CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/695,161, filed August 30, 2012, entitled "Encapsulated Dosing," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] This disclosure relates generally to dosing device for a liquid, in particular for the dosing of highly concentrated liquid micro components, such as flavors and acidulents.

BACKGROUND

[03] Various beverage dispensers, such as those at cafeterias, restaurants, theatres, and other entertainment and/or food service venues, typically have either a "drop in" dispenser apparatus or a counter top type dispenser apparatus. In a drop in dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is self-contained and may be dropped into an opening of a counter top. In a counter top type dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus is placed on a counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, a dispensing head is coupled to a particular drink syrup supply source via a single pipe dedicated to supply the particular drink syrup to that dispensing head, wherein the particular drink syrup supply source is typically located near the counter top, i.e., directly under the counter top, or directly over the counter top.

[04] A user will typically place a cup under the signage of the selected beverage and either press a button or press the cup against a dispensing lever to activate the dispenser so that the selected beverage is delivered from the dispensing head corresponding to the selected beverage and into the cup until pressure is withdrawn from the button or lever.

[05] Conventional dispensing machines may dispense a number of beverages. Each of dispensed beverages may consist of a number of components, such as flavors, acidulents, sweeteners, and diluents (e.g., water). In conventional dispensing machines, the required components of a beverage are dispensed via a common dispensing nozzle and each component is typically delivered to the dispensing nozzle via a separate delivery pipe. As the variety of the dispensed beverages increases, correspondingly the number of various beverage components also increases. As a result, it becomes problematic to fit and lay out all the required delivery pipes within a dispensing machine as well as to connect all of them to the dispensing nozzle. In addition, the design of the dispensing nozzle becomes more complicated.

Conventional beverage dispensers are typically limited to dispensing drinks having flavoring supply sources located at their respective counters. Thus, a limited number of drinks are typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser. For example, drinks typically available at a conventional beverage dispenser are a regular cola beverage, a diet cola beverage, perhaps one or several non-cola carbonated beverages, such as a lemon- lime flavored carbonated beverage or some other fruit- flavored drink (e.g., orange flavored carbonated beverage, and/or root beer), and perhaps one more non-carbonated beverage(s), such as a tea and/or a lemonade.

Conventional dispensers are not typically configured to permit a user generate or receive from a single dispensing head a custom-ordered beverage that a consumer may wish to purchase, e.g., a cola flavored with cherry, vanilla, lemon, or lime, etc., or a tea flavored with lemon, orange, peach, raspberry, etc., or a tea having one or more teaspoons of sweetener (sugar, or some other nutritive sweetener or non-nutritive sweetener).

Conventional dispensers typically require servicing and resupply of flavoring sources at the counter.

Conventional dispensers typically require a dedicated dispensing head for each particular beverage.

Conventional beverage dispensing systems typically have a number of dispensing units connected to a common storage of beverage components.

To increase efficiency of beverage dispensing, more concentrated components may be desirable. A reconstruction ratio for a beverage composition may become as high as 1000:1 and higher (i.e., beverage component to a diluent). For such a high concentration the dose of the component(s) typically amount to a fraction of a milliliter with the required accuracy of several percent, i.e., several micro-liters. Conventional beverage dispensing systems typically deliver each beverage component for a particular beverage to a dispenser or dispensing nozzle through a pipe separate from the pipe(s) that deliver the other beverage component(s) for the particular beverage to the dispenser or dispensing nozzle. This conventional approach may give rise to significant challenges in the system size, dosing accuracy, robustness, and responsiveness of conventional systems, as well as increased costs, particularly when the number of beverage components increases. Accommodation of multiple pipes over considerable distance (up to a few hundred feet) may be become difficult, particularly in a hostile environment (e.g., an environment comprising high/low temperature(s) and vibrations).

Delivery of more than one component from a plurality of component sources through a single delivery pipe to a dispenser or dispensing nozzle presents challenges. As the level of concentration of beverage components increases, the volume of the dose to be transported becomes much smaller in comparison to the inner volume of the pipe used for dose delivery. Accuracy may be compromised by losses in the pipe system. The losses may result from evaporation and adhesion to the pipe surface. These losses may restrict the degree of component concentration that can be employed in the dispensing system, and these losses may negatively affect the capability of the dispensing system to deliver a variety of beverages to a dispenser or dispensing nozzle.

