Patent Application
20230278850
The dispensing industry is becoming more complex based on customer demand for customized drinks. These customized drinks require precision applications of various liquids and gases. In addition, material cost, labor cost, and labor safety are important factors that need to be enhanced. By utilizing this disclosure, the operator can achieve customized, precision drinks with reduced material cost and labor cost while increase labor safety.
This disclosure relates generally to liquid and/or gas delivery systems, and is concerned in particular with a system capable of delivering an on-demand customized mixture. Further, this disclosure illustrates a cleaning (e.g., cleaning, sanitizing, and/or rinsing) system for a drink dispensing device.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid dispensing system comprises one or more pressurized containers. A flexible bag in the pressurized container contains a first liquid. A supply source introduces a pressurized liquid (and/or a pressurized gas) into the chamber. The pressurized liquid (and/or a pressurized gas) moves the first liquid from the flexible bag to an outlet area. The supply source of the liquid dispenser system may include a constant flow valve located externally of the pressurized container. A constant flow valve may be located on the incoming pressure source and/or the constant flow valve may be located on the outlet for the liquid.
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In one example, the drink dispensing system 100 is a pressure dispensing system. The pressure dispensing system uses a pressure vessel 102 combined with an inbound pressure-controlled element (e.g., fluid, liquid, and/or gas) and one or more containers 106 located inside the pressure vessel 102 where the one or more containers 106 are filled with an ingredient connected to an outlet of the pressure vessel 102 to a point of mixing and/or dispensing. The outlet of the pressure vessel 102 can be controlled by mechanical and/or electronic device(s) 108 that can have flow control/portion control through the mechanical and/or electronic device(s) 108. In this example, the drink dispensing system 100 may be refillable through a removable lid/cover/access point 110.
In one example, the lid/cover/access point 110 may be removed for washing in a dishwasher or by hand. In addition, other automated clean in place methods can be applied. The lid/cover/access point 110 may be designed with a bulkhead 112 that connects the one or more containers 106 to the outlet device 108 that can withstand the pressure. In addition, a safety device 114 can be built into the lid/cover/access point 110 to ensure that all the pressure is released before the lid/cover/access point 110 is utilized. Further, the safety device 114 may have a pop-off feature if the pressure exceeds a target rate inside the pressure vessel 102.
The benefits of the drink dispensing system 100 are that no pumps or plumbing or flow meters or connections are required to dispense any viscosity and/or any flow rate. In addition, there is minimal wetted surface for cleaning; there are minimal wetted surface and plumbing fixtures for the fluid to flow through. These assist system performance especially with very viscous materials that have a significant drop in pressure as they pass through the plumbing, pumps, flow meters, and/or connectors.
In another example, if the flavor fluid viscosity is sensitive to temperature, a temperature sensor can be added to connect to the controllers of the equipment. If the temperature changes, the “on-time” of the CF Valves can be increased or decreased accordingly to account for the change in viscosity so that the same portion is dispensed to achieve a certain flow rate quantity to the point of dispensing.
Further, if the flavor fluid is difficult to clean (e.g., viscosity, stickiness, dairy, etc.), there is a significant advantage to having the shortest possible wetted surface to facilitate cleaning.
In one example, the sliding tray 116 can facilitate the placement of a new bag/container (e.g., one or more bags 106) of ingredients into the pressurized vessel 102. In this example, one or more ingredients and/or bags may be located within a pressurized vessel 102. In the case where a pressurized vessel 102 utilizes more than one ingredient, then the multiple ingredients can be designed to dispense individually, in combination, or both.
In one example, the drink dispensing system 100 can be combined with a user interface that connects with the point-of-sale, online ordering, and/or other processing systems to automatically dispense beverages either by the interaction with an employee, customer, server, or automatically when combined with a drive through style conveyor belt system. In addition, the drink dispensing system 100 may be completed automatically via any control signal. The system can be designed with the Internet of things connections for inventory control, sales data, usage data, etc. In addition, the drink dispensing system 100 can provide the employee/user with information on time—to sold out, temperature, usage, etc.
In another example, the system can utilize other methods to ensure proper dispense/portion control such as a temperature sensor that reads the temperature of the inbound syrup and based on the temperature of the syrup and the relative viscosity change at that temperature, the system will automatically adjust the dispense time to ensure the same volume is always dispensed. The system can incorporate a viscosity and/or dissolved solids meter(s) to measure variation in the ingredient(s) and similarly change the dispense time to ensure the same volume is dispensed.
In one example, the pressure vessel can be a metal or plastic canister in any shape or a bottle (plastic or glass) or a bag that can withstand the targeted pressure of the system. In another example, the inbound pressure controlled fluid can be any liquid or gas and is controlled by a CF Valve and/or pressure control device (e.g., a pressure regulating valve, a pump that delivers controlled pressure, and/or any other device that can keep a constant pressure into the pressure vessel). Further, the internal container can be a flexible package, a caulking gun type system, and/or any container that when the pressure acts on the container it pushes the ingredients out of the container. In another example, the outlet can be mechanically and/or electronically controlled and can be made of any material. Further, the outlet can be a faucet, a solenoid, an on/off valve, and/or a flow control device (e.g., CF Valve). In addition, the outlet can utilize electronics (e.g., time on, pulsing, flow meters, etc.) to control the volume/speed of dispense and/or it can utilize a fixed orifice (and/or orifices) to set the flow rates for each particular ingredient. In one example, the lid/cover/access point 110 can be Plexiglas, acrylic, plastic, and/or metal with a toggle, nut/screw, and/or any other method of fixing the lid/cover/access point to the pressure vessel 102 that can withstand the internal pressure. In another example, an automatic clean-in-place system can utilize a bag of cleaner and/or sanitizer to flush a portion of (and/or all) the drink dispensing system 100 and/or utilize the inlet pressure connection to injected diluted cleaner and/or sanitizer to flush the entire system and/or a portion thereof. In an example, the bulkhead 112 allows the syrup from the bag 106 to connect directly to the outlet of the system. Further, the bulkhead 112 can be incorporated into the lid/cover/access point 110 to facilitate cleaning and use or can be placed in another part of the system. In addition, the lid/cover/access point 110 and/or the bulkhead 112 are designed to seal and to not allow the pressure inside the vessel 102 to escape to atmosphere.
