Nutritional product dispenser
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
3.9 yearsleft in the term
Expires 27 August 2030.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
15 claims: 15 independent, 0 dependent
- 1An apparatus (1) for dispensing nutritional products comprising:- a number of storage hoppers (3) for powdered ingredients;- a controllable outlet (7) connected to each storage hopper and operable to release controlled amounts of the powdered ingredients ;- a controllable liquid supply (11);- a mixer (5);and- a control system (9) including a user interface (21) for capturing data from a user;characterised in that the user interface (21) is configured to capture body weight and body fat index data;the control system (9) is configured to calculate the user's lean body mass from the entered body weight and body fat index;the control system (9) uses the data that the user inputs to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and the quantity of liquid to be released to create a nutritional product, and sends signals to the liquid supply and the one or more outlets to release the determined quantity of liquid and powdered ingredients into the mixer to be mixed before being dispensed into a container(15). Appareil (1) destiné à distribuer des produits nutritionnels comprenant : - un nombre de trémies de stockage (3) pour des ingrédients en poudre ;- une sortie pouvant être commandée (7) reliée à chaque trémie de stockage et utilisable pour libérer des quantités commandées des ingrédients en poudre ;- une alimentation de liquide pouvant être commandée (11) ;- un mélangeur (5) ;et- un système de commande (9) comprenant une interface utilisateur (21) pour acquérir des données d'un utilisateur ;caractérisé en ce que l'interface utilisateur (21) est configurée pour acquérir des données de poids corporel et d'indice de masse corporelle ;le système de commande (9) est configuré pour calculer la masse corporelle maigre de l'utilisateur à partir du poids corporel et de l'indice de masse corporelle entrés ;le système de commande (9) utilise les données que l'utilisateur entre pour déterminer la quantité de chaque ingrédient en poudre et la quantité de liquide à libérer pour créer un produit nutritionnel, et envoie des signaux à l'alimentation de liquide à l'une ou plusieurs sorties pour libérer la quantité déterminée de liquide et d'ingrédients en poudre dans le mélangeur pour y être mélangés avant d'être distribués dans un récipient (15). Gerät (1) zur Ausgabe von Nahrungsmittelprodukten, umfassend: - eine Reihe von Lagerbehältern (3) für pulverförmige Bestandteile;- einen steuerbaren Auslass (7), der mit jedem Lagerbehälter verbunden ist und betriebsbereit ist, um kontrollierte Mengen der pulverförmigen Bestandteile freizugeben;- eine steuerbare Flüssigkeitsversorgung (11);- einen Mischer (5);und- ein Steuersystem (9), umfassend eine Benutzerschnittstelle (21), um Daten von einem Benutzer zu erfassen;dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Benutzerschnittstelle (21) konfiguriert ist, um Körpergewichts- und Körperfettindex-Daten zu erfassen;das Steuersystem (9) konfiguriert ist, um die fettfreie Körpermasse des Benutzers aus dem eingegebenen Körpergewicht und dem Körperfettindex zu berechnen;das Steuersystem (9) die Daten, die der Benutzer eingibt, verwendet, um die Menge jedes pulverförmigen Bestandteils und die Menge der Flüssigkeit zu bestimmen, die freigegeben werden sollen, um ein Nahrungsmittelprodukt herzustellen, und Signale an die Flüssigkeitsversorgung und den einen Auslass oder die mehreren Auslässe gesendet werden, um die bestimmte Menge von Flüssigkeit und pulverförmigen Bestandteilen in den Mischer freizugeben, um gemischt zu werden, bevor sie in einen Behälter (15) ausgegeben werden.
- 2An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixer (5) comprises a series of mixers. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le mélangeur (5) comprend une série de mélangeurs. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Mischer (5) eine Reihe von Mischern umfasst.
- 3An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixer (5) comprises a mixing chamber into which the liquid and powdered ingredients are released for mixing prior to being dispensed. Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le mélangeur (5) comprend une chambre de mélange dans laquelle le liquide et les ingrédients en poudre sont libérés pour y être mélangés avant d'être distribués. Gerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Mischer (5) eine Mischkammer umfasst, in die die Flüssigkeit und die pulverförmigen Bestandteile freigegeben werden, um gemischt zu werden, bevor sie ausgegeben werden.