What is needed is a new dosing system or apparatus that may deliver small doses of highly concentrated components, such as highly concentrated beverage components from a source to a dispenser or dispensing nozzle for distances of up to a hundred feet or more without losses.

What is needed is a new dosing device that would meet the micro-dosing requirements specific for certain applications, including but not limited to beverage dispensing, and at the same time would be simple, responsive, and robust.

What is needed is a new beverage dispensing system that does not have the limitations and disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers and methods. SUMMARY

[17] In an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is configured for dosing of a component of a product. The apparatus may comprise a storage unit and a dispensing unit. The storage unit may comprise at least one container. The at least one container may comprise a predetermined amount of a product component. The dispensing unit may be configured to receive the at least one container from the storage unit. The dispensing unit may comprise a discharger. The discharger may be configured to release the predetermined amount of the product component from the container. The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal that corresponds to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to the dispensing unit. The controller may be configured to direct the storage unit to send the at least one container to the dispensing unit when the at least one container comprises the predetermined amount of the selected product component.

[18] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments thereof which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[19] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a dosing device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[20] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D illustrate an embodiment of a dosing device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[21] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a dosing device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[22] FIG. 3B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3A, taken along line A-A in FIG. 3A, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[23] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. [24] FIG. 5 illustrates a dosing control unit in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[25] The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety of beverages, including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, and including but not limited to beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

[26] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a transfer or storage unit and/or portions thereof that may feed a dispenser or dispensing unit with a free flowing product may be located remotely from a counter, such as in a back room, or at the counter, such as below or over the counter.

[27] In an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is configured for dosing of a component of a product. The apparatus may comprise a storage unit and a dispensing unit. The storage unit may comprise at least one container. The at least one container may comprise a predetermined amount of a product component. The dispensing unit may be configured to receive the at least one container from the storage unit. The dispensing unit may comprise a discharger. The discharger may be configured to release the predetermined amount of the product component from the container. The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal that corresponds to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to the dispensing unit. The controller may be configured to direct the storage unit to send the at least one container to the dispensing unit when the at least one container comprises the predetermined amount of the selected product component.

[28] In an aspect, an apparatus may comprise a storage unit, the storage unit comprising at least one container, the at least one container comprising a predetermined product component. The apparatus may comprise a dispensing unit, the dispensing unit configured to receive the at least one container from the storage unit. The dispensing unit may comprise a discharger, the discharger configured to release the predetermined product component from the container. The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal that corresponds to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to the discharger. The controller may be further configured to direct the dispensing unit to send the at least one container to the discharger when the at least one container comprises the predetermined amount of the selected product component.

[29] In an aspect, the apparatus may further comprise a delivery pipe. The delivery pipe may be configured to receive the at least one container from the storage unit and convey the at least one container to the dispensing unit. The storage unit may comprise a container storage unit. The container storage unit may comprise the at least one container. The storage unit may further comprise a sending unit. The sending unit may be configured to send the at least one container from the container storage unit to the delivery pipe.

[30] In an aspect, the sending unit may comprise a pneumatic sending unit. In an aspect, the container storage unit may comprise a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve may comprise at least a first container comprising a first product component. The second sleeve may comprise a second container comprising a second product component. In an aspect, the first product component is the same as the second product component, and the first predetermined amount of the first product component is different from the second predetermined amount of the second product component.

[31] In an aspect, at least the first sleeve defines an opening and comprises a shutter, the shutter movable between a closed position to an open position, wherein when the shutter is in the closed position the shutter prevents the first container of the first sleeve from moving through the opening, and wherein when the shutter is in the open position the shutter allows the first container of the first sleeve to move through the opening. In an aspect, at least the first sleeve may comprise a piston. The piston may be configured to exert a force that moves the first container away from the first sleeve when the shutter is in the open position.