In an example, there can be an automatic pressure release built into the lid/cover/access point 110 and/or canister to require the pressure to be released before removing the lid/cover 110. In one example, the natural pressure acting on the lid/cover 110 can create a seal which will not allow an opening function until the pressure is reduced. In another example, the sliding tray or other device such as a plastic sleeve can be incorporated to facilitate the placement and/or removal of the ingredient container 106 from inside the pressure vessel 102. In another example, more than one ingredient container can be placed inside a single pressure vessel 102 and can either dispense the ingredients individually, in combination, and/or both. For example, there could be a simple syrup, vanilla, strawberry, lime, chocolate where any one of these is dispensed either individually, in combination, and/or both. In another example, the drink dispensing system 100 can be completely or partially automated with a system that actuates the inlet pressure control valve and the outlet faucet/valve when called for by the user or automatically in the case of a conveyor belt system. In one example, if the inlet valve and the outlet valve are electronically controlled to open and close in concert (at the same time, or with slight variations in timing), the system can be programmed with recipes for different dispenses based on combinations and/or volumes of each ingredient. In another example, the connection of the cover/bulkhead to the lid to the bag/container is a quick connect which can be (or not be) a dry break that allows for the bag/container to connect to the bulkhead without dripping and/or reduced time/labor cost. In another example, the canister could be disposable and be a single use device. In another example, the drink dispensing system 100 may be an electric system and/or a non-electric system or a combination of both. The drink dispensing system 100 can utilize nitrogen (and/or air, and/or any other gas or liquid). In various examples, the drink dispensing system 100 may be pump and flow meter free. In other words, the drink dispensing system 100 may not utilize a pump and/or flow meter. In these examples, the CF Valve provides fixed pressure which runs the system. In various example, the only requirement for electricity is downstream of the system if there is a desire to have automation on the dispense, store recipes, and/or temperature adjusted dispense times for viscosity changes.
In one example, the CFive (e.g., CF Valve) controls the gas into the canister. In another example, there may be a safety feature that shuts off the nitrogen (and/or air, and/or any other gas and/or liquid) after the CFive mechanically (e.g., latch on lid can't be opened until ball valve closed) or electronically (e.g., power cut to CFive) fails. In another example, the tank is a standard KEG style canister with a modified cap. Further, the syrup is a bag-in-bottle device which is dripped into the canister (e.g., no syrup in canister, no cleaning or refilling is required) which is permanent to the equipment. In another example, the bag is pulled out and a new bag is attached and returned to the KEG (with or without a quick connect/bib type dry break). In one example, the cap is O-ring sealed to hold pressure where the action of releasing the latch will also allow a small amount of air to vent to depressurize before the full cap opens. In addition, the venting can be the same design as a KEG vent currently or combined with the lever action. In another example, the BIB bag has a connector that is a dry break that connects the bag to the tubing that goes through the canister to the outside (can be through a standard KEG fitting). In another example, the CFiVe (electric version—with solenoid) or CFiVe (plugged non-electric version without solenoid) may be downstream of the controls that dispense the pressure of the CFiVe is X PSI (needs to be enough to make the viscous syrup move quickly—and XX psi lower than the CF Valve). For example, the electric system has a CFiVe programmed for a touch screen for recipes and/or into the point-of-sales device for dispense. In addition, a temperature sensor can be added to allow for modifications in pour time for temperature and/or humidity sensitive viscosity. For example, the non-electric system may dispense mechanically via a tap or toggle or push-button type approach. In another example, orifice may be utilized to avoid high velocity events upon refilling the tank. In another example, a container/KEG for higher volume syrups and smaller bag and container/KEG for lower volume syrups may be employed.
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In an example, the temperature sensor 318 can provide temperature and/or humidity data to the system. In one example, if the flavor fluid viscosity is sensitive to temperature and/or humidity, the temperature and/or humidity data can be utilized to change the on-time of the first CFiVe device 304 (e.g., a CF Valve and a solenoid) and/or the second CFive device 322 (e.g., a CF Valve and a solenoid) which changes the flow rate of the flavor fluid to account for any changes in its viscosity so that the same portion is dispensed to achieve a certain flow rate quantity to the point of dispensing.
In one example, the second non-electric CFive device 334 does not have a solenoid for dispensing one or more elements (e.g., flavors, syrups, water, CO2 water, nitrogen, anything else in this disclosure, etc.). In using this system, a mechanical outlet/shut off (e.g., a ball valve, tap, etc.) can be added or the dispensing can be handled downstream in the equipment utilizing solenoids or other forms of on-off features. Further, once the flow is shut downstream of the second non-electric CFive device 334, the first non-electric CFiVe device 332 (e.g., a CF Valve) will shut down automatically which will not allow any further pressure to flow into the canister. This will maintain the canister pressure at the targeted rate (e.g., 14 PSI, 21 PSI, 29 PSI, any other pressure in this disclosure, etc.) as the throttle pin in the first non-electric CFiVe device 332 (e.g., a CF Valve) will shut in the bridged position (e.g., throttle pin closing on inlet orifice). Therefore, no additional pressure (and/or fluid and/or gas) will pass through the first non-electric CFiVe device 332 (e.g., a CF Valve) into the canister. At the same time the second non-electric CFive device 334 will also shut in the bridge position as described above. In one example, at the time that the flow is opened downstream of the second non-electric CFive device 334, both the first non-electric CFiVe device 332 (e.g., a CF Valve) and the second non-electric CFive device 334 (e.g., a CF Valve) will open and operate normally allowing the perfect flow rate/quantity of one or more elements (e.g., flavors, syrups, water, CO2 water, nitrogen, anything else in this disclosure, etc.) to be dispensed.
