CYLINDRICAL PISTON ASSISTED BLENDING VESSEL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a system for providing viscous ingredients to a device for subsequent blending and dispensing as a mixture. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a double-walled container and a double-walled transportation conduit which utilizes applied pressure to evacuate the double-walled container and the double-walled transportation conduit so as to provide viscous ingredients to a device for subsequent blending and dispensing as a mixture.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventional systems, which provide viscous ingredients to a device for subsequent blending and dispensing as a mixture, utilize flexible packaging for containing the viscous ingredients and tubing with an associated pump to move the viscous ingredient in the container to the appropriate location for blending and dispensing.

One problem with these conventional systems is that the pumps require routine cleaning to avoid contamination from other ingredients and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a container and/or transportation system that can easily move the viscous ingredient in the container to the appropriate location for blending and dispensing.

In addition, it is desirable to provide a disposable container and/or transportation system that can easily move the viscous ingredient in the container to the appropriate location for blending and dispensing and which does not require cleaning.

Moreover, it is desirable to provide a disposable container and/or transportation system that can easily move the viscous ingredient in the container to the appropriate location for blending and dispensing and which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a blending system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the blending system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the blending system inputting ice into the blending mechanism;

FIG. 4 illustrates the blending system inputting other ingredients into the blending mechanism;

FIG. 5 illustrates the blending system blending the ice and other ingredients in the blending mechanism;

FIG. 6 illustrates the blending system dispensing the blended ice and other ingredients from the blending mechanism;

FIG. 7 illustrates the blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism;

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another blending system;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the blending and clean in place process;

FIG. 11 illustrates another blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism;

FIG. 12 illustrates another blending system utilizing a clean in place process for cleaning the blending mechanism;

FIG. 13 illustrates another blending system;

FIG. 14 illustrates a weighing sensing unit for the blending system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of another blending chamber for a blending system;

FIG. 16 shows a side view of the blending chamber of FIG. 15.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts could be properly illustrated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended. The blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.

The blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end. The piston or plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30. The shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. The cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40.

The blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended. The blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.

The blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end. The piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30. The shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. The cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40 and channel 70.

The shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200. Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.

Control/power unit 100 also controls the speed and/or state of operation (ON/OFF) of the blending mechanism 50 through electrical connection 105. An exit drain 701 is included to dispose of any waste as well as any cleaning liquids.

It is noted that the blending mechanism 50 may include a weight sensor or weight sensing unit to measure the weight of the ingredients being introduced into the blending chamber 10. This weight sensor or weight sensing unit can provide the appropriate measurement data to the control/power unit 100 so that the ingredients can be properly metered.

In this example, the weight sensing unit may calibrate the tare weight of only the bottom floor of the blending chamber 10 because the floor would float upon the weight sensing unit and the remaining portion of the blending chamber 10 would be fixed to the blending system.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the weight sensing unit. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the blending mechanism 50 includes weight sensors 51 which measures the weight of the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10, the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53), and the weight of the ingredients (represented by the arrows) within the blending chamber 10.

In this example, to determine a tare weight or calibration weight, the weight sensing unit only needs to measure the weight of the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) because the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 are not positioned upon the weighing platform, namely the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10.

Since the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) are not removed to dispense the mixture from the blending chamber 10, the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined in a frequent manner or after each dispensing as in a system that utilizes pitchers to dispense the mixture.

It is noted that the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) can be removed for detail cleaning at breakdown of the blending system; however, since the blending system has only a single bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 with blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53), the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined after a breakdown cleaning.

It is further noted that the FIG. 14 illustrates a rotating drive mechanism 52 that provides the rotation of the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53). The rotating drive mechanism 52 engages the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53) and the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 so as not to impact the weight measurement.

It is further noted that the weight sensors may be located at other locations beneath the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10 and the blending assembly (including blending or mixing blades 53).

