GB2582973A

GB2582973A - Metered dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2582973A
Application number: GB1905202.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dean Ledger Richard; Goodman Peter
Original assignee: Millitec Food Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Millitec Food Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-12
Filing date: 2019-04-12
Publication date: 2020-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-12
Also published as: GB2582973B; GB201905202D0

Abstract

A metered dispenser 36 for a food production line comprises a cavity 42 comprising a first inlet 44 and a second inlet 46 for receiving a fluid 26 to be dispensed, and a first outlet 48 and a second outlet 50 to dispense the fluid from the cavity 42. A piston 54 is movably received within the cavity 42. The first inlet 44 and the first outlet 48 are operatively provided on a first side of the piston 54 and the second inlet 46 and second outlet 50 are operatively provided on a second side of the piston 54 when the piston is located part way along a length of the cavity 42. The dispenser 36 comprises a valve system 66 configured to selectively close the second outlet 50 during a forward stroke of the piston 54 and to selectively close the first outlet 48 during a return stroke of the piston 54, such that when the piston 54 makes the forward stroke, fluid is drawn into the second inlet 46 and dispensed though the first outlet 48 and that when the piston 54 makes the return stroke, fluid is drawn into the first inlet 44 and dispensed through the second outlet 50. The cavity 42 may comprise a first chamber 52, with piston 54, linked by channels 65 to a second chamber 64 for housing valve system 66, comprising elongate member 68 with valve members 70, 72 and 74 along its length.

Description

Metered Dispenser The present invention relates to a metered dispenser for a production line, particularly to a metered dispenser for a food production line.

Figure 1 shows a prior art dispenser 2 for use in a food production environment. The dispenser comprises a hopper 4 configured to receive a liquid food product 6. The food product 6 is fed into a valve 8. The valve 8 is rotatable to a first position in which an outlet 10 in the hopper is aligned with a channel 12 through the valve, the channel 12 being aligned with an inlet 14 in a chamber 16.

The chamber comprises a movable piston 18 which is configured to move away from the valve 8 and draw food product 6 into the chamber 16. Once the chamber 16 has been filled by the full stroke of the piston 18, the valve 8 is rotated to a second position such that the channel 12 is aligned between the inlet 14 and an outlet 20. The piston 18 is then moved toward the valve 8 to push the food product 6 through the valve 8 and the outlet 20 to dispense the food product 6.

Once the food product 6 has been dispensed by the full stroke of the piston 18, the 20 valve 8 is rotated back to the first position and the process may be repeated once again.

The rotating valve 8 must be adequately sealed (i.e. within a housing) to prevent the food product 6 being drawn back though the outlet when the chamber is being filled, and to prevent backflow of the food product 6 into the hopper 4 during the dispensing of the food product. However, this must be balanced by the need to freely rotate the valve 8 in rapid succession without damaging the surfaces of the valve 8. This leads to a compromise in the sealing requirements, and the resulting air gap degrades the suction capability of the piston 18. This limits the variety of food products that can be readily used with the dispenser (e.g. high viscosity foods). Additionally, food product (particularly low viscosity food product) may leak out of the valve 8 and/or become trapped between the valve 8 and the housing, which may lead to contamination issues. The valve must be dismantled regularly for cleaning, which increases the downtime of the dispenser and the production line.

Furthermore, the dispenser is prone to drawing air into the chamber 16 (e.g. due the sealing issues with the valve 8), which may result in less food product 6 being dispensed, which in turn may result in quality control issues (e.g. variability of the metered quantity).

Gear pumps have been investigated as an alternative but these are prone to accumulation of air internally, which can form a larger void and thereby prevent flow through the pump. In order to remove the air from the system, the line must be stopped and the dispenser must be reset, requiring further downtime.

Movement of the piston 18 is provided by pneumatic actuation, as such pneumatic pressure to the piston is applied in an on/off' state. Movement of the piston is thus determined by the applied pressure relative to the back pressure of the food product 6. Therefore, the piston 18 can only dispense repeatably a fixed volume of food product 6, as defined by the size of the chamber 16. Furthermore, the maximum speed at which the product can be dispensed is limited.