[32] In an aspect, at least the first sleeve comprises a spring, and the force exerted by the piston is provided to the piston by the spring. In an aspect, the storage unit comprises a channel configured to receive the at least one container from the first sleeve through the opening and convey the at least first container to the delivery pipe. In an aspect, the discharger comprises a discharger channel, the discharger channel configured to receive a selected container, the selected container comprising a predetermined amount of a selected product component. [33] In an aspect, the discharger comprises a discharger shutter. The discharger shutter may be movable between a closed position to an open position, wherein when the discharger shutter is in the closed position the discharger shutter prevents the selected container from moving from a first position in the discharger channel to a second location of the discharger channel. When the discharger shutter is in the open position, the discharger shutter is configured to allow the selected container to move from the first location in the discharger channel to the second location in the discharger channel.

[34] In an aspect, the discharger comprises at least a first needle comprising a tip. The tip may be configured to be inserted into the selected container when the selected container is at the second location in the discharger channel. In an aspect, the tip may be configured to receive a diluent and convey the diluent to the selected product component within the container. In an aspect, the discharger may comprise a second needle. The second needle may comprise a tip, the tip of the second needle configured to be inserted into the selected container and come into contact with the selected product component when the selected container is at the second location in the discharger channel. The tip of the second needle may be further configured to convey the selected product component and diluent from the container and towards a dispenser. In an aspect, the dispenser may be configured to combine product components from multiple containers to form a finished product.

[35] In an aspect, the apparatus may comprise a first controller and a second controller. At least the first controller or the second controller may be configured to receive a signal that corresponds to a request for a container of a selected product component to be delivered to the dispensing unit. The at least first controller or the second controller may be further configured to direct the storage unit to send the at least one container to the dispensing unit when the at least one container comprises the selected product component.

[36] In an aspect, the first controller may be configured to receive a request for dispensing of a finished product by the dispensing unit. The first controller may be further configured to generate and transmit to the second controller a signal that corresponds to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to the dispensing unit. The second controller may be further configured to direct the storage unit to send the at least one container through the delivery pipe to the dispensing unit when the at least one container comprises the predetermined amount of the selected product component.

[37] In an aspect, the dispensing unit may further comprise a pneumatic receiving unit. The pneumatic receiving unit may be configured to receive the at least one container from the delivery pipe. In an aspect, the dispensing unit may further comprise a storage buffer unit of a plurality of containers received by the pneumatic receiving unit. The storage buffer unit may be configured to convey to the discharger a selected container corresponding to a requested product to be dispensed by the dispensing unit. In an aspect, the discharger may comprise an evacuation channel. The evacuation channel may be configured to receive a compressed gas and convey the compressed gas to the discharger channel to evacuate a container from the discharger.

[38] In an aspect, a method is provided comprising receiving in a controller a signal, the signal corresponding to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to a dispensing unit. The method may further comprise sending a container from a storage unit to the dispensing unit through a delivery pipe in accordance with the signal, the container comprising the predetermined amount of the selected product component. The method may further comprise receiving the container in the dispensing unit. The method may further comprise discharging the predetermined amount of the selected product component from the container. The method may further comprise mixing in the dispensing unit the predetermined amount of the selected product component with at least one other product component to form a finished product. The method may further comprise dispensing the finished product from the dispensing unit.

[39] In an aspect, the sending may comprise pneumatic sending using a compressed gas. In an aspect, the method may further comprise storing a plurality of containers in the storage unit. In an aspect, the receiving of the container in the dispensing unit may comprise receiving the container by a pneumatic receiving unit of the dispensing unit. In an aspect, the method may further comprise sending the container from the pneumatic receiving unit to a buffer storage unit, and storing the container in the buffer storage unit.

[40] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus may be configured for dosing of a component of a product. The apparatus may comprise a storage unit, wherein the storage unit comprises a plurality of doses of at least one component of a product. The apparatus may provide delivery of an accurate dose of the at least one component from the storage unit to a dispensing unit over a distance of at least 100 feet without significant losses. The product may be dispensed by the dispensing unit, e.g., a dispensing nozzle. The component of the product may be contained in a container.

[41] Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, the container may be a capsule, and the container may be encapsulated in the capsule. Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, any suitable container or capsule may be used. A suitable container or capsule may be configured to contain or encapsulate a component of a product and be conveyed from a storage unit to a dispensing unit. A suitable container or capsule may be configured to release the component at the dispensing unit. For example, a suitable container or capsule may be configured to be punctured by one or more needles at the dispensing unit to release a predetermined dose of the component of the product from the container or capsule. The container or capsule may comprise a material(s) that is inert with respect to the component of the product. Thus, the container or capsule may comprise a material(s) that does not leach into or react with the component of the product, or wherein the component does not leach into or react with the material(s) of the container or capsule.