Alternatively, it is noted that the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 may be positioned upon the weighing platform, namely the bottom floor 13 of the blending chamber 10, and thus, the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 may be incorporated in the tare weight or calibration weight determination. However, the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined in a frequent manner or after each dispensing as in a system that utilizes pitchers to dispense the mixture because the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 or the blending chamber 10 are not removed to dispense the mixture from the blending chamber 10.

It is noted that the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10 can be removed for detail cleaning at breakdown of the blending system; however, since the blending system has only the sides (11 and 12) of the blending chamber 10, the tare weight or calibration weight does not need to be determined after a breakdown cleaning.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the blending system includes an ice bin 400 for storing ice. Moreover, the blending system includes an ingredient bin 300 for storing the blending ingredient(s). The ice and ingredient(s) are transported to the receiving opening 80 of the blending chamber 10, through conduit 90 and conduit 95, respectively.

It is noted that the ingredient bin 300 may be compartmentalized to store multiple ingredients. In addition, it is noted that the bin 400 may store ice cream, soft serve ice cream, or other frozen products that are utilized in making a frozen drink or frozen food item.

The blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60 into a consumer container 575 which rests upon consumer container holding platform 550. It is noted that consumer container holding platform 550 may contain a drain (not shown) to capture any waste or overflow from the dispensing process.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the blending chamber 10 of the blending system receives ice 401 from ice bin 400. In FIG. 4, the blending chamber 10 of the blending system receives blending ingredient(s) 301 from ingredient bin 300. The blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the piston/plunger 20 engages the ice 401 and the blending ingredients 301. During this engagement of the piston/plunger 20, the control/power unit 100 starts the blending process by turning ON the blending mechanism 50. The piston/plunger 20 keeps the ice 401 and the blending ingredients 301 in close engagement with the blades of the blending mechanism 50 so as to reduce the blending time and to prevent or decrease cavitation.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the piston/plunger 20 travels further towards the blending mechanism 50 engaging the blended ice 401 and blending ingredients 301. During this cycle, the dispenser 60 opens to allow the evacuation of the blended mixture 501 into a consumer container 575 which rests upon consumer container holding platform 550. The opening and closing of the dispenser 60 may be controlled by control/power unit 100 or may be manually controlled.

It is noted that the blending mechanism 50 may continue to rotate the blades during dispensing to assist in the evacuation of the blended mixture 501.

After evacuation, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601, such as water, enters the blending chamber 10. The blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50. It is noted that the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.

Upon finishing the cleaning in place cycle, the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber 10 and out of the blending system by exit drain or discharge conduit 701. It is noted that the piston/plunger 20 may also travel towards the blending mechanism 50 during the agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the piston/plunger 20, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid 601 from the blending chamber 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the consumer container holding platform 550 shifts outwardly so that a back portion of the consumer container holding platform 550 is positioned under the dispenser 60. The cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in the back portion which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.

The consumer container holding platform 550 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in FIG. 7 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the consumer container holding platform 550 automatically shifts outwardly.

It is noted that the consumer container holding platform 550 may be normally in the position illustrated in FIG. 6 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, a sensor may sense the absence of the consumer container 575, which causes the consumer container holding platform 550 to be driven outwardly.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the receiving opening 80 is replaced with direct connection of the ice bin 400 and the blending ingredient(s) bin 300 to the blending chamber 10. This direct connection may be facilitated by valves 92 and 97. These valves may be one way valves. These valves may also be controlled by the control/power unit 100 so that the ice and/or ingredients can be metered into the blending chamber 10.

It is noted that the blending chamber 10 may be removable to facilitate a more through cleaning on a daily basis, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the consumer container holding platform 550 shifts outwardly so that a back portion of the consumer container holding platform 550 is positioned under the dispenser 60. The cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in the back portion which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.

The consumer container holding platform 550 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in FIG. 8 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the consumer container holding platform 550 automatically shifts outwardly.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a blending system 1 which includes two blending chambers 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended through receiving openings 1000. The receiving openings 1000 can be located in the back to receive items blending ingredients stored within the blending system 1. In addition, the receiving openings 1000 can be located in the front of the blending system 1 to receive blending ingredients introduced directly by the user or operator.

The blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.

Each blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end. Each piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30. The shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10.

In the illustration of FIG. 8, a user interface panel 800 is included to allow the user to program the blending system 1 to create different blended mixtures.

The shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200. Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.

The blended ingredients are dispensed from the blending chamber 10 through dispenser 60.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of the blending and clean in place process utilized by the blending systems described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, at step S10, the blending ingredients are introduced into the blending chamber. At step S20, the piston/plunger is lowered into position to place some pressure upon the blending ingredients in the blending chamber.

At step S30, the piston/plunger engages the blending ingredients in conjunction with the starting of the blending process performed by the blades of a blending mechanism. The piston/plunger engages the blending ingredients, during the blending process, so as to reduce the blending time and to prevent or decrease cavitation.

At step S40, the piston/plunger further engages the blended ingredients, and a dispenser is opened to allow the evacuation of the blended mixture into a container.

As noted above, the blending process is maintained while further lowering the piston/plunger to assist in dispensing the blended ingredients. The piston/plunger may be lowered until the piston/plunger reaches the bottom of the blending chamber. Thereafter, when the shaft is hollow and an air valve is utilized with the piston/plunger, the air valve is opened and the piston/plunger is raised a short distance. The air valve is then closed and the piston/plunger is lowered, which causes a positive air pressure between the piston/plunger and the top surface of the remaining blended ingredients. The positive air pressure causes the last of the blended ingredients to be evacuated into a container, thereby significantly reducing or substantially eliminating waste.

At step S50, a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger travels away from the blending mechanism and a cleaning fluid, such as water, enters the blending chamber. The blending mechanism is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid so as to clean the blending chamber and the blades of the blending mechanism.

At step S60, upon finishing the cleaning in place cycle, the cleaning fluid is discharged from the blending chamber and out of the blending system by a discharge conduit. It is noted that the piston/plunger may also travel towards the blending mechanism during the agitation of the cleaning fluid so as to clean the piston/plunger, as well as, to assist in evacuating the cleaning fluid from the blending chamber.

Alternatively, after evacuation, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601, such as water, enters the blending chamber 10. The blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50. It is noted that the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the consumer container holding platform 550 does not shift. The cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into an opening (not shown) in consumer container holding platform 550 which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.

In another alternative, after evacuation, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a clean in place process starts wherein the piston/plunger 20 travels away from the blending mechanism 50 and a cleaning fluid 601, such as water, enters the blending chamber 10. The blending mechanism 50 is turned ON to cause an agitation of the cleaning fluid 601 so as to clean the blending chamber 10 and the blades of the blending mechanism 50. It is noted that the cleaning fluid 601 may also be introduced into the receiving opening 80 to clean this chamber.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the consumer container holding platform 550 does not shift. However, a funnel or discharge capture unit 580 is positioned under the dispenser 60. The cleaning fluid is discharged through the dispenser 60 and into the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 which enables the discharged cleaning fluid to be directed to the exit drain or discharge conduit 701.

The funnel or discharge capture unit 580 may be positively biased to the position illustrated in FIG. 12 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 automatically shifts outwardly.

It is noted that the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 may be normally in the back portion of consumer container holding platform 550 so that when the consumer container 575 is removed, a sensor may sense the absence of the consumer container 575, which causes the funnel or discharge capture unit 580 to be driven outwardly.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, a blending system includes a blending chamber 10 that receives the ingredients to be blended. The blending system also includes a blending mechanism 50 that includes blades for blending and a motor to drive the blades.

The blending chamber 10 has, therein, a piston/plunger 20 that can move from one end of the blending chamber 10 to the other end. The piston/plunger 20 is driven by a shaft 30. The shaft 30 may be hollow to allow the introduction of ingredients or a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. In the illustration of FIG. 13, the shaft 30 is hollow to enable the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water into the blending chamber 10. The cleaning fluid is introduced through fluid channel 40 and channel 70.