The present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a metered dispenser for a food production line, comprising: a cavity comprising a first inlet and a second inlet for receiving a fluid to be dispensed, and a first outlet and a second outlet to dispense the fluid from the cavity; a piston movably received within the cavity; where the first inlet and the first outlet are operatively provided on a first side of the piston and the second inlet and second outlet are operatively provided on a second side of the piston when the piston is located part way along a length of the cavity; and a valve system, where the valve system is configured to selectively close the second outlet during a forward stroke of the piston and to selectively close the first outlet during a return stroke of the piston, such that when the piston makes the forward stroke, fluid is drawn into the second inlet and dispensed though the first outlet and that when the piston makes the return stroke, fluid is drawn into the first inlet and dispensed through the second outlet.

The valve system may selectively close the second outlet whilst selectively opening the first inlet and/or selectively closes the first outlet when selectively opening the second inlet.

The valve system may comprise one or more valve member in fluid communication with the chamber and movable between a first condition in which the second outlet is obscured and the first outlet is unobscured, and a second condition in which the second outlet is unobscured and first outlet is obscured; where the one or more valve member is configured to move to the first condition for the forward stroke of the piston and to move to second condition for the return stroke of the piston.

Preferably, the first inlet is unobscured and the second inlet is obscured by the one or more valve member, and in the second position the first inlet is obscured by the valve member and the second inlet is unobscured. The valve system may be axially movable.

The valve system may comprise an elongate member, the elongate member comprising a plurality of valve members along its length and configured to move to obscure/unobscure the inlet/outlets. The valve members may be connected via a 25 shaft of reduced width with respect to the valve member.

Preferably, the first and second inlets, and the first and second outlets are axially spaced.

Preferably, the first and second inlets, and/or the first and second outlets open into opposing end faces of the cavity.

Preferably, movement of the piston is provided by an electrical actuator.

The cavity may comprise first and second fluidly connected chambers, the piston located within the first chamber and the valve system located within the second chamber.

Preferably, the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets provide fluid communication between the first and second chamber.

The first inlet and the second inlet may be connected via a manifold to provide a fluid connection therebetween.

The first outlet and the second outlet may be connected via a manifold to provide a fluid connection therebetween.

The first inlet and the second inlet may be fluidly connected to a common fluid reservoir to store the food product in use for dispensing. Preferably, the reservoir comprises a hopper.

The first and/or second inlet may comprise a connector for connecting to the fluid reservoir in use. Preferably, the connector is removable.

The connector may comprise a locking mechanism to lock the connector to the dispenser. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking pin, the locking pin being inserted into an aperture on the dispenser and engaging a retaining feature 25 on the connector.

The first inlet and first outlet may be connected to different reservoirs comprising different products, the first inlet and the first outlet are configured to dispense a first product, and the second inlet and the second outlet are configured to 30 dispense a second product.

Preferably, the piston stroke length is controllable so as to vary the metered volume of fluid dispensed with each stroke. The reciprocation of the piston may be asymmetrical.

The cavity may comprise a relief channel, the relief channel configured to allow release of fluid from the cavity without being dispensed. The relief channel may be operatively connected to the first/second inlet and/or a location upstream thereof to permit reuse of the fluid flowing through the relief channel.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a metered dispensing system comprising a plurality of metered dispensers of any preceding claim, e.g. arranged side by side.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a metered dispenser for a food production line, comprising: a chamber, the chamber comprising an inlet for receiving a fluid to be dispensed, and an outlet to dispense the fluid; a valve system actuable between a first condition in which the outlet is obscured by the valve member and the inlet is unobscured, and a second position in which the outlet is unobscured and inlet is obscured by valve member; a piston movably received within the chamber; where the piston is configured to move to draw fluid into the chamber through the inlet when the valve member is in the first position and to move to dispense fluid through the outlet when the when the valve member is in the second position; and where movement of the piston is provided by an electrical actuator under the control of a controller, the controller permitting variation in the stroke length and/or acceleration of the piston.

A metered dispenser may be provided where the piston is configured to reciprocate and to simultaneously fill the cavity with food product through one of the first or second inlet and dispense fluid through one of the second or first outlet respectively during each stroke of the reciprocation.

Figure 1 shows a prior art dispenser

Figure 2 shows a metered dispensing apparatus for a production line Figure 3 shows a section view of a metered dispenser assembly from above Figure 4a shows a section view of a metered dispenser from above Figure 4b shows a top-down view of a metered dispenser Figure 5 shows a side of a metered dispenser Figure 6 shows a section view of a metered dispenser from the side Figure 7 shows a second section view of a metered dispenser from the side Figure 8 shows a section view of a locking system from above Figure 9 shows a section view of a plurality of metered dispensers Figure 10 shows an isometric view of a plurality of metered dispensers Figure 11-15 show section views of a metered dispenser at different stages of its operation.