- 4An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the outlet comprises an auger or screw (33) that can be driven to release the desired amount of powdered ingredient or ingredients from a hopper. Appareil selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la sortie comprend une vrille ou une vis (33) pouvant être entraînée pour libérer la quantité souhaitée d'ingrédient ou d'ingrédients en poudre d'une trémie. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei der Auslass eine Dosierschraube oder eine Schraube (33) umfasst, die gedreht werden kann, um die gewünschte Menge von pulverförmigem Bestandteil oder pulverförmigen Bestandteilen von einem Behälter freizugeben.
- 5An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user interface (21) is configured to capture physical data from the user. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'interface utilisateur (21) est configurée pour acquérir des données physiques de l'utilisateur. Gerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Benutzerschnittstelle (21) konfiguriert ist, um physische Daten vom Benutzer zu erfassen.
- 6An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the control system (9) is configured to capture exercise and/or workout type data from the user. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le système de commande (9) est configuré pour acquérir des données de type d'exercice et/ou d'activité physique de l'utilisateur. Gerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Steuersystem (9) konfiguriert ist, um Übungs- und/oder Trainingsbezogene Daten vom Benutzer zu erfassen.
- 7An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nutritional product is a pre-, post- or mid-workout supplement. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le produit nutritionnel est un supplément pour avant, après ou pendant l'activité physique. Gerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Nahrungsmittelprodukt ein Zusatz vor, nach oder während des Trainings ist.
- 8An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the powdered ingredients comprise carbohydrates and proteins. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les ingrédients en poudre comprennent des glucides et des protéines. Gerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die pulverförmigen Bestandteile Kohlenhydrate und Proteine umfassen.
- 9An apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the controllable liquid supply comprises a cold water supply means and a hot water supply means to supply respectively cold and hot water to the mixer. Appareil (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'alimentation de liquide pouvant être commandée comprend un moyen d'alimentation d'eau froide et un moyen d'alimentation d'eau chaude pour fournir respectivement de l'eau froide et de l'eau chaude au mélangeur. Gerät (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die steuerbare Flüssigkeitsversorgung ein Kaltwasserversorgungsmittel und ein Heißwasserversorgungsmittel umfasst, um Kalt- bzw. Heißwasser an den Mischer zu liefern.
- 10A method of dispensing nutritional products from an apparatus (1) comprising a number of storage hoppers (3) for powdered ingredients; a controllable outlet in each storage hopper (7); a liquid supply (11); and a mixer (5); the method comprising:- collecting data from the user;- operating the one or more outlets and the liquid supply to release controlled amounts of powdered ingredients and liquid to the mixer;- mixing the powdered ingredients together with the liquid in the mixer;and- dispensing the mixed ingredients;characterised in that the method further comprises collecting body weight and body fat index data from the user;calculating the user's lean body mass from the collected body weight and body fat index data;using the data collected from the user to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid to be released into the mixer to create a nutritional product, and controlling the liquid supply and the outlets to release the determined quantity of liquid and each powdered ingredient into the mixer. Procédé destiné à distribuer des produits nutritionnels d'un appareil (1) comprenant un nombre de trémies de stockage (3) pour des ingrédients en poudre ;une sortie pouvant être commandée dans chaque trémie de stockage (7) ;une alimentation de liquide (11) ;et un mélangeur (5) ;le procédé comprenant : - la collecte de données de l'utilisateur ;- l'actionnement de l'une ou plusieurs sorties et de l'alimentation de liquide pour libérer des quantités commandées d'ingrédients en poudre et de liquide dans le mélangeur ;- le mélange des ingrédients en poudre avec le liquide dans le mélangeur ;et- la distribution des ingrédients mélangés ;caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre : la collecte des données de poids corporel et d'indice de masse corporelle auprès de l'utilisateur ;le calcul de la masse corporelle maigre de l'utilisateur à partir des données collectées de poids corporel et d'indice de masse corporelle ;l'utilisation des données collectées de l'utilisateur pour déterminer la quantité de chaque ingrédient en poudre et