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The water source (i.e.: city water) enters the system through and passes by a pressure regulator through a T the water is directed to the two CFiVes that control the UHR system, the CFiVe controls the pressure of the water to the targeted Pressure into the Canisters, the water enters the canister through the Manifold water inlet and pressurizes the bag of active ingredient which pushes active ingredient through the tube orifice into the mixing manifold where it mixes with water and flows back into the machine through the flow meter/total dissolved solids sensor and into the manifold via the incoming sanitation solenoid, one the cleaning or sanitation mixed solution is in the solenoid manifolds it then passes through each of the various solenoids downstream to sanitize/clean that particular circuit in the system.
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In one example, a system may include multiple fluids that can be sauces, syrups, flavors, concentrated beverages, concentrated ingredients, non-concentrated beverages, ingredients and/or other fluids and/or gases. In this example, the system may dispense one or more liquids and/or gas from a single dispensing point. For example, certain fluids can be dispensed together from a multi-flavor dispense head and mixed as they are dispensed into a cup, pitcher, and/or downstream into a mixing chamber. In addition, a single fluid can be dispensed on their own from a single dispense point or through a multiple-dispense point.
In another example, the system may use a CF Valve to pressurize the dispensing which has the benefit of being faster than traditional pump bottles or systems that utilize pumps and plumbing. In addition, the CF Valve system is safer for employees because there are fewer repetitive motion injuries (e.g., from reaching up and pumping down especially with viscous liquids that require significant force on the pump to operate). In addition, there is substantially less waste because the product is delivered in flexible packaging compared to standard bottles/jugs (the volume of waste and trips to the dumpster can be reduced by up to 60%). Further, the CF Valve dispensing system is substantially more accurate than manual pumps which can be over +/−20 percent off in dispensing the amount due to differences in how an employee pumps the bottle. In addition, the system can be +/−5 percent accurate dispensing the product. In addition, the system can be cleaned easier than existing pump based systems. Further, some fluids can be concentrated which reduces space requirements for operations and storage. This also reduces the amount of changeover required because the material lasts longer.
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In one example, the one or more inventory modules 908 may be utilize to track one or more materials to be reordered. For example, material for creating a drink has reached a predetermined inventory level, therefore, the system automatically and/or via an approval function orders more of the material. In another example, one or more pressure vessel has been utilized a predetermined amount of times, therefore, a maintenance request is issued and/or warning report generated via the one or more maintenance modules 910. In another example, a predetermined number of drinks have been created which requires a cleaning procedure to be initiated via the one or more cleaning modules 912. In another example, one or more drink dispensing modules 914 may include one or more recipes for one or more drinks. In addition, the one or more loyalty card modules 916 may be utilized to track a client's purchase and generate one or more rewards and/or discounts. In another example, the one or more cameras 918 may be utilized to track system performance. In another example, the one or more sensors 920 may be utilized to track the performance of one or more devices and/or fluid and/or elements. In addition, the one or more flavor modules 922 may track data relating to one or more flavors. In addition, the one or more number of actuations modules 924 may track the number of times a device is utilized. Further, the one or more displays 926 may be utilized to display any data relating to this disclosure via the one or more display modules 928. In another example, the one or more time/day modules 930 may be utilized to track purchase and/or activity rate throughout the day. In addition, the one or more transceivers 932 may transmit any data in this disclosure to a remote device, control center, and/or any computing device. In addition, the recipe module 958 may include any data relating to any recipe.
In another example, syrup control and/or management can be enhanced because dumping and/or walk away can be tracked. For example, when a person buys a fountain drink that person may take a slip and if the taste is not correct that person may dump the contents of the container and refill with another flavor. This might indicate that the syrup ratio is out of range and/or another quality control issue. In addition, the person may just walk away and not purchase anything which could be an indication that the syrup ratio is out of range and/or another quality control issue.
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The diaphragm 1708 is a flexible rubber (and/or any other flexible material) shaped to form a seal between the fluid section and the dry section of the spring cavity. The flex of the diaphragm 1708 allows the throttle pin 1702 to move in response to the spring pressure and inlet pressure thus modulating the fluid flow through the inlet orifice. The bottom retainer 1710 is a plastic part which may be welded (and/or press fitted, and/or any other attachment procedure (e.g., glued, stamped, etc.) to the upper retainer (e.g., top retainer 1706) to form the diaphragm assembly. The bottom retainer 1710 also positions the spring 1712 in the spring cap 1714. The spring 1712 is stainless steel (and/or other similar material—non corrosive material—the material can be a corrosive material also since the area is dry) and serves to keep the diaphragm 1708 seated against the sealing ring of the body 1704 until there is sufficient input pressure to compress the spring opening the valve for normal operation. As the throttle pin 1702 is fastened (could sit on top of—further the spring may not be fastened buy sits against cap and retainer) to the diaphragm assembly, when the inlet pressure depresses the diaphragm 1708/spring 1712 the throttle pin 1702 closes the inlet orifice reducing the flow/pressure. There is continuous movement of the spring 1712, the diaphragm assembly and the throttle pin 1702 as the valve modulates and maintains the preset fixed operating pressure.