Figure 2 shows a metered dispensing apparatus 22 configured for use in a food production line.

The apparatus 22 comprises a metered dispenser assembly 24 configured to dispense a fluid foodstuff, e.g. food product 26. The food product 26 may comprise any suitable liquid, semi-liquid, viscous, or fluid like combinations of solid and liquid food products. For example, the food product 26 may comprise inter alia: cream; whipped cream; jam; icing; sandwich filling (i.e. a meat product in a liquid sauce); butter; ketchup; mayonnaise; custard; liquid/viscous flavourings or additives; or sauce.

The food product 26 may be dispensed onto a partially completed food product to provide a topping or sauce etc. (e.g. to dispense cream onto a cake).

In other embodiments, the food product 26 is dispensed into an empty or partially filled container (e.g. to add a sauce to a ready meal).

The apparatus 22 comprises a reservoir configured to hold and feed the food product 26 into the dispenser assembly 24. In an embodiment, the reservoir comprises a hopper 28. The hopper 28 may be substantially open-topped, and may comprise a guard or like over its open upper face. In other embodiments, the reservoir may be a closed container, for example, a barrel, flexible bulk intermediate container (FIBC) or a flexible container (e.g. a bag or sack), or similar.

The food product 26 may be gravity/passively fed into the dispenser assembly 24 5 from the reservoir. In other embodiments, means to pressurise or actively feed the food product 26 into the dispenser 24 may be provided.

The apparatus 22 may be positioned adjacent a conveyor or the like (not shown) for supporting the container and/or partially completed food product, e.g. beneath 10 the dispenser assembly 24.

The apparatus 22 comprises a guide/feed structure 30 configured to work in conjunction with the dispenser assembly 24 and the conveyor, for example, to ensure correct depositing of the dispensed product onto articles carried by the conveyor. In an embodiment, the feed structure 30 comprises one or more rollers configured to spread a food product (e.g. butter) onto a substrate (e.g. bread), with the rollers being fed a food product from the dispenser assembly 24.

In various different food dispensing applications, the dispenser assembly 24 may be referred to as a depositor.

The apparatus may comprise one or more sensors to detect the presence of a container/food product on the conveyor, thereby ensuring the dispensing of the food product 26 from the dispensing assembly 24 is synchronised with the movement/presence of the container/food product. The sensors may comprise an optical recognition system, a light gate, or other conventional detection systems.

The dispenser assembly 24 may comprise a mounting structure 32 configured to support and/or position the dispenser assembly. The mounting structure 32 may be adjustable in height, e.g. to allow the dispenser system to be used with different conveyor systems or for different products. The mounting structure 32 may comprises a plurality of wheels or the like to allow movement of the apparatus 22 to a different position (i.e. to a different conveyor or to allow maintenance away from the conveyor). However the mounting system will typically be static in use, e.g. using lockable wheels.

In other embodiments, the dispenser assembly 24 is mounted to/integral with a conveyor or workstation within the production line.

The dispensing assembly may comprise a plurality of dispenser units 36. Each of the dispenser units is configured to operate independently to dispense the food product 26. For example, each dispenser unit 36 may dispense the fluid food product 26 onto a corresponding plurality of individual containers/food products arranged to pass beneath the individual dispensing units 36, e.g. in a series of side-by-side lanes. Alternatively, the different dispensing units could dispense fluid food product onto a common container/food product, e.g. arrange to span the width of the conveyor.

The dispenser units 36 may be configured to operate synchronously and/or asynchronously, and each unit may only dispense the food product 26 when the presence of a container/food product is detected.

A plurality of dispenser units 36 may share a reservoir and/or an individual reservoir may be provided for one for more individual dispenser unit 36, e.g. for different foodstuffs.

The dispenser assembly 24 comprises a control unit 34 to control operation of the system. For example, the control unit may allow to the user to control the volume of food product dispensed, the rate of dispensing, the number of dispensing units 36 in operation etc. The apparatus 22 comprises a housing 38 configured to encase/seal operational parts of the apparatus. For example, the housing may be configured to encase one more of: a hydraulics system; a pneumatic system; an electrical system; a control system; a power supply; or one or more actuators.

The invention will now be described according to figures 3-7. Whilst the invention will be described in terms of a single dispenser unit 36, it can be appreciated that all the dispensers 36 in the dispenser assembly 24 are configured to operate in substantially the same way.