la quantité de liquide à libérer dans le mélangeur pour créer un produit nutritionnel, etla commande de l'alimentation de liquide et des sorties pour libérer la quantité déterminée de liquide et de chaque ingrédient en poudre dans le mélangeur. Verfahren zur Ausgabe von Nahrungsmittelprodukten aus einem Gerät (1), umfassend eine Reihe von Lagerbehältern (3) für pulverförmige Bestandteile;einen steuerbaren Auslass in jedem Lagerbehälter (7);eine Flüssigkeitsversorgung (11);und einen Mischer (5);wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst: - Erfassung von Daten vom Benutzer;- Betrieb des einen Auslasses oder der mehreren Auslässe und der Flüssigkeitsversorgung, um kontrollierte Mengen von pulverförmigen Bestandteilen und Flüssigkeit an den Mischer freizugeben;- Mischung der pulverförmigen Bestandteile zusammen mit der Flüssigkeit im Mischer;und- Ausgabe der gemischten Bestandteile;dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren weiter Folgendes umfasst: Erfassung der Körpergewichts- und Körperfettindex-Daten vom Benutzer;Berechnung der fettfreien Körpermasse des Benutzers aus den erfassten Körpergewichts- und Körperfettindex-Daten;Verwendung der Daten, die vom Benutzer erfasst wurden, um die Menge jedes pulverförmigen Bestandteils und die Menge der Flüssigkeit zu bestimmen, die in den Mischer freigegeben werden sollen, um ein Nahrungsmittelprodukt herzustellen, undSteuerung der Flüssigkeitsversorgung und der Auslässe, um die bestimmte Menge von Flüssigkeit und jedes pulverförmigen Bestandteils in den Mischer freizugeben.
- 11A method as claimed in claim 10, comprising collecting physical data from the user. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant la collecte de données physiques auprès de l'utilisateur. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, umfassend die Erfassung von physischen Daten vom Benutzer.
- 12A method as claimed in claims 10 or 11, comprising capturing exercise and/or workout type data. Procédé selon la revendication 10 ou 11, comprenant l'acquisition de données de type d'exercice et/ou d'activité physique. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, umfassend die Erfassung von Übungs- und/oder Trainings-bezogenen Daten.
- 13A method as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, comprising determining the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid to form a post-workout supplement. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, comprenant la détermination de la quantité de chaque ingrédient en poudre et de la quantité de liquide pour constituer un supplément pour après l'activité physique. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 12, umfassend die Bestimmung der Menge jedes pulverförmigen Bestandteils und der Menge der Flüssigkeit, um einen Zusatz nach dem Training zu bilden.
- 14A method as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the step of determining the quantity of powdered ingredients comprises determining quantities of carbohydrates and proteins. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 13, dans lequel l'étape de la détermination de la quantité d'ingrédients en poudre comprend la détermination des quantités de glucides et de protéines. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 13, wobei der Schritt des Bestimmens der Menge von pulverförmigen Bestandteilen das Bestimmen der Mengen von Kohlenhydraten und Proteinen umfasst.
- 15A method according to any of claims 10 to 14 wherein the step of mixing the powdered ingredients comprises the steps of mixing the powdered ingredients together with cold liquid in the mixer followed by the supply of hot liquid to the mixer Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 14, dans lequel l'étape de mélange des ingrédients en poudre comprend les étapes du mélange des ingrédients en poudre avec un liquide froid dans le mélangeur puis de l'alimentation de liquide chaud dans le mélangeur. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 14, wobei der Schritt des Mischens der pulverförmigen Bestandteile die Schritte des Mischens der pulverförmigen Bestandteile zusammen mit kalter Flüssigkeit im Mischer umfasst, gefolgt vom Versorgen des Mischers mit heißer Flüssigkeit.
Independent claims15
70 paragraphs, as filed
Technical field
This invention relates to dispensers for dispensing nutritional products. In particular to dispensers of customised nutritional beverages.
Background art
There are many types of beverage dispenser devices in use. Their ease of use, ability to dispense a variety of beverages from one machine, and low maintenance requirements give them great appeal to anyone wishing to provide a selection of beverages in a self-service environment.
A typical beverage dispenser can be found in <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20080206429A"><text>US 2008/0206429</text></patcit>. This patent application describes a beverage dispenser that mixes one or more additives such as flavourings with a base liquid.
The controller within the dispensing machine receives a selection of desired flavoured beverage from a human operator or user of the dispenser via a user interface.
