CN113795329A - System and method for preparing a solution from a concentrate - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for the localized preparation of solutions using concentrate bags.

Description

System and method for preparing a solution from a concentrate

Reference to related applications

Priority of U.S. provisional application No.62/808,809, entitled "system and method for preparing a solution from a concentrate" filed on 21.2.2019, and U.S. provisional application No.62/874,138, filed on 7.15.2019, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preparing solutions from concentrates.

Background

Typically, household cleaning products and personal care products are purchased as manufactured products in single-use packages. Many of these articles are composed primarily of water (in some cases over 90%) and a relatively small percentage of active ingredient. This therefore means that the cost to the consumer to spend water is high, including the cost of transporting the water from the plant to the market. Not to mention the environmental costs of greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting water. In addition, consumers also pay for single-use packaging materials (such as bottles, caps) and dispensing systems (e.g., hand-held sprayers and pumps) that will eventually be in a trash pile or, at best, recycled. While some finished products are now packaged in flexible packaging, which typically has a lower cost and smaller environmental footprint than rigid packaging, such manufactured products still consist primarily of water.

In the description concerned, manufactured products consisting mainly of water are inherently bulky, and therefore take up a lot of space, both on shelves in retail environments and in warehouses in residential or commercial buildings. The concentrates required to make the same volume of finished product are far less bulky, thereby achieving meaningful shipping, merchandising, and storage efficiencies.

Furthermore, existing markets for finished product solutions typically limit consumers to specific product options that are made in large quantities by the manufacturer and offer no or few options for personalization and customization. Consumer choices are also limited by the inventory of the retailer. If a consumer has personal preferences for a particular scent, concentration, or other product parameter or ingredient, those preferences may not be applicable to the particular product, or the preferred scent, ingredient or other parameter may vary widely depending on the manufacturer of the finished product.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for the localized preparation of solutions from concentrates. As used herein, the term solution can encompass a variety of physical states, including liquids, gels, pastes, and creams, as well as homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures (such as emulsions) in which one or more of the mixed substances is not completely dissolved.

Some embodiments of these systems and methods provide a localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution on demand from a concentrate received in a concentrate bag. A localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag comprising: a bag docking portion configured to removably receive a concentrate bag and discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag via a bag pressurization system. The pouch dock includes a receptacle recess configured to matingly engage a neck of a mixing receptacle, the mixing receptacle including an opening at the neck of the mixing receptacle. The localized solution preparation unit includes a receptacle dock coupled to the bag dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing receptacle during dispensing of one or more of the base fluid flowing from the base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate bag.

In some implementations, the localized solution preparation unit includes a fluid channel extending through the bag interface. The fluid channel has a terminus in the recess.

In certain implementations, the localized solution preparation unit further includes a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another endpoint of the fluid channel.

In a particular implementation, the bag pressurization system includes a movable platen configured to press a concentrate bag positioned in the bag interface to discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag.

In some implementations, the movable platen includes a contoured plate (a contoured plate).

In certain implementations, the contour plate is contoured to minimize residual concentrate in the bag. In a particular implementation, the contour plate is configured to minimize residual concentrate by being structured to press the top of the concentrate bag prior to pressing the bottom of the concentrate bag adjacent the spout of the concentrate bag to direct concentrate from the top of the concentrate bag to the funnel portion adjacent the spout.

In a particular implementation, the bag pressurization system includes a movable roller configured to roll press a concentrate bag positioned in the bag interface to discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag.

In some implementations, the speed of rotation of the roller is dependent on the concentrate type of concentrate received in the concentrate bag.

In certain implementations, the door of the pocket dock forms a first portion of the receptacle recess and the body portion of the pocket dock forms a second portion of the receptacle recess.

In certain implementations, the pocket dock is at a fixed height relative to the receptacle dock.

In some implementations, the localized solution preparation unit includes a mixing vessel, wherein the mixing vessel includes an impeller blade, and the vessel interface is configured to actuate the impeller blade.

In certain implementations, the localized solution preparation unit includes a graphical user interface positioned at the gate portion.

In certain implementations, the localized solution preparation unit includes a motor for actuating the pressurization system.