The spring cap 1714 is usually plastic but can be any material stiff enough to mitigate any movement of the material that would change the length of the spring cap cavity. The length of the cavity is critical because the spring 1712 must be preset and/or compressed to the operating load before the cartridge CF Valve 1700 is put into operating. It should be noted that the spring cap 1714 creates the seal by compressing the diaphragm 1708 to the body 1704. The rubber cap “O” ring is to form a seal so the passage of the fluid from the body 1704 through the housing cannot leak out around the spring cap 1714.
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The housing is internally subdivided by a barrier wall 2022 into a head section 2024 and a base section 2026. An inlet 2028 in the cap 2012 is adapted to be connected to a fluid supply (not shown) having a pressure that can vary from below to above a threshold level. The inlet 2028 and a central port 2030 in the barrier wall 2022 are preferably aligned coaxially with a central axis A1 of the valve. An outlet port 2031 is provided in the cap 2012, and may be aligned on a second axis A2 transverse to the first axis A1. Although the axis A2 is shown at 90° with respect to axis A1, it will be understood that axis A2 may be oriented at other angles with respect to axis A1 in order to suit various applications of the valve.
A modulating assembly 2032 internally subdivides the base section into a fluid chamber 2023′ segregated from a spring chamber 2023″. The modulating assembly serves to prevent fluid flow through the valve when the fluid pressure at the inlet 2028 is below the threshold pressure. When the fluid pressure at the inlet exceeds the threshold pressure, the modulating assembly serves to accommodate fluid flow from the head section 2024 through port 2030 into fluid chamber 2023′ and from there through outlet port 2031 at a substantially constant outlet pressure and flow rate. Either the outlet port 2031 or a downstream orifice or flow restrictor (not shown) serves to develop a back pressure in fluid chamber 2023′.
The modulating assembly 2032 includes a piston comprised of a hollow shell 2034 and a central plug 2036. The piston is supported for movement in opposite directions along axis A1 by a flexible annular diaphragm 2038. The inner periphery of the diaphragm is captured between the shell 2034 and plug 2036. The cup shaped base 2014 has a cylindrical wall segment 2014′ received within the cap 2012. The outer periphery of the diaphragm is captured between an upper rim 2015 of the wall segment 2014′ and an inwardly projecting interior ledge 2017 on the cap. The outer periphery of the diaphragm thus serves as an effective seal between the cap 2012 and base 2014.
A stem 2040 on the piston plug 2036 projects through the port 2030 into the head section 2024. An enlarged head 2042 on the stem has a tapered underside 2044 that coacts with a tapered surface 2046 of the barrier wall to modulate the size of the flow path through the port 2030 as an inverse function of the varying fluid pressure in the input section, with the result being to deliver fluid to the outlet 2031 at a substantially constant pressure and flow rate.
A compression spring 2048 in the spring chamber 2023″ is captured between an underside surface of shell 2034 and the bottom wall 2052 of the housing base 2014. The spring urges the modulating assembly 2032 towards the barrier wall 2022. When the fluid inlet pressure is below the threshold pressure, spring 2048 serves to urge the diaphragm 2038 against a sealing ring 2049 on the underside of the barrier wall 2022, thus preventing fluid through flow from the head section 2024 via port 2030 and fluid chamber 2023′ to the outlet 2031. As the fluid inlet pressure exceeds the threshold pressure, the resilient closure force of spring 2048 is overcome, allowing the modulating assembly to move away from the sealing ring 2049, and allowing the modulating function of the coacting tapered surfaces 2044, 2046 to commence. An opening 2050 in the bottom wall 2052 serves to vent the volume beneath diaphragm 2038 to the surrounding atmosphere.
Existing systems for cleaning beverage, ice cream, ovens and other food equipment are very reliant on labor and efficacy of the cleaning can be impacted by the employee's calculation of dilution factor, remembering/choosing to run the daily, hourly and weekly cleaning cycles. This is subject to serious error and with increased focus on cleaning for quality and safety and with increased awareness by recent global events—restaurants, convenient stores, fast food, institutional purveyors and regulators need better guarantees that equipment is being cleaned appropriately and to the standards require.
Additionally, there is an opportunity for much improved environmental impact and business system impact by providing high and ultra-high ratio concentrates that are diluted on demand reducing package size, shipping size and frequency and dramatically reducing the carbon footprint and costs of delivering cleaning, sanitizing, descaling and other concentrates.
In an existing bucket and pump system measured chemicals are poured into bucket and filled with water to correct level mark on bucket and stir to mix. This bucket is then carried to the front of machine and pump through to sanitize. There are many chances for error in measurement of chemical and/or water in this procedure. Further skin contact of chemicals, carry bucket/spills etc. is problematic. In addition to a ratio control problem, there is a time issue and quality control issues. For example, time between cleaning, as well as time for solution to be present in plumbing to be effective. Furthermore, employee may just skip doing it as it is difficult to do especially in a crowded store. Another issues, is inconsistences on when and how the device is cleaned. For example, a first employee may clean the system at the appropriate time but not at the appropriate ratios. A second employee may not clean the system at all. While, a third employee may clean the system at the appropriate times with the appropriate ratio. In another system, a ChemStation type—fill bucket with chemicals and water each by weight has the same issues noted above. In another example, an Ecolab type may be done by filling a bucket by timed run of peristaltic pump has the same issues noted above. In addition, weekly service to “top off” large storage tank containing a mixed solution—gravity feed to bucket has the same issues noted above.