The dispenser then mixes the drink according to set instructions that are stored in a storage device within the machine. A set of instructions for mixing each drink available to the user are stored within the storage media.
This type of dispenser is only designed to deal with a relatively small selection of drinks, typically with each one being a different flavour for the user to choose from.
<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20070073557A1"><text>US 2007/0073557 A1</text></patcit> discloses a system for making and delivering genetically-based personalised nutrient and supplement mixtures. <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US2006278093A"><text>US2006/278093</text></patcit> discloses a system for preparing specialised and personalised feeds.
This document introduces the idea of dispensing a customised beverage that is prepared based on the genetic profile of the user using genetic analysis and is mainly directed to using liquid ingredients. Tests have shown that 'wet' protein at the concentration required is not stable for use in these types of dispensers and can cause a large amount of bacteria build-up. The use of powdered ingredients is also proposed.
Disclosure of the invention
This invention provides an apparatus for dispensing nutritional products comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>a number of storage hoppers for powdered ingredients;</li><li>a controllable outlet in each storage hopper that is operable to release controlled amounts of the powdered ingredients ;</li><li>a controllable liquid supply;</li><li>a mixer; and</li><li>a control system including a user interface for capturing data from a user;</li></ul> wherein the user interface (21) is configured to capture body weight and body fat index data; the control system (9) is configured to calculate the user's lean body mass from the entered body weight and body fat index; the control system uses the data that the user inputs to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and the quantity of liquid to be released to create a nutritional product, and sends signals to the liquid supply and the outlets to release the determined quantity of liquid and each powdered ingredient into the mixer to be mixed before being dispensed into a container.
The mixer can comprise a series of mixers, and can comprise a mixing chamber into which the liquid and powdered ingredients are released for mixing prior to being dispensed.
The controllable outlet can comprise an auger or other controllable valve.
The user interface can be configured to capture physical data from the user.
The control system can also be configured to capture exercise and/or workout type data from the user; and to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid using an algorithm or a look up table.
The nutritional product can be a pre-, post- or mid-workout supplement.
The powdered ingredients can comprise carbohydrates and proteins, and can further comprise flavourings, creatine, L-Glutamine, Antioxidants, Beta-Alanine and/or BCAA.
The carbohydrate ingredients can comprise complex carbohydrate (such as Palatinose), Maltodextrin and/or Dextrose and the protein ingredients can comprise Micellar Casein, Calcium Caseinate and/or Hydrolysed Whey Protein.
The powdered ingredients may comprise protein and/or carbohydrates.
The number of storage hoppers may range from 1-10, typically from 2-5. An exemplary number is three. Each storage hopper may comprise a single powdered ingredient or more than one individual powdered ingredients. The powdered ingredients may be supplied from a single hopper or supplied from more than one hopper. Each storage hopper may comprise different powdered ingredients or different ratios of the same powdered ingredients.
The control system may determine based upon the data that the user inputs, the ratio and/or amount of the powdered ingredients to be supplied. The control system may determine based upon the data that the user inputs, which hopper or hoppers are used to dispense the powdered ingredients. For example, a larger quantity of ingredients may be dispensed for a heavier person than a light person. Furthermore the ratio of each ingredient, for example the ratio of protein: carbohydrate or the types of protein and/or carbohydrate to be supplied may be determined by data that the use inputs such as body fat index, or pre, post or mid workout.
The liquid may be water.
The cold liquid supply means may be connected to a source of liquid supply such as the water mains or a source of filtered water. Similarily the hot liquid supply system may be connected to a source of hot water. The apparatus may comprise a hot water boiler to supply hot water.
This invention also provides a method of dispensing nutritional products from an apparatus comprising a number of storage hoppers for powdered ingredients; a controllable outlet in each storage hopper; a liquid supply; and a mixer; the method comprising: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>collecting data from the user;</li><li>operating the one or more outlets and the liquid supply to release controlled amounts of powdered ingredients and liquid to the mixer;</li><li>mixing the powdered ingredients together with the liquid in the mixer; and</li><li>dispensing the mixed ingredients;</li></ul> wherein the method further comprises collecting body weight and body fat index data from the user; calculating the user's lean body mass from the collected body weight and body fat index data; using the data collected from the user to determine the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid to be released into the mixer to create a nutritional product, and controlling the liquid supply and the outlets to release the determined quantity of liquid and each powdered ingredient into the mixer.