Some embodiments provide a concentrate bag. The pouch includes a pouch body forming a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate spout portion, and a concentrate funnel portion extending from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate spout portion in a tapered configuration. The pouch is configured to receive a concentrate within a concentrate reservoir. The concentrate bag includes a chamber seal that forms a burstable barrier that separates the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion. The concentrate bag includes a removable seal that extends across the concentrate spout to seal the volume of the concentrate funnel portion from the environment outside the interior region of the bag body until the chamber seal is broken.

In some implementations, the removable seal includes perforations in the pouch body. The perforations do not extend through the spout area.

In some implementations, the removable seal extends across the pouch from a first edge of the pouch to a second edge of the pouch opposite the first edge.

In a particular implementation, the pouch body comprises at least one layer of polyethylene film.

In certain implementations, the concentrate bag includes a plurality of hanging apertures (hanging apertures) positioned around a peripheral portion of the bag body.

Various embodiments provide methods of draining concentrate from a concentrate bag. The method includes breaking a removable seal extending across the concentrate spout. The concentrate spout is located downstream of a concentrate funnel that extends from a concentrate reservoir formed by the concentrate body of the concentrate bag. The method includes bursting a chamber seal forming a removable barrier separating a concentrate reservoir from a concentrate funnel portion by applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir.

In some implementations, applying pressure includes squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable platen of a bag dock of the localized solution preparation unit.

In some implementations, applying pressure includes squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller of a bag docking portion of the localized solution preparation unit.

In certain implementations, the method includes injecting water into a mixing container docked in the container dock.

In certain implementations, injecting water includes injecting water prior to one or more of applying pressure to the concentrate bag and rotating an impeller of the mixing container.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag including a press and pressurization system.

Fig. 2 shows a mixing container for docking in a mixing container docking section of a localized solution preparation unit.

Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag including a roller pressurization system.

Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is another side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 6 with a portion of the housing removed.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 6 with a portion of the housing removed.

Fig. 11 shows a concentrate bag for receiving concentrate extracted via the localized solution preparation unit.

Fig. 12 and 13 show concentrate bags containing concentrate.

Fig. 14A-14C show schematic views of a concentrate bag.

Fig. 15A-15C show schematic views of another concentrate bag.

The drawings are primarily for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the systems and methods described in this disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some instances, various aspects of the systems and methods illustrated in the present disclosure may be exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of the various features. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).

The features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Detailed Description

The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and exemplary embodiments related to a localized preparation unit for preparing a solution and an innovative system, method and means for preparing a concentrate bag of a solution in a localized preparation unit.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag including a press and pressurization system. The localized solution preparation unit 100 may be used to prepare household cleaning products and personal care products such as liquid detergents, hand sanitizers, all purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, car washes, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, hair conditioners, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, skin lotions, cosmetics, creams, and essences. The localized solution preparation unit 100 is implemented to mix a finished product (e.g., a household cleaning product, personal care product, cosmetic product, or other solution) intended for use outside the unit from a concentrate contained in a concentrate bag (discussed in more detail in connection with fig. 11-13C). The localized solution preparation unit 100 includes a pressurization system configured to expel the contents of the concentrate bag via a pressing system. The pressing system includes one or more actuatable pressure plates 102, the pressure plates 102 positioned in a concentrate bag docking portion 104 for squeezing the concentrate bag. In some implementations, the one or more platens 102 are molded/contoured platens. The platen is configured to receive and optimally compress the geometry of the bag. The docking door 106 includes a latch 608 for holding the docking door 106 closed, particularly during the pressurization cycle. The docking door 106 includes a container recess 114, the container recess 114 configured to matingly engage a neck 122 of a mixing container 120, the mixing container 120 including an opening at the neck 122 of the mixing container 120. In certain implementations, recess 114 is configured at a height relative to receptacle dock 616 that enables mixing receptacle 120 to be removed (or installed) only by opening dock door 106 when docked, which helps prevent tipping during mixing. This configuration also ensures that the user is only in contact with the mixed solution and not with the concentrate, which could be harmful if in contact with the skin. One of the design goals is to prevent the user from having to come into contact with the concentrate during transfer of the concentrate from the bag to the bottle or during mixing.