A Clean in Place method of sanitation that is internal to the machine being cleaned. One or more Ultra High Ratio canisters of concentrated chemical cleaning liquid, may be calibrated to perform the cleaning cycle for a period weeks or months without having to be replaced. The canisters are mounter internal to the machine, plumbed into the machine's water supply source to be cycled on and off as necessary by the machines computer system. When the sealed, single use, canister is empty the machine may stop serving until the empty canister[s] is disconnected at the dry break and is replaced with a new cartridge.
Note the same clean in place system can be situated beside, behind, beneath the machine or even in the back-room of the facility. It can be automatically run by its own controller/computer/timer in the same way the internal-inside machine is run.
One example is a double bag design. The canister may be constructed with a double bag inside a ridged body if there is a chemical compatibility. The interior bag contains the cleaning chemicals and intern is contained in outer bag. The water to supply the pressure and to mix with the solution is fed in between the two bags and expands outward to be contained by the outer ridged body. There is a vent in the ridged body to allow the air to escape as the bag is filled. The benefit of the double bag system is that there is a vacuum between the two bags and there is no change of air being compressed changing the ratio of the concentrate to water mixture.
Another example is a single bag design. The single bag design uses a bag inside a ridged canister. The water supply fills the canister and compresses the bag.
The canister may be assembled with all components built into the cap—check valves, mixing chamber, orifice, etc. This makes for simple assembly and reduced costs (this is different than the current UHR design). Additionally, there may be dry breaks in the canister that allow for a dry/quick connect on the inlet water and the diluted outbound solution. This is an advantage for when the canister is replaced when it is empty. The inlet and outlet dole feature is designed so that it can be placed at any angle to accommodate where it resides in the machine. Dole fittings would allow a universal installation as the supply/discharge would be in any direction.
A system can have single or multiple canisters to allow for different chemicals (i.e.: cleaner, sanitizer, descaler) and also to have multiple different cycles utilizing one or more of the chemicals for varying different lengths of time as needed to clean for different products (i.e.: coffee, milk, juice, ice cream, steam oven, etc.) Multiple canisters would be an advantage because the cleaning for different products [juice or milk] may require a different chemical or a different time to flush.
All of the cycles are controlled either through the controller of the existing equipment or by an external controller/computer built into the CFV-UHR-CIP kit. For example, a smoothie machine may run 4 hour sanitation, daily clean (short) and weekly clean (long) cycles. The built in system will shut down the machine every four hours and run the four hour cycle, and once a day to run the daily cycle and then once a week for the weekly cycle. The machine will be in operable during the cleaning cycle and will automatically be flushed with clean water after the cycle. Furthermore, there is a Total Dissolved Solids meter and/or sensors that measures the dissolved solids in the city water and then the dissolved solids in the mixed chemical. This will tell the system (whether internal or external) whether the chemical amount is on target and will provide a sold out feature to notify of chemical replacement. Also, the “sold out” feature can be utilized to shut down the entire machine so there is no way for an employee to allow a “dirty” machine to dispense/cook/mix product.
The canisters can be designed to be single use or recyclable. However, they are designed to be plug and play to the system (again through the dry break connections). The dry break connections are “pokey-oked” so that the operator/employee can NOT connect the inlet to the outlet in error and can NOT connect the wrong chemical cartridge to the wrong inlet/outlet port (i.e.: cleaner to the sanitizer port).
The design of the orifice tube connection to the bag and to the manifold provides a streamline approach that doesn't allow kinking or compression in the canister.
Because the inlet water is controlled by an electronically actuated CFValve it provides a constant pressure and ability to electronically actuate based on time of day and length of desired clean. Furthermore the addition of the CFiVe for the flush and TDS circuit allows the system to be automatically flushed after use and fore (or force) the TDS sensor to take a baseline water dissolved solids reading to apply the Delta calculation to ensure the proper dilution/strength of the chemical and sold out feature.
In light of the foregoing, it will now be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure embodies a number of significant advantages, the foremost being the automatic pressure responsive control of fluid flow between a variable pressure source and an applicator from which the fluid is to be applied in a substantially uniform manner. The regulating valve is designed for low cost mass production, having a minimum number of component parts, the majority of which can be precision molded and automatically assembled.
In one example, a regulating valve for maintaining a substantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet includes: a housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connected respectively to the fluid supply and the fluid outlet, and a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and outlet ports, the inlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall, the barrier wall having a first passageway extending there through from an inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing the inlet port; a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cup having a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing the outlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the inner side of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of the cup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housing to define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to the outlet port; a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouth of the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported exclusively by the circular rim and having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner side of the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of the diaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; a stem projecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wall to terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of the barrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting the inlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and a spring in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against the inner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from the inlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber; and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the first passageway by resiliently accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from the inner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem being correspondingly moved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining a substantially constant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and second passageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
In another example, a regulating valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet includes: a housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connected respectively to the fluid supply and the fluid outlet, and a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and outlet ports, the inlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall, the barrier wall having a first passageway extending there through from an inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing the inlet port; a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cup having a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing the outlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the inner side of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of the cup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housing to define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to the outlet port; a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouth of the cup, the diaphragm being supported exclusively by the circular rim and having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a base projecting into the interior of the cup; a spring in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against the inner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from the inlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber; and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the first passageway by resiliently accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from the inner side of the barrier wall, thereby accommodating a flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and second passageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
In another example, the control orifice is defined by frusto conical surfaces on the valve head and the outer side of the barrier wall. In another example, the cross sectional area of the control orifice is less than the cross sectional area of the first passageway throughout the range of movement of the valve head in response to fluid pressure applied to the diaphragm. In another example, the regulating valve further includes a vent passageway leading from the interior of the cup to the exterior of the housing. In another example, the housing is exteriorly provided with a deflecting surface adjacent to the outlet of the vent passageway, the deflecting surface being configured and arranged to direct fluid escaping from the interior of the cup in the general direction of fluid flowing through the valve, but angularly away from the valve axis. In another example, the base of the piston assembly is spaced from the bottom wall of the cup by an open gap, and wherein the spring means comprises a coiled spring bridging the gap and in contact at its opposite ends with the bottom wall and the base. In another example, the piston assembly is centered within the cup solely by the resilient support provided by the diaphragm. In another example, the housing is comprised of mating plastic inlet and outlet sections, the sections being formed by injection molding and being permanently assembled one to the other by sonic welding. In another example, the cap and base of the piston assembly are each injection molded of plastic and joined one to the other by sonic welding, with a central portion of the diaphragm held there between.