[42] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the product may be a product that is configured to be dispensed by a dispensing unit, e.g., a dispensing nozzle. The product may be a free flowing product, such as a food product, e.g., a beverage. The component of the product may be any suitable form, including but not limited to a liquid, a gel, a pulp, or a solid, e.g., a particulate, a powder, a crystal, and/or a freeze-dried material.

[43] In an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus 100 is provided, the apparatus 100 comprising a storage unit 111 and one or more dispensing unit(s) 112. Storage unit 111 may be placed remotely from the dispensing unit at distance of at least a hundred feet. In an embodiment, the storage unit 111 may be placed remotely from the dispensing unit at distance of at least three hundred feet.

[44] Storage unit 111 may comprise a controller 101, a pneumatic sender or pneumatic sending unit 102, and a container storage unit 103. Container storage unit 103 may comprise a plurality of containers (not shown in FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of containers in container storage unit 103 may comprise a component for a free flowing product. Apparatus 100 may be configured to allow each type of component for a free flowing product to be accessible and movable from container storage unit 103 to dispensing unit 112. Upon receiving a request signal, e.g., a signal from a dispensing unit 112 over a communication line 105 (which may be a wire or wireless communication line), the controller 101 may initiate selection of a container with a requested type of beverage component. Controller 101 may initiate movement of a selected container into pneumatic sending unit 102. Pneumatic sending unit 102 may position a selected container in a delivery pipe 104. Pneumatic sending unit 102 may apply gas pressure (e.g., air pressure) to move the container along delivery pipe 104 to the dispensing unit 112.

[45] Dispensing unit 112 may comprise a controller 106, a pneumatic receiver or pneumatic receiving unit 107, a buffer storage unit 108, a discharger 109, and a dispenser 110. Dispenser 110 may comprise a dispensing nozzle (not shown).

[46] Dispensing unit 112 may be configured to receive a container delivered along delivery pipe 104 from storage unit 111. For example, pneumatic receiving unit 107 of dispensing unit 112 may be configured to receive a container delivered along delivery pipe 104 from storage unit 111. Pneumatic receiving unit 107 may be configured to direct the received container into buffer storage unit 108. Buffer storage unit 108 may store one or more containers corresponding to each type of component to be used for a free flowing product. Buffer storage unit 108 may be configured to provide readiness of containers for use in preparing the free flowing product in dispensing unit 112.

[47] In an aspect, apparatus 100 may be configured to receive instructions to convey a particular free flowing product from dispenser 110. For example, a user may push activate a lever or button (not shown) at dispensing unit 112 in order to receive a particular free flowing product, such as a beverage, at dispensing unit 112. Controller 106 may be configured to receive instructions for a particular free flowing product request, such as a particular beverage request. Upon receipt of instructions for a particular free flowing product request, dispensing unit 112 may be configured to select a container in buffer storage unit 108 that corresponds to a component for the free flowing product, and direct the selected container to discharger 109. Discharger 109 may be configured to unseal the container and expose the component that had been contained within the container. Dispensing unit 112 may be configured to convey the unsealed component from discharger 109 to dispenser 110. Dispensing unit 112 may be configured to combine the unsealed component with a diluent to form the requested free flowing product. In an aspect, dispenser 110 of dispensing unit 112 may be configured to combine the unsealed component with a diluent to form the requested free flowing product.

In an aspect, apparatus 100 may be configured to direct a selected container that is received by dispensing unit 112 into discharger 109 upon arrival at dispensing unit 112. At discharger 109, the selected container may be unsealed and expose the component that had been contained within the container. As previously discussed, dispensing unit 112 may be configured to convey the unsealed component from discharger 109 to dispenser 110. As previously described, dispensing unit 112 may be configured to combine the unsealed component with a diluent to form the requested free flowing product. As previously described, dispenser 110 of dispensing unit 112 may be configured to combine the unsealed component with a diluent to form the requested free flowing product.