The shaft 30 and the piston/plunger 20 are driven by motor 200. Motor 200 is controlled by control/power unit 100 through electrical connection 110.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the blending system includes an ice bin 400 for storing ice. Moreover, the blending system includes an ingredient bin 300 for storing the blending ingredient(s). The ingredient(s) are transported to the blending chamber 10 through conduit.

With respect to the ice, the ice is initially transferred to an ice weighing bin 96 where the ice's weight is measured by weighing unit 93. Upon receiving the appropriate weight of ice in the ice weighing bin 96, the ice bin 400 terminates any transferring of ice to the ice weighing bin 96, and a gate 94 is opened to transfer the ice to conduit 81 which enables the ice to be introduced into the blending chamber 10. In this example, the ice is weighed/measured in a non-blending chamber or container.

It is noted that the weighing unit 93 can provide the appropriate measurement data to the control/power unit 100 so that the ice can be properly metered.

As noted above, a cylindrical vessel blends ingredients with a rotating blade in a blending vessel or container and uses a piston/plunger to exert pressure upon the ingredients. This pressure prevents cavitation in the blade area and simultaneously prevents the upper levels of ingredients from rotating or swirling in unison with the rotating blades.

At the end of this initial blend cycle, an exit valve, below the blades, opens and the piston pushes the partially blended ingredients, at a controlled rate, past the rotating blade(s) creating consistent and uniform blend of ingredients that exit the valve and into a serving container. After dispensing to a serving container, the vessel and piston are self-clean by the clean in place process.

As noted above, the blending chamber or vessel has an exit valve located just below the blades so that the exit valve dispenses the blended drink into a serving cup as opposed to the conventional removing of the vessel and pouring the contents out.

Moreover, the blending chamber or vessel is cleaned in place without being removed from the blending mechanism.

Although the above systems have been described with respect to a based frozen mixture (drink), the blending system can be utilized to dispense both soft serve ice cream and icy drinks, like a Slushy™, without the constant freezing and unfreezing of the beverage in the constantly rotating drum.

In the examples discussed above with respect to the blending ingredients being stored within the blending system, the dispensing of these ingredients can be automated so that the dispensing is accurate.

It is noted that the piston/plunger may have a tight fit along the sidewalls of the blending chamber, but not airtight so that air is allowed to escape between the side of the piston/plunger and the walls of the blending chamber.

It is further noted that the piston/plunger may have an air tight seal with the sidewalls of the blending chamber. In this embodiment, the shaft of the piston/plunger may be hollow and may have an air valve connected at its end. The air valve is opened during the decent of the piston/plunger from the top of the blending chamber to the top surface of the blending ingredient mixture to prevent an “air lock.”

The air valve enables control of the speed of egress of the ingredient mixture. By slowing the speed of the piston/plunger, a finer ice particle can be generated by just moving the piston/plunger slowly while the dispenser is opened and the air valve is closed. This situation creates a vacuum to slow the speed of the dispensing.

Once the piston hits the top of the mixture, which can be sensed in number of conventional ways, the air valve is closed. If the air valve was not closed at this point, a small amount of ice or ingredient could traverse up the air tube that extends from the bottom of the piston to the top of the piston shaft.

The piston/plunger puts pressure on the mixture during the blending to prevent a vortex with an air pocket from forming on the bottom, in other words, a cavitation caused by the rotating blades. The piston/plunger may also prevent the ice and ingredient mixture from rotating or swirling at the top levels of the mixture.

FIG. 15 illustrates another configuration of the blending chamber 10. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the blending chamber 10 has an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion has a horizontal dimension B which is less than a horizontal dimension A of the upper portion. In other words, the blending chamber 10 is tapered outwardly to create a wider upper portion. The wider upper portion allows the piston/plunger 20 to physically disengage from the blending chamber so as not to interfere/impact with the weighing process.

The tapering of the blending chamber 10 may be forty-five degrees. In addition, the horizontal dimension B of the lower portion may be approximately 6.25 cm and the horizontal dimension A of the upper portion may be approximately 8.75 cm.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the configuration of the blending chamber 10, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a container 3000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above. As illustrated in FIG. 17, container 3000 includes a rigid outer wall 3100 and an inner flexible bladder 3200. The inner flexible bladder 3200 is connected to an outlet 3300. The rigid outer wall 3100 has a conduit 3400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200. The inner flexible bladder 3200 contains a viscous material.