In one example, a dispensing device includes a valve configured to interact with an inlet stream, the inlet stream having a first pressure, the valve having an outlet area with an outlet stream, the outlet stream having a second pressure, and a solenoid which interacts with the outlet stream. In addition, the dispensing device may have: at least one of the inlet stream and the outlet stream being a carbonated water; the first pressure is greater than the second pressure; a size of the solenoid is reduced based on a reduction in pressure from the first pressure to the second pressure; a size of the solenoid is reduced based on the valve; the inlet stream is a utility line; the orifice is fixed; the orifice is adjustable; the orifices are both fixed and adjustable; and the valve is a CF Valve. The CF Valve is a regulating valve for maintaining a substantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CFValve may including one or more of: a) a housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connected respectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, the inlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall, the barrier wall having a first passageway extending there through from an inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing the inlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cup having a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing the outlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the inner side of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of the cup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housing to define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to the outlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouth of the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rim and having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e) a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner side of the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of the diaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stem projecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wall to terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of the barrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting the inlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) a spring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against the inner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from the inlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, the spring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the first passageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from the inner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem being moved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining a constant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and second passageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
In another example, the dispensing device may further include: a dispensing unit including one or more flavor units and one or more water units where each of the one or more flavor units include a transportation unit, the transportation unit including a barrier element with one or more openings; a blockage device configured to close the one or more openings to prevent a flow from at least one of the one or more flavor units; and/or a movement device configured to move the blockage device to a first position relative to the one or more openings which allows for a passage of one or more fluid elements and one gaseous elements through the one or more openings in the blockage device.
The dispensing device may further include a carbonated unit. In another example, the movement device is a magnet. In another example, the movement device is an electro-magnet. In another example, the dispensing device may have at least one of the one or more flavor units may be selectable. In addition, the at least one of the one or more flavor units may be automatically selectable.
In one embodiment, the cartridge includes: a body with a first groove and a second groove, the body including a body inlet area and a body outlet area; an O-ring coupled to body via the first groove; a throttle pin coupled to the inlet area; a spring cap with a groove area, a spring cap inlet area, and a spring cap outlet area; a spring cap O-ring coupled to the spring cap via the groove area; a spring coupled to a bottom retainer; a diaphragm coupled to the bottom retainer; and a top retainer coupled to the diaphragm.
In addition, the cartridge may be configured to be inserted into a device. Further, the cartridge may be configured to be inserted into an existing device where the existing device has one or more inlet ports and outlet ports in any locations on the existing device. In addition, a cartridge inlet area and a cartridge outlet area may be in series with each other. Further, a cartridge inlet area and a cartridge outlet area may be at a 90 degree angle to each other (and/or any other angle and/or any other angle disclosed and/or shown in this document). In addition, the body may include a 360 degree outlet passage. Further, the spring cap may be configured to create a seal by compressing the diaphragm to the body. Further, the cartridge may include a CF Valve.
In another embodiment, a movement system includes: a cartridge with a cartridge inlet area and a cartridge outlet area; a housing with a housing inlet area and a housing outlet area; wherein the cartridge transfers at least one or more gases and one or more liquids from the housing inlet area to the housing outlet area independent of a relative position of the cartridge inlet area to the housing inlet area and the cartridge outlet area to the housing outlet area. In addition, the cartridge may include a body with a first groove, a body inlet area, and a body outlet area. In addition, the cartridge may include an O-ring coupled to body via the first groove. Further, the cartridge may include a throttle pin coupled to the inlet area. In addition, the cartridge may include a spring cap with a groove area, a spring cap inlet area, a spring cap outlet area, and a spring cap O-ring coupled to the spring cap via the groove area. Further, the cartridge may include a spring coupled to a bottom retainer. Further, the cartridge may include a diaphragm coupled to the bottom retainer. In addition, the cartridge may include a top retainer coupled to the diaphragm. In addition, the cartridge may include a CF Valve.
In another embodiment, a cartridge includes: a body with a first groove and a second groove, the body including a body inlet area and a body outlet area; an O-ring coupled to body via the first groove; a throttle pin including a pin and a pinhead coupled to the inlet area; a spring cap with a groove area, a spring cap inlet area, and a spring cap outlet area; a spring cap O-ring coupled to the spring cap via the groove area; a spring coupled to a bottom retainer; a diaphragm coupled to the bottom retainer; and a top retainer coupled to the diaphragm. In addition, the at least one of the pin and the pinhead may have a ratio of greater than 1 to the body. Further, the at least one of the pin and the pinhead may have a ratio of less than 1 to the body. In addition, the cartridge may be configured to be inserted into a device. Further, the cartridge may be configured to be inserted into an existing device where the existing device has one or more inlet ports and outlet ports in any locations on the existing device.