The dispenser 36 comprises a housing 40. The housing 40 is configured to surround and substantially seal the fluid feed to/from the dispenser 36, thus preventing external contaminants from entering/leaving the dispenser 36. The housing is shaped so as to define an internal space or cavity 42. The internal cavity 42 comprises a plurality of chambers, namely a first chamber 52 for metered dispensing of fluid and a second chamber 64 for housing a valve member to control flow to/from the first chamber 52. In this example the chambers are arranged side-by-side. In other examples, a different valve system could be implemented, e.g. such that a dedicated valve member chamber 64 is not used.

A cavity 42 is provided within the housing 40. The cavity 42 is configured to receive the food product 26 via a first inlet 44 and a second inlet 46 (seen most clearly in figure 6) fluidly connected to a reservoir. The cavity is configured to dispense the food product 26 via a first outlet 48 and a second outlet 50.

The cavity 42 comprises a first chamber 52 configured to receive a piston 54. The piston 54 is movable within the first chamber 52 and is substantially sealed therein (i.e. against the interior wall of the chamber 52) to define two fluidly disconnected areas either side of the piston in fluid communication with the first and second outlet respectively. Thus, the piston provides segregation of the food product 26 in the disconnected areas on either side thereof, allowing the food product 26 to be separately dispensed through the first and second outlets respectively. The piston may comprise a seal 56, or a plurality of seals or gaskets 56, to enhance the seal between the piston 54 and the first chamber 52, e.g. peripheral seals extending around the piston.

The piston 54 comprises a shaft 58 configured to drive the piston within the first chamber 52, i.e. in an axial direction. The shaft 58 may extend through the piston and the full length of chamber 52. The shaft 58 may be supported at each end of the first chamber 52 by the housing 40 and a seal is formed therebetween, for example, by a further seal or gasket 60.

The piston 54 is operatively connected to an actuator 62 configured to move/reciprocate the piston 54 within the cavity 42.

In an embodiment, the actuator 62 comprises an electrical actuator, for example, a solenoid or electric motor. In other embodiments, the actuator 62 comprises a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

In some embodiments, the actuator 62 is configured to allow precise control of the position, velocity and/or acceleration of the actuator (i.e. the actuator can be selectively and actively controlled to move to a certain position). The actuator 62 may be configured to have a variable/bespoke velocity profile. That is to say the acceleration and/or deceleration of the piston during each stroke may be controlled to suit desired operational parameters, e.g. to provide a desirable fluid flow regime. For example, better control of the stroke may allow increased/optimal volumetric throughput through controlling the rate of acceleration/deceleration of the piston.

In an embodiment, a second chamber 64 is fluidly connected to the first chamber 52 via a plurality of channels 65, and thus defining a single fluidly connected cavity 42. The first inlet 44, the second inlet 46, the first outlet 48 and second outlet 50 open into the second chamber 64, and are arranged at spaced locations along the length of the second chamber 64. The first inlet 44 and the second inlet 46 may be located toward an end of the second chamber 64, and/or may be outward of the respective channels 65. The first outlet 48 and the second outlet 50 may be located inward of the outlets, and/or inward of the respective channels 65.

A valve system 66 allows selective opening and closing of each of the inlets and the outlets.

In an embodiment, the valve system 66 comprises an elongate member 68 mounted within the second chamber 64. The elongate member 68 comprises a plurality of valve members, e.g. along its length, configured to move over and obscure the inlets/outlet thereby to restrict/prevent the flow of food product 26 into/out of the cavity 42. The valve members may comprise a substantially cylindrical block.

A first valve member 70 is moveable selectively to obscure the first inlet 44.

A second valve member 72 is movable selectively to obscure the first outlet 48 and the second outlet 50, however, it is appreciated that a valve member could be provided for each of the first and second outlet respectively. The second valve member 72 is configured to prevent the transfer of food product 26 between the first and second outlet, thereby maintaining segregation of the food product 26 on either side of the piston and segregation of the food product 26 being dispensed from the first and second outlet.

A third valve member 74 is moveable selectively to obscure the second inlet 46.

Each of the valve members are sealed within the second chamber 64 and may comprise seals or gaskets 76 to provide a seal therebetween. A pair of seals 76 may be provided on each valve member, e.g. spaced by at least the diameter of the respective inlet/outlet. Thus when the valve is closed, i.e. obscuring the relevant opening, a seal is provided on either side of that opening.