In some implementations, the pouch dock 104 includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing container 120. The sensor may be positioned in the recess and may include a light or contact sensor that prevents the concentrate or fluid from being dispensed in the absence of the mixing container 120. In some implementations, the recess may include a gasket for forming a seal between the neck 122 of the mixing container 120 and the recess to help prevent water, concentrate, or solution from escaping. In certain implementations, the bag interface 104 includes one or more sensors for detecting the container type of the mixing container 120 to prevent mixing of a particular solution in a particular designated bottle, e.g., a bottle programmed by a user or having a mixing volume set based on the capacity of the mixing container. The sensor may comprise an electronic label detector and/or a physical/tactile sensor. In particular implementations, one or more sensors are configured for the type and/or size of the mixing container 120.

The bag docking portion 102 includes a bag hook 110 for hanging a concentrate bag in the bag docking portion 102. The bag hook holds the concentrate bag in place when a force is applied to the bag to expel concentrate downwardly toward the spout portion of the concentrate bag.

The localized solution preparation unit 100 includes a housing cover 118 for protecting and containing the mechanical and electromechanical components of the unit. The localized solution preparation unit 100 also includes a reservoir 112 for containing a base fluid, such as water for preparing the desired solution.

Fig. 2 shows mixing vessels 120 and 220 for docking in a mixing vessel docking portion of a localized solution preparation unit. While some implementations use a neck of 28mm diameter (thread to thread), certain implementations use an increased diameter, such as 43mm (thread to thread), to provide a larger opening for concentrate flow. Since many pumps and sprayers are designed for 28mm bottle necks, a reducing tube threaded on a 43mm neck and reducing the neck to 28mm can be attached. As shown in fig. 2, the mixing vessels 120 and 220 may include various dispensing attachments 221 and 222. For example, the mixing container 120 may include a hand-held sprayer for dispensing the solution mixed in the mixing container 120 by spraying, or the mixing container 120 may include a pump cap 222 for drawing the solution by pumping when positioned at the mixing container 220. The mixing vessels 120 and 220 include a base 223, the base 223 including an impeller 224, the impeller 224 being actuated by the vessel dock for mixing the base fluid and the concentrate as they are dispensed into the respective mixing vessel. While some implementations are configured such that the concentrate is dispensed into a rotating vortex of the base fluid, some products may be adequately mixed even if the concentrate is dispensed without a vortex or even without water in the bottle at all. This varies from product to product, and some products do not mix well when introduced into the concentrate, if there is no water or vortex.

Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 1. As seen in fig. 3, the fluid channel 300 is positioned at the pouch interface 104. Although press 100 is configured to squeeze the entire bag, fluid channel 300 is positioned around the un-squeezed spout region of the bag and includes a terminus in recess 114. The second terminus of the fluid channel 300 is connected (directly or indirectly) to the fluid reservoir 112.

As shown in fig. 3, the platen 102 is actuated via a platen motor 302. The platen motor 302 actuates the platen 102 to extend toward the bag docking door 106, thereby squeezing a bag 304 positioned between the platen 102 and the bag docking door 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the localized solution preparation unit 100 includes a graphical user interface controller 306, such as an LCD display, positioned at the bag docking door 106. The actuation system 116 of the vessel docking station is shown in fig. 3. In some implementations, the receptacle dock includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the mixing receptacle 120. In some implementations, the presence of the vial is detected. In some implementations, the type/size of the vial is detected. The detection system includes one or more sensors located at the bottom of the device that engages the vial via the drive. The vessel docking portion actuation system 116 includes an impeller drive motor 308, the impeller drive motor 308 configured to actuate an impeller drive 312 via an impeller drive belt 310. Actuation of the impeller drive 312 causes the impeller 224 to rotate