As a fluid is introduced into the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200, the pressure from the added fluid causes the viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 3200 to move out of the container 3000 through outlet 3300.

As the amount of fluid in the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200 increases, the amount of viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 3200 decreases, as illustrated in FIG. 18 wherein the reduced amount of viscous material 3210 is less than the originating amount in the flexible container 3200.

To provide a proper evacuation of the viscous material, the amount of fluid in the volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 3200, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate an alternative to the container 3000 of FIGS. 17-19 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.

FIG. 20 illustrates a container 4000 that includes a rigid outer wall 4100 and an inner flexible bladder 4200. The rigid outer wall 4100 is connected to an outlet 4300. The inner flexible bladder 4200 has a conduit 4400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200. The volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200 contains a viscous material.

As a fluid is introduced into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200, the pressure from the added fluid causes the viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200 to move out of the container 4000 through outlet 4300.

As the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200 increases, the amount of viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200 decreases, as illustrated in FIG. 21, wherein the reduced amount of viscous material 4210 is less than the originating amount.

To provide a proper evacuation of the viscous material, the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 4200 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 4100 and the inner flexible bladder 4200, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate a transport conduit 5000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the transport conduit 5000 includes a rigid outer wall 5100 and an inner flexible bladder 5200. The rigid outer wall 5100 is connected to a pinch valve 5300. The inner flexible bladder 5200 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200. The volume between the rigid outer wall 5100 and the inner flexible bladder 5200 allows the viscous material to flow therethrough.

As a fluid is introduced into the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200, the pressure from the added fluid causes the viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 5100 and the inner flexible bladder 5200 to move out of the transport conduit 5000 through pinch valve 5300.

As the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200 increases, the amount of viscous material in the volume between the rigid outer wall 5100 and the inner flexible bladder 5200 decreases, as illustrated in FIG. 24 wherein the reduced amount of viscous material is less than the originating amount.

To provide a proper evacuation of the viscous material, the amount of fluid in the volume of the inner flexible bladder 5200 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the transport conduit 5000, as illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an alternative to the transport conduit 5000 of FIGS. 23-25 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above.

FIG. 26 illustrates a transport conduit 5000 that includes a rigid outer wall 5150 and an inner flexible bladder 5250. The inner flexible bladder 5250 is connected to an outlet through pinch valve 5300. The rigid outer wall 5150 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume between the rigid outer wall 5150 and the inner flexible bladder 5250. The inner flexible bladder 5250 transports a viscous material.

As a fluid is introduced into the volume between the rigid outer wall 5150 and the inner flexible bladder 5250, the pressure from the added fluid causes the viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 5250 to move out of the transport conduit 5000.

As the amount of fluid in the volume between the rigid outer wall 5150 and the inner flexible bladder 5250 increases, the amount of viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 5250 decreases, as illustrated in FIG. 27, wherein the reduced amount of viscous material is less than the originating amount.

To provide a proper evacuation of the viscous material, the amount of fluid in the volume between the rigid outer wall 5150 and the inner flexible bladder 5250 continues to increase, thereby reducing the amount of viscous material in the inner flexible bladder 5250, as illustrated in FIG. 28.

FIG. 29 illustrates a combined container/transport system 6000 that can be utilized in the blending systems discussed above. As illustrated in FIG. 29, container 3000 includes a rigid outer wall 3100 and an inner flexible bladder 3200. The inner flexible bladder 3200 is connected to a one-way check valve 6100. It is noted that the one-way check valve 6100 may also be a pinch valve.

The container/transport system 6000 further includes a transport conduit constructed of a rigid outer wall 5100 and an inner flexible bladder 5200. The rigid outer wall 5100 is connected to a pinch valve 5300. The inner flexible bladder 5200 has a conduit 5400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid or gas into the volume of inner flexible bladder 5400.