The valve members are connected by one or more shafts 77. The shafts 77 have a reduced width compared to the valve member and the second chamber 64, to allow the food product 26 to flow through portions of the second chamber 64 comprising the shafts 77. The valve members and the shaft 77 thus provide a continuous, single/unitary elongate member 68.

The spacing of the valve members 70, 72, 74 along the elongate member 68 is fixed at a spacing different to that of the inlets 44, 46 and/or outlets 48, 50. This means that the valve members cannot occlude all the inlets and outlets at once, meaning that at least one inlet and/or one outlet is open whist the other inlet and/or outlet is closed.

The elongate member 68 is connected to an actuator 78 to provide movement of the elongate member 68 within the second chamber 64. In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a pneumatic actuator. In other embodiments, the actuator comprises a hydraulic or electrical actuator.

The valve system 66 is arranged such when the elongate member 68 is in a first position, the first inlet 44 is unobscured, the second inlet 46 is obscured, the first outlet 48 is obscured and the second outlet 50 is unobscured. In such a condition, food product 26 can be drawn into the cavity 42 via the first inlet 44 and dispensed concurrently out of the cavity 42 through the second outlet 50 (i.e. on the opposing side of the piston from the first inlet 44).

In a second position (see figure 12), the first inlet 44 is obscured, the second inlet 46 is unobscured, the first outlet 48 is unobscured and the second outlet 50 is obscured. In such a condition, food product 26 can be drawn into the cavity 42 via the second inlet 46 and dispensed concurrently out of the cavity 42 through the first outlet 48 (i.e. on the opposing side of the piston from the second inlet 46).

Movement of the piston 54 and the valve system 66 is synchronised, such that the piston 54 operatively moves towards the second outlet 50 (i.e. decreases the length of the fluid pathway between the piston 54 and the outlet) when the valve member 68 is in the first position, and to operatively move toward the first outlet 48 when the valve member 68 is in the second position.

In other embodiments, each of the valve members or valves within the inlets/outlets may act independently, such that each respective inlet/outlet may be closed in an independent fashion. However, it is appreciated that the valves and piston 54 would be configured to work in substantially the same way (i.e. in the same sequence) as described above.

As best shown in figure 6, the dispenser 36 comprises a connector 80 configured to allow a removable, fluid connection of the first inlet 44 and/or second inlet 46 to the food product 26 reservoir. The connector 80 may be detachable from the dispenser and may comprise one or more seals/gaskets 82 to create a seal therebetween.

The first and/or second outlet may comprise a connector 84. The outlet connector 84 has an internal profile configured to direct, and/or accelerate the food product 26 as it leaves the dispenser 36. For example, the connector 84 may comprise a tapering/narrowing internal flow path. In some embodiments, the connector may comprise a dispensing outlet or nozzle for dispensing the food product. In other embodiments, the connector 84 is configured to be connected to a hose or a profiled dispensing head formation.

A connector 80/84 may be provided on one or both of the first and second inlet/outlet. In some embodiments, one of the first or second inlet/outlet comprises a connector/nozzle and the other of the first or second inlet/outlet comprises a plug configured to seal the respective inlet/outlet. The plug 85 prevents the ingress/egress of food product and/or air into the dispenser when the inlet/outlet is not required.

In an embodiment, the first inlet 44 and the second inlet 46 are fluidly connected via a respective manifold 86, for example, to permit fluid to enter/exit the first and 25 second inlet using a single connector 80, or to ensure a common food product 26 is evenly distributed between the first and second inlet.

In some embodiments, the manifold 86 comprises a valve (or may otherwise be absent) to prevent the transfer of food product 26 between the respective inlet/outlet. Thus the two inlets may be used in combination via a manifold to feed either/both sides of the piston, or else may be used in isolation of each other to provide separate feeds to the opposing sides of the piston. Any of the manifold/valve features may also apply to the outlets 48, 50, such that they may be used in isolation or in combination as required.

As shown in figures 9 and 10, the housing 40 comprises substantially flat sides, allowing a plurality of dispenser units 36 to be provided in a compact, side by side arrangement. Each of the dispenser units 36 comprises individual respective actuators 62, 78. However, in some embodiments, the actuators 62, 78 may be shared by one or more dispenser units 36.

The dispenser units 36 may comprise a common mounting structure 88 configured to support and/or accommodate each of the units 36. The common mounting structure 88 may comprise a substantially integral plate with a plurality of apertures to receive the shaft of the piston 54 and/or the valve member 68 (where present).