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. Additional components of the base fluid supply system are shown in fig. 4. As shown, the reservoir 112 includes a reservoir outlet point 402 fluidly coupled to a pump 404, the pump 404 for pumping the base fluid from the reservoir 112 to the fluid channel 300. The system includes a heater 406 for heating the base fluid according to a particular implementation. The inventors have realized that controlling the water temperature is advantageous, but that sufficient mixing can be achieved over a range of temperatures.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. In fig. 5, a press driver 502 for pressing the platen 102 is responsive to actuation of the press motor 302. In some implementations, the press driver 502 includes a screw driver.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag including a roller pressurization system. The roller press system effectively squeezes a flexible bag containing a viscous fluid. The roller press system can be configured with variable roller speeds. For example, slower speeds may be applied for higher viscosities to avoid bursting of the bag. The localized solution preparation unit 600 includes a pressurization system configured to discharge the contents from the concentrate bag 601 via a roller pressing system. The concentrate bag 601 is docked in the bag dock 604 via a bag hook 610. The concentrate bag 601 is hung on top and bottom bag hooks or pegs 610 inside the bag docking portion 604, the bag docking portion 604 serving to stabilize the bag 601 during squeezing/rolling in roller system applications. The frame portion of the pouch interface 604 is open in the center to allow the filled cavity of the pouch 601, which forms a bulge, to extend through the frame when the door is closed. The bottom and top of the bag 601 are pierced between the frame and the bag docking door 606 to stabilize the bag. In some implementations, a silicone liner is positioned around the entire frame, or at some segment (e.g., the top) of the frame, to help retain and stabilize the concentrate bag 601 in the state where the concentrate bag 601 is punctured between the frame and the door 606; it also helps prevent the bag 601 from tearing off the top peg 610. The docking door 606 is configured to enclose a concentrate pouch within the pouch dock 606 during discharge of concentrate from the pouch dock 604. The docking door 606 includes a latch 608 for holding the docking door 606 closed, particularly during the pressurization cycle. The docking door 606 includes a portion of a container recess 614, the container recess 614 configured to matingly engage the neck 122 of the mixing container 120, the mixing container 120 including an opening at the neck 122 of the mixing container 120. In certain implementations, recess 614 is configured at a height relative to receptacle dock 616 that enables mixing receptacle 120 to be removed (or installed) only by opening dock door 606 when docked, which helps prevent tipping during mixing. The unit 600 further comprises a reservoir 612 for containing a base fluid to be mixed with the concentrate.

Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 6.

The rollers 702 are shown in fig. 7. Roller 702 presses/squeezes bag 601 against bag docking door 606 to dispense. The roller system may be implemented with a single roller, or in some implementations may include multiple rollers. In fig. 7, the rollers are shown in both the upper and lower positions. The unit 600 also includes a base fluid heater 620, a fluid flow sensor 622, and a water pump 624. The impeller 224 of the vessel 120 is actuated via an impeller drive 630, the impeller drive 630 being driven by an impeller drive motor 632 via an impeller drive belt 634. Unit 600 also includes a graphical user interface 640 positioned in bag docking door 606.

Fig. 8 is another side cross-sectional view of the localization solution preparation unit of fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a reservoir outlet 802 for the reservoir 612.

Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 6 with a portion of the housing removed, and fig. 10 is a side view of the localized solution preparation unit of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. Fig. 10 shows a fluid channel 1000 for adding fluid to the container 120.

Fig. 11 shows a concentrate bag for receiving concentrate extracted via the localized solution preparation unit. The particular concentrate bags disclosed herein are provided as a one-piece bag. Concentrate bags 1100a and 1100b, illustrated as different sized bags, include concentrate compartments 1101a and 1101 b. Concentrate bags 1100a and 1100b, illustrated as different sized bags, include burstable inner seals, chamber seals 1102a and 1102b, the chamber seals 1102a and 1102b prevent concentrate from leaking through the spout after the seal extending across the spout has been removed and the bag has been installed spout side down in the bag interface, and help overcome challenges associated with opening the bag (i.e., removing the airtight seal at the end of the spout), but ensure that concentrate does not leak from the spout 1104a and 1104b when the bag is installed spout side down in the bag interface. The chamber seals 1102a and 1102b burst under pressure applied by a roller press, platen or other pressurization system.