In one embodiment, a cleaning system for a drink dispensing device includes: a cleaner canister coupled to a water source; a cleaner CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a first water flow to the cleaner canister. The cleaner canister may provide a cleaner solution to one or more parts of the drink dispensing device.
In another example, the cleaning system may include a sanitizer canister coupled to the water source and a sanitizer CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a second water flow to the sanitizer canister. The sanitizer canister may provide a sanitizer solution to one or more parts of the drink dispensing device. In another example, the cleaning system may include a water flush device coupled to the water source and a water flush CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a third water flow to the one or more parts of the drink dispensing device.
In another example, the cleaning system may include an inlet dry breaking fitting and an outlet dry breaking fitting on the sanitizer canister. In another example, the cleaning system may include an inlet dry breaking fitting and an outlet dry breaking fitting on the cleaner canister. In another example, the cleaning system may include a total dissolved solids device which measures an inlet total dissolved solids and an outlet total dissolved solids. In another example, the cleaning system may include a sanitizer canister coupled to the water source and a sanitizer CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a second water flow to the sanitizer canister. The sanitizer canister may provide a sanitizer solution to one or more parts of the drink dispensing device. A water flush device coupled to the water source and a water flush CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a third water flow to the one or more parts of the drink dispensing device. A total dissolved solids device which measures an inlet total dissolved solids and an outlet total dissolved solids. In another example, the cleaning system may include a sanitizer canister coupled to the water source and a sanitizer CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a second water flow to the sanitizer canister. The sanitizer canister may provide a sanitizer solution to one or more parts of the drink dispensing device; a water flush device coupled to the water source and a water flush CFValve coupled to the water source which provides a third water flow to the one or more parts of the drink dispensing device. A total dissolved solids device which measures an inlet total dissolved solids and an outlet total dissolved solids. An inlet dry breaking fitting and an outlet dry breaking fitting on the sanitizer canister. An inlet dry breaking fitting and an outlet dry breaking fitting on the cleaner canister. A controller that controls one or more ratios based on the inlet total dissolved solids and the outlet total dissolved solids. In another example, one or more of the cleaner CFValve, the sanitizer CFValve, and the water flush CFValve may maintain a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a) a valve housing having an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be connected to the variable pressure fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet port and the outlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber; d) a diaphragm closing the cup; e) a piston assembly secured to a center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a cap and a base; f) a stem projecting from the cap through a first passageway in a barrier wall to terminate in a valve head; and g) a spring in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for urging the diaphragm into a closed position, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice. In another example, one or more of the cleaner CFValve, the sanitizer CFValve, and the water flush CFValve is configured to maintain a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a base having a wall segment terminating in an upper rim, and a projecting first flange; a cap having a projecting ledge and a projecting second flange, the wall segment of the base being located inside the cap with a space between the upper rim of the base and the projecting ledge of the cap; a barrier wall subdividing an interior of a housing into a head section and a base section; a modulating assembly subdividing the base section into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber; an inlet in the cap for connecting the head section to a fluid source; a port in the barrier wall connecting the head section to the fluid chamber, the port being aligned with a central first axis of the CF Valve; an outlet in the cap communicating with the fluid chamber, the outlet being aligned on a second axis transverse to the first axis; a stem projecting from the modulating assembly along the first axis through the port into the head section; a diaphragm supporting the modulating assembly within the housing for movement in opposite directions along the first axis, a spring in the spring chamber, the spring being arranged to urge the modulating assembly into a closed position at which the diaphragm is in sealing contact with the barrier wall, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice.
In another embodiment, a cap for a canister may include: a CFValve coupled to a cleaning solution source; a tube coupled to the CFValve to transport a cleaning solution; and a tube outlet area to deliver the cleaning solution.
In another example, the tube has a first length and the delivered cleaning solution has a first cleaning solution concentration based on the first length. In another example, the tube has a second length and the delivered cleaning solution has a second cleaning solution concentration based on the second length. In another example, a second tube that has a second length and the delivered cleaning solution has a second cleaning solution concentration based on the second length and wherein the tube has a first length and the delivered cleaning solution has a first cleaning solution concentration based on the first length and wherein the first cleaning solution concentration is different than the second cleaning solution concentration.
In another embodiment, a canister may include: a body with an inlet and an outlet; a cap including a mixing chamber, one or more orifices, and one or more check valves; the inlet coupled to the cap, a CFValve, and a first total dissolved solids sensor; and the outlet coupled to the cap and a second total dissolved solids sensor, the outlet may deliver a flow from the canister.
In another example, the flow from the canister is modified based on data delivered to a controller from at least one of the first total dissolved solids sensor and the second total dissolved solids sensor. In another example, the canister may include a tube with a first length from the CFValve to the outlet where a concentrate of the flow is determined by the first length. In another example, the CFValve may maintain a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a) a valve housing having an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be connected to the variable pressure fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet port and the outlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber; d) a diaphragm closing the cup; e) a piston assembly secured to a center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a cap and a base; f) a stem projecting from the cap through a first passageway in a barrier wall to terminate in a valve head; and g) a spring in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for urging the diaphragm into a closed position, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice. In another example, the CFValve is configured to maintain a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a base having a wall segment terminating in an upper rim, and a projecting first flange; a cap having a projecting ledge and a projecting second flange, the wall segment of the base being located inside the cap with a space between the upper rim of the base and the projecting ledge of the cap; a barrier wall subdividing an interior of a housing into a head section and a base section; a modulating assembly subdividing the base section into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber; an inlet in the cap for connecting the head section to a fluid source; a port in the barrier wall connecting the head section to the fluid chamber, the port being aligned with a central first axis of the CF Valve; an outlet in the cap communicating with the fluid chamber, the outlet being aligned on a second axis transverse to the first axis; a stem projecting from the modulating assembly along the first axis through the port into the head section; a diaphragm supporting the modulating assembly within the housing for movement in opposite directions along the first axis, a spring in the spring chamber, the spring being arranged to urge the modulating assembly into a closed position at which the diaphragm is in sealing contact with the barrier wall, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice.