The inner flexible bladder 3200 has a conduit 3400 connected thereto to allow the introduction of a fluid, the fluid being either a gas or liquid, into the volume of inner flexible bladder 3200. The flow of fluid into the volume of inner flexible bladder 3200 is regulated by a valve 6200 which allows the fluid from source conduit 6300 to flow to the inner flexible bladder 3200 or prevents the fluid from source conduit 6300 from flowing to the inner flexible bladder 3200. The volume between the rigid outer wall 3100 and the inner flexible bladder 3200 contains a viscous material.

The fluid is introduced into the inner flexible bladder 3200 until an appropriate amount of viscous material passes through the one-way check valve 6100.

When the appropriate amount of viscous material passes through the one-way check valve 6100, the valve 6200 closes the flow of the fluid from source conduit 6300 to the inner flexible bladder 3200 and redirects the fluid from source conduit 6300 to the conduit 5400.

As the amount of fluid or gas in volume of inner flexible bladder 5400 increases, the amount of viscous material in the transport conduit decreases, thereby effectively evacuating the viscous material from the transport conduit.

Once the transport conduit has been effectively evacuated of viscous material, the valve 6200 allows the fluid in the inner flexible bladder 5400 to escape or be released from the inner flexible bladder 5400 to prepare the inner flexible bladder 5400 for the next amount of viscous material to be introduced for transport.

It is noted that the above described embodiment can be modified such that the volume causing the evacuation is the volume between the rigid outer wall and the inner flexible bladder.

It is further noted that the above described embodiment can be modified such that the volume causing the evacuation is not symmetrical in the container and the transport conduit.

In summary, a transport conduit for transporting a viscous material, includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder. The inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit.

A transport conduit for transporting a viscous material may include an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder. The volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increases in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder.

A method of transporting a viscous material through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder introduces a viscous material into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder; and introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit.

A method of transporting a viscous material through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder may also introduce a viscous material into the inner flexible bladder a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder; and introduce fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit.

A container for a viscous material, includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder. The inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container.

A container for a viscous material may also include an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder. The volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increases in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder.

A container/transport system for a viscous material includes a container for the viscous material. The container includes an outer rigid wall; an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material; and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder. The inner flexible bladder increases in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container. The system also includes a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, which includes an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit. A valve controls a flow of fluid from a fluid source to either the inner flexible bladder of the container or the inner flexible bladder of the transport conduit.

A container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; and a valve for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid source to either the inner flexible bladder of the container or the inner flexible bladder of the transport conduit.

A container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; and a valve for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid source to either the inner flexible bladder of the container or the inner flexible bladder of the transport conduit.

A container/transport system for a viscous material may also include a container for the viscous material, the container including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the outer rigid wall to introduce a fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder, the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder increasing in response to introducing gas therein such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the inner flexible bladder; a transport conduit for transporting the viscous material, the transport conduit including an outer rigid wall, an inner flexible bladder, a volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder containing a viscous material, and a conduit connected to the inner flexible bladder to introduce a fluid into the inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder increasing in volume in response to introducing fluid therein such that the volume between the outer rigid wall and the inner flexible bladder decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the transport conduit; and a valve for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid source to either the inner flexible bladder of the container or the inner flexible bladder of the transport conduit.

A method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that the volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.

A method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.

A method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into a volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that a volume of the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.

A method of transporting a viscous material from a container having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder through a conduit having an outer rigid wall and an inner flexible bladder, the inner flexible bladder of the container having a viscous material introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the container such that a volume between the outer rigid wall of the container and the inner flexible bladder of the container decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the container; introduces fluid into the inner flexible bladder of the conduit such that the volume between the outer rigid wall of the conduit and the inner flexible bladder of the conduit decreases causing the viscous material to be evacuated from the conduit; and releases the fluid from the inner flexible bladder of the conduit after the viscous material has been evacuated from the conduit.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above and the following claims.

CYLINDRICAL PISTON ASSISTED BLENDING VESSEL

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