In a particular implementation, the burstable seals 1102a and 1102b are created from lower temperature seal bars that make the seals. Depending on the particular implementation, specialized "peelable" polyethylene films are used for these types of seals. The seals for the peripheral portions of the concentrate bags 1102a and 1102b can be made by higher temperature sealing strips and longer residence time of the sealing strips on the membrane. Concentrate bags 1100a and 1100b include internal funnel chambers 1106a and 1106b, with funnel geometry terminating in spouts 1104a and 1104 b. The funnel chambers 1106a and 1106 are separated from the concentrate chambers 1101a and 1101b before the burstable seals are removed. While some embodiments may include a burstable seal located at and within the point of entry to the spout (from the funnel), particular embodiments advantageously employ a burstable seal that is located away from the point of entry to the spout. For example, certain embodiments include a burstable seal positioned at the top of the funnel (which provides the widest sealing area associated with ease of bursting). The concentrate bags 1100a and 1100b include removable seals 1108a and 1108 b. In certain embodiments, the removable seals 1108a and 1108b are perforated tear away sections or laser score lines.

Fig. 12 and 13 show a concentrate pouch that includes a tear-away portion formed by laser-scored lines. Fig. 12 shows the bag before tear-away portion 1201 is removed. Fig. 13 shows the bag after tear-away portion 1201 has been removed.

Various embodiments include two bag systems: 2 ounce and 4 ounce capacity. Holes are present in the bag for hanging the bag on pegs in the bag butt. Fig. 14A-14C and 15A-15C show schematic views of a concentrate bag. These bags have a top aperture and a bottom aperture. Roller system implementations use both top and bottom holes, while press system implementations use only the top hole. Fig. 14A is a front view of bag 1402. Fig. 14B is a side view of bag 1402. Fig. 14C is a top view of bag 1402. Fig. 15A is a front view of the bag 1502. Fig. 15B is a side view of the bag 1502. Fig. 15C is a top view of the bag 1502. Bags 1402 and 1502 are implemented with 4 holes 1404 and 1504, respectively. A system with a roller pressurization system can be implemented with 4 holes (2 on top, 2 on bottom) to optimize the stability of the bag, especially in the spout area that tends to wobble during rolling/concentrate dispensing. The system with platen pressurization system may be implemented as a 2-hole bag system (e.g., 2 holes on top).

In certain implementations, the system includes a bag docking portion configured to removably receive a concentrate bag. In some implementations, the pouch interface has a peg for hanging the pouch. The peg may be configured to accept multiple bag formats, such as two bag formats (4 ounces and 2 ounces). The pouch interface is configured to receive the neck and shoulder regions of the bottle. The pouch interface is configured to surround at least a portion of the bottle during squeezing of the pouch. This configuration ensures that the concentrate is transferred directly from the bag into the bottle in a state where the bottle is securely enclosed within the bag docking portion. As shown in fig. 1 and 2. This method is desirable because it ensures that the concentrate does not fall from the open space but rather in the area contained by the butt-joint of the bag, thereby avoiding potential contact with the concentrate by the user in the state where the concentrate is dispensed and subsequently mixed in the mixing container. In certain implementations, the pocket docking portion includes a roller system as shown in fig. 3 in a particular implementation. The pocket docking portion in a particular implementation includes a pressing system as shown in fig. 4.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs (i.e., modules of one or more computer program instructions) encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

The computer storage medium can be (or be included in) a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. Further, although the computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, the computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be (or be included in) one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, discs, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus based on data stored in one or more computer readable storage devices or received from other sources.

The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones or combinations of the foregoing. An apparatus can comprise special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, the device can include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question (e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware), a protocol stack, a data management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The devices and execution environments can implement a variety of different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with the instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, the computer need not have such a device. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash memory), to name a few. Devices suitable for storing computer programs and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input, can be received in any form. In addition, the computer is able to interact with the user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user device of a user in response to a request received from the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front-end component (e.g., a user computer having a graphics display or a web browser), or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components, through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), the Internet (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include a user and a server. A user and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The user-server relationship is created by the advantages of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a user-server relationship to each other. In some implementations, the server sends data (e.g., HTML pages) to the user device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated on the user device (e.g., the result of the user interaction) can be received at the server from the user device.

While this specification contains many implementation-specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple separate implementations or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain implementations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two members are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such engagement may be stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with two members or two members and any other intermediate members being integrally formed as a unitary body with one another or may be achieved with two members or two members and any other intermediate members being mounted to one another. Such engagement may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different in other exemplary implementations, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of the disclosed implementations can be incorporated into other disclosed implementations.