The valve shaft 68 and the piston shaft 58 may be detachable from the respective actuators. For example, as shown in figure 6, the actuators and the respective shafts may have an aperture therein, such that a pin 89 may be inserted therethrough to provide a releasable attachment mechanism.

As shown in figure 8, the connector/nozzle 82/84 and/or plug 85 may have a locking mechanism configured to lock the connector/nozzle/plug to the dispenser 36, i.e. to the opening in the housing 40 of the dispenser 36. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking pin 90 inserted into an aperture on the dispenser 36 and configured to engage a retaining feature (e.g. a groove) on the connector/nozzle/plug.

The locking pin 90 has a shaft portion 92 configured to engage the connector/nozzle/plug and a head portion 94 configured to allow a user to rotate the pin 90. The shaft 92 has a groove 96, e.g. a recess on one side thereof, such that when rotated to face the connector/nozzle/plug, the shaft 92 will no longer engage connector/nozzle/plug, and thereby releasing the connector/nozzle/plug.

The head portion 94 may comprise a round surface 98, and a substantially flat surface portion 100 on one side thereof.

The locking mechanism is provided at a side of the dispenser housing 40, such that the flat edge of the head portion 94 is substantially flush with, or recessed behind, the side wall of the dispenser unit. When a plurality of dispenser units are provided in a close/abutting side by side arrangement, the locking mechanism is at least partially obstructed by the adjacent dispenser unit. The locking mechanism is additionally prevented from rotation once mounted in its pump block, thus preventing accidental and/or unauthorised unlocking of connector/nozzle/plug without disconnection of the dispenser unit 36 from its pump block and/or adjacent dispenser units 36. This prevents accidental/unauthorised access to the trap/pinch hazards (i.e. moving piston/valve) within the dispenser 36.

This ensures that, for each of the plurality of dispenser units to be mounted in place and ready for use, the relevant inlet and outlet connections must be securely locked in place.

Operation of the invention The operation of the invention will now be described according to the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 11-15.

The apparatus 22 is moved/positioned adjacent a conveyor or like such that 25 containers/food products pass beneath each of the dispenser units 36 Food product 26 is loaded in the hopper 28 and can flow though the connector 80 on the first inlet 44 and flood the first inlet 44, the manifold 86 and the second inlet 46. In embodiments where a single connector 80 is insufficient (e.g. if the food product 26 is highly viscous), the hopper 28 may be connected through a second connector 80 on the second inlet 46.

Figure 11 shows the elongate valve member 68 in the first position, with the inlets/outlets in the followings state: First inlet 44 OPEN Second inlet 46 CLOSED First outlet 48 CLOSED Second outlet 50 OPEN A sensor system may detect the presence of a container/food product and trigger the piston actuator 62 accordingly.

The piston 54 moves in a forward stroke towards the second outlet 50 (indicated at 102). As the piston 54 moves, food product 26 on the second side of the piston 54 is pushed through the channel 65 towards the second outlet 50 (indicated by arrows 102) and dispensed therethrough. The food product is then dispensed through the connector 84 and onto a container/food product.

The piston 54 moves to the end of the first chamber 52, as shown in figure 12, thereby emptying the first chamber 52 on the second side of the piston 54 and providing a fixed/metered volume of dispensed food product 26. The motion of the piston 54 simultaneously draws food product 26 into the chamber 52 on the first side of the piston through the open inlet 44 in the direction of arrows 104 in figure 12. The negative/reduced pressure on the first side of the piston is sufficient to suck the fluid food product into the chamber either with or without assistance by gravity.

The first chamber 52 on the first side of the piston 54 is now filled with a fixed volume of the food product The valve member then moves toward the second position, as shown in figure 13, with the inlets/outlet now in the following state: First inlet 44 CLOSED Second inlet 46 OPEN First outlet 48 OPEN Second outlet 50 CLOSED The sensor system may detect the presence of the same/next container or food product and trigger the piston actuator 62 accordingly.

The piston 54 now moves in a return stroke towards the first outlet 48. Food product is drawn into the cavity 42 from the second inlet 46 (indicated at 106) and is pushed out of the first outlet 48 (indicated at 108). The food product 26 travels through the first outlet 48 and then through the connector 84.

The piston 54 completes the return stroke, thus emptying the first chamber 52 of food product 26 on the first side of the piston 54 and filling the first chamber 52 on the second side of the piston 54.