In an aspect, after the container is sufficiently emptied of its contents in discharger 109, the remaining container material may be removed from dispensing unit 112. Remaining container material that may be removed from dispensing unit 112 may be recycled and/or disposed.

In an aspect, a cup may comprise a code, the code corresponding to instructions for a particular free flowing product request. Controller 106 may be configured to receive instructions corresponding to the code for the preparation of a free flowing product, such as a beverage. Upon receipt of the instructions, controller 106 may be configured to control preparation of free flowing product in dispensing unit 112.

In an aspect, controller 106 may be configured to receive instructions for the preparation of a product, e.g., a free flowing food product (such as a beverage), and convey instructions in the form of a request signal(s) to controller 101 through communication line 105. As previously discussed herein, upon receiving a request signal from a dispensing unit 112 over communication line 105, the controller 101 may initiate selection of a container comprising a predetermined amount of the requested type of product component. As previously discussed, controller 101 may initiate movement of a selected container into pneumatic sending unit 102. As previously discussed, pneumatic sending unit 102 may position a selected container in a delivery pipe 104. As previously discussed, pneumatic sending unit 102 may apply gas pressure (e.g., air pressure) to move the container along delivery pipe 104 to the dispensing unit 112.

[53] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D show an embodiment of a discharger 200.

Discharger 200 may be similar to or the same as discharger 109 previously discussed. A container 210 may comprise a component 203 for a free flowing product. Container 210 may have a spherical shape as shown. Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure, other shapes for a container may also be used that meet aerodynamic requirement(s) of the pneumatic transport within the system or apparatus. Discharger 200 may comprise a discharger body 201.

[54] As shown in FIG. 2A, discharger body 201 may comprise a channel 202. FIG. 2B is a view of discharger 200 taken along line A-A in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2C, container 203 may be pneumatically moved along channel 202 to a discharge position 208 as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is a view of discharger 200 taken along line A-A in FIG. 2C. In discharge position 208, container 210 may be fixed in place by a shutter 204. A needle 205 and a may be inserted into container 210 through a shell 209 of container 210. In an embodiment, another needle, for example needle 206 may also be inserted into container 210 through shell 209 of container 210. In an aspect, insertion of needle 206 into shell 209 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to insertion of needle 205 into shell 209. Needles 205 and 206 may be inserted into shell 209 at the same or substantially the same time.

[55] As shown in FIG. 2C and 2D, a diluent 211 may be conveyed into container 210 through needle 205, and at substantially the same time, component 203 and any diluent mixed with component 203 may be conveyed out of container 210 through needle 206. As a result, component 203 may be washed out of container 210 by diluent 211. Effluent 212 leaving container 210 through needle 206 may comprise component 203 and diluent 211 that is washing component 203 out of container 210. Effluent 212 may be directed into a dispenser, such as dispenser 109 previously described herein, to form a free following product, e.g., a food product, such as a beverage. After a sufficient amount of component 203 is washed out of container 210, which may be the entire amount of component 203 prior to conveying diluent 211 into container 210, the conveying of diluent 211 into container 210 may be stopped, and needles 205 and 206 may be retracted from container 210. Shutter 204 may be retracted to release the container 210 from channel 202. Compressed gas, e.g., air, may be applied through channel 207 to evacuate container 210 from the discharger 200. After being evacuated from discharger 200, container 210 may be may be recycled and/or disposed.

[56] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a storage unit 300 in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Storage unit 300 may be the same as or similar to storage unit 111, as previously described. Storage unit 300 may comprise as storage body 308. Storage body 308 may comprise a plurality of sleeves 301. Each sleeve of plurality of sleeves 301 may comprise containers. The containers in the plurality of sleeves may be the same or similar to containers 210 previously described. As shown in FIG. 3 A, the plurality of sleeves 301 comprises sleeves 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314. Each sleeve may have a first end 307 and a second end 309. Each sleeve may comprise a shutter 302 at its respective first end 307. Each sleeve may comprise a piston 303 at its respective second end 309. Each piston 303 may urged towards the respective second end 307 by a respective spring 304. Each sleeve may define an opening 315 at its respective first end 307.