In another example, the canister may be coupled to a drink dispensing system for one or more cleaning procedures.
In one embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a pressure vessel with an inlet and an outlet; a first CF Valve coupled to the inlet; a second CF Valve coupled to the outlet; a bag with elements in the bag coupled to the outlet and located inside the pressure vessel; and a pressure source coupled to the first CF Valve where the first CF Valve pressurizes the pressure vessel via the pressure source to transport elements in the bag to the second CF Valve via the outlet and the second CF Valve dispenses the elements to a dispensing area.
In another example, the dispensing system may include a temperature sensor which measure temperature data relating to the elements. Further, the dispensing system may include a controller configured to receive the temperature data from the temperature sensor and to modify an element flow based on the temperature data. In addition, the dispensing system may include a first solenoid coupled to the first CF Valve. In another example, the dispensing system may include a second solenoid coupled to the second CF Valve. In another example, the dispensing system may include a third solenoid configured to provide a pressure relief function. In another example, the dispensing system may include a solenoid coupled to the second CF Valve. In another example, the dispensing system may include a lid with teeth attachments and/or bolt attachments. In another example, the dispensing system may include a fitting which couples the bag with the second CF Valve. In another example, the one or more of the first CFValve and the second CFValve is configured to maintain a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a) a valve housing having an inlet port and an outlet port adapted to be connected to the variable pressure fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet port and the outlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber; d) a diaphragm closing the cup; e) a piston assembly secured to a center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a cap and a base; f) a stem projecting from the cap through a first passageway in a barrier wall to terminate in a valve head; and g) a spring in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for urging the diaphragm into a closed position, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice. In another example, the one or more of the first CFValve and the second CFValve is configured to a relative constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CF Valve including: a base having a wall segment terminating in an upper rim, and a projecting first flange; a cap having a projecting ledge and a projecting second flange, the wall segment of the base being located inside the cap with a space between the upper rim of the base and the projecting ledge of the cap; a barrier wall subdividing an interior of a housing into a head section and a base section; a modulating assembly subdividing the base section into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber; an inlet in the cap for connecting the head section to a fluid source; a port in the barrier wall connecting the head section to the fluid chamber, the port being aligned with a central first axis of the CF Valve; an outlet in the cap communicating with the fluid chamber, the outlet being aligned on a second axis transverse to the first axis; a stem projecting from the modulating assembly along the first axis through the port into the head section; a diaphragm supporting the modulating assembly within the housing for movement in opposite directions along the first axis, a spring in the spring chamber, the spring being arranged to urge the modulating assembly into a closed position at which the diaphragm is in sealing contact with the barrier wall, and the spring being responsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level to adjust a size of a control orifice. In another example, the one or more of the first CFValve and the second CFValve includes a diaphragm and a spring. In another example, the dispensing system may include a cleaning source and a cleaning CF Valve configured to clean one or more parts of the dispensing system.
In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a plurality of pressure vessels, each pressure vessel including an inlet and an outlet, each pressure vessel including a first CF Valve coupled to the inlet; a second CF Valve coupled to the outlet, a bag with elements in the bag coupled to the outlet and located inside each pressure vessel; and a pressure source coupled to each of the first CF Valve where the first CF Valve pressurizes a corresponding pressure vessel via the pressure source to transport elements in the bag to the corresponding second CF Valve via the outlet and the second CF Valve dispenses the elements to a dispensing area.
In another example, the dispensing system may include one or more buttons where each pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessel is engaged via the one or more buttons.
In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a cartridge with elements, an inlet and an outlet; a first CF Valve coupled to the inlet; a second CF Valve coupled to the outlet; and a pressure source coupled to the first CF Valve where the first CF Valve pressurizes the cartridge via the pressure source to transport elements in the cartridge to the second CF Valve via the outlet and the second CF Valve dispenses the elements to a dispensing area.
In another example, the dispensing system may include a first solenoid coupled to the first CF Valve and/or a second solenoid coupled to the second CF Valve and/or a third solenoid configured to provide pressure relief.
The dispensing system and/or dispensing devices can be utilized with OJ, juices, dairy products, soft drinks, coffee, beer, wine, seltzer, and/or any components thereof (e.g., hops, alcohol, pulp, cream, flavors, syrups, etc.).
As used herein, the term “mobile device” refers to a device that may from time to time have a position that changes. Such changes in position may comprise of changes to direction, distance, and/or orientation. In particular examples, a mobile device may comprise of a cellular telephone, wireless communication device, user equipment, laptop computer, other personal communication system (“PCS”) device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), personal audio device (“PAD”), portable navigational device, or other portable communication device. A mobile device may also comprise of a processor or computing platform adapted to perform functions controlled by machine-readable instructions.
The methods and/or methodologies described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon applications according to particular examples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardware implementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), digital signal processors (“DSPs”), digital signal processing devices (“DSPDs”), programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.
Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or a special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular operations pursuant to instructions from program software. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.
Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” “embodiment,” and/or “another example” should be considered to mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples. Any combination of any element in this disclosure with any other element in this disclosure is hereby disclosed. For example, an element on pages 5-6 can be combined with any element in this document (e.g., an element from pages 23-26).
While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example features, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed.
The present application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/315,191 filed on Mar. 1, 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63315191 | Mar 2022 | US |