The valve member 68 returns back to the first position, with the inlet/outlets back into the following state: First inlet 44 OPEN Second inlet 46 CLOSED First outlet 48 CLOSED Second outlet 50 OPEN Thus, the dispenser 36 returns to the original state disclosed in figure 11 and the cycle is repeated as herein described.

In some embodiments, the volume of food product 26 dispensed may vary. This can be achieved by moving the piston 54 during the forward/return stroke only part way through the first chamber 52, thus dispensing a food product having a volume comprising only a portion of the first chamber 52. The volume of food product 26 dispensed may vary according to the properties of the dispensed food product 26 (e.g. viscosity) or the desired dispensed volume. Variable volumes may thus be dispensed by varying the stroke length of the piston as required.

In some embodiments, the piston 54 is configured to move in a plurality of increments (e.g. each increment is a fraction of the full stroke of the piston) to dispense the food product 26 in a plurality of incremental volumes. Each of the increments may be substantially the same to dispense a plurality of equal volumes, or the dispensed volume may vary between each increment. Each increment may be dispensed onto a different container/food product or onto the same container/food product (e.g. when a food product 26 is viscous, it may be beneficial to dispense the food product 26 in two lots).

In some embodiments, the dispenser 36 is configured to dispense a first food product through the first outlet 48 and a second food product through the second outlet 50. The first and second food product may comprise different food products. Each of the food products 26 remains segregated within the dispenser 36 and the food products lies on either side of the piston 54. Flow through the manifolds 86 is restricted (e.g. by a valve or plug) to prevent mixing of the food products 26.

It will be appreciated that operation of the dispenser 36 remains substantially the same as previously described. However, during the forward stroke of the piston 54 (figures 11 and 12), the first product is drawn into the cavity 42 and the second products is dispensed, and during the return stroke (figures 13 and 14), the second product is drawn into the cavity 42 and the first product is dispensed.

In some embodiments, the dispenser 36 is configured to dispense different volumes of the first and second product. The piston 54 may move asymmetrically, such the distance moved in the forward stroke is different to the distance moved in the return stroke, thereby dispensing different volumes of the first and second product. However, for example, if the forward stroke is less than the return stroke, then the cavity will not be able completely fill with the first product during the forward stroke due to the limited movement of the piston 54 and therefore on the return stroke, the full volume of the first product will not be dispensed. The dispenser 36 may comprises one or more relief/return channel opening into the cavity 42 proximal an end thereof and configured to allow the flow of first or second product from the chamber 52 to a waste outlet or else to a return feed to the hopper or respective inlet. The piston 54 can then move the full distance required to fill the cavity 42 (i.e. to an equilibrium position) with the food product 26 of the greater volume (e.g. in this example, the piston 54 moves the full forward stroke to fill the cavity with the first product) and the product of lower volume to be dispensed (e.g. the second product) is then forced into the relief channel. In such an embodiment, the first/ second outlets may comprise independently actuatable valves to permit or prevent dispensing of the product though the outlet. The one or more relief channels may comprise valves or the like to selectively permit/prevent food product 26 entering the relief channels when not required. The relief channel is fluidly connected to the reservoir or the first and/or second inlet to allow the product to be reused by the apparatus.

The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art.

The use of multiple inlets and outlets allows the dispenser to draw in food product and dispense food product simultaneously in a single stoke of the piston, thus increasing the efficiency and speed of the dispenser (e.g. by a factor of two). This also allows the dispenser to dispense multiple food products within a single system, adding a further efficiency benefit.

The present configuration provides an improved valve seal, thus preventing leakage of food product between the valve and the housing/external environment. This allows the piston to operate reliably and continually at higher fluid pressures, improving operating efficiency and allowing a larger range of food products to be used with the dispenser (e.g. allows a wider range of viscosities).

It has been found by the inventor that the present configuration reduces the amount of air intake, and also the susceptibility of the dispenser to increasing volumes of air collecting in the cylinder. If any air is drawn into the cylinder, it can be dispensed in a single stroke, without causing build-up, thus increasing the reliability/repeatability in volume of food dispensed and reducing the risk of downtime.

The use of an electrical actuator to drive the piston allows precise control or position/velocity of the piston, thus allowing the dispenser to dispense a known metered volume of the food product. Furthermore, the volume of one or more food products can be varied/controlled during/between operation of dispenser.

