that is linearly drivable by the second drive screw within a second cylinder defined in the second pump body in order to draw the second flowable product through the inlet of the second pump body and into the second cylinder upon movement of the second pump piston in a first direction, and discharge the second flowable product from the second cylinder through the outlet of the second pump body upon movement of the second pump piston in a second direction ; and a second inlet check valve prevents a backflow of the second flowable product through the inlet of the second pump body upon movement of the second pump piston in the second direction, and a second outlet check valve prevents a backflow of the second flowable product from the outlet of the second pump body into the second pump upon movement of the second pump piston in the first direction .

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein a volume of the predetermined quantity of the first flowable product is settable by the controller adjusting a number of rotations that the first motor drives the first drive screw, and a volume of the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product is settable by the controller adjusting a number of rotations that the second motor drives the second drive screw.

18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to at least one of prime the first flowable product by continuously actuating the first controllable drive or prime the second flowable product by continuously actuating the second controllable drive.

19. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the user interface includes at least one of: a) two first actuation buttons located on the dispensing head that are in communication with the controller for respectively actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly to dispense two different predetermined quantities of the first flowable product, and at least one second actuation button located on the dispensing head that is in communication with the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly to dispense thepredetermined quantity of the second flowable product, or b) a touch screen that includes two first GUIs that are adapted to signal the controller for respectively actuating the first controllable drive of the first flowable product pump assembly to dispense two different predetermined quantities of the first flowable product, and a second GUI that is adapted to signal the controller for actuating the second controllable drive of the second flowable product pump assembly to dispense the predetermined quantity of the second flowable product.

20. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the controller is further configured to run a cleaning cycle in order to run a cleaning solution through the first and second flowable product intake tubes, the first and second flowable product pump assemblies, the first and second flowable product dispensing tubes, and the dispensing head.

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