[57] As shown in FIG. 3 A, sleeve 310 may comprise containers 316, 317, 318, and 319, in series, with container 316 being closest to opening 315 corresponding to sleeve 310, container 317 being the next closest container to opening 315, container 318 being the next closest container to opening 315, and container 319 being the container of sleeve 310 being furthest from opening 315 as compared to containers 316, 317, and 318. As shown in FIG. 3 A, containers 316, 317, 318, and 319 may be blocked from moving into channel 305 by shutter 302 of sleeve 310. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 A, shutter 302 of sleeve 310 may block movement of container 316 into channel 305 when shutter 302 is in a closed position 320. Shutter 302 may be moved from closed position 320 to an open position, and when this occurs, container 316 may move into channel 305. When shutter 302 does not block opening 315 of sleeve 310, movement of container 316 into channel 305 may be facilitated by the force transferred from spring 304 through piston 303, which may push container 319, which may push container 318, which may push container 317, which may push container 318 into channel 305. [58] As shown in FIG. 3A, sleeve 311 may comprise containers 321, 322, 323, and 324, in series. Sleeve 311 may be similar to sleeve 310. As shown in FIG. 3 A, shutter 302 corresponding to sleeve 311 has been moved to an open position 325 so that shutter 302 does not block opening 315 of sleeve 311. Since shutter 302 of sleeve 311 is an open position, container 321 is allowed to be moved into channel 305. As shown in FIG. 3 A, movement of container 321 into channel 305 may be facilitated by the force transferred from spring 304 through piston 303 corresponding to sleeve 311, which may push container 324, which may push container 323, which may push container 322, which may push container 321 into channel 305. Each container of sleeve 311 may comprise a component for a free flowing product. As shown in FIG. 3A, the component may be component 203 previously described. Alternatively the component of each container 311 may comprise a component that is different from component 203. Each container of sleeve 311 may comprise the same component, as well as the same amount of the same component.

[59] Sleeves 312, 313 and 314 may have the same or similar structure as sleeves 310 and 311.

As shown in FIG. 3 A, the containers of sleeve 310 comprise a component 326, the containers of sleeve 312 may comprise a component 327, the containers of sleeve 313 may comprise a component 328, and containers of sleeve 314 may comprise a component 329. 18

[60] Components 326, 327, 328, and 329 may each be the same or different from the component 203 in the containers of sleeve 311. In an aspect, a first product component, e.g., component 203, may be the same as a second product component, e.g., any of components 326, 327, 328, and/or 329, and a first predetermined amount of the first product component 203 may be the same or different from a second predetermined amount of the second product component, e.g., any of components 326, 327, 328, and/or 329.

[61] FIG. 3B illustrates a view of storage unit 300 taken along line A-A in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, each sleeve 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314 may be connected to a pneumatic transport system 330 corresponding to storage unit 300. Pneumatic transport system 330 may comprise channel 305, compressed gas line 306, and a compressed gas source 331. Compressed gas source 331 may be configured to provide a compressed gas through gas line 306 and into channel 305. Compressed gas source 331 may be any suitable gas source, e.g., a compressed gas tank or a compressor. The compressed gas may any suitable gas, e.g., air.

[62] Upon receiving a request for a particular free flowing product to be dispensed at a dispenser, e.g., dispenser 110 shown in FIG. 1, a shutter corresponding to the container(s) comprising the component(s) for the particular free flowing product may be retracted from a closed position to an open position to release container(s) into channel 305. After the selected container(s) is released into channel 305, the shutter 302 is moved from the open position to the closed position. Compressed gas from compressed gas source 331 may be supplied through line 306 into channel 305 to move the selected container(s) through channel 305 to a dispensing unit, such as dispensing unit 112 shown in FIG. 1. Channel 305 may correspond to and/or feed delivery pipe 104 shown in FIG. 1

[63] Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, a method may be provided that delivers doses of one more or more components for a free flowing product to a dispensing unit. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the disclosure may provide dosing of highly concentrated micro components.

[64] The method of the disclosure may comprise filling a container with a predetermined amount of component to be dosed. The method may comprise sealing the container and storing the sealed container. The method may comprise moving the sealed container from a storage unit or location to a dispensing unit or location. The method may comprise unloading or releasing the component from the container at the dispensing unit or location. The method may comprise mixing or combining the unloaded or released component with another component(s) to form a free flowing product, which may be a finished free flowing product. The free flowing product may be a food product, e.g., a beverage. The method may comprise dispensing the free flowing product from the dispensing unit or location. The method may comprise removal of the emptied container from the dispensing unit.