The apparatus provides a portable and substantially sealed unit, thus allowing the apparatus to be used in multiple product runs with minimal downtime to allow for cleaning or reconfiguration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A metered dispenser for a food production line, comprising: a cavity comprising a first inlet and a second inlet for receiving a fluid to be dispensed, and a first outlet and a second outlet to dispense the fluid from the cavity; a piston movably received within the cavity; where the first inlet and the first outlet are operatively provided on a first side of the piston and the second inlet and second outlet are operatively provided on a second side of the piston when the piston is located part way along a length of the cavity; and a valve system, where the valve system is configured to selectively close the second outlet during a forward stroke of the piston and to selectively close the first outlet during a return stroke of the piston, such that when the piston makes the forward stroke, fluid is drawn into the second inlet and dispensed though the first outlet and that when the piston makes the return stroke, fluid is drawn into the first inlet and dispensed through the second outlet.
2. A metered dispenser according to claim 1, where the valve system selectively closes the second outlet whilst selectively opening the first inlet and/or selectively closes the first outlet when selectively opening the second inlet.
3. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the valve system comprises one or more valve member in fluid communication with the chamber and movable between a first condition in which the second outlet is obscured and the first outlet is unobscured, and a second condition in which the second outlet is unobscured and first outlet is obscured; where the one or more valve member is configured to move to the first condition for the forward stroke of the piston and to move to second condition for the return stroke of the piston.
4. A metered dispenser according to claim 3, where in the first position, the first inlet is unobscured and the second inlet is obscured by the one or more valve member, and in the second position the first inlet is obscured by the valve member and the second inlet is unobscured.
5. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the valve system is axially movable.
6. A metered dispenser according to claim 5 where the valve system comprises an elongate member, the elongate member comprising a plurality of valve members along its length and configured to move to obscure/unobscure the inlet/outlets
7. A metered dispenser according to claim 6, where the valve members are connected via a shaft of reduced width with respect to the valve member.
8. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first and second inlets, and the first and second outlets are axially spaced.
9. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first and second inlets, and/or the first and second outlets open into opposing end faces of the cavity.
10. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where movement of the piston is provided by an electrical actuator.
11. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the cavity comprises first and second fluidly connected chambers, the piston located within the first chamber and the valve system located within the second chamber.
12. A metered dispenser according to 11, where the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets provide fluid communication between the first and second chamber.
13. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first inlet and the second inlet are connected via a manifold to provide a fluid connection therebetween.
14. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first outlet and the second outlet are connected via a manifold to provide a fluid connection therebetween.
15. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first inlet and the second inlet are fluidly connected to a common fluid reservoir to store the food product in use for dispensing.
16. A metered dispenser according to any of claim 15, where the first and/or second inlet comprises a connector for connecting to the fluid reservoir in use.
17. A metered dispenser according to claim 16, where the connector is removable.
18. A metered dispenser according to claim 17, where the connector comprises a locking mechanism to lock the connector to the dispenser.
19. A metered dispenser according to claim 18, where the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin, the locking pin being inserted into an aperture on the dispenser and engaging a retaining feature on the connector.
20. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the first inlet and first outlet are connected to different reservoirs comprising different products, the first inlet and the first outlet are configured to dispense a first product, and the second inlet and the second outlet are configured to dispense a second product.
21. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the piston stroke length is controllable so as to vary the metered volume of fluid dispensed with each stroke, and/or where the reciprocation of the piston is asymmetrical.
22. A metered dispenser according to any preceding claim, where the cavity comprises a relief channel, the relief channel configured to allow release of fluid from the cavity without being dispensed.
23. A metered dispenser according to claim 22, where the relief channel is operatively connected to the first/second inlet and/or a location upstream thereof to permit reuse of the fluid flowing through the relief channel.
24. A metered dispensing system comprising a plurality of metered dispensers of any preceding claim, e.g. arranged side by side.
25. A metered dispenser for a food production line, comprising: a chamber, the chamber comprising an inlet for receiving a fluid to be dispensed, and an outlet to dispense the fluid; a valve system actuable between a first condition in which the outlet is obscured by the valve member and the inlet is unobscured, and a second position in which the outlet is unobscured and inlet is obscured by valve member; a piston movably received within the chamber; where the piston is configured to move to draw fluid into the chamber through the inlet when the valve member is in the first position and to move to dispense fluid through the outlet when the when the valve member is in the second position; and where movement of the piston is provided by an electrical actuator under the control of a controller, the controller permitting variation in the stroke length and/or acceleration of the piston.