A single outlet may be opened to release powdered ingredients from one hopper into the mixer.
The method may further comprise the steps of mixing the powdered ingredients with cold liquid in the mixer followed by the supply of hot liquid to the mixer. The hot liquid is typically supplied after all the powder has been dispensed from the one or more hoppers. This has the advantage that any residual powder or residual partially dissolved powder remaining in the mixer or any interconnecting pipes that has not been dissolved by the cold liquid may be removed by the hot liquid. This reduces or removes the tendency for the apparatus to clog with any partially dissolved powder, which may affect functioning of the device and/or cause a potential health hazard due to microbial growth. Furthermore the drink is supplied to the user at an ambient temperature potentially facilitating ease of consumption or speed of absorption into the stomach. Typically the volume of cold liquid added is around 80- 90% of the final volume of the drink. It may however range between 60-95%. The temperature of the hot liquid to be added may range from 70-100 degrees C. A typical range is from 85-90 degrees C. The use of a hot and cold liquid supply is particularly advantageous for dispensing a nutritional drink wherein the powdered ingredients comprise protein.
The dispensing of the hot and cold liquid may be carried out by a liquid control system.
The method comprises collecting physical data from the user. This includes collecting body weight and body fat index data from the user and further comprises calculating the user's lean body mass from the collected body weight and body fat index data.
The method can also comprise capturing exercise and/or workout type data.
The method can comprise determining the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid using an algorithm or look-up table.
The method can comprise determining the quantity of each powdered ingredient and quantity of liquid to form a pre-, post- or mid-workout supplement.
The step of determining the quantity of powdered ingredients can comprise determining quantities of carbohydrates and proteins and can further comprise determining quantities of flavourings, creatine, L-Glutamine, Antioxidants, Beta-Alanine and/or BCAA.
The step of determining the quantity of carbohydrates can comprise determining the quantity of complex carbohydrate (such as Palatinose), Maltodextrin and/or Dextrose, and the step of determining the quantity of proteins can comprise determining the quantity of Micellar Casein, Calcium Caseinate and/or Hydrolysed Whey Protein.
Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description.
Brief description of the drawings
<ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows the inside of the apparatus;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> shows the outside of the apparatus;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows the inside of a storage hopper; and</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figures 4a and 4b</figref> show example screens from the user interface.</li></ul>
Mode(s) for carrying out the invention
<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows the inside of the apparatus 1 which in this figure is shown as a vending machine.
In this embodiment, four storage hoppers 3 are shown, however the number of storage hoppers can be more or less, depending on the number of ingredients that is desired.
The storage hoppers 3 are connected by way of a funnel 5 or other connecting means to a mixer comprising a mixing vessel 5, and a liquid supply 11 such as a water supply is also connected to the mixing vessel.
The liquid supply 11 is controllable such that known quantities of the liquid may be released into the mixing vessel 5.
A control system 9 is connected to each of the storage hoppers 3 and to the liquid supply 11 and can send electronic signals in order to determine how much of each ingredient or how much liquid is released into the mixing vessel.
The control system 9 may also be connected to the mixing vessel 5 in order to send signals telling it when to start and stop mixing the ingredients together and also when to dispense the product.
The mixing vessel 5 is connected to a dispensing nozzle 17 which can dispense the product to a container 15 which may be for example a cup or a bottle.
<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> show the outside of the apparatus 1 as a user of the machine would see it.
A user interface 21 is provided on the front of the apparatus 1 with which the user can interact. This user interface can comprise but is not limited to one or a combination of the following: a screen or touch screen, hardware buttons, a keyboard, a number pad or voice control system.
An opening 27 in the front of the apparatus 1 allows the user to reach in and take the container 15 into which the product has been dispensed.
There may be further provided a set of instructions 25 for using the apparatus affixed to the front as well as means for accepting payment 23 from the user, for example a coin and/or note acceptor as shown in <figref idref="f0002">figure 2</figref>, but may also be a system for taking card payments or other means of payment.
<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows the inside of one of the storage hoppers 3. Most of the hopper 3 is taken up by storage space for the powdered ingredient 31.