[65] The disclosure may provide for the dosing of highly concentrated components. The disclosure may be applicable to any substance that may be used as a component for a mixture. For example, the disclosure may be applicable for the dosing of a liquid, a liquid, a gel, a pulp, or a solid, e.g., a particulate, a powder, a crystal, and/or a freeze- dried material. By way of further example, but not limitation, in accordance with the disclosure, a predetermined amount of a highly concentrated component may be dosed and each dosed predetermined amount may be placed into a container. The containers may be sealed.

[66] Marking(s) may be provided that correspond to the content in containers to allow necessary control during distribution and delivery of the containers to a storage unit, and from a storage unit to a dispensing unit. For example, a code may be placed on a sleeve of containers. The code may correspond to reader or detector at a storage unit, and the reader or detector may provide an indication, e.g., an audio or visual signal when a particular sleeve is placed at the correct location at a storage unit.

[67] Benefits of the disclosure include the possibility for accurate dosing of components with reduced need for moving parts as in conventional devices and methods. Another benefit is the capability to provide discrete dosing using encapsulated components. Thus, the dosing device may be more robust and responsive than a dosing device that has more moving parts. In addition, there may be low power consumption in accordance with the design of the present disclosure, e.g., power consumption may be about 100 mW, which may be lower than power consumption of a device that has more moving parts.

[68] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400. In step 401 of method 400, receiving in a controller a signal occurs, the signal corresponding to a request for a predetermined amount of a selected product component to be delivered to a dispensing unit. In step 402, sending a container from a storage unit to the dispensing unit through a delivery pipe in accordance with the signal occurs, the container comprising the predetermined amount of the selected product component. In step 403, receiving the container in the dispensing unit occurs. In step 404, discharging the predetermined amount of the selected product component from the container occurs. In step 405, mixing in the dispensing unit the predetermined amount of the selected product component with at least one other product component to form a finished product occurs. In step 406, dispensing the finished product from the dispensing unit occurs.

[69] FIG. 5 illustrates a dosing control unit in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a dosing control unit 1203. Dosing control unit 1203 comprise controller 1202. Controller 1202 may be controller 106 and/or controller 101 as previously described and shown in FIG. 1.

[70] Controller 1202 may comprise a processor. Dosing control unit 1203 may further comprise at least one non-transitory memory 1602, a display 1604, and a communication interface 1608. Controller 1202 may execute computer-executable instructions present in non-transitory memory 1602 such that, for example, dosing control unit 1203 may send and receive information via a network (not shown).

[71] Dosing control unit 1203 may further include or be in communication with a system bus (not shown). A system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system non-transitory memory is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM). Dosing control unit 1203 may be configured to allow dosing control unit 1203 to communicate other devices, e.g., in apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, discharger 200 of FIG. 2, and storage unit 300 of FIG. 3. Dosing control unit 1203 may also include a variety of interface units and drives (not shown) for reading and writing data.

[72] Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, any suitable network connections and other ways of establishing a communications link between dosing control unit 1203 and devices in apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, discharger 200 shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and storage unit 300 shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and a central processor unit or computer may be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server. Furthermore, any of various conventional web browsers may be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

[73] Those of skill in the art will recognize that, in accordance with the disclosure, dosing control unit 1203 may include an associated computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling any of previously described apparatus 100, 200, and 300, and devices therein, and implement the exemplary embodiments that are disclosed herein. [74] Dosing control unit 1203 may also include various input devices 1610. Input devices 1610 may include keyboards, track balls, readers, mice, joy sticks, buttons, and bill and coin validators.

[75] Those of skill in the art will recognize that in accordance with the disclosure any of the features and/or options in one embodiment or example can be combined with any of the features and/or options of another embodiment or example.

[76] The disclosure herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that the features of the disclosure are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes or substitution without departing significantly from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the dimensions, number, size and shape of the various components may be altered to fit specific applications. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and the disclosure is not limited except by the following claims and their equivalents.