Bacterial Charge Detection in Food Dispensing Machines

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the electrode assembly movable rather than fixed. The electrodes can be positioned and repositioned within the analysis chamber, allowing them to be placed in regions where convective motions have minimal impact on measurement accuracy. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to varying flow conditions and maintain reliable measurements despite convective disturbances in the liquid or semi-liquid food product.

The patent applies the Local quality principle by creating specific zones within the analysis chamber with different flow characteristics. The chamber is designed to have regions of reduced convective motion where measurements are taken, while other regions handle the bulk flow. By localizing the measurement zone to areas with more stable fluid conditions, the system achieves reliable bacterial charge measurements even when the overall product experiences convective motions.

The patent applies the Feedback principle by implementing a closed-loop monitoring system that continuously or periodically measures the actual bacterial charge in the product using impedance measurements. The electrode sensors detect changes in electrical impedance caused by bacterial presence, and this information is fed back to indicate when sanitizing is actually needed rather than following a fixed schedule. This feedback mechanism ensures both hygiene maintenance and accurate detection of bacterial contamination levels.

The patent applies the Self-service principle by enabling the machine to autonomously monitor its own hygiene status through continuous bacterial charge detection. The impedance measurement system allows the equipment to self-assess contamination levels and trigger sanitizing operations only when necessary, rather than relying on external scheduling or manual inspection. This self-monitoring capability ensures both hygienic operation and accurate bacterial detection.

The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing complex laboratory mechanical and chemical testing procedures with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using traditional laboratory methods that require sample collection, incubation, and manual analysis, the invention uses electrode sensors to measure electrical impedance directly in the product. This substitution of electrical measurement for mechanical/biological laboratory procedures achieves comparable accuracy in bacterial population assessment while dramatically reducing both time and cost requirements.

The patent applies the Copying principle by creating a simplified electrical model that replicates the information obtained from complex laboratory tests. The impedance measurement system captures the essential characteristics of bacterial presence and population density through electrical properties, providing a copy of the critical data that would otherwise require extensive laboratory analysis. This copied information is sufficient for hygiene monitoring and sanitizing decisions without needing the full laboratory testing process.