An outlet section 35 is provided within the hopper 3. The outlet section 35 comprises an auger or screw 33, which when turned as shown by arrow A, will force the powdered ingredient towards the opening to the mixing vessel as shown by arrow B and then will drop down the connecting means 7 into the mixing vessel as shown by arrow C.
<figref idref="f0004">Figure 4a</figref> shows an example of a screen that the user might be shown when using the user interface 21. The user interface 21 comprises a screen 41 and a number of buttons 43.
As shown in <figref idref="f0004">figure 4a</figref>, the screen can be used to ask questions from the user, who inputs an answer using the buttons 43 as directed by the on-screen options 47 that correspond to each of the hardware buttons 43.
Alternatively the screen 41 may be a touchscreen and may provide the ability for the user to interact with "soft buttons" directly on the screen itself. This can be seen in <figref idref="f0004">figure 4b</figref>, where the user is being asked to enter his/her weight using the on screen buttons 45.
In typical use, a user would first start by proceeding with on-screen instructions. These typically will consist of answering questions to provide the control system with the data it requires.
The data required is physical data about the user and so some of the most likely questions to be asked are the sex of the user, the weight of the user, the body fat index of the user and the type and length of the exercise or workout they have just had, or are about to have.
This data is then fed into the control system which carries out any calculations that are required. The lean body mass (LBM) of the user is calculated from the weight and the body fat index.
Using the user input data as well as the results of any calculations it has performed, the control system can then determine the correct quantities of each of the ingredients in order to create a nutritional product that is completely customised to the user's nutritional requirements. The control system can use an algorithm to determine the ingredient quantities, or alternatively it could use a look-up table, an extract from an example of such a look up table found in Table 1.
This provides the user with a fully customised product that has been individually created according to not only their preferences, as much of the prior art shows, but also according to their nutritional requirements
Table 1 shows an exemplary list of the ratio of powdered ingredients that may be dispensed to provide a nutritional drink.
<tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="all"><title><b>Table 1</b></title><tgroup cols="5"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="12mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="15mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="13mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="14mm" /><colspec colnum="5" colname="col5" colwidth="16mm" /><thead><row><entry morerows="1" align="center" valign="middle">LBM</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col5" align="center" valign="middle"><b>ENDURANCE (4C:1P) gms</b></entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">Protein</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">Dex</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">MaltD</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">CompC</entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">110</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.75</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.75</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.75</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">27.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">111</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.88</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.88</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">13.88</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">27.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">112</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.00</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.00</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.00</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">28.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">113</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.13</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.13</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.13</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">28.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">114</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.25</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.25</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.25</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">28.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">115</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.38</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.38</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.38</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">28.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">116</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.50</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.50</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">14.50</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">29.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center">117</entry><entry align="center">14.63</entry><entry align="center">14.63</entry><entry align="center">14.63</entry><entry align="center">29.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center">118</entry><entry align="center">14.75</entry><entry align="center">14.75</entry><entry align="center">14.75</entry><entry align="center">29.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">119</entry><entry align="center">14.88</entry><entry align="center">14.88</entry><entry align="center">14.88</entry><entry align="center">29.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">120</entry><entry align="center">15.00</entry><entry align="center">15.00</entry><entry align="center">15.00</entry><entry align="center">30.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center">121</entry><entry align="center">15.13</entry><entry align="center">15.13</entry><entry align="center">15.13</entry><entry align="center">30.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center">122</entry><entry align="center">15.25</entry><entry align="center">15.25</entry><entry align="center">15.25</entry><entry align="center">30.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">123</entry><entry align="center">15.38</entry><entry align="center">15.38</entry><entry align="center">15.38</entry><entry align="center">30.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">124</entry><entry align="center">15.50</entry><entry align="center">15.50</entry><entry align="center">15.50</entry><entry align="center">31.00</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>
The data in table 1 is taken from an example look-up table for users who are undertaking endurance training. The ingredients shown in table 1 are mixed in the ratio 4:1 for carbohydrates compared to protein. Further ingredients such as flavourings and extra boosters such as creatine may also be added, depending on the user's preferences.
<tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><table frame="all"><title><b>Table 2</b></title><tgroup cols="4"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="12mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="15mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="13mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="14mm" /><thead><row><entry morerows="1" align="center" valign="middle">LBM</entry><entry namest="col2" nameend="col4" align="center" valign="middle"><b>BULKING (2C:1P) gms</b></entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="middle">Protein</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">Dex</entry><entry align="center" valign="middle">MaltD</entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry align="center">110</entry><entry align="center">27.50</entry><entry align="center">27.50</entry><entry align="center">27.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">111</entry><entry align="center">27.75</entry><entry align="center">27.75</entry><entry align="center">27.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">112</entry><entry align="center">28.00</entry><entry align="center">28.00</entry><entry align="center">28.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center">113</entry><entry align="center">28.25</entry><entry align="center">28.25</entry><entry align="center">28.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center">114</entry><entry align="center">28.50</entry><entry align="center">28.50</entry><entry align="center">28.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">115</entry><entry align="center">28.75</entry><entry align="center">28.75</entry><entry align="center">28.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">116</entry><entry align="center">29.00</entry><entry align="center">29.00</entry><entry align="center">29.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center">117</entry><entry align="center">29.25</entry><entry align="center">29.25</entry><entry align="center">29.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center">118</entry><entry align="center">29.50</entry><entry align="center">29.50</entry><entry align="center">29.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">119</entry><entry align="center">29.75</entry><entry align="center">29.75</entry><entry align="center">29.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">120</entry><entry align="center">30.00</entry><entry align="center">30.00</entry><entry align="center">30.00</entry></row><row><entry align="center">121</entry><entry align="center">30.25</entry><entry align="center">30.25</entry><entry align="center">30.25</entry></row><row><entry align="center">122</entry><entry align="center">30.50</entry><entry align="center">30.50</entry><entry align="center">30.50</entry></row><row><entry align="center">123</entry><entry align="center">30.75</entry><entry align="center">30.75</entry><entry align="center">30.75</entry></row><row><entry align="center">124</entry><entry align="center">31.00</entry><entry align="center">31.00</entry><entry align="center">31.00</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>
The data in table 2 is taken from an example look-up table for users who are undertaking resistance-bulking training. The ingredients shown in table 2 are mixed in the ratio 2:1 for carbohydrates compared to protein. The complex carbohydrates included in the endurance training mix are not present in the bulking training mix. Again, further ingredients such as flavourings and extra boosters such as creatine may also be added, depending on the user's preferences.
Once the required quantities of all the ingredients is known, the control system sends a signal to each of the outlets within the storage hoppers which releases the set quantity of the powdered ingredient into the mixer.
As the ingredients are released into the mixer water is added and the ingredients and liquid are fully mixed. This makes sure that each product that is dispensed to users is mixed fully.
The prior art method of dispensing the powders and liquid separately into a cup can leave some ingredients as residue in the cup, and therefore not giving the user the correct ratio of ingredients that the individual requires.
When the mixing process has finished, the product can be dispensed to the user through a nozzle and into a container, such as a cup or a bottle.
The apparatus will then go through a self cleaning cycle once the product has been dispensed and taken by the user.
It is understood that other changes can be made whilst staying within the scope of the invention, that is defined by the appended claims.
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| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
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| US10085586B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| EP3810542B1 | Cited by | European Patent Office (EPO) | Examiner |
| US2006278093A1 | Cites | United States of America | – |
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| 0915190 | United Kingdom | – | |
| 201010715 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 201010715 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 201010715 | United Kingdom | – | |
| 0915190 | – | – | – |
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| GB20100010715 | – | – | – |
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| EP2292126A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| GB2473188A | United Kingdom | A | |
| GB2473315A | United Kingdom | A | |
| EP2292126B1This record | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| AT556633T | Austria | T | |
| ATE556633T1 | Austria | T1 | |
| ES2392889T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| US9173517B2 | United States of America | B2 |
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Numbers
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- Application, DOCDB
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Titles3
- German
- Lebensmittelproduktausgabe
- English
- Nutritional product dispenser
- French
- Distributeur de produits nutritionnels
Classification
- CPC, 6
- A47J31/401
- A23L33/40
- A47J31/402
- A47J31/404
- B67D1/0022
- G07F13/065
- IPC, 2
- A47J31 40
- A23L33 00
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