While various inventive implementations are described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive implementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, in addition to the implementations specifically illustrated and claimed, an inventive implementation may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Inventive implementations of the present disclosure are directed to various individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the techniques described herein may be implemented as a method, at least one example of which is provided. The acts performed as part of the methods may be ordered in any suitable way. Thus, it can be implemented in the following configuration: while shown as sequential acts in the illustrated implementations, the acts may be performed in an order different than that illustrated, which may include performing some acts concurrently.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

Claims (20)

1. A localized solution preparation unit for preparing a solution from a concentrate bag, the localized solution preparation unit comprising:

a bag dock configured to removably receive the concentrate bag and discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag via a bag pressurization system, the bag dock comprising a receptacle recess configured to matingly engage a neck of a mixing container, the mixing container comprising an opening at the neck of the mixing container; and

a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during dispensing of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

2. The localized solution preparation unit of claim 1, further comprising a fluid channel extending through the pouch interface, the fluid channel having a terminus in the recess.

3. The localized solution preparation unit of claim 2, further comprising a reservoir connected to the fluid channel at another endpoint of the fluid channel.

4. The localized solution preparation unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bag pressurization system comprises a movable platen configured to press a concentrate bag positioned in the bag docking portion to discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag.

5. The localized solution preparation unit of claim 4, wherein the movable platen comprises a contoured plate.

6. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bag pressurization system comprises a movable roller configured to press a concentrate bag positioned in the bag docking portion by rolling to discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag.

7. The localized solution preparation unit of claim 6, wherein a rotational speed of the roller is dependent on a concentrate type of concentrate received in the concentrate bag.

8. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable gate of the bag docking station forms a first portion of the receptacle recess and the stationary body portion of the bag docking station forms a second portion of the receptacle recess.

9. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bag dock is at a fixed height relative to the receptacle dock.

10. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the mixing vessel, wherein the mixing vessel comprises an impeller blade, the vessel interface being configured to actuate the impeller blade.

11. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a graphical user interface positioned at the gate portion.

12. The localized solution preparation unit of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a motor for actuating the pressurization system.

13. A concentrate bag, comprising:

a pouch forming a concentrate reservoir, a concentrate spout portion, and a concentrate funnel portion extending from the concentrate reservoir to the concentrate spout portion in a tapered configuration, the pouch configured to receive concentrate within the concentrate reservoir;

a chamber seal forming a burstable barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion; and

a removable seal extending across the concentrate spout to seal the volume of the concentrate funnel portion from an environment outside the interior region of the pouch until the chamber seal is broken.

14. The concentrate bag of claim 13, wherein the removable seal comprises perforations in the bag body.

15. The concentrate bag of claim 14, wherein the removable seal extends across the bag body from a first edge of the bag body to a second edge of the bag body opposite the first edge.

16. The concentrate bag of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of hanging apertures positioned about a peripheral portion of the bag body.

17. A method of discharging concentrate from a concentrate bag, the method comprising:

removing a seal extending across a concentrate spout positioned downstream of a concentrate funnel extending from a concentrate reservoir formed by a concentrate body of the concentrate bag; and

bursting a chamber seal forming a barrier separating the concentrate reservoir from the concentrate funnel portion by applying pressure to the concentrate reservoir.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein applying pressure comprises squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a movable platen of a bag docking portion of a localization solution preparation unit, the localization solution preparation unit comprising:

a bag dock configured to removably receive the concentrate bag and discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag via a bag pressurization system, the bag dock comprising a receptacle recess configured to matingly engage a neck of a mixing container, the mixing container comprising an opening at the neck of the mixing container; and

a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during dispensing of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein applying pressure comprises squeezing the concentrate reservoir with a roller of a bag docking portion of a localized solution preparation unit comprising:

a bag dock configured to removably receive the concentrate bag and discharge concentrate from the concentrate bag via a bag pressurization system, the bag dock comprising a receptacle recess configured to matingly engage a neck of a mixing container, the mixing container comprising an opening at the neck of the mixing container; and

a container dock coupled to the pouch dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during dispensing of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and a concentrate released from the concentrate pouch.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising injecting water into a mixing container docked in the container dock.

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